Show threadAilbheJan 14, 2023

Stage 1: print pattern
I did this when I bought the pattern, I sent the file to a printer and got it all on A0.

Stage 2: print instructions
That's 72 pages? What? I'm printing pages 12-25 and hoping that's adequate. I'm pretty sure it would be cheaper to get it done by a professional if you were going to print the whole file, first the instructions and then the whole pattern divided into A4 pages.

Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023

✅ Ironed tissue paper salvaged from shoe and lingerie packaging

✅ Traced first part of pattern from A0 printout onto tissue paper taped together

Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
Ooh, tracing drew to my attention some fairly subtle shaping on the back. Cool.
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
I'm definitely too tired to tackle fabric cutting today. I might put some hanging loops on hand towels instead.
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
No, I do not know what's good for me and I did the cutting. Tsk. I could not make the sleeve caps match without wasting yards of fabric but I think I did make them balance.
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
I've looked through the instructions I printed out and what I actually need, from the 72 pages, are 11, 12, 21, 22, 23, 26. I've stapled the extra instructions for the variations together in discrete sections to make it easier when I go back and do other things but six pages with two steps per page is a lot less daunting than the tome I started out with.
Show threadAilbheJan 16, 2023
Since it's too late to sew and I'm too tired, I'm trying to decide if I can make this top (designed for stretch fabric) from plain woven if I cut it on the bias.
Show threadAilbheJan 17, 2023

I've been sewing this today but forgot pictures and now I'm too tired. This was from before I started; my thread collection only has greens which almost match so I chose pink. And then I pinned things in the easiest way for *inserting* the pins, which was the most ridiculous way for *removing the pins while sewing*.

Later I must iron and topstitch hems.

Show threadAilbheJan 17, 2023
Here it is before pressing and hemming and topstitching.
Show threadAilbheJan 18, 2023
Pressed, hemmed, topstitched. It's cooling down now before I fold it up for transport to the recipient. #sewing
Show threadAilbheJan 18, 2023
For my next trick, I will take the remains of some jeans, and make a bucket hat. I've made versions of this free pattern from https://www.applegreencottage.com/tutorial-cute-bucket-hat/ before so it's just that I hated #sewing during the heatwave last year and I'm hoping to get the hot weather things -- like hats and cooling scarves https://mendingbloc.carrd.co/#coolingscarves -- finished while there's ice on the ground.
FREE Bucket Hat Pattern by AppleGreen Cottage - in 5 Sizes!

Make the cutest bucket hat for your kid using a free bucket hat pattern. An easy bucket hat sewing project you must try out now!

AppleGreen Cottage
Show threadAilbheJan 19, 2023
I sewed a really tricky bit with no thread on my bobbin and didn't notice because I was paying close attention to pulling out all the pins before I reached them. #sewing
Show threadAilbheJan 20, 2023
Oh DAGNABBIT I sewed the lining to the exterior and instead of leaving a gap to turn it right side out, I sewed DOUBLE around that bit because I was admiring the curves. #sewing
Show threadAilbheJan 20, 2023
Burnt my fingers while ironing. I'm clearly not up to the job.
Show threadAilbheJan 21, 2023
Today I'm hoping to cut the pieces for several hats, so that I can assemble them gradually between other things.
Show threadAilbheJan 21, 2023
I finished the hat made out of ¼ of the legs of some jeans. The pattern is for a reversible hat but I think denim would be incredibly uncomfortable inside so this photo is just to show you the lining. And the final picture is the place where the fabric is most obviously re-used jeans . #sewing #recycling
Show threadAilbheJan 21, 2023
Also today I mended a pair of homemade underpants. I originally used cotton jersey to cover the waistband elastic and the cotton gets worn through on the fold by the elastic because cotton is softer than whatever petrol products elastic is made of. I'm just going over it by hand with whipstitch and rejecting covering the elastic as a technique in future. #sewing #mending
Show threadAilbheJan 27, 2023
All the #sewing I managed today was handstitching some torn places on an ancient silk shirt that didn't enjoy the washing machine. But it's nice to be able to handstitch things. A combination of chronic fatigue easing up and physiotherapy helping me get stronger.
Show threadAilbheJan 30, 2023

