SIM #2: Pinot + Walkley Casuals

Since Sew Indie Month is just getting started, and there is still time to pick up Bundle #2 for a great bargain (about $3.80 a pattern!) I thought I'd share the two patterns I made on this long weekend -- which are both part of this bundle.

Walkley Top & Pinot Pants

I decided to make two of the very easy beginner patterns. Because it was 40 degrees Celsius around here and extremely humid, I hid out in the basement sewing for much of the weekend! I traced off and sewed the Walkley top (probably unrecognizable with my changes) and the Pinot Pants. 

The Walkley top is a very simple t-shirt style top and dress -- it's basically one pattern piece, but it does have little "wings" at the ends of seams to make the turn & stitch finishing much easier and neater. There are also instructions in the pattern on how to personalize it -- how to add design seams, colour-block etc. I think this would be a great beginner pattern, as it's non-intimidating to work with, but also encourages new sewers to experiment and try things out. It could also teach them the importance of measuring and fitting a pattern to yourself before you cut. Ahem.

I traced it off at the largest size, knowing it would fit my hips that way. But then I totally forgot about taking in the neckline to compensate and merrily stitched away with this knit remnant from my stash. When I tried it on, the neckline was far, far too wide. I'm far too old to wear off the shoulder tops...what to do? I had a few ideas, but went with the simple one of handstitching in some lingerie straps to hold the shoulders in place, and give the neckline a cowl effect, front & back. I really like it.

I also decided to add some tiny patch pockets, big enough to hold my keys, as I was thinking about wearing them with pants like these Pinot pants, that don't have any pockets. Plus the print was so crazy that I knew even if I messed up the pocket stitching nobody would notice! I just sketched out a pocket piece on some tissue, and then eyeballed the placement on the front of the top.

closeup! they are teeny pockets

In all of these photos you can also get a look at my Pinot Pants. It's the first time I have ever attempted any kind of pants, and thought that these easy yoga-style ones, made by SBCC, a company that focuses on petites, might be a good bet. And they were! I used a soft, thin knit -- while the pants are very soft and comfortable, they are too thin for me to feel comfortable wearing them out anywhere -- but they are a great first try at some comfy everyday house pants. The only alteration I made was to adjust the crotch curve a little, using Nancy Zieman's Fitting Finesse for tips, and I think that it worked well. I am not posting a closeup of my butt on the internet, so you'll have to trust me when I say they fit exactly like they should and have no untoward pulling or drag lines. Not too bad for a casual pull-on style, and my first try at them!

Anyhow, these are two fun patterns to try out. Just remember to measure the Walkley, as the design does have a wide boatneck, and it looks so nice when it's made properly ;)

I'm excited about trying the Pinot pants again with a slightly sturdier knit and seeing if I can get the fit *just* right. Until then, I hope to see some of you try out some of these Sew Indie Month patterns as well. I'm having lots of fun with them.

You can check out my previous post for all the details on Sew Indie Month & all the activities -- including sewalongs and prizes -- but don't forget to also visit these participating bloggers for more visuals of all the patterns in Bundle #2 -- available until September 10th.

• Casa Crafty
  
• Cation Designs
  
• Girls in the Garden
  
• Grey's Fabric
  
• Groovy Baby and Mama
  
• Handmade by Carolyn
  
• House of Pinheiro
  
• How Good is That?
  
• Lucky Lucille
• Scruffy Badger Time
  
• Thread Theory
  
• Three Dresses Project
  
• Workroom Social

Me Made May thus far

I've been consciously wearing Me Mades every day this month so far...but haven't really been taking pictures of my daily outfits, except for the newest item of course! 

I'm enjoying going through my closet but just can't rustle up the energy to take new photos every day. Added to that, I've just had a terrible haircut which I am hoping grows out quickly, so that kind of adds to my photo resistance!

In any case, Me Made May this year has been a chance to view my own makes and decide what I feel like wearing, what I don't, and get a sense of what I usually reach for first. It's been really helpful that way. One definite lack in my wardrobe is me-made bottoms - I have a few skirts, and I now have 2 pairs of pants - one that is only for house wear (my SBCC Pinot pants) which are stalwart weekend wardrobe picks, and now my new Jalie Eleonore pull-on stretch jeans...soon to be debuted here.

