Polo style top

Body length shortened for Misses' sizes as per pattern directions,
self-fabric used for the collar

Zip closure

Actual garment looks better than the technical drawing


 

Notes:

• Fabric a polycotton rib knit remnant
• Self-fabric collar
• If wearing it as a close-fitting version the zip is more for looks only unless you like the high neck look
• I made this in XS size for my Mum who has shrunk to a size 8 or less, but it also fits Mary in a more body hugging way and Mary is a size 10-12.

Lettuce edging top

I made this several weeks ago and have been wearing it fairly regularly - so Mary hasn't had a chance to model it until now. It is from a Spotlight brand pattern and is a raglan sleeve top. I have modified it by making lettuce edges on the sleeves and hems with the overlocker.

Notes:

• This pattern is quite close fitting under the arms and the neckline is quite wide. The sleeves also seem quite long, although if made as per the pattern they will form that puff at the sleeve hem. I shortened them by about 4cm.
• I used two layers of light weight interfacing on the neckband and it was quite stiff initially but after a couple of washed it has relaxed and kept its shape.

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.