A first draft design pant guard

If you are like me, the moment the weather cooperates you use your bike to transport you from one end of the city to the other. Though the weather is getting warmer now, because it’s springtime, it’s also unpredictable, so wearing a cute little dress might seem smart at 8AM, by 4PM, it might not seem like the best choice. Wearing pants and biking around, though comfortable can pose a problem, particularly if you do not have a full coverage chain guard on your bike. Even if you do, nine times out of ten you’ll end up with a chain tattoo on the right inside of your pant leg.

There are several solutions to the pant leg + well-oiled chain problem; an elastic, tuck the pants into your socks, cut off nylons, etc… I think you get the picture; these are functional solutions, but not pretty at all. So I sewed up a little pants guard from scrap fabrics and tried my darndest to make it look nice, if not, at least interesting whether I’m on my bike or not.

I started with the idea of a bow-tie. I love cute little bow-tie accessories and so, why not have one at your ankle? I made two versions, one with an inch wide strap to hold back tapered pants, and one with wider coverage to reign in flare or bootcut pants. They are secured with velcro for easy on/off and for more adjustability than snaps might offer.

I love how this pattern came together.

First project of my Stash Spring Splash challenge is the dress from McCall’s M6609 using Moda Oh Deer quilting cotton. I think it came out quite nicely, though I still must hem it and am going to have to top-stitch the pockets, the lining seems to want to pop out!

Pattern: McCall’s M6609

Pattern Description: 
MISSES’ DRESS: Fitted dress (close-fitting through bust), has self-lined bodice, seam detail, side front pockets, invisible back zipper and vent.
Designed for light to medium weight woven fabrics.
SUGGESTED FABRICS:Twill, Sateen, Crepes, Poplin.Lining: Lining Fabrics
NOTIONS:20″/22″ Invisible Zipper, Hook & Eye.
* With Nap **Without Nap ***With or Without Nap

Pattern Sizing:
Combinations: A5(6-8-10-12-14),E5(14-16-18-20-22)

The pattern is challenging, but not frustrating! Love it!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, surprisingly!

Were the instructions easy to follow?
I didn’t really follow the instructions too closely as it is pretty straight forward. I tried to get some tips on creating the circles, alas, there weren’t any. Having never really done arcs like this before, it took a few shots, then I got it and it was smooth sailing from there.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I loved being able to play around with the fabrics and try to place them properly. That said, I didn’t think it all through (story of my life) and should have lined up the birds, but I’ll know for next time.

Fabric Used:
I used Oh Deer quilting cotton by Moda bought through Fabric.com

Next time I’ll make sure to think about the linear aspect of the arcs

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I didn’t line the dress, I wanted to keep it super light for summer and used bias tape instead.

I did insert a zipper, the dress fits right over my head without issues.

Next time I am going to shorten it at the straps to reduce some of the bulk around the upper back area, for me, shortening the bodice doesn’t really work since I have a “normal” torso but a short trip between my shoulders and bust.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absotively, Possolutely! It was a blast to sew, challenging, but not frustrating. The possibilities are endless. My next plan is a version, done all in blue, except the back bodice would be lace! I think that would look smashing!

Conclusion: 
I can’t wait to sew this again!

Plans for Moda “Oh Deer” fabrics on McCall’s M6609

I have a grave and paralyzing fear of screwing up. I fall in love with fabrics and then, I spend the next few months ogling them, re-arranging them, folding them differently, planning for how I’m going to use it, and then, months later, it’s still on my shelf, waiting for me to get up the courage to make the first cut. That’s how someone like me ends up with a fabric reserve totaling over 150 yards. Oh yea, and that isn’t counting the box of pieces that are smaller than a yard stocked up under my cutting table!

My plans in the coming weeks are to use up some of that precious fabric I’ve been hording for the “perfect” project, and for when I think my skills are good enough to “make it work”. It’s time to step up to the plate and take a chance. If I screw up; so what? If it doesn’t work out the way I envisioned it; big deal. It’s fabric, it’s not the end of the world.

My “I am wonder Woman” sewing journal cover beside the Boba Fett cover commission by a friend.

