Friday, May 31, 2019

Sew A Little Seam ~ Movie Night Pjs (plus Pup Tees)

Pattern info and sizing: The Women’s Movie Night Pajama is a PDF sewing pattern for sizes 0/2
(32″ bust, 36″ hip) to 28 (50″ bust, 54″ hip).
The pattern is FREE if you find the code in the Sew a Little Seam Facebook group!

I made the top 12/14 Bust, 16/18 Waist and Hip
I made the bottoms 16/18 Waist and 20 Hip
My measurements at this time: 39 Bust, 32 Waist, 45 Hip

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Instructions: I didn’t look at them since this is an easy straight forward tee and legging type pant pattern.

For the Top:
I choose the scoop neck and did a 1/2” forward shoulder adjustment that is standard for me in every pattern.

For the Bottoms:
I choose the yoga waist and pant cuffs. I ended up having to scoop the front crotch by 1/2” to get rid of a camel toe problem.

After sewing the bottoms together the yoga waistband was too big so I added 1.5” elastic to it at 33” long.  Also, the “yoga band” is really short in height? I’m not sure why but when you fold it over it’s only 1.5” in height.  I’m used to a 3” or more yoga band AFTER being folded over. 

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This pattern does NOT come in A0 copy shop format.  I have become lazy and do not want to tape my pdf’s so I found a pretty cool way to make it A0 myself.  I followed the steps on this blog “Sewing and Things;” life-changing I tell you!  Basically you convert the PDF to JPEG and then put them into PowerPoint and arrange them and save as the A0 size.  Sounds complicated, but wasn’t.

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Issues with the Tee:  The tee does not fit me well.  I used some super gray knit fabric that I love and honestly I’m now quite sad the tee doesn’t fit right.  The arms are way too tight on the bicep.  There is something funky going on by the waist.  The back is really wide which might be contributing to the waist issue.  The shoulders keep trying to pull to the back so the shoulders are not lining up and I keep having to pull the shirt forward.  It fits like a RTW shirt – which is annoying.  But, I wanted to try the pattern.  I won’t be making adjustments because I have other tees that fit better off the bat. 

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However, the Bottoms:  They fit amazingly.  I love them!  I didn’t even do any altering or scooping of the butt – I just made the pattern as is.  I did put elastic in the yoga waist but that’s it!   The leg cuffs fit nice – snug but not tight.  The pants just feel amazing.  I used double brushed poly to make them and it feels like I’m wearing nothing. 

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Future changes: make a different tee pattern. Seriously, this one has enough issues and I have plenty more tee patterns to use that fit better.
Bottoms: add 1” to the back rise at center back and taper to 0” at side seams.  I need a little more butt room when sitting.  Add double to the yoga band height if using the yoga band and take about 2-3” off in width so it’s more snug. 

Fabric: Top: 1 yard Cotton Lycra from Spandex world (this stuff is amazing and soft) Light heather Gray, 92% Cotton 8% Spandex; $8/yard
Pants 1.25 yards of double brushed poly. I think I got this in a knitpop scrap box but I’m not 100%

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So after I made the blue pants I didn’t want to take them off.  They are super comfy for lounging and so soft.  My family got tired of seeing the blue floral so I made another pair in green floral. I only had about 3/4 a yard of this double brushed poly.  I got this in a scrap pack at one time and hoarded it because I love the fabric, but can’t wear olive by my face.  It just doesn’t look right.  WELL, I put the olive on my lower half and I’ll make a black tank to go with it.  Problem solved. 

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So I only had 3/4 yard and I’m not a capri person.  I decided to try them anyway.  I’m still not a capri person. I hate how cuffs feel on my mid calf.  I might chop these off to just above the knee and hem – not cuff.  I don’t know yet, I’ll need to wear them a bit first.

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I love how these look and fit so I”m sure more pairs are on the horizon. 

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Changes made to the capris: added 1” to back rise tapering to 0” at center front.  scooped 1/2” out on pattern at front crotch curve to fix camel toe issue.  Kept “yoga band” the same small height and added 1.5” elastic to the waist at 32” long. 

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Movie Night Pj’s for Pets
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I always love sewing for my pups and so I had to try this free pattern for my 2 boys. 
I made them both with bands on the legs, no sleeves. 

