Finally Some New Sewing Projects!
Bianca SilvaHello, hello!
You will probably be glad to hear (I know I am 😂) that the Fiona Sundress is finished!!
The new back seams worked out pretty well and gave me the shaping that I wanted for a less roomy fit. And all the buttons are sewed on too.
The only thing missing is actually wearing it now!
With the kids being on school holiday, and spending the days around the house, or going for walks and to the park, I have not found an occasion to wear it just yet. But I can’t wait to get into it soon.
I may just wear it to my new workplace.🤭
I have been keeping this detail under the radar until I knew I got the position, but you can now come and say hi to me every Friday at Leon’s Fabric in Chorlton!
I thought it would be interesting to work in a fabric store to learn more about the different types of fabrics because there is so much variety out there.
I, and maybe you too, tend to sew with the same fabric bases every time, so I want to expand my knowledge in this area.
I had my trial shift on Friday and it went really well! I really enjoyed speaking to everyone about the projects they were planning with their chosen fabrics, and also helping customers out with their general queries.
So, if you are planning a trip to Leon’s, come on a Friday and say hi!
Stitches of the Week
Ellie and Mac - Kids Madison Skort
Every day my daughter thinks of something new to make. 😂
On this particular Wednesday, she wanted to make a skirt.
We always ask our girls to wear shorts under their skirts so they can be more comfortable doing their cartwheels and all that, so I suggested making a skort.
She loved this idea and as she was going through my stash, she changed her mind three times about the project she wanted to make. 😅
In the end, I had to tell her that it was best to go with the original idea, otherwise we could get nothing done with so much indecision! We could do the other projects another day.
She started practising some zigzag stitches on the fabric and although they were coming out good, I just didn’t like the look of them. I much prefer the overlocker stitching.
She was initially scared to work on the overlocker because it goes a lot faster than a sewing machine, and it has no speed regulator, but with my hands guiding hers, we managed to get some seams done.
I did the waistbands alone and inserted a small piece of folded bias binding to signal which way was the back, but my eldest still managed to put it on the wrong way! 😂
Fabric: Both fabrics are jerseys - one has a rainbow print and the other is a solid light pink.
Size: Size 6 for both, even though their waist measurements put one in a 2 and the other in a 3. They love the fit and say it’s very comfortable.
The Drama: Trying to cut out fabric with a very excited 6 year old is very stressful!😂 She was always touching the fabric which then moved from under the pattern templates, and she wanted to either have my hand over hers or hers over mine to help cut with the rotary cutter.
Tilly and The Buttons - Marigold Trousers
I can finally start a new project after spending 6 weeks on the Fiona Sundress!
I had a few projects in mind, but decided to go with the Marigold trousers because I already had my size cut out.
In my vlog earlier in the week, I mentioned using a deep purple ponte fabric for it but I was worried it might look like pyjama’s, so I chose a cherry print cotton fabric instead.
So far I have only shortened them for my height, I’ve removed a total of 1 inch, and I’ve cut out the pockets.
I think I am going to need to remove some of the curve of the front crotch from what I have seen in other maker’s photos, but I can do that after I have cut the fabric if needed. I will baste the layers together first and go from there.
These can come any quicker now! I have been struggling with bottoms lately because I only have 2 trousers that fit now.
I’m hoping that if these fit me well, I can quickly make another pair. The elasticated waist will be more adaptable for the changes my body is going through at this time.
Fabric: Red cherries on navy background cotton poplin from my stash.
Size: straight size 4.
The Drama: Not a real drama, but I’ve thought of making the top bodice of the Marigold as a top instead of a jumpsuit. Like that I could use it as a coord or mix it with other pieces in my wardrobe. 🤔
Take It or Leaf It Sweater - Karas Knit Eng
This is the second (maybe third) time I am following a knitting chart.
When I did it before I felt I had to be totally blocked from everything and just concentrate on not losing myself in the many blocks, but this time round I feel very relaxed.
I can even stop halfway through a row, walk away and come back to it without feeling anxious that I won’t know where to continue from.
Of course the more you do something, the better you become at it, but I didn’t expect to be this at ease already following a chart.
This week, I finished knitting the shoulders on the front bodice and have knitted about a third of the back bodice.
Yarn: Yarnsmiths Create Super Chunky gifted by Wool Warehouse paired with Drops silver thread.
Size: XS
Needle Size: I am using an 8mm needle. The yarn suggests a 10mm for reference.
The Win: I've caught a couple more of my mistakes early and have managed to fix them without any issues. The mistakes were miscounting… again, and knitting a stitch instead of purling.
Skill Builder of the Week
Stay Stitching
If you’ve ever had a neckline, armhole or waistline stretch out of shape while sewing, you may want to make use of a stay stitch.
It’s a quick step and it will save you from some frustration later.
A stay stitch is a row of stitches sewn within the seam allowance where the fabric has been cut on a curve or bias.
You want to stay stitch necklines, armholes and waistlines right after cutting, and before you start handling and pinning your fabric.
So, how do you stay stitch?
- Use a straight stitch(2.0–2.5 length)
- Stitch about ⅛” from where your seam will be.
- Start from a shoulder seam and stitch toward the center on both sides of a neckline or waistline to prevent distortion.
This takes just a minute to do, but it will keep your garment looking well shaped.
Maker Spotlight
This week’s spotlight goes to @makes.by.cait!
Caitlin put so much work into making this patchwork dress and it has paid off! It is gorgeous!
She used a mix of quilting cotton and bed sheets, and used The Willow Sewing Pattern from Cinnamon Daisy Studio.
I love a bit of patchwork but have yet to make a garment that includes some patchwork. I have been wanting to do this for a while and even started cutting out squares from my scraps of fabric 2 years ago, with the intention of making the patchwork jacket from the Sewing Bee book! 😶🌫️
Want to be featured in my newsletter? Just reply with a pic of your make. I’d love to see what you’ve made!😍
Catch Up
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Thanks for reading and happy sewing!
Bye for now, B! xx