What's Up at My House

I am traveling out of state again, for the next few weeks, to prepare my parents to leave their home and come and live with my husband and me.  One of the many things we have done in our home is to fix them up a room to sleep.  We had an extra spare room so we cleared it out, painted, added a light/ceiling fan, and I made some new curtains for the two windows.  I scored this gray fabric, which is one of my Mom's favorite colors, and made four panels. 

I only wanted the length to come to the edge of the windows, as I didn't want the curtains to get in the way of the beds that are going in the room.  The picture didn't come out so well, as the sun was directly coming in the windows this time of day.

I also have been busy with this year's harvest.  Remember when I posted about all the little seedlings raised in the greenhouse?  And then planting all those plants in the garden?  Well, all of those seedlings/plants have produced.  Boatloads of produce!!!!

Tomatoes, about a bushel.

 Kentucky Wonder Pole Beans:

That came off of these plants on the trellis that had peas on it earlier this year.

So the tally for the day was 18 quarts of tomatoes, and 9 pints of green beans.

Fall is going to really be busy for me this year!  Hang on for the ride with me....

Warmest...

Teaching

I am blessed with a daughter in law that wants to learn to sew.  She came to me awhile back and asked me to help her buy a sewing machine, which we did, but since has had to put it in storage, because they are moving.

Then my son and her came visiting for a few weeks, and while they were here, I needed to go to the fabric store for a pattern, as they were having a big sale.  I asked if she wanted to go, and she did, so off we went.  Unfortunately they did not have my pattern in stock, so I began to look for another pattern close to what I was looking for, and she began perusing through the pattern books as well.

She came across a pattern, that she wanted to get and make a pair of outfits for her twin nieces.  So she got the pattern, picked out some really cute fabric, and all the notions.  She discovered that part of sewing is half the fun!

We then spent the next two days learning how to lay out a pattern, cutting out the pattern including the notches, learning the difference between stitch lengths (basting, topstitching, and regular seam stitches), learning about interfacing, stitch widths, using elastic, making gathers, turning sashing ties, making button holes, and sewing on shank buttons.

This is the first outfit, and I am so pleased with how it turned out for her!  She was a good listener, paid close attention, and never got to frustrated, or wanted to give up at any time.  I am really proud of her and her tenaciousness of sticking it out to the finished product.

Now, isn't that the cutest outfit!  She also made two pairs of short, one solid, and one in the print.  Good job to my daughter in law!

Warmest...

Change of Venue

Today, I worked on a totally different sewing venue.  Clothes making.  Before I was a quilter, I was a seamstress, making all kinds of clothing, from down coats, rodeo queen outfits, bridesmaids dresses, and all kinds of alterations and tailoring.  That was then when I needed some extra income to stay at home with my boys before they started grade school.

I decided to try my hand at making me a blouse because I have lost about 40 pounds and things in my closet are not fitting too well.  I have altered some of my clothes, but some of them can't be altered down anymore, without completely taking them apart and resizing the pieces.  If I am going to do that I might as well start from scratch and make something new.  Right?  And another reason, I wanted to do this, is I still indeed to lose another 23-30 pounds, so all I need are a couple of items to hold me over, then I can get new clothes.   I know, everyone says they are going to lose more weight and never do, but I give myself 6 months to lose more and then I will be happy where I end up at, and will work on getting a new wardrobe at that time.  Maybe around Christmas?

Any way, I used to make the majority of my clothes from the pattern line, Stretch and Sew, because they came as a master pattern that was traced off on the pattern material "Do-Sew" (I have posted about this earlier) in sizes that fit different areas of one's body.  Not everyone, if anyone, is a perfect size 12, 14 or whatever, that the pattern companies try to make us fit into.

So, for my first test subject, I chose fabric called Tutti Frutti, which is like a seersucker type material, and the pattern I chose is a peasant blouse.  The pattern is for a dress or tunic, but I shortened the pattern to make a blouse, and I chose it to be short sleeved.

This is the fabric, a pink swirl, very summery.

This is the pattern on the fabric after I had traced it onto the "Do-Sew" material.

