Throwing up the White Flag: Simplicity 9372

Simplicity 9372 came into the stash because I was smitten over the look of the wrap shrug.  And then it sat waiting for me to decide on the right fabric.  This cotton lace knit was just the fabric to motivate me to give this pattern a try.  

I will admit that I wasn't impressed with the pattern as soon as I slipped it out of the envelope.  The first thing I noticed is how thin the instruction sheet paper was to the touch.  Not a big deal just something I noticed.  It wasn't the quality or weight of older pattern instruction sheets.  It was more of a cultural nod to shrink and skimp-flation.  And then I unfold the pattern paper sheets and noticed that the printing was non-existent at certain spots across the sheets of tissue paper.  I was not at all impressed.  How a printed pattern ended up in a pattern envelope in this condition is beyond me, where's the quality control?  Oh yeah, we're living in the age of shrink and skimp-flation.  

I'm not so smitten with this wrap shrug now that it's all sewn up.  It's a meh item that ended up in the donation box.  I cut the bodice piece as a size small because I'm not tall and thought it would be too long.  That was a mistake.  I wish it was wider, it could have been if I cut a large.  The picture on the envelope looked wider than the one I made.  But don't let my experience with this pattern discourage you if you're into the nineteen nineties revival that seems to be trending now-a-days, then maybe give it a try.  Who knows, you may have a better experience with this pattern.  

Sewing IS Political

This is another Canadian made and tariff free project.  The fabric came from Lilax Studio, a Canadian fabric outlet.  The pattern, Simplicity 9372, was released prior the convicted felon's global tariffs.  It was purchased from Simplicity's website and has been sitting in the stash until I could decide on a fabric for this project.  The scissors used to cut this project are from Merchant and Mills, a U.K. company and were purchased from The Workroom, a Canadian fabric outlet.  The threads were pulled from the stash and were purchased at Fabricland, another Canadian fabric outlet.  

Project details

Seams:  Knit (lightning bolt) stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  1.2 metres

Pattern:  Simplicity 9372

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Cutting table, fabric scissors, paper scissors, pins, pin cushion, tailor's chalk, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, Janome AirThread 2000D serger, threads, thread clippers and tea.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep on sewing.  

Me Made May Update #3

Not much to report on the Me Made May front as everyday is me made days.  This week, I've been wearing repeats of the previous weeks.  

 

Although, there are some RTW items still lingering in the closet, most of my wears are me made items.  There is only one dress that was a RTW purchase that is now considered vintage and has been re-fashioned to fit my body changes that have occurred since it entered the closet.  It only survived the decades because it's a pullover cotton knit dress when quality natural fabrics ruled the racks. 

I've been on this sewing journey for decades and at this point there is an enormous amount of gratefulness for the ability and equipment to sew what I need.  Me Made May at this point of the journey is a celebration of the skills developed over the years, the knowledge and respect gained for natural fabrics and a new found appreciation of mending.  I didn't always have the appreciation of mending as I do now.  

There is one more week to go until the end of Me Made May and things may look different as hot weather is predicted to come our way.  It might be time to put away the wool and flannel and pull out the hot weather pieces.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing / mending.  

Stash busting: New Batch of Panties / OOP Simplicity 8229

This batch of panties will replace the previous batch made about sixteen months ago because the elastic feels like it is cutting into my leg.  These are made in a lighter cotton knit than the previous batch.  The fabric will be more comfortable to wear.  The other cotton knit has less stretch and was a bit thicker.  And the elastic will be a little looser in the thigh area.  So for now, it's back to the cutting table with out-of-print (OOP) Simplicity 8229.  

The pattern has been a keeper and a go-to for making panties.  Looking back at previous posts for this pattern, it first made an appearance at the worktable in 2017.  It's a great pattern.  The 97% cotton / 3% spandex knit fabric has been in the stash for quite awhile, same with the elastic.  Years already.  It's nice to finally have this want-to-make project done.  There was enough fabric to cut out six pairs of panties.  That wasn't the case for the elastic, two pairs were sewn with an ivory coloured elastic whereas four have matching pink elastic.  

