SEWN : LOOSE FITTING PLEATED T - SHIRT

Pattern: Loose fitting pleated t-shirt by Salme 

Textiles Used:  Neon yellow rayon challis from Vogue Fabrics 

Sizing: I think I will go down one size next time.  Mostly for the shoulders.   

The Good: Great pattern.  Great for beginners.  I wore it once and received a lot of compliments on it.  I think that the pleating is modern while still being a simple easy to wear top with skinnies. 

The Bad: The only negative I can think of is that the instructions seemed to assume that you know a lot.  They might be a bit too sparse for the new sewist. 

Changes Made:  none 

Things I would change next time?  I would go down one size.  I think it would be fun to try color blocking on this pattern. 

Conclusion: I highly recommend this pattern.  Next time I think I will try it in a much more subtle fabric.  I love the comfort and easy of the top.

TUTORIAL : INFINITY SCARF

I am very aware that I am not the first blogger to do a tutorial on making an infinity scarf, but I was going to make one for myself anyways so I thought I would show you all my take on it.

Materials:

-2/3 yard of 60 inch wide knit fabric
-matching thread
-scissors
-measuring tape

*fabric suggestion : I recommend using thicker knits like sweater knits and ponte knits.  This will make a much more lush and expensive looking scarf.

Step 1 -

Square off all sides so that they are straight and even.  You may want to even cut off your selvages like I did if they are bit curvy.

Step 2 -

Fold fabric, right sides together, so that it makes a long skinny fold (hotdog ways).

Step 3 -

Sew the raw edges together at about 1/4 inch.  If you have a serger then serg it, if not do what I did and just use a long zigzag.  Back-stitch at both ends.

Step 4 -

Press seam open if you used a sewing machine and not a serger.  The seam should be in the middle of the scarf.

Step 5 -

Turn scarf right side out.  Match the seams up so that your tube now makes a circle.  Pin seams together right sides together.  Make sure that your scarf is not twisted at this point.

Step 6 -

Starting about one presserfoot distance away from the seam, backstitch and then continue to stitch around the edges keeping right sides together and your excess fabric from getting in your stitching.  It can take bit of maneuvering but your can do it.

Step 7 -

Eventually you will not be able to continue stitching without stitching over the body of your scarf.  At this point backstitch.  You will probably have about a 3-5 inch opening in your scarf.  Pull the body of your scarf through the opening until it is right side out.

Step 8 -

Fold one of the sides of the opening under so that it covers the hole and press.  Pin in place.

Step 9 -

Line up all seams and make sure the the seams are centered.  Edge-stitch the the folded side of the opening down through all layers (there will be a stitch line on both the inside and outside of the scarf, but it will be hidden by all of the layers of the scarf).  Back-stitch at both ends.

Step 10 -

Try it on!

CURRENTLY WORKING ON : JENNY SKIRT

I randomly came across this orange wool chevron fabric at Hancock's the other day and loved it.  I automatically thought of making a pencil skirt with it.  I have made the Jenny skirt many times in the past - it has become a tried and true for me.  And just to make it a little more fun I thought I would line it with a turquoise fabric. Hopefully I will be back with a finished pencil skirt before too long. Have any of you guys tried the Jenny Skirt Pattern?  If so what did you think?

CREATED : DIY BRAIDED BEAD NECKLACE BY ECAB

Pattern: DIY Braided Bead Necklace by ECAB  

Textiles Used: I used size 8 seed forest green frosted beads from Tom Thumb  

The Good: I love the necklace.  I wouldn't say it's easy to construct, but after awhile you get the hang of it.  I plan on making another one and I think it would go a lot better.  

The Bad:  It is pretty hard to get the braid to not unravel and look good.  Lots of trial and error - but well worth it.  

Changes Made: I used 8 seed instead of 6 seed (larger).  In the future I would use 6 seed.  I think it just looks better to have the larger beads and I think the braid design stands out better.  Because I was using smaller beads I made 3 strands in each grouping instead of 2 strands in each.  

Things I would change next time: I would use larger beads.  I want to make one where the necklace is shorter and thicker - less chain more braid.  

Conclusion: I love my necklace.  Excellent tutorial and cheap to produce - about $10 total.  I would highly recommend this to others.

ON THE TABLE : SALME CROPPED BLAZER

After having such a good experience with my first Salme pattern - the pleated top - I decided to try another one.  I went with the cropped blazer this time.  I went down a size after finding that to be true last time and I think I may have made a mistake.  The muslin is a bit tight.  I may make it in a jersey though, in which case I think it might be OK, we will see.  Another thing - I think I want to lengthen it a bit.  When she calls it cropped she certainly means cropped.  In fact it hits me quite a bit higher than the pattern picture shows.   Once hemmed it would stop closer to my belly button.  So I think I will lengthen it by about and inch or two. I will check in again once I make some progress.

SEWN : DARLING RANGES DRESS

Pattern: Darling Ranges Dress by Megan Nielsen   

Textiles Used: Black Rayon Challis from Hancock Fabrics  

Sizing: The sizing was true my measurements.    

The Good: I think that this is a really great pattern.  I love the idea of knowing who the person is that designed the pattern.  Independent pattern makers are so fun that way.  I love that there are no facings to deal with.  The way that the neckline and front closure come together is just really smooth.  It's a really cute and versatile pattern.  

The Bad: The bust doesn't hit me in the right place.  I think I may need to do an FBA next time.  Also the neckline keeps on flipping up.  Any suggestions on how to fix this next time?  I think this may be my fault though.  For some reason I can't get bias tape to lay flat on a neckline.  

Changes Made: I raised the neckline by an inch because I had seen that other's versions tended to be low and I really hate wearing a cami under dresses.  I also lengthened the waistline by an inch because I thought it might just hit me at an unflattering place.
 
Things I would change next time? I think I will do an FBA next time.  Also, I want to try it in a much more fun print.  I think it would be a good pattern to add a tie around the neck to as well.  

Conclusion: I highly recommend this pattern.  It is easy and I think good for beginners.  I can't wait to try another one of Megan's patterns.  It's an easy dress to wear with boots or heels.

NEW YEAR / NEW BLOG

It's 2012 and time for me to get serious.  I have wanted to start a new blog for awhile now.  My sister, Rian, and I had a sewing blog called Presserfoot for a few years and it was great.  Unfortunately our lives got busy, priorities changed, and our blog became neglected.  Some things I miss and some things I don't.  I hope that True Bias can be a place where I can be 100% me and share my style and the things that I love to create.  Mostly you will find things that are sewn and crafted, but I am also currently working on some patterns of my own and am really excited to share those with you as well.

So, welcome to my blog.  I am looking forward to this being a positive experience and an opportunity to share, but also learn and make friends.