This is the front placket, and opening where the neck ties will come together when the blouse is completed.

This is a "raglan" type sleeve, as the top of the sleeve is part of the neckline in the blouse.

And here is the final finished product.  I am so happy with it, and it actually fits very comfortably.  

From start to finish, I made it in about three hours, including tracing the pattern.  Now that I have it traced, I should be able to make one in about two hours.  I am planning an out of state trip next week, so I am hoping I can get another one of these made, and a polo shirt.

Warmest...

Purse Divider

Remember the post about material I use for pattern making, and how I was doing it to make a purse divider?  Well, I have been working on this purse divider for the last three days.  This thing has 4 zippers, and 18 pockets and stash places.  It is made in sections, and then sewn wrong sides together with bias to cover the exposed seams.  I made my own bias tape, matching it to the lining I chose to use.  All in all, it was a well written pattern, just had to make sure I read each step several times before actually doing the sewing.  I made this one at the request from my wonderful sister-in-law, and would I make one again?  Probably not.  It is a tedious project, and I don't carry a purse any more.  I use this tucked inside my bra.  

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Pattern Making Material

I have had this pattern for some time now, and when my sister in law asked for a purse divider insert, I knew I could use this pattern to make her one.  If you are interested in making one, here is the link to Studio Kat Designs for the Encore Purse Insert.

But the main reason for my post is to explain how I make my pattern pieces from paper patterns provided with these type of designs.


See the white roll of material standing in my corner?  It is what I use for making my patterns.  The product is called "Do-Sew" by Stretch and Sew Pattern Company.  You can still get this product from Nancy's Notions here, with the following as it's definition.  This 100% spunbonded polyester serves as both your tracing paper and your muslin. Because it is see-through and sewable, you can trace your pattern on it and sew it together to test for proper fit. and is 36" wide.


I bought a 100 yard roll about 20 years ago, when I was making lots of items from the Stretch and Sew patterns.  I'm glad I still have it, because it is perfect for tracing patterns like the pieces in this design.






There were seventeen pattern pieces in this design, and I didn't want to cut out the paper patterns included.  I like how this product is see through and can be easily pinned onto the fabric.















I know it is kinda hard to see in the picture above, but here is a close up of one piece, showing you what the material is really like.  If I had to tell you something close to this type material, think of sew-in interfacing, only thinner.















I plan on using it in place of muslin, when I do some clothing sewing later this summer.  Stay tuned...

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Sewing Machine Needles

Is it just me or is anyone else having trouble with their sewing machine needles breaking?  Apparently I have been having a lot of trouble lately:

I saw this collection idea on a Pinterest post when I first joined.  I thought it was a good idea, and now I realize that it has kept track of just how many needles I am breaking!

When I used to sew on this machine below, I rarely needed to change a needle, much less one that broke on me.   I have had this machine for 26 years, and it still works like a charm.  I do all of my quilting on this machine.

And, now that I have upgraded to this machine, I have been breaking needles left and right.  I have only had this machine for about seven years.

I want to add to this discussion, that I have used all kind of brands and sizes of needles, Schmetz (including Microtex), Superior Thread TopStitch, Organ (because I can get them in bulk, but they break the most), Singer, Inspira, and some that I can't even remember.  

So, my dilemma becomes, is it the machine, that needles are not made as well as they used to be made, or I haven't found the right brand?  I don't think my sewing practices have changed, other than on old blue I sewed on all kinds of fabric from denim, knits, polyester, and cottons.  And on my new machine all I have been sewing on is quilting fabrics.  That leaves more questions than answers.  Sigh.

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Patches

I think I must really like the fabric that I have used in the last two or three projects that I have made, or it could be, I am just using up my scraps from the projects.  Any way, my favorite pair of jeans developed a weak spot and needed some repair.  Most people would just go out and buy a new pair, but I really like the way these fit, and I've had them over 10 years, so patching them up seamed seamed like a good idea.

