Boxer Shorts by Vintage Kenmore

I wanted to make a pair of boxers since I first started to sew, but I could not find a pattern I liked, and the idea of printing out one off the internet and taping all the pages together didn't appeal to me.  But finally, I came across some instructions on the internet on how to draw your own pattern with your own measurements.  I scratched my head a few times, but finally drew a pattern.  Here is where I found the directions : wkdesigner.wordpress.com/2008/08/19/boxer-shorts

After drawing and cutting my own pattern, I decided to use my Kenmore in order to try it and its decorative stitches out.  I used a soft blue cotton material and white thread.

Kenmore ready to go

Instructions and cut-out material

Max approves

Another view

Close-up of decorative stitch

Front view

Since this set of shorts turned out great, I am now going to make a pair for Joe with the same fabric, since I have enough left over.

Now time to take some measurements and start drawing another pattern.

Vintage Kenmore Decorative Stitching

My vintage Kenmore has the capability of sewing decorative stitches.  However, unlike a new computerized machine where the user simply touches a button to adjust the stitches, the Kenmore has cams to be inserted. The cams simply adjust the stitch width from narrow to wide automatically as you sew.

First:   In the back of the owner's manual is a chart to show what stitch each cam will make.
Second:  The cam is chosen by the number stamped on it which corresponds to the stitch you would like.
Third:  The cam door is opened, the cam placed on the shaft, and the door is closed.
Fourth:  Set the stitch width and length to the desired settings.
Fifth:  Sew a fabulous fifties style decorative stitch.

Kenmore 158.352

Cam cavity

Cam inserted

16 cams to choose from

Straigt, Zig-Zag, and Decorative

The decorative stitches shown are definitely reminiscent of the fifties.  I think a shirt with the sleeves, collar, and pocket finished with one of these stitched would give it an instant retro look.

Just like vintage cars, vintage sewing machines take you back in time.  I think my Brother is a great machine. But the weight, the feel, the sounds, and the stitches of the Kenmore add a  whole different and enjoyable experience to sewing.  Just like my 1958 Lincoln, it drives different from my newer car, but I won't say I like it any more or less, it provides a different experience.

Now I see why a person can't stop with just one sewing machine.  Especially a vintage one.  When I get Grandma's Singer running, that will be another wonderful experience.


Hope you have enjoyed this as much as I have.

McCall's 6286 top

Did you ever have a project that did not turn out the way you hoped?  That is what happened with my McCall's 6286 top.
I purchased the vintage 1992 pattern from the thrift shop for 25 cents.  Then I bought two inexpensive fleece throws for $2.88 each and a zipper for $1 at Walmart.  I was going to give it as a gift.  But it turned out a little small for the intended receiver, even with all the measurements I took.  The pattern had easy to follow directions and the pattern was to size,  my measurements were off.
It is very comfortable, and fits me perfectly.  Looks like I have a new top to wear around the house and walk the dog in.  I would hesitate to wear it to town, since I think the pink might be a little bright for a me in the area I live.
I still enjoyed this project.  It gave me experience with a zipper, a new pattern, and more experience sewing.  Not to mention something soft and cuddly to wear around the house.

Cut out and ready to sew

Looks Pink!

I sewed this with my Brother XL2600I.  I used the stretch-stitch setting.  This works great with stretchable fabric.  A person does not have to stretch the fabric when sewing, the machine does this funky half-reverse stitch that makes the stitch stretch with the material.

I have not 100% decided on my next project.  But I think boxer shorts for Joe are a definite possibility.  I just have to find a pattern.  I might even sew them with my vintage Kenmore.  I put a new belt on and oiled it.  It sure runs smooth.  I would like to use the stitch cams to make some vintage embellishments.

I do know one thing, a short story on the cams is my next blog.

Vintage sewing machines have landed

The day didn't start out with me planning to come home with a vintage sewing machine.  However, when at my parent's home, I asked about Grandma's Singer 99-13 that has been sitting idle since she passed away in 1993.  It ended up in the back of the truck.  Then I stopped at the thrift store and there was a fabulous Kenmore sewing desk, chair, and sewing machine for the unbelievable price of $18.50.  Of course, it was quickly in the truck next to Grandma's Singer.  So now two vintage machines our at my command.

