I recently bought Wendy Mullin's new book "Sew U" and dove into it. It is really well written and perfect for beginner sewers or more advanced sewers such as myself. But of course I had to buy another book to supplement my more advanced cravings...
This textbook by Helen Joseph-Armstrong is wonderful! It is definitely not for beginners. But I have a pretty good knowledge of clothing construction so decided to give clothing design a try. This text shows you how to slash and spread a basic pattern block to make endless amounts of designs. A word to the wise though, this text does NOT show you how to construct clothing out of the patterns, it assumes you already know how to do that.Back to the whole reason for this post... I made a shirt! I used both books, Wendy's book comes with basic patterns for an a-line skirt, button-up shirt and pants. I used the shirt pattern as the block and went from there.
It took me about two weeks and a TON of muslin to make the pattern look just right on my body. I made a plethora of alterations: rounded the collar, shortened and puffed the sleeves, attached 1/2 inch bands to the sleeves, inserted a midriff section below the bust, substituted gathers for bust and side bust darts.
I used a cotton floral fabric from Amy Butler's "Charm" Collection that I purchased from ReproDepot.
Here's my shirt! With no buttons yet...
Don't worry I bought the buttons, they are 1/4 inch pearl half-buttons. I think I will put them on and make the buttonholes this week. I've already done a review for the shirt at PatternReview, so that has more details.
In other crafty news... I bought myself a serger on eBay! And it was only $110!!! I still have to take it to the local sewing machine repair shop, Bags 'N Bobbins. When I first opened the box it smelled like smoke and the Styrofoam was falling apart. Upon further inspection I found that the Styrofoam had gotten into the serger, so it needs a major cleaning. From what I understand the serger was never used and sat in its box, the foot rod (or whatever it's called) was a tad crooked so my dad adjusted that for me and there was a loose screw inside the serger's compartment. But here it is!
I bought a Brother because I was so impressed with my standard sewing machine which is also a Brother. All in all a good purchase considering most GOOD sergers start at about $500. One day I will buy one of those!
I also went on a shopping spree at JoAnn's last Friday. I bought 7 Simplicity patterns since they were only $1.99. I also bought a tracing wheel and tracing paper, JoAnn's Sensations Bellezza Collection Stellina yarn in Sea-Breeze and Size 6 Clover bamboo dpn's to make Knitty's "Fetching."
I also received a shipment of Artyarns' Supermerino in color #215 to knit a "Clapotis" for my Gramma for Christmas.
This yarn is 100% superwash wool and is so very soft. I hope she likes it!
