Completed projects.
I usually am not the type of person who makes the same pattern multiple times, but I’ve been thinking that maybe my sewing projects would go a little smoother if I had a few tried and true patterns to work from. So, sorry to bore you, but I made another Archer. This is my 3rd one – I think three is a pattern duplicate record for me. Continue reading “Colorblocked Chambray Archer”
Recently I took advantage of a great sale at Craftsy.com. I purchased the class “Project Upcycle: Thrifty Sewing Projects” with Betz White for only $9.99. I’d already experimented with some of the refashion projects taught in this course like the felted tote, but the class was still well worth the price. Continue reading “Craftsy Project Upcycle: Kimono Wrap Skirt Refashion”
My husband loves his fire truck and no fire truck is complete without a Dalmation! Well we don’t have a Dalmation, but we do have Ginger Pickles. So I made her a little jacket to wear to turn her into a Dalmation when she goes out on “calls”. Continue reading “Fire Dog!”
When I got close to the end of the alphabet in my 
series several friends asked me what I planned to do next for my DenverSews blog projects. Hmm, it’s a good thing that they asked, I’m not a planner – I had no idea! I answered one inquiry with a surly “I’ll sew whatever I want instead of something that starts with a particular letter.” But I honestly had no idea what I wanted to sew – my answer had revealed the truth, I hadn’t thought beyond completing Z. Luckily those questions jump-started my contemplation of this dilemma.
I came up with several ideas for subsequent series. Being a non-planner, a series is a more efficient use of my time, allowing me to spend my time sewing instead of spending my time trying to figure out what to sew for each individual post. And with my giant sewing collection I had lots of different series possibilities to choose from! Continue reading “A-Z is Complete. What’s Next?”
I had a plan for the the PatternReview.com “One Pattern Many Looks” contest to make up a bunch of Grainline Archer button-up shirts. I’ve made this pattern before and really like it, and I figured that since I wear blouses more than any other type of garment it would be a good thing to have several of. Now, Kitty tried to warn me that making up multiple button-up shirts in the span of a few weeks was a bit ambitious, but I was too stubborn to listen. And to make things worse, I chose this drapey silk-feel polyester that is perhaps the shiftiest fabric I’ve ever worked with. Seriously… I cut the button band exactly along the selvedge and by the time I lifted the pattern piece it was a crazy wiggly worm of a strip of fabric. Eeeesh. The reverse of the fabric has a ribbed look to it so I think perhaps the weave pulls it in a wavy line, because I swear I cut it straight! Continue reading “Grainline Archer Buttonup Shirt”
For the last post in my series, the letter Z, I chose to sew a skirt with a zebra print panel from the Simplicity Amazing Fit Collection. My pattern is Simplicity # 0503, a Misses’ and Miss Petite skirt in 3 lengths, with individual pattern pieces given for slim, average and curvy fit. I made view C, the above the knee-length version, in the curvy fit size 14. Continue reading “Z is for Zebra Print – Simplicity 1541- A Pattern Review”
My first knit dress had a definite learning curve. It was not an “1-Hour Dress” as the pattern envelope claimed. McCalls 6074 is a basic Pullover dress with front elastic casing detail, deep V-neck, flare skirt and a stitched hem. I made view D with cap sleeves and a length of about 2″ below the knee. Continue reading “McCalls 6074 – My First Knit Dress | Jane Dugger”
My husband and I’ve were recently invited to a party to celebrate the elopement of some dear friends. The happy couple wed in Hawaii last December and then planned a Hawaiian style dinner party in Colorado for their friends. The outdoor event became a summer bash because Colorado in winter, while beautiful, really doesn’t instill that tropical feeling. Continue reading “The Tie-On Dress Hawaiian Style”
Last week Wednesday the theme for Sew ‘N Sudz (which I didn’t end up actually making it to) was skirts, so I decided to start sewing a skirt on about Monday. I bought this stretch athletic mesh after looking forever from a seller on Etsy because I had plans to use it as an overlay on the contrast panels of some Fehr Trade PB Jam Leggings. But by the time I found the right fabric for winter skiing tights it was May and I lost my mojo. I’ve had the mesh sitting out for months and every time I look at it I think of new things I want to use it on – I wish I would have bought more! If you can’t tell by this rambling story, my sewing is less “Sewing with a Plan”, and more… Continue reading “Athletic Mesh Cutout Hem Skirt”
For the 25th post in my series, the letter Y, I’ve chosen a “You Sew Girl!” pattern, the A-Line Skirt. This 2011 pattern is from Australian designer Nicole Mallalieu. Nicole Mallalieu began her pattern drafting career as a handbag and hat designer, but once she ventured into garments her A-Line Skirt also garnered excellent reviews on PatternReview. Although I already have several A-Line skirt patterns, when I read “the skirt is a great … Continue reading Y is for You Sew Girl! Patterns
Foundation piecing is so much fun! I love that you can make a picture from fabric with only straight line seams. It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle.
