Kwik Sew 3854 – Sailor-Style Shorts

July 17, 2012 ~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

This is such a cute shorts pattern – if only I could get them to fit!

I present to you, my valued readers, my latest wadder.

Notice the big gap at the back waistband and the gaping, droopy section in the front. I adjusted and took these in (a total of 1 1/4″) as I sewed them together, but they still need to be taken in a good 2-3 inches. If I do that, I fear it will distort the style lines of the garment. Therefore, they are oficially classified as a wadder.

I also think the back darts should be extended slightly. They appear to be a bit short. Or, maybe the length of the darts is okay if the shorts fit properly. The pattern instructions are very clear and easy to follow and I really like the style of the shorts, so I will ponder whether or not to attempt another pair. If I do, I will definitely cut a smaller size.

I’m moving on to another project. I’m in the mood for a maxi skirt or dress, so that will most likely be the next garment that I sew. The best way for me to get past a wadder is to quickly move on to the next project in queue.

Here’s hoping you rarely have wadders and you are richly rewarded with success.

Diapers to Go Baby Gift

June 27, 2012 ~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

Here’s yet another version of the Diapers to Go #150 pattern.

I reviewed it before, but I made a couple of minor changes this time around. I omitted the carry strap (I don’t think it gets much use) and I substitued a velcro strap closure instead of my usual magnetic closure. The velcro strap is more secure and it allows for more bulk inside the carrier.

Here’s a side view of it with diapers and wipes inside (you can see how the new closure will allow for more goodies inside):

Inside view (empty):

My only dilemma in constructing it by inserting the strap between the dotted bacground fabric and the batting (so it would not show) was that I could not add the binding as the last step. This is not something I thought through thoroughly. When I showed it to my DH, he suggested I simply make a buttonhole in the binding strip to slide over the strap and apply the binding as usual. What a brilliant idea! Sometimes it takes a non-sewer to see the obvious. Thank you DH. Here’s a close-up of that buttonhole:

The recipient thanked my numerous times over the course of a couple days. I’m glad she loved it.

On my cutting table right now is Kwik Sew 3854, view B. Have a great rest of the week.

Vogue 8815 Peplum Top

June 14, 2012 ~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 3 Comments

IMHO, peplum tops are very flattering, so I had to take this Vogue pattern for a test run. The last peplum top I made was from a Burda WOF pattern and I wear it quite often. I made it before I started blogging, but it was my first review on Pattern Review if you are interested. This Vogue top will get just as much wear as the Burda peplum. I really like the match up of this stretch sateen fabric from my stash along with this pattern. The fit is close-fitting and you would not want this to have a lot of wearing ease as it would alter the style lines of the top. Therefore, the small amount of stretch in this sateen fabric works beautifully.

Does the shape of the top look familiar? Here’s from where I believe the inspiration may have come:

Yes, dear readers, it’s Jane Jetson! See the resemblence?

The back closure uses a 22″ invisible zipper.

And the armhole and neckline openings are finished with bias tape. I used my serger on all other exposed seams.

I did not make any adjustments to the pattern and I did not make a fit muslin. I simply cut it to match my upper bust measurement and it was a perfect fit right out of the envelope. If you’re wanting to stay on trend this season and make yourself a peplum top, this would be a great pattern to choose.