Wait, is it After Labor Day?

On December 29, 2014December 29, 2014 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Uncategorized5 Comments

Pattern: Simplicity 4127

It’s pretty bad when your summer projects don’t get finished until the fall. It’s even worse when they leak into the wintertime as well. Okay, so I am running a little behind on my projects. But I wanted to finish this top, since I had already made the muslin (see blog post) and I didn’t want to forget all the knowledge I gained. Especially since this was the most expensive material I have bought to date. But of course it’s white, and you know what they say about wearing white…seasonably I mean. Not the virgin thing.

This project went very well – I was able to get the straps right and had some soft white cotton that worked great as a lining. Again, I installed an invisible zipper instead of a regular zipper, which the pattern called for. My new invisible zipper foot has been serving me well – definitely worth the money. I also made sure to cut the bottom section 2.5 inches shorter than the pattern, which gave me the length I wanted. For the straps, I used a textured trim I found at the fabric store. I wanted a contrast for the waist, so I picked a satin yellow ribbon. I’m wondering if white would have been a better choice. After I stitched it together, I realized I still had an issue of the bottom blousing out more than I liked. I didn’t want the illusion I was expecting…so I knew I would need to do some adjusting.

I took in the material in two sections around each side seam. Because of the gathers, my alterations are not too obvious….I don’t think.

I’m not too impressed with the way the bow came out – I’m never good at those little decorative things. The bow on my muslin came out a lot better, probably because my mom helped me out with Continue reading “Wait, is it After Labor Day?” →

Just Keep Sewing…

On December 6, 2014December 29, 2014 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Uncategorized4 Comments

Well it feels like ages since I’ve been in blogworld. I’ve missed writing, reading other blogs, and discovering new ideas and project inspirations. So much has been happening the last couple months, but the biggest change was that I moved! After a brief but necessary time living at my parent’s house, I finally moved into my own apartment. It is a bit of an adjustment and the unpacking process takes a lot of my time, but I’m starting to feel back to normal again. And despite everything that has been going on, I have kept up on my sewing…somewhat.

While I’ve been away from the blog, there were a few projects I completed that I didn’t have time to write about. The first was a top from this retro pattern:

I bought this pattern because I have an obsession with those navy-style pants. Someday I am going to make a pair. I showed this to my sister and she asked “Ooh! Can you make me that little sailor top for my birthday?!” She may have been half-joking, but I accepted the challenge.

This pattern calls for something called “braid” for the trim, which I had a hard time figuring out what that was. After an exhaustive Google search I wondered if it’s even called that any more. My sister and I went to the fabric store to see what we could use for the the trim on the back flap. Finally, she picked out some white ribbon so we could make a type of navy design. I think it actually came out pretty good:

But, wow! It is a tiny top. I won’t post the picture of me wearing this, as it is a bit revealing. So here is another shot of Madame Booty wearing it:

Continue reading “Just Keep Sewing…” →

Okay…I did it…

On August 30, 2014December 29, 2014 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects9 Comments

Pattern: Simplicity 4127

In case you were wondering, that vague post title refers to the fact that I made a muslin, which is something I pretty much never do. I just don’t have much patience when tackling new projects. But, I have also noticed that being a newbie, I tend to make a lot of mistakes. And I also notice that the second time I make something, I make less mistakes, soooo….yeah you see where this is going.

Making a muslin refers to making a “trial” garment out of some inexpensive material. Traditionally these were made with muslin, hence the name, which is a really plain cotton fabric. But now the term “making a muslin” is used for any fabric that may be used. This is my understand at least, from reading many sewing blogs. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong.

I bought a wonderful white material labeled “as seen in J Crew” at the Fabric Corner in Arlington, MA. I bought it because it reminded me of this cute summer top I used to have when I was much younger, that showed off my midriff. I’m not at an age where I can show that much skin, but I did want another cute summer top, so I splurged on it (it was pretty expensive) and then bought this pattern:

My mom gave me some brown-ish printed cotton that was leftover from a quilting project. So I got to work. Continue reading “Okay…I did it…” →

The Swing of Things…

On August 18, 2014November 27, 2017 By qplourdeIn Material Addiction, Uncategorized4 Comments

I’ve been back from vacation for a few weeks, but really having trouble getting back to my sewing. It’s truly a shame because I am really late in making my sister’s birthday present….which I will reveal when it’s done.

