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 ~

Pajamas for All! 5oo4 Pajama Pants

For some reason I always seem to make flannel pajamas during the heat of July.  This time I decided to try the free pattern from 5 out of 4.

5 out of 4 - Pajama Pants Pattern
	Mr. Sunny	Me	Mr. T	Miss K
Size	Xlarge	Medium	Small	Small
Rise	Low	Low	Low	Low
Hem	no change	added 1"	added 1/2"	added 1.5"

I scooped 1/2” out of the back butt curve for Miss K and I.  I also added 1/2” to the front thigh for my pants.  The pattern specifically states in the instructions:

“This is a loose fit pattern based on hip size (measured at fullest
point). Fit is a personal preference, but as a general rule I
recommend women select the low rise and size down if you want
a slimmer fit (they will still be roomy enough to be comfortable).”



My waist is in the Small range and my Hips were in the Large. BUT I followed the instructions and sized down to a Medium.  If you are a pear shaped woman with an ample bottom half I strongly suggest ignoring the instructions and sew the size your hip corresponds to.  Mine turned out a bit snug across the butt/hip and I’m sad about that; because after sewing 4 pairs, I’m very tired of sewing these kind of pants.  I’ll remake mine in a Med waist/Large hip sometime, just not soon. 



The pockets on these pants are awesome. They have the perfect room and opening for a phone.  The top gets caught in the sewing for the elastic waistband and so the pockets stay in front and don’t flop all over (I hate floppy pocket bags!). 



Thoughts from Miss K:  they are good. Baggy in the crotch though (she likes super low rise pants). I managed to catch the elusive Miss K on camera in her pjs.

Thoughts from Mr. T: good.  (They fit him perfectly).

Thoughts from Mr. Sunny: good. (They fit him great but he needs an extra inch in length next time and maybe a bit higher rise in front by an inch).

My thoughts:  as I explained above, mine are a tad snug in the hip area.  I love the pockets.  The crotch is slightly baggy in front but not annoyingly so.  The back rise is sufficient to cover everything. I do wish mine were longer too, by about an inch. 



Fabric:
Mr. Sunny: 2  5/8 yard of 57” wide Deep Blue/Brown Plaid Flannel.  Purchased from FashionFabricsClub in Jan 2015.  $9.90 total. This is a thinner and less soft flannel but I’ve had it forever and just wanted to use it up.  Yay for stash busting! One thing that I dislike about FFC is the misrepresentation of fabrics.  This description was “This lightweight cotton fabric has a very soft, brushed surface.”  No, not soft, barely brushed.  Their fabrics are cheap but it’s always hit or miss with quality.

Me: PRE-CUT 2  7/8 YARDS- Sky Blue/White 100% Cotton Polka Dot Cozy Cotton Flannel - Robert Kaufman – 43W from FabricMart for $4.80 total…. total!! You can’t beat that! Purchased Feb 2018.  This fabric is so soft and awesome!

Mr. T: 3 yards Snuggle Flannel Fabric 42” wide – “Skylar Blue Black Plaid;” purchased Nov 2017 for $2.69/yard. Cost $8.07 total.

Miss K: 3 yards Snuggle Flannel Fabric 42" wide- “Little Pups In Sweaters;”  purchased Nov 2017 for $2.69/yard (yay black Friday sale!).  cost $8.07 total.

The snuggle flannel from Joann's is soft and has cute prints.  Time will tell how they hold up after many washings.  The Robert Kaufman flannel is the best feeling out of what I used.  It sews wonderfully and feels like it will last a long time. 

Here is my updated Spring/Summer Sewing Plans.  I am also working on a Fall/Winter sewing list.

Jalie 3667 Marie-Claude Long Sleeve Tops

Jalie 3667 Raglan Top for me



Size and Adjustments: W for shoulders and bust, V for waist and Z for hip
I chose to make View C the soft turtleneck with regular cuffs.



Instructions and pattern: I can’t lie.  I dislike how they piece together the collar.  It drives me nuts.  Why take a simple thing and make it more complicated?  The rest of the instructions are fine for this version (see below on other issues).  Oh! I almost forgot to mention, the arms are really long on this one.



