New Look 6977 View A Raglan sleeve top

       After a little searching through my stash, I decided to start my back-to-school mini wardrobe with a top from my stash.  Although I haven't tried this pattern yet, I read lots of reviews on Pattern Review.  Most of them indicate they wished they had chosen a smaller size, or to go by the finished garment size... rather than the measurement guide.  With that in mind, I'm going to cut a size 8 with a bust adjustment, rather than the 10.

     Here's my mock up of the top with the fabric I have:

   Pretty sure there might have been some "shopping juice" involved in this purchase!  However, the colors match the grey and black I have for pants and a skirt... so I'm going for it anyway.  

Step one:  Laying out the pattern and doing a full-bust adjustment.  Piece 1 is the front, which is cut on the fold and does not have a dart.   So, where to start the fba?  I learned something!  It turns out on some patterns, this line is marked on the pattern.

     To find the other line, make a horizontal line 1/2 way between the arm scythe notch and the shoulder seam.  (In this case, there was no shoulder seam due to raglan sleeves.  I went ahead and split the difference between the notch and the top of the front piece.)  You can just see where I made a small mark at the 2 inch mark.  

     I then drew a horizontal line at this mark. Using the fold line to make sure it was square.

Then, I drew another horizontal line at the bust marking.

Next, I drew a vertical (grainline) line from about where my bust point would be to the hem line.  (How did I know??  I measured my bust spread from my center front, and used this to find a close approximation.)

Now I cut, kind of like with a regular FBA, but no tilting.

Notice that the piece with the neckline is still attached at the first horizontal line.  In order to allow for more bust wiggle room, I first scooted the arm scythe piece out 5/8".  I have heard not to adjust more than this.  I am a D cup but I still only adjusted 5/8".

   Once this was adjusted (and taped...)  I moved the front center piece down 1 1/2 inches.  

All these pieces were taped down. (I'm just using parchment paper here, no fancy pattern cutting paper.)  Next, I used a french curve to redraw the arm curve.

And extended the side seam from the new position to the hem.

(sorry, no pic)... I also curved the bottom from the side to the center front.

Then I used this new pattern piece to cut the front.  That extra length in the front and the new line at the arm both caused a small problem later!

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Mini-Wardrobe Part 2: What do I have?

It's raining and it's the type of day I don't want to drive into Dallas.  So, what do I have on hand?

While figuring out, I took some measurements to help the process.
Bust 36
Band 31
Upper chest 33
waist 30 
hips 36.5

So basically, I'm a square! (See, I already made you feel better about yourself! ;-)  ) Most major pattern companies make their patterns for a B-cup measurement.  If you are larger than a B, it helps to use the upper chest measurement, instead of the bust measurement, then do (the sometimes dreaded...) FBA.  (full bust adjustment) For a long time I really never thought this applied to me (my chest is honestly not that big!) but it turns out, numbers tell the story, so if there is more than 2" difference between your band and chest measurement you might want to consider it.

I have some knits in the stash, perhaps these will work for pieces?  I also have a piece of black knit, which didn't photograph well, I'll try to get a better pic later.

You can see that third fabric I obviously had margaritas before shopping!  But I do love bright pink.  Maybe a top?  These are all 60" wide (about) and I have

•  1 2/3 yard of the grey/blue/black
• 1 yard of the "shopping juice" fabric (pink print)
• 1 yard of the (darker than the photo) grey
• 1 3/5 yard of the black knit.

So, maybe enough for two tops, a skirt, and a pants? Can I make pants with only 1 3/5 yards?  Hmmmm..... might need to cut out the patterns and do a layout.  Since they are knits, I have to have everything in the right stretchy direction (grain)... no fudging.  But then again, I have hobbit legs, so it might work.

Pulling New Look 6977  a size 10 matches my upper chest, a size 16 matches my waist (ugh!), and a size 12 most closely matches my hips.  So for the top, I might start with a 10, but curve out at the waist.  Top A (this view):

Please excuse my lame photoshopping....but you get the idea. Also note that this might be tricky with fabric placement, as illustrated on left side chest.

Also the pants, view E, take only 1 1/2 yards of fabric... so that's doable.  Also the skirt on the pattern NEW LOOK 6977 view D says 7/8 yard, so maybe that out of the grey fabric.  There's enough blue/black to make the NEW LOOK 6735 top I've been wanting to make, so that would give me FOUR pieces, without even making a run to the fabric store.  Let's DO THIS!

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Mini Wardrobe for Back-to-School

     My house is  a wreck... no getting around it.  So what did I start my cleaning with?  Patterns! (Never a good idea to start cleaning with fabric or pattern stashes.... because you KNOW what will happen!) 

