Tag: simplicity

What’s Sewing On . . .June 2022

Featured ~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 2 Comments

Happy Summer, Sewing Friends!

Do you find you create more in the summer than in the winter? Or, do you create less in the summer than in the winter? I find my create time slows down in the summer because I spend a lot of time in the yard and the garden during the summer months. That said, I do still have a bit of progress on several items that I would like to share with you. So come on in and look around for a bit. You are welcome here.

First up is this machine embroidery quilt that I finally started – I’ve had the kit for about two years! This is the Vintage Boardwalk quilt by Kimberbell. I am not even half done with all the cute blocks that go into this quilt, but I’ll keep plugging along and by golly I will complete it in the future (hopefully this year).

Before I do any embroidery for the applique blocks, I back the fabric with fusible SF101. I like to use my heat press to adhere the SF101 to the fabric. By using my heat press, I can fuse several pieces of fabric at one time. I find that interfacing applied this way does not peel up at the corners like it does when I use my household iron. It’s also a great time saver.

I’m also embroidering the background quilting before embroidering the applique. This way it becomes a quilt as you go project. The background quilting designs are from Kimberbell and they are sized to fit their various applique block sizes. Yet another time saver! I love that.

Second, I actually completed a cross stitch design. Now all I have to do is mount it to foam board and frame it. I should have the completed project to show you in my July update. The pattern is Stitchy Stars by Lori Holt.

Third, I completed all the little tiny blocks for a small wall hanging. The pattern is Heritage by Betsy Chutchian. I just need to arrange the blocks in a way that is to my liking, then I will quilt it, bind it, and hang it on the wall.

My fourth, and final sewing update this month is a pair of pants from this new Simplicity pattern.

Here is a peek at what my test muslin looks like. I will discuss my thoughts about this pattern in my next blog post. Suffice it to say, I really like the pattern. I will tweak it just a bit before I sew up another pair. Stay tuned for my review.

That’s it for my June edition of What’s Sewing On . . . I must head back to my sewing machine as I am busy sewing up some items to add to my summer wardrobe. Do you sew for the seasons?

Until next time – thank you so much for visiting today.

Simplicity 8376 and Silhouette Patterns Armhole Templates

~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ Leave a comment

Simplicity 8376 has become my go-to casual t-shirt pattern. This one can be cut and sewn in under an hour. I use my serger (overlocker) for all of the construction.

Coverstitched topstitching around the neckline holds the seam allowance down.
Narrow coverstitched hems on the sleeves and bottom edge.

For my hanging out at home, running a few errands, spending the afternoon in my sewing room days – this is the shirt for me. Just one thing about the shirt has always kind of nagged at me – the fit of the armhole, particularly in the underarm area. I purchased the armhole templates from Silhouette Patterns and used them to change the armhole on my Simplicity pattern.

My thoughts and a before and after comparison are in my video:

Thank you for visiting today. I look forward to any feedback you would leave in the comment section below.

Until next time, sew on!