Sew Grateful Pattern Give-away Winner is...

Thank you to everyone who entered and left a comment on the Sew Grateful Give-away post. There were twelve peeps who are entered. Nikasha asked not to be entered so I did not count her comment as one of the entries.

The winner is... wait, in order to avoid any confusion I won't be using the Random number generator.

Instead, I'm going to throw everyone's name into a toque (that's Canadian for hat).

Give it a good shake.

And the winner is...

It is Macskakat, or Kat who blogs over at Modern Vintage Cupcakes and who appears to live in a much warmer place than here (did I mention that we're having an extreme windchill of minus forty-four tonight?). So this dress pattern should be perfect for a New Zealand local.

Congratulations Kat!

And that concludes the Sew Grateful Week festivities over here. Hope you had a great week! Thanks to Debi over at My Happy Sewing Place for hosting the events and organizing the links to everyone's give-aways and good reads. Until next year...

Happy Sewing!  

February in Review

February projects, from top left to right:  Cardigan sweater (McCall's 6844), knit tee-shirt (Vogue 1306), cardigan jacket (Vogue 8916), knit dress (Vogue 9968), knickers (Butterick 6031), Valentine's Day hearts (no pattern used) and plaid pants (Vogue 1325).  

 

I've managed to blog about quite a few items but to be completely honest some of these items were completed the previous month and I just didn't have the time to blog about them until this month. And the jacket was actually 80% finished before mid-December. Sometimes, I'm slow but rushing to get things done post-knee surgery wasn't such a great idea. I'm all caught up now.

It was a busy month...

This month I went back to work. Yippeee! Despite the bitter cold, it was nice to get out of the house. I'm over it now, it is still so bitterly cold I'm looking forward to the end of the day and plan to stay indoors all weekend. But I digress... I was pretty slow moving at first and sewing was limited to less challenging tasks. Well, maybe I can't honestly say that.

I made a pair of knickers this month which had been a challenging project in the past. The first pair of knickers that I made last year from an online pattern were not quite the right fit or my desired shape. The second pair using a Kwik Sew pattern were an epic fail. A pair of knickers were proving to be a challenge. But these ones were spot on! Butterick 6031 is a keeper. I know I'll be making more panties during the year. I'm on my way to crossing off one of my 2014 sewing goals.

Oh and there is that festive week-long celebration of all things sewing, Sew Grateful Week. Debi over at My Happy Sewing Place has been the gracious host of this event. She does an amazing job organizing this annual event. A pattern give away winner to be announce tomorrow here. Did you enter? And there are more give-aways happening too!

Did I mention that my name and picture appeared in the second issue of Burda Style US? It was a brief mention on the page of unique sewing tools. The spring issue came out on news stands three days ago. Can you guess which sewing tool I said was my favourite?  

And the tally marks are adding up!

Fifty-nine days down, three hundred six more days to go in the 2014 RTW Fast. I'm quite proud to say that I have not purchased any ready-to-wear, vintage or second-hand items. I will admit that I did admire this shirt while at the mall though. And that was it. Even though I did admire (and touch) it, I'm happy to report that it is still at the store (or in someone else's closet).

Ralph Lauen Spring 2014

It was nice to see that peplums are still making an appearance this spring since I do have another peplum top pattern I would like to make.

My stash-busting journey did not go as well as the RTW Fast this month. I became weak at the knees and lost all will-power when a lovely off-white fabric that I had my eye on for about a year and a half came up as 70% off. And then there was a funky print fabric that I spotted in the home decor section that would be perfect for a skirt. What can I say, I'm not perfect. I'll try to be a better stash buster next month.

Items	Stash-busted this year	Added to stash this year
Fabric	16.1 metres	7.9 metres
Interfacing	1 metre	0
Lining	1 metre	0
Sewing Patterns	8	8
Spools of Thread	6	2
Sewing Needles	1	0
Pant Hooks	2	6
Zippers	2	0
Trim	0.40 metres	0
Elastic	1.3 metres	6 metres
Bias Tape	0.50 metres	0
Snaps	0	0
Buttons	15	0
Ribbon	0	0
Hook and Eye or other Closures	1	0

My goodness, I didn't expect this to be such a long post. Well, that's all for now.  

Happy Sewing!  

Underlining: The Unseen Hero

Today is Sew Grateful Sewing Project Day.