I had been looking for a fold-able sewing table, so I could get my Brother machine off the kitchen table.  I thought a vintage sewing table would not only be well made, but a lot cheaper than buying a new one or building one.  So I have been looking for a vintage table I could adapt to work for me.  This one will work great.  I am going to just set the Brother on top to use it.  My first thoughts were to take the Kenmore out, but after finding out what a honey it is, I decided I'l sew with it.  I threaded it and started sewing perfectly in minutes. It came complete with buttonholer, many presser feet, cams for decorative stitches, owner's manual, and sewing reference books from the same era.(1958)  It will need a new belt before long, but I think that is it.

When I get a belt for Grandma's Singer I'll be able to sew with it.  It is from the late thirties.  It has one straight stitch, no reverse.  Since Grandma was such a great seamstress, it will be great to use her machine to imagine the challenges she faced with such a simple machine while she was sewing for seven children.

Now for the unveiling....

Kenmore 158.352 complete with all pictured

Kenmore closed

More storage under chair

Grandma's Singer

Singer with all accessories

Marion H. Decker(Grandma)

Now with tears in my eyes, I guess I should call it a night.  Good night Grandma.
You are greatly missed.

Vogue 8801 finale

The Vogue 8801 jeans are finished.  They fit fine, but after all the issues with the sizing, I don't think I'll make this pattern again.  If you remember, the size 36 I made turned out to be a size 46.  I wanted a 30" waist, but ended up with a 40" waist on first trial.  I tore the pants completely apart and started over to get my 30" waist.
One other issue is the size of the yoke.  It looks out of proportion.  I am wearing a belt in the pictures simply because it makes the yoke look more in proportion.

My next project is in my mind already. I bought some great fabric and patterns at the thrift store yesterday for half-off.  I also bought a fleece blanket from Walmart I think will work great for one of the patterns.  I ordered some patterns from McCall's during their $1.99 sale.  When they get here, I'll decide what I will do next.
In the interim I'll continue planting some flowers and vegetables in my garden.
By the way, if you want a fabulous steak dinner, try Morton's steakhouse.  It is in some major cities.  My family went to the one in Sacramento Saturday.  We had fun dressing-up.

Joe, Mom, Dad, me

Vogue 8801 jeans saga continues

The only store that sells fabric near my house is the big-box store.  The closest fabric store is an hour away.  At least luck was with me and Joe had an appointment near the Joanns fabric store.  In Joanns I received some good advice from a home-economics teacher who was shopping too.  She said many patterns are sized wrong, so to make sure they will fit you.  And, once you get a pattern you like, keep making it.  She also told me to tear the whole pants apart and to not simply take them in from the sides.  (good advice)
Needless to say, I did a lot of cutting and re-sewing yesterday and today.  Now I  have a pair of pants I can put on and they look like pants.  I have not completely finished yet.  I still need to hem the legs, put on the button, and the belt loops.

My first impression is the rear view looks like the yoke is too long.  The front looks in proportion.  The pants are comfortable.  I have been wearing them for about an hour now, even without the button.
One more thing I have learned from this project is not to do patterns there are no reviews about.  I have no idea if the issues I have had are my own issues or the pattern.
I am making chicken soup for dinner, so better go check the soup.

Vogue 8801 size issues

I thought the pants were coming along, just a few issues with the zipper.  But since this is my first pair of pants to make, I figured there would be some bumps in the road.  However, once the fabric started to look like pants, I realized they were way too big.  I looked again at the size chart to make sure I was making the right size.

Vogue 8801 Size chart

If I am doing it correctly, the size 36 I chose would make a 30" waist. But, look at the size difference between a pair of pants I wear and the pants I am making.  I have not seen any reviews on these pants, so I am not sure if the pattern is wrong, or if I am wrong.

I measure a 40" waist.  Almost 10" larger than what I was making and what I wear.  I am going to cut them apart and cut a bunch of material off, and re-sew.  This will teach me two things:   to measure the pattern to see if it is the size I want before I start and also how to cut down clothes to fit.

 The pants are looking nice,  I like the pockets.  Hopefully I can make them fit. Time to get out the scissors.