Happy New Year!

4 Comments January 10, 2018 apinchofsewing

First of all, I hope it is not too late to wish you a wonderful new year!

Although, I am really looking forward to share with you what I’ve been doing this year, I still have a few makes from last year that I would like to share first.

So, this is not the first make of the year, but it’s what I used in the first day of the new year. 😉 I always like to wear something new during the first day of the year and cardigans always get much use on an everyday basis, so I opted for a cardigan in a different colour than my usual navy blue.

I used a McCall’s Pattern, the M6996, bought some time ago at a sale and I must say it took me quite some time to use it. I like paper patterns very much and prefer them to PDF most times, but for some reason I don’t use patterns from the Big Four that often and I believe that was what put me aside from making it before.

The pattern offers two neckline and back options, different lengths and an optional belt. I made option A, which has a simple hemmed neckline in the shortest option.

Another difference in this pattern options, is the back, that for options A and B has a ruffle, while in versions C and D is straight. The back in this option is one of my favourite features. I really like how it lays.

The fabric I used is a structured knit from Nosh and despite the fact that it makes my hips look even larger I really like how it worked. Maybe a lighter fabric would have a better drape, nevertheless I would do it again using the same fabric.

The only thing I will probably change next time are the sleeves, as they are a bit long on me. Other than that, I like a lot. 😊

Hope you’ve had a good start of the year!

New Tees for the girls

2 Comments November 29, 2017 apinchofsewing

My girls were in need of some tees, as they have outgrown most of the ones they have, so I decided to make them a couple each, but this time adding a little personal touch. These tees were made over a month ago, but they haven’t made their way to the blog until now!

You might know that I have opened an Etsy shop recently, with girls’ clothes, and wanted to include some tees that I believe are age appropriate. Two of these tees were actually made as samples for the shop. If you would like to have a look at the shop, you’re very welcome. 😊

For all the tees, I used Hey June patterns in size 8. I made two City Park Tees and added a ruffle at the shoulder for an extra girly look.

I used a Nosh jersey as the main fabric, ribbing also from Nosh and for the ruffle I used mustard Capel Liberty Tana Lawn. I love the colour contrast and they will look great paired with dungarees.

The second City Park Tee was made using an Art Gallery jersey that I had for some time now and organic cotton ribbing from Maud’s Fabric Finds. This time also included a ruffle, but instead used broderie anglaise. I like how delicate and feminine it looks.

I made two more tees, but this time using the Morrison Tee, again in size 8. Since ruffles continue to be trendy I, once again added ruffles. I really like how it looks!

The fabrics used are the same as the City Park, but used Liberty Wiltshire instead.

The broderie anglaise used for this tee is also slightly different, as it is wider and the fabric is lighter.

These might be just tees, but I like how girly they look. 😊

Itch To Stitch Blog Tour 2017

8 Comments November 16, 2017 apinchofsewing

One of the best things that came with having this blog was being able to connect with so many persons from around the world and being part of this amazing community. The sewing community have showed already how they can make great things and this time was no different.

When Kennis, the designer behind Itch to Stitch, shared that she had her home burglarized and all her equipment that allowed her to work was gone, the sewing community rapidly got together to help her. Many bloggers, fabric shops and designers got together to show how much we like Kennis’ patterns and work.

I’ve tried a couple of Kennis patterns in the past and really liked them. By the way, I need to make another Lisbon Cardigan! But this time I wanted to try the new patterns, so I decided to make the Brasov Wrap Top.

I really like the way a wrap top looks, so feminine and flattering. Also, I think it suits well my body type and I feel great while I’m wearing it (that’s the most important part, don’t you agree?).

The Brasov is available from size 00 to 20 and according to my measurements, I made a size 00 grade to size 0 at the hip and the fit is perfect. The only thing I changed was taking 3cm to the sleeve length, but I am not tall and that modification is something I do frequently.

The construction is quite interesting, a bit like assembling a puzzle, but with good instructions, so it was in fact easy. Just took a little longer than a usual t-shirt due to the side and shoulder pleats, but so worth it the extra time to make it. The pleats look so neat and makes the fit perfect.