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Bennie measured almost a straight 5 so that’s what I made him.
Cheeto measured all over the place so I settled on 8 Neck, 10 Chest and Length and 9 Waist

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I used 1 yard of my same gray cotton lycra as the tee above. It is from Spandex world; $8/yard

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Instructions were good.  I mostly followed them as written.  The hem is my biggest issue with this pattern.  The hem is quite curved on these tees; the pattern tells you to turn up ONE INCH on a curved hem…. sharply curved at the meeting of the front and back.  I’m sorry that is just not happening.  Fabric doesn’t distort that way.  So I turned up 1/2” and struggled it into shape on those curves.  Also, the leg bands were really tight on the leg/shoulder openings.  I would add 1/2” to them next time. 

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Overall it’s a cute, fast pattern to sew up for your pup to match you.  I think they fit pretty great (also, it is really hard to get good pictures of puppies)!

Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Jalie 3900 Charlotte Cardigan

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Pattern: Classic jewel neck cardigan with long sleeve, hem and wrist bands.
  • Buttons at the front are optional.
  • View A hits at the hips and has pockets
  • View B is a cropped version.
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Size: 28 sizes including girls, women, and plus sizes
I used View B, Cropped Cardigan. Size W
My measurements at the time: 38 bust, 30 waist, 43 hip


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Alterations: ½” Forward shoulder adjustment (which I need for every pattern).

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Fabric Used: A mystery remnant. It is a poly jersey/sweater knit type fabric. Textured on one side. It is stretchy, but stable. Cropped calls for 1 3/4 yards of fabric; I was able to cut mine out of 1 1/8 yards.

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Instructions: Easy to follow.  I enjoy the pictures with each step as sometimes I get confused what a step is saying. 

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Thoughts: I am super happy with the fit. It covers my chest perfectly. The arms are a great length. The shoulders fit well. I love the height of the cropped version. It is exactly what I needed in my wardrobe.


Thursday, May 23, 2019

Jalie 3907 ~ Alex Half zip Pullover


Relaxed-fit pullover with half zip at front, funnel neck and side pockets.
Optional adjustment elastic at bottom hem.  Designed for polar fleece, but works well with sweater knits too.


Pattern Sizing and adjustments: 28 Sizes Included: Girls, Boys, Women, Plus sizes
I used size W for the Shoulder/Bust and graded to a Y at the hip
My measurements at the time: 38 bust, 30 waist, 43 hip
1/2" forward shoulder adjustment which I do to all my patterns.



Instructions: Well written, easy to follow for the most part.   I was really confused with the welt pocket.  At step 3 I found that I should only sew the long side so that I could get the pieces to turn for step 5 and 6.


I was super excited when this came up in testing.  The design is exactly what I was looking for.  I have been wanting a pattern like this for years now.  The style reminds me of all my 90s Columbia "wind" jackets.



Fabric used: I only used 2 yards even though the pattern called for  2.75 yards
I used Anti-Pill Fleece Fabric 61"-Peruvian Llamas from Joanns
(Item #15597883 though I think it's gone now)  I picked it up for $3.90/yard so this cost me $7.80 total.

Future changes: The hips aren’t wide enough even though I graded for my hip size.  I would need an extra inch or two around the hips.  I also would like the sleeves to be an inch longer. When I reach forward they are too short.


Thoughts:
I made this top with this fabric, with my 13 year old daughter in mind.  I wanted to make it secretly for her and she is close enough to my size (T bust/waist to V hip).  Well she loved it and wore it around home all week.   It fits her perfectly even though it’s in my size. I can’t wait to make another for myself and everyone in my family!  I have a few planned out for me already. I fully recommend this pattern. 

~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

Monday, May 20, 2019

Me Made May 2019 ~ Week 3

I wear me-made almost everyday now.  I have finally reached a point where my closet is almost all stuff that I've sewn.  The problem is I don't always go anywhere so I stay in pj's or lounge wear most days.  Also, I spend a decent amount of days in bed so I don't really change those days.  These things make it hard to document and fully do Me Made May; however, I'm still enjoying the process and learning things. Here is Week 3 - the week I usually fall off on posting daily wears and this year was no exception.

Monday, May 13th, 2019 ~ Mostly Sunny, high of 64°F (18°C)  low of 46°F (8°C)


Bottoms: Jalie 3022 yoga pants, not yet blogged
I love this renfrew and I love these pants; but I don't really love them together. 
I had navy yoga pants that looked way better but I ripped them.  Miss K had a softball game today.


