Me-Made-May 2018

It's almost time for Me-Made-May! I love taking part in this event every year and seeing all the amazing handmade outfits that everyone pledges to wear. This will be my fifth year participating in Me-Made-May and it is interesting to me to look back and see how much my wardrobe has changed over the years. Five years ago, I was still in college and know I'm in the working world as a nurse! 

I wear something handmade almost everyday. In fact, it would be more of a challenge for me to wear something RTW than it is to wear handmade. My handmade items are just what I like to wear now! It also helps that I'm part of the RTW fast this year, so I am not buying any RTW clothes. So far, that is going well and I haven't felt the need to buy any clothes for myself!

Here is my pledge for MMM '18:

 'I, Elizabeth of The College Seamstress blog and @thecollegeseamstress on instagram, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '18. I endeavour to wear only me made clothing (with the exception of undergarments, shoes, socks, and work scrubs!) throughout May 2018'. 

I will be sharing daily photos on Instagram and hope to do a few updates here on the blog. At the end of the month I will evaluate what worked, what didn't work, and what needs to go. I also want to figure out what I need more of in my wardrobe. In addition to my pledge, I have a goal to finish sewing the Joy Jacket pattern for my mom and I. I also want to sew something else from my #makenine list (possibly the Carolyn Pajamas or the Gabriola Skirt). 

Are you participating in Me-Made-May this year? 

~Elizabeth

Cheyenne Tunic

I am so excited to finally have finished my flannel plaid Cheyenne tunic! This is a project that I've been wanting to make for a long time now. I bought the fabric from Raspberry Creek Fabrics almost 2 years ago, planning for a Cheyenne tunic and I finally made it a reality!

I made a size medium but graded out to a large in the hips for the back piece. The Cheyenne is intended to be a looser fit. I think the fit is pretty spot on! The sleeves are long enough without any adjustments - usually sleeves are too short, but not this time!

I have made a button down shirt before as well as several shirt dresses, so the skills required to make this pattern were not a complete mystery to me. However, each time I make this style I find I learn something new or improve on previously learned skills.

I have been sewing a lot of knits recently and since those are usually really quick projects I had to take the time and slow down with the Cheyenne tunic. In the end, it is a very professionally finished garment with all french seams.

There is a sew along for this pattern on the Hey June Handmade blog. I referred to the sew along more often than the pattern after I made a mistake with the back yoke. I am a super visual learner, so looking at pictures is often more helpful than reading words. The pattern is well written, but as a visual learner, it was helpful for me to refer to both the pattern and the sew along. The sew along was most helpful to me for the back yoke, the collar and collar stand, and the tower plackets.

The fabric is a Robert Kaufman Mammoth Flannel and it is so soft and comfortable! It was 10 degrees when I took these pictures and besides my hands, I was pretty warm! I know I will be wearing it a lot since winter doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon!

The hardest part of making this pattern was cutting out the fabric. I tried to match the plaids as best I could, but some of the plaid wasn't completely straight on the fabric, which made it a difficult task. I chose to do the back yoke, front plackets, and pocket on the bias. It adds interest and eliminates the need for matching those pieces!

I learned several things while sewing the Cheyenne tunic:

1) Don't sew if you are tired. I decided to work on this one afternoon after I had worked a night shift. I was only running on about 5 hours of sleep and needless to say I made plenty of mistakes that could've been avoided had I waited to sew.

2) Mark your right side well! This is especially true if you are working with a fabric that looks identical on both sides. I did not mark the fabric well and ended up sewing one of the sleeves on backwards. I didn't realize it until I had completely sewn the french seam!

3) Relating to #2, french seams (especially on flannel) are not fun to seam rip.

I did not want to roll the sleeves up in 10 degree weather, so I attempted to take a picture in my poorly lit apartment. I will probably only wear it like this indoors for now, but I like to have the option!

This was my first time sewing a tower placket and I am really pleased with how they turned out! This is another area of the pattern where I referenced the sew along from the Hey June blog. I was also pleasantly surprised that the plaids matched up on this sleeve - totally a happy accident! I was not so lucky with the other sleeve, but that's okay. 

