The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Sewalongs and Competitions => Topic started by: Manuela on June 24, 2019, 07:53:42 AM

Title: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Manuela on June 24, 2019, 07:53:42 AM
Welcome to the Having the Blues contest. This contest is all about the creative use of blue fabric(s) - either one shade of blue or several combined. It is open to all categories, be it garments, patchwork, quilting, accessories - everything goes as long as It is blue.

As usual a few rules:

1. You shall sew a minimum of one piece - it can be anything, garment, accessories, soft furnishings, quilts, etc., as long as it is blue
2. If you want to make more than one entry, feel free to do so, but submit them in separate posts
3. Please clearly indicate what , if any, pattern you used and what, if any, changes you made
4. You don't need to use a commercial pattern, self drafted is fine
5. Sewing starts on July 1st, you can prepare & fit the pattern and cut before that date
6. Sewing finishes on July 31st please post pictures by August 7th
7. Please use the template below when you submit your entry post


(your name)'s Entry (indicate the number if you have more than one entry  ;))

What did you make and what material did you use?

Pattern used (commercial or self-drafted, anything goes)

A short description on how you made it/problems overcome/etc.

Pictures (ideally included in the text, but I can do that for you if needed)




Happy Sewing




(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/570aaeea1bbee05d7fcd5261/595ec6d3e110eb6b01e3ecd2/595ec736a5790a90ed2a0933/1499383611695/hand.gif?format=500w)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest
Post by: Efemera on June 24, 2019, 08:31:33 AM
I might do this.....
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest
Post by: Helen M on June 24, 2019, 09:12:36 AM
I might just have some fabric that I can use.......!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: zora on June 24, 2019, 19:52:11 PM
Does turquoise count as blue?
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Manuela on June 25, 2019, 07:01:30 AM
Does turquoise count as blue?
No, because it’s called turquoise  ;)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: snoozi soozi on June 25, 2019, 08:25:55 AM
No, because it’s called turquoise  ;)

Oooo, that counts me out of this one, thanks @zora for asking that vital question  :o
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: BrendaP on June 25, 2019, 11:51:15 AM
Names of colours are very subjective and 'turquoise' is one of the most variable.

Some of these (https://www.google.com/search?q=turquoise&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi8x5n7t4TjAhWagVwKHSTbAe4Q_AUIECgB&biw=858&bih=477) I (personally) would call blue although most I would call green.

Primary pigment blue is the cya (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shades_of_cyan)n which you find in 3-colour home printer inks.  Again some I would call blue, some green.

With artists paints you are often advised to have warm and cool versions of red, yellow and blue.  The cool blue is either cerulean (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerulean) or Phthalo blue  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalocyanine_Blue_BN).  Again some of those ook blue and some look green to me.  The settings on your monitor will also make a difference to what a colour looks like.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: wrenkins on June 25, 2019, 12:11:32 PM
Turquoise, duck egg all those things are changed by what they are beside. If I put my turquoise ring beside green it is blue as a blue thing. If I put it beside a more purpley blue then it looks green.
Photograph it on the grass and hope no-one notices @zora  ;)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Sewingforfun on June 25, 2019, 12:18:20 PM
Colour and the perception thereof is amazing, isn't it?

Anyway, I shall be making blue bluejeans (Closet Case Morgans) in a class on 13/14 July. I would like to be held to account to get them to a fully wearable state by the end of July and photographed, since the last thing I made in a class (a jacket - in April) still has no buttons or button holes...  :[
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Kwaaked on June 25, 2019, 15:54:18 PM
Like the last two, I'll follow along just don't know if I will enter.

I have a couple of things I am doing in July that is blue...but it's not surprising since one of my primary wardrobe colors is navy.

One is the rose jacket I posted about earlier from the runway.  I am showing a couple of the girls from the summer camp how to take an idea from draping to finished garment and several different techniques.  The other is a guipure lace skirt (not real guipure...it's just corded) and I have all the stuff for a navy one coming today, to show that technique.  I have enough for 2 black ones...and I'll make them on my own time in a color underlay and a black one to show many patterns different looks type thing.  (While typing it just got delivered.)  I got a few more if I have time/they all come on all the days.

I use navy for things like this because with all the handling of the fabric by other people, it shows dirt far less then colors do, easier to see the techniques then black and since I am making clothing for me...I wear navy.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: SewRuthieSews on June 26, 2019, 07:50:15 AM
I've got blue fabric, so here's my intention to join in!

