P4P Essentials Tank and Sos Knit Shorts

I have started taking better notes when sewing.  I made myself a template and keep track of my measurements at the time, the date I start and finish an item, the size, alterations, and any notes.  I seem to make a bunch of things and then take forever to get pictures of them – then take longer to write a blog post about them.  So by the time I get to the post, I have forgotten a few details.  Now with the templates I should be able to keep those details until I”m ready to write about them.  

In the past month I’ve referenced quite a few of my blog posts before sewing things – the whole reason I blog, to keep track for myself. 

First up today:  Patterns for Pirates – Essentials Tank 



Made before: Black with green plaid (apr2017), as well as 3 for Miss K (Pink: jan2017, teal: jun2017, & space dye: dec2016)

My measurements at this time: 39 bust, 31.5 waist, 46 hip



Started sewing: 06/12/19, finished sewing 06/12/19

Size Sewn: L at bust/waist to XL at hip

Alterations/Options: curved hem, racerback.



Fabric: Plain black double brushed poly.  Where and when I picked it up is a guess because I have a few yards of black dbp. I think I got it in an auction box from Knitpop in June 2017. $3.70/yard – took 1 yard to make.  92% Poly 8% Spandex, 200gsm



Thoughts:  simple top, easy and fast to sew.  I like it a lot.  I made it specifically to wear with these green floral capri leggings I made in May.



For future: Needs 1/2” more at the back hip.


Up Next, a wadder.
Patterns for Pirates – Sos Pants



Never made before. This was my test pair.

My measurements at this time: 31.5 waist, 46 hip



Started sewing: 06/12/19, finished sewing 07/01/19

Size Sewn: XL waist to XXL hip



Alterations/Options: skinny leg option, cut it at the thigh end for the shorts. I added 1.5” elastic to the waist at 31.5” long.

Fabric: Dark Turquoise Ponte Knit.  purchased Aug 2016 from fashionfabricsclub for $3.95/yard.  These used a little more than a yard. 50% Polyester 47% Rayon 3% Lycra



Thoughts: Not enough support in the knit fabric for front pockets at the waist area.  Too tight in the butt, it pulls at the back pockets.  Back pockets are too small.  Generally they don’t look good and I don’t really like them.



For future: I’m not sure I’ll ever make these again, but if I do I will leave off the front pockets, make the back pockets bigger, and add a bit of room to the thighs and crotch curve.

Jalie 3886 Julia Camisole and Undies

Back in March 2018 I tested the Julia pattern from Jalie. 

Size Used: 

Camisole: U for Shoulder/Bust and grading to Y at hip. 

Undies: Size V at waist to Y at hip.

My Measurements at the time: Bust 36, Waist 29-30, Hip 43

(I would wear a different bra with this top, I took these pictures for testing fit). 

Fabric Used:  Red Cami is double brushed poly; Blue camisole is a soft ITY; Purple undies are from Poly Spandex.  Gray/Teal undies are cotton lycra.  They all met the stretch and recovery requirements.

Alterations: I blended sizes to fit my pear shape.  I do this to all my patterns.  I did not make any other alterations to the pattern

I made View A camisole. View D undies. 

Instructions: Well written, easy to follow for the most part.   However, I was really confused with the strapping in the back with the sliders on the camisole.  I really felt like there should be more explanation on those.  I have never put in sliders before, so I was lost.  The small drawing of the finished slider part was all that was there to help me.  After I made the first one I knew what I was doing so it made more sense. 

Overall fit:  I think the camisole fits great.  I love the swing front and that the back isn’t wide like the front.  On me I think I would reduce the neckline elastic by ½ to 1” because it gaped a little at center neck even while wearing it – with movement. 

The first (purple) undies fit good except that they didn't cover my cheeks at the bottom.  They did not ride up, however I like to have the fabric cover my cheeks, so on the second pair I added about an inch to the width there.  (Normally I add about ½” to undie patterns here so it is not uncommon for me).   The gray pair of undies fit better with alterations but wearing them I found they are really low rise in the back; I need more height there so when I bend over....

 I loved this pattern so much that I had to make a second pair the same day (the blue floral).  It is a very fast sew.  I think it will be perfect not only for bed/sleeping but for hot summer days.
 
 

Happy Sewing! 

