July Garment Sewing Group

Garment Sewing Group

July 2023

Debbie’s Garments:

1. This is my TNT pattern for shift dresses. Petite adjustments are included in the pattern which is a timesaver for me. 

2. The facing is eliminated  –  I used serged bias binding and added the flounce to sleeve. I especially like putting in the zipper using Becky’s method-

1. Interface seam allowances on zipper seam.

2. Clean finish seam allowances.

3. Stitch zipper seam 1 to 1 1/2 inches from the top of seam, stop and secure seam.

4. Leave an opening the length of the zipper minus one inch.

5. Continue to sew seam from bottom of zipper opening to bottom of garment seam, backstitching at start of the seam.

6. Insert zipper and stitch about one inch further than zipper opening.

7. You will need to wiggle the zipper pull up between both sides of zipper to close the first time.

8. Ta da! A beautiful zipper insertion without the fussiness at the top of the zipper and facing.

Navy Dot Jacket

1. Fitting adjustments includes petite  between shoulders and bust, narrow shoulder adjustment and shortened sleeve length.

2.  Optional to line jacket – I lined my jacket with Bemberg Rayon.

3.  Typical Style Arc pattern as far as instructions go. I did change order of construction and button placement.           

1. I shortened front and back between shoulder and bust and shortened body length at hem by one inch.  Due to close fit I needed to go from small to larger from bust to hip but easy to do with pattern instructions.

2. This is a fun pattern. Lots of line drawings for excellent construction details, especially the Burrito method for facing.

3. Not necessary to do button placket but it is a great design feature.

Jalie Vanessa Pants

Another TNT pattern. I have made construction changes – the fly is eliminated and I use a one piece waistband – I am now able to sew them up in just a couple of hours.

I made this pattern last year and it has become a favorite.

Kristin’s Garments:

1. Pattern is very similar to a kimono-body pieces are perfect rectangles. By butting pieces to each other, cutting is streamlined and waste is minimal.

2. Because the seams are 3/8” I serged most of them. Underarm sleeve omits clipping to corner but it is necessary-I stitched it with straight machine first, clipped and then serged.

3. Good, basic kimono pattern and I love the fish-but are they right side up or upside down??

Klimt Summer Dress

1. The pattern is for woven but I wanted to give it a try in a knit first. Bust dart and no interruption of my art work 🙂

2. Flounce is supposed to be single layer, which I tried first but the white “wrong” side of the fabric was too stark so flounce is doubled and stiffer than the single but looks better.

3. Knit fabric doesn’t support the flounce very well, if I make it again in a knit I will cut the facing from woven fabric-I don’t think a stiffer interfacing will do the trick.

1. Loved the color and print of the fabric. Have made the pattern before but wanted sleeveless this time. Also, pattern calls for double layered bodice and that got too heavy last time I made it.

2. Love the cut out in back. Finished edges with a 1” strip and sewed together instead of ties.

3. Messed around with fit and all. Will find a pattern closer to what I want next time.

4. Tried garment as a maxi as I had plenty of fabric but short was more fun.

August 2023 Garment Sewing Group

Wednesday, August 9, 10:30, Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis

Thursday, August 10, 10:30, Creative Sewing, Apple Valley

Saturday, August 12, 10:30, Sewing Lounge, St. Paul