Tip: Keeping Zippers to Stay

I forgot where I read this tip, but it recommended using washable glue when adding a zipper. This keeps it in place until stitching it on.

Tyra's Dress

I saw Tyra Banks wearing a dress a couple of months ago that I really liked, so I took a picture of the tv:


As I work more with dresses and knits, I'm hoping I'll be able to make something similar in the next few months. I really want to wear mostly dresses going forward- they're easy and when they fit right, look so classy.

Tip: Woven to Knit

If you have a great woven pattern that you want to make work for knits, stitch the side seams 1/2* deeper. Machine baste them at 1 1/8* instead of 5/8*. If you're making a pair of pants, try placing the waistband 1/2* lower. Often the zipper can be eliminated from knit pants if the fabric has enough stretch to fit over the hips.

From sewnews.com

First Sewing Class

I took my first sewing class this weekend. It was great! I learned more about under stitching, became better at ease stitching, and I'm thinking about taking my serger to the class next week when I try a knit top.

This week, I made this dress (Butterick 5415):


I still need to the sew the sleeves in, but so far I'm really happy how it's come out.

Sewing Class

I signed up for a sewing class today! I'm super excited. It's only 4 hours for 2 Saturdays, but I'm looking forward to learning more about making pieces with sleeves and altering patterns for a better fit.

I'm supposed to bring a pattern and the fabric. I'm not sure what I'm going to bring, but it will be something I already have at home. I'm also pretty sure it will be a dress. I really want to wear mostly dresses this year.

I hope I can meet and stay in touch with other sewers in the class so I can talk to other people about my projects.

My dress is not coming out well. I did cut a new midriff, but something is still off about the dress. I think I cut it a size too small...

Infinity Scarf

Miss Celie inspired me to make this scarf. I've wanted a knitted one all winter, but couldn't find one or didn't want to pay for one. Making one out of fabric is so smart! I found this polyester stretch fabric at Sew Fisticated for $2.99/yd. I bought 2 yards. It's 24 inches wide. It took me less than 30 minutes to cut and stitch it. I will use it as a winter scarf with my coat as well as something to keep me warm inside since I'm always cold.

Once I find some more fabric, I'll make some more- maybe even some as gifts!

December 09/January 10 Project

McCalls 5579:

This is not a difficult pattern, but I'm having some trouble. First, the light, satiny polyester fabric I'm using is not easy. Secondly, I don't think I measured myself right. It may be a little snug, which is probably okay, since I'm still losing baby weight and will probably be able to fit it by the summer. My boyfriend says I should start over, but I think I just need to cut a new midriff. I could have finished this yesterday, but I needed to walk away from it for a day or two. Hopefully, I'll finish it soon...

Simplicity 2696

I made this top before my belly was showing. It's my first real attempt with sleeves. This shirt was pretty simple- the hardest part was the front neckline, which still didn't come out as smooth as I would have wished, but overall I was proud of my effort. Surprisingly, I got a lot of compliments whenever I wore it. It's big for me now, but I may still try to wear it with a belt.

First Entry

I've decided to start a sewing blog to keep up with my projects and my sewing skills. My mother, both grandmothers and aunts all sewed- actually, my grandmother even was a seamstress and owned a store where my aunt worked. I was never really into sewing when I was a kid, other than the occasional pillow or something, but I would watch my mother sew clothes for herself, me and my dolls. I don't remember not knowing how to handstitch and sew on buttons, but I never really made anything. I vaguely remember making some pants when I was a teenager, but I got serious about wanting to sew when I was about 25. My mother gave me her old machine and taught me the basics of reading a pattern. I made some more pants and a few other projects, like bags and stuff. A year or 2 later, I invested in a new sewing machine. I still stuck to pants and skirts because I was afraid of sleeves. Then, my mother passed away and I didn't sew for a few years.

Now that my grandmother, aunt and mother are all gone, I'm on my own. I really need a sewing support system to help me be a better sewer and to share ideas with.

Well, I'm back to sewing again. I like to sew- I like being creative, and having one-of-a-kind pieces. Patterns are like puzzles to me, so I like figuring them out, even though it sometimes takes me a while to understand what I have to do. I made some sleeveless dresses and tops over the summer when I was pregnant, because I hated maternity clothes. Now, I want to make tops and dresses and pants that really fit me well.

My sewing goals:

1. Take a class or meet other sewers to learn and improve techniques
2. Learn how to make clothes that fit my body like a glove
3. Learn and master my serger (I inherited from my mom, but have never used it)
4. Learn how to alter patterns to make things more unique