Tag: Garments

Anna Maria Horner Roundabout Top

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

I’ve used Anna Maria Horner fabrics on a number of occasions.
I appreciate that her artwork is not ‘cutesy’ like so many of the quilting fabric designers.
She has a very modern-classic spin on fabric design.

 
So, when I committed to attending one of her Craft South workshops in September,
I decided I should sew up one of her patterns using her cotton voile fabric.

The pattern is called Rondabout Dress & Slip.
But upon further inspection, one will see that the pattern includes
option C, which is a pullover blouse.
Now, I wanted a bit of a fitted waistline, so I opted to add rows of 1/4′ wide elastic
to the back waist piece only.
No, that step is not included in the pattern instructions.
(A closer look at how I did that will be detailed in an upcoming post.)
The front waist piece is still nice and flat.

After reading a few reviews on Patternreview,
I assumed the neckline would sit a bit low.
The pattern instructions note that the blouse should be pinned at the shoulders,
before finishing the neckline to ensure that the neckline isn’t too low for you.
I didn’t have a problem with a low neckline, I would simply wear a cami if necessary.
But when I finished the neckline with the bias trim,
the trim “flooped” forward and would not lay flat against my chest. 
It just looked SLOPPY.


Before elastic

After much pondering, I opened up the seam at the shoulder
and inserted 1/4″ elastic into the neckline between the bias trim and the blouse front.
Yes, again a pattern change using 1/4′ elastic – we’re friends!

 
After elastic

All in all, not too bad of a pattern, but I probably will not sew it again.
What about you, my friends, have you used any Anna Maria Horner patterns?
I would love to hear about your experience.

 

Bubble Skirt for a Bubbly Granddaughter

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

What a cute, cute skirt pattern.
I used Butterfly Kisses pattern number 112.
No pattern pieces involved, just instructions.
It uses simple rectangles for the construction.
For my 4 year-old granddaughter, I made the corresponding age size.
It fits her perfectly (I will update with photos of my pint-size model when my daughter sends them).

My fabric of choice for the outside skirt panel was this very soft, drapey, 21 whale corduroy.
It is called Blue Jay Cool Cords for Robert Kaufman.
I am in love with this fabric!
I’ve never felt such a soft corduroy.
The corduroy is lightweight enough to wear with flip flops and a t-shirt or tank
during the summer months,
but it can then be paired with leggings and a sweater to be worn in the fall.
 
 
For the yoke, I used  a white pin dot from my stash.
And . . .

 
the lining is a pink polka dot – also from my stash.
 
 
My serger came in handy for construction of everything except the elastic waist casing.
The basic premise of a bubble skirt is that the lining (pink polka dot) is smaller
than the outside, main fabric (the cook cord).
Therefore, the corduroy had to be gathered to fit the lining piece.
I used the gathering foot to quickly accomplish that step.
Stay tuned for another installment of Stitch Selection Savvy,
which will focus on gathering.
 
Until then, my friends, happy sewing!
 

 

Herringbone Jacket – Simplicity 2728

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 2 Comments

Mother’s Day attire this year was classic black and white.
 
 
 
I notice from this photo that the sleeves were a bit wrinkled.
This was after about 7 hours of wear.
Se la vie     🙂
 
 
This is the third time I’ve sewn up Simplicity 2728.
This go round, I decided to add the notched collar
and forego the pockets.
 

 
I see why news anchors and individuals on television
don’t wear herringbone.
Photography of said print proves to be a bit tricky.

 
I like the shorter length of this jacket
as an option to wear with wider leg pants.
The back inverted ‘v’ hem is a nice detail.

 
The pale pink lining is Bemberg Rayon.
 
I also plan to wear this version with
white capris and black capris.
A bright tank (such as a fabulous pink)
would add a terrific pop of color.
Hmmmm, I see myself sewing up a new tank in the near future.
 
What about you, my friends.
Do you make many jackets during the warmer weather?
Or do you concentrate on jackets more during cooler weather?