Well, I'm finally ready to reclaim a space and time for sewing. Now that I have three littles, there isn't a guest bedroom for me to set up shop. My stash and machines have been in my bedroom for a couple years. I usually want to sew at night after everyone is in bed, and that won't work upstairs. This month, I decided to take over a corner of the family room. So I set up shop right there in the middle of the chaos.
Picture of my sewing area.
I guess the new set-up has boosted my motivation because I've sewn three garments already!
I've made quilts in the past, but a house can only have so many blankets. And I've only ever sewn clothes for my babies, because fit isn't very difficult and they don't complain. This year, I want to sew for me! I'm the only one in my family that cares about pretty seam finishes, bias binding, and even gathering.
Over the past month I've scoured the interwebs and blogs for patterns and inspiration. I even signed up for an intagram account, though I'm a little scared to make a post.
My first garment was the
Everyday Skirt by Liesl & Co. I hoped this elastic waisted skirt with pockets would be forgiving for my first try. I didn't make a muslin, but chose some fabric I've had for a while and would mind messing up.
Picture Plaid Everyday Skirt
The only adjustment I made was taking 2.5 off the hem after sewing it up. I'm pretty pleased with the fit. I've worn and washed the skirt a few times and everything seems to be pretty nice. I was particularly pleased with my innards as I completely french seamed the entire skirt!!
Picture of inside and pocket.
Next up I tried my first top. I started with the
Grainline Studio Scout Tee because it looked like a quick sew that I wouldn't need to alter much. I actually made a muslin of this top and tried out two different sleeve lengths, the standard cap sleeve and something longer. I used
Jen's tutorial on how to lengthen sleeves and went right past my elbow. The fit was great, so I used a floral linen blend that I bought from Joann's a few years ago. I
frenched all my seams using another great tutorial from Jen at Grainline. I like how it turned out, but may add an inch or two to the front length in the future.
Floral Scout Tee Picture
My last make was a
Tiny Pocket Tee, again by Grainline Studios. Because the scout tee went so well I skipped a muslin, cut a straight size 18 and got to it. I had one yard of City Nights Voile by April Rhodes for Art Gallery. The fabric is almost 60" wide, so with some clever positioning I made it fit.
Tiny Pocket Tank Picture
I like the top, but it is too low cut for my taste and the dart seems to hit me a little high. I've read that I might need to do a bust adjustment, so that will be something to figure out in the future! As is, I can wear this shirt to bed, but probably not out. I will definitely give it another try!
I've learned so much in these first three garments. First, I love to wear garments I've created! Second, always make a muslin. In addition I've learned a ton of technical skills:
- How to sew French seams
- How to make a pocket
- How to make an elastic casing
- How to make and sew bias facing
- How to gather and set in sleeves
- How to sew a dart
