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. 

Summer Dresses ~ Brazi and Agnes

I love maxi dresses.  If I could wear only them, I would.  But sometimes it’s hard to walk in them or do things I need to; they are not always practical.  So I this summer I made two dresses that were not maxis. 

Stitch Upon A Time ~ Brazi

I’ve sewn this pattern quite a few times if you count the mini version as well as the adult version.
Purple maxi, blue mini maxi, purple animal mini maxi, stripe mini maxi, pink floral baby dress, red floral baby dress, teal maxi, red butterfly mini maxi, and light blue mini maxi.  



This would be the 10th time I’ve made this pattern.  I love this pattern.



Anyway, I sewed this June 8th and wore it quite a bit this summer.  This time I made straight straps (instead of cross over), which makes it much easier to wear a bra with the dress.




Size: straight size Medium and Band 3.  This fits with my measurements (on top).  The skirt has enough room that I did not have to size up for my pear shape.



Fabric: 1 yard black cotton lycra; purchased from Stylishfabrics.com for $6.90. 2 yards ITY Knit Venus Azalea; purchased from fabric.com in April 2016 dress, $10.76. Total cost of dress: $17.66.


Halla ~ Agnes


I love the silhouette of the Agnes.  It is nice and tapered at the bust/waist with flare and room at the hip.  I have made 2 tank top versions of this pattern and love them so I thought a dress would be nice.  Plus, this pattern is free if you join the Halla Facebook group. Who doesn’t love a free pattern?



Size: 10/12 everywhere except grading to a 14 at the hip. 



Fabric: 2 yards blue tribend jersey knit purchased in May from Knitpop for $10. this fabric is so soft and light to wear but it does have a tendency to cling to itself. I added the heart vinyl graphic to the front with my Silhouette Cameo.



Thoughts:  I enjoy wearing this dress because it is soft and easy to wear.  However, the armholes are a bit loose and my square shoulders pull at the somewhat boat neckline. Also, when the wind catches just right the dress poofs out and makes it look like you are wearing a tent.  I’ll be wearing this around home but not something I would wear elsewhere.

Me Made May 2023 – Week 3

Week 1 Week 2

and here we are at Week 3

To see all my memademays from past years next to each other, you can look here. Day 15 Doctor’s appointment and planted some of the garden. Dress: Made for Mermaids - Blythe, sewn  Nov 2022.  I love this dress

Day 16

Not so positive appointment with my neurologist today, plus I'm feeling cruddy. Top: I added vinyl with my Silhouette Cameo Bottoms: Patterns for Pirates - palazzo shorts, sewn April 2017

Day 17

This wild ensemble brought to you today by the fact that I weeded flower beds and deep cleaned cat litter boxes all day, lol. Top: Halla - Agnes tank (free pattern), sewn June 2017 Bottoms: Made for Mermaids – Mila shorts, made from scraps, Sewn June 2022. love this pattern Day 18 Top: Deer & Doe – Plantain tee (free pattern!!), sewn Sept 2019 Bottoms: Greenstyle Creations – Brassie joggers (heavily altered), sewn Feb to Aug 2020

Day 19

Feelin cruddy so I stayed in my nightgown all day. I’m not sure if its a medication or the weather or the bad air quality. Top: Halla - Agnes tank as dress/nightgown (free pattern), sewn sept 2017-7 years ago I've worn this so much over the years that my graphic on the front is starting to tear off. I made it with my Silhouette Cameo I think before I got my heat press? maybe , maybe not. my memory is not the best. I'm crabby and tired and my pain scale is up there. I pushed myself to sew a dress from start to finish today - more on that later.

Day 20

It’s a beautiful day Dress: McCalls patterns – M6957, sewn 2017 to 2022 (yes that long) fun quick sew and easy to throw on

Day 21

no shame. I am still wearing my McCalls dress from yesterday.

Day 22

Is MMM done yet? lol. I always get tired of photos about this point. top: Love Notions - Laundry day tee (FREE pattern), sewn July 2022 Bottoms: Made for Mermads – Mila Shorts, sewn Jan 2021

Only one more week to go!

Happy Sewing! Kristin

Me Made May ~ Week 4 Final Week

Continuing on from my Week 1, 2 & 3 posts, this year I thought I would do my MMM blog posts a little different.  I will be showing my memademays for each year I’ve participated along with 2020.  This year marks my 7th year participating in me made may. The weather listed is for this year.

