Merriest wishes and happy New Year to all of you wonderfully creative and fun people!! Here are the garments Debbie and I made in December along with commentary.

Classes are finished for the year and we will have a new calendar out at some point for 2023. Garment Sewing Group dates are at end of post.

Debbie’s Garments:

1. Shortened front, back and sleeves between shoulder and bust.

2. After eliminating front facing, Hong Kong finishing seam allowances and lining the sleeves, inserting the sleeves with hand sewing it would have been easier to line the jacket!

3. I did not use any interfacing but I did add sleeve heads.

4. Due to not facing the jacket front I changed the order of construction and techniques.

5. The collar seam is stitched wst and the center back seam is stitched rst. Bias trim was added to hide collar seam.

6. Hong Kong seam finish is done with single layer and a folded bias strip was used for edge finishes.

7. The front edges were trimmed before stitching side seams and sleeves.

1. Shortened back, front, and sleeves between shoulder and bust. Sleeve length shortened 2 inches.

2. This is a TNT pattern for me. I need to remember the sleeves get too narrow below elbow before I make it again.

Jalie Renee Pant #4018 (see photo above)

Ponte rayon blend

1. I shortened the length of the pants 1 and 1/2 inch above and below the knee. Next time I would only shorten length by 2 inches.

2. I used 1/4 inch seam allowances instead 3/8 seam allowances that pattern recommends- just to give me a little less negative ease.

3. This is my first make from this pattern and I will make it again. I like the fit, style and ease of construction, especially when it comes to the waistband.

1. Shortened between shoulder and bust on front, back, and sleeves. Also shortened the sleeve length 1 inch.

2. Did a narrow shoulder adjustment.

3. I used a jersey knit for facing to eliminate bulk.

4. Quick, easy, fun make.

Kristin’s Garments

1. Made to pattern-size X. Fun to put together. Great for using larger scraps.

2. Recommend lightweight drapey fabric to keep pockets from getting too bulky.

1. Both patterns have wide neck openings.

2. Jalie (size X) has a shorter sleeve and 3/4 length sleeve addition, La Bella Donna is longer and has a long hour glass shaped cuff. Recommend one size larger for cuff.

3. La Bella Donna (size Large) has one pattern piece, front same as back except for neck.

4. Added neckband from Tabor Vee Neck to “warm” up the tees.

1. Ankle bands are bigger but narrower than women’s.

2. Same great fit as women’s pattern!

1. Cut out smaller size (14) across shoulders for a closer fit. Also sized down for sleeve.

2. Added 6” to length.

3. Great New Look pattern with best construction practices. Neck band is straight, long band. Added cuffs. Bands overlap at center front which is what I was aiming for. Perfect for rayon knits and not a lot of extra fabric.

True Bias Hudson Pant for Women (photo above)

1. Omitted pockets. TNT pattern! Love the fit!!

1. Larger sleeve, different cuff, no placket, were some of the details that drew me to the pattern after seeing a few like it in magazines/websites.

2. Made size Medium, it’s an oversized fit.

3. Cut out another yoke and did burrito roll-just barely with the fleece. Used kimono fabrics as facings for fronts, collar, cuffs and pockets.

4. Omitted the back neck facing and trimmed back neck with bias.

January Garment Sewing Group Meetings

Saturday, January 7, Lakes Makerie (first Saturday of month-not second!)

Wednesday, January 11, Sewing Lounge

Thursday, January 12, First Sewing and Fabric Swap