pillow talk

I finally got up the energy and enthusiasm to try making stuff today.

I cut out some bits to make more knickers for DH.   I won't count those until they are actually finished. 

This evening, I decided to make a quick cover for  small (32cm) pillow I've been using to give me some leg  separation when lying on my side at night.  Its a  feather pillow, and the feathers have been a bit pokey and getting on my nerves.  I've been meaning to do it for...a long time. 

I dug out one of DHs worn out tee shirts for this purpose.  The ready made hem  was great for the envelope pocket, and the fabric is soft.    I'm happy to have been able to recycle something.

It only took a couple of minutes [it is a bit rough and ready]  and I found it a reassuring reminder of how far my sewing ability and confidence has grown.

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Total crafty things this year: 38

Sewing based makes: 
123) Inner pad for foot muff; make cover for foot muff;  trim down Superking Duvet to KS and recover edges;
456)Cushion cover for Miss T; Gift bags for Miss T and GDK;
7)Dressing Gown;
8-10)Cat Duvet, Duvet Cover and Pillowcase;
11) Cushion cover for living room;
12-15) Sleeveless tops (x4);
16) SBCC top
17) Overlocker chicken
18) Curtains for nest boxes (4, but counted as 1 make)~
19,20,21)Boxers for DH (test pairs for sizing - counted as 1,  and then 2 pairs)
Abandoned muslin for LoveNotions Willow Wrap Dress (not counted in total makes)
22)Apostrophe Patterns Joggers (jellyfiah and space)
23)Apostrophe Patterns Flared Joggers (black, with big red roses)
24)Boxes for DH (3 pairs using black cotton lycra with patterned fly)
25)Shorten the hems and sleeves on 4 of Mum's day dresses (count as 1 task)
26) repurposed  old tee shirt as cover for mini cushion

Learning activities:
1) Scanning pattern pieces; 2) Making movies; 3)Babylock demo day; 4)Gathering using my overlocker;   5) Euphy training (circles,using elastic in looper);6) Gail Yellen's binder course; 7) Inkscape 1; 8) casting on;  9)purling; 10)casting off

Non sewing based craft makes: 
A) Painted bisque butter dish and had it fired

B) Knitted Infinity scarf, first attempt (pinks)

knickers

A loooong time ago, when I first thought about making knickers for DH I bought a couple of bags of offcuts of very expensive cotton lycia. I thought I'd use them to make the fly pieces.

DH seems to quite like the test pairs of boxers I made him,  so I thought I'd unearth the box of offcuts and try using  some with plain cotton lycra for the main body of the keks.

I had enough offcut to make a matching waistband 

I made a pair, and they look fab. 

Unfortunately, I used the wrong seam allowance on the fly pieces, so they are a little bit snug.

Plus I think this particular offcuts was more swimwear fabric than cotton lycra.

I'm going tohave another go.

But im pleased with the one I've done.

Flare up

I used the Apostrophe Patterns  pattern generator to generate a pattern for a pair of relaxed fit flared trousers.

My first attempt at cutting was a fail.  I didn't have quite enough fabric, and I didn't notice until I was trying to cut out the second set of pieces.  I'm sorry I wasted the fabric,  as it was really bright.

I chose some digitally printed scuba fabric with enormous roses on.   I skipped making pockets (coward that I am).

I did a relaxed fit leg (or "baggy", as DH called it).  I did a slightly narrower waistband.

I think I have reduced size slightly since the last pair (I do tend to fluctuate), as these feel like they could have been made a bit tighter round the waist.

Other than that, I really like them.  I'm surprised, as I thought I'd not be too keen on the large pattern.

I took a quick couple of photos, obviously they aren't really meant to be paired with  a sruffy jumper.

Yes, they do need shoes.

Yes, they are meant to be "baggy" above the flares .

I think I might try another pair of flares, but try a more fitted-leg version. I'll   I'll also measure myself again, just to see if I need to make some adjustments.  I might raise the waist a bit.Or lower it a lot. 