Showcase your latest sewing project. Whether it's a project using up that pattern that was a present from someone or that you won in a giveaway or using a tutorial someone has prepared, or even a project inspired by someone in the sewing community... the possibilities are nearly endless!

I have nothing to show and tell at this time but this is the project that I've been putting a lot of time and effort into and hopefully by the end of Sew Grateful week I will finally finish it (fingers crossed). It is an underlined dress, I thought I would blog about this process.

*****

One of my 2014 goals is to do...

Learn and incorporate more tailoring and couture techniques into my sewing (more slow sewing).

That is exactly what I've been doing "slow sewing" or more specifically, I've been underlining a dress. 

Have you ever underlined a dress before? 

You may have interlined a garment under another name. According to Kenneth D. King there is often some "confusion surrounding the terms underlining and interlining" (41). King explains that the two terms are interchangeable and refer to the same technique. Flat-lining, a less used term, also refers to the same technique according to King. Gertchen Hirsch, on a recent episode of It's Sew Easy, just like King defined the terms interlining, underlining and flat-lining as being interchangeable.  

However, my 1980 edition of Vogue Sewing refer to interlining and underlining in different terms. According to Vogue Sewing, underlining is "fabric joined in garment seams to give inner shape or support" (31). Interlining is defined as a "layer of fabric between lining and underlining for warmth" (26). The Vogue Sewing book made no reference to flat-lining.  

My copy of Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing defines interlining and underlining much in the same manner as my Vogue Sewing book. Again, there is no reference to flat-lining here. I wonder if flat-lining is a relatively new term?  

This technique is totally new to me. I working on a vintage Vogue 2103 - a Sybil Connolly design, circa 1969, and underlining the dress is part of the Vogue pattern instructions.

Working on a flat surface, pin underlining to wrong side of each matching fabric piece.  Baste through all symbols and along all lines of construction separately, leaving both ends of thread free for easy removal.  

I'm basically basting the organza to my fashion fabric and treating it as one. Even the sleeve is designated to be underlined. In this project, the underlining will not only add structure to the fashion fabric but it will fill out the gathers and pleats found in the dress. Yes, there are pleats found in this dress. Can you guess where? Besides the two at the back shoulder seam there are also four hidden in the facing. A total of ten darts are part of this dress pattern.  

Underlining holds the promise to improve the look, hand and functionality of the fashion fabric. It will help the garment resist wrinkling (gotta love that!) and help a garment to keep its shape longer. I already love the way it drapes and feels with the underlining basted in place.

Now even though it is a new-to-me technique, underlining has been part of quality garment-making for quite some time. We all know that interlining is often applied to tailored garments but Chanel applied this technique in a special way.

Among the older generation of couturiers, Chanel stands out as a craftswoman who applied the very highest standard of finish to her clothes. Those neat little suits owe as much to superb tailoring as they do to the talented designing. Every example offers a new special tip that could well enhance another garment. For example, her light mohair suits were fully interlined with silk chiffon, very carefully and lightly mounted to the fabric to give a delicate extra substance (Kennett 58).

There are many different types of fabric that you can choose for underling a garment. Just as with interfacing you want to choose a fabric that will work with your fashion fabric to give it the amount of structure that you want to achieve. Common underlining fabric choices can range from silk organza, cotton batiste, siri cotton, rayon challis, cotton flannelette, wool felt, wool flannel, bump cloth and even muslin. 

The Vogue dress I am currently working on is underlined with a nylon organza. It has a bit more structure than silk organza and seems to be working well with the suit weight fabric that I have cut as my fashion fabric.   

Some resources suggest cutting out your underlining first and and then your use your underlining to cut your fashion fabric.  I found a Threads article that suggest basting the interlining to the fashion fabric before it is cut. The article noted that "this is much more accurate than cutting the fashion fabric separately" (42). I did not cut my underlining first nor baste it prior to cutting my fashion fabric just because I did not have the work space to so. I cut my fashion fabric first then the underlining separately using the same pattern pieces. I then pinned them together and basted. It worked out fine.  

Even though my layers are basted together, I opted to use a walking foot. I'll admit that I did have a bit of fear that things might shift as I'm sewing. The walking foot, if anything, gave me some added comfort as I sew.  

Do you have any other underlining tips?  

____

Vogue Sewing.  (Butterick Fashion Marketing Company.)  New York:  Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., 1980.  Print.  

Kennett, Frances.  Secrets of the Couturiers.  New York: Exeter Books, 1984.  Print.      

