More shorts Jalie, SUAT, P4P, and That Moxie Girl

Time to catch up on more makes I didn’t get blogged.  Here are a few shorts I’ve made over the years (all the way back to 2014!) that I didn't have the time to get blogged before.

Pattern: Prefontaine Shorts by “That Moxie Girl”

Date made: waaaaay back in 2014! Mar 19, 2014

My measurements in 2014 were 37-29-44

Size and Alterations made: I cut a straight 14 with no alterations

Fabric: Floral Cotton Woven, just a regular quilting type cotton fabric. This cotton was a little bit lighter weight than a heavy quilting cotton.

Thoughts: I see that this pattern is still being sold on her etsy store.  At the time I thought they were a bit big on me.  But me in 2022 would totally wear these.  I love the binding detail on them and I think they are really cute shorts.  I no longer have them because my size has changed so much over the years. But I would totally make another pair of these. Plus these are made from woven fabric and I rarely use woven and have so few woven patterns to use up the fabric in my stash. Pattern: Jalie 2445

Date made: 06/26/2016

My Measurements in 2016 and 2017: Waist 30, Hip 45

Size made: X with a ton of alterations.

Alterations made:  On the backs I took 5/8” off the outer waist and 1/4” at center waist.  I added 1/2” to the outer hip but took away 1/2” on the butt scoop.  I then added 2.5” to the hem.

To the fronts I did the same on the waist, but for the hip I added 1/4” to outer and took in 1/4” on inner crotch scoop.  I also added 1/2” to the front thigh.  My notes say I added 1” total to thigh, 0 total to hip, and removed 1.75” from total waist. Whew, that’s a mouthful.  Let’s get a visual drawing for that.  (yes, I’m slightly crazy sometimes with trying alterations).

(Not the actual pattern below, just a generic drawing of shorts fronts and backs).

My size has changed so much and they are just too tight on me now (pic above from 2021).  I made the black pair 01/28/2017

Fabric: Random French terry scraps I had laying around from other projects.  Hot Pink French terry, and also black French terry

Thoughts:  I keep trying with this pattern to get it right.  I want to get it right.  I love the look of the pattern.  The pink pair fit pretty good, but my size has changed, I got paint on them, and I no longer know where they even ended up.  The black pair I think is in my “too small” bin. So I can’t even wear them.  They are just too tight for me now. I have tried this pattern so many times my eyes have crossed and I had to walk away.  I am on muslin #8 for the full pants, besides making these 5 other times as shorts. Someday…….. someday I’ll get it worked out.

Made before: Apr 2016 a red pair, and a purple pair for Miss K, May 2017 black and white pair for me. Pattern: Stitch Upon A Time (SUAT) Women’s Boxerwear

Date made: 07/21/2018

My Measurements in 2018 were: Bust 36, Waist 29, Hip 43  (I had lost quite a bit of weight at this time).

Size and Alterations made: I cut a size Large on these with a medium waistband.

Fabric: Aqua Cotton Lycra purchased from Purpleseamstress on August 02, 2017 for $6.50 a yard.  These don’t even use a yard.

Thoughts: Well as you can see they are too tight for me here.  I needed to size up.  I love the fabric, I like the pattern.  I’ve made another pair before that fit and I wore them quite often, until my size changed and now they don’t fit either. I love the reverse coverstitching I took the time to do on this pair.  I will definitely be making myself more of these.  This pattern is so comfortable to lay around the house in or wear under dresses so my thighs do not rub.

Made before: Aug 2015 (near the bottom of the post) in black and blue stripe. Pattern: P4P Palazzos  

Date made: 03/31/2019  Floral Pink and Blue and 07/08/2017 Black Heathered Stripe

My measurements in 2019: 39 bust, 31.5 waist, 46 hip

My Measurements in 2017: Waist 30, Hip 45

Size and Alterations made: Size L at the waist to XL hips down.  I also scooped out 1/2” from the back butt curve

Fabric: The ITY Floral blue and pink (made in march 2019) is “Watercolor Floral Print ITY” from FabricMart, purchased July 2015, $4.50/yard.   I used scraps from my wrap dress made in Sept 2015.  I absolutely love this fabric and will hoard my last bits and scraps as long as I can!  (made in july 2017) black fabric is a scrap from the failed mcccalls nightgown from June 2017. It is a space dye knit with no real stretch, though it was listed as having ample stretch.  Its soft and flowy. Black/Grey Slubbed Jersey Knit 95% rayon 5% lycra. I purchased it from FashionFabricsclub in Aug 2016 for $3.95/yard.  It is just bad fabric, plain and simple.  2 makes both a fail….. bad fabric. Thoughts:  The floral ity ones were my favorite shorts pattern until the M4M Mila came along.  Now I have a love affair with that pattern; but these palazzos still hold a place in my heart and I still wear my floral ones often  This pattern turns out shorts that are super comfy to wear and super fast to make.  Sometimes I can fit the pattern pieces onto scraps of fabric leftover from other patterns, win – win!  Its a stellar pattern. Made before: green/black plaid shorts in 2017, teal shorts in 2017, and black shorts in 2017, and aztec blue pants in Feb 2020 Happy Sewing! Kristin

Sewing Stats for 2015

Yay! My favorite time of year! I love seeing my sewing stats and reading about everyone else’s!
I’ve been keeping up on a spreadsheet this year and it tells me I sewed a total of 173.75 yards of fabric and $910.01 worth of material!



