How Do you Best Learn



The Sewing Library

 How do you best learn? Every year about this time I decide it's time in invest in something new to increase my knowledge of my craft of sewing. My mind starts race should I purchase a new book or DVD. How about a class. Living in the area I do class are pretty much limited to those online at sites like PR or Lutterloh NZ.

Having recently saved 10 yards of denim form my local Goodwill store I've been obsessed with the idea of making a pair of jeans. But were does one begin? Today in the inbox of my email I received ad for Jeans for Real People.  The video is 3 hours long and promises a start to finsh look at making a great pair of jeans. Hmm now it's got me thinking just how much info about jean making is too much. Should I buy this video as well as the project on jean making from Lutterloh NZ? Will this video be a one time watch or a great resource to add to the sewing shelf?

So tell me whats your favorite way to learn and grow into a better sewist? Do you have a favorite resource or class?

Denim, Denim and More Denim!

10 yards of denim was happily rescued by me from the local Goodwill store. Three weeks ago after 3 separate visits I knew it was begging for a home even if it meant sitting in my fabric stash. At the time I had some idea I would try a pair of  jeans or two but had no idea that a big part of this springs style watch would be denim. Denim jackets, denim blazers, denim skirts, denim dress and denim pants all in several styles inspired by the '70's and else where. It will be interesting watching the return of the high waisted pant from that era and deciding if it is for me this time around.

Embracing the current spring trend of denim I have decided to attempt to make a new pair of jeans. Or perhaps this resolution comes from the fact that of the 4 pairs of denim in my closet I currently always grab the same pair. And that poor pair of pants has decide most recently to rebel in fit like all of it's brothers and sisters hanging in the closet because they are too tight or refuse to stay up on the tummy. A good pair of jeans is like a good pair of tights and stays where it is suppose to.

To begin this denim adventure I have decided to consult the experts about pants. Out has come Pants For Real People by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto and Making Trousers for Men and Woman by David Page Coffin. My brain is still debating if I should invest in Lutterloh Jeans Making class or tool away on my own until I have my chosen pair perfected.

Do you have a favorite pair of jeans you have made?

Happy Super Bowl everyone. Although I think the Steelers are a good team I would not be a true girl of the green and yellow country with out saying GO PACKERS GO.



Try To Think Spring

One of this winter worst storms is passing slightly south of us. When I say slightly I mean the worst part of the storm.  Both Milwaukee and Chicago areas have started shutting down, and schools not 30 miles away had off today and are already canceling school tomorrow. one local collage today said no class so far. But this is WI and the weather changes by the minute.

One thing I know that is not going to change is that winter will last another 6 weeks at least. So thinking spring is very hard, but wanting to add color to the grey days is a must. So I've come up with the idea that I need to create a late winter/early spring collection. I will be doing the collection as a endless combination style collection where one piece plays off of the last so the each piece can work with 2 or more pieces.

The first idea is to create some color with a palette of denim, orange and brown.  Which could work easily through three seasons. Fabric clockwise is dark blue denim, orange double knit, brown print poly woven, orange satin that was permanently wrinkled during washing, cotton lycra knit in upbeat dots, orange rayon blend knit and a brown print rpl knit. Missing would be brown double knit for a pair of pants, skirt and jacket combo.

The second color idea for some reason yells summer to me, and for that reason alone I think I might hold it off. Clockwise aqua bamboo knit, royal blue prl, aqua rib knit, cotton blend satin twill print in white, aqua and royal, charcoal poly blend with royal pin stripe. Whats missing would be a white double knit for a skirt/dress and royal blue double knit for a pants/skirt.

What do you think? Happy sewing.

Winter 6 PAC Completed

I finally did it. I completed a sew along in the allowed time with out burning out or changing my plan. As some of you may know I have been quietly sewing along with the Six Piece Winter Collection over on Stitcher's Guild. So quietly in fact that I have never posted I was in but mainly kept reading the updates to keep my going. I am excited to say the least. Sewing this super casual winter wardrobe had to main goals. 1. To test how true to fit Lutterloh is for me, and 2. to create a weekend wardrobe that would allow comfort to be at the forefront yet allow me to get up and run to the store if need be.  I actually created 7 pieces that work together quiet well.

It all started with piece 1 the winter coat. I want to try my hand at making my own coat and so this unlined fleece version was created to slide over all my weekend ware and keep me warm through the chilly months.

Than came the legging and solid black 3/4 sleeve tunic as pieces 2 and 3. These two pieces can go from sitting on the sofa to a night at dinner with just a change of accessories and shoes. Loving them both.

