Q is for Quilt

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”

katboulderJune 6, 2014September 25, 20146 Comments

Finished Projects

P is for Pattern Scissors Cloth: Free Downloadable Pattern

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”

katboulderMay 30, 2014May 29, 20146 Comments

Finished Projects

O is for OTTOBRE design

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!

Continue reading “O is for OTTOBRE design”

katboulderMay 17, 20143 Comments

Finished Projects

N is for New Look 6598

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”

katboulderMay 10, 2014September 19, 20144 Comments

Finished Projects

M is for McCall’s 6074

M is for McCall's front

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”

katboulderMay 3, 2014May 2, 20145 Comments

Finished Projects

L is for Leather aka: The Medieval Times Dress

L collage cropped watermarked

For my 12th Sew All 26 160 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”

katboulderApril 19, 2014April 13, 20145 Comments

Finished Projects

K is for Kwik-Sew

K project collage watermarked

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”

katboulderApril 12, 2014April 17, 20148 Comments

Finished Projects

J is for Jalie 2682

For my 10th Sew All 26 160 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”

katboulderMarch 29, 2014March 29, 20146 Comments

Finished Projects

H is for Hibiscus Patterns

H Project Collage Watermarked

For my 8th Sew All 26 160 post, the letter “H”, I chose this Hibiscus Pattern. Hibiscus Pattern Envelope 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”

katboulderMarch 16, 2014March 14, 201416 Comments

Finished Projects, Reviews

D is for Denim

denim skirt collage

For my fourth Sew All 26 160 project I made a denim skirt for the letter D. I have a favorite light blue, above the knee denim skirt which I bought at a thrift store many years ago. It’s looking tatty now though, so I thought I’d try to recreate it. Continue reading “D is for Denim”

katboulderFebruary 2, 2014September 10, 20144 Comments

Finished Projects, Reviews

C is for Christine Jonson Patterns

az, christine jonson tie-back top 025

For my third project, the letter C, in my quest to Sew All 26 160 I chose a Christine Jonson Pattern. Recently Christine Jonson had a holiday sale and there was a 30% discount on sewing patterns. That was enough of a savings on a single pattern to cover the shipping cost. Since I can never pass up a bargain, the time was right for me to try the Christine Jonson pattern line! I immediately ordered pattern #107, the Tie-back Top. Continue reading “C is for Christine Jonson Patterns”

katboulderJanuary 19, 2014January 2, 20145 Comments

Finished Projects, Reviews

B is for Burda

For my second Sew All 26 project I chose a Burda pattern for the letter B. Burda 7739 is the first Burda pattern I’ve ever sewn. I made the dress in the center. Continue reading “B is for Burda”

katboulderJanuary 11, 2014January 2, 20145 Comments

Finished Projects, Reviews

Sew All 26 – A is for Angel

Angel

I’ve joined in on an idea from no big dill to Sew All 26 160 . Sew all 26 is a pledge to sew an item for each letter of the alphabet, from A through Z. My A project is this sweet angel. Continue reading “Sew All 26 – A is for Angel”