Sharon Sews

If you follow the Fabric Mart Fabricista blog, you've already seen my sequin cardigan in my April post.   However, I want to document my makes here also as it provides reminders to myself regarding any changes I made.  For my sequin cardigan, I used an out-of-print (OOP) Sewing Workshop pattern, the Cascade Dress.  I don't recall the year the pattern was released. However, I do recall buying it at a sewing expo when it was a new release. One of the samples was sewn in a burnout velvet and it was gorgeous! Remember when Linda Lee used to be a vendor/teacher at the sewing expos?  You could browse through and try on the Sewing Workshop sample garments.  The patterns were $19.95 (I think) which was expensive for a pattern at that time.  TSW typically had a show special where you could buy three patterns and get one free, or something like that. It was a long time ago and the show memories are a bit fuzzy.  If you know leave me a comment! Anyway, I bought...

When the June 2020 BurdaStyle magazine arrived I knew I wanted to sew the jumpsuit on the cover . And I don't even like jumpsuits. Then I picked fabrics that were not even suggested! I know, a sewing rebel, right? LOL. The jumpsuit is designed to be sewn in lightweight wovens, like a rayon challis. I loved the fabric of the sample shown on the magazine cover and really, really wanted to sew mine in something similar. Well, truth be told I wanted that exact fabric! When I realized I wouldn't be able to find something even close, I put the idea of sewing this jumpsuit out of mind. That is, until a sewing challenge on Instagram popped up. It was called a #sewingbowlchallenge. When you expressed interest in participating, the organizer pulled out components of the challenge from six little fishbowls (which is how the name came to be).  My challenge was to sew 1) from a magazine or book 2) a suit, 3) in a neutral, 4) using colorblock, 5) with my choice of fabric, 6) in three weeks....

I like the easy comfort of a knit dress and this one has the added bonus of a flattering cross over bodice (no gaping!) and waist detail (that gives the illusion that I still have a waist!) This is a new release from Itch to Stitch and I must say this will likely become another favorite! The waist detail is slight ruched, the flared skirt is a flattering, and there are pockets!  The Antrim Dress was released on Sept. 1, 2020 and will be 20% off for one week (through Sept. 7, 2020. ) This striped version was the first one I sewed. It's a double brushed poly knit that I found at Walmart of all places. It was one of those pre-cut bundles they offer for sale. I purchased it to use when testing the fit of a knit garment.  After sewing the dress I realized I rather liked the final dress and added it to my closet.  This dress pattern, a PDF by the way, is available in sizes 00 to 40, with multi cup sizes.  Well you know how I love a well-drafted pattern than allows me to e...

At the end of May, as the temperatures were rapidly rising, I realized I had very few casual tops suitable for warm weather.  So the majority of my June sewing focused on making tops. This is the Urban T-shirt from The Sewing Workshop . The fabric is a striped knit that I received in a mystery bundle from Fabric Mart Fabrics . Am I the only one that loves ordering and receiving those mystery bundles?  I'm not positive of the fiber content but am guessing it is a cotton blend. Not too heavy and with excellent recovery.  The striped pattern in the knit made this a great choice for the Urban T-shirt! I had sewn this tee only once before. In November 2010 to be exact. I know the date because I tucked a note inside the pattern with changes to make next time. Mostly to sew it smaller.  I'm a larger size than I was ten years ago, so I ignored the note and started fresh. I used a small at the neckline/shoulder tapering to a medium at the bust, waist and hips. I ...

I love the look of a maxi skirt, but I also love the comfort of pants. Which is why I think my new pants are just about perfect. How wide you ask?  Very wide! Like 54" at each hem wide! The pattern is Vogue 1661 , described as very loose fitting, flared pants with raised waistline and side seam pockets. I hadn't read the description, and couldn't figure out why A and B were different views.  Turns out A has a fly front opening and pleats that are topstitched in place, and B has an invisible zipper in the back with no topstitching on the pleats. IMHO it feels like an attempt to provide two different "views" to justify the high cost of the pattern. Fortunately I purchased it on sale ($6.99 plus shipping) from the website. Another odd thing about this pattern is the sizing. All sizes are included in the envelope, but the sizing is S, M, L, and XL! I understand that for a loose fitting pant with a partial elastic waist, but one with pleats and a zipper?!?  ...

These pants were one of the first items I sewed when I returned to sewing this past June after my major surgery. At the time I was still suffering from severe joint pain (which had not yet been diagnosed) and the sewing was very therapeutic for me. It took me a long time to sew things, but it helped me feel "normal". I choose the pattern because I thought the flounces along the lower sides and hem were fun, but the main reason was because they had a flat front with an elastic waist back. At the time I still didn't have enough strength or dexterity to use zippers or buttons. In fact, even pulling up the partial elastic waist pants was more of a struggle than I anticipated. This is one of those items that attracts attention when worn. They're just so different, and I think you either love them or hate them. No middle ground here. Obviously, I'm on the love side. In fact I plan to sew a pair out of a lightweight denim for fall. (Because temperatures are still in...