Sewing – Page 4

Pattern Review – Little Loungers by Patterns for Pirates

I recently tested the Little Loungers pattern from Patterns for Pirates. I wasn’t sure about the pattern when I started. I was having a hard time figuring out what fabric to use. I didn’t want to make another pair of jean shorts. For my first pair, I used some fabric I had on hand. I figured if they didn’t turn out, it wouldn’t be much of a loss. When they were done though, I loved them! So did my daughter!

I think one of my favorite features is the button tab. Mine doesn’t really button, it’s just for looks.

Please ignore the wrinkles – I ironed and steamed and ironed some more!

One thing I always look for, especially in girls patterns are pockets. You can never have too many pockets! For this pair I did patch pockets on the front and back.

The back pockets gave me such a hard time! I put them on according to the directions (there are no placement lines, just suggested measurements from the center back seam and the waistband seam) and they were so crooked and not lined up! I took them almost all the way off, had my long-suffering daughter try them on and pinned them where they should be. They looked much better!

I did an elastic waistband, but you can also do a yoga waistband and add a drawstring to it. I love the length of these – they’re long enough that they don’t feel like short shorts, but they’re short enough for Florida summer!

I also made a pair from this light weight denim look material (modal, maybe?). These are the knee length version and she says they are very comfy and will be perfect for winter.

The legs taper in a bit below the hip so they look kinda funny when you hold them up, but they look great on!

Get the pattern here or get the Mama pattern Linen Loungers or even better, buy both patterns in a bundle and make matching outfits for you and your kids. The patterns are on sale through Sunday midnight (central time).

Dyeing Polo Shirts

I’ve had two light colored polo shirts that were stained, but I hated to throw them away because they were pretty new (as in they got stained on one of the first wearings). I washed them, rewashed them, treated the stains, retreated the stains, washed them some more, but nothing worked. So, they’ve been sitting on my sewing desk waiting for me to figure out what to do with them. Then, I wondered about dyeing them. I chose purple because it’s darker and I’m hoping that it will cover the stains. For about $2, it’s a pretty cheap way to remake a shirt!

All you need is a box of dye and some shirts.

I opted to dye them in a bucket (an old kitty litter pail). I filled it about half way with hot water and added some hose water. Although the directions said to add 3 gallons, I didn’t measure. The only thing I did measure was the hot water to mix the dye.

MixTheDye

AddTheDye

I heated water on the stove, soaked the shirts and then added the whole mix to the dye.

WetThePolos

When I dunked it in and then lifted it right back out I wasn’t sure I was going to like it.

AddPolosToDye

About 20 minutes later when I checked it and the color was so much better!

Checking the dye color.

After about 25 minutes, I was happy with the color. I dumped my dye and then rinsed the shirts in clean water. I kept rinsing until the water was clear. Then I hung it over a chair to drip dry. When it stopped dripping, I tossed it in the dryer…then I re-read the directions and saw that I was supposed to wash it first. Oh well. I’ll just wash it separately for the first couple times.

DryingDyedPolos

So, because I didn’t wash it right after I made it, I washed the dyed polo shirts with our towels. I don’t care so much if the towels come out with a purple tint. Although the the water did get a little purple, my towels were OK. I’ll probably continue to wash them with towels until they don’t make the water purple though. Better safe than sorry!

Washing a dyed shirt

The dye covered the stains pretty decently, but not the thread.

The dye didn't cover the stitching.

It did make slightly darker spots where the stains were, but I don’t think they’re very noticeable. Definitely not as noticeable as the stains before I dyed the shirts.

Finished Dyed Shirt

Have you ever dyed anything? Did it work out?

Why Paper Patterns

A couple weeks ago I posted my top 5 reasons to use PDF patterns. However, there are also some really good reasons to use paper patterns. Here are my top 5 reasons to use paper patterns.

Cheaper – This is a big one! JoAnns regularly has patterns for $.99. You can’t beat that price. Even if you have to buy more than one to get all the sizes you need, it’s still a great deal! Even WalMart sells patterns.
Perfect for personal use – If you aren’t selling what you make, then paper patterns make perfect sense.
No printer, ink, or paper required – Paying for ink and paper can be expensive! Having patterns printed at a copy/print shop can save your printer ink, but it’s still going to cost you. Paper patterns avoid this.
Easier to store – I don’t know about anyone else, but I have a terrible time storing my PDF patterns. Once they’re taped together, there’s no easy way to store them. Paper patterns are fairly easy to fold up and put back into the envelope they came in.
One stop shopping – you can look through three or four different designer catalogs at one store.