Sewing IS Political

This is a Canadian made and tariff free project.  All of the supplies used to make these were found in the stash and did not contribute to the convicted felon's economy.  The out-of-print pattern, Simplicity 8229, is a U.S.A. product that has been in the stash for years.  The fabric has also been in the stash for years and came from Fabricland, a Canadian fabric outlet.  The picot elastic is from Marshall Fabrics, another Canadian fabric outlet.  The fabric scissors used to cut out this project were made in Tiawan and were purchased at Fabricland.  The threads are an assortment of various shades of pink and purple pulled from the stash, some from Woolworth's which was a retail store from back in the day.  Since it's underwear, I didn't feel the need to run out and pick up matching thread and just made do with what was found here.  

Project details

Seams:  Knit (lightening bolt) and zig-zag stitches

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  2 metres

Elastic:  14.4 metres

Pattern:  OOP Simplicity 8229

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, fabric scissors, thread clippers, pins, Janome 4190 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, Janome AirThread 2000D serger, a lot of thread, tweezers, heating pad and tea.    

Good tunes:  Bad Bunny.  I became a fan huge fan the other night.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.   

2025 in Review

The Round-up

This past year I made a total of thirty-nine sewing projects:  

• 5 scoliosis back brace undershirts (Vogue 9057)
• 1 scoliosis back brace pajama top (Vogue 1852)
• 1 blanket (No pattern used)
• 5 skirts (OOP Vogue 2327, OOP Vogue 1247, The Assembly Line's Tulip skirt, Daughter Judy's Henry skirt)
• 7 pullover dresses (Merchant and Mills Trapeze dress, Vogue 9268, Butterick 6784, McCall's 7709)
• 2 scarves (No pattern used and OOP Vogue 2793)
• 8 pullover tops (The Assembly Line's Puffed sleeve shirt, OOP Butterick 6859, The Assembly Line's High Cuff Sweater, McCall's 7709, Style Arc's Elita Designer Jacket / Top, OOP Vogue 2334)
• 1 pair of panties (OOP Simplicity 8229)
• 1 nursing baby cover (No pattern used)
• 1 pair of leggings (McCall's 7709)
• 1 baby onesie (McCall's 7367)
• 3 saddle covers for the back brace (No pattern used)
• 3 pairs of pants (Vogue 1739 and Butterick 6717)

Eight projects were gifted and and seven projects did not work out.  

Vogue patterns continued to play a leading role at the cutting table but there were some new patterns that I tried this year.  Twenty twenty-five was the first time I tried Style Arc, Merchant and Mills and Daughter Judy patterns.  Many patterns were repeats as they were tried and true patterns from the stash.  

There was a lot of stash busting this year.

• 62.6 metres of fabric
• 4 buttons
• 5 snaps
• 1 zippers
• 15 labels
• 6.1 metres elastic
• 1.2 metres basting tape
• 11.2 metres Knit 'N Stable tape
• 0.5 twill tape
• 1 hook and eye set
• a whole lot of thread!

January

I slowly started to make my way back to the sewing machine.  There was work to do and projects that needed to get done.  There was the upholstery repair that I put off for years.  And the need to make undergarments to wear under the scoliosis back brace that could prevent the abrasion wounds under my arms.  Along with a box of socks that need mending.  

And sewing became political before the convicted felon even took office with his threats to use economic force via tariffs to hurt and annex Canada.  It is an act of economic war.  My 2025 sewing goal became to sew from the stash and if I needed any supplies, I vowed to not support the convicted felon's economy while the annexation threats and maneuvers persist.  Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing became my focus as the country navigates the global upheaval and chaos from the convicted felon from our geographic neighbour.   

February

After stitching a prototype of a scoliosis back brace undershirt, I stitched more.  There was a piece of fabric that was turned into a blanket just to clear it out of the stash.  And I made something just for me, a wool wrap skirt.  

Sewing remains political as I compiled a list of Canadian fabric outlets.  The country mobilized to take action against the disrespectful rhetoric and act of economic war coming from the convicted felon's government and his supporters towards my country and others.  There is a grass-root national and global boycott of  U.S. products and travel.  

March

There really wasn't a focus on sewing projects this month.  I stash busted some leftover wool fabric into a scarf and made a wearable toile for a dress that I actually wanted to make last year.  And then there was an upholstery repair job that I should have addressed last year.  

Sewing remains political and the boycott continues.  

April 

I rediscovered my sewing mojo in sewing some denim projects.  The skirt is made with a cherished and vintage Vogue pattern and has been seeing a lot of wear since it was made.  The top is not experiencing the same kind of love since it shrank after the first wear despite pre-shrinking the fabric.  I should have known better and pre-washed denim several times before cutting.   

