Another great month of inspirational sewing! Here are the photos and notes from Debbie and Kristin-
Garment Sewing Group
February 2024
Debbie’s Garments:
1. Fitting adjustments include shortening length 1 and 1/2 inches, narrow the leg width from my size at knee to smallest size at hem and straightening out hip curve. I also removed 1/4” from center back seam at waist for about 4 inches due to gapping.
2. I eliminated the strap and belt loops.
3. The pattern has several positives. The instructions are good and there is a video link for zipper insertion. I also like that the zipper shield is included. The waistband and facing are shaped nicely and enhances the overall look of the pants.
4. In my opinion there a few cons – the pocket flap should be interfaced. One side seam should be stitched then side pocket attached and then stitch remaining side seam. Most importantly, the pocket placement lines are difficult to decipher.
5. Overall I feel this is a good pattern. I like the crotch depth and contour waist. I would use this pattern again without the cargo pocket.
1. I shortened the length of the tee by 1 and 1/2 inches.
2. I narrowed the sleeves from the elbow to one inch less at hem.
3. I made the band into a split band.
4. The cons for this pattern is that the neck piece is a lot. The instructions include stay stitching and gathering sleeves before setting in. I don’t feel those steps are necessary on most knits. If I make it again I would remove some width from the neckband and maybe use pleats rather than gathers for the neckband.
1. I made this top last fall and thought I would try it again as a stash buster.
2. I was short on fabric so I used the jersey knit for neckband and pocket trim. I also needed to adjust the sleeves by adding a long cuff.
3. The tee does brighten up winter and uses up fabric scraps but I do not need to make this pattern again!
Upcoming Classes:
Sewing With Knits-One Day Intensive-Wednesday, February 28, 10-4 pm at Quilter’s Haven
Basic & Beyond Sergery-One Day Intensive-Thursday, February 29, 10 am-4 pm
Kristin’s Garments:
1. Followed directions exactly when making toile. But then I thought I was smarter than the pattern maker for my final garment!! A good argument for making the entire pattern-zips, pockets and all?!
2. Fit changes-I needed to up size for hips: instead of messing with the pocket area upper and lower piece I cut up into pattern and swung open as needed to avoid pocket area.
3. Drafting is great-all pieces fit together very well. Pocket zippers were in my stash. Ordered main zipper from Wawak and they came quickly but selection is limited for the dual seperating zippers but as long as the jacket is, I had to be able to zip up from bottom.
4. My narrow and regular walking feet were indispensable and hardworking (a Janome feature). Most seams were serged and then topstitched. Didn’t use coverstitch at all.
5. The zip is the last thing to go in and I didn’t put the zip in the toile before I started the final garment. That’s where I thought I was smarter and now I think maybe the pattern maker ran out of steam as the instructions for the zip are pretty basic and I had to do more filling in of the blanks at that point.
6. I was glad I did the zip after hood installation-less jacket to maneuver as I topstitched. A 30” zipper was perfect for the size that I made.
7. Wrinkles were an issue as they didn’t iron out. A run through the washer/dryer…??
8. I like all the details and the fabric choices. Am hoping this is an active wear jacket that will keep necessary parts warm.
9. The toile was fun also and I look forward to putting on a regular collar and adding finishing touches.
1. Pants: Added 1” length-should have added more. Pants turned out much baggier than the photo but I am reserving judgment till they come out of the dryer. Perhaps an ankle band?
1. Waistband is wide for just 1” elastic and kind of high. Will cut down.
2. Sweatershirt: As Debbie said, the sleeves are wide at wrist, neck is overdone but I like the feel of it (the fabric!!) and will remove the band (it’s all too long and looks better without) and put a tuck in the sleeve with a band as that makes it more snuggly 🙂
1. I did remove 2” from the neck band and used pleats instead of gathers but it’s a lot to put in and shouldn’t be attempted late at night!
2. I’m glad I put the pocket on-it was surprisingly flat and not pouchy-at least before laundering-
March Garment Sewing Group
Saturday, March 9, 10:30 at the Sewing Lounge, St.Paul
Wednesday, March 13, 10:30 at Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis
Thursday, March 14, 10:30 at Creative Sewing, Apple Valley
Material Girl Sewing 