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I Can See Clearly

I found this pattern on Craftsy.com one evening, as I was looking for a bag pattern to use up the scraps left over from the pillow cases I made as described in a couple of posts ago.  I made up three of the small bags for each of the children to match their pillow case, and they were a big hit, because they can see what is in their bag.  Sorry, no pictures of these bags, as I finished the last one the morning we were celebrating Christmas with them.  But, here is a picture of a medium one I made for me.

The measurements are approximately 20" X 20".  The pattern doesn't include instructions for the pocket, but I added one on the outside, putting a matching fabric trim on the top of the pocket.

Another thing I did different from the pattern, was use a lining in a contrasting fabric.  The pattern called for the outside fabric and iron on interfacing.  I wanted something pretty inside, so I used the interfacing and the lining on all fabric pieces, including the top portion of the bag.

I have to put a plug here for the site I get all my zippers from, Zipit. You can find them here on Etsy.  I have always had fantastic service, and the range of choices is spectacular!  And they alway add a zipper pull free with each order.  I used my free one on this bag.  

I added this button on the pocket to hide the velcro I used to keep the pocket closed!  Just another cute embellishment I put on my bag.  

I like clear tubs to store things and now I will have a clear bag to store my ongoing projects.  I am sure I will be making more of these, as they are super easy to make, take a small amount of fabric (great stash buster!), and will be used a lot in my hobby life.  

Warmest...

Trio of Pillowcases

As you have read in a prior post, we have three little ones in our lives, and this will be our first Christmas with them.  It has been a long time since we have had little ones around the Christmas tree.  My husband and I are reining ourselves in, making sure we don't go overboard, so we kept it simple and got them one gift on their list.  But I wanted to do something other than wrapping paper, because one of the gifts would be awkward to wrap.  So I remembered that pillowcases have been used to wrap these type of bulky gifts.

So, I made a trio of pillowcases that will serve two purposes.  First to be used as their wrapping for their presents, and second, for use as a pillowcase that will be special to each one of them.

Warmest...

Duck Decoy Bags

Sometimes, because I know how to sew other things besides quilts, I get some very odd requests. Requests for things that can't be found ready made and in a store or online anywhere.  My brother and my nephew are addicted to enjoy duck hunting.  They are so intense in this duck hunting Thing, that they made their own mechanical duck decoys.  But, these "precious" mechanical decoys cannot be carried with the other plastic decoys, at least according to my brother.  He asked if I could make three separate bags for the three mechinical decoys.

I made the three bags 16" X 18" with a drawstring and a cord stopper to hold it closed.  The fabric is Denier Cordura which is a heavy ripstop, making it water proof and very durable.  And, of course, it had to be in a camo print, it's for hunting after all!

Here is a close up of the bag top.

Here is the bag drawn up.

Tutorial - Narrowing Pant Leg Width

As I have mentioned before, my Grandma taught me most of what I know about sewing.  She was very thorough in her teaching, and not only taught me how to make clothes from patterns, but also how to alter clothes.  So, I wanted to alter some chino pants that I had bought awhile back.  The leg width was 12" wide, and wore them once.  I got my foot caught in one leg and about tripped flat onto my face.  I also did not like the way I looked in them and just didm't like hated them, and consequently did not ever wear them.  I knew I could make the pant leg narrower, but I knew it would take longer than I wanted to spend the time doing it, so I put it off, and put it off, and kept putting it off.  Then when I started working full time I found it necessary to increase my wardrobe a bit, and I didn't want to spend any money.  Thus, the alteration of my pant leg width, and along with doing the alteration, I decided to write this tutorial.

It doesn't take much to do alterations.  Something to take apart the seams.  Most seamstress use a seam ripper, but my Grandma always used a razor blade, so that is how I learned and still use one today.  I found this handy razor holder in the hardware store along with a big box of single edged razors.  You will also need a marking pen of some kind, I use the SewLine brand, a pair of good scissors, and either a tape measure or a ruler.  And of course a sewing machine and matching thread of the garment you are altering.

Here is my first picture measuring the width of the the pant legs.  It shows that they measure 12", and I like my pant legs to measure between 8" to 10".  I actually measured the pant leg width of my favorite pair of pants to give me a a width I want to obtain on this pair.