The fabric is a wonderful jersey from Nosh and I believe it works wonderfully. Style and comfort in one piece of garment is just what I want.

This pattern is classified as Intermediate, but I wouldn’t say it’s difficult. It does have some construction steps that are a little time consumer and you need to pay attention to which side of the fabric you are cutting because the front right and left aren’t symmetrical. But the instructions are very clear and I didn’t have any issue.

I also wanted to make the Hvar but unfortunately, I did not have the time because I wanted to make a muslin first. It is in my plans though and the fabric is ready.

Don’t forget to check what other bloggers have made 😊

Monday: Sew Sophie Lynn, Merritts Makes, Sewing with Sarah, Sewing with D

Tuesday: Shalini’s Blog, Auschicksews, Rebel and Malice, Sewing Vortex

Wednesday: Replicate Then Deviate, mahlicadesigns, Sewing with D, The Petite Sewist, kreamino

Thursday: Sewing Curves, Creative Counselor, Sew Mariefleur, Fairies, Bubbles & Co, Sewing by Ti

Friday: Harper+Lu, MeMade, On Wednesdays We Sew, Heather Handmade, Bellevi, and visit by mooglii on IG

The ITS Love Tour sponsors have been so generous in support of Kennis of Itch to Stitch that we’ve been able to put together several prize packages to share with you.

First, you may enter our giveaway to win one of three prize packs:

Prize Pack #1 includes:

5 Itch to Stitch patterns

$25GC to Simply By Ti

$50 Raspberry Creek Gift Card

$50 Bella Sunshine gift card

Prize Pack #2 includes:

$50 Knit Pop GC

$25 Designer Stitch GC

$25 Chalk and Notch GC

3 patterns of choice from Coffee And Thread

Prize Pack #3 Includes:

$15 Thread & Grain store credit

$25 Maker Mountain Fabrics GC

3 patterns from Halla Patterns

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Your second way to win is to share with us your recent Itch to Stitch creations (made between October and November 2017). Add your creations to our Link Up Party before Nov. 20th for a chance to win one of two prize packs.

LinkUp Prize Pack #1 includes:

5 Itch to Stitch patterns

A $40 value PFRE Sly Fox Fabrics.

$25 Maker Mountain Fabrics GC

$50 Love Notions GC

LinkUp Prize Pack #2 includes:

$25 Stylish Fabric GC & sewing box kit

$25 Chalk and Notch GC

5 patterns from Rad Patterns

Pattern of choice from DG Patterns

Giveaway and Linkup prize winners will be announced on or about November 21st.

Sara’s Baby Shower

3 Comments October 12, 2016 apinchofsewing

When I first started sewing, my girls were already 5 years old so, the opportunity to sew for babies doesn’t happen often and when it does I grab it!

Most likely you already know Sara from Made by Sara (I’ve mentioned her here before!) just had her 4^th child, a lovely baby boy and we are here to celebrate it!

In fact, sewing for boys was a first for me! I confess it was not easy for me to choose a project as don’t have many baby patterns and even less for boys, but I enjoyed it and in the end choose something for when the baby gets a little bigger and because by then he will be moving a lot, also something comfortable but I believe, quite cute as well. 🙂

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I made a long sleeve tee and sweatpants so that he can be comfortable while starting to explore all around him! The tee is the Safari Raglan by Titchy Threads in size 6 months. I have made this tee for my girls before and I knew it would be perfect! The fabric I used is a super soft jersey from Nosh that I really like and believe it is perfect for babies.

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For the bottom I wasn’t sure what I was going to make but then I remembered the Ottobre magazines I have and had a look. These sweatpants are from issue 6/2016, pattern number 2 in size 74cm.

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The recommended fabric for the trousers is sweatshirt knit but instead I used a denim look jersey also from Nosh, that is very comfortable but stylish and worked really well.

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The constructions is really quick but with a method for the waistband different from what I am used. My first thought was, I will do it as I usually do, but then I decided to try this method and I am happy I did. I made a small change anyway but love how perfect it looks also on the inside.

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