Final Week

May 24th, 2020 - Thunderstorms, with a high of 77°F (25°C)

2017: Patterns for Pirates – Layer me up tee, Jalie 2445 shorts – unblogged 2018: Stitch Upon A Time – Brazi Dress from Sept 2017 2019: Burdastyle 01/2017 #103 hoodie and Jalie 3022 pants 2020: P4P boundless dress

May 25th, 2020 - Isolated Thunderstorms, with a high of 80°F (27°C)

2017: Essential tank and Palazzo pants as shorts 2018: Dress: New Look 6301 made June 2018 2019: Dress: New Look 6301 made June 2018 then Top:  Patterns for Pirates ~ Layer me up tank made Aug 2016 Bottoms: Patterns for Pirates ~ Palazzo shorts made Sept 2017 2020: white rtw tee with P4P Walk the Plank Pj shorts.

May 26th, 2020 - PM Thunderstorms, with a high of 81°F (27°C)

2014: Top: Burda Tie Knot Tank 05/2007 #130 and Shorts: Dockers 2016: Burda 05/2007 #130 Tie-knot tank and A.n.a. Jean shorts. 2017: Jalie yoga pants in black (3022). Floki tee made with my Silhouette cameo and Adidas hoodie 2018: Ottobre 02/2017 #11 tee shirt dress 2019: Jalie 2805 Tee from August 2013 and Jalie 3022 Yoga Pants 2020: Love Notions – Rhapsody blouse with Closet Case Patterns ~ Ginger Jeans made June 2017

May 27th, 2020 – Partly Cloudy with a high of 81°F (27°C)

2014: Top: Burda Racer-back Tank 05/2007 #109A and Pants: Maurices 2016: Jalie 2921 Scarf Top casual, yet classy worn with A.n.a. Jean shorts 2018: Halla Agnes tank with an Octopus graphic made by me with my silhouette cameo. and RTW shorts (A.n.a. brand). 2020: a studio Ghibli tee I made with my silhouette cameo and my Jalie 3022 Yoga Pants

May 28th, 2020 – Rain showers with a high of 71°F (22°C)

2016: Patterns For Pirates Sweet Tee paired with my Ottobre Joggers 2017: Jalie Drop Pocket Cardi (3248) New Look 6470 Tank made in June 2015 (I really love this tank), and Gap jeans 2018: Stitch Upon A Time – Brazi Dress from April 2016 2019: tank is a RTW slimmer, capris are Sew a little seam – Movie Night Pjs (just made)

2020: Miss Ruby Tuesday dress from 1 puddle lane (unblogged at this time)

May 29th, 2020 – Cloudy with a high of 65°F (18°C)

2016: Targaryen Tee I made with my silhouette paired with my Jalie 2908 Jeans 2019: Top: P4P – Sweet Tee (just made) Bottoms: New Look 6054 Skirt

May 30th, 2020 – Sunny with a high of 69°F (20°C)

2016: Burda 05/2007 #109A Tank made in June 2015 and worn with A.n.a. Jean shorts. 2018: Jalie tank (2444) made in May 2016, just blogged and Jalie 3022 – Yoga pants from March 2017 2019: Halla – Agnes tank (made Jun 2017) with some RTW Seven Jean Shorts and then Stitch Upon a Time – Brazi 2020: P4P Sweet Tee paired with my M4M Chloe Maxi Skirt

May 31st, 2020 – Sunny with a high of 73°F (23°C)

2016: Pisces Tee I made with my silhouette and some A.n.a. Shorts.

2017: Jalie 3248 drop pocket cardi in black. New Look 6470 tank and Gap Jeans 2018: Simplicity 1801 Dress from Sept 2015 2019: Love Notions – Rhapsody blouse and RTW Seven Jean shorts 2020: Dress: New Look 6301 made June 2018 Things I learned through all the Me Made May Years: 2014: The most important thing I learned during Me Made May '14, is that actually wearing my makes tells me about the fit more than anything.  Spending the day in an item, moving around, and living in it, points out all the things I would change. More length, fix the shoulders, add width, make a smaller bust, etc.  I enjoyed learning all these things.  I actually got rid of 3 me mades this week because of the poor fit; however I am still happy with those patterns, I just know to make things different next time. Needs: Tanks, s/s shirts, shorts, skirts, swim suit, zip-up fleece jacket.

2015: I have to admit, I've done terrible at MMM this year. I thought I would do great since I have more makes, but as I went through my closet I realized not much fit me.

2016: I realized that I need more tank tops and shorts.  I need to focus on them as well as a few more tank dresses.

2018: I really enjoyed seeing what everyone else wore and got some great ideas for makes in the future.

2020:  I still have holes in my wardrobe that prevent me from wearing some makes. I still have things I want to remake that no longer fit me.  I think the biggest lesson I learned this MMM is that I need to be sewing and not stressing about perfect fit as much.  I have gotten to the point that I can’t finish makes or even start some because I fear they will not fit right or I don’t want to deal with the alterations.  I look back over the years and see that I sewed more and was happier with my makes when I had fun and enjoyed the process, worried about perfect fit less.

