Renfrew 1201 by Sewaholic

 

At times, I felt as if I was the only one who hadn't sewn the Renfrew.  It was everywhere.  Now I know why. 

 

I cut the size 12, I made view C, cowl neck with 3/4 sleeves.  The only alteration was to lengthen the sleeves by 2", I was afraid the band would hit at my elbow.  I think this length is perfect.  The only problems I found with the pattern were minor.  First, both the short sleeve and 3/4 sleeve are marked piece # 6, when the short sleeve is really #5, and second, that there are no notches on the sleeves or bodice to ensure sleeves are inserted correctly.  I just made my own single notch on front armscye and double notches on the back.

 

This pattern is sewn with a 5/8" seam allowance.  That was perfect for everywhere but the body. Just a tad too snug, so from the underarm, to side hem, I sewed a 1/4" seam.  That was perfect.  I love the way the top fits through the neckline and shoulders.  Very flattering.

 

The knit I used was not a stable knit but rather thin.  It still worked out very well. 

 

I did all of the construction using the stretch stitch on my machine, and used my serger to trim and neaten the inside seams.

 I love this top.  The cowl is the perfect length and requires no fussing with in order to lay nicely.  I can not wait to try the other views. 

 

Thank you Sewaholic!!

 

Stay Happy

Keep Sewing

and if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can do!

 

 

Grandma eye candy......He's Dancing!

 

 

Quilt is done!! Now on deck, Sewaholic...

 

I finished quilting the 'Couch Cuddling Farm Quilt' for my son and DIL, who next year will be moving to a 25 acre farm in NC.

 

My sewing machine will sew through 8-10 layers of denim like butter, but quilting, it does not like to do!!  I am a novice at quilting, so between the machine not wanting to stipple quilt and my newness to it, made for a long process!  I am very happy with the end result, and very happy it is done.  This was the biggest job on my 2013 Christmas list.

 

 

I love the back, one lonely wandering cow.

 

 

I had envisioned a lovely hand embroidered label, but after the M for Merry, I realized, I can not embroider.  CAN NOT.  The thread knotted endlessly and the result was sad.  So instead I freehanded script on my machine.  It is not perfect, but it is the best I could do!!

 

And now.... a little something for ME!!  I have been tempted by the Minoru for quite some time, and with all of the recent makes, I just could no longer justify not having one!!  "Notes From a Mad Housewife" made an awesome jacket.. notesfromamadhousewife.  I love her version.  Love the addition of the chest zipper pocket and I am definitely going to try her method of the 3 piece hood.  It fits her so nicely.  Definitely copying those front pockets!!  So I bought some beautiful denim, looks like a Monet watercolor.

 

I also dove in and bought the Sewaholic Renfrew.  I have tried tweaking my own Tshirt pattern to copy hers, but the fit was always, just almost.... So, I figured if I start with her pattern, my odds are so much better!!  I have two beautiful knits in line for that one.  It will probably be first, as I need something quick and satisfying. 

Stay Happy

Keep Sewing

and if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can!

 

and for a little Grandma eye candy...

 Look who's walking..

 

 

 

Christmas sewing has begun.....

 

This is an adaption from Wicker quilt pattern from Cluck Cluck Sew

http://cluckclucksew.bigcartel.com/

 

The fabric is Farm Chic by Wyndham Fabrics.   I wanted a window look with a farm animal in each window. 

 

Pictures are just of the pieced top, today I sandwiched the back, batting and top and it is now waiting for me to make binding and then quilt it.  I love sewing for Christmas!

 

 

Stay Happy

Keep Sewing

and if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can do!

 

Little grandma love from afar..... They moved to Portland and he turned 1 last month...

 

 

Time? Who has time?

I'm Back!! and another Moss.....

Maui was amazing.  My bombshell bathing suits were not only gorgeous, they were functional, both in the pool and in the ocean!  Love that pattern!  I am wearing the brown polka dot one, trust me.

I made another Moss skirt today, telling myself it is transitional.  I wear skirts pretty much all summer, so it fits right in with end of summer and then into Fall.   It will look cute with tights and boots, but can still be worn now, bare legged, with sandals / flats.

This is a great pattern.  I just love the fit.  I have loved every Grainline Studio pattern I bought! 
I made the version with the extension on the bottom (no mini skirts for me!)

This time I used some old stretch denim I had from left over jeans long ago. 

Changes I made:

I cut a 14 for the back and 12 for the front. I cut the waistband facing out of the same cotton I used for the pocket lining and facing.

I added about 3" to each end of the outer waist band, so that I could do a wrap around of the denim to connect to the facing on the inside.  You can see in the photo below how the denim on the waistband wraps around to the interior and is then joined to the waistband facing.  I did this on both ends.  This reduces a lot of bulk right where you will be putting your button hole and button.

 I also cut the pocket facing out of lining material instead of main fabric to cut down on bulk.  I created a new pattern piece to be the addition to the facing at the top pocket edge where your hand would enter pocket. I wanted this to be out of main fabric, (below is the pocket facing pattern piece and my new addition, little pattern strip above it.) Next to the pattern pieces, is one already sewn together.  The denim strip is now the pocket top.  This would be the view of the inside of the pocket.  So now, when the pockets peak open, you would see denim instead of lining fabric.

