tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24646625221535868532024-03-12T10:45:50.214+00:00'So, Zo...'Sewing Sustainability and StyleZoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.comBlogger1116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-9078457241362815022024-03-12T10:45:00.001+00:002024-03-12T10:45:10.242+00:00Honeymoon Leopard Twill Pinafore<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3OQ1Uv63AEm2aeGpdL2KAGNYcLTN9jUiUk-aQUMpmmwSubuq_xfiCurcZo7dkEL7c9PpBG1FOMmVGiBBjKrc_OiXHdXnj63-D1IcduOQ2Ixu5DMK6nGwGcNX_GTpbv76wyo1hRMQ8nbFAzdrjYV-VkYkq6xeKWAt5mroyDFDb6m6dTQ03nPXFpPYumAp/s4032/PXL_20240302_092521105.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3OQ1Uv63AEm2aeGpdL2KAGNYcLTN9jUiUk-aQUMpmmwSubuq_xfiCurcZo7dkEL7c9PpBG1FOMmVGiBBjKrc_OiXHdXnj63-D1IcduOQ2Ixu5DMK6nGwGcNX_GTpbv76wyo1hRMQ8nbFAzdrjYV-VkYkq6xeKWAt5mroyDFDb6m6dTQ03nPXFpPYumAp/w480-h640/PXL_20240302_092521105.MP.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Over the last few months, I've been doing a lot of thinking about the fabric that lives in our stashes. A lot of the thoughts have become podcast episodes, including <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/117-fabric-goals-for-2024/" target="_blank">Fabric Goals for 2024</a>, <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/119-seasonal-stash-organisation/" target="_blank">Seasonal Stash Organisation</a>, and <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/126-sew-the-precious-with-stephanie-canada/" target="_blank">Sew the Precious with Stephanie Canada from Backroom Finds</a>. I'm more convinced than ever that leaving our fabric sitting on a shelf or inside a tub or drawer, is an enormous waste. Participating in <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/118-last-sewist-standing-with-lise-bauer/" target="_blank">the Last Sewist Standing challenge</a> led me to face some of my own long-term stash residents, and a clear out in advance of attending a fabric swap in London helped me address what I genuinely wanted, and what needed to be passed on to another sewer. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkcga3oPJ0HYrjwsYnk2KXSI45-J8E6K7bQRdAmygoTcpPvMYukcGId6wGlbypGPgc2UFAWX1d7mvvCm0A6HpQwbko0s1Gme7-IPGNj00gpdK0KtdPRMU4F0LPCHzJJzTCIPEtBa8_xV7ilgQ6axDcSOJH2WqcmzmihyphenhyphenU26u_8iKgY_r4UWgd2g4DOG2b/s2016/0a460395-e1dd-48c9-ab16-38d57f43ac22.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkcga3oPJ0HYrjwsYnk2KXSI45-J8E6K7bQRdAmygoTcpPvMYukcGId6wGlbypGPgc2UFAWX1d7mvvCm0A6HpQwbko0s1Gme7-IPGNj00gpdK0KtdPRMU4F0LPCHzJJzTCIPEtBa8_xV7ilgQ6axDcSOJH2WqcmzmihyphenhyphenU26u_8iKgY_r4UWgd2g4DOG2b/w480-h640/0a460395-e1dd-48c9-ab16-38d57f43ac22.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Fabric:</b></p><p>I took my two oldest stash dwellers (and my pal Catherine!) to the London Fabric Destash Swap, and I have no regrets. The were both amazing quality, deadstock fabrics from Burberry that had been in my stash for about thirteen years. I'd used half of both of them and I just couldn't see myself using the rest. Well, with those lengths out of there, this length of leopard print twill took on the status of oldest stash dweller!</p><p>I bought about yard or so of this stretch twill from Mood Fabrics in New York during our honeymoon in 2012! I had a very Rockabilly-inspired look at the time, and I bought it with the intention of making a knee-length pencil skirt. However, soon after our return, I became pregnant, and that skirt never got made. I continued to enjoy the fabric, even as my personal style shifted away from Rockabilly, but the limited quantity made it tricky to find a use for it. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_Oh66ql4jSc-J3DJ4UMWjuKp0rgHWAc3GocaLMSGsM-MLydesgD4qD_VITBsQX9XNC-HYa_v6MxhXq_u5Log3mWk-n4nZgGSp9GgbAiox3Ukw2x8JG0PcIHHMOkr9Pslg7_9rMCU-lXjx7C4Oq2oS9Q_dFEkh5wATTVy5F9n-9FRFvQVdyweFz-vLiOW/s1369/LFdunagrees.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1369" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_Oh66ql4jSc-J3DJ4UMWjuKp0rgHWAc3GocaLMSGsM-MLydesgD4qD_VITBsQX9XNC-HYa_v6MxhXq_u5Log3mWk-n4nZgGSp9GgbAiox3Ukw2x8JG0PcIHHMOkr9Pslg7_9rMCU-lXjx7C4Oq2oS9Q_dFEkh5wATTVy5F9n-9FRFvQVdyweFz-vLiOW/w448-h640/LFdunagrees.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://lfmarkey.com/" target="_blank">L. F. Markey</a>)</i></div><br /><p><b>Pattern:</b></p><p>A couple of months ago, lightning eventually struck and the idea of a pinafore emerged! I'd recently had to declare my much-loved and often-worn <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2017/11/cleo-pinafore-bandwagon.html" target="_blank">black denim Cleo</a> pinafore unwearable due to body changes, so I was missing a pinafore in my wardrobe. Then I saw an advert for the <a href="https://lfmarkey.com/" target="_blank">L. F. Markey</a> dungarees pictured above, and found the shape of the bib really inspiring. So I unearthed my <a href="https://shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/cleo" target="_blank">Tilly and the Buttons Cleo pattern</a> pieces and drafted a new bib shape, and new pocket shape for it for good measure. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHN97n0n6sJ0fOcGCTOgyYkUW_N9GotgvFO0KtHHLigS3oEzg9PVIyXj8709nETbb2zI9xQD0rD_J7ByXnSu6g4Bf1mlEbOlUUGQPPCqQoAGNE87wZ0owD3DOv457OA_oY_uiwaJnVDvpr_zhfPm3BXepUHx4axzUKHd7LaOoHGFbYRpe9sPaaKk48wfr/s4032/PXL_20240302_092518734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyHN97n0n6sJ0fOcGCTOgyYkUW_N9GotgvFO0KtHHLigS3oEzg9PVIyXj8709nETbb2zI9xQD0rD_J7ByXnSu6g4Bf1mlEbOlUUGQPPCqQoAGNE87wZ0owD3DOv457OA_oY_uiwaJnVDvpr_zhfPm3BXepUHx4axzUKHd7LaOoHGFbYRpe9sPaaKk48wfr/w480-h640/PXL_20240302_092518734.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>The project: </b></p><p>Cutting the pinafore from the limited fabric was a challenge. The leopard print fabric had two darker sections running parallel down the length of the fabric, and it required a bit of Tetris-ing to get the front pieces, back pieces, pockets and straps out of the fabric in a way that suited the darker and lighter parts of the design. The facings were cut from a remnant of dark blue stretch denim because there was no way to squeeze those out of the main fabric as well. </p><p>I decided to alter how the garment was constructed. I wanted to future-proof this garment and make it as easy as possible to let it out if necessary as and when I change shape again. I learnt so much from making the two Sewing for Body Changes episodes (<a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/72-sewing-for-body-changes/" target="_blank">Part 1</a> and <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/76-sewing-for-body-changes-part-2/" target="_blank">Part 2</a>), and I've tried to apply those lessons where possible. During a mid-way fit session, it became clear that I had to take it in at the side seams a lot, so I now have very generous side seam allowances, which is great!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6bN3W_ZB6Jgu2Eeu1TEuoirrWkwxqTww7P6gZmVFNup75mJt9eU4o1fouKtgmhxBE-vlznTBm1OrHVDUhzkTIA1yjBileJkIX3Tu5Yoz1URYYQPfxU9y7jr6o2Qsb2xOydlaNLqPmN7LJzDu6rryIOlTKg7MJa9he3Kpv8Wa3CjnqLsjf4isIylC0QEc/s4032/PXL_20240302_092515389.MP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6bN3W_ZB6Jgu2Eeu1TEuoirrWkwxqTww7P6gZmVFNup75mJt9eU4o1fouKtgmhxBE-vlznTBm1OrHVDUhzkTIA1yjBileJkIX3Tu5Yoz1URYYQPfxU9y7jr6o2Qsb2xOydlaNLqPmN7LJzDu6rryIOlTKg7MJa9he3Kpv8Wa3CjnqLsjf4isIylC0QEc/w480-h640/PXL_20240302_092515389.MP.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Thoughts:</b></p><p>I'm soooo happy that this pinafore now exists! I've worn it quite a bit since completion, and it's so nice to have the fabric on my body rather than in my stash. I figured out that that length of fabric has moved homes with us five times in those twelve years! I'm hoping it'll soften up a tiny bit through wear and washing, and I have no reason to suspect that it won't. </p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-83244418267256970982024-03-01T04:00:00.001+00:002024-03-01T04:00:00.199+00:00Free Pattern Friday: Sam Apron for Adults<p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XweNhA-kfYPQg_vnbF5rqB0ijyaQgriz4ahMCJHIzFAknPKJBnOc8AZOGgZmGYqYT_iRWai2f8ypS4-Tb8_5zcMOjAjb5hRu_ABTqcwxrxNkrkdwPjT0NZKxWqzo1vjV_ngtc_n0uVNP1GoLDzWmIIDV7YgmOMuPOsFCSKc98Euols12K1N_vFfh_OmK/s3307/IMG_8734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3307" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0XweNhA-kfYPQg_vnbF5rqB0ijyaQgriz4ahMCJHIzFAknPKJBnOc8AZOGgZmGYqYT_iRWai2f8ypS4-Tb8_5zcMOjAjb5hRu_ABTqcwxrxNkrkdwPjT0NZKxWqzo1vjV_ngtc_n0uVNP1GoLDzWmIIDV7YgmOMuPOsFCSKc98Euols12K1N_vFfh_OmK/w586-h640/IMG_8734.jpg" width="586" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></i></b><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. I try to publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</i></b></p><p>To be honest, I haven't done a great job this month in actually showing you what my chosen free pattern actually looks like made up. I've omitted the pockets and created my own 'fabric' for it that makes it tricky to see what's actually going on. ANYWAY. Hopefully you will get a sense of the proportions at least, and also the versatility of this pattern as a canvas of sorts. If you want to get a clearer idea of what this pattern can look like, I'd recommend checking out Amy from Craft and Thrift's awesome versions (<a href="https://www.craftandthrift.co.uk/blog/helens-closet-sam-apron" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.craftandthrift.co.uk/blog/gifting-the-sam-apron" target="_blank">here</a>). But what am I even talking about? Let me introduce you to the <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/sam-apron-free/" target="_blank">Sam Apron pattern</a> by Helen's Closet. Thanks so much to Helen for sharing this (and a number of others) for free. There are many free apron patterns and tutorials out there on the interwebs, but I wanted to highlight this one specifically because of the interesting details and multiple sizing options. In my experience, Helen's Closet patterns also have excellent instructions. You can access the Sam Apron pattern through the <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/shop/" target="_blank">webshop </a>on their site (no payment is required).</p><p><br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU52wb5orGabs7OBraixlopFtm5GBj04D41V2C83Wx2P5WFHpsbj6D3qM0nGHJWONvZUYSyfDqi_L3fgk21c1F0aNV1h5D4zffiBGq2oqMtBr1LWft4VmKE4Nfb7a9eHNT-nVmr2fVxGKFRuz-nqP7uZCrbJ1uMAi86DnO9w-d71Rrll-8w6tbQtA7R5u/s1080/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%2010.43.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="1080" height="581" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDU52wb5orGabs7OBraixlopFtm5GBj04D41V2C83Wx2P5WFHpsbj6D3qM0nGHJWONvZUYSyfDqi_L3fgk21c1F0aNV1h5D4zffiBGq2oqMtBr1LWft4VmKE4Nfb7a9eHNT-nVmr2fVxGKFRuz-nqP7uZCrbJ1uMAi86DnO9w-d71Rrll-8w6tbQtA7R5u/w640-h581/Screenshot%202024-02-29%20at%2010.43.36.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/sam-apron-free/" target="_blank">Helen's Closet</a>)</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pattern type:</b></span></p>The Sam Apron is cleverly designed to be suitable for lots of activities. I can imagine cooks, bakers, barbers, hairdressers and all manner of artists and crafts-people wearing a version of this apron. It includes chest and waist pockets, towel loops, and two strap options. But what is really unusual about this pattern over most free apron patterns is the graded size range and instructions for creating a custom fit based on your width, height and even bust size. <div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiH4QY3T9lA3PWghn4yUwThc79tIFM-x7SvM1xiXZUWyYXGpsU0y-ueU20BnINxRTScORK34yfIXLxNlOW0DjZ_gZz8B2NbZVasJfTPItyaURn402aonANdMU-Pj5Hi8tukg7kOsaXZkeKUokEDkT0xHXtDK-n0YkNDfI9UeHYs6pcbrn2DerLQwpL0Vw/s3183/IMG_8516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2573" data-original-width="3183" height="518" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiiH4QY3T9lA3PWghn4yUwThc79tIFM-x7SvM1xiXZUWyYXGpsU0y-ueU20BnINxRTScORK34yfIXLxNlOW0DjZ_gZz8B2NbZVasJfTPItyaURn402aonANdMU-Pj5Hi8tukg7kOsaXZkeKUokEDkT0xHXtDK-n0YkNDfI9UeHYs6pcbrn2DerLQwpL0Vw/w640-h518/IMG_8516.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Sizing info:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The apron fits sizes 0-34 (up to a 62″ / 157.5 cm hip) which has been broken down into five size bands. There are also five height options, from less than 5" to over 6". My plan was to make a cooking apron that would fit both Mr SoZo and myself. Helpfully, our hip measurements are similar so I cut the size 8-12. He's taller than me, but I don't think a cooking apron needs to be knee length anyhow, so I used the length that's shorter than both of us. Included are instructions for adjusting the bib section to accommodate a larger bust. Not something I need personally, but I appreciate that they included that for others. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx426GET5Gq5E2zHzCpL1AHL_QCcifF5n2546KrUCfyuHuy5wWDr9oH9g95j2QDJ1f49c_QS2jQAgfK-xhHfPIIbXKgrbZr4wdyRPdRzT-15bFwBNdJ2SLBGZ6mT8gOioo46MbrUdYubZBcavBYyeq_OAkskJu5kzFk6z178xHaDKl2fPgWdo4v4rTcZ_3/s3345/IMG_8739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3345" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx426GET5Gq5E2zHzCpL1AHL_QCcifF5n2546KrUCfyuHuy5wWDr9oH9g95j2QDJ1f49c_QS2jQAgfK-xhHfPIIbXKgrbZr4wdyRPdRzT-15bFwBNdJ2SLBGZ6mT8gOioo46MbrUdYubZBcavBYyeq_OAkskJu5kzFk6z178xHaDKl2fPgWdo4v4rTcZ_3/w578-h640/IMG_8739.jpg" width="578" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Fabric info:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>The pattern recommends medium to heavy-weight woven fabrics with no stretch. Cotton broadcloth, denim, linen, cotton twill, quilting cotton and canvas are all suitable options. Waxed Canvas can also be used for a water-resistant apron. I didn't have any suitable fabric in my stash (thanks Last Sewist Standing challenge!) so I 'made' fabric by combining scraps of non-stretch denim and twill. It's basically the same technique I used for my <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2022/03/denim-patchwork-dungarees.html" target="_blank">denim patchwork dungarees</a>. If this approach to scrap-busting is of interest to you, I have an <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/" target="_blank">episode of my podcast</a> planned for next month with an accompanying downloadable guide that will talk you through using scraps for garment making. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used a lighter weight denim for the straps, because I thought a heavy weight fabric would be difficult to tie. You could also use twill tape, wide ribbon, braid or cord for the straps. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX7VBGSADESU_mVJkBsnMGPj7cw6phpzUhfUaHCANbbdz0Kkg0N1bCzAe9pOo-Hv0XVQPeS6D5N4mLcIbSt8yoPppj4JFdV4EwTPsy9J_T4UwXcrZFyM80Xo1DVsMR8FIv2KrmCGV_7Yxt8fyxmu_CQgayRdYDY9tBPJALLBiHNg02vu__rjIxyTRr_j9/s4032/IMG_8521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHX7VBGSADESU_mVJkBsnMGPj7cw6phpzUhfUaHCANbbdz0Kkg0N1bCzAe9pOo-Hv0XVQPeS6D5N4mLcIbSt8yoPppj4JFdV4EwTPsy9J_T4UwXcrZFyM80Xo1DVsMR8FIv2KrmCGV_7Yxt8fyxmu_CQgayRdYDY9tBPJALLBiHNg02vu__rjIxyTRr_j9/w640-h480/IMG_8521.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><p><b>Findings:</b></p><p>Ah I love a Helen's Closet pattern. Your hand is so thoroughly held and it feels like no detail has been overlooked. Presumably, their free patterns have been created to give potential paying customers a sneaky peek into what their patterns and instructions are like, and they deserve to get a good conversion because the quality is high.</p><p>I literally found only one thing that didn't work well. I found that the bias strip pattern piece that's used to finish the side curves was too narrow if using the 1cm seam allowance that is suggested. It would have resulted in the bias strip being too thin to cover the seam allowance when you flip the bias over to the wrong side. I used a narrower seam allowance and trimmed down the seam allowance to prevent that happening. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-65i2uD8uYOHpQQ1GDu5lOymQmbGiX5CqA8GxsAoJMO19ovlvJAH6oi_OYQgdWTRGwtl6niqPJweIWbNCNpKeoFHqBfjy7TSIJxWGKnsaKG4v0hIFVPcMbLad6b40bDVucgxMB34AHNg-G5P45mzF4y22AyGTq87LyJWYV7Q0xwXXdMSnKn90k6R3DoN/s3295/IMG_8738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3295" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-65i2uD8uYOHpQQ1GDu5lOymQmbGiX5CqA8GxsAoJMO19ovlvJAH6oi_OYQgdWTRGwtl6niqPJweIWbNCNpKeoFHqBfjy7TSIJxWGKnsaKG4v0hIFVPcMbLad6b40bDVucgxMB34AHNg-G5P45mzF4y22AyGTq87LyJWYV7Q0xwXXdMSnKn90k6R3DoN/w588-h640/IMG_8738.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The finished apron is pretty cool though. The denim is perhaps a bit thicker than necessary for a kitchen apron. And if I were to make it again, I'd add velcro to one end of the neck strap so it could be tighter but we'd still able to get it on and off with ease. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Would I make it again?</b></p><p>If I ever had the need for another apron, then yep. I'd give more thought to fabric suitability depending on the intended use however. </p><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-16579679436338976372024-02-05T11:23:00.000+00:002024-02-05T11:23:29.922+00:00Corduroy Remnants Backpack <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTuWLz4G8zRQZQgxkovBE4_fcKWjHXCim_FR4UMnOA4d2KQvIVHil4Zd7OtXKPT5nHVHGWVJv-q4BqrkBgZSA6RfE5U4vCxmu91oAM6P5_2mK5jtrbuKOvFEh2Z-a8pILt2agHnDfhSVyKapiE9FcDq9iWsPbCaTDRBCcjVriqaVrQt39OXXH4suE9hut/s3024/IMG_8142.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKTuWLz4G8zRQZQgxkovBE4_fcKWjHXCim_FR4UMnOA4d2KQvIVHil4Zd7OtXKPT5nHVHGWVJv-q4BqrkBgZSA6RfE5U4vCxmu91oAM6P5_2mK5jtrbuKOvFEh2Z-a8pILt2agHnDfhSVyKapiE9FcDq9iWsPbCaTDRBCcjVriqaVrQt39OXXH4suE9hut/w640-h640/IMG_8142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here's a recent project that has already put to daily use: my new backpack! I became a backpack convert when my kids were tiny. When my son came along, it became very useful to have both hands free. Plus backpacks aren't likely to swing round and hit a small child in the face! However, my kids are no longer tiny, so when <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2021/02/rainbow-raspberry-rucksack.html" target="_blank">my last backpack</a> died (after years of service), I thought I'd make <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cti_t0SME3x/?img_index=1" target="_blank">a crossbody shoulder bag</a> next. It was fine, and I used it for quite a while, but I started to develop the suspicion that it's not great for my posture. Time for another backpack...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK-YxDHYrM_nueUpfaoj9oVVy9P930CmCCSE-kn2pxH8loeI9xZYAkNkQnnw7PnXnoVPenpYn1yq78gnRCEmAnHSTnOAahKDY-15GASsjDpXYYulK3A7sAnCwLRX-KOfJ7lYi6QFFY7YQPdTLgjfR2Y-DI_089eD_KRPEY1B8OjV2Y1liGLC_nX0sNwj3/s1060/IMG_7863.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK-YxDHYrM_nueUpfaoj9oVVy9P930CmCCSE-kn2pxH8loeI9xZYAkNkQnnw7PnXnoVPenpYn1yq78gnRCEmAnHSTnOAahKDY-15GASsjDpXYYulK3A7sAnCwLRX-KOfJ7lYi6QFFY7YQPdTLgjfR2Y-DI_089eD_KRPEY1B8OjV2Y1liGLC_nX0sNwj3/w500-h640/IMG_7863.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Inspiration:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The feeling that I should make a backpack switched from being a feeling to an actual plan when I found the above photo on Pinterest. There weren't any links attached to the image, but my pal Julia did a reverse image search for me and discovered it's by Zara. Corduroy is, of course, usually used for making garments. And seeing it used for a style of bag that you'd usually see made from canvas or something synthetic really appealed to me. I also loved the mix of colours, and I'm always drawn to styles that could be recreated using scraps, leftovers and remnants of fabric. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7ot7w8ArSdEA3flmI4lJRAv9sc-6P5kQvIZ3JSMpyfUX5hbPgmBREY4Xmlqcz5CLZCZuLcBRhq84MfhARJ59pMNW2d0L-Cf3Lo3Q2Dv1j3AGI2Ie0sKIglqjK-i83mDzfEo3ejbbkCvk_5dUjM_7hDtb_t1nXzvpHS7HFE5XZPjTMWgi3-y7OZX2ACoa/s4032/IMG_7864.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7ot7w8ArSdEA3flmI4lJRAv9sc-6P5kQvIZ3JSMpyfUX5hbPgmBREY4Xmlqcz5CLZCZuLcBRhq84MfhARJ59pMNW2d0L-Cf3Lo3Q2Dv1j3AGI2Ie0sKIglqjK-i83mDzfEo3ejbbkCvk_5dUjM_7hDtb_t1nXzvpHS7HFE5XZPjTMWgi3-y7OZX2ACoa/w480-h640/IMG_7864.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fabric:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had a rummage around and unearthed my collection of corduroy scraps. A couple of them are leftover from previous projects, the rest came from the scrap bin at work. Very spookily, the colours of my selection are incredibly similar to the colours of the Zara bag! I decided to put the leopard print cord aside for now, and work with the solid coloured pieces. They are all different colour ways of the <a href="https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/#" target="_blank">Fabric Godmother 5 wale cord</a>: super soft but also pretty robust. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QHaqU93mdAhPDiwNM6mw5GS8LhWMWAD2Ikxlbz4UGhtZE04JP2l6rhWPkqVXD-lHJldxj6IwTlpFj-5n0AV-oVwB1WNacO653d2HDyn2GdySkxNuzB48f7uHSIfBT9fwSZWbkLOqdJWo_9l_8QWdkEP0De_c5NfFa1e9ks1TcXb3jAbNqexMa2F6QRFA/s1950/IMG_8233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1950" data-original-width="1950" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4QHaqU93mdAhPDiwNM6mw5GS8LhWMWAD2Ikxlbz4UGhtZE04JP2l6rhWPkqVXD-lHJldxj6IwTlpFj-5n0AV-oVwB1WNacO653d2HDyn2GdySkxNuzB48f7uHSIfBT9fwSZWbkLOqdJWo_9l_8QWdkEP0De_c5NfFa1e9ks1TcXb3jAbNqexMa2F6QRFA/w640-h640/IMG_8233.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also used some quilting-weight cotton from my stash for the lining (the same fabric that I used to line my previous version, actually). Plus the gold bias binding that I got in the <a href="https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/fabric-godmother-advent-calendar-2023/" target="_blank">Fabric Godmother advent calendar</a> was put to use to finish the inside raw edges. These days I struggle to find the motivation to make my own matching binding. The interfacing required to give the bag some body was frankensteined-together random pieces from my stash. I'm trying to move away from synthetic interfacing where possible, but this bag won't get washed much, so won't release microplastics into the waterways too often. Therefore, I felt this was a good opportunity to use up a lot of what I still own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerW1Qq2TCUyUF_FCAxEqX_dAIJqA8rhO4Gp1TMSICUnDKuuqSQ7SKLHlFbCkQ1berO74ticxYiIoBnSrxOgm3eC5Zk5uAizP7G4Hj3gdBQAgUVDaHEQUcfB2VwLgD3bAPCqvzyuHt3iPKIONpGReVQcL-9WXjMn0TD5IEUSDpMttmx2ZnzMVlR53nUDwZ/s3024/IMG_8145.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerW1Qq2TCUyUF_FCAxEqX_dAIJqA8rhO4Gp1TMSICUnDKuuqSQ7SKLHlFbCkQ1berO74ticxYiIoBnSrxOgm3eC5Zk5uAizP7G4Hj3gdBQAgUVDaHEQUcfB2VwLgD3bAPCqvzyuHt3iPKIONpGReVQcL-9WXjMn0TD5IEUSDpMttmx2ZnzMVlR53nUDwZ/w640-h640/IMG_8145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Pattern:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't desperate to recreate the exact shape of the Zara bag, it was more the combining of the corduroys that was inspiring me. Therefore, my main criteria when selecting a pattern was that it could be cut from different pieces of fabric easily enough. In the end, I used the <a href="https://sarkirsten.com/patterns/raspberry-rucksack" target="_blank">Sarah Kirsten Raspberry Rucksack</a> pattern <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2021/02/rainbow-raspberry-rucksack.html" target="_blank">that I made previously three years ago</a>. It worked because all the pattern pieces could be cut from the different fabrics, and I already owned it! Which was another plus because I'm still challenging myself as part of Last Sewist Standing, so wouldn't have to wait to get this project underway until I could buy a pattern. In this vein, I realised that I could also harvest the zips and hardware from my now-dead previous version. I'm glad I hadn't got round to chucking it out yet!</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73XVXx_lZ6qiyxI4YJWc9Ys2VWE48bX27pw8w3gzADsYszDCyERE8HCghgpmqAL8IBDIQm3Ter8Bdl3UAvimrfCnKYY_c-rMwRTHm74mFGIe24gaSmj6Hbll7lI-4_XqgNB861ICrHLtl1xR9EG0IPBfLjH4_h0ayIalimwFwKp7ve3b8ZRIEvczR6pXt/s4032/IMG_7928.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj73XVXx_lZ6qiyxI4YJWc9Ys2VWE48bX27pw8w3gzADsYszDCyERE8HCghgpmqAL8IBDIQm3Ter8Bdl3UAvimrfCnKYY_c-rMwRTHm74mFGIe24gaSmj6Hbll7lI-4_XqgNB861ICrHLtl1xR9EG0IPBfLjH4_h0ayIalimwFwKp7ve3b8ZRIEvczR6pXt/w480-h640/IMG_7928.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvP0Gokf4gpqxlO7R7dB9Lz-dvyYQTm33LxOX2_yoJ3QKj1Vjk2WLz5zV26VhSI-Jvn_ApezM-B-R_IxCJbrYAJ-Po1fE6YcAEA3dEpamYbgkk3t68HLvnqY49TIvS4632UU_WMEvHy5dNd4ZARghHBp0LM8dzUFfm520rFAfS8O2fx5Jp9ikwQEa7kLN/s4032/IMG_7929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQvP0Gokf4gpqxlO7R7dB9Lz-dvyYQTm33LxOX2_yoJ3QKj1Vjk2WLz5zV26VhSI-Jvn_ApezM-B-R_IxCJbrYAJ-Po1fE6YcAEA3dEpamYbgkk3t68HLvnqY49TIvS4632UU_WMEvHy5dNd4ZARghHBp0LM8dzUFfm520rFAfS8O2fx5Jp9ikwQEa7kLN/w480-h640/IMG_7929.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Using the pattern, fabric and zips already in my possession meant I could get cracking straight away. However, for a while I was thinking that I would have to wait until my self-imposed buying ban came to an end to buy some webbing for the straps to be able to finish it off. But then I realised that I never actually liked the webbing straps that the pattern specifies. <a href="https://www.craftandthrift.co.uk/blog/baby-backpack" target="_blank">Amy from Craft and Thrift came to the same conclusion</a> when making her versions. So I had a play around and realised I could cut the straps from the corduroy as well, as long as I made them slightly shorter. Pushing the corduroy straps through the sliders was NOT easy, and I'm not sure how these straps will hold up over time, but they feel good at the moment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDOvtn7OV6Zu-B3Itxh5ZoHufZjASKr9y0G9Ty1XZf_6kVXDHIpKwl4x3KJAjsZYSHVfPWawQqmv5gIo0wMZHNVaFpyc21CsMT1or-xoB1cAfNXve_KnFR6I3no34nUiQdL7_FA9vJrYRxuc8cxhgJDufTX1e6iE21_8nVg6MDRtZe8rpRsLojlKmYGwu/s3024/IMG_8147.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDOvtn7OV6Zu-B3Itxh5ZoHufZjASKr9y0G9Ty1XZf_6kVXDHIpKwl4x3KJAjsZYSHVfPWawQqmv5gIo0wMZHNVaFpyc21CsMT1or-xoB1cAfNXve_KnFR6I3no34nUiQdL7_FA9vJrYRxuc8cxhgJDufTX1e6iE21_8nVg6MDRtZe8rpRsLojlKmYGwu/w640-h640/IMG_8147.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Conclusion:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I gave this bag a finishing touch with the Handmade label by <a href="https://www.littlerosycheeks.com/" target="_blank">Little Rosy Cheeks</a>, also from my Fabric Godmother advent calendar. You have no idea how satisfying it was to put this project together using only stuff I already owned. And I've been really enjoying using it every day since. It's a great size for my day-to-day requirements, and feels really comfy to wear. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Dkf_mpTUL4Z7vfYcukjpDSkfk79c7K0QSJmQYjoInGzEWbGIcsD9MVz_EFUEoe8WslG9Gh5DltZfPlul8wzPiZKNBy_EaXe6BRBlJ2bctX8q8x2vtlkYqAvP5aKXYSzMwzVIlapFEBcHIV23ikAxausB1Xz6lJD-552aT1VTNwRh9jW8Y9oybaAbNpN/s4032/IMG_8153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5Dkf_mpTUL4Z7vfYcukjpDSkfk79c7K0QSJmQYjoInGzEWbGIcsD9MVz_EFUEoe8WslG9Gh5DltZfPlul8wzPiZKNBy_EaXe6BRBlJ2bctX8q8x2vtlkYqAvP5aKXYSzMwzVIlapFEBcHIV23ikAxausB1Xz6lJD-552aT1VTNwRh9jW8Y9oybaAbNpN/w480-h640/IMG_8153.JPG" width="480" /></a><br /></div><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-22753994434894393432024-02-02T04:00:00.001+00:002024-02-02T04:00:00.243+00:00Free Pattern Friday: Women's T-shirt<p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxTTHj5n9Wd4LBV4fCqbSl515L_jJkS2fETEEvsQgsOfsrkbB5fXJSx1ROHAiAwabOHHvtJmUp78Jp7NQr16vfB4AL0U3YA0DRYhu-bT9b_vnrqDYf6PUy9cKVLG2kqKsHJ4not0uF8RL7-5d9m5hjuj_luxS7vwG7I1fvCcXKRqZE7BXPnfkSFJt7ULS/s1280/tshirt1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxTTHj5n9Wd4LBV4fCqbSl515L_jJkS2fETEEvsQgsOfsrkbB5fXJSx1ROHAiAwabOHHvtJmUp78Jp7NQr16vfB4AL0U3YA0DRYhu-bT9b_vnrqDYf6PUy9cKVLG2kqKsHJ4not0uF8RL7-5d9m5hjuj_luxS7vwG7I1fvCcXKRqZE7BXPnfkSFJt7ULS/w480-h640/tshirt1.JPG" width="480" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></b><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. I try to publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</i></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">If you've been a reader of the Free Pattern Friday posts for a while, it'll be clear to you that I only ever review patterns for items that my family has a genuine use for. That means the patterns I pick won't always have mass appeal. So I'm happy to have found one for today that it both useful to me AND probably a lot of other people! It's the <a href="https://closetcorepatterns.com/products/core-t-shirt-free-pattern?_pos=1&_psq=free+t-shirt&_ss=e&_v=1.0" target="_blank">Free T-Shirt pattern by Closet Core Patterns</a>. A useful basic with some cute options that's graded to a wide size range, woo hoo! To access it, you will need to sign up to their newsletter, but you can unsubscribe at any time. Big thanks to <a href="https://closetcorepatterns.com/collections/sewing-patterns-all" target="_blank">Closet Core</a> for sharing this pattern with the world for free. