Stitchin' in My Kitchen

Contest Page Since I had a big pile of denim in my 'to-do' pile, I decided to make a pair of jeans for the PatternReview.com Jeans Contest.  Otherwise I'd just keep sewing for myself and Tim would have no pants to wear.... My pattern is KwikSew 3504, which I have made several times before (as shorts, pants, and jeans), although each time has been a little different. My fabric was a fantastic sturdy denim from Mood Fabrics, 62" wide, a bit stiff but it softened up after washing. Here we have a medium-weight, cotton denim in a dark denim color that is extremely dense. This fabric is rough and has a stiff/crisp drape.  $7.99 / yard! I've made and reviewed this pattern before, and I actually enjoy sewing it. The instructions are great and I've never had any problems with it.  My modifications to a size M:  - I lengthen the crotch depth by 1/2" on the front and back pieces. - I shorten the back yoke 1" and raise the back (where it mee...

I was really depressed about winter ending in early February this year (I hate California!) so I decided to make some spring/summer things to cheer me up. I recently bought Simplicity 1589 on a whim - I liked the back cutout but don't often wear loose fitting blouses.  I cut a size 10 based on the ease and the final garment measurements and cut view A, with the open back. Before I cut the fabric I shortened the bodice 1".  Speaking of my fabric, it was a crazy Echino decoro cotton sateen I bought a while back from Fabricworm: I am a sucker for deer fabric for some reason...especially if they're wearing eyeglasses. When I got this, Tim pointed out that it looked like the Jagermeister logo: So this is my Jager blouse. This was easy to sew - its pretty basic and its a 'learn to sew' pattern so the instructions are very clear and explicit, if I was a new sewer I would have appreciated them!  I sewed this up in about an hour or so, it's pretty...

Contest Entries Since I like to sew activewear for myself, I decided to enter the PatternReview Activewear Contest! Yay. I made two versions of the Style Arc Monica - One longer with the knee accents, using an amazing plaid nylon spandex from Califabrics.com Front View On this version, I extended the waist at the yoke and front, then serged on the elastic, turned it down and stitched. I prefer it for running, feels more secure. Side View Rear view, with Ringo photobomb. "I heard we were taking pictures of our butts outside?" Action shot! Yoga view. Crotch gusset! And one knee-length with another amazing nylon-spandex from Spandex House (I call them my Matrix pants and I love them!) Front View Rear View! Side view KETTLEBELL VIEW! I also made an activewear version of the Papercut Patterns Ooh La Leggings, with some more nylon-spandex from Spandex House ("magma"!) Front view Side View Booty view YOGA V...