Hmm. So many options.

 

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Total crafty things this year: 33

Sewing based makes: 17;
Inner pad for foot muff; make cover for foot muff;  trim down Superking Duvet to KS and recover edges;
Cushion cover for Miss T; Gift bags for Miss T and GDK;
Dressing Gown;
Cat Duvet, Duvet Cover and Pillowcase;
Cushion cover for living room;
Sleeveless tops (x4);
SBCC top
Overlocker chicken
Curtains for nest boxes (4, but counted as 1 make)~
Boxers for DH (test pairs for sizing - counted as 1,  and then 2 pairs)
Abandoned muslin for LoveNotions Willow Wrap Dress (not counted in total makes)
Apostrophe Patterns Joggers (jellyfiah and space)
Apostrophe Patterns Flared Joggers (black, with big red roses)

Learning activities: 10;
Scanning pattern pieces; Making movies; Babylock demo day; Gathering using my overlocker;    Euphy training (circles,using elastic in looper) Gail Yellen's binder course; Inkscape 1; casting on;  purling; casting off

Non sewing based craft makes: 2
Painted bisque butter dish and had it fired
Knitted Infinity scarf, first attempt (pinks)

Jog On

The Dad news continues to be stressful.    I might write it down when it's all over.

Today, DH went out for the day, and I decided to try and make something new.  

I'd already had a play with a wrap top pattern, (Willow Wrap Dress, peplum top version from Love Notions) which had a "full bust" piece.  Unfortunately, the "full bust" piece wasn't full enough.  I finished it, but won't be wearing it.   It's not a disaster,  but it just isn't right for my boobs.

So today, to distract myself,  I decided to try the Apostrophe Patterns Joggers.      Apostrophe is interesting.  You buy access to their pattern generator for a specific pattern.  Once you've bought it, you can generate as many versions of the pattern as you wish.

Each time, you provide very very detailed measurements.  The measurement video was superb, the best I've seen.   Then you put the measurements into the calculator, along with the stretch (if any) of your fabri.  You choose your options (tapered leg, regular, flare,  type of pocket, type of waistband, sheight of waistband), and any adjustments (bowl legs, knock knees( and it generates a pattern for you.

I opted for the projector version, with full pieces (rather than on fold, or "cut two mirror").  The projector file was great.  All my measurements were on one of the pattern pieces for reference. 

I had some lovely fabric. Inexpensive, but I liked it.  Normally I'd start with some fabric I was less attached to,and do a muslin,  but I decided to just get on with it.  I've made trousers for myself before, and the pieces looked reasonable.

I fluffed up stitching one leg,  so I wasn't holding out much hope for it working.

However, the finished result is not at all bad!   Even with the faults (which are mine, not the generators) it's better than most ready to wear trousers I've ever had.

I think I should have gone for a alightly shallower waistband (this is 7.5 inches folded in half, less seam allowance, so about 3.25 inches or so high).The inseams are great, the side seasms are great, the length is fine (I'm barefoot in the pics).

I had all the benefits of my beloved Sure Fit system, but without having to draw off the pattern myself.

I'll definitely make more of these,  I've got a few pieces of fabtic I'd bought with the intention of making statement trousers. 

I might try a flare next. And pockets.

I'd actually be happy to try making joggers for someone else with the same pattern.

I'd also be happy to buy other patterns in their range now.