    I found a pile of patterns I think I purchased because they were highly reviewed and loved on one of my favorite sites, Pattern Review.  If you aren't familiar with it, it's where other people who all sew much better than me, tell me great ideas on things they are sewing and include problems with patterns.

  So, here's  a peek at my pile.  Mind you, this isn't really even close to everything... these are just the things that made me say "Hmmmmmm".

  Dresses - these patterns all lean toward simple lines and vintage feel.

This New Look pattern has been on my to-sew list for forever.  I bet I've read the reviews for it a jillion times.  Something about the easy lines of the skirt and, again! there's the little jacket.  I've been collecting jacket patterns....

Jackets.  I've been wanting to sew my own jacket/coat for the past 20 years.  Still never have!

Simple knit tops and pants that require no ironing.  This is obviously after I started teaching again.  Simple, but not overly casual.

Likewise, simple pants that can be worn many times.  Also, I also have a thing for knit boat neck tops.  Especially in stripes!

I personally think my super short legs tend to look better in dresses with simple lines, like a sheath.  I have TONS of sheath patterns, not that I ever make them!

See, another striped knit top?

Isn't it fun to go through your stash?  Each of these represents a specific idea I was interested in, yet they all have similarities.  Time to actually sew some of these!

Enter, the wardrobe idea.  I am a teacher at a school where we can wear jeans EVERY DAY.  This makes wardrobe planning typically just finding appropriate jeans and a nice looking top.    My wardrobe is lacking in tops (I recently lost 25 pounds after being diagnosed with diabetes, which for me has equated to about 5 sizes down.) So my closet is seriously lacking right now.  First some stats, because when I read pattern reviews I always wonder "Well, you lengthened it, but how TALL are YOU?"  So, for the record...

• I'm 5'0"
• Between a size 4 and 6 in RTW, but leaning more toward 4 in pants and 6 in tops. I wear a Small in SML but can't always wear a 4 in sized numbers.
• Pattern issues: D cup, short but not short waisted- so petite adjustments often don't work, short legs but regular length torso, short arms.  
• Usually "off-the-rack" I buy Misses and shorten arms and legs.

Realizing that sort of makes me sound like a Hobbit... which might not be that far from the truth.

On to the project.  My goal is to sew up several pieces where I can mix and match them (and not have my fourth graders say "That, again?!"  )  Things comfortable enough to get on the floor, but cute enough to wear after work.  And (if at all possible) machine washable.  Tall order!

Here's what I'm thinking to start:

At least one skirt, one pants, two tops and maybe a jacket? (Or chicken out and do a sheath dress?)   What's your pattern stash look like?  Do you tend to buy the same things?  

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Vacuum Design

A year or so ago, a grandmother asked me if I could make a vacuum design applique for her grandson.  He was obsessed with vacuum cleaners.

She wanted to applique a vacuum on a blanket for him.  So I made her this...

 http://www.etsy.com/transaction/69416359

Ever since, it's been one of my favorites.  A couple of times a year, someone will buy it-- and it's always for a little boy.  Thinking of all these little boys and their vacuum cleaners always makes me smile.

I have the grown up version-- he's still willing to vacuum. :-)
MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Altering Side Wrinkles Out of a Skirt

There is Talbot's Outlet dangerously near my home. It's a true outlet with things from stores that have been marked down. (Not an outlet where things are made just for the outlet.) I frequently find things there for GREAT deals! Like a $108 skirt marked at $11.

It was too long (to the floor) and the hips were wrinkly.

The skirt was straight, so a simple hem job took care of the length. It wasn't lined, so this was pretty straight forward. But what to do about the hips?

Turns out a small seam bringing in the sides by 1/4" each was all that was needed.

I took a shot with one side done so you can see the difference.   See how much smoother the fixed side hangs?

I didn't even have to rip out the old seam first.  Just gently curve the seam from the waist to slightly inward at the hips.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

You can see the adjustment here- just a slightly inward seam at the hips.  Fixed it right up.  Now, only 600 more mending projects to go! :-)

Mardi Gras Time! Applique embroidery designs

March 8th is Mardi Gras time!  (2011)

 I love this time of year, and it brings back some fun memories of living in New Orleans as a child. 
Dad used to have a ladder, with a little seat on top we'd bring to parades.  I'd sit up on the seat, yelling "Throw me sumthin Mista!"
Although Mardi Gras parades aren't really thought of as "innocent"... we always made it a family affair. 

We would dance in the streets with the bands, chase beads and doubloons.  Mom always wanted us to soak up the culture.  I remember King Cakes in Elementary school, and at Blue Birds.

