Tag: sewing

Vogue 1250

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 5 Comments

This popular dress was reviewed a number of times on PatternReview.com .  And after reading Adrienne’s blog I knew I had to make it.

I have too many bumps and bulges to wear a solid, form-fitting dress so I chose this terrific ITY print from Denver Fabrics.  It camouflages body flaws quite nicely!!
I cut my usual pattern size 14 and made no alterations at all.  It is a perfect fit.  I followed the pattern instructions as written, except I added one step.  For the life of me, I can’t understand why a designer pattern would leave an unfinished edge inside the garment.  Yes, I realize knit won’t ravel, but how unfinished looking!  The top edge of the cowl neck (referred to in the instructions as the front self facing) just hangs inside the garment without a finished edge.  I used my serger to sew a narrow rolled hem.  Here’s a picture:
Since it is a lightweight, unlined knit garment, I used a four-thread overlock stitch on my serger to finish all other inside seams:
I really like this dress and the confirmation of what a great pattern it is, was when I received a number of positive comments at church yesterday.

Square Pot Holder

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 1 Comment

From this book:

This is my all time favorite pot holder pattern.  I’ve made these a number of times over the past couple years, I’m spoiled now and I won’t buy ready made pot holders.  I’ve become somewhat of a pot holder snob as these have spoiled me!

This is my favorite set so far.  How appropriate for a kitchen linen are vegetables?  And look at those vibrant, feel good colors.  Here’s a shot of the the opposite patchwork style side:

I followed the instructions as written for each pot holder, with these exceptions:

1.  I omitted the grommet because I don’t hang my pot holders.  I keep them in the drawer next to the stove.

2.  I substituted 1 panel of 9″ x 9″ Insul-Bright for the 2 panels of 9″ x 9″ cotton batting and I substitued 2 panels of 4″ x 9″ Insul-Bright for the 2 panels of 4″ x 9″ cotton batting.  I find that the Insul-Bright gives just a bit more protection from the heat than does the two layers of cotton batting.

Here’s a close up of the quilted hand covers:

Simplicity 2475 Encore

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 1 Comment

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, moms-to-be, and those who are like-a-mom!

In an earlier review of this skirt pattern, I noted that I would make it again.  I did sew it with the intention of making a coordinating top and skirt outfit for Mother’s Day.  Well, here it is in a red linen frabric from JoAnn Fabrics.  I did make a lining for this version.  I am sewing a knit top to coordinate with this skirt, but due to a week beyond my control, was unable to finish it in time for Mother’s Day (sigh).  It looks okay with this jacket and camisole, but not exactly what I planned.

Here’s the kick pleat.  I used the same fabric for the insert.