It’s no surprise to me that MissK and I dominate this category.  However, I was quite surprised to see that I made 61 things for myself this year and 60 for MissK.  One of my goals was to sew more things for me and I am glad I reached that goal. 



I’m not surprised at all that Jalie and Ottobre dominate my sewing pattern usage.  This next year I would like to sew more from the Big 4 as well as Burda patterns.




Another thing that doesn’t surprise me is that I sewed mainly with Jersey fabrics.  I decided to lump together Cotton Lycra, Rayon Jersey, and Poly Spandex.  I just love sewing with knits and all of us love to wear them.



This chart surprised me a bit as I thought that tops would have been a much higher percentage; also, I didn’t realize I sewed so much underwear! lol.  My goal this next year is to work on more pants and dresses.



Can you believe I sewed 29 things in December!  I was very surprised at that.  Taking the month off in November really helped me get my mojo back.  Other than December, I am pretty consistent each month in sewing about 11 things.

So.  Looking forward. 
I hope to remain consistent with my sewing.  I want to sew more patterns from the Big 4 and from my Burda magazines.  I will continue to sew more for myself.  I will work on sewing more pants (jeans) and dresses too. I'm not going to make any set resolutions this year.  I won't be going on a fabric diet or a pattern restriction.  I'll join contests as they align with what I'm sewing.  I want 2016 to be less stressful so I'm not going to place any limits or goals upon myself.  How about you? Was 2015 a good year for you?  What do you hope 2016 brings?

Goodbye 2015 and Hello 2016!!   May this year be a great one for all of you!

Last Sewings of 2015

Here are the last things I’ve sewn in 2015.  I made them all in the last week and hoped I could get pictures before the new year! 

Pattern: I just couldn’t stay away from the Patterns for Pirates patterns.  I wanted to try the Henley.  It is a bit more fitted than the Raglan so I went with my actual measurements.  I cut and sewed a size L in the bust/waist and XL in the hips.  I sewed the placket neck, long sleeves hemmed, and curved hemline.  Of course this pattern has a ton of different options to sew, like all P4P patterns. 



Instructions and Sewing: The instructions are great but I was just slightly confused with one step of the placket.  You know how I struggle with those plackets!  I still think Jalie’s 2562 incturctions for a placket are the best yet.  The curved hem was very sharp too.  Usually there is a small flat part at the hip which makes it easy to turn up the hem.  This one met at an angle and was a bear to hem.  I had to snip my fabric just to get it to turn.  I’d modify this curve a bit if I sew it again. 



Fabric: The very softest French Terry I’ve ever felt.  Wearing this fabric is like wearing a cloud!  2 yards of Navy Two Tone French Terry Fabric from Stylish Fabric.  Purchased Nov 2015 for $14.80.  I thought it would be much thicker and have 4 way stretch.  It only has 2 way and is really thin, but still super soft.  87% Polyester 9% Rayon 4% Spandex mix.  I can’t recommend Stylish Fabric as a place to buy though.  They took forever to get my fabric to me and most of it was so thin. 



Thoughts: I love the feel of this top.  I love the color.  I’m not sure if it looks to much like Pajamas to be worn in public though.  I also have a bit of pulling across my butt so I need to add a 1/2” of fabric there next time.  I don’t want to take it off, however, so it must be a win!




Pattern: The P4P raglan strikes again!  This is the 3rd one I’ve sewn this month.  This shows how much I love this pattern!



Instructions and sewing: You can read my thoughts on the instructions in my other two posts: elephant raglan and hooded raglan.  I added 2” to the length.  This one is also a size M bust/waist to an XL at the hip.  I used the curved hem, long sleeves with cuffs, and round neckline.  The curve on this hem is perfect and I had no issues turning it up to hem it.  I slimmed 3 inches off each side seam from nothing at bust to 3” at waist to nothing at hip.  I like the slimmer fit. 



Fabric: 1.25 yards of Teal/Purple Print Double Knit, 97% Polyester 3% Lycra; purchased from fashionfabricsclub in Oct 2015 for $6.19 and 1 yard of Peacock Blue Solid Cotton Spandex Knit from Girl Charlee, Aug 2015 for $6.50.  Total for shirt: $12.69



Thoughts: I love this one just as much as the other two I made.  I like that this one is long enough to wear my leggings with!  My hooded one was just a tad too short for leggings.  I feel that leggings aren’t pants, and my tops must be long enough to cover my butt to wear the leggings, lol. 


