We waited till May to avoid late snowstorms and instead we got heavy rain and road construction! But everyone got there safely and showed some great warmer weather garments. We are so grateful that you all love to meet together!!
Thursday will be Garment Sewing Group and Fabric Swap at 10:30 at First Sewing, Bloomington and then Saturday at Treadle Yard Goods-come and join the fun and creativity.
Judging from the photos we have a pretty good time at our meetings! We had a large group at the Sewing Lounge and then a LARGE group of free fabric at First Sewing-and many people went home with a bagful 🙂
Thanks for being there!! Lots of new faces and a few we hadn’t seen for some time…
Debbie’s Garments:
Purple Print Empire Waist Dress
Itch to Stitch Recoleta Dress
Linen
1. Did not do any petite adjustments but shortened length 3 inches.
2. I felt the print needed to be broken up a bit so I added piping around neckband- not fun.
3. Adding a zipper is optional but I disagree with that. Even with zipper I find the dress difficult to put on and take off.
4. I have a difficult time choosing what size to make when using Itch to Stitch patterns. They seem to run large on bodice but smaller at hips. I am sure it is just me but I think I will stay away from this brand for awhile .
Soft Coral Print Cut On Sleeve Blouse
Melody Dolman by Love Notions
Rayon Lawn
1. I did my petite adjustments between shoulder and bust, bust and waist and shortened one inch at hem.
2. I used the one piece collar method from Louise Cutting for collar. It eliminates seams at collar edge. I also softened the shirt tail curve on hem.
3. The directions for inside collar are good, easy and quick and eliminates slipstitching.
4. I feel the blouse fits nice but next time, depending on fabric choice, I would XS shoulders to medium at hips.
5. There will be a next time. Love Notions patterns work well for me.
Oatmeal/Coral Print Sweatshirt
Simplicity 9229
95% Cotton 5% Spandex French Terry 4-way stretch
1. I made this tee last year and was pleased with it. The angled front design line is showing up everywhere so with a few changes I am already thinking of my next make using this pattern.
2. I did my standard petite adjustments.
3. I extended the short sleeve into long sleeve length .
4. I topstitched the angle seam for contrast.
Coral Joggers
Jalie Vanessa Joggers
Cotton
1. A TNT pattern that I make often.
2.The changes I make from the original pattern is a one piece waistband without the drawstring feature and no fly front detail.
Kristin’s Garments
Golf Dress
Simplicity 9328
Poly/lycra knit
1. Looking for sun protection and comfort. Quarter zip was pretty straightforward-reinforce the area with interfacing, stitch over stitching line, clip to inside corners, sew each side of zipper and tuck in the triangle at bottom.
2. Pattern called for sewing ribbon to the inside of zipper but used bias strip instead-easier to stitch to raw edge and pressed easily for less bulk.
3. Pattern called for stitching one band on then turning under edges of other and topstitching but with chosen fabric I serged the whole band on and topstitched seam allowance down.
Cold Sewing Day Sweater
Jalie Romy Pattern
Wool knit remnants
1. Very quick sew with only two pattern pieces (sleeve and front/back) and because of that the fit at the neck could use a good forward shoulder adjustment.
2. Instead of adding band, I cut pattern longer to equal band and made a deep hem.
3. Underarm curve and sleeve is to pattern.
4. Funnel neck is nice and their technique of sewing the seam allowances together to keep neck in place is a technique I will use again.
Faux Wrap Skirt (pictured above and below)
New Look 6646
Stretch woven
1. Not enough fabric to make the wrap to pattern and didn’t really want the free swinging wrap anyway.
2. Cut the front 2.5” wider and stitched a 1.25” pleat in the position of the wrap hem.
3. Basic straight skirt with back darts. Omitted the waistband and stitched on elastic.
Peplum Sweater Jacket
Burda 6293
Ponte
1. Loved the photo so had to give it a try. Instead of facings and linings I added a band at the neck and a band at center fronts so I had overlap for closure.
2. Lots of seams for knit but a fun adventure in fitting.
3. Lighter weight ponte was perfect fabric choice.
May 2022 Garment Sewing Group
Wednesday, May 11, 10:30, Ginny’s in Rochester
Thursday, May 12, 10:30, First Sewing, Bloomington
Saturday, May 14, 10:30, Treadle Yard Goods, St. Paul
Here are the meeting times and spaces for this week:
Wednesday, March 9, 10:30 at Lakes Makerie, 5255 Chicago Av., Mpls.
Thursday, March 10, 10:30 at First Sewing, 7985 Southtown Center, Blmgtn. (Bring fabric to swap!)
