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

January in Review

Sewing, Mending and Alterations

Top L to R:  beige bamboo, cotton and spandex French terry sweatpants (Vogue 8909), two black cotton pullover tops (OOP Simplicity 2372), cotton flannel pajama top (Butterick 6296), cotton flannel pajama pants (OOP Vogue 9217).  
Bottom row L to R:  cotton floral table runner (no pattern used), merino wool pullover top (Vogue 9330), four cotton reusable grocery bags (OOP McCall's 4851), merino wool tuque (The Littlest Studio).

The year didn't really start off with any big sewing plans or goals.  Basically, it was just clearing off projects that were previously cut a few months ago while waiting for the serger to be repaired and stash busting some left-over fabrics from previous projects.  

This month's mending and alteration projects focused on bedding and pockets.  There were a couple of fitted sheets that required new elastic in the corners.  The patchwork quilt (I use that term loosely, I'm not a quilter) needed more patching.  And a flat flannel sheet had some fabric added to the length so that it could be securely tucked into place when making the bed.  I do believe there was some shrinkage of the flannel sheet over the years.  This skirt ended up back at the worktable.  This time, it needed to be taken in and re-hemmed after some weight loss.  And a flannel pajama top ended up on the table for the addition of pockets.  A couple of house dresses also ended up on my worktable with a request to add patch pockets.   

2024 Challenge

Inspired by Fashion Revolution's campaign to pledge "to buy #NoMorePolyester in 2024," I decided to try and apply this pledge to my 2024 sewing journey.  

We are living in the age of polyester.  You might think of the nineteen seventies as the golden age of polyester.  But a walk down the fabric or clothing store aisles or online shop would prove otherwise.  

1975 JC Penny catalogue image, the golden age of polyester?  

There is no escaping it!  Or is there?  Can I avoid sewing with polyester for a whole year?  What about thread?  I will admit there is still polyester fabrics and threads lingering in my stash.  And a polyester dress did hit the worktable for the addition of pockets.  

No new projects were sewn with polyester fabric.  Oh wait!  There were those sweatpants that contain 5% spandex.  And spandex is a synthetic material.  Can I call that a win?  No, not yet.  I can't say I managed to 100% avoid polyester, there was also some polyester in some of the serger thread, interfacing, elastic and Knit 'N Stable tape used this month.  This stuff is everywhere!  There are eleven more months to go and try to do better.  In the meantime, what to do with the lingering poly fabric still in the stash?  

Stash busted and Additions

Here are January's stash busted statistics:  

• 13 metres of fabric
• 2 metres of Knit 'N Stable tape
• 6 metres of trim
• Patterns:  5 TNT and 2 new
• 1.6 metres interfacing
• 3 sewing labels
• 4 buttons
• 2 metres of elastic
• 8 spools of thread

Added to the stash:

• 7.8 metres of cotton trim
• 4 patterns:  Vogue 8909, Merchant and Mills Trapeze dress, OOP Burda Style 7489 and OOP McCall's 7557.
• 5 spools of cotton thread

What's Next?  

There has been some sewing related day-dreaming in the workspace.  

Top Row L to R:  Reversible hooded winter jacket (OOP Vogue 2571), hood (OOP Vogue 2793) and sweatpants (Vogue 8909).  Pullover dress (SD patterns), shirt (Joker by OkiStyle), and the Trapeze dress (Merchant and Mills).  Third row:  pants and shorts (Closet Core pattern), Toaster sweater (Sew House Seven) and pullover top (Burda 7489).

Vogue 8909 sweatpants could be checked off from this wish list but I also wouldn't mind another pair for running errands in.  The Joker shirt pattern might come off the list as it will be too fitted to wear over a brace but it has also been on my sewing bucket list for years.  I made Burda 7489 many moons ago (2011) and I wouldn't mind re-visiting this pattern after finding another copy on eBay.  

Before I can get to this wish-list, I have other projects for other people to work on.  I guess we'll see what next month has in store.   

Happy Sewing!  