To celebrate this time, here's two sweet Mardi Gras designs.  Stitch one up just for fun. In true cajun fashion, I've added some lagniappe. (Type in code lagniappe for an extra $1 off when you order.)
  
"Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez"

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

New Coupon Codes Are up on the site

New Coupon codes are now available on the site. They are only good until 1-31-2011, so take a look.

Valentine's Day is coming!! What wonderful things are you stitching up? I have new designs that can be used as pencil toppers or hair pretties, with instructions included. Also Valentine stuffies! Put something fun in their box this year.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Aaaahhh.. Halloween Sewing

I love making Halloween designs. My girls get such a kick out of the holiday.
For the next week-- ALL HALLOWEEN designs are on sale for $1.50 or less. Check 'em out.

http://keepsmeinstitches.com

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Design Sale Sunday, Monday and Tuesday!

Did I say warmer weather???
Today, it's snowing in Dallas again. (I know, you northern friends are mocking me, but I live where it is HOT for a reason!)
Snow? In Dallas? In March?

As long as everything is crazy and March madness is on the tube... might as well sew.

All non-font designs are 50% off Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

Enjoy!

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

A new Sewer Sewist in the House

Kat, who is now 7, got a sewing machine for Christmas. The machine she got is the Janome Mini.

There are mixed reviews on this machine, but do not mention this to Kat- she loves it. Mom's a fan too. It's easy to thread and wind bobbins (which she is doing all on her own) and the speed is a little slower than my Janome 10001, which is a little safer, too.

She's ready to move on to some bigger projects, so we'll be making some beginner items in the coming months. If you have a new sewer/sewist in your home, please sew along! I'd love to see what you (or your little people) are making.

Our first project is going to be a pillow case. We'll start this week.

Mom, on the other hand, is sewing up some cheer tops. I'm going to try to get out a tutorial on easy ways to get fabric inset panels for costuming-- so hopefully there will be something for everyone.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

You Rock My Heart Valentine Applique embroidery design

I love Valentine's Day-- and not just for the chocolate!

I love the look on the girls faces as they open their little cards. I love that whole childhood anticipation.... and yes, I'm a sucker for chocolate.

Here's a new design you could use for a boy's shirt too. Just make the colors a little more masculine, and it could be a great addition.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Aaaahhhh.. Christmas!

It's hard to imagine it's almost time to pack up the tree. We had a great holiday with Kevin's folks and my mom coming in (separately) for a few days each.

I managed to get almost all the sewing done in time to get it under the tree-- and one of the girls (Kat) is enjoying her own sewing machine this year, thanks to Santa.

She got a little Janome Mini, and she has been sewing up a storm. This machine has mixed reviews. There's some great reviews of it on patternreview.com. Kat is only 6, turning 7- and it's a super machine for her. It really sews, winds bobbins and has some adjustments in stitch length.

One of her first projects was a drawstring bag- an easy beginning project if you are a new sewer yourself. I'll try to get the tutorial up later today.

Time to start gearing up for Valentine's Day :) I have some new designs up, in case you have the sewing bug. I'm also going to try my hand at pettiskirts again, after receiving two GLORIOUS fluffy ones for the girls at Christmas.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

CYBER MONDAY SALE

EDITED TO ADD: This post is no longer valid :) Please see the website http://keepsmeinstitches.com for current specials. Thanks!


You knew I wouldn't be able to resist!

Buy 1 get 1 free on Etsy only. Please do not purchase your free design-- send it in Notes to Seller.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

New SALE!

Hooray! I recently celebrated my 170th sale. I'd really like to hit 200 by Christmas... and reward you for helping me. So here we go! I'm going to increase for a limited time, the number of free designs you can earn as follows:

• Buy 3, Get 1 Free


• Buy 5, Get 2 Free


• Buy 7, Get 3 Free


• Buy 9, get 5 Free

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Turkey Applique SALE!

I love this little guy! So before you stuff yourself this week-- stitch up some fun.

Intro priced this week only for $1.50 on the website.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Wow! Need an Update- What a turkey!

Well, sometimes life gets in the way of blogging. A customer (thank you!) reminded me that my blog still shows the 60% sale-- thanks to all my great customers, I'm now at 154 Etsy sales!

The current sale is Buy 2, Get 1 Free! Here's how it works. Purchase your two designs on the same invoice. Then in the "notes to seller" indicate your free design choice. That's it! Please do not "buy" your free design, as Etsy will charge me fees for it.

AND... a new cute turkey and light saber applique designs are available on Etsy. I hope to have them up one my website later tonight.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

60 % off sale!