I am really happy with my new Cheyenne tunic! It might be the best fitting button down shirt I've ever owned!

~Elizabeth

2018 Make Nine

Happy New Year everyone!! I hope your 2018 is off to a great start! It has been a bit stressful for me with car trouble and moving to a new apartment, but I am excited to see what the year will bring!

I thought I would participate in #2018makenine and I have already shared my picks over on instagram. I thought I'd share them here on the blog too. It's a challenge started by Lucky Lucille and the idea is to pick nine patterns you'd like to make this year.

From Left to Right: 1. Gabriola Skirt - Sewaholic 2. Carolyn Pajamas - Closet Case Patterns 3. Grace Tankini - Savvy Patterns 4. Fringe Dress - Chalk and Notch 5. Union St. Tee - Hey June Handmade 6. Chai Shirtdress - Itch to Stitch 7. Cheyenne Tunic - Hey June Handmade 8. Cascade Duffle Coat - Grainline Studio 9. My unfinished T-shirt quilt

1 // Gabriola Skirt 

I love skirts and maxi skirts are no exception! I got this pattern for my birthday quite a few years ago now, but only ever traced the pattern pieces. If I remember right, I have to do some grading between sizes, but I'm determined to make it this year! It would be lovely in a rayon or voile for summer. 

2 // Carolyn Pajamas 

I've never had a nice pair of pajamas. Right now I have handmade pajama pants that are six or seven years old and show some wear and tear. They have served me well, but I think it's time for an upgrade! I've always liked the look of this pattern, so I'm hoping to make it. 

3 // Grace Tankini

I admired this swimsuit pattern ever since it released last summer. I have tried sewing a swimsuit in the past, but have failed. I'm hoping I will have better luck with this pattern! It's feminine and has a classic style. 

4 // Fringe Dress

I've made this pattern in the top view. I also made a maxi version in stretch velvet for Christmas (blog post coming soon!). I love the pattern and would like to try view B. Maybe it will be an Easter dress?

5 // Union St. Tee

This is another pattern I have made a couple times, but it has since been updated! A simple t-shirt is a must in any wardrobe. I am in need of some long sleeve t-shirts as well, so I'm hoping to make a couple of these. 

6 // Chai Shirtdress

I love a good shirtdress and could live in them all summer. I bought this pattern as soon as it came out last year, but have not had a chance to sew it yet. My muslin is still cut out and waiting for me in my sewing room somewhere. I'm looking forward to making it!

7 // Cheyenne Tunic

Flannel shirts are great for cold Minnesota winters! I have loved every version of this shirt I see. Two years ago, I bought some Robert Kaufman flannel to make myself one and it is still uncut in my sewing room. I will make it before winter is over!

8 // Cascade Duffle Coat

I have admired this coat pattern for a long time, but I still don't own it. There is a coat making party happening on instagram this month, but I'm not sure if I will get to it right away. My current coat is falling apart, so I think it's time for a new one. I'm planning on making it in wool and lining it in something warm for these subzero temps that don't seem to be going away anytime soon! Any coat making tips out there?

9 // My t-shirt quilt

I started my t-shirt quilt in April of 2016 by cutting out all of the squares. In June of 2017, I interfaced all my squares and came up with a good layout (with the help of my brother). Ever since then, the squares have been put away in a bag. I'm hoping this will be the year I finish it!

I have lots of other projects planned besides these, but we will see what the year brings! I tried to pick patterns that I have and want to sew. I'm also participating in the RTW fast hosted by Goodbye Valentino, so I will not be buying any ready to wear clothing this year! I already wear a lot of handmade clothing, but I still enjoy shopping from time to time, especially at thrift stores! It will be a fun challenge and I'm looking forward to adding good quality handmade items to my wardrobe! I'm joining over one thousand other sewists in this challenge as well!  

I'm also hoping to sew mostly from my stash and when I do buy fabric, buy it with a project in mind. I also want to limit my pattern buying habits because I have so many patterns that I've never made! 

Do you have any sewing plans or goals for the year? 

~Elizabeth