Simplicity Amazing Fit 2860

I've used Sarah Veblen's book and Pants for Real People to get an idea on fitting. I've read various blogs and there's nothing to do now except for layout the pattern and cut the fabric!

I'm scared! I hate cutting into fabric!

I want to develop a pants TNT. Perhaps a few. I've resigned myself to the idea I'll have to do numerous muslins. It seems like such a waste to me but I can't figure out a way around it. I know I'll have fitting issues!

I've measured my body in places I've never considered  before! LOL Waist, high hip, hip, crotch depth, crotch length, thigh and knee. Whew! I've measured the pattern pieces to determine where to cut. I've shortened the length.

I prefer a contour waist and this pattern has it. It also has larger legs than what appears on the front. The fabric I'm using as a muslin would have been nice fabric but the folds do not come out in the wash. The fold is permanently set. I hope it will work as a fitting muslin and that I won't be confused by the folds and ripples in the fabric! :)

The pattern also has a fly front that I want to master. It happens to be the first thing to do! I think I'll take pictures of that to have for reference later.

Edited to add: There's not as much of that fabric as I thought! Looks like I'll have to use linen.

Child's Play Tent M5827

M5827

My pants sewing is put on hold because my daughter in law wants this for the kids. I don't blame her, it's adorable, isn't it?

It takes a lot of yardage. I found a sheet to yardage calculator at Sew Much Ado. Thank you Abby!

I'll be sure to write a review when I've finished it!

Velvet Holiday Stocking

My neighbor asked me to copy this stocking and I said of course I will! Little did I know what I was getting into!

There are four layers including the lining. It was necessary to give quite a bit of thought to putting this together! My seam ripper came in handy to say the least.

She has quite a bundle of fun stuff that she's going to put on the outside. Sewing it was fun!

Christine Jonson's Black Friday Sale

I was finally able to order cjpatterns.com Travel Trio collection. Her patterns were 40% off last Friday and the three Travel Trio's are on their way! Travel Trio One was finally back in stock and I can't wait to get them!

Fly Zipper Insertion Help

Word has it that Sandra Betzina's fly zipper tutorial is the bomb. I have the directions in her book and use those but I thought a video might help clarify things. Her video on Threads.

Here is a video by Fashion Sewing Blog on the fly zipper. It is a very good video that is easy to follow:

Here are a few other illustrations or tutorials:

Oliver and S fly front instructions.

Power Sewing Step-by-Step by Sandra Betzina, page 62.

Pants for Real People, Palmer and Alto, page 106.

Making Perfect Pants from New Mexico State University has a nice little chart with body measurements, ease, pattern measurements and the difference. Nice little way to come up with the amounts to alter.

Sewing and Fitting Pants for TNT Part 1

I said in my last post that I would begin with Simplicity 2860 Amazing Fit pants pattern but after looking at it and comparing it to my favorite RTW, I decided not to. The legs on this pattern are so big that it more closely resembles palazzo pants. The picture on the front is misleading. I couldn't believe how big the legs are. I don't want to cut the legs down and fight with fitting a pattern!

I looked at all my pants patterns and compared the legs to the size I prefer. I've decided on Vogue 1294 by Anne Klein. I like the curves and shape better. I have ironed the tissue. I don't feel the need to walk the pattern since it has been made by Chesneycat at roomforsewing.com. Her blog post helped me to decide on this pattern. It has the leg shape I want and I get the impression it's pretty easy. I would also like to make the blouse eventually but I don't have a suitable fabric at the moment.

I've walked my favorite pair of RTW pants on two patterns now and I come up with a size 16 and even that is a little big. I'm still going to sew a size 18 to make sure.

My muslin fabric is a synthetic sueded stone colored fabric with a little lycra. I've prewashed it twice and the fold creases do not come out. Hopefully I can work around them and not be confused when fitting.

Another thing I want to point you to is the inside of these pants by cationdesigns.com. They are beautiful and I want to finish my pants like that. I wonder what she uses? I'll revise this post when I find a few links.

That's all for tonight folks! I cut the pieces to the pattern, organized it and put the iron to it.

So Excited! I've found favorite silhouettes and ordered patterns! Or dressing for my life and body now.

This might be a long post. I'll understand if you'd like to skip it but I am very excited. I've joined Club BMV and have ordered a few patterns from Vogue and McCall's. I've often wished I was a member when I've received the email's describing savings on patterns. Well, wish no longer because I'll be able to take advantage of those sales!

It seems my preferences have changed in the last few months. I now prefer elastic waists. I use to absolutely live in jeans but now I want soft knits against my skin. I want a waistband that will shrink when I do or expand a little bit over the holidays. I like ankle length skirts, pants that are neither too wide or too skinny. I like waterfall sweaters along with other cardigans and a vest would be good with T-shirts.

I've also come to realize that I can't wear heels any more. I'm talking even the low heels. I'm going to look for flats that are stylish but comfortable. Good luck with that, huh?

My life style is casual and the clothes I prefer are almost pajama style! I change into jeans when I go out but as soon as I'm home, I put my very comfortable knit lounge pants back on and let out a contented, "ahhhhh" in the process!

So, I need to dress for the lifestyle and body I have now. I want to be comfortable but put together and stylish, ya know?

I thought I would embellish the simple shapes in a few pieces anyway starting with a tank top. A la Alabama Chanin. That'll be a good project for these long winter days, don't you think? I might try embroidery on other pieces. I'll make them mine in some way. Stay tuned for those thoughts!

The Patterns

I bought these three vintage patterns off eBay:

These patterns represent how I prefer to dress when I can find the silhouettes. I'll now have them and they are timeless enough to last for a long time.

I also bought a few from Vogue and McCalls that I've always wanted:

I  plan to sew these to wear for my Grandkid's games. 

I bought this in two sizes because I love the dress. Maybe a granddaughter will want one.

Another view of the game top and jacket.

another view in case you missed it. 

I love the sleeves on this dress. Nice to wear to church.

and my vest that I will wear as a third piece.

When you add Simplicity 1945, I have the silhouettes I prefer.

There is still one more look that I want.

I now have the skirt pattern. I want a top that is very loose for fat days! :)

Thanks. Now I can use this post to do a little planning. Have a great day!