Knowing me it'll be something like a tee-shirt or trousers.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Flobear on June 26, 2019, 18:57:08 PM
I'm hoping that if I state an intention publicly, it might actually come to fruition.

I made an overshirt to wear with a previously-made pair of lightweight trousers. Unfortunately the pattern - a Burda Young (hahaha) - gave Euro and US sizes. The other Burda patterns I own give UK sizes. SO... I made the US size 16, made length adjustments but did not try it on until far too late. Oh very dear!  :S

Anyway, I've been trying to decide what to do with it since March and had an inspiration today so maybe this is the incentive I need to get my a**e in gear  ;)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: mudcat on June 28, 2019, 02:20:05 AM
I still have a yard of the lacey denim from Marcy Tilton. I know what I want to do with it but I'm afraid to cut into it and want to make a sample first. 

I've been itching to sew lately but life keeps getting in the way so we'll see how it goes.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Manuela on June 28, 2019, 03:30:51 AM
One of my all-time favourite fabrics @mudcat. I made already 2 dresses from it - still have about 5 yards stashed for a trench coat (al least that's what I think making at the moment).
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: SewRuthieSews on June 28, 2019, 22:33:32 PM
I have a great many ideas for the Blues contest, lets see what actually ends up being made!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: jintie on June 29, 2019, 11:05:10 AM
Francesca, as it is such a lovely fabric, can I suggest that you chose a pattern that suits you to start? It just seems a shame to be fiddling with a pattern that isn't right to start with. Especially as you will have enough on your hands just controlling this slithery fabric.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Flobear on June 29, 2019, 23:26:42 PM
Have now realised that the offending shirt is much more purple than blue so that counts me out   -<
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Ploshkin on June 30, 2019, 06:37:22 AM
I did wonder when you said it @FloBear I remembered it as a purple shirt.  But, you did put in print the fact that you are going to refurbish it so you'll have to do it now  :)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on June 30, 2019, 11:27:23 AM
It's probably time I used some of this fabric I bought about a year ago.  I like it so much I don't want to waste it, so haven't sewn it yet as I can't decide what to make with it...
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Helen M on June 30, 2019, 11:52:49 AM
It's beautiful so I'm not surprised you are apprehensive on what to make!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Flobear on June 30, 2019, 16:16:49 PM
I did wonder when you said it @FloBear I remembered it as a purple shirt.  But, you did put in print the fact that you are going to refurbish it so you'll have to do it now  :)

Oh flippin'eck @Ploshkin. How can be be so cruel to your Big Sis at 6.37 in the morning  :o

Actually, perhaps I should have kept quiet and photoshopped the purple <mwah ha ha>
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: SewRuthieSews on July 01, 2019, 00:10:58 AM
woo hoo its July, sewing the blues can start!

(I do however have some duck egg coloured fabric laid out for cutting and it looks more green than blue to me....)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on July 04, 2019, 16:02:08 PM
Bodgeitandscarper's entry number 1

I used Butterick 6101 (https://jaycotts.co.uk/products/b6101#.XR4R2-j0lPY).

On the pattern, there is a sort of overlap/flap at the bottom strip, but I've omitted that as the fabrics's pattern wouldn't really show it anyway. 
The fabric has been marinating in my stash for a year or so, another one of those "too nice to waste, dunno what to make" pieces.  It has a border print along the selvedges, so I made use of that for the bottom edge pieces and the collar, although deciding how to use a straight border print for a curved section was interesting.

Apart from having to unpick, re-cut and then sew on the right way up one of those bottom border bits, it went together quite well.  I did as much as I could on the overlocker, but some fiddly bits on the sewing machine.

Next time I have a lovely patterned fabric, please remind me that it only needs a simple design...

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: SewRuthieSews on July 05, 2019, 07:35:03 AM
Absolutely lovely @Bodgeitandscarper :-)

I have made something blue, but its very boring. A pair of plain dark blue (almost navy) curtains for my friend's living room. We'll hang them on Monday and I suppose I could get a photo.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: snoozi soozi on July 05, 2019, 13:29:10 PM
@Bodgeitandscarper what is that fabric, a woven or a stretch?
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Manuela on July 05, 2019, 13:40:12 PM
Wowsie @Bodgeitandscarper, that was quick  :) Loooooooove the fabric  :loveit:
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on July 05, 2019, 14:55:16 PM
@snoozi soozi it's a jersey, not sure of composition, but mostly cotton with a possibility of something else mixed in.  No idea where it came from!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Stitches on July 06, 2019, 09:51:31 AM
Stitches
I have made a tunic based on Angel Wolf's Linda

