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Simplicity 3678

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

This is the fourth time I’ve used this pattern in one view or another.  This one is view A.  This pattern sews up very quickly and fits nicely.  The only change I make is to the neckline.  Instead of following the pattern instructions for the neck binding, I simply fold the binding in half, the same as what is done for a quilt binding.  I then attach it to the neckline, fold the raw edges to the inside and topstitch.  I also stitch the center front of the neckling closed from the under bust up about 2″ because the neckline is very low and I don’t want to wear a camisole under this one as it is for hot, summer weather and I don’t like too many layers in the summer.  This dress is great with a pair of flip flops.  I used a navy/teal ITY knit from Joann’s.

Here are some photos of the neck binding process:

Fold the binding in half, wrong sides together and press

Attach the binding to the neck edge, raw edges together


Turn to the inside and topstitch


This is a 2007 pattern, but it is still available for purchase:


Civil War Generals’ Wives BOM – Setting Blocks

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

I received the fabric and instructions for setting blocks several months ago, but procrastinated in assembling them.  Please don’t laugh, but being the novice quilter that I am, I had no clue what a setting block was!  So in my effort to understand said blocks, I came upon an article at McCalls Quilting that explained it quite well.  These blocks are oversized blocks that are used around the perimeter of the design blocks so they can be trimmed to size without cutting into the design blocks.

So here are my first two setting blocks:

Setting Block #1 – I made 12 of these

and . . .

Setting Block #2 – I made 4 of these

I am waiting for design block #7, which should be here next week.  Until then, that is my quilting for now. 

I am moving on to tweaking the fit of my Jalie jeans pattern and altering the design a wee bit to make a pair of capris.  I purchased some black stretch denim from Joann Fabrics this week and it is pre-washed and ready to go.

I also completed a dress this week, but I don’t have photos to share as of yet.  Hopefully I will get that one posted this weekend.  Have a blessed Easter.

May Challenge

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 1 Comment

For the month of May I am participating in the Me-Made-May ’12 challenge over at Zoe’s blog.  This is the very first challenge I have committed to and I have to admit, I am a bit apprehensive.  Can I really pull this off, how much of my hand-made wardrobe do I actually wear on a daily basis, do I need to crank out more items to fulfill this commitment?  Hmmm, we will see.  Here is my commitment as posted on Zoe’s blog:

I, Pam of A Notion to Sew, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May ’12. I endeavor to wear at least one item handmade by me each day for the duration of May 2012. Items will be posted on my blog at least weekly.

Watch for the weekly updates in May to monitor my success.  If you want to participate, go on over and sign up.  It will be fun to see the progress from all the participants.