I’m almost finished with Carol Doak’s Scrap Scramble block-of-the-month project that she’s been running on her Yahoo! Group here since last fall. You’d think that it would by easy to keep up with one block per month, but I managed to get 4 months behind! Now I’m caught up and and I’ve sewn all up the whole thing. It still needs a border, batting, quilting, and binding, but it’s at a good pausing point. Thanks to my hubby for helping me with the photograph! Continue reading “More Foundation Piecing!”
For the 24th post in my series, the letter X, I made McCall’s 6751, a summer top with a cool X-back design. Continue reading “X is for X-back Top: McCall’s 6751 – A Pattern Review”
Well I don’t even know what to say about pants fitting. You may recall that Jamie, Kitty, and I attended a Silhouette Patterns one-day seminar in Denver last month. We all had our pants muslin’s fitted by Peggy Sager. And it was with some excitement that I returned home to see what could I could do with my new muslin. Continue reading “Sigh. I Hate Pants”
For the 23rd post in my series, the letter W, I made a Wrap Dress from a vintage 1994 pattern, Butterick 3485. 3485 has been in my stash for quite awhile – I purchased it for 30 cents at a thrift store in Arizona at least 5 years ago. This pattern is rated Very Easy and I totally agree with that assessment. The only closures it has are ties, and with only 4 pattern pieces, what could be easier?
Continue reading “W is for Wrap Dress – Butterick 3485 – A Pattern Review”
For the 22nd post in my series, the letter V, I chose to sew Vogue 1247. This pattern is a Rachel Comey design that had tons of favorable reviews in 2011 when the pattern was first issued. The pattern is a skirt and top, and the skirt, “a semi-fitted A-line with front in-seam pockets” quickly became a favorite with the blogosphere sewing community. Continue reading “V is for Vogue 1247 – A Pattern Review – AKA: My Vogue Curse”
Have you ever made something that whenever you put it on you feel like Audrey Hepburn or a ballerina, or whatever your feminine ideal is? Well, Vogue 8645 is it for me. I LOVE THIS DRESS. I love its simplicity, I love the fabric I picked, the way it looks everything. And, the funny thing is it’s riddle with sewing errors!
Okay, maybe not riddled, but there are a few things I would do different next time. Continue reading “Vogue 8645 Summer Dress – Completed”
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I used to sew quilts. I enjoy the repetitive quality of patchwork. Sewing patchwork is a zen experience for me, but I don’t have the patience anymore to finish an entire quilt top. I’m also terrible at the quilting part and I’ve discovered it’s quite costly to have the quilting done professionally. I’ve tried making small quilted wall hangings instead, but since I’ve never displayed any of them, sewing more wall quilts seems pretty pointless. Continue reading “Combining Quilting and Clothing Refashion”
For the 21st post in my 
series, the letter U, I decided to make underwear. (Believe me, there’s not much choice when it comes to items to sew that start with U!) Although I’d never attempted to sew panties before I had two underwear patterns in my stash, Jalie 2568 and McCall’s 5651. Jalie 2568 had 100% positive reviews on PatternReview, so I chose the Jalie pattern. Continue reading “U is for Underwear – Jalie 2568 Pattern Review”
Sometime last year, I (Lynne) found some fabulous knit fabric at the ARC Thrift Store in Louisville, Colorado. There were actually two pieces, each costing $3 or less. One I kept and one I gave to Kitty, in a challenge to see what each of us would make. At long last, we are ready to reveal our masterpieces! Continue reading “Fabric Swap #1 – The Floral Knit”
On a Saturday while the kids were helping feed the homeless, (the homeless can wait, I’ve got pants to make) I made a plan to make pants. I made pants all day long. Here’s the result of my labors.
This is from a OOP Butterrick 4998 pattern that I getting to almost perfection. The fabric is a green something I got in a discount bin. Nice for muslin. Works better than muslin actually. See the wrinkles at the bottom, I can’t tell if that’s just the way I was standing, the fabric or what. Plus, the fabric IS kind of wrinkly.
The alterations I made: Continue reading “Making Pants That Fit”
For the 20th post in my 
series, the letter T, I made the “Tie-On!” sundress.
