Reverse Order

Usually when making a new pants pattern, I make a pair of shorts first as a wearable muslin.  This time I reversed the order and made the pants first.

I used McCall 7987 to make a pair of slacks in a 32" waist with 4" added to the inseam.   I used some suiting material I had in my stash.  I am not quite sure of the type, I think a polyester blend.

I usually follow the instructions the first time with a new pattern, so I put patch pockets on the rear with the pants, but I put a double-welt pocket on the shorts.  I watched a video on Youtube to refresh my memory.

Double welt

Patch

The front pockets have a piece that connects to the zipper to make a lining.

Inside front

The instructions wanted me to hand stitch the waistband. But I machine stitched it.

I like the way these fit.  This will definitely be the pattern I will use for slacks in the future.

I like going to the local thrift store because I sometimes get a bargain.  This time it is a Singer 560 Diana.  This is an electronic machine from 1975.  It is smooth and quiet.  A bargain at $3.25. It came with a hard case too.

Thanks for stopping.

Retro Camp Shirt

In my last blog I made a camp shirt with quilters cotton.  This shirt inspired me to make another.

I again used McCall 6238 in medium.  But this time I used a quilters cotton that looks to me like a 50s print.  Thus, the retro camp shirt.

I removed 1 3/4" of ease in the sleeve by simply folding the arm pattern.   This made for easier sewing.

I sewed this using my treadle sewing machine.   Flat fell seams turned out fine.  The treadle is quiet and fun to get in the rhythm of hand, eye, and foot coordination

The pictures are taken with me wearing McCall 7987 slacks.  This is a first-attempt with this pattern, so more on these next time.

Fronts and pocket lined up

Inside of shirt looks good

Thanks for stopping.

Groovy Camp Shirt

After watching Peter Lappin's Bluprint class on making a camp shirt, I decided to make one.  If you belong to Bluprint, you can watch it here.  If not, you can watch the introduction.

I call it my groovy camp shirt because I made it out of some quilting cotton that looks like something worn on The Brady Bunch.

I used McCall 6932 in medium for this shirt.  It has a inner yoke, whereas many camp shirt patterns do not.

My only gripe with this pattern is the two inches of ease in the sleeves.  If I make it again I will try to take the ease out.  Peter talked about removing ease in his class.

The instructions varied from the class on the collar, so I followed the instructions.

I serged the seams with my Brother 523.

I sewed it with my Bernina 640.

I used some 5/8" buttons I had in my stash of two jars given to me by a neighbor .

Maurice likes the shirt.

I like the shirt.

I am happy with the way this shirt turned out.  I was able to line up the pocket pattern, but not successful lining up the center fronts.  However, I think the pattern is so busy, it is not distracting.

 I am sure to make another using this pattern.

Thanks for stopping.

Meet Maurice

I have been sewing since 2011.  Some good, some bad.  But always lots of fun.

I have been wanting a sewing buddy for a long time.  Since I live in a rural area, the closest to a sewing buddy is quilting class.

Now I finally have a pseudo sewing-buddy.  He is my size, so I can model shirts on him.  This is truly convenient.  His name is Maurice.

Maurice modeling a blue shirt

Maurice decided I really need to be making a size 40 from Simplicity 8427.  My chest(and his) measures 38" , but due to the small amount of ease and the way I like shirts to hang on me this sounded like good advice.

The finished chest size of size 38 is 40.5" and size 40 is 42.5" according to the pattern .  Not a lot of ease.  My last blog I made Simplicity 2741 in size small and the finished chest is 44" .

I am using a turquoise sheet to make this shirt.  I am making it in short sleeve and I squared-off the hem since I won't be tucking -in this shirt.

Maurice helping.

Automatic buttonhole.

I used some off-white buttons.  Looks good on Maurice.

The size 40 has the looser fit I like, but still fitting my shoulders.

I sewed this with my Bernina 640.

In the pictures I am also wearing Kwik Sew 3504 shorts.   I made these with some green denim from Wal-Mart for $4.

I sewed these with my Bernina 1120.

Thanks for stopping.

Summer and Winter Projects

With the weather being in the 90s this week I decided a new pair of shorts for Joe to wear around the house using Kwik Sew 3504 would be nice.  Some green cotton from my stash would work fine.

First thing I did was to embroider one pocket using my Simplicity embroidery machine.

Next  I decided to use my Singer 404 to sew the shorts.

I also used my Brother overlocker instead of flat-felling the seams.

I made size medium and they fit him like they should.


I decided to make a pair for myself using some denim in my stash in size medium, but cut an inch off each front.

First I embroidered the back pocket.

I also sewed these with my 404, however I topstitched with my White 677.

I did a combination of serging and flat-fell seams. I also french seamed the pockets.

I am still getting use to sewing on my treadle.  Therefore, another shirt is in the works.  This is Simplicity 2741 which I made before.  This time I am making it in a light-green snuggle flannel in size small with two inches added to the sleeves.

I found this fabric at Joann's while looking for some quilting fabric.  But since it is in the 90s now, the shirt will be in the closet until Fall.

This pattern has a continuous lap sleeve placket.  But, I used the tower placket from Simplicity 8247.

I really like the sound and rhythm of the treadle.  I am sure I will do many projects with it.


Thanks for stopping.

Pedal to the Metal

I finally did it!  I found a White rotary treadle sewing machine at a good price and in good shape.

It all started two years ago when I started looking for a treadle machine.  They were either junk, too expensive, not a White, or too far away.  I know I was being picky.

I became lucky when I saw one for sale on Facebook and only 35 miles away.  It cost $100, but I think it was well worth it.  The man selling it bought it from a storage auction where he bought the contents sight unseen.

Precious cargo

Jet Age needles

Lots of treasures in drawers.

This treadle was made in 1906.  It is in good shape for being 113 years young.

Decals in good shape

Cabinet is in good shape

Lovely iron work

I did many test sews by stitching straight lines.   Then I practiced turning corners.  It takes a little practice to get coordinated with pedaling, making sure the wheel is going the correct direction, and feeding the fabric.

My first project was a short sleeve shirt made with Simplicity 8427.  This is my "goto" shirt pattern in size 38.

It turned out not too bad.  I cheated a little by serging the seams.

I like treading, and with Pacific Gas and Electric threatening to turn off the power for fire safety this Summer, my treadle will come in handy for sewing with no power.

Thanks for stopping.