Done!

Yes ladies, I've raced through my first skirt project in a long time. I think it may have something to do with the fact that I have essays coming up and sewing is very theraputic and great for the productive procrastinator.

This is the pattern I made, using this fabric:


It took me about one evening to cut everything out (which was confusing, the pattern makes it seem far more complicated than it should be). It then took me about an afternoon to sew.


I'm quite pleased with how the skirt turned out in general. I made a very silly and simple mistake though: I bought the pattern a while ago, when I was about 15lbs thinner. The skirt still fits, luckily, it just has to sit higher. Luckily, I prefer the length when it's sitting higher anyway :)

So, what do you guys think? :)

sewing machine dilemma

I used to make a lot of skirts... when I was little I inherited my Gran's hand-cranked Singer. I used it loads and it (mostly) did what I asked it. But then I got ambitious... I wanted to do zig zags, buttonholes, complicated things... So I gave away the Singer and bought a new electric machine. Which has sat underneath various tables for more than ten years, unused. Last month a friend offered me a hand-cranked Singer which he had just cluttering up his house.

So, I'm hoping this skirt will help me get back in the creative groove sewing-wise, with one or other of the sewing machines (someone hit me if I dare to try and handsew it all).

I'm a great bodger and not particularly good at following instructions, so me and sewing patterns don't get on too well. I saw this great picture in a 1952 magazine of Vogue knitting patterns and I'm going to try and create a similar skirt (might knit the jacket too eventually).

Now my waist is not as amazing as hers so we'll see if I can create something actually wearable... I'm planning a pleated chiffon overskirt over a plain gathered underskirt with a big waistband make of slightly stretchy fabric.

P (either Philippa or Petulant from England)

fabric found

For my skirt, I found this fabric. It's a cotton in a Civil War Era pattern. Frankly, I couldn't care less about the Civil War bit. I just liked it. :)



(new Interweave Knits provided for scale)

I also picked up a zipper and thread, which will have to be left to the imagination. The zipper looks like a zipper. The thread looks like thread.

The machine is still in the box. I don't actually plan to start until SUNY-Oneonta's first spring break, which is the last week in Feb. This gives me time to finish reading Sewing for Dummies and to generally procrastinate.

But I shall make it work, to quote the brilliant Tim Gunn.

Hello from NYC

Hi there, I'm Tamar from New York, by way of Israel. My blog is Studio Tamar, which is a name I shamelessly nicked from a ceramics studio in the basement of a building I once lived in. I've carted my poor sewing machine around with me since I acquired it in a teenage fit of wanting to make my own clothes, so that I wouldn't be dressed like everyone else. The truth is, I'm not sure I compeltely outgrew that impulse! My grandma taught me the basics, and I have made a few things over the years, but I'm still afraid of sewing wobbly seams and don't really understand sewing directions. Bias tape, anyone?

I'm going to be sewing the "Cute Skirt" #V023 from Favorite Things, the version without the gores or ruffle. I got two different fabrics for it:


Amy Butler "Parrot Tulip" from Cia's Palette

"Donna" in burgundy from Reprodepot
I think for now I'm going to go with the top one (which is more green than blue in actuality), because the bottom one is kind of see-through and would need some kind of lining, I think. Maybe for the second go-round?


I have to confess that while I was ordering fabric, I got a few other great patterns. One of the them is also the Amy Butler "Parrot Tulip," but in citrus-y colors. I only got a little, and figured I could combine the scraps from the skirt with this to make a little handbag or something like that.

I am looking forward to sewing along with everyone!

2nd post from TOKYO

Hi all,
I chose the fabric to use in this sew-along. It is "hemp cloth (linen 50%,ramie 50%)"and
"double gauze (cotton 85%,linen 15%)".
So when we use "hemp cloth", we must wash it first.
Because it reduces the linen by washing. (...just 5%)



Ooooh! I must prepare some buttons, and then I will start :D

The fabric shop is here →"CHECK&STRIPE"
It is so popular among the person who likes handmade.

Kuky Intro

Hi All! My name is Korallin also known as Kuky from Kuky Ideas. I don't really sew. I took a class ummmm...15 years ago I think it was. I can't remember the specifics but I have a book and I basically know how to use my sewing machine so that's a good start.

I'm really looking forward to reading about everyone's progress and learning from you all. I want to sew clothes for my baby. Yep that's right. I had a baby just this past September and sometimes it's hard to find time to knit so I am clearly delusional thinking I can find time to sew too! :-D My grand crazy plan is to make a skirt based on a favorite skirt I have hanging in my closet. I don't know what I'm thinking!! I clearly need help.

the honest to goodness truth about me

Hi everybody! My name is Mery from Pijije. I'm a brand new citizen of blogland, so please come visit. And here's the truth: I'm a long time knitter, first time sewer. I don't know how to sew. I had never touched a sewing machine up until 2 weeks ago. My plan was to take a class at my local fabric store and make the skirt then... but, the class was full. So I'm left to my own devices and between the pattern instructions and the help of my trusty book(Sewing 101), I will try my best to make a decent skirt. Originally I was going to make just a pull up skirt but I'm afraid that will be less than flattering for the hips. I fell in love with the pattern that Flying Pizza posted a few days ago, so I ordered it from Betsy Ross, the A-line skirt. I still don't have the fabric but I will get it this weekend. I'm going to need lots and lots and lots of help. Wish me luck!

