On Saturday I spent the entire day sewing, and made two Renfrew tops and a Mission Maxi. I told you I was trying to get a lot done before my niece comes! Here is the first of the two Renfrews:
This one is in an organic cotton jersey from Fabric.com. I think it looks great with this Marimekko for Anthropologie skirt I've had for years.
This cotton is slightly heavier than the knits I've used for my two previous Renfrews, making it a tiny bit more challenging for me to sew. I had really wanted to use my new twin needle to topstitch the bindings, but the closest orange thread I found just wasn't close enough, so once again, they're plain.
Here's a little something I wanted to show you. I trace all my patterns onto a pattern-making material that is a lot like non-woven interfacing. I like it because it's sturdy, cuts easily without ripping and has a slight texture that makes it stick to the fabric so I can be more accurate in my cutting without doing a whole lot of pinning. But it's fairly thick, so I don't like to fold it up and put it back into the pattern envelope. Instead, I roll it and put it in an old toilet paper tube, and mark the pattern name and the size I made on the outside.
I've got all my patterns arranged on a bookshelf, and when I want to reuse one, I just have to unroll it and I'm ready to go!
I love orange too! Your t-shirt is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI must find some of that pattern making fabric. Do you know what it's called or it's brand name?
I'm so sorry, I don't know what it's called! I buy it at Vogue Fabrics in Chicago, and I've just checked their website but they've changed it all and now I can't find it there! But I have bought a similar one at JoAnn's called Easy Pattern by Pellon. They keep it with the interfacings. Hope that helps!
Deleteoh my gosh, you made that shirt?? i think i am feeling a little more inspired to open my sewing machine now. i asked for it TWO years ago for Christmas and have yet to take it out of the box! i don't know jack about sewing but seeing your stuff makes me want to learn!
ReplyDeleteYou should try it, Shateen! This pattern is listed as a beginner pattern, and there's plenty of help out there on the internet. I've been sewing off and on since I was a kid, but I've learned SO much over the last year from reading sewing blogs!
DeleteI love orange, but this is a shade of orange that I would be afraid to use. It looks great on you!!! You've been so productive... I'm a little jealous! Can't wait to see the next mission maxi!
ReplyDeleteIt is a little "in your face," isn't it?!
DeleteTrying to stock up on the sewing fun, because once niecy-poo is here, there won't be any more sewing until September!
Cute, cute, cute! That's a great outfit Gail, and the pattern rolling idea is just brilliant! I may have to be a copy cat and adopt this way of pattern storage.
ReplyDeleteI don't know why I feel compelled to use these things, but I do! And they're pretty handy!
DeleteSuch a gorgeous color! It looks absolutely adorable on you, especially paired with that great skirt!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip for pattern storage-- I love the sound of this!
I have quite the pattern stash now. Maybe I should take a picture of it!
DeleteOoh the orange and aqua! The skirt looks so pretty with it! I keep being in awe of how fast you can whip them up!
ReplyDeleteNice tracing paper idea. I ended up putting my traced patterns in a ring binder. I don't have too many yet though!
I'm kind of astounded by how many I have, because I tend to use most of my patterns more than once. I guess I've been doing a LOT of sewing!
DeleteA woman after my own heart, orange is such a wonderful color and I cannot imagine life without the bright shades especially. That top looks amazing, especially when paired with that skirt. You have been so productive latey, keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteGlad you're in my camp ;-)
DeleteSurprisingly orange was my FAVORITE color when I was in High School. Tastes change and I soon realized that as a fair skinned, auburn haired gal, it really wasn't doing me any favors. It looks great on you!
ReplyDeleteThat's a smart idea for keeping traced pattern pieces!
That's right - I can see that orange would not look so great on you with your coloring! I had a hairdresser who told me once that everything about me was "medium" - hair, skin, eyes - and that I needed to wear Color. I was kind of offended at the time, but I think he was right!
DeleteSounds like Sewdish Tracing Paper. I bought some online a while back, but I forget where. As you said, Pellon Easy Pattern is the same thing, and less expensive. There's also versions with dots and grids for easy alteration.
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you! I've been wondering what Swedish Tracing Paper is! Now I feel all fancy! Years ago I used to get one with a dot grid, but it was quite flimsy. I really prefer this one.
DeleteThe orange is awesome. Looks perfect with the skirt.
ReplyDeleteThanks a million for the great pattern-saving idea.
I love orange. It's my favorite color. You are right bout mixed reviews on the color. When I tell people that orange is my fav, many of them look at me in a funny way. Orange rocks! I love the combo with your skirt.
ReplyDeletePoor orange. Such an overlooked color!
DeleteI love orange! It is such a happy colour and there isn't enough of it around. Fab with that turquoise skirt too. Hooray for Renfrews!
ReplyDeleteGreat storage tip, Gail.
ReplyDeleteYou've increased your wardrobe several times over I bet.
Now you need to take time away from your sewing to
wear, show off and enjoy your newly minted outfits.
Love the ORANGE ! ! !
HUGS