My First Sew Along

I've never tackled a coat before and when I saw the Trench Coat Sew Along,

I thought that might be the ticket to get me going. I emailed Elizabeth yesterday morning to see if it was too late to join and she gladly sent me my invite.

Since I already have it in my pattern stash I thought I'd go with McCall's 5525 for this one. View E.
I'm a little apprehensive about this because it is my first coat, but I will try to do my best. I found this fabric believe or not at Walmart.

I think it is a polyester blend of some sort. It was marked as fabric unknown. I haven't picked my lining or buttons out yet but I would like something colorful for the inside of the coat. I figure I can decide on the buttons as I move along.

The other decision I have to make is whether or not to treat the fabric so that it's waterproof. Do any of you have any suggestions in reference to that? I've never done that before.

In other sewing news, I'm also cutting out McCall's 5978

so that I can sew along with my buddy Sheila. I also plan on cutting out Butterick 5030.

I think that's all I can handle right now as I start back to work this week and I'm crazy with knitting projects right now. I'll tell you more about that later this week.

Sheer Madness!!!!

I knew this fabric was a little sheer, but I really can see it now in these pictures. I finally finished Simplicity 2584. I am very proud of this dress. It turned out really nice and I can't wait to wear it next week to work. That's right, I start back to work on Monday. I'm hoping things won't be to crazy, but hey, who knows. Anyway, back to this dress. So, you already know that I tried french seams on this dress. I was thinking about trying some piping around the neckline, so I decided to learn how to make that also. I think it turned out pretty well, but in the end, I decided not to use it. I followed the pattern directions, sewing in the facing and then did top stitching. To make sure I didn't mess up, I used carbon paper to trace the lines from the pattern and then went over the lines on the interfacing with marker.

My favorite part of this dress was the sleeve construction. I remember when I cut this pattern out that there was a piece for the sleeve lining. When I looked at it, I said to myself, what the heck is this for. Why would I need that? Well, it genius. The sleeve is made up of 3 parts. The actual sleeve, the ruffle and the sleeve liner. Each piece is sewn together separately. Then you connect the ruffle to the liner while gathering it on one side. Then you attach the ruffle to the sleeve and gather it on the other side. When you've completed that you attach the sleeve liner to the inside where the ruffle and the sleeve meet. In doing this, you pull the ruffle into the inside or wrong side of your garment, as you can see in this picture. And it looks like this on the right side of your garment. In conclusion, I love the dress and will definitely be making another one of these. Probably next Spring, as this pattern has various other sleeve options for the dress. I have to go for now, but I wanted to leave you with my clearance find from JoAnn's last week. They were clearing out for new stock and I just could not leave them at the store. Oh, the possibilities.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm going to try to.

Rainy Fridays and Progress Pics.

With the season turning to fall weather one can not help but set their mind towards fall fashions. I have a few items in mind but before I start them, I want to sew a few items that I classify as in between weather clothing or transitional clothing.

I started working on Simplicity 2584 yesterday. I am making View A. This dress is similar to the McCall's dress I made this summer, but there are some differences. This dress has a zipper. It is more shapely. The neckline is a little different. You actually sew the facing on first, and then cut the neckline for the V-shaping(like steaking). Also, the waist has a drawstring waistline. I will be omitting that, and just make a belt to tie around the waist. The fabric I am using is a sheer cotton batiste in black with white embroidery stitching at the bottom. I purchased this fabric in July of 2008 at Fabric Warehouse during their 40% off sale. Love that place. Anyway, while making my dress, I wanted to try something new, french seams. I think they give sewn garments a very nice finished look on the inside/wrong side of garments.

I had read up on how to do french seams from Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing and this sight. The only thing I was unsure of was the seam allowances. I thought I would have to compensate and cut for a larger seam allowance, but thanks to Amanda(I think she is the queen of french seams) and her tutorial, I learned differently.


Here are how my seams turned out. I am pretty proud of myself so far.

Wrong side of garment.

Right side of garment. I was hoping that I'd finish the dress today, but unfortunately, that wasn't the case. We had a family emergency last night with my mother-in law, so I've been a little busy with that. There is always tomorrow. Anyway, this is what I have done so far. When I cut the pattern out, I added 2 inches to the length.
I don't have any knitting news but my fingers have been working the needles. I casted-on for another Turn A Square hat. By the way, are any of you knitters going to Rhinebeck? Anyway, I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Labor Day Weekend Update!!

This is a warning. This post is very picture heavy. Saturday was our lazy day. We hung out by the Sckuykill River with our new toy.

