New, Old, and Hacked Patterns

Yes, I have been a Chatty Cathy this week. I have been spending a lot of time lately going over old patterns and making adjustments, frankenpatterning some new ideas, and testing out new patterns. Yesterday, I made a muslin of the Cashmerette Concord Tee. (The description says “The ultimate customizable tee sewing pattern, made specifically for big boobs!” 🎉 ) I particularly love this tunic version with the sleeve tabs.

One of my students in next Tuesday’s T-shirt class is making this pattern and I wanted to test it out. I probably won’t wear the muslin I made because the color and print are not flattering on me and the fabric—a Walmart remnant rack find—is of lesser quality than I like. It worked great for the muslin, though.

[Our Kalispell Walmart underwent renovation recently. The arts and crafts section moved to the back of the store and we lost our remnant rack. I have been mourning this because that remnant rack was a great place to get inexpensive fabrics for muslins. The store in Missoula still has its remnant rack. I called Walmart customer service last week and asked to have the remnant rack reinstated at the Kalispell store. We’ll see what happens. In the meantime, I have a stash of fabrics I can use for muslins.]

One lovely feature of the Cashmerette patterns is the size calculator on their website. You put in your measurements and it tells you what size(s) to use from the pattern, including any places you have to grade between sizes. No guessing. The muslin fit perfectly, which was a big confidence booster to me after the issues I had with the On Repeat Top. I pulled some fabrics and should be able to knock out out a few Concord Tees soon.

Yes, it’s October and yes, it’s getting colder, but I like long-sleeved tees for this time of year or for layering under other pieces.

I also lengthened the Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater pattern—which I adore—into a hemmed tunic-style sweater. It has the original turtleneck neckline, but I also created an option for a cowl neck.

I made the necessary adjustments to the On Repeat Woven Top pattern and re-traced it onto Pellon Easy Pattern for future use. My initial pattern tracings are on plain tracing paper, which is easier to manipulate and adjust (and cheaper) than the Easy-Pattern, but the Easy-Pattern is sturdier.

Today, I have five students in the Beginning Sewing II classes. We will be making tote bags. On Tuesday, I have two students in the knit T-shirt class, and then no classes again until the Serger 101 class on October 31st. That one has five students signed up, and they are all bringing their own sergers. I am looking forward to that class. Students come in with a machine that baffles them and leave being able to thread it and use it.