P4P Boundless as a top and Greenstyle Chelsea Pants

I apologize if this post is a repeat to some of you.  I’m having issues with Bloglovin not showing my posts; and now my Open Live Writer is acting up again; oh and my photos are blurry too.  Technology...... UGH.

Way back when (Jan 2019) I made winter sewing plans.  I’ve still been working on those plans.  I have 4 of the 10 made and 2 more muslins in progress.  Here are 2 things from those plans.

Patterns for Pirates – Boundless dress as a top

I made this back in Jan 2019 and haven’t gotten around to taking pictures.  I was waiting for the pants to be finished to go with it.

Size: Large, empire waist, 3/4 sleeves.

Alterations: 1/2” forward shoulder, raised back neck 5.5”, did 3/4” hem.  for the bottom piece that is gathered I made a trapezoid shape. 26” across the top slanting to 29.5” at the bottom hem and 15” tall.  On the inside I attach fold over elastic around the waist where the gathers are.  I do this without stretching the elastic at all. This makes sure the gathers stay nice, do not stretch out, and the FOE is soft enough that it doesn’t irritate my skin like regular or clear elastic does (allergy to latex).

Fabric: 2 yards black roses floral double brushed poly.  purchased in dec 2016 from knitpop

Thoughts: love love love.  I love everything about this top.

Future: no changes to make.



Greenstyle - Chelsea Yoga Pants

These pants were my hold up.  I made a pair according to my measurements in January and they were waaaay to tight – like skin tight booty pants, and that is not a look I’m trying to achieve.  So I put the booty pants aside and measured the pattern flat – which showed why they did not fit me.  My measurements put me in an XL but the flat measurements showed I needed to make a 3XL.

In March I made the 3xl size finally and they fit all sorts of weird.  They were too high in the waist, the crotch felt weird, the waist was too big and the butt had issues.  I put them aside and moved on for the time being.

Well, fast forward from March to July and now I’ve gained 20 lbs; so I put on the 3XL pants the other day…. and they fit.  Fit just fine actually – I mean well enough to wear in public.  ha!  So here are my Chelsea pants to go with my above top – in the middle of July – oh and did I mention my pants are FLEECE lined! hahahahaha.

We will start with the larger ones first (the second pair)

Size: 3xl, medium rise.

Alterations: scooped butt curve by 1/2”, sloped more to the waist by taking in 1/4” at mid butt curve and then 3/8” at top of butt curve by waist.  Added 1/4” to outer hip at waist, added 3/8” at outer hip curve – did this to compensate for the sloping of the curve at CB as well as the scooping.

Fabric: 1.5 yards “Black Sweatshirt fleece”, plush brushed fleece back, can be used for activewear.  4 way stretch. Purchased Feb 2018 from fashionfabricsclub for $3.94/yard. so $5.91 total.

Thoughts: I love the front seam on these.  I love the flare.  I’m glad they fit me now.  I think the midrise is too high for my liking. I would like to lower the front rise by 1/2-3/4”

Future: It will depend, if I lose weight I will try the 2xl size and go from there.  I will do low rise from now on.


Here are the weird fit pics from Mar before I gained weight. same pair of pants.

OK now on to the 1st pair I made:

Size: Large at waist to XL hip and elsewhere.  midrise.

Alterations: scooped butt curve 1/2” added 1/8” to back leg inseam and 1/4” to front leg inseam.  added 3/4” to hem. 

Fabric: 1.25 yards Black nylon/lycra fleece-back knit from fabricmart fabrics. purchased in a mystery bundle May 2017.  Cost $1.20 for the piece. 30% stretch selvage to selvage

Thoughts: way too tight. skin tight. These instagram pics were the only ones I snapped of these pants and if they were skin tight in Jan, then there is no way I’m even getting a leg in one of these now!