Today I reduced this heatpack thing to a kilo weight. I think it will still be warm.

https://mastodon.art/@artbyailbhe/109683462702241846

Ailbhe (@[email protected])

Attached: 4 images Finished! One microwave heat pad for neck and shoulders, cotton velvet outer, filled with crushed walnut shells. I'm not delighted with the corners on the bias binding and if I make another I'll just curve those. I'm too tired for alt text but will try to fix later.

Mastodon.ART
Show threadAilbheFeb 11, 2023
I'm so not sewing these days. Today I just about mended a pair of knickers to wear tomorrow. My right thumb has been wrapped in sticking plaster for over a week and fabric things are really tough without it.
Show threadAilbheFeb 11, 2023
Tidied the sewing table a bit though so tomorrow I can do more.
Show threadAilbheFeb 11, 2023
Between 25 and 22 months ago I made myself eight pairs of pants and now they're all fraying at the waistband. I'm going to make myself some new ones while I continue to mend the old, so that they don't all fail at once.
Show threadAilbheFeb 13, 2023
Because starting the project I intended is too boring, I am instead starting a tank top with built in bra. This photo is me carefully tracing *completely the wrong size* from the multi-size pattern I got printed on A0 paper. #sewing
Show threadAilbheFeb 13, 2023
Luckily the built-in bra needs elastic that's *exactly the size* of some waistband elastic I salvaged from jersey boxers a couple of years ago. It's even already in a loop. #recycling
Show threadAilbheFeb 13, 2023
I've done a lot of fiddly laying out of pattern pieces and I think the collar and armscye bands will have to be in a contrast fabric.
Show threadAilbheFeb 14, 2023
I managed to find enough fabric in the end, and I'm pinning my fingers to the collar and cuffs.
Show threadAilbheFeb 14, 2023
It's all done except the finishing -- fauxverlocking, top-stitching, hemming, trimming threads. I've obscured the model's grin of delight. Thanks to @RealKaren for recommending Ellie And Mac "Slow Sunday" pattern. https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/slow-sunday-top-dress-pattern #sewing
Slow Sunday Top & Dress Pattern

Show threadAilbheFeb 15, 2023
I'm going to try to use elements of the pattern to make a sleeved t-shirt with a built in bra. I think joining the neckline will be easy but matching and binding the armscyes is both tricky and a necessary part of making the bra supportive.
Show threadAilbheFeb 15, 2023
First I'm looking at a pattern for a button front dress with princess seams for which I need to do adjustments for a fuller bust as it's not a stretch fabric pattern. I'm sure it'll be fine.
Show threadAilbheFeb 15, 2023
I've printed the pattern, highlighted the size I need to cut, definitely cut the correct size, and now I need to figure out how to do a full bust adjustment on princess seams. #sewing
Show threadAilbheFeb 15, 2023
Searching for YouTube videos on Full Bust Adjustment is to be done very carefully, kids.
Show threadAilbheFeb 15, 2023
This YouTuber has at least two videos on how to do a full bust adjustment on a princess seam and I find them easy to follow. I think I understand how to do this tomorrow. https://youtu.be/pdLLEIb0SDk
#sewing
How To do a FBA on a Princess Seam

YouTube
Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023
Here's my pattern pieces. I'm about to watch the video again with my pencils and scissors.
Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023
Partway through a full bust adjustment. I'm increasing twice as much as the tutorial. It'll either work or not. #sewing
Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023

Ok I've done the full bust adjustment to the centre front and side front panels with princess seams but now I'm looking at the front facing pieces and I realise this is totally different but still needs to be adjusted. They're allegedly flat facings.

Ok.

Ok.