Me Made May vs Me Made Everyday

The one thing about celebrating the creative process during Me-Made-May is that it's only one month out of twelve.  And I wear my me-made clothes year round.  That means by the time May rolls around, most of my winter clothes are being packed away, sight unseen.  And May is too cool (sometimes it snows) for hot-summer type clothing.  So this Me-Made-May (MMM) I'm looking at things a bit differently with some items that you wouldn't necessarily see me wear during the month of May in hopes to reflect upon and adjust where needed for all seasons

My Winter Me-Made Go-to Pieces

Top L to R:  Green wool coat, OOP Vogue 8934 (circa 2018); black wool scarf, no pattern used (circa 2022); flannel pajama set, Butterick 6296 and OOP Vogue 9217 (circa 2022); black Rachel Comey skirt (worn before the cast [WBC]), OOP Vogue 1247 (circa 2020); cotton shirt (WBC), Vogue 1678 (circa 2020); wool pull-on pants, OOP Butterick 6717 (circa 2022); pull-over knit top, OOP and vintage Vogue 2925 (circa 2022); flannel pajama set, Butterick 6296 and OOP Vogue 9217 (circa 2018); plaid wool pull-on pants, OOP Butterick 6717 (circa 2022); plaid wool scarf, no pattern used (circa 2022); merino wool cardigan sweater, OOP Kwik Sew 4192 (circa 2022); merino wool turtleneck dress, OOP Vogue 8939 (circa 2021); long cardigan, Butterick 6495 (circa 2019); cotton shirtdress (WBC), OOP McCall's 7546, Vogue 1503 and 8934 (circa 2019); cotton bathrobe, OOP Simplicity 7417 (circa 2019); a whole collection of cotton panties, Simplicity 8229 (circa 2017--2020); pink and brown horse print knit pull-over top (WBC), Simplicity 8529 (circa 2022); cotton knit elastic waisted skirt, OOP and vintage Butterick 5790 (circa 2022).  

Top L to Right:  Blue hoodie (WBC), OOP Butterick 6253 (circa 2015), wool pants, OOP Vogue 1325 (circa 2021); white cotton shirt (WBC), McCall's 7904 (circa 2019); black elastic waist knit skirt (WBC), OOP Vogue 1730 (circa 2020); green cotton tulip dress, The Assembly Line (circa 2020); black and white cotton top, OOP Butterick 5891 (circa 2020); black linen pull-on pants, OOP Vogue 1642 (circa 2020); white cotton piqué pajama set, Butterick 6296 and OOP Vogue 9217 (circa 2020); reversible apron, OOP Butterick 5263 (circa 2011); striped cotton wrap/shirt dress, OOP Simplicity 8687 (circa 2018); boiled wool waterfall coat, OOP Butterick 6244 (circa 2020); knit pull-over Ebony dress (WBC), Closet Core (circa 2020), wool hat, The Littlest Studio (circa 2020); cotton knit turtleneck dress (WBC), OOP and vintage Burda 8848 (circa 2021); gray, black and white printed cotton tulip dress, The Assembly Line (circa 2021); reversible jacket, OOP and vintage McCall's 2495 (circa 2021); white pullover sweatshirt (WBC), OOP New Look 6107 (circa 2015); cotton pajama set, Butterick 6296 and OOP Vogue 9217 (circa 2021); wool shirtdress (WBC), OOP McCall's 7546, Vogue 1503 and 8934 (circa 2018).

It's been a few years of reflection during MMM and with that there has been a lot of changes.  First, this year, I had to find me-made clothes that could fit over a cast.  That knocked out some of my favourite winter weather pieces from the list because the sleeves were too narrow to be worn.  And I'm not as flexible as I once was in my youth.  Zippers and buttons are often passed over in favour of pull-on or pull-over styles.  Even my fabric preferences have changed partly due to lifestyle and the search for comfort, I've developed a fondness for knits.  Now, if I can just find that perfect t-shirt pattern with enough ease around the mid-section and get rid of this cast, I will be all set to get back to making those sewing dreams come true.  