I needed a sundress to wear to my June “Sew ‘N Sudz” meeting. The Sew ‘N Sudz meetup group was created by lovely Tish of HISS Studio to provide an opportunity for home sewers to showcase their handmade garments. As a retiree I wear jeans almost every day, so this group is an excellent incentive for me to leave my comfort zone and dress creatively, if only once a month. Continue reading “T is for TieOn! Dress: Butterick 5482 – A Pattern Review”
I was intrigued enough by the design of these slouchy pleat front pants by StyleArc that I bought the pattern, but then I waffled on whether to actually make them. I’ve never tried on a pair of pleat front pants that I liked, and frankly the image they always bring to mind is something like this…
This refashion started out as a white dust ruffle generously given to me by my dear friend Sally, whom I met volunteering at the Boulder Humane Society Thrift & Gift store. Sally gifted me with 2 identical panels, so I had 232 inches of 19″ wide 100% cotton fabric to work with. The dust ruffle conveniently already had a rod pocket sewn at the top which made me suspect these might be window valances made to coordinate with bed dust ruffles. Whatever they were, they could not have been more perfect for a skirt makeover! Continue reading “Ombre Dip Dye Dust Ruffle Skirt Refashion”
My closet is void of summer tops. So, I put it upon myself to make a few this summer. This started out as a muslin, but it is a wearable muslin for sure, with mistakes minor and hidden. Here’s a down and dirty review of New Look 6871. Name: New Look 6871 View: D Modified Size: 10 Fabric: From stash, Project Runway silky – no longer available. Level … Continue reading New Look 6871 – Finished! Easy Summer Top
For the 19th post in my series, the letter S, I’ve sewn a Simplicity pattern, #7499.
I had A MULTITUDE of Simplicity patterns to choose from in my pattern stash. Judging from the number of Simplicity UFOs (unfinished objects) I have stored in my attic, apparently Simplicity was once my favorite pattern company. I’m actually embarrassed to admit to my UFO count.
Let’s just say it’s a good thing my attic is quite large. Continue reading “S is for Simplicity 7499 – A Pattern Review”
For the 18th post in my series, the letter R, I decided to sew the Renfrew top from Sewaholic Patterns. Sewaholic Patterns is the brainchild of Tasia, a pattern maker and sewing blogger based in Vancouver, Canada. Tasia specializes in designing patterns specifically to fit pear-shaped women, who would need to combine sizes in order to acheive a good fit with most commercial dress patterns. The 15 Sewaholic Patterns are unique – they are drafted for a B cup bust, wider hips, more muscular thighs, and a height of 5’4″. Continue reading “R is for Renfrew – A Pattern Review”
For the 17th post in my series, the letter Q, I decided to complete my unfinished quilt. About 10 years ago (when I was making quilt tops rather than garments) I signed up for a quilt class at a Chicago sewing studio. After struggling through sewing two quilt tops on my own, I hoped that the class would help me improve my patchwork technique. The students had their choice of two designs: a log cabin quilt or the Amy Butler Charm quilt. Since my first quilt was in the log cabin style, I chose to make the appliqued Amy Butler Charm quilt. The pattern for the Amy Butler Charm quilt was just a grouping of simple patchwork rectangles with “football” shapes appliqued on top. I knew the rectangles wouldn’t be difficult to cut or sew, and hopefully the instructor could teach me the art of applique, something I’d never tried before, but was eager to learn. Continue reading “Q is for Quilt”
For the 16th post in my series, the letter P, I chose to sew a pattern I found on the New Zealand blog “Pattern Scissors Cloth”. The Ruby Slip, posted on 12/10/11, is available as a free downloadable pattern. Sherry, the blogger behind Pattern Scissors Cloth, also hosted a sew-along for the pattern on 12/12/11.