Pieces 4 and 5 continued along the lines of truly casual workable wardrobe. The short sleeve print tunic can be worn with either the black knit pants or the leggings. It can also be worn with the black tunic as a laying pieces.

In all these 5 pieces alone create several great looks together as well as worn with other items in my wardrobe closet. So needless to say they have been worn alot during my down time.

Now on with the show. Taking some serious looks a

t where I was going with this 6 PAC and some minor fit issues I decided I really wanted to walk away with at least 1 TNT pattern from this collection. I believe I did and that brings us to pieces 6 and 7.  They are both made using the Lutterloh supplement 279 # 203. I started with the v neck 3/4 sleeve t-shirt/tunic pattern and made it up in a groovy print that was in my stash. With the help of Easy Sewing The Kwik Sew Way I did the alterations need to make a cardigan.

Pattern Description:

This is a great pattern that includes two great basics. First a 3/4 sleeve v neck knit top and second a pair of pants with a straight leg jean look to them.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. Your pattern is drafted out using these two measurements. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?<
Yes the top did. The cardigan looked the way I thought it would.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no instructions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
What I like best is that this pattern is a great basic and can be used as a standalone top or a layering piece. The length is perfect for leggings or other pants. The pieces are well drafted and went together quickly and easily.
At this moment maybe only that I don’t understand why Lutterloh always gives the idea/pattern for a neck facing piece. Next time I think I am going to try to make a neck band.

Fabric Used:

The top is a RPL piece from fabric.com
The cardigan is from a piece of knit found at a local thrift shop. The hand of it makes me believe it is a wool blend.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

For both pieces I did a 1/2 narrow shoulder adjustment.

For the cardigan following the directions in Easy Sewing The Kwik-Sew Way I add 3/4 an inch to the pattern front and neck facing piece. And cut both pieces not on a fold. Using the edge the fold line on the original pattern as my straight of grain.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I plan to sew it again. My plan is to play with sleeve and length on this one as I believe it is a TNT or very close to one. Yes this is a great pattern for others. If you understand how to sew a t-shirt a beginner could us this.

Conclusion:

This top and cardigan are great wardrobe builders and can be dressed up or down depending on accessories and fabric choice. 

Up next:  Is it to early to think spring? or How about some denim pieces to mix in to this winter 6 PAC? What do you think?

Winter 6 Pack Pieces 4 and 5

A casual winter weekend wardrobe in the only goal I have for my winter six pack. I am rambling along on what seams like an endless combination wardrobe. The only requirement is that it works with at least 2 other pieces and I am happy. Following a long with the other sewist at Sticher's Guild. Three of my completed pieces are posted. You can read about piece 1: the coat and Pieces 2 and 3 : the knit top and the legging. I also have piece 6 completed but that will be in a future post.

This 6 pack has been super fun to complete and I know it will end up with more pieces than my original plan that looks like this.

2 pants/leggings

3 tops (1 solid and 2 print)
1 layering piece
coat

In my head a skirt has been floating around as well as a pair of denim. So we will see. Today for your enjoyment are pieces 4 and 5.

THE KNIT PANTS: are my fourth piece. The are very simple no whistles or fuss elastic waist pants. I want something as comfy as yoga pants but a little more dressy. Lutterloh Supplement 272 #201 fit the bill perfectly and and made up in a nice double knit from fabric.com have allowed them to wash up nicely.
 
Pattern Description:

Every woman needs a pair of simply comfortable pull on knit pants.
Pattern Sizing:

Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. Your pattern is drafted out using these two measurements. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Lutterloh has no directions.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

This pattern was a super simple elastic waist pull on. No extra bells and whistles like pockets to worry about this time around. The best part was how well draft Lutterloh pants patterns are. It went together with no problems. No dislikes at the moment.

Fabric Used:
A double knit bought from fabric.com over a year ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

No alterations made this time around other than taking a slightly deeper hem. I am trying to test out how close to fit Lutterloh is for me. I have been very surprised.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I plan to sew this again because it is perfect for weekend wear. Yes this is great even for a beginner. Just make sure to consult your references for best order of construction.

Conclusion:

Great pair of no fuss weekend wear pants.

THE SHORT SLEEVE TUNIC: Still in search of the perfect knit top or at least a second tnt knit top I decide to try Lutterloh  Supplement 271 #45. The fabric was rescued from my local thrift shop and is some type of rayon poly knit. I loved the pattern of the fabric and could not pass it up.

