Halloween Fun Sewing Project!

Sometimes, I just want to make something using a bold or fun print! I tend to sew a lot of prints and knits, so when I saw this fabric, I knew it was for me! I thought, why not stitch up some Halloween fun! The fabric in the post is from Minerva Crafts and there’s a link at the end if you’d like to check it out for yourselves. *The fabric was provided to me free of charge.

This stretch jersey knit is so easy to work with. And as soon as I saw this, I knew which pattern that I wanted to use. I used Hot Patterns #1168 Weekender Daytona Hoodie which I got around 2014-2015. This pattern is now out-of-print unfortunately. I have made this before with the short sleeve option. Late September to early October temperatures here in Maryland are pretty comfortable. Therefore, I like to make and wear pieces that can go together easily without too much fuss. I also love to make the occasional themed make for whatever holiday is coming up.

Hot Patterns 1168 hoodie with Minerva fabric

Considering the times we live in, I think making a mask (two fabric layers) to match the top is a good idea. The mask is comfortable and breathable as well.

Hot Patterns Daytona hoodie with matching mask

This design features a hooded top. The front can be closed with a zipper or made as a solid front. I made the solid front with the front pocket.

woman wearing Hot Patterns 1168 made from Minerva Halloween fabric

This is a super fun print to use to make something for yourself (or your kids). It’s a medium weight knit that’s stable enough to make the beginning knit sewer comfortable. It’s light enough to be the perfect layering piece for cooler weather. I’m wearing sweatpants in these pics, but you could certainly pair it with denim, corduroy or many other things.

I love a good, fun project to kick off a new season of sewing!

Here’s the link to get this fabulous fabric for yourself click here! As always, I encourage you to, just keep sewing! It doesn’t matter whether you’re stitching up some Halloween fun or some neon brights for that pop of color. It’s so important to enjoy yourself in what you make and in what you’re doing.

*The fabric in this post was provided to me by Minerva Crafts in exchange for a blog post.

End of Summer Yellow Dress

Sewing Vogue 8985

There are times when I buy fabric with a plan in mind.. This rayon challis in yellow and white polka dot was one of those. It just SCREAMS summer. This pattern (V8985) is one I’ve had for a few years. I knew that I wanted a simple style that wouldn’t take away from the fun of the fabric. As a result, this is the perfect combination for an end of summer yellow dress!

Yellow and white polka dot rayon challis
V8985

*For more information on sewing with rayon challis, you can check out this post here.

Changes I made to the pattern

I made changes to the pattern to get a look I love. Summers here are hot and humid, staying cool is imperative. It can be too hot to wear a tank top underneath another top or dress. That’s why I added a panel made from white rib knit. The direction of greatest stretch goes across the body. I had to make sure I could pull it over my head since I didn’t add buttons. I did something similar here in this dress.

Vogue 8985 Front view with modesty panel, end of summer yellow dress

You can often add a “modesty” panel to the front of a dress or top.

The skirt lining is sewn together as one with the fashion fabric. I put these with WRONG sides together. This result is the right side of the lining is next to the body which allows for a nicer look. Consequently, this made assembling the in-seam pockets a breeze!

Vogue 8985 Back view with skirt lining, end of summer yellow dress

Those are all the changes for this dress. The changes were easy to make and didn’t change the look or style of the dress. For Fall weather, this pattern can be made from a heavier fabric (something like a poly/wool blend) and can be worn with a long sleeve t-shirt underneath.

Fall plans

Speaking of cooler weather, I am in the process of deciding what I’m making for Fall. That decision is generally based on what I want and could really use.

Vogue 8985 front view with modesty panel and skirt lining, end of summer yellow dress

Until next time… I’ll just keep sewing!

How To Use A Muslin To Improve Your Sewing

There was a time that I would never even have considered taking the time to make a muslin. I used to think it was a waste of time (and resources). Then for one particular project I decided to go ahead and make one, just to make sure I got the fit I wanted. It was during that time that I understood the importance of what can be a crucial step in the sewing process. While I don’t do this for everything, I do make them for certain projects. So today I want to share with you how you can use a muslin to improve your sewing projects. My process is always the same regardless of the garment.

I made a muslin to make this pair of pants from this wax print fabric that I didn’t want to mess up.

Use an inexpensive fabric for your mock-up

The process started with making a mock-up/muslin of the pattern. I use actual muslin fabric (cotton, unbleached). That’s just my preference and I usually buy it by the bolt. I often make muslins for pants and jackets (patterns I haven’t made before).

For this particular pair of pants shown above, I didn’t bother with the length. Pants length is not usually an issue for me. But one thing I do for pants in particular, is to add the zipper! I noticed how the pants fit so much better when I added the closure.

Game changer: Adding the zipper where required gives me a true assessment of the fit!

And since getting a good fit is the point, take the time to include a closure in your mock-up. I machine baste all seams. It’s a very quick process to take it apart when I need to.

The process…

The picture above is another pair of shorts. I use Sharpies to mark each pattern piece. I add closures (with the exception of buttons) and work out any fit issues. After trying on the muslin or mock-up again, I can make sure the fit is as I want it. I transfer the changes to the paper pattern piece (it makes things easier for me when I want to make another) and cut out my fashion fabric. Although this may seem like a lot of time, it generally takes me about an hour or two to get the fit – and I’m a slow sewer.

This doesn’t have to be done in one sitting either. Pace yourself and do what you can with the time you have available. You can read my post here about improving productivity. The final garment is sewn much faster because I don’t have fit issues. Construction issues/challenges are also worked out during this process.

Some people recycle their muslins by using them for other projects. I will keep them if it’s for a jacket. Generally I only attach one sleeve since I don’t have issues with arm/bicep size, but they are a good reference for me when I want to make another.

Here is a good article that gives some basic things to consider when deciding to make a muslin yourself here.

So basically, that’s how the process works for me. Remember, when you make a muslin, you are only sewing the “outside” pieces. You’re not sewing in the details of the garment. Some people do like to use the muslin as the pattern, but as I stated, I like to transfer any changes to the paper pattern. I also make notes on the instruction sheet if I want to change the order of construction.

Do you make a mock-up of your garments as a part of your process? Let me know. I know a lot of people hate it 😂, and I can understand that.

As always, keep on sewing…

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