A sparkly new year - Butterick 5562 take two

Butterick 5562

Instead of working on my sewing recap for 2010, I completed one last project. It's a silver metallic knit (thanks for the idea Gwen!) version of the striped top I sewed the other day. 

Sparkly yet warm and comfy. Perfect for a casual New Year's evening at home with the hubby.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!


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Better than a blankie - Butterick 5562 pullover top

This striped fabric was destined to be a pullover top from the moment I saw it.  It is incredibly soft. Soft enough that you just want to bury yourself in it to guard against the cold.  At least I do.

It's only been sitting around since October as I purchased it during my last trip to my favorite local warehouse fabric store. Not bad, huh? 

 Hmmm,  now that I look at this photo I'm reminded that I've also sewn the planned pullover top from that fuzzy blue knit also.  I'll tell you about that one another day.  Today it's all about Butterick 5562. 


The pattern itself it a very basic tee with a wide scooped neckline.  The thing that sets this pattern apart is the sleeve variations and the large draped and gathered collar on view D.

Butterick 5562, image from Butterick.com

Now y'all know I went for the large collared version, right? 

Butterick 5562 View D

To be honest, I didn't really think this one through. For my needs - which are to pair this with jeans or yoga pants while sewing or lounging around the house - the collar is actually a hindrance. 


That's because of where the collar ends. Right at the bustline.  Which means if you actually move your arms the collar will either inhibit the movement or pull up. 

However, the draped collar is really great for emphasizing shoulders because of the way the gathers are created.  It consists of two pieces sewed together at the shoulder seams. A piece of elastic is then sewn onto the seam causing the fabric to pull up.

Butterick 5562 side view

This is another "whip it up in an evening" sewing projects. I think it took more time to cut out the pattern pieces than it did to actually sew them together. 


The collar just isn't doing it for me. Not this time anyway. Fortunately I only basted the collar to the neck edge. That means I can recut and resew a smaller cowl collar and the top will be good to go.

That doesn't mean I'm giving this a thumbs down.  I think for a casual evening out this would look great made up in a soft knit - maybe a solid color bamboo knit - paired with jeans, boots and perhaps a fabulous long necklace.


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1/2/11 - Edited to add:

On the silver metallic version (photo here)  in stead of sewing the elastic directly to the colalr shoulder seams (per the given instructions) I sewed a small casing to add the elastic. I think it resulted in a nicer inside look with more evenly spaced gathers on the outside. 

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Power Sewing Toolbox 1 & 2 book review

My Sandra Betzina Power Sewing Toolbox sewing books arrived last week.  Among the last-minute hustle and bustle all I had time to do was unwrap the books, give them a quick glance and place them on the bookshelf.

Until today.

Today I finally had a chance to look at them a bit more closely.  If you haven't added these books to your library yet, you'll want to do so. Especially after this little sneak peek.

I pre-ordered them a few months ago. True to her word, they arrived  before Christmas and each had a signed sticker on the inside cover.

Am I the only sewing-book-junkie who gets a kick out of having books signed by their authors? Having the books signed will bring a smile to my face every time I open one. Sandra Betzina may not have known who she was signing the book for but she did know it was someone who shared her love of sewing.

The books are lovely to look at.  They're large - approx. 10" x 10" - with glossy hard covers.  There is a gold elastic strap anchored to the back cover that can be used as a bookmark to keep the books closed or to hold your pages flat.

Although with the spiral binding the pages don't really need the extra help.

The print appears to be larger than what is typically found in books - I'm not sure what font was used but the type and size make for an easy to read book.

Many of the tips are only a paragraph long and are clearly numbered.  A number of full-color photographs are scattered through out the tips to help you visual what she's explaining. 

The books do contain more than just one-paragraph tips. There are also a number of more detailed techniques included. Such as adding a front stay and pocket all in one, how to set snaps using a snap setter, creative sleeve detailing, making shaped welt buttonholes and  lining a sleeve to name a few. 

The writing style is conversational. If you've ever taken one of her classes, viewed her DVDs or watched her television show, you'll be able to "hear" her as you read these tips.

