tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87277303978554783312024-03-28T02:23:40.194-05:00JanMadeA blog about my sewing, knitting, and spinning adventures. Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-23367811095561927592016-02-25T10:51:00.000-06:002016-02-25T10:51:22.639-06:00I love clothesline rope!!I ran across a picture on buckalooview's Instagram of a nifty basket made from clothesline rope. This type of basketmaking has been around forever but I always thought that was a lot of work for a basket. I couldn't get it off my mind so I picked up a 100 foot, $3.44 package of clothesline rope from WalMart and became instantly addicted to the possibilities. <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVcMstk64pM/Vs8quD2SZrI/AAAAAAAAB3E/yOp_7ekXbT4/s1600/IMG_0872-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clothesline rope coaster" border="0" height="267" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eVcMstk64pM/Vs8quD2SZrI/AAAAAAAAB3E/yOp_7ekXbT4/s400/IMG_0872-001.JPG" title="Clothesline rope coaster" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are plenty of tutorials available online. Basically, you start in the middle and keep zig-zagging around until it is the size you need. It tends to start the bowl shape on it's own. I had to concentrate on trying not to pull too tightly as I stitched until I got the flat bottom finished. I controlled the shaping by pulling the cord slightly as I stitched.<br />
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When you get to the end, you have to decide how to finish off and tidy up the end of the cord. Just use your imagination!!</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEFVdE_Gu-s/Vs8snbuPzsI/AAAAAAAAB28/B-kNetDYn8s/s1600/IMG_0880-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Clothesline rope basket" border="0" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UEFVdE_Gu-s/Vs8snbuPzsI/AAAAAAAAB28/B-kNetDYn8s/s400/IMG_0880-001.JPG" title="Clothesline rope basket" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had about 4 yards left after making my first 3 bowls. I couldn't stand to let it go to waste so I made a couple of coasters. I gave them a little steam press so that they are nice and flat. </div>
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I'd like to try dyeing my next batch of baskets. I see another trip to WalMart in the near future!</div>
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<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-33877282477874823542016-01-24T20:40:00.003-06:002016-01-24T21:22:42.521-06:00Winter Storm 2016 KnittingNothing like a foot of snow to strand you at home and get you in the mood for knitting! Winter Storm 2016 allowed me to slow down and do a little guilt free knitting. I had purchased a few skeins of Downton Abbey yarn recently, not because I needed it, but because I love the show!<br />
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I decided on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hermiones-cable--eyelet-hat" target="_blank">Hermione Hat pattern</a> for my daughter in a color she has not worn before but I have always encouraged her to wear. A day and a half later and here she is.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mollymax/hermiones-cable--eyelet-hat-2" target="_blank">Ravelry link</a></td></tr>
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My second Winter Storm 2016 project was to finish a pullover sweater for my grandson which I started last October. The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/a-simple-baby-pullover" target="_blank">A Simple Baby Pullover</a> and the yarn is Vanna's Choice from Michael's Crafts.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mollymax/a-simple-baby-pullover" target="_blank">Ravelry link</a></td></tr>
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Now on to Winter Storm project #3 which will be fingerless mitts to match my daughter's hat!</div>
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-24868651657579703682015-11-20T21:53:00.000-06:002015-11-20T21:53:55.401-06:00A Raggedy Andy BirthdayMy little grandson turned a year old a couple of weeks ago and I wanted him to have a handmade gift from Grammy that he could keep forever. I guess kids don't play with Raggedy Ann and Andy all that much any more but I couldn't resist making him a classic Andy doll. I made a lot of these dolls back in the 70's so I dug out my vintage pattern and made Hayden a little buddy in the just the right size for him to carry around.<div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVBtMrik-ks/Vk_pW4QNkyI/AAAAAAAAB1s/0HJURm6xBsc/s1600/IMG_6479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Raggedy Andy" border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FVBtMrik-ks/Vk_pW4QNkyI/AAAAAAAAB1s/0HJURm6xBsc/s400/IMG_6479.JPG" title="Raggedy Andy" width="400" /></a></div>
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I was running a little short on time so, rather than hand embroider the face, I found this <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/109579689/instant-download-raggedy-ann-andy-faces?ref=shop_home_active_1" target="_blank">listing</a> on Etsy for a digitized machine embroidered face. It turned out great and I got Andy finished in time for the birthday party! </div>
Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-60600508677694099562015-09-04T21:18:00.000-05:002015-09-04T21:18:02.553-05:00Hayden's Grammy JammiesI finally figured out how to get myself back to the blog after a break and that is to make something for Hayden. He is so much fun to sew for and such a good model as well. His momma mentioned that he had outgrown his pajamas and also that it's kinda hard to find them roomy enough for his chunky little arms. I pulled out my <a href="http://kwiksew.mccall.com/kwik-sew--sewing-for-baby-products-22718.php?page_id=3505" target="_blank">Kwik Sew Sewing for Baby book</a> that I bought when Hayden's momma was about his age. It has an assortment of basic patterns for newborn through 18 months. Some of the styles look a little dated but there are great basic pattern pieces for pants, tops, rompers, etc. The fit is much roomier than the ready mades.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9rnr_D1Hok/VepKs3VsoJI/AAAAAAAAB0s/Z59z2TAKjYk/s1600/book%2Bback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Kwik Sew Sewing for Baby" border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s9rnr_D1Hok/VepKs3VsoJI/AAAAAAAAB0s/Z59z2TAKjYk/s320/book%2Bback.jpg" title="Kwik Sew Sewing for Baby" width="236" /></a><br />
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Just look at that sweet face! He loves his Grammy Jammies. I've already made a second pair and bought fabric for a third.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4pWXyxzeqo/VepMRjlyaII/AAAAAAAAB1A/X0L271_X7tw/s1600/standing%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Grammy Jammies" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O4pWXyxzeqo/VepMRjlyaII/AAAAAAAAB1A/X0L271_X7tw/s640/standing%2B2.JPG" title="Kwik Sew Sewing for Baby" width="426" /></a></div>
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Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? National Sewing Month began in 1982 with a proclamation from President Ronald Reagan declaring September as National Sewing Month "In recognition of the importance of home sewing to our Nation"<br />
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I hope you're keeping your machine humming this month in celebration!</div>
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-49328286584599701922015-06-24T21:39:00.000-05:002015-06-24T21:39:38.307-05:00Hot Summer Days Pullover TopI sewed this little top up a few weeks ago and, since it has now become one of my favorite summer tops, I thought I should share it. I've had Butterick 3383 for some time now and decided to give it a try. I used a printed polyester fabric from my stash. This pattern has no darts so I was a little nervous about the fit. It actually turned out great. Easy to sew and fun to wear!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YM_AbN1N6W8/VYtm01QyUnI/AAAAAAAABzY/cxlief8xbQ4/s1600/mommy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Butterick 3383" border="0" height="425" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YM_AbN1N6W8/VYtm01QyUnI/AAAAAAAABzY/cxlief8xbQ4/s640/mommy2.jpg" title="Butterick 3383" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's pretty easy to slip over my head and I love the length with the side slits. The pattern suggests bias tape for the neckline and armholes. I cut self-fabric bias bindings for a more professional look.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPEZdGwW6bY/VYtoF-nYIeI/AAAAAAAAB0I/NF1v5eBK4js/s1600/IMG_6298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Butterick 3383" border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPEZdGwW6bY/VYtoF-nYIeI/AAAAAAAAB0I/NF1v5eBK4js/s400/IMG_6298.JPG" title="Butterick 3383" width="400" /></a></div>
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This pattern is moving way up on my list of "make me again" patterns. It takes about a yard of 60" wide fabric and sews up very quickly.<br />
<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-77343923496884779982015-05-16T14:10:00.002-05:002015-05-17T22:50:08.702-05:00Seersucker!We love seersucker! Can you tell? After I made my grandson's<a href="http://janmade.blogspot.com/2015/04/little-easter-jon-jons.html" target="_blank"> little blue seersucker Jon-Jons</a> for Easter, his auntie decided that she wanted a blue seersucker dress to wear to her Master's graduation. And, of course, I never say no when one of my daughters wants to wear something made by me. She loves classic, timeless designs so we chose McCall's 2401. We loved the wider rounded neckline and the simple lines. I did the usual alterations for her, added white piping to the neckline and armholes, and an invisible zipper in the back. I finished the lining hem a few hours before graduation and she was thrilled!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwKjfERbWi4/VVeLfOKr4WI/AAAAAAAABxY/YnE6LfM9xqk/s1600/IMG_4764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="McCall's 2401 seersucker" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fwKjfERbWi4/VVeLfOKr4WI/AAAAAAAABxY/YnE6LfM9xqk/s640/IMG_4764.JPG" title="McCall's 2401" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here she is with her sweet nephew who is sporting his pout-pout look for the photoshoot.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVMmkCgT7ys/VVeTmFCopDI/AAAAAAAAByo/2-FtU_ILLYc/s1600/IMG_4755-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="McCall's 2401 seersucker" border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wVMmkCgT7ys/VVeTmFCopDI/AAAAAAAAByo/2-FtU_ILLYc/s640/IMG_4755-001.JPG" title="McCall's 2401" width="426" /></a></div>
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Congrats to Hannah for completing her Master of Science degree in Instructional Design!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oN9qYAspQM/VVeMHGRydSI/AAAAAAAABxo/tesE1fidnh0/s1600/IMG_4882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Western Kentucky University Master's Graduation 2015" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oN9qYAspQM/VVeMHGRydSI/AAAAAAAABxo/tesE1fidnh0/s640/IMG_4882.JPG" title="Western Kentucky University Master's Graduation 2015" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-13376260759352701282015-04-08T22:58:00.000-05:002015-04-09T08:49:41.871-05:00Little Easter Jon-JonsI can't believe it's been 6 months since I've blogged! I sewed. I sewed a lot. I just couldn't find time to sit down and blog. As a matter of fact, I feel like I never sit down. Always something that needs to be done.<br />
