The last 30 days of my "100 Days of Sewing" have truly been productive in more than one way. I have been pretty discipline in my 30 minutes a day. There have been a couple days where things did not go to plan. But, I remained kind to myself and was back at things the next day. It is important to be flexible and realistic to keep the joy in the practice. The whole reason for me doing this challenge was to breathe life back into my love of sewing not to beat myself up with unnecessary pressure to complete something. And it has worked. I have been productive in making things that I am actually wearing. Some things are definitely getting more wear than others just by the nature of the type of garment it is. Simplicity 8268 Joggers that I have made to be more loose fitting than the slim fit the patterns illustrates. I have lost track of the number of times I have worn them. They are comfortable and easy to throw on to run quick errands, work around the house and those early shifts at the hospital when I want a little extra sleep and don't want to fuss over what to wear. Especially, since I am changing into scrubs when I get there. Or best of all hanging out with my daughter, Kennedy, lounging in our joggers catching up on our shows. Don't worry Deja, I will make you a pair, too. I have also sewn Simplicity 8701 pants, 8222 Mimi G bomber jacket pattern , and 8375 dress (photos below). I plan on wearing the dress (Simplicity 8375) this week to a meeting that I have to attend. I will share pictures of me wearing on my instagram account sewstitchinjobena Simplicity 8701 pants came out a little too big. I was just so focused on the process of constructing that fit went out the window. I did not baste and fit to see if adjustments needed to be made before attaching the waistband, rookie move. In the past, I have been able to just sew patterns straight out of the package, no adjustments needed. When I think about it, I actually just cut out a size too big. I do love the style of the pants. So, I am going to embark on the task of deconstructing: remove the waistband, taking in the side seams and fit, adjust the waistband length and then put it back together again. I won't make this mistake again. Lesson Learned: slow sew is the way to go! The bomber jacket (Simplicity 8222), to be honest it will probably not see as much action. It is a little smaller than I would like. Nothing with the pattern, a more drapey and stretchy fabric would have given different results (I used a bit stiff quilted fabric), it would give the room needed to make for a more comfortable fit. And my zipper installation not my best work. The pattern called for size 28" zipper, I think if I had used a 26" it would have fit better. I still see it as a successful sew. One of my goals of 100 Days of sewing is to develop new sewing skills and this was my first time making a fully lined jacket. I only see things getting better and better. I do plan on making another one or two with fabric that has better drape and stretch. I have a couple of fabrics in mind already. Stay tuned! Thank you for sticking around to the end of this post. See you next Sunday! You can expect more updates, photos, reviews and sewing inspirations for sewing projects in upcoming posts. Sign up for the newsletter and get some bonus content not shared on instagram or in a blog post.
Till Next Week, Jobena
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I have been away for a while. Struggled with a creative blockage and did not have any energy or motivation to sew. I took an instagram break. One month passed, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 months passed, OMG! Wow, time flew by. Not sure what contributed to my hiatus (maybe we will explore at a later date) but it definitely was complicated or extended with getting two part-time jobs, then changing my day job after five years where I worked Monday-Friday 8-3pm, summers off, multiple breaks during the school year to working switch shifts D/E/N, call time and 1 part-time evening/night job. Yes, I know crazy.
Where is the balance? Yes, I know. A change was desperately needed and I really did miss sewing. But how was I going to balance it all. I realized that I needed something to jump start things for me. That's what led to me embarking on 100 Days of Sewing. I decided that I would do something sewing related for a minimum of 30 minutes every day. I began on October 28th. My husband kind of helped get things going when he asked me to embroider a name on a jacket for a coworker. Since starting I have completed 4 sewing projects start to finish. Look out for reviews and photos. 30 minutes is really attainable. Most of time, I find that I will actually spend more than 30 minutes. I have been very excited and have actually been at work looking forward to getting home to sew. I haven't felt this way in a while and boy does it feel good. Follow along as I REDISCOVER my love for sewing and develop/learn new skills. Hopefully, you will be inspired and we can GROW together. Well, it has been a bit quiet in my neck of the woods for sewing these past few months. Finally, I have sewn something. The Mayberry dress by Jennifer of Jenniferlaurenhandmade.com I have been drawn to the "classic vintage" style of her patterns. I have a few of her patterns: Bronte top, Enid Sweater, Gable top on my to-sew list and I am now eyeing the Juniper cardigan. My sewing plans for 2018 are to focus on sewing things to build my wardrobe with garments that meet the needs of my everyday life. This was the perfect pattern to get back into the swing of sewing and starting point for building my wardrobe. Mayberry Dress Pattern Review Fabric Choice: Cotton with a little stretch from my stash (Not sure of the exact contents of the fabric. It has been in my stash for quite a while). Fabric Source: Joann's Fabric (From my fabric stash) Pattern printing: I had the pattern printed at my local print shop. I just don't have the patience to tape together and then trace plus I find it more difficult to store the taped together patterns (doesn't roll as easily). Garment Construction: The pattern came together easy.
