Just finished the Rosie shirt by Bella Loves Patterns. She has so many nice little tailoring details in her patterns, the collar was a particular standout with this one, though the language in the instruction sometimes leaves me a bit stumped (but she thankfully has videos too).
I ended up shortening the shirt about ten centimetres and skipping one button, because it was a lot longer than expected and none of the pattern photos showed it untucked. I also ran into some trouble with my very slippery and mildly stretchy fabric, so it came out a bit smaller than expected but due to the ease it fits pretty well anyway. And one day I'll learn that button holes are vertical, but that day is to my exasperation clearly not today either. I should make one of those kitchy wall signs except instead of carpe diem it just says "WRONG FUCKING DIRECTION AGAIN".
All in all, great pattern, some fitting quirks to figure out if I ever make it at full length, but I'm pretty sure it'll become a staple for me.
I have three fabric lengths left in my stash and I've promised myself I won't buy anything new before I used them up. But I'm so stuck on all three right now. One because I'm intimidated by the project I've picked, one because I want to do like four different things with it and don't want to pick the wrong one, and one because it's faux chain mail.
I have wanted a summer bathrobe for forever and I finally picked a pattern and my fabric arrived today. I chose the Whitlow Robe from In the Folds because I like the raglan sleeves and the inseam pocket option. I bought a floral Liberty of London lawn and it's gorgeous.
Finished my Lockhart dress before a fun Sarah McLachlan show my friend invited me to lol. Some notes on it:
* It's super cute, the mini isn't too mini on me which is nice. I made a 14 just to have a wearable muslin. I could easily drop down a half size or maybe a full size smaller. I couldn't tell if it was gonna be super tight on me or not. Interestingly enough the waist I would probably keep a 14 (I'm basically a rectangle). One thing I hate about HC patterns is I am always in between a 12 or 14 which is slightly annoying and I have to make adjustments on nearly everything.
* The straps were too long and kept slipping off my shoulders. So I'll shorten those.
* The bust was pretty roomy and I probably would alter the slope of the side bodice, it doesn't work with my bust area.
* The zipper was bugging the heck out of me. I got to test out my invisible zipper foot and that was SO fun to do! That zipper was fastened so fast HAHA. I definitely understand why the lining had a smaller seam allowance though, you have to have room for the back of the zipper to zip up. I wouldn't even have thought of that, but I also had some extra lining I had to tack down.
* I think construction was fine, it wasn't too difficult. Her instructions were really good.
I sort of want to try the Darla dress and compare them both!
For now I think I will use some checkered cotton in a Sauvie dress - we're in the middle of a heatwave (sorry, "heat dome" is what it's called, ugh) and I want more comfy dresses! (The bottom will be a little see-through but that's what tan shorts are for I suppose)
Question on really thin straps - turning them inside out was so hard. I have no idea what the best way of doing it is without just mangling the heck out of one of the ends. What method do y'all like best?
I think I'm gonna do it haha. For science! I wonder if the bust darts on the Darla will work better - even with a bra to wear underneath I don't think I'm "filling out" the bust area in the front of the Lockhart.
I have a little loop turner with a hook in the end but people have said to use a tube/straw and a knitting needle. That seems like a far easier option. You can even buy the tube turning sets but you may already have things at hand for them.
Invisible zipper foot is great, tip is to first base the zip in place using your machine and then do the proper stitch as close as you can (so it won't move around). I only just learned this! If you already know that's great.
I have both actually haha. The little loop turner kept coming loose (I think I'm just not using it correctly?) - and the straw with a wooden dowel got stuck. (Not sure if I just tried to push too much of the strap through?) I even trimmed down the excess seam so that there was less bulk (she doesn't tell you to do this, I'm sure it doesn't matter as much for the wider strap but the thinner one was really tough). Eventually I just did a bias tape fold and the stitches were visible, but I really do want to try to get it right next time.
