Halloween 2010

I imagine that if I had daughters, my experience as a seamstress would be entirely different. New twirly skirts every week, lots of pretty dresses, and ruffles on everything. Don't even get me started on the custom bedding ideas.

But I don't have daughters, I have sons. And sewing for sons is just. not. the. same. When it comes to Halloween, however, my boys indulge me. I permit them to pick ANYTHING, and then I try to figure out how to create it. My oldest almost always picks something inspired by a LEGO mini-figurine. This year was no exception. He wanted to be the dementor from the Harry Potter set of LEGOs that was released some 10-15 years ago. (Those are grey and the ones released this year are black.)


My youngest wanted to be a mouse, specifically Jerry of Tom and Jerry fame. This I fretted over.

When needle came to thread, however, I found that the mouse costume was a piece of cake. The dementor costume was like a wedding dress. 10 yards of chiffon!

For the mouse costume I followed Simplicity 2506 -- which is a baby costume -- and altered it to fit my very big 4-year-old. I still could have added length in the crotch and legs, but the arms were perfect. The helmet/ears headdress thing was another story all together. My children have HUGE heads. I tried to accommodate this, and it was a little wonky. I think if I were to make this again I would follow an adult size balaclava pattern and just add ears. I also did not piece it together in the way Simplicity instructed. I elected to finish the sleeves and finish the body and then ease them into each other. I believe this makes for a much nicer fit. The pattern called for sewing the flat sleeve piece to the flat shoulder of the body pieces and then sewing a huge side seam that runs from wrist to ankle. Wonky!

The mouse in the pattern could just as easily pass for a monkey. But there is a monkey included in the pattern. I will hang on to this pattern, but my children will have outgrown it by next week. Maybe I'll have nieces and nephews who make a request from it. To Angelina Balerina fans, it would be a great base to put a tutu on. Very cute possibilities there.


For the dementor costume I followed Simplicity 2486. Biggest problem with this project was that it was an adult size pattern and I had to resize it and reshape it for my very skinny 5-year-old. That being said, his head is the same circumference as mine. The pattern called for 10 yards of chiffon. I knew I was in trouble when one of the pieces of the pattern instructed that I cut 12! Each layer has a lettuce-edge, rolled hem. This took hours. And about half way through the adventure it occurred to me that I could have done the entire thing raw edge. In fact, I would recommend this. That being said, this will last longer. But god-bless-it that took me a long time.

Were I to make this costume, again, I would make some fabric choice changes. I would create the first under layer (there are two) of knit. That would include the balaclava piece. Then I would pick varying shades of chiffon to layer. Otherwise all those layers and all that work is rather one-dimensional and looks a little bit like a burqa.

I feel fairly strongly that the pattern could be modified to create fairies and angels. Could really be a cool pattern to have in my stash.

Book Review: Sew Liberated

I know you've seen Meg McElwee's book on shelves. It's the fun and much talked about, SEW liberated. As it self proclaims it has 20 projects that are meant to be stylish and not church-bazaar-ish. I finally had a chance to read through and scour the pictures. It's made for some thoughtful planning on my end and some project list building that will keep me busy well into next fall.

I would describe this book as a resource for the beginning sewing enthusiast who is looking for cool things to make while practicing all-important skills. On a whole the projects are fun and McElwee's whimsical sense of style is evident in her fabric choices and pattern flourishes.

The Teacup Corset Apron pattern is darling -- even if it smacks of Simplicity 2932. And while I'm a big fan of the looks of the Blossom Blouse, it is a straight up a rip off of Simplicity 3835. Repeat sentiments of the Petit Artiste Smock. I'm just saying...

Most original project is the camera bag. Namely because I can't imagine doing that for myself. But, now that I think about it, it's a great idea. (Nothing says, "steal me" like my gigantic Canon gear bag.)

