G-Street Fabrics...I'm in shock!

I took a trip down to Potomac Mills Mall (Woodbridge, VA) and was shocked to see no G-Street Fabric store. I was so looking forward to buying some nice fabric. I went into a neighboring store and was told they closed the fabric store 2 weeks ago. I'm still in shock at the news.

Luckily, they still have their Centreville store. Looks like I'll be heading to that store to take advantage of their sale.

I know this store closing is a sign of the times. I guess it's really a good reason to have huge fabric stash.

Update: I did a search and found that G-Street Fabrics (PM) actually closed around the end of April. *Sigh*

Butterick 5223 - My Periwinkle Jacket

It's finally done...the jacket and my PR review. This has been a rewarding sewing experience for me. I had an inkling that this jacket would fit me without any alterations. I traced out a size 10 given the finished bust was 44"...plenty of room. The finished jacket length is 20" and it's right in the ballpark of where I prefer my jacket length.

BeckyC and bestgrammy from PR provided me with wonderful suggestions on fixing my buttonhole mess. I ended up hand stitching the zig zags over the frayed bottom edge of the hole. Then I applied the Fray Check. It worked great. And Kat, also from PR, told me about the buttonhole cutter she uses. Now Kat...is that the chisel looking tool that comes with a little blue square cutting mat?

Oh, I found the perfect buttons for this cute jacket. I went down in size and found these awesome 1" buttons at Joann's. It's a great match in color and I love the silver lined holes in the buttons. They really make the jacket stand out. (and yes, in this picture...I'm hiding the frayed buttonhole...waiting to be fixed)

I love the pleats in this jacket. It was worth the extra effort to fold and sew them.

I wore this jacket to my local fabric store and managed to turn some heads. Even the manager did a double take. And I did find a cute floral pique that I might use for another pleated jacket. Now, in my review I was hoping to avoid a fabric that had black or blue color in it. It couldn't be helped. My new pique fabric has a black background with teal blue and lime green flowers. Why can't I find any cool and bright colored fabrics?

My review is posted on PR. You can find the review on my PR listing on the right side of my blog.

Enjoy!

Can anyone help me? Please?

I have finally finished my Butterick jacket. I sewed the 3 buttonholes and cut them open and wouldn't you know it...one of them is fraying. It's the bottom zigzag of the buttonhole that has come apart in the middle. As you can see, this is a first for me (otherwise I wouldn't be asking for help) and I have sewn a lot of buttonholes.

Oh, I have also applied the Fray Check before and after...the results are not very good.

I have posted a question and request for assistance on PR, but I was hoping that maybe one of my fellow bloggers would have an answer for me or atleast point me in the right direction to get this buttonhole repaired.

Until then, atleast I can write my review....

Work in Progress

So far, my Butterick jacket is coming along nicely. I have included a picture of the front with pleats. I have pinned the button to the top to see if I really should be using a "humongous" button on little ole me. The pattern calls for 1-1/4" buttons. That would be 3 of them. I found the one in the picture at Hancock's...perfect color, but 1-1/2" in size. Just for fun, I placed 1" buttons on the jacket to get a feel for size...they got lost in the fabric.

The sleeves have been sewn into the jacket. I'm now giving it a rest and let it hang on Susie-Q until this evening. All I need to do is hem the jacket bottom and then figure out what really makes sense as far as button size for this jacket.

I'm taking my Narnia book (Prince Caspian) with me outside to read on our porch...DH is studying outside as well. I'm hoping to see the new movie next weekend. It's a gorgeous day outside.

Have you ever done this?

Oh I could really slap myself silly for this.

Since I have sewn 2 summer tops using KwikSew 3610 (yes, I made another), I am back into my sewing zone. Finally...at last. Got to love KS patterns for a quick sewing fix and a feeling of accomplishment.

