The Amateur Sewist

Hancock fabric

2012-02-16T09:23:00.000-06:00

I picked this fabric up at Hancock, $2/yard. I spent $4 total and made an oversized scarf with it using the pico edge technique on my serger.

Kwik Sew 3880

2012-02-12T15:33:00.000-06:00

This was an easy top to make with fabric left over from one of my Mission Maxis. I've been wanting a "cold shoulder" top and now I have a great pattern to use in the future.

Burda mesh top

2012-02-12T11:48:00.002-06:00

Burda swim coverup

2012-02-12T10:57:00.000-06:00

This is from the July 2011 issue of Burda Style magazine. Burda offers many of these patterns on line to download for a price, which is what I did. The download includes the dress and top version. I'll be making the top next.

I got the mesh fabric from eBay. It's from the Italian boutique clothing maker Save the Queen.

Burda 9538, girl's pants

2012-02-12T09:17:00.000-06:00

I made several pairs of these yesterday for Charlotte. I'm not 100% happy with the result--they are too big in the hips and I used the size two for the hips, size 3 for the length. Perhaps they will fit a bit better when she grows into them. The fabric is super cute though.

Charlotte in bespoke dress

2012-02-07T08:50:00.002-06:00

Charlotte having nutritious breakfast of peanut butter shots, in a dress I made her.

Style Arc Elle pants, in progress

2012-02-05T17:21:00.002-06:00

Second pair of Style Arc Elle pants, made in a stretch patchwork denim. Not sure if I love them.

My 12-year-old son loves them.

Edited to add a red pair. I'm wearing them for Valentine's Day.

Butterick 6084

2012-02-05T11:31:00.000-06:00

I am going to recreate this dress:

In this cobalt blue rayon jersey:

And have started the process with Butterick 6084. Here is a top I've made with the pattern:

Cavallari knockoff

2012-02-05T07:18:00.000-06:00

I saw this top on line and loved it:

It occurred to me that I could make something similar as I had some animal print fabric in a similar colorway and a pattern that was also similar to the cut of this top. The Pattern is McCall 6288.

Here is my final result:

I also used my Coverpro machine for the first time to hem the sleeves and hem:

My stash

2012-02-04T08:49:00.000-06:00

Here is most of my fabric and pattern stash. I think I have between 200 and 300 yards of fabric, and roughly 450 patterns, not including the pattern magazines and the 27 patterns I just ordered from Patterns of the Past.

Dora dress, another view

2012-02-02T10:04:00.000-06:00

Charlotte is getting a lot of wear out of this dress, especially considering that it's not really meant to be worn in January!

McCall 6308

2012-01-31T18:08:00.002-06:00

My last entry for the stash contest, 2.5 yards:

Butterick 6223

2012-01-31T15:22:00.000-06:00

I bought this cotton batiste a couple of years ago for a couple bucks a yard because there was a stain on the fabric. I was able to work around the stain. This top cost me about $6.

Butterick 5480

2012-01-31T14:01:00.000-06:00

Another entry to the fabric stash contest. I need to wear this a couple of times to see if I still like it as I had originally planned to wear it--over a white cami. I'm wondering if it needs a few rows of shirring along the hem to give it more shape.

Butterick 5539

2012-01-30T21:56:00.000-06:00

Another entry to the fabric stash contest.

New Look 6809

2012-01-29T14:00:00.000-06:00

Looks like this would be an easy pattern, but the fabric just about killed me. This is a very wispy silk chiffon with lurex threads throughout. Very pretty fabric but it was really hard to work with.

Pillow for Chris

2012-01-28T22:50:00.002-06:00

Not much to say here.

Grocery bags

2012-01-28T20:33:00.000-06:00

Using up the rest of the fabric left over from the throw pillows I made for the game room last summer.

Pool coverup

2012-01-28T11:33:00.000-06:00

Stash busting continues. This time, I've made a swimsuit cover up from fabric purchased from the clearance shelves at Jo Ann a couple of years ago.

Mission Maxi top and dress

2012-01-26T21:58:00.002-06:00

More mission maxi. I think I'm done now.

Edited to include two additional tank tops.

Vogue 2063

2012-01-26T19:32:00.001-06:00

Another entry for the fabric stash contest, a vintage pattern, Vogue 2063:

Burda pants

2012-01-24T20:02:00.000-06:00

Latest entry in the stash contest, Burda 8607. I guess I bought a lot of fabric last spring and summer, because I seem to have a lot of summery fabrics in my stash!