King, Kenneth D.  "You Say Underlining, I Say Interlining: By any name, it's a good way to support fabric."  Threads March 2008: 40 - 43.  Print.   

Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing.  New York:  Reader's Digest Association Inc., 1982.  Print.  

Some of My Favourite Resources

Share a free pattern, share some vintage sewing resources, share a tutorial or share some great sewing resource links!

Here are some of my favourite sewing resources and links:

Invisible zipper:

Eugenia hasn't blogged in over two years but she's still listed in my blog roll because of the information she has posted about invisible zippers. You can find this information here.

There is also Norma Bucko's article, Sew Invisible Zippers Like a Pro, which appeared in Threads August/September 2011. I have to admit there are several Threads magazines that are part of my go-to resources and this article is a real gem. Not only does Bucko state the benefits of using an "invisible zipper foot made specifically for your sewing machine" she also demonstrates that there is no need to fear if you can not find one at your local sewing machine dealer. Bucko has detailed instructions for installing an invisible zipper with a standard zipper foot. Don't have a hard copy of the September 2011 issue number 156? Don't fret, you can find it online if you are a Thread's insider.

Hand-picked zipper:

I've book-marked this site on my computer because this is a technique that I would like to try.  Neeno over at Sew Me Love has a wonderful tutorial (Good-bye Invisible Zippers & Hello Handpicking!) on hand-pick zippers and she has the most beautiful photographs too.

Gussets:

My favourite tutorial for gussets is found in a sewing pattern, Vogue 1043. The pattern comes with excellent instructions for this style feature.

And I really do consider my 1980 copy of Vogue Sewing as one of my most valuable sewing resources. Vogue Sewing has good instructions and information about gussets. Between my Vogue Sewing and Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing I can find the answers to most of my questions by the turn of a page. I can't recommend enough how valuable a good resource book has been to my sewing.

Underlining:

I love vintage sewing patterns because back-in-the-day dresses were underlined!  I find vintage patterns a rich resource for not-commonly-used sewing techniques.  Even if I don't use the pattern, I often find the instructions a rich source of information and inspiration.

Gertie did a segment on underlining skirts on the program It's Sew Easy. You can view it here.

Well, those are some of my favourite resources.

Happy Sew Grateful Week!

100 Sewing Things I'm Grateful for...

In no particular order...

1. The online community who share the passion for sewing and "get it" without making fun of the hobby that I enjoy. 
2. The generous online community who share sewing tips. 
3. Basting tape. It makes sewing invisible zippers so easy.
4. A good invisible zipper foot. It is so worth every penny. (Don't waste your money on those plastic ones.)
5. A tall table designated for cutting. (Easy on the knees and the back.) 
6. Nancy Zieman and her show Sewing with Nancy.  
7. Free Saturday afternoons when I have a chance to watch It's Sew Easy episodes.  
8. Self-threading hand needles.  
9. The self-threading feature on my sewing machine. 
10. Vogue 1325, the best pants pattern that I have found.  
11. Mama R's help. I don't know how I would ever manage to pin up my own pant legs without her assistance.  
12. Sandra Betzina's Fast Fit was a great resource for fixing my pants fitting issues  
13. A good pair of fabric shears. (Worth their weight in gold.)  
    
