Invisible Zipper Haiku

invisible zipper
even an incompetent sewer
you make look good


Yeah, sorry about that. I'm no poet.
However, I think I've found an answer to my zipper installation problems.

Here's exhibit A, my slapdash attempt at installing a regular zipper on ultra slippery fabric:



Exhibit B, the with the invisible zipper. There's still a light gaping where the fabric bunches up, but hey.... I'm what you call an imperfectionist. I'll be able to live with that:



Looks a lot better, yes?

Thanks to all the suggestions left, when I posed the question about zippers.

HomeJewel pointed me to this wonderful youtube tutorial on how to insert an invisible zipper. It really helped me out. Hope it helps you too!

Reusing the fabric from an old Skirt

I'm supposed to be studying for my big final exam this weekend!
And what do you know? I'm finding all sorts of reason not to study. I have forbidden myself to start any major projects. However, it was driving me crazy! Crazy, I tell ya.

So, to mollify myself, I spent a little bit of time thinking of ways to refashion this skirt. I snagged it out of my friend's donation pile, in case I could 'do something with it'.


It's really pretty, but a little large for me. Also, it is not quite my style. I just could not picture myself wearing it.

In the end, I used Simplicity 4613 to make this cute dress for my little girls (they are about the same size, even though there is a 2 year difference in age)

I think this pattern is probably out of print. It is a great pattern, and the dress is very simple to make. I think, that if one had more time, it is not that had to draft a pattern from an existing dress. If you have a little girl, I'm sure there are many similar dresses in their closets!

Here is the dress in action:

Sewing question - What would you do?

I'm in the process of making some flower girl dresses for my daughters.
Here's a snap shot of the fitting:



It is missing a sash and hem, and I have not finished hand sewing the lining on the insides.
Working with shiny slippery material is somewhat of a new thing for me and I've been having some serious slip issues.
One of the most glaring is the zipper. Here's a close up shot:

Gah!! It looks baaaadd in this shot!

I'm just about to use my seam ripper to tear out the zipper and re-do it because it is rather sloppy there the thickness of the fabric changes. What with the gathers and lining, I had a hard time fixing the zipper.
Part of me wants to leave it as it is. Mainly because it will be covered by a sash. Also, because it is a flower girl dress and will likely be tossed aside after the wedding. The other part is a little mortified at the shoddiness.

What would you do? Neaten it up slightly, and cover up with the sash? or Redo?

Sweater Sleeves into Little Girl's Leggings

First of all, I cannot believe that I haven't done this yet, but I wanted to thank you for visiting, subscribing and reading my little blog.
What started off as a little challenge to write a quick tutorial on a blog, has morphed into something much bigger. The blog fuels my hobbies, and in turn, this motivates me to write about the little projects I'm passionate about. There are not many people in my 'real life' that I can talk to about sewing and crafting, so I'm so glad to know that there is a whole community of people out there with whom I can share with! I'd like to think that I've made some bloggy friends along the way too.
So, thank you very much!!

I've neglected refashioning for a while now, so here's a quick one!

My friend passed this cashmere-blend sweater a while ago. It had a broken zipper, and there was some pilling on the front and back panel of the body. However, the sleeves were in very decent shape.


Using an old (very, very, very old!) pair of leggings as a guide, I manage to create a lovely pair of leggings for my daughter. It looks like I could have added more of an inseam to the seat of the leggings. However, because of the elastic I inserted at the waist band, the leggings seem to stay up rather well.



I'm happy to report that this pair of leggings has become a favorite. It goes nicely under dresses. Perfect for the cool spring mornings!

Pattern Review: Kwik Sew 3115 Top

I'm going to be extra busy for the next couple of weeks. Here's hoping that I will be able to do a few posts!

I'm throwing my hubby a big 40th birthday bash this Saturday. We love parties, but I find it exhausting. However, seeing that it's a special milestone.... well, I have to put in the extra work. It's going to be fun, fun, fun!

I'm also studying up for a big yoga teacher training exam. It's in a couple of weeks away, but I'm jazzed to hit the books! Why? Because after that exam, I will have my certificate. I cannot wait!!

Meanwhile, my daughters are going to be flower girls for a friend's wedding. It is a little bit of a short notice, but I'm going to have to make the flower girl dresses. I love a good challenge.

Anyway, back to the topic of sewing review.
I thought that I should have a review for the yoga top that comes with the Kwik Sew 3115 pattern. There are a lot of reviews for the pants, but not so many for the top.



Pattern Description:
Yoga Top

Pattern Sizing:
XS to L. I made an XS

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes! Don't you love it when that happens?