Another bonus is the model garments made from her sewing patterns scattered through out the book.  I do wish there had been an index included for the patterns.  I found that I wanted to go back to some of the garments after flipping through the book but had to go page by page to find the ones I was looking for.  So, if you're like me and like to refer back to pattern numbers, keep a sticky pad close by when you're reading your books.

And look what is tucked away in the back of the book? DVDs with additional techniques. Four different techniques in each volume. Sweet!

When I first saw the email to pre-order the books I hesitated for about five seconds. Long enough to wonder if these were duplicates of the Power Sewing books I already owned and to decide that I didn't really care if they were. I mean, they're written by Sandra Betzina. How could I go wrong?

While I've barely skimmed the surface of these books I can already see that they will be a valuable addition to my sewing studio.

And whenever I sit down to sew I can flip open the front cover and smile.

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In the nick of time - one last Christmas gift

Last night I finished up one last gift - a Christmas-themed Hawaiian shirt for my dad.  The Santa's reindeer themed fabric - "dash away all" Alexander Henry print - is one I purchased when I was looking for holiday fabrics at Treadle Yards Goods a few weeks ago.

While a short sleeved shirt may not seem like the best choice for a Christmas shirt (especially since it's cold and snowy where we live) it's perfect for my dad for a number of reasons:

1. My dad is a huge Christmas fan and will get a kick out of the reindeer print. 
2. He favors short sleeve shirts year round. 
3. He'll love wearing this in the summer months just so people will make comments. You see then he has a perfect excuse to start a conversation. And one thing my dad loves is chatting with people. He loves bringing a smile to your face even more. 
4. This shirt - Simplicity 6368, from 1974 - is a tradition. I've been sewing him one of these shirts off and on as gifts since I was a teen. 

In 2005, I tried to "pass the baton" on to my daughter but that was the first and last shirt she sewed for her grandpa.  You can read the story here on this Flashback Friday post from 2007. 

In other news, we certainly will be having a white Christmas this year. We woke up to yet more snow falling. 

Sophia has been living in her little coats this year.

And my husband, bless his heart, is outside once again taking snow off of the roof in an effort to prevent ice dams. 

Now I'm off to do a little more Christmas baking before we attend Christmas Eve service this evening followed by time with family.

Merry Christmas!

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How to: Make ribbon Christmas tree paper gift tags

While most people think I spend the majority of my spare time sewing, I do in fact dabble in other creative pursuits. That means I have a lot of art supplies on hand for when inspiration strikes.

Sometimes the inspiration is quite small - like these little ribbon tree gift tags.

As I was wrapping gifts the other day I realized I had not purchased any gift tags.

My first thought was to make fabric tags, because, well, my mind does default to textiles.  Knowing I really didn't have time to make the type of fabric tags I envisioned I came  up with these little tags instead.

They only took minutes to make. Plus I even managed to use the sewing machine.


For each tag, I cut out two tag shapes out of a two-sided decorative card stock using a shipping tag as my template.  With a paper punch I added a hole to the top for the ribbon.

Next, I cut five pieces of ribbon ranging in size from 1/2" (at the top) to 2" (at the bottom).  Each piece of ribbon is 1/4" larger than the one above it.

On one of the tags, I placed the ribbon pieces on the top in the shape of a fir tree.

At my sewing machine, I stitched each piece of ribbon to the tag using a wide zig-zag stitch. 

To cover the stitches on the back side, I placed the two tags together and stitched around the outer edges using a wide zig-zag stitch. 

A length of ribbon (10-12") is looped through the hole so the tag can be attached to the gift.

My last step was to stamp "Merry Christmas" on the back side in gold ink.

Voila!

A nice touch to a prettily wrapped gift. 

Now, back to sewing...

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Infinity ... and beyond!

No, this isn't a post about Toy Story. (But those are great movies, aren't they? The last one I saw at the theater in 3-D, which was so much fun.) No, no, no. This infinity and beyond post is about my latest sewn gifts - two more infinity scarves.

They sure are a lot of fun to sew.  While you really don't need instructions, I followed the instructions for a knit version shown in the Fall 2010 issue of SewStylish. Lucky you, because the instructions are online here.

You may recognize this fabric from yesterday's post. I happened to have a piece of knit left over that measured about 12" x 72". Not enough to do really do anything with, but too much to toss.  By adding a contrast black knit to the backside I was able to make this scarf. As you can see, it's quite versatile.

