McCalls 6436

 I finally took some photos of McCalls 6436 that I made before McCalls 6649. It wasn't so bad when I put it back on and it looks ok in the photos. I wore it all day and while it was a little tight in the arms and the collar is too high it was quite comfortable and wearable. I used Liberty lawn which is always beautiful to sew and wear.

The two patterns are very similar. There are differences in the number of darts and 6436 doesn't have a yoke. 6436 has 2 piece sleeves and the placket is done on the seam. When I laid the patterns on top of each other there were slightly different in sizing and shape. Overall I think I prefer 6649 so I will work on getting that one perfect.

Style Arc Marie



After having success with the StyleARC Fiona and Laura patterns I thought I'd try the Marie Jacket next.

My eyes twitched a bit the first time I read the instructions. I usually sew by looking at diagrams so I couldn't quite figure out what I was meant to do. I searched all the reviews I could find, followed Lara's tips on topstitching, followed each step and just hope it made more sense as I went along and it went together perfectly.

I used some really nice black ponte I found on eBay. It is rather thick so this is definitely more a jacket than a cardigan. The only downside to making this was that my overlocker hated this fabric. I tried different setting and needles, but it just would not sew it so I didn't use it and I didn't finish any of my seams.



If I ever make another one I'll make a few adjustments to the fit at the back, but I am really happy with how it turned out and it will get a lot of wear this winter.

McCalls 6649

One of my sewing aims this year was to make a button up shirt that fits really well and then use it as a base for all sorts of shirts. I have a large stack of shirt patterns I want to try. Earlier this year I tried McCalls 6436. I made the big mistake of only making a muslin which didn't include sleeves so it is slightly too tight across the sleeves. I was so annoyed with myself I haven't taken pictures yet, but I will pull it out and take some soon.

 When I signed up for the Blouses - One Pattern, Many Looks course on Craftsy it came with McCalls 6649 so I thought I would try it next. I love how both of these come with different front pieces for different cup sizes so I didn't have to do a FBA.

I kind of tissue fit it/measured it/had a few guesses and made the following changes:

• shortened the sleeve length
• narrowed the cuff length
• made a full arm adjustment
• lowered the neck line slightly at the back and side and a tiny bit more at the front.
• Narrowed the collar a tiny bit and lengthened it and the collar band to compensate for lowering the neckline.

I am pretty happy with how it fits. I wore it for a day and found it very comfortable.

 The back is not too bad, it could do minor adjustments. I think I might try one with no darts at all in the back next time.

I love the colour and pattern on this fabric I found at Spotlight, but I'm not a fan of how it feels. Maybe I am a bit spoilt by sewing shirts for Chris from Liberty and other nice shirt fabrics.

 Now I need to spend some time to turn the pattern into a sloper and watch the rest of the Craftsy course and learn what I can do with it.

Denim Overalls - Burda 9464

Milly has been asking for a pair of denim overalls for a while, but we hadn't found the right pattern. While we were in Spotlight a few weeks ago, and patterns were on sale, she went searching and found Burda 9464. We also bought some dark stretch denim, overall buckles and buttons.



I was a little apprehensive about making them, I knew Milly had a vision in her head of what she wanted.and I wasn't sure I had the same one. So I crossed my fingers and started cutting yesterday afternoon. I cut a size 10 in view B. The only alterations I made were to use the pocket on the bib from view A and to alter the width of the straps at the front. I really wanted to see what they would look like so I kept sewing last night until they were finished.

She put them on this morning and hasn't taken them off and has asked for some short ones for summer so I consider that a win.

My machine is not a big fan of top stitching thread So I used normal thread and the triple stitch for all the top stitching. It did take a bit more time, but the result is well worth it.

My first time using overall buckles and jeans buttons. I used the Birch ones I found at Spotlight and they worked really well. I did have to narrow the straps quite a lot to fit the buckles.

I couldn't find any jeans buttons that didn't come with buckles so I used normal buttons for the sides.

 Despite being a little bit worried that Milly would not like them I really enjoyed making this pattern, the pieces went together perfectly, the instructions made sense and the finished overalls look just like the pattern cover.

For all of you who hate hemming denim and sewing over the seams I recently discovered the jean-a-ma-jig. This is a brilliant piece of plastic which makes sewing over thick seams so much easier and neater. I don't think I will fear hemming denim ever again.

Quilt Lovely

I rarely pre-order books, but as soon as I heard Jen Kingwell was writing a book I knew I needed it and pre-ordered it as soon as I could.

To sum Quilt Lovely up in one word - amazing! The patterns, the fabrics, the variety - everything about this book is amazing.

I think Daisy Do, the cover quilt, is on my list of quilts I need to make.

 I might not get to Daisy Do for a while and I know it will be a long term project so I am glad Jen included patterns for cushions as well as quilts. These two are my current favourites.
Clam Bake

 Wheel of Fortune

I'm still working way on my Steam Punk blocks and enjoying every moment of it, even appliqueing the circles. I never thought it would happen, but I might become one of those quilters that love hand piecing.

New Look 6301

I seem to have a little collection of knit wrap dress patterns. Ok I'll be honest, it's huge. It seems to have become my mission to find the perfect wrap dress pattern (and also the perfect button up shirt pattern which I'm working on again today).  Flicking through the pattern books in Spotlight the other day I discovered a pattern I had never seen before - New Look 6301. Could it be the perfect pattern?

I love how the pattern has 2 different skirts and different sleeve lengths. I do love a faux wrap - so much easier to wear when it's windy in winter. The gathers at the waist are flattering and the neck line is finished with a binding. The only alteration I made was to eliminate the elastic at the waist and lengthen the ties quite a bit. There are a few fitting tweaks I'll make next time I make it, but this pattern is ticking all the boxes. I highly recommend it!

Greyhaven Hat

Cooler weather + Netflix = The Greyhaven Hat
I didn't have quite the right colour yarn in the stash so I dyed a skein of worsted weight BFL. I am glad I bought a bit of this a few years ago, it is so soft and squishy.
It is a great pattern, easy to knit and makes the perfect slouchy beanie.

 

 

Sewing with Knits

It is school holidays at the moment so my sewing time is a little limited, but I still need to make something to stay a little bit sane. Sewing with knits it the perfect solution as you can finish something in very little time.

First up is the Centrefield Raglan. I only had a little bit of this black and white fabric in the stash, perfect for the front of a raglan.

 I have a few Stylearc patterns I want to try, but I wanted to check the sizing before I ordered more. This is the Laura Dress. This is some left over from a dress I made a few years ago. I had to make a few minor adjustments, but I think I bought the right size.

 Just to be sure I made the Fiona Cardigan. This is a very comfortable cardigan. It is not tricky to make, but it does take a bit of fabric because of the wide band that goes all the way around it. I used some wool jersey I think I found on eBay.

 I could probably make a few adjustments to the fit in the back and it needs a good press, but I am happy with this and think I will search the stash to make another one.