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 ~

Made for Mermaids ~ Chloe Skirt & Patterns for Pirates ~ Sweet Tee

Pattern: Made for Mermaids – Chloe Skirt (free pattern!)

A day back in May (May 16th) I was scrambling to find something to wear to Miss K’s softball game.  It was HOT that day, in WI 80°f in May is HOT).  I had nothing I wanted to wear in my closet.  So I traced, cut, and sewed this skirt in 30 min. 

"

Size: Green with Indigo waist; Made fold over waistband and maxi length.
My Measurements at that time: Waist 30, Hip 44-45, Height 5’7”



Instructions: I didn’t even read them.  This is a simple skirt; Sew each side seam, attach the waist, hem.



Fabric: Ivory/Smoke Grey Heather Jersey Knit purchased July 2017 from fashionfabricsclub for $3.95/yard.  Used 2 yards.  $7.90 total.   Their description “Lightweight cotton and polyester knit fabric with an exceptionally soft, supple feel. 4 way stretch and recovery. Good drape.  75% Cotton 15% Polyester 10% Lycra”  It’s soft and stretchy. 



Thoughts: Quick sew.  Love the simple look.  The skirt is a bit large on top at waist.  The waistband had to REALLY stretch to fit.  Next time I would reduce the skirt waist (not the waistband) by 1/4” on the edges.  I would also add 2” to the length next time as it was a bit shorter than I like. Otherwise it turned out great!  It is also a great way to use up some fabric.  I plan to make more.



I’m wearing it with my Burdastyle 10/2014 #103 top that I made in 2015.



Pattern: Patterns for Pirates – Sweet Tee

During MeMadeMay I was trying to wear things in my closet and figure out why I didn’t wear other things.  I have this skirt I made in 2015 that I love and I never wear it because I don’t have a good top for it.  So on May 28th I decided to make a Patterns for Pirates - Sweet Tee to go with it.



The skirt is wild enough so I made just a plain black tee.  Also helpful because I can wear this tee with a few other things in my closet that needed a plain top.



Size: Large for bust/waist, sloped to XL at hip.  I also did a 1/2” forward shoulder adjustment.
My Measurements at that time: Bust 39, Waist 30, Hip 44-45
Instructions: I didn’t read these because I’ve made this top before and it’s a simple, fast sew.
Fabric: 1 yard lack Solid Double-Sided Brushed DTY Stretch Fabric from Stylish fabrics purchased in Sept 2016 for $6.50.



Thoughts:  I’m not a huge fan of dolman tops, but with the right drapey fabric I tolerate it.  I am super happy with this top and I’ve needed a plain black tee for so long.



The skirt is New Look 6054 that I made in 2015.

Happy Sewing!

Kristin

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



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. 



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.



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. 



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. 



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%



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. 



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.



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



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. 



Movie Night Pj’s for Pets


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. 



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



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



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. 



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)! 

 Happy Sewing! Kristin

Jalie 3881 Rose - Sleeveless Button Down Shirt

I made View A with one pocket



Size: V for Shoulder/Bust/Waist, and grading to Y at the hip. Exact to my measurements

Alterations: None



Instructions: Excellent as always; very well written.  These are by far the best collar pieces and instructions I have ever seen and sewn.



Fabric: 2 yards of cotton Poplin from a FabricMart Precut sale.  Seagreen/White/Black 100% Cotton Little Lambs Print Poplin - Cotton + Steel – 44W; Total cost: $3.30 for this top



Thoughts: excellent top, awesome fit. I really loved putting this collar together. I have never sewn one that looked so good. I enjoy the forward shoulder seam too.  My fabric is really soft but structured.  It looks looser fit than if I had made the top in something clingier and drapey like challis

Issues: The pocket. I feel like it is situated too high. Also, the armhole sits forward, showing straight into my bra.  However, if it were tighter there I wouldn’t have as much ease of movement.

I was a tester for this pattern and I think the top looks great, I love it; especially with my Jalie Drop Pocket Cardigan as above. 

New Jalie Mimosa Scoopneck T-shirt 3890

Did you know that Jalie just released their new patterns?  14 to be exact! 