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Nothing like a cute little baby boy to get you inspired to sew and blog about it. My grandson needed an outfit for his first Easter. I have always loved Jon-Jons on little boys. He is a healthy little boy and the Children's Corner pattern I have was just a little too slim fitting for him. I found a <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/75959350/easter-baby-boy-outfit-romper-jon-jon?ref=shop_home_active_15" target="_blank">pattern</a> on Etsy from <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/OlaJanePatterns?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">OlaJanePatterns</a> which looked like a better fit. I paired it up with classic blue striped seersucker, embroidered his initials on the front, and it was just perfect. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyRF1gT9CqU/VSX3PSToPWI/AAAAAAAABwM/hPrLKwZAo74/s1600/IMG_7157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby seersucker overalls" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vyRF1gT9CqU/VSX3PSToPWI/AAAAAAAABwM/hPrLKwZAo74/s1600/IMG_7157.JPG" height="425" title="Easter Jon Jons" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pattern has very detailed instructions and a pretty nifty lining technique. I plan to sew up a few more for the little prince for hot summer days and, hopefully, find a few minutes to blog about them!<br />
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-48574919835262546012014-10-09T22:40:00.002-05:002014-10-13T23:09:10.345-05:00Little Hilltopper Okay, I know I said I was all caught up sewing for Baby Hayden but I saw a men's red and black striped T-shirt on the clearance rack at WalMart for $3.00 and it reminded me of the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers. Since Hayden has a <a href="http://janmade.blogspot.com/2014/08/tiny-little-u-of-l-fan.html" target="_blank">gown</a> for his dad's school, I thought he needed one for his mom's alma mater. I bought the largest size they had so I would have plenty of fabric for the gown and accessories.<br />
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I used Kwik Sew 3090 again for the gown and Kwik Sew 2433 for the hat. The tutorial for the pacifier clip can be found <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2012/09/tutorial-pacifier-clips.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I took the pocket off the T-shirt and made a tiny little pocket for the gown.<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;"> I like the elastic at the bottom edge to keep little feet from poking out.</span></div>
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I was able to salvage the knit ribbing from the neckline of the T-shirt and used it to make the sleeve ribbing for this gown rather than the hand covers.</div>
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And this is my sewing buddy, Kitty Boo. She loves to keep me company when I sew. I found her at the Humane Society with that "take me home" look in her eyes. It was a trick. She is a stinker!</div>
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I mailed this little surprise to the expectant parents last week. I think Hayden has enough gowns. My friend, who is a nurse in labor and delivery, told me that babies need sleep sacks nowadays rather than blankets. So, guess what, I bought a pattern today for sleep sacks. I just thought I was caught up!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVL7y5lfP48/VDdTSBSfQhI/AAAAAAAABvI/pWDL7vYHMl4/s1600/folded%2Bset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 2433" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KVL7y5lfP48/VDdTSBSfQhI/AAAAAAAABvI/pWDL7vYHMl4/s1600/folded%2Bset.jpg" height="640" title="Kwik Sew 2433" width="424" /></a></div>
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-32109313175309204652014-09-23T23:29:00.000-05:002014-09-25T09:03:23.151-05:00Kwik Sew 3090 for HaydenI decided that Baby Hayden needs a special little gown to wear home from the hospital. I've had this idea bouncing around in my head for some time now but couldn't decide exactly how I wanted to personalize it. I found this<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/118934349/bz-applique-font-letters-machine?ref=shop_home_active_18" target="_blank"> fun applique on Etsy</a> for the H and <a href="http://www.designsbyjuju.com/smell-the-roses-embroidery-font" target="_blank">Smell the Roses font</a> from <a href="http://www.designsbyjuju.com/" target="_blank">Designs by JuJu</a> for the name.<br />
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The gown is Kwik Sew 3090 which I have used a couple of times before. I definitely wanted the little hand covers on the sleeves but changed the pattern a bit so that there were no raw edges when the sleeve flap is flipped back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOL7VAIRVLY/VCJCOM0jaqI/AAAAAAAABuM/ks6suB66HH8/s1600/IMG_4107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 3090" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TOL7VAIRVLY/VCJCOM0jaqI/AAAAAAAABuM/ks6suB66HH8/s1600/IMG_4107.JPG" height="426" title="Kwik Sew 3090" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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The hat is Kwik Sew 2433. It can be sewn up in about 10 minutes! The fabric is <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/205196/organic-cotton-interlock-knit-white" target="_blank">Organic Cotton Interlock</a> from Fabric.com. It was described as white but had a creamy natural look to it. I thought creamy would work fine for this project. I washed and dried the fabric and completed the outfit. When I took it outside to photograph, it was splotchy as if it had bleach splattered on it. I was a little bit upset, thinking I would have to make the entire set again. However, I soaked the outfit in Biz, washed a couple more times, and it turned out white. The fabric is a nice quality, very soft for babies, but, whew!, never had this happen before.<br />
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I think I'm all caught up now for Baby Hayden. It is, however, still National Sewing Month so I need to get busy sewing on something!Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-20427098223837398302014-09-06T16:44:00.002-05:002014-09-06T19:53:46.709-05:00A Crib Quilt for HaydenLittle Hayden will be here soon so I thought I had better get his crib quilt finished. I've had this easy quilt top sewn up for a while but just needed to get to the quilting and binding. The fabric is a collection from <a href="http://fabric.com/">Fabric.com</a> called <a href="https://www.fabric.com/SearchResults2.aspx?Source=Header&SearchText=fox+playground&CategoryID=1d5f47dc-9991-4088-93f3-26a376046a5e" target="_blank">Fox Playground</a>. I added a couple of blender fabrics so that I would have enough variety. The strips are 4 inches wide (except for the panel with the foxes in cars). I used a soft cotton batting, one of the foxy prints for the backing, and the stitch in the ditch method for quilting.<br />
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For the binding, I cut 2 1/2 inch wide strips across the width of the fabric which I folded in half lengthwise. I stitched these strips on from the front and hand-stitched, yes, hand stitched, with tiny little stitches on the back. That's 200 inches of teeny tiny hand stitches. Only the best for Hayden!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwwEa124XCE/VAt6L36758I/AAAAAAAABsk/NUDbpBwaqYk/s1600/IMG_3950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fabric.com Fox Playground baby quilt" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WwwEa124XCE/VAt6L36758I/AAAAAAAABsk/NUDbpBwaqYk/s1600/IMG_3950.JPG" height="426" title="Crib quilt" width="640" /></a></div>
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I machine embroidered his name on one of the strips before quilting. Now that the quilt is finished, I have a couple more items to make for Hayden and one for his Mommy. And then, the waiting game!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BY3dr9ikEuo/VAt71tRBQpI/AAAAAAAABs0/diCRPSiKzBc/s1600/IMG_3935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fabric.com Fox Playground baby quilt" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BY3dr9ikEuo/VAt71tRBQpI/AAAAAAAABs0/diCRPSiKzBc/s1600/IMG_3935.JPG" height="426" title="Crib quilt" width="640" /></a></div>
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Did you know that September is National Sewing Month? What are you sewing this month to celebrate?<br />
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<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-72177535018648389112014-08-30T19:26:00.002-05:002014-08-31T19:17:26.989-05:00Tiny Little U of L Fan!I've been waiting for a long time to show you this little project. One of the first projects I made for Baby Hayden was a pair of University of Louisville baby shoes resembling Toms. His parents are fans since the dad-to-be went to school there. However, with every little baby item I make, I think of several more pieces to go with it. So the project never ends. After finding a couple of free patterns on the internet, I ended up buying the shoe pattern from this<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/winterpeach?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank"> Etsy shop</a>. It includes sizes from newborn to 12 months.<br>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xh-dtCud4NY/VAJhSovYsgI/AAAAAAAABrE/BzYFx-gyYaE/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="University of Louisville baby shoes" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xh-dtCud4NY/VAJhSovYsgI/AAAAAAAABrE/BzYFx-gyYaE/s1600/IMG_3875.JPG" height="640" title="Baby shoes" width="426"></a></div>
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I had some U of L fabric left from an old project which I used to line the shoes. I still had U of L fabric scraps left so I went to Hancock Fabrics in search of red cotton knit to make a gown. No luck at Hancock's so I went next door to Rugged Wearhouse and bought an XL T-shirt from the men's department for $2.50. This provided plenty of fabric to make a gown, bib, and hat.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cakmeT2_ReU/VAJrKLKBBHI/AAAAAAAABr8/2okaKzjMAu0/s1600/IMG_3865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cakmeT2_ReU/VAJrKLKBBHI/AAAAAAAABr8/2okaKzjMAu0/s1600/IMG_3865.JPG" height="428" width="640"></a></div>
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I cut the little logo squares from the fabric, turned under the edges and stitched to each little piece of the outfit. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao0UQQ0od3k/VAJolwDVDVI/AAAAAAAABrc/foccckY91sw/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 2433 baby hat" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ao0UQQ0od3k/VAJolwDVDVI/AAAAAAAABrc/foccckY91sw/s1600/IMG_3880.JPG" height="425" title="Kwik Sew 2433 baby hat" width="640"></a></div>