Sewing is becoming a reprieve from the chaos and callous actions from the convicted felon and his cohort.  The boycott continues but it's heartbreaking to watch what is happening around the world.  I sometimes wonder if the boycott is making an impact.  

May

It appears that the theme this year is getting to those projects that long needed to be addressed, using up scraps and finishing long forgotten project.  One of those long forgotten projects was this partially sewn pair of panties from a year ago.  And that's it, it was pretty quiet at the work space.  

The boycott continues as does the global trade war.  The convicted felon even put tariffs on Heard and McDonald Islands--two tiny Antarctic islands occupied by penguins and seals.  Yup, that right.  Even penguins and seals are dragged into the global tariff war.  I'm finding escape in the garden and kitchen instead of the sewing machine.  Frugal / austerity chic is dominating my sewing and grocery decisions.  I'm making cheese, sundried tomatoes and spiced nuts at home as grocery store prices around the globe are an issue in part thanks to the convicted felon's trade war and corporate greed.  These activities are replacing my time at the sewing machine.  

June 

Wildfires in the our country are displacing thousands from their homes and wildfire smoke is felt here in the city.  This is pulling me back indoors and towards the sewing machine.  

This month the Big Four patterns were sold into liquidation proceeding and the local Fabricland stores that carries their patterns has started selling them off.  IG Design Group said that US tariffs were a contributing factor to the liquidation sale.  I broke my goal of avoiding US products momentarily to take advantage of the deep discounts on the patterns.  

July

I don't know if it's the lack of rain or the smoky air that is causing an unconventional harvest time.  The apples are falling from the tree so early and sending me into apple pie and juice making sooner than I normally would be harvesting apples.  And with all the displacement of people and loss of life from the wildfires, U.S. lawmakers complained about Canadian wildfire smoke travelling south is "making it difficult for some Americans to enjoy their summer."  This fanned the flames on the elbows up movement.    

This month was quiet at the sewing machine but busy at the cutting table.  

August

Wildfire smoke continues to be an issue and likely why I managed to stay indoors and sew.  

There was a burst of sewing activity this month, it was about revisiting some previously loved TNT patterns and some gift sewing projects.  I was actually shocked at how much sewing was completed considering all the yardwork there was to do and trying to keep up with the apple harvest.  I can't wait for the cooler weather to arrive and for things to slow down in the yard.  

September

Finally, some cooler weather.  I don't deal well with the heat and this summer was horrible with all the wildfire smoke we had to deal with this year.  More often than not, it was hard to breath with the smoke.  I don't recall previous wildfire seasons being this bad.  

I am longing for the cooler days of autumn and giddy with the thought that winter will soon arrive.  Fingers crossed.  And my sewing projects reflected this anticipation.  

October

No one is more shocked than I that there was actually sewing done this month.  

There is a new scoliosis back brace that I'm trying to break in and for that to happen, I need to address a section that is pushing up my left underarm and creating pressure marks.  In the end, I didn't get much use of it as most of the month was trying to deal with a cough that wouldn't quit.  It's hard to to wear a rigid brace when you're coughing up a lung or two.  

November

The tariff war continues and it is now to the point that the convicted felon and his cohort are a cringe worthy joke.  Sewing is a reprieve from the horror show playing out on the news channels.  And to add to all the sadness, there hasn't been any snow yet.  I really wish it would snow.  

To get ready for winter, if it decides to make an appearance, I made a new pajama top to wear underneath my back brace.  I will be able to pull the hemline up and cover the Velcro straps to protect the bedding and even my pajamas.  But my heart is longing to sew something fun and cozy.  

December

It finally snowed!  Alleluia!  And with that, the chill of winter arrived and fuels my desire stay indoors and sew.  I finally got around to sewing that something fun and cozy, an oversized sweatshirt made with a vintage Issey Miyake pattern.  It turns out to be my favourite make of the year.  

Would you believe that the last month of the year was one of the busiest at the sewing work table?  

Here's to wishing peace in the world and an end to all the wars, whether they be military actions or economic / tariff wars.  

Wishing all, peace in the world, an abundance of kindness in 2026 and joyful memories made at the sewing machine.  May all your projects fit the way you like!  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing!

