Fall Fur Love

I love fur.  I love to touch it, I love to wear it and I love to work with it.  I have a couple of favorite pieces that I made several years ago and I still wear them every year when the weather gets cool.

My first love is my fur vest.  I used a basic vest pattern to make this vest.  It is very simple, a front, a back and a poly lining.  I used a toggle closure and a fabric loop, but truthfully, I rarely button it up.  Its perfect for cool fall days and I get compliments on it every time I wear it. 

My second love is my ivory fur poncho.  I made this from a McCalls pattern that called for stretch knits.

.  I made the largest size in the envelope and added a silk lining.  I wear this for nights when I'm going out and will be indoors most of the time.  It's seen lots of Holiday parties and will probably see many more.  This also was so simple, and hour or so to finish, and is also a great project for beginners!

Great pattern for beginners. Fall top!

I've been making a lot of my fall tops this year and I wanted to share some of my favorite patterns.  One of my favorites is Vogue  8790.  I've made this top a couple of times and it is an easy pattern.

 I would recommend this one for beginners just starting to work with knits. I made the long sleeve version last year from a sweater knit and I didn't like it.  I thought it make me look really big. 

This week I used a novelty knit that I found on a remnant table at Fabric Place Basement in Natick, MA..

I really like the way this looks and fits.  I made it in a size 14.  I think I will be making more if these tops.  It's a perfect style for fuller figures and I like the coverage I get from this pattern.:) It's a winner!

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The mystery of the commercial pattern

Your all ready to get going.  You have a style you want to create in mind, you walk into the fabric store and pick the perfect pattern to make yourself a gorgeous dress.  But what size am I in the pattern world?  When I shop at most places, I wear a size 8 or maybe a 10.  If I spend enough money, I can maybe even be a 6.  So I should be the same in patterns, right?  WRONG!!!

  I hate to announce this, but here goes-  My measurements ~ bust 39 waist 30 hip 39~  according to my New Look pattern, my size is somewhere between a 16 and an 18.  Next you need your fabric.  There is a guide on the back to let you know what type and how much you need.  I will usually pick up a little more than the pattern calls for.  If it says 2 5/8 yds  I'll pick up 3yds.

   So I buy my pattern, I bring it home and find all the pieces I need to cut.  I notice on the pattern piece there is another measurement.  This is the finished garment measurement with ease of wear included in it.  If I'm making a fitted or semi fitted garment, I may need 1" to 1 1\2" of ease, but this is more like 2 or more inches extra.  So The size I make will usually be a 14.  I hate to alter finished garments, so I make my adjustments on my pattern pieces where I can.  For me, it's usually back neck to waist and cup alterations.  I'll be showing you some of these type of pattern alterations in future blogs.  For now let's just get the patten size right!


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Fall classes begin next week!

  We had such a wonder full summer, but I am looking forward to the new fall season.  We have many children already registered and we have a new instructor this season.  Emily will be joining us for kids classes during the week and on Sundays for workshops.  It should be a fun season!

B.Good Burger costumes

Well, I'm happy to say the burger costumes for the B.Good Restaurant Boston Marathon fundraiser have been picked up.  We have 5 more to make before April, which should be no problem after making 12 in a week and a half.  Thanks to my helpers Deanna and Khatu for working on the pickles and the tomatoes.  Now to catch up on some rest and alterations!

Hello there!

Hi! My name is Karen Smith, owner and sewing instructor at IN STITCHES SEWING. We teach kids and adults to sew and also do custom sewing and design work. I am new to blogging and just wanted to let everyone know we're here!