August Garment Sewing Group

Here are the garments and pattern review made by Debbie and Kristin in August:

Debbie’s Garments:

Summer Blue Pants

Jalie Vanessa Pants

Cotton/linen blend

1. A favorite relaxed pant pattern due to the fit and comfort.

2. I do change the construction techniques. – I use a one piece waistband with no drawstring insertion. I also shorten the width of the band and use 1 and 1/2 inch elastic rather than 2 and1/2 that pattern calls for.

Copied RTW using McCalls 6964 (Butterick 6848)

1. Tees are my summer staple and I am always looking for an added detail. In this case I added contrast cuffs and a side insert – it breaks up the print and adds some interest.

2. I removed 2 and 1/2 inches from front and back side seams starting at hem and going up to nothing 6 inches from armhole cut edge, including seam allowance. 

3. I didn’t want black contrast at my face so I added interfaced neck facings instead of neckband.

1. Fit adjustments including shortening between shoulder and bust on front, back and sleeves, narrow shoulder adjustments and shortened the sleeves. I did not shorten length.

2. The construction techniques work as pattern directs but would do it different next time. 

3. When it came time to construct the cuff I did it my way – the pattern does a very unusual placket insertion on sleeve- I felt I could make it easier and better looking. I also do not care for inside upper pocket finish. 

4. Overall it is a good jean jacket pattern and if and when I make another I would use this pattern.

1. I made a tee first as my muslin to check out fit and drape. I was satisfied with the results and went on to make the dress with changes.

2. Shortened length one inch and use straight hem. 

3. I raised the front neckline one inch.

4. Quick and easy make that could be a summer staple.

Itch to Stitch Lago Tank

Itch to Stitch Lago Tank (pictured 2 above)

1. I had left over fabric from Laundry Day Tee so I thought I would give this free pattern a try.

2. I raised the neckline 1 inch and shortened the length 1 inch. 

3. I made the neckband and armhole bands wider than pattern.

4. Tanks are in my wardrobe to be worn under tops or as pj tops. For the little amount of fabric required and the ease in constructing the tank I will keep this pattern close and cut more of them to make good use of my left over knits.

Kristin’s Garments:

1. Great pattern for leftover narrow pieces-had to selvage this fabric!

2. Lots of seams make for easy fit adjustments at hip. Bias finishes at neck and armhole.

Knit Robe

1. Side tie is what drew me to the pattern. Basic assembly-attaching band at tie point is a bit fiddley but works well. I reinforced with fusible interfacing at front facing/band points.

2. Fabric print attracted me-fabric content should have stopped me 🙂

1. Old pattern/still in print. Always wanted to try the tank. Many fine tuning fit adjustments and I still didn’t look like the drawing (!)

2. Had fun making shell tuck edging on bias binding and applying to neck and arm edges.

1. The waistband was the draw on this pattern. Had an inspiration pic I wanted to copy.

2. Followed pattern with very few exceptions but eliminated left tie wrapping all the way around as waistband is close fitting. Attached band at left side seam and love it that way.

3. A straight skirt would be a great variation to this pattern.

1. Inspiration pic pointed to Chalk & Notch Fringe Dress or Lyric. I chose Lyric because of the set in sleeve and closer bodice fit. Fringe Dress pics always had a back tie or didn’t look like what I was after.

2. Shortened bodice two inches to change the look.

3. Construction went quickly with bias bindings on neck. I chose to let binding show instead of turning under which gave some sweet angles to the ending points. Turning under the center front facing made it easy and neat.

4. Eliminated the front vertical darts as bodice is close fitting. Added to front and back armscye based on previous experience with Love Notions patterns.

5. Skirt has two options-I chose the straight gathered option and used the width of the fabric instead of a more gathered skirt as suggested by pattern.

September  2023 Garment Sewing Group

Wednesday, September 13, 10:30, Ginny’s in Rochester

Thursday, September 14, 10:30, Creative Sewing, Apple Valley

Saturday, September 16, 10:30, Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis