I have been researching how to alter patterns, and came across these alteration ‘classes’ which so far seem pretty helpful. I am working on the sleeve alteration techniques, and it seems okay so far. I will post when I have a completely finished product.
They even have classes on altering patterns for maternity clothes, and plus size childrens’ clothing. Happy sewing!!
…sewing or blogging!
It’s so frustrating, but I know if I set my mind to it, I can get through some fall stuff.
I am most stuck on altering my patterns. I want to sew for myself SO badly, but I either get a perfect fit everywhere but the sleeves, or the top is huge and the sleeves are perfect. ARGH! I also can’t use my finally perfected skirt pattern, as I have lost a ton of weight and it doesn’t fit anymore.
Woe is me… 
We got back last Tuesday, and boy were we tired. We were all up from 11:30 EST to about 6:00 PM the next day. Then we passed out. Our 3 year old did brilliantly on the flight back, which was appreciated. He usually drives us mad.
My MIL took me to the only fabric store in Frankfurt an der Oder (where we were), and the woman was SO pushy, and things were so expensive. Later that day I stopped in the LYS up the street from their apartment, and the woman was a pleasure, and didn’t even cringe when I forgot to use the formal German speech with her (which hubby quickly corrected). The yarns were beautiful, and so inexpensive in comparison to some of the ‘fine’ yarns here in the states. I got this lovely, soft chunky cotton for a sweater pattern I found in a German knitting magazine I picked up over there, and several skeins of this wild black and grey animal print fabric yarn that was marked down. I have no idea what I’ll make with it, but it was too cool to pass up. I also picked up my first set of Addis (much cheaper than I would have paid here). It was like going to an amusement park for me.
Anyway, we’re back now, and as promised, I will soon be posting my first knit pattern - the Kimono Shrug.
I have this horrible habit of starting a ton of stuff at once, and then procrastinating on things. Thus my neglected blogs. When I die, I hope I am reincarnated into someone that can pay attention.
Anyway, we are on our week and a half countdown to our Germany trip. Yay! We are going to Frankfurt an der Oder to visit family, and then we’ll spend our last two days in Berlin. I had a goal of having made three quarters of my clothing for the trip. That isn’t happening. I certainly have been working on stuff, but sadly, two shirts I made, I hate. I am working on a dress now - the Butterick 4790 - which I hope will work out nicely. I do have one skirt that I recently made, that I actually like, and have worn several times already. I created it with inspiration from Sew What! Skirts: 16 Simple Styles You Can Make with Fabulous Fabrics
I also came up with this top, which I wore out for the first time today. I am fairly happy with it, but the stitching around the neckband/strap is a little wonky.
Both of the jersey knit fabrics on the top were purchased at Fabric.com
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I also did another knit shrug of my own design. I have dubbed it ‘The Kimono Shrug’, and will be posting pictures and a pattern soon. I have made three so far, and I can’t go anywhere without getting compliments on it, so I figured I would fine tune the pattern and offer it up for consumption. Stay tuned!
I just ordered the Harry Potter knitting book, ‘Charmed Knits’ by Alison Hansel of the blue blog. I am a terribly huge Harry Potter fan, and the fact that this book, the final book of the series, and a new movie are coming out, all within a month, is greatly taxing my brain. Anyway, I want to share the yummy goodness!
Oh! And I noticed that they finally posted the Book 7, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ cover art. Not too shabby, but not as much oomph as I expected for the last book of the series.
Anyway, I’ll post about ‘Charmed Knits’ again once I get to delve into my new geek knitting book!
I made this top this week, and think it turned out okay. I am still new to making tops, so my finishing is not always brilliant, but it’s only a matter of time and practice. I chose this pattern because I like stylish clothes that don’t accentuate my imperfections, and thought this would be ideal. There are 6 different versions you can make, varying with sleeves and without.
The completed piece looks exactly like the envelope image. It was easy to follow, but the neckband gave me some trouble - but this is probably due to my inexperience, as I have had difficulties with every neckband I have done thus far. The sizing is fairly generous, although mine is a little snug at the hips, and a little big across the bust. I have a very hard to fit body, since my bust is 36-inches, but my hips are 42-inches. I am basically between two pattern sizes. Next time I will make the size 14 (for the 36-inch bust), and simply flare out the lower portion of the top.
I used a polyester, linen-look fabric. It is probably a bit heavy for this style, but still looks okay. A light cotton would be ideal.
I do recommend this top. It is a wonderful staple for Spring and Summer, and is generally quite easy.