Saturday, March 12, 10:30 at Treadle Yard Goods, 1338 Grand Av., St. Paul
Our Quilted Jacket class just finished up. Here are a few photos-
Great vest from New Look 6713 (don’t ask how long it took to get the pics on top of each other-or try to get one of them deleted!!)
Not quite spring and hoping to NOT be winter we are sewing/serging jackets or cardigans starting Wednesday, March 2, 9 and 16 from 1-3 at Treadle Yard Goods. Please call or go online to sign up-3 spots left! We are recommending the Metra Blazer from Love Notions, New Look 6735 cardigan, Blackwood Cardigan from Helen’s Closet as just a few of our favorites. You can get your pattern printed easily and quickly at the Sewing Lounge. Email materialgirlsewing@gmail.com if you have questions.
And then we have some more to show from February Garment Sewing Group-are you sewing something spring-ish for March??
Can’t wait to see what March meetings have in store…Wednesday, 3/9 at Lakes Makerie, Thursday, 3/10 at First Sewing, Saturday, 3/12 at Treadle!
Here are the garments Debbie and I made for February. Inspiration from all of you will follow soon…
Debbie’s Garments:
Teal/Navy Fit and Flare Dress
Cotton Jersey
1. I Did my standard petite adjustments between shoulder and bust and shortened hem length by 1.5 inches.
2. I eliminated the pockets and tapered the sleeves one inch at hem.
3. The construction of the neckline is unique but also very easy and quick. Jalie has a top pattern with a similar neck line construction that creates a lined bodice. I think the two techniques could be interchanged especially if you have light weight fabric.
4. Very pleased with this dress I would like to make another but there are so many other patterns to try!
Teal/Gray Pocket Tunic/Dress
Viscose, rayon, spandex ponte
1. I wanted some “everyday “ easy, casual, polished and warm garments and a dress from Artful Home became my inspiration.
2. I did my petite and shortening adjustments as usual.
3. Pocket – I determined the size of the two rectangles used for pockets and added seam allowances. Then I clean finished the sides of both pockets. I stitched the small pocket to the large pocket leaving top of pocket open. I used Wonder Under fusible to then attach the large pocket to dress. I also stitched around all sides of large pocket. It took a lot longer to think about what process to use than to actually sew the pockets to the dress.
4. The inspiration dress does not have a mock neck or long sleeves but this is Minnesota and the Jalie dress pattern is very accommodating for our climate!
5. Once pocket was attached I continued construction as pattern directs.
Brick Tunic/Dress with Contrast Trim
Viscose rayon, spandex Ponte
1. I always start with my fit adjustments-petiting and shortening length.
2. I did not care for the collar on the pattern so again I made a mock T neck. To give the dress a bit of contrast I cut the neck pattern piece in half and added seam allowance. The outside of the mock is Ponte and the inside is cotton jersey. The contrast is created by stitching the upper edge and then wrapping the jersey over the Ponte seam allowance.
3. The contrast on sleeve hem is created by stitching RS of contrast jersey to WS of sleeve.
4. The instructions suggest using fusible tape for the hem. I do not find that tip often in the big four pattern companies.
Kristin’s Garments:
Last Quilted Jacket
Wool, linen, wool knit, wool batting
1. Although puffer jacket was my inspiration, my choice of fabrics certainly didn’t reflect it!
2. Cut to pattern and then shortened by two inches when finished.
3. Resorted to my old quilt habits and quilted the back piece from center out to minimize the fabric/layer movement.
4. Changed the collar to a knit band and am very happy I did-warm, not stiff.
5. The zipper placket and zipper guard went together very well although a bit thick at seam crossings. Made it look more ready to wear.
6. A fun journey but done quilting for the year 🙂
Pajama Set
1. Wanted to give the Tabor a try with sleeves. Very happy with them-snug fitting sleeves but loose body.
2. Vee neck fits closely around neck so not too cold for winter!
3. Hudson Pant is my go-to knit jogger pattern. Added another inch to length and omitted pockets.
New Classes in March:
Jackets, Cardigans, Coatigans-Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 1-3 pm at Treadle Yard Goods
March 2022 Garment Sewing Group
Wednesday, March 9, 10:30, Lakes Makerie, Minneapolis
Thursday, March 10, 10:30, First Sewing, Bloomington
Saturday, March 12, 10:30, Treadle Yard Goods, St. Paul
Garment Sewing Group Meetings (all at 10:30):
Treadle Yard Goods, Wednesday, Feb. 9
First Sewing (and Fabric Swap), Thursday, Feb. 10
Treadle Yard Goods, Saturday, Feb. 12
And some of what you may have missed in January-
Garment Sewing Group
January 2022
Debbie’s Garments:
Navy Sheath Dress with Leather Trim
1. Did several shortening petite adjustments as well as straightening side seam at hip area – too curvy for me.
2. I did not want the leather yoke against my skin so I basted the leather piece on top of dress front and treated it as one piece.
