Pattern Modification

This is for the Simplicity 2313 jacket pattern that I want to make from the faux snake skin. The one that did not fit when I constructed the muslin. I modified the sections of the pattern that I needed to make bigger, and tried to modify sections that would not interfere with the construction in pocket placement, etc.

I made the sleeve larger

And I enlarged the arm hole sections by trimming. Will it match? Who knows.

I added  width to the side front behind the pocket placement. I really don't know if this will work in theory...

Then I added width to the front

So the question is, do I make another muslin? Or do I hope that my mad (not) math skills are adequate and that all will turn out well?

The muslin fit from the first run, before I modified the pattern can be seen here.

Muslin for Simplicity 2313

I'm really glad I decided to make the muslin for this jacket before cutting the faux snake skin that I'd like to make it out of....
because it doesn't fit

It is very close, just a little tight through the upper arm and the waist. Guess I'm up for some reading because I have no idea how to alter this. There are four front pieces, and three back pieces all of which attach to either the pockets or the sleeves, except the center back, and that fits fine. Maybe I should just enlarge the sleeves and the center front pieces at the closure...I have no clue.

SWAP 2011 start- "Dfellows"

As if I don't have enough to do with my sewing space disarray, my dissertation, my full time job...I'm going to try to sew the 2011 SWAP since the entire point of setting up a sewing area in my bonus room, is, well, to sew!
This is new for me, I am not an experienced garment sewer, though I guess you might say I'm an ambitious one :)

So, I'm going to do option 2 which consists of 6 tops, 2 bottoms, 2 dresses, and 1 choice garment.

The challenge is to use a new technique, or a never mastered technique in the pieces.

I have ordered some patterns and fabrics for the SWAP, because I didn't have everything I needed. My color palette is red, black, white, and gray.

For my Tops:

1 red sweater, Possibly Butterick P403, but I may change

1 black shirt, no idea of the pattern

1 black and white floral shirt, Simplicity 2310 (already started)

1 sequin shirt Butterick P403

1 red knit top, Simplicity 2804

1 tank black and red roses, no pattern

Bottoms:

1 red skirt, I modified Simplicity 5792 A line and turned it into a pencil skirt- not the best idea (finished)

1 black and white houndstooth skirt (ordered a pencil skirt pattern, on its way!)

Dresses:

1 grey dress, New Look 6909

1 black and white lace dress, pattern ordered but not fabric

Choice:

1 grey/black faux snake skin jacket (I'm making a muslin for this today), Simplicity 0497 the arm size looks a little wonky on the pattern...

Challenges (that I know of) so far-

the rolled hem (especially the ruffles) on the black and white silk, and the elastic in the sleeves (hence their absence in the photo :)  )

the open hem sleeve that will be on the sequin shirt

lace!!

the lining in the red skirt. and the zipper.

Here is the finished red skirt modified from A line to pencil, and the black and white silk that doesn't have the sleeves yet- elastic...yikes!

the scary faux snake skin I'm afraid to cut- I'm going to make a muslin first...not so certain of sewing a jacket that has three million pattern pieces, and expecting it to fit

the other fabrics I actually have on hand- the red jersey and black and red burnout roses are on the way, so all I really still need to buy is the fabric for the lace dress.

Good luck to all- I know I'm going to need it!!!

Butterick P403 - Otherwise Known as 'The Fuzzy Sweater'

Many of my patterns are older- garment sewing I aspired to, but never started. This is a pattern from 2003. It is easy to put together, but I found it a bit short which is unusual for me since I'm about 5'1".

So, I used the left over fabric I had to make it longer, and I'm much happier with the result

You'll have to excuse my mess. We moved in May, and I have the run of half of the bonus room for my sewing adventures...however, the other half is for the library, and my husband has not finished the custom shelves for the remainder of the books. The rest of the house IS done though, well except my husband's wood working in the basement- it is also a work in progress...but here is the state of my mess right now

Zeus and Oreo don't seem to mind it much, but there is a lot to do. Meanwhile, I'm just going to sew and wait to actually organize the space when I can put all the books up!

Motivation

I have been sewing, sort of. I finished a fuzzy sweater, which I've yet to post because I haven't downloaded the photos from the camera. I also finished a skirt that needed a little modification (too big) because I was too lazy to measure. I'm almost done with the shirt that I'm making to go with the skirt- I just have to put the elastic in the sleeves, and sew the sleeves on to the bodice.
I will post pictures soon.
Today, I discovered the 2011 SWAP on Stitcher's Guild. I am going to use this as my sewing motivation since I have several projects that I have fabric and patterns for, and have not been able to kick the holiday slump and get sewing. For example, I have been off work since Monday because ATL is closed down due to ice and snow. I have done laundry, cleaned the house, even made homemade pasta (no, I don't have a pasta machine!) for my lasagna since I didn't have any pre-packaged noodles, but the only sewing I've done was to hem the shirt I am working on, and put the collar on it. Sad, Sad, Sad.
Tomorrow, I am making no excuses. I will sew all day long.