And the rest of my Weekend Sewing

Instead of writing three more posts, I decided to put the remaining projects I made from Weekend Sewing by Heather Ross all together.  The reasons are simple:  I didn't make many modifications and I am ready to talk about something else.  So here you go.

The Trapeze Dress/Blouse

When I traced the pattern for this, I cut 10" off of the bottom and just followed the same hem line.  Easy enough.  I sewed it up in a cotton swiss dot-like fabric that I got on sale.  I bought 2 yards and that was more than I needed.  The sizing on this was just as true as on the summer blouse - I made a medium and it fit without any modifications.  I sewed it following the directions exactly, except I skipped the pocket bit as mine is a shirt instead of a dress.  After I sewed the straps between the facings, I tried on the blouse and had Fatty pin the straps in back so they would cover my bra straps.  That part is definitely a two person job - get a friend to help you.  After the straps were sewn, I tried it on and decided on my hem length.  I cut another 2" off the bottom (making my cut pieces 12" shorter than the dress pattern) and gave the blouse a generous 1" hem.  Ta da!  I love it and am looking forward to wearing it lots.

Pajama Pants/Shorts for Everyone

I made the Child's L/XL for Jane and Kate.  I had 3/4 yard of each print (60" wide) and that was more than enough.  I traced the pattern so the inseam would be 5" before hemming.  They are a quick project and go together fast.  Instead, of leaving the casing opening in the front and hand sewing it shut, I left the back open, inserted the elastic and then stitched it shut with the machine.  I added ric rack to the bottom for cuteness - the girls love it.  The pattern states it will fit up to a 28" waist.  I think that is pushing it.  The finished waist measures 28", so there is no ease in that number.  While they fit Kate just fine (she wears a girls' size 8), Jane (who wears a girls' size 10) can just get them over her hips.  The rise is perfectly fine, though, so when I make them again, I will just add 1/4" or so to the side edges so there is a little more ease.

All-Weekend Sundress

I am really pleased with how this project came out.  I made it in about 3 hours with my regular sewing machine - no serger necessary even if you are using a knit.  The knit I bought was 60" wide and is a cotton/rayon blend.  I bought 2.5 yards and it shrunk down a bit so I couldn't cut the ruffle (the bottom part of the skirt) 20" long.  My pieces were 16" instead and I think it's fine.  I loved sewing with the elastic thread - Heather's instructions are perfect and it was super easy.  I also loved that with a knit, there is no hemming.  Bonus!  I didn't make any modifications to the pattern pieces and sewed it all according to the written directions.  I made a size M, although my hip measurement falls in the L range.  It fits perfectly - the elastic thread gives it a lot of ease.  I still need to make the spaghetti straps....

All right, that's it.  I whipped up a skirt for Kate today and I have a finished sweater to show off.  Be back soon.