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I used the coverstitch machine to finish the neck ribbing after stitching and turning it to the inside. I trimmed off the extra as seen often in R-T-W to avoid bulk.<br>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30O077MH2uY/VAJp7HlLFCI/AAAAAAAABrw/HuykYKkE_1I/s1600/IMG_3881-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="coverstitched neck ribbing" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30O077MH2uY/VAJp7HlLFCI/AAAAAAAABrw/HuykYKkE_1I/s1600/IMG_3881-001.JPG" height="425" title="coverstitched neck ribbing" width="640"></a></div>
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The bib is doubled and the edges are bound with bias binding. I added a snap to the back. I don't use Velcro because it sometimes snags other items in the washing machine.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fOSDJH8QW8/VAJoAzsQN-I/AAAAAAAABrU/yqjXto3C96M/s1600/IMG_3878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="baby bib with snap" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fOSDJH8QW8/VAJoAzsQN-I/AAAAAAAABrU/yqjXto3C96M/s1600/IMG_3878.JPG" height="640" title="baby bib with snap" width="424"></a></div>
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The gown is Kwik Sew 3090. The hat is Kwik Sew 2433. For the bib, I traced a bib that I already had. I guess I'll have to stop adding to this little set now. I plan to take it to a baby shower today!</div>
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-34438247358676921012014-08-13T20:57:00.002-05:002014-08-13T21:02:16.929-05:00JanMade Labels<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have had this little project spinning around in my head for a few years. I've googled, and pondered, and analyzed, and tried to decide what kind of labels I need for my sewing projects. I knew that I wanted the labels to match the font on my blog header. I also wanted them to be simple. I finally decided to create a sheet of labels on Microsoft Word and print them on fabric sheets. I experimented with spacing so that I could fold the labels and insert in a seam, or, press the edges under all around the label and stitch directly on my sewing project.</div>
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I used June Tailor Sew-In Colorfast Fabric Sheets For Ink Jet Printers. They were about $10 for 3 sheets at Hancock Fabrics and I used a 40% off coupon. That is over 100 labels for $6! There are instructions included for making the labels colorfast. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqZwef-tdu4/U-vz69hmbfI/AAAAAAAABoY/C298o3hTXRI/s1600/IMG_3836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="June Tailor fabric labels" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qqZwef-tdu4/U-vz69hmbfI/AAAAAAAABoY/C298o3hTXRI/s1600/IMG_3836.JPG" height="640" title="June Tailor fabric labels" width="424" /></a></div>
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I did a little stash-busting and made my son-in-law a pair of shorts with the<a href="http://janmade.blogspot.com/2014/03/an-aloha-shirt-for-hubby.html" target="_blank"> fabric he picked out last year in Hawaii</a> when I promised to make everyone something if they would let me stay a while in the fabric shop. I inserted my tag in the back of the waist. The shorts haven't been laundered yet. I'm hoping the little tag doesn't fade.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acj7OvyQFw0/U-wUkpdpjKI/AAAAAAAABo4/82E1378Apmg/s1600/tag%2Bin%2Bshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fabric sewing labels" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acj7OvyQFw0/U-wUkpdpjKI/AAAAAAAABo4/82E1378Apmg/s1600/tag%2Bin%2Bshorts.jpg" height="640" title="fabric sewing labels" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5NUC_0rGBk/U-wVuU2H5eI/AAAAAAAABpI/moVam_auD2c/s1600/shorts-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hawaii shorts" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V5NUC_0rGBk/U-wVuU2H5eI/AAAAAAAABpI/moVam_auD2c/s1600/shorts-001.jpg" height="640" title="Hawaii shorts" width="424" /></a></div>
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<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-63518538196190714402014-08-06T14:21:00.002-05:002014-08-06T18:43:04.174-05:00HaydenIn a few short months, I'll need to update the "About Me" on my blog. I can hang on to the 50 something for just a little while longer, but wife and mother will need to be changed to wife, mother, and grandmother!<br />
Woo Hoo! Yep, a little grandson is on his way!<br />
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My sewing room looks a little different now. Minky, ribbon, flannel, cotton chenille, etc. One of the first things I pulled from my stash was this Tiny Toon fat quarter pack which I bought a few years ago just because I thought it was cute. I've pulled it out over the years, stared at it, and put it back in the closet. Finally, a project came to mind for Baby Hayden and this is what evolved. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r57N-nVzF8w/U-J7FgDb-5I/AAAAAAAABnM/oOHVDfY6Zag/s1600/quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Tiny Tunes baby quilt" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r57N-nVzF8w/U-J7FgDb-5I/AAAAAAAABnM/oOHVDfY6Zag/s1600/quilt.jpg" height="265" title="Tiny Tunes quilt" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used the stitch in the ditch method to quilt the floor mat sized quilt, stitching around each block. For the binding, I cut the backing fabric larger and brought it to the front, turning under the edge and stitching.<br />
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With the leftover scraps of fabric, I made little soft blocks and balls. I added ribbons to the football because, apparently, taggie toys are good for babies.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYs2M6leEVs/U-KBp2DSecI/AAAAAAAABn8/MVkw8TOu4KE/s1600/Close+up+of+toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Soft baby toys" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYs2M6leEVs/U-KBp2DSecI/AAAAAAAABn8/MVkw8TOu4KE/s1600/Close+up+of+toys.jpg" height="266" title="Soft baby toys" width="400" /></a></div>
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Then, of course, we had to have taggie blankets. This is just a small blanket, about 15" by 15" for Hayden to hold and feel the different textures and grasp the ribbons. The black fabric is minky and the print is flannel.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUHEZiCd7qY/U-J7IamK1FI/AAAAAAAABnc/ArzSpXaXu9A/s1600/Taggie+blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="taggie blanket" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hUHEZiCd7qY/U-J7IamK1FI/AAAAAAAABnc/ArzSpXaXu9A/s1600/Taggie+blanket.jpg" height="266" title="taggie blanket" width="400" /></a></div>
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My grandma sewing is somewhat on hold now because I still don't have my Bernina embroidery system back from the Bernina repairman. I drove 75 miles last week to pick it up, brought it home and it still doesn't work. I drove the 75 miles to take it back and now I'm waiting for my phone to ring with the message that it is working perfectly and I can pick it up. Needless to say, I'm getting a little frustrated!</div>
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<span id="goog_775691832"></span><span id="goog_775691833"><br /></span>Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-67114415782745471582014-07-26T23:02:00.001-05:002014-07-27T00:14:28.780-05:00Coverstitch Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I decided to write an update on my decision to buy the Janome Coverpro 1000 CPX since I have received several inquiries lately related to my<a href="http://janmade.blogspot.com/2011/11/janome-coverpro-1000-cpx.html" target="_blank"> past posts</a> about my <a href="http://janmade.blogspot.com/2011/10/coverstitch-machine-dilemma.html" target="_blank">search for a coverstitch machine</a>.<br />
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I sew a lot of knits and, honestly, should have purchased a coverstitch years ago. Most of the knits I sew can be done almost entirely with the serger and the coverstitch. The Janome Coverpro 1000 CPX works great for my needs. I must admit it did take a little practice. It does not sew quite as smoothly as a regular sewing machine. But maybe it is not supposed to. I wasn't able to test drive any coverstitch machines before I ordered the Janome from a local dealer who carries Janome machines, but no coverstitch machines, in stock. I based my decision on the information and support from the <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/forum/43" target="_blank">Janome Coverpro forum at Patternreview.com</a>. I can't imagine any question that couldn't be answered on the Coverpro discussion group. They even suggest the best suppliers for needles and accessories. There are little tricks to be learned, such as how to end the stitching in the middle of the fabric, such as a sleeve hem, rather than sewing off the end of the fabric. There are great <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPB9W8vYexw" target="_blank">Janome tutorials for this on YouTube</a> and I still refer to them if I haven't used the coverstitch for some time. Believe me, if you don't end the stitching correctly, your entire row of stitching ravels out!<br />
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As with any new machine, it takes practice and experimentation with the different fabrics. For example, I soon learned that, when hemming a lightweight knit, I needed to add a little support to the fabric so that the hem doesn't tunnel. I use <a href="http://www.thesewingplace.com/Ultra-Soft-Double-Sided-Fusible-Web-p/ndptus.htm" target="_blank">Design Plus ultra-soft double sided fusible</a> to fuse the hems in place and to prevent tunneling. I haven't tried other brands but I'm sure there are other options available as well.<br />
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This is an example of a sleeve hem on a very lightweight knit which I fused first with 3/8" double sided fusible. Not only does it prevent tunneling, it also helps me to press up a very even 3/8" hem. Since coverstitch hemming is done from the right side, it is important to work with an even hem. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5m2UqGX72c/U9RhLFahC5I/AAAAAAAABlo/UG7XBmevdt8/s1600/get-attachment-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janome coverstitch hem on knits" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q5m2UqGX72c/U9RhLFahC5I/AAAAAAAABlo/UG7XBmevdt8/s1600/get-attachment-001.jpg" height="640" title="Coverstitch hem on knits" width="379" /></a></div>