Other than that, this is what I've been wearing so far, all with links to previously snapped photos:

Pinot Pants

Zsalya top

Kwik Sew rose tunic + Jalie Jeans

Maria Denmark's Kristen Kimono Tee (a definite go-to)

Sewaholic Cambie

No pattern elastic waist skirt - made from a thrifted remnant & never blogged

Butterick retro flowered blouse

Purple soft cardi

And my newest Sutton Blouse!

How has everyone's Me Made May been going? I have been enjoying other posts and pictures, and hope that it's been fun so far for all particpating.

My Sew Indie Month Jasper Bunnyhug!

So glad it's Friday and I've got a chance to show you my new Jasper Bunnyhug, a pattern by Paprika Patterns which I received as part of the Sew Indie Month pattern bundle #2. I shared some info about this bundle in my last post but wanted to share it again -- from now until Sept 10, you can buy up to 10 patterns for a very good price indeed. More on that later!

I should begin by explaining my terminology, as most of my readers probably won't know what I am talking about when I say how thrilled I am with my new bunnyhug ;) Where I grew up, a sweatshirt with a hood and a pouch pocket was called a bunnyhug. Why, I don't know. It just was. And so that's what this still is to me -- I really can't make myself use 'hoodie' without feeling like something is just not right... :)
 
I've never worked with sweatshirt fabric before, but I had this lovely blue stuff in my stash, from a sale last fall. So using that and some knit scraps from an earlier project, I made up this Jasper.

I love how smooth the seams are with this fabric

The pattern was really clear, with additional help via tutorials on Paprika Patterns' blog. I was really glad for the extra photos when putting the welt pocket in -- somehow I just couldn't get it, and had to read through and examine the detailed instructions a few times! I did eventually get it finished, and it is mostly straight, haha. I used bits of the coloured knit for the welts, the covered buttons and to line the hood. 

Lining the hood was my own adaptation. I just thought it would add a little more colour in to this top, and wouldn't stick to my hair as much if I had the hood up. It was also a very handy way to finish the neckline and hood seams; I trimmed the sweatshirt fabric closely, and folded the edge of the stretchier knit over what was left, and then hand-stitched it down all around. It didn't take long and it looks very clean and tidy. And I love the hit of colour. 

I also made my own covered buttons using the same knit. I'd read a tip somewhere that adding some batting under the top of the button made the buttons cover more smoothly -- well, I didn't have batting but I did have lots of sweatshirt scraps, so I cut a circle the size of the button for each. I think they look pretty nice.

I knew those covered button kits from the thrift store would come in handy!

Otherwise this was a pretty straightforward make. The design is really good, making this into a flattering sweatshirt, something you can't say everyday! The princess seams are great, the bands finishing the sleeves and bottom are such a nice and easy way to finish it, and the hood is so big and droopy, it's just lovely. I was able to make this up over the last couple of evenings, although this post was delayed by my needing to finish the hand-stitching before I took photos... 

clean-edged seams!

This is a super project; it has many size options and other than shortening the body and sleeves I didn't make any other changes. Everything matched up and did what it was supposed to! Always nice. It will be a perfect addition to my fall wardrobe -- I lack warm and casual me-made items, so this is wonderful. 

Hope you enjoyed this little tour of my Jasper Bunnyhug, and don't forget to check out all the pattern bundle options as well as all the contests, blog posts and activity over at SewIndependent.com

The Kinga Skirt by Kate & Rose and the April 1962 Coat by SomaPatterns are brand new patterns that are being released with the bundle. During the sale you can only buy them as part of the bundle.

Not only is the bundle a great way to affordably try out some new patterns, it also helps a great cause. 20% of bundle proceeds will be donated to Womenfor Women, which helps women dealing with violence, marginalization, and poverty due to war and conflict.

This year the Sewing Indie Month HQ will be SewIndependent, which Mari from Seamster Sewing Patterns took over from Donna, who decided to step back from the site. You can buy the bundle and keep up to date with the latest SIM news on SewIndependent.com. Sewing Indie Month (SIM) is a month-long celebration of indie sewing patterns where designers collaborate to bring you fun blog posts and informative tutorials. This year SIM is taking place in September. It's accompanied by a sewalong contest with fantastic prizes. Since the patterns in the SIM Bundle 2 are mostly knits, this sale gives you time to make quick projects for the contest while supporting small women-owned businesses and raising money for charity.