June in Review

Sewing, Mending and Alterations

Clockwise from the top:  cotton skirt (The Assembly Line, S:402 Tulip skirt), blue cotton knit t-shirt (OOP Butterick 6859) and cotton pullover top (The Assembly Line, T:202 High Cuff Sweater).

There were projects completed at the work table this month.  All of these were first-time used patterns and turned out to be wearable toiles.  I would like to re-visit all of them in the future when I can find some more free time.  These June makes turned out to be some comfortable pieces that I often reached for throughout this month.  

And there was also mending and alterations that received some attention.  Bedroom curtains that needed some hem adjustments and various broken stitches that needed to be repaired were done.  

Another Pattern Shake Up

This month the sewing community was hit with the news of a pattern shake up.  According to the online article, "Parent Company of the Big 4 Sewing Pattern Brands Sold to a Liquidator" by Abby Glassenberg, "IG Design Group cited the impact of tariffs imposed by the US as a factor."  

It was twenty years ago that Fabricland stopped carrying Simplicity and New Look patterns here in Canada.  And now Fabricland has started selling off these Big Four Five legacy patterns (Vogue, Butterick, McCall's, Burda and Know Me) at deep discounts.  

It breaks my heart that these pattern companies are the latest victim of the convicted felon's tariff scheme.  But according to an upbeat message by Mimi G, work at the Big Four continues.  So what is going on?  According to a reply to a question on the Mimi G video update, there are Fall Vogues in the works.  Deep breath.  It's heartbreaking to even think that the Big 4 may not survive the upheaval tariffs have created.  

I did take advantage of Fabricland's recent pattern discounts and, with a heavy heart and elbows momentarily down, picked up a few patterns just in case it's my last chance.

Vogue 2115, Know Me 2076, Butterick 6745 and McCall's 8147 were recently added into the stash.  And elbows are back up.  The available stock at the store is low and many patterns found in the pages of the pattern catalogues are no longer available in the dwindling collection found in the pattern drawers.  The times they are a-changin'.  

National Sewing Machine Day

Another June presents us with another reason to celebrate our sewing machines.  June 13 happened to be National Sewing Machine day.  I am intrigued with what the future will hold with artificial intelligence and the use of sewing robots to help over populate the globe with fast-fashion.  Yikes!   

The times they are a-changin'.  

Stash Busting

This month 5.6 metres of fabric, 7 spools of thread, 1 recycled zipper, 1 KATM sewing label, 1.5 metres of Knit 'N Stable and 0.8 metres of basting tape were used from the stash.   There were four new patterns added to the stash.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing

May in Review and Me Made May 2025

Sewing, Alterations and Mending

There hasn't been much sewing this month.  I wake up with sewing time planned into my day and then life happens and sewing does not.  I did manage to finish off one previously cut and started project that I stumbled across this month.  

That's it.  Other than cutting out the next sewing project and setting up the sewing machines.  

Mending and alterations seem to take up most of my designated sewing time.  There always seems to be the odd mending job that presents itself while I'm tackling the ironing.  

Stash busting

There was 0.5 metres of cotton knit and 2 metres of elastic used in the only project that I managed to finish this month.  Nothing was added to the stash.  

Me Made May 2025

The final week of Me Made May finally arrived.  

To recap the month:  

What am I missing from my wardrobe?  Technically, nothing.  Although, one rainy day when I had to do some work outside, I wish I had a rain jacket to keep me dry.  

Most worn me-made item(s)?  Pajama sets (OOP Vogue 9217 and Butterick 6296), cotton knit underwear (OOP Simplicity 8229) and French terry undershirts made to wear under the scoliosis back brace (OOP Vogue 9057 and OOP Kwik Sew 2899). 

Favourite me-mades?  Those pieces made in natural fibre fabrics (cotton, linens and silk) and pieces that are easily pulled on or pullover.  

Least favourite pieces worn this month?  Those grass stained yardwork pieces.  And pieces that don't have pockets. 

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

 

Me Made May 2025: The Third Week

 Days 17--24

Other than going to church on Sunday and a few errands, my wardrobe and week was very low key.  It was a week of yard and housework.  

The only observation that I have to share is that I have clothes in my closet that don't fit my current low key lifestyle.  I have next to nil occasions to dress up.  Case in point, the teal coloured dress was the second time I wore this dress since I made it almost two years ago.  