First Post From Liverpool

Hi! I'm Anna and I live in Liverpool England. My blog is finally waking up and I've been sewing for quite a few years now. I mainly make stuff for my little boy or myself.

The skirt I'm going to make is from a small company and the fabric is batik cotton in pinks, as so:



It's got an elasticated waist so it's not that hard, but I have to admit that after reading the start of the instructions a few times I have no idea what they're talking about but I'm sure I'll figure it out soon!

I've got quite a few other cottons in my fabric stash for skirts so I'm hoping to sew a couple of skirts by the deadline.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's progress, I've already found some great patterns thanks to this blog!

Hello from Malaysia

I'm Vivian, a beginner knitter from Malaysia and I do sewing as well. I've some sewing projects in mind that I long wanted to do but never been able to start since I picked up the knitting interest. So, with this sew-along-group, I wish I can do the KIV sewing projects together with other members in this group. I'm sure it'll be fun and enjoyable and I'm really looking forward to it.

The skirt that I'll be doing for this first project will be my own pattern of layered skirt. I've drafted a simple sketch of the skirt to be and I'll be using my fabric stash of plain beige thin and light cotton. Since the fabric is thin, I'll be doing the skirt in 3 layers, with the lining as the most inner layer, simple A-line with lace bottom on the middle and layered on the outer layer. Can't start it yet cause I'm out of zipper and lace, hopefully I'll get it by this week and get it start soon.

Here we go...

Here's my skirt, cut out and ready for me to start sewing...

And here's my little blue Mini Ultra. What do you guys sew with? My mom used to have a Singer, but she kept having to take it in for repairs and finally ended up buying a Bernina. I can't afford investing in a Bernina right now, but I remember when I took sewing lessons in intermediate school my teacher always complained about how much trouble Singer machines were. Then again, my grandma sewed with an old Singer machine for years.

I picked a pattern

I went to JoAnn's last night and picked out this pattern, Simplicity 5914. I think I will end up making the top or middle left (A or B).

I looked for fabric, but they didn't really have anything I liked. I really would like to find something to coordinate with this so I can have a complete spring outfit!
I dropped off my machine for a tune-up/cleaning yesterday. I won't have it back for about two weeks, but hope to find some fabric and possibly start cutting while I'm waiting for my machine to be done.

Whoo! It's great to be in Cleveland! (er,I mean hello)

Hello all! It's going to be great to see all of your work and to share mine as well.

I recently completed this skirt, the first skirt I've ever made, and I'm quite happy with it, I must say.

I used the Sew Betsy Ross Pattern for the A-Line Skirt. It wasn't partiularly challenging, but that was perfect for my first skirt. I really like it and the red lightweight denim I used, though it's not photographing very well.

I was proud that I sewed in my first zipper, as well, though I wonked it up a bit. It was supposed to be a hidden/flapped zipper, but I ended up sewing something wrong in the waistband and screwed all of that up.

But hey, I still like it. I might add embroidery or a sewn zig-zag hem. I hand-hemmed as instructed, but didn't fold it over twice because I liked the length. This makes for a tenuous hem that can be seen quite easily in all of its jagged unfinished-ness should a gust of wind come by. I'm thinking a nice royal blue contrast stitch would be nice.

So I think that I might use this pattern again for this sew-along to make a better, more work appropriate skirt. And get the hidden zipper right this time. Heh. I will post updates as they come.

Sew ON!

Hey all, I'm Allena My normal blog home is Star Knits. About 2 years ago I was all gung ho about making a skirt. I bought fabric and patterns and then never got around to actually sewing anything... So when I saw this sew along I knew I HAD to join. I guess craftiness spreads in the family. My mother sews she actually sewed this dress for me. (and smocked it) when I was a baby. I have it now for my daughters. I hadn't actually intro'd myself yet b/c well I was putting off digging in my closet to get my sewing stash out. So today I did exactly what I'd been putting off. I was motivated what can I say. I dug out all my skirt patterns and the fabric I had previously picked out for a skirt. I must finish what I started.
well I narrowed my choice to TWO... I'm not quite sure which one I want to make first. If you go here they're both on this page. note to self: don't go to that website and just "look" around b/c I'm already wanting a TON more patterns. This is sooo addicting. I have them on the fabric I'd like to make them in. There's this one Simplicity #5914 (a length btwn B and A mid calf i think)that I love the style of it. so prim and proper and yet sexy. The fabric is a heavy tan type of jean material. And I have a zipper and interfacing somewhere around here. I just have to look for it. And not put it off. I'm a huge procrastinator!
there's this one Simplicity 5505 F style, flirty and airy. the fabric is cotton that is soft and I love the flowers. Almost Hawaiian look to it but with more muted colors. It's a 2 hour skirt so I could make it and in theory wear it to church on Sunday.. We'll see how that goes... Procrastinate, procrastinate.....
so I'm trying to decide which one I want to make. They're both wonderful patterns and I love the fabrics. I'm torn.. Any help?
I'm up for the challenge of the fitted and zipper skirt and I think it's super fab. I have wonderful shoes that would match. But the other one is so simple and pretty and girly. And lets face it sometimes I need to feel girly!
I think I'll probably end up making both of them I just don't know where to start........
ok well with that I'll leave you...