Here are all the patternmakers who are participating in this bundle:

• Pinot Pants by Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick
  
• Fit and Flare Skirt by Maison Fleur
  
• Bess Top by Imagine Gnats
  
• VNA Top by Fehr Trade
  
• Nettie Bodysuit and Dress by Closet Case Files
  
• Walkley Vest & Dress by MIY Collection
  
• Jasper Hoodie by Paprika Patterns
  
• Nautilus Swimsuit by Seamstress Erin
  
• the new Kinga Skirt by Kate & Rose
  
• the new April 1962 Coat by SomaPatterns
  

And if you want to wander over to these other bloggers, they'll also be sharing their makes from Bundle 2 while the sale is on – always great for some more inspiration!

• Casa Crafty
  
• Cation Designs
  
• Girls in the Garden
  
• Grey's Fabric
  
• Groovy Baby and Mama
  
• Handmade by Carolyn
  
• House of Pinheiro
  
• How Good is That?
  
• Lucky Lucille
• Scruffy Badger Time
  
• Thread Theory
  
• Three Dresses Project
  
• Workroom Social
  

September = Sew Indie Month!

I'm so very excited to be part of Sewing Indie Month this year. I had a ton of fun last year and discovered many new designers. 

I'll be posting my first Bundle 2 make on Friday, and can't wait to share it. But until then...details on how you too can join the fun!

For the next 10 days (through September 10th), the second (of two) Sewing Indie Month pattern bundles is available. 

What's included? Massive chances to make something new! Check out the:

Pinot Pants by Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick
 Fit and Flare Skirt by Maison Fleur
Bess Top by Imagine Gnats
VNA Top by Fehr Trade
 Nettie Bodysuit and Dress by Closet Case Files
 Walkley Vest & Dress by MIY Collection
Jasper Hoodie by Paprika Patterns
Nautilus Swimsuit by Seamstress Erin Designs
The new Kinga Skirt by Kate & Rose
The new April 1962 Coat by SomaPatterns

It’s pay what you will -- at varied bundle levels -- for an wide-ranging assortment of 10 different Indie patterns! Here's how it works:

Not only do you get some cool new patterns, 20% of bundle proceeds will be donated to Women for Women, which helps women dealing with violence, marginalization, and poverty due to war and conflict. 

Sew Indie Month runs from Sept 1 - Oct 4, and is full of sewalongs, inspiration, and fun. Be sure to check out the Sewing Indie website, for more information on rules and the details on the 3 sewalongs! 

And don't forget that all the patterns from the first bundle -- and all patterns by the 21 participating Indie designers -- can be sewn up as part of the sewalong celebration this month. Go on, try something new...you know you want to :)

Me Made May 2019: It's a wrap

Well, it's the end of another Me Made May! Did you play along? If so, did you enjoy it?

I was focusing on looking at what I have in my closet and what I reach for most, and also trying to either mend or donate things I haven't been wearing. How did I do this month?

I did find that I reach for comfortable dresses most often. And that I don't have too many separates, especially since I don't make pants -- I actually do have one pair of SBCC Pinot Pants but they are only indoor, around-the-house stretchy pants, so I haven't made any that I wear in public yet ;)

I made two new dresses this month, one knit and one woven, both with a loose fit. The rayon Butterick 4948 (pattern from 1997) is going to be a definite favourite in future.

And the New Look 6542 (also a 90s pattern) is comfortable for cooler days, and will be worn again once I trim it up a bit -- stretchy rayon knit means it has grown on me! 

The dress above also met my goal of trying to get some UFOs finished up -- along with another quick vintage top that I finished at the beginning of the month, a Stretch & Sew 345.

I just have two UFOs left now, a stretch velvet top that I cut in January and have currently lost interest in finishing as it's not a summer piece, and a Butterick summer dress that I cut in a lovely crinkle rayon ages ago and must finish up soon!

And because I realized that I don't have a lot of summer tops that wear often -- besides my various Kwik Sew 3559s & a couple of Sorbettos -- I spent a day this week tracing off just some of the many pretty top patterns I have in my stash but haven't got around to making yet.

What's up for June? More stash sewing, some wardrobe maintenance (still one big mending/altering project I haven't finished in May), and matching up some of my fabrics with those newly traced patterns. And tracing off a couple of dress patterns as well! I'm going to try to make a few more everyday dresses since that's what I've been reaching for regularly this month.

I hope you've had fun with your Me Made May and learned a lot about your habits as well.