So, the MMM challenge will be to re-think my me-made items into something more suited to this stage in my life.  Perhaps, more refashioning than actual start-to-finish new sewing projects.  

Happy Sewing!

2020 in Review

January

From these items, there are currently three items found in my wardrobe.  The hankerchiefs, butterfly print and black silk scarfs were gifted. The floral dress was worn and loved for about eight months until it was lent and not returned.  Win some and lose some.  There were plans to replace this dress since the fit is lovely.  The denim shirtdress is another favourite make.  

February

February was all about a journey to find my ideal white shirt.  This was before the pandemic changed my idea of what I want to wear and my body shape.  The white pin-tucked shirt is currently packed away waiting for my pre-pandemic shape to return.  

March

March was about sewing for others and a basic black skirt sneaked in there for moi.  

April

As reality of pandemic life settled and changed our everyday life, face mask sewing over took the sewing space.  These were all gifted to others.  

Before personal shopping bags were banned from grocery retailers early on in the pandemic, I made a set.  And of course, getting dressed meant having a day time pajama set or two.  More gifted masks and one for moi.  

April was the start of a lot of charity sewing,  face masks for others and scrub caps for a nurses at an Ontario care home.  And there were re-useable Swiffer pads and one more piece of sleepwear.  

May

May continued with face masks and scrub caps to be gifted along with a cotton and silk blend slip.  I crossed off sewing a woven brassier from my sewing bucket list.  And as the novelty of wearing pajamas day and night wore off, a few dresses were added to the wardrobe to address the pandemic pounds that crept on this year.  

June

June was a mix of gift, charity and selfish sewing.  I tried out a Burda Petite pattern for what I hoped could be a car coat but it wasn't petite sized enough.  The white and black shirt was to replace a similar shirt that was damaged.  And the cork eye glass case is a much used item this year.  

Slips and scrub caps for others.  Linen pants for my changing body shape and soccer face mask to ease the sadness that the Euro Cup was postponed until next year.  

July

July wasn't a fun month for sewing.  I injured myself when trying to modify the pattern while taping and redrawing pattern lines on the floor before trying to find a table large enough to safely cut out the fabric.  Where the project didn't succeed in breaking my back it did break my heart as time ran out before the project could be completed.  By the time I had the fabrics needed to complete the project (it would be a couple of months before it would arrive), I couldn't get access to the location where I could use a tabled area to cut out the fabric.  It will be the project that messed with my heart and all the joy I felt for sewing.  

The projects that I did manage to make in July are my least favoured, I made the dress because I wasn't able to fit into my summer wardrobe from last year and the top felt more comfortable as a jacket.  Pandemic pounds are starting to bum me out.    

August

While waiting for fabric for the cloak pattern to be decided on, I spent most of my time sewing for others and watching the pandemic news hoping and praying that the local government would mandate face masks in schools.  I crossed off jeans from my sewing bucket list and tried to make my own medical device.  

What I thought would be the last of the scrub caps sent to the care home in Ontario. 

September

The beginning of September was void of cloak fabric and cooling temperatures dictated a need for something warm to wear.  There was a baby outfit cut out as I waited for fabric to be decided on and purchased, it's still hanging out on the unfinished pile.  Fabric for the cloak finally arrived around mid-September but not with appropriate lining fabric added to this, difficulty in the arrangement for a spot with tables large enough to cut out the fabric.  I returned to work at this time as well, making time to cut and sew an added challenge. Tragically, time ran out and I was asked to return the fashion fabric so that someone else to take on this task.  This project crushed me, it broke my heart.  I lost my desire to sew and my desire to to look at my sewing equipment.  I gave away one of my sewing machines.  I couldn't imagine ever wanting to sew again.  

October

Around mid-October, a heart-breaking comment by Rocky Delahunty appeared that spoke of incredible strength and the power of sewing.  I must have read and re-read that comment what felt like a million times before I made my way to unpack and set up the sewing machine by the end of the month.  

November

November's sewing ended up being all about work related needs.  The need for work appropriate clothing that fit while I try to loose weight.  And after success with a new face mask pattern, I made more and gifted a majority of these to school staff who have to wear glasses.  

December

 

December my sewing mojo had not yet returned full swing although it did start to emerge along with another request for more scrub caps. It felt like just a final push to get some requested items done and off the sewing table but this time I learned how to pace myself and take a break when needed. With the exception of the cardigan and one of the black tuques, all of the December makes (plus one more face mask not shown here) have been gifted with some on route to other parts of the country. And there you have it, this year's sewing story.  

This year I have managed to de-stash: 

• 164 metres fabric 
• 1 refashioned sweater
• 1 refashioned sock
• 1 sewing machine
• 2 sewing books
• 1 tomato pin cushion
• 1 package of tailor's chalk
• 4 packages of sewing needles
• 2.7 metres basting tape
• 13.94 metres elastic
• 4 invisible zippers
• 2 jean zippers
• 11.45 metres fusible interfacing
• 34 metres Knit 'N Stable tape
• 28 cord stoppers
• 72.9 metres twill tape / ribbon
• 34.75 metres bias tape (seam binding)
• 1 shoe laces
• 2 metal hook and eye
• 76 buttons
• 4 snaps
• 4.1 metres cord
• 4 labels

So, the question remains... How did I do on my 2020 goals that I set out at the end of 2019?  

1.  Patterns.  I had a goal use the patterns I have and not add anymore to the stash.  There were sixteen patterns added to the stash in 2020.  My bad.  

2.  Charity Sewing.  I can proudly check this one off as complete.  

3.  Explore Cost Saving Tips.  Okay, that fell to the sidelines.  Maybe in 2021?  

4.  Sewing from the stash.  I did happen to add to the stash mostly notions for making face masks otherwise I did sew from the stash.  

5.  Avoid the trappings of trend watching.  Well, the only fashion trend I fell for this year was face masks and I don't regret that at all.  

Stay Safe, Happy Sewing and Wishing you all Health and Joyful times in the New Year!

My Sewing Top Fives: Reflections & Goals

As the end of another year is quickly approaching with the traditional look back and reflect on the good, bad and the ugly from the sewing table in order to do better next year.  So here goes:

1.  Patterns:  

I will admit when there is a new release that comes out from one of the pattern companies I can't resist to take a look.  With the exception of the 2019 Fall Vogue line and discovering The Assembly Line's Tulip dress pattern, I wasn't really all that tempted by many of the new patterns.  I did pick up some patterns used for gift / charity projects and a few second-hand / vintage finds.  Reflecting back on 2019 most of my sewing projects were re-visited or mix-and-matched patterns and pattern pieces.  I honestly can do without any more additions to the pattern stash.  And I was most proud of the projects that came about by mixing favourite elements of various patterns.  So, that's a goal for 2020, no more patterns, I'm just going to be creative with the ones I have here.  Who knows I might even be tempted to draft my own based on vintage clothing details that I admire.  

2.  Sewing Projects:  

In 2019, there was quite a bit of Charity and Gift sewing.  A total of 37 items fell into this category and I found this type of sewing to be extremely rewarding.  One of my 2020 goals will be to continue to explore how I can give back to my community through sewing.

3.  Sewing IS Getting CRAZY Expensive:  

I was shocked to find Burda tracing paper priced at $24.99 Cdn + taxes at Fabricland.  That's just insane.  Even if you use a membership card that you have to pay a $25.00 annual membership to get a 20% members discount.  It's still insanely priced.  And it's not just tracing paper, it makes me feel sad to think about anyone starting out in sewing and has the desire to learn.  So, that being said in 2020 on the blog I would like to explore cost effective ways of sewing without sacrificing quality.