After a weekend of disappointment, I decided to chill out this morning and play with some scrap fabric I have hanging around on the floor of my sewing room. Inspired by the latest blog post over at SewMamaSew, I took it upon myself to create a cover for my sewing journal.

Within moments of my posting my finished project on Facebook, I received 6 orders for notebook covers! That’s crazy but I’m thrilled. The first one I am working on is Boba Fett for a smaller version of a Moleskine. After I’ve completed a few more, I’ll post a tutorial on my favourite version!

Back side of my Wonder Woman inspired Moleskin appliqued notebook cover

Pattern Description: 
Wonder Woman inspired appliqued Moleskin notebook cover (8.5″x5.5″)

Pattern Sizing:
Sized to fit an 8.5″x5.5″ Moleskin notepad.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
It looked exactly how I had imagined it, except that the front applique is a little off-center.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
It was a little challenging to figure out the right size of fabric, but once I did, the applique was fairly straight forward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I liked how I was able to make the applique look drawn, and though my applique skills leave much to be desired, I think, as a first attempt, it turned out pretty fab!

The “fix” of creating a book binding to help with my mis-sized cover.

Fabric Used:
I used some quilting cotton I had laying around and red twill for the background.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I ended up cutting the fabric too large so I created a book binding on the side to eat up some of the excess.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I’m going to make another one as I am not 100% happy with how this one turned out. That said, I learned a lot, just with this one attempt!

Conclusion: 
I need to take more chances and make more use of the scraps I have on hand!

Front view of B5895, unfortunate pattern placement

This was just my first attempt at sewing Butterick 5895; a cropped pant and retro style tie-top pattern designed by Gertie of New Blog for Better Sewing. Though these were not very successful for many reasons; the unfortunate pattern placement is by far the worst offence making it look as though I’ve lost control of my bladder.

For one, not to be too coy here, but the back zipper, and the darts make my bottom look quite nice. I don’t think I can enter every room backwards! Can I?

Pattern: Butterick 5895

Pattern Description:
MISSES’TOP AND JEANS: Loose-fitting top has front extending into collar and tie ends, and narrow hem on sleeves/back hemline. Note: no provisions provided for above waist adjustment. Semi-fitted, tapered jeans (rolled-up, wrong side shows) have waistband, side front pockets, stitched hems, and back zipper.

Pattern Sizing:
AX5 (4-12) D5 (12-20) I sewed a size 20.

Back of B5895, even after 1″ reduction on each side, the hips are HUGE!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Somewhat. The pattern photos make the pants seem much more tapered than they actually are and they are not nearly as fitted at the waist as the drawing or the photo indicates.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy to follow the instructions and even the zipper insertion was clearly written!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like the high waist, the back zipper and the retro feel of the design.

I dislike that the actual pattern isn’t as tapered as pictured. Also, there is a lot of extra fabric at the hip area. I’m pretty curvy and even after taking in each side a good 3″, it’s still baggy.

Fabric Used:
This was supposed to be a wearable muslin; I used some leftover leopard print sateen I bought on sale at Fabricville last year. Sadly, with the large “wet-spot” on the front, these are going into my scraps pile.

When I make my “real” pair, I’ll be using a mid-weight dark blue denim.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I took each of the pant leg side seams in about 3″ around the hip area, and I’ll need to shorten the rise a little bit more to achieve a better fit.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, but with modifications.

M6688 pullover top (view B) with skirt (view CD)

Just a few weeks ago McCall’s, Butterick and Vogue patterns were on sale for 99¢ each and I ended up ordering just over 30 patterns, some being duplicates of patterms I already own. It seems it would be less expensive to buy a new pattern than to trace each onto the Swedish Tracing Paper like I normally do, so why not! This enticing sale also had me swooning over many of the kids clothing patterns; this McCall’s M6688 kids pullover top and skirt being one of many.

I received my large box of patterns yesterday (2 weeks after placing the order) and immediately starting matching what’s in my fabric stash to each pattern. When I got to this outfit for kids, I knew I wanted to use the Oh Deer By Momo for Moda fabrics I picked up a couple of months ago, but I wanted to make up a test top before I did. Thankfully, I had a stash of Joel Dewberry and Anna Maria Horners’ Inocent Crush quilting cottons that fit the bill perfectly.