Fabric is a jersey I got from the market
self-drafted princess seam

Have used my pattern before altered neck to make it in to a tunic  it went together really well

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  


Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Efemera on July 07, 2019, 19:55:08 PM
I’m going to make this tunic from Ottobre...it’s cut out and ready to go. It’s a piece of border print cotton, almost a voile from Abakhan, Im going to make  the bodice button up as opposed to a plain one piece bodice...work in progress.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Efemera on July 10, 2019, 10:16:24 AM
This is my entry for the Blue contest.
The pattern is from Ottobre magazine Winter 2012
I changed the plain single piece bodice to a two piece button up.
The fabric is in between a lawn and a voile, it’s cotton. I made deep hems, 3” on the sleeves and 5” on the hem. This gives it some weight. It’s to be worn over skinny cropped jeans.

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Acorn on July 10, 2019, 10:39:47 AM
That's really lovely.   :loveit:
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: snoozi soozi on July 10, 2019, 11:14:25 AM
Very nice @Efemera the fabric is gorgeous, love the buttons too  :)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on July 10, 2019, 13:28:15 PM
That's super, @Efemera , love that fabric.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: mudcat on July 11, 2019, 01:32:10 AM
Excellent use of the fabric Efemera. 
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Lowena on July 11, 2019, 09:20:31 AM
That's lovely Effie  <3
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Lachica on July 11, 2019, 09:32:00 AM
That's lovely, a good use of a border print.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Efemera on July 16, 2019, 10:31:41 AM
This is my second entry.
It’s Simplicity 8641, made from a duvet cover. It’s a lovely soft washed denim.
I didn’t made any changes apart from cutting an 18 top and 22 bottom.
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: toileandtrouble on July 16, 2019, 10:55:39 AM
That  looks really useful.  I'm tempted to try that pattern but I have the opposite problem, I cut a 22 top and an 18 bottom, which I suspect won't look as good as yours.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Efemera on July 16, 2019, 11:05:30 AM
It’s a very forgiving pattern...not much needed in the way of fitting
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Fiona M on July 16, 2019, 12:20:28 PM
@Efemera I absolutely love the clothes you make, you seem to find the nicest patterns and fabrics!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Efemera on July 16, 2019, 18:56:55 PM
@Efemera I absolutely love the clothes you make, you seem to find the nicest patterns and fabrics!

Thank you...the pinafore had its trial run today and I think it’s a keeper!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Sewingforfun on July 19, 2019, 13:55:12 PM
A work in progress pic of my project - blue jeans!!  :trousers:

They are the Morgan pattern from Closet Case, and were mainly made in a class last weekend, taught by the Close Case designer Heather-Lou. The fabric is a proper heavy indigo denim (non stretch) with a cute print for the pockets. They still need a bit of work to finish the waistband, but nearly there, and  I'm really pleased with the fit.

 [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: SewRuthieSews on July 20, 2019, 08:40:31 AM
I've been away on holiday in Cornwall and other than the dark blue curtains for my friends living room haven't (yet) sewn anything blue. Hopefully I can get some sewing time this week.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Efemera on July 23, 2019, 16:03:15 PM
This is my third entry (just squeezed it in before hollibobs )
The pattern is The Juniper Cardigan from Jennifer Lauren
https://jenniferlaurenhandmade.store/product/the-juniper-cardigan/
It’s the sort version with 3/4 sleeves


The fabric is a piece of crepy knit from  Immanuel
This was meant to be a toile but it turned out OK.

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Manuela on July 29, 2019, 00:40:28 AM
3 more days of sewing....
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Ploshkin on July 29, 2019, 07:28:01 AM
I might just get in under the wire.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: SewRuthieSews on July 29, 2019, 07:57:18 AM
I'm planning something too.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: WildAtlanticWay on July 29, 2019, 13:59:08 PM
Here’s my entry. 

The first finished garment that I’ve made that actually fits. I’m so chuffed.  :D

What did you make and what material did you use?

Style Arc Estelle coatigan

I used a blue and white Ponte Roma knit fabric (another first)

A short description on how you made it/problems overcome/etc.

It has pockets in the side seam and I love anything with pockets. The sleeves went in really easily even though I was convinced they’d look uneven. I also did my first flat felled seam.
 After wearing and washing, I overlocked some of the seams as the edges looked a bit frayed.

