Happy Thanksgiving!

My 70s Jeans

Apparently, walking away from the belt loops was the right thing to do as I had no problems with them this afternoon and it took but a few minutes for the Bernina to finish the job. What a difference a few days makes.

I knew the jeans were going to be low-cut when I saw how short the zipper extension was on the pattern front. That should have been a warning. No, it was a warning but one I ignored.

The jeans fit well, but I definitely will be wearing them with a belt. I want to be certain that I’m not going to lose them. It is all about confidence my friends…

The style is interesting in that there aren’t any side seams. For shaping, though, there are waist darts on the sides. Besides not having side seams, there aren’t any pockets either - front or back. Nevertheless, I wanted pockets and so chose the pocket pattern from Burda 8059 (minus the flap). For placement, I lined up the edge of the pocket to the side dart and guessed on distance from the waist. I think it works.

Front pockets from Burda 8059

These jeans look like something I would have worn in high school and for that, I like them very much. I only wish I had added an inch or so of height to the waistband...

Better!

Once I got started, it took about two hours (probably less) to put this together. I like the smaller size so much better. The proportions look right and I’m going to retrace the Burda jacket pattern (08-2008-127) before moving forward.

Burda 08-2011-138

The fabric is the same as the first version – a stretch rayon from Fabric.com. And, like the first, I skipped the back opening. The only thing done differently, other than the size, was fusing interfacing to the sleeve binding. Oh, I did add a bit to the neckband at the shoulders (see my last post).

Along with this top, I had intended to complete my new jeans today. It shouldn't have been any problem as they are finished except for attaching the belt loops. However, my plans changed after I broke three jeans needles (new, straight from the package!) right in a row. I can’t fault the machine, nor am I putting too much gas on the pedal. I’m simply requiring those needles to go through many, many layers of heavy fabric. After this, I’m ready to find a pair of safety goggles…

Tell me, would a size 18 needle work any better?

Excuses, Excuses...

Since I last posted, I’ve cut out the resized Burda top and it has gone no further. A last minute Halloween costume (a classic witch) pushed it aside. I needed a costume to wear to the office. Yes, to the office – all day.

I cannot blame the costume alone for my sewing lapses. After work, by the time I’ve fought my way home through rush hour, I’m ready for comfy clothes and dinner. Then, it is easy to call it a day. Not a problem as I could get up early the next morning and sew. However, I don’t, and the days go by…

I just haven’t been protecting my sewing time as well as I could. One reason, I finally bought myself a “smarty pants” phone (a Samsung Galaxy S II) and have had to learn how to use it. I’m an old BlackBerry enthusiast and was a bit apprehensive about the switch. It is fine. Well, more than fine (I love it!) and I’m not looking back…

I’ve also had to do some vehicle maintenance – new brakes. Blah.

And, last week I had my share of sinus/sore throat/earache troubles. Not bad enough to where I wanted to visit the doctor, but lots of cough drops, acetaminophen and hot tea were involved. I’m feeling much better, thanks for asking…

On the happy side, I took in the UT/Kansas game. A fun, fun day!

And, I was able to cut out another pair of jeans using Burda 7284. Nearly complete and the opposite of “mom” jeans, this pair will require a belt and that means belt loops. I’ll show them to you once I’ve figured out what kind of belt loops I want to make.

Have a good week…and sew something already!

Tammy’s New Lunch Bag

It took all day for me to put my new lunch bag together yet not one bit of the construction was difficult. I started after breakfast and had expected to be done well before noon. Somehow cooking, laundry and other chores kept getting in the way.

I found the pattern in a library book: Bag Boutique – Making Fabulous Purses & Totes written by Amy Barickman. This is the Donna Bag. There is only one pattern piece given; the rest are measurements. The shape looks very similar to the In-Style SuitcaseBag pattern by Indygo Junction.

Upholstery weight fabric (preferably an odd color and/or pattern) was my first choice. However, there wasn’t any on the shelf so I ended up choosing from the denim/pocket lining scraps basket. And this time, I think I really am at the end of the cat fabric as I had to piece the bottom gusset. For the interfacing, I was finally able to use up all of the small bits I’d been too frugal to pitch. I found some cotton batting and used that for interlining. I really hoped to use metal rings for the handles but I had only two that matched and needed four. Instead, I cut longer strips, securing them to the bag with topstitching and rivets. Another pattern change: a pocket added to the front.

The bag still needs a piece of plastic to lay in the bottom for support. Since I used things that were already here, it makes sense to avoid having to purchase the plastic. I’m thinking a plastic milk jug just might be the answer – even if it has to be pieced. I could make it a little slip cover and no one would be the wiser. Well, except us…

This is a good, simple bag. One could go a hundred ways with this pattern and they would all be right.

My bag could benefit from binding the interior seams (I serged them) and the use of a heftier interfacing (though this isn't bad). I’m fairly happy with how it turned out and I won’t have any qualms about tossing it into the washer and dryer.

The resized Burda blouse is next.

Sorta/Kinda Stuck

I have several projects in the works, but can't seem to get past the pattern tracing on any of them. It is all because of the last Burda blouse. I've pretty much decided that I'm sewing the wrong shirt/top/blouse size. Well, that blouse fits, but it could be a size smaller and still work just fine.

And, even though the jacket pattern looked okay on the dress form, I haven't sewn the muslin yet. I want to try the blouse pattern again, in the next size down, and see if that works. If it does, I'll retrace the jacket pattern in a smaller size and go from there.

It took forever for me to realize that by starting with a smaller sized pants pattern I could eliminate having to make so many pattern adjustments. Here I am again - same song, second verse. One would think this awareness would encourage me. After all, this is the first time in my life I've had pants in my closet that actually fit!

In the mornings, I head out the door with lunch bag in hand. It carries my breakfast, the coffee cup I’ll use for the day and a mid-day snack. The bag is starting to look sad and it is time to plan the replacement. My first thought is it would be less expensive to purchase one and I've been shopping online but haven’t found anything interesting. I don’t mind sewing the new one, but that heavy interfacing is pricey stuff! I’m looking for one that is age appropriate and yet slightly quirky. Other than the thick interfacing, I bet I have everything necessary, including a pattern.  Could I substitute a layer or two of batting and some kind of plastic insert for the bottom?

The temps have dropped slightly – enough that I can almost think about sewing long sleeves!

Burda 08-2011-138

I used the “new to me” Activa140 to sew this top. As hoped, it did just fine. However, I will not be switching it out for the 930 Record. The 930 is my solid tank and has the undisputed #1 spot here.

As is my custom, I ignored the Burda instructions and put the top together as I pleased. The buttons and loops at the back were skipped. First, I didn’t want to spend time sewing details on a top that might not work; also, I don’t think I’d be comfortable with that back neck opening. The top is cut longer in the back and I love the ¾ sleeves! The sleeve bands are a nice touch. I didn’t interface them but next time I might - I’ll see how they do. Also, I will bring in the neck yokes at the shoulders to ensure bra strap coverage.

The fabric came from Fabric.com – a stretch rayon. The color makes me smile.

Make it a great week!