Upper left: Worn long.
Upper right: Twisted once.
Lower left: Worn twisted once with black side showing.
Lower right: Worn as a stole/shawl or whatever you'd call it. It's simply folded and secured with a brooch

The second version I made was shorter, narrower and drapier. While it's not quite as versatile as the animal print one, the softer knit gives it an completely different look.  It's a slinky knit that I received in one of the mystery boxes from FabricMart.  (Whenever my total order qualifies for a free mystery box I place one in my shopping cart. While I've gotten some fabrics that I don't care for at all, most of the time I get high quality stuff that I can't wait to use.)  I especially like the look of this one doubled around the neck.

Now I want to sew myself one out of faux fur. Wouldn't that feel wonderful to wear when the temps dip below zero? Which means right now.

See? Even little Sophia needs a little faux fur to keep her warm as she snoozes on the arm of the sofa.

As far as sewing scarves go, before I sew my faux fur version I have one more I'd like to make as a Christmas gift. Another burnout silk like the silk one I made in October. 

Then it's onto the last handmade gift for this season.

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Warm and cozy - Vogue 8699 Knit Top

Baby it's cold outside. And I want to be warm and cozy inside.  That's where my latest creations comes in.

If you can't get past the fact that it looks a bit Flinstone-ish, it really is a warm and cozy knit top. Perfect to don while in the sewing studio during these cold winter months. After all, my sewing studio happens to be the second coldest room in our entire house. Just my luck, right?  At least it's not the coldest. That would be the workout room. Trust me, it's hard to get motivated to work out when you know the room you're about to enter is uncomfortably cold.

Anyway, back to this top.  I hadn't even noticed this pattern until two days ago. That's when I braved the crowds to visit my local JoAnn's to purchase a pattern. I was specifically looking for Vogue 8634. In case you're not familiar with it, that's the beautiful cowl collared knit top being created in sewing rooms across the world.  Sadly it was completely out of stock.

That's when my eye landed on this one - Vogue 8699. The cowl collar is much smaller, but who cares when there are princess seam, a "very easy" rating and separate pattern pieces for A,B,C and D cups. Perfect!

I knowingly chose to sew the top from a stable knit with very little stretch to it. So little in fact that it barely passed the back of the envelope stretch test.

I'm not even sure how to describe the fabric to you. The back side - or what I choose to be the back side - is like a waffle weave, while the front has almost a brushed finish. 

 

It may not be exactly what was suggested by the pattern company, but it works. However, it does change the look of the top - specifically the collar.

See what I mean? Instead of the soft drape it stands at attention. Of course I won't wear it like this. I just wanted to show you the stiffness of the fabric.

I think it's perfect for what I wanted.  Something comfy to wear while sewing in the cold, cold sewing studio or while cuddled up on the couch watching a movie with hubby.

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Easy last minute gift idea - Vogue 8551 silk scarf

I purchased an accessories pattern - Vogue 8551 - some time ago as I intrigued by the ruched silk scarf on the cover.

 

Photo Vogue Patterns

This morning I found myself in need of a quick Christmas gift. So I immediately pulled out this this pattern knowing I had a stash of silks sitting patiently in my fabric closet.

I got down to business and whipped this beauty up in 30 minutes.

One of the great things about this scarf is it's ability to change colors.  Say I'm in the mood to wear orange.  Presto-chang-o! Orange is now one of the more prominent colors.

I'd love to tell you how it's made because it's simplicity is ingenious.  But it's not my design so I'm not free to share the secrets with you. Just trust me when I tell you it's one of the easiest designs you'll ever sew.

I can also tell you that you do NOT need the full 3/4 yard of each fabric (six colors in all) as written on the back of the pattern envelope. Be aware that if you buy yardage specifically to make this scarf you'll end up with excess fabric.

Alas. Once I completed it, I knew the person I had in mind would hate it.  While I think this is a beautiful and artistic piece, it's much too "over the top" for this particular person. Which is fine. I don't think this is a scarf that everyone would be comfortable wearing as it WILL attract attention.

