Archive | weekend projects

My First Jumpsuit

By carolyn friedlander on June 1, 2021 in Sewing, weekend projects | Comments: 9

It’s finished! My Rory Jumpsuit–and my first jumpsuit ever–is finished! I learned some new things about making jumpsuits and about my own physical proportions that aren’t as obvious when just sewing separates. It was fun!

Making My First Jumpsuit

As I mentioned last month, the Rory Jumpsuit by True Bias looked like fun. It seemed like the kind of project that could give me some new things to think about. Naturally, I started by browsing around the internet to see what others had done with their own versions. There are loads of them on IG just looking at the Rory and Yari hashtags. (The pattern name changed at some point.) That gave me a great place to start.

When it came to cutting and sewing, working with full-body-length pieces was a new feeling. The pieces are just so long!

Rory Jumpsuit in Brussels Washer linen with snaps

Modifications (to start)

I made some modifications off the bat as well as a few more after the first try-on. If I were to make this jumpsuit again, I’d make some further changes too.

Off the bat, I shortened the torso 1″. The pattern is written for someone who is 5’5″, and I’m maybe 5’4″ on a good day. Normally you might decide to take the excess out of the bodice and leg more evenly, but I already knew that I’m high waisted. Plus I wanted to be able to cuff the pant.

For any future versions, I’d definitely take a bit more length out of the bodice. The waist of the garment still falls a bit low on me, which restricts movement a bit and means the pockets are lower than I’d like for them to be. The Brussels Washer fabric that I used might also be exaggerating some of this as it’s drapey and has a good weight to it. This all makes it pull down a bit more than a different fabric choice. It’s still very comfortable and wearable.

I also adjusted the neckline a smidge by rounding it and cutting it higher. This was a personal preference, but in the end I’m really glad that I did because of how low the neckline falls on me even having done that. Making it again, I’d raise the neckline just a bit more–I’m realizing that this part of my torso is short too. Although I’m very pleased with where it ended up!

When cutting the garment, I also cut the leg a bit wider than the original pattern. (Here’s a tutorial if you are interested.) I knew I’d be able to take width out, and so I wanted to have some room to work with.

Modifications (after a try on)

After the first try-on, I decided to take a significant amount out from the width in the bodice. Although this style can look great belted, I wasn’t wanting to do that, so I worked for a closer fit. I ended up taking at least 5″ total from the width. This design has princess seams, and therefore many places to take things in–a great bonus of this particular style. Since I’d already topstitched the front and back princess seams, I took this out of the sides and center back.

The final modification had to do with the closure. After asking around and doing a smidge of research, I opted for a sewn-in snap closure. I like the clean look of this–although buttons can look great too. I’m also eager to see how this choice affects the ease of wearing it, and mainly–ahem–going to the bathroom.

Rory Jumpsuit in Brussels Washer linen with sew-in snaps

The Fabric

The fabric is Brussels Washer Yarn Dyed by Robert Kaufman, a linen/rayon blend in the Chestnut color. This fabric is SO dreamy for a project like this. It’s comfortable, super drapey, and resists and embraces wrinkles in the right amount. As I already mentioned, the weight and drape can make it fall quite a bit differently from other fabrics, so I’m curious to see how this would fit with a different fabric choice.

Next Jumpsuit?

This was really fun, and I’m enjoying wearing my new jumpsuit. The fabric is very comfortable, and I love the effortlessness of a single-piece outfit. Plus, sewing a jumpsuit is still new territory to me, so I am eager to make more. I can’t wait to dial in on my proportions better with the next version and try out different fabrics and styles.

I’d be more than happy to make another Rory, but instead I think I’ll try the jumpsuit suggested in Sonya Philip’s new book The Act of Sewing*. It’s not a super-formal pattern, but instead she walks you through using basic pieces provided in the book (pants + top) to make a jumpsuit. I’m think I’m ready for that adventure.

(*affiliate link)

Project Details

Pattern: Rory Jumpsuit by True Bias

Fabric: Brussels Washer Yarn Dyed by Robert Kaufman in Chestnut

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Kept Pouches

By carolyn friedlander on May 12, 2021 in Fabric, Featured on Home, weekend projects | Comments: 4

Pouches are some of the handiest things to sew. These Kept Pouches are some that I made in my Kept fabrics using Aneela Hoey’s Speedy Vinyl Pouches pattern.

