"Unselfish Sewing" Plans

When I first started I totally wanted to title my blog "The Selfish Seamstress" but alas, that was taken by someone who was, apparently, an outstanding sewer! I still use that moniker with friends and family though because I. Do. Not. Want. To. Sew. For. Others! :-p

But, I can be swayed. My very bestest friend recently had a birthday and when she swooned over my Swoon cardigan (har, har), I decided I was going to make one for her!

Carolyn has gotten with Michelle of Style Maker Fabrics to offer a discount code this month and I moseyed on over there and clicked on a gorgeous eggplant/plum variegated jersey in the page banner and saw some seriously yummy fall colored jerseys. My friend chose this jade:

And I chose this pumpkin:

WHAAAAAAAT??!? :-D

This after using Herculean strength to avoid buying from Fabric Mart with all their yummy wool jerseys on sale on and off for the past week or so.

Sigh.

BUT! I would have never stopped at just a cut or 2 with FM, so there's that!

Also, Monday night I started cutting out my In-House Ellen pants and as I'm laying them all out, my daughter called. We talked for awhile --she's coming home this weekend--  and then she asked me to make her something "cool". Well naturally I turned to my Burda magazines!

I decided on this sweatshirt from the January 2016 issue

I'm making it in a slate blue colored ponte that's been in the stash awhile. I have 3 yards of it and the pattern calls for 2 1/8 for the size 36.  I'm thinking I may whip up a simple tube skirt to match. She really likes those to layer over tights/leggings. 

I'm considering adding exposed zippers at the side seam - purely ornamental. 

We'll see how it goes!

I haven't blogged a finish project in for.ever. But they're all lined up - some of them worn. I'm going to knock out this sweatshirt and then finish my pants. The front is ready (need to do fly front topstitching) and back darts are sewn. I'll show the 4-piece collection together as only 2 items need full reviews (Kwik Sew 3558 and In House Ellen). The other 2 have been made multiple times (Butterick 5678 and Simplicity 2369).

Simplicity 1756: Skill Builder

My top is this striped peplum in poly chiffon from NY & Company 

(I've always loved their tops)

The year I started sewing I coveted this pattern! 

There weren't many versions made up but still - I wanted it! 

I was going to make it before as part of a wardrobe contest, cut the pattern out, but didn't have enough fabric. Then, I intended to use it for the current PR Wardrobe Contest (of which I've dropped out of), so when Michelle from Style Maker Fabrics contacted me and asked me to participate in her Spring Canvas Blog Tour, I jumped at the opportunity to choose a white fabric to use for my vest.

I am #7 on the tour so be sure to go back and check out the projects of the lovely 6 ladies that went before me!

I've wanted a crisp white topper for the longest and went for THIS cotton/linen blend.
1) For the crispness
2) Because it's lightweight (and summery!)
3) Because while lightweight, it's stable enough to handle the zippered welts I wanted to insert

As I mentioned, the pattern was already cut out - in a size 16. I'd already made flat pattern adjustments: Narrow shoulder, taking a tuck between shoulder and bust, and swayback.

Zip-It (NAYY) is my main go-to for interesting and/or single zippers (Otherwise it's Wawak all the way).

I was buying zippers for another project and picked up 4 of thsese. I HAD to have them! :)  I ordered these almost a year ago and was so excited that a project finally came up giving me cause to use them.

The vest comes with patch pockets -- which I am SO glad I didn't use! More on that later. 

I used Fashion Sewing Blog TVs tutorial for the pockets - she is so good. Interfacing. Careful marking. Careful stitching. It's certainly nothing you want to rush through!

They aren't perfect - next time I'll topstitch 1/4" from the zipper - but I was So proud of myself!!

I'd posted this on IG mid-construction.

always mind your marks!

My collar went in effortlessly, because I had everything properly marked and took my time.

I'm very happy with it!

All seam allowances are serged and pressed open. The fabric is fairly opaque, but the center back seam shows up through the fabric. I have no photos of the back because it started raining and my photographer ran in the house. She'd just did her hair. :) But this photo starts my issues with the finished project.

I think it looks like a lab coat.

And after I initially thought it, I couldn't shake it. Could. Not. Shake! I hoped the zippered pockets would help (see why I'm glad I didn't go with patch pockets?!) but I just don't love it :(

The pattern wasn't without problems. Not until after I was working overtime to press the collar did I question why the pattern had me interface both the upper and under collar. Even though the under(?) collar was to be cut on the bias. I questioned it and cut it on the fold, but my collar is much more stiff than it should be. And there's something weird with the way they tell you to finish the front facing when attaching it to the front.

Also, it is incredibly boxy and shapeless. And making it a size too large doesn't help (it was cut out in a 16 and I really needed a 14). I really like the back vents and the idea of it -- and the fabric truly is awesome! I may go back and try to nip it in through the waist. Maybe. I don't have an issue walking away from a pattern that isn't working though. And right now, I have so much on my plate that it isn't a priority. I'll toss it in the naughty box for now and see if I want to bother with it when I have time to sew again.

Even so, I think my next attempt at a sleeveless jacket notched-collar vest will be from a different pattern.

***I received the fabric for free from Style Maker Fabrics in exchange for participation on the tour.
Pattern choice and opinions (as per usual!) are completely my own.***

There are 5 more stops on the tour, the lovely Lori of Girls in the Garden is up next!

I'm moving soon and in full-on crazy mode. Then I need to finish the prom dress. BUT! I have a couple finished projects though that haven't made the blog! So I'll be scheduling those to post over the next couple of weeks. And I'll only be responding to questions in the comments. They are all appreciated though! Know that!!