Sewing Clothes: 2014

This is the year that instead of going shopping for clothes I stay home and make them. I was thinking about the time involved in getting in the car, driving to the store (or stores) trying things on, not having them fit properly or be in the color I want, get sorta frustrated, over pay for basics and leave with a sub par fit and quality. Is this how your shopping trips usually end?

Now yes there are the occasions when I need something I can't sew - like a sweater or jeans. But most the time I want a simple top (the Tova) or a simple t-shirt (which I have a pattern for) or the perfect fit (which I rarely get off the rack).

So to that end I am working on plans and perfecting my patterns until I get just the right fit. And this week is the perfect time to do some planning while the sewing machine is out for service. It allows me to slow down and work on cutting, alterations and prep-work without the need to rush to the machine and stitch something up before it's perfect.

I altered my Tova and cut out the vintage plaid fabric that has been waiting since November 2012! I read a really great tutorial on lining up plaids from Llady Bird and was able to do some pretty fine matchy-matchy work. I want to try out this Tova with the new alteration to widen the shoulders (tutorial found at Coletterie) before I cut into the beautiful Liberty fabric I bought at Modern Domestic. Stars, oh my!

The preparation for Lakeside PJ's also continues. There are 7 yards of 1" bias strips to make into double fold bias 1/4" binding. Yep, 7 yards. I bought a manual bias binding maker (this Clover one) and I will find some quiet time with the ironing board and a movie to get this done.

Before the sewing machine went into the shop I was able to get a little PJ top made for Little J. He has yet to wear it and I made it a size too small, but never the less - it got made!

These two already cut out projects will be my first endeavors into my new SERGER! Yes, Santa was good to me - or really my Husband was good to me and I got a serger for Christmas. Unfortunately before I had a chance to use it Little J came along and moved all the tension dials! I see a serger cover in my future too! But I did go to a one-on-one class to learn how to thread and adjust tension so I did get to use it on my first real project! That plaid Tova - it just needs arms and a neck band!

Once the PJ's and Tova are sewn up I got more! A Sewaholic pattern - Renfrew and all the Grainline goodness I can handle by way of Archer and Portside bags!

No rush, just simple construction and taking my time to get the right fit and proper handmade finishes.

What's your sewing looking like for 2014?

Cheers!
Kelly