Fabric: 2 yards of French Terry from So Sew English.  Purchased Oct 2017 for $13.50.  FT ALEXANDRA - DENIM / MARSALA - Poly Rayon Spandex French Terry Knit.  I hate to give a bad review and this post is full of disappointments.  This fabric is horribly thin.  I’ve never felt thinner French terry. I just wasn’t happy with it.  Plus my order took forever to come.  Pair it with the fabric below’s issues and I won’t order from SSE again. 





Thoughts: Ok.  Putting the pattern pieces aside, I do love the fit of this top.  It is a fast sew.  I can’t wait to make it again in a different fabric.  I’m unsure if I like this floral fabric on me, I will put it in the closet for awhile and see if it grows on me.

View A: Hooded with regular cuffs for Miss K



Size and Adjustments: Miss K: T for shoulders and bust, V for waist and W for hip
Instructions and pattern:  Normally I love Jalie instructions and techniques, however, these are the worst instructions and pieces for thumb cuffs that I’ve ever run across.  I also really dislike how they piece the hood.  Those two things aside, the rest of the pattern and instructions are good. (I always use this video for my thumbhole cuffs.  the results are perfect everytime: 5oo4 youtube video)

Fabric: Ok, more terrible fabric from So Sew English.  This plaid French terry is super thin.  It has tons of snags in the loops all over the back.  There are also some snags in the front.  Of course one ended up right in front when I was finished.   And worst of all is that the lines are so off grain that there is no hope of matching anything.  As I mentioned above, it took forever to get to me, and I won’t order from here again.  This was 2 yards Red/black FT PLAID -Poly Rayon Spandex French Terry for $19.98 purchased in Oct 2017 for Miss K, she loves buffalo plaid. 

Thoughts:  Miss K wanted thumbhole cuffs, but after fighting with the fiddly ridiculous pieces in the pattern and the terrible directions I just gave up and put regular cuffs on.  I told none of these issues to Miss K.  She wears the top, it fits her great, and she loves it. 



In awesome news, I got a new coverstitch machine!  I know, I know, I just got a new one in May…  In May I sold my Brother 2340cv and got the Janome 1000cpx.  Well I struggled and cursed too many times at that Janome.  We just couldn’t get along.  So I gave up and sold it.  And bought a Babylock CoverStitch2.  No issues with her!  She is awesome!  I’ll do a full review of all three, sometime soon.


Also, I have big ideas and big plans for this next year.  I’ll be sure to share that info soon.  Health wise I’m just taking each day as it comes.  This year has been the hardest for me in terms of my health but I just keep pushing forward, one small step at a time. 

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

A Quilt for K

 I started a quilt for Miss K last year.  I’ve never quilted before.  It doesn’t really interest me the way sewing clothing does.  I prefer instant gratification and quilts take for-ev-er.

So I started K’s quilt in February of 2016.  I finished the top quite fast and was so pleased with myself.  And then the top sat and sat and sat.  Miss K begged me to finish it, then harassed me, and finally pleaded with me. 

So this year March I decided to finish it. 

*It has to hang sideways on the clothes line to fit*








*The Quilt pattern is free on RileyBlakeDesigns.com; This one is called “Free To Dream” by Lori Whitlock.  When I started the quilt Miss K had a queen bed.  By the time I went to finish it she had a twin bed so I decided to leave off the borders to make the quilt smaller.










*There are some of my favorite fabrics in this quilt by Riley Blake.  I have parts of “Saltwater” in here “Modern Minis,” “Vintage Market,” and “Little Red Riding Hood.” Tasha Noel is one of my favorite fabric designers.



*I decided on a simple diagonal quilted pattern*  The backing fabric matches her walls perfectly! And it wasn't even planned!







I love how it turned out.  Miss K loves it to pieces which makes it even better. 

I still find quilting boring and time consuming; however I love the end result.  I’ve already started another quilt for the Living room.  Let’s hope it takes me less than a year to complete!

Happy Sewing!
Kristin

A little catch up– Man sewing, gloves, and a plushie

As I was cleaning my sewing room yesterday I noticed I had a lot of makes I never posted to my blog.  I like posting my makes even if they are fails because I look back often before I make something to see what worked and didn’t. Also, it helps me remember what adjustments I’ve made. Plus, it inspires me on days I feel like giving up sewing! So here are a few of the un-posted makes.

