White Shirt - Item 3 Progress

It has taken a while to get this item for the Wardrobe Basics SewAlong off to a start due to a wait on my white knit fabric.  I think it has been worth the wait though as the fabric is a lovely quality knit with great recovery. I'm trying to make things that last, rather than use fabric that stretches out after one wash.
I'm using the Kate Top pattern from Style Arc and have measured it against a RTW top I have already and I think the sizing will be fairly accurate.
Some things I have noticed so far:

• The Kate Top pattern is in whole pieces (as in a whole front and back etc) and this is the first time I have cut out a pattern using whole pieces (normally I place items on the fold)
• The Kate Top has some nice shaping through the sides so I look forward to seeing how it looks made up.
• For some reason, I could not find white rib knit anywhere so I have resorted to cutting up a white singlet for the cuffs.

Well that is all for now and I'll be back next time with my finished Kate Top.

White Shirt - Item 3 Planning

The next item for the Wardrobe Basics Sew Along is the White Buttton Shirt.  I lead a pretty casual life so I really don't need a dress shirt so I have decided to make a casual White Top. I'm going to try out another Style Arc Pattern - the Kate Top:

Style Arc Kate Top

I've ordered some Stella Knit from Crafty Mamas  and hope to pick up the ribbing for the sleeves from my local fabric store. I love that this Sew Along is keeping me on track with my sewing and also that I can try new patterns and fabric - so fun!

Simplicity 4032 - Faux Fur Vest - Item 8 Completed

What a fun item this was and I think I will really enjoy using it as part of my wardrobe this coming winter.

Pattern Description: Misses Jackets and Vests (I made View E Vest with some modifications)

Pattern Sizing: Sizes 8-24 (I made a size 10)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
The princess seams are the same but it looks different because I made it in faux fur and didn't attach the ruffle.

Were the instructions easy to follow? They were very easy but I only followed the first section and then used this tutorial to line the vest.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I like the shaping of the vest and the pattern was well drafted. The length worked perfectly for me but if you were tall, you would definately need to add more length. It also seems quite narrow in the back.

Fabric Used: Faux Fur purchased from Lincraft and Acetate lining also purchased from Lincraft.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: After trying the vest on halfway through, I realised there wasn't much room in the back, so I made a narrower side seam than the recommended 1.5cm seam allowance.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? I might sew it again in another fabric but I do like my vests to be lined so would add the lining again. I would recommend it to others but would say check the length of the vest carefully before cutting.

Conclusion: I really like my new vest - it is great to try something new and I think I will get lots of use out of it.

Faux Fur Vest - Item 8 Progress

The vest so far...

I have been working on Simplicity 4032 for the Wardrobe Basics Sew Along.  Sewing with fur is certainly a new experience for me. Some points I have noticed so far:

•  When cutting the fur out, if possible it is best to try and cut the backing and not the fur itself,   otherwise you end up with fur everywhere.
•  I couldn't mark any notches in the fur at all (you simply just can't see them due to the pile in the fur) so I used a washable blue marker to do all my markings.
• I'm using  a size 14 ballpoint needle and have lenthened my stitch just slightly and this seems to be working very well on the fur.
• Simplicity 4032 is not lined so I am using this tutorial to line the vest. 
• When sewing the fur I have had to "eyeball" my seam allowance due to not being able to see the measurements on my machine. Probably not the greatest method, but I don't think you will be able to tell due to the pile of the fur. The picture below shows what I mean by not being able to see your measurements for the seam allowance with the fur.
 

• And last but not least, it is Summer here in Australia, so sewing and fur is one hot experience!

Simplicity 4032 and Faux Fur - Item 8 Planning

The next item I'm planning on making for the Sew Along is Item 8 - a Faux Fur Vest.  I'm going to use Simplicity 4032 (View E) with some modifications.

I'm going to line the vest and won't be attaching the ruffle (would be a bit tricky with fur hey?). Lincraft (Australian shop) were having a half price fabric sale, so I was able to pick up this lovely soft, mink like fur at half price.



 I also bought the lining at Lincraft and it is a toffee brown colour.  I will make some notes in the next post about my progress. So far my advice is - get out your vacuums girls! That fur sure does go a long way!

Elle Pants - Item 1 Complete

I completed the Elle Pants and I'm happy with the result:

Pattern Description: (From Style Arc Website) This is the pant of the moment, slim line from ankle to waistline. Elastic waist 35mm or 1 ¼ inch wide. These pants sit so beautifully without any bulk, wear them with your high heels out for the night or with your sneakers for brunch.....a must have piece in your wardrobe!
Pattern Sizing:
6-30 (Each size puchased seperately) I made a 10.
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?
Yes, very easy and clear instructions.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I really like the slim line of the pants and also that they are fitting without being "tight". Another bonus is how the waistband sits flat without adding any bulk (as mentioned in the pattern description).
Fabric Used:
Sophia Double Knit purchased from Fabric.com
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I'm fairly short so I cut off 3 3/4" off the hem. Next time I would also cut about 1/2" of the top of the pants before attaching the waistband as the pants sit above my belly button and I'd probably prefer them a little lower (I think this is due to my height).
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes to both.
Conclusion: My first Style Arc pattern. Very easy to sew. A terrific wardrobe basic and can't wait to try some more Style Arc patterns now.

I'm having a terrific time with the Sew Along so far.