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Total crafty things this year: 32

Sewing based makes: 17;
Inner pad for foot muff; make cover for foot muff;  trim down Superking Duvet to KS and recover edges;
Cushion cover for Miss T; Gift bags for Miss T and GDK;
Dressing Gown;
Cat Duvet, Duvet Cover and Pillowcase;
Cushion cover for living room;
Sleeveless tops (x4);
SBCC top
Overlocker chicken
Curtains for nest boxes (4, but counted as 1 make)~
Boxers for DH (test pairs for sizing - counted as 1,  and then 2 pairs)
Abandoned muslin for LoveNotions Willow Wrap Dress (not counted in total makes)
Apostrophe Patterns Joggers

Learning activities: 10;
Scanning pattern pieces; Making movies; Babylock demo day; Gathering using my overlocker;    Euphy training (circles,using elastic in looper) Gail Yellen's binder course; Inkscape 1; casting on;  purling; casting off

Non sewing based craft makes: 2
Painted bisque butter dish and had it fired
Knitted Infinity scarf, first attempt (pinks)

Boxering Success

I've managed to complete the 2 pairs of boxers made from my cardboard template.    The sewing is a bit rough, but they are wearable!

I used the smallest double fold binder to do the fly binding.  That worked like a dream.

I used the downturn feller to hem the legs.   The first pair was already sewn up, so I hemmed in the round.  The second pair, I decided to try hemming first then sewing.  Both methods have their merits,  I'll have to see whether they construction choice affects how they feel in wear.

Unusually, I had a bit of a problem with the hem on the first pair.  I had to unpick and re-sew, and I sewed by eye so they are a bit rubbish.

 On both pairs, I coverstitched around the waistband so that the join looked a little more "finished" on the inside.   I need to improve my positioningfor that. I also need to see if DH prefers the feel of the finished to the unfinished ones I made the other day.

This second pic is of my glorious fly binding, The pic is sideways, sorry - the dinosaurs should be the correct way up.

I hope that DH finds these comfortable. I particularly hope he likes the waistband  as I'm using the same fabric to make the waistband rather than using elastic.   I could switch to using elastic, but it's easier (and cheaper) to use the fabric I am working with anyway.

When he's had a chance to wear them, and has given me feedback on improvements, I'll make him some more (assuming he wants me to) .  I've got a very small amount of fabric left, and I might make some flypieces to use in a pair of otherwise plain boxers.  

I've also got a small stash of fabric set aside for knickers for him.

 

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Total crafty things this year: 31

Sewing based makes: 16;
Inner pad for foot muff; make cover for foot muff;  trim down Superking Duvet to KS and recover edges;
Cushion cover for Miss T; Gift bags for Miss T and GDK;
Dressing Gown;
Cat Duvet, Duvet Cover and Pillowcase;
Cushion cover for living room;
Sleeveless tops (x4);
SBCC top
Overlocker chicken
Curtains for nest boxes (4, but counted as 1 make)~
Boxers for DH (test pairs for sizing - counted as 1,  and then 2 pairs)

Learning activities: 10;
Scanning pattern pieces; Making movies; Babylock demo day; Gathering using my overlocker;    Euphy training (circles,using elastic in looper) Gail Yellen's binder course; Inkscape 1; casting on;  purling; casting off

Non sewing based craft makes: 2
Painted bisque butter dish and had it fired
Knitted Infinity scarf

 

Best Laid Plans

I made a passable pair of boxers for DH, he's like the leg slightly longer.  Everything else he was happy with.

So, I used my projector, and I made a cardboard template for the body of the boxers,  for the fly pieces, and for the waistband.  Then I decided to make him a pair from some more of the cotton lycra from Textile9 Fabrics.  In fact, I decided to cut two pairs while I was at it.  After all, while I had the machines loaded with navy thread, and while I had the binder set up with this fabric, I might as well do two pairs.  This  which would use up more or less all of this particular piece of fabric.

 It went reasonably well.  I had a bit of a fluff hemming one pair, so I needed to unpick it.  It was getting late on Monday,  so I decided to leave it until I was fresh the next day.

The next day I had a phone call to say that my Uncle had had a heart attack while out on his bike, and they were abot to carry out an emwergency proceudre to try and save his life.   

Of course I went straight to the hospital.

All my time since then has been involved in supporting him (and keeping the relatives and friends updated)..  It's his story, not mine, so it's not appropriate for me to put any information on here.