Scotland was amazing by the way! I was so lucky to get the opportunity to visit during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and also experience some of energy of the Commonwealth Games. I didn’t have tickets to any of the games, so I did the next best thing – fabric shopping! I went to Mandors Fabric Store in Glasgow, just so I could say that bought fabric while in another country. Weird, I know, but I figured whatever Continue reading “The Swing of Things…” →

One Suit, Two Cups

On July 16, 2014November 27, 2017 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Uncategorized3 Comments

Pattern: McCalls 3566

Well I thought this post would be about my issues with putting bra cups into a bathing suit for the first time, but that was actually one of the easiest parts of this pattern. Since my first attempt at a bathing suit was so successful, I thought I would try a different style from this pattern. I thought the triangle top would be a good one to try, but I felt it would need some cups…for shape.

Unfortunately, this pattern did not provide an easy adjustment to add these. There was an option to add foam, but that is not something I have seen or could find online. The directions called for sewing each piece of lining to each of the separate front pieces. This was not an option since I needed to sew the cups between the material and the lining. Sewing the two lining pieces together was a bit difficult, but I got it to work. And with a few stitches, I secured the cups in the right spot under the lining, and being careful not to let the stitches show on the front side. I could use that front seam to my advantage – no stitches showed and the cups were securely in place.

Now the real hard part of this suit was the straps and that darn drawstring. I spent hours flipping those inside out. My fingertips were completely red Continue reading “One Suit, Two Cups” →

The Dress-for-Wedding Challenge: Epilogue

On July 10, 2014July 9, 2014 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Special Occasions, Uncategorized6 Comments

Pattern: Vogue Patterns American Designer, Kay Unger New York #V1353….continued from part 3, part 2 and part 1

I thought it might be nice, since half my blog is about this one dress, to post a picture of the final dress in action. Here is the dress I wore to my friend’s wedding over the July 4th holiday:

Me, having a conversation with a mystery person. I cropped her at her request.

A few days before the wedding, I added the thread belt loops and a fabulous gold belt from TJ Maxx ($9.99).

The wedding was wonderful – everyone had a great time. I was so happy to see my friends take this next step in their relationship. I also couldn’t believe that I got a few compliments about my dress, from people I didn’t know and who didn’t know I made the dress. It gave me a great ego boost – and I was ready to dance up a storm at the reception (not pictured).

One final picture, then I swear I will never speak of this dress again! Haha! But seriously, I would use this pattern again, I especially liked how the bodice fit and I didn’t need to make too many adjustments on the skirt. It would be interesting to see it made with a different print, so if anyone out there attempts this dress, let me know!

Seriously who is that mystery person?? I know you all want to know!

No Sweat! Workout Pants

On July 6, 2014November 27, 2017 By qplourdeIn Sewathons & Contests, Sewing Projects, Uncategorized4 Comments

Pattern: Papercut ooh la leggings

I was inspired to make these leggings by Karen’s Sporty Summer Sewathon, and also in an attempt to get me back on track with my own exercise routine. This past year, my active-ness has ranged from triumph – running my first half-marathon (Yay!) to disappointment – having to drop out of my second half-marathon due to injury (Boo!). But I’m ready to put all that behind me and get back to work! Oh look a button!

I immediately liked the Papercut pattern, because the seams are actually quite flattering and more interesting than your normal boring leggings pattern. In order to make these leggings into a pair of practical running pants, I knew I had to add a back pocket. Often for races, I need a spot to hold a car key, license, and maybe even some cash. Instead of constructing an actual pouch, I thought it might be easier to just double up the waist area and create a pouch that way, similar to another pair of running pants I already had.

I cut two panels of each and serged the front and back of each separately. I then stitched the waist pieces together, seams on the inside, and used it as one piece when attaching the legs. I used a serger on all the seams, because, you know…knit. I decided to use an invisible zipper for the back pocket, in order to keep that clean, legging-like look. I cut a slit on the back panel, sewed in my invisible zipper (cut to fit), and sewed a seam Continue reading “No Sweat! Workout Pants” →

In the Summertime…

On June 24, 2014November 27, 2017 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Uncategorized6 Comments

Pattern: McCalls 3566

Nothing says summer like outdoor BBQs, Mungo Jerry, and new swimsuits! I have plans to make two, and I even cut out two separate suits, but I only had time to make one this past weekend. What I love is that you don’t need a lot of material to make a bikini, so I got these less-than-a-yard “scraps” at Fabric Place Basement in Natick, MA. The pattern is out-of-print I believe, but I had a hard time finding one that I liked. It’s from the late 90’s, but I think the suits featured here are still in fashion. I decided to make top C and bottom G.

