Debbie’s Garments:
1. A TNT pattern that is quick and easy with lots of options for necklines, sleeves and length.
2. Standard fit adjustments for me include shortening between shoulder and bust, bust and waist and waist and hip as well as a narrow shoulder adjustment. I have built the adjustments into the pattern which makes it easy for me to sew it up fast.
3. To step the dress up a notch I made front and back neck facings instead of using a neckband. I also added a pleat detail where the sleeve meets the cuff.
4. I plan on wearing the dress in the cooler months – therefore I wish I would have lengthened back at neck-the unadjusted neckline is one and one half inches below the the neck base. BRRR!
1. This is my second make of this pattern. My first make was my “muslin” made from a basic cotton. The cotton version is more structured and requires more care than I like.
2. For the second make I tweaked the fit, and made just the top button function on the back placket. It is easy to put on the top without the other buttons working.
3. I like the pattern, especially with the “exit interest”. It is a nice change from a classic shirt. The fabric is one of my favorites to sew.
*Apologies – some of you may have seen this garment at January GSG
1. I had difficulty finding a pattern for a quilted jacket that wasn’t oversized or drop shoulder.
2. Looking through my patterns I came across the Burda blouse pattern that I used last year. It had the details I wanted in the quilted jacket so I thought why not give it a try.
3. The changes I made include keeping the bust darts but eliminating all vertical darts, trimmed facing to fit neck edge and serged as much as possible using 1/4 seams.
4. I had thought about using single edge bias trim to finish edges without facings, or add bias to wrong side and topstitch to rs but in the end I made it as simple as possible without any closures.
5. I am happy with this unexpected make and will wear it often.
1. Another TNT pattern that I use often.
2. The only change I made was to add cuffs to the sleeve.
3. I love stripes and was excited to sew this quality fabric. However it was a little disappointing even though the stripes are knit in, not printed. I needed to “pull” the fabric to get the stripes to line up. I wasn’t very successful at the hemline though.
Kristin’s Garments:
1. This is a new pattern from Love Notions and almost exactly what I was looking for. First version is in a heavier rib knit/fleece made to pattern.
2. There is fit shaping at the waist and the armhole bands made it a bit more oversized than I wanted so for the second version I omitted the hem band, took in at underarm and turned armhole band under.
1. I had to sew up this cotton for Valentine’s Day just cuz 🙂 I’ve also been seeing lots of oversized shirts in the magazines and trying to decide how oversized I like my shirts.
2. This pattern has cut on placket so I turned the right side to outside to show off the reverse weave and then turned the left size to the back. Nice pattern.
1. Started down the “Top Down Center Out” rabbit hole! Mostly watched videos by “crooked hem”. It definitely has things to teach me. Don’t know that it’s the be-all and end-all but certainly worth looking into further.
2. Very much liked the 1” waistband-no need to contour. Also like the side zip.
3. Added 2” to the length. I think I like them!
4. Fun reading the directions-I chose the “Hem with Turnup” I kept thinking I was reading about vegetables!! And then there’s stitching in the crack 🙂
March 2025 Garment Sewing Group
Wednesday, March 5, 10:30, at Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis
Thursday, March 6, 10:30, at Creative Sewing, Apple Valley
Saturday, March 8, 10:30, at The Sewing Lounge, St. Paul
Material Girl Sewing 