4.  Sewing From the Stash:  

In 2019, 23% of the fabrics used for the projects made were purchased during the year, 77% were from the stash and it felt great de-stashing. Another goal is to de-stash further by using 100% of materials from the stash, including fabrics used for interfacing and underlining to de-stashing notions.  I plan to go as far as redesigning a closure if I don't have the right zipper or buttons in the stash.

5.  The Trapping of Trend Watching:  

2019 was the year that I fell for the trapping of trend watching.  I should know better at this age that it will only lead to craziness in the sewing room.  Sure, Meghan Markle looked absolutely chic in that trench dress.  And I should have just admired it from afar instead of trying to create the look only to try to save it by refashioning the project into a skirt.  So that's my final goal for  2020, be mindful of what shapes fit my petite and unique shape and sometimes trends are meant to be a cultural and political statement that don't fit my own.

Well, that's all I have to say from this little corner of the sewing world.  I wish you and yours a blessed and happy New Year!  And raise a glass to a productive and joyful sewing journey in the upcoming year!

Happy Sewing!  

The Year in Review...

January:

Top L to R:  Reversible Little Girl's dress, out-of-print (OOP) Vogue 1455.  Striped men's shirt, McCall's 2447.  Terry bathrobe and tie belt, OOP Simplicity 7417, Blue men's shirt, McCall's 2447

January's Gift / Charity Projects:  3
Total Gift / Charity Projects:  3

January's Personal Clothing Projects:  1
Total Personal Clothing:  1

Out of all my years of sewing under my belt, I started the year with learning a new-to-me technique, the couture method of sewing a shirt yoke.  I haven't looked back since.  Most of the sewing this month was gifted items with the exception of a robe for myself.   

February:

Cork handbag, McCall's 7851

February's Gift / Charity Projects:  0
Annual Gift / Charity Projects:  3

February's Personal Clothing:  1
Annual Personal Clothing:  2

This month was about discovering a new-to-me fabric, cork.  Who knew it would be so easy to sew?  This project was my most-complimented and requested item.  It became the first of four that I would make this year.  

March:  

L to Right:  Cotton sateen dress, Burda Style 6321.  Long cardigan, Butterick 6495.

March's Gift / Charity Projects:  0
Annual Total Gift / Charity Projects:  3

March's Personal Clothing:  2
Annual Personal Clothing:  4

This month I learned that I'm should just stick to the basics and classics.  That dress although on trend at this time was an epic fail on my body shape.  The cardigan was a win.  

April:

L to R:  Pullover cotton sweatshirt fleece, Simplicity 8529.  Upcycled Burda Style 6321 because the style didn't work.  Another cork handbag, McCall's 7851.

April's Gift / Charity Projects:  1
Total Gift / Charity Projects:  4

April's Personal Clothing Projects:  1
Total Personal Clothing Projects:  5
Upcycling / Refashion Projects:  1

This month I tried to upcycle that dress and refashioned it into a skirt.  The top was a way to use up a remnant piece from last month's project and sewing for others.  

May:  

L to R:  White cotton shirt, McCall's 7904.  Winnipeg Jets shirt, McCall's 6548.  Pajama top, Butterick 6296.  

May's Gift / Charity Projects:  1
Total Gift / Charity Projects:  5

May's Personal Clothing:  2
Total Personal Clothing:  7
Upcycling / Refashion Projects:  1

This month was all about sewing tops.


June:

Coat, Vogue 9367; Boy's Shirt, Burda 9794 and Men's Shirt, McCall's 2447

June's Gift / Charity Projects:  2
Total Gift / Charity Projects:  7

June's Personal Clothing:  1
Total Personal Clothing:  8
Upcycling / Refashion Projects:  1

I finally added a spring coat to my wardrobe, it might seem a little late, but surprisingly with all the rain, I actually got to wear it this summer.

July:  

Cork purse, McCall's 7851; Linen Slip, OOP Simplicity 6851 and Cotton Sateen Skirt, OOP Vogue 1247

July's Gift / Charity Projects:  2
Total Gift / Charity Projects:  9

July's Personal Clothing:  1
Total Personal Clothing:  9
Total Upcycled / Refashion Projects:  1

Really enjoyed sewing with these natural fibres.