I just used the bust apex measured from armscye on the centre front, and the inserts from the front side, and I think this might work. You can see where I added bits and where I took a bit away. #sewing

Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023
But apart from the full bust adjustment, and a length adjustment, and adding sleeves, and probably changing the placket, I'm definitely following the pattern.
Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023
Ok I need to shorten this six inches. Which is almost funny. But I've shortened the centre front, side front, side back, and centre back, and checked the notches and hems of each piece against the piece it will be sewn to. #sewing
Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023
Test run in gingham, which is graph paper for dresses.
Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023
I needed to have bought two yards of fabric but I have a lot of useful bits left over. I wonder if I can insert pockets usefully. The side seams are almost the last bit to add so I probably can.
Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023
I'm not sure how best to tell which side of my gingham fabric is the right side. Next time I'll pick one before I fold to cut and scrawl across it in Frixion pen.
Show threadAilbhe
Expanding the bust two inches, one on each princess seam, is about the limit this pattern can take I think. It would need to be done differently for larger adjustments. The curves are formidable as it is. #sewing
Feb 16, 2023 at 8:22pmWeb
Show threadAilbheFeb 16, 2023
And one of my notches on the adjusted pattern is in the wrong place. Not a crucial one though.
Show threadAilbheFeb 17, 2023
Today has been mostly ironing. "Finish the seams using your preferred method," says the instructions, and I'm pretty sure they mean overlock/serger. But it turns out what I require from a finished seam is raw edges enclosed and no loose tickly bits, so for probably the first time in my life I'm cutting half the seam allowance off one side and doing horribly fiddly ironing. I really must get a tailor's ham. I made one for facemasks but this bust seam needs something rather more serious. #sewing
Show threadAilbheFeb 17, 2023
I think next time I'll just do French seams. They're easier.
Show threadAilbheFeb 17, 2023
Iron a seam, sew a seam. Iron a seam, sew a seam. Iron a...
Show threadAilbheFeb 17, 2023

I got confused about applying the facings and searched for videos of people making the same dress. This is the one that helped: https://youtu.be/CGBJw19A6Ls

#sewing

Button Up Dress SAL - Día 4

YouTube
Show threadAilbheFeb 18, 2023
I think I still need to unpick a bit but I think I understand what's happening, which is progress. It's also comforting that she sewed this over multiple days. For me so far
Day 1 Cut out pattern and adjust for fuller bust (spilt onto day 2)
Day 2 Cut out fabric
Day 3 stay stitch stretchy bits and assemble large simple seams
Day 4 flat fell long seams (really fiddly on the bust curve)
Show threadAilbheFeb 18, 2023
I think I miscounted my days. I must have napped or something.
Show threadAilbheFeb 18, 2023
All I've done today is unpick the facing attachment I did incorrectly yesterday and pin it ready to sew tomorrow, but I'm too tired to get my compression socks on so I definitely can't sew.
Show threadAilbheFeb 19, 2023

So today I put the facing on correctly and then figured out how to add flutter sleeves. I traced a sleeve head shape, drew a semi circle for the arm, wished on a star, and sewed it all together.

This was the bit where the instructions confused me but then I figured out I needed to be sewing the facing to the armholes with everything on the right side of the garment wrapped up like a burrito, then pull the whole front side of the garment through the shoulder strap to make it right way out again

Show threadAilbheFeb 19, 2023
Here's where I've got to so far. It's the free Peppermint button front dress, with the bust increased two inches, added flutter sleeves, and the skirt six inches shorter. #sewing
Show threadAilbheFeb 20, 2023
I'm tired and in pain today so I'm not doing the difficult, careful, precise finishing on the dress. I've cut myself some pants instead.
Show threadAilbheFeb 20, 2023
All done except the fold-over elastic on the leg holes. Because every time I try my thread tension goes mad. Loopdiloop.
Show threadAilbheFeb 23, 2023

Today my tension is fine so I finished the underwear, patched a pyjama top, added a hanging loop to a towel, and started assembling a bucket hat I cut out ages ago.

