Copy Cat San Francisco Baby Nursing Cover

This project is a request that recently came across the worktable, a baby nursing cover.  From the photo I was sent, I would be guessing at the details but thankfully there were more clues to be found within the advertisement.  

It is listed as 100 x 70 cm and it basically looks like an oversized rectangular shaped apron.  Sounds easy enough.  I had a piece of 100% cotton French terry leftover from these tops that fit the bill.  There was even enough to cut straps.  And the best part is that this piece was previously pretreated with a tumble in the washing machine and dryer.  I was all set to get to work.  

At first, I really didn't get the appeal of this project.  The frugal part of my brain thought why not just use a bath towel or blanket to cover up during breast feeding?  But it's the interior details that I started to "get it."  Yes, having those interior pockets can be helpful for having easy access to a burping cloth or soother for after the baby is fed.  

Sewing IS Political

This is another Canadian 🍁 made but sadly not a tariff free sewing project.  I've been trying hard not to avoid American products that could contribute to the convicted felon's economy or tax dodging oligarch's companies.  This is the first project this year that I purchased an American product to complete a sewing project.  

This project was finished with Tailor™ magnetic fasteners.  The package states that it's imported by Rose E Dee International Ltd. and was made in China.  Packaging information can hide some information from consumers but a little online research reveals that Tailor brand sewing notions are indeed an American company, founded in 1907 by professional tailor Frank Wawak.  Since these snaps are made of metal this project was impacted the tariff war.  I could have found a less expensive alternative to these snaps but I was considering the ease that these could provide while breast feeding.  I do like the product, I just don't like the tariffs and if it weren't for a gift project, I would have forgone this notion at this time.  

The fabric has been in the stash for quite some time and was originally found at Marshall Fabrics, a western Canadian fabric outlet.  The threads used on the sewing machine and serger were pulled from the stash and included some Coats and Clark threads that I'm trying to clear out of the stash.    

Project details

Seams:  Knit (lightening bolt) stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Label:  "Made with Love" by KATM

Snaps:  2--25 mm magnetic 

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, ruler, measuring tape, measuring gauge, fabric scissors, pins, pin cushions, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, Janome AirThread 2000D serger, threads, thread clippers, Jean-a-ma-jig™, iron, ironing board, hand sewing needle, tailor's wax, computer research, chai latte and coffee.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.   

Cork Eyeglass Case: Sew Sweetness

There was some small pieces of cork scraps hanging around from the cork handbags I made last year. Enough yardage to make an eyeglass case for my sunglasses.  

I used the Sew Sweetness Cork Eyeglass Case pattern.  I did make a small change, cutting two of each pattern piece instead of the one layer called for in the video. This one is now lined with cork fabric.   

I used a snap for the closure and stitched it with denim thread.  It was a quick and easy project.  

The Stats

Fabric:  36 cm x 25 cm piece

Snap:  1 pearl snap

Pattern:  Sew Sweetness Cork Eyeglass Case (free PDF pattern)

Additional Tools & Supplies:  Cutting table, Clover Iron-on Transfer Pencil, scissors, basting tape, sewing machine, denim sewing machine needle, thread, walking foot, zipper foot (for sewing the edge near the snap), Klikit (for attaching the snap) and hammer.  

Stay Safe, Be Kind and Happy Sewing!  

Fabric Covered Snaps

I have a RTW jacket in my wardrobe that has fabric covered snaps. I love the look of these even though they are mostly unseen. If I do wear my jacket open, I think the look of fabric covered snaps is quite smart looking. I think these are worth the extra work.  

And they are easy to do! You'll need snaps, fabric scraps, wax, thread, and a needle. Cut the fabric into circles bigger than the snap you plan to use. It is recommended to make the size of your fabric circles double the diameter of your snap.  

I start with the side of the snap that has the piece sticking out. I fold my circle in half and with my small scissors I clip a small hole in the centre. Now, I'm ready to stitch along the inside edge of the circle with short basting stitches. The thread is knotted when I start but I do not finish with the same way.  

With the loose end of your thread, pull slightly to achieve a bowl shape.  

Drop your snap piece into the bowl shape and push the extending piece of the snap into the small hole. 

Now,  you can pull the thread further so that it bunches on the other side. 

To finish this off stitch from side-to-side so that the bunched fabric sits smoothly down. Repeat for the other side, omitting the centre clipping. I find that you can either just push the other snap end into the covered opening or stab it with one end of your little scissor.  

Happy Sewing!  

Butterick 6056

Stash busing 2015:  Front Buttoned Snapped Top

Fabric:             2 metres of silk noir @ $22.37 ($9.90/metre @ 70% off + taxes)

Interfacing:    1 metre of fusible interfacing @ $4.57 ($4.00/metre + taxes)

Pattern:            Butterick 6056 @ $10.14 ($17.95 - 50% off + taxes)

Buttons:           four buttons snaps from my stash 67¢ ($1.19 - 50% off + taxes)

Sewn on:         Janome 4120 QDC, I used the blind hem foot for the sleeve hem finish.  

Seam finish:    Serged on Janome MyLock 234D.  

Where to begin?

Let's start with the pattern, Butterick 6056 is a recent addition to my pattern stash. I picked it up in hope of copying a sweater that I have and wear quite often. I decided to muslin the pattern with a small piece of silk that has been sitting around in my stash for an awful long time.  

I'm thrilled with how it finally turned out but there were issues along the way.

First, I do like the trapeze style, not so much a fan of the super low neckline. The first thing I did was raise the neckline by four and a quarter inches. Yeah, 4 1/4" and that wasn't a typo. Then I lengthen the hemline on view C by two inches.

I cut a size medium but I think I could have easily gone with a size x-small with how wide it sits on the shoulders and across the back. The armhole seam drooped over my shoulder so I had to go back and take it in around the cap. I also took in the centre back another five-eighths of an inch. These changes helped with fixing the sad and droopy shoulders/armhole seams.

And then there were the sleeves. I shortened them significantly so that I would end up with a three-quarter length sleeve and left off the tabs. I will note that this pattern has very wide armholes. If you plan on making this as a sleeveless top or tunic be prepared to wear a t-shirt or camisole underneath.

After all the tweaking, I'm happy with how it has turned out. At this stage I'm trying to decide on buttons or snaps.

Since I decided to omit the topstitching and went with an invisible hem on the sleeves I thought that I would continue along that line and go with the fabric covered snaps. I covered the snaps using the same fabric as the top.

The fabric has been in my stash for quite some time--a long time. It has been pre-washed and waiting to be made into something for quite some time but whenever I decided on a project I would find that I was just short on the fabric. It is nice to finally stash-bust this bit of fabric.

How does it compare?

RTW Version:  Paper Lace Trapeze Top.  This RTW version only has a silk contrast with the fashion fabric listed as polyamide, viscose, elastane and polyester.

Retail priced at $450.00 / Sale price $315.00

My 100% Silk Version:  $37.75

Happy Sewing!