I was super lucky (and grateful) to be able to test some of their new patterns.  I’ll be sharing them as soon as I can get good pictures of them all (it was cold and snowy during the testing so not a good time for pictures). 

First up is a really cute new T-shirt top. 

Mimosa Scoopneck T-shirts 3890



Size: V bust/waist to Y at hip (my exact measurements)



Alterations: 1/4” forward shoulder (normal for me)



Instructions: Excellent.  Jalie instructions have written steps as well as drawings for every step of the way.  They are easy and clear to understand.  You can also view them online before even purchasing the pattern. 



Fabric: 1 yard (yes only one yard!) of "Tapestry Roses on Teal," med-weight, 4way stretch, Hacci Brushed Sweater Knit, 97% poly/3% spandex, $8.50 a yard purchased Sept 2017 from purpleseamstress



Thoughts:

• I really like this top. 
• It’s roomier than I usually wear my tee’s but that is ok
• I love that it used only 1 yard of fabric
• I think the cuffs are fun
• The length is perfect, not too long and not short
• My favorite part is the curved hem

I first attempted to make this in a drapey, heavy, rayon spandex knit and it was no good.  The material hung and grew and the shirt ended up huge looking.  I would say to definitely use the recommended fabric for this – one with a bit of structure or recovery; or I suggest to size down one if using a really drapey knit like rayon/spandex.  This sweater knit was perfect for the top.

 I was actually disappointed I couldn't wear this for MeMadeMay but we had to keep quiet on the patterns.

Spring SWAP #1 & #2–Jalie Marie Claude and Sewaholic Renfrew

I whipped up two of my Spring Sewing-With-A-Plan makes. 

First up is the Jalie - Marie Claude 3667



I made one of these a few months back (Dec 2017) and loved the fit, didn’t like the fabric.  So I thought it would be perfect to make it again in this fun see-through sweater knit.  I must say I love this top!



Size: U for shoulders, bust, and waist and Y for hip
Alterations: none



Instructions: Jalie instructions are very good. I’ll be quite honest though, I only looked at them to see how much to hem the hem.  I made the scoop neck view this time and it’s a simple T-shirt sew.



Fabric: Black Hacci Slub Sweater Knit, 2 yards from Stylish Fabrics.  Ordered July 2017 for $4.50 per yard.  Total for top: $9.00.    It is very thin, soft, and sheer.  The picture below shows off the sheer-ness of the top.



Thoughts: I love everything about it.  It fits great; is soft and not too tight, not too loose. I love the sheer quality of the fabric.  The arms are really long on this pattern, I’m ok with that.  It is exactly what I wanted in a black tee.



Sewaholic - Renfrew 1201

This is the 8th Renfrew I have shamelessly made.  This is by far my most favorite pattern ever.  For a few years now I’ve wanted a short sleeve cowl one, so finally I made it!



Here are the other times I’ve made this top:
1. Elephants  2. Birds  3. Gray  4. Skater Mashup  5. Sweetheart Mashup 6. Navy Long sleeve 7. Aqua Feathers

Size: I have been losing weight again as my health has been crap, as normal it seems.  So I sized down to 8 in bust/shoulders/waist and then graded to a 10 at the hip.  This is 2 sizes down from my measurements.  I find the Renfrew to run a little big.



Alterations: 1/2" forward shoulder adjustment.  Did not do the cuffs on the sleeve – cuffs on short sleeves bother me and make me feel like my biceps are huge.  I just added the cuff length to the sleeve then turned them up 3/4” and hemmed.

Instructions: Pet peeve, no "front" mark on sleeves. Plus, #6.  "sew collar pieces wrong sides together" This means that the right side is facing up, but the diagram shows the wrong side facing up; the diagram is right, sew it Right sides together.



Fabric: 2 yards, Hacci Flux Triblend Stretch Jade Jersey Fabric with Two Tone Texture, ordered from Stylish Fabrics in July 2017 for $5.90 per yard.  Total for top: $11.80.   It is a 88% Polyester 8% Linen 4% Spandex blend and very soft, slightly sheer.

Thoughts: It’s a renfrew, what’s not to love!  I like it a lot and will most likely wear it often.


Here is my full Spring SWAP.