A Lovely Shirt for A Lovely Woman

Butterick 5217 - sewn by sewfearless.com

I have a lovely friend who is a lover of lovely things.  Last summer (was it really that long ago?), she expressed her desire for an adult version of the ruffly tops that her nieces wear. I recognized the silhouette as Butterick 5217, and told her that we could make it happen. How could I not oblige such a generous friend? A friend who has made me and my family countless dinners, taught me the wonders of feta and orzo, and who has blessed so many people with her fantastic writing. [Read more...]

Stretch Yourself: Working With Stretch Lace

stretch yourself header

Welcome to Sew Fearless! This post is part of the “Stretch Yourself” Series hosted by Mad Mim and One Little Minute. The topic today is STRETCH LACE and I get to have the pleasure of joining in on the fun. Be sure to check out my fellow Guest Contributor of the Day, Novita of Very Purple Person too!
Lace Drape Cardigan by SewFearless.com [includes tips on how to sew stretch lace] I went to the store with thinking about a funky printed draped cardigan thingy, but once this ethereal drapey-ness caught my eye all other plans went flying out the window. Never mind that I have never sewn lace before. It. Needed. To. Happen.

Lace Drape Cardigan by SewFearless.com [includes tips on how to sew stretch lace]

And happen it did, but not before there was a good amount of dragging of feet out of fear that it wouldn’t turn out quite right and not being sure of how to tackle the whole thing. All that’s over now. boo-freakin’-ya!

Lace Drape Cardigan by SewFearless.com [includes tips on how to sew stretch lace]

Pattern: Simplicity 2603, View D (sleeves extended)
Size: Medium, let out to Large for hips at side seams
Material: Sew Classic Knits Ivory Stretch Lace from Joann’s
(p.s. my bump is a bout 4 weeks bigger than this now, much much bigger)

What’s all this have to do with sewing with knits and the rest of the “Stretch Yourself” series? Well… stretch lace and knits share many of the same properties, and, like knits, it turns out the stretch lace isn’t as scary as one would think. I’ve even done the experimentation and research so you don’t have to. Let’s do this thing!

Tips and Tricks for working with Stretch Lace - sewfearless.com [Read more...]

Christmas Bathrobes

woohoo!
More Christmas presents finished up! These I can share because I don’t think any of my kids are subscribed to my blog. heh. If I keep sewing at this rate, maybe I will have time to get around to making some stockings this year. (Please? )

 

I know Christmas PJs are a pretty common gift, but I happen to be a fan of Christmas Bathrobes. They get more use in my house. [Read more...]

Getting A Sewing Buzz (Mommy’s Poppins Bag V2)

I hope you all had a lovely long weekend (or just a lovely regular ol’ weekend). After spending far more time than I like in the kitchen, I needed to de-stress with some happy-making sewing (and pie, lots and lots of pie). I am now flying off a major sewing buzz over this thing of beauty.

…like I said…
SEWING BUZZ!!!!!!!!!! 

This is my second Mommy’s Poppins Bag. This go-around, I took photos of the process for the forthcoming pattern. Yes, it has been a long time coming, but pattern writing always takes eons longer than I expect. If you go by ikat bag’s pattern writing steps, I’m only on step 11 or 12 of 30. I hope to have this thing done B.B. (Before Baby), but right now Christmas is getting in the way.

I am spending my evenings elbow deep in fleece sewing up bathrobes for my kids and getting all weepy over how long the robes for my older two are. I am basically weepy over anything involving children and babies these days. Big Hormonal Mess over here.

What’s on your sewing table? Any recent finishes? Or are you just diving in to Christmas projects?

Girls Fleece Poncho (McCall’s 6431)

I’ve been hankering to make fleece poncho’s since I saw Rae’s poncho for her little girl last winter. (Notice how I am using her first name and pretending we are friends. heh.) Finding McCall’s Girl’s Poncho Pattern (6431) made it an easy project to pull off.

I think Rae’s version with the turtle neck and in-seam pockets is rondonkulously cute, but Gianna insisted on the heart pockets (of course), the zipper (ugh!), and a hood (sure, child). [Read more...]