Well that's all for this third week of Me Made May.  Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

 

A Forgotten Project: OOP Simplicity 8229

 

This project, OOP Simplicity 8229, was started last year when my serger went into the shop and stayed there for over a month waiting for a new needle plate.  It was half done when the serger needed repair.  And then I forgot about it until I recently stumbled across this half finished project and resumed work.  

It's finally done!  

I did not use the Cover stitch machine on this pair.  I went old school and used the zigzag stitch for securing the elastic.  I prefer this technique.  The fabric is a pre-washed cotton knit.  The elastic is 3/8" picot.  

Sewing IS Political

This is another Canadian 🍁 made and tariff free project.  All of the supplies were found in the stash and purchased before the convicted felon declared a global trade war against the world.  Let's count the ways that this project did not contribute to the convicted felon's economy.  

1. The pattern, OOP Simplicity 8229 (circa 2016), is an American made product.  It has been in the stash and used before the convicted felon declared an economic war on my country with the goal of annexation.  Never going to happen, that is why there is a boycott of American products.  
2. The fabric was purchased before the convicted felon broke the trade agreement he himself signed.  It was purchased at Fabricland, a Canadian fabric outlet.  
3. The scissors used for cutting out this project are from Merchant and Mills, a United Kingdom company.  They were purchased from The Workroom, a Canadian company.  
4. The elastic was purchased from Marshall Fabrics, a western Canadian fabric outlet.  
5. The sewing machines are Janome, a Japanese company.  
6. The threads were found in the stash, purchased before the convicted felon's started his rein of terror.  The threads used in this project are all Coats and Clark which contributed to the convicted felon's election campaign.  Once the Coats and Clark threads are depleted from the stash, they will not be replenished.  

Project details

Seams:  Knit (lightening bolt) stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  0.5 metres

Elastic:  2.4 metres

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, fabric scissors, pins, wrist pin cushion, tailor's chalk, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, ballpoint needle (size 12), Janome AirThread 2000D serger, threads (cotton for the sewing machine, polyester for the serger), thread clippers, Jean-a-ma-jig™.

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Me Made May 2025: The Second Week

Days 8 to 16:  

Top row L to R:  purple bamboo and cotton pullover top (OOP Vogue 1247), 100% cotton denim skirt (OOP Vogue 1247), black and white front buttoned top/jacket (OOP Vogue 8709), cotton knit skirt (OOP Butterick 5790) and 100% cotton pullover dress (Butterick 6784). 
Middle row L to R:  pear print pullover dress (Eva dress by Tessuti patterns), 100% cotton pullover dress (Trapeze dress by Merchant and Mills), reversible apron (OOP Butterick 5263). 
Bottom row L to R:  Butterfly print cotton knit t-shirt (OOP Vogue 9057), cotton knit skirt (OOP Butterick 5790), cotton and linen pullover top (OOP Vogue 9317), wool suiting pull-on pants (OOP Vogue 1642) and cotton pullover dress (Eva dress by Tessuti patterns).  

Can you believe that we're half way through Me Made May?  This week threw me from my typical May wardrobe choices.  At the start of the week we had some uncharacteristically warm hot weather.  It reached plus thirty-seven degrees Celsius (98.6℉) on Tuesday.  Sleeveless options, unless I'm wearing it with a t-shirt or turtleneck, are typically unheard of in May.  But here we were digging through summer time clothes.  Things have since cooled significantly and we're having some much needed rain.  

Here are some observations during the second week of Me Made May, 

1. Adding a rain jacket or coat would be nice.  Maybe something upcycled from a vinyl tablecloth?  I've watched some videos where that was done and they've turned out well.  Maybe I can turn a shower curtain into a rain coat?  I could do without as well, it's more of a fun project than something I need.  
2. I've started seriously thinking about that sports bra project after I stumbled across a pattern on sale.  The Pika 2679 by Jalie patterns is currently sitting at the work table.  I need to trace it out and adjust the pattern.  It will be nice to have a comfortable custom-made option to wear under t-shirts.  
3. I'm making more cotton undergarments with OOP Simplicity 8229.  The last set of panties had the elastic sewn on with the cover stitch machine but it didn't hold up as well as the earlier versions sewn with the zigzag stitch on my sewing machine.  I going old school with this new batch.  
4. I've noticed that I'm reaching for older pieces during Me Made May.  And I'm spending more time repairing and mending these than spending time creating something new.  Most of my sewing has been behind the scenes and often involves hand-stitched repairs.  Poor sewing machines are collecting dust.  

