First Tee! - Scout Take 2

I finished my first real garment, hem, binding tape and all!

I bought the fabric a while ago at Joann's. When I first got some sewing done on the project bags and pillow cases I bought a handful of random cottons that were on sale with big plans in mind.  Of course, I didn't do anything with them at first. After finishing the pillow cases using the coffee table I was getting frustrated and put sewing away until I got the craft room in order.

I pulled out all those random cottons, and started with this one. I didn't have enough to do the sleeves in the same fabric, but I think I like the black better than more of the peacocks.  I used binding tape for the neckline and this tutorial from Grainline Studios.

I like the pattern and hope to get a picture at Wednesday night knitting. It's a little on the baggy side so I might try adding bust darts for the next one. I have a few tank patterns I want to try too.  More to come soon!

Scout Tee and Fitting Take 1

I've tried to make a few more small sewing projects, but I get frustrated by the fiddly bits, so I figured why not just jump into garment sewing.

I'm starting out with a simple tee, the Scout Tee by Grainline Studios.  Using some of the techniques from the Crafty class "Sewing the Perfect Fit" I made a basic muslin.

Not too bad a fit with no alterations.  I'm adding two inches to the length, but I'm not going to fiddle with the neckline/shoulders just yet. Might see after wearing my first version for a bit how I like it before making a second.  

It is so nice having a separate room for sewing that I can close off from the cats.  Being able to layout/cut/pin one night and then sew another without having to put away all the not-for-cat things in between is really nice. 

Pics of the craft room to come at some point when I get all the pictures hung and such. :) 

On a Roll

I finished covering the rest of my throw pillows for the living room. And it feels great to have that project completed. I've had those pillows in the craft room forever and they are finally in use!

Also, I made some small ironing boards for using when I'm doing sewing projects. The big rickety ironing board I have is a pain to get out and I'm always afraid the cats are going to knock it over.  When ironing seams and fat quarters, I don't really need a lot of space. So I headed to home depot and found these pine boards for $0.88! I added some fabric I got on sale from Joann's ($6) and a towel from Ocean State Job Lot ($5). Now I have some easy to use and cute ironing boards.

I practiced using the blind hem foot/stitch on my machine for the open edge of the covers and I'm debating making some kind of button hole in the towels to hang them.

Sew Cool

I spent the weekend overcoming my fear of my sewing machine.  I found a great project bag tutorial and went on a bag making spree. Using 6 fat quarters I was able to make 6 bags.The are just basic lined drawstring bags but I would like to figure out how to make them with an inside yarn pocket.  I like the concept of the Yarn Pop bags that have the grommet. But I dislike not being able to put the whole WIP in the same bag. I hate catching the yarn on the zipper but it is the best way to store a project on the go. I'm thinking a larger drawstring bag with an invisible zipper in the bottom of the lining to insert a yarn ball, with a grommet inserted into the bottom of the lining. 

I'm practicing with zippers by making some pillowcase covers for a few throw pillows. They have been hanging around my craft room for a while and I'm finally putting covers on them.