In it's place I've been doing a lot of sewing. I normally sew more in the summer out of a need for new things to round out my wardrobe. I sew primarily with stretch/knit fabric and was getting really tired of ripping my hair out trying to hem and finish t-shirts with my sewing machine (argh!!!). I did a bit of Googling and learned that a coverstitch machine, although a bit pricey, can be a total game changer. After some research and inquiring what others were using I put a deposit down on the Janome CoverPro 2000CPX at Sawyer's in the hopes that I could make it mine in time for my birthday! It came home with me a week before my b-day (thank you Mom and Cam ♥) and just in time for my first ever visit to the infamous Dressew in Vancouver (Yesss!).
So far most of my garments have been practice while I'm getting familiar with the new machine. I've made a few pairs of really comfy joggers that I'll try to photograph and share, as well as some basic tees. Years ago I drafted a template for my ideal t-shirt by mashing up a few of my favorite sewing patterns and since then it's really all I sew — the only thing that changes is the fabric :)
With my new haul of fabric from Dressew I decided to try a few different patterns to shake things up a bit. I've sewn them up as wearable muslins to get an idea of fit before cutting into my new fabric.
Kimono T-Shirt
First is a the Kimono T-Shirt, a free pattern by Maria Denmark. The overall construction is super easy and sews up in no time! I followed the pattern exactly but I might like to tweak my next one.
Briar T-Shirt
Next up is the Briar T-Shirt. I've been obsessed with this tee ever since my friend Mandy posted her muslin on Instagram (she's also written up a great post about it on her blog here). It has a really unique hemline and I love the fit of the tee shirt, it's so comfortable! The pattern itself is also beautifully laid out and easy to work from.
I do think I'll tweak this one as well — it's far too long on my short frame even though I have a long torso. And as much as I'm in love with this hemline I'm not sure I love it on me, so I may try a few different things before cutting into the final fabric.
Do you do more sewing in the summer months like me? If so, what's on your sewing table?
The summer tees are great, but that HAIRCUT!! Fabulous!
ReplyDeleteHaha, surprise!! I was wondering when someone was going to notice :) I'm so glad you like it. It's the shortest I've ever gone and it's been on my bucket list for years to cut it all off before I get the itch to grow it out again!
DeleteInteresting, I thought it was only me preferring sewing to knitting in the summer :) I sewed two dresses, one is OK, the other is still not wearable - the fit is awful; and two jeans purses from old jeans. I'm drafting a small city backpack now.
ReplyDeleteI like both your T-shirts, I might try the kimono pattern.
It sounds like you've been busy! Which dress patterns did you use? I've never made anything from old jeans, that's inspired! The kimono tee was SO easy! I recommend it.
DeleteNo knitting!!!!!! OMG. I'm very impressed with your TShirts. I have been looking at the Jenome mini sewing machines. I sold my Kenmore a few years ago because I couldn't see well enough to thread the needle. Since then I've found a handy dandy little around the neck magnifier and I think maybe I could handle sewing again with its help.
ReplyDeleteNo knitting!! I know -- it's hard to imagine!! Seeing the eyes of those tiny needles is a feat in itself, I have an office lamp adjusted to shine directly on that part of the machine because I can't see well enough with only the light provided by the tiny bulb of the machine. I hope you do decide to get back into sewing, I sure love it!!
DeleteYour hair!!!!! Super cute!! I just noticed today, after seeing this post earlier this summer. Hahahaha, it totally suits you!!
ReplyDeleteJane, you are gorgeous in a pixie!!!
ReplyDeleteAw thank you!!! That is so very nice of you <3
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