August:

Laptop cover, no pattern used; Striped Linen Pants, Vogue 1642; Wool Pants, Vogue 1642; Reusable Produce Bags, no pattern used; Red Cardigan, Butterick 6495; Boy's Sweatshirt, McCall's 6548; Linen Slip, OOP Simplicity 6851; Cork Handbag, McCall's 7851 and Linen Tea Towels, no pattern used.  

August's Gift / Charity projects:  15

Total Gift / Charity projects:  24

August's Personal clothing:  3

Total Personal clothing:  12

Total Upcycled / Refashioned projects:  1

The produce bags are the most used item of 2019.  

September:  

Boy's Shirt, Vintage OOP Simplicity 4166; Floral Pullover Topper, Vogue 1642; Polyester Cable motif Turtleneck, OOP Vogue 8939; Men's Shirt, Vogue 8889 and Wool pants, Vogue 1642.

September's Gift / Charity projects:  2

Total Gift / Charity projects:  26

September's Personal clothing:  3

Total Personal clothing:  15

Total Upcycled / Refashioned projects:  1

This month saw a few sewing fails at the sewing machine.  

October:  

Floral Robe / Housecoat, Vintage OOP Simplicity 6851; refashioned dress; Polyester Pull-on Skirt, OOP Vogue 5790; Cotton Knit Turtleneck Dress, OOP Vogue 8939 and Boy's Pants, Vintage OOP McCall's 8548

October's Gift / Charity projects:  2

Total Gift / Charity projects:  28

October's Personal clothing:  2

Total Personal clothing:  17

Total Upcycled / Refashioned projects:  2

This month's sewing was all about cozy things.  

November:  

Shirtdress, combination of Vogue 8934, McCall's 7546 and Vogue 1503; NHL Hockey Microwave Cozy, no pattern used; Wool Hat, OOP Vogue 8966

November's Gift / Charity projects:  1

Total Gift / Charity projects:  29

Refashioned project

November's Personal clothing:  2

Total Personal clothing:  19

Total Upcycled / Refashioned projects:  3

Not really sure what to say about this month's sewing, just filling some needs.  

December:

Cotton Panties, Simplicity 8229; Men's Shirt, McCall's 2447; Boy's Pajama Top, combination of vintage OOP McCall's 8548 and McCall's 6548; Boy's Pajama Bottoms, vintage OOP McCall's 8548; Men's Pajama Set, vintage OOP Kwik Sew 1415

December's Gift / Charity projects:  8

Total Gift / Charity projects:  37

December's Personal clothing:  3

Total Personal clothing:  22

Total Upcycled / Refashioned projects:  3

Nothing says Christmas like pajamas and undies, right?  

So there you have it, most of my sewing this year were charity and gift projects.  The sewing that I did for myself were basics, nothing fancy.  I didn't really do anything too challenging or outside my comfort zone.  What 2020 will hold, time will tell.  Maybe, I'll finally get around to working on a toile for a new pair of jeans?  

Happy Sewing!

Day 9: Me-Made-May '19

Fifty-six percent me-made items were worn today (5 out of 9).  

The skirt was recently modified from it's original state as a dress (Burda Style 6321). Sometimes sewing projects don't work out as expected. I really like the fabric and wanted to try to save it. It's a cotton sateen with a bit of stretch.  And the colour just makes me so happy.  Frank is right about orange. And today was a day that I really wanted some colour.  

This shirt (Vogue 1503) is one of my favourite makes. It's made out of a mystery fabric that was labelled as a wool at the fabric store but it doesn't wear like a wool. I'm not quite sure what it is really.  

Other me-made clothing worn today were knickers (Simplicity 8228), cork handbag (McCall's 7851), flannel pajama bottons (Vogue 9217) and t-shirt (OOP Vogue 9028).  And RTW items were a sweater and other undergarments

Happy Sewing!