Well that's the latest Me Made May update.  Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

The United States Declared an Economic War on Canada: How That Will Have an Impact at the Sewing Table

I pulled out my maple leaf top from storage.  It just seems appropriate to put it on today.  Mind you, I will be wearing a red merino wool crew top to keep me warm.  

The convicted felon and president of the United States signed an executive order yesterday ordering 25% tariffs on Canada starting on Tuesday to be applied on all goods not shipped prior to February 1, 2025.  This convicted felon has been threatening tariffs on many nations around the world since taking office.  Yesterday, he started his economic war against Canada.  And I have to agree with actonfoodforest's instagram post, "is it worth stimulating Trump's economy?"  Of course not.  Canadians will stand up to this convicted felon.  

Oh, Vogue Patterns, how I am going to miss you.  Vogue patterns are made in the U.S.A. and let's be clear Trump economics will make things stupidly expensive.  A new Vogue design is currently priced at $42.00 Cdn. and then throw on a 25% tariff.  That just means, bye, bye Vogue and Simplicity and McCall's and Butterick and Burda patterns.  

Sure, there are some Vogue and Butterick patterns that were purchased before the felon took office that I hope to sew this year.  Vogue 2060, the Diane Von Furstenberg reissued wrap dress pattern, is on the list of want-to-sew projects and is already in the stash.  We're entering tough economic times and tough decisions have to be made and not purchasing anymore made in the United States products is one of those tough decisions.  I will be sewing with patterns already in the stash.  But no more new patterns from  U.S. pattern companies.  Thankfully, Canada has many Canadian pattern companies to support if the need for a new pattern should arise.  Say hello to Closet Core Patterns, Jalie patterns, and Helen's Closet are a few that come to mind.  

Coats and Clark is an American company and are no-purchase items during the economic war against Canada.  Thankfully, Gütermann threads are from Europe, so I'm covered in the thread department.  My fabric scissors are from Merchant and Mills, an English company.  Other fabric scissors are from Asian countries such as Taiwan.  My sewing machines are Janome, a Japanese company.  And there is a fabric stash to keep me going along with other non-American resources.  

Stay Strong and Keep Sewing.  

Year in Review

Well, I guess I will start with some stats.  In 2024, I focused on two things, sewing from the stash and no more polyester.  Let's start with what I managed to make this year.  There were a total of thirty-eight projects created this year.  

Aprons (one for moi, one was gifted)

Boy's shirt (gifted)

Caftan (for moi)

Cardigan (for moi)

Dresses (four were gifted, two for moi)

Foam block Covers (three, for moi)

Garment Bag (for moi)

Pajama Sets (two for moi)

Panties (six for moi)

Reusable Grocery Bags (eight for moi)

Skirts (three for moi)

Sweatpants (two for moi)

Table runner (for moi)

Tops (nine for moi, six were gifted)

Tuque (gifted)

Winter Coat (gifted)

Winter Jacket (for moi)

During the year, I used Vogue patterns eight times, Butterick patterns four times, Simplicity patterns seven times, McCall's patterns ten times, The Assembly Line once, Tessuti patterns twice, The Littlest Studio once, Closet Core patterns four times, Sew House Seven pattern twice and SD Patterns once.  

January

Top L to R:  French terry Sweatpants (Vogue 8909), cotton pullover tops (OOP Simplicity 2372), cotton flannel pajama set (Butterick 6296 and OOP Vogue 9217).  Bottom L to R:  cotton table runner (no pattern used) merino wool pullover top (Vogue 9330), cotton reusable grocery bags (OOP McCall's 4851), merino wool tuque (The Littlest Studio, free download).

The El Niño that started in the later part of 2023 continued into the new year.  Even though there were some winter ready pieces made this month, they didn't see much use this month.  It became one sad January for those of us hoping for snow to transform the region into a winter wonderland.  

February

Top L to R:  Cotton Tessuti apron (free downloadable pattern), cotton sateen dress (OOP Simplicity 2372).  Bottom L to R:  Cotton foam block cover and the first sewing blooper of 2024 (self-drafted without coffee), raw silk dress (OOP Simplicity 2372) and cotton foam block cover (self-drafted pattern).

Our local winter festival typically fills the landscape with snow sculptures, but this year with the winter heat wave and lack of snow, plans changed.  And then irony came into play and dumped snow the day after the festival closed.  