Did it look like pattern: Yes! Would you make again: Yes! I like the way it fits. It is comfortable and wearable. It definitely is a dress for all seasons. I see more in my future. This past Sunday, I made the Simplicity 8379 dress. It was the first pattern to be part of my #quicksewsundays makes. I picked up the pattern during one of my latest pattern hauls (Not that I needed another pattern. I just can help myself.) I was drawn to the pattern for multiple reasons. First, it fell into the easy sew category. I find that sometimes I just need something quick to sew in between makes, while sewing something that is more involved to complete (currently my daughter's prom dress) or after an epic sewing fail. How about you? Second, comfort is the name of the game. The pattern called for stretch knits. Knits can be more forgiving and very comfortable to wear. And lastly, it looked like it could be a great addition to my wardrobe for the warmer weather. I have really committed myself to increasing the number of me made items to my wardrobe. And the silhouette looked like it would complement my figure. I have to admit that I did hesitate to buy pattern because of the length. I usually do not wear dresses, skirts or shorts that are this much above the knees (maybe around the house). As I have gotten older, my body changes are something that this year I am really having to become comfortable with. It is almost as if my body has changes have snuck up on me. But really it should be now surprise. As I age (no I am not of that advanced an age), I realize there are things that I previously was able to do and get a particular result and how important my past routines were in contributing to the results that I wanted. I decided not to run but rather step outside my comfort zone. I made the purchase. And I am glad that I did. I did wear the dress with tights (way too cold to go without). I will see how I feel on a warmer day. The dress got the thumbs up from my teenage daughter. She even offered to take the dress off of my hands if I would not feel comfortable wearing it. Well, no dress for my generous daughter. I wore the dress on #memademay2017 day three. I will just have to make her one or maybe a few. I wore with a black cardigan. Pattern Review
Fabric Choice: Lightweight jersey Fabric Source: Girl Charlee (From my fabric stash) Pattern Instructions: Instructions were very clear, well written and the illustrations help to support written instructions. There are only 10 steps in the process to make the dress. Yes, quick. Garment Construction: The pattern only has three pattern pieces. The neckband and arm bands were easy to sew together. The size of the pattern piece was perfect. The hem construction is completed before side seams which is nice for all of those sewist that list hemming as one of their not so favorite task because it is the last step in the way of wearing your new garment. Did it look like pattern: Yes! The drape on the sides look great. Sizing/Fit: I cut a size small (10-12). I used the size that aligned best with my bust measurements as I knew that the fit through the waist and hip would be loose. I wanted to make sure that the fit through the bust was good. It fit great in the arms. The neckband was nice and flat. The measurement for the neck and arm band were perfect. I did not have to fiddle with sizing of neckband that I have had to do with other patterns. Huge thumbs up for that! Adjustments: None needed. I would like to make a little longer. There is not a lengthening or shortening line on the pattern. I plan to play around a bit with the next make to lengthen a bit. Would you make again: Yes! Yes! Yes! I plan to make more for me and my daughter. How Beginner Friendly is the Pattern: Very beginner friendly. Reasons: 1. Neck band and arm band was easy to sew with no need to adjust size. 2. Great pattern to learn/practice how to attach neck and arm band. I have sewn multiple neck bands on knits and I have to say that this was the fastest and easiest to sew! 3. Great confidence booster. The end result looks like it would have require some fancy skills to give the beautiful draped look but no. All in the cut of the pattern, magic! As you can tell I am quite pleased with this pattern and the results. Simplicity has outdone themselves with this one. I have gone on and on about the neck and arm bands with this pattern. What has been your experience with sewing neck and arm bands? Has it been smooth sailing or a guessing game? Have you seen any difference between Indie patterns and the Big Four pattern companies? I would love to hear your thoughts? Until Next Time, SewStitchinJobena Well, one of the most important pieces of information that you will find on any pattern is the suggested fabric. Even when you have this information you can make a misstep when it comes to selecting the right fabric. Sometimes the results are disastrous, others it is just a different spin on the original pattern. Well, I recently experience this when I made the Bridgetown Dress by Sew House Seven. The pattern called for knit or woven fabric with a good