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For this medium weight jersey knit top, I was able to use the coverstitch machine to finish the neckline band, the sleeve hems and the bottom hem. I made a self-fabric binding and sewed it on with the regular machine first because, sometimes, I pull the binding a little too tight as I sew it on. I try to get it right with a long machine stitch before I serge or coverstitch so I can easily remove the stitching and sew it again until I get the look that I like. I have experimented with a row of stitching on each side of the seam as I coverstitch as seen in RTW, but decided that I have more control with this method.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JU6MreElRvI/U9Rip9qd_VI/AAAAAAAABl0/x6ZQ_NISMnQ/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janome Coverstitch neckband" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JU6MreElRvI/U9Rip9qd_VI/AAAAAAAABl0/x6ZQ_NISMnQ/s1600/IMG_3702.JPG" height="267" title="Coverstitch neck band" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the sleeve hem of the same top. I fused the hem with the double-sided fusible and sewed the hem before sewing the side seam. Since this is a medium weight knit, I could have sewn this hem without the fusible, however, I have found that it is much easier to coverstitch narrow hems with the fusible.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQSbpRc3TKU/U9RiriThS3I/AAAAAAAABmI/qTp6Ubi6L-s/s1600/IMG_3778.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janome Coverstitch on sleeve hem" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DQSbpRc3TKU/U9RiriThS3I/AAAAAAAABmI/qTp6Ubi6L-s/s1600/IMG_3778.JPG" height="266" title="Coverstitch hem on sleeve" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the bottom hem of the top. I sewed the front and back hems on the coverstitch before sewing the side seams and adding the ties. I didn't use the fusible on the bottom hem since this is a medium weight knit. It worked fine without it and did not tunnel. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgMmqEBm2Zk/U9Riq-o0SfI/AAAAAAAABmA/qK3o4stT7Pw/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janome Coverstitch hem" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgMmqEBm2Zk/U9Riq-o0SfI/AAAAAAAABmA/qK3o4stT7Pw/s1600/IMG_3706.JPG" height="266" title="coverstitch hem on knit top" width="400" /></a></div>
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Now for the fun stuff! I tried to find ribbing for this Kwik Sew 3090 knit baby gown at the local Hancock Fabrics. They don't carry it at all. I went next door to Rugged Wearhouse, an outlet type store, to search for a ribbed garment I could cut up and use for ribbing. I found Gap tank tops in the junior department for $1 each! That's a lot of ribbing for $1. I was able to remove the ribbing from the neck and both armholes and use it for this gown and bib. It was already the right size and pre-folded for me. I guess it doesn't take much to excite me because this find made my day! I still have the rest of the tank top to cut up and use for ribbing on other projects.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5mzMS2Aulo/U9RnHLxGkOI/AAAAAAAABmQ/cYB6ksx38L4/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 3090 coverstitch neck binding" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-a5mzMS2Aulo/U9RnHLxGkOI/AAAAAAAABmQ/cYB6ksx38L4/s1600/IMG_3785.JPG" height="266" title="Kwik Sew 3090 coverstitch neck binding" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6REmsJKGuOg/U9RnIdt82nI/AAAAAAAABmc/cX6rBOX0rgU/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 3090 coverstitch binding" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6REmsJKGuOg/U9RnIdt82nI/AAAAAAAABmc/cX6rBOX0rgU/s1600/IMG_3752.JPG" height="266" title="Kwik Sew 3090 coverstitch binding" width="400" /></a></div>
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This little gown is made from two boys t-shirts I found on the clearance rack at WalMart, a stripe and a coordinating solid. I used the solid for the neck trim, sleeve band, and for the hat. The hat is Kwik Sew 2433.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cD4iKPtO7JE/U9RpwtnZvRI/AAAAAAAABms/P6Qv5KXa9RY/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 3090 coverstitch " border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cD4iKPtO7JE/U9RpwtnZvRI/AAAAAAAABms/P6Qv5KXa9RY/s1600/IMG_3732.JPG" height="267" title="Kwik Sew 3090 baby gown" width="400" /></a></div>
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For this type of binding, I sewed it on right sides together, stretching slightly. Then I pressed to the inside and pinned without turning under the edge. I sewed with the coverstitch and then trimmed close to the stitching. I notice this method used often in RTW knits when I do "snoop" shopping.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeksY9scbfU/U9RpwyfqP6I/AAAAAAAABmw/mCryBxpXM7c/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 3090 coverstitch neck binding" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PeksY9scbfU/U9RpwyfqP6I/AAAAAAAABmw/mCryBxpXM7c/s1600/IMG_3781.JPG" height="266" title="Kwik Sew 3090 coverstitch neck binding" width="400" /></a></div>
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I like the elastic at the bottom which pulls in the gown a little to help keep baby's feet covered. I quartered the elastic and the gown bottom, pinned, and stitched with the regular machine before turning to the inside and final stitching with the coverstitch. I used two different colors of thread because I was too lazy to change the thread but I don't think baby will mind.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zx_7UMCcBK8/U9Rpv6XDLMI/AAAAAAAABmk/ggxc7kI846Y/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Janome Coverpro elastic hem" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zx_7UMCcBK8/U9Rpv6XDLMI/AAAAAAAABmk/ggxc7kI846Y/s1600/IMG_3722.JPG" height="640" title="coverstitch elastic hem" width="424" /></a></div>
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I made all these projects in just a few days using primarily the serger and coverstitch machine. I have sewn knits for as long as I can remember, but never with the professional results I enjoy with the coverstitch machine. It would have been great to try out several machines before purchasing but they just aren't available to me locally. I especially would have liked to try out a serger/coverstitch combination machine. However, it would have to be extremely fast to convert back and forth to make me happy.<br />
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Good luck with your search for the right coverstitch machine. I would still be sewing knits if I didn't have one but, as I mentioned earlier, I wish I had purchased one long before I did!<br />
<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-4798168778889955902014-07-16T15:44:00.001-05:002014-07-17T00:06:21.180-05:00A Sewing Emergency! and a New Summer TopI had a little sewing emergency over the weekend with the Bernina that I use for most of my sewing. The machine is fine but it stopped communicating with the embroidery unit. And, of course, I have a stack of projects that I need to monogram. I drove 75 miles on Monday to get it to a reputable Bernina dealer who promised to have it ready in about a week. Of course, he also showed me the new generation of Bernina embroidery systems in a non-pushy sort of way. I was quite impressed with the Bernina 780. Things have come a long way since I purchased my system in 2003.<br />
<ul>
<li>The bobbin holds 80% more thread. </li>
<li>Freearm embroidery</li>
<li>Dual feed</li>
<li>1000 stitches per minute</li>
<li>USB connections</li>
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I have begun my research but, hopefully, my old machine will be a simple fix, maybe a short in the cable.<br />
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I miss my Bernina and really wanted to sew a summer top last night. I have a lightweight Brother travel machine on loan to my daughter. I pulled out my Singer Genie that I purchased in 1973 or 1974 when I was in college. Last year, I had it supposedly "restored" but knew that it still wasn't quite right. Oh my, it sounds like a freight train with all it's parts about to fall off. It had no stability to sew even a straight seam. Frustrated, I put it away and pulled out my dependable Singer featherweight which was made the year I was born. It sewed beautifully!!!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XofknSFr6us/U8bfvyQ2a8I/AAAAAAAABkk/omhVgl0eD8Q/s1600/Sewing+with+featherweight-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Singer featherweight" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XofknSFr6us/U8bfvyQ2a8I/AAAAAAAABkk/omhVgl0eD8Q/s1600/Sewing+with+featherweight-001.jpg" height="640" title="Singer featherweight" width="480" /></a></div>
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For the neckline of this top, I always make bias binding rather than facing as the pattern suggests.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZzcBYVqENU/U8bgbjRW4FI/AAAAAAAABk0/XlgXK-cJj9o/s1600/neck+binding-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 2866 neck binding" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZzcBYVqENU/U8bgbjRW4FI/AAAAAAAABk0/XlgXK-cJj9o/s1600/neck+binding-001.jpg" height="640" title="Kwik Sew 2866" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is one of my fabrics that I purchased last summer at<a href="http://www.fmart.com/" target="_blank"> FabricMart</a> in Honolulu. It is a woven rayon and feels wonderful. I don't know why I waited so long to sew it up. Kwik Sew 2866 is such a quick pattern and can be made in about 1 1/2 hours. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9V9Rh6EEVU/U8bhQoAT6oI/AAAAAAAABk8/AAWD-RWFESk/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kwik Sew 2866" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X9V9Rh6EEVU/U8bhQoAT6oI/AAAAAAAABk8/AAWD-RWFESk/s1600/IMG_3693.JPG" height="640" title="Kwik Sew 2866" width="426" /></a></div>
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I can't seem to get that Bernina 780 off my mind. Any advice from others who have this machine or have taken it for a test drive?<br />
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-5746862552882312862014-06-24T16:24:00.000-05:002014-06-24T16:45:59.773-05:00Cute Little Newsboy HatNeed a quick little gift for baby? I found this adorable <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/179720369/crochet-hat-pattern-newsboy-hat-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_22" target="_blank">crochet pattern on Etsy</a> for a little baby newsboy hat. I appreciate that someone has the time and patience to figure out a pattern, write it down in easy-to-understand instructions, and make it available on Etsy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4v3sFw-yEg/U6nn8r0rbLI/AAAAAAAABi4/SgjpqYnH4zE/s1600/2+gray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="crochet baby newsboy hat" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m4v3sFw-yEg/U6nn8r0rbLI/AAAAAAAABi4/SgjpqYnH4zE/s1600/2+gray.jpg" height="266" title="Baby newsboy hat in crochet" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mollymax/the-perfect-stripe-newsboy-hat" target="_blank">Ravelry link</a></td></tr>
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Rather than striping as the pattern suggested (which is pretty cute), I added a band with buttons. I was using leftover yarn from other projects and didn't have the right combination for striping. <br />
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I made the 3-6 months size because I think I crochet a little tight. I need to work on that. The pattern includes sizes newborn to large adult. <br />