Hello, let me introduce myself!

Hi my name is Lori Z and I have a blog over called Crafty Brainwave. Although I know how to sew (and come from a family of sewers), I just haven't been doing as much sewing lately as I would like to be doing. Living in Southern California I have a lot more oppertunities to wear skirts than I did when I lived in Canada. Therefore I need more skirts!! Thank you ladies for starting this group!

The skirt that I'm going to be making is New Look 6388 view E. The fabric I'm going to use is the following:


Looking at everyone's posts thus far is really inspiring and I look forward to seeing everyone's progress. Sew on!

Intro and Tips

Hi! I’m Carly of Knit, Lola, Knit! I’ve been sewing regularly since High School and started knitting about 4 years ago. I just got a new machine for Christmas so I’m excited to be doing more with it. I think I inherited my crafting gene from my mother, who is also an excellent seamstress. For my skirt I’ve decided to use Simplicity 5503 and a medium weight denim (see a pic here on my blog). I probably won’t start sewing until after I finish my project for the Knitting Olympics at the end of Feb. but I’d be happy to answer questions and help others before then!

So, YaiAnn asked for some tips. Everyone does things differently, but here are some things I’ve found helpful and some links to more tips and help!

Preparing to Sew:
If you plan to wash your skirt ever, it's a very good idea to "pre-shrink" your fabric, by first washing it. You can just wash and dry it as it calls for on the bolt, or as you would wash something of a similar fabric. This is especially important with cotton as it shrinks a good deal. After you wash your fabric it’s a very good idea to iron it, as it will probably need it. Then fold it again as it came on the bolt, with the grain, to ensure that your pattern pieces are cut correctly with the grain. This is especially important if your skirt is cut on the bias.

Tips for cutting:
If you are using silky, sheer or slippery fabric I’ve heard some good ideas to facilitate easy cutting. Tissue patterns and scissors like to slide on this kind of fabric which makes it hard to keep straight lines while cutting. You can iron on light weight fusible interfacing to the tissue pattern pieces themselves to make it more stable for cutting. Also, this might be very obvious to most of you, but don’t cut any of the lines for your size until after you pin it to your fabric, then cut through the tissue and fabric together. This will ensure that you get the most exact cut, although sometimes it’s necessary to reuse a pattern piece and then it’s important to cut right next to the piece without cutting the pattern piece anymore.

Here are some links to helpful threads and sites
Threads Magazine Online has many great tutorials and videos I find very helpful when I’m stuck:
* Articles with help for basic sewing
*Articles with tips for sewing with different fabrics
Other sources:
*Thread on Glitter with answers to general sewing questions
*Video showing easy way to trace and make darts from your pattern
*Lots of great help over at Craftster too!

Happy Sewing everyone!
*edited for spelling and link corrections

Today is the deadline for sign-ups

If you or a friend you know is interested in joining in on the fun, today is the last day to sign-up! No worries if you miss out on this round because there will be more chances to join in the future.

Any tips for a successfull sewing project?

A question for all the experiences sewers/sewists out there.. What do you think are the important things to do before we dive into the project and start sewing? For example, how important is it to pre-shrink our fabrics and how do we do it? Do you have any tips on tracing and cutting out pattern pieces? Is it recommended that we do sew a "practice" piece first?" All us newbies and beginners would love to hear your thoughts, tips, and suggestions. Please feel free to leave it as a comment or put it up as a separate post. All comments and posts will be consolidated and put up as link on the sidebar.

Happy Friday....Intro Please

Happy Friday, everyone! I'm Vanessa of coloursknits. I'm really excited to be a part of this sew-along. The thought of sewing was quite intimidated at first since I haven't touch a sewing machine for ages. The last time I sewed I was still in high school. I have never sewn an article of clothing, so I'm really looking forward to actually make something I can wear. There are three patterns that I really like but I haven't made up my mind yet. I think I'm leaning towards the first pattern - an A-line skirt from McCall. Last weekend, I went over to Jo Ann and got myself some light cotton fabric. I bought a total of 2.5yard, so it should be enough for any patterns that I've narrowed down. I have a terrible time selecting fabrics for this project. It seems to take me forever! Anyways, do you think this large print fabric suitable for a skirt?

I´m Claudia and I am really excited about this group! I love to knit although I have never completed a jumper - I have made scarves, bags pillow cases etc. It´s similar with sewing, I have never sewn any piece of clothing, I have never had the courage BUT HERE GOES!

Another Jen Joins the Fun

I was immediately intrigued by this sew-along, but fought the urge to join. I don’t really wear skirts, and I already have Too Many Projects (my blog). I figured I would watch your progress on your skirts, and I would consider joining at a later time on a different project. Obviously I couldn’t resist any longer, because here I am!

I bought a sewing machine in 2000 and made some smallish quilt projects, as well as two larger quilt tops that still need to be quilted. I have a serious problem with quilting UFO’s. 2004 was a very busy year for me (getting married, moving, etc.) so my poor machine was neglected. I started to knit in Nov. 2004 and haven’t looked back. I tried working on a quilt a few months ago, but quickly became frustrated. Either my machine was out of whack from lack of use or I had forgotten everything about sewing.

