Chocolate Lollipop

I just bought this delicious fabric at Seams Like Home, our local fabric boutique. The name of the fabric line is Chocolate Lollipop. Isn't that equally as yummy? This print is pretty big and I don't know what I'll do with it. I'll figure out something though. These colors aren't quite accurate.



You can see here that the print is a pretty big one.



I bought this pink because it goes so well with the pink in the fabric. This might just become skirts for my girls. We'll see what they think of it. I need to make something for my son. The girls are just easier to sew for because they like everything. My son? Well, he's kind of picky. I never could get him to wear the dang hats I made him.

Here We Go Again

Here's another pair of Jalie jeans. This time I used embroidery on the back pockets and added about 1/4" on each side. They are almost perfect. The 1/4" that I added was a little much for this particular denim. This denim is stretchier than the other stuff but thicker. I was thinking that an extra little bit would be good seeing as they were thicker. But, since they are a bit stretchier, they are looser than my other jeans. I'm not complaining. Denims are sooooo different in weight, stretch, drape, etc. This one is much darker and beefier. I'll have to get a side-by-side shot later this afternoon so you can see the differences. I think I'll just have to wing it each time I make these and either add or subtract a little each time based on the denim. I really like this pair too.




I realized I didn't do the tummy shot on my last review so you could see what Jalie means by low-rise. It's low but not crazy-low. There is no extra shaving necessary and no peeps of whale tail.




The back pocket embroidery. I used another Urban Threads design. This one is the Heraldic Griffin design. Do you know that not a single embroidery design company out there makes a back pocket jean design? I've looked all over the place. I realize that 1) I can do it my own damn self and use my sewing machine and 2) I can use any old design for a back pocket. Like I've said before, I'm not good at the creating my own cool designs thing. I'm good at the construction aspect but not the creative aspect. How do you guys make a good jean pocket design and make sure it's symmetrical and all that? I would much rather hook up the ol' embroidery machine, let it do its thing, and then cut the pockets out.



This is a garish close-up of the griffin. I always make a practice one to make sure it's going to work before I do it on the real fabric. This is hard to look at.

I used Coats and Clark Heavy Duty thread for topstitching and regular Gutterman thread for the embroidery on the pockets.

Next up: An oldy but a goody. :)

Jalie 2911 - Cozy Pullover Top

It's another Jalie pattern (#2911). This is the easy pull-over I bought when I purchased the Jalie jeans. This is an over-exposed shot to show you the collar fold details. It's still pretty hard to see because it's black. But, do you know what it is???? Black wool jersey. This is possible my favorite fabric. Well, I love all wool. I really like wool crepe too. But wool jersey is in the top three.



As you can see, it's a looser top with a fun overlapping collar. The other view has a loose hoodie. This is totally a staple pattern for Alaska. We are all about layers here. Put it on, take it off, put it back on . . .



I didn't snap too many pictures of this one because it's not too exciting. If you could feel it, you would think it was exciting. But, alas, the pictures aren't crazy good or anything. Please note new Jalie jeans. I figured it was appropriate to put the jeans with the top.

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And don't be scared for me. The neighbors are crazy but I don't think they are stupid. I don't think they will violate this court order. That, and the house is now under video surveillance and I'm heavily armed (and a crack shot).

A Bit Distracted . . .

Usually I don't let things distract me from sewing. But, this is bigger and more evil. My neighbors are crazy. I've been spending the last few days getting this protective stalking order against them. We have the emergency 20-day one right now but I have a hearing on the 29th to determine whether I get to have the full blown 6-month protective order.


They haven't actually hurt any of my family but they sure threaten. What is that Mad Eye Moody says in Harry Potter? I think it's, "Constant vigilance!!!" That's how I feel right now. I'm just glad my husband and kids will be gone this weekend. If they are going to do something it will be this weekend I bet.

Hopefully I'll have a Jalie top to show you tonight or Friday. Happy sewing and constant vigilance!

Questions and Answers

Sandra has left a new comment on your post "Burda 09-2008-120 Pencil Skirt Part II": Hi Dawn, great skirt and the length looks good on you. I'm also admiring your long sleeved knit top with loose polo neck - did you sew this as well? We are heading into winter dOWN uNDER and I've been looking for a similar pattern - hoping it might be a BWOF, Jalie or KWIK-SEW as these are available here. No urgency though as it is still unseasonally hot today!
Hi Sandra- Is 'polo shirt' in Australia the same as a 'turtle neck' here? The top I think you are referring to, a turtleneck grey shirt, is a BWOF/Jalie morph. Here's the review.