~ Kristin ~

TNT Renfrew and Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse

These are the first makes of the year!  Well, kind of.  These are the first two I can show you, because I’ve been doing a bit of pattern testing.  Plus the Love Notions blouse has been finished a long time now I just never got pictures. Let’s start with the Renfrew.

Sewaholic ~ Renfrew 1201



This is the 7th one I have made.  It is now a TNT (tried and true) pattern for me.  I have my alterations and fit worked out so it is a fast and usually successful sew. I felt like starting the year with something I knew would turn out well;  A confidence boost of sorts.



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
Size: 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" forward shoulder adjustment



Fabric: 1 yard Aqua floral feathered arrows - Poly Rayon Spandex French Terry -$8.99; purchased in Oct 2017.  I picked this up from So Sew English.  It came snagged, cut weird, and dirty.  The fabric is so pretty, so I was sad.  But I used it anyway.  By the way, this is the third French terry in that order and they were all snagged on both side as well as off grain, super thin, and dirty.  No more ordering from them for me. 



Thoughts: Love it!  I love the fabric print, despite the issues in quality.  It is soft, wears and washes well.  The fit is spot on for me.  I used a lovely wide cover stitch to topstitch the neck and also for the sleeve hems and hem.  I chose not to do cuffs on the sleeves because they bug me and make my arms look chunkier.  I did leave the band on the bottom because I like that part.  It is a bit thicker with the double fabric on the hem band and my shirt stays in place better.  I’m sure I’ll make more of these in the future.





Love Notions ~ Rhapsody Blouse

When I saw this pattern come out I just had to have it. 



Size: Straight size Medium with 1/2” forward shoulder adjustment. My High bust and waist fit into a M. my hips into a L but since this top is flowy I figured there would be room enough for my hips.  
There are lots of different sleeve options for this top.  I chose to do the sleeveless view. The only “hard” part about sewing this was attaching that bias tape to the V-neck part on the front.  It went alright, but was a bit tricky.



Fabric: Awesome Aqua Blue Fish print from FabricMart.  It is 100% rayon and so soft with excellent drape.  I grabbed 4 yards of it when it was on sale for $4.80/yard.  This top uses 1 yard (yay for 1 yard wonders!), but also some for the self made bias tape.  I would guess 1.5 yards? 



Thoughts:  I like this top.  I like the pattern.  I usually don’t wear wovens but I can see this being a great top in summer.  When it’s cold I can just throw on a cardi over it and it works great.  What I am not sure about is the armscye.  It is just a bit tight;.  Not all around, but just in the front here where I’m grabbing. Also, there is a bit too much flare in the hip – it shoots out sort of awkwardly where the bottom arrows are. Perhaps next time I will straighten out that flare and make a more casual shift to the hips.  Overall I am very happy with this top and will most likely make another.



The pattern is written well.  The instructions are excellent.  Everything is very put together and professional.  There are finished measurements included.   I would highly recommend this pattern. The best part is the no trim pages and layers on the PDF. 

back

front

Happy Sewing!

Sewing for Miss K–Patterns for Pirates

Here are some of the things I’ve sewn for Miss K lately.  (She is not into pictures anymore….. 11 yr olds….)

Patterns for Pirates ~ Relaxed Raglan Hoodies

Aqua Azetc Hoodie

This is what she asked for. We sat down and put it together on my Cameo software. 

And this is the face I get when I try to take pics

The Aqua Aztec Hoodie is from some wonderful Aqua Liverpool fabric.  The texture is so cool: bumpy but soft.  I got this from Hancock’s going out of business sale.  I picked up 6 yards in July 2016 for only $0.75 a yard!!!  The navy accents are also the same Liverpool – I purchased 6 yards of that for $0.75 a yard too!  That was an amazing shopping day.  So this hoodie took about 2 yards and cost $1.50.  K has worn it a million times since I made it a few months ago (March).  She loves it.

Light Turquoise Hoodie

Size for both:  S in the shoulders, S/M everywhere else. For the hoodie I used the lined hood, cuffs, kangaroo pocket, and shirt length in banded.  For the Aztec fabric I added elbow patches per K’s request. 

I wanted to steal this one for myself but it was a tad small

The light turquoise hoodie is from 2 yards of Triblend Jersey knit I purchased from Knitpop for $8.50/yd.  It is super soft and lightweight.  K wanted a hoodie to wear when the weather was warmer.  This worked perfectly for that.  She didn’t want any graphic put on it though, preferring it to be plain.  Total cost for this hoodie $17

Thoughts:  Well, I love this pattern.  I’ve made it countless times for myself and K loves it too. 