This wonderful sew-along has already prompted me to call the shop and ask about a cleaning/tune-up for my machine. (FYI: The woman suggested a cleaning every 2 years. Whoops!) I hope to have my machine back by the start of the sew-along.

I have never sewn an article of clothing, so I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's progress and tips. I bought some flannel and a pattern for lounge pants a few years back, and well, it’s still a very large piece of flannel. I bought the smallest pattern (6-8-10), not realizing that a size 10 is for people with a 25 inch waist. That’s why this is such a great idea, we all can learn from each other! Someone already posted about not looking at the actual size, but looking at the measurements instead.

I hope to find a pattern and fabric in the next week.

Hi! I am Sarah of www.bysarah.typepad.com. I am a fairly new blogger, so my first goal from joining this sew-a-long is to add a button for it to the sidebar on my blog. I used to sew a LOT, but in the past couple of years I have been much more into knitting. I am looking forward to sewing a variation of Simplicity Pattern 4706 (option E). I'm probably getting too ambitious, but I am also planning to sew a matching tank from Simplicity pattern 4699 (option A). I am especially looking forward to picking out my fabric, because the fabric store is one of my favorite places.

Hello and Pattern Info

Hi! I'm Alissa. I'm excited about this sewalong, since I'm a better knitter than seamstress. I've sewn for years, but not very well, and not very consistently.

For this I've chosen New Look 6327, which I already have and have sewn once before. I think I'll be using view C, which hits just below the knee, and without the little ruffle at the bottom.

I'll be using a maize colored linen fabric, and hopefully making another out of chocolate brown linen, too, if I get the fabric.

I'm going to try to post updates on my progress here, as well as at my blog on Xanga. My blog content tends to be all over the place.

I'm looking forward to more Sew? I knit! alongs. Like maybe a dress or blouse? (nudge nudge)

BTW, for those who are still undecided, I noticed Betsy Ross has some cute skirt patterns, and is also putting together some kits for skirts, including fabric.

Picked out a pattern!

Karin here, I have gone through my patterns and have settled on this one:

Kwik Sew 3003

I have made View A already using a yellow cotton fabric with a small orange flower print. This time I will be lining up stripes with View B. Haven't picked out the fabric yet!

an intro

I've been wanting to improve my sorry sewing skills for the past few years. My only real lessons were in junior high, where I managed to sew my own sleeve to the quilted pillow top we were working on. My mom, a former home ec. teacher, always threatend to teach me but it just never worked out.

For years, I had my mom's ancient machine but I'd had enough of its grumpy ways and abandoned it in Knoxville when we moved a few years ago. Which makes it sound like I was a big sewer. The sum total of my sewing in the last ten years was three Christmas stockings that I was driven to make for kid #1's first xmas. I cross-stitched our initials on 'em and everything. I think they are charming.

About six weeks before the most recent yuletide, I realized that we had another baby. Or, rather, I realized that the new baby would require a stocking as well, even if he's too young to care. I'd borrowed a sewing machine to stitch kid #2's Halloween gnome hat. I borrowed it again to finish up his stocking.

During the post-holiday sales, I bought my own machine. Since then it has sat in my closet in its box. I keep telling myself that I'll get around to really doing something one of these days.

A perfect storm of events made me get off my tush and realize one of these days is now. First, I stumbled upon this sew=along via whip-up and thought it was a neat idea. Second, a friend pointed out the new sewing machine still in its box, which reminded me that I had one. Third, and most distressingly, my hands hurt, especially when knitting.

And so now seems like a great time to try something new.

The pattern is New Look 6433. I'll be attempting E.



In large friendly letters on the packet's front is the word "easy." I have chosen to believe the large friendly letters. There seems to be a zipper involved, however, so the whole easy thing may be crap.

Now I simply (ha!) need to find some fabric. Details TK.

Oops.

I accidentally posted something meant to go on my personal journal here. What I meant to post was this:

Simplicity pattern 4546. Yes. I went and bought a pattern. I've come to the realization that making up something on my own would only cause me tears and heartache.

I chose this fabric because I liked the bold pattern and bright colors. I realize that this could end up becoming a beautiful spring skirt or a big, gaudy flop. Either way, it will be unique, right? Right? Well, we shall have to wait and see...

Emily's intro

Hi, I'm Emily, from sunny California foggy Bay Area, and you can find me at Aqua-Star Knits. I've been sewing for as long as I've been knitting (since age 6). Sewing, along with knitting, is a favorite pastime of mine. I almost never use patterns, so I'll be designing a skirt. Wait....*thinks hard* I remember some fabric I was going to make into a skirt. I had cut it all out (does that count as starting before the deadline? *grins*) and then folded it up and put it somewhere. I guess I'll dig it up for this sew-along! I designed it to be super-easy, so that's another plus. ;)

Anyway, that's pretty much it! Happy sewing everyone!

introduction (hello!)

Reading through all these introductions is so inspiring!

I sewed before I knit, for years, and quite obsessively, too... but after an unfortunate crafting incident (my sewing machine started smoking one summer afternoon... then when I moved at the end of the summer it got lost... then I discovered knitting, and you get the picture, right?) I just lost track. I now have a shiny new sewing machine, and have made one little baby outfit for my neice. While making it, I realized that I am very out of practice! Honestly, I thought I would finish the entire outfit in one night, and it took me... much longer than that. I'm so pleased to join this knitalong. For my pattern, I'd like to try to draft my own (simple) pattern using the knitting software I have for skirts. I think if I choose to do a simple shape, I can do it. I'm looking to learning along with everyone else, and getting a cute new skirt as well.

