Sew Over It Pussybow Blouse

Hello! First, I just wanted to let you know I finally upgraded to have my own website domain! It’s poeticmemorysewing.blog  and I updated my Instagram username to poeticmemorysewing. I’ve felt like I needed a change for a while now but wasn’t ready to let go of Poetic Memory after using it for 7 years! Anyway- back to the sewing!

How amazing is this fabric?! I was at Mood in New York earlier this month. We didn’t have much time so I ran down a few aisles and happened to see this Italian made chiffon! It has foxes all over it which you know is right up my alley. I bought a yard and half figuring I would make a top out of it. I had this blouse in mind but when I looked up the pattern later, I realized I didn’t buy enough of it and was so disappointed. I love the sewing community online because I was told it doesn’t require as much fabric as stated. I managed to cut out the size 8 and still have some left- possibly for a scarf?!

This pattern is great for sheer fabric because there’s no neck facing and the seams can be enclosed. I was nervous sewing with chiffon because it’s delicate and frays. Normally I would serge the edges of a frayed fabric but I didn’t want the bulk in the seams. I cut it out with a rotary cutter, put it in a bag until I was ready to work it. I tried to handle it as little as possible. There’s a few seams I wanted to fix but it wasn’t worth it! Overall I’m really happy with it. I paired it with my Seamwork Leonora  with my scalloped hem hack and I love this outfit. I also wore it with jeans! It’s definitely a versatile top that I’ll get a lot of wear out of.

As I mentioned earlier I cut out a size 8 and am pretty happy with the fit except the sleeves are a little too long. If I make another (which I’m pretty sure I will!) I’ll shorten them probably by a 1/2 inch to an inch.

I’m heading back to Mood in a few weeks and can’t wait to see what I find!

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Closet Case Carolyn PJs

My first make of 2019 and one of my Make Nine! I’ve had this pattern on my to-sew list for the past year. There were always too many other things to sew in the spring, summer and fall, though. I knew it would be a great project in the winter after the holidays so I made a note of it and kept my eyes open for fabric. This pattern requires 5 yards of fabric so I was a little worried how I was going to afford that plus all the trims- they were going to be my most expensive pair of jammies!  Luckily last month I was at Joann’s and spotted a display of flannel for less than $3 a yard. I knew this was my chance! There were foxes on one and I was sold. The fabric pilled in the wash but I wasn’t expecting the best quality given the price. It would do for my first shot at this pattern.

When I mentioned I was making this pattern, a few people said they would never want to spend all that time on something no one would see and they would sleep in. I had those thoughts too but honestly (this time of year especially) I spend most of my time in pajamas so it only makes sense to make a pair!

It was my first time sewing piping. It’s something I’ve wanted to try for a long time so this was another reason I chose this pattern. After sewing this, I can definitely say I need some practice with it. I bought a piping foot for my machine and I think it helped but it’s still a bit uneven in spots. It’s funny because I was most nervous about sewing the curves in the collar and that part looks the best! I opted out of the piping and sleeve cuffs. I accidentally cut the long length of View A and at this point I was over sewing piping so I left them long and hemmed the edge.

The instructions and the pattern itself is wonderful.  The only note I’ll make is that I didn’t see anything about finishing the shoulder seams so mine are unfinished. I’m not sure if I totally missed something or messed something up so I’ll have to remember that for next time.

As far as fit, I made the smallest size and I’m pretty happy with it. Next time I would make the rise in the pants a little higher. I have a long torso and tend to need a higher rise in pants. I’d also shorten the pants and the sleeves maybe an inch. I’m 5′ 2″ for reference.

I would absolutely make this pattern again- possibly in a fun cotton for the summer or maybe I’ll make a top in rayon to wear with jeans! This pair might not be perfect but they are so cozy and I will be wearing them a lot this winter!

Fox pinafore

Happy October! The best month of the year. I’m so thrilled to share this make with you today. I really wanted this fox pinafore from ModCloth but I couldn’t justify spending that much money on something I wouldn’t wear a lot. As much as I love fox themed clothing, it’s a bit much to wear something like this frequently. I decided I would be able to make something like it pretty easily. I ordered some plain cotton from Joann’s and luckily the color match was pretty spot on. I made a simple self drafted gathered skirt with a zip in the back. To make the top, I sewed two long strips for straps  and some triangles as ears. I made two rectangles as the bib, and enclosed the ears and straps in the top seam. Once that was turned out, I stitched up the bottom edge. I made the white part by sewing together two rectangles again and curving the top edge. I stitched that on to the orange and embroidered some eyes and a nose on. I added buttonholes to the ends to the straps and bottom edge of the bib and added buttons into the waistband so I can remove it! This makes it much more wearable if I just want the skirt. I am thinking about making just two straps so I can wear it another way.  This turned out so much better than I thought and my total cost was only $25 compared to Modcloths $70! It was one of the rare times it was actually cheaper to make something than purchase it.

Pumpkin Animal Plaques DIY

I saw this DIY in the October issue of Country Living and knew immediately I needed to make these! The only taxidermy I’ll allow in our house! These animals were very easy and fun to make. I made a few changes to mine and I’m so happy with how they turned out! Plus, I decided to use faux pumpkins and leaves instead of real so I can enjoy these for many years.

Supplies (all can be found at craft store):

• Wood round(s)
• Acrylic Paint and Brushes
• Faux Pumpkins and leaves
• Glue gun
• Hardware to hang (optional)

Step one: paint wood round solid color. I added a gold rim on one and gold polka dots on the other. I also decided to add these cute wooden leaves around the rim which I secured with some hot glue.

Step two: Remove stem from large pumpkin. For fox, paint one half of pumpkin white. Paint eyes and mouth. Glue to wood with leaves as ears. For bear, glue small wood round to center of pumpkin. Paint eyes and mouth. Glue large pumpkin to center of wood round with small pumpkins as ears.

Step three: Attach hardware to back of wood round if you would like to hang it!

Do you plan on making these? Please let me know if you do!