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I can't wait to see the little guy in his stylish hat! He might need some little crochet loafers to go with it........Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-15206125285680382672014-05-21T16:43:00.000-05:002014-05-21T17:20:40.264-05:00Dressed for DerbyWhat a fun project this turned out to be! My daughters went to the<a href="http://www.kentuckyderby.com/" target="_blank"> Kentucky Derby</a> this year and, of course, needed new dresses. The Oaks is the day before Derby and is partnered with Bright Pink, an organization which focuses on risk reduction and early detection of breast cancer. Everyone is encouraged to wear pink and they do! <br />
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Remember the <a href="http://janmade.blogspot.com/2014/02/little-white-dress-contest.html" target="_blank">Little White Dress Contest</a> sponsored by <a href="http://patternreview.com/">Patternreview.com</a>? Well, Hannah wore her little white dress with a beautiful pink hat which she bought on ebay. The hat has a stargazer lily which is the official flower for The Oaks.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oe_pRtEug-c/U30FFTRUB9I/AAAAAAAABfc/0tV1nvVL7AI/s1600/White+dress+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Little White Dress Kentucky Oaks" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oe_pRtEug-c/U30FFTRUB9I/AAAAAAAABfc/0tV1nvVL7AI/s1600/White+dress+closeup.jpg" height="400" title="The Oaks" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XvlOpyX9fh4/U30FIBJ6k6I/AAAAAAAABfo/NZNHhoKnqA8/s1600/Sarah+and+Hannah+Oaks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Oaks" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XvlOpyX9fh4/U30FIBJ6k6I/AAAAAAAABfo/NZNHhoKnqA8/s1600/Sarah+and+Hannah+Oaks.jpg" height="265" title="The Oaks" width="400" /></a></div>
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Just for fun, Hannah entered the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest. Simon Baker from The Mentalist was one of the judges and told her that she looked "beautifully understated". Made her day!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WOsO6wr6gE/U30FLXrxTUI/AAAAAAAABfw/3fZ4W7SRu8A/s1600/Longines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Oaks Longines Fashion Contest" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9WOsO6wr6gE/U30FLXrxTUI/AAAAAAAABfw/3fZ4W7SRu8A/s1600/Longines.jpg" height="397" title="Longines Fashion Contest" width="400" /></a></div>
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The next day was the 140th running of The Kentucky Derby. Sarah wore Vogue 1236 in red/white striped seersucker. I made the same adjustments that I made for <a href="http://janmade.blogspot.com/2014/05/vogue-1236-sarahs-underwear-dress.html" target="_blank">"The Underwear Dress"</a> and it turned out great! I lined it with a cotton batiste and added a zipper to the back to make it easier to put on and take off.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vTgA9YhDaE/U30ZHECJMJI/AAAAAAAABgA/AaSBQ5njceY/s1600/Sarah+Hannah+Derby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vogue 1236 Vogue 8648" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vTgA9YhDaE/U30ZHECJMJI/AAAAAAAABgA/AaSBQ5njceY/s1600/Sarah+Hannah+Derby.jpg" height="400" title="Kentucky Derby dresses" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/98673" target="_blank">Patternreview link</a></td></tr>
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She wanted a monogrammed bow for her hat because it's all about the hats at The Derby.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaGHy_V_VVQ/U30ZKUy1A3I/AAAAAAAABgI/xLbd8htGHiU/s1600/Sarah+hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Monogrammed hat" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DaGHy_V_VVQ/U30ZKUy1A3I/AAAAAAAABgI/xLbd8htGHiU/s1600/Sarah+hat.jpg" height="400" title="Kentucky Derby hat" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hannah's dress is Vogue 8648. I've had this pattern in my stash for a Susan Khalje class on Craftsy but haven't had the time to start. The pattern was designed to be cut on the bias. Instead, I marked the straight grain and cut the medium weight linen straight. There are lots of seams for taking up and letting out so it was extremely easy to get a good fit.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jypk88MnNco/U30azHSprYI/AAAAAAAABgM/5Qmr6fx3Gxg/s1600/Hannah+blue+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Vogue 8648 Kentucky Derby" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jypk88MnNco/U30azHSprYI/AAAAAAAABgM/5Qmr6fx3Gxg/s1600/Hannah+blue+dress.jpg" height="400" title="Vogue 8648" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/98674" target="_blank">Patternreview link</a></td></tr>
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My daughters loved their classic Made by Mommy dresses. While Hannah was standing in line for the Longines Fashion Contest, one of the contestants asked her if her dress was Lily Pulitzer. She told her no, it's a JanMade! That makes it all worthwhile.<br />
<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-86593925191305304602014-05-14T01:39:00.002-05:002014-05-14T01:45:55.065-05:00Vogue 1236 (Sarah's Underwear Dress)Well, hello blog! It's been a while. I've been too busy sewing (and remodeling bathrooms) to sit down and blog. My daughters attended the Kentucky Derby and Oaks a couple of weeks ago and kept me busy making dresses. One of my daughters lives 100 miles away and chose Vogue 1236 for her dress. I thought I had better sew up a "muslin" first for fitting. I grabbed a piece of cotton fabric from my stash of underwear fabric from the local underwear factory. I thought I would seam this dress up just enough to check the fit. The more I sewed, the more I liked the cool cotton print so I decided to finish it up. I raised the front neckline just a little and a couple of other minor adjustments. Sarah didn't seem all that excited at first about wearing the "muslin" but I left it with her anyway. She texted me last week to tell me that she wore her underwear dress to church! She decided that it's a pretty comfortable little summer dress and that she might like a couple more. I guess I'll have to let her go shopping in my underwear stash.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pRBHKq1iM0/U3MNESMo5HI/AAAAAAAABfE/F6g_rbnMRXY/s1600/Underwear+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Vogue 1236" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7pRBHKq1iM0/U3MNESMo5HI/AAAAAAAABfE/F6g_rbnMRXY/s1600/Underwear+dress.jpg" height="640" title="Vogue 1236" width="425" /></a></div>
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The pattern doesn't have a zipper so I didn't insert one in this version. I decided, however, that for her Derby dress I would add a zipper to the back to make it a little easier to get on. <br />
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Coming soon....Derby seersucker version of Vogue 1236.<br />
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-15631096007706103992014-04-14T00:24:00.000-05:002014-04-15T16:22:45.913-05:00Winter Street Dress from PatternreviewI'm pretty excited to share with you my two new Winter Street Dresses which are the result of my pattern testing for Deepika's new pattern available <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/65379" target="_blank">here</a> at <a href="http://patternreview.com/">Patternreview.com</a>. This is Deepika's version which is so cute on her with the ruffled sleeves and pink polka dots.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9IvpjtEQCk/U0oTgkWd1TI/AAAAAAAABeU/pjY_WlGsBHE/s1600/Deepika%27s+pattern+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winter Street Dress Patternreview" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q9IvpjtEQCk/U0oTgkWd1TI/AAAAAAAABeU/pjY_WlGsBHE/s1600/Deepika's+pattern+pic.jpg" height="400" title="Winter Street Dress" width="361" /></a></div>
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I downloaded the pattern and put it together very quickly. I sometimes dread this aspect of downloadable patterns but this was probably the most well planned pattern I have ever assembled. I traced the extra small size for my daughter so that I could use the pattern again for myself. The dress is described as <span class="prbig">"an easy to sew knit dress with a waist seam and a narrow pleated skirt." And, easy to sew is right! </span><br />
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<span class="prbig">After sewing together the bodice with a similar weight knit and getting a perfect fit, I cut out Hannah's purple ponte knit dress. Hannah is very petite so I took the dress up at the side seams and also moved the pleats in a bit more toward the center. I raised the waistline seam slightly as well just to keep everything proportioned for her height. Since this pattern works well with many different types and weights of knit fabrics, I think it is important to be flexible and let the fabric "speak" to you. For example, since ponte is a heavier knit, I stitched the pleats down for an inch or so.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqOsaOd_ru4/U0oRhuUBHlI/AAAAAAAABd0/6j5yE1tOucA/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winter Street Dress" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dqOsaOd_ru4/U0oRhuUBHlI/AAAAAAAABd0/6j5yE1tOucA/s1600/IMG_0552.JPG" height="640" title="Winter Street Dress" width="426" /></a></div>
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The assembly is streamlined on this dress. After sewing the bodice front to skirt front, the bodice back to skirt back and sewing the sleeve in flat, the entire side seam is sewn in one swoop from the bottom of the hem, up the skirt, the bodice, and finally the sleeve. This method made it extremely easy to take the dress in a bit at the side seams.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/97298" target="_blank">Patternreview Link</a></td></tr>
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<span class="prbig">As soon as I started sewing up Hannah's dress, I realized that the possibilities were endless for this pattern. I couldn't wait to finish it so that I could start another for myself. I really stepped outside of my comfort zone for this one because I don't wear a lot of prints and I haven't worn a maxi dress since high school when they were popular for a short time!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/97303" target="_blank">Patternreview Link</a></td></tr>
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<span class="prbig">I chose a rayon jersey knit for my dress with a rather bold pattern. I had to be careful about pattern placement so that I didn't have a large medallion in the wrong place. I'm about 5"4" and was able to get this version from about 1 3/4 yards of 60" fabric for a size medium. The armholes are perfect for a sleeveless version. I didn't change a thing. I cut fabric strips for the neckline and armholes and added with the same method that I use for ribbing. I folded in half lengthwise and sewed them on with the serger, stretching the strips as I sewed. I used the coverstitch on the right side to hold everything in place. The coverage is great in the arm area for a 50 something mom like myself.</span><br />
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<span class="prbig"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdL0_c0w3VY/U0oYyCkHngI/AAAAAAAABew/jP1U6hQCFpk/s1600/IMG_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winter Street Dress Patternreview" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CdL0_c0w3VY/U0oYyCkHngI/AAAAAAAABew/jP1U6hQCFpk/s1600/IMG_3468.JPG" height="265" title="Winter Street Dress" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="prbig">As Deepika, suggested, I stabilized the waist seam with elastic and that worked great to keep the weight of the long skirt from pulling down on the dress.</span><br />
