Going Camping in Vogue 9205

Last month, I mentioned that Hubs and I were going on a camping trip soon.  I made a new shirt for both of us.  Then, the vacation got cancelled.  We were so disappointed but I still have the 2 tops for the next trip.

I made mine using Vogue 9205, a pattern I used before in the black wool/lycra.   Last time I made up this pattern I had trouble with the pleats  on front.  I didn't pay attention and sewed them up as darts.  So much work with the seam ripper!  This time things went so smoothly!

I used some active wear fabric by Judy P Apparel from Fabric Mart.  This is such great stuff.  It has a beefier feel than most active wear does and a tremendous recovery.  It would make great yoga pants.  I'm hoping it has wicking properties, although Fabric Mart did not state that for this fabric, they did for another piece in her collection that I got about a year ago.

Adjustments: there were quite a few this time.  The last top was rather more of a tunic than I wanted for this one.  So, for this top, I shortened the waist 1 inch, shortened the hem 2 inches and did a 3/4 inch narrow shoulder adjustment.  I'm 5'3" tall.  I think I got a much better fit this time around.  This is also the short sleeve version as opposed to the long sleeve version last time.

The pleats came out so nicely and are so easy to do.  They really add a lot of interest to a plain t-shirt.

With the side view you can see that it hugs the body without clinging tightly.  I'm also trying to work on my posture.  I've noticed in the past few pictures, that my shoulders are trying to roll forward.  Too much computer time probably. :)  This pattern is a definite winner and I'm sure I'll have more in the future.

You may have noticed a new badge in my side bar for the Tops That Pop Sew-A-Long.  This is hosted by Faye of Faye's Sewing Adventure.  It runs from April 15 to April 30.  The goal is to sew as many tops as you like and post them either on her blog or Instagram.  If you don't follow Faye, she's a fun blogger that makes great clothes; her coats are especially wonderful.  So, if you need a jumpstart to your spring sewing, this is a great place to find it and a warm, fun host to cheer you on!  I hope you'll join in!

He Is Risen!

He is risen!    Happy Easter everyone!

More Leggings --Simplicity 1280 Again.

I'm really enjoying my black leggings; and decided another pair was in order.  I had this maroon double knit in the stash that I thought would work nicely.

The double knit is a little lighter in weight than the scuba of the last pair.  I think they worked up a little bit looser than the black pair.  Once again, I used an XL waist and hip, then graded the leg and ankle to a Medium.

There was too way too much fabric in the front rise and I removed 2 inches.  The first inch was planned from last working this up last time, but ended up needing a second inch removed to keep it at my waist.  The hem line was also shortened 2 inches. 

These are so comfy to wear.  Although burgundy may sound like an odd color to choose, I have a couple of winter tops and spring/summer tops that go with this color.  So they're going to get some wear!

Hubs and I are going camping soon, so some active wear is on the agenda next.  Happy sewing!

The Fabric Made Me Do It--McCall's 6964

I love this pattern; it's a true TNT for me.  I've made it 6 or 7 times and it's been a winner every time--until this time.  This time, however, was my fault and maybe the fabric's. The fabric is a pretty jersey knit with mesh strips sewn on top with stitches, braid and some sequins from Fabric Mart.

The problem started out with the lay out.  I couldn't be sure which side was the selvedge. I couldn't tell the selvedge from the cut edge.  Typically, with these ruffled fabrics, the ruffles run horizontally.   With this fabric, there is no stretch crosswise with the ruffles running horizontally and the stretch runs vertically.  If  I put the ruffles vertically, the crosswise stretch is going across the body.

Thinking that maybe it was designed to be different, I went with the crosswise stretch and the vertical ruffles.  I cut my usual size 16 neck and 18 bust, waist, and hips.  Looking at the finished product, all I can see is a blue hot dog that's been microwaved and split open in several places.

Apparently, I should have treated the knit as a woven and gone with the no-stretch ruffles on the horizontal and a pattern for a woven as well.  The top doesn't work on me, but it may for someone else so it's going into to donation pile.  

The pattern remains a favorite; the fabric made me do it.  It was a learning  opportunity and several lessons were learned.  So on to the next project.....more leggings!

Done At Last--Vogue 9205

Vogue 9205 is a cute little top that supposed to be a Very Easy Vogue.  That implies quick to me.  Doesn't it to you?  I had a few hiccups along the way.  First, I stitched those pleats in like darts.  No wonder it looked so flat and lack-luster.  So I had to pick all that out and re-sew it.  They look good now that they're done properly.

