It's the Sleeves for Me

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Sleeve Replacement!

My client asked me if I could "patch" the sleeves on his leather jacket. I told him I'd take a look at it.

When I saw it, I told him 2 things:

1. It was not leather - it was faux leather (really vinyl)

2. The sleeves needed to be replaced entirely!

He gave me creative license - and I was able to find this cool faux leather. I liked it so much that I bought enough for another project for myself!

I removed the sleeves by accessing the interior through this opening. The jacket is a size small - so even though the other sleeve lining did not have this same access, I created one with my seam ripper to make the process easier.

After removing the sleeves, I carefully traced around them onto the fabric. I'd considered

making a paper pattern, then realized I wouldn't need or use it again.

So on with the tracing I went!

The sleeve is a 2 piece curved sleeve. The curve had been edge stitched, but I decided to top-stitch it. I'm so glad that I did, because the results added a great looking detail!

I used my roller presser foot, a 80/12 Schmetz needle and a 2.8 stitch length. Because the fabric is a lightweight faux leather, there was no need to use a leather needle.

After sewing the sleeves together, I added them to the jacket. Using the clips was great - pins would have left holes in the faux leather. 

Remember, I was working through those lining opening, so I had to do a bit of twists and turns to attach them.

I then pulled the sleeves through the opening and sewed the cuff and lining together...more twists and turns. Then I pressed them with a presscloth and my clapper.

After the jacket was complete...and after triple checking my work, I closed the lining openings with edge stitching.

I dropped the jacket off and loved seeing the smile on my customer's face.

He noticed the topstitching first!

He owns a hair salon and showed the jacket off to his wife and a few of his clients!

 There was some serious ohhhing and ahhhing going on!

Happy customers make me happy!

What kind of alterations or repairs have you done? Let me know in the comments!

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Final Makes of 2018 - One Top 3 Ways

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 Final 2018 Makes

I've had a ton of fun building up my wardrobe - with and without the challenges I participated in - as well as the garments that gave me pause - like my Pink Challenge Top did! LOL!  

Click here to check it out!

About These Tops!

All 3 of these tops were made using Simplicity 8529 with a few minor changes.  It is now one of my TNT (tried and true) patterns.  I love the slightly over-sized fit, the dropped shoulder as well as the over-sized push-up sleeves with cuffs.

I tend to only wear t-shirts around the house.  But because I have to go out sometimes, adding these pieces to my wardrobe is perfect!  I'll definitely be making a few more!

This 1st top is a 100% Cotton Ribbed Knit.  I purchased it for a different project, then held onto it for about a year.  When I saw this pattern, I immediately thought about this fabric! Because cotton ribbed knits usually shrink like crazy, I pre-washed it first.  Surprisingly, it did not shrink!  But it turned from off-white to this beautiful buttery yellow!  I love the color!

I made view B using my serger for the construction and my sewing machine for the finishes.

I hacked it by lengthening it, dropping the front neckline, making the finish of the side slits pretty narrow, and making the bottom hem 1 inch wide.  This is so comfy that it definitely qualifies for secret pajamas! 😎

Making this top with Red Stretch Velvet was SEW fun!

I chose view C, but after trying it on after the sleeves were in, I was not happy with that neckline!  It just did not look good on me!

I usually give designs a day or so before I alter them, but this was just not working!  So rather than fretting over it for days, I just started cutting away at the neckline until I got exactly the look I wanted.

This fabric was gifted to me last year, so I'm sew happy that I changed it, rather than relegating it to the back of the closet!

Please know that you can press velvet and stretch velvet.  My iron was set on cotton with steam (always test first).  I used a silk organza press cloth. I pressed - vs. ironing the fabric.  I pressed it lightly with a shot of steam!  In the areas I need crisp seams (like the splits and the hems, I used my clapper.

I used  Knit Stay Tape on the hem and side slits to stabilize them, which also gave them enough body to hang properly.

This clapper is Angela Wolfs new mini clapper!  I love using it for large and small areas!
You can purchase her clappers as well as anything else on her website for 15% off!  Just use the code CARRIE15 at check-out.  Make sure you use CAPS!  Click HERE to purchase!





My other hack was obviously the sleeves.  I cut the sleeves shorter and made the flounce by making a circle template with Medical pattern paper. I measured the circumference of the sleeve and determined how long I wanted the flounce.  Both circles were made with my 10 inch Clover 5 in 1 ruler.  I love this longer length ruler!

I did NOT cut the flounce open, I simply placed the sleeve in it - right sides together and stitched a 5/8 seam allowance with my serger.

To finish the sleeve hem, after serging I turned under a 5/8" hem and top-stitched it with a 3.2 stitch length.

I had sew much fun using stretch velvet that I had to use View B with this Blush Stretch Velvet which was left over from another project!  Scrap busting at it's best!! 😃  This was also constructed on my serger.

Believe it or not - I did not hack this one at all!  I love the sheen on it!

And yes!  I pressed it and used my clapper on it!  Yaaay!

Just like the red stretch velvet, I did not have any unwanted or strange looking impressions on this beautiful fabric!

I also used  Knit Stay Tape on the hem and side slits to stabilize them, which also gave them enough body to hang properly.

All of these tops can be dressed up or down! Jeans, skirts, heals, boots, booties, even over maxi dresses - just make 1 or 2 and go for it!

Now on to 2019 sewing!  What are your sewing/crafting plans for the New Year?

My sincere thanks to all of my followers, clients, subscribers, supporters, family and friends!  I wish each of you the very best in 2019 and beyond!!

Happy Endless Sewing!

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Summer UFO

Summer UFO

I found this year-old self-drafted UFO in my sewing room as I was moving to the larger space (I think I can call it a studio now). 😊 Because it was from a year ago, I needed to alter the side seams - then I only needed to attach the sleeves and finish the hems. It was a quick project and I was able to wear it the next day!

The fabric is a semi-sheer polyester with a bit of spandex in it. I don't remember where I purchased it, but it may have been part of my Hancock's Fabric stash (who has since gone out of business).

This top is perfect for these last days of summer!

The hems (neckline, bottom and sleeves) were finished with a narrow hem. I really wanted to finish the neckline with fold-over elastic, but out of all the colors I have, I don't have white or this tealish color! Sigh!

Moving on...

To make the narrow hem: 

I serged the edges first with a 4 thread set up.

Then I folded the edge along the serged stitches and ironed the seam - the serged edge rolls over beautifully and eliminates measuring. We all love that, don't we? 😊  By the way, I love using my clapper to hold those folds in place.

I then folded the edge once again - and of course pressed again - and used my clapper.

The last step was to top stitch. You want to top stitch from the "top" of the garment (right side). I can do so by feeling for the edge to start, then using the guides on my face plate to keep it straight as I sew.

If you need to, you can mark your stitch line - just make sure your marking tool of choice is removable, I like Flexion pens,but recently tried and like this pen by Maderia, which I purchased here: 
http://www.sewingpartsonline.com/magic-pen-madeira.aspx

And Tada! I was done with my UFO!  Who doesn't like quick, easy projects! ❤

I hope this helps you to understand one of the many ways your garments can be finished - and that you are inspired to finish those UFOs.

Happy Endless Sewing!

Don't forget that September is National Sewing Month! I'd love to hear about your sewing adventures!


     I welcome your comments and questions and invite you to visit often for sewing tips and tricks!

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