SWAP 2007: 2 More Garments

I'm having a long weekend because I took a couple of days of paid time off from my job--using the last of the 5 days of carry over from last year before they expire at mid month. Having the time has been nice because I've had some additional time to sew. This picture shows the result.

Both pieces are made from gold wool blend jersey I bought from Timmel Fabrics. The top is from my TNT pattern, Kwik Sew 2565, which I've mentioned here before. This time I modified the pattern by cutting the sleeves 3/4 length, basically just measuring another top for the right length and shortening the sleeve pattern by pinning it accordingly.

I have to say that the jersey is a real pleasure to work with. It's fairly thin, and I'm pretty sure it has some lycra in it. The top went together very quickly and easily.

The skirt is from the Sandra Betzina Vest and Skirt pattern by the Sewing Workshop. I've made this skirt before, but in a woven, not the recommended knit fabrics. The skirt was huge when I tried it on! I ended up taking out 5" of ease. I don't know if this was due to an error in tracing or what, but it was pretty simple to remedy as the skirt is straight up and down, and I just took in the side seams.

The sewing instructions for the skirt are strange, requiring the sewer to sew hems after hemming the edge of the overlap, but before assembly. Then you're supposed to go back and match up the stitching. Umm, no. I changed up the order to that the hems were completed after the side seams were sewn, fit was tested, and length was determined. In other words, in a logical manner.

I used a twin needle extensively on both pieces, since I don't have a coverstitch machine. I used wooly nylon in the bobbin for added stretch. FYI, the wooly nylon needs to be hand wound onto the bobbin. I also loosened the upper tension so the double stitches lay flatter.

Also, I used a bit of water soluble stabilizer at the beginning of each seam to prevent the thin jersey from being "eaten" by the machine. This is a good way to use up those dried up pieces of Solvy, by the way.

I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this outfit. I like it, but maybe it's a little too fall/winter looking to wear for a spring SWAP? The color is a perfect match to the circle fabric though!

Speaking of circle fabric, the skirt is still not hemmed. I'll post photos on the dress form when I get around to it.