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 ~

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.

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

BurdaStyle 01/2017 #103 The Oversized Hoodie

BurdaStyle 01/2017 #103 The Oversized Hoodie

 

I read a few reviews on this hoodie before I made it.  They all stated it was large and to size down.  So I did and it still turned out way big. (This was made in April).

Size: My measurements at the time put me in size 42 bust/waist and 46 hip.  I sewed up a size 40 bust/waist and 42 hip.  This hoodie should be advertised as oversized. (I skipped the kangaroo front pocket because it went over my panel design). Before attaching the hood and hemband I tried it on and saw it was enormous so I took an extra 2" off each side.  It still is very large.

Instructions:  I glanced at them here and there.  They were ok for the most part.  You need prior knowledge of how to put a hoodie together before tackling this project.

Fabric: Charcoal cotton lycra; royal cotton lycra; and a Raccoon panel from Wanderlust Designs. 

Thoughts:  I know it can be hard to tell in the pictures, but I feel like I'm drowning in it and it feels very frumpy.  When a shirt matches my hips I lose my waist and it makes me look 2x larger than I am.  I love the style of the pattern and my fabric choices, so I’m a bit sad it is too large. I cannot take any more off the sides because I will lose most of the design there.   I don’t think I’ll attempt this pattern again.  The good news is that I bought a bunch of these wildlife panels in a sale – so I think I have another raccoon for a different 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 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. 

Jalie 3677 Helene Cardigan - SWAP

Size: V at Shoulder/Bust/Waist to Y at Hip


Alterations:

• 1/2” forward shoulder

Instructions: excellent!  I love the pictures with the written instructions.  I’m such a visual person and they help me out a lot.  This cardigan was fun to sew, it was like putting together a puzzle.  The pieces are very unique.



Fabric:  2 yards Heather Slate Grey Sweater Knit, 90% Polyester 8% Rayon 2% Lycra blend. Purchased Sept 2017 from Fashion Fabrics Club for $3.94 per yard.  Total for Cardi: $7.88



Thoughts: 

• I love the design. 
• I love how the shaping is in the back. 
• It sews up super, super fast.
• I feel like the pockets are too far back to be useful (on the pattern photo she is clearly pulling the cardi forward for her hands to be that far ahead).
• I feel like the cardi needs a button on the front middle. 

I’m sure I’ll make this pattern again some time and when I do I will shift the pockets forward a bit and add a button.  It’s a great pattern!





I was so excited for this cardi to look great that I even mitered the corners, and sewed around them with my coverstitch





Spring/Summer Plan: