Pullover Top: OOP Butterick 5561

I've made a few versions of out-of-print (OOP) Butterick 5561 over the last decade.  Most were gifted and there is only one currently in the wardrobe.  It fits over the brace so I thought I would revisit this pattern.  

This is the latest version.  Yes, a floral print for spring.  Actually, it was the egg shell blue colour that drew me to this print.  

The fabric is a lovely cotton fabric that reminds me of a Liberty cotton print.  It's not a Liberty cotton.  I found this in the quilting side of the local Fabricland.  It's not a stiff quilting cotton.  It's actually quite lovely both in the print and texture.  I picked up the last two metres just because I was seduced by the colour, print and feel of the fabric.  Oh and it was on sale.  That helped too.  But I digress.  The fabric was pre-treated with a tumble through the wash cycle and dryer before hitting the ironing board for a steam press.  It did have a shrinkage rate of about five percent.  Thankfully, with shortening the sleeve length, there was enough yardage of this 114 cm fabric to make this top.  The pattern calls for 2.4 metres.  

Sewing IS Political

This is another Canadian made and tariff free project.  This current copy of OOP Butterick 5561 recently came from a Canadian reseller.  The original copy I had of this pattern is lost.  The fabric and interfacing came from Fabricland, a Canadian fabric outlet.  The paper and fabric scissors used to cut this project were made in Tiawan and purchased at Fabricland.  The cotton Gutermann threads used in the serger were made in Greece and the silk thread used in the sewing machine were Swiss made.  The cotton threads were purchased from Marshall Fabrics and the silk thread came from Fabricland, both are Canadian fabric outlets.  

Project details

Seams:  2.8 straight stitch

Seam finish:  Serged

Fabric:  2 metres (115 cm wide)

Interfacing:  0.4 metres

Pattern:  OOP Butterick 5561, circa 2010

Additional Tools and Supplies:  cutting table, paper scissors, fabric scissors, pins, wrist pin cushion, measuring tape, ruler, tailor's chalk, canned air, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, iron, ironing board, Janome AirThread 2000D serger, threads, thread clippers, tweezers, hand sewing needle, tailor's wax, sleeve ham, heat pad, many breaks and tea.  

Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.  

Troubleshooting Thursdays: Machine Won't Stitch Properly

There are a few things that we can check first if our machines won't stitch properly before throwing in the piece of fabric and taking the machine into the repair shop. 

1.  Stitches are loose  

If your sewing machine is producing loose stitches this indicates a tension problem. It is best to search your sewing machine instruction book for adjusting the tensions to correct this issue. Can't find your sewing machine manual? The Ultimate Manuals Library is a great resource to check out.  

2.  Stitch length is erratic

This situation occurs when the feed dog is not at the right height and a presser bar adjustment may also be needed.  It is best to refer to your sewing machine manual for the adjustments on your feed dog and / or presser bar.  

3.  Stitches are ragged

This situation is likely to occur when you're using two different sizes / weights of thread in the upper thread path and the bobbin area.  Generally speaking, it is best to use the same thread in the bobbin as on the spool and avoid mixing different threads. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule such as when you're doing machine shirring or embroidery.  

4.  Thread loops on bottom

When your thread loops on the bottom it can indicate one of two problems.  First thing to check out is your sewing machine needle.  If the point of the needle is blunt that could be your problem and it's easily fixed by changing the needle.  If you checked and change the needle and are still experiencing the issue, it could be the tension.  Refer to number one.  

5.  Frayed stitches

When frayed stitching occurs this indicates that the machine needs to be cleaned of all the lint in the lower bobbin assembly area.  

6.  Zig-zag stitches are uneven

Uneven zig-zag stitches again indicates a tension issue that needs to be addressed.  Refer to number one and check your sewing machine manual for these adjustments.  

More Troubleshooting Thursday posts:  

Sewing machine motor doesn't run

Motor runs, machine doesn't

Machine won't feed fabric through

Broken needles

Skipped stitches

Puckered stitches

Broken upper sewing machine thread

Broken lower sewing machine thread

Happy Sewing!

I Love Ferrero Rocher

Ferrero Rocher, those little hazelnut chocolates, love 'em. I love them because they are packaged in those little plastic boxes that happen to be perfect for storing my threads. 

I don't know why I didn't think about this earlier!  

I love the idea that my threads won't get all tangled up and ~gasp!~ I can see what colours I have without digging through the thread drawer!  

Now, isn't this such a delicious idea?  

Happy Sewing!  

In Sewing News Today...

Did you see the latest issue of Threads?

It is the "Best of Threads Fitting!" I've only had this magazine in my hot little hands less than a day but I'm giddy beyond belief with an article on the "Best-fitting Pants--EVER!"

It shows you how to draft your own pant pattern using your measurements. A well-fitting pair of pants has been a challenge in the past. It would be nice to master that sewing challenge.

And there are other articles and tips too. I haven't been this excited about a sewing magazine issue ever.

Well, onto other sewing news...

My brother's shirt is still sitting on my sewing table. At my sewing machine is a pair of curtains for Mama R. How did I manage to have a pair of curtains at my sewing machine after this post? Oh yeah, family.  There is another set of curtains that she wants after I finish the set sitting at my sewing machine.

Anyway, there is lots of work to be done, sew I better get cracking if I want to find some time to read more pages of Threads...

Happy Sewing!

On the Fourth Day of Give aways...

On the Fourth Day of Christmas Give aways

This blog sent to Winner #1

Quarter inch elastic

Three spools of thread

Two yards of polar fleece 

and

A collection of winter hat patterns

On the Third Day of Give aways...

On the Third Day of Christmas Give aways

This blog sent to Winner #1

Three spools of thread

Two yards of polar fleece 

and

A collection of winter hat patterns

Skirts and Hemlines... oh my!

Photo from becomegoreous.com
Clements Ribiero Dress

So sew for the past few seasons short skirts and dresses have graced the runways.  But there is a new skirt trend for Spring/Summer 2011... the midi-length.  Oh my!  Does this mean it is time for a wardrobe renovation?

Photo from becomegoreous.com
Suno

Vogue 8637 Marcy Tilton

Vogue 1248
Andrea Katz Objects

Vogue patterns have been right on top of the trend with some new additions for the spring/
summer 2011 catalogue.



The AKO skirt, Vogue 1248, has some interesting details with the shirt sleeve belt tied in a bow and the oversized gathered pockets but the length is what rocks this look!

Vogue 8737

And Marcy Tilton's midi-length skirt, Vogue 8637, has front draping details.

Vogue 8737 made it into my collection of new patterns because of the tee-shirt, but I have to admit that I find the midi-length skirt intriguing.

But what is a gal to do if they don't want to part with a fav and still want to look fashionably fabulous?  

You might want to pick up the latest issue of threads.

Barbara Emadi wrote an informative article and tutorial on how to extend your current wardrobe and sewing patterns to fit into the new hemline trends.

Although I'm not a fan of the contrasting insert near the hemline because of my petite stature and wanting to create a lean taller appearance, Emadi does offer a creative solution to incorporating the new midi-look.

It is worth a read, I will admit that I do like the look of the polka-dot skirt with the curvy extension Emodi added to Butterick 5391. To me, it screams retro rick-rack ribbon trim chic.