I’m sewing again!

It’s been a busy couple of weeks. I made huge progress on organizing my sewing closet. I still would like to make a digital swatch book at some point, but for now, I have most everything “out” where I can see it.

I signed up for the Little White Dress contest on PatternReview.com with Vogue 8972

http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8972-products-47949.php?page_id=855

It’s a lot of pieces! Time to get my feet wet with a couple of easy patterns first. It doesn’t get easier than this 2 piece top  – a free pattern from Tessuti – get it here http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/free-sewing-patterns

Photos don’t do it justice, but it’s a lovely flowy top that looks good loose or belted. It’s best to use a drapey fabric for this one.

Then there was the very classy Selja Knot tee from Named clothing. They are a new finnish pattern company. This top is from their second collection.

and finally, from the new Burda collection 6910 – a very fast sew with nicely fitted raglan sleeves. It does run big and although I went down a size, I could have gone down 2. I’ll keep it in mind for the next one.

SEWING TIP FOR EASY GATHERING

I basted the side seams, then sewed over an old serger chain with a wide zigzg  being careful not to sew over the thread. The pattern called for an 8 inch strip of elastic, so I pulled the thread chain until it was 8″ long between the pattern notches. Then it’s back to the serger to serge over a 1/4″ wide cotton twill tape to stabilize the gathered seam. I found it was easier to get an evenly gathered side seam this way, and personally, I find the cotton twill tape to be softer than elastic in the side seams.

Now I’m ready to get back to my contest dress – I made a first pass with muslin, and will make new pattern with the alterations tomorrow – hopefully get the wearable muslin cut out too!