Simplicity 2081/Back to 1957

I made a lightweight short-sleeve shirt from a 1957 Simplicity 2081.  This shirt went together quickly.  I used my White Sewmaster 611 for this shirt.  The stitching on this machine is fabulous.  Staright-stitch, but fabulous.  The pattern comes in single sizes.  This was a small.

Ready to start

Sewmaster 611

 I followed the sizing and instructions, except for using the "burrito method" for the yoke.  This technique is easy and produces a professional shoulder seam.  A good video is
How to sew a shirt yoke

Rolled up like a burrito

Button-down collar

A button in the back of the collar

Collar close-up

Back

Max likes to help

I am going to make this shirt again, but this time adding two inches to the length.



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Pajama top

I decided to make a pajama top with some polar-fleece I bought from Joann a month ago at a very good price.  I used Simplicity 2317 in small to make the top. This pattern is interesting because it uses piping for trim.

I serged the seams with my Pfaff 794 after sewing with my Vikng 980.  I stitched the serged edges down to give it a smooth professional look.

This is a good pattern.  I added two inches to the sleeves, and no other adjustments.  Since I have a long torso I realize how long this top would be on most people without subtracting two or so inches from the body.

I like how the top fits and looks.  I decided to make the bottoms.  However, they will be from a polar-fleece print.  That will be in  my next blog.

Kohl's pajamas

My pajama top

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Vogue 8719 pants Second Edition, Conclusion

My Vogue 8719 pants are all finished.  I have warn them several times already.  They are comfortable and I like the new front pockets so much better.  I did a little decorative stitching with my Singer 6268.  I thought it would give the pants a little extra something.

In Conclusion, I like Vogue 8719.  I like it even better with the front pockets I added.

Here is my photo shoot in a Made-By-Me outfit.  My Vogue 8719 pants, jacket, and a Simplicity 7330 shirt made by me two years ago.  (How time flys!)

I am already starting my next project.  This will be some pajamas made with Simplicity 2317. I am using a baby-blue fleece and dark-blue piping.

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Vogue 8719 Pants Second Edition, Part One

When I made my wearable muslin pants from Vogue 8719 a few months ago I was happy with most everything except the front pockets.  These were side-seam pockets that would not lay flat no matter what I tried until I removed the darts from the back to loosen up the fit.  This took the tension off the pockets so they would lay flat, but left me with pants needing a belt to stay on.

Now I am making these pants with a different style pocket I copied from a vintage Kwik Sew 411 pants pattern I had in my stash.  Not only do I think these new pockets will look better, they are bigger.  I can easily carry more things.

I purchased the fabric at the thrift store a while ago.  I think it is a lightweight wool/polyester blend that is perfect for a pair of slacks.  I am using size 36. Which is a 30" waist . Vogue uses suit sizing with this pattern.  These pants fit perfectly, except for me adding 4" to the length.  Also I made the jacket a few months ago,  the sizing was right-on for this also, except for arm and body length.  My chest measures 35".  So might be snug on a true 36.

Ready to cut out

Kwik-Sew pockets.  I satin-stitched opening for a different look. 

Inside look at pockets.  I am going to serge the edges.

Zipper installation inside.  I finished the ends, unlike the original pattern instructions. 

Back pockets in progress.  I stitched a Greek key design around the edges.

 I couldn't wait to try these pants on.  I think they look great with the extra stitching to make the pockets pop out..

Try on with no waistband

Another view no waistband

 Here are photos of my wearable muslin.  I wear these pants often.

My wearable muslin (notice front pockets)

Front view wearable muslin

Now for the band and the finishing touches.

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My Brother-in-law gave me a gift.

I realized today it has been over a year since Joe has seen his older brother,  James.  This is because he brought by a sewing machine and table he has had in his attic for at least 20 years.  Then we all realized even though James only lives 50 miles away, we haven't seen him since he was in the hospital.

He is busy with family, remnants of cancer, and traveling.  Joe is fighting M.S., so even though they email almost daily, an in person visit has not happened in quite a while.

A short visit, but James gave Joe a family trunk filled with papers, pictures, and other stuff. We haven't opened the trunk yet.  But I have already dusted and tried out what he brought me.  They are not sure if this is a family heirloom or not.  However, I already cherish it.

It happens to be a Singer featherweight built in New Jersey circa 1948.  Plus the table that goes with it.

Pictures of it as received:

A wipe with a damp cloth:

A beautiful machine that purrs.  I haven't even oiled it yet.

Thank you James!

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Dinosaurs!

Since my nephew Chase is three and can't quite read, I feel safe blogging about his Christmas present.

Being three years old, he loves dinosaurs.  Since he loves the pillow I made for him last year, I thought another pillow would be a great gift this year.  With a dinosaur theme of course.

It is hard to believe he is only three, he is so grown up.  Here he his telling Santa he wants "dinosaur trucks" for Christmas.

I used some green material I bought at the thrift store, some batting, and a standard pillow.  First I cut nine squares 9" by 7".  I embroidered dinosaurs on eight and did applique on one.

I sewed them together with a 1/4" seam.  Then I sewed the batting to the back of the designs by stitching in the ditch through all the squares.  I also sewed a piece of fabric over the batting to seal it in.

Inside

Front

Making these pillows which are like miniature quilts is good practice for when I decide to make a full-size quilt.


The pillow can easily be removed for washing since I sewed two pieces to make the back and serged the seams so the inside would look good.

Back

I used my White sewing machine and my Janome embroidery machine for this project.

It will be fun to see Chase's face when he sees all the dinosaurs.

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Christmas Stocking

I did a quick embroidery project yesterday with no formal plans, just an idea in my head.  It started when I found a cute little embroidered reindeer design.  I thought this would look cute on a Christmas stocking.  My poodle Max needs a stocking for goodies, so I made this for him

I used some left over pink fleece and a scrap of white fabric.  I first embroidered the reindeer and "Max" on the fleece.  Then just freehand I cut out a stocking shape on the fabric folded over.

After sewing the stocking I attached the white trim, and Voila!  A cute Stocking.

If you would like the free reindeer design, it is available through 12-31-14 at Emblibrary.

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