Pattern Alteration: Daring to do Diagonals

Pattern: Cake Patterns Cabarita Knit Top

I’m not sure why it was so hard to find a simple pattern to make a chevron-type shirt. I basically just wanted a simple v-neck shirt with this simple diagonal pattern. It probably exists, but I had trouble finding it, until I saw this top from Cake patterns. I actually thought the pictures were showing 2 different views, one with the stripes vertical and another with them on the bias. But after I purchased it, I realized there was only one pattern – one picture was the front and the other, the back. I considered making the shirt as is, since it looked kind of interesting, but I really wanted my chevron shirt. Hoping for the best, I made the decision to cut out the back of the shirt twice, so the back and front were the same.

It actually worked out pretty well. I cut out all four sides of my striped fabric on the diagonal and made sure the stripes matched up. The collar and sleeves are finished with bands, also cut on the diagonal, which made things easy. However, I knew the hem would need twin needle stitching, therefore I used some fusible webbing to keep the fabric stable enough to avoid puckering. The bottom hem is still pretty stiff after a few washes, but at least the stitching looks decent.

I’ve been able to wear this shirt many times, and I really love the look. I made sure to adjust the sleeves, as they seemed a little on the long side. The whole thing sewed up really fast and looks pretty polished with the diagonal design. I think the fabric I chose was perfect as well, as it’s a pretty sturdy knit.

Continue reading “Pattern Alteration: Daring to do Diagonals”

Austin 2020: Tanks for the Memories

Pattern: Aurora Tank by Seamwork

I love to travel. Over the last few years, I’ve really made it priority and planning trips has become almost a major hobby. My latest trip was a girl’s trip in Austin, TX with a couple of my closest friends. We planned the trip under the guise of running a race down there, but in reality we were more interested in exploring a new place rather than being competitive. I wanted to have a new piece for my trip so despite it being cold and wintery outside, I decided to sew up a knit tank top inside.

I knew I wanted to make another Aurora Tank, since it’s such a simple pattern and I enjoyed the one I made before. However, I knew my previous tank was not perfect so I decided to do a little reading about twin needle stitching on knits before I attempted another one. I saw some familiar issues with “tunneling” between the stitches and also tension Continue reading “Austin 2020: Tanks for the Memories”

Bringing back the southwest

I’ve decided that I like going fabric shopping on vacation.  It’s usually pretty tough to squeeze it in, but if you do your research ahead of time and you have an understanding travel buddy, you can make it happen.

IMG_3826
Stitchology in Albuquerque, NM

While I was in New Mexico a few weeks ago, I made the discovery that there was a fabric store a block from the B&B I was staying in.  It was a sign!  The store was Stitchology in Albuquerque,a very small and very cute sewing shop.  For such a small place, it had a pretty decent variety of fabric types.

I bought some embroidered cotton & a yard of blue rayon that I thought had an interesting print.

WIN_20150408_224110

I liked what I bought, but I didn’t feel it was really Southwestern enough.  I wanted something that would remind me of this trip and capture the spirit of region.  I made an extra stop at Southwest Decoratives, Continue reading “Bringing back the southwest”

A change of scenery…

Well I have a couple finished projects that I still need to blog about, but I’m off on vacation for a week!  I’m going to be touring around New Mexico, getting some sun and dry desert air.  Just the cure for this miserable winter, and by the looks out my window, the start of a rainy spring.  And I just found out that one of the B&B’s I’m staying in is only a 2-block walk to a fabric store!  Here’s hoping I can bring home the Southwest, in fabric form.  I’m excited to get some inspiration as well…and a much needed change of scenery.

Maybe your best course would be to thread lightly

Off to the UK…

I actually have been working on a few sewing projects, however I’ve been too busy preparing for my upcoming vacation to blog about them.  Included in these projects is a me-made skirt that I just whipped up last night so I could actually take it with me.  I’ll try to get some action shots on the trip.

I love to travel, especially to new places I have never been before.  This time I’m off to…..any guesses?

highlander

Right!  I’ll be flying into Edinburgh, Scotland and I’ll even get to see some of the highlands too.  I’m hoping for good weather and also a possible side-mission to maybe get some tartan or some sort of plaid fabric.  If anyone has any advice on this, please feel free to comment.   It would be great to bring something back – perhaps to make a “there-can-be-only-one” kilt skirt.  What do you think?

I can’t wait – just a few more days!!