That’s it!! Hope you all had a happy Me Made May 2020!!

Kristin

Me Made May - Week 3

Sorry, I meant to post this yesterday but things went circus crazy around here.  We leased a Kia SUV in January (high tech, low payment) and turned in our Ram Truck lease in March. . . We realized very quickly that we are truck people and used our truck way more than we thought we did. . .  in 2018 we leased a 2019 Ram, in 2021 we had the 2022 Ram until March 2025.  Then all of a sudden 6 years of being truck people we were back in an SUV, and sorry, hated it.

We have been scoping out older trucks to buy since getting rid of the truck in March, but I have certain requirements (super bass and subwoofer please) and my husband has certain requirements (rain sensitive wipers and such).  We did agree we are Ram people.  So we kept looking and looking and looking all these months. Thursday, we found a Ram truck we both LOVED that checked every box (except adaptive cruise).  Test drove it and it was LOVE. Friday, yesterday, the bank called to say yes to the loan. the dealership said yes to the sale, the other lease dealership said yes to the lease cancellation, Mr. T was texting me about something urgent, my husband was texting me, my mom needed an embroidery design fixed, and 2 other dealership people texting too! …. all at the same time! It made my head spin.  So Friday: Mr Sunny left work early and helped Mr. T look at a new house to rent, then picked up our groceries and came to pick up me.  I was home fervently cleaning the Kia to turn in. He got home and then we left to pick up check at bank, drop of Kia and sign it away, get picked up by my mom (thanks mom!) and drive to the other vehicle in Minnesota, buy the Ram, and finally come home and fall into a blob on the floor.  It was a CRAZY day!!!! Plus I had to cancel Kia insurance, add Ram insurance, Transfer our XM radio, etc.  switching vehicles sucks!

Whew. Today, I feel down the stairs.  Sigh. No bones broken thankfully.  But this is the 4th time I’ve fallen down the stairs in 5 years. :/ It makes me angry. It hurts of course.  I am super careful on the stairs, too.  I don’t understand why I keep falling down the damn stairs! I’m very bruised up and mad, but I’ll heal.

Meanwhile, back to Week 3 of Me Made May the 11th to the 17th.

Week 1 of Outfits  Week 2 of Outfits Day 11, 81°F (27°C) Today I did a bunch of cooking and baking. I have way overdone it to make up for yesterday and I’ll pay for it tomorrow. (check out Week 2 of MMM post to see what I did yesterday and all my makes last week).

 

This is from the now closed (sad) Stitch Upon A Time or SUAT patterns. It is the Spoxxy Tank dress. This is another absolute favorite pattern to sew and wear. It is easy, fast, and I love racerbacks. I made it Oct 2022 for a nightgown and it is one of my most worn.

 

Blog: https://sunnysewing.com/2022/11/02/2-nightgowns-and-a-tank-love-notions-and-stitch-upon-a-time/ Made twice before: orange striped tank in 2016 and Blue/White ITY Nightgown in 2019 Thoughts: The above Spoxxy, the Halla Agnes, and the Love Notions Laundry Day Tee (dress) are all similar and so much my favorites to wear around the house.  Easy to wear, easy to wash, easy to sew. I’m sure I will make many more in the future.

Day 12, 87°F (30°C)

Today I need to get some laptop stuff done. There’s a low-pressure system going thru as well and that makes my head all sorts of wonky. So, I’m pretty much hanging low today. I might get in my sewing room, might not. Yesterday I did too much, typical after a bad day the day before – and now I pay the price today.  I know the cycle and I should know better, but, shrug. #autoimmuneproblems

This is where everything went downhill, right after writing this up and after the photo, I had a cluster of seizures (status epilepticus), and ended up spending 7 hrs in the ER :( My head is still all wonky and I feel awful and pissed off and my whole week has been crap. I hate seizures. I hate the lack of control and the unpreparedness. I hate the pain and that there are no answers or ways to control mine. 11 meds tried. not one has controlled them. I would like to just be human and live life. Looking at this photo you would never know that mess was coming in minutes.

 

Back to the outfit. Pulling these out of a drawer is like pulling out a favorite, loved blanket. Soft and comforting. They are going on 8+ years of wear now; I consider them a definite win. The fabric fades more and more each wash, it was from fashion fabrics club. The top is a good but slightly-too-big and the shorts are a slightly-too-small, lol. But I wear them.

