Summer is the season to sew for...crisp tops + breezy dresses make good use of easy-to-sew cottons. I've been gathering a few ideas of what I might like to wear in the months ahead...and one of those ideas is a little shorts jumpsuit like I've drawn here. A trip to JoAnn (because I wanted to get sewing right away) offered up some tencel/linen + thread for less than $17.
Next comes some heavily hacked pattern prep. I haven't made too many patterns without changes...and I started sewing my own clothing when I was in seventh grade. There were no internet tutorials or pattern making books in our library in those olden days. :) I say this only to encourage going for it. Most pattern hacks just make sense.
I don't often find a pattern exactly the way I want it. I do like to use patterns, however, because most of the work is done. Want a round collar instead of a pointy one...round out the points. Wider legs...cut them wider from the hip. Once a collar or pants or sleeves have been sewn...a good deal of knowledge is there. Add a collar to a shirt without one. Raise the rise of a pair of pants. Think it through. The easiest method usually works. :)
I've made this particular pattern a couple of times before (thank you Marilla Walker! It's a good one!), so some of the adaptations are already proven...raised rounded neckline, straight seam across the back, back cut on fold, removed pleats, lengthened pockets. A few alterations were added...one size smaller, shorten the bodice, increase the rise of the bottoms + pockets to accommodate, lengthen the button opening, widen the legs, shorten the legs to shorts.
I don't often find a pattern exactly the way I want it. I do like to use patterns, however, because most of the work is done. Want a round collar instead of a pointy one...round out the points. Wider legs...cut them wider from the hip. Once a collar or pants or sleeves have been sewn...a good deal of knowledge is there. Add a collar to a shirt without one. Raise the rise of a pair of pants. Think it through. The easiest method usually works. :)
I've made this particular pattern a couple of times before (thank you Marilla Walker! It's a good one!), so some of the adaptations are already proven...raised rounded neckline, straight seam across the back, back cut on fold, removed pleats, lengthened pockets. A few alterations were added...one size smaller, shorten the bodice, increase the rise of the bottoms + pockets to accommodate, lengthen the button opening, widen the legs, shorten the legs to shorts.
All but the buttons, button holes + hems are finished now. And...I already have my next project planned. :)
What are you working on? I'd love to hear! :)
Love,
Jane
What are you working on? I'd love to hear! :)
Love,
Jane
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