elizabeth_mn: (seaside)
elizabeth_mn ([personal profile] elizabeth_mn) wrote2015-01-03 03:10 pm
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Selfish Modern Sewing: Fun with Knits

I fell so in love with this fabric at work, I drooled over it for weeks before finally succumbing. It's an organic cotton knit from Birch Fabrics' adorable Acorn Trail collection. I knew exactly what I wanted it to become.

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I used Colette Moneta again, but instead of lining the sleeveless bodice (I assume she suggests this to simplify finishing) I just turned the armhole seam allowance under once and topstitched it with a multiple zigzag. For the neckline I used a strip of self-fabric binding (neckline measure -30%) instead of a hem; I find it's smoother and gives better recovery after being stretched. And finally I altered the neckline; lowered in front, raised in back.

I love they way this turned out. I intend to layer it like this (and probably a cardigan on top) for the cold weather but I can also wear it alone when it gets warmer. The fabric is somewhat thick but it's all cotton.



I also made this T-shirt.

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I like it, but I am not quite thrilled about it. I am wearing it layered here because the rayon jersey is very thin and my house is chilly, ifyougetmydrift. The print I used for the sleeves was another fabric I loved, but I thought it was too busy to make a whole garment out of.

I used New Look 6230, and cut the sz 12, which should have given me 2" of negative ease (hahahaha!). I ended up taking in the sleeves and sides about 2", and the neckline is just a bit big for me. Next time I will try the 8.

The one thing I really do like is how slick the V-neck binding came out. It was tricky but the directions were great. I used a combination of conventional machine sewing and serging for that bit; there's just no way you could turn that sharp corner if you sewed it all on a serger.

For both I used a 4-thread stitch on my serger for the seams and sewed the hems with a 3-step zigzag on my conventional machine.

[identity profile] starlightmasque.livejournal.com 2015-01-03 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
Darling fabric! Perfect for that dress!

[identity profile] the-aristocat.livejournal.com 2015-01-04 06:05 pm (UTC)(link)
I love that dress! I'm glad you gave in and got the fabric.

[identity profile] padawansguide.livejournal.com 2015-01-05 10:10 pm (UTC)(link)
They look great!

[identity profile] girliegirl32786.livejournal.com 2015-01-06 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
I love your new dress! Its the perfect use of that adorable fabric!