Cindy has left a new comment on your post "Burda 04-2009 #122 Dolman Sleeve Top": I was thinking of making this into a dress. Do you think it would work..any suggestions? Your top will look cute with shorts for the summer!
Cindy, This isn't one of my favorites and I don't know if it's the fabric, color, or design. It would look better on someone who actually filled out the top. There was a review on PR a few days ago and I loves her version.

Mommymita has left a new comment on your post "Jalie 2568 - Underwear": They are pretty and look comfy too I'm curious about your fabric sources. Do you sew all your own clothes? Even your performance and exercise gear? I'm finally back at it and in need of some running pants/shorts/shirts and all. Please tell me you have a good source for that type of sewing - Thanks
Mimmymita- I used to think I would never sew my own underwear or jeans but I've done those in the last month. The only think I haven't tackled is bras. I love exercise gear because I can pimp it out with hidden pockets for Gu, iPod pockets, key clip, etc.

Noile has left a new comment on your post "Jalie 2568 - Underwear": Hmmm . . . I like Kristine's comment -- you and Rocketboy are the cutting edge in "dainties" reviews! How do you manage to look both adorably wholesome AND amazingly sexy?I'd kill for those abs -- well, to be honest, I'd KILL, but I wouldn't EXERCISE.It never occurred to me to just leave the edges unfinished. Do they ride up at all? I love the minimalist look of the edges vs. the extravagant-looking wide lace.
Noile, They don't ride up at all. When I first pull me pants on I have to do some adjusting but then it's fine again.

Lorna has left a new comment on your post "Jalie 2568 - Underwear": Clever idea to leave the leg elastic off - I too get VPL there. How do they stay in place if you've got tight trousers on, though?
Lorna, see answer above.

Bunny has left a new comment on your post "Jalie 2568 - Underwear": You have so inspired me! I went to my undies drawer, pulled out a couple of cotton knit wonders, and CUT OFF THE LEG ELASTIC! I am liberated. I am free. I am flying on the No VPL express!!! Thank you, Dawn!
Bunny, You didn't ask a question but you CRACK ME UP!

KellysSewing has left a new comment on your post "Jalie 2568 - Underwear": Hi Dawn, Great panties, where do you get that 3" stretch lace?
Kelly, My local fabric boutique has it. They have it in white, cocoa brown, teal, and purple. I love them.

Gail has left a new comment on your post "Burda 12-2008 #118 Skirt": Just curious about the way it nips in under the bum (mine is much bigger than yours!). Is there any way to avoid this when making this skirt?
Gail, I think that is what the skirt does. I think it may be easier to find a less fitting skirt and add seaming detail to it. This sucker is fitted.

Miaaa has left a new comment on your post "Burda 04-2009 #118 Bell Bottom Jeans": I planed to sew this pant for myself and your great looking jeans from it give me a quick of my bottom ;-)Your pant is very nice and fit very well!I wasn't sure about the front pocket but I think I will stole the idea : only one front pocket! ;-)Just some question about the fit: witch size did you cut ?, is it a lot of ease in it or not ? Going by measurement, I am about 1inch slimmer that the size36, I think I will downsize a little what do you think of it ?
Miaaa, I always use a BWOF 36 for the bottoms and a 34 for the tops.

AllisonC has left a new comment on your post "Burda 04-2009 #118 Bell Bottom Jeans": Wow I love these. Did you have to do any adjustments in the erm, butt area or is the model photo a bit misleading?
Allison, I think they pinned the crap out of the model photo. I didn't do any back-side altering.

linda68701 has left a new comment on your post "Burda 04-2009 #118 Bell Bottom Jeans": The jeans look great. I've been enjoying reading your blog and your adventures in sewing. This may be a dumb question, but how did you get a subscription to BWOF? What website did you use?
Linda, My husband first got the me the subscription last year for Mother's Day. You can subscribe here at GLP News or you can buy individual issues here at SewBaby.com.

Rachel has left a new comment on your post "Burda 04-2009 #118 Bell Bottom Jeans": Those look great on you. Would yo explain how you modified them so that they are below your belly button. I like lower rise pants myself, but I am not sure how to alter them to make them lower rise.
Rachel, I pondered over this for at least an evening. The original pant was about an inch higher and had a waistband. I finally decided to get rid of the original band and cut my own. I constructed the pant but didn't put on the original band. I tried them on and then cut off one inch of the top of the jeans. Then I created a new band using the top inch of the traced pattern. I added new seam allowances and voila, new waistband.