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<span class="prbig">To adapt the skirt to maxi length, I drew a new side seam straight down from the widest part of the hips to the hemline. This basically changed the skirt pattern from the tulip shape to a rectangle. This gave me plenty of room to walk.</span><br />
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<span class="prbig">The pleats in this rayon jersey lay nice and flat across my hips so I didn't need to stitch them down as I did in Hannah's ponte version. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSt5J2HTYlw/U0oZnM7ZSKI/AAAAAAAABe0/seSw101u0Lg/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Winter Street Dress Paternreview" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSt5J2HTYlw/U0oZnM7ZSKI/AAAAAAAABe0/seSw101u0Lg/s1600/IMG_3455.JPG" height="640" title="Winter Street Dress" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span class="prbig">Every time I tried on this dress for a fitting as I sewed, I would model it for my family and say, "I just love my new dress!" Eventually, as I walked into the room, they would just go ahead and say, "I know, you love your new dress!"</span><br />
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<span class="prbig">It was such fun to be part of the pattern testing group and the blog hop. I think you'll be amazed as you visit these blogs at how versatile this pattern is. It's hard to believe they were all made from the same pattern.</span><br />
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<a href="http://sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-tour-pattern-reviews-winter-street.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com</a> 4/2/2014<br />
<a href="http://www.detectivehoundstooth.com/pr-winter-street-dress/" rel="nofollow">detectivehoundstooth.com</a> 4/3/2014<br />
<a href="http://www.cleverthinking99.com/2014/04/winter-street-dress.html" rel="nofollow">cleverthinking99.com</a> 4/4/2014<br />
<a href="http://trumbelinasews.blogspot.ca/2014/04/pattern-testing-winter-street-dress.html" rel="nofollow">trumbelinasews.blogspot.ca</a> 4/5/2014<br />
<a href="http://danikate-designs.blogspot.com/2014/04/winter-street-dress-blog-tour.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">danikate-designs.blogspot.com</a> 4/6/2014<br />
<a href="http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-winter-city-dress-by-patternreview.html" rel="nofollow">sewingsaga.blogspot.com</a> 4/7/2014<br />
<a href="http://sharonsews.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-tour-two-versions-of-pattern.html" rel="nofollow">sharonsews.blogspot.com</a> 4/8/2014<br />
<a href="http://stitchininmykitchen.blogspot.com/2014/04/pattern-testing-winter-street-dress-by.html" rel="nofollow">stitchinginmykitchen.blogspot.com</a> 4/9/2014<br />
<a href="http://sewingforward.com/2014/04/09/testing-testing-12-pattern-reviews-winter-street-dress-boldly-graphic/" rel="nofollow">sewingforward.com</a> 4/10/2014<br />
<a href="http://helloushandmades.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/pattern-testing-winter-street-dress.html" rel="nofollow">helloushandmades.blogspot.co.uk</a> 4/11/2014<br />
<a href="http://www.craftedbycarrie.com/?p=3081" rel="nofollow">craftedbycarrie.com</a> 4/12/2014<br />
<a href="http://curveddarts.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">curveddarts.blogspot.com</a> 4/13/2014<br />
<a href="http://www.janmade.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">janmade.blogspot.com</a> 4/14/2014<br />
<a href="http://www.juliabobbin.com/" rel="nofollow">juliabobbin.com</a> 4/15/2014<br />
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Thanks to Deepika and <a href="http://www.patternreview.com/" target="_blank">Patternreview</a> for the opportunity to test this pattern and join in on the Winter Street Dress Blog Hop! Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-65322093417456094972014-03-27T23:32:00.001-05:002014-04-13T22:45:13.623-05:00An Aloha Shirt for Hubby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last summer, my family took a trip to Honolulu to show my daughters where their Dad grew up. He was born and raised in Honolulu but hadn't been back to visit for 30 years. We visited Pearl Harbor, North Shore, Blow Hole, and all the must-see sights of Oahu. We had a small Memorial Service for their grandparents at Hawaiian Memorial Gardens and took the girls to Punchbowl to locate their great grandparents' graves. We went to Leonard's Bakery for malasadas and W & M Burger for teriburgers.We found all of the nine houses that my husband lived in while growing up there.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTsEQYy2U24/UzTqQGXdgqI/AAAAAAAABZc/lrgKt8_GVjo/s1600/Blow+Hole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Oahu" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTsEQYy2U24/UzTqQGXdgqI/AAAAAAAABZc/lrgKt8_GVjo/s1600/Blow+Hole.jpg" height="426" title="Oahu" width="640" /></a></div>
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Now this is a sewing blog so you know where this story is going. I asked my family if I could make a quick stop at <a href="http://fmart.com/" target="_blank">Fabric Mart</a>. I knew this would not be a quick stop. Thousands of rolls of fabrics! I <strike>bribed them</strike> suggested to them that if they would each choose a fabric, I would make everyone a garment to help them remember Hawaii. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSFyZ-0Yc8A/UzTu5jmstkI/AAAAAAAABZ4/j5i-MOWPm8Y/s1600/Fabric+Mart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fabric Mart Honolulu" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FSFyZ-0Yc8A/UzTu5jmstkI/AAAAAAAABZ4/j5i-MOWPm8Y/s1600/Fabric+Mart.jpg" height="640" title="Fabric Mart Honolulu" width="480" /></a></div>
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They were agreeable and this is what we came up with. Shirt for hubby, shorts for son-in-law, blouses and dresses for my daughters and myself. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J-PhuFT0kE/UzTwHk14-zI/AAAAAAAABaM/3B6ljfX5ldU/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fabric Mart Honolulu" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7J-PhuFT0kE/UzTwHk14-zI/AAAAAAAABaM/3B6ljfX5ldU/s1600/IMG_0372.JPG" height="640" title="fabrics from Fabric Mart in Honolulu" width="424" /></a></div>
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I bought the Hawaiian Classics aloha shirt pattern from the <a href="http://victoriajonescollection.com/" target="_blank">Victoria Jones Collection</a> at Fabric Mart for my husband's aloha shirt. He likes the authentic aloha shirts. He also likes his aloha shirts made wrong side out for a more muted appearance.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/96016" target="_blank">Patternreview Link</a></td></tr>
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There are lots of great tips included in this pattern. For example, the pattern not only suggests grading certain seams, it also indicates which seam allowance to cut wider and which to cut narrower. There is also a tip for preventing the undercollar from peeking out. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1F9UAPCXIg/UzTz_5FUSQI/AAAAAAAABak/aaQBkFChblc/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Hawaiian Classics aloha shirt Victoria Jones collection collar" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1F9UAPCXIg/UzTz_5FUSQI/AAAAAAAABak/aaQBkFChblc/s1600/IMG_0470.JPG" height="640" title="sewing undercollar" width="426" /></a></div>
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I used Pro-Woven Shirt-Crisp from <a href="https://www.fashionsewingsupply.com/" target="_blank">Fashion Sewing Supply</a> for the front band and collar and Pro-Woven Super-Crisp for the neckband. This interfacing is great! I probably would not be making shirts had I not discovered this interfacing.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11Nl90cbXlY/UzT0R1iIHdI/AAAAAAAABas/gSGrmLda-a4/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aloha Shirt Victoria Jones Collection collar Fashion Sewing Supply" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-11Nl90cbXlY/UzT0R1iIHdI/AAAAAAAABas/gSGrmLda-a4/s1600/IMG_0469.JPG" height="640" title="Aloha shirt collar" width="424" /> </a></div>
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I think my favorite detail of this aloha shirt pattern is the side vent. It is an overlapped vent and makes the shirt look very authentic and classic. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7jXXHtCdk4/UzT0nOgUnmI/AAAAAAAABa0/aJAQMnJRqbQ/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Victoria Jones Collection aloha shirt side vent" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_7jXXHtCdk4/UzT0nOgUnmI/AAAAAAAABa0/aJAQMnJRqbQ/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" height="640" title="Aloha Shirt side vent" width="426" /></a></div>
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The instructions for this vent are very good, but just to be sure that I understood them before I "clipped to the dot" on the real thing, I made a mock-up with a scrap of nonwoven interfacing.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6Ed0tZgVfs/UzT1eOxs5PI/AAAAAAAABbA/3JJtLp_AWRI/s1600/vent+sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Victoria Jones Collection aloha shirt side vent" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X6Ed0tZgVfs/UzT1eOxs5PI/AAAAAAAABbA/3JJtLp_AWRI/s1600/vent+sample.jpg" height="640" title="aloha shirt side vent " width="426" /></a></div>
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Now that makes one finished and six more to go from my Hawaii stash. This project was the most detailed of the seven so the rest should be a breeze!</div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="prbig"></span></span>Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-60947275517466509642014-03-08T16:51:00.000-06:002014-03-10T21:47:12.102-05:00Thank you to Patternreview and Sawyer Brook Fabrics!<br />
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I've had a little excitement in my little sewing corner of the world.<br />
I won the <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/blog?s=1777310" target="_blank">Patternreview Little White Dress Contest</a>!<br />
Thanks to <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/" target="_blank">Patternreview</a> for sponsoring such a great contest.<br />
The contest encouraged me to work on my fitting skills and add a few extra little touches<br />
to make the LWD in a classic style that my daughter can wear for years and still be quite in style.</div>
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<a href="http://2014 Little White Dress (Jan 16 - Feb 15)"><img alt="Little White Dress Contest" border="0" src="http://images.patternreview.com/siteimages/contest/2014/lwd_iwon_200px.png" /></a></div>
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Thank you to <a href="http://www.sawyerbrook.com/" target="_blank">Sawyer Brook Distinctive Fabrics</a> for sponsoring this contest. I can't wait to sew</div>
