31 December 2013

Last one for a while








I added twin-needle top-stitching to the side seams and like the effect. I went for more subtle topstitching on the fly than on the previous pair to avoid the topstitching getting too busy.

Happily, these finished off the last of my grey cotton/lycra jersey, so no more grey boxer shorts for a while!

18 December 2013

Turtle neck t-shirt



As well as making my first turtle-neck collar, I used this shirt to try to improve the line of my armscythe/sleeve seams. I made an initial adjustment to the pattern, with the plan to refine the seam after trying it on. I did end up with a line that is ok, but did not enjoy the process of making the adjustments. It was very difficult to sew the sleeves smoothly after all the fiddling, so I will not try that approach again.











I ended up with a little bubbling at the back under the collar. The back was smooth until I added the collar.

This shirt will be fine for around the house, which is what is was originally intended for. I want to make another version, which I hope will be good enough to wear out and about.

08 December 2013

Owl baby blanket




This is a gift for a friend's baby. I love the fabric. I hope the baby does too.

27 November 2013

More boxer shorts


































Boxer shorts with some topstitching for colour.

I think I might make something other than boxer shorts for my next project...

18 November 2013

Boxer shorts



Boxer shorts with fly. Phew, glad they're done. I used my buttonhole foot for the first time and had heaps of trouble when sampling until I remembered to add interfacing. I was so nervous I'd mess up the fly when I did the buttonhole, but it went well. I learned three new techniques for these: drafting and constructing a fly, making a buttonhole, and using interfacing.

Long-sleeved T-shirt









I coined a new term in honour of this one--wearable fail. I intended to make a close-fitting top to wear under my jacket, but it ended up plain tight. I learned a valuable lesson in adjusting for the weight of the fabric. I did add more ease than for the pajama, but obviously not enough. I think the tightness is responsible for most of the ugliness of the neckline.

As I had expected the fit to be pretty good, I used white to more easily see flaws. In that respect, I was only too successful! From this and the pajama, I can see I need to adjust the shape of the armscythe at the front.

Another problem, and one I don't know how to solve, is a pulling to one side. I observed this in the pajama, but thought it was due to sloppy cutting or sewing as I didn't take a lot of care for that garment. I did take care to be accurate for this shirt as I wanted to use it for troubleshooting. I'm quite sure I cut it on the grain and symetrically and sewed it up accurately, so I'm not sure what is causing the twisting.

I won't mention the 101 other things that are wrong with this simple T-shirt...

On the plus-side, it is comfortable to wear and I love the super long sleeves!


10 November 2013

Pajama-my first garment!



So excited to make my first garment, flaws and all! I used an unfavoured rayon print that wasn't what I expected (just in case it was a disaster), but I really like the result. It's very cosy and comfortable. The sleeves are actually the same length, one seems to have been folded up when I took the pics.

Sports bra


Fits quite well. Will raise armhole and make smaller for next version. Elastic not very comfortable at the end of the day.

26 September 2013

Boxer shorts




Boxer shorts based on hubby's favourite RTW ones, omitting front opening and placket. I later shortened the elastic. I also plan to use woolly nylon in bobbin rather than regular polyester thread for future versions. Very comfy, by all reports!