Thursday, April 30, 2009

Now a Skirt...

Last night I began sewing this skirt, Supp.257, #14, 2005, copyright Modeverlag Lutterloh. This pattern has one piece which is cut twice for the two pieces - FRONT and BACK. So it is so simple. I am serging it so it really goes fast. I am of course making it an elasticized waist, and using the sew-flip-sew method of applying the elastic! My fabric is nothing like the pink in the photo. I am using a rayon print in turquoise and brown. This is one skirt in my Sewing with a Plan project which is becoming an historical document! It is the second item in on the top row of my plan. Originally I planned on using the simple skirt pattern in the KwikSew Easy Sewing book, but decided to use one of my Lutterlohs instead. So now the side seams are sewn and the waist and hem will be done tonight. I am going to attempt a lettuce edge on the serger if I think the fabric will give enough. That would be a first for me. I so enjoyed learning about Serger Basics on PatternReview, and last night I reviewed my lessons and my samples so I am sort of geared us, as it were, to try! Note that the class is now renamed and taught by Shannon Gifford. I am thinking of retaking it! This garment and the summer nightie I made are going to Seattle with me soon. Call them part of my very embryonic travel wardrobe.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Lutterloh and Amy Butler...

Photo Copyright Modeverlag Lutterloh 2003. I finished The nightwear item from my Lutterloh pattern 2003, Supplement #251, top #237. I should add that I added plenty of ease, as I do like comfy nightwear. I got the pattern altered with my shoulder muslin, all cut out and this weekend I finished sewing the nightwear. I widened the sides and made seams rather than ties. I lengthened the garment as well. I used the longer sleeve, as I want this to work both Summer and transitionally. The Fabric is an Amy Butler print, new this year, and just lovely to look at and to work with. I love cotton nightwear, and this fabric was perfect! there are several patterns which use these colors and all are fabulous. I got this at Threadneedle Fabrics, my local fabric store. I wanted to have a nicely finished neckline, so I drafted front and back facings. The serger is an immense help in finishing seams and I used it for the side and sleeve seaming as well. It does speed things up a lot, and even more - it is fun! As to cutting it out, I had so little material left after the pieces were cut out that I had to piece each facing piece. Not even the smallest bit of space left on the fold to cut facings. But I had enough. PHEW! I drafted this pattern large because I made an error in measurements, but after I used my shoulder template to alter it, that didn't matter, and I do have a lot of ease. Note added the next day...you know, this picture doesn't do the garment any favors, and it really does look better...perhaps I may replace it one of these days...or not. The neckline is very niftily done, if I do say so. :)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Patterns drafted...

I got all four of the previously mentioned Lutterloh patterns drafted last weekend, and one skirt cut out. I used my shoulder template from my PR Muslin Class to alter the bodice and armholes. The skirt fabric is the rayon brown/turquoise/white print for the SWAP skirt. As slowly as I am moving on these projects, I hope to get another top cut out this coming weekend, or maybe two if I get to it. I want to definitely cut out the cross over top. Meanwhile I did another grocery bag! Now all I have to do is remember to take the bags to the store when we shop. The grocery bag, and two more ready to go, are being sewn on the Janome, and so far my observation is that this is the quietest machine in the world! It is quieter even than the Kenmore 19233 (made by Janome) I had. I could sew all night and no one would be disturbed. The Viking of course is not really noisy, but it has that high pitched Viking growl-whine sound that I personally love, but may be perceived by others as more noisy. So for night sewing you can't beat this Janome.

Monday, March 9, 2009

SWAP lives on 2009...

Almost a year ago I wrote a post about the SWAP I planned for Summer 2008. Well, I decided to finish that for Summer 2009! Luckily I have finished several pieces, and luckily I have the fabric for the rest! I also decided to update a few of the patterns, and draft a few Lutterlohs in their place. The skirt or maybe two that I have left, I will make a sort of A-line, and one of the tops I have left will be a criss-cross. I actually made two of the turquoise tops, so I am ahead of that game! The jacket I haven't decided on yet, and I also want to make a vest. I have some lovely dark green cord with paisleys on it that would make a nice vest and since it was a large remnant at my local fabric store, there is just enough for a vest. It is pretty muted in tones, so not a screaming paisley at all! I photocopied four Lutterloh patterns over the weekend, and put them in individual pattern envelopes. After all that arranging I am ready to draft. The skirt out of the print rayon, but I have two pieces of print rayon, both lovely. Maybe I will do one from this pattern and then chose another, or just do both from it. I don't have plans or fabric for the PJ pants, but they look comfy and I just might give them a go with light weight flannel if i can find some! I have a length of light green Bemberg lining fabric I thought I would make a PJ top from of that pattern. And a nice piece of pink silk charmeuse I could use as well. [All Lutterloh Pattern photos copyright Modeverlag Lutterloh]