Let's Make a Mashup!

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Mash up! What is it?

Many of you know that I love hacking patterns...even my own!
But a "mashup" is the process of combining patterns to create one look.  

This is something I do quite often as well as hacking! 

And yes, yet again...I'm entering it into an Instagram challenge. This #sewcialmashup challenge is being hosted by @insidethehem and @girlsinthegarden.  

I have not joined as many challenges as I did last year.  I'm determined to make garments that I will actually wear and use fabrics that I love.  It's working, so far!  😍

For this look, I chose Butterick pattern 6455 (view A) and the sleeves from McCalls pattern 7542 (view B).

This print chiffon was gifted to me and the solid black chiffon was taken from my stash.  As soon as I saw the black and white print, I knew it would be a top!

After constructing the sleeves, I wasn't too sure about them, but I continued!

 I finished the sleeve by doing a serged roll hem.

I hemmed the bottom with a folded top-stitched hem.  Then tried it on.  The sleeves were a fail!  

They just kinda just hung there.

  I'd made the top before, but had never made this sleeve!

I was not happy!  

The very next day it dawned on me that adding horsehair braid would be the solution!  

But, I let it sit for a few more days while I thought about it. 

Should I use 1/2" or 1" braid?  

Hmmmm!  

I finally decided on using 1/2" horsehair braid.  I sewed it to the right side with a 1/8" seam allowance then turned it to the wrong side and stitched the sleeve hem! 

 I am sew, sew happy with the results!

Look at that curl!  Oh yes! It was no longer floppy!

Sew Much Drama!!!!

Happy Endless Sewing!

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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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Make Nine 2018 Challenge - I did it!

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The addiction continues! Another challenge completed!  
No surprise, right! 😄

The great thing about this challenge is that we were able to pre-select which pieces we'd make...and change our minds along the way! So I was able to make garments that I'd actually wear! 

This made it even more fun than some of the other challenges I've participated in! 

I will be scaling back on the number of challenges that I participate in for 2019.  This one will remain on my list. Although most are meant to help improve our sewing and tailoring skills, some are just not practical garments for my body type or lifestyle. 

 The pics are not posted in

any particular sewing or completion order!  

I hope you enjoying reading about them!

                                                                      Butterick 6248

This beautiful print was made late one night.  I'd purchased this ITY knit from Vogue Fabrics in 2017.  I enjoyed the challenge of matching the print.  And that godet in the back is just fun!  

My only hacks were to lengthen the front and to make the sleeves 3/4 length.

Simplicity 8377

This acid wash rayon mix fabric drove me a little bit crazy!  I spotted it in Joann's but was never able to find enough to make the duster I knew it was meant for!  When I finally spotted a bolt with enough fabric for a duster, I bought what was left on the bolt! Although is it not denim, it was sold with the denim fabrics, so I bought it when the denim fabric was on sale!  

I hacked it by altering the sleeves and added black bias binding!  Can't wait till spring or summer when I can wear it again!

McCalls 7542

This was made due to a bit of jealously!  LOL!

I'd made so many pieces for other people with this Kente print fabric that I decided it was time to use it to make something for myself! 

The fabric was purchased from LLD720 African Fabrics

Simplicity 1108

Sew, sew fun to make and wear!  This border print had been in my stash for several years.
I really enjoyed working on the placement of the print! 

The semi-circular band posed somewhat of a problem for my brain, but I just slowed down and carefully followed the instructions and paid attention to how it was attached in the photos.  

Although I wasn't sure how the print placement would work, I was more than thrilled with the final outcome!

McCall's 7622

This dress was made as part of a challenge!  I was inspired by a great sewist and blogger: Linda Fay Lewis.  I added cold  shoulders and changed the sleeves to bell sleeves.  I've since shortened it by a few inches - and I'm even happier with it!
The black and white sheer duster I am wearing with is a self-drafted pattern!  Check here to read my blog post about it!

Vogue 9275

This one took a while to complete! The fabric is a quilted knit with gold thread.  I purchased it from Joann's at the beginning of the year, but had no idea what I would make.  Then I found a 2 yard remnant at Vogue Fabrics. It's a brown knit with...you guessed it - gold thread!  Then, boom!  The idea hit me!  A Long Bomber Jacket - with a gold satin lining from from my stash!  My only hack was to use a shorter zipper than the pattern suggested.  It took longer than usual because my sewing machine had to be repaired and I was just not willing to trust my back up machines to complete the top-stitching...knit and satin...oh my!
Sew, I waited until my machine was repaired, but by then I was involved in other projects...one being my Online Sewing Classes!  There is always time to register for stand alone classes or my membership program!

