Khaki Skirt Complete

I've finished the skirt! It looks great and is super comfortable. However, it looks terrible on me.  I really should have made a muslin first, then I would have discovered that I should have done a swayback adjustment and a full abdomen adjustment.  Never fear - it fits my friend Jill perfectly!

 Front shot. You can see a bit of the inside back hem here - the back is lower to make room for a bum.

 Serged and pressed seams.

 Zipper and button closure, waistband.

 Side pocket lining.

 Back pockets.

See how great it looks on Jill??

Khaki Skirt Progress

The skirt is coming together exactly as I hoped it would! First I added the yoke to the back pieces, stitched the two back pieces together, topstitched the seam and added the back pockets. Then I stitched the front pockets up, sewed them onto the front pieces, stitched the front pieces together, added the zip-fly and topstitched the seam. I serged the bottom hems and then stitched the side seams. To finish I need to make the waistband and then hem.

 

Khaki Skirt

I want to make a khaki skirt, similar to THIS pattern.  I decided to draft my own pattern, using pieces from other patterns that I like.  I made the skirt shape from NL6843, the front pockets and zip fly from K3363 and the back yoke and back pockets from M6610. I'm just about to the stage for cutting fabric. If it turns out as good as the picture in my mind, I plan on submitting it to the 2016 Skirt Contest at patternreview.com.

I bought some great stretch khaki fabric at Hancock Fabrics that I'll be using.

To Do List

My sewing to-do list is growing. I wanted to post it here.

In no particular order:
1. shorten sleeves on black sweater cardigan
2. make orange or red denim shorts
3. make raglan from "peace" knit for Savannah
4. make wrap dress from black & blue knit for me
5. make peasant raglan from bright pink knit for me
6. make white knit tunic for me
7. make boyfriend cardigan
8. make khaki skirt for me - for contest at patternreview
9. make shirt dress for me - for McCalls sew-along
10. refashion orange shirt

Baby Dress

I had an upcoming baby shower for my friend Stacey and needed a gift. Why buy something and risk some one else getting the same thing, when I can make something original?

I used New Look 6316 and bought some pink polka dot fabric from Hancock Fabrics. (While I'm sad that a fabric store is going out of business, I'm thrilled for their closing sale!)

I traced the size I wanted (NB) onto tissue paper, cut the new pattern pieces, cut the pre-washed fabric and got to work. Because my youngest is only 3 months I had to pause several times, so it took longer than I hoped.

The bodice and lining came together fairly quickly. Even the gathered set-in sleeves went in smoothly.

I usually detest hand-sewing, but I chose to hand-sew the lining in place instead of using my machine. I definitely need practice but it still turned out great.

I didn't love the zipper installation. I think it should have been done before the sides were sewn together to make things easier.

I also made the matching diaper cover. I felt that the waistband elastic guide was too big for a newborn so I took it in about an inch. The finished diaper cover, while darling, seemed too long for a baby. I'll make a note of that for next time.

All in all, it turned out adorable and my friend loved it.

Introduction

I've wanted to create a sewing journal for a while but haven't been able to find the right format. I enjoy seeing other sewing blogs, so I figured I would try it!

I started sewing when my oldest daughter was 2 years old, back in 2005. I am completely self-taught. I learned primarily from a book titled "Simplicity's Simply the Best Sewing Book" and a very basic Brother sewing machine bought for $80.00. I've made a LOT of mistakes along the way!

Now there are so many tutorials online, both video and written, that have increased my knowledge tremendously. I use a Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 machine and a Singer serger as well.  My dream is to someday open an alterations and custom clothing shop.