drape. Well, when I saw this pattern, I knew just the perfect fabric for this project. A beautiful medium weight floral knit. I thought that it would hang beautifully in the back while still being structured enough for my style taste. Pattern Review Fabric Choice: Medium weight floral knit Fabric Source: Metro Textile, New York Garment District Pattern Instructions: Instructions are clear and easy to follow. There is no guessing. It is definitely a pattern that a beginner would be successful in creating. And any level sewist would enjoy making. Garment Construction: The garment works up fast. The construction is basic not requiring any special techniques/skills. I think one of the best parts of the construction is of the sleeves. Why? If you are anything like me, you are a bit impatient at the end of making something. You are so close to being finished and then you have to wait a little longer for those hems. Not the case with this pattern. The construction of the sleeves allow them to be finished with no need for hemming. I did have to switch between single needle and double needle at different parts of the instructions. I could have set up another machine with the double needle to reduce the time to switch. But not a huge deal. I did not only use the serger as it was my first time making the dress and not totally sure about sizing. Sizing: The sizing was perfect. Initially, when I was putting the bodice and the skirt together, I was concerned with the size. I thought the dress was going to be too big. Not the case. Once the elastic was in the sizing was perfect. Fit: I plan to add a belt the next time that I wear. I think that the belt will help to give a little more defined waist. Nothing with the dress design just my personal preference. I couldn't find a wide belt that I liked. I think that I will have to make me one. Maybe I will do a post about the belt construction. Adjustments: No major adjustments needed. The only thing that I changed was the shortening the amount of hem for the skirt. Next time, I would lengthen to hit below my knees and/or try a maxi length in a woven fabric. Tips: Make sure that you pay attention to the seam allowance. They are either 3/8" or 5/8" at different points in the instructions. I failed to do so and out came the seam ripper. Nothing huge but no one wants to be slowed down. Would I it make again? Yes, I plan to make another in a different fabric to see the difference in drape. I plan to make more due to the ease of construction, the fact that it is a quick make, and is versatile. Great pattern! Back to the start of this post, let’s talk about how fit is affected by fabric choice. The dress is designed to have the back cross and drape loosely below where the back band of your bra would lie. My dress back did not fit as loosely as picture for the pattern. In fact, I can choose whether to wear the cross bodice in the front or the back where it is intended to go. Both look good. I do plan to wear with a wide belt. But it could easily be worn without just a style choice. This view is of the dress turn around with cross bodice in the front. What is one of your fabric mishaps? How did it turnout? Share your comments. I
would love to hear. I completed McCalls 9717 view A during the summer of 2015. The pattern is from 1969. It was my first attempt at using a vintage pattern. It was a positive experience from start to finish. It was quite successful and I learned/practiced a new skill: v-neck construction. The pattern was easy to follow. Not what I expected and very pleasantly surprised. I would encourage less experience sewist to give vintage patterns a try. Yes, there are some that are definitely more complex but there are some that are basic such as this one.Not quite sure why I haven't used another vintage pattern. I actually did not realize it had been as long as it has been until I was looking back at pictures for this post. Well things are about to change. This year #sewbusy2017 I will for the first time participate in the #Vintagepledge2017 hosted by Stitch Odyssey. This is the fourth year for the #vintagepledge. It is a no pressure pledge to use vintage patterns that are over 20 years old. Your pledge can be specific or flexible. Check out the full details at Stitch Odyssey and take a trip back in time. My #VintagePledge: During 2017, I, Jobena, pledge to sew at least 6 vintage patterns from vintage pattern stash. I've narrowed my choices down to 45 from my vintage pattern collection. Eek, I just can't help myself when it comes to patterns and fabric. There are a few front runners. The first two patterns that I will give a go are Simplicity 7342 (1967) and Butterick 3895. Favorite Fashion Eras