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0enuz3yjKJrDU2D_FgqGyTHFrXTGstulN88ap9AAzqCzmKGx1NgqINN0Ncx69tZrCdRdC_lbS_UrMJYP490VvJLllnM6XwF46a68R6rEnRehJcdyOtheomGjpFpysRzVRcVM08Av-Cy1qSvgpVABw07aHYkyUOI3pk9-2FZVbDKeR_fP8bcIl-OWwHUke/s1474/Screenshot%202024-01-29%20at%2016.07.58.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1382" data-original-width="1474" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0enuz3yjKJrDU2D_FgqGyTHFrXTGstulN88ap9AAzqCzmKGx1NgqINN0Ncx69tZrCdRdC_lbS_UrMJYP490VvJLllnM6XwF46a68R6rEnRehJcdyOtheomGjpFpysRzVRcVM08Av-Cy1qSvgpVABw07aHYkyUOI3pk9-2FZVbDKeR_fP8bcIl-OWwHUke/w640-h600/Screenshot%202024-01-29%20at%2016.07.58.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://closetcorepatterns.com/products/core-t-shirt-free-pattern?_pos=1&_psq=free+t-shirt&_ss=e&_v=1.0" target="_blank">Closet Core Patterns</a>)</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Pattern type:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">The Closet Core T-shirt is a standard crew neck style with set in sleeves. The fit is gently boxy, if that's a thing. View A is a slightly cropped length with short sleeves, and View B is hip-length with 3/4 length sleeves. Throw in a patch pocket piece, and with these options you can mix and match to your heart's content. The pattern files are split into two size ranges, and the larger range features a bust dart. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Sizing info:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">One of the reasons I'm super happy to be shining a light on this pattern is because it includes an impressive range of sizes, from 31" to 60" bust. Sizes 0-20 (full bust 31" - 46") are grouped together and sizes 14-32 (full bust 42" - 60") are grouped in together with the addition of a bust dart. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">Based on the size chart cross-referenced with the finished measurements charts, I decided to make a size 8 at the top, blended to a size 10 for my waist downwards. I made the cropped version, so I didn't need to worry too much about the hip measurement. My fabric is very drape-y which obviously effects the fit, but I think my decision on sizing was good. I'd be interested to see what it looks like in a more stable knit. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZojC5ClPx0MM4C7qyBw3qfAESf1BE5DguGrUg3kGajMmy-KBiPTo2eEqIR_x3pBP9BVhQSNMAYblF1y9AiS6KmehTjikxMsmUWUzeaOvGX2j55-QMvr5JoD0RRLw-nW_9X64X5GkbbIJcgnsa_18Ban5NGmW-OMo9vB51ijJnYOD7m0HFaZ2X0mWcHTTN/s1280/tshirt2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZojC5ClPx0MM4C7qyBw3qfAESf1BE5DguGrUg3kGajMmy-KBiPTo2eEqIR_x3pBP9BVhQSNMAYblF1y9AiS6KmehTjikxMsmUWUzeaOvGX2j55-QMvr5JoD0RRLw-nW_9X64X5GkbbIJcgnsa_18Ban5NGmW-OMo9vB51ijJnYOD7m0HFaZ2X0mWcHTTN/w482-h640/tshirt2.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Fabric info:</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p></p>As per the listing: '<i>This pattern can be made in a variety of knit fabrics with at least 30% crosswise stretch. For a more structured look, choose 100% cotton interlock and jersey. For a drapier effect, choose cotton/spandex blends, ribbed or rayon knits.</i>' I have nothing to add to that in regards to suitable fabrics. <div><br /></div><div>My fabric is a lightweight, slightly sheer, slubby jersey of unknown fibres (although I suspect it's a poly-blend of some type). It was leftover from <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2021/09/lou-box-top-kit.html" target="_blank">this Lou Box Top kit</a> that was given to me by Amy from Craft and Thrift, back when she sold deadstock fabric. I wear that black Lou Box top ALL THE TIME during the summer, so I'm pleased to have another option that will feel similarly slinky, but with a different silhouette and garment pairing suitability!<br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Findings:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As you suspect from a major, well-established indie pattern brand, this pattern was a dream to work with. The downloads included A4/letter sized as well as A0/copyshop pattern files. I treated myself to some A0 printing because my home printer is close to death, and was able to specify which size layers I wanted. That saved the printers some ink and sparing me from loads of confusing, unnecessary lines. </div><div><br /></div><div>The instructions include diagrams to illustrate the steps. I liked the option they included to bind and reinforce the shoulder and back neck seam. I chose not to do it for this version because my fabric was so thin, but I would definitely include that as a cute, contrast feature in future versions. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fit of the finished item is exactly how they described. It's a great basic that I can image using heaps in warmer months with high waist trousers and shorts. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSs1i_Jw5SkptKfBmBCBEU-af33bhHujEsKM4GjAofIZXLG_AFlhZ43AF5O7jJqqDJwZpH3f-5n1KrIDgAlOzTg9DjIaS1192qSlCxjLJ2gkfK07LhhOUuAtfyMzf6bzxHwBOsFBHaVGCEfAjrTDBG_X9G63hhdOkBzl6prn73qtYpzcw_RI2RLOa5eT-/s1280/tshirt3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkSs1i_Jw5SkptKfBmBCBEU-af33bhHujEsKM4GjAofIZXLG_AFlhZ43AF5O7jJqqDJwZpH3f-5n1KrIDgAlOzTg9DjIaS1192qSlCxjLJ2gkfK07LhhOUuAtfyMzf6bzxHwBOsFBHaVGCEfAjrTDBG_X9G63hhdOkBzl6prn73qtYpzcw_RI2RLOa5eT-/w480-h640/tshirt3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Customisation ideas:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>use a different colour or printed fabric for the front, or for the sleeves, or for each piece</li><li>cut the backneck/shoulder stabilising band from contrast fabric</li><li>create seamlines and colourblock scraps and leftovers of jersey</li><li>cut the neckband from a contrast colour to the rest of the garment for a 90s indie-kid look</li><li>shorten the length of the body for an exaggerated crop, or lengthen the top to create a tunic length garment</li><li>shorten the sleeves for a cap sleeve look, or lengthened them for full length sleeves</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Would I make this again?</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Absolutely! I will definitely keep this pattern in my arsenal for when I come across a suitable length of nice jersey. I'd like to try it in a more stable cotton or cotton/elastane jersey or interlock. </div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-21078593138142825642024-01-05T04:00:00.001+00:002024-01-05T04:00:00.263+00:00Free Pattern Friday: Kid's Drawstring Backpack Tutorial<p><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrD9gR_OK2vmdkMeR8tFmj8xFhob2A4Mt9pqD6dfxBtJPy0Jr11R2cbw6lAQwYrj7vLyct3_qsDuG3vy-0ifVKoqdBIYdtFLHcuKRGV3TqICYjEenqQNw3odKd99TZD9EDcpRXn2uXHd5SciqrVycXcLWvKviyM_XkWKk_6Hs57Ql-wqNfXUW2w01QmF8/s3024/IMG_5484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrD9gR_OK2vmdkMeR8tFmj8xFhob2A4Mt9pqD6dfxBtJPy0Jr11R2cbw6lAQwYrj7vLyct3_qsDuG3vy-0ifVKoqdBIYdtFLHcuKRGV3TqICYjEenqQNw3odKd99TZD9EDcpRXn2uXHd5SciqrVycXcLWvKviyM_XkWKk_6Hs57Ql-wqNfXUW2w01QmF8/w640-h640/IMG_5484.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></i></b><p></p><p><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. I try to publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</i></b></p><div><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></i></b></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Back in the summer, just before we headed off for a little UK holiday, I realised my son didn't have a suitable bag to carry his bits and bobs in. The perfect opportunity to test a free sewing tutorial! After searching through a load of those '30 free bag tutorials' type lists, I settled on <a href="https://sweetredpoppy.com/back-school-kids-drawstring-backpack-tutorial/" target="_blank">this tutorial by Sew Red Poppy</a>. Big thanks to them for sharing their hard work for free. This tutorial is freely accessible in blog post form, no need to download or sign up to anything.</span></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmx63P46NrSHsdvsGvkrSqlw9MtpUEZCGRO2J7ybeo6r3vI_0sR59n1YJX8B5s7XcYsuFb2EbedrO1Fwu1zBmVpdGIL5yGdJe-U86ozga2cY2WgPYvwYqEA_ulqyZpZPEUZkhtqEAC26k7EVdZhckPlvfdtMzk-YgIZJ0mAn9ohKG3_mlHfadCtFfUPOQ/s1102/DIY-Drawstring-BAckpack-Tutorial.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPmx63P46NrSHsdvsGvkrSqlw9MtpUEZCGRO2J7ybeo6r3vI_0sR59n1YJX8B5s7XcYsuFb2EbedrO1Fwu1zBmVpdGIL5yGdJe-U86ozga2cY2WgPYvwYqEA_ulqyZpZPEUZkhtqEAC26k7EVdZhckPlvfdtMzk-YgIZJ0mAn9ohKG3_mlHfadCtFfUPOQ/w426-h640/DIY-Drawstring-BAckpack-Tutorial.webp" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://sweetredpoppy.com/back-school-kids-drawstring-backpack-tutorial/" target="_blank">Sweet Red Poppy</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Pattern type:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a super basic drawstring bag, with the drawstring forming the shoulder straps. The pattern pieces are offered as dimensions, no need to print anything out. It requires you to cut out six rectangles of fabric, plus two lengths of ribbon/cord. The project is suitable for beginners and can be made entirely on a regular sewing machine, no need for an overlocker/serger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwuTx2fj5F9JyPWXZ-MEc5W3uLGgMm5d2kyIvdh2A44LOTqsfrbdRdQz1kQ4o17npWMKYiNWg4Ci2MpLBSZZnPWKOKpFjgEN8Zz5P8LLzJJhyphenhyphenwZGzmz4iUoL-E04NnIhNjo5y7SOv8YRNF6PZrfzHtJSEAI2PcZEuSbgipAUovM5NKejysWmyLzLrb9UJ/s4032/IMG_5474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKwuTx2fj5F9JyPWXZ-MEc5W3uLGgMm5d2kyIvdh2A44LOTqsfrbdRdQz1kQ4o17npWMKYiNWg4Ci2MpLBSZZnPWKOKpFjgEN8Zz5P8LLzJJhyphenhyphenwZGzmz4iUoL-E04NnIhNjo5y7SOv8YRNF6PZrfzHtJSEAI2PcZEuSbgipAUovM5NKejysWmyLzLrb9UJ/w480-h640/IMG_5474.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Sizing info:</b></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;">You can use the pics of my 6-nearly-7-yo son wearing the backpack to get a sense of the scale of the finished bag. That said (spoiler alert) I cut the pieces in the wrong orientation, so mine came out longer and thinner than the intended bag design. </span></div></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEejQbZyVXUXFCh2S0rII7Z_RZpX_x3XwzyyjaiRG8LhmoSxYIAXlCCGDsqIRIEvTlrRXK2OD7JCUNfsujGzqovTSnX92j4VPDN8Gs40GQdeL5QQcbJ35jAY5zFbxvmZabzL5UF57errX618klpqwpQs7JMGdqzH3Hjsx1iNzxi0hWLjMtt0ZjmaQJ3-V/s4032/IMG_5706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEejQbZyVXUXFCh2S0rII7Z_RZpX_x3XwzyyjaiRG8LhmoSxYIAXlCCGDsqIRIEvTlrRXK2OD7JCUNfsujGzqovTSnX92j4VPDN8Gs40GQdeL5QQcbJ35jAY5zFbxvmZabzL5UF57errX618klpqwpQs7JMGdqzH3Hjsx1iNzxi0hWLjMtt0ZjmaQJ3-V/w480-h640/IMG_5706.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fabric type:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Little guidance is given regarding fabric choice for this project, however the creator used a printed lightweight twill for the main section of their sample. I would say that sturdiness is important, but don'y go too thick or gathering the bag up might prove tricky. I used some kokka cotton that I bought on Etsy about a decade ago. I reckon you could go a step lighter in weight for the contrast fabric pieces, a chambray, poplin, shirting or quilting cotton perhaps. I used a scrap of lightweight 4oz denim. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The tutorial uses ribbon for the drawstring/straps. It's hard to tell from the photos, but I think the ribbon is something closer to a grosgrain, as opposed to a satin ribbon. You could also use drawstring cord, of course, or twill tape. I couldn't buy any haberdashery because of my participation in the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/lastsewiststanding/" target="_blank">Last Sewist Standing challenge</a>, so I had to do the best with what I had in my limited stash. I used some of this anchor design woven braid that I've had for about twelve years! It's not ideal because it doesn't slide through the channel very smoothly, however it does provide nice, wide straps that stay on the shoulders fairly well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU9nqhdhgqvhoX6snLPR5Y0-LXw6Jo7VgfEJC6sIcmVe23IphuCWjIUD6hYEXndFso5_b_EqU0XnhTbe9ue2wKh0I3xPJFns4EOXExlExbHfcmfUR1aHqhrf8tTbxAd4vPBn5NqwvcCpR91quoIhHjAy7EF0IYf-_xPPs01G6QxzmJ5_i1bULcjwWq8jC/s4032/IMG_5458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZU9nqhdhgqvhoX6snLPR5Y0-LXw6Jo7VgfEJC6sIcmVe23IphuCWjIUD6hYEXndFso5_b_EqU0XnhTbe9ue2wKh0I3xPJFns4EOXExlExbHfcmfUR1aHqhrf8tTbxAd4vPBn5NqwvcCpR91quoIhHjAy7EF0IYf-_xPPs01G6QxzmJ5_i1bULcjwWq8jC/w480-h640/IMG_5458.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><b>Findings:</b></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;">If you've read some of my Free Pattern Friday posts before, you probably already know how much I hate blogs with a million annoying ads everywhere, including animated ones. This is one such blog. I totally understand that this is the business model: that the creators can afford to spend time making tutorials and sharing them with us for free thanks to the ad revenue they earn. But I don't have to enjoy it! </span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;">In general, the tutorial was excellent. There's a video version linked in the post also if that is a better format for you to process. The one thing I had an issue with (well, second thing, if you include the ads) is that they didn't specify which way round the the main rectangles were meant to be orientated, and it wasn't clear from the images. I guessed the wrong orientation which caused me some problems. </span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;">The final outcome is good though, and the backpack saw a fair bit of action on holiday last summer, and a few times since. Shortly after making this backpack, my son got a very similar drawstring backpack free with a magazine. Clearly he prefers the magazine one because it's got Pokemon printed on it, and its synthetic fibres of the free one make it vaguely rain proof. However, after not much use, the Pokemon one is starting to break where the eyelets perforate the fabric at the bottom corners. It's good to be reminded that handmade items often last longer than their cheap, mass-produced counterparts!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJyIiI5BgD9N07wFKKWN8VTdF1GEGmFPS_IAuV-0WTVjnZB5goh4Jf7U38LhB7wyIDf64KIaQ6y2wzFAjJNz1KHtH_SGc4VQ0b0a_hyX00TSIEuoWSGzym3iga80-x0gnjBjxRLy4KTQgkdcoecRZwZ4MAlBFSlbRSOihNlTpUUAaHPfuS_DqB2IabLE1/s4032/IMG_5708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNJyIiI5BgD9N07wFKKWN8VTdF1GEGmFPS_IAuV-0WTVjnZB5goh4Jf7U38LhB7wyIDf64KIaQ6y2wzFAjJNz1KHtH_SGc4VQ0b0a_hyX00TSIEuoWSGzym3iga80-x0gnjBjxRLy4KTQgkdcoecRZwZ4MAlBFSlbRSOihNlTpUUAaHPfuS_DqB2IabLE1/w480-h640/IMG_5708.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Customisation ideas:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm going to leave this to you. It's kind of infinitely customisable in terms of dimensions and embellishment potential. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Would I make this again?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Perhaps, particularly if one of my kids needed a bag to carry a PE kit or something like that. Plus I would consider making another version from a shower-proof fabric, but possibly make it a bit more capacious, for taking to the swimming pool.</div></span></div><div><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-62853557695564339992023-12-08T12:16:00.001+00:002023-12-08T12:16:07.429+00:00Free Pattern Friday: Doll's Clothes by Fleece Fun<p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpc7IdY1CW8FOHQGg4G74LVtJ-6AY4TnMpHICCwwrbQMURcalFPJGhk2UDtcrEqGdsJNU5EKOZwoDh0TOoqGCJpDyciGb0RgYd52c643c1D6Cczw4CQTY9IdgNvf_PDOLG65uIPjxE4Wg9utSPFNP3TXwQEXPxC1ZHbHE4mkuAFsmMegkKgu6KRIWoKl5/s4032/IMG_7529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpc7IdY1CW8FOHQGg4G74LVtJ-6AY4TnMpHICCwwrbQMURcalFPJGhk2UDtcrEqGdsJNU5EKOZwoDh0TOoqGCJpDyciGb0RgYd52c643c1D6Cczw4CQTY9IdgNvf_PDOLG65uIPjxE4Wg9utSPFNP3TXwQEXPxC1ZHbHE4mkuAFsmMegkKgu6KRIWoKl5/w480-h640/IMG_7529.JPG" width="480" /></a></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></b><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one (or even a doll's one!). I try to publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</i></b></p><p>At time of writing, Christmas is less than three weeks away. I do not condone panic sewing, but if you <i>did</i> find yourself with a couple of free hours and the energy to sew, and have some stockings to fill for someone who likes dolls, then this could be a great little project. Personally, I LOVE making doll's clothes. It can be super fiddly, but it's a fun use for fabric scraps and the results are almost always adorable. However, sadly (for me), my daughter has hardy played with her dolls all year, and it's been nearly two years since I posted on this blog about any free doll's clothes patterns. The last time I shared about <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2022/01/free-pattern-friday-school-cool-dress.html" target="_blank">a super versatile dress pattern by Ellie & Mac</a> that included lots of styles options. Today I'm posting about <a href="https://www.fleecefun.com/free-sewing-patterns/dolls/" target="_blank">a stash of free doll's patterns by Fleece Fun</a> that I discovered at the beginning of the year through a lovely Instagram follower. Thanks to that follower, and thanks very much to <a href="https://www.fleecefun.com/free-sewing-patterns/dolls/" target="_blank">Fleece Fun</a> for their hardwork and for sharing this little treasure trove for free. </p><p><b>Please note:</b> I haven't road tested all of these little Fleece Fun patterns, so I can't vouch for every one of them. Plus, it needs to be highlighted that different dolls have different proportions. So, just like I'd advise with a human garment, only cut out one and make a (hopefully) wearable toile before going into full production mode! </p><p><b>Remember:</b> if the doll you wish to dress isn't the height the pattern is designed for, you can adjust the size of the pattern by adjusting the scale setting when printing it out. The patterns on this site are designed for 18" dolls. The doll I was dressing was 14" so I had to print these at about 77% scale. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqpKfvHoWEz22j0kF8LX6_83Xl0GjZt8uwRdSZA8xagkx4c21NaYTQ9OtF9NF8xOELwBzwtmcYr2dBoDTZyVQIfyhNyfvrMyRGCFIeBRNmP2j0zoCfoUKkjbKEfx2xtEZD8CgnwGB2RAvmumWu25zEBYQVKMUylf8bhhPVSlJIEN91HNrGH-rFSgOkTke/s1024/53doll-leggings-42015-2-678x1024.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="678" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcqpKfvHoWEz22j0kF8LX6_83Xl0GjZt8uwRdSZA8xagkx4c21NaYTQ9OtF9NF8xOELwBzwtmcYr2dBoDTZyVQIfyhNyfvrMyRGCFIeBRNmP2j0zoCfoUKkjbKEfx2xtEZD8CgnwGB2RAvmumWu25zEBYQVKMUylf8bhhPVSlJIEN91HNrGH-rFSgOkTke/w424-h640/53doll-leggings-42015-2-678x1024.webp" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://www.fleecefun.com/cuffed-doll-leggings-free-pattern-tutorial/" target="_blank">Fleece Fun</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px; font-weight: 700;">Pattern type:</span></p><p>If you wanted to, you could create a pretty comprehensive feminine-styled wardrobe with this collection of patterns. I asked my daughter which of these patterns she'd like me to make, and she picked out <a href="https://www.fleecefun.com/cuffed-doll-leggings-free-pattern-tutorial/" target="_blank">the cuffed leggings</a>, <a href="https://www.fleecefun.com/doll-sweater-cardigan-free-pattern-and-tutorial/" target="_blank">cardigan</a> and <a href="https://www.fleecefun.com/18-doll-robe-free-pattern/" target="_blank">robe (AKA dressing gown)</a>. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mZW9KnuEHTDBpZuXUkl9aRq3sGVJR09WzBs2rw15FsX8exCk7wLtgRrTYvPOVZMb8QA8p2zM5_OICrDrzZpOLFAbB0baoU2LWhQpk0yPQgjDr9U2Qv1yPicVTBLNke-eVm4zIV9BYK0lZ90ILAvr2M0uJsXDrntoc_m7gizksre_yUFfFnzXNdIShhtP/s1057/56doll-cardi-41-e1449632831773.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1057" data-original-width="700" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4mZW9KnuEHTDBpZuXUkl9aRq3sGVJR09WzBs2rw15FsX8exCk7wLtgRrTYvPOVZMb8QA8p2zM5_OICrDrzZpOLFAbB0baoU2LWhQpk0yPQgjDr9U2Qv1yPicVTBLNke-eVm4zIV9BYK0lZ90ILAvr2M0uJsXDrntoc_m7gizksre_yUFfFnzXNdIShhtP/w424-h640/56doll-cardi-41-e1449632831773.webp" width="424" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://www.fleecefun.com/doll-sweater-cardigan-free-pattern-and-tutorial/" target="_blank">Fleece Fun</a>)</i></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Sizing info:</b></p><p>As mentioned above, the patterns on this site are designed for 18" dolls. The doll I was dressing was 14" so I had to print these at about 77% scale. However, the doll is portioned with comparatively longer legs and a narrower body than the patterns are designed for. So the leggings came out a bit cropped and the cardigan came out a bit wide. Hence my suggestion to make a trial version before cutting out a load from your favourite fabric scraps. I would also advise cutting any elastic to fit the actual doll in question (if possible) rather than following the pattern's suggested lengths to the letter. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2plsXJAcInbIQpXn4G6bhFf3qSAsJX_0ggnjoQAt8Nn-tanCjCh7ufO5GMOArt2_hnmVJlJULvJ9klhJbfcNYG-0eY4iwRFcrqRsMHs0VtGUFoZGrvEoiAYIy9MFilHUOjpsavRK-8i63n29_ApyQgOES38kcx2whZl-OwT5unu_TV_CsIFwu7yxAnuF/s610/20141123-_DSC0860-Edit.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="400" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2plsXJAcInbIQpXn4G6bhFf3qSAsJX_0ggnjoQAt8Nn-tanCjCh7ufO5GMOArt2_hnmVJlJULvJ9klhJbfcNYG-0eY4iwRFcrqRsMHs0VtGUFoZGrvEoiAYIy9MFilHUOjpsavRK-8i63n29_ApyQgOES38kcx2whZl-OwT5unu_TV_CsIFwu7yxAnuF/w420-h640/20141123-_DSC0860-Edit.webp" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://www.fleecefun.com/18-doll-robe-free-pattern/" target="_blank">Fleece Fun and Gracious Threads</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p><b>Fabric info:</b></p><p>So this is the fun bit: finding small bits of fabrics that are languishing in your stash and putting them to good use. Knits are particularly good for making doll's clothes because you don't need to worry about fraying and finishing tiny raw edges. For the cuffed leggings, I used a scrap of very stretchy, lightweight, loop-back french terry. For the cardigan, I used some zebra textured double knit. And for the robe, I used a scrap of fleece that was leftover from the backing of a floor quilt I made for my daughter whilst I was pregnant with her!! These days, I wouldn't buy fleece because it's made from synthetic fibres and will therefore stay on our planet for millennia, in some form or other. But finding uses for what already exists, especially uses that won't have to go through the wash and release microplastics into the waterways, is important and satisfying.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNHstZpKpn16QSo6Ot4r3d4v3oAhyphenhyphenXUK-AvAyiwj4ip1yMpFLqw4BXXMgNrMo2PHRKnawgWy_uQkIQgcvkSRJO9fYMqpOrjG3Yc3XG1MBaX8TC3JLwj6wdkwE9ztFYNnLjHODRNGQP8FZa0VKeUX3oPAnCrIyosGfJCZ01hZJGeG8hL9giae8_BbDZC21/s4032/IMG_7524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNHstZpKpn16QSo6Ot4r3d4v3oAhyphenhyphenXUK-AvAyiwj4ip1yMpFLqw4BXXMgNrMo2PHRKnawgWy_uQkIQgcvkSRJO9fYMqpOrjG3Yc3XG1MBaX8TC3JLwj6wdkwE9ztFYNnLjHODRNGQP8FZa0VKeUX3oPAnCrIyosGfJCZ01hZJGeG8hL9giae8_BbDZC21/w480-h640/IMG_7524.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Findings:</b></p><p>Each of these patterns seemed to be well drafted and easily accessible to download in exchange for a sign-up to their newsletter (you can, of course, unsubscribe at anytime). The construction steps are all in the form of a blog post. The cardigan has illustrations to show key steps, the other two have photos to guide you. I have to warn you that it's one of those websites that is dripping in distracting and annoying ads. I understand that every one has bills to pay, but I don't have to like this way of doing it!</p><p>The garments came out very cute, despite the proportion issues. I could tweak the patterns and make more, better fitting versions. But as I say, my daughter isn't so into her dolls any more (sniff) so that seems like a waste of sewing time, as much as I enjoy making these. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Customisation ideas:</b></p><p>Oh my goodness, you could go to TOWN using these patterns as the basis for many more versions. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Would I make these again?</b></p><p>Are you trying to make me cry?!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0j6WNK0-vs7pkttUJ5IiNsLO8RCJUYhDtbdLtnmbCsl8gbAd9ZSMNKPno2zTzynEtVkpX1g2f4iLzNw4LhG4XozT6PHZpoTMGSIz9AOtyiisEg8g-vYSr4EtTLys0cW87eyMSdnjRUcc5saoNT-qqf7VFkG_Nw9or-uieV_0DfCAr1XJujK0YaplSLpa/s4032/IMG_7526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0j6WNK0-vs7pkttUJ5IiNsLO8RCJUYhDtbdLtnmbCsl8gbAd9ZSMNKPno2zTzynEtVkpX1g2f4iLzNw4LhG4XozT6PHZpoTMGSIz9AOtyiisEg8g-vYSr4EtTLys0cW87eyMSdnjRUcc5saoNT-qqf7VFkG_Nw9or-uieV_0DfCAr1XJujK0YaplSLpa/w480-h640/IMG_7526.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-44198237746088926392023-11-03T04:00:00.001+00:002023-11-03T04:00:00.142+00:00Free Pattern Friday: Zipped Pouch AKA Pipa The Pouch!<p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"></i></b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2xoINwBTEW6zdrgOeR5_Sgx-SyfGrcU_5tnT2g9YMcAPgBuujdCDr9mKj9sti05FJm4WCB9sfYwWn9JLWs71RFU0UqGo4jsqi6eXuH_y5jZQwjCjGls6fOiyBWuxWZXWl-CKYpz7jDaPaLwo916VUCyYEPGU4BdlIPOSby4oX6E0yOHS-stzZh-fRzwc/s3222/IMG_6443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3222" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ2xoINwBTEW6zdrgOeR5_Sgx-SyfGrcU_5tnT2g9YMcAPgBuujdCDr9mKj9sti05FJm4WCB9sfYwWn9JLWs71RFU0UqGo4jsqi6eXuH_y5jZQwjCjGls6fOiyBWuxWZXWl-CKYpz7jDaPaLwo916VUCyYEPGU4BdlIPOSby4oX6E0yOHS-stzZh-fRzwc/w600-h640/IMG_6443.jpg" width="600" /></a></i></b></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i></b></b><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</span></i></b></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">No prizes for guessing why I'm posting about this particular free pattern at the beginning of November (hint: it begins with C). If you're scrabbling around for cute gift ideas for someone who appreciates handmade things, but won't take up a lot of your making time and fabric stash, <a href="https://www.sewingpatternsbymasin.com/sewing-patterns/digital-sewing-pattern-for-pipa-the-pouch" target="_blank">Pipa The Pouch by Sewing Patterns by Masin</a> is a great option. You can easily personalise them to the recipient and they have a variety of potential uses (make up, jewellery, toiletries, pencil case, small craft equipment, chess pieces, tampons, headphones, the random items that lurk at the bottom of your bag, snacks, I could go on.....). The pattern is accessible when you <a href="https://www.sewingpatternsbymasin.com/checkout?cartToken=YUUwayvxOsNo_s7BOGyF7PjmykhdSyRxBptsjVqE&taxEnabled=false&limitedUseDiscountsEnabled=true&autoTriggerDiscountsEnabled=true&postalCodeShippingEnabled=true&testModeEnabled=false" target="_blank">sign up for the free and not-at-all-spammy </a></span></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://www.sewingpatternsbymasin.com/checkout?cartToken=YUUwayvxOsNo_s7BOGyF7PjmykhdSyRxBptsjVqE&taxEnabled=false&limitedUseDiscountsEnabled=true&autoTriggerDiscountsEnabled=true&postalCodeShippingEnabled=true&testModeEnabled=false" target="_blank">Sewing Patterns by Masin newsletter</a>. Shortly after signing up, you will receive an email that includes a link to access the pattern. You can, of course, then choose to unsubscribe to the newsletter at a later date if you with. Big thanks to Jasmin from </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://www.sewingpatternsbymasin.com/" target="_blank">Sewing Patterns by Masin</a> for sharing this pattern for free. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrRzBN4HjmJwTcjYdPYEmQ2WU1upEDR2Krq6R6YyTIygqOR_kuRpKJ_jYkulTDjvaCyzeKmmsFjsN6xX1owS4Ugpt5fccwwL_5C-AGOxLLfVyMoGmGYNpvzEXCf-fb2PLxl_A9J6YnzDI-GYf51Ok36slTw34lit_iHtJQlsCMFONRUTpX3DMsMi8daA3/s3408/IMG_6449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2954" data-original-width="3408" height="554" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZrRzBN4HjmJwTcjYdPYEmQ2WU1upEDR2Krq6R6YyTIygqOR_kuRpKJ_jYkulTDjvaCyzeKmmsFjsN6xX1owS4Ugpt5fccwwL_5C-AGOxLLfVyMoGmGYNpvzEXCf-fb2PLxl_A9J6YnzDI-GYf51Ok36slTw34lit_iHtJQlsCMFONRUTpX3DMsMi8daA3/w640-h554/IMG_6449.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></b></b></p>Pattern type:</span></span></b></b><p></p>The website states that Pipa the Pouch is a little quilted pouch with a long rounded zipper allowing the pouch to open nice and wide. <div><br /></div><div><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Sizing info: </span></span></b></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">The download includes the patterns for two sizes of pouch. The larger results in a pouch that is approx. 21cm across and 12cm high. I didn't measure the smaller one before I sent it off to my mum, however measuring the pattern piece, it would end up approx. 15cm across and 8cm high. You could also adjust the settings of your printer if you wished to make a custom larger or small sized pouch.