It feels so nice to be back sewing again after a few days of being too unwell.

I'm also back to listening to A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs https://500songs.com/ after a long time of being too fatigued to take in new information. I'm on the episodes from last August.
#500SongsPodcast #sewing

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs

A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs
Show threadAilbheFeb 25, 2023
I made a trial vinyl thing, a storage pack for my sewing machine needles. The walking foot helps with vinyl but if I were making anything bigger I'd want to use baking paper I think.
Show threadAilbheFeb 27, 2023
Today I'm really tired. I need to make a pillowcase for a body pillow -- ideally I should make at least two -- but when I unfolded all my salvaged-for-rags bedsheets I found that none of them can give me a piece of fabric 52cm x 150cm, so I'm using the bought-new bedlinen I got for making cloth masks in 2020, and some of the also bought-new decorative cotton I got for their exterior layers. I'm sorry for such a long sentence, I was too tired to write a shorter one.
Show threadAilbheFeb 27, 2023
This pillow is 5cm shorter than I am.
Show threadAilbheMar 1, 2023
For three days I have practiced embroidery before getting dressed. I don't think I've done any embroidery before but this is a good way for me to avoid perfectionism -- these are my Sewing Practice jeans in a colour I don't like. I'm learning about dealing with thread twist, mainly, so far.
Show threadAilbheMar 3, 2023
I'm assembling the things I need to trace out a pattern for a dress with a built in bra. A1 drawing board balanced on the edge of my desk and two random table legs, A0 printout of the pattern in all its sizes and variations, previously traced top, so in theory all I need is to match up the skirt.
Show threadAilbheMar 3, 2023
I ironed tissue paper from packaging and traced skirt patterns onto it. Next to get the bodices on.
Show threadAilbheMar 5, 2023
I've run out of salvaged tissue paper and ordered a roll of pattern paper from William Gee Haberdashery in Hackney. Also a Fiskars *recycled scissors* which is pretty exciting.
Show threadPau AmmaFeb 27, 2023
@artbyailbhe Are these cats on the cover fabric?
Show threadAilbheFeb 27, 2023
@pauamma yes
Show threadAilbheFeb 27, 2023
@pauamma they're sideways because I'm too tired to do a proper photo
Show threadPau AmmaFeb 27, 2023
@artbyailbhe No worry.
Show threadPau AmmaFeb 25, 2023
@artbyailbhe That organizer looks awesome.
Show threadAilbheFeb 25, 2023
@pauamma sewing vinyl is really weird!
Show threadPau AmmaFeb 25, 2023
@artbyailbhe *nod*
Show threadArne FockeFeb 25, 2023
@artbyailbhe Science undies, neat.
Show threadAilbheFeb 25, 2023
@arne It's easy for children to find fun underwear but it's more challenging for adults.
Show threadArne FockeFeb 25, 2023
@artbyailbhe Very hard. I had Batman ones for a while, a rare find.
Show threadIsraelFeb 20, 2023
@artbyailbhe These look neat! Though I suddenly doubt that I know what pants look like. :) (I am not a pants artisan)
Show threadAilbheFeb 20, 2023
@iethatis these are based on some Sloggi brand underpants I had a few years ago, but I make them of comfier fabric. There's one seam at the back and none at the sides, and the shaping means I don't need an elasticated waistband.
Show threadAilbheFeb 20, 2023
@iethatis I did try wearing men's pants for a while but although they generally have better fabric and nicer waistband treatments, they're very much the wrong shape for me.
Show threadAilbheFeb 20, 2023
@iethatis oh -- Irish/UK pants. Not American pants.
Show threadIsraelFeb 20, 2023
@artbyailbhe AH! Those types of pants. :) That helps my brain virtually fold the cloth. (thank you for the explanations!)
Show threadBrody BergFeb 19, 2023
@artbyailbhe fun