....Yes, I have blue hair  :P

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: WildAtlanticWay on July 29, 2019, 14:10:29 PM
@Sewingforfun
Those jeans look simply amazing. I also love the pretty fabric you’ve used on the inside.
Well fitting jeans are a nightmare to buy so I can’t begin to imagine how hard it must be to produce something that looks so professional. I’m in awe of your talent.  :|
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: toileandtrouble on July 29, 2019, 21:01:34 PM
Finally finished something.  When the list went up in January, I thought I'd be able to join in just about all of them, this is the first one I managed.
OH doesn't have a short sleeved shirt for the hot weather, so made this.  Sorry folks, it's my fault the sun went in.
KwikSew 3484. Only alterations were  to shorten the body 1" and stitch up the hems deeper than they said. I wasn't sure the pressed up hem would stay in place with just an edge stitching. Oh, and customised it with the tiniest drop of oil, but that might be lost in the first wash.  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: indigotiger on July 30, 2019, 03:20:56 AM
I'm going to make an effort to get my indigo shibori print popover dress finished in time... hope I can do it!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Iminei on July 30, 2019, 07:43:07 AM
Yes chop chop @indigotiger  that sounds lovely!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: indigotiger on July 30, 2019, 21:03:53 PM
started on the popover dress this morning... I had forgotten how lovely and silky the fabric is, as the partially cut out pieces were wadded up in my UFO pile, and quite wrinkly. I think that getting this done before the dog days of August are here will be a good plan.

The fabric is a lovely very dark indigo blue, with faux shibori motifs. The assorted designs make rather wide vertical bands on the fabric, I only turned the photo on the diagonal to show all three of the designs...
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-whhhBmjGaXM/XUChr7bA1DI/AAAAAAAAKaM/RNhPs8eJ1dcnrA8hFnqaTPHgXOYUtgi6wCLcBGAs/s1600/faux-shibori-rayon.jpg)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Bodgeitandscarper on July 30, 2019, 21:21:13 PM
Bodgeitandscarper's 2nd entry

Simplicity 8387

Another jersey and georgette top, this being the one I was intending to make first.  This time I've made the front bodice a bit longer, so the gathers of the skirt section sit under my boobies, looks much better from the side.

There may be a bit of a mistake, actually quite a big mistake, but if you don't know, you won't know!!
I put the back skirt section on the front bodice, and vice versa, so there is a seam down the centre front of the skirt.
Georgette is an absolute bu**er to work with isn't it?  I don't expect for one moment that hem is anywhere near level...

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Manuela on July 31, 2019, 00:42:35 AM
So far 8 entries are in, if you haven’t done so yet, please have tour pictures and entry posts up by August 7th  :)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Puzzler on July 31, 2019, 07:01:21 AM
@Bodgeitandscarper, i got a kick out of the dog.  :woof: Looks like he or she was sniffing for biscuits in the pocket of your new top.  :D

Well done on the top.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Francesca on July 31, 2019, 11:30:49 AM
Cut and started sewing last night. I'm off work tomorrow, which means I don't have to worry as much about getting things done around the house this evening so I might be able to scrape through to enter it.

@Manuela how strict are you on the garment having to be 100% completed before the deadline. For example, if I only had the hem to go (I'm foreseeing it taking me quite a while to do a narrow hem all round this big skirt in floaty fabric) could I still submit it or does it have to be fully hemmed?
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: SewRuthieSews on July 31, 2019, 11:37:32 AM
SewRuthieSews entry for Having the Blues

I sewed set of 4 pieces which can be mixed and matched as summer loungewear (ie PJs!)

Far left - New Look 6216 trousers from some duck egg blue cotton sheeting. These are made as per the pattern, except I have added a working elastic/drawstring waist, so the waist is truly adjustable. (The pattern has a full elastic waist and a non functional tie sewn on)
Second from left - Floral top using the pattern from Prima July 2019.
Second from right - Floral culottes, using New Look 6216 as a starting point, but cropped with added width and no pockets.
Far right - Floral top from Simplicity 4276, lower bodice cut slightly larger on cross grain (instead of on the bias) to fit onto fabric scraps.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Manuela on July 31, 2019, 12:09:57 PM
@Manuela how strict are you on the garment having to be 100% completed before the deadline. For example, if I only had the hem to go (I'm foreseeing it taking me quite a while to do a narrow hem all round this big skirt in floaty fabric) could I still submit it or does it have to be fully hemmed?
@Francesca, if it’s only the hem and if it’s otherwise wearable, it should be ok. You could put that into the description
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Francesca on July 31, 2019, 12:14:35 PM
OK, I just wanted to check. Thing is I see we have a week to submit photos and so I was going to post a pic after I've worn it (on Saturday 3rd) as I'll be dolled up then. I will have probably hemmed it by then (I have Friday off so I have more time!) so the pics would show it hemmed...