Butterick 5954

Sew!
Sometimes I sew for trips I'm taking!  Ok...I sew for most trips I take!
  No idea why I that, but I do!
LOL!

I made this black top with stretch crepe to wear at the Houston International Quilt Fest in November where I had the honor and pleasure of working with Reen Wilcoxson of Embroidery Garden.
This fabric is a glorious fabric to work with and wear and it travels well!  It has great drape and great recovery.  I noticed that another sewist added buttons to prevent the front flap from flying open and revealing her "secrets".  So I opted to do the same thing.  I found the cute heart shaped buttons at Joann's.  I'm glad I added the buttons - it made it even more comfy to wear!

I love the hi/low effect! I can see wearing it with a pencil skirt!

Simplicity 8529

This was such a quick make that I've made 3 of them.

 I didn't hack this one, but I've hacked the other two!  

They will show up in a later blog post.

This fabric is a ribbed knit that I purchased last year for a totally different project.  When I decided to make this top, I knew I had to pre-wash the fabric, because 100% cotton ribbed knits usually shrink like crazy.  This one did not shrink, but it turned from off-white to this buttery yellow.

I love the "new" color!

Simplicity 1108

Yes!  I made it again!  This time I used a very sheer sweater knit that I've had in my stash for many years...mainly because I couldn't decide what to do with it!  I finally reminded my self that "it's just fabric"!

It was much too sheer to support the band that the pattern called for and it would not have supported any interfacing.  So I decided to try some fleece binding! It worked beautifully!  

I love how airy it is and that it can be dressed up or down with a dress or jeans or skinny jeans.

Simplicity 8553

The striped ribbed knit fabric was gifted to me...and I loved how it matched the solid ponte from my stash! I hacked the shape of sleeves a bit.  And yes, it has pockets! I have not yet worn it, but it will easily work with a dress, skirt or jeans!

Simplicity 8377

Again!  

I love how versatile this patterns is!  This is another "make to travel" piece.  And my new bias binding addiction is evident! But I sew loved how it turned out in this active-wear knit, that I could not bring myself to wear it on the plane!  It was just too nice to put it through the hassle of the airport or plane.  

Sew!  

It went to the Houston International Quilt Fest in my luggage!

  LOL! 

I'm happily wearing it on the last day fest in the bottom photo! 

 Simplicity 8377

  Last, but definitely not least!  

This is a peach skin fabric from my stash from the long gone Hancock's Fabric!  This print required print matching...I'm very happy with the outcome! And yes...more bias binding...this one was navy!  I chose to hack the sleeves to make them more of a kimono style.
 All those colors on top of the navy base makes this a fun piece to wear!

I've worn it at least 5 times since I made it...including on Grandparents' Day and to a meet up with my friend Sandy!

Are you planning to participate in any sewing/crafting challenges this year?
Let me know by commenting below!

Happy Endless Sewing!

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My Online Sewing Classes

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My Online Sewing Class Launch!

I and beyond excited to announce that my 1st Online Sewing Class launched

on 

Monday, September 24th!

I have wanted to teach online sewing classes for the past 2 1/2 years! But, I just could not figure out the logistics to get it done!

Well, little did I know that there was much more to it than just setting the camera at the right angles and editing! 

Enter Lynee Urban!
I was thrilled to learn that Lynee Urban from Story to Media is not only a Weight Loss and Fitness Coach, but that she is very multi-talented! She has a diverse background...among other areas of expertise, she is a bass guitarist, a photographer and and a video expert.

I partnered with her and the fun began!

She is also the behind the scenes tech guru for my class website!

Without the help of Lynee and her sister, these classes would not have been produced!

The response to my classes has been overwhelming and I am quite humbled and appreciative of all of the support from family, friends, sew sisters and followers!

I hope to bring great content with the lessons, tips and bonus videos continuously!

Click here to register for my Online Sewing Classes !

What's On Top?

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TOPS, TOPS and More TOPS!

Many of you may have seen my Facebook and/or Instagram post about this beautiful Kente print.  I had used it for so many other people and projects, that I think I became a bit envious and decided to make something for myself!  

It's 100% cotton Ankara fabric from LeeLou Designs 720 and was perfect for this peplum top.

I used McCall's 6896 as my base.  I chose this pattern because the bodice and peplum are all one piece.  I really don't like the look of peplums that are attached to the bottom of the bodice...that seam line just does not look good on me.

Of course I hacked it! There is just no fun in using patterns or in sewing if you don't hack something.  So this was the hack of the day! 😄

I wanted the look of view E, because I loved the slight open V front. Sorry, I did not get a great picture of that part.

