Sewing is my refuge: Completed 8 point star!

Well its done!  The 8 point star is complete!

Turns out I only had enough to complete 7 of the 8 stars.  No problem, right?
I thought about turning it keep it 8 points (by adding fabric to the diamonds); that was going to be too much math and work to implement.

For example 8 stars are each 45 degrees each, so with 7 points I’d need to make each point 51.4 degree’s at the center of the quilt.  Way to much work to add fabric around each diamond to make them a fraction of a degree at the center.  This is supposed to be my refuge; not my 2nd job.

So I found a solid yellow (again at the thrift store), and decided to alternate the pieced diamond with solid yellow diamonds.

The finished quilt will be ~83x83.  I’m going to use 2 of the pieced diamonds to make pillow shames.

I found the yellow from the thrift store also for $1!  And I have a solid white for the background, and floral soft blue print for the quilt border.  All of the fabrics came from the thrift store!  Maybe I should call this the “thrifty quilt”.

All total the quilt and shams come to a total of $36.50.  Not bad!

I was happy I was able to match up the center points pretty well. So I’m very pleased.

Now on to put the final touches on it, so I can quilt it.

Happy Sewing!

Sewing is my refuge, part 3

I’m getting closer to completion on my vintage sewing kit.

I’ve got 5 of the total 8 star points done:

5 star points and growing!

Well as I get closer to completion, looks like the fabric for the 8th star point is missing (this is probably the one that the original owner attempted).  This is not unusual, as anyone that has purchased vintage patterns knows sometimes a piece can be missing. I’m up to the challenge!

I have this saying whenever I work on something “The only perfect person was Jesus, and look what they did to him!”.  So in my imperfection, I am perfect!  This helps me with my desire to be perfect in everything I do (I know there are others that deal with this).  So my quilt won’t be a “perfect” implementation of the original Lone Star quilt pattern, but it will be perfect for me.

I’ve been contemplating how to resolve this, and have a couple of design options.  This is another case where my engineering skills may have a “real important” practical use in everyday life - 😉

I’ll let you know how it goes!

Happy Sewing.....

Sewing Baby Vintage

Well, I found this amazing Vintage reprint of a Toddler pattern.  Don’t know why but I love these little bubble baby rompers (OMG, did I just sound like my mom!).

Anyway, the pattern is Simplicity 1600:

Here it is: 

Front View A

Back View

 

One thing I changed was to use actual snaps for the straps closure, the pattern calls for Velcro closures, but that just didn’t seem authentic for me.

I will definitely be making this again (but this time I’ll add the bonnet).  One thing I would change is how the ruffles were done.  Instead of using a strip of fabric and hemming on both sides for the length of the ruffle, I’d just make a tube (i.e. sew the ruffle as a single tube).

  This would make the sewing of the 4 ruffles a lot easier and go a lot faster.

I’m off to work on my vintage quilt.....

Happy Sewing.....

Vintage Mccall 4918

McCall 4918 is one of the many vintage style patterns that I own:

I made this pattern back in 2009 out of a green dupioni silk (see here).

But I never posted the finished outfit (AUGH!!!!).  This pattern was from a box of patterns that I had received from my Mom.  The pattern is a bust 34, which is too small for me. So I had to grade the pattern up a size to a bust 36.  I used a process very similar to the one described in the Threads online article: Making the Grade. 

 I had some Ankara fabric that I purchased from Hancock Fabrics about a year ago from only $2/yard (One of the benefits of being in Colo.!).  I was waiting for just the right pattern to use the fabric with.

This pattern has a directional design, so I'm a stickler for matching my patterns, which means I layered out each piece one at a time to get the pattern correctly matched at the seamline.  Because of this I 

ended re-spacing the pleats so that my design could match on the sides and at the center front and back.  Believe it or not there is a seam down the center front here:

Front Bodice View

In the original pattern, the zipper is a side-zipper under the arm.  In the previous version I put the zipper in the side seam; however, this was very uncomfortable for me.  So on this iteration I moved the zipper to the center back and hid a fold over opening in the pleats: 

Back view of top with invisible zipper

Another thing I did was to use bias binding on all of the unfinished edges (after making Burda 7053, I just liked that "finished" look on the inside).  It took some time; but was worth the effort.  Besides I have LOTS of bias binding in just about every color you can image that was given to me by my Pastor's wife some time ago).  I will have to do this more often on my vintage dresses!

Here is a full view of the completed dress:

Full Front View

Full Back View 

Pattern Description:  Vintage Mccall 4918
Pattern Sizing:  Pattern is a bust size 34; I had to grade it up to a 36 bust
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?  
Yes, these is a vintage pattern, so for a beginner they may seem difficult.  But I found it easy to assemble.  One thing I recommend when working with Vintage patterns is to read thru the instructions prior to sewing.  Also if you are new to sewing vintage patterns a copy of an older sewing instruction book is a PLUS.  One that I have is; "Bishop Method of Sewing":

Picture from Amazon.com

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?  I really don't have any dislikes about this pattern.  For this particular make of the pattern I had to cut out each of my pieced individually because of the directional fabric.  If you look at the front and back bodice pictures, you can't tell there is a center seam in the front piece.  (I'll have to do a post on how I matched up the patterns, its easy to do for plaids, but there is definitely more involved when you have a more intricate fabric pattern

Fabric Used:  Cotton Ankara fabric from Hancock

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:   By this being a smaller vintage pattern I had to make several changes.

