My first pants!

I have finally attempted my first pair of pants! My inspiration for these pants came from Erica Bunker and her blog post here. The second I saw them I knew I wanted the pattern to make a pair of my own. The next day I went out and got it.

The pattern is Simplicity 8058. I just love everything nautical. This is a good way to get it without overdoing it.

So, I did go to the store and picked up the pattern the very next day. Where I messed up was grabbing the size pattern I usually get for tops (size 12). Well, I'm definitely not a 12 in pants. I'm not even sure what size I am, probably an 18.

Once I had the pattern I knew I would have to add width to it. So I carefully measured out to a size 18 and marked the pattern (or the fabric) to make up for the size. And of course, made a muslin to try out.

I tried on the muslin (without a zipper) and it seemed to fit fine. This is cotton and my actual fabric is ponte knit so I knew I would have extra stretch in the real pair. I figured I was good to go and make my pants.

So once again, I carefully marked out the pattern to a size 18 using navy blue ponte knit I bought at Joann's. 

It took me days but I worked my way through the instructions. Somehow I managed to sew the pockets closed. WTF did I do? I have no clue. I made tons of pockets on all those pajamas I made...

And the final result? Well, you won't see me modeling them for you. They don't fit. I'm so sad, because I love them so much. They are just barely too small. Something went wrong somewhere. Or, I just picked the wrong size. I can get the zipper halfway up, but not all the way. Time to lose some weight! And now I have just another reason to do it.

But I did finish them. So here are some poor lighting indoor shots for you (sorry).

That was my first time ever dealing with a zipper. Not even back in high school did I attempt one in my sewing class. It's not perfect. But the pants are wearable, if I could only fit into them.

Sorry the picture is sideways. The blog I use doesn't have cropping or editing features for images. The zipper top is supposed to be tucked between the layers but it slipped out when I was sewing and I didn't notice until it was too late.

So those are my pants. If ever I fit into them I will be sure to add some pictures of me wearing them.

Seriously? Another t-shirt?

I know. It's another t-shirt. But what can I say? I like me some t-shirts. They are comfy! Plus, this is what I really needed. But soon you will see me tackling some new things. Especially now that it's warming up outside. 73 degrees today!

My first time attempting a Butterick pattern. Butterick 5354 Fast & Easy to be exact. I used my standard size 12 top and graded it out to a 14 for my hips.

I decided to make the short sleeve (green) version.

I have to say, if you are beginner and you are doing one of your very first patterns do not start with Butterick. Start with Simplicity or McCall's. Not that this was very difficult, they just don't explain things as thoroughly in the pattern instructions as Simplicity or McCall's. They expect you to know more and have some experience.

For example, this is an instruction from Butterick on how to fuse and finish a neck facing:

And here is an instruction from a standard Simplicity pattern on how to fuse and finish a neck facing:

And lastly, here is an instruction from a McCall's "Learn to Sew" pattern on how to finish a neck facing:

So as you can see, depending on the pattern company, instructions on how to do the exact same thing can differ. I'm sure there are many other detailed instructions, and lacking instructions out there.

And now hopefully you can save yourself some stress. And for those people who roll their eyes because this is sewing 101, sorry, let's move on to my top!

This is what I get for having my husband take the pictures. He didn't tell me to fix the shirt! Also, sorry for the wrinkles. I hate to iron.

Since it was too dark to go out and re-take the picture here is it up close on my dress form.

I like how the sleeves are sewn on. I have never done them this way before. For some reason it reminded me of a flower. On the bottom (in the arm pit) the result is this..

See my zigzag stitch? Yeah, I still need a new sewing machine. Just have to decide which one to get and how much I am willing to spend.

The fabric used was from my very first order from Mood Fabrics. Yay! The fabric is dark pink medium-weight cotton jersey. You can find it here. It's very comfortable. I probably won't wear it when its 100 degrees outside, but it is wonderful in this weather.

A top for work - Simplicity 8061

Tops. Lots and lots of tops. Preferably ones that I can wear to work. That's kind of what I am focused on. But now that the weather is warming I think it may change. Because dresses. Yes, I need to make me some for my vacation this summer. Woohoo.

I actually finished this top last weekend. It wasn't a difficult one at all. But I wound up getting sick during the week and today was the first day I had the energy to dress and put on makeup for pictures. I'm still not 100% but this is what you get.

So anyway, on to the top! For this one I used Simplicity 8061. I used my standard size 12 for tops. However, because of what happened on my last top, I graded it out to a size 14 for my hips. Oh the joys of being pear shaped... Is their a better name than pear shaped? It's not really attractive..

I like this pattern because of all the different variations. Super easy to make so many different tops. Really perfect for work wear. I went with view C because I don't have any tops in RTW that are squared off at the top.

And the result was...

That's my dog in the bottom corner. He wanted to hang out for this photo shoot. It was so beautiful outside! Almost 70 degrees.

The neckline is a little crooked but I think that has to do more with how I was standing and moving then what the pattern ends up looking like. It is usually straight.

My one problem was the sleeves. Why are they poofing out on top? Does anyone know? Please help!

None of my other shirts seem to have the poofy problem.

The shirt also has this detailing on the side. I don't think my camera picked it up well though for the picture. But you get the idea.

I haven't quite perfected the turning of the stitch up top there. But I did much better this time than I have on other shirts I have attempted it on.

Typically I would wear this shirt with slacks to work. But being sick and all I just threw the top on with some jeans.

The fabric is from Hancock Fabrics and you can find it here. It is called Rayon Challis Blurred Floral Natural Rayon Fabric. Whew! What a name. It is 100% Rayon and sooooo comfortable. I can't get over how soft it is. But I found a flaw on it while I was sewing. I'm so sad. Looks like something got caught on it and there is a run. So I recommend inspecting it, and other fabrics, before you buy.

