A Very Merry Christmas!

Kwik Sew 3431 – The Dog Gets Presents Too

Little by little, we are sorting through the boxes that are stored in the garage.  Last week, one of the boxes I opened was filled with fabric scraps. I don’t have a clue as to why a box of scraps survived the brutal moving process, but it did. 

So this year, thanks to the scraps discovery, I’m helping Santa out a bit.

Just like everyone else in the family, Santa always leaves something for our dog as well.  It might be a new collar and some treats; each year it is something different.  Among the scraps was a piece of denim just big enough to make a little jean jacket for him.

The pattern is Kwik Sew 3431 and it went together without any problems.  All of the topstitching kept it from being a speedy project but with the short seams, I can’t really say that it was a time hog.

I’ll try to get a picture of him wearing it.

Can’t that woman sew anything besides t-shirts?

Well, yes. Yes, she can.  However, she finally read the instructions and got that machine going.  Give her a break, will ya?

It didn’t take long once I read the instructions.  To test the binder, I used Kwik Sew 3338 and the leftovers from a t-shirt I had made last winter.  The fabric is a heavy cotton jersey knit purchased from Fabric.com.  There was barely enough and because of that, I wasn’t able to optimize the print placement.  But, I was able to squeeze the pattern pieces onto it - good enough for this round…

Before sewing this t-shirt, I had been experimenting with binding straight pieces of fabric.  I was concerned that the neckline curve would be problematic.  However, it fed through perfectly.

I used serger thread as I'm too lazy to wind bobbins.  Still, the stitching on my other t-shirts now looks sad in comparison. At 3 a.m., I found myself pulling them off their hangers. I stopped when I realized I would have nothing to wear if I tossed them. I went back to bed.

There has been other sewing related progress in addition to my coverstitch binder education. My sewing patterns are now organized. I scanned the envelopes (front and back) as two page PDF files, grouped them into folders by category, and then placed them into another folder (Tammy’s Pattern Catalog). Now, when I want to look through my patterns, I simply open a category folder and the thumbnails are there. Easy. I took inspiration from “The Big 4” pattern company websites. The patterns themselves are filed in a filing cabinet, alphabetized by pattern company and then by number.

Next up: the Silhouttes pants.

Kwik Sew 3338

Until a year ago, I hadn’t been doing much sewing even though I’d occasionally order a sewing pattern online or would pick up a few $.99 sale patterns from the local fabric store. Recently, it has been fun going through them and I have several that will work with the fabrics here.

I decided that one of the matchups, Kwik Sew 3338 and a stretch jersey ITY knit from Fabric.com, would test my newbie coverstitch skills. I traced size XL adding (in my typical belt and suspenders mentality) 1” to the hem and ½” to the side seams and the sleeve seam. The sleeve length was shortened for a ¾ sleeve. The extra width for the sleeve and the bust area wasn’t needed and was removed. The t-shirt fits well, but the neck opening is a bit wide at the shoulders. Not bad, but I’ll bring it in on the next version.

Sewing a hem on the coverstitch is as easy as sewing on a serger or a sewing machine. Now, the binder is another experience! Not only have I failed to conquer it, I ended up using the Bernina to attach the neckband to the t-shirt. Well, I don’t know how long it is going to take me to figure the binding thing out. This way the t-shirt is finished, on a hanger in the closet - waiting to be worn instead of waiting to be completed. Makes sense to me...

My next binder session will utilize straight, woven fabric. Perhaps that will be easier to handle.

Suggestions are encouraged.

Denim Tote - Completed & the Return of the Bernina 930

The denim tote has been completed. DD#1 has claimed it. The tote is sturdy, but those pleats make it feminine and give it a bit of style - a wonderful use for the leftover denim. Here is what it looks like inside:

One of the rivets didn’t set right, so I removed it and tried again. I am not sure what tool should be used for rivet removal, but this is what I did:

First, I lifted the edges of the rivet up with a screwdriver and then I cut off the stem using this tool. It worked and if I need to remove any other rivets, this is the method I will use.

