More from February

More great makes— keep scrolling for photos from Brenda and Kristin.

February Garment Sewing Group

Cohost: Brenda

1. I loved this tee when Kristin made it a few months ago and I have seen several versions of it in ready to wear.

2. This is the second time I have made this. The first time I only had enough fabric for the body so I used some scraps for the hem facing and neckband. I really liked the contrast and I think it adds balance to the look. I also like the hem facing, I think it elevates the shirt. If you omit it make sure you add hem allowance.

Megan Nielsen Ash Jean

Cloud Dancer stretch twill-Yes I love the color of the year!

1. This is a powerhouse pattern. There are 4 views with extended sizing available. The wide leg is not overly wide and works well for a cropped style.

2. I followed the pattern’s excellent instructions for constructing the pants. To fit the pants I used the book Fit and Sew Custom Jeans by Helen Bartley. 

3. I completely assembled the front and back-zipper pocket & yoke. Then I machine baste the back, inseam and sides together and try them on. Since I start with my hip measurement I often have to take some in at the yoke

I do this every single time because different fabrics fit differently. I used a fusible interfacing in the waistband. I may try the Ban-Rol next time.

4.I’m embracing the handmade buttonhole! I think it is the best result for a fish eye. This is the first time I’ve had a water soluble pen leave a mark 😦

1. Version 4 is my favorite look. Using a fabric with good drape I think is key.

2. I love the directions for inserting the v neck. It always turns out great. I also cut the neckband on the bias for added interest.

3. The split hem is beautifully drafted with mitered corners. I follow the directions and zigzag stitch the hem. It’s easy and I’m always happy with the results.

1. The construction of this dress is really fun. The two piece raglan sleeve fits the shoulder really nice. There is an easy fold over placket, wide cuff and the collar encases the neckline.

2. They do not request any interfacing. I interfaced all the usual suspects: cuffs, collars, front plackets and top of pocket.

3. This fabric is really drapey, the hem hangs a little wavy and the breast pocket drops. I don’t think it affects the wearability. I also stitched the side pockets down.

1. This dress pattern was inspired by the Toteme slouch waist dress $880. I made mine for under $50. It also comes in extended sizes.

2. The design is very clever. There are two front and two back pieces. Each piece is one continuous cut, top to bottom. The top lays at a slight angle and is cut on the bias. The skirt is cut on the straight-of-grain. This causes the top to drape with a really cool slouch effect. 

3. I chose the size based on my hip measurement. The finished bust measurements seem huge. This is due to the cut on-sleeve.  Don’t be tempted to grade the top down.

Kristin’s Garments

Somebody said I had to get this pattern and I’d make lots of them. So I did but I won’t 🙂

It’s a fine pattern-similar to the Hudson Top from Sewing Workshop.

I added a pleat to the back to make it bigger at hips. Then the neck seemed big as I wanted to be able to wear it under a jacket/sweater so I took the neckband off and added a pleat to the front. I like it with my changes. Also happy with fabric choice.

The model hooked me on this pattern! The heavy knit I used could have been loftier but I like how it turned out. Neck/collar is good and lays nicely although it won’t stand up like the sample.

There is a great video tutorial on YouTube for making the sweater. I hand stitched the “rolled hem” on the collar. Looks nice but you have to get close 🙂

They don’t use the serger much but the inset neck is better done with the sewing machine.

I took two inches out of the width of the sleeve at the wrist.

Elsbeth (from TV series) called to me for this sweater and fabric (the bow is hard to see in this print)!! It was a fun make-again, a wonderful video tutorial made it easy to figure out. Many numbered seams as in Burda patterns but that made things clear. Underarm gussets were challenging but that’s what gussets are-IMHO.

Well drafted, all the notches matched. Rather funky but I like it. Maybe just a one trick pony but I will definitely wear it!

I swapped their single layer cuff (it was also very wide!) for the deep cuff from Toaster Sweater Version 1. It looks a lot better. There was a fair amount of hand stitching recommended-I used my machines.

March-cohost Kay Dole

Wednesday, March 11, Lakes Makerie, Mpls.

Thursday, March 12, Creative Sewing, Apple Valley

Saturday, March 14, Open Studio, Mpls.