</span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><div><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNviAJlatU9vfEvl-bmXApqYkZFdGVanXbLaaUuEt7Le71d62NDJVtDd25YDX186TxRKUnW3qkC_oGg07PmsXM0mV5RA3KTdy7VBaIMsM43fbm-Pkh_gENVkTffEB6xdvOAymt7L1132pRs3OPPZ_iCrl_aQ-XHoE_xZhF_yE6-TmR5ppQSB4ClWWAdxnq/s2500/pipathepouch.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1667" data-original-width="2500" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNviAJlatU9vfEvl-bmXApqYkZFdGVanXbLaaUuEt7Le71d62NDJVtDd25YDX186TxRKUnW3qkC_oGg07PmsXM0mV5RA3KTdy7VBaIMsM43fbm-Pkh_gENVkTffEB6xdvOAymt7L1132pRs3OPPZ_iCrl_aQ-XHoE_xZhF_yE6-TmR5ppQSB4ClWWAdxnq/w640-h426/pipathepouch.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://www.sewingpatternsbymasin.com/sewing-patterns/digital-sewing-pattern-for-pipa-the-pouch" target="_blank">Sewing Patterns by Masin</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Fabric info:</span></span></b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />The pattern suggests that Pipa the Pouch will look pretty in any woven, non-stretch fabric. Jasmin's favourite Pipa is made with linen fabric, heavy weight fusible interfacing, and a light weight cotton fabric with flower print for the lining. This pattern gave me the opportunity to dig out some small but very precious scraps of fabric that have been dwelling in my stash for wayyyyyy too long. <br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqN5kUYYfJZT0GWZYD0JUqLBL2Kggo1aLKxEqPegvsWj7vOzKhsBPTHbOcGCrERb_F80lsV8a1HU_ZQYFUxcJhpds5EuEUbsW5eqFHE7mrrDO6xIH3LlPd4fhYToumtMoDyQKlgcdEZ7iIfbrP_BOKhHDtdsV75zk2mspvFM7ITJ7ep9pPBDUX6HfdXXY/s3662/IMG_6455.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSqN5kUYYfJZT0GWZYD0JUqLBL2Kggo1aLKxEqPegvsWj7vOzKhsBPTHbOcGCrERb_F80lsV8a1HU_ZQYFUxcJhpds5EuEUbsW5eqFHE7mrrDO6xIH3LlPd4fhYToumtMoDyQKlgcdEZ7iIfbrP_BOKhHDtdsV75zk2mspvFM7ITJ7ep9pPBDUX6HfdXXY/w640-h528/IMG_6455.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The green and white fabric is some 1950s vintage fabric (possibly barkcloth), the last bit leftover from when I used to make bags about twenty years ago. It makes my heart sing and that pouch is for me. The darker, geometric fabric was a scrap that I bought from a screenprinter/lampshade maker over ten years ago. That pouch was sent to my good friends Lee & Jiang in advance of a big trip they're about to make to the US. The floral print vintage cotton was a small hanky-sized piece that I picked up at a charity shop about five years ago. That pouch is also for a friend. And lastly, the small pouch made with a scrap of heart brocade that I found in the scrap bin at work has been sent off to my mum who really liked it when she came to visit.<br /><br /><br />Because of the limited size of most of the pieces I was using, I had to make a seam along the bottom, rather than cutting the pieces on the fold.<br /><br /><br /> <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfu-AFwW1sFqkX_06MjxOpNfLi-ootOsokpzNiJDZQikeRoH34jgGp2-w_Jbe1Fp50oYm7OeWbeA9dtQlyO1VcVNZISQHr6KHUHzEQr_FoAnjjHNy09L1X5uQV1XT0YCGFa6bP1FbQTh_3bNeYSDFkwjpxqTQoj8Th1d0F8fuhocFwAqoZYC7MlsRyi_nH/s3014/IMG_6453.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfu-AFwW1sFqkX_06MjxOpNfLi-ootOsokpzNiJDZQikeRoH34jgGp2-w_Jbe1Fp50oYm7OeWbeA9dtQlyO1VcVNZISQHr6KHUHzEQr_FoAnjjHNy09L1X5uQV1XT0YCGFa6bP1FbQTh_3bNeYSDFkwjpxqTQoj8Th1d0F8fuhocFwAqoZYC7MlsRyi_nH/w640-h640/IMG_6453.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><p>For all the larger pouches, I actually decided to avoid fusible interfacing. Instead, I cut an additional layer of thicker fabric from my stash, which I stitched to the main outer piece around the edge within the seam allowance. There was three reasons for this: 1) I'm trying to use less fusible interfacing in my sewing because I'm worried about the environmental impact of it, so I'm experimenting with replacing it with an alternative when I think that might be an option, 2) I don't have much interfacing left and can't buy more at the moment due to my participation in the Last Sewist Standing challenge, so I want to retain what I have for projects that really do need it, and 3) I wanted to bust more scraps from my stash!</p><p>All of them are lined with scraps of cotton lawn or viscose from my stash, and all the zips are also from my stash. I had to use an invisible zip for the small one because I'm running very low on regular closed end zips now too. When I didn't have enough of the outer fabric to make the tabs, I used some grosgrain ribbon that I once harvested from a box of chocolates instead!</p><p><br /></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"></span></b></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavTIuKO9ep8lCXAjwvWAt0tnGK2OghKOz0J8OKQbFYcTg48rAVBPer_tsC3Ak-2mtu-_vXxnxaQOSuzqEQ2xyxzEsHrDj6oESMjQsuc0uiPk8qNONXXoDmGMLztes5IK0KMa2IpZRGCGJzh-UiJEGeVpgeGlAFgrSobDggtao4U3gsaGLfiL9mZqea9zi/s3538/IMG_6452.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3538" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavTIuKO9ep8lCXAjwvWAt0tnGK2OghKOz0J8OKQbFYcTg48rAVBPer_tsC3Ak-2mtu-_vXxnxaQOSuzqEQ2xyxzEsHrDj6oESMjQsuc0uiPk8qNONXXoDmGMLztes5IK0KMa2IpZRGCGJzh-UiJEGeVpgeGlAFgrSobDggtao4U3gsaGLfiL9mZqea9zi/w548-h640/IMG_6452.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Findings:</span></span></b></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">As you can see, I went on quite the Pipa the Pouch making spree! It was a much needed palette cleanser between garment projects and allowed me FINALLY find uses for some very old but very loved textiles. They're not super quick, but easy enough for a confident sewer to complete one in an afternoon. </span></span></span></span></p><p>The pattern and instructions are very clear, with helpful diagrams illustrating the construction. The literal only thing I would say that could be improved or updated is the page numbering. The pages of the document are numbered, but the numbering excludes the cover page. So according to the page numbers, the pages with the pattern pieces are 3 & 4. However, because of the cover page, you actually need to print pages 4 & 5. But that's it. </p><p>As you can see, I didn't actually add the row of 'quilting' stitching to my pouches. I tried it on one of them, but I found it distracted from the print too much and ended up unpicking it. It might be a nice addition on solid fabrics however. </p><p><br /></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Would I make it again?</span></span></b></b></p><p>Absolutely! This pattern is such a great canvas for small but special pieces of fabric, and the usefulness of this items means you will get a lot of enjoyment from those fabrics. </p></div></div></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-44697952959652610062023-10-06T04:00:00.001+01:002023-10-06T04:00:00.139+01:00Free Pattern Friday: Avelia Bomber Jacket for Adults<p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiJaP9TM9hDnHk0BAmohhuhQuwNWzKvI5nmc2B-tzS3CfEElm8nKLfStYmpysZBUvkEUeTkY2wYSktxJnWLT70tNpqw5-b8ouH0dyqEkB3lzaOBwM0tQ2ZojIBgEo50cEbU3HZaIwBpUkKAdcoG-VcAdYGLGiN6T3U5AGb2z2NpEG63Js9CdXak0wg6Es/s4032/IMG_2995.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLiJaP9TM9hDnHk0BAmohhuhQuwNWzKvI5nmc2B-tzS3CfEElm8nKLfStYmpysZBUvkEUeTkY2wYSktxJnWLT70tNpqw5-b8ouH0dyqEkB3lzaOBwM0tQ2ZojIBgEo50cEbU3HZaIwBpUkKAdcoG-VcAdYGLGiN6T3U5AGb2z2NpEG63Js9CdXak0wg6Es/w480-h640/IMG_2995.HEIC" width="480" /></a></span></b></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></b></b><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</span></i></b></b></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></i></b></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Ok, so this probably isn't a very useful post because I didn't actually road test this free sewing pattern very thoroughly. The pattern is for a lined bomber jacket, but I wanted to use pre-quilted fabric, so I had to basically chuck the instructions out the window and make the construction up as I went along. What <i><b>might</b></i> be useful for you to know, however, is that the <a href="https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/the-avelia-bomber-free-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">Avelia Bomber jacket pattern</a> is one of 300+ free sewing patterns available via the <a href="https://www.moodfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Mood Fabrics website</a> when you sign up to their newsletter. The <a href="https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/" target="_blank">Mood Sewsciety</a> is the section of the Mood Fabrics website dedicated to supporting sewers with how to actually their fabrics and develop their skills. That's where you'll find all the patterns and the instructions that come in the form of supporting blog posts. Thanks to Mood for sharing all these patterns for free, the variety of the range is really impressive. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoajCNmlLMvDNk-vidIZHe180xceVmZnQ-xdl1L3L1s56bz47blGpdJpT_U3EPbwZM660qwl9zYS8SuhkzljFWwHPWUarZsg7kdUw3xdahThzmA-0nNlBdtofZw2yyYYP-NiCDaVWyih6TsOW4zL5gtZdSx3Q8jGLYqCYbv7wXJgjZcU_ci274b9U0Ul7/s800/Avelia-Title.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="800" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoajCNmlLMvDNk-vidIZHe180xceVmZnQ-xdl1L3L1s56bz47blGpdJpT_U3EPbwZM660qwl9zYS8SuhkzljFWwHPWUarZsg7kdUw3xdahThzmA-0nNlBdtofZw2yyYYP-NiCDaVWyih6TsOW4zL5gtZdSx3Q8jGLYqCYbv7wXJgjZcU_ci274b9U0Ul7/w640-h426/Avelia-Title.jpeg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">(image source: <a href="https://www.moodfabrics.com/blog/the-avelia-bomber-free-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">Mood Fabrics</a>)</span></i></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Pattern type:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I promised Mr SoZo a new jacket for his birthday back in January (this was finished in February). Until that point his only outerwear garments were one puffy winter jacket and one incredibly flimpsy unlined jacket (I can hardly bring myself to describe that thing as a jacket, it's so thin!) and nothing inbetween. So I brought him to my work at Fabric Godmother at the end of an open day I was helping out at, and together we selected some cool reversible pre-quilted fabric.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">He loves bomber style jackets, largely thanks to Karamo, but a thorough trawl of the internets didn't bring up as many options as you might expect. There's one excellent-looking one by a French (maybe Belgian actually) pattern company but they don't sell PDF versions. The shipping and taxes on goods coming from France these days is eye-watering ('thanks' to Brexit), so I decided to continue my search. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When I chanced upon the Avelia Bomber jacket pattern, I thought it might give me some bones to work with. Mr SoZo is quite narrow in the shoulders, so a pattern drafted for a more feminine frame wouldn't require a <i>huge</i> amount of reworking, were my thoughts. The original pattern is for a fully lined, zip-up jacket with faux zip pocket, designed in particular to show case the futuristic, oil-effect, reflective fabric pictured above. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Sizing info:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here's where things get a bit tricky. The pattern is graded from a US 2 - 30, with sizes 7 and 9 thrown in for good measure. Body measurements are included in the blog post, however finished garment measurements are not. Word on the street, and by 'street' I mean <a href="https://www.sabrina-lee.com/blog/2020/12/8/the-ultimate-roundup-of-free-printable-sewing-patterns#google_vignette" target="_blank">this blog post</a>, is that Mood's patterns' sizing and fit are all over the place. My assumption is that they have many different pattern makers creating patterns for them, seeing as they have so many on offer, and there isn't any consistency across the range. My recommendation would be to measure the pattern pieces themselves and compare with similar style pattern or garment you own before selecting a size. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I ended up combining sizes and adding a significant amount of length to the body and some to the sleeves. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXqR3YA5RWaVBpWLX5saeea5MTuTpkaE3GOTMChXOed01-lUr1iZXAV14sL_mn7scejIwfaCTGzgxe8tKjf9z9T-arKN_wHZ9FZyo_kba34I6SWye4ZgUKyWdYL3DtXMgTNGv06a_4LSSYGRblEIHcNLh4ZnT1fSEN7U3zrAYWYLNaOjXV1P2SkyXUNnFM/w480-h640/IMG_2998.HEIC" width="480" /></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Fabric info:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As I say, this pattern was created to promote this specific fabric, so the only fabric referred to in the list of materials required is that particular one. So you're kind of on your own with fabric choice, but my thoughts are a mid-weight woven with little-to-no-stretch, or even a hefty knit such as a very dense sweatshirting or scuba might work. It also suggests a polyester lining and a thick type of rib knit trim, with links to where you can buy it on their site. As I say, I was using a pre-quilted fabric so I didn't need lining, but I did have to buy some heavy jacket ribbing and found some fairly cheap on eBay. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">B</span><span style="font-family: arial;">ecause I lengthened the body, I half-made the garment before measuring for the length of zip I required. Annoyingly, the length I'd created was in between two lengths available on <a href="https://www.zipperstation.co.uk/" target="_blank">Zipper Station</a>. I wasn't about to start trying to shorten a brass tooth zip, so I went for the longer one and tried to ease it in as best I could. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I also had to buy a million metres of orange bias binding to finish all the seams. But I only have myself to blame for that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Findings:</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I can say this because the whole process was several seasons ago and I now have some distance, but this was NOT an enjoyable sewing project. I love sewing for Mr SoZo, but this project was not fun. Obviously, choosing the pre-quilted fabric created a big headache because I had to created my own construction method. But also I disliked the drafting on this pattern. I didn't like the shapes and proportions for any body. Plus the zip being a bit long threw things off a bit, and I don't like how the neckline looks where the zip joins with the collar ribbing. Thankfully, after months of wear (and there HAS been months of wear), the neckline has softened a bit and doesn't look as stiff and awkward as it does in these pics that were taken when it was first made. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I had to hand stitch the bias binding to cover the seams which took FOREVER. I'm still spotting places where the orange stitching is visible on the outside against the green where I made my stitches too deep. AGH!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEzBYDV9jZBPgg95LutZd4jUErMnDqX2hm7R1jyzpe3kKj3n4cpokMehZGiS64jWPiHi22EqnIxzZu0f1RMVQA7Qpy0qzp8dAm3Tay-hmrvpwxIczAwKINGWDuFA6p9CWUCGMY2l7REGvYqGavC25oUqpRA3coIGeD8a9xC0nqJN_tT7oxhVff2t15c55j/w480-h640/IMG_2993.HEIC" width="480" /></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>Would I make it again?:</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Would I make Mr SoZo a bomber jacket again? Yes. Would I use this pattern to do so? No. It was a bold move to use a fabric that was not prescribed for the pattern - a risk that partially paid off. However, I'd like to make another with a regular lining with a different pattern as the base. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">What worked out really well, however, were these tablet cases I made with some of the leftovers for my children! They've prevented a lot of scratches I reckon...</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"></b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCuJ0JJDSesolXY9dUxuSgBTCuSCydNA5I4kXUWhv1yiFGvMdR3_o4FeTnVbEHulM6Q9nV8GIJcWo8BhUNH3lYGYvbm_ZZnP8u5-pq20dA5PgI0336Ts44OfC9cExvumwBWF99Z6PFrbK7uaB-Ytb-pMMKKQ3nG5TPVQNVwRj4707Xxqfngh_zCDVc7hG/s1440/E850A1B0-DE71-496A-9984-85CB3F391A33.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfCuJ0JJDSesolXY9dUxuSgBTCuSCydNA5I4kXUWhv1yiFGvMdR3_o4FeTnVbEHulM6Q9nV8GIJcWo8BhUNH3lYGYvbm_ZZnP8u5-pq20dA5PgI0336Ts44OfC9cExvumwBWF99Z6PFrbK7uaB-Ytb-pMMKKQ3nG5TPVQNVwRj4707Xxqfngh_zCDVc7hG/w640-h640/E850A1B0-DE71-496A-9984-85CB3F391A33.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></b></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></i></b></b><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-31470285276461434952023-09-08T09:41:00.000+01:002023-09-08T09:41:10.775+01:00Free Pattern Friday: Hat and Leggings for Babies<p><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"></b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm49FYXuj63dlo4JtONiJ8bTqIrVRSlNrb0TJHjdUSiu5H0N9uSZ0zt7PVksYXyxFXT74sPdkQLFQz3RzH9xu3-haePKZ8IHCDl8OSe1Gc72QKr8uA68oBQ_7cx44LKAMQxoNV-YHqidBzpxl6VovF19jeUIiLr-ISVcNI3fBe3okaBg_kFCMdj3c8sXKk/s3664/IMG_3851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3664" data-original-width="2621" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm49FYXuj63dlo4JtONiJ8bTqIrVRSlNrb0TJHjdUSiu5H0N9uSZ0zt7PVksYXyxFXT74sPdkQLFQz3RzH9xu3-haePKZ8IHCDl8OSe1Gc72QKr8uA68oBQ_7cx44LKAMQxoNV-YHqidBzpxl6VovF19jeUIiLr-ISVcNI3fBe3okaBg_kFCMdj3c8sXKk/w458-h640/IMG_3851.jpg" width="458" /></a></b></b></div><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></i></b></b><p></p><p><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</i></b></b></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></i></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Today you've got a two free pattern reviews for the price of one! The reason why I'm posting both of these today is because they make such a sweet pairing: they can be worn together AND make a lovely set to give as a gift. If you don't have any babies in your life at this time, and no one you know is currently expecting a child or grandchild, I recommend you bookmark this post for the future. And if you're in that phase of life when it feels like everyone around you is having babies, you could make a few in advance to have on hand as gifts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Big thanks to <a href="https://sweetredpoppy.com/babyhat/" target="_blank">Sweet Red Poppy</a> for creating the Double Top Knot Baby hat pattern for free, and to <a href="https://www.patternsforpirates.com/product/petite-pegs/" target="_blank">Patterns for Pirates</a> for creating the Petite Pegs pattern for free. I really wish both of these patterns had been around when I was pregnant with my babies!</span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB_QQa7vzVkfoJlVTWKhI0djKCLrDbe7LiJ23guR8eHV-Qyc7TDG9o0kOD_PLX1yNG9a3lEB-OWm5e8XXZc4MISQjD0R5lXTgjURXXCFTqTY-Mnw9ywj1vbkBLTurDWpD739caqwv0yvVO5bO_85v7uoB3BLhjt0TaJbRoGgbik-byTWX-OHJcvqlihmf/s907/Top-Knot-Baby-Hat-Sweet-Red-Poppy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="907" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPB_QQa7vzVkfoJlVTWKhI0djKCLrDbe7LiJ23guR8eHV-Qyc7TDG9o0kOD_PLX1yNG9a3lEB-OWm5e8XXZc4MISQjD0R5lXTgjURXXCFTqTY-Mnw9ywj1vbkBLTurDWpD739caqwv0yvVO5bO_85v7uoB3BLhjt0TaJbRoGgbik-byTWX-OHJcvqlihmf/w640-h388/Top-Knot-Baby-Hat-Sweet-Red-Poppy.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://sweetredpoppy.com/babyhat/" target="_blank">Sweet Red Poppy</a>)</i></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: Arial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial;">Pattern type: </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: Arial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial;"><br /></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: Arial;">The <a href="https://sweetredpoppy.com/babyhat/" target="_blank">Double Knot Baby hat</a> pattern is ridiculously cute and consists of just two pattern pieces: the hat and the band. <a href="https://www.patternsforpirates.com/product/petite-pegs/" target="_blank">The Petite Pegs</a> are a casual leggings style with knit waistband (no elastic), with a rise designed to easily cover a nappy. There are four leg lengths included: shorties, bike, capri and ankle. They also consist of two pieces: the legs and the waistband. </div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: Arial;"><br /></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_-HACPUXYsTQByKDxKZGG2zRdeLhOFBjyrgoIySA_WuSz7BVacdnkaJ-B3dDjGG65hgOz9j-oeo7wjDf-j4JNZYDdxsPpZAhzsmJm41fkj7wXXguUVPxtj7PqTKBfQPm-Zr2NcCBed2SEJvapN7CNK9TKiGLsjAAXUPQUyz37P_Cx_xSXbdEypzskTYF/s1058/petitepegs.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1058" data-original-width="794" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_-HACPUXYsTQByKDxKZGG2zRdeLhOFBjyrgoIySA_WuSz7BVacdnkaJ-B3dDjGG65hgOz9j-oeo7wjDf-j4JNZYDdxsPpZAhzsmJm41fkj7wXXguUVPxtj7PqTKBfQPm-Zr2NcCBed2SEJvapN7CNK9TKiGLsjAAXUPQUyz37P_Cx_xSXbdEypzskTYF/w480-h640/petitepegs.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://www.patternsforpirates.com/product/petite-pegs/" target="_blank">Patterns For Pirates</a>)</i></div></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Sizing info:</b></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The hat pattern includes six sizes ranging from Newborn to 2Y, and the leggings from Premie to 12 months. After much debate, I created these two sets both using the 3-6 months size for the hat and Newborn for the leggings. I was scared of making the hat too small and them being useless, so I erred on the side of caution with that. I felt more confident going with the Newborn size for the leggings. As you might be able to tell from the tiny feet in the pic below, my friend's child was just a couple of weeks old, to give you a sense of the fit. </span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">As well as the age of the baby, you should also pick your pattern sizing in relation to the amount of stretch in your fabric: going for a smaller size for super stretch knits, or a larger size if the stretch percentage is much lower. </span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEZjg17eGEImzag2Sl5bfRAdLucuL0KK2WxG2THm18hVFVOK1k7wSp1L36Va55DrPy-ZqNJurQgpUICJQBk23YvIw1a-c8YGeIqfiOlbx3hWZWT_oW5bDNUsYCbA2QqccIfbfpuJgIcDJcurRubaK4mmA8PxxT7LACFqZVbWYokVXMHdj7_1uRh5ebHOT/s847/IMG_5971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="847" data-original-width="828" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEEZjg17eGEImzag2Sl5bfRAdLucuL0KK2WxG2THm18hVFVOK1k7wSp1L36Va55DrPy-ZqNJurQgpUICJQBk23YvIw1a-c8YGeIqfiOlbx3hWZWT_oW5bDNUsYCbA2QqccIfbfpuJgIcDJcurRubaK4mmA8PxxT7LACFqZVbWYokVXMHdj7_1uRh5ebHOT/w626-h640/IMG_5971.jpg" width="626" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Fabric info:</b></div><br />For the hat pattern, it is recommend that you use a medium-weight knit fabric with a content of 95% Cotton, 5% Lycra/Spandex. But then a couple of paragraphs down includes a greater list of other types of knit that could be suitable. I'd probably stick to the cotton/spandex (AKA Lycra or elastane) jerseys because I would be concerned that the other suggestions might be a touch too thick for that tight curve at the top of the knots, or quite slippery and therefore a challenge to work with. <br /><br />For the Petite Pegs pattern, they recommend a four-way stretch fabric with at least 50% stretch and good recovery. They also emphasise Lycra or spandex in the content, which is particularly important for this pattern so they stay in place and don't fall down, seeing as the pattern doesn't use elastic at the waist. <div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aF4V16WCgeKH2m-tkPRzU434cN-Vfa_V2jWnM0C2r9o02uNaw9zX0FfIxiRKF2HlUR-tJilE-JMdMTipIyXuI5VOdbwuX1DnwcpgKH_BOxk4zYOIIpKUIDez9GW_9JebYaPbM9gFO6cGZlGYbmdxpfOR68eqvR71czO-GqpDnEYOhHTdZifXr5vHUIvv/s4032/IMG_3856.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aF4V16WCgeKH2m-tkPRzU434cN-Vfa_V2jWnM0C2r9o02uNaw9zX0FfIxiRKF2HlUR-tJilE-JMdMTipIyXuI5VOdbwuX1DnwcpgKH_BOxk4zYOIIpKUIDez9GW_9JebYaPbM9gFO6cGZlGYbmdxpfOR68eqvR71czO-GqpDnEYOhHTdZifXr5vHUIvv/w480-h640/IMG_3856.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The space print fabric (leftover from <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2022/03/free-pattern-friday-mens-movie-night.html" target="_blank">these men's PJs</a> - another free sewing pattern!) I used here is exactly on spec for these patterns: cotton/elastane with a good four-way stretch. The mustard fabric for the second hat wasn't quite as stretchy, and more of a two-way stretch, than a true four-way. But I've also used this fabric for making undies and they hold up fine so I was confident in my choice, particularly because I wasn't making the smallest size of hat. The grey jersey I used for the second pair of leggings was probably more like a viscose/elastane jersey. I got this from a charity shop many years ago and it was unlabelled so I can't be sure. It's quite drapey and lighter in weight than the other two but it's really soft, so I knew it would feel particularly nice against the skin. </div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, with both of these patterns, I'm going to emphasise what excellent potential scrap busters they are! They take so little fabric, and you can play around using different constrasting fabrics for the bands and the main parts. For the leggings, you could even use two different fabrics for the two legs. And with the hat, you could use different fabrics for the front and back hat pieces. But as always with combining different fabrics, just make sure they have the same amount of stretch and a similar weight. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcx7RHCq-DmFSGW9ykMydbWPoVKxDUAjZ8rMKtMhNmqDxLmbCoJppu3-ZUx09sEH2onxJKccTafuS3AIphUYrvbvWu8ifDSTHqcAih92hhrFDFNn3GlDXEcndO6FNijc-qHd_DRc3KDY8hUn5c4qxmXHW7rzLyyJkvYwwK5oCACqpEI4rUu7sMeiUi1Jj/s4032/IMG_3852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNcx7RHCq-DmFSGW9ykMydbWPoVKxDUAjZ8rMKtMhNmqDxLmbCoJppu3-ZUx09sEH2onxJKccTafuS3AIphUYrvbvWu8ifDSTHqcAih92hhrFDFNn3GlDXEcndO6FNijc-qHd_DRc3KDY8hUn5c4qxmXHW7rzLyyJkvYwwK5oCACqpEI4rUu7sMeiUi1Jj/w640-h480/IMG_3852.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;">Findings:</b></div><div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></b></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Downloading the print-at-home pattern for the hat was easy enough. The instructions are in the form of a blog post that you read directly on their site. There's also a YouTube video to support you if you'd like, but I didn't watch it. The instructions on the blog post are good, however it's one of those sites that is dripping with distracting ads. Which I accept because that how this person's business models works in order for them to offer free patterns, including this one. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Generally speaking, I think the instructions (when you can find them between the adverts) are great. However, there's one step of the process that I did differently and I'm glad I did. The last step gets you to attach the band to the hat with the band on the right side of the hat. You then press the seam allowance up into the hat. My feeling is that the seam allowance would not stay put and probably poke out the bottom because it's not stitched in place. To prevent that, I stitched the band to the WRONG side of the hat, so when you flip the band out to the right side, the seam allowance will always be hidden. I would also recommend tacking the band in place with a few invisible stitches. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeWA_UVNuuWFRiJsGWOh2F3gDPKUNLJdYWqhhm97yFXSmF9iy4BGx1pGXaLX9xhim47gbqanoAQ2r3SL12rYRSfxP6L8bWMkR7UoIbcG51HDm-iiKTajx_s4cLUleZqJ9FU_EK7qrxu1AW1ja8rTo5nBF9vKO6CIp_PwWiA9ppoa91aV85jbL2E9ZEc6F/s4032/IMG_3855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoeWA_UVNuuWFRiJsGWOh2F3gDPKUNLJdYWqhhm97yFXSmF9iy4BGx1pGXaLX9xhim47gbqanoAQ2r3SL12rYRSfxP6L8bWMkR7UoIbcG51HDm-iiKTajx_s4cLUleZqJ9FU_EK7qrxu1AW1ja8rTo5nBF9vKO6CIp_PwWiA9ppoa91aV85jbL2E9ZEc6F/w480-h640/IMG_3855.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">The leggings pattern, by contrast, is accessible via the shop and cart on the Patterns for Pirates website. You have to create an account and go through more steps (you don't need to input any payment details). However, you then have a downloaded file that includes the pattern AND instructions - no ads. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">The construction process was a breeze. The only thing, and this is very minor and personal, is that I dislike a 1/2" seam allowance! It's not one I have to use very often, so I can't visually easily where to position a project on my overlocker so I'm trimming off the correct amount. Oh, and one point I'd make that I think they missed is to add some kind of tag or label so the back is easily identifiable. When parents are trying to change a wriggly baby whilst sleep deprived, they need all the help they can get! But honestly, that's it. I could make these leggings all day.