I think they can be summed up into one word – convenience.

What about you – do you prefer paper patterns or PDF patterns? Why?

My Favorite Sewing Gadgets

*This post contains affiliate links.

I’m not much of a gadget person, but there are a few that I really love! Here are my current top three in no particular order.

First up is a bobbin holder. For years my bobbins just floated in the drawer with my thread. It tended to be a tangled mess! I decided that this bobbin saver couldn’t make it any worse! My thread drawer is still a little messy, but my bobbins are all contained. I have both plastic and metal bobbins and they both fit just fine.

It’s just a little messy…

There are many different brands of Wonder clips. They come in several sizes and all kinds of colors/patterns. I love that they don’t put holes in my material. Plus, it doesn’t matter which way you put them on, pinning a seam. Frequently I get a seam all pinned and then realize I’ve got the pins going the wrong way so when I sew, I have to push them out towards the sewing needle rather than pulling them out towards me.

I got these self-threading needles years ago as evidenced by the 3 for $.99 Murphy’s sticker! They are so easy! It makes hand sewing just a little more bearable. You simply push the thread in through the top. No trying to find the eye.

One bonus “gadget” because I’m not sure it’s actually a gadget, is my twin needle.

I’ve started using it a lot more and I love the professional finished look I get.

What is your favorite gadget?

Why PDF Patterns?

Some links are affiliate links. See my disclosure policy for more details.

When I was a kid and learning how to sew, there was only one kind of pattern – the tissue paper ones. I didn’t know anything different until about three years. Somehow I discovered the world of PDF patterns and I haven’t looked back.

My first PDF pattern – Love Me Knots by Seamingly Smitten.

There are several reasons I like PDF patterns over the traditional tissue paper ones. Here are my top five.

Facebook groups – When you buy a paper pattern, there’s no talking to the maker or other people who have used that pattern. There’s no pretty, full color pictures for each step. You’re pretty much on your own. With PDF patterns there’s a whole world of personal support & inspiration. Almost all makers have some sort of Facebook group, Instagram account, a Pinterest page, some kid of way to reach them and to see what others have made and to share what you’ve made. There’s also a Facebook group dedicated to PDF patterns and one for free PDF patterns (I’m sure there are others, but these are the two I like).

Easier to print sizes you need – Many patterns come with layers meaning you can print only the size you need. If you’re mashing sizes, you can pick the two or three sizes you need and print them. There’s also usually a guide so you only print the pages you need. Once you get the hang of it, gluing/taping pages really doesn’t take that long. Plus, if you want another size, you can just reprint it.

Include all sizes from infant to 12 or 14 – this is a big one for me. I love to be able to buy one pattern and use it for several years. Yes, you pay more initially, but remember, you don’t have to buy the same pattern two or three times if you’re trying to make matching outfits. Also, most designers have sales once or twice a year and when a new pattern comes out, it’s offered at a discounted price. Sometimes patterns have options for both boys and girls – that’s a win in my book!

Rowan Raglan by Made for Mermaids

Often there’s a Mama pattern too – So often patterns for kids would be perfect for adults and vice versa. Often times designers will design a pattern for one and then if there’s enough interest, they’ll design a pattern for the other.

Chloe and Mama Chloe by Made for Mermaids

Able to sell what you make – As a seamstress with an online shop, this is probably the biggest one for me! Tissue paper patterns say for personal use only. Every PDF pattern I’ve bought says that I can sell items made with the pattern (obviously I can’t resell the PDF file). For instance, I recently needed a size 6 shirt pattern. Nothing fancy, just a basic shirt with long and short sleeve options. Stacey by Made for Mermaids was perfect – I was able to hack the pattern to make the sleeve I needed.

Now that I’ve convinced you to try PDF patterns, here are my favorite designers. Go check them out. If you find one you think you might like, look for one of their free patterns so you can get a feel for their style.

Made for Mermaids

Peek-A-Boo Pattern Shop (she also has an awesome fabric shop with basic knits and adorable custom knits)

Seamingly Smitten

Itch to Stitch (one caveat – I have not actually made the Angelia shorts pattern I purchased, but I love her stuff)

Stitch Upon A Time (S.U.A.T.)

Patterns for Pirates

Gracious Threads

Did I forget any? Who’s your favorite?