Oh- I'm Mary-Heather, my blog is Rainy Day.

A short history of a nutty knitter!

Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved to sew. Nothing was safe from her eager, needle holding hands, particularly Dad's old socks from the odd sock bag, which were made into, ahem, less than glamorous dresses for Barbies that had long since lost their hair. Then, as the years went by, she discovered other crafts, and the sewing fell somewhat by the wayside. Who wanted to sit down at a sewing machine when there were jumpers to knit, canvases to paint and papier mache to mold?

Then one day, when she least expected it, the sewing bug hit again, this time so badly that her nerdy job was tossed in and a fashion course was enrolled in. All was going well, with first year almost completed, when she suffered a bad case of morning sickness. Apart from a few bunny rugs and pairs of hospital pyjamas, the sewing machine was put away until the stork had well and truly left the building.

But now the bundle of joy that the stork left has begun to grow up a little. Toddlers clothes have been made, and the sewing machine is humming again. Perhaps, just perhaps, it's time for Mum to get a brand new skirt.

P.S. Read more of the wonderful adventures of Leisl at her blog, and hang on tight to your seats as she grapples with Vogue 2762!

Hello, My Name Is...

Well I'm listed on the sidebar as Jennifer but I usually go by Bee because of the sheer magnitude of Jennifer's out there. It's hard work having such an awesome name, and I think all you other Jennifer's would agree. Anyway I'm pretty excited about this sew-along as I have been neglecting my sewing since it turned into "winter" here in Chicago.

I am absolutely in love with the pattern that Tammie will be using, but I am not allowed to buy any new supplies until I use up some of my old ones so I will be sewing a pattern I drafted a few years ago before I knew how to draft patterns. It's pretty shady but it does the trick.



I've got a bit of sewing under my belt as well as some patternmaking but I needed some motivation to get back into it, and this is perfect. I can't wait to see everyone's skirts, we are all going to be so stylin' come spring!

Oh yes, and my internet home is Snaggle Tooth named for my life mascot, the stuffed Snaggle Tooth.

Hello!

Hello from Texas! I am Jenni and I have a blog called Alum Creek. I am an avid knitter and do some sewing. I have a Bernina sewing machine that has been quite lonely lately. I love clothes and am so excited about the opportunity to sew some items along with some great people.

For my skirt, I am going to design my own pattern. I will be making a simple tube skirt in a cotton jersey. I haven't bought my fabric yet. I am going to go hunting tomorrow and if I don't find anything, I will order on-line.

It's been nice to meet y'all!

Hello!!

Hi, I'm Barb and I can be found at Barb Knits! I don't usually sew clothes, but I've been known to make a mean quilt. :) I have a couple of dresses in pieces that I started sewing last year and hope to finish (and fit into!) by summer! I've been knitting for about 3 years, and quilting for about 5.

I still haven't found a pattern I like yet. I'm hoping for a $2.00 pattern sale at JoAnns. :) Yeah, I'm cheap! The patterns that I have in my stash are too small for me. Oh well, the right one is out there... :) It's just a matter of finding it!!!

Talk with you later!

~barb

Fabric print too big?

Hi, my name is Erin and I am afraid of sewing, the I-have-a-mental-block-about-sewing type of fear. I joined sewiknit in the hope that I will conquer some of my sewing phobias.

I bought this pink batik for my daughter. She wants a tiered ruffled knee length skirt, and I was thinking of using this fabric, but now that I see this photo, the print is probably too big and maybe I should go look for something else with a smaller print. What do you think? I don't think I need a pattern, just cut the fabric into strips, right?

Steph

Hello, I'm Steph of Craftoholic. I used to sew quite a lot when I was younger and even took some advanced sewing classes at my local college. But I've pretty much forgotten all about sewing fancy and now even zippers scare me. I think this sew-along will be great for sharing help and ideas and of course, making cool garments! I've picked a Burda pattern (forgot the number, will update soon) and some light-blue silk/linen/wool blend. I've washed my fabric and cut the paper pattern pieces. I'm thinking of making a mock-up in muslin first to make sure the fit is good. While I have lots of patience frogging yarn, ripping back seams is not a favorite.

A little tip on selecting the right pattern size ( I've learned this the hard way, hence I have a few patterns that even a Hollywood starlet would have a hard time fitting into): Your dress size is not the same as your pattern size (at least for Vogue et al.) While I'm a dress size 6, my pattern size is 14. You should measure your bust, waist and hip before you go to pick a pattern, and check the measurements on the pattern envelope. If your waist measurement falls into one size but your hip into another, pick the pattern according to your hip measurement. It will be easier to alter the pattern to a smaller waist than the other way around.

Allison in Los Angeles Reporting for Duty

Hello!!!

I am very excited to be hitching up to this train! I can't believe how many people were interested! And we have some experienced sewwers in the bunch. That is going to become very important as we newbies have questions.