Size 6 kids top view B from McCalls patterns no.6688

Pattern Description: McCall’s Pattern M6688, kids pullover tops have self-lined upper sections, yo-yos with stay, waistband, gathered lower sections, seam detail and back-button, continuous lap closing. A: single-layer armhole ruffle, wrong side shows. B: sleeves with elastic. Skirt has elastic waist, yoke, no side seams, and gathers.
Designed for medium weight woven fabrics. I sewed up view B using some leftover quilting fabric.

Pattern Sizing: Kids sizes 2-8, this is a size 6

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, very much so. At first I wasn’t sure it would look quite like the pictures, but voila! It worked!

Kids Pullover Top using Joel Dewberry fabric

Were the instructions easy to follow? Most of them were, however, the instructions for creating the continuous lap closing were terrible. After several attempts to figure out what they meant, I finally google it and had my ah-ha moment.

I still don’t get the flower instructions, but I didn’t really like the flowers anyhow.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the look of the pullover top, it’s somewhat whimsical!

I don’t like patterns that have such a large skirt gathered, it’s so tedious trying to get each section gathered evenly! That said, it is absolutely worth the effort to make sure there is ample gathers throughout the skirt.

Fabric Used: Joel Dewberry quilting cotton, and an Anna Maria Horner quilting cotton.

Kids Pull Over Top M6688

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Not much. I didn’t use the instructions for the lap closing, and I didn’t make the flowers (I made A sort of flower).

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Oh definitely. I sewed this with these fabrics to see if it works for me, and it does, so I have some pretty Amy Butler Cameo just waiting to be used!

Conclusion: A nice pattern that makes good use of several coordinating fabrics. I like that!

Peplum top, view B from Simplicity Sew Stylish pattern no.1699

I fell in love with this pattern when I first saw it at my local fabric shoppe and I was lucky enough to be in there on a day when Simplicity Patterns were on sale for $2.50!

Pattern Description: Misses’ and miss petite fit and flare dress or peplum top has princess-seamed bodice, short raglan sleeves, waistline seam and back zipper. Collarless jacket has 3/4 sleeves and braid trim. Straight leg pants have side zipper.

Pattern Sizing: 8-24

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, except I didn’t use the “Peter Pan”.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Instructions for the top (view B) were very straight forward and easy to follow. There are many helpful tips and a reference guide to help you if you run into language you are unfamiliar with.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I really like the peplum on the top; many others I have seen have peplums that are highly exaggerated and I’m happy to say, for my taste, this amount of flare is just perfect!

I don’t like collars. I think maybe this has to do with a childhood where collars were part of the school uniform, but unless they are on a button up shirt, I’ll do without them for the most part.

Uneven nape-line, exposed zipper

Fabric Used: As with most of the fabrics available at Fabricville, the bolt said “unknown fiber” and so my answer can only be that it is silky smooth on the front with a little sheen and kind of a rough texture on the back. It frays like crazy, so, it’s woven. Right? I don’t know.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I didn’t add the peterpan collar, I’ll artfully (yea right) sewed the back darts facing out and I got funky with an exposed zipper. Oh, and I used some leftover bias tape to finish the hem.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, absolutely. I love this top. Even though the nape doesn’t line up (why do I always have this problem?). Even though the fraying drives me bananas (where can I find this – fray check – in Montreal!). I love it and can’t wait to make the dress (view A).

Conclusion: This is a great combination of patterns and I can see this made heavier or lighter depending on the season.

Kid’s chef hat and apron from One-Yard Wonders

You can probably tell by now; I love sewing for my little nieces. Watching their excitement when they try on something aunty sewed for them brings me such joy. I really wish I had known how (and had the time) to sew when my boys were little, I would have loved to make boys clothes! I found this great adorable little chef gift set in the book One-Yard Wonders. It’s the most used book on my sewing shelf, and these wonderfully sweet little inspirations is a major reason why.