Then I got interrupted by need now sewing first for the concert, then for Cancer Awareness Days at work.  

Once I got back to it, this top just flew together. I made a size XL based on the finished measurements and did make a few alterations to it:

     * Shortened the waist at the line indicated by 1 inch.

     * Narrowed the shoulders 3/4 inch.

     * Shortened the sleeve 1/2 inch at the hem.

The fabric is a nice wool/lycra blend from Fabric Mart.  I found that it tolerated gentle machine wash and flat dry very well.  I have some in orange, too;  I thought these might be nice for hiking as a base layer.  This one may have come out too cute to use for that.  😁

The next time I make this,  and there will be a next time,  I'll make it a size smaller and shorten it some more so it will be a more fitted top.  Right now, I'm enjoying the loose, tunic feel of this one.  It's just right for cooler spring days. 

For Cancer Awareness--McCall's 6964

I mentioned in the last post that I had some need to sewing to do before I could finish my Vogue top.  One of my co-workers, a very young lady under 30, was recently diagnosed with an aggressive Stage 4 breast cancer with metastasis to the bone.  Her prognosis is bleak but her outlook is so bright and strong.  She's always been an amazing lady but now she's truly inspirational, too.

As a show of support, the whole store is wearing pink and jeans on Fridays--even the guys.  I never noticed it until now, but for some reason I have absolutely no pink in my wardrobe.  Nada.  I needed a top, quick.  I ordered some pink tencel rayon knit, not knowing exactly what it was but that it was recommended for Tshirts and was a pretty shade of pink.  Got it and it's so thin! and clingy!  I wasn't so sure about this but proceeded.

I've made up McCall's 6964 before, and most likely will again.  It's a very straight forward Tshirt pattern that fits well with few changes.  It is a Palmer/Pletsch pattern so if you do need changes like an FBA, it comes with directions on how to do that.  I cut a size 16 neck, and graded to a size 20.  I over-estimated my size but it turns out I needed that extra room.

It turned out very thin and clingy and most unflattering on me.  But it is still pink, so it's still viable until something better comes along.  To make it more flattering, I'm wearing it with a maroon cardigan I made last winter.  I think it works well together, hides my fluff, and keeps me warm as it's usually very cold in the store.

Now that all the need-to sewing is done I can finish up that Vogue top.  It's really bothering me just sitting on the table next to me.  I usually only work one project at a time until it's finished; no UFOs that way.  So working like this is really upsetting my little apple cart.  I know lots of sewists  work on several projects at a time while others are like me and do one at a time.  Which camp are you in and why do you like to work that way?

And remember Ladies, if you haven't had your mammogram, there's no time like the present.  They do save lives. 

Sewing Without a Plan; Butterick 5954 & Simplicty 1280

Did you ever have a plan that got sidelined by another project?  Well, that's what's happened to the Vogue 9205.  I still intend to finish it soon; I just have some need-to sewing that got in the way.

Hubs and I got tickets to see Lana Del Ray in concert in Nashville this week.  I didn't have anything to wear, so of course I had to make a new outfit for the event.  Enter Butterick 5954.  A top I've made before.  My pattern is for XS-Med, and I've grown since I made it last, so I graded to a Large.

The top has a cross over front, cowl neck, a hi-low hem, and lots of flair over the bootie.

The fabric is a Liverpool Double Knit from fabric.com.  It's also available from Cali Fabrics.  I love the prints this stuff comes in and ordered another cut when I got this.  It's not as heavy as some double knits, about the weight of a ponte but with a spongy feel and crepe-like surface.  It was wonderful stuff to sew with.

The new top required a new bottom.  I knew I wanted leggings to go with this top so I found Simplicity 1280  had leggings in it--I bought it for the top as yet unsewn.  This was a super quick and easy project, even with the re-do.

I cut an XL based on my measurement.  Shorted the front rise 1 inch, raised the center back rise 3/4 inch, and added 1/2 inch to inseam at crotch.  I ended up taking in the side and inseams to about a medium (leaving the hips an XL) to get a snugger fit--it ran really loose--and cut 1¼ inch off hem.  Next time I'll take more off the rise as the waistband rides very high on the waist but not annoyingly so.   The fabric is a thin scuba knit from fabric.com from ages ago.  I should be able to wear it year round.

One more side track project and then its back to the Vogue.  And if you're a Lana Del Ray fan, the show was great!  We had a wonderful time.  Try to go if she comes near you.