First, a little about me. My name is Allison and my blog is Neophyte Knitter. I am a civil engineer in Los Angeles, living with my magician boyfriend and two cats. I have been knitting for almost 5 years but my sewing skills are pretty minimal. I know I made a sweatshirt in 6th grade home economics but the only thing I recall is what a bobbin is! Still sewing is a skill I want to gain a little mastery over, if just to be able to sew linings in my knits so I asked and received a sewing machine for Christmas. This skirt will be my first garment.

Without further ado, here is my pattern. It's actually a Destination India one but for some reason on-line it goes by a different number. The skirts circled are the two I am trying to decide between. I am not sure which will be more flattering.

And here are my supplies. I chose this starry green fabric because it reminded me of Springtime. As well as the accoutrements as required on the pattern. I will have to shorten the zipper since they didn't have a matching one in the size I needed. I do have one question thought...what is twill tape? And is it the same as Bias Tape? I got both just in case since one was the color I wanted.

Olga's intro

Hi, everyone! My name is Olga, and my knitting blog is Yo La Tejo. I'm so excited to join this group, and actually begin to put my new machine to use. My mom always sewed outfits for my sister and me growing up, and now that I think about it, I even had a little toy Singer that actually worked! But I never took up sewing seriously; I believed I couldn't even sew a straight seam. I hated the thought of making a cutting mistake, or of ripping out endless badly sewn seams.

But then I took up knitting, and I learned that frogging was just an accepted part of the process. For some reason, this didn't bother me, so when my thoughts finally turned back to sewing, I realized that ripping out seams really is just another form of frogging! Part of the process.

So I bought myself a Singer last fall, and have only managed to hem a few pairs of pants. I really don't know diddly squat, and am learning as I go (my manual and Sewing for Dummies are my best friends).

I'm going to make a skirt from Butterick 5488:



and I bought this Destination India fabric at Joann's on Sunday, at 40% off:



I noticed after I got it home, though, that two pattern repeats don't fit into a yard and a half, which is what I got. After the section you see above, there's this motif:



and then the second repeat of the first motif gets cut off. So I guess I'm just going to have to cut carefully!

Made My Choice

Hi,
I am Tami and I have been itching to start sewing again. I have not made something from a pattern in about 12 years. I went to Joann Fabrics on Sunday and looked through the pattern books. It was a little overwhelming. I think I was there for about 2 hours. I finally chose this Simplicity pattern #0593.



Can’t wait to get started and to see everyone’s progress.

Jen's Intro

Growing up, I would sit amongst my mother's fabric stash and watch her sew clothing and home decor items. My grandmother taught me hand sewing and embroidery before I turned 10. A few years later, I was doing alterations, designing pieces, and costuming. Since then, I've taken up quilting, knitting, and dabbling in other crafts like beading and polymer clay. Knitting has comprised the majority of my projects due to the portability and availability to fill small time slots. I continue to sew smaller items like bags and needle holders which only take one to two hours of work. (Sewing machine neglect.)

Ready made patterns never give me the fit or look I intend. I'll be designing a skirt pattern. I've been drawing out sketches and need to raid my fabric stash a design board. You can visit my live journal or my ultra new Crafty Canary (allergy free) blog.

Good Luck, everyone!

Decisions Made

I made a trip to Jo-Ann's yesterday and now have my fabric and pattern.



I'll be making Butterick #4461 (view E).

Greetings from San Francisco!

Hi everyone, yaiAnn here. First I'd like to say thanks to all of you that joined our sew-along. It should be a great feeling knowing that you're in the company of over 70 Sew-I-knitters! So how did I get started in all of this? Well my first experience in garment crafting started with knitting. I unfortunately never got the chance to take any type of sewing classes when I was younger. My mother was a seamstress back in Thailand and when she came out to America never got the chance to pass on her sewing skills to me because she was busy starting up and running a business with my father. So my first experience with sewing started when one of my friends told me she would be teaching classes at this new sewing studio in San Francisco. From there I took a basic sewing class, a tote bag class and a hemming class and I was off. Since then I've only sewn knitting needle cases, and bags and of course tackled some hemming. I'm really looking forward to sewing with you all. (And I'm definitely sure that my mom will be excited to know that I'm actually sewing clothes. She thinks knitting is a waste of time.)

I bought two patterns for this sew-along and hope to at least get through one. The first one I'm attempting is McCall M3341, a basic a-line skirt. When I get through with that I want to make the pieced skirt from Simplicity 4966. I haven't had the chance to go fabric shopping yet, but plan to this weekend. I'm hoping to find some wool or other suiting material so I can wear it to work. But before I allow myself to do a stitch of sewing on my skirt, I have to finish hemming this pile of pants I've had lying around. How's that for motivation?

Joujouka's intro

Hi everyone!
My name is joujouka from "Room101 Flat-B".
Maybe I am the alone participant where passes from Tokyo,Japan.
Anyway I have sewn some bags,skirts and tunic blouses already.
But then I want to step up my sewing skill!
I am so happy to join this sew-along.
...and then I have decided my pattern.
It is from a Japanese book.

But I will add some arrangement.
I'm looking forward to see all lovely skirts.
Can't wait to start!! :)

Hi! I'm Rebecca, from Arkansas. I have been thinking about how I need to get some sewing done, but needed the impetus to do it. I usually knit and quilt, though I have done a lot of sewing over the years. I made my daughter's wedding dress, for example. However, I am not very accurate and tend to switch to hand-sewing at all the "hard parts." So actual sewing for my wardrobe is definitely a challenge. I am intending to make Simplicity 5914 unless I get wimpy about the zipper, in which case I will do Simplicity 8805 instead. Perhaps, with the support of this fine group, I will do both. You can visit me at Fibermom.