I am now working on Butterick 5223...the new cute pleated jacket/top. This is a first for me to dive into a brand new pattern that I have only had for a week. I believe this pattern has been out for less than two weeks. I have sewn the pleats and have stitched the shoulders and sides seams. I have also stitched the front facing to the back facing. Well, guess what?? This Butterick pattern (like many others) doesn't use 1/4" seam allowances! Duh!!! Okay...I am now red in the face for slapping myself too many times.

Good thing I stopped sewing long enough to have my "duh" moment. Yes, I can resew my seams at 5/8" and trim off the 1/4" seams I made.

Okay, so maybe none of you have had this problem. That's what I get for sewing in the evenings when I am tired.

Now that I have blogged my frustration, I am about to take a 15 minute chocolate break and then fix my seams. Off I go...in search of dark chocolates....

New Butterick Patterns...I Like

I am really bad about keeping a limit to my stash. This past Friday (after the long work week), I dropped by my local Hancock's to say "Hi" to my favorite folks that work there. I caught the Butterick pattern sale they were having. I found these 3 patterns that I now have added to my growing "to sew" list. And for some reason, I am favoring View A for all 3 patterns.

I love this top and the design of the front...

And this knit top pattern looks interesting (I feel some creative juices)...

And finally, I love the pleats around the neckline. I think it is worth a try...

Atleast, I can dream about these patterns and about sewing during the upcoming work week. I just hope it's not another marathon work week.

Happy Sewing!

KS3610 - The Blue & White Top

Here is my new summer top from the KS3610 pattern. Right now, Susie-Q is temporarily wearing the new creation until I get a chance to photograph myself (yes...using a tripod and timer on the camera). I love this top. It was quick and easy to make. And the fabric was a joy to sew with.

Unfortunately, I had a busy 60-hour work week and haven't had time to post until now. Yesterday, was a sleep late and go to church and take a nap day. I am thankful for the much needed rest.

So, on to my sewing topic for today.

I was able to finish most of this top last Sunday. I left the top on Susie-Q with the hem undone. I was contemplating on whether to topstitch the hem or do a blind stitch. The topstitch won out and I finished the top last night.

I did do a boo-boo when I was cutting out the fabric. I forgot to place the front and back facing on the fold of the fabric. So, there I was happily cutting away. When it came time to sew the pieces...slap my silly head. I ended up butting the two (now... the left and right front facing) front edge pieces together and did a small zig-zag across the two pieces. Whew! It worked like a charm. Now, my front facing was one piece. I did the same with the back facing.

Here is a closeup of the front with the gathered casing and tie.

I have included a picture of the inside front facing. I love how the facing also includes the arm area and makes the top look very clean and finished. Before applying the facing, I serged around the outer edges of the facing to also give the inside a nice finish.

And I managed to make a nice bow out of the tie. I love having my Susie-Q (dressform). I get to practice making bows on her.

As soon as I can take pictures of myself wearing the top, I will post my review on
Pattern Review.

Happy Mother's Day...to all the wonderful mothers enjoy your day!

Switching Gears - Another Project

Yeah, I am switching gears. I was suppose to be working on the Vogue 8499 skirt, but have stopped short of shortening the pattern pieces. I have to shorten the overall skirt by 2 inches. I am toying with the idea of shortening 1 inch above the pocket and then 1 inch in the pocket area. So, as I contemplate that idea and put the Vogue pattern aside for now...I need a sewing project that will give me a quick sewing buzz.

I have already selected another pattern for the new/next project. I have traced the pattern and cut out the fabric. Here's the fabric I am using, a really nice blue/white lightweight cotton. Trust me, there is no black in this fabric. (Has anyone noticed how much black (or combo) fabric I have been using lately?) This is all blue and white colors. I am not sure if I could call this fabric a cotton voile or lawn...it feels like it's in between.

So, I hope to get this project sewn today. Can't wait to hear the hum of my sewing machine.

Oh, did I forget to mention what pattern I am working on today? It will be a surprise.