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I love, love, love this pattern.


The neck line and armholes are finished with a regular sewing machine. I'm going to make another of these tops and I'm hoping to be able to make the entire top using just my serger. I think that would make the insides of the top look very professional. I wonder if that would work though? Has anyone tried this?

Fabric Used:
Black 2-way stretch knit.
Cotton-poly-lycra blend. It's an excellent quality knit.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
There is supposed to be a tuck where the neck band meets at the bottom of the v-neck. It is to make the band lie flat against the chest. However, my fabric was too thick to fold and sew. I left it untouched since it looked fine the way it was.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, and yes. Great pattern

Conclusion:
I think It is nice enough that I can make this top with a lovely patterned knit. It's not just a yoga top! It would make a wonderful casual top.

Pattern Review: Kwik Sew 3115 Yoga Pants

Did I tell you that I have been taking a yoga teacher's training course? I will graduate at the end of the month.
I do have great news, though. I have been hired to teach at a yoga studio; once a week! I'm so happy to have a start somewhere. So glad that all that training isn't going to waste.
Anyway, I'm told to attend a photoshoot for the studio's yoga teachers. The photographer, a very no-nonsense Russian, demands that all subjects dress in black yoga attire.
Sigh! Black. Of course it had to be black. It just happens that I don't have any black yoga pants or tops.
Lucky for me, my sewing buddy Amal lent me her Kwik Sew 3115 yoga pants pattern. And boy! I can see what the fuss is all about





Pattern Description:
Misses' pants and capri. The very close fitting pull-on pants have flared legs in two lengths and a wide waistband with narrow elastic.

I made two pants and a capri.

Pattern Sizing:
XS-S-M-L-XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes! The easiest to follow yet.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Nothing. I love the fit. It's a great pattern. Very, very quick to make. It takes about less than an hour to cut and sew.

Fabric Used:
Black cotton, polyester and lycra knit. Very good quality.
It's boring black, but it's very practical for yoga.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
As usual, I shorten the pants by about 3 inches.

My measurements fit me into the medium size. However, when I made it, it is a little loose. Check it out:

It did not fit me all that well. I did wear it to one yoga class, and the pants stay up (haha, thank goodness for the other people in the class).

The next time I made it, I made sure to make size small. I also cropped 1.5" off the top so that the waistband sits a little lower.
The result:

A little better.

I also made the capri:

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes and yes!


Conclusion:
Are you still on the fence with this pattern? Don't be! It's a good one.

Pattern Review: New Look 6190

I bought this pattern for the pants, but I decided to give the skirt a whirl. After all, it is approaching summer, and a casual skirt will up my style quotient (hahahaha, meaning that I won't be wearing tattered shorts) considerably.

Pattern Description:

Skirt that sits about 2" under natural waist.
I made a skirt with the overlap

Pattern Sizing:
Size 8-18.
From previous experience making the pants, I cut size a size 8, using the finished measurement as a guide.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very, very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I like how easy it is to make this skirt.
There is absolutely nothing I dislike about this pattern.

Fabric Used:
Cotton- polyester blend. If memory serves me right, it's a 50-50 blend.
Unfortunately, the color that shows up on screen does not reflect the true color of the skirt. It is more of a subtle greyish blue. Also, the fabric does not reflect as much light as the photo suggests. I really have to learn to take better pictures of solid color clothing. It's a bit of a struggle for me. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I lined the skirt with the same material. Otherwise, the skirt would have been too sheer.

Note: I'm 5'1" and I did not have to shorten the skirt as I usually do. It falls comfortably above my knees. So, if you may want adjust the length of this skirt accordingly, if you are not of the petite stature.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes! I am thinking of making a skort using this pattern as a guide.
And yes, I highly recommend it!


Side view:


Conclusion:
This is quickly becoming my tried and tested pattern. I love it.

Back view:

Tulips in Ottawa

Every year, close to a million tulip bulbs are planted throughout Ottawa, the capital of Canada.

According to history, the Dutch Royal Family took refuge in Canada during World War II and the Canadian troops contributed to the liberation of the Netherlands.
In gratitude, the Dutch people sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada. Another 20,000 were added by the Dutch royal family. To this day, the Netherlands continues to send 20,000 bulbs to Canada each year. Pretty cool, eh?

Today, my daughters and I strolled through Commissioner's Park in the downtown area of Ottawa, to enjoy the highest concentration of tulips in the region; close to 300,000!