Hi from the windy northwest

Hi Everyone, I am a mom in Washington (not Seattle, the quiet south east part) who loves to knit but is starting to get knitting shoulder. So I'm going to sew too! Wait, that didn't make sense..........anyway, you know what I mean. I got my fabric yesterday at Joanne's - some pink girly batik print from the India collection. I actually changed my pattern to just a cargo skirt, because I wanted something simpler. I've been trying to make a bag and its not going extremely well. I'm hoping to improve with the help of all here. Connie

Bettina's intro

Hello everyone!
My name is Bettina from Verstrickt und zugenäht. I'm living in Switzerland and I knit and sew nearly every day.
I decided for "Neue Mode 23389"

I will do the skirt in a pink and white cotton print fabric.
I can hardly wait to start sewing and I'm looking forward to see all your skirts.

Laina's Intro

Hi all! My name is Laina, aka Wicked Knitter, and I'm going to be sewing the Betsey Ross #001 A-line skirt pattern. I just went to the fabric store yesterday and picked out some nice brown fabric. I bought my interfacing, zipper, and clasp as well.

I took sewing lessons when I was little (around 12 years old), and made a few simple garments like a t-shirt, sewing bag, jumper, etc. Since then I've only done intermittent, basic sewing like a pillow case. I haven't made anything from a pattern in about 10 years, so I remember NOTHING! I just ordered a book, Sewing 101, which had some good reviews, so I look forward to learning all about it. I can't wait to start!

I have a question for those in the know: my sewing machine is over 10 years old. I use it every once in a blue moon. Do I need to oil it or something before using it again regularly? Thanks.

Heather's Intro

Hi everyone!

My name's Heather and you can find me rambling on about crafts, knitting and life over at The Knitting Maevan. I've been sewing for about 10 years now, though it's been a few years since I was really into it. This past Halloween I decided to make my own costume (more detaisl on my craft blog), which reignited my love of the craft. I've only been knitting for over a year and a half now.

I look forward to seeing everyone's lovely creations. While I'm by no means an expert (I'm very rusty these days) I'm willing to help where I can. :)

hello all

hello everybody.
i am so excited about this sew along.
i am tammie and you can find me at snotty mommy.
i will be quite busy while doing this skirt project. i am also doing the knitting olympics and participating in the miniswap.
i always bite off more than i can chew.

i have been knitting for a little over 2 years and am completely addicted. i got a sewing machine about 1 1/2 years ago, but have only made a few really easy bags and blankets. nothing to wear, so we will see how it goes. i am excited.
i am doing this skirt:
it is new look 6353. i am not sure what fabric i will use, but hey, another reason to go fabric shopping, right!?

Pam's Intro

Hey everyone! Well, if none of you mind, I'm going to be one of those who's probably going to ask a ton of questions! But before I ask my very first one, let me introduce myself.

I'm listed as Pamela on the sidebar, but I'll go by Pam or Pamela. I have three blogs, but my main one for all my projects and bits and bobs is Random Thoughts By Pam. I'm married, mother of three girls and we live in Virginia.

I used to sew Barbie outfits with my grandmother many years ago, attempted to make myself a dress back about ten years ago and since then, well, all I've done is make one bag (with lots of help!) and sew patches on my husband's uniforms. But my sewing machine and I are getting to be good friends so I'm off to try something harder!

So for my first question. I went to Wal-Mart today to look at patterns as I have never made anything with a pattern. I found one that was my size, but my dilemna is this: My hips are 51/52 inches, but my waist is 38/39. When I'm looking at patterns, what measurement do I go by? How do I make something with such drastic differences in inches? I'm at a lost!!

I really can't wait to get started. I think I have enough material to make a skirt, just can't figure out what to do about the pattern. Help!! TTYL!

Mari's Intro

Hello everyone! I am Mari from marirob, home of many sweaters, crazy cats, and horrible food choices. I just wanted to add my welcome and say Wow! Never did any of us expect this kind of response for the sew-along - it's fantastic!

I received a sewing machine for my birthday and I've sewn a couple of bags. This will be my first garment and I'm so excited! I have an exam next weekend that I'll be studying for but after that I plan to buckle down, pick a pattern and fabric and sew away.

I hope everyone enjoys picking out their patterns and sewing together!

Sewing in NM

Hi, I'm Beverly at Wearing Black in New Mexico. Before I moved to NM I did a lot of quiltmaking, but very little dressmaking. I just had my machine tuned up (the dryness had rendered it "almost broken") after I tried to sew a purse lining...and ended up doing that by hand. Now I'm so excited to make a skirt. I haven't picked a fabric yet, but it's in the 60's in Albuquerque, so I'm thinking spring and fresh colors. Green, maybe?

I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone creates. Happy sewing, knitters!

Hi there - From Alison

Hi there everyone, My name is Alison (aka AL) from Just Another Day! I just moved a few months ago from Arizona to Marietta, GA. I am an avid knitter plus I love to crochet and scrapbook.

