Saturday at the Sewing Lounge was packed with wonderful sewing-the fun continues Wednesday, March 13 at Lakes Makerie and Thursday, March 14 at Creative Sewing in Apple Valley. Don’t miss it!!
March Makes-Saturday Edition
Category: Uncategorized
Saturday is a go!
Looks like you didn’t get much in the big city and we are plowed out so see you at The Sewing Lounge!!
December Garment Sewing Group
Debbie’s Garments:
1. I did my standard petite length adjustments and narrow shoulder. On the sleeve I mistook the cut line for horizontal seam for the shorten/lengthen line so I wasn’t able to put in a horizontal seam as pattern directs.
2. I did not enjoy working with this fabric. It was necessary to use a walking foot and size 14 needle in my machine. The fabric is stiff and bulky and not very forgiving.
3. I used the Louise Cutting method for pockets (see example) and changed order of construction making it easier for fitting and working with the fabric.
4. I did a wrapped hem and used serger and bias binding for seam finishes.
5. Closures? – definitely not buttonholes! Many thanks to Kristin for putting in my snaps with her Kamsnap tool.
1. I did my standard shortening adjustments and also straightened out side seams – it’s a very curvy pattern.
2. Turtlenecks are a staple in my wardrobe. Making them out of fabulous fabric and getting the neck fit I want is a win-win. Also it was a nice break from sewing corduroy!
Autumn Paisley Print Shirtdress
Burda 5971, dress version
Rayon challis
1. In October I made the blouse version of this pattern. I had enough fabric to make the dress version thinking it would be perfect for Thanksgiving. The chances are high that it will become a blouse!
2. I did my standard shortening adjustments as well as a narrow shoulder adjustment. I also removed 4 inches from the hem length.
3. I changed the order of construction so I could do flat construction, i.e. collar before side seams.
4. Love the fabric but the dress – not so much.
Forest Green Knit/Woven Overlay Tee
1. This is a fun pattern that I have made before. The look and style can easily be altered by switching up colors, fabrics and textures.
Kristin’s Garments
Funnel Neck Sweater
Jalie Romy #4024
1. One of my favorite patterns-no front or back. Great fit with the funnel neck and dolman sleeves. Omitted the band at waist.
Butterick 6597 OOP
1. Omitted the wide waistband and cover stitched matching elastic instead.
2. Narrowed the side piece-there are no side seams in skirt.
1. Wanted to try the pattern in a lighter fabric. Used the waistband this time.
2. Comfortable and fits under jacket.
1. Very happy with this pattern. Loved that it was lined-inside looks good. Saved a lot of headaches on edge finishes.
2. Fabric was easy to work with. Zipper went in well.
3. Omitted side seam pockets but added a chest pocket on the inside. Made several mistakes but well worth the effort.
4. Neck band made to pattern. Height is great.
Sew House Seven Toaster, version 1
1. Also wanted to try this pattern in a lightweight knit.
2. Neckband doesn’t stand up -may stitch it folded to give extra stability.
Jalie Multi Sport Skort #2796/repurposed jacket
1. Have been seeing these winter skirts in Title Nine catalog and had to try them.
2. Used the zipper and pockets as is. The fabric didn’t separate which was helpful.
3. Bound the waistline with knit. Fun make. Fun to wear!
January 2024 Garment Sewing Group
Wednesday, January 10, 10:30, at Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis
Thursday, January 11, 10:30 at Creative Sewing, Apple Valley
Saturday, January 13, 10:30 at Sewing Lounge, St. Paul
Need a Turkey Prep Break?
Jen at Everyday Style is holding a workshop Tuesday, Nov. 21 at noon CST. Debbie and I both like what she has to say.
We thought it might be fun to challenge everyone to wear a holiday outfit at our December Garment Sewing Group meetings. It would be one less thing to plan once the holidays arrive!!
Here’s the link to RSVP for the workshop-Holiday Style workshop
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Sewing Machine For Sale
I’ve upgraded to the Janome M7 and the grandkids are all coming for Thanksgiving-I need some space!
