Simplicity 8523

I'm in LOVE with this pattern and o haven't even technically made anything from it. I have made like 4 muslins. Trust me, it's purple dolphin sheets - its not a wearable muslin lol.

But it fits so well! I suspect slightly the 14 and 12 would have the same shoulder but either way the fit is basically what I wanted anyway. I can always trim it half an inch all around if I want it tighter.

This pattern LENDS itself to be altered. The only thing that would be nicer is seam allowance marks (the seam allowance is 5/8 BTW it is hard to find).

But the basic tshirt-in-woven-with-dart is perfect for making aaaanything. It has multiple neckline options and if its big enough the back can br cut on a fold.

But if you want something close to the neck (or lined) you can keep the seam. The sides and darts provide shaping. The darts are basic bust from side seam so they're easy to rotate, move and alter. The neckline options are four even though it didn't need them its handy! Scoop, about 1" away from neck, square and V. I haven't used V yet but it does seem low I'll get back to you.

The sleeves work so you can use the sleeve in the sleeveless armhole. Its a good size for the combo and the size of my arms (which are thick). The sleeves do have enough ease that even the line drawings show them looking almost pleated but I can fix that. It would really be a perfect pattern with no sleeve cap ease. I'm so used to it from Lekala (no movement problems ever) that I forgot big 4 had sleeve cap ease.  However the sleeve is the perfect length and shape for altering.

The ease in the waist for me is like 13.5 ease but I don't mind that. The suggestion is 11. The extra feels nice on the 14 and the 12 would be half an inch off suggestion anyway.

Its nice that's written on there!

All my alterations have come out exactly as I want. I just need to apply these changes to fashion fabrics and all my wovens ever will finally be able to be tops!!!

There will be v necks. Bias fronts! Linens! Cottons! Silks! Ruffles! Sleeves!

Still no photos!

I still haven't changed apps. This blog is for me anyway so who needs them just yet!

I still haven't finished any of my coats but there's not quite a need just yet. To be honest the gray and burgundy look so nice on the mannequin half made.

I made a couple more undies for my partner, this time sizing up. Kwik Sew 2723, the bicycle shorts but done in cotton and viscose knits with boxer elastic (I also found that in it's packaging while salvaging!). This time a size medium, which will fit a lot better.

I am working on my zip pants but holy hell they like to streeeetch. The elastic in this is ridiculous. It goes like 6x its width when stretched, so I've twisted a leg seam. Great.

I wanted to embroider the pockets to match the shoes but I lost the shoes!! Genius work! Not that I could hem it anyway. I prepared the zips with little gold seahorses.

A few things done, but none of them a cardigan.

I got most of my cardigan done but when I got go blind pad stitching the collar roll I decided to make a few fun things.

I finished four pairs of undies. I tried a new (to me) Ooh Lala pattern for a golden front brief but it just came out looking like a frilly pink diaper. I suppose I stick to certain patterns for a reason! Though if I'm going to be using the Watson undies I need to go up a size or two. But I like the shape.

Although since undies are basically 'trim all the edges in frilly sh*t' you can basically make them any shape once you have the base size down.

I don't really need the cardigan just yet its still ridiculously hot. Though for some reason I also started a burdastyle pullover. The pleated low sleeved one from last years workout/ALLTHEKNITS issue.

I thought the tiny pocket tee from Burdastyle would be a t&t but it just looks like a misshaped cape from the back and I don't like it. I also ALWAYS manage to screw up the neckline. I hate ribbed necklines. I always get them near perfect, go to fix that one last little wibble and BAM overlocker eats the whole thing.

So I have a few undies finished for like sixteen hours of sewing off and on. But I have half a jacket, most of  bra (forgot go mention that! I'm trying out an Ooh Lala bra as a swimsuit to match some undies and  tank top I made from someone's scrapped and donated skirt - these two panels are going FAR!), four undies, two more cut out and an unfinished jumper.

I wonder if I'll actually finish any of these.

Phew

I'm continuing with the cardigan but I'm kidding myself if this is The One.  Its easy for a jacket. But for a cardigan? Unlined? To have a hand tailored rolled neckline? And interfacing?

Luckily I have a gorgeous drapey interfacing and this is a solid knit not meant to stretch much anyway. I did interface both sides of the collar.

I've basically worked non stop on it for six hours minus time go eat pancakes.

I was thinking of taking a break...by making denim shorts.

Oop Very Easy Vogue 8547

I haven't started Vogue 8547 yet but its a gorgeous seventies jacket pattern. It says suitable for knits which we all know is a bit of a joke for the 70s but I think it'll make a suitable base for the cardigan TNT I've been after.

I have a fairly stable gray hounds tooth knit that's dying to be this coat.

Bonus: I never need shoulder pads!