Next I made a ton (7) Pairs of Jalie 3242 underwear for myself with fabric scraps.  I found this blog post showing me how to have the front and back crotch seams enclosed so I modifed my pattern for this.  I love them all but the bird one (yellow) has to be my fav. pair.  Yes, I used my silhouette to vinyl my underwear!  I’m addicted, what can I say : )  Anyway, I’ve made this pattern numerous times and I just love the fit.  They are so comfortable and actually cover my whole backside.  The best part is that they do not ride at all.  I used fold over elastic on all the leg seams and waists. 




Miss K received two new pairs of Ottobre 01/2009 #29 Saija Sweatpants.  This is her favorite pants pattern.  I think if I counted right this is the 8th and 9th pair I’ve made for her.  I sized up to the 152, reduced the front rise by 1” and shortened by 2” in length.  I use 2” wide elastic inside the yoga waistband to help hold them up. 



Fabric: 1 yard of Bright Purple Velour purchased Oct 2015 from fashionfabricsclub for $3.75; and 1 yard of “mouse” gray velour purchased Dec 2014 from Natures Fabrics for $9.




And Mr. T received a new pair of pajama shorts from the pattern he loves most Ottobre 06/2011 #37 Green Check Boxer Shorts



These shorts have been made 10 times before!
Bear Flannel and Space Nov 2014
Bart Simpson and Perry the Platypus May 2014
Long pjs pants and fuzzy shorts Jul 2013
Altered to shorts with piped pockets Jun 2013
Terry Cloth pj shorts Feb 2013
Space pj shorts with mock fly Jan 2013
Blue gingham shorts with mock fly Jan 2013

Fabric: 1.5 yards Pokemon Characters Blue Cotton Woven.  From Hancocks in Sept. 2015 for $7.71 on sale. 

I sized up to a 164 this time and added 1” to the waistband to fit in my 2” elastic.  They were a bit low before this and is rear was starting to show.  Now they fit great, if a little bit to grow into. 




So that’s it for 2015.  My next post will list my stats for the year and such.   I'm giddy with excitement to look over all my charts and data because I'm a numbers geek like that :D

What I’ve Been Up To

I thought I’d share what I’ve been doing the last week, craft wise.  I have been working slowly on my flannel shirt; I’m still in the pattern altering stages because I can’t make up my mind if I want a boxy fit or a more tapered fit.  Tapered seems to be winning though. 

I’ve also made up my mind to start working on some jeans.  Jalie jeans.  You will see more on that in the future. 

Since I received my Silhouette I’ve been playing with it quite a bit.  I love using it and feel like I want to vinyl everything!  It sure is addicting.  Here are some of the things I’ve vinyl-ed this week. 

A shirt for my husband who is an “Office” fanatic

*note* I purchased these next 3 tees at Walmart for cheap because it was faster than sewing them)

A Christmas T-shirt for Mr. T (from the movie Elf)

A Christmas shirt for Miss K (also from the movie Elf)

This toilet monster was made to play a joke on Mr. T (who didn’t even notice, sigh).  But I saw it on Facebook and had to do it; I actually really like it.  This is Mr. T’s toilet, not the main bath

Miss K helped me make this cup for her teacher and ornament for her Great Grandma

This tee was made for my nephew

And this was made for his brother, my other nephew

Mr. T requested this Pokemon Shirt (tee from Hobby Lobby as they are on sale this week)

And I made the kids these Sleep masks for Christmas; sewing the mask and then vinyling them

I also made Miss K a “mermaid tail” blanket.  She crawls inside it so it’s like she is a mermaid on the bottom half (it’s like a tube)  ** I forgot to add, this pattern is free and can be found here **

1 yard Purple Heart Polar Fleece, purchased Jan 2015 from fashion fabrics club for $4.50; and 1 yard Pink Zebra Minky, purchased from Mill End in Aug 2013 for $4.  This blanket cost $8.50 total

And Mr. T got a “shark” blanket, made to look like the shark is eating him.  He crawls inside this one too.  1.5 yards Fleece Hockey/Football from Fabric.com purchased way back in March 2012! $5.99  I was glad to finally get this out of my stash.  as well as 1 yard Royal Blue Fleece purchased from Hancocks sometime for some price. lol.  We'll say this blanket cost $10 to make. 

I vinyl-ed Miss K’s wall. It was hard to photograph this because her walls are pink.

In other random life things, we got our new washer 2 weeks ago and I love this thing!  It's our first front loader.  (Nala is not so sure about it)

What Nala is sure of is that she must help me with all my projects; Thanks Nala

We attended Mr. T’s winter band concert with my mom

We have a weird animal that made a den in our backyard next to our tree stump that is turning green

‘   

Oh and the dogs are finally getting along better after 11 months of torture

Other than that we are just hanging out and enjoying family time for the holidays.  I hope your family is all safe and well and that you are enjoying your holiday with them too!