March

Top L to R:  Feather print cotton knit pajama set; top (Closet Core Ebony), cotton knit bottoms (OOP McCall's P349), cotton knit pink and gray floral knit t-shirt (Closet Core Ebony).  Bottom L to R:  Merino knit cardigan (OOP Kwik Sew 4192), cotton knit gray and white cotton knit t-shirt (Closet Core Ebony), cotton polka dot foam block cover (no pattern used).  

March came in, as the saying goes, like a lion and out like a lamb.  With the exception of an early March low pressure system, it didn't feel like we experienced winter at all.  

April

Clockwise L to R:  Cotton colour-blocked oversized sweatshirt (OOP Simplicity 8529), lined wool winter coat (OOP Vogue 8934), cotton tile print cotton pullover dress (Butterick 6784), cotton knit pull-on skirt (OOP Butterick 5790) and cotton chambray DVF wrap dress (Vogue 2000).  

Before mid-April came around any resemblance of snow had mostly disappeared.  Only gray mountain-like piles left by snow clearing trucks remain in shopping malls parking lots.  And tulips in flower beds tried to bloom.  

May

L to R:  Cotton French terry sweatpants (Vogue 8909) and colour-blocked cotton knit pullover dress (SD Patterns).  

It was a quiet month at the work table as yard work took up most of my free time.  

June

Top L to R:  Cotton sateen top (Closet Core Ebony), cotton caftan (McCall's 8516), cotton denim gardening apron (Tessuti apron).

Bottom L to R:  cotton white shirt (vintage Simplicity 7840), cotton blue and white butterfly print top (out-of-print Butterick 5891) and white cotton sateen pull-on skirt (The Assembly Line, S:403).  

Sewing, for the most part, was about making clothes that I hoped could be worn over the back brace.  And there was one gifted project as well.  

July

There was sewing this month, lots of slow hand sewing.  And lot of yardwork.  

August

Clockwise:  cotton patchworked garment cover (no pattern used), cotton panties (OOP Simplicity 8229) and reversible wool coat (OOP Vogue 2571)

You wouldn't know by the type of sewing projects completed this month that we're experiencing heat warnings this month.  I'm longing for cooler temperatures and the end of summer.  

September

Five more pairs of cotton knit panties (OOP Simplicity 8229).  

A few cooler days, lots of yardwork, and then the return of the hot summer temperatures.  

October

Top row, L to R:  Cotton French terry t-shirt to be worn under a scoliosis back brace (OOP Kwik Sew 2899), gray merino wool oversized pullover sweater (Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater), gray merino wool elastic waist maxi skirt (OOP Butterick 5790), four cotton reusable grocery bags (OOP McCall's 4851).  
Bottom row, L to R:  black cotton knit pullover top (OOP Simplicity 2372), black merino wool oversized pullover sweater (Sew House Seven Toaster sweater), yellow cotton French terry hoodie (OOP Butterick 5790).  

A snowless October and a break from yardwork allowed for some time at the sewing machine.  

November and December

No more sewing, this journey has come to an end as my reusable grocery bag collection is full, I have a full drawer of knickers and clothes that I need to lose some weight to make sure they are wearable.  My sewing life has been quite a ride, thank you for sharing this journey with me.  I have moved on to other things, most importantly and firstly prayer, exercising and maybe I will find the time to pick up a book or two and read along the way.  

Happy Sewing and New Year!  

October in Review

Sewing, Alterations and Mending

Top row, L to R:  yellow French cotton scoliosis undershirt (OOP Kwik Sew 2899), grey merino wool sweater set (toaster sweater by Sew House Seven and skirt OOP Butterick 5790), four reusable grocery bags (OOP McCall's 4851).  Bottom row:  black cotton knit pullover top (OOP Simplicity 2372), oversized black merino wool toaster sweater (Sew House Seven), yellow French terry pullover hoodie (OOP Butterick 5790).  

I made it back to the sewing machine this month and actually got to some projects I've wanted to get done for quite some time.  Grocery bags disappeared over the summer during the apple harvest.  It was time to replenish those bags that went missing.  Two items (black t-shirt and yellow hoodie) were gifted.  