It was a beautiful day. The weather was great and we had a nice time. It was my first time riding a jet ski.

I also started a new project. I've made socks before, but never one from the toe-up so this is my introduction to that. I'm using Berroco Sock 50% Nylon and 50% Acrylic which is actually very nice to work with. The pattern I'm using is The Humble Sock Goes Toe-Up by Nikki Burns. I found the pattern on Ravelry. I had to make a few alterations as for the size because it was too big. I casted on for the smallest size but worked up to 46 stitches on #2 circular needles. I also learned a new technique which was the Turkish Cast-On. The sock seems to fit me fine so far. I'm almost up to the heel flap part.

Yesterday I finished Sursa. I think she turned out really nice and should keep me warm on those chilly days like today. All that's left to do is to weave in the ends. I pretty much followed the pattern. The only thing I did differently was the ruffle. I wanted instant gratification so I decided to crochet the ruffle instead of knit it. It took 10 balls of yarn and 2 evening sessions in front of the television but it's done.

Last night I casted on for a blanket. It's a Christmas gift so I can't say who it's for. I don't have any pictures yet, but I hope to have it done in time.

In sewing news, I went to JoAnn Fabrics yesterday and had a field day. McCalls, Vogue and Simplicity patterns were all on sale. I thought at first that my visit was going to be a bust. When I got there, I wasn't finding what I went for but then the boxes started showing up for restocking and the nice girls at JoAnns let me go to town. 11 patterns later, I walked out a very happy camper. Here's what I purchased. I have to thank Amanda of Amanda's Sewing Adventures (great blog) for mentioning over the weekend that McCalls had listed some new patterns. When I saw this Laura Ashley pattern 5972, I had to get it. I love the ruffles on View C. I was afraid that my JoAnns didn't have it yet, but like I mentioned earlier, they had just received the new shipment with the new patterns.5929. Even though I've been sewing for quite some time, I've never sewn a button down shirt. I figure it's about time, so here's one of the blouses/shirts I'd like to tackle this coming year.

Every girl needs a sweater set in their wardrobe and I thought 5978 would fit the bill. What I like about this pattern is that it has a set- in sleeve on the sweater. That's great for me because if I want to change the sleeve design it will be easier for me to do and it opens up quite a few options.

I purchased 5975 because I just liked it. Plus I do like all the dress options.

I can see myself making at least 3 versions from 2504. I love Views A, B, and C.

There's not much to say about 2508. I think it's a definite must have. I love all 3 versions.


Getting in the holiday mode. I picked up these 3 patterns. Simplicity 2739, 3696 and McCalls 5248. My mother asked me for a bathrobe for Christmas so I think pajamas and bathrobes will be in order for her and my husband this year.

Robin has made this one a few times. Because of that, it has become a must have in a sewer's collection. I figured it was time I picked this one up before they discontinue it.

I saw 2665 the last time I was at a Simplicity sale. I decided to pick it up this time. I like the vest and pants from this pattern. It's the vest and pants version of Vogue 1053 which is already in my collection(jacket and pants). The fronts of the jacket and vest on these 2 patterns are very similar.

That's about it for me. I want to sew something today, or at least cut something out. I just need to pick a pattern out.

I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their Labor Day!!

My New Best Friend!!! And Other Updates!!

Every once and a while you come across a new product in the store that is something you can not live without. My new toy is the Off Clip On!!! If you don't have one, you definitely have to get one. They are a hot commodity in the stores and are selling out pretty quickly. But if you visit the store at the right time, you just might hit the jackpot.

Anyway, I bought mine not by choice, but I'm glad I did. A few weeks ago, I got stung by 2 yellow jackets and couldn't walk for 3 days. Bad allergic reaction. To make matters worse, 2 weeks later, the day after my red dress vava voom moment, I was bit by a swarm of gnats. My face, neck, arms back, and butt were covered in bits. I had to go to my family doctor who in turned yelled at me. That's the treatment you get when you've been going to the man since you were in grade school. Anyway, he told me that I should have gone to the hospital after being stung. Well, my lovely doctor put me on steroids for 6 days which I finished last Saturday, and I've been wearing my clip on ever since. And yes my friends, I see an allergist in 2 weeks for testing.

With the clip on, there is no spraying involved. It's battery operated. All you have to do is turn it on and you're ready to go. Here's a link to see how it works.

In knitting news: The guys in my band have been complaining that I'm always knitting but I haven't made anything for them yet. A week ago, I started Turn A Square by Jared Flood.

4 down, 4 more to go. My husband saw the hats and liked them, so I guess I'll be making one more for him. The pattern is Turn A Square by Jared Flood. I love this hat. It is so easy and it knits up quickly. It's a great stash buster and uses up leftover yarn. In terms of time, I'm knitting a hat a day. The yarn I'm using is Noro Silk Garden for the stripes and Noro Amagi for the main color.


Last night I started Sursa.It's from Cornelia Tuttle Hamilton Collection, Book II put out by Noro. I think the book is discontinued. But the pattern is a major hit at one of the two yarn shops that I like to visit. Even though it does call for Noro yarn and I am a huge fan, I wanted something more summery. The yarns I'm using are Cascade Sierra . It's the pale pink and Araucania Pomaire. The multi colored yarn. I love how the 2 yarns are working together, and the pattern is such an easy knit. It's great for television watching.

I have no sewing news but I have been buying fabric. Fabric Warehouse had a 50% off Sale last week. I couldn't pass that up. I was very good. I only purchased 4 pieces and paid $23 for the whole lot. I also purchased fabric from Fabric.com. I bought some stretchy lace and some ITY Knit. I think some underwear and lingerie are in my future. Who knows.

Anyway, what do you all have planned for the weekend? I'm giving someone a refresher on sewing tomorrow. Mr. D doesn't have to work this weekend so I'm hoping we'll be doing something fun. I also have to do a little house cleaning.

McCall's 5584 My VaVa Voom Dress!!!

This is the first time that I've tackled a cocktail dress, and I am very pleased, scratch that. I am ecstatic on how it turned out. I'm also jumping for joy because this was a stash buster project. I only had to buy fabric for the lining, a zipper, and red serger thread. I purchased the fabric a few months ago at JoAnn's from their clearance department with no particular pattern in mind. The dress portion was made of a 100% Polyester/Taffeta fabric and was a dream to sew with. I'm so glad I purchased more of the fabric in other colors. Anyway, enough of my blabbering, on with my review.


McCall 5584

Pattern Description:
Lined, flared dress, close-fitting at bust, above mid-knee length has upper bands and back zipper; dress A has contrast bands, shoulder straps and bow; dress B has contrast bands and ties; dress C has shoulder straps, lace trim and contrast ruffles.

I made View B with an overlay.

Pattern Sizing:

14 - 20

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

Yes, most definitely. It was a cross between view A and view B since I did the dress portion with an overlay.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

I really didn't follow the directions, but I did look at the pictures briefly. In looking at the directions now, they seem pretty straight forward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This is a great pattern to pull out and make if you want something to wear in a jiffy and I highly recommend it. It's also great for when you don't feel like wearing something close fitted especially on the bloated days. You can still look put together, and very chic.

Fabric Used:

For the dress, I used a Taffeta made of 100% Polyester. At least I think it was a Taffeta. It was in the clearance section of JoAnn Fabrics and sometimes the fabrics aren't named very well, but the fabric was a dream to work with. For the overlay on the dress I used organza fabric with 3 dimensional appliques.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:

In cutting out the pattern I used the dress length for view A. I'm 5'9 and I don't like my dresses too short. I also used the full length of the pattern piece for the tie. I didn't shorten it for the length of the dress size. It made it easier to tie, and I think it hangs nicer. I had to take it in a little more only in the band/chest area to help it so it wouldn't slide down while wearing

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I love the dress, and it is exactly how I envisioned it, but I don't know if I'd make it again. One is enough for my wardrobe. I highly recommend it .

Conclusion:
This was my first time working with an overlay, and it was a little of a challenge, only because of the appliques and scallop at the bottom. I threw caution to the wind when I cut the skirt portion out. You really can't follow the layouts on the pattern instructions when there's crazy stuff going on on the fabric. My dressform really came in handy when I was figuring out where everything should line up.

Overall, I LOVE this dress, and it was a hit at the wedding I went to last night. It also made my night when I was walking up to the bar, and I hear this one woman say to another guest who was also a woman " I LOVE HER DRESS!! " I beamed. If only they knew I made it.

By the way, this review/post is dedicated to Smoking Needles. I thought you'd like this one for your CBM.

In knitting news I started Coachella this week.

This pattern is pretty easy to work up, and great if you want to knit while watching television or a movie. The yarn I'm using is Maggi's Linen by MaggiKnits. It's a mix of 48% Linen and 52% Cotton. I've never worked with linen before so I think this was a nice introduction.



I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend so far, I know I am. The wedding was in Cape May, NJ. I stayed over, enjoyed the beach this morning and drove back this afternoon. Tonight I'll be making a pound cake for a knitting pool party with some friends tomorrow.

Hope everyone is having a great one!! Cheers!!