The Golden Days of Sewing Mama and Me Forever!

I recently had a discussion with a friend about if and when, we would end our coordinating sewing for our children. I joked that it would likely end for me on their wedding days. She was not having it and decided it would never end with her kids. I love her enthusiasm, but I am uncertain of that commitment. I hope for everyone's sake, we can come to a happy medium. Until then, I am so thrilled that Little Miss still wants to match me in our making.

I recently received this new Golden Days Knit fabric from Riley Blake Designs.

Little Miss immediately made a request for a Fall cardigan. I thought it was a great idea and I asked her thoughts on my making one to match. Her response was different than I expected. She wanted me to make something different for myself, not because she didn't want to match, but because she wants something different for herself for when she can fit my clothes. She does not want to grow into a bigger version of something she already owns (this kid is a trip)!  I can't fault her logic so she got her cardigan, and I made a  tunic for myself.  

For her, I used Simplicity 8184 for this fast and easy sew. 

 She cut it out and I sewed it together on my serger and my coverstitch.

 She really loves the pointed detail of the front hem.

She has worn this three times in a week and is really pleased with it's comfort and fit.

For my coordinating tunic, I chose to use New Look 6638 in view C

I used my serger and coverstitch to whip this one up in a flash. It has "grown on" sleeves (new-to-me term) and bust darts for shaping. The features make it a great beginner knit pattern.

The v-neckline is comfortable with no over exposure or gaping. This print is bold and colorful perfect to make a statement top. 

I am happy I got to use this fabric with my daughter. A full length garment for either of us would run the risk of being too much of a good thing. Additionally, this way we can share the joy of fabrics and Mama and me collaborations for a little while longer.

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

Redefining Selfless Sewing With Glam Girl Knit Fabric

I really enjoy sewing for myself and my family. Coordinating with my children is fun for us as we choose patterns and fabrics. They enjoy getting goofy in photos and ask, "will this be on your blog, or in one of the magazines." My husband is a great sport often participating in coordinating family outfits for holidays and photos. I have often asked him what I can make for him offering him his pick of patterns and fabrics. He has little interest in fashion so he usually declines. He prefers I use my time and talent on the kids and me.

When fabric arrives, no matter the print, color or substrate, I jokingly offer to use it for a project for him. With the arrival of Stretch Jersey Knit Glam Girl Black Sparkle from Riley Blake, I knew I wouldn't make him anything, but would make something with him in mind.

This jersey knit with its metallic rose gold sparkle felt like a romantic night out. I decided to make a bodycon date night dress that my hubby could appreciate.

Mccalls 7531 is a fast and easy dress to make with just 3 pattern pieces. I chose to make view D for the neckline with the full sleeve length of view C. Based on my measurements, I made the size medium with no alterations.

The fit and feel of this dress is spot on, but I may lower that back slit just a bit. With movement, knit fabrics migrate upwards causing that opening to travel as well. This dress is a treat for hubby beside me not everyone behind me.

  

This is a comfortable dress to wear and the quality of the metallics is spectacular. It is saturated and bold while being smooth to the touch. 

If I begin to feel self-conscious in this curve accentuating dress, it coordinates perfectly with my Pilvi Coat  for extra coverage. 

For now though, let me set aside the coat, arrange child-care and make a reservation...

Happy Sewing,
Bianca

Chasing Waterfalls

The weather in Texas is finally changing and I am completely here for it! After living in the Midwest for my undergraduate education, I gained an appreciation for changing seasons and the clothes it ushers in. I do not have a need for a full Winter wardrobe, but I love being able to wear light layering garments. 

The window for cold weather clothes here is narrow, so versatile dual duty pieces are a must. When I saw the new Double-Sided Merino Wool Jersey at Nature's Fabric I was excited to add a reversible cardigan to my closet.

 

I have had the Butterick 6244 Pattern in my stash for some time waiting for the perfect fabric to make it up. It is a popular pattern that has gotten rave reviews.

I love the cascading waterfall front that showcases the front and back side of the fabric. 

I made the size 10, based on measurements, and sewed it with no modifications. This is a great fabric and pattern for anyone who is knit phobic. It can be sewn successfully with a standard sewing machine using a zigzag stitch. 

The pattern was fast to sew and and constructed with flat-felled seams. This detail makes it attractive to wear on both sides. 

I considered adding a pleather trim to the edge of the cardigan like Carolyn did here. I had a hard time finding a trim of similar weight to the fabric. The sample I made proved to be too heavy and I decided to forgo it. Instead, I hemmed it the traditional way with the black side toward the brown.  

This fabric feels nice to the touch and has lovely drape. 

I have an extensive pattern stash with vintage and current patterns. I am diligently sewing through them before adding more. I didn't get to this one before it was out of print. If you are looking for an alternative pattern choice, consider the Madison Cardigan by Style Sew Me.  It is longer and cascades along the hem instead of the neckline. It is a favorite among those who have made it and would have been my choice for this if my stash was lacking.

I love this one and know I will get much wear from it this season. Little Miss loves it too and has submitted her Fall sewing wishlist, a cardigan is on it. 

Happy Sewing,

Bianca