For years I have wanted to learn the women handy arts (knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting, etc.) and finally got around to most of them. My sewing is elementary at best but I do sew a mean straight line!! Before I moved I upgraded my K-Mart Singer Sewing Machine to a Singer Commercial Grade Machine - it doesn't do a ton buy boy is it fast! I have been making needle holders for my knitting needles and crochet hooks, and I bought an apron pattern that I have to get around to making! (I even hemmed my husbands pants once - and after two hours of sweating, cursing and a bit of crying -- by me not him -- I finished but didn't think I'd attempt that again.)

Anyway - I am excited to be a part of this and I hope that I do have one cool skirt to show for it! I've never put a zipper in before so I am happy that this will force me to learn. The pattern i have picked is the Betsy Ross A-line skirt pattern! It's been ordered and we should be on our way!

Melissa's Intro

Hi guys!

My name is Melissa and I have to say that this sew-along is coming along at just the right time! I've been thinking about dusting off my machine for some time now, but haven't had the motivation to just do it.

I've been sewing on and off for about 12 years now. But when I say off, I mean off! I studied Fashion Design at the Fashion Institute in NYC and I used to sew alot, well at least for my first two years of school. I used to love checking out all the different fabric stores in midtown and had so many grand ideas for clothes. I never had much time to sew for myself anyway and then my world changed - I started knitwear specialization!

So now I've been out of school for almost 4 years and haven't touched my sewing machine in 6! I used to be pretty good, but who knows if it will be like riding a bike! Luckily, because of my course work, I have tons of reference books on patternmaking, draping, and sewing - that should be a big help! I also hope that this can serve as a good resource to all of you!

Still deciding on what to make. I'm thinking about drafting my own pattern, but it takes so long and I think I lost all my old slopers from school. Buying a pattern is so much easier and the fit is usually right on. So now I'm off to the fabric stores! Yay!

Karin's intro

Hi there, I am Karin with an I (I hate the I though, I have to explain to everyone how to spell my name, I've been debating legally changing it to Karen for years) and I've been sewing for a while but am not really that great at it. I've got a few skirt patterns and I will be picking out something shortly, I think I am going to go with stripes for this one. This will be the third skirt I have made. I am glad to be part of this sewalong, I need projects to help distract me from schoolwork, as I have just started an Accounting Master's degree at the local business school and it is extremely overwhelming. My blog is at 21ch.blogspot.com and I live in Chicago, Ill. OK, I should get back to work :). Talk with y'all later.

Greetings

Yes! This sew-along fits exactly the mood I'm in. The mood to sew!

Hiya. I'm Karen, (yes another Karen. I can also go by my initials which happen to spell Kai if that would lessen confusion). I learned to knit a year ago and have been addicted ever since. I learned to sew more than 10 years ago, in middle school. It was a lot easier when I had a teacher to help me.

Nonetheless, I'm excited to be part of this sew-along. I was thinking of winging this and making up my own skirt pattern (which I've never done before) but looking at all the patterns out there is really tempting. Once I start seeing what you all come up with, I know I'll be even more inspired.

Kim's Intro

Howdy Everyone! I'm Kim of The Fiber Freak. I haven't had a chance to meet her in person yet, but I live in the same area of the country as Jessica. Knitting, spinning, and weaving are a daily part of my life. Sewing.......not so much. As my mother AND my grandmother were both professional seamstresses at different points in their lives, I shame my family. . Well...maybe not, but still. It's been years since I made anything larger than a barbie outfit. Whatever skill I used to have has eroded away. Time to rebuild. Thank goodness, I won't be alone!

No pattern yet. I'm looking to make an a-line style skirt out of denim or some other such daily-wear type fabric. Like Jessica.......back I go to pattern surfing!

Hi! (waves)

Hi, My name is Karen. And I knit!!

This is a great craft-a-long becuase I need a break from knitting, and a skirt will get me in the mood for spring! I have started to look at patterns and last night I was dreaming of spring.......... and then the ground hog for Canada told us we will get spring early! Now, I don't think you can rely on an animal to tell the weather, but it was sunny today........ any ways I can't wait to see everyone's skirts. Happy peddling!!

~Karen~

Jessica's Intro

Hi everyone. I'm Jessica of Rose-Kim Knits. I have completed a few sewing projects in my life (like the lion costume I made for my son for Halloween when he was 1 that took me about a month--I made him and his brother both wear it two years in a row to try to feel like it was a useful way to spend my time). But generally I think of myself as a very beginner (and bad) seamstress. I've had the Sew Fast, Sew Easy book--please don't throw anything at me--on my bookshelf for several years but still never got around to figuring the whole sewing thing out. Then my machine broke for the zillionth time. So this week my new sewing machine arrived. I looked over the SFSE book again last night and decided I don't like the skirt in there so I need to go on the hunt again for a pattern. I've been looking over some of your selections so far and found myself awake last night at 1:30 still slogging through all the pattern sites. The hunt is still on.

Adminstrative Note

Thanks for all the positive response to our sew-along! As we were developing this sew-along we weren't sure how many people would be interested and were hoping for 15 people. We've got over 50 participants and we're so happy that all of you want to sew-along with us! As we anxiously await the start date, please check the side bar and make sure your name is there and that your blog is correctly linked. If you want to use another name, please let us know. Also, don't forget to email us and let us know what pattern you've decided sew. And lastly, don't be shy! Post your intro's. We want to get to know you!