Pattern Review: Simplicity 4074 Skirt

Pattern Description:
Miss & Miss Petite Knit Mock Wrap Dress or Top, Pull-On Dress or Top, Skirt & Sash
I made the skirt

Pattern Sizing:
Size 6-14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Very much so. Since it is such an easy skirt, I just glanced at it. I think that this is a great pattern for beginners.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
For a knit skirt with elastic waist, this is a lovely skirt. I wasn't sure it was going to be, because I've made elastic waisted skirts before that were not as flattering.

Fabric Used:
Off-white textured knit - polyester, I believe. I got this off the remnant bin; I wanted to make a wearable muslin.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
I cut a size 14, because the finished measurement of the skirt would have fit me. However, when I finished making the skirt I decided to take the skirt in a couple of inches.
I also took off 5 inches off the skirt. I am 5'1" and this skirt was really much too long for me. Next time, I will shorten the pattern in the middle rather than at the bottom, so that I can have more of a trumpet effect.
I got a little lazy so I decided to use my serger to create a rolled hem instead of the suggested turning and hemming.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
I will be making another one of these skirts, shortening the skirt in the middle.
Yes, this pattern is easy and it took me less than an hour

Conclusion:
Great pattern. I can't wait to try this skirt again.

Unusual Container Gardening

I can't tell you how much I love gardening in spring.
One thing I enjoy, is to use interesting and unusual containers to garden in.
Ever tried planting flowers in a pair of old working boots? It's a great conversational piece.

My youngest and I picked up this wicker basket for a song. No one wanted it because it is less than perfect, but we had nefarious plans for it.



We lined the basket with landscaping fabric. Really, it's just black plastic with some holes poked in it, but since we had a stuff handy, that's what we used. Otherwise, we would have happily used garbage bags.
We filled the basket halfway with some soil and wet that soil:

We added some plants:
We filled up the planter with more soil and added water!

Here's our planter full of pansies. The flowers look a little worse for wear from all that manhandling, but they will perk up soon enough!

Pattern Review: New Look 6045 - Top

I made one last top for last week's spring top week challenge. However, this one never made it on time. However, it rates it's own review.



Pattern Description:
5 tops with varying sleeve options.
Gathered at the bust with ribbons.
I made view C, sleeveless option

Pattern Sizing:
Size 3/4 to 13/14

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes, it did.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, very simple and straightforward.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
It's a top that is very easy to wear. It is supposed to be a 'junior' pattern, but it suits me just fine.
After wearing this top for about an hour, I noticed that the elastic that goes on the shoulder makes the armhole really small. In the photo I've included with this review, I haven't taken off the elastic yet. I have since gone back to remove the elastic and the top is much more comfortable.

Fabric Used:
Mystery fabric in my stash. I think it's a poly-rayon blend.
I can't wait for someone to walk up to me and tell me their curtain's made of the same fabric :)

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
None, for the photo shown with this review.
I took out later the elastic that is supposed to gather on the shoulders. It's more comfortable to wear that way.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes, I would sew it again - with softer material.
I would recommend it without the elastic gathers on the shoulder, and I would recommend lengthening the top.

Conclusion:
This is a very simple top to make. I recommend it as a wardrobe builder for the spring/summer months.

One more Dana's Made Shirt Dress

Well, when you make a dress for one daughter, be sure to balance it out with a dress for the other.
With another discard from my husband's closet, I whipped up another of Dana's dress (click here for her . This time, it took less than an hour to make the dress. It is such a satisfying project. My daughter was soooo excited! She kept saying, "That is dad's kangaroo shirt! It is! It is!"

Here's my youngest, posing for me. Note the serious expression on her face. She's a very shy, very serious little one.



And just because, these are some photos for spring in my front yard.

My favourite, the spring Grape Hyacinths:
Lovely tulips, planted and replanted by cheeky squirrels. (I had one pop up in my juniper bush once)
Narcissus and daffodils:

Compost Sifter - quick and dirty!

I haven't just been sewing, you know! Although, if you ask my family, they would make it seem like I have not detached myself from the sewing machine!

Anyway, I just thought I'd show you the quick and dirty compost sifter or sieve that I made.

As you can see, it's just four pieces of wood nailed together. I stapled gutter guard mesh (threaded together to form a big piece of mesh) onto the wood to use as the sift. You can use chicken wire, but I find that this guard mesh is sold in small amounts and is quite cheap to buy.
So, this sifter works pretty well, except I will probably nail extra pieces of wood onto the sides to prevent soil from dropping off the edges.
So, for under $5, I have myself a compost sifter. I'm impressed at how well this simple device works. Now, I can spread beautifully composted material into my "vegetable garden" (still waiting for the first seeds to germinate... sigh).
Do you compost?