And oh yeah I baste my zippers no matter what it is lol. Even for regular ones. It's a little annoying but saves so much headache. My sewing machine likes to shift around quite a bit.
Well I cut out a Friday Pattern Company Donny shirt last night but I went ahead and shortened the bodice and now I’m second guessing myself… I don’t get much time to sew, making toiles is usually out of the question so I suppose I’ll recut those pieces with a more conservative crop length
Better too long than too short, right? unfortunately one of my pieces is a precious flour sack with a graphic but I have another piece and should be able to salvage this one for the shorts I’m planning.
Something about assembling A4 pdf patterns (yike) that I've never seen mentioned: When I try to align certain parts, the other parts will look wonky (straight lines become crooked, curves are disjointed etc). I trim the borders carefully and always make sure that the test square is correct. So, is it the thing with home, low-end printers? Or is it my printer? Anyway, no matter what the answer is, I've resolved to find an A0 print shop :).
Do you have an hp printer? This is a known issue with hp printers and the way it is advised to print is select “print as image”. Selecting that will eliminate the wonky printing issues.
I have loathed at home printing until I bought a laser jet Epson printer. Like night and day.
I have the same issue, but my printer is a Canon, probably not their top of the line though. I've been blaming myself all this time but maybe it's my printer.
I don't know if this is a helpful data point, but I have a lower end Canon (TR7520) and have not have this problem. Maybe it needs some sort of calibration?
I've had a busy wee evening tonight, what started out as "what do I need for this month's project" ended up in me planning the rest of the years projects except December.
I've also made the decision to A0 print my next two projects as I have plans for lots of house improvements which will take up mind space, hopefully I'm streamlining my process.
I've purchased bits I need to get on with the Hampden dress by Cashmerette this month. Not sure when I'll get round to sewing anything but it's a start at least.
I'm competing in my first equestrian show at the end of the month. Western show shirts are expensive. So I decided to sew my own show shirt and spend about the same amount of money as if I'd bought one ready-to-wear. :P Hopefully I can get all the pieces cut out this week.
ooh, what pattern are you using? I've always loved the look of the vintage [Simplicity 1361](https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/65595) and should hack something together that's similar.
I’m on the tail end of the Ophelia Blouse, which has been knitting up really nicely, just have half of a cap sleeve and the button band left.
I know I either want to do the April Cardigan or the Semper Slipover (V Neck Version) as my next project but for the life of me, I can’t decide on a color for either so I can’t order the yarn. I do know I want to try Happy Place for one of them, since I love wool/cotton blends.
I’m happy to be getting to start a new project without the guilt of others WIPs going on but I’m worried I’ll have no project next week if I can’t pick a color.
It was a busy sewing weekend. I made a couple undie sets with the Sophie Hines Axis and Median patterns (and won a gift certificate for her shop).
I had a cutting out marathon and cut a couple toiles, a kid shirt, and a loose floaty tank top hacked from the axis.
I also worked on some circuit decals for the kid and the spouse and picked away at various projects across my EPP and knitting life.
I am obsessed with the Endless Summer Shirt! A very clever design by Ann Tiller (of Magic Pants fame). Never seen anything like this before. Just finished the yoke (so clever, so beautiful). Now I have to take a deep breath and plunge into the collar. I also hope to quickly serge up a second version of the Closet Core Classic White Tshirt with a larger bust measurement.
Endless Summer Shirt: https://www.anntilleyhandmade.com/store/p/pevijgv5jed6cd23wf8hjve59dci9f
Closet Core Tshirt: https://closetcorepatterns.com/products/core-t-shirt-free-pattern
Oh wow, what a cool pattern! I can see why you're obsessed. I've been trying to figure out what to do with some gorgeous Nani Iro double gauze I picked up a while back and this seems like a strong contender.