Finally, if you want to make things easier on yourself... and you're thinking of making a little chef's hat, please buy Simplicity 3650. Lest you think this is a Simplicity ad, it's not. I'm just thinking that when a Simplicity pattern is on sale for 99-cents, you should pick it up, and just check this book out from the library for use as good fabric choice ideas.

Last One, I Think

Armed with another remnant from my shopping spree at Denver Fabrics (the Mood of the west) I tackled that Simplicity pattern, again. It is Simplicity 2560 and a combination of versions. It has the front hem of A and the sleeves of C.

With my trusty serger I was able to use a 2-thread rolled hem. I read in my manual that a 2-thread rolled hem looks the same on either side -- more suited to an edge like this that can be seen. (The 3-thread rolled edge supposedly has a front and a back.). I used a basic overlock for all the other construction seams. It took 2 hours to whip together.



I stand by my original feels about this patter. Easy and easy to alter. Get it. As this is my third knit cardi in about 3 weeks... I think I might need to retire the pattern until spring.


PS -- Against all photographic evidence, neither my dress form, nor I, have a front bum.

Don't Be Fooled

This may look like an innocently simple tote bag. That's a trick.


Not only was it a pain in the arse to create, it's loaded with pockets and compartments. In case you want to actually bring the kitchen sink.

There are two compartments that are large enough to accommodate a large file folder or small laptop. They both close with heavy-duty magnetic closures. Then the center compartment is gigantic and zips close. You could put two bowling balls in that section -- and zip them safely in. I used a high-quality brass zipper.


All the fabrics are home dec weight. But the exterior is especially heavy and is covered in lime-green flocking. The bottom panels and the interior folder compartments are duck cloth. Basically, you'd have to work really hard to shred this bag. If anyone can do it, though, I can.

That's How I Roll

You could say I have a compulsive streak. Not so much a disorder, but a tendency to get excited about something and go overboard. Case in point. The knit cardi. I saw one. I made one. And now I've made another one. I can't stop. I have two more in the plans -- and have already purchased the fabric for them. But I'm sticking with tendency, not illness. For now.

This was a great pattern, Simplicity 2603. I want to try it, again (obviously). And I want to try the version with longer tails. I made a modification to the sleeve and to the neck. The fabric I was working with was slinky and actually a bit sheer. So though the pattern called to create ruching with an elastic in the neck, I elected not to do that. It would have shown through the fabric. This fabric drapes just fine without the help of an elastic.


Drapes well. Working with it was a bit troublesome for a person with my limited experience in knits. Slipping all over the place. No sense using an iron. Pins literally fell out of it. But I loved the color and I did like how if felt against the skin. Though I fear it will showcase my bra fat hanger-over bulge in great detail.

I created a 5-inch cuff on the sleeve. I did this to create enough weight to make a nice sleeve that would hang nicely and not roll or bunch -- again, very flimsy material. I used a double needle to fake a cover stitch on the sleeve's hem. But I did go ahead and use my serger for all other construction, including a real cover stitch on the hem around the bottom and along the neck.

Knits! I Sewed a Knit Cardi!

So, there are a few things that frighten me. Spiders in my fabric stash, and sewing knits. But now, I'm over the latter fear. I'm forging ahead into a whole new world of sewing knits. Here's my first attempt.


I cheated a little bit. The knit I chose was a bit sturdier. It was a little bit like the thick polyester pants with the perma-crease for which women of a certain generation have an affinity. I like it. It was a remnant, so spent less than $3 on materials. $3! Of course I spent more than that on the brooch -- which are THE hardest accessory to find. And much more on the riding boots that will finish the look.

I have a tall pile of slinkier knits to try and another pattern I want to tackle. This pattern is Simplicity 2560, version D. I recommend it. Of course it was easy to follow. Granted, I didn't try any of the fancy gathered sleeve styles that are also featured (soon, I promise) but I can't imagine it gets that complicated.

