Garment central and a giveaway!

 

(Pattern: Kwik Sew skirt 3098, fabric: Moda Mochi dot linen from Mama Said Sew)

 

Before there was quilting (for me), there were clothes. In fact, I was nervous to start quilting because I heard time and time again that I would never want to sew clothing again. Happily, that hasn't happened although I go through dry spells, lacking the motivation to sew garments because of the necessary evil of alterating patterns so they fit well.  And since I to this day have no desire to sew a muslin, I always start out with the good stuff and most times I'm sorely disappointed with the first go round.

 

(free pattern: Collette Sorbetto tank, fabric: Suzuko Koseki from Mama Said Sew)

 

However, I finally got smart and started graded my patterns as I cut them out. This has increased the chances of the garment fitting the first time around.

Take the sorbetto tank for instance, I cut the side seams at a size 12, the armholes size 10, and the shoulder area a size 8. I based my decision for cutting on the finished size of the tank in those areas. I don't know *why* I never thought of doing this in the first place! I'm kinda slow I guess.

 

(shirt: Yuki_wafflepatterns on instagram's warabi in a denim and linen blend from Mama Said Sew, skirt Quik Sew 3098 in Moda mochi solid linen with Suzuko Koseki accents for pockets)

 

 

 

 (April Rhodes Simple slip pattern altered into a tank top, cut on the bias instead of straight grain. Fabric: gingham lawn on clearance at Joann's.)

 

 

 (skirt pattern: Simplicity it's sew easy 2410, fabric: Cotton and Steel matchsticks)

  

 

For these next two pics, I cut the pattern on the bias and I use them to sleep in.

 

 

(both images pattern: April Rhodes simple slip pattern. Fabrics: Heather Bailey Momentum voile both pattern and fabrics from Mama Said Sew)

 

 

(Pattern: Sorbetto tank, fabric: Nani iro double gauze from Superbuzzy)

 

 

(Pattern: Quik Sew 3098 in Moda mochi linen dot from Mama Said Sew)

 

I have just a couple more shirts and skirts to sew up and then I think I'll be moving on from the clothing.

 

Now, on to the quilting part!

 

 

I have a copy of the Fat Quarter Shop's new book "Fat Quarter Style" to give away! Just leave a comment on this post and I'll choose a winner on Monday, Sept 1!

Happy Sewing!

Penny

 

Comments

[Carolyn]

I tend to bounce back and forth from quilts to clothes. Pajama pants and a nightie so far but I want more of a challenge. I really like the polka dot skirt you've sewn up! Thank you for the chance :D

[Amanda Guthrie]

I LOVE the yellow skirt! Thinking I just might have to give that one a try!

[Kristen A]

That is exactly what keeps me away from garment sewing-none of the patterns ever fit and I don't have enough experience to alter them. They are beautiful pieces.

[Mary]

You've been busy sewing some awesome clothes, I'm afraid quilting did replace my love of making clothing but you've kinda inspired me. Love Fat Quarter Shop and I'd love to have a copy of their new fat quarter book, thanks for the offer.

Mary

[Stella]

When I first started quilting, I bought only FQs. This pattern book will definately help me tackle my FQ stash!!

[Joan B.]

Opposite of you, I'm a quilter who hopes one day to learn to sew clothes! All your clothing pieces are beautiful! Thank you for hosting a giveaway.

[Jenny]

I like to make clothes (for little people), quilts and home wear items. When making clothes for myself I am always disappointed but I am going to a pattern drafting course soon and I hope that will change everything.

[Karen Ann]

I'm so impressed with your apparel sewing! Someday I hope to tackle...thanks for the chance!

[Kristin S.]

I toy with the idea of sewing clothes but so far that is restricted to aprons and doll duds. It will happen someday but first, the quilts!

[Melissa Quinn]

Someday I hope to make clothes for myself. Hoping to start with some skirts for my girls first.

[melissa]

I've sewn most of my life and last year made my first quilt.

[Tarra Caikauskas]

I would love to win a copy of the Fat Quarter book! I especially love the styling of the yellow skirt and the navy blue mochi dot fabric. I also defected from clothes sewing to quilting but your sewing projects make me want to give clothes sewing another try! Thanks for the inspiration!

[barbara woods]

would love to win , thanks

[Samantha Hartley]

Would love to win this book. Have been wanting to try sewing clothes for a while now. Thank you for the inspiration!

[Ruta]

The book is wonderful, thank You for the giveaway! I like Your Sorbetto-tank (have done this twice) and linen-dot-skirt, lovely.

[ina]

i love the clothes you make! those skirts are so adorable and they look great on you. ;p

[Kristi]

I love seeing all the clothes. I'm just getting started in clothing since my baby girl was born and I feel like I have so much to learn.

