Mini-Me…the 5yr Old Sewist

Teaching sewing skills is what I do to spread the joy of sewing to other interested, crafty, creative folks.  I have taught young and old alike.  My heart leaps at the sight of a satisfied newbie. 

When I see their faces light up as the new project takes shape, I get so excited, that it encourages me to overlook the hiccups along the way.  All things just seem to be right with the world when they get to the point of completion.

All that to say, it has been such satisfaction to watch my granddaughter blossom into the sewist she is today.

We started her really early, at three, when I bought her her first sewing machine; a “Hello Kitty” machine I found on Overstock.com.  It was for her third birthday.  While others were outside celebrating her special day, she and I were at the kitchen table learning to thread her new machine.  What fond memories these are.

Fast forward several years and we come to now, at almost 6 years old, when she is cutting her own patterns and sewing up her very own outfits.  And I should add, not only is she sewing them up, but she is telling me how to design what she wants,  although she lacks the design/sewing terms, she knows what it is she is wanting.  She has no fear of fabrics nor notions, only just to say, what it is to be sewn into, or what it is to be used for in making something.  She does not hesitate at the suggestion of making something however difficult it might seem.

She insisted I allow her to select the embroidery design on my Bernina 640 sewing machine.  It was so easy and intuitive, that she was able to load the hoop and select all the necessary features and thread colors for the design.

I love how she watches and listened to everything I say and do, especially, when I’m in my sewing room. 

 I may actually be in the presence of a future well known and acclaimed designer.  Oh my! What a joy.

Thanks for following.
Andrea

Too Dressy to Cook In- Butterick 4945

Cooking has never been a skill that comes easily for me.  Although, I love to eat…I can’t say the same about my cooking.   Admittedly I enjoy sewing much more than cooking.  “Did I really need to say that?”  Oh well, there you have it.  I’m no Betty Crocker. 

I do like making my life more fun and easier to take.  So when I saw this cute little number in my pattern arsenal…. I was just driven to sew one for myself, and of course my grand-daughter. Don’t we just look so cute?

Thanks for following…sew til next time.

Andrea

Butterick: 5885 a Dress Review

Pattern Description: Misses mock wrap dress with uneven handkerchief hem.

Pattern Sizing:I cut a size 14. The length was not altered.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?absolutely.

Were the instructions easy to follow?extremely simple, and definitely leaves something to be desired. Remember to use "sewing with knits" book or other tips for neckline and armhole finishing techniques. For the waist elastic, I did not follow the usual elastic guide, I took my waist and divided it in half to get the front length and the back, then I took two inches off of each piece. This made for a better fit, as the pattern called for 30inches on front and 30in on back then cut to size....way too much waste.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the simplicity. The front draped overlay is a nice simple addition. As for dislikes, I was slightly disappointed in how cheaply the instructions suggested you finish the neckline. It would be good to remember to install a 1/8th inch elastic to stabilize and secure the neckline. The reason being, is the weight of the front bodice pulls something terrible on the seams. Having the edges simple folded over and stitched isn't enough. To alleviate this, I also top stitched the front neckline into the back at the shoulda for symmetry.

Fabric Used:I used an ity jersey.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I made a FBA on the front underlay and the overlay. This adjustment caused me to add a necessary side bust dart. The dart made for a much snugger fit. I also made a sway back adjustment and shortened the shoulders by 1.5 inches because the weight caused it to be stretched too much for my taste. If I make it it again, I think stabilizing the neckline shoulders and armholes will prevent that. I did not add my usual 1inch to the waist length. Although, after shortening the shoulders, I wish I had. I also shortened the front and back v-necks by grading into the seam 1/4in towards the middle. This small alteration causes the neckline to hug the body better and prevents gaping.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?I will most likely sew it again.

Conclusion: I highly recommend. This is a really sexy dress for any figure.

McCalls 6400 View A, the review

 

Tops are my priority this year...so last week when I wanted a quick and easy top to use as a diversion from some other not so fun sewing I was doing. This nice little number saved my sanity. McCall's 6400

 

 

McCall's 6400, a lightweight jersey from Joann fabrics and 45 minutes of my time yielded a really nice asymmetrical number. 

After fiddling with the short sleeve side, I decided to sew up closer into the armhole in order to avoid bra show through.  The next time I make this I will for sure use the long sleeved version.  It is really hard to keep the "pull" of the fabric from causing the short side to skew underneath the bust.

Here it is with a new skirt that I will review in another blog.

 

All-in-all, I will definitely make this top again, and would highly recommend it for any beginner.

 

I hope you enjoy the pics.  Thanks for following.

Andrea

 

A weighted guardian

I needed to know I was being watched over and protected today.  Whilst cutting a garment I needed a few extra weights. To my surprise my guardian angel intervened and saved the day.

This reminded me why I had this cute little trinket in my sewing room window...as a reminder that I always have a protector.

Thank you my angel.

My Best Friends

I have never really outwardly shown the kind of love for inanimate objects than what I have for these two.  They are truly my best friends.  Meet Gingher Shears and Olfa Rotary. 

They have been with me in my sewing room for many years, never to be brought to the forefront of recognition. 
Sure, sewing machines, irons and other fun loving friends come to mind when considering others I can’t live without.  But, I would not get anywhere, were it not for my two best friends.  These two have been instrumental in every stage of my garment making, from start to trimming.
This shout out goes to the true heroes of the sewing room.  Here’s to you Gingher and Olfa.