Silver Rib Knit For The Win!

For this particular Minerva project, I chose a gorgeous silver rib knit for the win! It is beautiful to look at, easy to sew, and can be the basis of some show stopping outfits. So, let’s get into the details.

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The Fabric

The fabric is called Lurex Rib Textured Stretch Knit. As a Minerva brand ambassador, I was gifted this fabric by them. I requested 3 meters (they are in the UK, so I order in meters, even though I think in yards). FYI: 3 meters is roughly a little more than 3.25 yards.

As you can see in the photo above, this material is like a rib knit, but with the silver threads. It does not have a high amount of stretch so it’s more of a stable knit fabric. The under side is smooth, so you don’t get the scratchiness on the wrong side.

Sewing this was easy. For the top I used a 4-thread overlock stitch. The skirt was sewn on a regular sewing machine using a stretch needle.

The Project

My first make with this was the top. As soon as I received it, I knew a cowl neck-type top would be in order. So I used my go-to pattern (TNT) and made the Ruched T. It’s an Angela Wolf pattern that has different collar and sleeve options. This is the “high” collar. Quick and easy to make on the serger it took no time at all for me to complete this project.

The only change I made to this from previous times is that I made the top 1″ shorter (it has a 1″ hem). I think this one turned out to be the perfect length!

Bonus Project

After finishing the top, I had a little more than a yard left. So I decided I wanted to make an additional garment. I chose the Kate skirt. It’s another pattern I’m familiar with and also designed by Angela Wolf.

While the pattern is designed for woven fabrics, I have used a ponte knit before for this. There is a zipper in the side seam which I kept in this one as well. I used a 5/8″ seam allowance for installing the invisible zipper. On the opposite side seam, I did increase that to 1-1/2″. That was what I needed to get a snug but comfortable fit with this particular fabric.

I lined the skirt with tricot knit that I’ve had for years.

There is no elastic inside the facing of this skirt (I did use it in my previous one).

But that’s basically it. Silver rib knit for the win, indeed!

Here’s my video on this project if you haven’t seen it yet…

First Project Of The Year Is Done

I did it! My first project of the year is done! I always like to start with something easy after the holiday season. Often I’ll make a t-shirt or something like that. This year I decided to make myself a pair of fun pajamas. I’ve had this fabric (bought at JoAnn Fabrics) for a few years now. The knit fabric for the top was also purchased at JoAnn’s but I don’t remember exactly what it is.

Pajama set donut fabric first project of the year

The Top

For the top, I used one of my tried-and-true patterns . The Angela Wolf Ruched-T pattern is one I have made many times. I’ve never used it for a pj top before. For this version of the top, I made it with long sleeves and the regular neckline.

The Pants

For the pj pants, I used the Sewing And The City Lexington pattern. I have made the night dress before and the short set, but this was the first time using the pattern for the long pants. The only thing I did differently on this pattern was to eliminate the elastic at the hem of the legs.

Angela Wolf ruched-t top
SATC Lexington pj pants

First Project Of The Year Is Done!

Both of these patterns are easy to sew and relatively quick to make. For me, the point of starting with something easy is to get my sew-jo going. Since I start with something easy, I believe it sets me up in the right way for the year.

Hacking Pants With Simplicity 8701

I decided to try hacking pants with Simplicity 8701 as the pattern. This is considered a “design hacking pattern”. Honestly, you can “hack” or make any pattern your own by whatever alterations you chose to make. I actually liked the style of the pattern on the envelope cover. That is considered the base pattern.

Pattern Details

This pair is what I consider to be a wearable muslin. I used a quilting cotton that has a very wide width. I like the view that the model on the pattern envelope is wearing. It’s a rather simple style with a wide, straight leg.

Line drawing for hacking with Simplicity 8701

With no back yoke, just a simple waistband, I figure that these will be easy to fit. That was partially true. I think I should have chosen a slightly smaller size (just for the upper back piece). These are a bit big in the back and the last thing I want is my pants falling down!

My Alterations

To keep the back waist from gapping or falling I made a quick fix to this pair. I used 3/8″ elastic inside the back waistband. That means I did have to open up just that part of the finished pants. I kept pulling the elastic until I felt it was tight enough. There is a fly front on the pants so keep that in mind.

In order to prevent having to do this in the future, I will make the back waist smaller. There are darts in the back that I can make wider which will take up some excess. Also, making adjustments to the back pattern pieces or sizing down in that area will help. The pants are a good fit in the waist, so no need to over adjust anything there.

Hacking Pants With Simplicity 8701

The biggest issue I have with the pants I made is their lack of pockets. I LOVE having pockets in my clothing (even if I don’t use them). There are only two small front pockets that are included with the pattern.

Next time, I will add cargo-type pockets to the sides of the pants. Back pockets will be a plus as well.

The pockets Im thinking of are like the pockets in these Kerry Cargo pants here. A slightly narrower leg will be good as well.

Conclusion

Hacking pants with Simplicity 8701 is great to start with if you’ve never done it before. They have instructions for different hacking techniques/designs that you may be interested in. But in all honesty, you can change any pattern you like as long as you are willing to give it a try! I would rate this as easy (they really are easy to sew) and great for the enthusiastic beginner.