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6apJFGxDaL76IW_C7s_shWK4V0ueZO3bsJjst_TvKNepWW70j9Mk9nHDBaEmtNGtkQn6bV9S_rPm1Qv2S962vSZgB6JvtRqkroY4PGR4MF7netVoodm8XlUINPYEjTHyiW1wDvEUbL-WzaXx5BST8Ovmp22wS76mmCKT5JBPjopnTZKeSze-F0tOEDaI/s4032/IMG_3857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI6apJFGxDaL76IW_C7s_shWK4V0ueZO3bsJjst_TvKNepWW70j9Mk9nHDBaEmtNGtkQn6bV9S_rPm1Qv2S962vSZgB6JvtRqkroY4PGR4MF7netVoodm8XlUINPYEjTHyiW1wDvEUbL-WzaXx5BST8Ovmp22wS76mmCKT5JBPjopnTZKeSze-F0tOEDaI/w480-h640/IMG_3857.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Would I make them again?</b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">Hell yes! I've really whittled down my stash of jersey fabrics over the last couple of years, but if some more suitable fabric came my way, I'd definitely be making more of the leggings in particular. I do really like the two of these patterns together as a set, so if there are any new babies on the horizon, I'd love to do this again. </span></span></span></div></div></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-17011267319553485752023-08-30T20:42:00.000+01:002023-08-30T20:42:24.102+01:00Viscose Scraps Patchwork Trousers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxgq2RnPjDYOBLdQixOF19VzxHVuZ4WWwndS-BddUBJ8ZmuCSnucdnTT2fz-aZGsxW0peKkvl0WETIARHolwUJ5U25lP38FEl_Y9HXtmXUs0Y-7vyWyOvn_vNvZiK4XTJa8e38aGEWAmuT5XaW-EYfcvXGfLhiVe3YmyQOgEYhaMSiUUn9CjuGzWMIb9T/s1280/patchworktrousers1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkxgq2RnPjDYOBLdQixOF19VzxHVuZ4WWwndS-BddUBJ8ZmuCSnucdnTT2fz-aZGsxW0peKkvl0WETIARHolwUJ5U25lP38FEl_Y9HXtmXUs0Y-7vyWyOvn_vNvZiK4XTJa8e38aGEWAmuT5XaW-EYfcvXGfLhiVe3YmyQOgEYhaMSiUUn9CjuGzWMIb9T/w450-h640/patchworktrousers1.JPG" width="450" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello! First up, apologies for these terrible, dark photos. We tried to take some pics just before we went on holiday but clearly the light levels were too gloomy. So even after some editing you still can't see what's going on too well. Anyway! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I tend to find my projects largely fall into one of two camps: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>A garment or accessory I really want to wear or use</li><li>An idea or thought experiment or that I want to see come to fruition </li></ol><div>This project was definitely from the second camp. In my experience, when it comes to working with scraps, slinky woven fabrics such as viscose and Tencel are the hardest to find uses for. I've tried piecing them together <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2020/02/patchwork-scrap-buster-scout-tee.html" target="_blank">to make a garment from previously</a>, but it didn't hold up very well because of my choice of seam finishing, plus I wasn't in love with the outcome stylistically. So I wanted to see if I would have more success by using a similar piecing technique to the one I adopted for my <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2023/05/patchwork-denim-quilted-jacket.html" target="_blank">patchwork quilted denim jacket</a> project. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk-tQYz5WGuXZHIAwiBdG13EN40LJTFikUB3W3-L3yPeiPijK_UcJuHwuPXgNl1gnK34LYvUA635nFxOwRjfv--YNbOmHQsaBxUZ3CMLTO_lgCb5YVuhDyKNPCUbFYu5DBX7UVT_Ub6dPBOW2TvXvEPt1XqBROgKfWyPNrtLajL-Vt9Eyum2tbjrW1x6v/s831/pacthworktrousersback.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="822" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbk-tQYz5WGuXZHIAwiBdG13EN40LJTFikUB3W3-L3yPeiPijK_UcJuHwuPXgNl1gnK34LYvUA635nFxOwRjfv--YNbOmHQsaBxUZ3CMLTO_lgCb5YVuhDyKNPCUbFYu5DBX7UVT_Ub6dPBOW2TvXvEPt1XqBROgKfWyPNrtLajL-Vt9Eyum2tbjrW1x6v/w634-h640/pacthworktrousersback.JPG" width="634" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Piecing:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started by getting all my slinky woven scraps out and selecting some that formed a nice colour palette. As you can tell, I'm really into autumnal shades such as mustard, rust, teal and forest green. It's fun seeing my previous garment projects represented in this selection! There's leftovers here from a dress that I still wear a fair bit, a Vali top that I love, a rust coloured tank that didn't work for me that I gave to a friend, my slinky Luna pants, plus a couple of bits from the scraps bin at work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASI1guQhtFdHjEYjtapTUlkpticw3bk_PB_r0gbmbNQUTP_3w_npW3xI693_MjMqaTCWITYAqiD5gXdtHFfIVItcURoGM3dZHMYpaWuP-UoTO7MrFFZD1CtYyE5-vJI5tj9L0DfVZFNj7uIddKT-HFMGui9gOx7CKQvGnd1sahJtbJNZk9zigZKIh76el/s2778/IMG_5118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2778" data-original-width="2778" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiASI1guQhtFdHjEYjtapTUlkpticw3bk_PB_r0gbmbNQUTP_3w_npW3xI693_MjMqaTCWITYAqiD5gXdtHFfIVItcURoGM3dZHMYpaWuP-UoTO7MrFFZD1CtYyE5-vJI5tj9L0DfVZFNj7uIddKT-HFMGui9gOx7CKQvGnd1sahJtbJNZk9zigZKIh76el/w640-h640/IMG_5118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The next step was to dissect larger scraps and trim everything up into rectangles. I find my rotary cutter, cutting mat and set square make this part of the process pretty quick. Then with the rectangles laid out, I started to find a pair that each have an edge about the same length. I pined, stitched and overlocked them together, then pressed the seam allowances to one side (I do this in batches to save time and energy). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I would then add another shape to that joined pair, or another pair of shapes, with an edge a similar length and so on. The shapes then started to come together to make larger 'islands' of fabric. You'll often get to a point where you need to cut some 'custom' shapes to make the design work, so I kept some of the original scraps back for that. The main piece of advice is to not overthink the piecing process. It's super easy to spend too long questioning the position of each rectangle in relation to the rest and drive yourself insane!</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDo8ItHovT5_PripCYIIOf6qDfMsVHWreFbwC3gSncw2EWRU0X4mSxYBRYleyA4IBD8j8PjnfjCuMAfq_I5WCFVSz0Nw58tSVcWt8XpPBA0uBrISU0fIPAfgpBI-Kocm4GItj62gboXLT7NNhRo2_cF6TuAX-5a4MVpFv1vWdsic-dQJp09rdXnrVN2bCG/s3024/DD666371-88F5-4D4F-9470-71B859B8C486.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDo8ItHovT5_PripCYIIOf6qDfMsVHWreFbwC3gSncw2EWRU0X4mSxYBRYleyA4IBD8j8PjnfjCuMAfq_I5WCFVSz0Nw58tSVcWt8XpPBA0uBrISU0fIPAfgpBI-Kocm4GItj62gboXLT7NNhRo2_cF6TuAX-5a4MVpFv1vWdsic-dQJp09rdXnrVN2bCG/w640-h640/DD666371-88F5-4D4F-9470-71B859B8C486.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Pattern:</b><div><br /></div><div>It took quite a long time to eventually land on <i>what I was actually going to make</i> from these pieced together scraps. At first I thought a top, then I realised that I'm in far shorter supply of bottoms and I thought a wide-legged pair of culottes might look good. Then I realised I had enough scraps to make full-length, palazzo-style trousers, so I went with that plan. The pattern I created for this project is a hybrid of two other patterns. I used the top part of the trouser section from the <a href="https://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/valley-jumpsuit/" target="_blank">Peppermint magazine/Ready to Sew Valley jumpsuit</a> (then lengthened the rise in both the front and back). Plus I used the leg width and shape of the <a href="https://theassemblylineshop.com/products/wide-leg-jumpsuit-sewing-pattern?variant=40044743590055" target="_blank">Wide-leg jumpsuit pattern by The Assembly Line</a>, but eliminated the side seam as per the Valley jumpsuit. Having no side seam was going to result in less waste and fewer awkward shapes of pieced fabric at the side seams. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY_zQj7QtP4M35ab7aKNEKjzHTc_MU9zPQCQiVuoZ0jwJ4CruFo5qoYdRzdlt4YnUZPdzysZkOPBOGyrdOCF5xq8qP8sS27QSzzjzNVhF1x0HsTf6aEqbBYGjwCzbYM0xKeD_25R-gLy3dTXAwNvClvOai1t0RwRUT6Y8L_pAFy2pI5e1Z8SNxQSyB7d0/s4032/IMG_5242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKY_zQj7QtP4M35ab7aKNEKjzHTc_MU9zPQCQiVuoZ0jwJ4CruFo5qoYdRzdlt4YnUZPdzysZkOPBOGyrdOCF5xq8qP8sS27QSzzjzNVhF1x0HsTf6aEqbBYGjwCzbYM0xKeD_25R-gLy3dTXAwNvClvOai1t0RwRUT6Y8L_pAFy2pI5e1Z8SNxQSyB7d0/w480-h640/IMG_5242.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><b><br /></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Construction:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The 'fabric' I was creating by piecing scraps together slowly continued to grow until I could see that it had become big enough to fit the pattern piece on top. Obviously, I needed two of these large shapes of fabric. Then I cut out a pair of the pattern piece and constructed then garment as if I had cut it out of a flat piece of virgin fabric. The waist is elasticated, the channel constructed by simply turning down the top edge twice and edge stitching. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHncSiXH_MOG9CIRnTfjcmpFqQ0fBbMi0RERBMeQivCmw5K5_27yoDEaYMfC5xFoJeOwHfX1xECF09Ctd-b0ujY-WAtkOMOfHG5BkX0faIBlLLPsyI_Kh-MIO6nyfTxatLI9LonZNEXUUtxhNwxzmedwZcGByK4sLqYUUQLQfHLUWmXF_johq0z5-5I3B/s1280/patchworktrousersfront.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="962" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHncSiXH_MOG9CIRnTfjcmpFqQ0fBbMi0RERBMeQivCmw5K5_27yoDEaYMfC5xFoJeOwHfX1xECF09Ctd-b0ujY-WAtkOMOfHG5BkX0faIBlLLPsyI_Kh-MIO6nyfTxatLI9LonZNEXUUtxhNwxzmedwZcGByK4sLqYUUQLQfHLUWmXF_johq0z5-5I3B/w482-h640/patchworktrousersfront.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Thoughts:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I LOVE that I managed to make an entire garment from leftovers from other projects, the scraps that would so often just go into the bin. I'm not sure if I'm super into the finished look, but I'm certainly into how they feel! Tencel and viscose fabrics usually have a wonderful drape to them anyhow, but all the additional seaming on this project has given the fabric some extra weight and made them somehow feel extra luxe. I do notice the seams on the reverse side a little against my skin, but I wouldn't describe it as unpleasant or annoying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really hope that more sewers/sewists develop the habit of saving their scraps and leftovers where possible to use for other things. It's a good way to extract more value from the natural resources and the financial costs that went into the fabric in the first place, and it can keep textiles out of landfill for a bit longer. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW_misdmpAZSqNxqej_rHq0rNw8RekdU3gnLUq41V_XekPxkAKRNcCexYXYSIDjFNjlX7RmlEjxOOq5XUEIj2-D1EAhpB3x0iw2QBITDS7XQfSbb8NO44LCu8_yJdGSPqAkhl6_5UbdvBOfWvPMNEgfK38GV6m_eLJ-gFPli__cy40wKKbZkCzPX-joFF/s1280/patchworktrousersside.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="939" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoW_misdmpAZSqNxqej_rHq0rNw8RekdU3gnLUq41V_XekPxkAKRNcCexYXYSIDjFNjlX7RmlEjxOOq5XUEIj2-D1EAhpB3x0iw2QBITDS7XQfSbb8NO44LCu8_yJdGSPqAkhl6_5UbdvBOfWvPMNEgfK38GV6m_eLJ-gFPli__cy40wKKbZkCzPX-joFF/w470-h640/patchworktrousersside.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><br /><p></p></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-67056935097326044812023-08-04T04:00:00.001+01:002023-08-04T04:00:00.146+01:00Free Pattern Friday: Siem Shorts for Kids<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NCv8-TUrNNi2vs7eIPPbnPEAMaq5gkfhb_V9yQRLZobfWGwLPK_-vGpd7MN-i3_1JVAl-5zDw6KzX8_lQ7MAEsdkXhK2-KswN55bXKprGXojR2akVXepekjmbOxBhv-uCrXrUItuP8c5ZCKyUIRHu3vt1XHAIel2hvogWUhYdlBnIaPmGSsuq9vA5cfe/s1281/1Siemshorts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0NCv8-TUrNNi2vs7eIPPbnPEAMaq5gkfhb_V9yQRLZobfWGwLPK_-vGpd7MN-i3_1JVAl-5zDw6KzX8_lQ7MAEsdkXhK2-KswN55bXKprGXojR2akVXepekjmbOxBhv-uCrXrUItuP8c5ZCKyUIRHu3vt1XHAIel2hvogWUhYdlBnIaPmGSsuq9vA5cfe/w480-h640/1Siemshorts.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</i></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></i></b></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">This month I'm returning to a pattern that I have made and loved previously. </span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;">It's a unisex shorts pattern designed for knit fabrics called the </span><a href="https://www.beletoile.com/en/shop/siem-shorts-free-digital-pdf-sewing-pattern-english/" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Siem shorts pattern</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"> (pronounced 'seam') by </span><a href="https://www.beletoile.com/en/" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Bel'Etoile patterns</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"> <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2021/06/free-pattern-friday-kids-siem-shorts.html" target="_blank">I reviewed it</a> two years ago, and I have been wanting to make it again ever since. I really love the retro stylings, plus it's a fantastic way to use up smaller amounts of knit fabrics that aren't suitable for undies making. Let's get into my experience this time round....</span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6iyzJU0X0P7sKAWGcKcm_eo6HgCi7S31COSsNqwVctxGyCH0DzVXTGdLvHB4pe8YTimeYqzDN-SFW1YW9AsWJH21PcDcfBpsDkUCYAtzQ6W0WjRrWrvjmYPShhZnN-O-RCa4B5vBTkIGXRMgZVKZrqeYCKqAVEjv7nkaOxR00HLIZJa3A8buWY_uzuAv/s1287/6siemshorts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6iyzJU0X0P7sKAWGcKcm_eo6HgCi7S31COSsNqwVctxGyCH0DzVXTGdLvHB4pe8YTimeYqzDN-SFW1YW9AsWJH21PcDcfBpsDkUCYAtzQ6W0WjRrWrvjmYPShhZnN-O-RCa4B5vBTkIGXRMgZVKZrqeYCKqAVEjv7nkaOxR00HLIZJa3A8buWY_uzuAv/w478-h640/6siemshorts.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;">Pattern type: </b></div><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">The Siem shorts pattern is a retro style designed for knit fabrics. The pattern consists of three pieces: front, back and waistband. Plus you need binding (preferably stretchy) to finish the edges. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sizing info:</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">This pattern is graded between a generous 98cm (approx. 3 years) and 164cm (approx. 14 years) which I really appreciate it. I made the size 152 this time, going by my daughter's hip measurement as opposed to her height, and the sizing is pretty perfect. </span></p></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nnukRAYxeDJg8Qc6qRwJwQpdKiPC04CD9Y4xW6lxn2t611JHGjgX6_Cxkusd2a0LXU2j4LdhQiu8FJzwVRpAx_HSDo5ubjDukIe-ZKFVi91kMM1aOM3tEHsV3GA9BMgWv9n9KCw6ujTa72G7QPgfidMizwEbK2hnv_inP2D17eBbrjiRHnCk75vMIzDI/s1280/5siemshorts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nnukRAYxeDJg8Qc6qRwJwQpdKiPC04CD9Y4xW6lxn2t611JHGjgX6_Cxkusd2a0LXU2j4LdhQiu8FJzwVRpAx_HSDo5ubjDukIe-ZKFVi91kMM1aOM3tEHsV3GA9BMgWv9n9KCw6ujTa72G7QPgfidMizwEbK2hnv_inP2D17eBbrjiRHnCk75vMIzDI/w482-h640/5siemshorts.JPG" width="482" /></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span face=""trebuchet ms", sans-serif" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fabric info:</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Fabric types that are listed as suitable for this pattern include jersey, ponte roma, french terry and sweatshirt knits. This is such a fantastic pattern for using up scraps and leftovers from other projects, so as long as the knit is pretty stable and isn't too light-weight it's probably worth a try. Last time I made and reviewed this pattern, I declared that I'd love to make these in a classic retro towelling or velour knit. My wish was granted when I found this discarded small remnant of pink velour at work. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The burgundy pair are made using scraps of ponte roma that have been hanging around in my stash for a couple of years. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">The pattern calls for 'stretch bias binding' for finishing the edges. That's not a super common item to find in fabric shops or haberdashers, plus I'm still participating in the Last Sewist Standing challenge so I can't buy new sewing supplies at the moment anyway. So for the pink pair I used strips of white cotton ribbing (the kind that's sold for cuffs and neckbands). For the burgundy pair, I chanced my arm with something a bit thicker, and used a strips of printed french terry. I cut the strips along the DOGS (direction of greatest stretch) rather than on the bias.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3sAVclNasb1Izh-RRpHF5kzKsAGqiRp77d1cDfV9Shul5QiZbV_byfWcEpIcrfSJglXlsQNtf7CtPHXuLzRU97BkpJOQ_owWfTrM_aS9wJ8KEKnkZFz1zraGXcLNi8I403wV26IRNrlJFUwckcgMpEniRYpRBQqTKG93ebS89InfBC78OZaHlcHJlx4f/s1281/3siemshorts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3sAVclNasb1Izh-RRpHF5kzKsAGqiRp77d1cDfV9Shul5QiZbV_byfWcEpIcrfSJglXlsQNtf7CtPHXuLzRU97BkpJOQ_owWfTrM_aS9wJ8KEKnkZFz1zraGXcLNi8I403wV26IRNrlJFUwckcgMpEniRYpRBQqTKG93ebS89InfBC78OZaHlcHJlx4f/w480-h640/3siemshorts.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></b></p>Findings:</b><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">The pattern and the instructions come in separate PDF files. The pattern is easily obtained via the <a href="https://www.beletoile.com/en/shop/siem-shorts-free-digital-pdf-sewing-pattern-english/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Bel-Etoile website</a>, with no sign-ups to anything required. I was super happy to find that the pattern file includes the layers function which is great for saving ink, particularly when the pattern is graded to such a generous number of sizes. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">The instructions document was equally user-friendly. The only thing I felt was missing was some advice on making your own binding. It is an easy enough process to do, but the lack of that step in the instructions may cause a beginner sewer/sewist to have a bit of a head-scratch. This time I did remember that </span><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">SEAM ALLOWANCE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THIS PATTERN. </b><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">H</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">owever, it did take me a while to work out that it's not necessary to add allowance to the curved edges. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgcjJErFXeuwy5NPgAI46OW3YYgmIPkZZ_g73WnMBodsmsQzLRPApcclYxp321rcKPB7gevCA8Zs3p298SEWKZNx3glfyXDeUb5MpQj25745ecD5NH_OdN4u1tUXI_nWQu5pvH3k65DVDpioFQk665o27US6K4Yh103F-sGYF2MkQg4swxADq5fPI97jY/s4032/IMG_4983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDgcjJErFXeuwy5NPgAI46OW3YYgmIPkZZ_g73WnMBodsmsQzLRPApcclYxp321rcKPB7gevCA8Zs3p298SEWKZNx3glfyXDeUb5MpQj25745ecD5NH_OdN4u1tUXI_nWQu5pvH3k65DVDpioFQk665o27US6K4Yh103F-sGYF2MkQg4swxADq5fPI97jY/w640-h480/IMG_4983.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxpEXcUooZPKxjaIsMlp2x4nEjGk35uBTYqsX4uulddaXo1q7vFaOSO1OQJSqAvYBbhRynW4IVeefmx1lavLEDjoqNXbs67fWpSs7WYtYNiNdBj-JZUViXyUV_nOafm-mFrKRLkzez-dsqFvH72t0d79zF2NIqlTmQG4mpyfOcpwCNOynKoCVPS-Q4zfl/s4032/IMG_4984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirxpEXcUooZPKxjaIsMlp2x4nEjGk35uBTYqsX4uulddaXo1q7vFaOSO1OQJSqAvYBbhRynW4IVeefmx1lavLEDjoqNXbs67fWpSs7WYtYNiNdBj-JZUViXyUV_nOafm-mFrKRLkzez-dsqFvH72t0d79zF2NIqlTmQG4mpyfOcpwCNOynKoCVPS-Q4zfl/w480-h640/IMG_4984.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;">So I kind of messed the fit up a bit on these. When I made this pattern for my daughter two years ago, she found them to sit too high on her waist for her liking. This time, I made the burgundy pair as per the pattern and she experienced the same problem again. As before, she kept pulling them down to sit on her hips which resulted in a bunching of excess fabric at the front. So I unpicked the waistband and lowered the waist, particularly at the front. I made the same change to the pattern before cutting out the pink pair (see above for the pattern pieces with the new cutting line drawn in). Except now, as you can see from the picture below, that has resulted in the front rise being too short and a whole world of ugly tightness (*major eye roll*!). </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;">I think I've also stitched the side seam down too far on the burgundy pair as there's some tightness where the curve begins. I'll probably unpick it a bit at some point. </p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">But these things are my mistake! Don't let that put you off this super cute pattern. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5WIEOaPUcozFQ_6EtRSpsC-rBP8cKTacrTaDDYabCxyjpGsQgGCIqQWvzk4dQGH4mX6jDbpvW6l6AdWSMM1161sZzZFjBAzGHGbGd8VLank_kGD3ID--7gLdcgZIZgAMBvCVIJqdY-vA0IrU8jWVPF1Fdfv2BQkaVO7UYlj3iiFOMvMf-Z8v2xb3JPoH/s1278/2siemshorts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV5WIEOaPUcozFQ_6EtRSpsC-rBP8cKTacrTaDDYabCxyjpGsQgGCIqQWvzk4dQGH4mX6jDbpvW6l6AdWSMM1161sZzZFjBAzGHGbGd8VLank_kGD3ID--7gLdcgZIZgAMBvCVIJqdY-vA0IrU8jWVPF1Fdfv2BQkaVO7UYlj3iiFOMvMf-Z8v2xb3JPoH/w480-h640/2siemshorts.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Customisation ideas:</b></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Stealing my own ideas from last time:</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Adding patch pockets to the back</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Adding front pockets with curved pocket openings and matching bound edges like <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2015/02/upcycling-kcw-results-are-in.html" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">these</a> </span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Lengthening or shortening the legs if the wearer has a different preference</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;">Applying a cute patch or decal for extra vintage coolness</span></li></ul><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Would I make it again?</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: arial;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">YES! I have to work out how to alter where the waist of these shorts sit on her body without messing up the rise length. But I'd love to make these again in the future if she still likes the style in a year or so. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOs0JKVrO0B_JAQKRg9TaSF-BfSSa0_xJztRfMRMb_4jOjUnKZZDY6Alnod1JUXaUHEhDuU2YoRVbzFnkTuypSmwbisJpWMYj9Uw8qmjPmtYPOTdwy8ICAC7Hn4VC6pYM1a0sSRk-vmeOf4ZDnvWzjnY_PsqhH9R19HrtUu984uXzEEb0qQaYIL5PP8eu/s1278/4siemshorts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuOs0JKVrO0B_JAQKRg9TaSF-BfSSa0_xJztRfMRMb_4jOjUnKZZDY6Alnod1JUXaUHEhDuU2YoRVbzFnkTuypSmwbisJpWMYj9Uw8qmjPmtYPOTdwy8ICAC7Hn4VC6pYM1a0sSRk-vmeOf4ZDnvWzjnY_PsqhH9R19HrtUu984uXzEEb0qQaYIL5PP8eu/w480-h640/4siemshorts.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-18213812578627205522023-07-07T04:00:00.001+01:002023-07-07T04:00:00.140+01:00Free Pattern Friday: Laminated Toiletry Bag Tutorial<p style="text-align: left;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></b></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70dfQyQ9rnQcP_H0HshEjVZlVOMwiPFMRjMpAWR4VD64vRnVjGqKCkbxu8dsBTCTonJZoyJHao8jJ1j9w84JMY7GxgUhi0P90HtjBBycHkvfV7dJfxSxPgXpVZtPXPHrLi9ml-3Y756ycXko3UQwZffUCsk0LCok47L5wdi61L8F9TJOZUxaItD-21OB1/s1259/bathroombags.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj70dfQyQ9rnQcP_H0HshEjVZlVOMwiPFMRjMpAWR4VD64vRnVjGqKCkbxu8dsBTCTonJZoyJHao8jJ1j9w84JMY7GxgUhi0P90HtjBBycHkvfV7dJfxSxPgXpVZtPXPHrLi9ml-3Y756ycXko3UQwZffUCsk0LCok47L5wdi61L8F9TJOZUxaItD-21OB1/w488-h640/bathroombags.jpeg" width="488" /></a></b></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></b></p><p style="color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one . I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. I also firmly believe that pattern designers deserve to be properly paid for their work, so if you enjoy using a pattern and can afford to do so, make sure you support that designer. Some designers' websites offer the option to make a donation, alternatively you can buy one of their paid-for products. If you can't afford to do so, you can support the designer by sharing your project via social media to help draw more attention to their work. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</i></b></b></p><p></p><p>Yes!!! I promised that the Free Pattern Friday series would be back around the summer, time and today I'm making good on that promise. Since the last post in the series that I published back in January, I've found a number of free patterns and tutorials that I genuinely wanted to try, to make things that I genuinely think will be useful for my family. Starting with this one! </p><p>Whilst prepping for the <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/81-travel-sustainability-and-sewing-with-shams-el-din-rogers/" target="_blank">Travel, Sustainability and Sewing episode</a> that I made for my podcast with return guest Shams el Din Rogers, I decided to wanted to make a couple of toiletry bags for my family to use for upcoming trips. I was inspired by some awesome bags and pouches that <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/82-fabric-first-with-rachel-kirby/" target="_blank">another podcast guest, Rachel Kirby</a>, made earlier this year for her trip to the US. Now, I probably could have figured this out myself. But you know, sometimes you just want to be told what to do! So after some sniffing around, I found this post featuring <a href="https://www.polkadotchair.com/40-zip-pouch-sewing-tutorials/" target="_blank">40+ Zip Pouch Tutorials on Polkadot Chair</a>, which led me to the <a href="https://www.polkadotchair.com/laminated-toiletry-bag-tutorial/" target="_blank">Laminated Toiletry Bag Tutorial, also by Dolkadot Chair</a>. Big thanks to them for putting this together for free. If you've got some trips coming up and your wash bag, makeup bag, medicine pouch, or anything-else bag situation isn't looking very strong, you could quickly and easily whip yourself up a new one using fabric from your stash. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxOwCRYYEJUGT7nH83AuABbg77CLmUszcLAdvrPu9NiYayA3zt4nrkVM8OOcvzxmbFVZ_sGcc3ZZWY9eesxZXSYWCFYZMrW3r-FxKRvt_t3xUmMfaK8N73Xuk5XHphISMVNSx4bIZJc8-4AOs71vqmCSUZPJ04_23TgpAuMbKULJXgi_Ml8GwLJamJjxu/s1400/toiletry-bag-tutorial.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: bold; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSxOwCRYYEJUGT7nH83AuABbg77CLmUszcLAdvrPu9NiYayA3zt4nrkVM8OOcvzxmbFVZ_sGcc3ZZWY9eesxZXSYWCFYZMrW3r-FxKRvt_t3xUmMfaK8N73Xuk5XHphISMVNSx4bIZJc8-4AOs71vqmCSUZPJ04_23TgpAuMbKULJXgi_Ml8GwLJamJjxu/w640-h480/toiletry-bag-tutorial.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br /><i>(image source: <a href="https://www.polkadotchair.com/laminated-toiletry-bag-tutorial/" target="_blank">Polkadot Chair</a>)</i></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Pattern type:</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">The tutorial is for making a simple, lined, water-resistant wash bag that closes with a zip.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Sizing info:</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">If you follow the measurements in the tutorial (which are in inches), the resultant bag will be about 24cm wide X 17cm tall (9 1/2" X 7"). A 12" - 14" zip is also required. This makes a small-to-medium sized wash bag, perfect for one person going away for a few nights to a week if they don't use too many products. If you're going for longer, or you want to fit a couple or a family's supplies in it, you'll want to make it bigger. It'd be super easy to change the size and dimensions by cutting the rectangles to your own specification. You can also make a subtle alteration to the dimensions when it comes to stitching the corners by altering the depth.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Fabric info:</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">The fabrics used in the tutorial are matte laminated cottons, which are probably A LOT softer and easier to sew than the vinyl scraps I had to hand. But sometimes scrap busters can't be choosers. I'm pretty sure mine will be more robust in the long term anyhow. I used some coated vinyl stuff, the kind that's sometimes used to cover tables when kids are around, that was</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> leftover from <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2015/11/sailboat-raincoat_4.html" target="_blank">my rain coat.</a> (BTW, that raincoat was made nearly eight years ago and is still going strong.) Whilst I was hunting through my stash to find the sailboat vinyl leftovers, I unearthed this kitsch, blossom print vinyl that I bought close to twenty years ago! Which meant I was able to make two that could be easily distinguished from each other. I'm wondering if PUL might also work for the lining of these type of bags.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JUKnc9ioFM35rDYQCdOjIQQwh_8ZbQnYs6lo21GEiZoeHSpcD_AVev2do8QCtXHgg1NnyKYn75y86RR4skMzp7eCUx3gQ8QAjBQdQcNAi0evohpcMK302yvTdnhOsSbA-mjl5Yaq8iV8YvEB5HrMxNlG0v-2jL9wuVtbH3PpPYU4A6YHVPPLsK7tgpls/s1280/toiletriesbags.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6JUKnc9ioFM35rDYQCdOjIQQwh_8ZbQnYs6lo21GEiZoeHSpcD_AVev2do8QCtXHgg1NnyKYn75y86RR4skMzp7eCUx3gQ8QAjBQdQcNAi0evohpcMK302yvTdnhOsSbA-mjl5Yaq8iV8YvEB5HrMxNlG0v-2jL9wuVtbH3PpPYU4A6YHVPPLsK7tgpls/w640-h480/toiletriesbags.