There are many great things about the pattern and this type of project in general. First, the pattern is easy to follow and features 3 different size options.

Kept Pouches holding thread, thread gloss and other notions

Second, this is a great project for showcasing a print that you are excited about. Using the clear vinyl means you have a literal window into that fabric of your choosing as well as whatever you are storing in the pouch. I like to plan out the fabric that will be seen through the vinyl first, and then I build my other choices around it.

When I travel I like using little pouches to store and organize different things within a larger bag. A great example is thread–it’s nice to have it all together and in something that you can see it.

The largest pouch is also great for storing a few blocks, pattern and/or a project that you are working on. I find that I not only travel with my projects organized in pouches like this, but I also keep them organized in my studio this way too. It’s a great way to keep everything all together.

speedy vinyl pouches in Kept fabric holding a Spools pattern and project

If you are new to working with vinyl and/or attaching zippers this is a great project to start with. Everything is flat and has squared edges, which makes it very approachable. Just take it one step at a time.

These Kept pouches were a great way to mix and match the new fabrics from the collection. They also make excellent gifts! (But I’m very tempted to keep all of these for myself..ha!)

Pattern: Speedy Vinyl Pouches by Aneela Hoey

Fabric: Kept

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Me Made May 2021

By carolyn friedlander on May 4, 2021 in Featured on Home, weekend projects | Comments: 5

Me Made May 2021 is here! (General info about Me Made May and Me Made May 2021.) Each year the challenge can feel a bit different, especially with it going on for so many years now. Last year the pandemic was so new that for me it was a nice way to connect with others while also showing how I was finding comfort in my wardrobe.

The Challenge This Year

This year, I want to use Me Made May to get my head into some new projects. Over the last year I’ve re-discovered how much my handmade wardrobe gives me strength and comfort in challenging times not just in terms of wearing but making too! My plan is to share some of what I’m wearing, but also make a couple of items that I’m in the mood for.

To be honest, there hasn’t been much of a need or desire to make clothes in the last year until recently. I made a Linden sweatshirt, and I also got around to making a matching pair of sweatpants. Fun, huh?!

I also added a label after buying some KATM labels from The Craft Table. They’ve always called out to me, and I’m happy to have them to add to my projects. I’m especially liking the 2021 labels, because I never know when I’ve made which garments. This is a great way to change that.

The main thing I’m wanting to make is a jumpsuit. I have no idea why this is speaking to me, but it is. A single-piece outfit with pockets sounds pretty good. I haven’t made (or worn) a jumpsuit before, and the challenge of sewing something new is exciting. I love that in addition to being new to me, it’s also somewhat involved. Simple sews can be great, but there’s also a time and place to get deep in a project with many steps and different things to consider. I’m ready for that! The pattern I’m going to try is the Rory Jumpsuit by True Bias (formerly called Yari). As for fabric, I’m not totally sure what I’ll use. I’ll pop into my stash first, and see what I have available. Without looking, I’m thinking a linen or denim could work well.

Rory Jumpsuit . by True Bias — (photo by True Bias)

Step 1: I’ve already bought the pattern. Now I need to print out my pattern pieces and take a look at my fabric options.

The jumpsuit is the main plan for the month, but I’m marking these leather house shoes (from Seamwork) for the future. Neat, huh?!

Leather House Shoes . Seamwork Magazine — (photo by Seamwork Magazine)

I’m also pretty excited about the Casual Summer Tee Knit Along with Fancy Tiger. Their newsletter came out, and I jumped right on board. I’ve been knitting a bit here and there, and I’m nearing the finish line on a sweater (inspired by @elisabew). I’ll finish up my Sew Faded sweater (pattern by Drea Renee), and then I have a summery (or more like Spring/Fall/Winter for us in FL) knit on deck to follow.

Speaking of, here’s the sweater I’m working on! It’s been my go-to project in the evenings when I’m ready to unwind. The plan was to use up some yarn that I have in my stash, but of course I couldn’t help but add in a couple new colors as I’ve gone along. (All yarn is from my LYS, Four Purls.) It’s been really fun! I have the left sleeve to go, and then I need to pick up and knit the neck.

I’ll also plan to share more garment-related projects and resources on the blog and in my newsletter (sign up here), so stay tuned.

What are your thoughts about Me Made May 2021?