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with your beautiful fabrics! </div>
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And this is the <a href="http://janmade.blogspot.com/2014/02/little-white-dress-contest.html" target="_blank">dress</a> that I made for my daughter to wear to the Kentucky Derby. She bought a beautiful hot pink hat to wear with it. She is all set!</div>
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<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-78262317519990624682014-03-04T23:53:00.001-06:002014-04-13T22:40:20.506-05:00A Katniss CowlI don't often find time to blog two days in a row. Sunday night we had ice and then snow on top of ice so I haven't left home since Sunday. The mailman hasn't delivered mail for two days and I couldn't make it to jury duty today. However, I am catching up on UFO's, Ravelry projects, photoshoots, and blogging.<br />
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My daughter loves The Hunger Games and really wanted to knit a cowl similar to the one that Katniss Everdeen wore in the movie. We found a <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"></a><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/katniss-cowl" target="_blank">pattern</a> on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> and I helped her start it back in January. It was a quick, chunky yarn kind of knit but she would get busy with classes and put it aside for a week or so. Then we would have to reacquaint ourselves with the pattern and knit a few more rows. I helped her refashion the neck section last night to a more wearable version of the Katniss cowl and she was able to quickly finish it up. This post is a little heavy on pictures but it was good to get out of the house so we really enjoyed the photoshoot in the snow covered field, or should I say, District 12!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfcs88-uvpg/UxfhZbXRfLI/AAAAAAAABZI/dlVZHe0Yqro/s1600/with+Katniss+insert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Katniss cowl" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tfcs88-uvpg/UxfhZbXRfLI/AAAAAAAABZI/dlVZHe0Yqro/s1600/with+Katniss+insert.jpg" height="426" title="Katniss cowl" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mollymax/katniss-cowl" target="_blank">Ravelry Link</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN7EihyZh_w/Uxa25Pu7SjI/AAAAAAAABYE/7-VyVpwPAPQ/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Katniss cowl pattern" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bN7EihyZh_w/Uxa25Pu7SjI/AAAAAAAABYE/7-VyVpwPAPQ/s1600/IMG_0431.JPG" height="640" title="Katniss cowl" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV0qsvEMBXnHd4iCmY_hOlHGNJQ_Z3uy3HVanvom74pqImhP_Bo_3zuomO-XqnKGOO1HdD-VNjg6Ck25NP3wO53e_rHjclTbTMLtA448PaevvfLzxBOKEiAyqDZ2SyxtCUvPtARGJXE8/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Katniss cowl" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYV0qsvEMBXnHd4iCmY_hOlHGNJQ_Z3uy3HVanvom74pqImhP_Bo_3zuomO-XqnKGOO1HdD-VNjg6Ck25NP3wO53e_rHjclTbTMLtA448PaevvfLzxBOKEiAyqDZ2SyxtCUvPtARGJXE8/s1600/IMG_0413.JPG" height="640" title="Katniss cowl" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3zpK4Y1yI0/Uxa3vchMICI/AAAAAAAABYQ/X6IFfvkXEWA/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Katniss cowl pattern" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B3zpK4Y1yI0/Uxa3vchMICI/AAAAAAAABYQ/X6IFfvkXEWA/s1600/IMG_0400.JPG" height="640" title="Katniss cowl" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boh3r_qB8pc/Uxa3ThD837I/AAAAAAAABYI/PoC7Q_cmBBM/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Katniss cowl" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-boh3r_qB8pc/Uxa3ThD837I/AAAAAAAABYI/PoC7Q_cmBBM/s1600/IMG_0415.JPG" height="640" title="Katniss cowl" width="424" /></a></div>
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If you would like to knit your own Katniss cowl, check out these links.....<br />
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<a href="http://kathatravelling.wordpress.com/2013/08/30/katniss-cowl-tutorial/" target="_blank">Katharina Schnorr's blog</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/katniss-cowl" target="_blank">Pattern Information on Ravelry.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mollymax/katniss-cowl" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mollymax/katniss-cowl" target="_blank">My Katniss cowl and project notes on Ravelry</a> <br />
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I'd love to see pics of your Katniss cowl!<br />
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Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-18202325453822078362014-03-03T17:55:00.001-06:002014-04-13T22:47:16.818-05:00Welted Fingerless Gloves and Shear MadnessA couple of years ago in Savannah, Georgia, I found this beautiful merino/silk blend fiber at <a href="http://www.wildfibreyarns.com/" target="_blank">Wild Fibre Yarns</a>. It was very easy to spin so I spun it up pretty quickly and added the yarn to my stash because, as usual, I couldn't decided what to knit with it. I have always had my eye on the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/welted-fingerless-gloves" target="_blank">Welted Fingerless Glove</a> pattern by <a href="http://www.churchmouseyarns.com/" target="_blank">Churchmouse Yarns and Teas</a>. In my destashing frenzy of 2014, I matched up the yarn and pattern and, after a few evenings of knitting, ended up with these warm and cozy mitts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/mollymax/welted-fingerless-gloves" target="_blank">Ravelry link</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzvhsoitpjI/UxZ0lMFFDgI/AAAAAAAABXg/6qK8cNDoa5M/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fingerless mitts" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yzvhsoitpjI/UxZ0lMFFDgI/AAAAAAAABXg/6qK8cNDoa5M/s1600/IMG_0441.JPG" height="425" title="Welted Fingerless Gloves" width="640" /></a></div>
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My first Ebay purchase many years ago was an assortment of 1200 small pearl buttons! I used 10 of them to sew onto the welts of the mitts.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRFP3783Gvg/UxZ05t0LIRI/AAAAAAAABXo/UxRtRUmpLac/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fingerless mitts" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRFP3783Gvg/UxZ05t0LIRI/AAAAAAAABXo/UxRtRUmpLac/s1600/IMG_0440.JPG" height="425" title="Welted Fingerless Gloves" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are looking for some knitting or spinning inspiration, check out <a href="http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/shear-madness/" target="_blank">Shear Madness on National Geographic</a> about a city girl turned sheep farmer with her husband and five kids. It just started last Saturday night. I missed it but caught up watching On Demand. I don't watch a lot of TV but this is pretty interesting stuff for knitters and spinners.I had to turn my head in one scene - a little more animal science than I needed to see!Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-44634934513863890092014-02-25T17:28:00.000-06:002014-10-27T22:06:18.161-05:00Kwik Sew 3740 and Knit TipsI'm still working on my one and only New Year's Resolution which is to reduce my fabric stash. This is my 12th sewing project this year. I don't blog all of them because some are actually a little boring to sew so I'm sure they would be even more boring for you to read about!<br />
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I decided to make a few long sleeved t-shirts since all of my RTW tees have shrunk nearly up to my belly button! I used my Kwik Sew 3740 and cut the neckline about 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 higher at center front. I found this dark gray cotton blend knit in my stash which, at first, I thought was pretty ugly. Why did I buy that? I offered to make my daughter something out of it but she wasn't interested. Determined to use the piece, I cut out a long sleeve t-shirt. I had to add a center back seam since I only had 1 1/4 yards. I cut self-fabric neck "ribbing" about 1 1/2 inches wide and folded in half.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFff1oSY1Gc/Uw0Z5JJ-0JI/AAAAAAAABVs/I0COwRr0vxY/s1600/Inside+closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="sewing knits coverstitch" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFff1oSY1Gc/Uw0Z5JJ-0JI/AAAAAAAABVs/I0COwRr0vxY/s1600/Inside+closeup.jpg" height="640" title="KwikSew 3740" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/95849" target="_blank">Patternreview link</a></td></tr>
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Once I got past fighting with the curled edges and got the thing seamed up, I couldn't stop stitching on it. I used my coverstitch to topstitch the neckline and the sleeve seams.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jO53iQ4xI6I/Uw0aqTca3uI/AAAAAAAABV0/UYUxIVMVYfQ/s1600/IMG_0309.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing knits coverstitch" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jO53iQ4xI6I/Uw0aqTca3uI/AAAAAAAABV0/UYUxIVMVYfQ/s1600/IMG_0309.jpg" height="425" title="KwikSew 3740" width="640" /></a></div>
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I decided to add one of those little decorative V's in the center front just because I see them on all things casual and sporty. I discovered that stitch 309 on my Bernina looks very similar to what I see in RTW. I drew a V with my <a href="http://sewingworkshop.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&product_id=112&category_id=36&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=54" target="_blank">chalk marker</a>, added stabilizer underneath, and updated my plain, gray t-shirt.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLj8sg1FYIo/Uw0cBIF-M7I/AAAAAAAABWA/oH_o3S8R2C8/s1600/IMG_0307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing knits with coverstitch" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mLj8sg1FYIo/Uw0cBIF-M7I/AAAAAAAABWA/oH_o3S8R2C8/s1600/IMG_0307.jpg" height="640" title="Kwik Sew 3740" width="426" /></a></div>
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I convinced hubby to help me with the pics. He is actually pretty good! This is the Plain Jan(e) version.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVBhT2IHKwA/Uw0c_05kE7I/AAAAAAAABWI/GWBMyk3gdmU/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing knits coverstitch" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVBhT2IHKwA/Uw0c_05kE7I/AAAAAAAABWI/GWBMyk3gdmU/s1600/IMG_0322.jpg" height="426" title="KwikSew 3740" width="640" /></a></div>
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A little sporty with a touch of Burberry plaid.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcpHNR_L2FM/Uw0dtNwWMOI/AAAAAAAABWQ/BIntlzv2gvo/s1600/IMG_0313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing knits coverstitch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pcpHNR_L2FM/Uw0dtNwWMOI/AAAAAAAABWQ/BIntlzv2gvo/s1600/IMG_0313.jpg" height="640" title="KwikSew 3740" width="426" /></a></div>
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Brightened up with a red fleece vest.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNH5t8rjBqI/Uw0eWy5aVKI/AAAAAAAABWY/pKtDbZdH1f0/s1600/IMG_0334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing knits coverstitch" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uNH5t8rjBqI/Uw0eWy5aVKI/AAAAAAAABWY/pKtDbZdH1f0/s1600/IMG_0334.jpg" height="640" title="KwikSew 3740" width="426" /></a></div>