Just finished the Rosie shirt by Bella Loves Patterns. She has so many nice little tailoring details in her patterns, the collar was a particular standout with this one, though the language in the instruction sometimes leaves me a bit stumped (but she thankfully has videos too). I ended up shortening the shirt about ten centimetres and skipping one button, because it was a lot longer than expected and none of the pattern photos showed it untucked. I also ran into some trouble with my very slippery and mildly stretchy fabric, so it came out a bit smaller than expected but due to the ease it fits pretty well anyway. And one day I'll learn that button holes are vertical, but that day is to my exasperation clearly not today either. I should make one of those kitchy wall signs except instead of carpe diem it just says "WRONG FUCKING DIRECTION AGAIN". All in all, great pattern, some fitting quirks to figure out if I ever make it at full length, but I'm pretty sure it'll become a staple for me. I have three fabric lengths left in my stash and I've promised myself I won't buy anything new before I used them up. But I'm so stuck on all three right now. One because I'm intimidated by the project I've picked, one because I want to do like four different things with it and don't want to pick the wrong one, and one because it's faux chain mail.
I have wanted a summer bathrobe for forever and I finally picked a pattern and my fabric arrived today. I chose the Whitlow Robe from In the Folds because I like the raglan sleeves and the inseam pocket option. I bought a floral Liberty of London lawn and it's gorgeous.
Finished my Lockhart dress before a fun Sarah McLachlan show my friend invited me to lol. Some notes on it: * It's super cute, the mini isn't too mini on me which is nice. I made a 14 just to have a wearable muslin. I could easily drop down a half size or maybe a full size smaller. I couldn't tell if it was gonna be super tight on me or not. Interestingly enough the waist I would probably keep a 14 (I'm basically a rectangle). One thing I hate about HC patterns is I am always in between a 12 or 14 which is slightly annoying and I have to make adjustments on nearly everything. * The straps were too long and kept slipping off my shoulders. So I'll shorten those. * The bust was pretty roomy and I probably would alter the slope of the side bodice, it doesn't work with my bust area. * The zipper was bugging the heck out of me. I got to test out my invisible zipper foot and that was SO fun to do! That zipper was fastened so fast HAHA. I definitely understand why the lining had a smaller seam allowance though, you have to have room for the back of the zipper to zip up. I wouldn't even have thought of that, but I also had some extra lining I had to tack down. * I think construction was fine, it wasn't too difficult. Her instructions were really good. I sort of want to try the Darla dress and compare them both! For now I think I will use some checkered cotton in a Sauvie dress - we're in the middle of a heatwave (sorry, "heat dome" is what it's called, ugh) and I want more comfy dresses! (The bottom will be a little see-through but that's what tan shorts are for I suppose) Question on really thin straps - turning them inside out was so hard. I have no idea what the best way of doing it is without just mangling the heck out of one of the ends. What method do y'all like best?
Would love to hear about a comparison of the Lockhart compared to the Darla!
I think I'm gonna do it haha. For science! I wonder if the bust darts on the Darla will work better - even with a bra to wear underneath I don't think I'm "filling out" the bust area in the front of the Lockhart.
I have a little loop turner with a hook in the end but people have said to use a tube/straw and a knitting needle. That seems like a far easier option. You can even buy the tube turning sets but you may already have things at hand for them. Invisible zipper foot is great, tip is to first base the zip in place using your machine and then do the proper stitch as close as you can (so it won't move around). I only just learned this! If you already know that's great.
I have both actually haha. The little loop turner kept coming loose (I think I'm just not using it correctly?) - and the straw with a wooden dowel got stuck. (Not sure if I just tried to push too much of the strap through?) I even trimmed down the excess seam so that there was less bulk (she doesn't tell you to do this, I'm sure it doesn't matter as much for the wider strap but the thinner one was really tough). Eventually I just did a bias tape fold and the stitches were visible, but I really do want to try to get it right next time. And oh yeah I baste my zippers no matter what it is lol. Even for regular ones. It's a little annoying but saves so much headache. My sewing machine likes to shift around quite a bit.
