Pattern Review and Project Update

We recently shared our Fabric Haul: September 2016 video, and one of the lovely fabrics we shared was this beautiful cotton floral print from Len's Mills in Barrie, Ontario. I am not quite sure what I was thinking, but I only purchased one metre of the fabric along with a half-metre of a coordinating solid. I did try to get more of the fabric, but it was sold out. There was just enough fabric to make a basic shell top. The sewing pattern I selected is New Look #6483. This is a simple top with side (straight) darts, opens at the back of the neck and has bottom side slits. There is a sleeveless and short sleeve variation. The pattern is available as a printed enveloped pattern or as a downloadable.

Changes I Made
The top required just over a metre of fabric, so I had to adjust the length. I shortened the bottom of the top by three inches, making the adjustment just at the start of the side slit markings. I did not use the facing pattern pieces. I decided to make bias binding from the coordinating sold colour fabric, and used the bias to face the neckline and armholes. I also opted to not include the slits at the side seams, given that the top was shorter than the original pattern. I also used a half-inch seam allowance on the side seams, which has given me a tiny bit more ease across my bustline.

What I Will Change
The darts needed to be adjusted for a better fit on my body. Dart placement may not be an issue for someone else, but I suggest measuring the shoulder to bust and making any changes prior to cutting your fabric.

Overall, I really like this pattern and the fit is very comfortable. This pattern is included in our Garment Construction I pattern list. I look forward to trying the pattern with our students. It is a basic top, but the pattern provides an opportunity to learn about side (straight) dart placement, facing and the option to add sleeves. If you are new to sewing and will like to try making a basic top, this pattern is worth trying. The only down side is that only smaller sizes are available, ranging from bust size 30 1/2 to 38 inches. However, you could find a similar pattern with a broader size range. You can sew as instructed or use as a block and experiment with various modifications to make it your own.

Sewing: McCall's M6111

This McCall's M6111 pattern has been in my pattern collection for some time now. One of my younger students made a really cute peach cotton version of the dress in my beginner sewing class. She did such an amazing job, that I just had to add it to my own summer sewing list. I made the dress several weeks ago, and it even made its' debut on a sunny beach in Trinidad and Tobago. It is simple but very cute (especially over a swim suite), and can be easily modified to make it more unique.

I chose a lightweight cotton print and selected dress style "B." I used a French seam (using the ⅝" seam allowance) along the sides and finished my raw edges with a serger. It was fun to make and is a great project for all skill levels.

I have been doing a lot of sewing lately and I hope to share more projects with you. Let me know what you think about this pattern and share a pattern that you like.

Happy stitching!

Sewing: Simplicity 2224

I have kicked off my sewing this snowy spring with a simple skirt project. I selected an easy simplicity pattern, which I think lends itself very nicely to lots of changes for a personalized look. The Simplicity 2224 pattern has pieces for both a pant and skirt in varying lengths. I have used this pattern before in my sewing classes, but I had not made a piece for myself. I decided to make the skirt view "A," but wanted to try making the skirt with a slightly heavier weight fabric than suggested. After thinking through several options I chose lightweight corduroy, which adds a bit of body to the skirt compared to the suggested fabrics.

I decided to forgo on the drawstring and just stayed with an elastic waistband. I am not a big fan of drawstring waistbands and generally do not use them in my personal garment pieces.

I finished the pockets a little differently and did not add a closure. I did however add a little more detail to the pockets with some velvet ribbon and stitched a simple embroidery stitch across the ribbon.

I sewed the seams as directed with a ⅝ seam allowance on my sewing machine, but decided to finish off the seams and hemline with my serger. I did not want a heavy hemline so the method I used worked well for a narrower hem. A darker colour thread would have been a better option for this, but I used what I had on hand and I can live with it.

As mentioned before, this is an easy sewing project and is great if you are looking to make your first garment. The instructions are easy to follow and with just a few changes like the ones I have made, you can make it your own. I will try this same pattern with a lightweight cotton or linen fabric in the summer. I made my skirt a medium, which I think was a bit too generous so the next time I will try the small.

Happy stitching!

Chunky Cowl

There has been such a wonderful response to my "Crochet In The Round" post that I have decided to do a follow-up, and to share with you how I created my chunky crochet cowl. As I have mentioned before, writing crochet and knitting patterns is something very new to me. I still have so much to learn, but I enjoy working with yarn and experimenting with different stitches.

I really love the colour combination of the other cowl, but I decided to try two new colours from the same Waverly for Barnet yarn collection. For this piece I used "Butter" and "Gypsy Gold."

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Materials

• 2 - 100g ball Waverly for Bernat (1 ball Butter - 55630, 1 ball Gypsy Gold - 55640) or approx. 180m/197 yards medium weight (#4) acrylic yarn
• US Size 10.5 (6.5 mm) crochet hook

Gauge
10 sc = 4" (10cm)

Size
One size fits all. The finished size is approx. 10” high and 38” around.

Pattern
Using two strands of yarn, ch 84 (leaving approx. a 4 inch tail). Being careful not to twist join with sl st in the beginning ch.

Round1: ch1, *in back loop of next ch, yarn over and pull through loop, now you have three loops on hook, pull last loop through other two loops and repeat around

Round 2 - 6: repeat from * around

Round 7: sc in back loop of next ch and repeat around

Round 8: **sc through both loops and repeat around

Round 9-12: repeat from ** around

Round 13: *in back loop of next ch, yarn over and pull through loop, now you have three loops on hook, pull last loop through other two loops and repeat around

Round 14-18: repeat from * around

Round 19: sc in back loop of next ch and repeat around

Round 20 – 24: **sc through both loops and repeat around

Finishing
Fasten off. Cut yarn leaving a tail and weave in ends.

Note
For round 1 to 6 and 13 to 18 work as you would to create a half double crochet, but without the last loop.

ch(s) = chain(s)
sc = single crochet
sl st = slip stitch

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Here is a printable version of the pattern: Chunky Crochet Cowl Pattern.

Please let me know if there are any errors or problems with the instructions. I will also be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy!

Terms of Use: This pattern and anything made from it may not be used for commercial purposes. You may not sell anything made from this pattern. You may not resell or redistribute this pattern in part or in whole. Derivative works are prohibited. This pattern and items made from it are intended for personal or charity use only. Copyright © 2013 Crafted Spaces | Yvette-Michelle Cottle Darby. All Rights Reserved.

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UPDATE:
You can find the finished scarf available for sale on my Etsy Verona Collections shop. Thank you!