Another Concord

This is my second Cashmerette Concord T-Shirt make. I cut a size 12 G/H. For this version, I went with the curved, faced hem, the v-neck, and long-sleeves. I shortened the sleeves by 1.5"-- but as a general rule, I seem to just push them up (didn't realize until this moment that I don't have any pics of the sleeves not pushed up... whoops!). The fabric is a soft, 100% poly ribbed knit that I purchased from Fabric Mart last summer.

Based on the fit of my first Concord T make (and of the other Cashmerette patterns I've made-- this seems to be a consistent issue for me across styles), I did a broad back adjustment to add a total of 3/4" to the upper back. I feel like it fits my back a bit better now, giving me a bit more room to move such that it doesn't feel tight. I am starting to wonder though, if maybe I should also try going up a size and see how that works for me. Hmmm...

I followed the instructions for everything for the most part. I did stabilize the shoulder seams with some regular stay tape. And then also added the additional step of stabilizing the neckline with SewkeysE fusible knit stay tape. On the one hand, the neckline is nice and smooth and pretty. But, it also doesn't "hug" my body the way I want it-- it seems to stand away from my body. I need to do a bit of research to figure out how to remedy this.

And a lesson learned on this one: pay attention to the hem facings. The front and back are, in fact, different. :P I accidentally attached the front hem facing to the back and had stitched and serged. When I went to attach the back facing to the front, I realized my mistake... doh! But I was not wanting to deal with a re-do. So I went with it. On the outside, it looks fine. But it is a bit janky on the inside.

I am happy with how this came together. Though I am a bit bummed that I haven't had a chance to wear it yet. It has been a warm summer (yay!)-- and this poly is on the warm side. But it will be perfect come fall!

Hiatus

So, last spring I decided to take on the position of president of the PTA at my sons' school. The job really ramped up in early August, and since then-- I have pretty much found myself with a nearly full-time unpaid job. Crafting fell by the wayside. Like WAY by the wayside. While it just hasn't been in me to blog at all over the last few months, I have managed to make a few things:

A Concord Tee from Cashmerette Designs:

LOVE this design. I've purchased fabric for two more.

A cute, swingy dress from McCall's 6957:

Check out that stripe matching under my arm where no one can see it! But I know it is there. I don't think this is supposed to be a high-low hem (at least, not according to the line drawing), but that's how it ended up, despite the fact that I did a 1.25" swayback adjustment. It's fine though, because I like it.

An unintentionally sexy top from McCall's 6963:

I think the lowness of the drape is a result of the FBA I did. It is definitely a date night kind of top!

Some wizard vests (from Simplicity 8023), robes (from a lovely pattern from the SewingPatternPixie available through Etsy), and wands (no pattern there):

The accessories-- ties, scarves, glasses, Gryffindor patches, white button-down shirts, toad-- were all purchased.

I can't even get over my boys. They are awesome. And they just. keep. growing.

I also managed a few holiday gifts, including some Kismet Trinket Boxes from Sew Sweetness. (LOVE this design!!! These are seriously so fun to make!)

These are all the medium round size, measuring about 4.75" tall. I put little treats in them and gifted them to teachers and friends.

Finally, I also made some maxi-pads and panty-liners of my own design.

I feel like I should note that I do not generally make a habit of giving feminine hygiene products to my friends/family. My sister-in-law specifically requested these. :P

Relative to my usual output and craftiness... the last six months has been a serious dry spell, creativity-wise. PTA has kind of been all-consuming, leaving very little energy for anything else.

So! My new mantra starting a couple of days ago is "Life Balance." I am going to make a conscious effort to be present with my family, make my home a better place to be (cleaner, more organized), while at the same still doing my PTA job and also taking better care of myself by eating better, making time to exercise again (I miss running!), and plan dedicated crafty creative time-- including, hopefully, a little blogging. No problem, right? But, if I am conscious of these things, maybe it will help me to make better choices along the way. We'll see how it goes.

Hope you have had some wonderful holidays and I wish you a joyful start to 2017!

Chevron Appleton

I think this is it! The last unblogged project from 2015!

This is my Appleton Dress from Cashmerette. It is a classic wrap dress. I stitched it up a couple weeks before Christmas using a happy ITY chevron print from Fabric Mart.

If you haven't heard about Cashmerette patterns yet, they are designed for curvy ladies, size 12 and up, with cup sizes going up to H. No FBA required!!! Woo! My rendition is a size 12, G-H cup with 3/4-sleeves. The only alteration I made was to chop 4" off the hem.

The instructions were straightforward and everything went together without a hitch. And I love the result! I feel so pretty when I wear this dress. Sexy, even! That V-neck is no joke... it is deep. And, while it is secure, I have to be very careful about which bra I choose, as anything with a wide bridge ends up peeking out after a few minutes. Fortunately, I have one bra that works pretty well. Of course, a cami is always an option as well, and would lend to a bit more modesty in general. I haven't tried that approach yet though.

I love this dress. I've been eyeing other potential fabrics, but haven't found the perfect one yet. Hopefully, soon! I'd love to make a short-sleeved one for summer!