Tag Archives: 2017 makes

Kalle Crop Top


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Closet Case Patterns has just released their new Spring pattern – Kalle Shirt + Shirtdress which means I can post my tester version! Yay!  This pattern started off life as a fabulous white linen shirt dress that Heather posted on Instagram last Summer. Besides the shirtdress, the Kalle pattern includes a tunic and a crop top.

I made a crop top for my tester version. This is definitely outside of my comfort zone in terms of wardrobe, but I had just enough Kaufman Union chambray leftover from another project to make one so I went for it. Side Note: did you notice that the sample for the tunic version is the same fabric??

This version has a covered button placket, which I’ve never sewn before but it went to together quick and easy! I originally though to wear this with a fuller skirt or high waisted pants but I didn’t like how it looked with either! Luckily I tried it with one of my Magic Pencil skirts and loved the look. I think I also need to make a pair of high waisted shorts to try this with.

Heather let me know that she made two changes to the final pattern based on tester feedback:
– Reduced neckline size by about 2″. The collar now sits much closer to the neck.
– Made sleeve wider on upper sizes. (I’m glad this was done as you can see the sleeves are a little tight on me)

I can’t wait for my new pattern to arrive. I’ve got some black and white buffalo check shirting that’s been waiting to be made into a tunic! You can order the pattern here in paper or pdf or pick it up at your local retailer.

 

Note: As a pattern tester I receive a free copy of this pattern.

 

Interview Outfit


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I had a job interview last week and (I thought) nothing to wear! So I decided to spend a Sunday sewing up a new outfit.  I decided to make the Itch to Stitch Zamora blouse because I like pussy bow blouses and it is cup sized to DD so no FBA needed!

The pattern calls for “light-weight woven fabric with or without stretch. Shirting, rayon challis, broadcloth, linen, satin and crepe are great choices.”  I used Telio Milos Plus which is stretch shirting in cotton/nylon, which I actually regret.  I think this shirt would look much better in a drapier fabric. I do like the pin tucks but the outer two release in a weird spot on my chest. Overall I think that although it fits, it makes me look way too busty.

I removed one of the two front waist darts and I thought about removing the second one, but this fabric is delicate and you can see the old seam. I still may remove about an inch of the 2 outer pin tuck seams.

I also wanted to make a skirt. Pamela’s Patterns Magic Pencil Skirt is my TNT work skirt that also falls into the secret pajamas category. I picked up this lovely rayon ponte (Telio Jockey Ponte) at Fabric Depot during their big anniversary sale. You only need 1 yard and it takes about an hour to sew! I make the high waisted version and omit the front darts.

Blue & White Retro Sundress


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Spring is finally emerging in Portland so I immediately need to make something summery! This dress is the spring 2017 pattern from Gretchen Hirsch (Butterick 6453) and she’s currently doing a sew-a-long for it.

I bought 4 yards of Cotton + Steel 1″ Checkers gingham in aqua to make it originally. But then I decided I wanted to make it in View B first and I dug out this neat brocade type fabric I got from Joann’s ages ago.

I cut out my standard Big 4 size (18) and got to doing my flat pattern adjustments before cutting it out. It’s a pretty straightforward sew with the addition of the lapped zipper.  I met Gretchen at Modern Domestic last month and she said she prefers doing lapped zippers because they are stronger than an invisible zipper and you don’t need an exact color match.

Flat Pattern adjustments to the front pieces

Modifications:

  • 3″ FBA
  • Remove 1/2″ from princess seam under bust
  • 3/4″ broad back adjustment
  • Raised armholes 1″ (for bra coverage)
  • Added 1/4″ to strap width (to 5/8″)
  • Removed 2″ from bottom before hemming
  • 1″ full abdomen adjustment

Future Adjustments:

  • Shorten bodice by 1″
  • Move rear strap extensions in toward center


Shimmer Mountains Quilt


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I wanted to sew a quilt for a housewarming gift for a friend and I had this idea that I wanted it to be mountains. I used the Moda Bakeshop Sunnyside Diamond Zig Zag Quilt pattern and arranged my colors from light to dark so each chevron looked like a mountain peak.

Spring has come to Portland!


 About halfway through making this quilt I bought myself a 45 quilting ruler from Fabric Depot. I wish I had one when I started! It would have made everything faster and more accurate. Definitely recommend!

The chevrons are all Jennifer Sampou’s Shimmer2 collection.  This pattern requires 3 strips of the same pattern for each strip set so I had to use 2 jelly rolls,  but that just means I’m going to make another one for myself.

The background is Kaufman Quilters Linen in Platinum. I like the subtle texture and color over using a plain white.

Since this is a nap quilt I used flannel for the background. I didn’t want to have to piece it so I used the 60″ wide Essentials Criss Cross flannel. I made a scrappy binding with the leftover jelly roll strips. The batting is Tuscany Wool from Hobbs Batting.

When I make the one for myself I’m going to change the pattern a bit. I will fill in the bottom part of each chevron with a triangle of dark fabric so the mountain forms a whole triangle instead of a chevron. I may need to see what fat quarters of Shimmer 2 I can track down for this!