14. A good lock for fabric shears. (For those of us without a guy who knows the difference between fabric and paper scissors.)
15. A good pair of pinking shears. (Ikea sells these but I wouldn't recommend them if you plan to use them on fabric.  Spend the money for a good pair, you might be surprised how much you'll use them.)
16. Northwest Fabrics.
17. Silk organza pressing clothes
18. Pressing hams.
19. A good iron.  
20. Eye glasses. I wouldn't be sewing without them!  
21. A back-up pair of glasses for those days when I can't find my glasses.  
22. Oh my!  How did I wait this long to mention my Janome sewing machine?  
23. A back-up sewing machine.  
24. Self-threading over-lock machines. I don't own one but it is nice to know that someone invented one. One day... 
25. A Jean-a-ma-Jig! Oh the sewing machine needles that I could have saved pre-jean-a-ma-jig days.  
26. Vintage McCall's 7870, my favourite Va-va-va-voom skirt.  
27. Natural fibres.  
28. Free trade fabric.
29. People who sew with a social conscience. 
30. Wednesday morning laughter thanks to Anne over at Pretty Grievances.  
31. The seam ripper.  
32. Learning opportunities.  
33. Sewing a garment that has proper length sleeves
34. The challenge.  
35. A walking foot.  
36. Treadle Sewing Machines.  Everyone should sewing on one of these, at least once.  
37. Seeing smiles after I sewed something for someone.  
38. A reliable sewing machine repair person and shop.  
39. Tools for cleaning the sewing machine.    
40. Good tunes to sew to.  
41. Vintage sewing patterns.  
42. Seeing that the younger generation are showing an interest and taking up sewing!  
43. Finding references to sewing in literature.  
44. A good panties pattern. Butterick 6031.  
45. Finding old favourite patterns in my current size over at etsy or ebay.   
46. Sewing for Mama R. She is always thankful and never has made me feel taken advantage of--love you Mom!
47. Time well spent.    
48. Sewing magazines for inspiration.  
49. Silk organza for underlining.  
50. French seams.
51. Pin tucking feet.
52. Sewing while standing.  
53. A sewing machine with a start/stop button that makes sewing standing up possible.  
54. Clippers built in sewing machines. I'm so spoiled!  
55. Wrist pin-cushions. Best birthday present ever.  
56. A fabric stash.  
57. Stash-busting.  
58. Designer sewing patterns.
59. Well-written instructions.
60. Over-sized snaps.
61. Fabric shopping in a real store where I can touch and inspect the fabric in person. 
62. Sewing with silk noir.  
63. Hand-stitching in the the backyard, in the summer-time, when the sun is out and the mosquitos are not.   
64. Automatic buttonholer.
65. The Vogue Sewing Book.
66. Reader's Digest Sewing Book.
67. Pattern Magic Sewing Books
68. Oversized tweezers (for those of us without self-threading sergers). 
69. Pattern Review and those who take the time to review patterns.   
70. Port. Yes, there is a need port in the sewing room (it goes hand-in-hand with the seam ripper). 
71. A curved ruler.  
72. Tailor's chalk in a variety of colours.
73. The honour of sewing my niece's graduation dress.  
74. McNally Robinson Booksellers' great selection of sewing reference books.  
75. Extra bobbins.  
76. Cotton sateen.  
77. Vintage buttons.  
78. Lace trim.
79. Lace fabric.  
80. Bias tape maker
81. Lock stitch on my sewing machine (especially handy when it comes to sewing zippers).  
82. Couture Sewing:  The Couture Cardigan Jacket book and DVD by Claire Shaeffer.  
83. The great feeling of accomplishment after I finish a sewing project.  
84. Bloggers who challenge and encourage me to sew something that is considered outside of my comfort zone. Yup, I'm a fan of Jungle January festivities.  
85. Using scraps to make something.
86. The sharing ideas and sewing stories.  
87. Fabric shopping in Toronto, some of my most treasured pieces come from back-in-the-day fabric shopping excursions.  
88. Feathers!  
89. Wool and cashmere suiting fabric.  
90. A well-drafted pattern.
91. Sewing children's clothing and those little awww moments.  
92. The internet for finding great tips on pre shrinking you fabrics.  
93. A clothing rack to dry fabric and me-made clothing on.  
94. A steamer.  
95. Those moments when children share with me the things that they have sewn. My gosh, I love that!  
96. Home decor fabrics when they are not used for home decor.  
97. Silk thread.  
98. That moment of accomplishment when a mending project is complete.  
99. Refashion projects that work.  
100. The perfect fit! 

Sew Grateful Week: Reflection Post.

This is the day to reflect on the role sewing has played in our lives, reflecting on those who have been supportive in our journey and reflecting on what the online community means to us!  What are you sew grateful for? 

This past year the role of sewing took a different turn in my life. This past year, I read two books, recommended by other bloggers, that left a lasting impression, Shocked: My Mother, Schiaparelli, and Me and Overdressed: The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion. And there were the heart-wrenching reports of conditions at overseas sewing factories. How can one's look at clothing and sewing not be affected after reading and contemplating these words and images? Personally, the words and imagines are still with me.

Shocked:  My Mother, Schiaparelli, and Me is part autobiographical, part fantasy, part nostalgic look at the roles that fashion and literature play at impacting one's life. I would read pages from the book to Mama R and listened to sewing stories from when she and her sisters were young. I'm grateful for the time that the book brought us together in conversation. There was something in those pages that made me want to take the time in my sewing and cherish the time spent creating a quality item that seems lost in time in the era of fast-fashion garments. The book is a treasure of wisdom that is shared between mothers and daughters not only from the author's but also from the other protagonist in the book.