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Findings:</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">If you're looking for a quick and simple tutorial to hold your hand through making a zip pouch, then this one is for you. However, if you'd like to make something a little more refined, with a more pleasing zip finish such as <a href="https://icansewthis.com/zipper-pouch-tutorial/" target="_blank">this</a>, then it probably isn't. I'm not sure how viable that alternative, neater kind of zip finish is for this kind of laminated or vinyl fabric anyway, but I might trial that with some 'regular' fabric. Other options include a washbag</span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"> with an extended zip tape like a lot of shop bought ones have such as </span><a href="https://www.polkadotchair.com/waxed-canvas-travel-bag-sewing-pattern/" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;" target="_blank">this</a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;">. Or if you'd like a different shape, then something like </span><a href="https://www.polkadotchair.com/how-to-sew-a-makeup-bag/" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;" target="_blank">this</a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"> or <a href="https://www.polkadotchair.com/dads-travel-bag-sewing-pattern/" target="_blank">this</a> might be more up your street. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Generally speaking, the tutorial was easy and pleasant to follow. There was little-to-nothing about this tutorial that made it specific to water-resistant fabrics, other than a link to another post about sewing laminate fabrics, and a link to where you can buy laminate fabrics on Etsy. The one thing I really didn't enjoy about this tutorial, is that it's one of those websites that is dripping in distracting ads. I understand that that is the business model that allows them to offer this content for free, but it still annoys me. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b>Customisation ideas:</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">Off the top of my head, you could:</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">add internal or external pockets to keep ear plugs or something else that's small</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">alter the size, shape and depth</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">use a non waterproof fabric on the outside, and a vinyl, laminate or PUL fabric on the inside only, particularly for a makeup case or other pouch that's less likely to sit in a pool of water!</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">add a label, name tag, decal or embroidery to personalise it or make it easier to return to its owner lost (you may have guessed that I'm thinking of my kids here)</span></span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;"><b>Would I use this tutorial again?</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); font-size: 13.2px;">Yes! And I have. I had some seeds that I wanted to send to a friend, so I made her a smaller version of this to put them in. For that, I used the same kitsch vinyl on the outside to keep the seeds away from moisture, but I used a scrap of gingham cotton for the lining. </span></span></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-59627259980919497092023-06-22T09:59:00.002+01:002023-06-22T09:59:32.857+01:00Fabric Godmother's Peony Dress Pattern<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcR8Oi-qMo12Pin5LhRmH7iUEQ304As2q7Nh-higrxeR_XVtQyJWg-wI2yIh8g4qejcOp4aFCchkNdTvny1eg0E_gHoVY2gyO1VnfXf9L84ibC8BzRJ7opAkr99aACy3ugGfo3Yy0qJfxgGk8_RVPNUNlvLvEvEyf7NZbbEBZsbp-lmom8OW3aJXSUkSL/s1280/ZoePeony4midres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="942" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcR8Oi-qMo12Pin5LhRmH7iUEQ304As2q7Nh-higrxeR_XVtQyJWg-wI2yIh8g4qejcOp4aFCchkNdTvny1eg0E_gHoVY2gyO1VnfXf9L84ibC8BzRJ7opAkr99aACy3ugGfo3Yy0qJfxgGk8_RVPNUNlvLvEvEyf7NZbbEBZsbp-lmom8OW3aJXSUkSL/w472-h640/ZoePeony4midres.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Try to suppress your surprise at the fact that I've made a dress! This is my version of a brand new sewing pattern that isn't even available just yet. <a href="https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/" target="_blank">Fabric Godmother</a>, where I've been working part time for nearly five years, has had this pattern in the works for yonks. It's named the Peony dress pattern and it'll be available to buy on 29th June. I have been only lightly involved in its production, however it's been super interesting watching its development behind the scenes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBBcmGUAqdEhXFS3LzNAT1ON1w9KnHeVFhk6AI3q49fFwzynjpAgL7ctg4scQzWXD4rPTTE2oYwyY3PB1VGAEz_Y12plPTmEHEHMz7hChNmzN4TaGHTucsYj5i-Wmdh5eH-lA5FTnbs4fvYw1nV1kP8i4yHmkzIVfrZNZv_Pe2qr-q468rI3b2Q9S6oVM/s1280/ZoePeony1midres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="853" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBBcmGUAqdEhXFS3LzNAT1ON1w9KnHeVFhk6AI3q49fFwzynjpAgL7ctg4scQzWXD4rPTTE2oYwyY3PB1VGAEz_Y12plPTmEHEHMz7hChNmzN4TaGHTucsYj5i-Wmdh5eH-lA5FTnbs4fvYw1nV1kP8i4yHmkzIVfrZNZv_Pe2qr-q468rI3b2Q9S6oVM/w426-h640/ZoePeony1midres.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Pattern testing:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The point at which I got involved was when FG invited us members of staff to have a sewing day to test the pattern out. This was a very clever move on their part, because it gave them an opportunity to see how sewers with different levels of experience found the instructions, and how the pattern worked on a variety of bodies. We got to choose our fabric in advance, then we picked which view of the pattern we wanted to make and got cracking. We were asked to make notes on anything we found tricky or confusing with the instructions and pattern itself. About a week later, once we'd had a chance to finish up our garments, we each had a lengthy debrief to share our findings. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NdHUI8MDWaLrJxr6fiCZIwn32beBeo26zxOeSmQkToG3V6kYcXOvXP6hwEoqd8ZNsMqbDYniFpsRe4WYgdv1Kx22dxtD62D2jbEksSxy-sXYWfXHjxb0rrzZ2k7O2sd_dQmdC94TZmpeOs9_tiD5xXlGd5yheCuFp9ViNgZjVLKKLBaw-m3aPC1pqGj4/s1280/ZoePeony3midres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="871" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0NdHUI8MDWaLrJxr6fiCZIwn32beBeo26zxOeSmQkToG3V6kYcXOvXP6hwEoqd8ZNsMqbDYniFpsRe4WYgdv1Kx22dxtD62D2jbEksSxy-sXYWfXHjxb0rrzZ2k7O2sd_dQmdC94TZmpeOs9_tiD5xXlGd5yheCuFp9ViNgZjVLKKLBaw-m3aPC1pqGj4/w436-h640/ZoePeony3midres.JPG" width="436" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fabric:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Very generously, we were able to choose any fabrics we liked to make up our versions. However, because I didn't want to feel I was cheating my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CoeGl4fo_cf/" target="_blank">Last Sewist Standing challenge </a>pledge, I chose a fabric that had a flaw in that wasn't actually on sale to the public. This is the <a href="https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/joni-ecovero-crepe-navy/" target="_blank">Joni ECOVERO crepe</a>, which looks and behaves a lot like viscose. The particular roll I cut mine from has a problem with the selvedge, which was totally fine to use for this project, but couldn't be sold as is. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Despite florals really not being my thing, I have used a Joni print fabric previously to make <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CPbWy3FMm0e/" target="_blank">this well-used Vali top</a>. Therefore, I knew I was going to have to allot extra time and fabric to making a well considered print placement. I'm really pleased with how the print sits on this dress. I actually had to make the sleeve ruffles slightly narrower than the pattern, and the hem ruffle slightly deeper to fit with the dimensions of the print design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7_IMVkZvLynqt3E-DVvxWuW8FrNuNcLQsA3Ac6Clv9TUOgos8m_Q286-MADAOZjRiKNFcBmci7tmGKPVz2-PbC0GIzaeuHR8_92bDYZiDv_jTi8f7AcrQmo7GQRtwmdc80yBM8A6hs7UcFek8j4pDjZdw5r3-O_PLJjDkZ7Ws-t7xQpVbVBQ8C2G-t66/s1280/ZoePeony2midres.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="958" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7_IMVkZvLynqt3E-DVvxWuW8FrNuNcLQsA3Ac6Clv9TUOgos8m_Q286-MADAOZjRiKNFcBmci7tmGKPVz2-PbC0GIzaeuHR8_92bDYZiDv_jTi8f7AcrQmo7GQRtwmdc80yBM8A6hs7UcFek8j4pDjZdw5r3-O_PLJjDkZ7Ws-t7xQpVbVBQ8C2G-t66/w480-h640/ZoePeony2midres.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Thoughts:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was a really interesting experience to be part of the production of this pattern. Despite it not being particularly 'me', I do love my finished dress. I have even managed to wear it already, to a talk I gave at the social sewing event at Fabric Godmother earlier this month about <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/" target="_blank">sewing more sustainably</a>. </div><br /><br /><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-10543148680543696752023-05-25T20:35:00.002+01:002023-05-25T20:35:39.357+01:00Patchwork Denim Quilted Jacket<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSLbnmAFAYf0n1qq6vzN4tKdA81oVLixB6BMHTs4VQ7gdd8pzpSaQO6d2FCw_f1bblOBcMjYu9ahQEQpNz_TQ-YbfOvOMi1aE37ErFyoFRn-Olk6_QUa3dqMRPDrhfT-KGetro-FFPFPo8Gk10mT-LDO6rbsOn8GvHy3ceSWO5u8gOg6aY7q1AJfGIQ/s1281/frontpatchworkdenimjacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="954" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSLbnmAFAYf0n1qq6vzN4tKdA81oVLixB6BMHTs4VQ7gdd8pzpSaQO6d2FCw_f1bblOBcMjYu9ahQEQpNz_TQ-YbfOvOMi1aE37ErFyoFRn-Olk6_QUa3dqMRPDrhfT-KGetro-FFPFPo8Gk10mT-LDO6rbsOn8GvHy3ceSWO5u8gOg6aY7q1AJfGIQ/w476-h640/frontpatchworkdenimjacket.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">She's done! The jacket with the ridiculously long (but descriptive!) name is complete. This project has been in the works, to some degree, for about two years. That is about how long I've been consciously collecting scraps of this lightweight denim with a view to combining them somehow. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I've mentioned all over the place many times, I'm currently obsessed with the possibilities of combining scraps and leftovers to make clothes. Fabric scraps and leftovers from sewing projects are a fantastic resource, but they can build up so quickly. Before you know it, they are spilling out of the box you assigned them, and threaten to take over whatever sewing space you have. But pausing your garment-making activities (if, like me, that's the main thing you're into) just to bust out some little projects to use some of them up, seems like a waste of time and energy. I'm far more interested in applying creativity and resourcefulness to work them into garment projects. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaBCfn_WDiOY_Wrb9fRsPfiS67ukqriaK43GAF12xOGcpShI9NvAxnGREztLNILajVuZ8SeN2sY5AOh0r6-ms5rrYafznbv3LpEdq-Zb1X8cYURusAUGr3hssOd99Oz1OotywLb4LDsI33ck-SKfqmnWhhoamaghXLv2e6iO--flHjX46crKPXhJxBg/s1281/frontsidequltedjacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaBCfn_WDiOY_Wrb9fRsPfiS67ukqriaK43GAF12xOGcpShI9NvAxnGREztLNILajVuZ8SeN2sY5AOh0r6-ms5rrYafznbv3LpEdq-Zb1X8cYURusAUGr3hssOd99Oz1OotywLb4LDsI33ck-SKfqmnWhhoamaghXLv2e6iO--flHjX46crKPXhJxBg/w478-h640/frontsidequltedjacket.JPG" width="478" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fabric:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I can't exactly pin-point when the idea for this specific garment was born, but when I realised that I had everything I needed to make it happen, I got started on it almost immediately. This jacket has hoovered up a large carrier bag of scraps of 4oz washed denim. Some of that 4oz denim was in the form of scraps from my previous sewing endeavours, some came from the scrap bin at work (including the washed denim with embroidered lobsters!), there were two unworn tunic-y garments, plus the legs from <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2021/08/washed-denim-nia-trousers-remake.html" target="_blank">my daughter's woven joggers</a> (which had, in fact, been made from another previously attempted garment projects), also all made from the same type of fabric. I just really love this soft, lightweight washed denim from Fabric Godmother (it comes in three colour ways but <a href="https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/denim-washed-4oz-blue/" target="_blank">this is my fave</a>), which is clear by how many previous garment projects I've made from it over the years. I'm so happy that the finished jacket includes my <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2016/04/remade-denim-tova-top.html" target="_blank">Tova top</a>, which I wore A LOT during my second pregnancy (<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2016/06/my-me-made-may16-week-4-and-bit-end.html" target="_blank">proof</a>!). This project also sits very neatly, both in terms of practicalities and in spirit into the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cohz5Olqxaj/" target="_blank">Last Sewist Standing challenge</a>. The only thing I needed to buy to make this happen was thread. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWud1LXqaLQXQowkcfPmP5v_iTtDu0d_m034Z3y90prGxqLnXg-RF_x0wBsXo5DKReCPvfTFGT42LLsmx2PfFHlePiu-kKL1tlrkToOviPKYeXse6bWU8NMVFQMG9ns1ZTyDgnHiIWLTvUv3Jv0DJ4AEbTz71L2R6PXf-Jzj6D0nPXcDBIBN0T7B3Yg/s1284/insidejacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWud1LXqaLQXQowkcfPmP5v_iTtDu0d_m034Z3y90prGxqLnXg-RF_x0wBsXo5DKReCPvfTFGT42LLsmx2PfFHlePiu-kKL1tlrkToOviPKYeXse6bWU8NMVFQMG9ns1ZTyDgnHiIWLTvUv3Jv0DJ4AEbTz71L2R6PXf-Jzj6D0nPXcDBIBN0T7B3Yg/w478-h640/insidejacket.jpg" width="478" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Pattern:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I settled on the <a href="https://www.fibremood.com/en/patterns/660-molly-jacket" target="_blank">Fibre Mood Molly jacket pattern</a> to use as the basis for this project, not least because I already own it! I chose to lengthen it so the garment would A) use up more of the denim, and B) so it would perform a slightly different function in my wardrobe than <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2020/12/ankara-tamarack-jacket.html" target="_blank">my other quilted jacket</a>. I traced out the jacket pieces in my size, then laid them out on the remnant of pre-quilted lining that I was planning to use, and moved the pieces around to work out how much longer I could make them so they still fit. I made sure each piece would have 5cm additional space all the way round to accommodate any shrinking or distortion from the quilting process. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2LUktPHiwdHEHuvK5irvhAWlyrRmt2I5KLSaqf_zZQfUy7Wk8kL-JFnY_sbV8XH_ygNB2wDKeTK9sXT39-MPsofGdlRAKhgEDtnVslrQHgXFiRrVOFUrFwlyJ8jQAjdS8hoorSD-TcVWZNzbvcKw9V_3GDFw_izz1_TlvkB1uhas2LC9emDM8qOuYw/s1280/backpatchworkquiltedjacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr2LUktPHiwdHEHuvK5irvhAWlyrRmt2I5KLSaqf_zZQfUy7Wk8kL-JFnY_sbV8XH_ygNB2wDKeTK9sXT39-MPsofGdlRAKhgEDtnVslrQHgXFiRrVOFUrFwlyJ8jQAjdS8hoorSD-TcVWZNzbvcKw9V_3GDFw_izz1_TlvkB1uhas2LC9emDM8qOuYw/w480-h640/backpatchworkquiltedjacket.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Patchwork:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To create the actual patchwork, I took my scraps and leftovers and cut them into random rectangles. I took two rectangles that both had an edge a similar length, and stitched them together. Once I had a bunch of pairs, I then found another shape, or pair of shapes, to add to each pair. I kept building it up like that, until I had 'clusters' of rectangles that could be added to each other to make overall shapes that were big enough to fit the pattern pieces on. You can see some of these clusters forming in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CrDgUXrMqRZ/" target="_blank">this Instagram post</a>. At many points, I had to cut some 'custom' shapes to fill in gaps. This was where the actual garments came in particularly handy. I also made an enormous amount of bias binding from the larger of the tunic garments. I planned to bind all the seams inside, as well as round the outside edges, so I knew I'd need A LOT. Obviously I still didn't make enough initially, and had to go back and make more. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When stitching the patchwork, I used the edge of the machine foot as the seam allowance guide, so it was probably about 7mm. I pressed all the seam allowances open so they'd sit nice and flat, but didn't bother the finish the raw edges because the were going to be hidden by the lining. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-Rpb8W077Ak3zqDQKeScgqmtGYKJxBxpG9RiCbtCNmgEp3bhPY9INbQ0R4lwDIDjxbT6B2pkHQJjzOkpifOKaWnkwaSLuCEoltHLzghpSILZYjuKgTiwMIOrSFg4nnzNetDBzrrM-ditYDacZtT7gjgY3UQ_VpPtZ0KNJNT4qE0dWZsP8SW1JM5HYw/s1280/fasteningdetails.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-Rpb8W077Ak3zqDQKeScgqmtGYKJxBxpG9RiCbtCNmgEp3bhPY9INbQ0R4lwDIDjxbT6B2pkHQJjzOkpifOKaWnkwaSLuCEoltHLzghpSILZYjuKgTiwMIOrSFg4nnzNetDBzrrM-ditYDacZtT7gjgY3UQ_VpPtZ0KNJNT4qE0dWZsP8SW1JM5HYw/w480-h640/fasteningdetails.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Quilting:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I say, the lining from my stash that I planned to use was already quilted. With the patchwork panels pinned to the roughly-cut out lining pieces, I stitched along every third row of the quilted lining, so the lining was my guide. I used a walking foot on my machine and really took my time to re-pin after every row to avoid any weirdness in the quilting. I used Gutermann rPET recycled thread for all the quilting and binding, and this project took an embarrassing number of reels to complete! I'm not super happy about that aspect of my 'more sustainable' garment project. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0LRLsfxynxMFy3TCzjpH8RsIwkicMGgSfxQT9wjqMKzFRR8EBOVl3-2pwDnqwTgjtvN5Jldz86zUXYr8C9DZztM1XyKqDxZckJkvb8B6LWNO4Y0_aulJZGe1A9NyoqvJl6YtlA9gcnq9iC8Gn_MfqpWwFezOqZSdjoZQpL81T7oztEMHU-ijRJ4UFg/s1280/insidequiltedjacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0LRLsfxynxMFy3TCzjpH8RsIwkicMGgSfxQT9wjqMKzFRR8EBOVl3-2pwDnqwTgjtvN5Jldz86zUXYr8C9DZztM1XyKqDxZckJkvb8B6LWNO4Y0_aulJZGe1A9NyoqvJl6YtlA9gcnq9iC8Gn_MfqpWwFezOqZSdjoZQpL81T7oztEMHU-ijRJ4UFg/w480-h640/insidequiltedjacket.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Construction:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With the pieces quilted and properly cut out, I began construction of the actual garment. All seams were first stitched, then bound with my self-made binding. I also added a cute KATM label that I've been hanging onto for yonks for a special project such as this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUc66mo4qCN14bGvj98rTJo7i7Yb36gYLgaMFYsEtjLx4m9E3X3n53OI0rLGCG5th_yLixwxfzrs9ODW0jdOwbM_oZ2TQ_8H6vxT3nnPP_tn5O_pkwYmwz5AMzxLnHW-M2IRqCLX099yO656StN1iMs4W9R3H1J5NHxHlZvvNgBTVb9Lk6WpAqzC73Q/s1281/backneckpatchworkjacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUc66mo4qCN14bGvj98rTJo7i7Yb36gYLgaMFYsEtjLx4m9E3X3n53OI0rLGCG5th_yLixwxfzrs9ODW0jdOwbM_oZ2TQ_8H6vxT3nnPP_tn5O_pkwYmwz5AMzxLnHW-M2IRqCLX099yO656StN1iMs4W9R3H1J5NHxHlZvvNgBTVb9Lk6WpAqzC73Q/w478-h640/backneckpatchworkjacket.JPG" width="478" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Towards the end of the jacket construction I had to make a call on pockets. The original Molly pattern has simple patch pockets, although not a particularly good-looking shape, IMO. I considered drafting and applying my own patch pockets, but I thought that might disrupt the patchwork on the front panels. Instead, I drafted in-seam pocket bags to make pockets inserted into the side seams. This was a real head-scratcher because I've never made in-seam pockets with completely bound edges before. In the end, I just went for it and it worked out pretty well. I then decided to stitch the pocket bags to the front jacket panels around the edges to keep them in place and give them more stability when in use. I really like the way their shape is visible from the outside if you know where to look. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0GnbQtywwWaPN1PNdSIyxK_qbtgLHBU0lT3cbeNlahE02lRLu71rQ7KcEjCHAW9MuuBtjA6GPb_3Wv0njYY0QQ_w6FAk96SYGWyFNcJHphV4GUoJTJ5D9ulDgfECBe1ybzbkxj5didNAwMt4_TbtzDy8A0p3SlskdZK-UEx7sJyny0AYgwHS1U0Xkg/s1280/frontdetail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI0GnbQtywwWaPN1PNdSIyxK_qbtgLHBU0lT3cbeNlahE02lRLu71rQ7KcEjCHAW9MuuBtjA6GPb_3Wv0njYY0QQ_w6FAk96SYGWyFNcJHphV4GUoJTJ5D9ulDgfECBe1ybzbkxj5didNAwMt4_TbtzDy8A0p3SlskdZK-UEx7sJyny0AYgwHS1U0Xkg/w480-h640/frontdetail.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last decision was about fastenings. I considered both traditional sew-on press studs and the set-in type of press studs that I used for my Tamarack jacket. An Instagram poll revealed that the majority of my followers thought the latter was the best option. However, when I went to get them out, I discovered I didn't have quite enough of the back pieces. Because I can't buy haberdashery and still remain in the heavy weight category the Last Sewist Standing challenge, I went with the traditional press studs from my stash, and I actually really like the look of the hand sewn element. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9CuS6az--Ud6pa63SsbRJ9pflmgQGiHCypjGnmSGQMiGntKaw1sB3p57iEe_2Tw8CLhobg16wfH_3gtZ8wJcKrBM1g5RwutUkCE-HrsfXb6h-bRHdTGr9SqyYd02abDNG-3ReZ7GiHKJ-mNrygCnA-BqQgAHUxao9fPzsJvR_oNb3cFJBU2oxQUGdw/s1305/sidejacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1305" data-original-width="957" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9CuS6az--Ud6pa63SsbRJ9pflmgQGiHCypjGnmSGQMiGntKaw1sB3p57iEe_2Tw8CLhobg16wfH_3gtZ8wJcKrBM1g5RwutUkCE-HrsfXb6h-bRHdTGr9SqyYd02abDNG-3ReZ7GiHKJ-mNrygCnA-BqQgAHUxao9fPzsJvR_oNb3cFJBU2oxQUGdw/w470-h640/sidejacket.JPG" width="470" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Thoughts:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I feel triumphant having finished this project! I'm surprised by how similar the outcome is to my original vision, despite winging it the whole time. I love the look of the patchwork. It's got a real abstract, arty vibe, rather than looking like I cut up a quilt, so hopefully it won't look really dated in a year or two. The weight of the garment is also really nice: perfect for late spring and early autumn (plus any rubbish days that summer may throw at us). I also feel great about this project because it's made good use of pieces of fabric that an earlier version of me might have just chucked out. And of course I love that I didn't have to buy anything, other than thread. So. Much. Thread. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope this project inspires others to have a rummage and see what scraps and leftovers they can use for garment making. Using as much of the fabric we purchase is the best way to honour the time, energy, resources and labour that went into its production. </div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS3r5V-0EAPOYSTbgTLIR0GZf30-5bHTLk9Eb5xV1Jj1jQKkPPkWzaws-duRyIvQlFqeNOkVs0bBSWe25wJRwgXv0MNfnZnj32T9jBgn8Qis01iWpxMWr-tuug0g-cqJMqN3u_xguYEujTGWPOYVb2XuLJ5l1mwcttybJvyWr8Em2292h6vm0oqJKug/s1275/patchworkjacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbS3r5V-0EAPOYSTbgTLIR0GZf30-5bHTLk9Eb5xV1Jj1jQKkPPkWzaws-duRyIvQlFqeNOkVs0bBSWe25wJRwgXv0MNfnZnj32T9jBgn8Qis01iWpxMWr-tuug0g-cqJMqN3u_xguYEujTGWPOYVb2XuLJ5l1mwcttybJvyWr8Em2292h6vm0oqJKug/w484-h640/patchworkjacket.JPG" width="484" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-44311096176477129892023-04-01T04:00:00.002+01:002023-04-01T04:00:00.434+01:00Me-May-May '23!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmxflv6wMG7cgbyMDJLKSImrlxbue0y83xyPAgtEplo8Yr3WL3OpiTbvuvxfW3z2OiHkdGFf3vkUCoNfMkQOHeZwlhynlz26Z_Y282idrC0xuavVMsujZxdoux_xnuxT2YFex4Ptk-iqdIkQfnaNLHqvXtLkB9LFpmUI-YasIGD8JTzWJyc1Rx7hH1A/s4501/MMM23_RGB-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4501" data-original-width="4501" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmxflv6wMG7cgbyMDJLKSImrlxbue0y83xyPAgtEplo8Yr3WL3OpiTbvuvxfW3z2OiHkdGFf3vkUCoNfMkQOHeZwlhynlz26Z_Y282idrC0xuavVMsujZxdoux_xnuxT2YFex4Ptk-iqdIkQfnaNLHqvXtLkB9LFpmUI-YasIGD8JTzWJyc1Rx7hH1A/w640-h640/MMM23_RGB-01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;">Ok, friends.... It's time for me to launch the Me-Made-May 2023 challenge! These challenges are now in their 14th year, which I'm struggling to believe. It's pretty wonderful actually, to have created something that continues to help, inspire and unite the sewing community that has spanned the various changes in technologies over that time. </div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;">For 2022, I gave MMM a bit of a makeover and minor relaunch. I worked hard to simplify and clarify the challenge, how you participate and why. I've never been able to explain MMM as a snappy elevator pitch, which is a weakness or sorts, but also a source of strength, because it can be what individuals need it to be. </div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;">This year, I'm basically re-delivering this simplified presentation, both here and on Instagram (@sozoblog). Last year I also created <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/36-what-is-me-made-may/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">an explanatory episode</a> for those wishing to hear more and delve deeper to get the most out of their challenge. I'll be re-releasing that episode this week for those who didn't hear it the first time round, or would like a reminder. </div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;">I also created two accompanying podcast episodes to help people design their pledge so it'll be most useful for them. Those episodes also included some conversations with previous podcast guests about their experiences of, and takeaways from, participating in previous years. They are:</div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/37-pledge-and-participants-1-with-rebecca-and-meg/" target="_blank">Episode 37: Pledges and Participants #1 with Rebecca and Meg</a></li></ul><div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both;"><ul><li><a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/38-pledge-and-participants-2-with-amy-and-judith/" target="_blank">Episode 38: Pledges and Participants #2 with Amy and Judith</a></li></ul></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;">You don't need to listen on the player that the links take you to, however. Check Your Thread is available to listen to on all the major podcast apps. </div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;">But let's break it down here and now...</div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN08tL-qD9ShULP41ZAOO1hHVaXXPAF1MUTsyVYdT-mAkr1w_D8Os86MYLCtGrqJxWZhd3Z55c_89tBJkeVo600lVe01Tc8i3PWpxIIg5mPhvsYGDTIk1GhxXadTTugNunjp9OKX5jj4qINRzSnsGs5VwyizA_IIMA6BS-oq1qmVVbblrBTUp664g8w/s1080/4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN08tL-qD9ShULP41ZAOO1hHVaXXPAF1MUTsyVYdT-mAkr1w_D8Os86MYLCtGrqJxWZhd3Z55c_89tBJkeVo600lVe01Tc8i3PWpxIIg5mPhvsYGDTIk1GhxXadTTugNunjp9OKX5jj4qINRzSnsGs5VwyizA_IIMA6BS-oq1qmVVbblrBTUp664g8w/w640-h640/4.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">What is Me-Made-May?</u></b></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-d4d5f05d-7fff-ef3f-b9f2-d442cb012209" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MMM is a wardrobe challenge that helps you improve your relationship with your handmade items. That includes your existing items, as well as the items you might choose to make in the future. T</span></span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">o participate you need to wear your handmade items more often or in some way differently to how you usually get dressed. The point of doing this is to give yourself the opportunity to learn some useful lessons and/or alter how you feel about those items. </span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is no set, single pledge because everyone is different, with different lives and different goals, so participants design their own pledge so that it'll be challenging and useful for </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">them</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">challenge</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> happens by setting specifics for yourself that will be a bit difficult, but do-able. </span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can’t really predict what you’ll learn, but by giving yourself a month to focus more on what you’re wearing, you’re opening yourself to gathering heaps of knowledge that you can take forward. That knowledge will help you make better choices for future projects. By applying the lessons, you’ll be upping your chances of your future handmade items making you feel fantastic and having long, useful lives. </span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwj27-UrN9ft_BzimhYwPCw0Nz-ZuR0Rhs4JJYCo8YieUjhGrGmDqTTtyuWFNF9d4xS9sLMcXEhV0ZSNEuIq3cAGswcYxjXwiFd7iAw0SGTzN8kKcVjcynstGJu3DdpOSv4aeAF9G441P4pdafaDud4GkqjvwE-D-z-JG0reAK6UEVqjHSa0T2tUdfA/s1080/7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUwj27-UrN9ft_BzimhYwPCw0Nz-ZuR0Rhs4JJYCo8YieUjhGrGmDqTTtyuWFNF9d4xS9sLMcXEhV0ZSNEuIq3cAGswcYxjXwiFd7iAw0SGTzN8kKcVjcynstGJu3DdpOSv4aeAF9G441P4pdafaDud4GkqjvwE-D-z-JG0reAK6UEVqjHSa0T2tUdfA/w640-h640/7.