First begin by removing the hem in each leg.  I always start at one of the side leg seams, because the cutting of the first couple of stitches are a little difficult.  Cutting into the side seam allows for any errors if you cut into the material.  You will only cut into the seam, and not part of the pants that would show a hole cut into the fabric.  

 Take the time to remove all the thread from the original hem.  This was something my Grandma emphasized, because leaving any bits and pieces can get sewn back into the seam and make it look very messy and after they get sewn in the seam, they can be very hard to remove.

I like to do each step to both legs.  Some do all the steps on one leg and then do the other leg.

 Then the next step is to begin taking apart the side leg seams.  You need to take out the seam out to about 2" above the knee.  You take this much out, to give you enough starting space, to taper in the leg at the bottom.  Doing this will give it a nice smooth blend into the original seam.

 Note here that most pants have a flat fell seam running down the outside seam from the waist to the hem.  Take care when taking out this seam, as it has three parts.  First is the main seam sewing the the front to the back, then the edges of the seam is served and then the seam is sewn flat on the right side of the pant leg.  You can find out more information about the different type of seams here.

                                                                                                                       Once this is done, you will notice that the back portion is wider than the front portion.  Keep this in mind when you cut away some of the side seams that you keep the portion ratio the same.  Once this is done, you will notice that the back portion is wider than the front portion.  Keep this in mind when you cut away some of the side seams that you keep the portion ratio the samFor example, in this pair of pants the back section is 13" and the front section is 11".  After my trimming down the side seams, my back section measured 10" and my front section measured 8", giving my width 9", which is right where I want my width to be.  

 Again, I do each step on both legs before proceeding to the next step.  So here I have take out both seams on each leg.

 Next, lay on a flat surface, the back leg on the table.  fold back the front piece of the pants.  Now we begin the process of trimming down the pant leg.

Start at the top most portion, where you tore apart the seam.  Right up against the sewn part of the seam.













Place a hard straight ruler along the edge of the seam, beginning at the top most part of the opened seam.  Then pivot it out at a small angle to gradually take in the edge.

Taking it down to the hem line, you have now angled it, taking in about 1 1/2 inches.  Repeat on the other back side seam.

Now, take your scissors at an angle and start cutting about 1/4" away from the line you drew down to the bottom of the pant leg.

This is a close up picture of how the pant leg will look after the cut has been made.














The pant legs should have the same same ratio to each other as they did before cutting the marked sides.  The front should be smaller than the back by the same amount on each side.

Pin the front to the back on the outside seam first. This is an important step if the seam is a flat fell seam.  Begin sewing together, starting about where my thumb is in the picture, taking it at an angle, until the stitch is making a 1/4" seam.

Once the outside seam is completed press the seam in the same direction as it is above the seam that was just sewn.  Then turn the pant leg over and on the right side, topstitch down the the leg.  Start the topstitching about two stitches over the existing topstitching.  Make the topstitching seam the same distance from the sewn seam as it is above the new seam.







This picture shows the finished seam with the topstitching done.

Do the inside seam next, starting above where the seam above is at, and sew down to the bottom of the pant.












Make sure the original hem lines match.  This is important when it comes time to re-hem the pant legs again.

At this point, I usually run a zig-zag seam down the inside seam that was just sewn.  This keeps the seam from fraying down to the seam, and coming apart at a later date.

The zig-zag doesn't have to be perfect, it just needs to be done to keep the fraying away.

Repeat all of the steps for the other pant leg.





Now it is time to hem each leg of the newly narrowed pant legs.  Hopefully, you have matched the hem lines on both seams of each leg.

Pin the hem back in place, along the existing fold lines from when the hem was taken out.

Turn the pant leg inside out, and following the original hem stitching, re-stitch the hem in place, starting at the inside seam of the pant leg.

And, there it is, a professional tailor job of narrowing the pant leg.  This pair of pants went from a 12" width to a 9" width.  This process takes about an hour and a half to do, but the benefits of having a "new pair" of pants has been worth the time and effort.