3. I used very light interfacing on front facings, under stitched the back facing and stitched in the ditch at shoulders to secure facing to dress.
4. Glue stick, quilt clips and a leather sewing machine needle made sewing the leather a breeze. A fun project!
Navy Blazer with Leather Faux Welt Pocket
1.I enjoyed making the Shawl Collar Metra Blazer last spring so I thought I would give the Lapel version a try. I also had some leather left over from the Tessa sheath which could add just a bit more style to a fun topper.
2. I did not use any interfacing and because my machine did not like sewing on the ponte I used Steam a Seam for sleeves and jacket hems.
Purple Print with Rib Jacket
1. Although I admire Linda Lee’s work and products I hesitate to use her patterns because so many are oversized – not my jam. However when I saw reviews for her bomber jacket I couldn’t resist. I did my standard petite adjustments and dove into constructing the jacket.
2. I did not interface facing – pattern does not suggest using it. I did stabilize zipper seam allowances – not part of pattern instructions.
3. Step #9 is a bit confusing because the dot on the pattern is not labeled. The sleeves are set in but I did flat construction. The back collar is supposed to be slip stitched but I machine stitched. I was surprised at the lack of the finishing construction details such as stitching in the ditch or topstitching.
Kristin’s Garments:
Black Leggings
Stitch Upon a Time Ursula Leggings/Black cotton/spandex jersey
1. Made a size XL to pattern with the gusset (still perfecting the stitching of gussets:) Made the Midrise version-very good fit with the stretch of my fabric. Skinny at ankles, crotch length great. Very much a legging pattern in this knit-no bags or wrinkles.
2. Pattern also includes yoga and maternity waistband and a sewn in skirt.
Tabor Vest Plus
1. I wanted to make another Tabor but wanted something longer so I hacked the bottom section of the Annika Top in a contrasting wool.
2. I can’t say enough about the vee on the Tabor. First time worked perfectly.
3. Topstitched to keep seams flat.
Quilted Vest
1. The pattern only gives directions for using prequilted fabric so I went to the Tamarack Jacket from Grainline Studio for more specifics.
2. FibreMood patterns must be traced and seam allowance added. Directions were clear.
3. Fabric sandwiches were quilted as cut-if I did it again I would cut everything bigger. I lost about a quarter of an inch, which isn’t bad.
4. All seams were hong kong finished.
5. The back neck seam was tall and pushed my head forward (muslin did not show this) so I opened the seam and added a triangle before finishing the outer edges.
6. Belt is to be quilted but because the fabric was already pleated, I omitted this.
7. I cut one inch off hem because one of the fabrics was short.
Clemence Top
1. The fun shoulders called to me and I answered 🙂
2. Shoulder cap is square, sewn together and triangle folded to shoulder edge.
3. Neck band was on the short side.
4. I eliminated the hem band and added for a longer tee.
5. Nicely drafted.
**Update to this post-the class had to be postponed so will begin February 2 and end on March 2. There are 3 spots left if you’d like to make a quilted garment with us.
Kim, of Lakes Makerie employ, is the reason for my current obsession with quilted garments. The corduroy and flannel with an inner stuffing of wool batting looked so warm and cozy-I had to try my own version.
Not even close, right? So I may be on a circuitous route but I’ll get there. Or maybe one of the people that takes our class will. But on the way I will have fun exploring the different textures and weights of fabrics and the warmth of quilted garments. Will you join us?
The class is offered at Treadle Yard Goods, January 19, February 2 and 16 from 10-12 pm. It’s stretched out because there are so many decisions to make (well, for me anyway) and wonderful opportunities for slow winter handsewing if you choose. You can register online at treadleyardgoods.com or call them at 651-698-9690.
The first class will be an overview of your many choices of patterns and fabrics along with techniques that will be used to construct your garment. No machines necessary for the first class but bring inspiration photos, fabrics and patterns for discussion and decision making.