 

 I altered the front pattern pieces to include the fly extension, instead of cutting it separately.  I then inserted the zip per Debbie's (Stitches and Seams) fly tutorial. 

 

 

 I topstitched a lot, using the golden rust color that is usually in jeans. I also added belt loops, just because I like them.





Sorry for the bad photos, 'twas the best I could do with space I had available!  In looking at them, I think maybe I should make the next one about 3/4" longer!  Of course, if my stomach was ... less bloated, the skirt would sit a bit lower and then it would be longer!! 

 

Stay Happy

Keep Sewing

and if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can!

 

a little grandma eye candy.....

 

 

He will be moving in a few weeks...... to Portland.  So far away.  Grandma tears.

 

Oops!! I did it again! Closet Case Bombshell bathing suit! II

I had to.  This time view A.  (Blue one) Classic 50's. 

 



 

A chocolate lycra with white polka dots from Spandex World. 

With thrifty layout, I was able to cut out this suit with 41" of 54" wide fabric.

 

 

 

Turns out making a bathing suit is not HARD.  You just have to take your time.  and Practice on scraps until you get you stretch stitch, and zig zag for attaching elastic and for your topstitching down pat.   I practiced and then wrote down the settings for each step.  Really helped!

 

I made the size 14 again, this time lengthening the lining by 3"and the ruching by almost 5".  I think it is perfect.  Does not pull down when I move around. 

 

The most tedious part is all the ruching, and all the pinning.  But it is worth it, I believe it is the ruching that makes this suit so awesome. 

 

I inserted soft foam cups in the top, as it provides next to no support or privacy.

 

And for covering up on way to / from beach.....

 

 

This is my second bombshell.  I love this suit.  I will be wearing this on the beach in Maui next week.  

 

Stay Happy

Keep Sewing

And if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can!   



 

Finished!!!! ..... Grainline Studio's Moss Skirt

 

I have been really impressed with the Grainline pattern makes I have seen popping up everywhere.  So I bought the Scout Woven Tee, the Moss Skirt and the Maritime Shorts.  The skirt in on my cutting table right now.  In a mustard laundered bull denim from Fabric.com.

 

 

I could not wait to get off work today to get started on this skirt.  I had high hopes!

I envisioned being done is a couple hours, after all, it was already cut out!!

It is not a difficult pattern, so I guess, I am just a slow sewer.  Started at 1:30, finished at 5. So 3.5 hours.  I really like it.  a lot. 

I did a lot of top stitching. Still debating whether I should go back and top stitch the center back seam.

The pattern and instructions are pretty straightforward, only a few minor issues....  It is missing a couple markings on the waistband for side seams, but not too big of a deal.  The waistband ended up being about an 1,5" short though, on the extension side.  You can make out my fix just under the button where I had to add to it to make it longer.  Not sure if it was the pattern or user error.   I followed all the instructions.  I must say, the zipper insertion method was very confusing and left a lot of room for error.  It was the most difficult method I have tried.  So next time, I will cut the fly extensions ON the front pieces and follow Debbie Cook's fly tutorial.  It is the best.

The pocket facings and linings extend all the way to the center front.  Added quite a bit of bulk, as the facing was the denim material, so next time, I will not extend both the facing and the lining, but end one of them an inch or so before center front.  It does provide some stability across the front which is really nice.  Here it is with my Grainline Studio Scout Tee.  I love both pieces.  Great patterns I will use again and again.
 

 

 

 

 

All in all.  I love it.  Can't wait to make another.  But first, I must make dinner. 

Keep Sewing,

Stay Happy,

and you if can't sew,

Enjoy doing what you can do!



Grainline Studios Scout Woven Tee, 31002

Perfection.  That is how I would describe this simple Tee pattern.  I have already made it twice. 

First in a crepe de chine, very light and sheer.

 



Second in a  quilting cotton and a loose weave lace top, I added a false button placket down the back and buttons.  I got the idea from Sally at The Quirky Peach.  http://thequirkypeach.blogspot.com/2013/06/color-blocked-scout-tee.html

Hers is rockin', I had to have one!

I have never worked with a lace type fabric, it was a nightmare! Started coming apart as soon as I cut it.  I faked my way through it, it came out pretty darn good!!  Definitely will have to be hand wash only though!

This is a great pattern.  You get the instant gratification of a download.  Only 4 pattern pieces.  Quick to sew ( unless you pick something that falls apart!!!)

I wear a 12 RTW, but per measurements cut a 14.  I could have cut a 12 as I had to take both in on the sides.  It fits very nicely through shoulder and bust and then drapes nicely from there.  Slightly longer hem in back is very in right now, plus provides extra coverage while seated!! 

 Stay Happy

Keep Sewing!

and if you can't sew

Enjoy doing what you can do!!

 

and for fun, a little grandma love....