Maybe I'll post a quick snap here showing how it looked at the deadline? I don't want to break the rules. It might be better off I don't enter it if it's still unfinished.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Ploshkin on July 31, 2019, 15:54:12 PM
Ploshkin's Entry
I have made a Style Arc Tara top using a £5 remnant of striped Italian shirting cotton with a plain shirting cotton for the under collar and inside trims.
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

I added 2 long darts to the back as there was no shaping and altered the front and sleeve band pattern pieces to be able to cut the inner halves from a different fabric.  The only fitting alteration needed was to take a bit out of the back armholes to prevent them gaping.  This is the finished top, front and back
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]    [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

and the main feature which is the double collar.  That was a bit tricky to do as there were a lot of layers of fabric involved.
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: SewRuthieSews on July 31, 2019, 18:08:05 PM
@Ploshkin what a beautiful shirt!
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: toileandtrouble on August 01, 2019, 01:36:55 AM
Finished a pair of pyjamas yesterday but DS and wife phoned because they had missed the last train to get the connection for home, so they were catching the last train here - which got in  12.15,  so I have been clearing the spare room, making up beds, finding toothbrushes and organising abit of supper. Writing up entries later, when I have recovered and put everything back.  And Goodnight from me.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: indigotiger on August 01, 2019, 05:05:54 AM
Managed to just finish my blue popover in time. Left off the patch pockets to add them later on... Photos when there is daylight and it isn't too hot.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Sewingforfun on August 02, 2019, 16:19:20 PM
SewingforFun's Blue Jeans!!

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
What did you make and what material did you use?
The Closet Case Morgan jeans (non-stretch "boyfriend" style). The main fabric is a 14oz non stretch indigo denim, the pockets and waistband lining are a printed cotton poplin, both from Raystitch in Islington. The antique gold rivets and buttons were a kit from Closet Case supplied in the class, but you can get similar online from them or on ebay.
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
 
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Pattern used (commercial or self-drafted, anything goes)
Closet Case Morgan.  I'll definitely make this pattern again. It's a really fun project, and not as hard as it looks if you follow the steps in the correct order. I don't think they look handmade, but the fit is definitely custom.

A short description on how you made it/problems overcome/etc.
 I made them (mostly) in a two day class at The New Craft House in Hackney on the 13th and 14th of July taught by Heather-Lou, the Closet Case designer, with a bit of final topstitching and hemming at home. Before the class, I made two toiles, one muslin, and a second "wearable" one, then the jeans themselves were fitted again in the class.

The pattern was true to shop size (I made, and normally wear, a 12). I scooped the crotch curve both front and back, and tinkered with the back length. We also made some adjustments to the hang of the legs. She recommended a knock-knee adjustment that I'll do next time, and I think a bit more leg tinkering is in order, but overall they fit a zillion times better than any jeans I've ever bought!

The topstitching was fiddly, and took some practice (and unpicking), but my oh my, what fun to do in a jazzy yellow on the dark navy! The wearable toile (as yet not quite finished) has bright orange on mid grey linen....  If you look carefully at the back view, you can see where I chalked a fancy set of initials onto one pocket, then decided my machine embroidery was not up to snuff. Another time.

My biggest issue was the *()&%$£ Pfaff Quilt Ambition 630 machines they have in the studio. I cannot say how much I hated this machine - it had an evil mind of its own, at one point just randomly starting to sew even though I was nowhere near the presser foot (we think I brushed the start button, which I didn't even know it had), and every time it also carried on backstitching even though I had turned off the back stitch. It also struggled with the heavy fabric, jammed constantly, etc etc etc.  :angry: :angry: The difference when I got back to my Bernina 1008 could not have been greater. It just sailed through the denim, even when there were lots of layers, and generally did just what I wanted it to do. Any craving I might have had for an electronic machine is now totally gone! :D

Oh and it's too warm to wear them! I put them on for the photo, and took them straight back off again. This is a problem I think I can live with.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Sewingforfun on August 02, 2019, 16:44:34 PM
@Sewingforfun
Those jeans look simply amazing. I also love the pretty fabric you’ve used on the inside.
Well fitting jeans are a nightmare to buy so I can’t begin to imagine how hard it must be to produce something that looks so professional. I’m in awe of your talent.  :|