The Bernina is back.  I was able to speak to someone at the shop.  To keep it running well, I need to do the following about once a month:

• Lower and raise the feed dogs (they get stuck if not used)
• Run the basting stitch (yep – learned the hard way on that one)
• Make buttonholes (again, it keeps things from getting stuck)
• Use the embroidery stitches (specifically the honeycomb stitch as the needle has to go forward/backward and left to right to make the stitch)

Easy enough, I can do that……

Denim Tote - Bernina 930 Defeated

While starting the final row of topstitching, the size 18 needle on the Bernina seized, but it did not break.  I unstuck it from the denim and examined it.  It had a rough spot near the point, so I replaced it with a fresh one and rethreaded the machine.  Everything appeared to be fine, except the needle would not go up or down.  I will call the Bernina shop today.....

The seam where those pins are is several layers thick.  I had started the topstitching on the side seam where even more layers are folded.  And, in case you are wondering, no, I did not hit a pin.

I use a lot of pins. I don't like to baste, unless I have to. I know that various tapes and glues are popular. For me, pins do the job.

The topstitching, besides being decorative on the outside, also fastens the bottom of the band lining to the tote.  Of course, I did not follow the pattern instructions.  The instructions have the tote lining sewn only at the upper edge, where the handles are.  The lining is otherwise loose inside the tote - making for a messy look, don't you think?

The tote wants rivets.  It shall have them.

Denim Tote - Everything But The Oink

This is what is left after cutting out the tote - evidence indeed of my project manangement skills.

And what fabric, kind reader, do you think was chosen for the lining?

Machine Maintenance

The machines performed so well throughout the jeans construction that I am going to reward them with a thorough cleaning and oiling. You have already met my Bernina 930 Record. Above, is my faithful Kenmore Overlock 3/4D, purchased in 1991. It took charge of that denim and, granted, it protested a time or two, but no needles were broken.

There is a large piece of the denim left. Enough to make this tote - the large one on the upper right. Oh, there are lots of rivets left, too.....

Round 2 - Muslin for Kwik Sew 3360, View B

I have reviewed the knit fabrics at Tammy's Fabric Emporium and I am stumped.  I need to make a fabric selection for the second muslin of Kwik Sew 3360, the mock wrap t-shirt.  None of the knit fabrics here are what I want to use for this top.  I even made a trip to the local fabric store.  Nothing.  They had nothing that I could use.  I do not want to wait until I can order something.  So, I am going to sacrifice fabric that is already here.  It may not be the best choice, but I suppose it doesn't have to be.  If I am pleased with the style and fit, I can purchase other fabric. There is always more fabric.  Right?

During this time of indecision, I have been browsing eBay looking at old sewing patterns.  I see so many that I want to buy and I have to exercise great self-control.  I have been surprised at the quantity that are in my size range.  The Vogue designer patterns from the late 70's and early 80's are my favorites.

I have also spent this time researching, via Google, pattern weights.  Looks like folks use all sorts of things, all the way from hockey pucks, quartz crystals and beyond.  Many use gigantic flat washers, doubled up and wrapped in ribbon or fabric strips.  I have some rocks, gathered from Whitefish Point on Lake Superior, that I am going to try out.  They would look fine in a bowl or a basket near my cutting table.

I think winter is about over here, so I need to get busy with summer styles.  I like 3/4 length shirt sleeves for the office and I skip the jacket.  My typical uniform consists of shirts with either pants or capris.  I rarely wear skirts or dresses.  I am not sure why.  So maybe I should make a few and figure that one out.

Wish me luck with the mock wrap.

Muslin - Mock Wrap T-Shirt

I took my Bernina My Label t-shirt pattern and used it to modify Kwik Sew 3360, view B.  This is a mock wrap t-shirt with a faux tank/camisole.  There are overlapping left and right front pieces and an inset that is attached at the side seams and the armhole fronts. 

The pattern instructions have the front left and right layers hemmed as one piece. I believe this is what causes the wrinkling. The inset piece sags as it is not attached at the shoulders.  It isn't any prettier on, though it does fit.

Three layers of fabric for a t-shirt?  I never wear jackets or sweaters indoors as I tend to get too warm.  Yes, I did indeed know that there were three layers before I started.  But, I was hoping....

I like the style and if made from quality fabric and accessorized, this could work in a business casual environment.  I am going to skip the inset (I will replace it with a tank/camisole from my closet) and redraw the side front piece to eliminate the overlapping bulk.