Continue reading “P is for Pattern Scissors Cloth: Free Downloadable Pattern”
For my 2nd post in my quest to sew at least one project from every sewing book I own, I’ve sewn another purse. I didn’t have a choice as to what to sew this time – the book I used is “Making Vintage Bags” by Emma Brennan. “Making Vintage Bags” was published in 2007 and contains instructions and patterns to create 20 original purses. This handbag sewing book is unique because the purses are vintage-inspired. The styles are reminiscent of bags from the 1920s through the 1950s, with 5 patterns representing each decade. Continue reading “Making Vintage Bags Purse Project”
After a few busy weeks where I didn’t have time to sew, the thought of going back to the the moto jacket I was working on was starting to feel like a chore. Do you ever spend so long on a project it starts to weigh on you? I’m still going to finish it, I SWEAR, I just felt that at the moment I needed an easy win to get my confidence back up. Enter Vogue 1395 – a Rebecca Taylor dress pattern from the latest spring Vogue collection. Continue reading “Vogue 1395 – Back in the saddle”
Yet again I have a new book sitting on my shelf, beckoning me with fun projects. “Sew Gifts!” from That Patchwork Place has been tempting me for a few months now. I purchased it largely for the project on the cover and the Dresden Pouch shown on the Introduction page. I am indeed getting lazy because I know I can figure out most projects in the book without instructions, but I just don’t want to anymore! Continue reading ““Sew Gifts!” and the Zippered Dresden Pouch”
For the 15th post in my series, the letter O, I chose an Ottobre design pattern. Ottobre design is a Finnish sewing magazine, with traceable patterns included in each issue. The magazine is printed in Finnish, English, German, French, Dutch, and Swedish. They also publish a separate children’s pattern magazine. Ottobre is available as a subscription here. I don’t actually have a subscription to Ottobre though, fellow Denver Sews blogger Jamie gave me the Autumn/Winter 2013 issue at a Denver Sewing Collective meet-up. Thanks Jamie!
For the letter N, the 14th post in my series, I used New Look pattern 6598. I don’t think I’ve ever sewn a New Look pattern that ended up fitting me, probably because I used to sew the size that matched my measurements. I’ve now learned to sew one size smaller when using commercial patterns. In fact 6598 wasn’t a pattern I wanted to purchase or sew. Because of my fear of sewing buttonholes and zippers I usually choose knit pullover tops. And 6598 is a blouse – with buttonholes! So how did I wind up using New Look 6598 for my N project? Continue reading “N is for New Look 6598”
I cannot help but be intrigued by a cute, usable fabric box with a seemingly complicated design on its exterior. I’ve been thinking of buying the privilege of watching this video for some time and finally did. Continue reading “DailyCraftTV – Chevron Fabric Basket REVIEW”
For my 18th post, the letter M, I chose to sew McCall’s 6074. This pattern includes 3 lengths of sleeveless or cap-sleeved deep V-neckline knit pull-over dresses.
I really like this dress style. The elastic below the bust gives the dress shape – it’s body conscious but doesn’t cling in any of the wrong places. I can see why it has 18 favorable reviews on Pattern Review. It’s easy to sew (no zippers or buttonholes!) and would be a great pattern for a beginning sewer to make, just like 9 of the 18 pattern reviewers stated. Of the remaining 9 reviews, 6 reviewers rated this pattern as highly recommended, 2 said they would recommend it with modifications, and 1 said it’s a great wardrobe builder. Continue reading “M is for McCall’s 6074”
I’ve been trying to limit myself to sewing with fabrics and patterns I already own instead of adding more to my collections. For support in accomplishing this goal I joined a Facebook group called Stashbusting Sewalong 2014. Stashbusting Sewalong members dedicate themselves to sewing from their current fabric stashes rather than buying new fabrics. A worthy goal, and one I’m seriously working on. But recently I realized that in addition to my fabric and pattern hoards I have another guilty stash secret: my sewing books! So I’m also pledging to quit using my sewing books just as dust collectors. I’m going to sew at least one project from each of the sewing books I already own before I buy any additional sewing books. Continue reading “How to Make a Purse from Old Denim Jeans”
For my 12th post, the letter “L”, I’m sewing with leather, something I’ve never tried before. Simplicity 2584 (designed by Cynthia Rowley) had been in my pattern stash for awhile – long enough that it’s now out of print. 2584 includes 2 dress styles, 2 tunic styles, and a headband. I decided to sew the view B dress, mainly because I thought I could use a free to me thrift store leather skirt for the ornately shaped yoke. Style B is the dress shown on the model on the pattern cover. It’s hemmed above-the-knee and has 3/4 length sleeves. Continue reading “L is for Leather aka: The Medieval Times Dress”
For my 11th post, the letter K, I used Kwik Sew pattern #3533. 3533 is a kimono style stretch knit dress or tunic with a V-neckline and an inset waist with back ties. The pattern envelope shows the dress with short sleeves and the tunic with 3/4 length sleeves. Continue reading “K is for Kwik-Sew”
This is the third cosplay outfit I’ve made for my daughter. I only had 2 weeks to pull it off. Thankfully my husband took a keen interest in helping with this one and we were able to complete it the night before she was to wear it! It is Satsuki from Kill La Kill. Don’t ask me what this is as I have no idea. You’d have to ask my daughter. She did tell me, however, that the outfit is supposed to be alive! This is the drawing she gave me that we worked from (sadly I don’t know who to credit for it): Continue reading “Satsuki Kill La Kill Cosplay Tutorial”
Considering how much work I knew it would be to sew up the StyleArc Ziggi Moto Jacket, I wanted to make a muslin to check the fit first. Sewing a muslin can be pretty quick because you can take a lot of shortcuts. For this jacket I just did the bodice, collar (slapped on with seam exposed), and one sleeve. It looks pretty good, right? Except… Continue reading “Goldilocks Makes a Ziggi Muslin”
The skirt above started out as the classic men’s oxford below.
