Pink lace cardi

This has become one of those go-to patterns for me. It’s McCall’s 6408 “jacket” pattern. To me, it’s much more a cardigan than jacket, but whatever. I made one years ago in off-white and it has become one of my most used garments. 


So this time around, I decided to use some stretch lace I had to make another one. I’m still trying to use fabrics (and patterns) that I already have since I have so much. 

I definitely believe that this one is better made than the previous one. I have had so much more experience sewing in general and knits in particular than I did back then. My sewing confidence now is so much greater now than it was 5 years ago!

So, my advice to anyone out there who tried something that they liked but maybe it didn’t work out is: keep at it! The more you do, the better you become. 

This is a quick and easy project. I made it in one sitting, but if you don’t have that kind of time, it’s easily broken down to doable steps. It’s a Nancy Zieman “10-20-30 minutes to sew” pattern – perfect for busy sewists.

 

Simplicity Tunic 4149


I made this a few weeks ago and it is so comfortable, easy to wear and easy to make (a great combo, don’t you think). I made View C with some very minor (decorative) changes.


I didn’t do the rows of decorative top stitching that the pattern calls for with this view. I did do one row of the top stitch because that helps to hold down the facing and neck band on the inside. I didn’t need to make any other changes to the pattern. I cut a size 16 for this. 


I really like that this pattern has different sleeve options as well (it also comes with pants, skirt and scarf patterns). This is a quick, easy project to put together. 

This is probably the last of my summer sewing (I really didn’t do as much as I thought I might this year). I have already started to purchase some Fall patterns so I need to get to work on those plans!

Until next time…

Burda Style Shorts and Style Arc T


Wow! Time sure does fly when you’ve been super busy. Anyway, I made these two items a couple of weeks ago and I’m FINALLY getting around to writing the blog post.

The shorts are from Burda Style magazine 06/2014 #118. These are casual cargo shorts that I made using a light-weight khaki cotton twill that’s got a little bit of stretch in it.

There is a belt that’s supposed to go with the pattern, but I opted not to make that. I just didn’t like the look of it with the shorts. The pattern calls for snaps for the pockets, but I didn’t have any that would go with the fabric, so I used a button and button hole. The pockets are pleated which makes them extra roomy. This is great if you want to really use them.


The top is the Alannah T-shirt from Style Arc. This is the second time I’ve used this pattern and I really like it. It’s easy, quick to make and fits really well. This particular one in made from cotton interlock. 

The length on these T-shirts is nice so you can reach for things without exposing anything! I think this pattern is an easy pattern for beginners especially someone who may be new to using knit fabrics. 

That’s all for now. I have a few more summer makes to share and then I guess I should start planning (or at least thinking about) my Fall wardrobe.