Patterns for Pirates ~ Essentials tank and Palazzos as shorts



Miss K sleeps hot so I made up some cute tank and shorts combos for her sleepwear. 



Essentials tank: Size XS in bust/shoulder and M in waist/hip.  I raised the neckline by 1”, shortened the overall tank length by 1”, and shortened the straps by 1/2”.  This is the shirt length, hemmed with straight straps. (the teal one I made about 3” longer for tunic length)



Palazzos: Size XS in shorts length.

Fabric: The Black is double brushed poly, the pink and teal are also.  All three are from knitpop.  The other teal fabric is Teal Space Dye Athletic Knit from Joanns.  It is awesome fabric.  I wish I had purchased more at the time. It’s out of stock now. 

The Pink/Black Set was made in Jan 2017. The Teal/Black set I finished up just last week.  The Teal Space Dye I made Dec 2016. 



Happy Sewing!
Kristin

Ginger Jeans and Agnes Tanks

Many times during Me Made May you saw me wear my newest jeans (6 times!).  I waited a long time to try this pattern because jeans take forever to make.  However, I’m so glad I finally made them because they are fantastic!

Closet Case Patterns ~ Ginger Jeans



Size and Adjustments: My measurements at the time of sewing were 31 waist, 45 hip.  Based on my measurements I made a size 12 waist and on the front pant I did a size 14 hip, the back pant I did an 18 hip.  I have a bubble butt so I found this trick works best with fit.



I was making these as flares but when I put them on they were super, super flare. I like a bit less flare to my jeans.  I ended up taking in 1/2” off each inseam, front and back leg; as well as 2” each off the outer seams!  this brought the flare in by 5” each leg.  They are perfect now for me. 



Instructions:  The instructions are fantastic! These are hands down the best pants/jeans instructions I’ve ever encountered.  I’d buy this pattern just for those.  Nice easy steps, very detailed, and lots of pictures.  There is also a sew-a-long on the Closet Case website; however the pattern instructions are written so well, I didn't’ need to reference the sew-a-long.



Fabric: Here is where I fail.  I try my hardest to keep note of when I purchase fabric, how much, and where.  I have a database in Evernote that I keep up.  However, I prewashed all my denim a few times and now have lost track of which “dark denim” is which!  I *think* this fabric is “Midnight Blue Stretch Denim” that I purchased in Feb 2016 from fashionfabrics club for $6.25/yd.  96% Cotton 4% Lycra.  I don’t remember how much fabric these jeans used but I purchased 3 yards so we will say they cost $18.75.





Thoughts: Love love love.  Seriously, I really love these.  The fabric is perfect the fit is spot on.  they are so comfortable.  I have 2 pair of Jalie Jeans (2908) and I love those too; these Ginger’s fit right there with them. 

The many times I wore them in May

Halla Patterns ~ Agnes Tank

Size and Adjustments: My measurements at time of sewing: 37.5 bust, 31 waist, 45 hip.  Based on this I decided to sew a size 8/10 bust, 10/12 waist, and 14/16 hip for the tie dyed tank.  I felt the flare was a bit much in the hip so the second time I sewed this in gray with a 8/10 bust, 10/12 waist and hip.  It still has a lot of hip flare.





Instructions:  I have to be honest I didn’t read them.  It’s 2 pieces of fabric plus the bindings.  I didn’t need instructions. 



Fabric: The Tie dye fabric is an ITY Knit Water Color Print Blue/White/Multi, I purchased it from fabric.com in April 2016 for $5.38, 1 yard. I love how ITY feels in the summer. It’s cooling and has great drape.

I know he is hard to see, but I put this amazing Octopus on the front of my gray Agnes with my Silhouette Cameo.  I love it! (But maybe I should have put a white backing on him).

The gray fabric is a triblend jersey from knitpop that I picked up in May? June? 2017, not long ago.  They had it on sale $5/yard. 1 yard.



Thoughts:  I love the neckline of this top.  I can bend forward with no fear. I like the shape of it.  They are so easy to throw on and comfortable to wear.  I love both.   However, I feel like there is too much flare at the hip for my liking.  I plan to make this again and I will taper in about 2” each side on the hip.  It’s a great basic for summer! 

By the way, this pattern is FREE if you join the Halla Facebook group.