~ Happy Sewing! ~ Kristin ~

More of Jalie 3022 Yoga Pants

Probably one of my most used patterns.  Definitely one of my most worn pants throughout the years.  I first sewed this pattern in Dec 2014 and I continue to sew it as my weight changes and the fabric wears out.  (Currently I’ve gained a bit of weight as I’ve found a few more things to eat recently).
Here are the seven pairs I made prior to these new 2 pairs (sewing these new ones brings my total up to using this pattern NINE times).  1. Black plain  2. Hunter Green 3. Green Shorts 4. Teal Pants 5. Black and White  6. Black for Miss K  7. Navy Cotton Lycra

First up: Black Yoga Pants

Size: My measurements at this time (waist 32, hip 46) put me in a size W waist and BB hip.  But these fit tight so I sized up to a Waist Z, Hip CC.  That’s one up in the hip and 3 up in the waist.
Alterations: curved the back crotch more at the lower butt by 1/2”. Added 1” to the Hem



Instructions: The instructions are fantastic.  At this point in sewing them so much I rarely have to look at them, but I do glance from time to time – especially for the waistband part.  Nothing is hard to sew though.

Fabric: 2 yards Double Brushed Yoga Knit – Heavy (though it doesn’t feel heavy) from Knitpop for $9.50/yard so $19 total.



Thoughts: Love, love, love.  I love everything about these. They are soft, they feel like I’m wearing pajamas.  The fabric is amazing.  These things are perfect. (These were sewn April 18th, 2019 and I’ve worn them a ton of times since).

 

Next time: Need to lower the center front rise by 1”.  It sometimes bothers my stomach to have the waistband so high.

Next: Navy Yoga Pants

Size: It’s hard to say because of my alterations below.  I started with Waist Z and Hip CC but after my alterations this made the front hip increase by 0.25” and the back hip increase by 1.25”!  The thigh measurements remained the same.  My measurements at this time (waist 32, hip 46) put me in a size W waist and BB hip.  But these fit tight so I sized up to a Waist Z, Hip CC.  That’s one up in the hip and 3 up in the waist, and then did the alterations on top of this.



Alterations:  I put my beloved Burda yoga pant pattern (11/2007 #122) on top of the Jalie pattern and used the crotch curve and hip from the Burda for these. I also used 32” for the waistband elastic. 
Instructions: same as above (The instructions are fantastic.  At this point in sewing them so much I rarely have to look at them, but I do glance from time to time – especially for the waistband part.  Nothing is hard to sew though).

Fabric: 2 yards Navy 4-way stretch Ponte (this stuff is heavy) from Knitpop; purchased in April 2017 for $5.10 per yard, so $10.20 total.



Thoughts: eh.  I’m not really happy with my alterations – they make the pants feel weird.  Also, the ponte is too heavy and the seams feel large, not comfortable.  They are a bit loose on me too and this pattern is made to be tight fitting.  The view from the backside is not a good one; I don’t think I’ll get much wear out of these. (These were sewn May 7th, 2019 and I attempted to wear them one time but couldn’t handle the scratchy feel of the ponte or seams).

Not everything I sew is going to work out.  I'm glad I tried this alteration, but I know now that it doesn’t work out.  So into the wastebasket it goes!

Happy Sewing! 

Kristin

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)

Top: Sewaholic Renfrew made in Jan 2018

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)

Top: Burdastyle 10/2014 #103 made in Jun 2015

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 ~

Purple, Purple and a Puppy

Well, the year is almost over and I still have a bunch of makes I haven’t posted yet. Oops.  I will do my best to catch up so I can start my big plans for next year, fresh.

Here are 3 makes for me (1 fail, 2 successes) and a make for the puppy. 

Ottobre 02/2017 #2 “All Day Long” Rayon Jersey Top



Size: 42 at shoulder to waist, graded to a 44 hip in front and 46 hip in back. 

Adjustments: 1/2” forward shoulder adjustment. Raised neckline 1/2” because it looked low



Instructions are to the point, easy enough to follow.  The neck and hem are bound, cuffs at the arms. 



Fabric: 2 yards Midnight Plum Rayon Spandex Jersey Knit. Purchased May 2017 from Fabricmartfabrics.com on sale for $4/yard.  $8 total.  This is a heavier rayon spandex than I’m used to.  It does make the top hang a bit more (pull towards the ground). 



