Embroidered pocket nightie

Another nightie but this time with a monogram and floral stem on the pocket. I used a 100% cotton knit with a light print of sea horses, fish and shells.

The basic pattern

Short sleeves, velcro placket, a pocket and no neck binding
 (the edge was turned over and stitched)

Close-up of placket and pocket

Pocket detail - machine embroidered

Notes:
Reduce needle tension on the embroidery (there was some bobbin thread showing)

Machine Embroidery

I'm so happy with my recently acquired Janome Memory Craft 5700. It works well and the hoop my father made fits the machine and the designs from the embroidery cards I bought from Ebay turn out just like they should.

One-Yard Knit Blouse by Butterick 3799

A simple T-Shirt made from cotton or cotton blend ribbed knit remnant.

This secondhand pattern was missing the instruction sheet
 and only had the pattern pieces for view B (the one I made).

Notes:

• The V-neck is quite wide and low, perhaps the medium was a bit big for me.
• Wooly nylon overlock thread melts when ironed on cotton setting.

Blouse with cap sleeves

While I problem solved how to make the next waist coat for my Father, I 'relaxed' by sewing a blouse.

Pattern: Simplicity 9024 Extra-Sure Pattern from 1979
Size: 12
Fabric: printed cotton remnant

Style: Shirt with front button closing with collar, pocket and cap sleeves.

Time taken: less than 5 hours (about 2 evenings)

Alterations:

• I used slightly smaller buttons from my button jar
• The iron-on interfacing I used was very lightweight and I used two layers of it (probably unnecessarily but it seemed a good idea at the time)
• I tapered the seam line from the waist to widen the shirt slightly at the hemline for a smoother fit over jeans.
• Instead of pinking the edges, I overlocked them.

Printed cotton fabric remnant by Caprice

Extra-Sure - yes, it is hard to make a mistake with this pattern

Mary wears the blouse well.

Vests and Waistcoats for Men

Three classic vest/waistcoat patterns - I will be making Burda 7799.

A unisex pattern - loose fitting vest with trim variations

My father would like a vest, actually a waistcoat with lapels. So for a long time now we have both kept an eye out for suitable remnants and a pattern. The 'perfect' remnant has remained unfound but I have bought two patterns that would fit him - the Lincraft unisex vest and the Burda men's waistcoat.  The other two patterns are too small for him.

I've made the Lincraft view B as my trial garment using black sunsilky lining and a grey pinstripe fabric. Light as a feather to wear but too short said my father.

The completed vest.

Another vest, using the same pattern is now completed, with the front and back pieces lengthened by 6cm each.

Stretch cotton backing, lining - something slinky

Completed vest owned and modelled by my Father
 - notice the pattern lines up on each side.

Shawl Collar Jacket

I made version A.

Fabric: medium weight double knit remnant with a floral pattern

I constructed this jacket as per the instructions except for shortening the sleeves and stitching a 2cm seam line over the top of the shoulders and tapering it to the 1.5cm seam about 5cm either side. This made the shoulders fit better since I did not use shoulder pads.

Strangely the fabric pattern does not look stripey in real life.

Chanel inspired jacket or dreams

Where do ideas come from? I'd like to make a Chanel cardigan jacket. Why? Why not?

This jacket took a long time to make. I first pinned then hand-basted the lining to the outer fabric at about 5cm intervals. Then I machine quilted the back, front and sleeve sections in a grid pattern. After assembling the jacket I overlocked the armholes, side seams and hem. To finish the neck and hem I made self fabric bias strips and hand sewed them over the seam edges to neaten it up.

My sewing machine and I somehow still managed to contort the fabric so the checks are not square across the back, however I doubt anyone much will be staring at me long enough to notice. A sewing machine with a walking foot/differential feed would make the quilting process easier.

It looks a bit old fashioned I think but is very comfortable to wear. The shoulders and upper arms are wide. I took the shoulders in about 2.5cm. If I find a suitable fabric I will make another jacket (different pattern) using the quilt the lining to the outer fabric method.