1. upsized to a 36 bust
2. lengthen by 6 inches
3. Re-adjusted the pleats in the skirt because of the pattern grading
4. I also finished all of my raw edges with seam binding |(just wanted to try something different)

Would you sew it again? 
 Yes, this is already my second time making this pattern.  It wears very comfortably.

Would you recommend it to others? yes, if you are into Vintage Patterns

 Conclusion: I love the vintage dresses with full skirts.  They are such a nice change from the fitted skirts and are very comfortable to wear

Happy Sewing .  .  .        

Revisit of Vintage Simplicity 5185

So as you are aware I purchased the black/gray checkered knit fabric from Colorado Fabrics in January, 2014 (bottom piece in picture).

Well it was fiinally time for me to sew this into a garment. It is approximately 1 1/2 yards.  I wanted to keep the dress simple and let the checkered print standout.

Being that it was winter, I can never have enough turtle neck dresses.  So back to my vintage Simplicity 5185 turtleneck dress.

I've made this pattern twice before:  dress and top.
Here it is in the checkered print with and without a belt.  The knit is lightweight enough that it can be worn on cool spring/summer days (which we are still having around here).

On to more sewing . . . . .

Sewing Thrift Shops - A Sewing and Thrifters Dream Come True!!!

A couple of weeks back, I took a Friday off from work and spent the day fabric shopping with a friend.  She turned me on to two Sewing Thrift shops in the Denver area!  I never knew these even existed.

Wooden Spools specialize in Quilting and Knitting supplies.  They buy and sell cotton fabrics for quilting; along with quilting supplies and lots of knitting supplies and yarn.

The store is located at 2805 South Broadway, Englewood CO.  There website is at http://www.woodenspools.com/, and they are also accessible on Facebook. 

I purchased a couple of pieces of fabric from them and a set of Perfect Patchwork Systems quilting templates.  The fabric was $1.99 a yard, and the quilt templates were only $11 bucks, a considerable savings. This store has lots of fabric, if you are a quilter this place should definitely be on your list.

Then off I went to The Craft Box  (store website). They also have a Facebook page.  It is just located at 16399 South Golden Rd.,  Golden, CO.

 Just recently I found two rolls of gridded tracing paper (Yipee!) for only approximately $10!   Both rolls had over 20 yards of paper on them. I'm still on the first roll. Typically I pay more for the art supply tracing paper that I use.  It is also a great place to find garment patterns, fabric and sewing notions. This store has more notions and crafter items than Wooden Spoons.  Just about anything you need sewing wise can possibly be found here.

I try to make a stop to each of these shops once a month.  By the way did I tell you that I LOVE THESE SHOPS!!!!!

Happy Sewing . . . .

More Vintage Patterns . . . .

Pray for me for I have gone to the thrift store, and found a treasure trove of vintage patterns.  My nearby thrift stores have patterns and from time to time.  So earlier this week I decided to drop in and see what they had.  This time I lucked out and found some, in my size!  So let me show you what I found for 99 cents each!

Don't you just love the cutout in the bodice.

I like the fullness in the back.

 A nice summer dress; I love the removable caplet.

Just a simple skirt.

Check out the cowl neck; "Everything old is new again".

Check out the pleating in the bodice.

Of course there was no way I was leaving this one; I love the pleated neckline.  This will be one of the first ones I make.

Well that's it for now.  I did finish my border print vintage dress.  I'm working on the petticoat.  Hope to have pictures by end of next week.

Happy Sewing. . . .

Sewing Resumed . . .

Where there is a will there is a way.  My new table finally came last Tuesday. (YEA!)  In the meantime I made the Mission Maxi dress that I saw on Erica B’s blog.  The dress is a very easy sew.  I kept telling my fellow sewing groupies, that sometimes you need a quick fix.  And this pattern is definitely mine.
I’ve made this dress initially in a brown knit; which I ended up giving to my daughter because it was a little too smug in the bust line.  Then I made it up in a black/white knit for my self a size larger (size 14).  The fit is great, and this is one of the most comfortable dresses I’ve ever made.  I now have 3 of them.
It took me less than 2 hours to make.  I’ve already gotten fabric to make two more.  I added 8 inches to the length since I like to wear a 3 inch heel and am already 6 feet tall without the heels.  I left it un-hemmed since the fabric doesn’t ravel.  Here’s a picture of one.  I made this from an Italian knit. I love the fit.

The second one is floor length to wear with sandals.  The fabric was rather stretchy, and when I tried to do any top stitching the fabric tended to stretch.  So I stitched the facings by hand, and added a 2 inch wide tricot interfacing strip around the bottom, and did a 1” rolled hem by hand.  It hangs beautifully.

My daughter likes the dress so much that I’ve made  a shorter version for her in a black.  She says she wants this to be her LBD (little black dress). 

