Showing posts with label Paris Walk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paris Walk. Show all posts

Stuff I've Been Working On...

Saturday, January 11, 2014

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Even though we're only 11 days into the New Year, I've already got 3 projects to share.

The first project was for Go To Sew.  They have a series of folks testing out the patterns that they sell - and they sell a huge variety - and showing what they've done.  Since my daughter generally hates to wear jackets, I chose the Aztec Hooded Vest by See Kate Sew.  Part of my New Year's resolutions are to challenge myself more in the sewing arena, and one of those challenges is to master the zipper.

For the project, I chose a deep purple corduroy from my stash, and lined it with some Yuwa fabric that I absolutely love - Can-Can by Anyan.  Here's a close up of the lining, as I didn't really get good pictures:


Here's a few of shots of the completed vest:



It's a nice pattern, but I definitely had some difficulty.  The pattern pieces didn't go together at all, but because I was on a deadline, I jimmied it together.  I did contact the designer - she's super nice btw - and she's going to check it out and see if the issue was the pattern or operator-error.  Either way, I'll use the pattern again, and hopefully do a better job on the zipper next time.  The pattern called for a longer zipper than the front of the jacket, and then you cut the zipper to size, and fold it over at the neck edge.  Next time, I'll order a zipper that's the actual length of the front, and won't do any cutting or folding over; I think that will make me happy.  On a very positive note, I found a great source for zippers - Zipperstop on Etsy.  I highly recommend them, and will definitely be going back.  Amazing prices and selection.

Next on my sewing list is my "flip" of the Clever Charlotte Chickadee pattern over at Frances Suzanne.  You can read about it over there, but here's some pictures in case you didn't see them already:

Voting will start after the next couple of flips are revealed - I'm not going to hold my breath, but I'd especially like to win some more patterns from Clever Charlotte - I was SO impressed with this one -  my first attempt of their patterns.  I will 100% for sure be buying some more from them!

The last thing on my agenda was a birthday gift for a one-year old.  Even though I've known for a month that the party was today, I've been crazy-busy and didn't have time to work on a gift.  But, I knew exactly what I wanted to make - I just NEEDED to make an Oliver + S Jump Rope dress.  I felt the need to make a pattern that is tried and true; that I can sew pretty much in my sleep, that gives the most amazing, professional result.

I used some fabric I've used previously - Kokka Paris Walk.  Since the mom of the baby loves polka dots, I used some red and white polka dots for the contrast.  I cut this out Thursday night, did the placket Friday night, and finished the rest Saturday morning.  The party was at 12:00, and we ended up being about 45 minutes late - I sewed on the buttons and clipped threads in the car!

I don't know what my next project is going to be, but I did buy 1/4" foot for my machine with the idea that I might actually make a quilt - another New Year's resolution!  We'll see!!

Kokka Paris Walk 2+2

Saturday, January 5, 2013

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One of the first patterns that I got from Oliver + S was the 2+2.  I've sewed several tops, plus the skirt.  In fact, I even bought the larger size range already because I knew it was such a versatile top and skirt pattern that I'd get a ton of use out of it.

When I first saw this fabric while buying for my shop from the Kokka distributor, I knew that I loved it and what I wanted to make with it.  I thought that it would make a wonderful 2+2 top, with denim accents, hopefully worn by my child with some jeans, or at least a jean skirt.  I love the little silhouette of the woman walking her dog.....

The fabric is a Kokka linen cotton blend - it's not heavy, but not real, real lightweight - kind of a middle weight fabric.  I used a light weight denim that I got from Joann's on sale - I've used this light denim quite a bit - really, I should just but about 10 yards next time it goes on sale...


I really like the way it came out, except, I really should have added a few inches to the length.  This is a 3T, and I've been using the 3T size but adding about 2-3 inches on all my recent projects.

Every time I sew an Oliver + S pattern again, I do a little bit better - on my prior attempts with this top, the area under the patch (which is gathered) ended up with uneven pleats.  This time, I took a bit more time and it looks more like gathers.   It's the little things.....

I let Julia sew the buttons on with me.  She already says that she wants to learn to sew, which makes me very happy.

Some modeled photos:


So ends my first sewing project of the New Year.....much, much more to come!!