@WildAtlanticWay - thank you, very kind! I made them in a class, which helped, but they weren't nearly as hard as they look (or as I expected). The place I went (The New Craft House) is running another jeans class in October. (https://shop.thenewcrafthouse.com/collections/workshops/products/learn-to-sew-jeans-august-2018). I see you are in Ireland, but there were two ladies from Switzerland and one from Denmark on the one I went to, so it might be an excuse for a weekend in London...?? ;)

Closet Case also does a video class (https://sewingclasses.closetcasepatterns.com/p/sew-your-dream-jeans?src=directblog), and also has a sew along  (https://closetcasepatterns.com/ginger-jeans-sewalong/)on its blog.
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: indigotiger on August 03, 2019, 05:13:13 AM
indigotiger's  faux-shibori popover dress

What did you make and what material did you use?

A loose lightweight summer dress suitable for the hot days of August, made from some wonderfully silky rayon broadcloth printed with faux shibori (japanese tie-dye) motifs in a very dark indigo colorway. Actual shibori is often done using indigo as a dye

Pattern used This is my TNT summer dress pattern, which I initially modified from the concept of this Nani Iro design (https://web.archive.org/web/20120320085600/http://www.kokka.co.jp/so-ing/sewing/pdf/2009/storeeto_wanpi.pdf) back in 2010, mostly by adding triangular gores to increase the width and twirl-factor of the skirt, and to enlarge  I have made at least eight more over the years. A pattern that consists of primarily rectangles and triangles is easy to cut out and sew when heat makes doing anything a challenge

how you made it/problems overcome/etc
I really wanted to take advantage of the faux shibori border print fabric (https://d2d00szk9na1qq.cloudfront.net/Product/c92305e6-8adb-45c1-8525-e355107b09a6/Images/Large_0438041.jpg), so I cut the body panels along each edge to shift the motifs to a vertical arrangement, and cut the small front back gores, and the larger side gores from the remainder of the fabric. I like to stabilise the hemline and make hemming easier on these flowy dresses by adding a narrow straight grain band around the hemline, which meant that I could simply turn and stitch a hem rather than faff about with the curved edge. I had a different piece of batik rayon bias strip floating about the sewing space, and when it fell across this project, I decided to use it for the neckline binding, just for fun
(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lz4vkFBpgOg/XUT5BGN7eoI/AAAAAAAAKaw/p7_XQYu6EWwBfL11Jjm3XM4vzfe_m-bGwCLcBGAs/s1600/shibori-popover.jpg)
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: toileandtrouble on August 04, 2019, 20:43:34 PM
Toileandtrouble Entry 1

Short sleeve shirt from KwikSew 3484.
Piece of shirting from stash.  Polycotton, although I would have preferred a pure cotton, but really testing the pattern for some pure linen I just bought, so really a wearable toile.
 Only alterations were  to shorten the body 1" and stitch up the hems deeper than they said. I wasn't sure the pressed up hem would stay in place with just an edge stitching. (Oh, and customised it with the tiniest drop of oil, but that might be lost in the first wash).  I think next one I will use a size smaller and do a broad chest alteration, maybe do turn-ups instead of a hem on the sleeves, and narrow the collar slightly.  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: toileandtrouble on August 04, 2019, 21:04:40 PM
Toileandtrouble Entry 2

Pyjamas from Simplicity 8323 OOP pattern.
Material is M&S  wincyette  from stash.  Bought in the days when their material was made here and I could get over-runs from the market. It is the last piece, great quality. Ready for winter now!
Used the pattern as is, except to add 2" to the arms and legs because DS can't get bought ones long enough. 
Slight hiccup with the pocket, I was trying to match to the design on the jacket front but picked the wrong paisley leaf to match and only found out after I had neatly sewn on the band at the top and then had to do the whole pocket again. 
It is unusual in having a shirt hem on the jacket, but if I did it again, I think I would cut it straight. Apart from being easier to hem, I think it  would look better. 
Had it all sewn up and was sitting down to put in the elastic and sew on the buttons just before bedtime on the 31st but then got a phone call and had to make up beds for visitors,   so I went into the first hour of the next day. If that is too unfinished and it is disqualified, I'm still pleased to have got it done. The elastic is just fastened together roughly, waiting to be fitted properly on its new owner.
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]    [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Had to squash the legs up a bit to get the picture.
And this is the pocket    [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Having the Blues contest 1.07. - 31.07.2019
Post by: Manuela on August 05, 2019, 00:52:15 AM
Yay, 13 entries so far  :D