Sewing projects

2012-01-23T22:09:00.001-06:00

Mission Maxi

2012-01-22T11:56:00.002-06:00

This is my newest creation for spring/summer, the Mission Maxi by independent pattern maker Jamie Christina. I love it! I'm sure I will make a bunch more this year.

Vogue 1250, again

2012-01-21T22:10:00.000-06:00

Some things never get old. Like the instant gratification and universal sex appeal of Vogue 1250. I've done it again, another maxi (I won't promise this will be the last of the season) in a sweatery rayon knit from Best Online Fabrics.

Tried and True. Animal prints. Story of my life!

McCall 6288, redux

2012-01-21T19:55:00.000-06:00

I love this pattern! This is my TNT pattern for t-shirts. Here is a version made with mesh I purchased from Jo Ann a couple of years ago:

McCall's 2255

2012-01-17T22:38:00.001-06:00

I made these for the fabric stash contest, and I love them. Working with the bias was not much fun, but I'm glad I had the experience. I can't wait to wear these this spring and summer:

EDIT: Here I am, wearing one of the skirts during an unseasonably warm winter day:

Kwik sew 2965

2012-01-17T22:29:00.000-06:00

My sewing for the stash contest continues. Here's a one-yard wonder, inspired by Tory Burch's Esther top:

Dora dress

2012-01-16T14:15:00.000-06:00

Charlotte wore her Dora dress yesterday to church:

Butterick 5563 view B

2012-01-15T09:13:00.000-06:00

I made this again, this time View B. I like it, but think I would have liked it more had I made it out of rayon jersey or modal.

McCall 6500

2012-01-10T20:28:00.000-06:00

I continue my stash busting by making this tunic-length top for Charlotte several times, using up five yards of quilting cotton:

McCall 5797

2012-01-09T14:49:00.000-06:00

More dresses for the stash busting contest at Pattern Review:

McCall 5970

2012-01-08T11:28:00.000-06:00

Chris models my custom-made Snuggie.

Burda funnel neck top made into a dress

2012-01-05T08:33:00.000-06:00

I've made this several times now. This time, I made a dress. I think I need to take the sides in more (that's not muffin top on top of the belt--it's just fabric) and clearly I need brown boots to wear with it.

Burda downloadable batwing top

2012-01-04T08:16:00.000-06:00

I made several of these in the past couple of weeks. Easy and a good way to showcase beautiful fabrics.

Butterick 5539

2012-01-03T09:08:00.000-06:00

I've made this a few times in the past week. This is my new go-to for simple straight knit skirts:

I got the fabric for super cheap on eBay. I think I paid $10, shipping included.

Butterick 5563

2012-01-02T22:19:00.001-06:00

Not part of the stash contest, just a little something I whipped up over the long weekend.

Worn on New Year's Eve:

McCall 6509

2012-01-02T10:02:00.003-06:00

I've had this fabric in my stash since grad school (finished my MBA in May 2010). Anyway, it's now in my closet, hanging on a hanger, ready for spring.

McCall 6386

2012-01-01T16:14:00.000-06:00

Charlotte is starting potty training in earnest this month. I made these so that she would have plenty of pants to take to daycare.

Two yards

2012-01-01T10:01:00.000-06:00

Here's my first entry into the fabric stash contest, the ubiquitous Burda funnel neck turtleneck top.

Kitty cat

2011-12-15T19:56:00.000-06:00

This is Charlotte's "big" Christmas present this year. They call her Bettina at the shelter, but I think we'll call her Betty.

Pillow covers

2011-11-21T12:53:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving table runner

2011-11-19T20:35:00.002-06:00

McCall 6288

2011-10-01T08:46:00.000-05:00

Vogue 8724

2011-09-22T07:22:00.002-05:00

New Look 6149

2011-09-20T07:21:00.002-05:00

The first time I tried this, I hate it. Came out better this time.

Hot Patterns Fringe Festival top

2011-09-11T19:52:00.000-05:00

This is the third time I've made this one:

Vogue 1027 for my sister

2011-09-06T20:53:00.002-05:00

She needed a new one, this time in animal print:

Burda 9780

2011-09-06T20:50:00.000-05:00

This is the last time I'll make this for my daughter, because she'd going to grow out of the pattern.

Hot Patterns Fringe Festival top

2011-09-06T20:48:00.000-05:00

This was a free download from Fabric.com. Very easy to make!

Animal print Vogue 1250

2011-08-30T19:18:00.000-05:00

Vogue1250, again

2011-08-28T12:15:00.000-05:00

Vogue 1250

2011-08-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

Latest weekend project

2011-07-24T21:47:00.000-05:00

Quickie valance--made from $2 worth of burlap, $4.50 worth of fringe, $4 corbels from the Salvation Army. $10.50 window treatment!

