I think these last two months were rather productive. There is a bit of a theme going on though. I have sewn lots of garments with technical fabrics.
Three months ago, I started exercising and decided I needed a new sports bra. I had previously bought some online but the fit wasn't great. My current one fits me well, so I decided to try and copy it. In inspection my sports bra and realized it only had two shoulder seams. So the bra is made out of a tube of fabric which is common for knit fabric. So getting the fit right was important.
My biggest worry was, getting to fit the band underneath the bust. For my first version, I decided to use the same method that we use for the waistband of the leggings in our Intro to Activewear workshop. I made an inner and an outer band with side seams and added an elastic. With the side seams and the elastic, it feels a little snug when worn for too long. For an hour exercise, it is fine. The armholes I finished using bands, just like when finishing the neckline on a t-shirt.
For my second version, I used a different method to construct the under-bust band. Basically, just like the neckline of a t-shirt. Unfortunately, it doesn't give enough support and feels things might slip out when raising my arms, if you know what I mean.
For the third version, I used a new method that I learned when sewing the swimwear elastic into my bikini bottoms and top. You sew the elastic slightly to the left of the centre of the band, which then will be the inside of the band. I think I stretched the elastic a little too much, although it fits well when I have it on, but it is a little difficult to get over the shoulders. So for my next version I will use an exposed elastic, repurposed from one of the ordered ones. Let's see if this will give a better fit and easy to put on and off. The only thing I don't like about the exposed elastic is that it is a little thick, or wide. I prefer a medium-width band.
To take some samples pictures for our Dressmaking 1 class, I made up a skirt using our leopard viscose fabric.
In preparation for our hoodie workshop, I made two hoodies and I love the Christmas one and cannot wait to wear it. I also made another one as a present for my sister in law. If she sends a picture, I will share it with you.
Keeping in line with the theme, I made another t-shirt and pair of leggings to workout.
I finally finished the grey anorak. I just had to hand-sew the lining and add the hardware. I like the length, but the armholes and sleeve don't sit in the right place yet. So I will make a small narrow shoulder adjustment. This grey jacket will be for my mom, she already likes the colour. Let's just hope it fits her.
Inspired from our kids sewing club, I made another pinafore dress. The girls finished theirs and decided I wanted another one. I love wearing my light blue one, so I made a dark blue one. Just like before, I made size 6 but let out the side seams slightly. I hadn't finished the hem and wanted to give the dress a first wash to see how this denim frays and if I'd still like it. It just came out of the wash, and I might actually hem it this time. It frays a lot more than the light blue.
We had a few private class requests making swimwear. Since my experience sewing swimwear is very limited, I wanted to practice prior to the class. I used the Victoria bikini set from Pattydoo. I made a size 42 for both the top and bottom since my measurements fell into this size. The pants fit me well and top is too big. First I made the tankini version with soft cups, and it's way too bit. The cups I ordered were a size small, and they are also too small to fit into the triangle. For my next version, I will make a size 38. Going down two sizes, I hope that the darts in the lining will fit better and point towards my apex. Right now, the darts are 1" (2.5cm) too far to the side. Sewing swimwear was quite an experience and let me tell you, it isn't easy. The swimwear elastic is very different than regular elastic. It is made of rubber and when sewn onto the fabric, and it is super slippery. When I sewed the band of the pants, I had to unpick the elastic three times. I was worried that the elastic might be damaged but it was still ok. Overall I am happy with my first attempt and will definitely make a few more. The good thing when sewing swimwear, it doesn't take as much fabric or time as a dress.
With my private class, I sewed a triangle bikini top, and it is a lot simpler than my practice run. I got the fabric from our fabric swap last month, and cannot wait to use it for the Victoria bikini.
For our team event, I wanted to sew a new dress since I haven't made a dress for a while. I did a little call out on Instagram to help me decided which pattern and fabric to use. The followers decided for the Sia Dress by Marsha Style and a the pink and red fabric.
The fabric is a viscose satin crepe and is SO slippy. I only had enough fabric to make the shorter version. Unfortunately, I didn't like the dress as much as I had hoped for. It was too short and too low cut. Perhaps with a top underneath, I would wear it. I also feel like that the pattern has too many things going on. The dress has waist and sleeve ties, pleats, waistband, an invisible zip and a faux button placket. I might write a short pattern review about it but if I would make it again, I would change: the construction of the sleeve ties, raise the neckline, shorten the waistband, remove the invisible zip and replace the faux placket with a real one.
I currently have a projects to finish: a button-up shirt. I am planning to make a few Christmas presents and will let you know about them in the next blog post.
What have you been sewing the last two months? What are you sewing plans? Comment below.
Thanks for hanging out with me.
Happy Sewing,
Maria
コメント