Stitch and bitch thread #5 This whole thing is fabricated.

[NutellaEllaElla]

Welcome back seamsters! It is soon to be September and Autumn is on its way.

My Nan died recently (she was very frail), but she left me all her sewing stash. I'm now cycling between sadness that she's gone and deep joy at the comprehensive sewing equipment.
She had a set of sewing Hams, a darning mushroom, and a spectrum of cotton reels in a fold-out case.
My next sewing project is to turn her hand-knitted jumpers into cushion covers for the family to remember her.

@InMySpareTime I’m sorry for your loss, but I hope that your shared hobby brings you some comfort. Those threads are amazing!

I’d be terrified of the jumpers unravelling if I cut into them - how do you sew with a hand knit jumper?

Wow @InMySpareTime that picture is mesmerising! What a lovely memento for you. Sorry for your loss.

I just googled your top pattern @dubyalass and it sounds good. There's not many makes on insta but from the few there are, they look really nice with a good print.

@InMySpareTime that is some cherished treasure there.

Yes, the Fibremood models all look v slim and willowy. I’m 5’ 2 and a size 12, but I’m going to give it a go anyway.

I'm not going to cut the jumpers, just cross and attach the sleeves over the back, sew up the neck hole and add a zip along the bottom edge.
She was only small, and liked high-waisted jumpers so they're pretty square already.

@InMySpareTime what a lovely way to remember your Nan.

Dungarees are coming along. I have given up on having them reversible. They have a lining at the top and I have added knee pads and will have a pocket on the chest.

Currently welting the inside seam. They aren't opened at the leg. I have got rugby shirt buttons for the straps - rubber so they don't break.

@InMySpareTime I inherited similar treasure from my grandma and I love looking at all the buttons and bobbins - lots of wooden Sylko ones like yours! Between her and my dear departed mum I have enough sewing notions to keep me going for all eternity 😁 It feels great to continue the sewing lineage.

@NutellaEllaElla it has several different views so should be quite a useful pattern. I just need to extend the bodice a few inches next time. Going to try a drapey fabric next.

Forgot to say thanks to @pastabest for the link to pattern heights - so useful, thank you! And explains why I don't have to add anything to the rise on my MN Ash jeans (although the legs still need an extra couple of inches).

This evening I cut out the pieces to another bow top, this time in red, great for Christmas! It's scuba - is there a right/wrong side with scuba? I can't tell the difference?

Just got to hem the legs then the dungarees are finished.

Tomorrow I start on Christmas cushions.

@GnomeDePlume they are adorable.

The Josephine was going ok, but I am going on holiday this weekend and I felt I was rushing to get it finished. I’ve got eight buttonholes to do yet and the zip insertion so I’ve been stern with myself and packed it away instead, as I don’t want to rush those.

Fabulous collection there @InMySpareTime I’ve inherited the family button collection and several boxes of haberdashery etc from my mother recently and it’s extensive. Vintage sylko thread is beautiful, so much nicer than what’s around now.

My sewing has ground to a halt. I’ve got a sore neck and it’s proving uncomfortable to sit at the machine. I’ve been through my pattern collection quite ruthlessly and have rehomed nearly half of them. They’ve been freebies from magazines and while I like the garments I know I won’t make them as they all have zips and I really don’t like wearing clothes with zips.

Next project uncertain but probably a top of some sort as I really want to work on broad back and shoulder fitting adjustments

Here are 3 of my nan's jumpers I made into cushions. Luckily they were all sleeveless or short sleeved so basically cushion shaped already.

That's lovely @InMySpareTime , for some reason i'm getting strong vibes that these would be great hot water bottle covers as well.

I'm motoring along with my final version of the Gioiello top. I just have to fit the sleeves and hem it so it's almost complete. Hopefully i'll have time on Sunday. I wore my toile the other day and got lots of compliments on it which was lovely.

After that, I really want to have a go at making Christmas decorations.

Having said that, i've just found another winter dress pattern that I absolutely must have....

Whats caught your eye Nutella?

I get easily distracted by pretty dress patterns but I’m really trying to make what I actually wear, which is trousers and T-shirts and jumpers in the winter, with the addition of jumpsuits for summer.

My current make is less exciting though, extra joggers for DS who is potty training.

Ooh what?

I'm making another stretchy dress (that pattern is going to become an absolute staple, I can't believe it's been in my drawer unused for years) and it's in a lovely leopard print material I was hoping would look very 'in' for the coming season.

I shortened the length slightly though and now I'm worried it's a bit Bet Lynch

@pastabest can I ask what dress you are making? I'm going stretchy fabric dress shopping tomorrow.

@SBAM @pastabest it's the Ellie and Mac Crossover top/dress I'm kicking myself because the pattern was greatly reduced in a sale last week and I missed out.

I keep promising myself to make more everyday wearable stuff too but dresses get me every time. I think this dress is pretty versatile though.

I also want to know what stretchy dress @pastabest is making

It's the mcalls 7531

It's a great pattern, there are only 3 pattern pieces per garment (front, back and sleeve) but the pattern I have was free in a magazine and includes it in two different sizes (XXS-M and L-XXL) and two different necklines so if you are like me and between a medium and a large you basically got four useable copies of the pattern in one envelope.

it took me an hour to sew my first one together including all hems etc. it's ridiculously simple and a really nice flattering shape.

Here it is in 2 different lengths. I'm thinking just from these photos that the leopard print isn't as flattering on me despite the fabric being lovely and thick and comfy in real life

Don't write it off just yet! My thoughts about animal print are that it needs breaking up - have you tried it with a belt/scarf/jacket/coat/ even a shirt tied at the middle over it? Some red shoes, a hat? Not all of the above but basically it needs styling as otherwise it can be a bit much on it's own.

I think it would look cute a few inches shorter, with a shirt tied over the top, with black tights and converse (but I’m an unimaginative late 00s indie kid). That might not work with how you wanted to wear it though.

I agree that dresses can be versatile Nutella, and Id love to wear them more, but I really feel the cold, and hate being bare-legged so I have a very narrow window where dresses work for me 😂.