Anzac Biscuits with lemon

See and Sew 3630 stretch knit skirt

This week I wanted and needed to overlock. The skirt from See & Sew 3630 (copyright 2002) was my overlock project. I refered to my manual and a book on serging.

A pattern from 2002 but with plenty of potential to wear now.

I used the instructions from Creative Serging Illustrated
 to construct the skirt rather than the pattern instructions.

A very useful book with clear line drawings and practical information.

Mary in the completed skirt - a grey ribbed knit remnant.

Close up of lettuce edging on the hemline - went around it twice.

Notes:

• Be very accurate with elastic measurements because once it is serged to the skirt who wants to unpick it if it is the wrong size.

No sewing - shrink plastic week

This last week I didn't sew. Shrink plastic took over my spare time. Such fun and don't anyone dare say I'm too old for it.

Flatlocked spots - another KwikSew 2867

I flatlocked the edges of this KwikSew 2867 top to give it a bit more umph - the beige/milk coffee colour was a bit boring even with the maroon spots. It has a velcro placket to make it easy to get on/off for my Mum whose limbs are very stiff.

The button was purely to give it some colour as I couldn't overlock over the thickness of fabric at the placket.

My First Vogue

Vogue Patterns 2283 American Designer Donna Karan New York
Sewing Rating: EASY
Copyright 1989

I was brave this week and made my first Vogue. I used a polyester interlock (I think - it was an unlabelled remnant). The pattern went together easily once I got my head around the pleats - took me several attempts to interpret the instructions correctly. The rest was easy.

Mary wears it well. I will be dismantling the skirt soon. The fabric was good for a muslin but does not have enough body to actually wear in public and a solid dark colour would be much better.

Notes:

• I'm glad I tested this pattern before committing expensive fabric to it
• Fabric choice is crucial
• Easy pattern to adjust sizing - only one place the back seam!
• This is a wrap skirt with the wrap over the centre front
• The back of the skirt is plain - hence the preference for a dark fabric with some body
• Very quick to make once you get the pleats folded right
• Pockets are useful

Vogue 2283 Bodysuit & Skirt - I made the skirt

The roughly completed skirt - this one is definitely a muslin/trial and will not be worn

Stripes for Me

I have been trying to break my old habit of keeping every small bit of material. There was enough left from the tank top to make a pair of undies.

Kwik Sew tank pattern

Velcro placket for ease of wear

Butterick 4285 - pleat-front skirt

I want a pleated skirt, practical but with some "swoosh".

Butterick 4285 (undated) with its three length variations of A-line skirts with front pleats, side front slant pockets, back zipper closing and self belt loops was my next project.

I made skirt B - just below knee length using a rayon blend, I think (it was an unmarked remnant). The fabric has tigers hiding behind rocks and foilage.

Wore the skirt out to dinner same evening that I finished hemming it - ate Yellow Curry.

I love the side slant pockets and the length of the skirt.

Pattern envelope and instruction sheet.