Thoughts:  Fail.  miserable fail.  I do not like the drop shoulder; Honestly I didn’t think the pattern had this at all, big oversight.  It is also super long.  Like Tunic long.  It looks oversized, baggy, and huge on me.   If I pull up the bottom it looks halfway decent but I still don’t like that shoulder.  I will attempt to use it for a nightgown but I am afraid it is destined for the trash or repurpose pile.  Hmm, there is a lot of fabric here, maybe I can get a cowl tank out of it.  I do love the color.




BurdaStyle 11/2007 #122

I had this pattern pegged to make myself some yoga pants, and then Miss K needed some like “right now” back in September for Gym.  She even used the black space fabric I wanted to use.  After I got over my disappointment of making them for her instead of me, I picked out the same fabric in a different color and made my own. 



Size:Waistband 42; Front Piece: 42 waist, 44 hip to hem; Back Piece: 42 waist, graded to 46 at hip to knee and back to 44 the rest of the way to hem. I added 1.5” for the hem like the magazine stated but then only did 1” hem. 



Instructions:  For Burda, these are good instructions.  However, the pattern is also simple to sew up so not too much to mess up.



Fabric: 2 yards Eggplant Space Dye Poly Spandex Performance Tech Knit Fabric;  It is 90% Poly, 10% Spandex. Purchased from StylishFabrics.com in July 2017 for $7.20/yard. $14.40 total for these pants.  This fabric is amazing.  it is soft and slippery.  It feels closer to ITY than athletic wear.  It has great recovery though.  When I wear these pants it feels like silk on my legs.  The fabric is perfect for warmer weather. 



Thoughts:   I love love love these pants.  They are so easy to make, fit really well, and are super comfortable to wear.  I loved them so much that I made a second pair in this thick red yoga knit fabric. 



Fabric: Premium Red Yoga Knit from Knitpop.  Super thick and luscious.  Purchased in June 2017; it was $10.50/yard in a half off sale.  So $21 total for this pair. This fabric is awesome to wear too.  It has great recovery and is super soft and plush. 



And now for the puppy.  Back in September I was preparing Bear (aka bennie, beanie, etc).  for his first shave.  Knowing he would be cold I made him a cute shirt.  I even embroidered his name on the back.  His full name is Bear E.B. Benson. 

Pattern: Sophi and Friends (on etsy) Dog Tee Shirt Pattern 1764



Size: Tiny little 8lb Bear measured in the Large/XL size.  I measured twice to be sure.  I made him the size Large.


Fabric:  A small bit of Turquoise Cotton Lycra from the scrap pile. 



Instructions:  The instructions are good.  I had no problems putting this together.



Thoughts: Pretty good fit though I will probably size down next time.  It is really baggy near his belly and well…. he’s a boy so it needs to be shorter and tighter across his belly. 



He was thoroughly confused by the shirt and the pictures.  It’s so hard to live a dog’s life.



Happy Sewing!

Sewing with a Plan ~ Renfrew and Jalie Yoga Pants

Sewaholic Renfrew 1201



I’ve made the renfrew many times, and I love almost all of them.  This one is no exception. This would be my sixth Renfrew to date (not counting the mini one I made for Miss K).

1. Elephants  2. birds  3. Gray  4. Skater Mashup  5. Sweetheart Mashup



Size and adjustments:   8 for shoulders and bust, 10 for waist, 12 for hips. This is 2 sizes smaller than my measurements for the shoulders/bust and one size smaller for the waist hips.  I find the renfrew to fit very well but the pattern runs just 1 or 2 sizes big.
1/2" square shoulder adjustment.  1/2" forward shoulder adjustment.



Fabric: 2 yards brushed sweater knit in Navy blue, purchased in an auction box from Knitpop in October 2016. $11.40 total after shipping. This fabric is super soft and feels so good to wear.
Thoughts: I love this top!  It’s soft, blue, and has a cowl – 3 of my favorite things!



Jalie 3022 Yoga Pants



Size:   waist “X” and my hip “BB” – these are each 2 sizes above my real measurements as Jalie runs slim. I added an inch to the length because all my other ones seem to shrink up in the dryer and are eventually an inch too short.  This would be my 7th pair of these pants!