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Sun Hats in Kept

By carolyn friedlander on April 28, 2021 in Fabric, Featured on Home, Patterns, weekend projects | Comments: 4

Have you sewn a hat yet? They are really satisfying to make! Hats are one of those projects that might seem out of reach, but when you actually do it they aren’t too bad at all. Just take it one step at a time. Plus I always love making something that I can actually use! Here’s a look at two sun hats in Kept.

Serpentine Hat

The Serpentine Hat (pattern by Elbe Textiles) has a wider-brim, and I used two blue prints from my Kept collection. I like that the the more-patterned print peeks out from the inside, but it’s definitely reversible and you can wear it either way.

Both fabrics are quilting-cotton weight. I used woven fusible interfacing on the darker blue fabric to give it a bit more body. I think the flop factor is just right.

It’s fun to think of wearing this with other things I’ve made in ways not too different than putting fabrics together in a quilt. Blue is an easy color for me to mix into my wardrobe.

Sorrento Hat

The Sorrento Hat (pattern by Elbe Textiles) is more the classic bucket style hat. I hope to get some wear out of this one this summer.

The black and charcoal print from Kept makes a statement that still feels put together and easy to pair with an outfit. On the other side is Essex yarn-dyed linen in Graphite. Incorporating the Essex gives it a bit more texture and body. In addition, I used woven, fusible interfacing on the Kept fabric.

Both of these sun hats in Kept go together more easily than you’d think. Again, take it one step at a time. I really enjoyed sewing them, and I can’t wait to put them to use this summer.

Pattern(s): Serpentine Hat by Elbe Textiles, Sorrento Hat by Elbe Textiles. (If you are wanting to make a kid’s hat, the Oliver + S Reversible Bucket Hat pattern is excellent. I’ve made it many times.)

Fabric(s): Kept and Essex Yarn-Dyed Linen in Graphite

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A New Linden Sweatshirt.

By carolyn friedlander on April 16, 2021 in Featured on Home, loving, Patterns, weekend projects | Comments: 3

Linden Sweatshirt in Sienna — (photo by Alexis Wharem of Greenprint Photography)

I haven’t made a Linden sweatshirt in years. To be fair I’ve made TONS of them, so the need hasn’t really been there. I have so many in all different fabrics and weights, so my bases are mostly covered. But recently I noticed that Robert Kaufman has some new knits. One is a french terry and the other is a french terry fleece–so the fabric you’d expect in a sweatshirt, and the colors are pretty good!

The Spruce and Sienna colors called out to me first, so I got some of each. Both colors are stunning in real life, and I’m excited to put the Spruce to use in something else. But first, the Sienna.

If you are new to garment sewing and/or new to sewing with knits, the Grainline Linden Sweatshirt is such a perfect place to start. The construction is fairly straight forward, and you don’t have to worry too much about the fit as sweatshirts are on the more forgiving side.

I have the Linden dialed in pretty well for me since I’ve made so many. The only modification I make is to shorten the sleeves just an inch or so, which is a consistent modification for me.

To cap it all off, I finally got around to making a pair of sweatpants to match. I used the True Bias Hudson Pant, which I also have squared away after having made a few pairs of them as well. Mainly I adjust the pockets to be more inseam and discrete, which is just a personal preference. Yay for comfy clothes!

Patterns: Linden Sweatshirt by Grainline and Hudson Pant by True Bias

Fabric: Trainers French Terry by Robert Kaufman in Sienna

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Colorful Quilts for my Niece

By carolyn friedlander on October 9, 2020 in Fabric, weekend projects | Comments: 19

This summer I made a couple of colorful quilts for my niece. It was a treat for both of us.

Colorful Quilts for my niece . carolyn friedlander

To start, I picked up a couple of adorable mini charm packs from Bunny’s at QuiltCon back in February. (That feels like a million years ago!) Together the packs make up a full rainbow of color, and I knew at the time they’d be perfect for her–and me. I love all of the cute Japanese prints and the range of color feels so happy too.

Quilt Tops

To me, one mini quilt wasn’t enough, and so I made matching quilts–a big one for her and the mini for her dolls. I made the mini first from the 2 mini charm packs from Bunny’s with 2 1/2″ squares added in from my stash (my 2 1/2″ square stash!). It’s a simple, checkerboard layout with the stash pieces going between the Japanese prints. The lighter colors set them off nicely.

For the big quilt, I wanted a similar-but-larger match, and so I sized up by using 5″ squares. Unfortunately I didn’t have a perfect rainbow pre-cut pack to work with, but I created my own by diving into my stash. I sought out colorful prints with clever motifs that I hoped she’d enjoy discovering and perusing over time. There’s nothing better than an i-spy quilt, and I definitely had a great time revisiting all of these lovely fabrics.