I love the 20's, 50s and 60s. The majority of the patterns in my vintage pattern collection are from the 60s with only a few from the 50s an 70s. When I think of 20s fashion, I think of Elegance with the use of expensive fabrics and elaborate details; Edgey with the shimmer and beads of flapper style. And we can't forget the hats and scarves. I have to say that I am a sucker for a great hat, would love to own a cloche style hat. Gabby Young of Gabberdashery rocked a cloche style hat for her photos in her Film Noir inspired Moneta dress. If 20s style makes you smile check out Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries for 20s inspiration. I think you will enjoy and not just for the fashion. The different episodes have great storylines, excellent characters, great casting, and of course the fashion is out of this world. The fashion brings the characters and their stories to life. Do you have a favorite fashion era? I would love to hear from you. Leave a comment. Thank you again for visiting Sew Stitchin' Jobena. Until next time, Sew Stitchin' Jobena A bit of nostalgia with my graffiti patterned Virginia Leggings by Megan Nielsen. During my most recent trip to the Garment District in NYC, this outrageous graffiti fabric found me at the Spandex House Inc NY. If you have ever been to Spandex House, you know what I mean when I say "found me". There are sooooo many options that it can actually be overwhelming. So the fact that I spotted this fabric within minutes of my arrival proves that we were meant to create something awesome. The fabric reminds me of growing up in the South Bronx and riding the graffiti adorned subway cars. This was my first trip to Spandex House Inc NY after other #sewistofinstagram shared their experiences. I was pleased with the selection. And the quality of the fabric is great. The spandex prewashed and dried beautifully. No shrinkage noted, the stretch and recovery remained the same as before being washed and dried. In a previous post I shared that I planned on being #Sewbusy2017 I plan to build a me made wardrobe and limit my spending on clothes. Since, I started sewing again, I find it difficult to buy garments. Shopping has become quite interesting. Let me set the scene. I approach something that has caught my interest. My kids begin to shake their heads as they know what is coming: me feeling up the clothes, checking the stitching, checking to see if the patterns match, thinking about what pattern I have that it resembles (until I get my pattern drafting and draping skills down) and then all to often before I have a chance to open my mouth my kids in a very sarcastic voice say "I Can Make That" because they know its coming. They know me too well. Anyway! One of the things that I have planned for 2017 is to participate in the #sewyourstyle challenge. So here we are, Virginia Leggings by Megan Nielsen. This is the first time making one of Megan's patterns and it will not be the last. I made version 1 natural waistline. There is a low rise option as well.
First let me say, I love this pattern for a many reasons:
Yes, Yes and Yes. They are a quick sew and I am in desperate need of more leggings for yoga class and to increase my wardrobe options. The next pair that I make, I will purchase spandex that has wicking properties. Would I recommend this pattern? You probably already know my answer, YES. I would love to hear from you. Have you made a pair of virginia leggings? If so, what did you think? Share you thoughts in the comments. Until Next Time, Sew Stitichin' Jobena I am planning to have a sew busy 2017. I am participating in the #sewyourstyle challenge which is to raise awareness about the slow fashion movement and encouraging others to sew their own wardrobes. Each month there is a different pattern and at the end of the year I will have made 12 pieces to build my wardrobe. I have gotten off to a slow start but I am now on track to catch up. My daughter has asked me to make her prom dress. I have to get myself going her prom is in May. A foresee a full bust adjustment is in my future. Plus, I have an ever growing list of pieces that I want to make to develop skills and build my wardrobe. Some things I am going to need sooner than others like Jeans. I pulled my favorite, go to jeans out of the dryer the other day and much to my shock it looks like I am on my way to a crotch blow out. Those bad boys have gotten some wear. Didn't stop me from putting them on. But I probably should get going on making those ginger jeans. Here are my #makenine which are in addition to the #sewyourstyle challenge. I am sure there will be additional things added hopefully made. Probably ambition but what the heck let's sew these things (too much, couldn't resist). Looking forward to sewing with you. Until next time when I share my makes and pattern reviews.
~Sew Stitchin Jobena
So exciting to be jumping into the world of blogging, Eek! I will be sharing my love for sewing mostly with bits and pieces of travel and black and white film photography. I will share my sewing projects, give my two cents about patterns and all things sewing that I try or read, lessons learned, skills developed and tips I pick up along the way.
Hope you enjoy and walk away with something that will inspire you in some way. Let's see where Sew Stitchin' Jobena will take us! Jobena |
Hello, I am Jobena, a hummingbird by nature. Learning and creating through sewing, photography and travel.
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