Top: Ottobre 02/2007 No. 1 Tank Top, made in Aug 2016

Shorts: Jalie 2445 shorts, made May 2017

Blog top: https://sunnysewing.blogspot.com/2016/08/cardi-and-tanks-jalie-p4p-ottobre.html Made before: https://sunnysewing.blogspot.com/2015/06/new-look-6470-and-ottobre-022007-1.html Blog Shorts: https://sunnysewing.com/2022/01/16/jalie-2445-with-an-ottobre-tank-jalie-3355/ Made twice before for Miss K: https://sunnysewing.blogspot.com/2016/04/clothes-for-girl.html

Thoughts: I like the shorts, but need it a size bigger.  I love the top but need it a bit smaller.  LOL time to make more! I love this cotton lycra fabric but sad it fades so much.

Day 13, Day 14, and Day 15

Recuperating from ER visit and still wonky head. Didn’t move from bed.

Day 16

 

I have my follow up today with my primary doctor about the ER visit.  I’m still laying low, still feeling like crud, and I despise having to alter my meds. My body just doesn’t tolerate medication changes well at all. However, I LOVE THIS DRESS. I made it April 2020. It is Miss Ruby Tuesday by 1 Puddle Lane. I always feel good wearing it. Plus it's super fast and easy to throw on (bonus: This pattern has a ton of options). Honestly, It all started when I saw a ton of people making his dress back in 2020 or 2019, and every time I saw it, I wanted it!  I like to put on something I feel good in to cover up how cruddy I feel. blogged: https://sunnysewing.com/2020/06/19/miss-ruby-tuesday-dress-1-puddle-lane/

Thoughts: Well as I said above, I LOVE THIS DRESS! I can throw it on and go.  Secret Pajamas for sure!  The pattern comes with a number of options and combos and I can’t wait to sew them all!!  One heads up for my bicep friendly sewists: the sleeves are insanely small.  I had to widen them a lot (my blogpost discusses this). So, there will be more of these made! There will be different top and skirt choices made.  The pattern is totally worth getting and wow what an assortment to pick from to sew.  Spin the wheel and you get a new combo every time!   Here are some of the options offered.

Day 17

Sorry, short week of makes. I was still feeling awful today and didn’t get out of bed.

This was a really hard week for me both physically/medically and mentally.  I do not want to accept that I have a brain tumor. That I had a craniotomy in 2021. That I now have epilepsy.  That I have a ton of other autoimmune disorders I have struggled with since 2010.  Sometimes I am just over it all. My depression takes over and drags me down a deep dark hole.  (yes I am in therapy and love my therapist).  Sometimes I’m just OVER IT ALL!!!  I was so excited to participate in this year’s Me Made May due to having to sit out the last few years due to my health and weight. And I thought things were going along well enough that I could do everyday this year and then BOOM my body betrays me and all havoc breaks out.  I should expect this by now. But I refuse to accept it because then it will be real and I don’t want this for my life.

Anyway.  This is week 3 of my Me Made May outfits  There are 2 full weeks left to share (because week 1 was only 3 days).  So I look forward to showing you more makes next Friday!

Take care and Happy Sewing my friends! Kristin

MeMadeMay ~ Week 3 recap

May 14 - Mostly Cloudy, with a high of 73°F (23°C)

Patterns for Pirates – Sweet Tee from Sept 2017

Closet Case Patterns – Ginger Jeans from June 2017

May 15 - Partly Cloudy, with a high of 75°F (24°C)

Patterns for Pirates – Boundless Dress from March 2018

May 16 - Sunny, with a high of 82°F (28°C)

Halla Patterns – Agnes Dress from Sept 2017

I was canning dandelion jelly and all things rhubarb today, I’m so exhausted, 

so this MMM is PJ edition

I need another one of these, or two.  I wear this to bed all the time. Super easy, super comfortable.

May 17 - Mostly Sunny, with a high of 78°F (26°C)

Pisces tee I made with my Silhouette Cameo

Closet Case Patterns – Ginger Jeans from June 2017

Somehow injured my eye yesterday so I've been grumpy all day today. It burns, and itches.

I’m wearing my broken-zippered adidas hoodie with this outfit. I need to make some zip up hoodies.

May 18 - Mostly Sunny, with a high of 79°F (26°C)

Miss K’s fabulous photography skills here.

Sewaholic – Renfrew top from January 2018

Jalie 3022 – Yoga pants from March 2017

May 19 - Cloudy, with a high of 68°F (20°C)

Down and out all day.

May 20 - Cloudy, with a high of 62°F (17°C)

Lok’Tar Ogar (Victory or Death in Orcish) Tee I made with my Silhouette Cameo

Burdastyle 11/2007 #122 – Yoga pants from December 2017

Chronic illness is always with me, but it reared its ugly head today and ruined my plans. "Lok'Tar Ogar" on my shirt I made, means "victory or death" in orcish. It reminds me to stay strong and push through, which on some days is very hard to do.