Butterick 5046

Pattern: Butterick 5046

















Size: This pattern contains sizes 8 to 22 - I made size 8.

Fabric: Teak interlock and teak/black floral paisley interlock both from Wazoodle.

Project Photo:

Comments: I was looking to make a comfortable, casual outfit for running errands. When I saw this pattern, I remebered these two interlock fabrics that I had in my stash. Although the pattern calls for wovens, I decided to use the knits since they are stable.

The pattern went together very easily. As a matter of fact, the cropped pants are just basic, elastic waist pull-ons. Even though the pants are simple to make, they are fairly flattering and quite easy to wear.

The top was also easy to put together and it looks just like the envelope illustration. However, I should have done some tweaking on the front bodice pattern piece. There is a fair amount of gathering in this area and it is a bit overwhelming on my small bust. Although I don't hate this top, it is not one of my favourites.

Conclusion: I am happy enough with how this outfit turned out. I can see making a few more pairs of the cropped pants in other knits to wear while exercising or walking the dog. The top, on the other hand, is not flattering enough for me to worry about altering the pattern to try again. This will be a nice outfit for cruising around on the weekends.

All Sorts of Stuff About Me

I have been tagged by both Gaylen and Angie. So, here's all the juicy info:

1. What kind of seam ripper do you use?
- just a cheapo one, like this:










2. What do you use to snip threads at the sewing machine?
- a small pair of embroidery scissors, like this:










3. What do you use to cut out patterns/fabric?
- a pair of Fiskars scissors, like this:










4. Do you stash zippers?
- I stash everything, including zippers (yah, zipperstop.com!)

5. Which takes up more space in your stash — knits or wovens?
- wovens; it's a 2/3 woven, 1/3 knit ratio

6. Are you wearing anything today that you made?
- yes, a knit top and seersucker cardigan (but, the pants are RTW)

7. Does anyone else in your family currently sew?
- nope, not a soul

8. What is the last $$ sewing-related (non-fabric) item you bought?
- my new Kenmore Elite 19005 sewing/embroidery machine

9. Cutting out, pressing, hemming. Which one do you like the LEAST?
- I hate hemming; every time my husband has pants to hem, I cringe. But, I still do it because I am wonderful :)

10. Do you have any non-chain garment fabric stores in your local area?
- there are two stores that carry just quilt fabric within 20 km; for apparel fabric, the drive increases to 60 km.

If anyone else wants to participate, go for it!!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

So, obviously my blog is sporting a new look. Out with the old, in with the new, I say. It was time to shake things up around here and this is the result - new colours, new banner (the picture is of a plant in my garden - Crocosmia "Lucifer") and new profile photo.


Oh great...now, I can't get that David Bowie song out of my head!!

Oops! I Did it Again!

Ooo...I am so excited. An amazing Maggy London Garden Print Linen was posted at Textile Studio a few weeks ago and I have been stalking it ever since. I would gaze at it longingly for hours, dreaming of what our life together would be like. The dreams we could fulfill, the time spent in each other's company. C'mon folks, you know what I'm talking about. I know I'm not the only one that has a rich fantasy life that revolves around fabric.

Anyhow, Marsha (the little temptress), must have known about my unrequited love. There it was, in the Thursday Special this week...my heart's desire...begging to come home with me. So, I invited 2 yards over for dinner and who knows what else (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). Here it is, my latest passion:
I'm not absolutely sure into what I will turn this fabric. On my short list, I see it as view A of Vogue 7511 (although I will be ditching the bow at the neck). Then it can be worn twice as often, sometimes as a dress, other times as a coat.

It Was Only a Matter of Time

I have been eyeballing the offerings at Denver Fabrics for a while now. I just never quite got the perfect incentive to take the plunge. Well, this evening, a 30% off coupon appears in my inbox. So, I wandered over to take a little looksie. Silk chiffon for 30% off? In the perfect colours for a project that's been percolating in the back of my brain for months now? How could I resist? Well, I couldn't and the rest is history. So, check it out.

Remember this dress, from Vintageous, which was the inspiration for a dress in my SWAP?



















I adore this dress and my quest is to produce a blatant ripoff of it. To that end, I purchased the following two silk chiffons:













Not perfect colour matches, but pretty darn good, if I say so myself! I cannot wait to get these fabrics in my hot little hands.


In other sewing pursuits, I have many new garments to show you. All that is required is some computer time to write the blog entries. Over the next few days, I hope to show you the 3 skirts, 2 tops, 2 dresses and 1 jacket that have now made their way from my fabric closet to my clothing closet.

Doggone Ugly

No, mommy, nooooooo.......


Honestly, what was McCall's thinking?

It's a Plaid World

I was on my way out the door to do some accessories shopping (shoes, bags, jewellery, etc.) at the local outlet mall and I asked my husband to snap a picture of me in my latest creation. So, for your perusal,
Gotta love linen, eh? Wrinkles and all, linen is still one of my my favourite fabrics. And my latest love, seersucker fabric - it just screams summer!

ETA: Gaylen pointed out that I look a tad disgruntled in the above picture - I look grumpy because at that moment it looked like it was about to rain on me. Gaylen also mentioned the absence of Simon. So, here's another picture (pardon the blurriness) which remedies the prior two problems. Look, a smile and a sweet pooch - for what more could you ask?

Simplicity 3887 & McCall's 2101

Pattern: Simplicity 3887 & McCall's 2101



























Size: S3887 comes in sizes 8 to 24 - I made size 8. M2101 comes in sizes XS to XL (4-22) - I made XS.








Fabric: Rust plaid seersucker for the top and rust linen/cotton blend for the cropped pant. Both fabrics are from Fabricland.











Project Photo:



















Comments:I have made the pants before and when I'm looking for a quick, comfortable, easy pair of pants, this is the pattern I usually use. This pattern does not produce the most fashion forward result, but when I'm in a hurry and need a fast fix, this is a great pattern. I tend to only make these pants if I know I'll be wearing a top out to cover the elastic waistband. A word of caution - this pattern runs large in my opinion. I usually use an 8 for my pants, but the XS (4-6) was roomy enough for me.

This is the first time I made the top and I chose view C. It went together very quickly and the result is quite nice looking. My only alteration is to cut 3" off the bottom, as the top fell at a bad spot on my hip. Although I am fairly long waisted for my height, this top was too long as is. I am pleased with the length now. I would not wear this top without the belt - it looks too much like maternity wear otherwise

Conclusion: All in all, this was a quick and easy outfit. I am behind in my sewing and I am in dire need of some summer clothes. I was able to complete both pieces (from layout to cutting to sewing and finishing) in about 6 hours. This will be a nice, cool addition to my summer wardrobe. I will certainly make both pieces again.