Only the rich can afford cheap clothes.  If something you see looks worth twice its price, you may be sure the illusion will not last.  What you buy must be good.  Cut is of the first importance, and cut of course implies fit (197).  ~Schiaparelli's advice on the correct way to dress.  

Overdressed:  The Shockingly High Cost of Cheap Fashion was an interesting and tough read. The book had a part new-journalism part documentary style of writing. I was intrigued by the subject but distracted by the choppy writing. Despite that I continued reading encouraged by the many bloggers that said it was worth sticking to the end.  They were right. It was a book that held a mirror up for me to see the kind of shopper I had become. I have a tee-shirt that began pilling after only a couple of wears. I knew should have known better to proceed with caution after reading the word rayon on the label but I liked the twisted drape feature at the waistline and it was cheaply priced to match the cheap fabric. I didn't need to buy the tee-shirt but I was blinded into thinking it was a good value by the ultra-cheap price. Yup, I was duped. Many of us have been duped at retail outlets that fast-fashion is a better value than the effort and time of our own sewing skills. It is not true! I know that now. I guess I just needed Elizabeth Cline and Schiaparelli to remind me of that and set me on a journey.

Cline's book made me realize that not only are fast-fashion and ready-to-wear items are being made with plastic by-products, the fabric stores in my neighbourhood are also filling up with the same fabrics found in the retail landscape. If I want quality natural fabrics that have been disappearing from my local fabric store at an alarming rate, I have to stop being enticed by the lower price for lower quality fabrics. Yes, as a fabric shopper my judgement is flawed at times. I'm still sad when I look at the Marcy Tilton skirt that I made that has been pilling at the hip area. Now, I do realize that natural fabrics do pill but not as quickly as man-made fabrics. I wish I made the skirt in a good quality cotton knit instead of the rayon blend double knit. Maybe I would still be enjoying the fruits of my labour if I did.

The straw that broke the camel's back were the heart-wrenching reports about the sewing factories overseas. "Made in the U.S.A." or "Made in Canada" disappeared from our western landscape in the past decades as our heads were filled with the promises of globalization. I am no saint when it comes to some of my shopping decisions in the past. I have clothing produced by Joe Fresh and that have "Made in China" and "Made in Bangladesh" and yes, it makes me ill every time another garment factory fire occurs and innocent garment workers are killed. It is not cheap fashion when the high human cost comes to light.

This past year, I try to think of those who sew our clothes not because it is a hobby rather they are trying to feed their families. I am trying to be more mindful in my decisions and change my shopping behaviour of the past. I have learned to appreciate my sewing skills more than I did in the past. I now think of my sewing skills as more than a hobby. Sewing has become a form of social activism. I know how much I hate it when people take advantage of my sewing abilities and try to get work done for cheap or worse free. Yet when I buy fast-fashion am I not doing the same thing? It is one of the reasons that I joined Sarah's RTW Fast this year. I'm grateful for the community of fasters that have been supportive and inspiring in this journey.

And I still strive to improve my skills. I have slowed-down in my sewing. I realize sewing is not a race. I don't need to make "X" number of garments. With slow-sewing, I am able to create clothing that is a higher quality than the ones that I can find in ready-to-wear options. And I love the look of Hong Kong, bound and French seams even if they are unseen when I wear my garment and no one will ever know the amount of effort that I put into these seam finishes. To me they were worth the time and effort.

I developed a deeper appreciation for the sewing skills that I have and those people who played a role in inspiring and developing the passion I have for sewing. Of course, there is Mama R who was an inspiration growing up. There has been so many people along the way (Don Urban over at urbandon and Katja over at Of Dreams and Seams), through their books (Claire Shaeffer), blogs and journalism (too many to mention here but feel free to refer to my blogroll), who have helped to shape the sewist that I am today. And I can't wait to see where the journey will lead to next.

Thank you to all of you who blog about and share your sewing stories and reactions to world events. The conversations are important. You all continue to show me that sewing is more than a hobby.

    

Sew Grateful Give-away

It is that lovely time of year, Sew Grateful Week! Thanks Debi for organizing and hosting the events.  

I have so much to be grateful for, I'm not sure where to begin. Sewing wise, I'm grateful for the community of sewists that inspire me to try new techniques and patterns. I appreciate all the stories and laughs shared with other sewists who share the same passion and get it.  

I'm grateful that even when a project doesn't work out that I have been challenged and learn something new.  