In choosing another pattern to try, I visited Philigry's blog. She had sewn a cardi a while ago that I thought was darling. In fact, you could say it was the needle in the pincushion that spurred me toward trying knits. She used McCall's 5241. But when I researched 5241 on Pattern Review I found that most reviewers recommended Simplicity 2603 instead. Because Simplicity is on sale for .99 at JoAnn's this week, I decided my next attempt will be a cloister brown knit with a thin white stripe in 2603. Wish me luck.

Before I get too excited about my next project, let me tell you a few details about this one. I have a serger so I was able to use cover stitch (narrow) on the hem, the neck hem, and the sleeves. I used a basic overlock for all the other construction seams. It took only a few hours to whip together. May I recommend you have very sharp scissors to cut knits?!?!?!

This pattern would be easily altered. In fact, I think the collar could be switched up to create a double-breasted and buttoned front. Likewise, could be longer -- but I think this about everything because I'm tallish.

PS -- Does anyone else out there thing that some of today's styles are quite Star Wars-ish?

Costume: Pink Revisited

I guess you thought posts about Halloween costumes were done. Nope. Not at all. We love costumes all year long. Plus, I finished this one at the eleventh hour, just in time for Halloween.


It was another pink monster. Same pattern. Some of the same materials. But a few changes and use of an amazingly high-quality sheer for the sleeves. (Got it as a remnant.)


I'm still struggling to effectively hem a circle skirt -- which this almost is. Any hints? It's just so hard to keep it level and not allow it to bunch, pucker, and fold.

PHOTO NOTE: Also, I know these photos are assy. I keep promising myself I'll make an effort to take better pictures. But then I wouldn't have time to sew. So, you know... assy pictures.

A Day Late and Ridiculous Pose

Well, I know I promised I'd post a picture of the other thing I made for Halloween, on Halloween. Then I saw the picture and thought I looked like the biggest dork (my husband is notorious for taking unflattering pictures of me). I balked and was afraid. But a promise is a promise and I always want to share the fabulousness of this coat. Vintage velvet coat with white silk lining. Truly inspiring. I borrowed from my friend's mother (who is now 79) -- who wore it every year on Halloween for her children and their friends' costume parties.

The gold embroidery on the lapels is very thick and the whole thing is still soft after about 40 years of use.

But what I made was the simple little satin skirt you see poking through the coat. Great pattern and I recommend it. I'll be making a non-Halloween version, soon. The pattern is an easy-to-sew from Simplicity, 4036. It's zippered and has a nice rise, but no waistband. The length is intended to be below or at the knee. But I shortened it quite a bit for the Halloween version. Only because I wanted to show off my spiderweb tights, not because I'm a slut. Believe me, anything but.

Costume: LEGO Castle Guy

Happy Halloween! Well, almost. And as you know by now, I've been making all kinds of costumes and having a great time doing it. This one is for a 4 1/2 year old boy who wanted nothing more than to look like the LEGO Castle guy. That is how I found myself make costume pattern simplicity 5520. I have now made 3 of the 4 options.


This was my first time sewing this plastic/vinyl stuff. Was pretty easy to work with, expect for the part where you can't use an iron, nor pins. But I did use a lot of cello tape and managed it just fine. There is "warm and natural" quilt batting inside and scraps from a sheet on the back.


The tunic is made from velvet and the chain is a synthetic fabric we found at a local fabric store. It was a little like working with pantyhose and runs easily. I made all seams with my serger's rolled hem.

PS -- I even made something for myself. See it here, first, on Halloween.

Costume: Pink with Pink and Pink

Have you ever made something and laughed the entire time you were at the sewing machine? The past two projects I've worked on had me giggling with delight. The first is one I'll feature sometimes this week -- so check back -- and the other, this pink monster.


It was a costume request for a 5 year old. Her favorite color is pink, but that wasn't the real inspiration. Her middle name is Rose -- thus the roses in the texture of the fabric (is that considered jacquard or brocade, I never know). Having two little boys myself, I leaped at the opportunity to use things I never get to use on them, pink, ribbons, sparkles, silk flowers.