Another monogram

2011-07-19T20:54:00.002-05:00

This time, a table runner!

Pillows

2011-07-18T07:11:00.000-05:00

Pillow for the family room sectional:

Rod pocket drop cloth drape

2011-07-16T21:26:00.003-05:00

Phase II: a rod pocket treatment, which I like better than clips. Not sure what to do next. I think we'll live with it for a few days, then I'll figure out how to embellish it.

And here are the drapes in the day time. I think they will do for now, I just need to iron and hem them both, and get some tie backs from Tuesday Morning:

The infamous ugly pillow

2011-07-15T21:57:00.002-05:00

Here it is:

Home improvement

2011-07-13T06:07:00.000-05:00

We scored some new lights from Craigslist, and over the weekend had them installed. First, the chandelier:

The medallion for the chandelier:

We also got these pendants:

While the workmen were here, I got Aggie to help me hang this drop cloth, which we are going to use as a curtain:

Working on the baby girl's decor

2011-07-11T06:26:00.002-05:00

I worked on decor items for Charlotte's bedroom over the weekend. Here's a monogrammed pillow:

And drop cloth curtains, trimmed with decor fabric, pom pons, ribbons and rick rack:

Game room

2011-06-05T19:11:00.000-05:00

Repainted game room with masks from the old house. Turned out pretty well.

Family room furniture

2011-05-21T17:51:00.000-05:00

The new furniture is now complete! Sectional, coffee table and kitchen table are all where they should be.

New drapes

2011-04-08T22:19:00.003-05:00

I got these on eBay!

Plants

2011-04-01T21:50:00.000-05:00

What's a home without plants? Here are a few I've picked up recently:

The Old Homestead

2011-02-07T18:30:00.000-06:00

Still on the market, can't wait for this baby to sell. Sure looks pretty in the listing photos!

Kitchen repainting

2011-02-02T08:31:00.000-06:00

I have never been a fan of faux finishes. I think I just don't have the faux finish appreciation gene. People have visited the new house and exclaimed over how awesome the faux finish is, and I just don't get it.

So, our faux finishes are going away! Today is a snow day, so I have time to work on this. Here are photos of the project, which also includes the breakfast nook and family room, one wall of which the previous owners had painted red.

Kitchen before.

Paint swatch. I'm doing a similar color to what is already in the family room.

Kitchen in progress.

Red accent wall and Cha Cha's stylish hot pink bean bag.

Paint job in progress.

The Other Armoire

2011-01-13T21:33:00.000-06:00

Chris' room has no closet, so we bought him this armoire last weekend.

Armoire

2011-01-07T08:29:00.000-06:00

Our new house does not have a coat closet for visitors! Aggie and I have been looking for one to fit the bill, and found this one on Craigs List for a song. We think it will go well with the traditional/rustic/Old World (whatever that means) eclectic decor we are planning:

The new house

2010-12-14T12:01:00.003-06:00

We've been busy. I haven't had much time to make anything new in months, since we've been busy getting our house on the market and buying a new one.

Here are photos of the new digs:

New Look 6843

2010-06-16T10:13:00.000-05:00

This skirt was practically free! I got the fabric in a bundle from Fabric Mart Fabrics. Score!

Vogue 8138

2010-06-12T11:57:00.000-05:00

I made two versions of this, in a maxi length. I like them and I may just make another in black.

McCall 6078

2010-06-01T08:24:00.000-05:00

Easy to make, very flattering. I think I need a bunch more.

Vogue 1027

2010-05-17T09:01:00.000-05:00

Here is my interpretation of the timeless Donna Karan design. I wore this for my graduation on Saturday, and again today to work. Now that I'm good with making this design, I owe one to my sister in Illinois.

Butterick 5333

2010-04-20T11:58:00.000-05:00

I've been sewing like a madwoman, getting ready for my trip to Asia this week. I'm making several versions of Butterick 5333 because it is lightweight and easy to put together in an evening. Both these versions were made with Vera Wang fabrics which found their way to on line retailers beginning last fall. This blue jacket is a $2/yard brocade from Fabric.com. The red one is a stretch denim from Fabricmartfabrics.com.

Simon and Cha Cha at the park

2010-04-07T14:15:00.002-05:00

She is wearing a red and white jumper I made her. She loves the swings!

St Pat's Day

2010-03-17T20:12:00.000-05:00

Charlotte on St. Patrick's Day. I didn't make this outfit, but she is cute in it!