I'm grateful for that great feeling I get when I host a give-away knowing that a pattern is going to someone who is looking forward to sewing it up!  

So, let's get to it!  

This is an unopened out-of-print pattern, Vogue 1773. It is a multi-sized pattern, sizes 8-10-12. And it is rated easy! The description from the pattern envelope

Misses' Dress:  A-line dress, above ankle variations, has side zipper.  A:  sleeveless, close-fitting shaped, dropped waist, contrast bodice with front insets and bias skirt with front tucks.  B:  contrast nect binding with button/loop, front slit and above elbow sleeves.  C:  insets, skirt with side front and side back seams and long sleeves.  B, C:  fitted bodice.  A, C: No provision for above-waist adjustments.    

It is open to anyone, anywhere... I will mail internationally. I just ask that you enjoy it, give the pattern a good home and do not sell it. Just leave a message below, mention what you're grateful for and I will draw for this pattern on March 1st (right after my morning coffee).  

Happy Sew Grateful Week!  

Give-away Winner

Good morning afternoon!

Well, it is the final day of Sew Grateful Week. I have to say, it has been fun. Instead of sewing, I spent most of my free time recovering from some stomach ailment and discovering new sewing blogs. The discovering new sewing blogs was the highlight of my week.

Before I go on any further, I would like to thank Debi over at My Happy Sewing Place for hosting this event and the opportunity to post and share our stories and projects.

Now, without an further delay let's get to that Sew Grateful Give-away! And the winner is...

#16

That would be Kristin.  Congratulations Kristin!

Kristin blogs over at Sew Classic. Another new sewing blog that I discovered today.


I'll drop you an email shortly and will wrap up your Sew Grateful Giveaway.

Happy Sewing!  

The Naked Truth...

The naked truth is that I have never sewn any undergarments. Yes, in all my years of sewing, not one pair. Until Sew Grateful Week!

I'm not saying that it hasn't crossed my mind, it has. Years ago I added a pattern to my stash with the intention of such a project, Kwik Sew 2028. It is no longer in my pattern stash, it found it's way to a good home. My girlish figure long behind me, I thought it was best that this pattern and I parted ways.

Well fast forward many years, I'm on this stash busting journey and I vowed to curve my RTW appetite. Oh wait, I actually said I would stop buying RTW. Including undergarments. I figure it is about time that I try my hand at sewing undergarments. I have everything I need in my sewing stash. I have no excuses.

Since I also vowed not to purchase any new patterns this year and I'm feeling a wee bit guilty about last week's fail, I'll have to pass on the oh-so-retro Betty High Waist Panties by Ohhh Lulu... ~sigh, what was I thinking? It is such a pretty pattern.

Luckily, there are several free patterns on line. It is a starting point. I also have a well fitting comfortable pair of undies that I can also use as a guide.

Yes, this is my project for Sew Grateful Project Day!

For my pair of undies I used the free downloadable pattern from Birgitte over at indiorchid. You must check out her post where you will find a rich source of information to help sew your own undergarments including a look at elastics. Thanks Birgitte!

Seriously, I am sew grateful for all the information and free pattern you have posted.

Stash Busting 2013:  Project #8

Fabric Used:  0.26 metres of cotton knit. This fabric has been in my stash for years.

Elastic Used:  1.7 metres of underwear elastic. Yes, I found this in my stash. Funny thing is that I don't remember when I bought these elastics. Perhaps, when I picked up that Kwik Sew pattern.  

I have a new pair of undies and I couldn't be more thrilled. I have to tell you that it was easier to sew than I thought it would be. Cutting out the pattern and the fabric were a piece of cake.

Then I questioned what I was up to when I pinned the crotch gussets in place. It looked crazy.

After a bit of stitching and flipping and little more stitching, I have my first pair of me-made undies.

Happy Sewing!

Confession Time...

It is Sharing Day! over at Debi's My Happy Sewing Place as she hosts Sew Grateful Week. We're supposed to write a tutorial or provide an online free pattern. I'm going to have to bow out of this Sew Grateful event, I'm not prepared. But I do have something to share. It is not a new tutorial, sorry Debi. It is more of a confession.

I was bad. I broke down and picked up four lovely patterns last Friday when Vogue patterns had their $3.99 sale.

Oh, yes I did. [bowing head in shame], my bad. I feel like I dropped the ball and let my fellow stash busters down. I did manage to resist shopping the first three days of the online sale. But then I told myself that it was okay because I sold a few patterns over at etsy.com. I know, that was a poor excuse.