1. Black plain  2. Hunter Green 3. Green Shorts 4. Teal Pants 5. Black and White  6. Black for Miss K



Fabric: 2 yards 10oz Navy Cotton Lycra Knit from Stylish fabrics. Purchased September 2016 for $13.80 specifically for these pants.



Thoughts: I love this pattern.  This is my go-to for pants. I can wear them around the house in comfort and also out to run quick errands, pick up the kids, go to doctor appts, etc.  They fit so nicely.

 
Sewing Plan updat
Below is my sewing plan for Jan-April.  The renfrew and yoga pants are finished.  On to something else!



Happy Sewing!
Kristin

Hits and Misses for Miss K

 Sewing for tweens is hard.  Here is a little catch up on what has been sewn for Miss K lately.

Vintage Kwik Sew 1077 vs. Purl Soho City Gym Shorts



Kwik Sew size 14 - in stretch denim with self made cotton bias tape (both fabrics from the scrap bin).
Kwik Sew was way to small to even be comfortable on K; she could barely get them up over her hips/butt.  I did scoop out the rear but it did not help.  This is sad because they turned out so stinking cute!



City Gym Shorts (CGS) in women’s size 35-37 in cotton woven with self made cotton voile bias tape (both fabrics from scrap bin).

CGS were too small too, but only a smidge in the rear.  I did not scoop out the rear on these but may try again in the future. I going to be honest here - I didn’t follow the directions for these because they are just weird.  You can tell the author is a quilter and not a clothing sewist. Luckily, they are simple to make and no directions are needed.

Fabric is from this dress K never wore. 100% cotton woven, it was simply called Vines Multi when I purchased it for $2.79 for the 1/2 yard. 

Jalie 3024 mash up with SUAT Aurora
I used the top from Jalie and the skirt from Aurora.  Size Q for Jalie and 14 for Aurora.



I really like this dress.  It's cute.  Miss K picked these fabrics but still hasn’t tried it on.  I hope she will like it once she finally does put it on.   Miss K refused to wear it so I chopped the top off and used the skirt to make her an Aurora.

Fabric: 1/2 yard of Coral Cotton Lycra – this stuff is nice and heavy at 11 oz a yard.  Purchased in March 2016 $1.98 from fashionfabricsclub and 2 yards of Mint Green/Gray Stripe Jersey Knit (poly, rayon, lycra) also purchased in March 2016 for $5.93.  Dress total: $7.91  

Jalie 2444 Sport Tank in size Q for shoulders/bust and S for waist/hip. I added 1/4” to each side at the bust and lowered the neck by 1” because the reviews on Patternreview said the neck was too high.



Miss K wears this tank but it is way too tight on her.  Lowering the neckline was also a bad idea – don’t listen to the reviews.  It looks so much better with the higher neckline. I will remake this for her in a larger size because it is such a cute tank. 

Fabric: Turquoise cotton lycra 1/2 yard purchased in April 2016 for $4.80.  Small bit of Shattered Showers poly/lycra that I’m hoarding from March 2015, it is from a custom fabric group "Cuddle Muffins".

Vintage Kwik Sew 1077 – tank
Size 14; this turned out super, super huge on Miss K.  Which is ironic because the shorts at the very top of this post are with the same pattern and way too small.  I ended up cutting this up to make her underwear. I totally forgot to snap a picture of it until I was cutting it up. Oops.



Ottobre 01/2011 #29 Yoga pants
Size 152 with 1/2” shortened.  You’ve seen me make her this pattern a million times. 



These are sewn with super soft French Terry.  They are nice and lightweight.  She loves them. Fabric: 1 yard of Black Two Tone French Terry Fabric (poly, rayon, spandex mix) purchased in Nov 2015 for $7.40 from Stylish Fabrics.


And here are a bunch of SUAT Scrundies that I made for Miss K from scraps and clothes she won’t wear.  I went with the “Adventure Time” theme.  Now she has 7 days of Adventure time to wear.  All characters were done with my Silhouette and Heat transfer Vinyl.  Miss K will only wear these underwear now, claiming them to be the most comfortable ever. I used size XS for her.  


As you can see, the only thing that survived from this tween sewing stint was the undies and the yoga pants.  The rest were either too tight, too big, or not wanted.

Happy Sewing!
Kristin