Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Copycat T-shirt

My daughter shops at a popular teen store at the mall where the clothing is trendy and not too expensive. I have to admit that I look around the store occasionally just to get ideas for sewing projects. I've noticed that all of their t-shirts are basically the same pattern with different neckline, sleeve, and hem treatments. I decided to trace the simple pattern for one of her favorite knits tops and use it as a basis for her summer top wardrobe.  I added a self fabric knit binding to the neckline and topstitched with my coverstitch machine. The sleeves have a narrow hem also stitched with the coverstitch and the bottom is finished with a band cut crosswise from the same fabric. I used Design Plus Ultra-Soft Double Sided Fusible from The Sewing Place to fuse the sleeve hem before stitching. With very lightweight knits such as this one, hems tend to tunnel even when stitched with the double-needle coverstitch. The fusible makes the hem very even and professional looking.

Copycat T shirt

I decided that I really like the color of this knit and hated to throw away the small amount of leftover scraps. I cut a narrow scarf across the width of the fabric about 8 inches by 66 inches (the width of the fabric). I let the edges roll rather than finishing them.

Copycat T shirt

I also had enough little scrappy pieces left to make a headband and a fabric flower. For the headband, I cut a strip 5 1/2 inches wide and 20 1/2 inches long. I folded the strip lengthwise, serged a 1/4 inch seam, turned the tube and stitched a seam in the back. I stitched on a fabric flower and it's done. Quick and easy. I had enough left to make another flower which I sewed to a felt circle and attached a clasp pin to the back.

Jersey knit neadband

flower pin

I finally decided that there simply was not enough fabric left to make anything else and moved on to my next project. What are your ideas for using leftover fabrics from your sewing/craft projects?

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Couture Dress Class

Check out this class on craftsy.com! An expert in couture sewing, Susan Khalje, is teaching an online class in the construction of a couture dress. The class is being offered for half price at $39.99 which includes a Vogue pattern. I told my husband that I would like the class for Valentine's Day so I am signed up and waiting for my pattern to arrive.  It is a sew at your own pace class. Once registered, you will always have access to the videos and can watch them over and over. I will probably make the dress for my daughter so that I can practice fitting techniques on her. This is the recommended pattern.


In May, I will be attending one of Susan's couture schools and working with her in person. The school is an intense 6 days of sewing and learning. I plan to make a wool boucle Chanel jacket for myself during my May school! Check out Susan's website!