Simplicity 1467

This has most definitely been my most time consuming make so far. Not necessarily difficult, but a lot of steps. And a lot of interfacing. Very slow going for me. But I finished and have another top I can wear to the office. Yay me!

This is the Simplicity 1467 pattern, view A. I used the size 12 pattern, my standard pattern size for tops.

Did I mention interfacing? I went through quite a bit. All the top pieces and the arm holes all have interfacing. It calls for lightweight, I used featherweight because it was what I had. Doesn't seem to have made a difference. Don't skip the understitching, everything will constantly want to pop out.

This pattern also had the tiny loop you had to make for the buttons. Which of course, consists of sewing a teeny tiny piece of fabric then having to flip it right side out. I used a small safety pin I got from one of my RTW outfits when they give an extra button. It worked great for this small loop. I also didn't follow the directions, it said to sew at 1/4", but that would have put it halfway across, so instead I did it at approximately 1/8" so that I would have a larger hole to pull the fabric through.

And the final result...

A top that is a little too small at the hips. Haha. I'm slightly pear shaped. I really need to keep an eye on the finished measurements so my tops fit better at the waist. Looking at the model I should have realized this was closer fitting than the other tops I made. And this material is not stretchy. At All.

Sorry, I'm also squinting in the sun. You either get a dark picture, or me squinting.

I'm thinking of maybe adding a solid color dart on the side to expand the waist some. Because of all my cardigans it is not often someone will see the side anyway. It's wearable as is, but I think this would make it more comfortable. And it will lay better in the front and back.

My first time doing anything with buttons. I like them. I'm shocked I really didn't have any issues there.

This top also called for gathering in the front. My first time with this as well. Basically you use a long machine stitch, then pull the strings, even it out best you can, then it is sewn in place. Gives it a nice look.

This is a cheaper fabric. I cannot remember where I got it or what it is. I know it either came from Joann's or Hancock Fabrics. On all future purchases I will track this!

Knit t-shirts, gotta love them.

A good old fashioned t-shirt. Who doesn't love them? Comfy and cozy. Good for cold, warm, and hot weather. You can wear them out, you can wear them in. You get my point.

Taking the same McCalls 6964 pattern I used on my long sleeve knit t-shirt I made this short sleeve one. I actually intended to make another long sleeve but I didn't have enough fabric to pull it off.

I found this fabric at Joann's yesterday in the clearance section. And on top of that they had 50% off all of their red dot clearance. I think this ended up costing me $4/yard. No too shabby.

It took some work to keep the stripes together when sewing. This side is better than my other side. But I'm still proud.

And as I mentioned before, I need a new sewing machine! Mine is a simple one. Almost like a featherweight machine. It has no stretch stitch options and a twin needle doesn't work. All I have is the zig zag to work with. I put my machine on the smallest one and just hope it works and my clothes don't fall apart on me. Because I do like wearing these knits! But I'm stuck with this being visible. It just screams homemade... I'll survive.

Time for a cardigan!

My job requires me to wear a lot of cardigans. A LOT of cardigans. During the winter it isn't such a big deal. It's cold, cardigans are comfy. But during the summer... forget about it!

After being so incredibly jealous of my co-workers who have sleeveless, or short sleeve cardigans I finally decided to just make my own. This is the first, and biggest, reason I decided to re-learn how to sew.

So here I am. After making some fun beginner projects I finally made my first cardigan.

I decided to attempt McCalls Pattern 6084.

It's considered easy. And the package says sew time is only one hour! A beginner like me should do just fine right??

Well, not really. This cardigan gave me one night of complete frustration until I quit. I don't know what it is about these instructions but I was just soooo confused. I'm sure you would laugh thinking I was confused by something so simple.

The next day I went back at it. I pretty much just made up some steps to get by. I think it turned out all right though. I think I probably spent 8 hours sewing this 1 hour pattern...

I used a size large for the pattern. I usually use a medium. But dumb me, I bought patterns before I actually started sewing and didn't realize each package didn't have all the sizes. Oops. Won't make that mistake again. So, I made the smallest size in the package. I am definitely going to make the sleeves smaller. They are huge. The rest I can deal with wearing.

I used just some simple black knit fabric I found at Joann's. It's slightly heavier than ideal for summer, but very comfortable.

Boy do my bangs need trimmed! :)

So instead of posting the few things I did when I first started sewing in 2015 I have decided to just put them here. After this I can start fresh with all my 2016 garments and can keep better track :)

In December I was dreaming about Summer. Maybe because I booked a cruise. So I decided to plan for he heat and make this tank top using the Simplicity 1372 pattern.

I opted to use some cute linen fabric I found at Joann's. For the straps I used silky fabric (I have no idea what it really is - Joann's had it under "silky types")

Here is the finished product:

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Then, my next attempt was my first knit project. I quickly learned I do not have the machine for the job. I can't use twin needles, I have no stretch stitch of any sort, I only have the small zig zag you turn until it's a big zig zag (I'm sure there is a name for it). So, I put it on the smallest it would let me and went with that. Hopefully I don't break the seams...

I used McCall's 6964 pattern, only the long sleeve version rather than this short sleeve one below.

And this is how it turned out:

One thing I learned from this one, other than I need a better machine, is be careful when pulling out threads! It is a lot harder with knit. I accidentally made a hole in my shirt! I had to pull it up slightly on the left to hide it behind the neckline. So sad!

I had one more shirt for 2015 but I don't have pictures so I'll just let it go. For my future projects I hope to get better pictures of me actually wearing the items so they wont seem so baggy on my tiny dress form.