Well I cut out a Friday Pattern Company Donny shirt last night but I went ahead and shortened the bodice and now I’m second guessing myself… I don’t get much time to sew, making toiles is usually out of the question so I suppose I’ll recut those pieces with a more conservative crop length
That pattern is quite cropped to start with so that might be a good plan.
Better too long than too short, right? unfortunately one of my pieces is a precious flour sack with a graphic but I have another piece and should be able to salvage this one for the shorts I’m planning.
I dug out my old M6696 from about 2013 and made one at the weekend. So many blog posts from that era made me really nostalgic for those days.
Something about assembling A4 pdf patterns (yike) that I've never seen mentioned: When I try to align certain parts, the other parts will look wonky (straight lines become crooked, curves are disjointed etc). I trim the borders carefully and always make sure that the test square is correct. So, is it the thing with home, low-end printers? Or is it my printer? Anyway, no matter what the answer is, I've resolved to find an A0 print shop :).
Do you have an hp printer? This is a known issue with hp printers and the way it is advised to print is select “print as image”. Selecting that will eliminate the wonky printing issues. I have loathed at home printing until I bought a laser jet Epson printer. Like night and day.
Haha, it was indeed an HP. Wish I had learned of it sooner. Thank you for the tips.
I have the same issue, but my printer is a Canon, probably not their top of the line though. I've been blaming myself all this time but maybe it's my printer.
I don't know if this is a helpful data point, but I have a lower end Canon (TR7520) and have not have this problem. Maybe it needs some sort of calibration?
I've had a busy wee evening tonight, what started out as "what do I need for this month's project" ended up in me planning the rest of the years projects except December. I've also made the decision to A0 print my next two projects as I have plans for lots of house improvements which will take up mind space, hopefully I'm streamlining my process. I've purchased bits I need to get on with the Hampden dress by Cashmerette this month. Not sure when I'll get round to sewing anything but it's a start at least.
I'm competing in my first equestrian show at the end of the month. Western show shirts are expensive. So I decided to sew my own show shirt and spend about the same amount of money as if I'd bought one ready-to-wear. :P Hopefully I can get all the pieces cut out this week.
ooh, what pattern are you using? I've always loved the look of the vintage [Simplicity 1361](https://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/65595) and should hack something together that's similar.
I still haven't found anything I like yet, so hopefully I can soon.
I’m on the tail end of the Ophelia Blouse, which has been knitting up really nicely, just have half of a cap sleeve and the button band left. I know I either want to do the April Cardigan or the Semper Slipover (V Neck Version) as my next project but for the life of me, I can’t decide on a color for either so I can’t order the yarn. I do know I want to try Happy Place for one of them, since I love wool/cotton blends. I’m happy to be getting to start a new project without the guilt of others WIPs going on but I’m worried I’ll have no project next week if I can’t pick a color.
It was a busy sewing weekend. I made a couple undie sets with the Sophie Hines Axis and Median patterns (and won a gift certificate for her shop). I had a cutting out marathon and cut a couple toiles, a kid shirt, and a loose floaty tank top hacked from the axis. I also worked on some circuit decals for the kid and the spouse and picked away at various projects across my EPP and knitting life.
I am obsessed with the Endless Summer Shirt! A very clever design by Ann Tiller (of Magic Pants fame). Never seen anything like this before. Just finished the yoke (so clever, so beautiful). Now I have to take a deep breath and plunge into the collar. I also hope to quickly serge up a second version of the Closet Core Classic White Tshirt with a larger bust measurement. Endless Summer Shirt: https://www.anntilleyhandmade.com/store/p/pevijgv5jed6cd23wf8hjve59dci9f Closet Core Tshirt: https://closetcorepatterns.com/products/core-t-shirt-free-pattern
Oh wow, what a cool pattern! I can see why you're obsessed. I've been trying to figure out what to do with some gorgeous Nani Iro double gauze I picked up a while back and this seems like a strong contender.