Jalie 2328 – Tank Top for Men
Waaaaay back in the summer (2016) I decided to make my husband and son a tank top.  Mr. T got a size Q in the shoulders and S everywhere else.  Mr. Sunny got a straight size Z with an inch added to the length because he is tall.


Mr. Sunny’s looked great on him fit wise. But He informed me he doesn’t like any sort of shirt without sleeves.

Mr. T loved his – for bed – but fit wise it ended up really long on him.  As you can see in the picture his is long whereas Mr. Sunny’s is proportionately correct (even though I added an inch to his).  T still wears his for bed and Mr. Sunny’s went to the scrap pile to be remade into something else.  (I used it to make this P4P raglan for me – way down on the page with the Viking helmet)

Fabric: Mr. Sunny’s: 1 yard Kaufman Laguna Stretch Jersey Knit Royal, purchased from Fabric.com in May 2016 $6.97.  Mr. T’s is Peacock blue Jersey knit, cotton lycra, from Fashionfabricsclub in June 2015, I think this used a fat half so $1.98

Patterns for Pirates – Papa Bear Joggers
I was so excited to make Mr. Sunny a pair of joggers when this pattern came out in Nov 2016.  I even traced and sewed them up the day they released.  I made a size 1X which matched his measurements. 
Fabric: almost 2 yards of Heather Grey Velour (80%cotton 20%poly) from fashionfabricsclub purchased August 2016 for $7.43. 



These sewed together well – the instructions were great.  However, they were hilariously short on my husband.  He still wears them from time to time but they look so funny on him.  I think he needs a good 4” or more added to the length and even though he is tall, his legs are normal sized. 

Green Pepper – Glov-Itts
Miss K asked for some fingerless gloves in January.  So I picked up this Green Pepper pattern and tried to make her some.  Well, some things are better of being purchased at a store.  This pattern was super hard to put together – super hard.  It took a lot of time and little details, not enjoyable by any means. 
 
The gloves turned out too small for her, the fingers are way too tight…….She did like them though.
Fabric: Scraps of Zelda fleece from Joann fabrics. 

Burda 12/2016 #134 Whale Plush
When my December Burda came in November, Miss K fell in love with the whale plushie.  So I made it for her for Xmas and when she woke up Xmas morning it was under the tree.
This was an easy sew, the directions were easy to follow.  I had a bit of trouble with sewing the fins.  They have you stuff them first and then sew 3 lines down the fins.  My machine did not enjoy this so for the other fin I tried to sew it and then stuff it… not a good idea. Stuff first, then sew.  It turned out cute, and HUGE.  K loves it.



Fabric: 1/2 yard anti-pill royal fleece fabric purchased form Hancock's in Sept 2015 for $1.66 and 1/2 yard of White short pile Fur that I purchased in 2012 from fabric.com.  I was so excited to use this up as it’s been in my stash forever. 

I'll try to get some good photos of my makes that I'm behind on posting.

Happy Sewing!
Kristin

3 Hoodies, 3 Tees

 Hoodies are my favorite thing to wear.  Cozy, snuggly, warm; what’s not to love?  My purple Jalie hoodie from April 2015 is getting a lot of wear so I decided to make another one.

Pattern:  Jalie 3355 Hoodie



Size: "U" for shoulders/bust/waist to "X" at the hip.  My purple one had stretch so it was looser, this one is a stable french terry so it is more snug. 



Instructions:  Great instructions!  A sheet of written instruction and a sheet of photos for each step. 



Fabric: 2.5 yards Heather Grey French Terry; 80% Cotton 20% Polyester; purchased in July 2015 from fashionfabricsclub for $8.25 total.  This stuff is fantastic!  I wish all the french terry I purchased would be like this. It is stable and moderately thick, yet soft. I also used about 1/2 yard of Charcoal  Cotton Lycra from Stylish Fabrics; purchased in Sep 2016. $3.45.  Total for hoodie including vinyl: $14.70 (vinyl says “there’s no place like home”)



Thoughts:  I love, love, love this hoodie.  I wear it all the time.  It is my favorite thing I have right now.