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I showed my daughter my trendy V in the front and she replied, "Ooooooh". I'll bet she wishes she had taken me up on the offer to make her one!<br />
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A few of my <b>Sewing with Knits Tips. </b><br />
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<li>Prewash the fabric in the manner that you plan to wash the finished garment, especially if it is cotton or a cotton blend. </li>
<li>If you are sure of your sleeve length, hem the sleeve before sewing the sleeve seam, especially if hemming with a coverstitch.</li>
<li>Sew one shoulder seam, add the neck ribbing, and then sew the remaining shoulder seam. Press the shoulder seam towards the back and stitch it in place at the ribbing/neck edge so that it lays flat. </li>
<li>Sew the sleeve in before sewing the sleeve seam and the side seam which can then be sewn in one continuous seam.</li>
<li>I usually hem the sleeve just a smidgen longer than I think I want it to be. It always works up a bit with wear and elbow bending.</li>
<li>When hemming with a coverstitch from the right side, I sometimes draw a line on the right side with my <a href="http://sewingworkshop.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&product_id=112&category_id=36&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=54" target="_blank">Chakoner marker</a>. If I press up 1 1/4" for a hem, I draw a line about 1 1/8" from the folded edge. I can then "straddle" the chalk line with the presser foot.</li>
<li>If the knit is especially stretchy, I secure the hems with 3/8" double sided fusible before hemming with the coverstitch. This also prevents the hem from "tunneling" and the stitches from becoming buried in the fabric.</li>
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<b> </b>Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8727730397855478331.post-33428972970332332252014-02-13T17:46:00.000-06:002014-04-13T22:48:11.583-05:00Little White Dress ContestBack in January I entered a <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/blog?s=1777310" target="_blank">Little White Dress Contest</a> on <a href="http://www.patternreview.com/" target="_blank">Patternreview</a>. I've always wanted to enter one of their contests but always got sidetracked. This time I clicked on the "enter contest" button determined to follow through. I got a late start (a week before the end of the contest) but that's okay. I need a deadline to motivate me.<br />
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I decided to make a white pique dress for my daughter since she wears more dresses than I do. It's difficult to find patterns in size 4 but we agreed on Simplicity 1650. We looked beyond the peplum to the basic lines of the pattern. I made a muslin to check the fit and it's a good thing I did. One adjustment that definitely needs to be made before cutting is the width across the front neckline area. I had to take out about 3/4 inch from the front width by moving the pattern over at the fold about 3/8 inch at the top only. Otherwise, I would have been adding darts to the front neckline!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFVrdgALcZk/UvlgXTF6Q6I/AAAAAAAABP0/vcXFE5wSvpo/s1600/Front+adj-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simplicity 1650" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GFVrdgALcZk/UvlgXTF6Q6I/AAAAAAAABP0/vcXFE5wSvpo/s1600/Front+adj-001.jpg" height="640" title="front bodice alteration" width="414" /></a></div>
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The front princess seams needed to be taken up a bit but I decided to adjust that after cutting out the bodice so that I could pin the adjustments on her body. I compared the skirt to a favorite skirt pattern and it was very close so adjustments were easy for the skirt. </div>
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We liked the cap sleeve but not the gathers at the top especially for the weight of the pique. I spent more time on the sleeves than any other part of the process. I don't know a lot about sleeve drafting so I laid the cap sleeve pattern (with the extra fullness folded out) on top of tracing paper on top of the basic short sleeve and drafted a new sleeve with the parts that I liked from each.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVYCPqpo__o/Uvli3UqSxZI/AAAAAAAABP8/wgJ4rmbAFbU/s1600/sleeve2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eVYCPqpo__o/Uvli3UqSxZI/AAAAAAAABP8/wgJ4rmbAFbU/s1600/sleeve2.jpg" height="640" title="sewing sleeve adjustment" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h74dE15GjS8/UvljNt1lZnI/AAAAAAAABQE/an4Jf4gBfAo/s1600/sleeve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simplicity 1650" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h74dE15GjS8/UvljNt1lZnI/AAAAAAAABQE/an4Jf4gBfAo/s1600/sleeve.jpg" height="640" title="Sleeve alteration" width="424" /> </a></div>
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I added self-fabric piping to the neckline and to the bottom of the sleeves. I love piping! I used a Bernina #3 buttonhole foot which has grooves in the bottom and I was able to get a lot closer to the cord than with a zipper foot. I also used the #3 foot for the invisible zipper and it worked just as well, if not better, than my invisible zipper foot. </div>
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This is the sleeve piping before understitching with the lining opened out from the sleeve. The piping is tapered at the underarm seam to reduce bulk.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJ8qL61imlY/UvlknSBdEcI/AAAAAAAABQQ/56ebNKt5VUI/s1600/sleeve+piping+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing piping" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kJ8qL61imlY/UvlknSBdEcI/AAAAAAAABQQ/56ebNKt5VUI/s1600/sleeve+piping+2.jpg" height="640" title="sewing piping" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htfRtkx_CoU/UvllhxuC-iI/AAAAAAAABQk/IfF5FvH8bXU/s1600/sleeve+piping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing piping" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htfRtkx_CoU/UvllhxuC-iI/AAAAAAAABQk/IfF5FvH8bXU/s1600/sleeve+piping.jpg" height="640" title="sewing piping" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD0l5f8Xnqc/UvwsFYXtWkI/AAAAAAAABSU/1C_phvseYrk/s1600/IMG_0165-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sewing sleeve piping" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oD0l5f8Xnqc/UvwsFYXtWkI/AAAAAAAABSU/1C_phvseYrk/s1600/IMG_0165-001.JPG" height="640" title="sewing sleeve piping" width="426" /></a></div>
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I made thread loops at the side seams with a method I learned from a <a href="http://childrenscornerstore.com/" target="_blank">Children's Corner</a> pattern many years ago when I smocked for my daughters. I think I might be a nerdy seamstress because I counted the number of loops so that the thread chains on each side would match! </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clpIv0dHOwk/UvlnTvlOSDI/AAAAAAAABRA/ZAAC85V3WrU/s1600/thread+loop2-001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to make a thread loop" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-clpIv0dHOwk/UvlnTvlOSDI/AAAAAAAABRA/ZAAC85V3WrU/s1600/thread+loop2-001.jpg" height="640" title="sewing thread loop" width="428" /> </a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2pFJjpWfTF8/Uvwp4NMX0DI/AAAAAAAABR0/eACvjQuP4GY/s1600/IMG_0169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="how to make a thread loop" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2pFJjpWfTF8/Uvwp4NMX0DI/AAAAAAAABR0/eACvjQuP4GY/s1600/IMG_0169.JPG" height="640" title="sewing thread loop" width="426" /></a></div>
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Here she is all accessorized for an evening out.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWWpr25I6qA/UvwsmZf95UI/AAAAAAAABSc/pAkgEx6GPFY/s1600/IMG_0192-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simplicity 1650" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jWWpr25I6qA/UvwsmZf95UI/AAAAAAAABSc/pAkgEx6GPFY/s1600/IMG_0192-001.JPG" height="640" title="Simplicity 1650" width="426" /> </a></div>
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Evening out without the belt.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch0Z4swxr8A/Uvxph1yMhJI/AAAAAAAABT0/x7Sz3b1vpkA/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Patternreview Little White Dress Contest" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ch0Z4swxr8A/Uvxph1yMhJI/AAAAAAAABT0/x7Sz3b1vpkA/s1600/IMG_0185.JPG" height="640" title="Simplicity 1650" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is the casual daytime version with brown leather belt and strappy wedges, brown wood beads, and a denim jacket.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki6sgOcvK-I/Uv1Q4v4hOoI/AAAAAAAABUM/Lx6agD0TjfI/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Patternreview LWD Contest" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ki6sgOcvK-I/Uv1Q4v4hOoI/AAAAAAAABUM/Lx6agD0TjfI/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG" height="640" title="Simplicity 1650" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDnR4KJdZKM/Uv1Rr9kaHWI/AAAAAAAABUU/QqLrYf8nZxA/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simplicity 1650" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uDnR4KJdZKM/Uv1Rr9kaHWI/AAAAAAAABUU/QqLrYf8nZxA/s1600/IMG_0255.JPG" height="640" title="Simplicity 1650" width="424" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oq93yLVJGqY/Uv1SD8tfzUI/AAAAAAAABUc/F1CvemoYRW4/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Simplicity 1650" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oq93yLVJGqY/Uv1SD8tfzUI/AAAAAAAABUc/F1CvemoYRW4/s1600/IMG_0232.JPG" height="640" title="Simplicity 1650" width="426" /></a></div>
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This is the blank canvas. My daughter loves the dress. I think she will be able to wear this very classic style for many years, dressed up or down, or somewhere in between. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZPuJrEahPo/UvwtQtmpjgI/AAAAAAAABSo/RtpRtMdbLjU/s1600/IMG_0210-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Paternreview Little White Dress Contest" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZPuJrEahPo/UvwtQtmpjgI/AAAAAAAABSo/RtpRtMdbLjU/s1600/IMG_0210-001.JPG" height="640" title="Simplicity 1650" width="428" /></a></div>
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I lined the dress with a poly/cotton batiste and inserted an invisible zipper in the back. Total cost of the dress is $16 for pique, lining, and zipper with coupons and my "over 55" senior discount at Hancock Fabrics<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">!</a></div>
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Link <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/95322" target="_blank">here</a> to my review of this dress on Patternreview.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-htfRtkx_CoU/UvllhxuC-iI/AAAAAAAABQk/IfF5FvH8bXU/s1600/sleeve+piping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<br />Janhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04498193066343735261noreply@blogger.com28