I want to start off by saying I felt like I was cheating a bit, because I actually used my mom’s brand new electronic sewing machine – “Mega-Weapon.” (Yes this is my name for the machine, my mother would never call her machine Mega-Weapon). She had recommended I use a stretch stitch for these, and since I didn’t have time to figure it out on my machine, she told me to use hers. This thing is insane – you change stitches with the touch of a button and it cuts, pulls in the bobbin, and does the back stitch all automatically as well. I don’t know, it was cool to use it, but I think I actually prefer Continue reading “In the Summertime…” →

The Dress-for-Wedding Challenge: Part 3

On June 16, 2014November 27, 2017 By qplourdeIn Sewing Projects, Special Occasions9 Comments

Pattern: Vogue Patterns American Designer, Kay Unger New York #V1353….continued from part 2 and part 1 Phew! It’s finally done. Actually, I do still need to buy a belt, but all the sewing is finished! Where we left off...okay I put the invisible zipper in. For those who don’t know, this is what an invisble zipper looks like. The teeth are not exposed on the outside, like a regular zipper, so the material is sewed around the front of the zipper tape.

Invisible zipper foot — Plastic invisible zipper foot – a great alternative to buying a whole new foot

It really wasn’t that complicated, but there were a few minor beginner hiccups that I will share. I watched this video, which described the whole process perfectly. I didn’t have a proper invisible zipper foot, so I just used the cheap plastic foot pieces you get at the fabric store and it worked just fine. I also wasn’t going to take any chances screwing this one up, so I made a bright colored basting stitch where the zipper was going to go, and pinned one side as the video instructed me. After I sewed the first side, it seemed right, but I had trouble zipping it up. It seemed twisted. Thinking I did the whole thing wrong, I un-did all the stitches and tried to figure out what the issue was. I couldn’t see what I was doing wrong, so I attempted stitching it again. It seemed right, until I tried zipping it up for the second time. I finally figured it out – the bottom of the zipper had just flipped to the inside, so it only looked like I pinned it wrong. Ooops! Oh well, I know for next time. After sewing both sides, the zipper flipped in with the material and indeed became invisible within the back seam. But all of a sudden I couldn’t zip the whole thing up to the top. This puzzled me for a bit, but after some examination found that I had just sewed one section too close to the teeth and the zipper was getting stuck. Minor fix – all set! I think it just needs a press so that the material is a little flatter around the zipper, but otherwise you can barely see it. Major learning: it is extremely important to sew as straight and close to the teeth as possible. This is where that plastic foot comes in handy since it actually has a groove that allows the foot to glide easily over the zipper teeth, keeping everything straight and tidy. This dress has a full lining in it, which attached at the neckline. The pattern also had me cut out a hem facing, which was to be sewn to the bottom of the dress. As I completed this step, Continue reading “The Dress-for-Wedding Challenge: Part 3” →

Throwback Thursday: Knit Dress

On June 5, 2014June 4, 2014 By qplourdeIn Pattern Obsession, Uncategorized2 Comments

I’ve been kind of frustrated lately. With my new job, long commute and social obligations, it’s been tough getting a decent chunk of time to finish my sewing projects. Which means nothing to blog about. However, last weekend I did end up taking a trip to Oldie’s Marketplace in Newburyport, MA and I had a great find.

I’m thinking this is from the 1970’s and I got it for $3 (plus tax). I’ve been looking for a pattern for a casual knit dress and I think this could be fun. Hopefully all the pieces are in there :o)

I’ve been really enjoying looking at old patterns lately and I can literally spend hours on Etsy just browsing through them. The challenge is that they usually come in one size, so sometimes you can’t find what you want. This one might be slightly big on top, but should be easy to adjust and shouldn’t be too much of a problem since it’s made for knits.

What do you think? Any fun “throwbacks” you working on right now?

Threading Lightly

Tag: Sewing