Either way, it will be amazing to see the different results that everyone in the class get. Hope you can join us-only dreaming required for first class 🙂
Hope you all enjoy the Season! The creativity and inspiration you all bring to our meetings and classes keep us sewing and wanting more. We’ll be back in January-
More inspiration from December’s Garment Sewing Group-
Our Friday full of snow put a damper on Saturday’s attendance but Rosemary did her best to be the audience 🙂
Garment Sewing Group
December 2021
Debbie’s Garments:
Stripe Tunic
Terra Tunic Funnel Neck by Love Notions
French terry
1. The most difficult aspect to this make is deciding which view to make.
2. I did my standard petite adjustments and shortened the length two inches.
3. Fun, easy, quick make-perfect for warming up on cold days.
Blouse with Ruffles and Bling
McCalls 6750, View C with adaptations (OOP)
Cotton with metallic stripes.
1.I Did standard petite adjustments and shortened one inch below waist.
2. This pattern is from from 2013 so I did make some design/construction changes.
3. To achieve the V neck I removed the collar portion of the blouse front and facing. I also reduced facing width and I did not use any interfacing in the garment.
4. I narrowed the cuff width and converted to a two piece cuff with the ws of fabric against my skin thinking that would be more comfortable but it wasn’t necessary because the metallic threads are very soft. I also used the ws of facing against my skin – not necessary.
5. I narrowed the sleeve cap 1/4” from front notch to 1/2” at shoulder to 1/4 at back notch.
6. I cut 2 1/2 “ strips for ruffle and gathered them using the serger set at 2 for differential feed and 4 for stitch length.
7. To construct the blouse I used the sewing machine, serger and french seams.
Burgundy Holiday Topper
Morris Blazer by Grainline Studio
Cotton/lycra cotton stretch velveteen
1. I have made this blazer before but this time I wanted to line it. The pattern is unlined so I needed to work that out – a little bit of a challenge.
2. I thought about making a two-piece sleeve as suggested in pattern reviews to remove drag lines from the sleeve but that didn’t work out for me.
3. The facing is interfaced with stretch going up and down, not around – another hint from pattern reviewers. It may have made a difference in facing drape but I think the lining took care of that.
4. I lengthened the sleeves by 2 inches.
5. I made piping and applied to the lining edge using a zipper foot. All other construction was done with a walking foot.
`Kristin’s Garments:
Winter Vanessas
Jalie Vanessa Fluid Pants 3676
Tropical weight wool
Kristin’s Garments, continued
1. No ankle cuffs this time around. Wool is just right for indoor wear, I washed it and it fluffed up a bit.
2. Great basic, comfy pant.
Winter Hudson Joggers
Hudson Pant by True/Bias
Activewear knit
1. Summer joggers have pilled so time for another pair (they are go to pants!)
2. Love the pockets-everything about the pattern.
Winter Basic Dress
Jalie Nicole Shift Dress 3903
Ponte
1. This mock tee dress is the bomb. Throw a sweater over it or a jacket-many looks.
2. I went up a size in the sleeve as it’s a bit snug and lowered bust darts.
3. Mock turtle neck is to pattern.
Designer Jacket
Merchant & Mills Landgate
Moleskin/flannel back satin/outerwear print
1. I had dreams!! Wanted a jacket to layer over fleece, look cool 🙂 Love the fabrics.
2. Underlined the jacket so it would hang well which made for a few interesting changes but went fairly smoothly.
3. Chopped off the hood as I knew I didn’t want it-glad I did.
4. Pretty cool construction of the front neck/yoke pieces.
5. All lot of work, in the end but other than the monster neck-which may relax over time?? I’m pretty happy with it.
Designer Joggers (Snowpants) -see photo above
Sew House Seven Free Range Pants-tapered version
Pre-quilted and self quilted fabrics
1. Just got sucked in by designer snowpants but fun to construct and figure out.
2. Made the lining first to check out fit-wanted them a bit fluffier for outdoor activities.
3. Serged the pieces together with only batting behind fabric, worked out much better than I hoped.
4. Really great pattern/style choice as there weren’t many seams to match up.
5. Used activewear knit for waistband and ankle bands.
January 2022 Garment Sewing Group
Saturday, January 8, 10:30, Treadle Yard Goods, St. Paul
Wednesday, January 12, 10;30, The Sewing Lounge, St. Paul
Thursday, January 13, 10:30, First Sewing, Bloomington
All three meetings inside one week this month! Sweet! Come once or come to all-you will surely see something that inspires you. As always, first time is free/pay once and come to as many December meetings as you like.
Wednesday, December 8th at Treadle, 10:30
Thursday, December 9th at First Sewing, 10:30. We will continue our fabric swapping at this meeting. Someone (?!) is also moving houses this week and needs to share the stash…
Saturday, December 11th at Treadle, 10:30
Material Girl Sewing 