Mary Nanna has left a new comment on your post "Easter Stuffies and a Teaser . . .": Hey, how does anyone get to make jeans in 3 hours. How how how? And it sounds like they fit great too.. oh it's just not fair! Sponsor thing, me I'm not a commercial gal so it would never be my thing, oh, that and I probably will never get thousands of hits a day to make me attractive to a sponsor anyway, but hey, everyone's got to make a living and if it helps out you and your family, I say, why not?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Easter Stuffies and a Teaser . . .": Maybe a silly question, but how does the sponsorship thing work? What does it MEAN exactly?
Mary Nanna and anonymous, Well, if someone does click through my site to Fabric.com and places an order, I get a commission of the sale. I have a little analyzer so I can see how many people click and how many people buy. So buy, people, buy! Just kidding.

Jalie 2908 - Damn Impressive Jeans

So would say these fit really well. I heart Jalie. Really. I mean, really, a pair of jeans? I think pants are hard to fit but a snug form-fitting pair of pants? The Jalie jeans are more than I had hoped for. I know it sounds sappy but who doesn't need a pair of jeans in their TNT arsenal? These are a little snug but fit really well other than that. I want to wear them for a day to see if they loosen up because of the lycra. I'm thinking of adding about 1/4"-1/2" on each hip/thigh area. Do you see any other fit issues? I tend to get excited about something and that clouds my brain and I don't see obvious things.



Here is where you can see the tightness. The right is tighter than the left due to a twin-girl-talking mishap. It involves a lack of focus on the sewist's part and a 5-thread serger. I had to do a pretty good swayback adjustment. I have to do that on all pants patterns.



Here's the teaser photo again. This shows the topstitching and the swayback adjustment. The CB is tighter at the top than the bottom so that it doesn't gape. You can see that instead of a straight line, it's a gentle V. I got this solution from Emilie's Gaposis Fix.



The inside fly extension. I used a 5-thread serger on all the seams. At the end, I forgot I wasn't doing slacks and did the waistband in the traditional trouser way instead of the jeans way. I think it turned out better maybe. With the Jalie directions, you are supposed to sew the waistband to the inside, fold the band to the outside, turn in the SA, and stitch it to the outside. With that v-back, it would be more challenging to make it look nice. This way there isn't any added bulk with folding in the SA.



Front details. I screwed up on the buttonhole. It needs to be about 1/4" more towards the center. It'll be fine for this pair but for my next pair I'll be sure to fix that. I'm still trying to figure out how to use the vintage buttonholer. Sometimes I get it right and sometimes, well, I don't.

Here you can see the gentle v in the back a little bit better. I really want to try RocketBoy's tutorial on the inside lining but I'm not sure it will work if I have to bend the lining fabric so much.

I meant to put these inside out so the pretty print was on the inside of my pants but I forgot. It's like my grandma and her sheets. My grandma always puts sheets on her bed so that the right sides are facing each other. She likes to be "between the pretty" she says. Also, when she turns down the bed, the pretty part of the sheet shows. What is that anyway? Turning the bed down? What does it mean? I guess I'm lucky if the bed gets made in the morning.

I used Emilie's fix and put darts in these pants. I transferred this dart to the back yoke piece so all future pants will not need a dart in the back. It's really hard to see on the pants.

To make the alteration, I cut the piece with my trusty rotary cutter.

Then I overlapped the correct amount and taped that puppy down.

This is the alteration I did on the waistband. It angles in about 3/4" of an inch.

Here you can see what it was like without the alterations.

Well, I'm excited. I need to do the full review but I can see another pair of jeans in my immediate future.

Easter Stuffies and a Teaser . . .

Happy Easter!

I made my kids some Easter stuffies for their Easter baskets. This was a free embroidery design from Emblibrary.com. They seem to change the freebies once a month or so. I don't know if you can get this one now. My kids loved them and they were easy and fun to make. I'll certainly have to brush up on the whole "stuffie" thing if I want to send them to friends. These aren't too cute if you look carefully. The mangled dolly on the right is one of my twin's dollies. She wanted her to be in the picture too. She is so loved, her hair is coming out.


Guess who finished a pair of jeans today?? I cut them out this morning, went to the MIL's house for most of the day, and finished them this evening. Really, there was only about three hours of sewing. I'll give you all the updates tomorrow. But, I will say that these are pretty damn close straight out of the envelope. It's really more than I had hoped for. (I know, boring pockets)



Stay tuned. Did you see Fabric.com is now a sponsor? How do you guys feel about that? Rest assured that I won't be changing my blog content because of it.