My first Metra Blazer

 

I've been noticing people's versions of the Metra blazer, and when it was the $5 Friday pattern a few weeks ago I bought it.

Metra Blazer - Love Notions Sewing Patterns

I watched a few YouTube videos on construction as well as reading the instructions and watching the linked videos. They all varied a little so I mostly followed the advice and did a few bits my own way. Its all worked out fine.

Sizing - I measured myself and chose the size which matched up with my measurements - this was an XL. I did a full bicep alteration on the sleeve. The fit is fine. 

As you can see the back hem is slightly raised which is more pronounced on me, I think on the next version I need to do a high round back alteration (normal for me).

Fabric - I used 2 co-ordinating jacquard double knits I had in stash. These were very spongy, and a bit thick when it came to topstitching etc. It also ravelled and needed to be finished with the overlocker.

I used the larger design for the front back and sleeves, and the smaller design for the side panels, pocket flaps and collar facing. I think it's worked out quite well.

The sort of welt pockets are really clever and I enjoyed doing them. There are not really any pockets, its just an opening into the inside of the facing. You do get a glimpse of the wrong side of the fabric, which isn't that attractive in this knit, so bear that in mind.

The shoulder and neck seam was a bit tricky in this fabric. I would probably had an easier time if I'd interfaced the snip area. Maybe next time!

I really like the pattern and will be trying the other view next.

Slim leg black trousers

 

I made some slim leg trousers from a stretch bengaline fabric and decided to use the Monsal lounge pants pattern. This is for knit fabrics, and didn't translate directly to the stretch woven. However scooping the crotch and tightening the elastic has sorted the problem and these should be good basics.

Monsal Lounge Pant pattern from the Wendy Ward Book "A Beginner's Guide to Sewing with Knitted Fabrics".

A Vera knit top with lace sleeves

 

I adapted the FREE Vera Knit Top from Forget-Me-Not patterns for this knit top above.

Vera - Knit top (Free PDF pattern) - Forget-me-not Patterns (forgetmenotpatterns.com)

For my version I cut the body and cuffs from a solid black viscose jersey and the sleeves from a stretch lace. I lengthened the sleeves by 3 inches and adapted the cuff for my wrist. I also altered the V neck to a scoop neck and cut the ends off the neckband piece which I then seamed at the back.

Fairisle jumper (sweater) knitted by my mum

 My mum knitted this for me (at my request)

The front

The back

The yarn I chose

The 'inspiration' from Prima magazine

The Fair isle pattern mum used on my jumper

I asked mum if she'd knit me a jumper (sweater) and sent her a pattern from Prima magazine. She advised me that the pattern didn't seem to work - it seemed to be too many stitches and the diagram didn't match the written instructions or the example.

In the end she knitted me a raglan sleeve fairisle style in the traditional top down style using the stich diagram for the pattern.

I LOVE it and am super warm!

Black Coat Completed

 I've finished the coat!

I chose these buttons from my stash as I thought they picked out the grey tones in the fur collar.

The lining is black satin (here's the coat inside out)

The buttons, lining and fabric came from my stash. The wool fabric was leftover from an unlined jacket I made for SWAP 2009. I did need to buy shoulder pads and fray check. The sleeve heads were made with a scrap of batting leftover from my Rainbow Quilt.

The pattern is Simplicity 4003 View B lengthened by 6 inches.

Coat Progress

 My coat has got to a point where I can take a photo, but it isn't yet finished.

I'm using OOP Simplicity 4003 as my pattern. My coat is View B (the green one) with 6 inches added to the length.

I still need to do the lining (partially constructed), hems, inserting the lining and buttons and buttonholes, so quite a way to go.

I did interface some scraps and sew them together to simulate the button hole area, the machine was able to make a buttonhole without any problems, so just need careful marking.

I did make a test of View C (the checked one), and although I loved the collar I didn't think the belted double breasted front was the most flattering for me.

I'm much happier with the single breasted with faux fur collar.

Summary of 2023 Sewing Projects

I'm currently working on a coat. I'm taking it slowly but will share once completed.

Today I made some time to look back over 2023, and I sewed a lot.

Sewing for C

I think my biggest achievement was learning to fit my lovely friend C, and then making her quite a lot of clothes once I'd tweaked the muslins and learned about FBAs etc.

I didn't blog everything I sewed for her but it included a whole rack of muslins, 13 dresses, 5 pairs of PJ bottoms, 2 lined jackets, 2 skirts and 4 tees. A total of 26 items.

She also sewed a dress and several skirts for herself

UFOs

I finished off my oldest UFO, another cut out but not sewn up project, and a blouse my friend Sylvia cut out 41 years ago.

Alterations

I notes down 4 alteration type projects - added pocket flaps, embroidery, hidden pockets etc. There may well have been more

Clothes for me

8 turtleneck tops (polo neck jumpers)

18 other knit tops

7 pairs of joggers

3 cardigan and 1 sweatshirt

4 pairs of trousers (2 with front fly zipper)

1 denim gilet with pockets

1 pair summer PJs (jersey top, woven bottoms)

3 woven tops and 6 button front shirts

1 divided skirt and 1 travel robe

This year I sewed myself a total of 55 garments. I acknowledge that this is a lot so I've had a big wardrobe clear out of things which didn't fit too well or I didn't really like, and will do another when we get back to the warmer weather.

4 items I sewed have already been donated, they were me trying a pattern, style or fabric and learning that it didn't work. One top shrank in holiday laundry and has been passed to a friend.

Accessories

Packing pouches for travel, a zipped A3 art bag, 7 zipped pouches plus lots of pairs of fleece socks.

Crafts

Felt pincushion and felt angel

Quilting

3 sets of quilt blocks for the Sparkling Stars Quilt and a little trial of Foundation Paper Piecing

Yup its another turtleneck

 

I was using a remnant of a remnant for this top, so didn't have enough for full sleeves. I cut the sleeves as long as I could and then filled the gap by cutting double layer cuffs. It's a nice finish!

Yet again I used I used OOP New Look 6008 which I've altered the sleeve for a full bicep and the back piece for a high round back. 

Print Blouse

 

I've made another shirt from Prima March 2020 cut off to blouse length.

On this version I split the sleeve into an under sleeve and top sleeve to cut it from the scraps of fabric I had.

I've also added front patch pockets with buttoned flaps.

More Turtleneck tops

I made these polo neck tops (turtlenecks) before the end of the year but didn't post them then.

This one is an Art Gallery fabric I picked up from someone destashing. Its 95% cotton- 5% spandex and a lovely fabric.

The second one is not straight on the dummy as the stripes are even at the shoulders. This is a viscose jersey from deep stash, originally from a roll end shop. I'm pleased with how I got the stripes to match

Yet again I used I used OOP New Look 6008 which I've altered the sleeve for a full bicep and the back piece for a high round back. 

I may be back with a stats post tomorrow, or I might just carry on sewing....