[becky m]

these are so cute! I"m guilty of thinking I want to make clothing. I finally make something and I never like the fit!

[Gayle]

I love your clothing. I can see why you haven't given it up completely for quilting. Thanks.

[Janet Moilanen]

Wow! If I were 20 years younger, I'd start sewing clothes for myself again! I love your fabric selections - very professional results.

[Anne at Shintangle Studio]

I'm a quilter who would love to sew her own clothes, but fit is mysterious and elusive. I don't want to waste time or money on something that might not fit properly, so other than easy things like skirts made from repurposed T-shirts, I don't sew clothes. Thank heavens for thrift shops. Your clothes are lovely and you've given me hope . . .

[Fran]

These clothes are so cute. I just never can fit myself well. I think that is why I like quilting, you don't have to worry about the fit! Thanks for the chance to win!

[Linda]

hi,love the skirt!
thanks for sharing!

[Sigi G]

The more I hear and see about this book - the more I feel I would use EVERY pattern in it. Thank you for another wonderful chance at a giveaway!

[Debby Saunders]

Thanks for the great tip for cutting patterns. I also struggle with the finished product not fitting right and putting it away. Would love to win the book. I love quilting books.

[Anita Carroll]

I also stared sewing cloths as a very young teen, the moved to quilting years later. Most of the clothing I make now is for my three granddaughters. Lovely skirts.

[Amy M]

I made one skirt that fit horribly. I've made three things for my girls they refuse to wear. I'm sticking to quilts for a while

[Janie]

You do a great job creating clothes. Thanks for the giveaway.

[Allison C]

This looks like a fun book and great job on the clothes!

[Yvonne]

Cute clothes and a very nice giveaway. Thanks.

[Kate]

Love those spotty skirts and the Sorbetto in that black and white fabric is perfect!

[Barbara]

Your clothes are great!!! Just like your paper piecing and quilts!!!

[Chris Hart]

I sewed clothes as a teenager (back when dinosaurs roamed the earth) but was never able to alter patterns to fit me. Now I just quilt.

[Ashley]

You made a Sorbetto! I have that one marked to make as soon as I find a material that I need to make it out of. I still love sewing clothes after quilting, although sometimes I find it's more frustrating.

[Sandy A in St. Louis]

I tried making dresses this summer and wasn't successful. Glad to see someone who was!

I think I will stick with quilting for now!

[Tina L.]

I have just found your blog and I adore quilting. I have not sewn in years and just started sewing 6 months ago. I am currently teaching myself to quilt and love learning from others and exploring new patterns. (I love your pics from your hiking trip. Reminded me of summer days in the Rockies as a child)
Thank you for you wonderful tutorials.

[Sue]

I must admit since I started quilting I make a lot less clothes. Your post has inspired me to get out my box of patterns again! Love the tank made from double gauze.

[Ashton McClelland]

sewing garments is so intimidating to me! You do great! Thanks for the giveaway <3

[Wendy]

You have been a busy seamstress...cute skirts and tops...what a great giveaway, thank you for the chance to win this book!

[Catherine]

started with sewing clothes for me (but they never fitted), made dresses for the grandchildren, then found my groove with quilting. No looking back…..there's always John Lewis!

[Christi Meyerhoeffer]

I would live the book! I need help with what to do with all the FQS I keep buying!

[Jackie Thompson]

What a great idea you had to use the different size markings in different areas! This will really help me.

[Carla]

That's a whole new summer wardrobe! Impressive!
I started sewing by making my own clothes and did it for years. After a run of dressmaking disasters (well made, good fit but not at all flattering colour or style) I decided to cut back on dressmaking. I occasionally make an evening dress or costume. My favourite evening dress is a homemade one.

[Suzanne]

Grading the patterns is a great idea. I'm not skilled enough in sewing to do it but it makes sense. A lot of sense! My favorite piece is the Simplicity skirt. It's lovely.

[Teresa Stanulis]

Those are some adorable clothes! Unfortunately, I'm not a size that is easy to sew for. I used to make a lot of my own clothing, but now I just make quilts and a few baby items.

[Lyn McCarty]

Penny, Fedora class in Monument - I still need to send pics of calendar blocks to you. Call me very interested in tis book on attire. Things never fit me. I make quilts and PJs only. This could be my breakthrough. Thanks, Lyn

[Lee]

Amazing - a new wardrobe! I need to get motivated!! thank you for the inspiration and giveaway!

[Liz]

Your clothes are so nice! Someday I want to try to tackle making clothes again - thank you for the inspiration. And thank you for the opportunity to win.

[Cathy Day]

Super cute skirts and gotta love your pretty kitty. I've been looking at this book those stars look interesting for this beginner !!

[Julie]

Cute tops and skirts! Thanks for a chance to win the quilt book can't have to many of them:)