I followed costume pattern simplicity 5520 (which is a LOT like simplicity 4944) and vogue 7009. I made a few modifications and basically combined A with B and the flowers from E on 7009. Let me first say that this is just a costume, so the level of finish work called for in the pattern is mediocre. The pattern itself does call for a zipper, but I think pulling it over ones head is a bit easier for a 5 year old. Thus I modified the closure to be a simple hook/eye.


I put my serger to work on this project, using a 3-thread rolled hem for the sleeves and veil details. I also used a variegated thread in my serger so there is a bit of a rainbow effect on the rolled hem. I have never done that before. Not sure I would for anything other than a costume, but at least I know it can be done.


This project was the first time I had used the vogue 7009 pattern in conjunction with anything. What a waste of a pattern, if you ask me. Seriously, it's gathered strips of fabric. Don't buy the pattern. Just cut strips of fabric twice as wide as you'd like the petals (about 3 inches) by 5, 7, or 9 inches long. Then gather them and sew them together in concentric circles. SO easy. Please don't waste your money on the pattern -- unless it's on sale for 99 cents and you'll feel more confident using the pattern. It is a fun and useful embellishment and with the right amount of imagination could be modified to be raw edge petals (which I think would be more fashion forward).


My original plan was to make roses for the arm bands but I ran out of all the shimmery pink stuff and it was a remnant so I didn't think I could get more. The arm bands are optional and attach by velcro (thus one sleeve has one and the other does not).


The headband/veil is a simple headband cut on bias with an elastic lenth at the base. Then I sewed the gathered veil (I used my ruffler to make it super tight) between the two sides of the headband. The fabric roses and florists leaves are all wired together and then hand tacked onto the center of the headband. I was winging it with that at 2 a.m., but I like the result. The veil is not from the pattern, I just eyeballed that. It's a bit "bump-it" but I think any little girl will love it.



OK, now I promise I'm going to show you more costumes this month, maybe as early as next week. So, watch out.

Real Men Cook

I just finished four chef sets for auction at a school fundraiser. (Auctions make me nervous, what if no one bids!?!??!) Before I sent the four little sets away I asked the boys to show them off.

The aprons are very high quality home dec weight "homespun" that resemble gingham. The hats are trouser weight poplin. I made my bias trim, as always, and I used a fairly heavy cotton. The result was that all the corners and stitches laid really flat and I love them.


This is an apron pattern I whipped up on my own (though you really can't take credit for something this simple) and the chef hat is from Simplicity 3650. I have used the pattern many times, but only for the chef's hat. Some day I'll branch out and make the cowgirl outfit... I hope.

I employed my cover stitch (on the serger) liberally on this project. I'm so pleased with the results. It sped things up from a production stand point and I like the finish on the hat -- see the picture. I also used my ruffler foot to create the gather in the hat this time. In the past I've just gathered it by hand. I LOVE my ruffler. Use it every chance I get, now.


Stay tuned because I finished Cooper's Halloween costume. It's a riot. I just need to photograph him in it. Also, up to my neck in another project, also for Halloween. Hot pink jacquard. That's all I'm saying.

Polka Pouch

I heart these miniature pouches. I have zero need for them, but I made them from scraps so who cares! The larger one is about 6"x8" and the smaller one is only about 4"x6".


Both are part of the Simplicity 9949 pattern that I have been abusing this past week. Seriously, might have made upwards of 20 items at this point. One has bias trim for the flange and the other has twill tape. I've never used twill tape for a flange, but I like the results and will do that, again. You should, too.


The linings are simple, as I'm trying to make them up as I go. So, no pockets or fancy dividers. Just simple pouches with a zipper top. This is a simple project that requires very little fabric and a cheap zipper. Do it.