Tuesday 20 March 2012

Simple Modern Sewing Pattern 5b

Today I made Pattern 5b "Skirt with Box Pleat" from Simple Modern Sewing by Shufu To Seikatsu Sha.

I had been looking for an A-line box pleat/inverted pleat skirt pattern and this seemed to fit the bill. It took about 4-5 hours or so over the day including tracing and cutting out, and much unnecessary unpicking due to sewing the wrong line for the pleat.

Notes:
  • Seam allowances must be added (and its better if you add them accurately - saves fiddling later)
  • I used a remnant ($1.50) of grey and black patterned fabric - soft but medium weight
  • Follow the correct line for the pleat (place the back on the front and you'll know if you've got it correct - they will be the same width)
  • Usually I add a centimetre or more through the hips/thighs on everything I sew - and I should have here too.
  • When made to the instructions this is a below knee skirt
  • I used an ordinary zipper not an invisible one and it is ok
  • An easy to sew, comfortable skirt but the next one I make I will make it wider through the thigh so the pleat hangs better when I'm wearing it.

Can't decide whether Mary or I should model it... Mary has to model it - she is currently a bit slimmer than me!


    Thursday 15 March 2012

    Modified square neck top

    Knitwit Pattern 1500: Square neck raglan top and culottes sizes 6 to 22

    I'd previously made the top for me in a blue floral knit. This time round I thought I'd give matching stripes a try - like on the pattern envelope photo.  Managed to match the stripes across part of the top and one side!

    I added a placket and folded it back. The sleeve and bodice hems were overlocked.


    Friday 9 March 2012

    Fashion Trends to Sew

    Friday March 2, 2012 The Telegraph


    Time to check the fabric and pattern stash!

    Tuesday 6 March 2012

    Zipper Fly

    I've been sewing the "Hot Orange" design skirt from the Sew Stylish fortnightly series (in violet corduroy!). Progress has been disrupted by much unpicking, re-basting, pinning etc.

    Now I'm up to the zip. I've unpicked the zipper 3 times, then sewn it, trying to follow the pattern instructions. It is going to stay the way it is. However for my next garment I will have to find better instructions.

    Next day I'm researching a better way. Threads Magazine website has an interesting video on how to insert a zipper into pants:
    http://bcove.me/wm5r2eeq

    Sunday 4 March 2012

    Baby Corduroy Skirt - Sew Stylish pattern

    "Hot Orange" from Sew Stylish Issue 1

    Front dart and pocket - ready for top stitching

    Wrong side view of pocket and dart