October 14th and 15th, I am leading us through the Toaster Sweater sew-along! This sew-along won’t be hosted here, but instead at Sew House Seven’s site. For the pattern, you can purchase either sweater – or both – in a print or PDF version.
summer sewing, had me a blast
In my delightful enterprise of rebranding my sew-along and tailoring service, I’ve been experiencing the wonders of rayons. To wit: the bamboo stretch french terry from Nature’s Fabrics that may be one of my favorites of all time! And a few gorgeous stripe rayon knits to boot:
The dress is pleasing because: my daughter is stunning, and also my stripe matching is on point. SO ON POINT
elevation hoodie sew-along: cuffs, band, & finishing
Today we finish our hoodie! VICTORY!
I can’t get enough of this hoodie. The purple-hued hoodie pictured in some of the photos below, is the fourth I’ve made in a very short time. And I have another on the table!
Time to get stitching! #LikeABoss
elevation hoodie sew-along: constructing the hood & sleeves
It’s that time again! Y’all ready to bust out some sweet hoodie action? Our penultimate hoodie-sewing post!
Time to get stitching! #awesomesauce
elevation hoodie sew-along: constructing the body & pockets
Weather here this time of year is gorgeous. That said, it’s hard to find a Pacific Northwest season that isn’t hoodie-friendly. Even in the hottest of our August days, a lightweight hoodie is perfect for those late summer nights. I am adoring my Nature’s Fabrics bamboo french terry (NAYY – just love their stuff!). It is the perfect weight – midweight, heavier than a heavy t-shirt but not hoodie weight. I am reminded that delicious bespoke benefits from high-quality fabrics!
So – time to get stitching!
elevation hoodie sew-along: cutting and marking our fabric
Can you believe it? No sooner did we finish our last sew-along, when BOOM, I’m down with another! Because for May – spoiler alert! – we are making up a lovely, scrumptious hoodie!
OK, enough swag. Time to get stitching!
elevation hoodie sew-along: supplies
For May: a sew-along with the Elevation Hoodie from New Horizons Designs!
What you can expect: a detailed sew-along suitable for beginners or advanced stitchers. For those new (or new-ish) to sewing with knit fabrics, this is an especially-appropriate project. We’re working with midweight knits with good recovery. They can be sewn on a lock-stitch machine (read: a “regular sewing machine”) – no serger required!
The pattern currently comes in two versions: a children’s version (size 6/12mos. to 16), as well as a women’s version (bust 31″ to 51 1/2″). The pattern will also soon debut a men’s pattern!
And – great news! – Nature’s Fabrics have once again graced us with their partnership. They are offering a 10% off coupon code to participants in the sew-along. I will warn you though; their fabrics are addicting. I highly recommend the bamboo stretch fleece, or the bamboo stretch terry (the latter is shown in the supply list below). All you need to do to get your coupon code is to email me and sign up for the sew-along!
Ready?
a baby shower gift: Larvae-Monster
I’d conceptualized this garment a while back – probably after listening to A Princess of Mars on tape. Not that this particular babycreep is inspired by any particular bit of Burroughs’ descriptive prose, but more like an idea that banged around in the ol’ braincase for a bit.
I had this wonderful 50/50 heavy duty knit in a heathered plum… and of course a high-quality poison-green faux fur. Perfect!
Believe it or not, faux fur – a good quality one – is a great fabric for baby and child use. It is rugged and withstands washing well, is warm, and most people enjoy the way it feels. It is also surprisingly unfussy to sew with – once you know a few tricks.
I had to include some star-shaped ear-tabs because this is a Space Baby, of course. These were a wee bit tricky to get just right, but I know my knits. Interface first for best results!
And of course: all wrapped up for the family, with a homemade card and some chocolate just for mama:
a li’l something
A wee baby ensemble for a local auction – size 15 lb. baby!
A bunting (100% cotton shell, same color fleece lining, stenciled glitter-star front, and snaps with underlap), reversible hat with tied ears, and a baby sleeping bag with snap front. The front:
Flannel shell on sleeping bag; large red snaps. Love it!
But … my favorite i sthe hat. I am a huge baby hat fan. I wish I had a baby to model this one. ONLY too adorable!
So yeah – as mentioned, I’ve been asked more and more for donations or contributions – either garment construction, or writing.* In between clients, getting the kids to school, and running last night’s benefit, I managed to put this together. The pieces made up a simple, pleasing project. Putting together the color palette – and the design – is one of the best parts of design.
I also just adore the idea of a baby sleeping bag. Why have I not thought of, or seen one before?
These pieces go off to a local auction. Always happy to help!
* Let’s make a deal: you know it’s totally okay to ask, ever (promise) – because you know I feel okay saying Yes or No. I’ll let you know if things change.
tiger-striped undershirt (1 hour, $3)
I’m right smack-dab in the middle of tailoring work for clients. After cleaning up my last project, I gave myself permission to spend about an hour on this li’l fella:
I simply traced one of Nels’ undershirts – which took about five minutes – and then cut a front and back from a tissue-fabric recently acquired from Britex fabrics. This wonderful 100% cotton knit is so, so beautiful – semi-sheer, lightweight, and rather fussy if you don’t know what you’re doing. Fortuately, I do.
The back, in true undershirt-style, features more of a racerback/cutaway design than the front:
A closeup – super-closeup – so you can see the very light and almost slubby texture of the knit:
Summer sheer fabrics are wonderful. You get a great look and coverage, but it feels like you’re wearing nothing at all – especially given the kinds of seam-finishes a bespoke tailor is capable of.
Time to get out on the bike!