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">What isn't Me-Made-May?</u></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;">Over the years, I’ve noticed four common misconceptions about the challenge, so let’s address them now:</span></div></div><p style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"></p><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-9950499e-7fff-dca0-6b92-3d0aea34716f" style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MMM is not a making challenge.</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The challenge is about wearing your existing handmade items. It’s not about accruing more things. Giving yourself a month to focus on what you’ve got will help you appreciate what you have, perhaps fall back in love with some items, and subsequently get more from the time, energy, money and resources that you’ve already put into your craft and your clothes.</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-c8914547-7fff-769a-48dd-c6828dbb3d02" style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MMM is not a photo challenge.</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> All the photos of people in their handmade outfits that appear on social media during May can definitely make it seem that MMM is all about donning a cute handmade outfit and taking and sharing pictures. However, and I cannot stress this enough, those photos are documentation of the challenge, NOT the challenge itself, and photos are ENTIRELY optional!!!!!!</span></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-5241d8d6-7fff-5657-1f02-a271de778102" style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: normal;"><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MMM is not a competition. </span></p><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MMM is a personal challenge, you’re not competing with anyone. You’ll have made yourself a pledge to focus on throughout the month, and it really doesn’t matter what anyone else is doing, or wearing. If you go on social media where other participants are sharing photos, it’s an opportunity to cheer each other on, and perhaps garner some style inspiration. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;">The enemy of joy is comparison. Remember to stay focused on your own challenge and what you’re trying to achieve.</span></p></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-7a854e1f-7fff-c001-c79f-26498e773a04" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MMM is not about having heaps of handmade clothes</span></p><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;">I honestly can’t stress this enough: you can participate in MMM even if you have just one handmade item. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;">You just have to set a suitable pledge that allows you to wear that item more often or in different ways. However many handmade items you have, your pledge needs to be challenging but do-able.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonzgv1b5zJ6WGAktl41FJWDJ78roppMXfY4dzYsaDfObIO9WUj3PwSdj8f5Fc9cklGAdYRH-XDEYCBhgXz3qvm-juuImQrJdFxEzokBaE_MByFjFIKXw4vxP8mk_a5TDSck81YjZCl97DbxELsXcSsxxPF4Qnr9S0i4P-3rcV_YyfIjMbYR4RLxMZ9g/s1080/8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonzgv1b5zJ6WGAktl41FJWDJ78roppMXfY4dzYsaDfObIO9WUj3PwSdj8f5Fc9cklGAdYRH-XDEYCBhgXz3qvm-juuImQrJdFxEzokBaE_MByFjFIKXw4vxP8mk_a5TDSck81YjZCl97DbxELsXcSsxxPF4Qnr9S0i4P-3rcV_YyfIjMbYR4RLxMZ9g/w640-h640/8.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">So who is Me-Made-May for? </u></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-71c5289d-7fff-6bce-dcbd-bad9b28f903b" style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve lost count of the amount of posts I’ve read over the years saying ‘I don’t think I have enough me-mades to take part in MMM’. <span id="docs-internal-guid-02b73410-7fff-268a-f467-0a156f009d55" style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: normal;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can participate if you have just <b>one single self-made item</b>, or if you wear head-to-toe me-mades everyday already.</span><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: red; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span>It’s about working with what you’ve got, setting a suitable, challenging pledge, learning useful lessons and having fun. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYV3UjashdeJ5a6k6FXQBolRZWHOvz3XShBl3pjoNgSeTTdZHD_zs_lm9PvPzpUla1i5UTBVLNvENL7VhNKqPigk7l0W9EMrAk5V0vgG0fP-mRh8U_bUr1g7-t4V1YEaHv-x67H00VFZhmp3PTBJewidblJ7ssEzoKLTMMU1TfYfI68LCSY9TBpcbiw/s1080/9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYV3UjashdeJ5a6k6FXQBolRZWHOvz3XShBl3pjoNgSeTTdZHD_zs_lm9PvPzpUla1i5UTBVLNvENL7VhNKqPigk7l0W9EMrAk5V0vgG0fP-mRh8U_bUr1g7-t4V1YEaHv-x67H00VFZhmp3PTBJewidblJ7ssEzoKLTMMU1TfYfI68LCSY9TBpcbiw/w640-h640/9.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u style="box-sizing: border-box;">How do I take part?</u></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-47c701a8-7fff-4fe1-b8bb-0f723da86857" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You will need to intentionally wear your handmade items more and/or in different ways throughout May 2023. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a think about the handmade items you own, how often you already wear them, and perhaps if there are any areas of your relationship with your wardrobe that know could use some improvement. </span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then design your own pledge outlining the specifics of your challenge before 1st May. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">“I (insert name or username) pledge to wear (insert specifics of your pledge) for throughout May 2023”</i></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You can keep this entirely to yourself, tell friends and family, or share this on social media, whatever you wish. </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_DYDwZAIEm07TfTIWg3x57gbE1h3rDbWBP87-PYOl9G8Whu24jdlMii5ipI8HY91uB_lgEhQG0osOas1uOCgMMynefGY7U-cpIV3V1by7KPV3MU_zHUhAyI1rAWGC366iKUGEqtmFsfkTnW7SxB5vYPoNcb4uWgLNS6g4IPK1z6hE-MTE1zXeajqcQ/s1080/3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_DYDwZAIEm07TfTIWg3x57gbE1h3rDbWBP87-PYOl9G8Whu24jdlMii5ipI8HY91uB_lgEhQG0osOas1uOCgMMynefGY7U-cpIV3V1by7KPV3MU_zHUhAyI1rAWGC366iKUGEqtmFsfkTnW7SxB5vYPoNcb4uWgLNS6g4IPK1z6hE-MTE1zXeajqcQ/w640-h640/3.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; text-align: left;">If you'd like to hear me break all this down some more, check out <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/36-what-is-me-made-may/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Episode 36 of my podcast, Check Your Thread</a>. In the meantime, if<span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> you have any questions about MMM, please get in touch via email at sozoblog AT g mail dot com,</span><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or via IG @checkyourthread or @sozoblog.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;"><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;">I wish you a wonderful, insightful and FUN Me-Made-May!</span>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-63506212995853983952023-03-28T13:39:00.005+01:002023-03-28T13:39:35.463+01:00Autumnal Scrappy Apollon Sweatshirt<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgDvGyjWxvhPAMSE3EfKAK5sl8CH8Ue1sOiZmtmA5AUnVJz80N6gYL-LKHayFYa3DOnv09l5gZ-ukuBOqJRg7Ty826uAylF2tnS2JfoDxtelaacC-2C6KX_fOCSW_z7nagwoyqnSlHVs2has6E-VHrQHVdEwGkCe0JhnhpGn3-n6wikln_O80LcUJlA/s4032/IMG_2988.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVgDvGyjWxvhPAMSE3EfKAK5sl8CH8Ue1sOiZmtmA5AUnVJz80N6gYL-LKHayFYa3DOnv09l5gZ-ukuBOqJRg7Ty826uAylF2tnS2JfoDxtelaacC-2C6KX_fOCSW_z7nagwoyqnSlHVs2has6E-VHrQHVdEwGkCe0JhnhpGn3-n6wikln_O80LcUJlA/w480-h640/IMG_2988.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Towards the end of last year, I made Mr SoZo <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2022/12/scrap-busting-apollon-sweatshirt.html" target="_blank">a sweatshirt out of scraps and leftovers</a>. It was pretty wild, and despite his insistence that he liked it, I wondered exactly <i>how</i> much he'd wear it. Around the house only perhaps. Well, turns out, he wears it almost every single day, in all the places!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9udEI6AUO0KZW6IAHmnRJyCf9DnuNz4mQcagRCnO6-6obl8EV7qwWZWWoVar90XcG31H07sUl1RYfGAFiaqmY9BjLVrkh_Ta39KpPB8zSIPA4Ytzlx_Q6S7FmtId3a9cdWajcF4jvcE18lRNlZaWSSQ0wLzBd6jECX1R_EKOh-5x9wwSL37CS6CjIFg/s4032/IMG_2990.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9udEI6AUO0KZW6IAHmnRJyCf9DnuNz4mQcagRCnO6-6obl8EV7qwWZWWoVar90XcG31H07sUl1RYfGAFiaqmY9BjLVrkh_Ta39KpPB8zSIPA4Ytzlx_Q6S7FmtId3a9cdWajcF4jvcE18lRNlZaWSSQ0wLzBd6jECX1R_EKOh-5x9wwSL37CS6CjIFg/w480-h640/IMG_2990.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has received a lot of compliments also, which can only have bolstered his confidence in wearing what he terms as 'post-apocalyptic chic'. Anyway, he's started to worry that it is going to look tatty very soon due to the amount of wear it receives. We only wash garments when they actually need it round these parts, however, it will start to look faded before long, so it made sense to make hime another. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIvLgJIB9UtBRICn5XaOfyjG2CfaZrw3d_7ZDL5_MJ5gH-wWt6HLvdeRVL1fd7SP57O92CuTyljTBiZkFDelBANSl6AZ7zalLpxZ91ZJLIh5zyLYCc0cpU6q0p1797809kRlzZHh339vv5D0PVP8-LPL5-e8H9RyQ1xEDmZq2_nA9HWM09W2wOxVlHA/s4032/IMG_2989.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIvLgJIB9UtBRICn5XaOfyjG2CfaZrw3d_7ZDL5_MJ5gH-wWt6HLvdeRVL1fd7SP57O92CuTyljTBiZkFDelBANSl6AZ7zalLpxZ91ZJLIh5zyLYCc0cpU6q0p1797809kRlzZHh339vv5D0PVP8-LPL5-e8H9RyQ1xEDmZq2_nA9HWM09W2wOxVlHA/w480-h640/IMG_2989.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been going through all my fabric scraps and leftovers lately due to my participation in the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/lastsewiststanding/" target="_blank">Last Sewist Standing challenge</a>. For that challenge, I have pledged to try and not buy any new fabric for a year, starting Valentine's Day 2023. I truly believe that scraps and leftovers are a wonderful resource for garments sewers, although the speed at which they build up can be alarming, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed by them. Part of my motivation for taking part in the challenge was the push it'd give me to get my scraps under control, and turn many of them into awesome, useful items. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2zFwwoApUmahIl24e9nAjvf4VddCmPbWVcJXimNYkyd4Z69lXJaDBU2rJMm4puqznlC_3mVwd7tYqgCRGAu5qhSVWVeqaR358hM2vbASOJ2XOBttQSUaOPvcvB_0OxqCpGUiuzWSAGTJGhZyWu9pSa6ZY4yZ4g4Ea15tYy5f26Xxqk3gj6BwIw4UgQ/s4032/IMG_2984.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq2zFwwoApUmahIl24e9nAjvf4VddCmPbWVcJXimNYkyd4Z69lXJaDBU2rJMm4puqznlC_3mVwd7tYqgCRGAu5qhSVWVeqaR358hM2vbASOJ2XOBttQSUaOPvcvB_0OxqCpGUiuzWSAGTJGhZyWu9pSa6ZY4yZ4g4Ea15tYy5f26Xxqk3gj6BwIw4UgQ/w480-h640/IMG_2984.HEIC" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So having sorted through all my sweatshirt scraps recently, I was able to quickly pull some out that I didn't have plans for and create this fairly pleasing colour palette. I like the autumnal vibes it's giving me, which also suit his colouring well. I took the same approach as I did with <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2022/12/scrap-busting-apollon-sweatshirt.html" target="_blank">the previous sweatshirt</a>, piecing the scraps together on my overlocker until I had shapes big enough to cut the pattern pieces from. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The only issue I encountered was with the ribbing. My original plan was to use black ribbing for the neckband, waistband and cuffs to create a 'frame' around the mishmash of prints and colours within. I think using a single colour for these makes the whole thing look more intentional and considered. Except, I didn't have enough black ribbing in my stash, and to buy some would send me into the lightweight division of the Last Sewist Standing challenge, which I'm desperate to avoid. I searched through my scraps of Ponte Roma and other double knits, in the hope of finding something solid black that I could substitute for ribbing to make the waistband, but to no avail. During my hunt, however, I discovered a small amount of ivory ribbing that I didn't know I had. There was just enough for this project, phew! </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKxRwailsHeFBNajY9MKTcyuwOKHenJYKIWEr-5fvJjOA5GYJW-ZPsR3nNNt50xVk2cZEyVEfhl5ZtMOaYyRxB8BKEXzVD_nnQ0rcH6lBxmTora-0zmKdr3RtBv5sUVRuA-5r3o6YnGBUj-P5eiRfm3YKTSQFDDIZcy6Spq_vVwgUH4PvHdt51mDV9w/s4032/IMG_2955.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKxRwailsHeFBNajY9MKTcyuwOKHenJYKIWEr-5fvJjOA5GYJW-ZPsR3nNNt50xVk2cZEyVEfhl5ZtMOaYyRxB8BKEXzVD_nnQ0rcH6lBxmTora-0zmKdr3RtBv5sUVRuA-5r3o6YnGBUj-P5eiRfm3YKTSQFDDIZcy6Spq_vVwgUH4PvHdt51mDV9w/w640-h480/IMG_2955.heic" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-40049081017107377082023-02-26T11:56:00.001+00:002023-02-26T11:56:21.214+00:00Tips for Teaching Kids to Sew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zzjmX5LIKSuyrSW7PMb1G-lKNkPZ9zcW77lXWHredGENPTGWfidInw0dlIpNIU04glcU4_REce6sLwASAinLtIJ46wC3eJPiFbRmmO7noaZeAVEvL2eUb8Av67kaXT5vS_I_Z4KnrmhWf7EODsuLBas9bWDPt0N8msW0IBpMViy_BVArz13dMrAvBQ/s1280/Lolatop1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0zzjmX5LIKSuyrSW7PMb1G-lKNkPZ9zcW77lXWHredGENPTGWfidInw0dlIpNIU04glcU4_REce6sLwASAinLtIJ46wC3eJPiFbRmmO7noaZeAVEvL2eUb8Av67kaXT5vS_I_Z4KnrmhWf7EODsuLBas9bWDPt0N8msW0IBpMViy_BVArz13dMrAvBQ/w480-h640/Lolatop1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p>Last year I made an episode of my podcast about <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/33-encouraging-kids-to-sew/" target="_blank">encouraging kids to sew</a>. I deliberately didn't call it 'teaching kids to sew', in case you have no desire to do to the teaching part yourself. In the episode. I set out the argument for the benefits that kids get from learning to sew, and followed up with heaps of tips and ideas for how to successfully encourage them to do so. </p><p>Fast forward a few months to January this year. I set myself four sewing-related goals for 2023:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Continue to work through my fabric stash, turning it into lovely, useful items. Initially I set out to help myself do this by limiting my fabric purchases, but I have since signed up for the Last Sewist Standing challenge which bans fabric purchases entirely! (More info on this in <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/77-stashes-and-spaces-with-shams-el-din-rogers/" target="_blank">this episode</a>.)</li><li>Alternate 'from scratch' projects with mending or altering an existing item (#makeonemendone). </li><li>Continue to find more fun and useful projects to make with scraps and leftovers. I truly believe that they are a valuable resource, but like many sewers, I feel like I'm drowning in them!</li><li>Teach my kids some specific sewing skills. I think I already do a good job in modelling that sewing is fun, creative and expressive, as well as a possible option for clothing yourself. However, I feel that my daughter in particular could do with some more actual skills to help her make her project ideas a reality, and to do so more successfully. </li></ol><div>To make good on that fourth goal, I recently helped my daughter through a T-shirt project. I tried out some tactics that I'm going to share with you here, in case it will help you, or someone you know, teach a young person to sew in the future!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmBFtaHOW-jrTg60vH1WADzHFV9TBbrFk7M_UGs-CY_6krCr4PKYnQpiW9eL0D33dgqQHG11fqV6z9hF0vyntblrEOkb1cGhvnR12kuaaJXu6PNhGdyARELLJLOQbfpQby8UPWD9LpuOL9GZJ2v-IKX_hohSRZlGlYD7QRzx0kybm5nw2hfHzlfw4MA/s1280/Lolatop3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCmBFtaHOW-jrTg60vH1WADzHFV9TBbrFk7M_UGs-CY_6krCr4PKYnQpiW9eL0D33dgqQHG11fqV6z9hF0vyntblrEOkb1cGhvnR12kuaaJXu6PNhGdyARELLJLOQbfpQby8UPWD9LpuOL9GZJ2v-IKX_hohSRZlGlYD7QRzx0kybm5nw2hfHzlfw4MA/w480-h640/Lolatop3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tip #1: Give them lots of agency</b></div><div><br /></div><div>This may sound obvious, but by giving them as much creative input into the project as possible at the planning stage and through the creation process, the more invested and interested in it they will be. Like many kids, my daughter doesn't have a very long attention span and quickly loses interest in stuff after the initial buzz of a new idea. So allowing her to effectively design the whole thing and make further choices throughout kept her more engaged in this than any previous sewing project we've tackled together. </div><div><br /></div><div>She was the one who decided she wanted a lilac T-shirt. I passed her a stack of Ottobre magazines, explained how to look for a style that included her size, and let her sift through to choose a pattern she liked. She selected a long-sleeved raglan top with a slim fit. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tip #2: Do the bulk of the boring bits</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Because the pattern chosen was in an Ottobre magazine, the next step was to trace out the pieces and add seam allowance. Nothing would have turned my daughter off this project quicker than if I'd made her trace out those pieces herself. NOTHING. So instead, I traced out the pattern and added the seam allowance, but asked her to sit with me engaging her in conversation as I did it. Then, at least, she witnessed that part of the process so it was no longer an alien concept to her. I then got her to cut one of the pattern pieces out of paper so she had experience of that, and cut the rest out myself later on.</div><div><br /></div><div>When it came to cutting the pattern out of fabric, she wasn't into the idea very much. So I positioned the pieces on the fabric and pinned them in place, and got her to carefully cut round the edges. She moaned a bit about having to do that, but I felt I could push her a bit to take on this step without the project being a bust. It was a gamble, but we got through it!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tip #3: Balance trickiness and familiarity</b></div><div><br /></div><div>For the actual construction, I decided we should use my regular machine rather than my overlocker for all the seams on this T-shirt. As <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/69-making-mindfully-with-judy-williment-ross/" target="_blank">Judy Williment-Ross' daughter once so cleverly articulated</a>, using an overlocker is <i>'like sewing, but faster and with knives'</i>! My daughter has tried using my overlocker once or twice, but this was her first 'proper' project with jersey fabric, and I felt that a new type of fabric that is trickier to handle was challenge enough. She is far more experienced with, and confident on, my regular machine so I decided to stick to that. </div><div><br /></div><div>I pinned all the seams for her, and she stitched them all using a new-to-her stitch (the lightning stitch). So there was a blend of new and familiar elements at play. I also decided to do the neckband myself, because pinning and stitching a neckband into the neck hole of a child-sized garment is super tricky! I felt that if the neckline looked a bit of a mess, it might put her off from wearing the finished item. Doing the neckline myself kind of felt like a risk; would she feel less ownership of the project if I did a major part of it without her? I decided to engage her in that step instead by getting her to choose a cute label to insert so she could tell what is the back at a glance. She picked this 'My best work yet' label from Kylie and the Machine: perfect in both context and colouring. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijfDxRK0GtO9ztFQVnlC6DI7w-buVHqnZowSkd0zqK19cJcp_qcGZiWERIbrWRiHe8p4w-pCNua5eV757GxVHa45YKN3QaFt6uMEPEPVA0G9Mgm-Wo9h-6piPcdcNbiBkvVBLs7gI9zRu9W97gXaojkIXrhNk5L5PQ1i7sRagQXv12aei-PD-WPFKmw/s3024/IMG_2116.heic" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjijfDxRK0GtO9ztFQVnlC6DI7w-buVHqnZowSkd0zqK19cJcp_qcGZiWERIbrWRiHe8p4w-pCNua5eV757GxVHa45YKN3QaFt6uMEPEPVA0G9Mgm-Wo9h-6piPcdcNbiBkvVBLs7gI9zRu9W97gXaojkIXrhNk5L5PQ1i7sRagQXv12aei-PD-WPFKmw/w640-h640/IMG_2116.heic" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tip #4: Add a fun, unique design element </b></div><div><br /></div><div>As seasoned garment sewers, we know the joy of getting to wear garments we have customised to our own specifications. Everywhere we go in our me-mades, we are free from the risk of turning up somewhere wearing the same garment as someone else! That's really powerful, and something we can use to our advantage when teaching kids to sew. Find ways for them to express themselves further by making little additions to the overall design. We did that with this project with the back neck label, but labels can be inserted into or applied onto the garments pretty much wherever they choose. Ribbons, braids, buttons, contrast panels or pockets are all opportunities to let the child's wield their design prowess and 'own' this project/garment further. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have a little collection of iron-on patches collected from all over the place, predominantly so I can mend my kids' clothes super quickly when a whole appears. My daughter had a good rummage through them and selected a patch to apply to her T-shirt, and decided where she wanted it to be. Her choice was linked to a narrative she had about the character she would personify when wearing the garment. But obviously it doesn't have to go that deep!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tip #5: Get it off the machine and into their wardrobes as quick as possible</b></div><div><br /></div><div>My daughter had no interest in hemming the garment, so I did that whilst she was at school. Then one final press and it was done! I could have done this quicker to be honest, but you want to capitalise on the pride and accomplishment of a completed project and make it available for them to wear as soon as possible. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Tip #6: Tell everyone they made it</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Whenever my daughter is wearing this T-shirt, I make sure to tell whoever we're with that she made it herself. Cue lots of '<i>Oh, wow! Well done! That's really impressive</i>'s, and therefore external validation. Refrain from listing the various steps you, yourself actually did, and remind them of the work they put into it, e.g. '<i>You sewed all those seams so neatly and stuck to the seam allowance so well</i>', etc. </div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKh5A-sUQ23jonshLo3CagrJgoak9QGSTIr444oSU5c5CBI4zdF8oRmcnPbWce8ORUEfPRGFqEAkuPrtX5AoYvqwRRQDbKSGeIwxww2Mcq6zBJPcP3vjsVyCUFGWCOsCP1To9wVCTiI7QZ9eW31pO6njCCDd4AFVk90jAwuIbj2JcLs3nRU34DBru8A/s1280/Lolatop2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixKh5A-sUQ23jonshLo3CagrJgoak9QGSTIr444oSU5c5CBI4zdF8oRmcnPbWce8ORUEfPRGFqEAkuPrtX5AoYvqwRRQDbKSGeIwxww2Mcq6zBJPcP3vjsVyCUFGWCOsCP1To9wVCTiI7QZ9eW31pO6njCCDd4AFVk90jAwuIbj2JcLs3nRU34DBru8A/w480-h640/Lolatop2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><b>Summary:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Did my daughter love this whole project? No. Was there a lot of moaning at various stages? Yes (I managed to keep mine internal though). Was this a gorgeous, bonding experience? Maybe a little bit. Has she declared she wants to sew her entire wardrobe going forwards? No. But I do think/hope that she feels more agency over what she wears now, with the knowledge (and proof!) that she can make (most of) a T-shirt. I don't know when we'll embark on another project like this, but when she mentions a desire to do so, I'll be ready to try this formula again. I will help her build on her skills further, project after project, until she barely needs me (blub)!</div><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-8597296885176452802023-01-16T17:07:00.000+00:002023-01-16T17:07:35.248+00:00Scrappy Knit Cardigan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjSEi80K3ECwGlO31getoQctzIXuunaO2yRyp-Hw4ZWIoWtzOWnuSsLSrUnOKSzmHVLX3jiom-ooqrwJYG2UKrE74FdTHo4ywbc8Ad2IfkCR5IstlTRGTun4WSPPzRTIoMt9eFLYz4oNNxOXoe-Nts1KqSx_JYv-iEB9XI-0gIjrqmQPMhTSAjEViIA/s1278/scrapknitcardi1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjSEi80K3ECwGlO31getoQctzIXuunaO2yRyp-Hw4ZWIoWtzOWnuSsLSrUnOKSzmHVLX3jiom-ooqrwJYG2UKrE74FdTHo4ywbc8Ad2IfkCR5IstlTRGTun4WSPPzRTIoMt9eFLYz4oNNxOXoe-Nts1KqSx_JYv-iEB9XI-0gIjrqmQPMhTSAjEViIA/w480-h640/scrapknitcardi1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a recently completed project that is the result of an idea that I just couldn't shake. Inspired by the success of <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2022/12/scrap-busting-apollon-sweatshirt.html" target="_blank">Pat's scrap busting Apollon sweatshirt</a> (which in turn was inspired by the success of <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2021/07/scrap-busting-jersey-t-shirts.html" target="_blank">these scrap busting jersey tops</a>) the thought popped into my brain that I could apply the same idea to actual knit fabric. I am very interested in clever ways to reuse old garments, and am always looking to bulk out my chilly-weather clothing selection, which is pretty limited. So I cleared the decks of other projects and decided to have a play. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbeHTbyDHSVzQ5SdLCQoe6WAtbNAZOPjow8Mwa6hIJDz_n9qpHWAB3mZo-x7iFE8fACvUhHeZVXdr7fEXRsw1PUgQTBx7uCZOHFJYUUIzLtEKlPqlpHnRc9ffVEz3TO_RW-ayxvAVVwvpjsGerEsw01XrYexApQn3BtcO2MD46TNPjRiMQPJ_5F_JZw/s1280/scrapknitcardi.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="963" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggbeHTbyDHSVzQ5SdLCQoe6WAtbNAZOPjow8Mwa6hIJDz_n9qpHWAB3mZo-x7iFE8fACvUhHeZVXdr7fEXRsw1PUgQTBx7uCZOHFJYUUIzLtEKlPqlpHnRc9ffVEz3TO_RW-ayxvAVVwvpjsGerEsw01XrYexApQn3BtcO2MD46TNPjRiMQPJ_5F_JZw/w482-h640/scrapknitcardi.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have a big bag of old knitwear garments and scraps: items that are moth eaten, felted, misshapen or badly pilled, plus scraps of knit fabric that can be bought by the metre. Some of the knit garments I've had in my stash for over a decade, that I've harvested bits from for other projects, mainly mittens over the years. I was keen to reduce the volume of my knit stash and claw back some space in my airing cupboard. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I started out my selecting pieces that made a fairly pleasing colour palette. The chartreuse colour is my favourite. I previously used some of that moth-eaten jumper to make myself some mittens. I made sure to use include every last scrap of that garment in this project. There's quite a lot of pink in this project, which is NOT a colour I ever usually wear, but with the other bold colours, I think it looks ok and the over all effect is graphic and fun. </div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjP60KTAU0GoACkj_seFWWn0V6Z-tcGA-CjsVCrcjyifOm0PPwgL-mbot7WZXMgOmqQzgGVhME1gc1VPWHYfNAQ5vU_ec0usG1HUVEc06PreApZPlUyQK0NS7WwjMuwmOzhy7VBfl9A2dxk3ZWratUnupVcsmaphszchJDVd-PJSzfZSikVKer8Kb1w/s1278/scrapknitcardiback.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1278" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjP60KTAU0GoACkj_seFWWn0V6Z-tcGA-CjsVCrcjyifOm0PPwgL-mbot7WZXMgOmqQzgGVhME1gc1VPWHYfNAQ5vU_ec0usG1HUVEc06PreApZPlUyQK0NS7WwjMuwmOzhy7VBfl9A2dxk3ZWratUnupVcsmaphszchJDVd-PJSzfZSikVKer8Kb1w/w480-h640/scrapknitcardiback.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As for the piecing, part of my goal was to try to be as economic with each piece as possible and be left with very few unusable scraps. I cut along the seam lines of some of the knit garments to access as much of the fabric as possible. I let the resultant shapes guide the forms and I jigsawed them together over the course of a few evenings until I had sections large enough to fit my pattern pieces on. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjupDsJfwERUKrSc9BiVxDnov7RtyoQvGoM-CWzjJFDS5L_uFAsQPNMtffwjN436qHEEj3acrGtJUoC5NKK2leDjDcTC8H8U46n_m4fmnCm5QRej3oE1JhJEyNbE0CZ3kh5lYT0lzorBpp4CqOZdZp8uIDJg986YF6Qoujis-i8_reSW7EkX4ufkVQhw/s1281/scrapknitcardi2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjupDsJfwERUKrSc9BiVxDnov7RtyoQvGoM-CWzjJFDS5L_uFAsQPNMtffwjN436qHEEj3acrGtJUoC5NKK2leDjDcTC8H8U46n_m4fmnCm5QRej3oE1JhJEyNbE0CZ3kh5lYT0lzorBpp4CqOZdZp8uIDJg986YF6Qoujis-i8_reSW7EkX4ufkVQhw/w480-h640/scrapknitcardi2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pattern I used at the base of this projects was the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=jamie+cardigan+pattern&source=hp&ei=voLFY6K3IpGVgQbJr5CACA&iflsig=AK50M_UAAAAAY8WQzpxvDHd0EXXGGM9LPA2Nj2W2aBb4&oq=jaimie+cardihan&gs_lcp=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&sclient=gws-wiz" target="_blank">Jamie cardigan by Ready to Sew</a>, which I adapted slightly to my preferences. I used some black Ponte Roma for the neck band, and black ribbing for the cuffs and waistband. I like how the solid black of these pieces creates a kind of frame for the colours and patterns within. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you may have noticed, this cardigan features some basket weave type knit that I also used to make the polo neck top I'm wearing here. I'm enjoying the 'alternative twin set' look! It's also nice to have a bold, fun garment to wear when the weather is freezing. Any addition of colour in the winter is welcome. </div><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-12552279402503701882023-01-06T04:00:00.001+00:002023-01-06T04:00:00.201+00:00Free Pattern Friday: Kids' Movie Night Pajamas <p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuRSAOebfu9A6yNQrTT4uwGE6N-kpUr6-ToErVAr3RWrpGQZHb48qIcwK3Zehb5WhYs61tkE7fH3d14d-2H2YqA2v_6V5p68fKYpuMKsY-EPbHVEOqADWWofm6SE5EPpPqrqylqwgL2YK_18Jggfwt74zTZ0VfyQq0aOupknfe0KrahD6zb56-uaD3g/s4032/IMG_0396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuRSAOebfu9A6yNQrTT4uwGE6N-kpUr6-ToErVAr3RWrpGQZHb48qIcwK3Zehb5WhYs61tkE7fH3d14d-2H2YqA2v_6V5p68fKYpuMKsY-EPbHVEOqADWWofm6SE5EPpPqrqylqwgL2YK_18Jggfwt74zTZ0VfyQq0aOupknfe0KrahD6zb56-uaD3g/w480-h640/IMG_0396.jpg" width="480" /></a></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></b></i></b></i></b><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one . I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. I also firmly believe that pattern designers deserve to be properly paid for their work, so if you enjoy using a pattern and can afford to do so, make sure you support that designer. Some designers' websites offer the option to make a donation, alternatively you can buy one of their paid-for products. If you can't afford to do so, you can support the designer by sharing your project via social media to help draw more attention to their work. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomAPT9ZTPNOtuoeeobC0FpHhLKgUnfIItPxCXZ45cWb-VZ3hS6erkNos5GahC84HjlIyNSJ7dpGDa_JRQmsgm26moZUuAI9F404CLO_gWvWFFtbcfD7BJ8NTDK59kdPlBnUoPFRkbo_PMQhp4CXrXzlib3Jdrg8q_BlKhoJgByT0qNasbXxgLsb28pQ/s2926/IMG_0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2926" data-original-width="2926" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgomAPT9ZTPNOtuoeeobC0FpHhLKgUnfIItPxCXZ45cWb-VZ3hS6erkNos5GahC84HjlIyNSJ7dpGDa_JRQmsgm26moZUuAI9F404CLO_gWvWFFtbcfD7BJ8NTDK59kdPlBnUoPFRkbo_PMQhp4CXrXzlib3Jdrg8q_BlKhoJgByT0qNasbXxgLsb28pQ/w640-h640/IMG_0373.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Hello and Happy New Year!!!! This is the first blog post of 2023, which will see this blog's 15th </span>birthday! Wild, eh?! This Free Pattern Friday blog feature has also been running for a fair while. I just counted and I've written 54 blog posts road testing free sewing patterns and tutorials, starting in the Autumn of 2017. Phew! I've actually decided to put this feature on pause for a few months. I never want to be sewing for the sake of it. Up until recently, I've had a backlog of free sewing patterns and tutorials that I want to try that I believe will be genuinely useful for myself, my kids or my home. But right now, there aren't any that I can say with honesty we could really do with right now. And with my sewing time being very limited, it seems pointless, not to mention unsustainable, to make things for the sake of having something to post about. I'm definitely going to return to this feature and post more road tests towards the summer. However, for now, this'll be the last for a while. Good job this pattern</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> is a good one! </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Nearly a year ago I road tested and <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2022/03/free-pattern-friday-mens-movie-night.html" target="_blank">posted about the men's version</a> of the free Movie Night Pajamas pattern by Sew A Little Seam. Today I'm posted about <a href="https://www.sewalittleseam.com/product/movie-night-pajamas-pdf-pattern-12-mo-12-yrs/" target="_blank">the kid's version</a> of this truly excellent pattern. There's also women's version and a</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">ll three versions are available for free by joining </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/sewalittleseam/" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">their Facebook group</a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">. That will give you access to a code that you can use at the checkout on their site.</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> If you don't have a Facebook account, or wish to support Sew A Little Seam with a purchase, this pattern is only $5. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">As always, massive t</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">hanks to Sew A Little Seam, and all designers, who make their work available for free.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQbQ0DeYK9YENnne5ZXy61_izN5gqzoMQkJ-USFTPlkYL8qPoa6SzVwIZI0MDRjmttP4f_AYjD4RXq19zDZDkdNyrgS3R_cU0ee-XEv510MlI-xlZbjZkiGDBH82F9T8DhFQ6l3UV3_6Agzq3xoIjtmNxdxrS4hcAQKYunj2uLyNG0o4ziTpYo8xQiA/s800/Movie-Night-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQbQ0DeYK9YENnne5ZXy61_izN5gqzoMQkJ-USFTPlkYL8qPoa6SzVwIZI0MDRjmttP4f_AYjD4RXq19zDZDkdNyrgS3R_cU0ee-XEv510MlI-xlZbjZkiGDBH82F9T8DhFQ6l3UV3_6Agzq3xoIjtmNxdxrS4hcAQKYunj2uLyNG0o4ziTpYo8xQiA/w640-h640/Movie-Night-1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://www.sewalittleseam.com/product/movie-night-pajamas-pdf-pattern-12-mo-12-yrs/" target="_blank">Sew a Little Seam</a>)</i></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><b>Pattern type:</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The Movie Night pyjamas are a close-fitting set designed for knit fabrics. There are lots of style options. There's long and short sleeves for the top, plus long, </span>Capri or short versions of the bottoms, so it's a great pattern for all seasons. You can personalise them further with the other style options included: gathered sleeve, neckline placket and yoga or elasticated waistbands. That's a lot of options. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgnLOl3dOQK42oDyRvX--iMdCXHicWWfBYai6lMwMPAuvgj0HMy8RPJI3yH3rrcYKUMcEAe174H-xhGIPaOOpjpoCAC9Uh2KMD_rT3BoCvf-YMnpWz-rkLPMt2bXnR__w8KRsdIfbdYHdeFJkz8fnedBpEjtg7mzGtMXy_p9v4hJhqOmnVGnFOUKDJQ/s4032/IMG_0393%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKgnLOl3dOQK42oDyRvX--iMdCXHicWWfBYai6lMwMPAuvgj0HMy8RPJI3yH3rrcYKUMcEAe174H-xhGIPaOOpjpoCAC9Uh2KMD_rT3BoCvf-YMnpWz-rkLPMt2bXnR__w8KRsdIfbdYHdeFJkz8fnedBpEjtg7mzGtMXy_p9v4hJhqOmnVGnFOUKDJQ/w480-h640/IMG_0393%202.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><b>Sizing info:</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">These pyjamas are graded to fit 12 months to 12 years, by which point your kid might start fitting into the smaller sizes of the adult versions! I made the size 10 for my 9yo who is on the large side, and the fit is great. I think I also added a few extra centimetres to the length of the bottoms for extra room for growth. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><b>Fabric info:</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">The pattern recommends cotton/spandex (AKA Lycra or elastane), rib knits or thermal. For this pair I used a cotton pointelle that I picked up at the Ukraine fundraiser fabric swap I organised in 2022, which may or may not be what they refer to as 'thermal'. I also used ribbing for the neckband and cuffs. If you're being critical, you might say the the rib I used was a shade too thick for this pointelle, but it functions well enough. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu-xlKX_M5wyE6fRDJFP2PqeOAqRr4NvOj1SqBZUYPBWmzfLR1Sd1IbIqxwwrzSMbVIydSvkeFNFTl2RgFP5MP_qw2fienXg1pNFzHIBi15yMRRt-Rg3Djorx1xHbOXfOcGHhJzP75JdnmN3tF2ygJKPn6d47QOMHVsvJRSTN8mEs39cTewn6Vmcrwg/s3024/IMG_0374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZu-xlKX_M5wyE6fRDJFP2PqeOAqRr4NvOj1SqBZUYPBWmzfLR1Sd1IbIqxwwrzSMbVIydSvkeFNFTl2RgFP5MP_qw2fienXg1pNFzHIBi15yMRRt-Rg3Djorx1xHbOXfOcGHhJzP75JdnmN3tF2ygJKPn6d47QOMHVsvJRSTN8mEs39cTewn6Vmcrwg/w640-h640/IMG_0374.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><b>Findings:</b></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">As with the men's version, this pattern was a joy to work with. It includes both A0 and print-at-home versions of the PDF files, both with layers which I really appreciate. And there's a projector file too, if that's your jam. The instructions are clear, and include photos of the steps to help you along. </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">The PJs themselves have come out really well</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">. I was working with limited fabric and I wanted to squeeze out a vest as well (using <a href="https://threadfaction.com/products/the-tank-and-pants-set" target="_blank">this pattern</a>), so I had to add a centre back seam to the top. To prevent the seam allowance feeling annoying, I added a back neck facing, which gives some nice solidity to a project anyhow. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76HzyIGPmoCHI6P0FCxv_aiTXG2yKTzPJl5NG_Vd6l2r8jMpwdkle1rroCxPKk5_Giuob1azqczGo2pY1z_l-6EMPuRzjGxZOo51ZDb7dxVFoKoUuz0_95NjSdsumQGUjBp4VEIRAZGfurj4dFblXmyJFfPAWMnNfxE4HykuMuTMyJqMu_eVK1iAX3A/s3024/IMG_0376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi76HzyIGPmoCHI6P0FCxv_aiTXG2yKTzPJl5NG_Vd6l2r8jMpwdkle1rroCxPKk5_Giuob1azqczGo2pY1z_l-6EMPuRzjGxZOo51ZDb7dxVFoKoUuz0_95NjSdsumQGUjBp4VEIRAZGfurj4dFblXmyJFfPAWMnNfxE4HykuMuTMyJqMu_eVK1iAX3A/w640-h640/IMG_0376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><b>Customisation ideas:</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">There are heaps of customisation options included in this pattern already, but there is a distinct lack of pockets! </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Would I make this pattern again?</b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">I'm sure I will, now that I have downloaded it. You could get a similar look to these, however, by using a leggings or slim joggers pattern and a basic T-shirt pattern if you already had some in the correct size. I'm not sure I like the feeling on these slim fit PJ bottoms, but I might use the top of the women's pattern for myself at some point in the future. </span></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-32695572658644531502022-12-18T11:38:00.002+00:002022-12-18T11:38:28.333+00:00Scrap Busting Apollon Sweatshirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrJyvcA-RMZaxsDAlYwXOakQleHZgM2YOF2uX2RkTfOo_wYM563i-ZJ3rX7-oTv8moeJEFfMRfHWc3JRy61N_ttyLw-BpOqv7R12vCZr7NCRzjwZDSz2KznhIdZltsUSyr3dkO9Jn3InIFzew7kbKzCOPZaCKzk1chvFpaWJOCTV2zjNmZsdgNjtrVw/s1280/Scrapsweatshirt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrJyvcA-RMZaxsDAlYwXOakQleHZgM2YOF2uX2RkTfOo_wYM563i-ZJ3rX7-oTv8moeJEFfMRfHWc3JRy61N_ttyLw-BpOqv7R12vCZr7NCRzjwZDSz2KznhIdZltsUSyr3dkO9Jn3InIFzew7kbKzCOPZaCKzk1chvFpaWJOCTV2zjNmZsdgNjtrVw/w480-h640/Scrapsweatshirt.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><p>I can't remember precisely where the idea for this project came from, but it has served to solve two issues. The first was Mr SoZo running low on clothes, and the second was my own excess of sweatshirt scraps. In many ways, it's an extension of the <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2021/07/scrap-busting-jersey-t-shirts.html" target="_blank">scrap busting jersey T-shirts</a> I made for him and our daughter last year. This project follows the same principles and largely the same technique. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zQ94TV4PmkfVb-KrOU4Vu0nQoauqhXynVsTZNa3rIVbBsJsPANQIxP9fijY-Hu0pAfrEjG3IMgDp6h2id99CvH7FR7K4cHe7Ir-0Xh2MqBIgJW5Bf7LRTqmAFBY0cvlwALcVGylgsj03KViqPzhFzuj_6ZjHXGiGl_9xd6FTQG9OOuan-x-55nl_5Q/s1440/95E5E80F-73EF-4B4C-973C-91EE94934E08.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="1440" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3zQ94TV4PmkfVb-KrOU4Vu0nQoauqhXynVsTZNa3rIVbBsJsPANQIxP9fijY-Hu0pAfrEjG3IMgDp6h2id99CvH7FR7K4cHe7Ir-0Xh2MqBIgJW5Bf7LRTqmAFBY0cvlwALcVGylgsj03KViqPzhFzuj_6ZjHXGiGl_9xd6FTQG9OOuan-x-55nl_5Q/w640-h588/95E5E80F-73EF-4B4C-973C-91EE94934E08.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><p>I was becoming aware that my collection of sweatshirt scraps was taking up a sizeable chunk of space in my fabric stash. I started out by getting all my sweatshirt scraps and remnants out and getting Mr SoZo to pick out any that particularly appealed to him. We then messed around with combinations until we had developed a pleasing colour palette. Some of the scraps came from sweatshirts I'd made for him previously, so were already within his existing wardrobe colour scheme. However, having made him the very wild scrap T-shirt that he is happy to wear, I knew I could push the combination further than many people might be comfortable with!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57g80Yvpj3jtegr3yQ_Bm8MiRMjj9Dob66optLb-b-MJcBEnl5ZejnSwPpozHcPt12Gbji0blIK8qDrv3OLDrJLJSyrdCfwJhHo1NTgLDkvT1y3noeuiQ_YKQ6ou9nQdq1NRecxCbn3n3UsQYUO0lzaN0AF1NxICqAq9zBSsVe_5tDGrEda5KY-guaw/s1280/Sweatshirtback.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="940" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg57g80Yvpj3jtegr3yQ_Bm8MiRMjj9Dob66optLb-b-MJcBEnl5ZejnSwPpozHcPt12Gbji0blIK8qDrv3OLDrJLJSyrdCfwJhHo1NTgLDkvT1y3noeuiQ_YKQ6ou9nQdq1NRecxCbn3n3UsQYUO0lzaN0AF1NxICqAq9zBSsVe_5tDGrEda5KY-guaw/w470-h640/Sweatshirtback.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><p>Here's some things I've learned about scrappy garment projects:</p><ul><li>Make sure you're using a TNT pattern. You need to know that the fit will be spot on: now is not the time to try something new that may require tweaks. The pattern I used for this is the <a href="https://iampatterns.fr/en/product/sewing-pattern-men-sweatshirt-apollon/" target="_blank">Apollon sweatshirt for men by I Am Patterns</a> that I have used at least six times for him previously.</li><li>Limit your colour palette, unless you're really doubling down on the scrappy look.</li><li>Keeping the scraps large results in a bold look, reduces the amount potentially-annoying seams in the inside, and makes the process of piecing MUCH quicker.</li><li>For this project I kept an eye on the direction of the grain line of each piece, and tried to keep them vaguely in line with each other. However, with sweatshirt fabric you can probably get away with ignoring grain lines altogether.</li><li>Keep joining scraps until you have shapes large enough to fit your pattern pieces on. Keep your pattern pieces to hand so you can keep checking. </li><li>Be aware that the additional seams create additional bulky bits inside. It doesn't bother Mr SoZo at all, but when I made a pieced sweatshirt fabric cardigan for my daughter, she refused to wear it because she found the seam allowances on the inside uncomfortable. If making tighter fitting garments, or garments for kids or sensitive folk, top stitch down the seam allowances as you go to reduce the bulk. </li><li>When you have made sections large enough to fit your pattern pieces on, try flipping them 180 degrees to see which way looks best. I tried this and found the upside down version of what I'd been creating looked way cooler. </li><li>If your combination of scraps is pretty bold, using one colour for any neckbands, cuffs and waistbands can create a nice 'frame' and make the whole garment look more intentional. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOsjqS8Ax_55fiOL8gMU8LpnYzUkUAYbmcPPJ2qqjqhnjCWplyPbgzPUHI-EiFembzUqmAS0jM-VLec3pAwNt8naRq-0ePZzBCLrmFt608SYFhMVkCNcphTdeIqSzzoxlzZCJ6kPxbihaziiQpwsaxnBVvGz77Y9zHN5fWinUWAwP62LgmOkd4dXa3Q/s1440/167633E8-0331-4EF1-B4D9-DB433BB4C691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1321" data-original-width="1440" height="588" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOsjqS8Ax_55fiOL8gMU8LpnYzUkUAYbmcPPJ2qqjqhnjCWplyPbgzPUHI-EiFembzUqmAS0jM-VLec3pAwNt8naRq-0ePZzBCLrmFt608SYFhMVkCNcphTdeIqSzzoxlzZCJ6kPxbihaziiQpwsaxnBVvGz77Y9zHN5fWinUWAwP62LgmOkd4dXa3Q/w640-h588/167633E8-0331-4EF1-B4D9-DB433BB4C691.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If you're interested in creating something along similar lines, I hope these pointers helped. And above all, have fun!!!!! Pieced fabric garment projects are more time consuming than 'regular' sewing projects that use a length of virgin fabric, but can be so much more creatively fulfilling. </div><div><br /></div>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-82273432504599756322022-12-02T04:00:00.001+00:002022-12-02T04:00:00.212+00:00Free Pattern Friday: Bowl Cover Tutorial<p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqYO3ZT0YFiTXcVv6fEvRHsdRWRmui4Q8zLfHrPajcB1_D9rVoeHxn2DKMnxnj5M2zx0EpWz1s9jQLB_ChCfjQdB6An3Xm7LPehPUyOcgxeRcat1UJqogdj4T7lXy7TTR0UhneIXZWl30QpdzTKQVBdjHIeY3I2BHUx4h4CheNLJiamu5Au2xdzIU1g/s4032/IMG_0087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqYO3ZT0YFiTXcVv6fEvRHsdRWRmui4Q8zLfHrPajcB1_D9rVoeHxn2DKMnxnj5M2zx0EpWz1s9jQLB_ChCfjQdB6An3Xm7LPehPUyOcgxeRcat1UJqogdj4T7lXy7TTR0UhneIXZWl30QpdzTKQVBdjHIeY3I2BHUx4h4CheNLJiamu5Au2xdzIU1g/w640-h480/IMG_0087.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></i></b><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. Or in today's case, something for the home. I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. I also firmly believe that pattern designers deserve to be properly paid for their work, so if you enjoy using a pattern and can afford to do so, make sure you support that designer. Some designers' websites offer the option to make a donation, alternatively you can buy one of their paid-for products. If you can't afford to do so, you can support the designer by sharing your project via social media to help draw more attention to their work. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio09lEi-zIML6n1KXA1EO3hcEY2JhUxm5VNzbsR2-CNHo3ELs2GWzrCBNmA1F4hrbLrc8lTZt1p1Dioe3_UwBSaMLTjqZtiGuk8OIrAwskb_IpRxy0R-fBzhN0TJtkCiDBNW3MH0992tASAqFPW5V815XArp14vWdCyHXXKqRxLTLhUjtYHvVdN7vzdQ/s750/three-cloth-covered-bowls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="750" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio09lEi-zIML6n1KXA1EO3hcEY2JhUxm5VNzbsR2-CNHo3ELs2GWzrCBNmA1F4hrbLrc8lTZt1p1Dioe3_UwBSaMLTjqZtiGuk8OIrAwskb_IpRxy0R-fBzhN0TJtkCiDBNW3MH0992tASAqFPW5V815XArp14vWdCyHXXKqRxLTLhUjtYHvVdN7vzdQ/w640-h424/three-cloth-covered-bowls.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></i></i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(image source: <a href="https://hearthandvine.com/fabric-bowl-covers/" target="_blank">Hearth and Vine</a>)</span></i></i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></i></i></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">I've had my eye on this tutorial for yonks, and have mentioned it a couple of time in my podcast <a href="https://checkyourthread.com" target="_blank">Check Your Thread</a>. This project is a great potential scrap-buster (tick), quick to make (tick), could be used to make cute and useful gifts (tick tick) AND helps you to be more sustainable in your everyday life (TICK!). Bowl covers can be used instead of single-use cling film or tin foil to keep food covered in the fridge, on the table, on the kitchen counter or at picnics. You can chuck them in the washing machine and use over and over again instead of frequently adding to landfill. They obviously doesn't provide a vacuum seal, but they certainly will help to keep things fresher for longer and keep insects or animals (and perhaps even small kids!) off the contents of the bowl. I'm posting about this now in case you're on the look out for quick stocking filler/gift ideas to make for friends and family, but equally these might be lovely as a home warming gift. Thanks so much to Patti from <a href="https://hearthandvine.com/fabric-bowl-covers/" target="_blank">Hearth and Vine for sharing this tutorial</a> for free. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TMnJA1A32NSFP_6VeDZR2fa3Uq-IA_GDCKLSa1VJv4M_uin8UY0pbcD4kkXCTaOuD6ozBXQ-Cmv90uFVtbLY0m-JVJ2unydmngUSbVX6E4KT5SMjduKIhUZqyAPijXGqYTAFMVjlRRi7wGfO6CVLBDTSz-_89s3zDtBX0trlg1CDkArDq9WA2PZXvg/s4032/IMG_0090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0TMnJA1A32NSFP_6VeDZR2fa3Uq-IA_GDCKLSa1VJv4M_uin8UY0pbcD4kkXCTaOuD6ozBXQ-Cmv90uFVtbLY0m-JVJ2unydmngUSbVX6E4KT5SMjduKIhUZqyAPijXGqYTAFMVjlRRi7wGfO6CVLBDTSz-_89s3zDtBX0trlg1CDkArDq9WA2PZXvg/w640-h480/IMG_0090.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b>Pattern type:</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">This tutorial shows you how to make cute, reusable, washable bowl covers to protect your food. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Sizing info:</b></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">The awesome thing about this project is that you can make custom covers for the bowls you already own. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">I make homemade pizza dough and usually use a tea towel to cover my bowl whilst the dough is rising. However, this is a better option because I was able to make a cover to exactly fit the mixing bowl I always use.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"> I also made a smaller one that fits the cereal-sized bowls we own to protect leftovers and such. </span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><b>Fabric info:</b></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">The tutorial recommends using quilting cotton for this project. You really want to use something with a tight weave to keep the food as fresh as possible, and that can withstand high temperatures when washing, so woven cotton is likely to be your best bet. Although, I think you could expand the recommendation to include cotton lawn, poplin and shirtings. Obviously, I'm always going to urge you to use what you already own, however, if you had nothing suitable in your stash or you really wanted to personalise </span>the bowl covers, particularly if making them for a gift, you could buy fat quarters that represented the style of the recipient and their home. The red sailboat fabric used in these pics is a scrap of Atelier Brunette cotton poplin leftover from some pyjama shorts I made myself earlier this year. The pinup cowgirl fabric was a piece of quilting cotton I got in a fabric swap years ago. It had already been cut into a circle for making wax wraps, but I never got round to it. You will also need 1/4" elastic and making thread. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc_9pohhz8OLRKWLG5D80GCyclKTXiQ6UAfHDs8HHu0J0kyFpjlDmEMQu0Jcs0kvZRXUtyrzkA7hq9Bz6pC4lwF0nBYwPr848i6AlHvGskxoZW4fc2jx2MLiNeVr63Gx7M4hHgvEOKByRf5hXtnJL0W944gWWZZPUMA__NX7yqEk_WtzmNDIf1yLKTg/s4032/IMG-0651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLc_9pohhz8OLRKWLG5D80GCyclKTXiQ6UAfHDs8HHu0J0kyFpjlDmEMQu0Jcs0kvZRXUtyrzkA7hq9Bz6pC4lwF0nBYwPr848i6AlHvGskxoZW4fc2jx2MLiNeVr63Gx7M4hHgvEOKByRf5hXtnJL0W944gWWZZPUMA__NX7yqEk_WtzmNDIf1yLKTg/w480-h640/IMG-0651.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Findings:</b></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">This was an incredibly quick and satisfying project! Within an incredibly short amount of time I had made two super useful bowl covers from fabric and elastic I already had in my possession. The explantion was clear and very easy to follow. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">The post/tutorial also includes a small Q&A section answering any queries you might have about making or using these covers. That was very helpful, however, I disagreed with one point. The tutorial recommends washing these in cold water. Cold water is not as effective at killing bacteria as hot water, so I wash mine in a 60 degree wash along with my tea towels and surface cleaning cloths, and they've held up perfectly well so far. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">My ongoing findings revolve around discovering different uses for them. For example, I was recently given a large bag of figs which I planned to make into jam (pictured above). I processed the figs, many of which were already soft and mushy, and used the bowl cover to keep the fruit flies (which my kitchen is plagued with) at bay until I had time to make the actual jam. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><b>Would I make these again?</b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">Absolutely! It was a very pleasing project and the outcome is genuinely useful. </span></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-15783745762084571072022-11-04T04:00:00.001+00:002022-11-04T04:00:00.195+00:00Free Pattern Friday: Kid's Raglan Hoodie<p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxoAYrplKkdSlVsxdJa48105Nu8ZCzbQRAKezGU43dHUHdFSxi0opiyjtlYfc0gpnyCt5I0JY92KS0P-mig_5SEwFgblui6NpcAfCqTGc3Xp-qWzYK6AV-9iZVhPrZBfs45y1htCdVqzUCQDaaNuUT8mAv9eH0aKa6M-dbMO87fMcgtl7fGU3o3r_lA/s4032/IMG-0127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxoAYrplKkdSlVsxdJa48105Nu8ZCzbQRAKezGU43dHUHdFSxi0opiyjtlYfc0gpnyCt5I0JY92KS0P-mig_5SEwFgblui6NpcAfCqTGc3Xp-qWzYK6AV-9iZVhPrZBfs45y1htCdVqzUCQDaaNuUT8mAv9eH0aKa6M-dbMO87fMcgtl7fGU3o3r_lA/w480-h640/IMG-0127.jpg" width="480" /></a></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></i></b></b></i></b></i></b><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one . I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. I also firmly believe that pattern designers deserve to be properly paid for their work, so if you enjoy using a pattern and can afford to do so, make sure you support that designer. Some designers' websites offer the option to make a donation, alternatively you can buy one of their paid-for products. If you can't afford to do so, you can support the designer by sharing your project via social media to help draw more attention to their work. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-L19kwmJa4pVCxocHuwxvMAETjUAmYHYDLxdILcV14j9x3af0llC28Mq-AaoZed6xT1wdnQfRUWqFferxArwjV0lS0TwnbI6-KKAlnLt0iTfOdmKins7rpcKF_StGdPfjCqvwoWWNj0_qorfoulzR_qNFLN3dz_CmiEabwfa9YXv4mkvjtwcZmSNlA/s4032/IMG-0255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS-L19kwmJa4pVCxocHuwxvMAETjUAmYHYDLxdILcV14j9x3af0llC28Mq-AaoZed6xT1wdnQfRUWqFferxArwjV0lS0TwnbI6-KKAlnLt0iTfOdmKins7rpcKF_StGdPfjCqvwoWWNj0_qorfoulzR_qNFLN3dz_CmiEabwfa9YXv4mkvjtwcZmSNlA/w480-h640/IMG-0255.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">This is a pattern that I've been harping on about a lot lately whilst making the Sewing and Saving mini series of podcast episode (in particular <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/58-sewing-on-a-budget/" target="_blank">Sewing on a Budget</a> and <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/61-sewing-to-keep-warm/" target="_blank">Sewing to Keep Warm</a>). This pattern is a fantastic resource to have if you want to sew some cosy layers for kids. <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2017/11/free-pattern-friday-kids-hoodie.html" target="_blank">I first reviewed this pattern</a> for the Free Pattern Friday series when my little boy was just a year old. And before <i>that</i> <a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2015/03/brindille-and-twig-free-raglan-hoodie.html" target="_blank">I posted about it</a> when my daughter was equally tiny. But since then, Brindille & Twig have started producing patterns for larger kids and with that have released <a href="https://brindilletwig.com/collections/big-kids/products/raglan-hoodie-k003" target="_blank">a larger version of this pattern</a> for free download also. I was looking for a pattern to make for my son for his birthday, so I decided to give this new, larger version a whirl and test out its new hood option as well. Massive thanks to Melissa from <a href="https://brindilletwig.com" target="_blank">Brindille & Twig</a> for sharing her hard work for free.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><p><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzx_83OtKrz5WxLhgi6k3Ykh9hoGvLijBJ6NaDzO4TYNIwlTRTJQIcZxGqDIX32DuqdG8n_yjfvI3x_bEV-2eLd9LcnYmHaV3ECgtmYtH_YV1do-dApdBm7Hx6w0X4-i448Tai52lmRa2Lx6YHnO7kZnG5qq6uzu0D0O7r_k5-0WIVu9-VrPOWOAkkw/s480/squaretechsketch-80_large.progressive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlzx_83OtKrz5WxLhgi6k3Ykh9hoGvLijBJ6NaDzO4TYNIwlTRTJQIcZxGqDIX32DuqdG8n_yjfvI3x_bEV-2eLd9LcnYmHaV3ECgtmYtH_YV1do-dApdBm7Hx6w0X4-i448Tai52lmRa2Lx6YHnO7kZnG5qq6uzu0D0O7r_k5-0WIVu9-VrPOWOAkkw/w640-h640/squaretechsketch-80_large.progressive.