Pattern: Kid’s Chef Hat and Apron

Pattern Description: You can never have too many fun, handmade gift ideas for children. This Chef hat and apron is the perfect gift for a little up-and-coming chef. You might consider packaging the set with cookie decorating supplies for the aspiring young baker in your life.

Sweet little kiddos apron!

Pattern Sizing: Waist band is designed to fit 20″-23″ waist, but it can be adjusted up or down depending on the child. My niece is 5 (wears a size 7T) and it fits her perfectly, though the hat could be a little smaller around the headband area.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes! Spot on!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Very easy and a lot of fun to make.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the versatility. I could add pockets, rickrack, or any number of additional embellishments.

Fabric Used: Alexander Henry‘s Apples and Pears in Pink and Michael Miller Ta Dots in Lipstick.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: Nope, none, I just followed along with the original design.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes, this made a wonderful gift for my niece who loves to come over to my place and make ice-cream!

Conclusion: A great pattern that makes a unique gift for the kiddos!

Sleeve tab detail with leather shank button.

This jacket totally rocks!

I love the fabric, the line of the jacket, the way the button (soon to be buttons) pop against the floral camo of the fabric. It’s just very. Very me!

From the Sew Serendipity book that has taunted me since I bought it some three years ago, I finally decided to pull out the pattern papers and make something, At first, I had no clue what I would make. The cover skirt is my favourite but clothing; fitted things like pants or skirts, scare me right now. A jacket seemed like a good idea, so voila! The Parisian Jacket, made with the finest $2 per meter fabric I could find!

Pattern: Parisian Jacket

Pattern Description: This hip-length jacket is aptly named the Parisian Jacket, as once it was finished it reminded me of Paris and the Chanel style. I guess it is the way the fabric came together along with the button tabs.

Pattern Sizing: Ladies sizes XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

The Parisian jacket from Sew Serendipity, buttons still not attached!

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes, though my button tabs kind of blend into the fabric, I wasn’t thrilled with the reversed tabs look.

Were the instructions easy to follow? It’s easy, but it can be confusing. The main part of the instructions are at the front of each section, so there is some flipping back and forth between the main sections and sections concerning the particular variation you are working on. Little post-it note tabs on relevant pages are an easy way to mark the pages you need.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I can see this being very versatile. I imagine making another one using a mix of leather, silk and lace, and it would be completely different from this version.

Fabric Used: An unknown medium weight fabric with a little stretch found in the $2 clearance section of Fabricville.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I only switched the way the tab is oriented on the sleeves, but other than that, I did change a thing.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes! It was fast and easy to put together and quite flattering on me. As I mentioned earlier, I found an old leather skirt and have some silk and lace in my stash so I am planning on making another one really soon!

Conclusion: A great pattern that I can see sewing up over and over again.

The Dortje Trousers design is a pair of trousers that really fits and flatters! The silhouette grows with the girl. Design-wise, Dortje offers almost limitless possibilities. The pattern offers kids sizes 18mo through to size 11-12, I made the size 6 for my niece who is just five years old. There are no pictures of the pants done plainly, and who can blame them! I wish I had had the time and options available to embellish these pants a little, but I made the most of the time I had.

The pants came together quite quickly and easily until I got the waistband; the instructions get a little jumbled at that point, and I just couldn’t grasp the concept, so I winged it. I don’t care for the faux fly, I guess I don’t see the point, but I imagine I might have felt differently if I had used a contrasting thread for the top-stitching. I used the same baby whale corduroy I used for the Avalon Jacket, along with few pieces of ribbon to embellish the back pockets.

I can’t wait to sew these pants up again and am especially excited to try mixing up a few fabrics and adding ruffles. In the end, this pattern is easy to make, doesn’t require a ton of fabric and is fairly straight forward to sew. I’m sold!

Book: Sewing Clothes Kids Love

Project: Dortje Pants

Fabric: Baby whale corduroy from Fabricville $2 clearance aisle.
Notions: Pieces of leftover ribbon
Thread: Gutermann 100% polyester col:

Difficulty: Easy
Sew again: Absolutely