One of my flannel pajama bottoms made it to the work table for repairs.  It might be time to start planning on sewing another pair as I've been fixing holes.  Sadly, the flannel fabric on these three-year old pajamas did not hold up well.   Refashioning wise, there were curtains and a tea towel that were used for the reusable grocery bags.  

Stash busting

Stash -busted this month:

• 8 metres fabric
• 2 sewing labels
• 1 meter elastic
• 0.4 metres of Knit 'N Stable tape
• 1 yoga band
• 1 metre of trim

Stash-busted totals for 2024:

• 73.5 metres fabric + scrap pieces patch-worked together to create new fabric yardages.
• 15.4 metres elastic
• 5 metres of knit binding / trim
• 8.6 metres interfacing
• 6 invisible zippers
• 2.4 metres Knit 'N Stable tape
• 7 metres trim
• 10 sewing labels
• 25 buttons
• 5 leather toggles
• 4.3 metres basting tape
• 5 spools of thread
• 1 yoga band

Total additions this year (nothing added this month):  

• 5 leather toggles
• 14 thread spools
• 11 sewing patterns
• 10--20 mm buttons
• 7.8 metres trim
• 15 metres fabric
• 1 second hand cover stitch machine

Happy Sewing!

Stash busting: Pullover Top / OOP Simplicity 2372

 

I've lost count how many times out-of-print (OOP) Simplicity 2372 has made it to the cutting table but here it is again.  This time, in a cotton knit that has been in the stash for longer than I can to count.  Nothing really new to report other than making another version.  It has the same changes as the previous version.  

• Center back an front were place on the fold eliminating any seams
• Sleeves were lengthened but still kept short.  

The fabric was previously pretreated with a tumble in the washing machine and dryer.  

Project details

Seams:  Knit (lightning bolt) stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  1.2 metres

Pattern:  OOP Simplicity 2372

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Cutting table, pins, pin cushion, fabric scissors, tailor's chalk, measuring tape, straight ruler, measuring gauge, Janome sewing machine, Janome Cover Pro machine, Janome serger, threads, thread clippers and decaf coffee.  

Happy Sewing!

Stash busting: OOP Simplicity 8229

I finally finished the batch of undies I started last month.  Life and a late summer cold turned this into a slow sewing project.   

Simplicity 8229 is a favourite and the go-to pattern for sewing panties around the work table.  Sadly, it is no longer available but it was mentioned over on Pattern Review that this pattern is similar.  Added bonus:  it's a free downloadable PDF pattern and since it's for panties, it won't eat up all the ink and paper at the printer.  

The fabric has been in the stash since the time when Mitchell Fabrics was open, pre-twenty seventeen.  You don't find cotton knit like this in the remaining fabric stores in the region.  It was a pleasure to sew and it's a comfortable knit to wear.  The picot elastic was found many moons ago at Marshall Fabrics but it's been years since I've been able to find picot elastic like this locally.  I'm grateful that I had the materials to make these panties and at the same time sad that it's getting harder to find these items.  

Project details

Seams:  Knit (lightening bolt) and zig-zag stitch

Seam finish:  Serged 

Fabric:  2.5 metres

Elastic:  7 metres

Pattern:  OOP Simplicity 8229

Additional Tools and Supplies:   Cutting table, fabric scissors, pins, pin cushion, tailor's chalk, Janome sewing machine, Janome serger, Janome CoverPro, threads, thread clippers and tea.  

Happy Sewing!  

New Batch of Undies: OOP Simplicity 8229

Simplicity 8229 is now an out-of-print (OOP) pattern.  If you can find it, it is one that I highly recommend.  I've made more than a few pairs of cotton panties for myself and others over the years using this pattern.  It is my absolute go-to and trusted pattern for this project.  

The fabric and elastic are pulled from the stash.  The fabric is a light yellow cotton knit from the now closed Mitchell Fabrics.  The blue picot elastic was sourced from Marshall / Northwest Fabrics many years ago.  

This is the first pair of a batch that I plan to make.  On that note, I should get back to work.  

Project details

Seams:  Knit / Lightening bolt stitch

Seam finish:  Overlock and Cover stitch

Fabric:  0.5 metres (95% cotton, 5% spandex)

Elastic:  2.4 metres

Pattern:  OOP Simplicity 8229

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, fabric scissors, pins, wrist pin cushion, Janome sewing machine, walking foot, Janome coverpro, Janome serger, threads, thread clippers, iron, ironing board and tea.  

Happy Sewing!