"Hmmmm," I thought to myself "Maybe if I just tone it down a bit. How about those gray rayon remnants?". 

Sounded good right?  Unfortunately the rayon fabric was much too soft for this design. You MUST have something that has body or perhaps a nap (think velvet) or the ruching on the scarf won't happen. Instead you'll ust end up with a sad flat scarf like this one.

Oh well, at least I tried. And now you know what fabric to avoid when you sew this one.

I still want my gift to be handmade so I'm back to the drawing board sewing machine this evening to work on a different scarf style.


P.S. Want to see a gorgeous example of this made in blue silks? Check out Sham's blog post.

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How to: Holiday Wreath Portrait Pillow Sewing Tutorial

This little sweetie pie is one of the newest additions to our family.  I think she's the perfect subject for this personalized holiday wreath portrait pillow.

Here's how you can make one for a little sweetie in your life.



Supplies

1/3 yard main fabric (for pillow)
3" x 16" scrap of fabric (contrast strip)
1 yard red rick-rack trim
1-1/2 yards green ribbon (for wreath)
1/3 yard light green ribbon (for bow)
1-2/3 yards pink pom-pom trim (or enough to go around the outside of the pillow)
1 - 12" x 16" pillow form
1 - Ink-Jet fabric sheet
Digital photo
Removable ink marking pen
Fabric glue
15 red decorative craft stones
Zipper foot
Small ruler or seam gauge

Directions

Seam allowance is 1/2"

Re size the digital photo you choose to approximately 5" x 5".

Print onto the ink-jet fabric sheet and cut out. 

Draw a circle around the part of the photo you want on the pillow. To make it easier, trace a circle using something like the top of a large yogurt container.  (By the way, this Seven Stars Organic unsweetened yogurt is awesome, especially with fresh blueberries.  Mmmmmm.)

Cut out the circle photo. Don't worry if it's not exact. The ribbon wreath will cover the edges.

Place four strips of double-faced basting tape to backside of photo. Set photo aside.

Cut two 12" x 16" rectangles of main pillow fabric.  This will result in a puffy pillow as the rectangles are the same measurements of the pillow form. Add 1" to each measurement (13" x 17") if you prefer a flatter look.

Set aside one rectangle as we'll be adding all the embellishments to the front of the pillow.

Cut 1 piece of contrast fabric 3" x 16".

Press under 1/2" on each long end of the contrast fabric strip.  My white fabric was rather thin and I could see my main fabric through it, so I added a second layer.

Pin contrast band 3" from bottom of the front fabric rectangle.

Cut two 16" pieces of rick-rack. Place on each long edge of contrast band and stitch in place.

Remove tape from double-faced basting tape on photo circle. Place photo circle on top of contrast band 3" from right side of front fabric rectangle.

If you want, baste in place very close to the edge. Don't worry about matching your thread color as the ribbon wreath will hide the thread.

Place the 1-1/2 yard of green grosgrain ribbon near the bottom of the photo circle. Pin end in place. Measure 1-1/2" from end of ribbon.

Keeping ruler or seam gauge in place fold the green ribbon over 1".  Pin near bottom of fold to hold in place.  Repeat.

Continue until the ribbon wreath encircles the entire photo.

Sew each fold in place, removing each pin as you sew.

Make a bow from 12" of ribbon, Sew in place covering raw edges of the bottom of ribbon wreath. Trim edges to desired length.

Place pom pom trim on right side 1/2" in on all four edges of front fabric rectangle as shown. Using a zipper foot baste in place.

Pin the front and back fabric rectangles together with right sides facing. Place the front fabric rectangle on top so you can use the basted line as your stitching guide line.

Sew all four sides. Be sure to leave a 7" to 8" opening at the bottom to turn the pillow right side out and to insert a pillow form.

Trim each corner diagonally to remove bulk at corners. Turn right side out.

Insert pillow form.

Pin opening closed.

Hand stitch opening closed.

Gather fabric glue and red "rhinestones".

In groups of three, glue red craft "rhinestones" on ribbon wreath.

You are now done!


This particular Christmas pillow is for one of my sisters who will be enjoying her first Christmas as a grandmother.

Now you go make someone very happy by presenting one of these personalized pillows as a gift this season.  

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