Like in the mini version, I alternated in with some of my own lighter prints–mostly repurposed from my scrap piles.

Sewing

There’s nothing better than sewing through a stack of color, plus it was fun seeing all of the great prints as I sewed. I pressed all of the seams open, with a seam wheel first, and then with the iron. I think this makes things much easier.

Quilting!

Hand quilting has been my personal vacation/spa treatment/zen in recent months. I’ve really been loving it. For these quilts I wanted to hand quilt them to make them super soft, but also to use a colorful array of thick threads to stand out.

I changed my thread colors often to mimic the color changes across the quilt. The effect is really nice.

I didn’t mark these quilts, and so the lines are more freeform. I stitched from corner to corner, with some definite wobble here and there, but I like the personal touch.

Label

As I mentioned recently, I’ve been trying to be better with adding labels to my quilts. It was pretty easy to do here, because I had an extra square from the big quilt. I re-purposed it for the label, and then made a matching mini for the other quilt.

My niece loves her quilts, which of course makes me very happy.

Pattern: None–just 5″ squares for the big quilt, 2 1/2″ squares for the little quilt.

Fabrics: Mini quilt is made from 2 mini charm packs from Bunnys (I don’t see a listing, but you can probably ask via email) plus my own fabric. Larger quilt is made from my stash with fabrics by Melody Miller, Alexia Abegg, Rifle, Aneela Hoey, UPPERCASE, Denyse Schmidt, Jeni Baker, Charley Harper, Rashida Coleman-Hale, Lizzy House, Ed Emberley, Leah Duncan, Robert Kaufman, and several others.

Hand Quilting: Here’s a link to my favorite tools.

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Project Ideas for a Long Weekend

By carolyn friedlander on September 4, 2020 in Featured on Home, weekend projects | Comments: 2

With it being labor day here in the US, I thought I’d share some project ideas for a long weekend. Although I’m not sure what a long weekend actually means in the times of COVID. Aren’t the weeks and ends blurring together? Oh well. I’m going with it!

Appliqué Projects

Sewing is relaxing, and there’s nothing more relaxing to me than an appliqué project be it big or small. In fact, having a variety of appliqué projects at the ready is always my goal. To start the list, here’s something I cut out recently. It is two new blocks for my Scrappy Everglade Quilt (from my Everglade pattern). My rule has been to go one block at a time, but I got carried away and prepped two. I can’t help it. My fabric approach is to use some of my fabrics (Collection CF here) + Liberty of London.

scrappy everglade quilt blocks . carolyn friedlander

If your weekend energy is best suited for a relaxing project that you can settle in with and not fuss over too much–this is it. After picking your appliqué and background fabrics, you’re good to go.

For an appliqué project with more in terms of composing colors and shapes, Clay is a good option. Sometimes I want to feel like I’m painting with fabric, and this one is like that. I love simmering over the composition of a project for a few days, which is easy to do here.

You could go small or big with this one, it all depends on what kind of a dive you’re ready to do.

Pieced Projects

When you’re more in the mood to sit down at the machine, here are a couple of projects to consider.

First up is a mini quilt. They are creatively satisfying and not a huge commitment. Still a favorite is this Envelopes quilt from several years ago (here’s the blog post). The envelope liners are all fussy cut, which made for a satisfying deep dive into my stash. (Heads up on that, if you’re like me, you’ll make a huge mess in the process, but it’s really worth it!)

Fussy Cut Envelopes quilt . Carolyn Friedlander

For a larger project at the sewing machine, one that I’ve been thinking about lately is my Spools pattern. Since my friend Lee (of May Chappell) started this BIG Spools quilt, I’ve been wanting to make a bigger version myself. There is definitely a pile of 5″ squares in my studio reserved for this, which includes a charm pack of Rashida Coleman Hale’s Speckled prints. I know that I always say this, but there’s nothing better than sewing through a big stack of colors.

Gift Sewing and No-Sew Projects

For anyone not in the mood for making a quilt, there are many other options. Lately I’m especially excited about projects that spruce up my surroundings or can be good to give to a friend. Here are a couple of projects that fall in these categories.

Cloth napkins are very easy, and they are something I use daily. If you’re looking to refresh something you use in your daily life or you want to put something together for a friend to spruce up their daily life, here’s an idea.

