BWOF skirt almost done

I've decided I'm a BWOF size 36 on the bottom. After removing all the extra ease I wish I had gone ahead and cut out the smaller size but who knew? Measuring a flat pattern without a marked horizontal line as reference is a pain. Yes, I could have measured from the hemline but it was difficult to tell where the fullest part would be. As you know, I traced it on sewer paper and it's almost translucent. As you can see here-
The fabric is a RL white stretch denim from EOS. Because it has stretch and I didn't want it to grow when I wore it, I made it snug so the size went down from the 36 to what I guess to be around 32 (if only that were true for non-stretch--sigh).


Moment of digression-

I recently decided to organize my sewing stash and can't do it all at once. So, every time I start a new project I have to organize something from that project (ie- interfacing). I pulled all my interfacing out and sorted in Ziploc bags and labeled each to the type of interfacing. Then, I put them in a labeled plastic container. Honestly, there might be a better way of doing that but it looks like it will work. This way I know how much interfacing I have and if I need to get more of a certain type.
Back to the skirt...

The front facing seems to be the issue since the instructions are vague and the words just get mixed up when I try to decipher them. So, threw them out (not literally) and used my sewing knowledge (yeah, that took 2 seconds to run through it;) to figure out how I was going to attach the front portion. Since this is stretch denim it's not necessary that the buttons work but I wanted the look of a button front. Another reviewer on PR put the buttons on and didn't make them functional- I'm thinking on that idea...

Here is how I did the front portion of the skirt- sew the CF and top edges together after they have been interfaced (I used FusiKnit), trim and turn.


Press them well and add top-stitching-



Now, overlap the left over the right or the other way if you prefer- pin

Pin the facing to the skirt front making sure you have not lost the seam allowance at the top and the facing is flush right and left sides at the overlap. (sounds like BWOF instructions...)

Attach at the bottom seam and then along the sides of the facing.



Now, attach the facings to the top of the skirt.

I used an invisible zipper from Cleaners Supply. (zipper photo) They are so much more reasonable than Joanns for the price of notions. Since I'm on notions, I got some buttonhole twist in white from them for the topstitching. My Elna loves it but not the bulk. I'm waiting to try out the new Juki FS600 at my local dealer when it arrives. (I'm so excited!!!)

I topstitched like a pair of jeans with a single needle. I'm sure the CoverPro 1000 could have handled this like a dream but I wanted less bulk so there wouldn't be rippling after the skirt was washed- nice and smooth seams. I used buttonhole twist for topstitching.


My hem ended up being about 3.5in but seems to work well because of the topstitching. Photo of finished skirt will come after the buttons are attached.

New Project BWOF 4-2009 101A

In the early spring I got some wonderful white stretch denim from Emma One Sock with the intention of making some white jeans from the new Jalie pattern. But, after careful consideration, I figured I wear more skirts during the summer so that's what I'm making: BWOF 4-2009, 101A

I traced the pattern and all sizes and will baste it together to find out which size to make. I'm sure there is an easier way but I have yet to find it. I used sewer paper from Lowes. This isn't ideal because it pulls terribly and the pen leaks through but, it gets the job done. I may transfer this to a muslin.

This pattern has been reviewed on PR and I have read that it's very A-line. I used to think I was X-shaped (or hourglass) but not anymore. I'm thinking my shape is on the verge of a V-shape with the upper body larger than the lower body. (Ain't gettin old grand?) Anyhow, I'm trying to bring focus away from the big girls and more to the lower part of my body. To hear a woman say that it's almost blasphemy! If necessary, I may make it more pencil skirt-ish. The buttons on the front are functional but I don't like the way it looked on the other reviews so I may lengthen the zipper and make it a fake facing.

The pockets are cut on the fold so there will be 2 thicknesses of the denim plus seams on each pocket- I don't care how little you are, who wants all that denim on the front? So, I'm planning on making the pockets lined with a cotton stretch poplin from my stash. The big question I'm having is the topstitching. I think when I run with Chloe and I've done a lot of thinking about this skirt. The thoughts are as follows: 1. White topstitching, 2. Light gray topstitching, 3. Tan topstitching, 4. Combination of 2 colors. What do you think????

I'm anxious to try my Janome CP1000 for the topstitching. Yes, I've been afraid to actually open it up and get her (hereafter referred to as Nan) going. Mainly because I don't have the space to keep it out. The next thing on my list is to get one of those shelves from Lowes that is installed in cabinets that can be mounted below and brought up when you need it. (That's what I'm thinking about at least)

Speaking of naming things, I think it's time to give my machines or as I was taught in chemistry, they are now machines but "instruments", names. Here we go, and yes, I can change my mind- I'm a girl after all!
Janome CoverPro1000- Nan (because Jan is too obvious;)
Elna 3007- Bertha (sounds strong!)
BabyLock Serger- Hummer (cause that's what it sounds like)

Let's see if they stick. I'll post pictures of my progress as I go along.

Finishing Projects

Alright, before I start on the frog, I need to finish a penafore for a friend's child. My mother has an embroidery machine and got this design from Smartneedle.com. It is a dragonfly with wings that lift from the dress.


Can you say too cute? This makes me want to sew more fun stuff like this.

I learned how to use my ruffler foot and see a few issues with it.

The next time I use it, I'll have the issues worked out. I used a stretch lightweight denim from Joann fabrics and quilting fabric for the binding and ruffle. I wanted to make this summery enough that she could wear it without a blouse under it but as the cooler months approached, her mother would have the option to put a t-shirt or shirt underneath. No real facings to eliminate the bulk. Both of these photos are different views of the binding and mock facings.





All seams are serged and finished.

I decided to do the double button that was suggested by my mom (thanks) and I've seen done a few times. It turned out to be a cute flower. Now I hope it fits and isn't too big for the little girl:) As Goldilocks said, "It's just right."

Scottsdale Satchel Completed

The Scottsdale Satchel is done. I ended up getting a Grommet Tool to place the grommets. After many errors, I finally got it down. They weren't very stable so I added a bit of glue to keep them together.

Frog for the little girl

I finished the frog quilt and now have moved on to a stuffed frog. The pattern was intended for storing sewing supplies but I couldn't resist- what girl doesn't need a stuffed frog to drag around? The design is by Java House Quilts.

Projects finished and something new

Well, I finished the 2nd baby quilt. It took too much effort for something I had planned to be easy. So, this probably wraps up my quilting for a while.

I just got back from Joann Fabrics and their great Memorial Day sale. Notions were 50% off so I got everything I needed for the next few projects. Here's one that I'm starting today. It's the Scottsdale Satchel by Purse Strings.
(Photo courtesy of Pursestringspatterns.com)



I've heard that designers don't want construction details shared on blogs due to copyright issues. So, I'll just show you where I'm at and the finished product. I love this pattern btw...

The outer fabric came from a store in Overland Park, KS and the lining, piping and contrast fabric came from Harpers Quilts in Old Overland Park. All the working parts are from Joann Fabrics in OP as well.

Lining, piping and contrast is the "fireworks" appearing fabric:




Outer fabric:

I didn't finish

This seems to be becoming a trend... I entered the knit contest on PR and ran out of time. I got as close as the hem. Oh, well. I know since I have a meeting tomorrow night I'll be a couple of hours short. But, I will finish it in time to wear it Friday night for a party. Now, if I could only get some new shoes.

I'll post pictures of the dress when I get closer to finishing. It's the Meg Ryan lookalike dress. Honestly, I LOVE this fabric. It's heavy but so smooth against the skin and has washed like a dream. I can't believe it's machine washable. Can I say I've fallen in love with Rayon Double Knit without being thought of as my grandmother???