Monday, November 25, 2013

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.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

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!

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Finally found a pattern for my linen!

I've been looking for just the right pattern for linen that I acquired about a year ago. I have limited shapes of clothes that I feel look good on me. It's taken some time to find something that meets all my requirements.

This was found on ebay and I snapped it up. It should be here shortly.

I've already prewashed my fabric once but I'm going to wash it a few more times. I hear the wrinkles lessen the more you wash linen. Hope that's true!


I also have this cotton jersey that has a delicious hand. I love the fabric if it could be used for something other than clothing. :) It's a little loud for my tastes!


This would make a good beginning for SWAP  2014.

Friday, November 1, 2013

SWAP 2014 - Simplicity 1945

I love the cardigan and tops in this pattern.. I don't care for the wide legged pants but I could substitute another pattern for them.


This pattern would take care of a few of the 3-paks and I already own the pattern. It has good reviews on pattern review. My favorite cardigans are shaped like this. One of the sewists on PR said it has just enough fabric and isn't overwhelming. I really like waterfall cardigans but they can be overwhelming given enough volume. What I do not need is more volume! :)

Pants Patterns

I'm doing Simplicity's Amazing Fit  pattern right now but I'm unsure that I'll like the width of the legs. I do like Style Arc's Kerry Cargo Pants:



Or her Yoga Pants:

I really like those. They are shapely without being overwhelming. I like a little flare at the bottom. I would still be wearing bell bottoms if I could get away with it. Some of my jeans are mighty close! :) I hate to think what my size would be given my waist and hip measurement. Her freeby this month is the Lola pant:

I have cargo/capri's that I wear in the summer that are shaped like this. They are very comfortable.

Decisions, decisions, decisions!