I think I just fell out of love

2010-02-23T09:47:00.001-06:00

Um, I'm not feeling the love on this one anymore. Yikes, this looks awful! I look like I'm five months pregnant!

I was productive this weekend.

2010-02-22T19:02:00.002-06:00

I made a bunch of new stuff on Saturday:

Simplicity 2605. Easy going together, but I picked the wrong size! I made a 14, should have made a 12. Still it has been quite a while since I attempted a zippered skirt, and this one isn't bad. I'll probably make another one and Goodwill this one.

A turtleneck from the February issue of La Mia Boutique. It's basically a turtle neck with gathers at the neck. Only I screwed up the neck. There are more gathers on one side and hardly any on the other. I may just turn this into a crew neck tshirt. Also, I made a size 44 (which according to my research, should be a size 10 in American RTW. But, this is quite loose on me all over, particularly in the shoulders. I think the whole thing needs to be taken in. I'm disappointed it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to, but I think it's salvageable and I love the loud, loud print. I will try this again in a different fabric and the next size or two down.

Of all this weekend's projects, this one turned out best. It's Vogue 8597, lengthened into a dress. Can't wait to wear this one to work.

Stash bustin'

2010-02-19T16:36:00.000-06:00

I started sewing in July of 2009, inspired by the birth of my daughter and the adorable little clothes that can be made for tiny baby girls.

Since then, I have acquired machines (I have six), patterns and notions, and, um fabric. Lots of fabric. Around 300 yards of adult fashion fabric, give or take. So for Lent this year, my sacrifice is to not purchase any fabric, patterns or machines for the duration, and to do significant stash reduction. I've already sewn, waddered or donated 21.5 yards for the month of February. I have a paper or two to write this weekend, but I should be able to knock out another 5-10 yards of projects this weekend.

McCall 5666

2010-02-14T19:56:00.000-06:00

OK let's face it: this makes me look fat. After I made this, I mentioned to my husband and son that I thought it made me look fat. My son said, "yes it does." I think 10 is a good age to discover that you should not agree when a woman says something makes her look fat.

This top has a ridiculous amount of ease. I cut a 14, which is my usual size--corresponding to about a size medium in ready to wear. I messed up when I was cutting this and cut an 8 in the sleeves. As I was sewing, I found I needed to take in the sides quite a bit. This sucker runs huge!

More pants--Burda 8513

2010-02-08T12:39:00.000-06:00

I have been on a pants quest lately. Having conquered one Burda pattern, I bought a few more and am slowly working my way through my stash of fabrics and patterns.

This weekend, I completed this "muslin" of Burda 8513. I really like how these turned out, but somehow when I attached the waist band, it was slightly off and I wound up with some unintentional pleat/tuck thingies:

This fabric was from a bolt I scored from C&C Fabrics here in Dallas. This place sells el cheapo bolts of fabric with flaws that I use for muslins. Sometimes I get lucky and can actually use the fabric for something I'd wear in public. Anyway, this was $1/yard for a 9.75 yard bolt. The end of the bolt, about a yard or so, had some kind of weird flaw where it tapered off from 45" to 35" inches or so from selvage to selvage. Very strange. This is a stretch cotton lycra that I really like but that produces lap wrinkles like linen. I'm going on a fabric fast for Lent so I don't know if I'll score any better bottom weight in the next week or so but that's OK. I still have other pants patterns to be muslined. Here's another shot with the wrinkles in sharper relief:

I think it's obvious I need more practice with zippers. Here's my butt-ugly zipper:

Finally, a shot in the office bathroom:

I really do like these pants. Unlike the other pair of Burdas I made, these are size 40s. The last pair were a Misses style, and this pattern is from Burda's "Young" line. Maybe they are cut more like junior sizes? Not sure, but these fit me really well I'm a happy camper. In the future, I'll make the larger size for muslins and sizing down as appropriate. It's easier to size down than to size up!

I have a bunch more pants patterns to try. I think I'll make these again in black denim with pockets and belt loops, then move onto another out of print style, Burda 8119 low-rise pants:

Pants, part deux.

2010-01-28T08:46:00.000-06:00

I remade the pants, this time in a size 38. Success! I had someone at work tell me they make me look skinny, so that means I need about 10 more pairs, right? These photos are fuzzy, but I think pretty illustrative of the fit.

Butterick 5254

2010-01-27T15:24:00.000-06:00

This is my second coat, Butterick 5254. I like this pattern although I'm not crazy about how they have you do the facing. I think this isn't very professional:

However, it's the right weight for the mild winters here in Dallas. And I love the style.

Pants, pants, pants.

