Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Simplicity 2081/Back to 1957

I made a lightweight short-sleeve shirt from a 1957 Simplicity 2081.  This shirt went together quickly.  I used my White Sewmaster 611 for this shirt.  The stitching on this machine is fabulous.  Staright-stitch, but fabulous.  The pattern comes in single sizes.  This was a small.


Ready to start

Sewmaster 611
 I followed the sizing and instructions, except for using the "burrito method" for the yoke.  This technique is easy and produces a professional shoulder seam.  A good video is
How to sew a shirt yoke

Rolled up like a burrito

Button-down collar

A button in the back of the collar

Collar close-up

Back

Max likes to help


I am going to make this shirt again, but this time adding two inches to the length.



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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Pajama top

I decided to make a pajama top with some polar-fleece I bought from Joann a month ago at a very good price.  I used Simplicity 2317 in small to make the top. This pattern is interesting because it uses piping for trim.

I serged the seams with my Pfaff 794 after sewing with my Vikng 980.  I stitched the serged edges down to give it a smooth professional look.

This is a good pattern.  I added two inches to the sleeves, and no other adjustments.  Since I have a long torso I realize how long this top would be on most people without subtracting two or so inches from the body.

I like how the top fits and looks.  I decided to make the bottoms.  However, they will be from a polar-fleece print.  That will be in  my next blog.



Kohl's pajamas

My pajama top

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Friday, January 9, 2015

Vogue 8719 pants Second Edition, Conclusion

My Vogue 8719 pants are all finished.  I have warn them several times already.  They are comfortable and I like the new front pockets so much better.  I did a little decorative stitching with my Singer 6268.  I thought it would give the pants a little extra something.

In Conclusion, I like Vogue 8719.  I like it even better with the front pockets I added.

Here is my photo shoot in a Made-By-Me outfit.  My Vogue 8719 pants, jacket, and a Simplicity 7330 shirt made by me two years ago.  (How time flys!)





I am already starting my next project.  This will be some pajamas made with Simplicity 2317. I am using a baby-blue fleece and dark-blue piping.


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Saturday, January 3, 2015

Vogue 8719 Pants Second Edition, Part One

When I made my wearable muslin pants from Vogue 8719 a few months ago I was happy with most everything except the front pockets.  These were side-seam pockets that would not lay flat no matter what I tried until I removed the darts from the back to loosen up the fit.  This took the tension off the pockets so they would lay flat, but left me with pants needing a belt to stay on.

Now I am making these pants with a different style pocket I copied from a vintage Kwik Sew 411 pants pattern I had in my stash.  Not only do I think these new pockets will look better, they are bigger.  I can easily carry more things.

I purchased the fabric at the thrift store a while ago.  I think it is a lightweight wool/polyester blend that is perfect for a pair of slacks.  I am using size 36. Which is a 30" waist . Vogue uses suit sizing with this pattern.  These pants fit perfectly, except for me adding 4" to the length.  Also I made the jacket a few months ago,  the sizing was right-on for this also, except for arm and body length.  My chest measures 35".  So might be snug on a true 36.


Ready to cut out

Kwik-Sew pockets.  I satin-stitched opening for a different look. 

Inside look at pockets.  I am going to serge the edges.

Zipper installation inside.  I finished the ends, unlike the original pattern instructions. 


Back pockets in progress.  I stitched a Greek key design around the edges.
 I couldn't wait to try these pants on.  I think they look great with the extra stitching to make the pockets pop out..
Try on with no waistband

Another view no waistband
 Here are photos of my wearable muslin.  I wear these pants often.
My wearable muslin (notice front pockets)

Front view wearable muslin


Now for the band and the finishing touches.

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