Asking price $1500-will let you have it for $1250 if we can make the exchange on Sunday, 11/19.
Well cared for, easy to use, hardworking machine with great lighting and lots of workspace.
Please text 952-201-3863 if interested.
Debbie’s Back! Let the (GSG) Games Begin!
After a wonderful trip across the Pond-she’s back and ready to show us what she made this month 🙂 What have you made?
Meeting times for Garment Sewing Group (GSG): All begin at 10:30 am
Thursday (today), November 9 at Creative Sewing, Apple Valley and Fabric Swap
Saturday, November 11 at Sewing Lounge, St. Paul
Wednesday, November 15 at Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis (yes, this is the 3rd Wed.)
October’s Garment Sewing Group Pics and Pattern Review
Missing two pics but someone is across the Pond :))
New class starting Thursday, November 2-Garment Sewing 2.0, 10-12 pm at Creative Sewing in Apple Valley. Meant for those of you coming back to sewing for yourself and not sure where to start-indie patterns, new fabrics, changed body!!! Make a garment while brushing up on skillzzzz.
Debbie’s Garments:
1. The only fit adjustment I made was a narrow shoulder.
2. I interfaced the collar and facings – pattern does not use interfacing. However I was surprised how often the serger was mentioned for seam finishes.
3. The construction method is done while most of the jacket is flat except for sleeves. I did set in sleeves, buttonholes and then the hem.
4. Other than putting the buttonholes too far in from center I am really happy with it, especially the pockets. The jacket is a fun make and the directions are very good.
Brick/Tan Raglan Tee
Butterick 6207, view A with curved hem
1. This is my favorite pattern for a Raglan tee. Great for layering under my utility jacket.
Cream Banded Turtleneck
Simplicity 9385, View D
Ribbed sweater knit blend
1. Another TNT pattern.
2. The knit is very drapey so I added the band to prevent the length of the fabric to grow.
3. As the weather gets cooler I will layer this under my utility jacket.
4. I was pleasantly surprised to find two classic shirts in my closet that with also layer well with this jacket. I have a mini capsule!
Tartan Plaid Peplum Shirt
1. I adjusted fit by narrowing shoulder, shortened between shoulder and bust, shortened 1 inch between waist and peplum hem and shortened sleeve 1 inch.
2. The sleeve calls for a basic 1 inch hem but I did a split cuff instead.
3. Instead of adding belt loops for belt I secured belt at center back just below peplum seam.
4. Matching the plaid for this pattern was difficult. I let the pattern photo fool me. I would make this again but definitely not in a plaid!
1. Did not do any fit adjustments.
2. Instead of using facings for the hood I lined it with a lightweight ponte knit. Nixed the hood and added a cowl/turtle neck instead. I also faced the hem with the same ponte.
3. I did not add draw strings to bottom hem.
4. It’s a fun top and easy to make.
5. A lighter weight and more pliable fabric would work better for the hood.
Kristin’s Garments:
1. Cut shoulders, neck, armhole and sleeves as Small-remainder in Medium.
2. Pattern has lining pieces. I cut a back neck facing instead of lining. Used ponte fabric for facing.
3. Used lining fabric for pockets for slipperiness.
4. Topstitching made the berber look cheap and crushed so I handtacked in numerous places to keep facing in place.
5. Went together well, collar’s inside corner turns well. Serged most seams but curves and collar sewn on sewing machine. Snuggly coat!
1. Pattern is made for wovens or faux fur-I subbed rib knit for sleeves and collar.
2. I was attracted to the vertical “bust” dart. It is trimmed after sewing. Fabric frayed so I zigzagged.
3. Pattern calls for interfacing both upper and under collar which I did since it was a knit. Pattern directions show a corner on the collar but the pattern piece is definitely rounded and the photos also show a rounded corner.