What’s on my sewing stack next?  Well this little number:
Is on my plate to do.  I found it on etsy.com, and knew it was me.  I’ve already decided to do it up in a linen. I’m actually thinking of a black and beige/taupe.  I’ve got the dress traced and the pattern altered.  I’ll start my muslin this weekend.

Vintage Pattern Stash is growing....

Well, I finally got my Big Bernina back home, after a tuneup. It's running wonderfully. But while it was out I sewed on my vintage machines (working on a pair of jeans). I must say I quite enjoyed sewing on them. Since neither have all the options/settings like my 830 (which I have named "Blessings"), it definitely makes my sewing a no-brainer! Which was refreshing for a change.

I got almost done with the jeans and they were fitting wonderfully, when I discovered a major snafu on my part. I had put the zipper in backwards, i.e. the front of the zipper is facing the inside of the jeans. Not a big deal, right! Just rip it out and put it in correctly. Well I didn't discover this until I was almost finished (the hem and waist band left to do). Well just let me say, I won't be making this mistake again - Laughing to myself!

Well in the midst of the vintage machine sewing, I decided to go thru my vintage patterns, and catalog them. Well I discovered not only do I have a sewing machine problem, but also a vintage pattern problem. I've only cataloged maybe 1/2 of them. If you want to take a look at what I've done so far check them out here.

Just think of all of the potential sewing, and unique clothing I'll have in my wardrobe.

Off to my sewing (lots to do, so little time) ....

A extra vintage pattern if anyone is interested

Well I've been going thru my vintage pattern "collection" (that word sounds so much better than stash), and came across a pattern that I'd like to find a home for.

If you happen to be looking at this and are interested in it. Place a comment and send me an email with your mailing address.

Back to completing my pattern organizing.....

Estate Sales, etc

Well I know I haven't posted in a while, other things have just had me consummed; mainly work. It's not that I haven't been sewing, just haven't had the time to blog. So yesterday, I took the day off (mental health, aka vacation), and decicded to just take it easy since we were going to see my daughter's college team play basketball. So I decided since I was up anyway, I'd go to an estate sale that I had gotten an email on.

I usually go if there is sewing related items on the list. The last time I went, I ended up with some amazing sewing books (one by Singer (c 1972) and one by Coats & Clark (c. 1967)). These two books are two of the best sewing books I have ever purchased! Although the diagrams aren't in wonderful color, the drawings are just amazing. Everything is explained in detail from hand tailoring, laying out and cutting, fitting, etc. These two books have become my sewing bibles.

Well on yesterday at the estate sale I walked upon a box of patterns. When I got a chance to look at the patterns, I had over 30 vintage patterns, all in my size! Take a look at what I had in the box:
American Designer #1199

Butterick 9796, Simplicity 2461, McCalls 3130, Simplicity 1236

Butterick 5934, Vogue 9974, Simplicity 4813, Mccall 5760

Simplicity 5309

Simplicity 4556, Simplicity 1721, Simplicity 3598, Simplicity 1537


McCall 4108, McCall 8454, Advance 6726, Advance 2917

McCall 4172, Advance 2753, Advance 2732, McCall 9765

Vogue 5089, Advance 2837, Butterick 9796, Advance 9315

All of the patterns are in tact, except for the Butterick 9796 (missing the bodice pieces). I've posted to the pattern rescue site. I am very excited to say the least. I also have about 10 men's patterns that I haven'had a chance to go thru yet. I already know which ones I'm going to make. Some of the envelopes were barely in-tact so I made photo-copies of the envelope, and placed the pattern, along with the original envelope, in a 5x8 envelope, and taped the photocopy on it.

BTW, I finally completed my other vintage dress. It turned out wonderfully. Before I go to church on tomorrow I'll have to have to take a picture of me in it. And I'm hoping to catch up on my blogging....

Happy sewing!

My First Patrones Pattern and My Next Sewing Adventure

Well I just completed my first Patrones pattern. It was a high waisted skirt from the Patrones Extra issue #272.

I had a black/white cotton print from my stash, that I used. It turned out nicely. I also decided to put some boning in the upper waist, to keep with the waist shaped, and standing tall. It was very strange making a pattern and not being able to read the instructions. It has got me thinking of

learning Spanish. (That's one thing I regret is that I required to learn another language in high school, oh well this is something for my future retirement - learn Spanish; At least all my kids took 4 years of a foreign language in high school).

The skirt actually has princess seams so it was very easy to fit. I decided to try the "sway back" adjustment just for the heck of it on the skirt, and it turned out very nicely.

Well, as to my next sewing project. It's a vintage pattern that I got from my mom. I'm going to make it up in a green Silk Dupioni (I'll have to underline it):

The pattern was a size too small, so I had to do some pattern grading. This was is my first attempt at it. I used some instructions I found at:

Sensibilty - Resize a Pattern

Burda - Grade a bodice pattern to a larger size

It actually wasn't too bad, and actually turned out good on the first go round:

Now on to getting the skirt part fitted. I typically have to add 4-6 inches to get the length right.