 Pattern Description:

Color blocked knit top with trim.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. Your pattern is drafted out using these two measurements. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
No due to design changes. But looked how I hoped it would.
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no instructions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I was looking for a knit top that could be developed into a new tnt dartless t-shirt. This top had promise. The pieces are well drafted and go together nicely. Dislike I not happy with the sleeve length and won’t be surprised if I lob them of sometime in the near future. Even for a short sleeve top they hit at a odd place.
Fabric Used:

Some poly/rayon or Lycra knit saved from the local thrift store.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

I did not do any of the color blocking as I wanted to be able to show off the print of the knit. Ended up doing 5/8 inch seams instead of the 1/2inch I had marked. Otherwise no changes. This could have used a 1/2 narrow shoulder adjustment but I really want to test out Lutterloh fit with no alterations.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Not sure if I will sew this again. Felt like the top was a bit boxy and until I can think of a way to make the sleeve a little more feminine I think this may be a onetime use. Yes I would recommend it to others.

Conclusion:

The top is a good wardrobe builder. If you would like to read more about how I used it in my winter 6 pack read my

 Up next piece six and a brief look at my sewing room/library. Happy sewing.

Piecies 2 and 3 of Winter 6 Pack

I did quiet a bit of sewing in December just not a whole lot of posting. So bare with me as I try to catch up in the next several posts.

First are two more pieces of my Winter Six Pack (six piece collection). I have been sewing along with my fellow sewist over at Stitcher's Guild who have been working on a six piece winter collection. The original idea is that you are sewing a SWAP but it has been split up in to smaller seasonal collections. This works out great for me as I would like to both fill holes in my collection and lack the attention span to try to sew a larger 12 or more piece SWAP. The formula that is suggest for winter looks like this:

WINTER

Trousers (dark neutral)
2 Tops (1 to match, 1 to complement)
2 layering tops/cardigans/jackets (1 to match, 1 to complement)
Coat (dark netural)

I've changed is slightly and hope mine will look like this:
2 pants/leggings

3 tops (1 solid and 2 print)
1 layering piece

coat

This would be 7 pieces and that's ok because it may grew into more. I did not chose a theme for this collection instead I want each piece to be able to work as a casual weekend wardrobe. But I did not want it to just be sweats. The hope was that each piece could be as casual or dressy as it wanted to be. "Sew" working in a endless combination style I have now completed 5 pieces.

THE COAT : Is Lutterloh supplement 268 #275 that I review here in a previous post.

THE SOLID TOP: is piece 2. It was made from Lutterloh supplement 272 #201. This piece is my last piece of 2010 as it was made over my Christmas break. This top along with the other first five pieces in this collections I made no alterations. I wanted to test how close to fit Lutterloh is and I was very pleased.  

Pattern Description:

Knit top with 3/4 sleeves and facing plus matching knit pull on pants.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?<
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no directions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
This pattern was super simple to put together. The pieces and few markings went together smoothly. Only dislike is I got some puckering in the sleeve cap which was inserted flat method. Not sure if this was an ease issue or a sewing issue.
Fabric Used:
Black slinky knit that’s been in stash for over a year from Wal-Mart.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made no design changes or alterations. I wanted to test how it would work if I did not do pattern surgery. What I discovered is I really need to do a 1/2 inch narrow shoulder alteration.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes I would sew this again. Yes I would recommend it to others as it is a good wardrobe builder. Even a beginner can make this top as long as they have a good Idea how a basic t-shirt goes together.
Conclusion:
This is a great little top that is very versatile and can be dressed up and down.

THE LEGGING:  is piece 3 of the collection. This pieces was my first piece of 2011 and was completed during my Christmas break on New Years weekend. I was not going to make any leggings but I realized I really like how they look with tunic length tops and they seem to give a more finished look than many skinny jeans do. If I can find the fabric this will be made again as a jegging type garment.

Pattern Description:

This pattern is a knit pant/legging pattern perfect for layering or active wear.
Pattern Sizing:
Lutterloh is based on your bust and hip measurement. So ideally if your bust and hip are 50cm to 140cm the system should work for you.
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?<
Yes
Were the instructions easy to follow?
Lutterloh has no directions
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I want a quick and easy project to start out the New Year. This pattern only has 1 piece and is perfect to make the legging look that works so well with tunic length tops. I have no dislikes.
Fabric Used:
The fabric is a black double knit that came from fabric.com over a year ago.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

All though worried at the start about the negative ease that is found in the waist of this pattern I made know adjustments and it worked out very well.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

Yes I would recommend these to others. And Yes I hope to make them again.

Conclusion:

These legging have turned into one of my favorite pieces they are warm and comfy.

A parting shot. Me enjoying making the pattern for piece six. I will review piece 4 and 5 soon. Also a peak at my sewing room/library is coming soon. Tell next time happy sewing.

HaPpY New Year everyone. Make it a sewing good year.