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;"><i>(image source: <a href="https://brindilletwig.com/collections/big-kids/products/raglan-hoodie-k003" target="_blank">Brindille & Twig</a>)</i></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><b>Pattern type:</b></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;">A classic, gender neutral, raglan sleeved, hooded sweatshirt style with front kangaroo pocket and two hood types (scuba and crossover). </div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><b>Sizing info:</b></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;">The <a href="https://brindilletwig.com/collections/all/products/hooded-raglan-sweatshirt-067" target="_blank">original, smaller version of this pattern</a> (with only one style of hood) is sized between 0 months and 6 years. <a href="https://brindilletwig.com/collections/all/products/raglan-hoodie-k003" target="_blank">This version</a> is sized between 6 and 14 years. I usually find that B&T patterns come up a bit large, so I'd really recommend going by the height measurements when selecting which size to make, particularly if you need it for immediate use. My son has just turned 6, but I knew the 6-7 years size would be too big for him. I probably could have used the largest size of the smaller version of the pattern, however I really wanted to try the new crossover hood variation. Subsequently, I printed out the size 6-7 but changed to scale to about 95% as opposed to 100%. </div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xb67PlyXtLc0EpEIa97vh4tfVWdsNja6L_HskyK8qxvYxvpjJSJswEGx34ZqSBY8QZzSFffkeeaL01PP8r5LeOsS_SvQVMW0aiGxs7kVL2Rk5tzmJJgHYhY_kjTobkpBjTOXSmVtVRi-o6gkwVKSyXxxK_k5BZls2XXF7uZtsVmF5aO_JAGbTuB39g/s4032/IMG-0245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Xb67PlyXtLc0EpEIa97vh4tfVWdsNja6L_HskyK8qxvYxvpjJSJswEGx34ZqSBY8QZzSFffkeeaL01PP8r5LeOsS_SvQVMW0aiGxs7kVL2Rk5tzmJJgHYhY_kjTobkpBjTOXSmVtVRi-o6gkwVKSyXxxK_k5BZls2XXF7uZtsVmF5aO_JAGbTuB39g/w480-h640/IMG-0245.jpg" width="480" /></a></div></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; text-align: left;"><b>Fabric info:</b></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">B&T </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">suggest medium weight jersey, interlock or stretchy French Terry for the main fabric, but warn that using regular sweatshirt fleece may make it difficult to get over head. The hood and pocket can be lined in jersey, and and the cuff and waistbands require ribbing. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">For Frankie's birthday version, I used some stretchy towelling that was donated to me years ago after a sewing friend had a destash. I used some scraps of ribbing for the cuffs, but didn't have enough for a waistband also so left that off. The hood is lined with very lightweight </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">slubby single jersey. It might look better if it were more opaque, but at least it doesn't weigh the hood down too much. </span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><b>Findings:</b></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">As ever, this B&T was a great pattern to use. There's a really simplicity and clarity to their patterns that make them very user, including beginner, friendly. Also, </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">I love the layers function so you're not printing out heaps of unnecessary lines in particular.</span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"> </span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">The instructions are pretty good. The only real flaw I found was that many of the images of garments with the crossover hood show that the hood has been lined, however, the instructions show how to make it unlined only. It's not a big deal of course, but it did throw me off a little. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">The finished garment came out just as I'd hoped. I'd left off the pocket which made construction quicker, choosing to add a Pokemon patch (Frankie's current obsession) instead. As mentioned before, I also left off the waistband and simply hemmed the bottom edge instead. The length of the body was sufficient to not need to add addition length. If I make another version in the future that includes a waistband, I'll consider shortening the body a bit. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K-Xy37vheOfJxMx-wgN1yr0SIeXqMQO4nXK0CnxM_YfRIyd3NedIGkKLHJPnEJ2v8eO4AxrII59wrUhYvxw1ta2Ez917NnRZcPZKBeCRDsl6jV7I-NgCC40BR76eo8JborigRIxgk4g48bbPtgzUl6AXk6HqsaC45pfi1TObFK_sErVGBwA-cVANmQ/s4032/IMG-0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7K-Xy37vheOfJxMx-wgN1yr0SIeXqMQO4nXK0CnxM_YfRIyd3NedIGkKLHJPnEJ2v8eO4AxrII59wrUhYvxw1ta2Ez917NnRZcPZKBeCRDsl6jV7I-NgCC40BR76eo8JborigRIxgk4g48bbPtgzUl6AXk6HqsaC45pfi1TObFK_sErVGBwA-cVANmQ/w480-h640/IMG-0254.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Customisation ideas:</b></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">There are a number of customaisation ideas shown in the images on their website, but they are not explicitly mentioned as far as I can tell. Here are their's and some of mine:</span></div><div style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">add eyelets or button holes and thread a drawstring through the front edge of the hood</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">leave the edges of the kangaroo pocket raw </span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">leave off the waistband and simply hem</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">lengthened the sleeves a bit, then leave off the cuffs and hem instead</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">insert piping into the sleeve seams</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">use contrasting fabrics for each pattern piece, or for just the sleeves</span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">add patches, embroidery, decals, prints or <span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">appliqué designs to the front</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">insert triangles of fabric into the central hood seam, and possibly down the back, to make a dinosaur hoodie</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">lengthen the whole hoodie to make a hoodie dress</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">make in a lighter weight fabric and shorten the sleeves for a warmer weather version</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvm_8fRyPiyfy8TdsMj08L1Wcd1CVoj8MDWA1Fp-xNAZD5lfSjXp5W8nTC7mWAFfSmBEQnOkEpSKgCzz5kD0HiPdenFBN2HaIA4rupHDFJDzxFXUI96JRpHVga_pk_bCxA5HyZna_S8C-XBD0cLwra8uxn0vXKjyYhzqqWQTo2SIP77D6Mrustxj5lA/s4032/IMG-0230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvm_8fRyPiyfy8TdsMj08L1Wcd1CVoj8MDWA1Fp-xNAZD5lfSjXp5W8nTC7mWAFfSmBEQnOkEpSKgCzz5kD0HiPdenFBN2HaIA4rupHDFJDzxFXUI96JRpHVga_pk_bCxA5HyZna_S8C-XBD0cLwra8uxn0vXKjyYhzqqWQTo2SIP77D6Mrustxj5lA/w480-h640/IMG-0230.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></span></div><div><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></b></div><div><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Would I make this pattern again?</b></div><div><b style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"><br /></b></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;">Most definitely. In fact, I'm quite enamoured with some of the customisation ideas above so I might give them a try! I'm so happy that they have created this pattern in a larger size so that I can continue to make hoodies for my kids for many years to come. </span></div></div><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-55049469404447685392022-11-01T14:22:00.002+00:002022-11-01T14:22:43.896+00:00Ermine + Norma = A Fibre Mood Blouse Mashup<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA5SVv2VZKzqvZH4VEYkAXPiX_XwVWQ007OuAr5PthAUm2-6MX51cGsO0JwNcfT9-IjMjNNcd53qz2cOF5u56I-NHGEqAQmoHladqkcCxij409SQc_adsv67GYeVt-cxiPa0ZrZlHbISVo4J_YfhJNL3XzvFDfau990vWomSEgvBBIstAgg7H0h4-UA/s1280/Ermineblousefront.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="959" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiA5SVv2VZKzqvZH4VEYkAXPiX_XwVWQ007OuAr5PthAUm2-6MX51cGsO0JwNcfT9-IjMjNNcd53qz2cOF5u56I-NHGEqAQmoHladqkcCxij409SQc_adsv67GYeVt-cxiPa0ZrZlHbISVo4J_YfhJNL3XzvFDfau990vWomSEgvBBIstAgg7H0h4-UA/w480-h640/Ermineblousefront.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another of my Autumn sewing plans is a wrap! I'm a big fan of a blouse. Just type 'blouse' into the search box on this blog and you'll see how many of the damn things I've made over the years! They make my usual jeans or dungarees look a bit more grownup and me generally more put together. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeBuFeVFb3coFHiQkhJ8aj2HYPEtbyFFFkqQFnTOOxPyr8geEIpJoL6sga2a4j--9ahfMBo2zPit_RRXyK_4HYQPpeJZgxOyUTrUNOfWrC_5w-54ByMGHsUUQRa3WmefJ5t5XV1RW2FH_LTMAnh15iQSQHeq6bKWN2uxd7250-ZFJsLaMNeqMBsNNEA/s1281/Ermineblouseback.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeBuFeVFb3coFHiQkhJ8aj2HYPEtbyFFFkqQFnTOOxPyr8geEIpJoL6sga2a4j--9ahfMBo2zPit_RRXyK_4HYQPpeJZgxOyUTrUNOfWrC_5w-54ByMGHsUUQRa3WmefJ5t5XV1RW2FH_LTMAnh15iQSQHeq6bKWN2uxd7250-ZFJsLaMNeqMBsNNEA/w480-h640/Ermineblouseback.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fabric:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd had my eye on this awesome printed viscose for well over six months before I finally gave in and bought some. I bought it from Fabric Godmother (not sponsored but I get a staff discount), but I can't link to it sadly because it has sold out now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not a natural print wearer, I guess in part because I predict I'll get bored of a particular one before long. Prints can tie you, stylistically, to a time and place in your life in a way that solids don't seem to. And that can limit the amount of use a garment will see. Which is why I approached this fabric with caution. I had to wait to check that I really did adore it enough to want to put it on my body, rather than to just enjoy like you might a poster on your wall for a while. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What I particularly enjoy about it the indoors theme of this print! Many prints are floral-based, but I really enjoy the domestic setting and mid-century vibes going on here. It's not dissimilar to my own home! And the design includes lots of colours that I enjoy wearing (rust, mustard, navy and possibly even emerald green). But whilst I'm suitably convinced that I won't for out of love with the design any time soon, I'm not entirely convinced the peachy-pink background colour does anything for my skin tone. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4enHCg577ZOyikxrbx2ewYsDzogVwkbDj6v4LelKwSEG88enbzgQXqHMTJFve-NlZWUhGAq0JU19EH9F3WzNCcBy2vCzrZLkMMqXOlSyqg62zM0UfDQqq3nLTPIZAHocrcH59TemUJdI9z82J9btWvjsNKoCPUpNnBAWraV04VCjsD386h2UhK4xqtg/s1280/Ermineblousewithpinafore.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="962" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4enHCg577ZOyikxrbx2ewYsDzogVwkbDj6v4LelKwSEG88enbzgQXqHMTJFve-NlZWUhGAq0JU19EH9F3WzNCcBy2vCzrZLkMMqXOlSyqg62zM0UfDQqq3nLTPIZAHocrcH59TemUJdI9z82J9btWvjsNKoCPUpNnBAWraV04VCjsD386h2UhK4xqtg/w482-h640/Ermineblousewithpinafore.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Patterns:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I say, I love a good blouse. <a href="https://www.fibremood.com/en/sewing-magazines" target="_blank">Fibre Mood magazine</a> invariably has at least one I like in every issue. I missed the availability period of the issue that included the <a href="https://www.fibremood.com/en/patterns/694-ermine-blouse" target="_blank">Ermine blouse pattern</a>, however we started to stock it at work as <a href="https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/fibre-mood-ermine-blouse-intermediate/" target="_blank">a standalone product</a>. My boss, Josie, decided it was a good candidate for a <a href="https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/kits-gifts/" target="_blank">Dream Wardrobe box</a>. I made the sample garment for that month, so I got to test out the construction and even try it on before committing to making my own. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My conclusions were: I liked the delicate gathering into the yoke, the size M was too big and the sleeves could be more exciting. So I decided to go ahead with it but made the size S and swapped Ermine's sleeve pattern for the more voluminous piece from the <a href="https://www.fibremood.com/en/patterns/608-norma-blouse" target="_blank">Norma blouse</a> pattern (also by Fibre Mood). </div></div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM_BbInpVOaQ-bLLhl5wScnC_Jv9AkkVNDMZ_UkqHE6abvQvz1Zb-wfFPGmxr9Qtdovw09r8Q0uSfvvkwwzxRGF07-YLgFCJMZkLiqm9iLybwKrEaxRBHu32uBGwXyL1l7pyCwMyrz0X_/s960/Ermineblousesquare.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxM_BbInpVOaQ-bLLhl5wScnC_Jv9AkkVNDMZ_UkqHE6abvQvz1Zb-wfFPGmxr9Qtdovw09r8Q0uSfvvkwwzxRGF07-YLgFCJMZkLiqm9iLybwKrEaxRBHu32uBGwXyL1l7pyCwMyrz0X_/w400-h400/Ermineblousesquare.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Conclusion:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This blouse, as with anything of course, is not perfect. I don't like how there are two green chairs on the front yoke pieces, and the neckline feels a little too wide, despite picking a size smaller than my measurements would have led me to make. And as I said above, the main colour isn't great against my skin tone. But I do really like this blouse and have enjoyed wearing it a number of times since completion. I think it's going to have a long and happy life in my wardrobe. </div><br /><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-29026343534443655652022-10-17T19:34:00.000+01:002022-10-17T19:34:40.224+01:00Denim V-Neck Jumpsuit: Adult Babygro?<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrGNMqJQ_foXHxa-iaVroJ0i84syDOvjVcA3Yv-xznhNULJOyXWQJysT4HdoTwQWFDSOBABrwLCDN2m2NMjxR8eSYMF5ZdpLZUUD80CJQBrYzYOo9u1PQH3Fsp2sUtcdPnU6Uj1eNraBE5FOvDW9fz_DFu0-1KLfwyLmeJ5WGjsnhkNU2O3fCmiDLpg/s1280/V-neckjumpsuittheassemblyline.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="923" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrGNMqJQ_foXHxa-iaVroJ0i84syDOvjVcA3Yv-xznhNULJOyXWQJysT4HdoTwQWFDSOBABrwLCDN2m2NMjxR8eSYMF5ZdpLZUUD80CJQBrYzYOo9u1PQH3Fsp2sUtcdPnU6Uj1eNraBE5FOvDW9fz_DFu0-1KLfwyLmeJ5WGjsnhkNU2O3fCmiDLpg/w462-h640/V-neckjumpsuittheassemblyline.JPG" width="462" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">For yonks I've been coveting a denim jumpsuit. A kind of 'uniform' item that I can throw on whenever I can't really be bothered, and just look put-together and casually cool. My main role at Fabric Godmother is ordering sewing patterns, so I'm well positioned to judge the merits of the various options. The question remains however: have I made the most comfy garment ever, an adult babygro, or both?!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2VTOOxyLEkiof3xT7c2OwazqBhI0e6mV2tErIjdpAqSbaF9tm6zkFYdN61P1eJ_eUUNE8tjLLfXcEeWxYcMUKDA_SiR-9nmxfAm8DE0vr6joSCbggAbljzYxJogNx07RGH2Uz8L_XHTUYnyvmMhUTUpPPnTJHj2F9-8OO_b25Su7rk29H_-62pdxoQ/s5522/V-neckjumpsuitside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5522" data-original-width="3894" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-2VTOOxyLEkiof3xT7c2OwazqBhI0e6mV2tErIjdpAqSbaF9tm6zkFYdN61P1eJ_eUUNE8tjLLfXcEeWxYcMUKDA_SiR-9nmxfAm8DE0vr6joSCbggAbljzYxJogNx07RGH2Uz8L_XHTUYnyvmMhUTUpPPnTJHj2F9-8OO_b25Su7rk29H_-62pdxoQ/w452-h640/V-neckjumpsuitside.JPG" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Pattern:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">After a long hard think which involved a lot of hashtag stalking, I landed on the <a href="https://theassemblylineshop.com/products/v-neck-jumpsuit-sewing-pattern?variant=32406846505019" target="_blank">V-neck Jumpsuit pattern by The Assembly Line</a> to make my jumpsuit dreams a reality. I liked the modern, casual style, but I decided to make some tweaks. Like others before me, I decided to go with buttons to fasten it rather than concealed press studs. I also shortened the bodice length by about 3 or 4cm because I heard it's very long in the body/low in the crotch. I didn't make a toile, but I did muster the patience to baste/tack the main garment together (minus sleeves) before final construction to check the fit. Based on my findings, I chose to make the top part smaller, and slightly closer fitting. I also added patch pockets to the front instead of inseam side pockets to break up the expanse of fabric a bit. </div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkHIq11Ezrre9ps0Q1mbkbiEGltb9Uusr5hEKek_iNhDCbzj9GpPk4A1gGtFqkNxaae7uc6nbzy-cRwK0hcVTiTYtwItoPgl9PxnUb0jphf9-1BBkYOWJrPcSP5RhQJEz_5uRvLiftZTY8LdjdjeIGROUDAQDqBWotT0RJJWDJf-TdMj9tfhm4infPg/s1280/V-neckjumpsuit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="952" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkHIq11Ezrre9ps0Q1mbkbiEGltb9Uusr5hEKek_iNhDCbzj9GpPk4A1gGtFqkNxaae7uc6nbzy-cRwK0hcVTiTYtwItoPgl9PxnUb0jphf9-1BBkYOWJrPcSP5RhQJEz_5uRvLiftZTY8LdjdjeIGROUDAQDqBWotT0RJJWDJf-TdMj9tfhm4infPg/w476-h640/V-neckjumpsuit.JPG" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Fabric:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The fabric I chose for this project is a <a href="https://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/copy-of-recycled-cotton-stretch-denim-9oz-indigo/" target="_blank">9oz mid blue denim made from recycled cotton fibres</a> from Fabric Godmother (not sponsored but I get a staff discount). It also has some stretch content to really double down on the comfort factor. I did a bit of additional top stitching here and there on this garment because I love how after laundering denim fades a bit and the ripples start to show. I absolutely love this fabric and am now eyeing it up in the other colour ways. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Thoughts:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yes it is comfy. Yes it looks like a giant babygro. It's not quite the sleak, modern mum-uniform I envisaged but there you go. I've still been wearing it heaps, and having fun layering it under and over other garments. </div><br /><p></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2464662522153586853.post-82241225970391641402022-10-07T04:00:00.001+01:002022-10-07T04:00:00.220+01:00Free Pattern Friday: Neck Warmers for All<p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.199999809265137px;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI35P6kP2WwO-UTzznXhzq51Lk_h0gReNB3VgMdhOvk7d_TyYgOIQ-0q45bh27XBfFeeuHUZalR2pNXlg0GRn7YafR6I5zQ9ACEj2YrAkKoRNtPKX0PJbRr93wYt9aU5Va_gG03y1qVTSQ0glr-R7F0zEY1USfjgAvxzV094WWQ7HJOM2R7TjZruBRwg/s4032/IMG_0113.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI35P6kP2WwO-UTzznXhzq51Lk_h0gReNB3VgMdhOvk7d_TyYgOIQ-0q45bh27XBfFeeuHUZalR2pNXlg0GRn7YafR6I5zQ9ACEj2YrAkKoRNtPKX0PJbRr93wYt9aU5Va_gG03y1qVTSQ0glr-R7F0zEY1USfjgAvxzV094WWQ7HJOM2R7TjZruBRwg/w480-h640/IMG_0113.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></b></i></b></i></b><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">Welcome to my monthly '<a href="https://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/search/label/Free%20Pattern%20Friday" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #ff1a00; text-decoration-line: none; text-decoration: none;">Free Pattern Friday' feature</a>, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one . I publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. I also firmly believe that pattern designers deserve to be properly paid for their work, so if you enjoy using a pattern and can afford to do so, make sure you support that designer. Some designers' websites offer the option to make a donation, alternatively you can buy one of their paid-for products. If you can't afford to do so, you can support the designer by sharing your project via social media to help draw more attention to their work. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.</span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">You may or may not know that I recently made a two-part mini series on <a href="https://checkyourthread.com" target="_blank">my podcast</a>, Check Your Thread, about sewing and saving. In it I explored both <a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/57-can-sewing-save-you-money/" target="_blank">how sewing might save us money</a> AND h<a href="https://checkyourthread.com/podcast/58-sewing-on-a-budget/" target="_blank">ow we might save money with our sewing</a>. It soon became clear that two episodes weren't enough, and another specific theme of how we might use sewing to keep us warm started to emerge. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-size: small;">You can hear that episode from Monday 10th October. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: small;">So many people in the UK plan to keep the heating off as much as possible this winter in reaction to the dramatic hike in fuel and energy costs. So I looked at garments, accessories and homeware projects we can create to hopefully keep the chills at bay. In the show notes you'll be able to find all the links to everything I mentioned. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Preparing the episode gave me the nudge I needed to try a project I've had in mind for a while: neck warmers made from upcycled knitwear and sweatshirt scraps. Sometime ago awesome sewing </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">lady </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Kerry, AKA <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kestrelmakes/" target="_blank">@kestrelmakes</a> on Instagram, helpfully sent me the link to a template and tutorial that she's </span></span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;">previously used with success</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">. It's by <a href="https://www.applegreencottage.com/neck-warmer-free-pattern-cowl-scarf/" target="_blank">Applegreen Cottage</a>, and the tutorial part is in the form of a blog post, but if you sign up their newsletter, you get access to </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">the</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> template (also in the form of dimensions so there's no need to print </span>anything<span style="font-family: inherit;"> out). Thanks to Damjana at Applegreen Cottage for sharing their work for free. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwhhD-QKhfysUH2ILmdLE0TsNEkp7SDJX6H4iVgXvpBefwVi4fRtdcAufglXvs6_OfUz6CSCA1n9tY48NqAGKUb1cyo_DrsUlJwKNQW2tUjBBJRfi8iJhShulQ3Jyrnfbz0Ot1g8iN4WFm2l-w-DkfYVgrOFbgeEyapVWl9vVJ57KQwrOh-by8m1euA/s750/Cowl-Scarf-Neck-Warmer-Free-Pattern-36b-ang.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZwhhD-QKhfysUH2ILmdLE0TsNEkp7SDJX6H4iVgXvpBefwVi4fRtdcAufglXvs6_OfUz6CSCA1n9tY48NqAGKUb1cyo_DrsUlJwKNQW2tUjBBJRfi8iJhShulQ3Jyrnfbz0Ot1g8iN4WFm2l-w-DkfYVgrOFbgeEyapVWl9vVJ57KQwrOh-by8m1euA/w640-h640/Cowl-Scarf-Neck-Warmer-Free-Pattern-36b-ang.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">(image source: <a href="https://www.applegreencottage.com/neck-warmer-free-pattern-cowl-scarf/" target="_blank">Applegreen Cottage</a>)</i></span></span></i></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">Pattern type:</span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;">Designed specifically for fleece, this is billed as a basic, reversible neck warmer that is suitable for beginners that can be sewn on a regular sewing machine.</span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Sizing info: </b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">There are three measurements/templates included: Toddler (1T - 3T), Child (4 - 10 years) and Teen/Adult. I made the child size for my daughter (who is nine) and it fits her well. I tried it on my son (who just turned 6) before cutting his out, and decided the Child size would be a bit big, so I made his the midway between Toddler and Child sizes. My own is the Adult size. I haven't managed to get a photo of me wearing mine yet, but it's fine, if a little loose, which I think is related to the just of fabric I used. </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"></b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7YxsvwYzicvlJHmOOaNo1G8UOLru3byt6XpIK-T29mkfMfSVsScLpvpCvRBcHmK5HYpkiYjyr7S0ITIhsWMbl-Klkt9ZFnq7qvOxcWYxaPhUughejRduEkIeO4nFzk-QQL_555jA127218n721TQMZmrni-TKMljOgZrhlzkynSKhouWAuggH267Pw/s4006/IMG_0237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4006" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw7YxsvwYzicvlJHmOOaNo1G8UOLru3byt6XpIK-T29mkfMfSVsScLpvpCvRBcHmK5HYpkiYjyr7S0ITIhsWMbl-Klkt9ZFnq7qvOxcWYxaPhUughejRduEkIeO4nFzk-QQL_555jA127218n721TQMZmrni-TKMljOgZrhlzkynSKhouWAuggH267Pw/w640-h484/IMG_0237.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></b></b></i></b></b></i></i></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></b></span></b></b></i></b></b></i></i></b><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Fabric info:</b></b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">The supplies list for this project specifies fleece fabric for this project, but one of the versions photographed on the site used jersey for one half which they recommend for not so chilly days. I've been seeking out uses for my stash of moth-eaten and felted knitwear and scraps of sweatshirt fleece, so that's what I used for mine. Plus, I want to encourage people to find uses for their own unworn knits and scraps as a more sustainable approach. In the same vein, I want to discourage people form buying new polar fleece because it is made from synthetic fibres (i.e. fossil fuel extraction plus lack of biodegradability). But if you have some unwanted, tatty fleece garments, this could be a good way to extend the use of the fibres already in existence. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></span></i></span></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">I encouraged my kids to pick their own materials from my stash. Lola chose a scrap of leopard print sweatshirt fleece and plain black knit harvested from a misshaped old wool jumper. Frankie chose blue knit harvested from a felted old wool jumper of his dad's, and chartreuse knit harvested from a moth-eaten wool jumper I've been slowly dissecting for years. For mine, I used some leopard knit from a damaged jumper donated to me by my friend Ilana, and some red knit harvested from another moth-eaten jumper. I had to cut sections of the red and piece them to avoid the holes. I could have cut it in one piece and stitched up the holes, but moth holes really creep me out. I once discovered a knitted hat that basically disintegrated in my hands due to moth larvae...</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">Unsurprisingly, the looser knits create more drape-y and looser neck warmers, and the tighter knits (particularly the sweatshirt fleece, and I imagine polar fleece) stretch the least and retain the original dimensions better. </span></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Findings:</b></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">The tutorial is simple and well explained, albeit on one of those blogs that bombards you with ads from ever angle. Getting access to the template was a bit pointless, because the finished </span>dimensions are given in the tutorial, plus the seam allowances, so working out the dimensions to cut for the pieces wouldn't exactly be difficult to calculate, and the download offers nothing else. However, I understand that this is a transaction: free tutorial in exchange for joining their mailing list. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">The finished neck warmers are great and very useful. Both kids wore theirs repeatedly during the chilly week that followed the creation of these. I think they make a lot of sense for kids because they can't get unwound, caught up in some way, or dragged along the floor like kids' scarves so often seem to. I've been wearing mine a lot around the house, which has been great since I got my hair cut short and I can no longer rely on it to keep my neck warmer. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;">This project has great scrap busting potential, and I love how you can easily tailor these to the recipient with the choice of colour, pattern, fibre and fabric choice. They would also make wonderful gifts that are super speedy to make. </span></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7rlX4UxkvmPGdE0mDnUTDo1O3FBidrcH_8LcijxtFnOxnGbehcLSLsNuOzHboQ4E_tVxRybyBNhB4LZ0bkE5OvXLkiQ_B1wyv7_M0mWBiLcohwnti8jrLibEbKEpxWvvPgKCY7aMIqKjgDP50Rgg-XW34X1relgH2NKoJWlYhzbSVZAf14gxQwPTxA/s4032/IMG_0111.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7rlX4UxkvmPGdE0mDnUTDo1O3FBidrcH_8LcijxtFnOxnGbehcLSLsNuOzHboQ4E_tVxRybyBNhB4LZ0bkE5OvXLkiQ_B1wyv7_M0mWBiLcohwnti8jrLibEbKEpxWvvPgKCY7aMIqKjgDP50Rgg-XW34X1relgH2NKoJWlYhzbSVZAf14gxQwPTxA/w480-h640/IMG_0111.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></b></b></b></i></b></i></i></b></div><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></b></b></i></b></i></i></b><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Customisation ideas:</b></b></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Alter the dimensions to make them deeper/narrower or looser/tighter. </span></span></li></ul><p></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></b></b></b></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;">Would I make this pattern again?</b></b></b></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p><p><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="background-color: white;">Absolutely. I'd consider changing the dimensions a bit to either exaggerate the cowl or create a tighter, less </span>draft-y warmer, but I'm already thinking about who I know that might need one of these to get them through the winter...</span></p><p><b style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box; font-style: normal;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></b></b></b></b></b></span></b></span></span></span></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></b></i></b></i></b></p>Zoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10893813529679767893noreply@blogger.com0