2010-01-27T08:47:00.001-06:00

I've been trying to make pants for weeks now. Actually, I tried my first pair last fall--it was a disaster. Two more pairs earlier this month found a similar fate so I changed pattern brands from Simplicity to Burda. The Burdas fit a bit better. This is the second pair I have made of this style, Burda 7590. The first pair seemed too small but I didn't put the zipper in them yet and I keep forgetting that cotton sateen will grow as the day wears on.

I am wearing these to work today. These are size 40 and my initial impulse to size down to size 38--even though size 38s should not fit my hips--appears to be correct. The ones I thought were too small are size 38s, and I wonder if after inserting the zipper and wearing them they would actually fit me properly.

I guess I've made about five pairs of pants now. The issue with these is the huge amount of extra space in the waist (2 or 3 inches) and the wrinkles in the front and hips. Also, they give me extra saddle bags! I think I just need to finish the 38s and see how they fit.

Kwik Sew 2965

2010-01-25T13:08:00.000-06:00

I made a few versions of this over the weekend. Easy and fast with a good result.

Just another reason to post photos of the baby.

2010-01-25T09:50:00.002-06:00

The baby was recently baptized and I made her dress (Carla C Portrait Peasant Dress). So I'm posting photos, since this is my sewing blog. But the real reason for posting the photos is to show off the baby, not the dress. These were taken with camera phones, so unfortunately most are a bit grainy.

The Kenmore

2010-01-11T13:41:00.000-06:00

I needed a cheap, reliable machine with a free arm and found this one on craigslist:

I'm pretty sure my mom had one of these back in the day. I haven't picked out a name yet. My nieces are coming over this weekend. Maybe I'll let them name her!

Gig 'em

2010-01-06T21:55:00.000-06:00

Charlotte models her new Texas A&M raglan t-shirt, made from Mom's old cap sleeve t-shirt.

Vogue 8549, in progress

2010-01-05T15:13:00.001-06:00

This is in process. Not much to say right now, just a couple of quick and dirty photos I just took on my camera phone.

It seemed like a good idea at the time

2009-12-31T22:52:00.000-06:00

I like the pattern, I like the faux fur fabric, and I like the bronze organza lining. I just think these things do not go together. I have more of this faux fur so I may try again with a different pattern.

For the record, Butterick 4931

Simplicity 2756--I'm the designer

2009-12-31T18:05:00.000-06:00

This is Simplicity 2756, part of their Project Runway inspired collection of patterns. I really like this, but then, I really like most peasant tops. I think the sleeves need to be gathered below the elbows to make it look like the style elements all belong together. I really love the color and so does Jeff. I should really wear more blue.

Assorted completed projects

2009-12-31T13:16:00.000-06:00

I've been busy since I've had a break from both work and school. Here are a few recently completed projects.

Butterick 5355

New Look 6816

Simplicity 2804. My 80s flashback.

Simplicity 2766

Vogue 8378

Baby's first fur coat

2009-12-31T10:23:00.001-06:00

I realize this is a controversial choice, since some don't think babies should wear faux fur. Nevertheless, I think this turned out pretty cute, if a little large. The pattern is Burda 9780.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-28T10:31:00.002-06:00

Here I am with my daughter. Both of us are wearing bespoke outfits.

Mystery patterns

2009-12-28T07:06:00.000-06:00

These patterns are in the printed catalog for McCall's, and at the store (Hancock's is having a sale!) but not on the McCall's web site and not in the PatternReview.com database. Weird. Anyway, I picked these up yesterday.

Butterick 5238

2009-12-27T10:08:00.000-06:00

I made this on Christmas day, after we came home from dinner with Jeff's family. I had cut it out the night before, and it went together in a couple of hours. I love this fabric--I stalked it on eBay for several weeks before buying it. It's not my usual color choice but I'm glad now that I decided to try something new.

Butterick 5100

2009-12-24T12:36:00.000-06:00

More of the burnout velvet. I love this fabric! I think I have enough left to make a top for the little girl.

Another bateau neck top

2009-12-24T10:29:00.002-06:00

I love it!

Burda World of Fashion, the ubiquitous 2-2009-108

2009-12-22T20:27:00.000-06:00

This is a Burda World of Fashion top, the famous bateau from February of 2009. I had all kinds of issues with the neckline on this one, tried all sorts of fixes but things didn't click for me until I made some other tops using staystitching to stabilize the neckline. This time I tried it, it worked. Yay! I'll be making tons more of these t-shirts, I'm sure!

Two new tops

2009-12-22T18:14:00.000-06:00

McCall's 3880, the coverup I wore to the office Xmas party.

Simplicity 3634. I have a couple of these now.