4. I didn’t originally interface the front facing but after pinning the heavy collar into the flimsy main fabric I added a wide strip to center fronts.
5. Sleeve is two pieces which I kept even tho it was a knit. Sleeve head went in well-didn’t need to cut down and it isn’t a sloppy fit.
6. Pocket seemed small and not useful and I didn’t have any of the woven fabric left so no pocket.
7. Another Burda winner pattern for me!
1. Had to make it once more-comfy tee-boxy fit.
1. Looking for the perfect tee-not sure this one is it. Very high sleeve cap that makes for sloppy armhole.
November Garment Sewing Group
Thursday, November 9, 10:30 at Creative Sewing, Apple Valley
Saturday, November 11, 10:30 at The Sewing Lounge, St.Paul
Wednesday, November 15, 10:30 at Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis
Garment Sewing Group
September 2023
Debbie’s Garments:
Burda 7062-I like the contour waistband, side zip and ankle slits.
Simplicity 9275, View A, without pockets
1. Shortened between shoulder and bust and did a narrow shoulder adjustment.
3. Quick and easy make and the fabric was also easy to sew.
2. Due to weight of fabric I did a single layer hem versus a narrow hem as pattern instructs.
1. TNT pattern that is easily hacked. The fabric makes this Tee.
1. Shortened between shoulder and bust on front, back and sleeves. Also shortened sleeve length by one inch and length of body 2 inches.
2. I appreciated the pattern instructions regarding cutting interfacing – nice tip.
3. To create less bulk and to construct as much as the garment flat I changed the order of construction. I constructed the left sleeve with zipper first rather than what the pattern instructs. I also do shoulder seams, neck edge before any side seams if possible.
4. The pattern instructions lack any mention of clean finishing zipper edge. No mention of serger – instead you are instructed to double stitch.
5. It’s a fun pattern that puts a standard tee up a notch.
Last of my summer Makes:
1. Shortened 1 inch between waist and hip.
2. Changed order of construction – Stitch one shoulder seam, apply first strip of bias binding, stitch other shoulder seam and complete binding construction. I used serged wrapped method of applying binding.
3. Great pattern – definitely will become a TNT.
Kristin’s Garments
1. Looking for an oversized, but not sloppy, tee.
2. Klimt fabric is cotton and neckband fit pretty close.
3. Navy is rayon and heavier and drapier.
4. Correct pattern, great basic.
1. Stripe is rayon/botanical print is cotton. Fun pattern.
2. Front hem shorter than back.
1. Fun shirt pattern with back yoke and gathered back.
2. Instructions for front yoke are very good.
3. Hand stitched hems.
1. This pattern is a bit narrower than Barry Pant/Stylearc and not quite as bubbly.
2. Hem facing and 3 darts make the leg shape. I added 3” to length.
3. Lots of interesting sewing techniques, especially the pockets and paper bag waistband but I didn’t want those options.
1. Added 4” to length of skirt and pant underneath.
2. Fabric was good to sew on. Clips were easier than pins.
3. Made waistband half the width but the stretch of knit was different and wish I would have made it wider.
October Garment Sewing Group
Wednesday, October 11, 10:30, Sewing Lounge, St. Paul
Thursday, October 12, 10:30, Creative Sewing, Apple Valley
Saturday, October 14, 10:30, Ginny’s, Rochester
August Garment Sewing Group
Here are the garments and pattern review made by Debbie and Kristin in August:
Debbie’s Garments:
McCalls 6964/Butterick 6848 tee/cotton jersey
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
More Inspiration from July
July saw our largest attendance for a very long time-thanks to everyone who follows us and makes garment sewing and the sharing of it a priority. It wouldn’t be as awesome without all of you!!
August meetings start on Wednesday, Aug. 9 at Lakes Makerie, Thursday, Aug. 10 at Creative Sewing and Saturday, Aug. 12, Sewing Lounge all starting at 10:30 am.
So here is some of what we saw in July (Saturday’s pics have been posted previously).
Material Girl Sewing 