I definitely had to do some print matching, which was fun, but oh so tedious!  I usually use as few pins as possible in my projects, but for print matching those tiny diagonal white lines, I needed pins.  I then used my walking foot to help keep them in place.  I've seen this print in RTW and it was not matched at all and looked horrible.  I was determined that my top would not look that!  LOL!

I didn't want just any sleeve, so I drafted a sort of butterfly sleeve. I wasn't sure I'd like it, but after much thought about other sleeve options, I committed to it.  In the end, not only did I like it, I loved it!  

Per the instructions I inserted a back zipper, but I chose to use an invisible zipper. I finished all the edges with black .25" purchased bias binding.

And...if you haven't guessed it already, this black top is the same pattern! I used a lightweight stable knit from my stash.  My hacks for this top was to eliminate the back seam and zipper, make the sleeves elbow length (my favorite sleeve length) and lower the front and back neckline about 1.5 inches.  The hems are narrow hems.

I paired it with a self drafted maxi skirt that I think I'm still working on. I'm just not sure I like it.
I purchased this ITY print last summer from Vogue Fabrics. 

I also paired it with black cropped pants.  Don't you just love versatile pieces in your wardrobe? 

Why are all my necklaces crooked in all of these pics?  LOL!

And for this final top...final for this post...there will never be a "final" top! Hahaha!

My sewing sisters are kinda on this Walmart hunt for fabric, as it seems that Walmart has upped it's fabric selection game...at least in the South.  Even though I'm not in the South, I was not to be outdone!  So I went to my local Walmart (which doesn't sell fabric) and kinda demanded that they find out which store nearest me sold fabric.  I was nice, but insistent!  LOL!

It turned out to be only about 15 minutes from the local store. So I went there and found this fabric, which was perfect because I'd been hankering for some camo fabric. This is a very lightweight knit...who knows what it really is...there was no "content" listed on the bolt.  

But not to be defeated, I prewashed it and treated it as an ITY knit and used one of my self drafted patterns.  I added stretch lace from my stash to the upper bodice and sleeves to make this "hard/soft" top.

Walmart fabric or not, I love this top and have worn it at least 5 times since I made it. It has held up quite well to machine washings.

Yes, I made my cork tote bag.  It is getting a lot of use as well. So much so, that I'm going to make it again with upholstery fabric!

In fact, I love all of these tops sew much that I'm going to make some variation of each of them again.

Don't be surprised if you see one in pink...I've committed to a PINK CHALLEGE.

And you know how much I like challenges!

And last, but definitely not least:
I am excited to announce that I will be starting my ONLINE SEWING CLASSES in the very near future...maybe a month or so from now. 

:-)Classes will be pre-recorded with a few FaceBook live tutorials. There will also be some content on You Tube. Of course my blog and tips will continue here.

I have a ton of ideas swirling around in my head, but I need your feedback regarding what types of sewing classes and/or techniques you are interested in.

Please comment below on your class ideas, needs and wants. If you are not comfortable with commenting below, please feel free to send me a PM.

Thanks for all of your support thus far! Can't wait to see your ideas! 

Godet Anyone?

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Godet: 

A triangular piece of material inserted in a dress, shirt, or glove to make it flared or for ornamentation.

Not only did I enjoy making this top, but I really enjoyed wearing it!  I wore this to a friend's 

surprise graduation party last weekend.  

I wish I could have worn higher heels, but age and aches prevents that more often than not! 😁

The pattern is Butterick 6248 and has a few variations to select from.

I've had this pattern for about a year or so.  I initially bought it to make view B with a super lightweight sweater knit, but still haven't decided what to do with that fabric. 

I ended up making view A because I've been stuck sewing in my dining room while roof repairs were being done.  I needed instant gratification! And I got it!  

I purchased this fun ITY print from Vogue Fabrics during an expo.  I have no idea which expo and as I went to several last year.  The pieces were sold in 2 yard pieces and I'm glad that I bought 2 pieces...4 yards.

                                                Can you believe I didn't hack it!  Hahahaha!

Check out that godet!

It extends from the back/waist to the hemline. For some reason, I always worry that I won't get the godet right, but in most cases I do.  Then I'm always surprised.  I have no idea why I worry!  They are so much fun once finished.😄

And of course, there was some print matching to do.  Although I'm not 100% happy with it (thanks to distractions during the layout), I think it turned out well overall.

I will definitely be wearing this top a lot and am already planning to make another one...maybe stripes or a floral with some sort of hack. 

What do you think?