I lasted a total of thirty-two days before I broke my "no new patterns" resolution.

Do I feel guity? No, not really. I have four lovely patterns on their way and they should be here in about a month. Sooner, if I'm lucky. And I picked them up at a fabulous discount! I would never pick them up this cheap here in the city even with shipping. There, I feel better. Confession is good for the soul.

Which patterns managed to make me cry 'Uncle!' and give up on my "no new patterns" resolution? Well, if you're interested I'll share that bit of information. Here are the newest patterns that are on their way to my pattern stash.

Vogue 8882

I have a lovely blue eyelet fabric and blue lining fabric that I have been holding onto for quite some time. I think it would be perfect for this pattern.  Or maybe in the blue sateen that is sitting in my fabric stash.  

Well, at least I'll be fabric stash busting.  

Vogue 1340

I love the bodice on this pattern and would love to give it a try.  I'm not 100% sold on the skirt portion of this pattern and might have to substitute a fuller skirt.  I will have to stash bust some muslin fabric for this dress before I decide on which fabric to drag out of my fabric stash.  But I do have an orange / tangerine coloured linen that I'm thinking about for this dress pattern.  

Vogue 1281

Carolyn over at Handmade by Carolyn made this dress using previously loved tee-shirts from her family. And she made the coolest dress ever.  Seriously, Vogue needs to hire this talented woman as a stylist because it was Carolyn's dress not this pictured one from the Vogue website that convinced me to pick up the pattern.    

I am aiming for a comfortable summer dress, but instead of cutting up tee-shirts (I'm not that creative) I'm going with a blue coloured knit fabric that is sitting in my stash. What sold me on this idea is that Carolyn was able to stitch this up without installing the zipper. Gotta love that! I'm going to lengthen it significantly and make certain that wrap front detail doesn't expose too much when I wear it out in the windy city.  

Vogue 8876

This dress has pockets! I love a dress with pockets. I will have to lengthen it. Oh wait, maybe not. As long as the pattern pieces fall below my knee, I'll be happy.  I have a floral print denim that I think I would like to stash bust with this pattern.  

Happy Sewing!

Sew Grateful Reflection Post

As part of Sew Grateful Week, Debi over at My Happy Sewing Place is hosting Sew Grateful Day! And she had me thinking "what am I sew grateful for?" In no particular order here is my list:

• My Mom, my absolutely wonderful Mom, for introducing me to sewing. 
• The sewing community. The wonderful sewists (there are too many to name personally) that take the time to share their projects on their blogs and over at Pattern Review. It is great to read a review of a pattern and be inspired by someone's talent that they are willing to share with the rest of us. The sewing community is filled with generous people like Brenda over at Brenda's Sewing Nook who hosted a mega pattern give-away recently that had me squealing with delight.  
• My Janome sewing machine. I can unplug my cord to the foot peddle and use the off/on button on my sewing machine. I'm grateful for this feature when my knees are in pain.  
• The Ikea table legs with the adjustable height. My back and my knees are grateful for the ergonomic cutting surface.  
• Anne's weekly Wearable Wednesdays column. I look forward to Wednesdays just so I can visit her blog and she always starts my Wednesdays off with a smile and laugh. Actually, I love visiting her blog any day for a smile, chuckle and to admire her sewing talent. 
• Eye glasses. I wouldn't be able to sew without them.  
• The walking foot that came in the quilting accessory box with my sewing machine. I don't know how I even tried to sew knits without one. Love it!  
• Family. If it weren't for my family I wouldn't have a place to sew.
• The inventor of jean-a-jig. If only I discovered this little tool when I was sewing up Vogue 1263.
• Etsy! Oh my goodness, I can't believe I found one of my past favourite patterns, McCall's 8823, and the previously unknown, stunning Vogue 1985 over at Etsy.com. I'm happy to say they are part of my sewing stash waiting to be stitched up.  

I could go on and on but there is sewing to be done! I'm going to stop here and leave it as my Top Ten List. What about you? What makes your "sew grateful" list?  

Happy Sewing and Happy Sew Grateful Week!  

Sew Grateful Give-away

In celebration of Sew Grateful Week and keeping with my Stash Busting 2013 journey, I have some cotton fabric looking for a good home. There is a 2.1 metres piece of fabric pictured here.