I've been really trying to build my feedback and #'s on etsy, so 10 sales ago I posted a 50 % at 50 sale. It was a great success!

So.... Yep. Till we get to 70, as long as you buy 2 or more designs, you will be refunded 60% of your purchase price!

Wow. That's about all I can say..... wow.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

New Designs

Couple of new designs up- I've been very busy preparing for TMUMC Fall on the Mound!

Stop by and say hi! http://keepsmeinstitches.etsy.com/

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Applique Christmas Tree

Brand new:

Applique Christmas Tree


MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Drill team design now available

I've been working on some shirts and other things for the Plano Williams High School Cheyannes. One of the problems with creating drill team spirit wear, is the lack of drill team designs readily available.

After finishing the design, I decided to offer it on my website. If you are interested in customizing this to match your own drill team uniform, please contact me.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

It's Greek to Me...

Thought you might like a glimpse of the new font. Bring back any college memories???

Seemes like with soccer practice, RE, school and other activities, we haven't had time to breathe around here. This one should be ready in two sizes by next week :-)

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

White Robots Can't Dance...

Robots.





They can do many things-- rhythm is not in their nature.



Coming soon, hopefully this week. I'm trying him with glitter fabric for a Disco ball head!



MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

New! Applique Girls are Weird Font

One of my favorite fonts, personally- now available as applique for your sewing machine!

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

keepsmeinstitches.com

Comes in three sizes of lowercase letters: 3" (fits 4x4 hoops) 4" and 5".

Some letters (like J, l, k) are taller.

Download it instantly with your payment! PLUS... Special sale through Labor Day, all fonts are $5!

I am Asleep Striped Eyemask Featured in Treasury

The eyemask is featured in a fun BNR treasury...

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=79495

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

My Popcorn Tote Is featured!

Just got the word. My little popcorn tote made an etsy treasury. I'm tickled pink!



http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=78692


MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Tiny Tiger Toes (Geaux Tigers!)

If there's one thing I'm learning, it's never underestimate what people are looking for...




A while back I had digitized some tiny pawprints for Plano Senior High (Wildcats) ribbon. WHo knew others would be looking?



These tiny pawprints look great walking up a ribbon, accenting a bib, or on the bottom of a tiny shoe!

Each pawprint measures only .5" across, and the design also comes with a single.

http://keepsmeinstitches.com/




MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Tutorial - Recycling Hawaiian Pants, Repurposing clothes

Hmmm... I wasn't really sure what to call this one.

I bought a pair of Hawaiian pants - pretty wild Hawaiian pants. Let's just say a print that large doesn't look great on a derriere this wide-- capeesh? Well skinny pants really loved them. So...1. Remove the waistband. I did this with a seam ripper.
2. Take out the crotch seam first. I was able to cut mine out, since the size difference was fairly large.
3. Remove the inner leg seam. (Why inner? - In this case it was out of a desire to not have to resew the zipper!)
4. Lay out the legs, and draw a new crotch seam. (I used a current pair of pants to estimate this.)
You can see where her crotch seam doesn't even make it past the leg on the original leg!

5. Cut straight down from crotch seam, narrowing legs. (We can't have clown pants!)

6. Resew the inner leg seam. Turn one leg inside out. Put the right side out leg INSIDE the inside out leg, then sew the crotch seam.

7. I add to resew a new button hole, but if you use the correct end of your waistband, you wouldn't even have to do that!)
8. Rehem.
This post will have additional pics, as soon as I can get her in 'em.

Mary Kay

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Letter D available today - come n get it!

Thank you guys, for being patient during my absence. I was saying goodbye to a family member who will be missed and remembered.

FREE Letter D is available today on the site.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Giraffe Monogram letters

Looks like I need to be away from the computer to tend to some family matters. I don't want my regulars to be disappointed, so I'll go ahead and put up the letters for the next 3 days, all at once. A 3-fer!

So download 'em now while they are free. I'll return to your regularly scheduled 1 a day on Tuesday. Thanks!

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Along came a spider...

A new spider !

Applique for the 5 x 7 hoop. Cut as you go in the hoop.

http://keepsmeinstitches.com


MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Letter E is up!

Okay giraffe font followers, letter E went up just after midnight. (What on earth was I doing up at that hour????)

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.

Letter N Free today

Letter N of the Giraffe Monogram Embroidery font is available now until midnight. Get it now while it's FREE!

One letter is released each day (free for one day) then the whole set will be available at a discount. Miss one? The newsletter sign up coupon is good until 8/20 and will get you one additional letter free.

MaryKay is slowly trying to dig herself out from under a mountain if fabric, one tutorial at a time.