In Sewing New Today...

There has been no sewing.   

My sewing mojo has taken a hit these past two days. I'm feeling burnt out. All I want for Christmas is my mojo back. Actually, before Christmas would be perfect. 

And someone to finish writing my Christmas cards.  

The great seam allowance debate.

A few months back, I made a Connie Crawford shirt with a neckband and collar. The shirt was made using Butterick 5365. The one thing that I absolutely loved and that I had never seen before in a commercial pattern was the 3/8" seam allowance around the neckline.

I have to tell you that it was hands down the easiest neckband attachment that I had achieved, EVER.  

Today, I'm stalled at section four of the McCall's 2447 mens' shirt pattern. I've been debating whether or not to continue following the McCall's pattern or tweak it to Connie Crawford's method of sewing.

The McCall's pattern pieces are cut with 5/8" seam allowances and instructions to grade the seam allowances afterwards.

I think McCall's is losing this debate. The more I think about it, I've converted into a 3/8" seam allowance gal now.

I'm just going to have to re-size these collar and neckband pieces before I continue with the mens' shirt.

Happy Sewing!

Shirtmaking

The latest project on the sewing table is a men's shirt, McCall's 2447.  The fabric is a light blue 100% cotton shirting.

This project is going to take some time with all the topstitching. Despite the time this is taking, I do like the look.

What I don't like is the feel and bulk of the serged seams.

Yes, I did. My bad.

Serged seams have a time and place but I'm not entirely convinced that they belong in a tailored shirt.  I'm going to continue with the McCall's instructions but I can already see things that I would like to change.

Flat-felled seams are commonly found in menswear but they are not called for in the McCall's instructions for this shirt. The next shirt will have flat-felled seams costing me even more time, I suspect.

And for the next shirt, I'll skip the serger and take the time to grade all enclosed seams to help them lay flat and smooth.

For now, it is time to call it a night. Tomorrow, if I can find some time to sew, it is onto the collar and sleeves. I'll be thrilled if I get the collar checked off my list. We'll see...

Happy Sewing!    

Inaugural ceremony...

Tonight was a big night. There was cake and coffee for the inaugural cutting ceremony.

Yes, tonight was the first time that I cut a sewing project using my new cutting table. And the whole event did not end up with Tiger Balm for my back nor reaching for the Tylenol. Words can not express how happy I am with my cutting table.

If I didn't have a sewing project to cut out there would have been wine. But I stayed focussed despite excitement.

The new project is all cut out and ready to sew. It will just have to wait until tomorrow. Right now, it is time for bed.

Happy Sewing!  

All set...

Fabricland was gracious enough to exchange my pattern for the correct size. Yeah, Fabricland! I was scared that I would be stuck with two different sizes of the same pattern. It certainly was a relief!

The store still has that sale going on and this time I didn't escape without picking up some fabric. I picked up these cottons to make shirts. One is a light blue and the other is a burgandy stripe. The top fabric that appears black is actually a dark blue with a black pattern cotton. The other two are in the washing machine getting pre-treated.

Tomorrow will be all about cutting. Maybe by week's end I'll have some shirts to show 'n tell.  

Happy Sewing!

In Sewing News Today...

You'll never guess what happened today. I walked into a fabric store where they were having a 50% off fabulous fabrics sale and I walked out without any fabric. I know! Crazy, eh?

{Source}

Yes, it is true, I'm not feeling well and this flu type bug I've been fighting has knocked out my desire for fabric shopping.  

Instead of fabric I picked up a new pattern, McCall's 2447, in the wrong size. Drats! I'm going to blame it on this flu type bug that is affecting my judgement. The plan is to make my little brother a shirt. Problem is that I have to stop thinking of him as my little brother and start thinking of him as my younger brother. This is going hard.

My little younger brother happened to mention to Mama R that he could use some long sleeve shirts. And I haven't made a men's shirt since I last had a serious boyfriend, in the last century I believe that was, but I digress.... I'm up for making some men's shirts and it will be a great opportunity to do some stash busting too. I wonder if Fabricland will exchange the pattern for a larger size?

Happy Sewing!

Pretty in Pink

This is the second dress made from Simplicity 5540. 

It is made in a pink and yellow cotton print found in the quilting section of Fabricland. The yellow contrast fabric, from my stash, is a lightweight cotton and is also used for the bodice lining.  

It is a cute pattern and it is quick to whip up. It has made it onto my wouldn't hesitate to recommend this pattern list.   

Favourite feature the elasticized opening on the pockets.