I’ve always been terrible at remembering birthdays/anniversaries/etc., but even I can’t believe I missed the one year anniversary of my blog! Happy anniversary, self! Do better next year, okay? In all seriousness, thank you for letting me ramble, and for looking at all my wonky stitching. Let’s look at some of things I’ve subjected your eyeballs to this year, shall we?
Bewbs! And my first adventure in boning.
So many awkward poses!
I looked at my buttons a bit too much…
We finished UFO’s from the stone age!
It’s been quite a year!!! I hope you’ve all enjoyed it as much as I have. I’m busy prepping for Christmas, but I wanted to share some sneak peeks of future posts, plus one adorable (albeit shittily done) Christmas puppy collage.
My Christmas party frock, just waiting to be photographed and posted 😉My first Sewaholic Granville, very excited about finishing this one.I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS ONE YOU GUYS!!!!I really tried to get a nice, festive photo of Albus and Lily as Mr. & Mrs. Claus for you guys, bu they just weren’t having it.
Here’s to a very happy holiday to all of you! I hope your season is as wonderful as mine, happy sewing! 🙂
Posing gets even more awkward than this, I am so sorry.
I’ve been on a pretty serious destashing kick, so buying this Craftsy kit came as a bit of surprise to even me. That said…fabric and a pattern for $15? No way I was passing that up!
I don’t know why I insist on looking down
The pattern is McCall’s 6885, and the fabric is Robert Kaufman’s dotty chambray, and I’m a big fan. The model on the pattern packaging is wearing something truly heinous, but please don’t let that deter you.
Photo “credit” to McCall’s. Yes, the hat pattern is included.
I really liked the look of view D, kind of like a oversized men’s shirt but wearing it as a dress look, so that’s what I went with. Based on the pattern size chart, I should have graded between a size 14 and a 16. Based on everything I know about myself, I cut a 12. I do not like my clothes that loose, but that’s just personal preference. I liked the way the 12 fits, but I would cut the sleeves a teensy bit bigger if I could do it again. Also the sides come up a bit high, but that’s just the pattern design. I would suggest wearing tights if you want to look classy. I give no fucks about that.
Trying to look cool but even Amy’s dog is judging me.
The construction is pretty simple, as far as anything with a collar goes. There are various methods for collar constructing, but I opted to just go with the pattern version. The button placket is way easier than I expected!! If that kind of thing scares you, have no fear. Mine is far from perfect, but that’s honestly just because I get in my own head and freak myself out. There are also plackets (tabs? I don’t know) on the sleeves, but those are even easier. There is no yoke in the back, unlike the previous shirt dress I made, seriously a no fuss dress.
Okay so maybe the back is bit snug. Whatever.
I did snap buttons on this one again, because I still haven’t replaced my buttonhole foot. Yes, you should definitely button/snap to the second button/snap. I like to have cleavage, so I don’t. Again, preference.
A little boobage never hurt anyone, probably.
I will for sure sew this pattern again, it’s easy and it would definitely fit into my wardrobe. I also really dig this fabric, I really want to make another dress with it and button down, at least. This is the second time I’ve sewn with chambray, and I would definitely say this is the higher quality fabric. It doesn’t wrinkle nearly as easily, though the skirt portion did wrinkle when I sat at my desk for a long period of time. All things considered, I really like this, I’ve actually worn it a few times since I made it! If the Crafty kits ever come back in stock, I’d suggest snatching one up. Happy sewing 🙂
Christmas is almost upon us!! I’ve been busy sewing up a storm, but not so busy taking pictures. So while I wait for photo time, I thought I’d give you a few tips on what to get the beginner sewist (sewer?) in your life. Keep in mind, these are just my thoughts, others may have different opinions.
The Machine
With sewing machines, it seems you really do get what you pay for. And what you pay could be in the thousands! This machine comes at a great price, and is MUCH better than the bargain machines. Seriously.
This machine is “sew” good. For the price.
The Scissors
Everyone who sews will tell you, time and time again, you need a good pair of fabric shears. And you must NEVER cut paper with them. Not even one time. Don’t do it. Use a cheap pair of any kind of paper, but don’t disrespect the fabric shears. For all my fellow lefties out there, here’s a nice pair of Kai scissors, or you could always go with the much beloved Gingher scissors.
They are beautiful, if you’re right handed.
Seam Finishing
If you’ve never sewn, you’ve probably not given any thought to seam finishes. If you sew, you probably think about it a lot. Most beginners seem to start out with a good pair of Pinking Shears. Pinking shears will minimize fraying and give you a cleaner finish. Be advised, finishing seams is a must.
If you plan to sew a lot of knits (think tshirts and hoodies), a serger might be a better choice. Serged seams allow for stretch and also provide a clean finish. However, a serger will cost you a good bit more, and I do think it’s worth mastering a straight stitch machine first.
This is my serger, and it’s a pretty damn affordable.
Fabric
For a beginner, I personally think it’s best to buy fabric you can touch first. Get a feel for the fabric, learn a few terms, test stretch. While I do think there’s an amazing selection of fabrics online, it’s always a gamble. I think a gift card to a local fabric shop would be a much better option, just remember make sure said shop sells more than just quilting cotton 😉
Patterns
Start simple, set yourself up for success. The Sewaholic Rae Skirt is a great beginner project for wovens (read: not stretchy) that looks awesome on, and McCall’s 6754 is a great starter knit pattern, I still make it regularly!
Various Notions
The budding sewists is going to need a variety of other notions, most of which can be purchased where ever you buy your fabric. I wouldn’t even attempt sewing without a seam ripper. A few other necessities: a seam gauge, measuring tape, something for marking, such as tailor’s chalk, and good pins. There are so many other items I could name right now, but this should get you started! Happy sewing 🙂