Friedlander Fabric Napkins . Carolyn Friedlander

Another favorite for me in the sewing-for-home department is custom dishtowels. You can get creative with embroidery and other embellishments, or you could just use a special fabric. Either option would be well utilized in a project like this.

Other projects on my mind by some of my favorite designers are a new bag (maybe this one by Noodlehead), some pouches (these or these by Aneela Hoey), and maybe even this handy wallet (by Megan Callahan) for the MQG.

How’s that? Does this give you some project ideas for a long weekend? Or is it overwhelming (since at least I just reminded myself of many things that I want to make)? Let me know, and I’d love to know some of your favorites too!

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Scrap Squares.

By carolyn friedlander on July 14, 2020 in weekend projects | Comments: 35

Scraps! I’m not sure where you fall on the scrap spectrum, but for me they can get out of control. In an effort to cut down on my scrap pile, here’s a new thing I’ve been trying this year–and I think it is helping. These scrap squares are just the colorful break and productive way to deal with scraps that I needed.

Scraps

I’m a scrap saver, mostly because I find scraps to be handy. Whether I’m paper piecing, appliquéing, thinking about new color schemes, it is less daunting to work from a pile of scraps than it is to work from something more precious and pristine like yardage. But then it is hard to part with scraps, and the piles become unruly.

The Plan

The idea is simple, but by giving myself clear direction and purpose it is much easier to act. Any random pieces of fabric–usually leftovers from a project–are cut into 2 1/2″ squares. Then I sew them back together into 16-piece scrap squares (4 squares x 4 squares). Of course, you could do more/less squares, choose a different size, whatever. This is enough of a plan for now for me. I am going for a bit of a checkerboard in terms of the value with repeated fabric choices in a block or split up depending on what is available in the fabric pile.

This strategy has been especially helpful after cutting out a garment or other project that leaves you with random sizes and shapes of fabric. It’s satisfying to cut those things down into tidy stacks of squares. Plus, I like seeing remnants of those garments in my patchwork.

Storage

After I cut the scraps into squares, I file them away in this handy little box. Having a place for things and everything in its place is key. Then when I have a few extra minutes, need to clear my head, want to explore a color combination and/or just want to sew I can hit the box. It’s a great creative reprieve when you need it.

Sometimes I get an idea for fabrics that I want to see together, and this is a satisfying way to put an idea into action without getting too carried away. There are some fun finds here that I could explore more in other projects or just enjoy that they found their way in to this one.

I’m sort of keeping the blocks similar in terms of color, but who knows. Maybe that’ll change if the mood strikes. Every once in awhile I’ll pull out the blocks and think about different arrangements.

This is also a great place for mini charms that I’ve picked up at shows from other designers. I love seeing their prints next to mine and the variety they add to the project.

There we go. I can’t say that the scrap piles have fully disappeared, but I can say that a lot of it has been diverted to a more orderly place with a colorful outcome in mind.

Pattern: None. It’s 2 1/2″ squares sewn together in groups of 16.

Fabric: Scraps from many of mine, plus others’ like Elizabeth Hartman, Violet Craft, Anna Graham and Liberty Of London.

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Hunt QAL #13 Check In

By carolyn friedlander on June 25, 2020 in Featured on Home, my patterns, Quilt Along, weekend projects | Comments: 9

Hunt QAL #13 Check In.

Yes, the Hunt QAL is officially over, but I thought I’d continue to check in with you on my quilt until I have it finished, which I don’t think will be too much longer!

The hand quilting continues, and I just love doing it. It is so relaxing pushing the needle through the different fabrics and colors. I’m loving using the sashiko threads and just following the marked lines.

I’d say that I am 3/4 of the way along. I’ve basically moved from the bottom to the top, so there’s just a little bit left to go. The binding decision is sort of looming at this point.

The texture and softness from the hand quilting is really enticing, and I’m loving the darker thread color. I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m eager to see how it will look on the bed.

I’m also working my way through this skein of thread. It started out much more full. Part of me hopes I’ll run out so I can switch to another color randomly at the end, but I’m thinking this might be just the right amount to see things through to the end.

Pattern: Hunt Quilt (templates here, here and here)

Fabrics: Mostly mine from many collections including Jetty, Collection CF, Botanics, Instead, Gleaned, Friedlander

Quilting Thread: Sashiko thread from Upcycle Stitches