And there is more! I'm adding Simplicity 2633. An uncut and unopened pattern for a shirt or vest with neckline variations. The pattern is a multi-sized pattern which includes sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12.  

All you have to do is just leave a message below. I'll ship anywhere. Do tell what you are sew grateful for and I will draw for a winner on February 10th. (Right after I finish my morning coffee)

Good luck and Happy Sewing!

Sew Grateful Week Give-away Winner!

I've been busy this afternoon, relatively speaking. This is about as busy as I've been all week. But I digress...

I printed off the two blog posts (from here and here) that had all the entries. And I sat down to get to work.

I numbered all the entries according to the date and time they were posted and came up with a list.

And I checked it twice.

All that is left to do is to wish everyone who entered good luck, cue up the drum roll and random number generator.

And the winner of the Vogue 1137 Vintage re-issue pattern is:

Congratulations seeks!

I don't have your email address from your post, but if you would like to email me (grrracar at gmail dot com) with your mailing address I pop it into the mail for you.

Thanks to everyone who entered and visited. And thanks to Debi for hosting a great week! It was fun reading everyone's reflections and checking out what was being sewn.

Sew Grateful Week Give-away!

I just want to re-post the Sew Grateful Week giveaway!

It is open to anyone, anywhere... I will mail internationally. I just ask that you enjoy it, give the pattern a good home and do not sell it. You can leave a message here or at the original post to be counted in for the draw.  I will draw for the pattern give-away on February 12.

It is a Vintage Vogue re-issue pattern, Vogue 1137, dress and coat.  There has been a few robe versions found on patternreview.com that look intriguing using this pattern. I was going to make a version of the dress in plaid as my Sew Grateful Week project but bruised ribs changed my plans for the week.  So I'm just going to chill out and see what everyone else is sewing this week.

Happy Sew Grateful Week!

Sew Grateful to be Sewing for Family and How-to-Books

I have sewn for my extended family over the years. Some of my sewing projects were requested. Others were received with bored looks (not all Christmas gifts go over well). But they have all been made with care and love. I'm sew grateful to share my sewing projects with them over the years.

But over the years I have been sewing for family less and less. I took the hint from those bored looks that the kids are growing up and that teenagers would rather shop at Stitches or Forever 21. That is why I'm so thrilled that my niece is allowing me the pleasure of making her grad dress.

Giorgio Armani Vestment {Source}

But I also have another request in que, a Vestment set. It is a pretty special request.

It doesn't come from a priest...yet. It comes from my thirteen-year-old (soon to be fourteen) nephew.

His plan is to become a priest when he is older. It has been a plan for some time now. He has a beautiful and thoughtful blog where he shares his passion.

His passion for God and the church has been around since he was a wee little boy. Ever since he started school, he was fascinated with the rituals and mysteries of the church. He is quite remarkable. And he has requested a Vestment set.

Yes, YIKES!

What do I know about Vestment sets, next to nothing.

I know that they are stunning pieces of clothing filled with symbolism and tradition. But I have never touched or closely inspected a Vestment set.

I'm sew grateful that I have a few years to research the rich history of this important garment before my nephew completes his studies as a seminarian.

Thankfully, there is a book that can help; Lynne Green and Sue Merriam authored a book on the very subject.

Hallelujah!

Happy Sew Grateful Week!

Sew Grateful Week!

Debi over at My Happy Sewing Place is hosting another Sew Grateful Week. I luv this idea, thanks Debi!

I haven't won anything through a give-away so there is nothing to sew in that respect. But I do have a lot to be "sew grateful" for; a vibrant sewing community that have offered some many helpful hints, words of encouragement, laughs, and inspiration. Sew, I would like to participate by putting up a Vogue pattern up for a giveaway. Since Debi has made some of the most impressive Vintage inspired garments out there, I thought that a Vintage Vogue re-issue pattern would be appropriate.

It is Vintage Vogue 1137 (1950's design) coat, dress and belt pattern.  It is a brand new pattern, uncut and unopened in sizes BB (8-10-12-14).

I will draw for the pattern on the last day of Sew Grateful Week (February 12). Just leave a comment and maybe mention your own sew grateful thoughts.

I have my own copy of this pattern, and I'm thinking about making my own version in plaid. It is a vintage plaid that I picked up at Mitchell Fabrics a few months ago. Of course the choice of plaid is a tip of the hat to Debi.

I hope I can get it done in time to post picture(s) up during Sew Grateful Week. We'll see...

Happy Sewing!