The knickers are still waiting to be finished.

Curtains

Now that some of the girls are coming back in to lay, Nest Box wars have broken out again.

I kept meaing to make new curtains for the wooden next boxes, to make them more attractive.

I finally did it. I made four sets.

I had a great idea, to use my coverstitch and the binder attachment.  Unfortunately, the ristop fabric would not move (and I can't see a sliding foot for the coverstitch), so I havd to use the overlocker,

They aren't great, there is definiteely a red mite risk.

But they are doing the job

 

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Total crafty things this year: 25

Sewing based makes: 16;
Inner pad for foot muff; make cover for foot muff;  trim down Superking Duvet to KS and recover edges;
Cushion cover for Miss T; Gift bags for Miss T and GDK;
Dressing Gown;
Cat Duvet, Duvet Cover and Pillowcase;
Cushion cover for living room;
Sleeveless tops (x4);
SBCC top
Overlocker chicken
Curtains for nest boces (4, but counted as 1 make)

Learning activities: 7;  

Non sewing based craft makes: 1. 

 

SBCC

I decided to make a top using a petite (i'm short waisted, so 'petite' actually works for me at the top) pattern from Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick (SBCC)

This was one of the first two patterns that I stitched which actually fitted.  It may even have been the first.

I still have and still wear the top I made originally, and I wanted to make something other than the sleeveless top I've become so proficient at.

I picked a very stretchy fabric (just in case), and I whipped it up in no time. Even the sleeves!

I'm so happy.

 

 

 

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Total crafty things this year: 24

Sewing based makes: 15;
Inner pad for foot muff; make cover for foot muff;  trim down Superking Duvet to KS and recover edges;
Cushion cover for Miss T; Gift bags for Miss T and GDK;
Dressing Gown;
Cat Duvet, Duvet Cover and Pillowcase;
Cushion cover for living room;
Sleeveless tops (x4);
SBCC top
Overlocker chicken

Learning activities: 7;  

Non sewing based craft makes: 1. 

 

Knickers!

Did I mention that I tried cotton lycra on the Gable Boxer Shorts?     I even managed some beautiful binding round the fly.

However, when DH tried them on, there was something very wrong.  It was probably my sewing, or interpretation of the instructions, but something was amiss.  I checked against the pattern, and I couldn't see what I'd done wrong.

 I decided to try anotherpattern.    Made by Jacks Mum had just relaunched as Waves and Wild,  they were now including Projector files,  their Superhero Boxer Shorts had no back seam, and all the relaunched patterns were only £2.   I bought the pattern.

I made up a pair, and they mostly fitted.    They certainly fitted where the Gables had not.    I think I should have made a size smaller (although DH was happy with the size,  he just wasn't too keen on the jersey waistband), DH wore them all afternoon, to see how they got on.  He didn't say anything, so I assume they were OK.

I'll do the smaller size next, with some elastic so we can see how they compare.  

I also made another top. Same old pattern.   I used the differential feed on my overlocker to gather the neckline.   t works so well,  it nev er ceases to surprise me. 

I used my narrowest binding to cover it, and it worked well.  I didn't have it lined up as well as I could, so I haven't taken a picture of the finished neckline.

I forgot to take it off differential feed, so I inadvertently sewed the shoulders on a slightly gathered setting, but it was OK.

I bound the sleeves, which was OK until I ran out of binding.  It's a bit of a botch at the back.

Lots of little niggles, but wearable under a jumper.

 

 

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Total crafty things this year: 23

Sewing based makes: 15;
Inner pad for foot muff; make cover for foot muff;  trim down Superking Duvet to KS and recover edges;
Cushion cover for Miss T; Gift bags for Miss T and GDK;
Dressing Gown;
Cat Duvet, Duvet Cover and Pillowcase;
Cushion cover for living room;
Sleeveless tops (x4);
Overlocker chicken

Learning activities: 7;  

Non sewing based craft makes: 1.