Butterick 5044

I'm finally getting around to showing you my version of Butterick 5044.



It's hard to see much about the pocket detail with the darker blue fabric. When I figured out that this was a "one seam" pant, I used my Louise Cutting version with the fit done already. HOWEVER, I should have put more ease into the pattern and will the next time I make this version. The Butterick pattern illustration is a bit more "blousy" than this version.

I used the pocket pattern from the B-pattern. The instructions were to cut four pieces and use two pieces for each pocket--sew right sides together leaving a space to turn, press and topstitch onto the pants. While my blue fabric was not real thick, I did think 2 layers for the pocket would be a bit stiff, so I used a rayon lining.

The second problem with not having more ease is that with the two layers of fabric in the pocket sewn on to the hip area--this further limits the "stretch/give" factor of the fabric and is tighter than I like when I sit. If I remove the pockets, I think the fabric will "give" more. I haven't decided yet. I have worn them, and I really like them while "standing." :)

My glitch that I mentioned in my earlier post is that I didn't measure correctly for the buttonholes that are sewn at the leg hems. I sewed them (and, yes, cut them open) and they were placed more toward the back of the pant than the side. Sooo, I simply zig-zagged the buttonholes closed and made new ones at the correct spot. I don't think the sewn closed buttonholes are that noticeable when the drawstring (aka, strip of selvedge with knots tied at each end) is pulled and tied.

Oh well, lessons learned and for now the pants are wearable. I plan to make another pair with the changes I've noted here.

The Duncanville Trip

First of all, thank you for the kind comments on my Sweetheart Cowl. I think I'm really going to enjoy and plan to make another with 3/4 sleeve for the fall.

I mentioned earlier that my ASG Neighborhood Group went to Pursley's in Duncanville, Texas. We generally make this shopping trip once/year as a group. It's about a 45-60 minute drive from our small town. I sometimes make the trip alone or with my bestest sewing buddy in between our yearly excursion.

Here's what I found for my one seam (Butterick knockoff (see earlier post) using my Louise Cutting pattern) capris. By the way, they are almost complete. I did hit one snag, but I'll explain when I show you photos when they are done.



The color (which isn't showing well on the monitor) is almost a denim blue. I bought all that was left - about 3+ yards. It is very wide so I have plenty of fabric for something else later on. I think this was $3.98/yd.

I also picked up some tulle type soft knits that I thought would work with some of the Marcy Tilton tee patterns. The first two: black tool with a small dot; the other is a lace with black, blues, and purples (sorry you can't see the colors here). The last one is a fuzzy stripe - black. I've washed/dried them all and they did great.




And lastly, I picked up these "jewels" that can be used on necklines. Three of them were priced at 3.98 each; and one was $4.98. Good price for sure! DGD will likely be the recipient of one or two of these on T-shirts. We'll see, but I just couldn't pass them up. Sorry the pics are blurry.




As a P.S., the horse pasture was baled this week:

Sweetheart Cowl - Part 2

I really like how this turned out! What do you think? Being my "picky self" the gathers could be distributed better, but............I used the pattern as I had drawn it (the pieces you saw in my last post). No hems yet as I need to wind a couple of bobbins with the correct thread match to use on the coverstitch machine.





I was able to find the purple rayon/lycra quickly, and I had some time this afternoon (after my knitting session) to spend in my (messy) sewing room. I must get rid of that clutter.............that you see in the photo behind Ms. Saphroni.

I'm glad I tried this!

Next up will be the one-seam capris from the fabric I picked up last week at Pursley's.

Sweetheart Cowl - Part 1

So, I'm perusing Pattern Review when I come upon this review by LynnRowe. I immediately fell.in.love with this top. I headed Ebay to search for the magazine when I knew there was NO CHANCE that I would find one.

I mulled the situtation over and decided I would attempt to knock off the top by making my own version of the pattern. Thankfully, LynnRowe had shown photos of the pattern pieces and instructions as to how she had sewn the top. VERY HELPFUL! THANKYOU!

I pulled a simple T-pattern I had used before--simple T with a round neck. I traced it off so I could play with it. Then I sat down with 1" graph paper and attempted to trace off the pattern pieces from the photo shown in the review.



This was my try #2 as I got the larger top piece too large the first time and I had to regroup. Once it seemed to be correct, I then added seam allowances and traced final pattern pieces.

I then layed the smaller piece on top of the T-front pattern piece. This is the pattern of the t-front (pretend that it is still once solid piece and that I haven't cut on it yet).





I just kinda eyeballed it when placing it. I then started marking cutting lines and seam lines on the top front. Here is the new front pattern piece.



Then it was time to try it! I found some not so good knit in the stash that had been saved to use as "muslins." It is very thin and doesn't drape well as it tends to stick to itself, but it would give me a general idea if my crazy pattern copying stunt would work.

Sha-Zaamm; I think it may work! Here's the front without the back sewn to it yet.



What do you think? Now to shop the stash for some solid color rayon lycra. I think there is some purple that will work.

But, in the meantime.............these wild musacadine grapes will become jelly this week. They are being cooked down for straining as I type.



P.S. I have't forgotten the one seam capris (see last post); I just got side tracked. I did find some great fabric and Pursley's. I'll share that with you in a later post.

I got a surprise

I've had this Butterick pants pattern in the stash for a while. I think it was the pockets that caught my eye in the first place. I'm sure I got it on one of the .99 cent sales.

I have a pair of army green capris that came from Sam's Warehouse probably at least 10 years ago very similar to this pattern. They are so comfy and my 'go to' in a hurry pants for a quick trip to the grocery for that "last item" I need for a certain recipe. Well, I noticed a week or so ago, there was a small hole in them. Looking back, it likely came from a puppy tooth grabbing at me (and my youngest puppy is 3.5 years old now). I guess with the washing, it frayed more and more and I finally noticed it--go figure!

So, I decided to pull out this pattern again for a "replacement pair of my army greens." My surprise-----it's a one seam pattern! I already have my Louise Cutting one seams fitted. Why I hadn't noticed this before in all the times I've pulled it from the stash, I'll never understand.

Anyhow, I'll just use my LC pattern and use the pocket pattern from the butterick. Now to find just the right fabric in the stash. Surely, I'll have some............if not---the sewing group is going to Pursely's in Duncanville day after tomorrow.