Trench Dress: Burda Style 6321

The chic nature of the trench dress soared as a trend to watch when in 2018 Meaghan Markle appeared in a blush pink sleeveless trench dress by Canadian fashion designer Nina Khaney's fashion label Nonie. 

The Inspiration dress

{Source}

The trend took off from there. The trench dress is still available on Nonie's website for a cool $1,085 (Cdn).  As well, independent and the Big Four pattern companies are coming out with their own version of the trench / coat dress.  Sure, the trench has been around since the first world war and adapted as a fashionable look well before this event. Even Tim Gunn as long sang the praises of a good trench coat.  

I'm not really one to follow the latest trends these days, let alone drop a grand on a garment. But I am someone who will be inspired to make something I like to fit my taste. This is how BurdaStyle 6321 ended up on my cutting table. It had the double breasted button front and princess seams that I like in the Nonie version Meaghan Markle was photographed wearing and with some tweaking I have to say, I'm okay with how it turned out. It's nothing like the inspiration dress as mine doesn't have a capelet or the stand up collar and it has sleeves, but this one works for me. And the added bonus, it's in, as Frank Sinatra would say, the happiest colour. 

I removed the waistline seam and cut the bodice and skirt pieces as one. And I added pockets to the side seam adapting out-of-print Vogue 8934 pocket pattern to this design. I'm not too crazy about the button placement on this pattern, it probably doesn't help that I'm a petite sized person and those top buttons are at the perfect placement where I'd rather not draw attention to, I'm going to have to rethink the placement maybe even consider removing them. After that, I think this might be a good work dress.  

The Stats

Fabric:  2.8 metres

Interfacing:  2 metres

Buttons:  11 - 18 cm 

Patterns:  BurdaStyle 6321 and Vogue 8934

Additional Tools and Supplies:  Scissors, pins, thread clippers, tailor's chalk, tailor's mitt, clapper, collar press, iron, ironing board, hand needle, sewing machine, walking foot, buttonhole foot, serger, threads, seam ripper, buttonhole cutter and a chai tea latte.   

Happy Sewing!  

Me-Made-May Update

It really was a struggle to write a MMM update get out of bed most days this week. One more week to go. How is your Me-Made-May going?    

On Sunday, May 15th, I wore 2 me-made item.

Weekend wear:  Lace print spring coat, OOP Burda 7304; red vintage cotton knit skirt; RTW Kate Spade cotton and cashmere button-front cardigan; RTW vanilla coloured lace scarf; RTW undergarments (bra and knickers).

Nightwear:  Blue and black plaid flannel dress worn as a nightshirt, OOP McCall's 6600.

Accessories:  Red Ralph Lauren wedged shoes; red stone ring; and black leather handbag.

Lessons learned today:  Giving small unexpected gifts can make someone feel great and that is an amazing feeling.  

On Monday, May 16th, I wore three me-made items (if only briefly).

Workwear:  Blue and white pinstriped cotton pants (Rachel Comey designer), Vogue 1507, briefly until they split and ended up in the mending pile; RTW sleeveless blue top; RTW blue and white striped linen jacket; Rachel Comey skirt, OOP Vogue 1247; RTW jeans; RTW white tee-shirt; RTW undergarments (Bra, knickers, and socks); RTW red knit lined spring jacket.

Nightwear:  Blue and black plaid flannel dress worn as a nightshirt, OOP McCall's 6600.  

Accessories:  Black Mephisto; Burgundy Hunter rubber boots; floral print sneakers; wrist brace; gray sport socks; Ray Ban sunglasses; hat; and black leather handbag.

Lessons learned today:  When you work at a school it is always a good thing to have a change of clothes in the car.  You never know what your day will bring--a whole day outdoors.  

On Tuesday, May 17th, I wore two me-made items.

Workwear:  Black light-weight wool pants, OOP Vogue 1325; RTW green and black plaid shirt; green and black hoodie, Butterick 6253; RTW undergarments (bra, knickers, black lace socks).

Nightwear:  RTW knit shirt and pants.  