This shirt was free to me, it was rejected for sale at the thrift shop where I volunteer due to a frayed collar and cuffs. The shirt is made by Gant and retailed for $135.00 when new. It’s very well made and although I’ve never heard of Gant before, I will look for this brand in the future because of it’s excellent quality. Even though this shirt must have been worn often in order to have a frayed collar and cuffs, it was in excellent condition otherwise. Continue reading “Shirt to Skirt Refashion”
My daughter’s second cosplay outfit is from Homestuck – Jade Harley in God Tier. You can see a great drawing of her here. I also used this drawing as a reference:
I don’t really know anything about Homestuck or Jade Harley or God Tier. I tried watching one “episode” of Homestuck and had absolutely no idea what was going on! You’d have to ask my daughter. Continue reading “Homestuck Cosplay Tutorial – Jade Harley in God Tier”
please excuse the wrinklesThe Facts
Pattern:
Butterick 5917, view B sans ruffle. Dress has ruffles, semi-fitted, lined bodice and inset, raised waist and back zipper.
For my 10th project “J”, I chose to sew a Jalie pattern. Jalie is a Mother-Daughter owned company based near Quebec City, Canada. Their patterns are very body conscious and true to size. Jalie patterns are fit on people instead of mannequins, and perhaps that’s why Jalie fits “real” people so well. (Or it could be because the company originally made swimwear patterns). Jalie designs their patterns to be sewn on home sewing rather than industrial machines, and refines their instructions to be as simple as possible. Continue reading “J is for Jalie 2682”
The Facts
Pattern:
Burda 7207, view B LH. A wrap style Beach Dress with flounce
This jacket is from Islander Sewing Systems and it’s my 
“I” project. The pattern is Jacket Express #218 and it was designed by Janet Pray. There’s also a great craftsy class on the construction of this jacket called “Sew Better, Sew Faster: Garment Industry Secrets with Janet Pray”. You can order the jacket pattern here for $22.95 plus shipping, but if you wait for a craftsy class sale you might be able to get the deal I got: the pattern (including shipping) and the craftsy class for only $19.99. A super deal IMO! Continue reading “Craftsy Sew Better, Sew Faster Review – I is for Islander”
For my 8th post, the letter “H”, I chose this Hibiscus Pattern. 
I bought this 1998 pattern for 50 cents at a thrift shop recently. Hibiscus could be a prototype for all the independent sewing pattern companies we are blessed with now. But as far as I can discern Hibiscus Patterns are no longer produced, which is a shame. The pattern is timeless, very nicely drafted, has great instructions, and fits extremely well. Continue reading “H is for Hibiscus Patterns”
I recently made two bags, both of which I like very much. One is the Two Zip Hipster from Erin Erickson (Dog Under My Desk) and the other is the eClutch iPad pouch from Schoolhouse Patterns. Continue reading “Two Zip Hipster and eClutch Pattern Reviews”
I am working on the perfect t-shirt. One that fits like a glove. Ultimately I want to use a cotton blend fabric with modal that is somewhat sustain-ably made if possible. My goal is to make all my t-shirts from here on out and build on this must have Wardrobe Basic. Continue reading “Sewing the perfect T-shirt = A surprising amount of work”
For my 7th project, “G”, I chose a pattern from Grainline Studio, the Scout Woven Tee. This pattern is available as a download, which was a big plus for me. I intended my G project to be the Go Patterns Sleeveless Dress, but the Go dress proved to be more involved than I expected and I needed to find another G project fast! It probably didn’t help that I sewed my G, H, and I projects in reverse order, giving me the least amount of time to complete the project I’d be posting first. Hmmm, whose dumb idea was that? Continue reading “G is for Grainline Studio: How to Use A Scarf as The Scout Tee”
Denver Sewing Collective 