Thursday, May 16, 2019 ~ AM Thunderstorms, high of 77°F (25°C) low of 50°F (10°C)


Bottom: Made for Mermaids Chloe Skirt not yet blogged
I traced, cut, and sewed up this skirt in like 30 minutes today because I had nothing to wear and it was going to be a HOT day for WI.  It was up to 80F; also, I love this top. Miss K had another softball game.


Sunday, May 19th, 2019 ~ Showers, high of 45°F (7°C) low of 36°F (2°C)


I spent 2 days in bed then pushed myself up and out of it to trace and prepare 6 sewing patterns.  After that I took a long hot bath and threw on this Halla Agnes that I wear for bed (made in Sept 2017).  It is so easy and comfortable to just throw on.  Watched the super disappointing Game of Thrones finale and then was up all night with a sick Miss K. 

I also worked on pants muslins this week from that pants sloper class I'm taking.  I feel like draft #1 was better than draft #2.  Draft 3 was not much progress so I'm going to try a few other things now.  





~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

Monday, May 13, 2019

Me Made May 2019 ~ Week 2

Week 2: I sort of fell off a bit this week with my photo taking.  The week was so busy; I was so tired; and then my body just quit on me about the time Thursday came along. I did get rid of a few pieces of clothing already though because after wearing them or taking my photo they just didn't look right/feel right.

Monday, May 6th, 2019 ~ AM Showers, high of 58°F (14°C) low of 37°F (3°C)


Another cold and dreary softball game to attend. 
And Gap Curvy Flare Jeans


Tuesday, May 7th, 2019 ~ AM Clouds/PM Sun, high of 58°F (14°C) low of 39°F (4°C)


Only left the house for a child's blood test and 1 thing at Walmart. Today was a sewing day. 
Jeans are Gap Curvy straight leg that I rarely wear 

Wednesday, May 8th, 2019 ~ Rain, high of 47°F (8°C) low of 39°F (4°C)


I hadn't taken a picture today because it was a long, cold, rainy day. Then this pops up on my Instagram feed. Funniest part is that its the EXACT thing I wore today!  
Went on a long drive to drop my embroidery machine off at the dealer for repairs. Long drives wear me out completely. 

Thursday, May 9th, 2019 ~ Cloudy, high of 47°F (8°C) low of 39°F (4°C)


And by now I'm completely on empty, no energy.  
Had a choir concert for Miss K today, luckily the softball game was cancelled. 
Sewaholic Renfrew top from 2017 and Gap Curvy Flare Jeans


Sunday, May 12th, 2019 ~ Partly Cloudy, high of 58°F (14°C) low of 40°F (4°C)


Friday and Saturday I laid low, my body just had enough. During that time I've been taking a pants sloper class on bluprint, more on that soon. 
And a Sylvanas Windrunner tee I made with my Silhouette cameo 


~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Me Made May 2019 ~ Week 1

Me Made May is back!  My love/hate relationship with this month can continue.  I love that I get to see everyone in their makes; I love learning about what works and doesn't for me and my sewing; but I don't enjoy the daily pictures.

Here is Week 1: 

Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 ~ AM Rain, with a high of 48°F (9°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C)
I know I've worn this outfit a few MMM's now but it's my go-too comfortable outfit.  I was tracing and altering patterns today, took a nap, then woke up and immediately took this picture. 


Top: Tee I put vinyl on - designed the WoW Horde logo myself with my Cameo


Thursday, May 2nd, 2019 ~ Cloudy, with a high of 55°F (13°C) and a low of 38°F (3°C)
I had to leave the house today and go to Miss K's softball game. It was cold. 


Pants:  New and unblogged Jalie - 3022 Yoga pants


Friday, May 3rd, 2019 ~ Cloudy, with a high of 60°F (16°C) and a low of 45°F (7°C)
I decided to drag Mr. Sunny to Menards for yard supplies since this weekend should be nice.


Pants: Gap Curvy Jeans


Saturday, May 4th, 2019 ~ Mostly Sunny, with a high of 66°F (19°C) and a low of 48°F (9°C)
We did a bunch of yardwork today which exhausted me completely.  I took a shower and zoned out the rest of the day/evening on video games. 




Sunday, May 5th, 2019 ~ Partly Cloudy, with a high of 65°F (18°C) and a low of 43°F (6°C)
I pushed myself yesterday too much. So I did more yardwork to further exhaust myself.  Then I put on these lounging clothes and napped/was lowkey the rest of the day


Top: Tee I put vinyl on with my Silhouette Cameo.  Its a Floki design I made (from Vikings)
Bottoms: Burdastyle - 11/2012 #135 Joggers made in 2015


~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~