Accessories:  Black leather Mephisto; black leather handbag; and wrist brace.

Lessons learned today:  Always wear sunscreen and re-apply it throughout the day. Oh, and never say, "I don't burn." The day just might come. And ouch!  Did I mention that I really miss the snow?   

On Wednesday, May 18th, I wore one me-made items.

Sick day:  RTW knit shirt and pants; animal print wrap dress, OOP vintage Vogue 7014; RTW Merlino wool cardigan; RTW undergarments (knickers, bra and black cotton socks).

Nightwear:  RTW knit shirt and pants.  

Accessories:  Black leather handbag and black suede Mephisto.  

Lessons learned today:  Home sick with a throat and sinus infection. I assumed that I wasn't feeling well because of being out in the heat all day on Monday and dealing with allergies. Boy was I wrong. Looked like a freak today as I was sporting a sunburned face,  feeling chilled and wore a sweater to a doctor's appointment while it seemed like everyone else was dressed for summer-time weather. Sewing wise, I could use some pj's.  

On Thursday, May 19th, I wore two me-made items.

Sick day:  Knit dress, Vogue 1234; white terry robe, OOP Simplicity 7417; RTW cream coloured sweater; RTW knickers.

Nightwear:  Ummm, I slept in my clothes.   

Accessories:  none.  

Lessons learned today:  Learned nothing, just suffered.   

On Friday, May 20th, I briefly wore one me-made items.

Sick day:  Knit dress, Vogue 1234; and RTW socks until I finally dragged myself to the tub for a bath and then changed into my pyjamas.

Nightwear:  RTW knit pants and nightshirt.  

Accessories:  none.  

Lessons learned today:  Sinus headaches are the worse.   

On Saturday, May 21th, I wore two me-made items.

Weekend wear:  Blue cotton knit dress, Vogue 6090 and 1312; RTW yellow cardigan; RTW undergarments (knickers and bra).

Nightwear:  Animal print flannel nightshirt, McCall's 2476; RTW blue and white polka-dot knit pants. Yea, I know they don't match and I was feeling under the weather so I didn't care.   

Accessories:  Black leather handbag; yellow sandals; Ray Ban sunglasses.   

Lessons learned today:  Dressed to run errands and then back into my jammies and bed.  

On Sunday, May 22nd, I wore two me-made items.

Weekend wear:  Black and tan striped RTW but altered knit dress; black RTW cardigan; RTW undergarments; black skirt (Marcy Tilton design), Vogue 9060; RTW Kate Spade black and white striped tee-shirt; and RTW cotton sweater.  

Nightwear:  Animal print flannel nightshirt, McCall's 2476; RTW blue and white polka-dot knit pants; SmartWool socks.  

Accessories:  Tan sling back wedge heeled shoe; black leather Mephisto; black leather handbag.   

Lessons learned today:  In my older and wiser years, I notice that I'm embracing comfort (Mephistos) over style (heels) as I changed my shoes in the church parking lot.  

On Monday, May 23rd, I wore two me-made items.

Weekend wear (Long weekend here):  Blue and white striped cotton pants (Rachel Comey design), Vogue 1507; RTW blue cotton short sleeved tee-shirt; RTW undergarments (knickers and bra).  

Nightwear:  Blue and black flannel plaid dress (worn as a nightshirt), OOP McCall's 6600.  

Accessories:  Black leather handbag; black leather Mephisto.  

Lessons learned today:  Still sick, but at least I got dressed.  

On Tuesday, May 24th, I wore two me-made items.

Workwear:   Floral knit skirt, Vogue 9060; green short sleeve shirt, Butterick 6182; RTW cream coloured sweater; RTW undergarments (knickers and bra).

Nightwear:  Blue and black flannel plaid dress (worn as a nightshirt), OOP McCall's 6600. 

Accessories:  Black leather handbag; black Mephisto (worn for comfort); tan wedged shoes (worn for work).  

Lessons learned today:  I rather admire shoes than wear them. 

Happy Sewing!