Pattern: Jalie 3355 Hoodie

Miss K wanted a purple hoodie exactly like my purple Jalie one.  She asked for it about a year ago and I now just got to making it. Oops! Size: Q for bust and height, R for waist.  Fabric: 1.75 yards Regal Purple Sweatshirt Fleece purchased from fashionfabricsclub in October 2015 for $11.38; Also, 1/2 yard of Purple and Mint Rayon Modal Knit, purchased in Dec 2014 from Purpleseamstress for $2; Total for Hoodie: $13.38. Thoughts:  It fits her perfectly and she is super happy with it.  I wanted to put a graphic on it but she wouldn’t allow it.



Pattern:  Patterns for Pirates Relaxed Raglan with Hoodie Add on



Size: Straight size Large. Fits exactly like a sweatshirt should.



Instructions: Fantastic.  These instructions hold your hand each step of the way and photos are provided for each step. 



Fabric: 1 yard Owl French Terry from Wanderlust Designs Custom Fabric on Facebook.  I purchased this in May 2016 on sale for $16.50; also 1 yard Red Scarlet French Terry from Stylish Fabrics; purchased in September for $7.50 – the red is thin and seems like it would pill easily.  I am tempted to take out the red and replace it with a heavier cotton terry in blue.  We will see. Total including vinyl: $27.00  (Vinyl says “dreamer, soulsearcher, wanderer”)



Thoughts:  I really like the pattern.  I like the fit of the raglan.  I’m just not happy with the red french terry.  It is much lighter and thinner than the owl fabric – which makes the sleeves feel heavy. 

Pattern:  Patterns For Pirates Relaxed Raglan



Size: M bust/waist to an XL at the hip.  Options: Short sleeve, Cut on the Shirt hemmed line, Round neck.   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.



Instructions: Fantastic.  These instructions hold your hand each step of the way and photos are provided for each step. 

Fabric: 1 yards Royal Blue Poly/Lycra Jersey Knit, 95% Polyester/5% Lycra, purchased in May 2016 from fabricmart with a coupon, $2.84. Also, 1/4 yard Laguna Stretch Cotton Jersey Heathered Knit Pepper, purchased from Fabric.com in March 2014 $1.48. Total for top: $4.32.

Thoughts: I made this top before the below top.  I loved the gray sleeves and blue body of the raglan.  I wasn’t sure if I liked the lightweight drape of the Poly knit.  It hasn’t been worn at all.  So, I decided to remake this top in all cotton lycra, as seen below.

Pattern:  Patterns for Pirates Relaxed Raglan



Size:  M bust/waist to an XL at the hip.  Options: Short sleeve, Cut on the Shirt hemmed line, Round neck.   I slimmed 3 inches off each side seam from nothing at bust to 3” at waist to nothing at hip.



Instructions: Fantastic.  These instructions hold your hand each step of the way and photos are provided for each step. 



Fabric: 1 yard Kaufman Laguna Stretch Jersey Knit Royal, purchased from Fabric.com in May 2016 for a tank for my husband (more on that later) but, it didn’t work out and so I repurposed it for this shirt,  $6.97. Also, 1/4 yard Charcoal 2 Tone-N Cotton Lycra Jersey Knit Fabric Combed 10oz, purchased from Stylish Fabric in Sept 2016 for $1.73. Total for shirt with vinyl: $11.70.

Thoughts: Well, I love the graphic however I think the shirt is too tight at the bust – I should have made a Large in the bust.  Also, I mistakenly cut it on the “Shirt Banded” like instead of the “Shirt Hemmed” line so I feel like it is too short.  Maybe I’ll try to add a band to it or maybe I’ll just scrap it.

Pattern:  Patterns For Pirates Relaxed Raglan

Size: XXS; Cut on “Shirt Banded” Line; Short sleeve option.



Fabric: 1/4 yard “Shattered Showers” Poly Jersey from Cuddle Muffins on Facebook.  I purchased yardage of this in March 2015 and like to use it sparingly to save hoard it; $5.25.  Also, 3/4 yard red cotton lycra that I’m not sure where I got or when.  Normally I pay $6.50 a yard for CL so we will say $4.88 for the 3/4 yard.  Total for shirt: $10.13



Thoughts: This looks great on K. It fits her well and she loves it. Win-win!

Tally: 3 hoodies, 3 tees; 3 wins, 3 so-so's; 4 for me, 2 for Miss K

Happy Sewing!
Kristin