I finished the front of the Sweetheart Vest tonight and tried it on. I actually really like the way it fits now, and it is hitting the same spot on me as it does on the model, as I only shortened it 2". This is usually the amount I need to adjust patterns to make them fit me the same way they do the models, lengthwise, and this worked out well.
The armholes and neck are pretty deep on the pattern, but will be narrower once the neck and arm bands are added.
I also started a new sewing project this morning, the Anna Tunic by Amy Butler. I bought this pattern a few months ago but hadn't had a chance to start it until now. I felt like making something out of cotton, as it is so easy to work with and I had quite a bit in my stash.
I'm skipping the flower - a little too cutesy for my taste - and making the tunic length with the belt. There is a choice of lengths included in the pattern: cami, tunic and minidress. I decided to make the tunic length unadjusted, which is 27.5" from the back neck and will hit me on the upper to mid thigh, so it may be more like the minidress, but I am planning on layering this with a long sleeve black top under it and a pair of slim black pants for the current weather.
I am working on the yoke and buttonhole loops now, which is Step 4 of 9. I used muslin for the lining like the pattern suggested and I wasn't sure how I would like it - but it is actually really soft and looks nice. Here's a progress pic - disregard the goofy threads hanging - those are for the gathering stitches for later when I connect the yoke to the body of the garment.
I ran into a sewing machine problem when making a narrow band for the buttonhole loops that maybe someone has some insights on. I had to crease a strip of fabric lengthwise, then fold each side toward the crease and press it, then fold it over and stitch the fold down. Well, this all worked out great until I got to my machine and it would NOT move the fabric strip with the feed dogs!! It kept getting stuck and thread was tangling up from the bottom.
I'm not sure what to do to fix this. I tried adjusting the tension up to 9 and fabric weight to "heavy", but it didn't work. And this is my Viking 960, the workhorse from the 80s with the super strong feed dogs! It wasn't even my "wimpy newfangled made-in-China overpriced electronic" one. So my next move is going to be to try it on the other machine, because there are more settings on that one that I can play with, unless someone has an idea for how to fix this?!
Hi --
I think I understand from your description what you are trying to accomplish. I don't have a sewing machine suggestion, but I can suggest another way of doing the loop band. I use to do them by just folding the fabric once, sewing with the usual 5/8" seam, but with only 1/4 inch on the folded side, then trim the seam to a less than 1/4 inch, then use one of these "turning-inside-out-wire-thingies" (I have no idea what they are called) and you end up with a tube with the seam on the inside, and no stitches showing on your loop . You then press it flat.
I have no idea if that made any sense to you, but hey, I tried.
Posted by: bettyc | March 30, 2008 at 11:33 PM
That is such a cute pattern!!! Your vest is looking great!!!
Posted by: adrienne | March 30, 2008 at 11:40 PM
First off, love the sweetheart vest, but if it is knitted flat, isn't it nightmare trying to purl the colorwork?
Secondly, can't wait to see your amy butler tunic. I lurve that pattern and it is definetely on my to make list. I am such a layer girl and love skirts/dresses over jeans.
Lastly, I completely get what your on aboout with the sewing machine (I think) is that the hole in the bed it too big and eating the fabric? I think I read somewhere that you can get bad that has a smaller hole in it so as not to do this.
Posted by: Lyndsey-Jane | March 31, 2008 at 03:05 AM
See! I knew your needles were on steroids! LOL
Posted by: Stacey_CrimsonPurl | March 31, 2008 at 06:41 AM
wow I'm impressed! I can't wait to see the sweetheart vest finished!
Posted by: Bobbi | March 31, 2008 at 07:06 AM
I agree with bettyc. In the days when I used to sew, that’s how I would have done loops. Sew one end shut and turn it inside out with a knitting needle. I am looking forward to your Wedding cruise pictures.
Posted by: Veronique | March 31, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Ooh, cute tunic! I'll have to check that one out. I like Betty's idea for the belt loop. I call my metal wire thingy my "turnie tool." Knitting needles work too, but be careful you don't poke a hole in the other end (I know from experience, ahem).
Posted by: Jenny | March 31, 2008 at 10:34 AM
The vest looks great! As far as your loops go--It sounds like the loop is being pulled into the hole. I've had this happen a number of times. I've fixed it one of several ways--don't start stitching right at the end, cover the hole in the plate with tape, use a piece of tear away stabilizer under the end of the strip. Cut a square about 2 X 2 inches and place it under the start of the strip to stabilize it as you start to stitch. I would experiment by cutting an extra strip and trying some different techniques before sewing the real thing! Cute pattern, by the way.
Posted by: kozy Kitty | March 31, 2008 at 10:49 AM
They both look great!
Posted by: Katie J | March 31, 2008 at 11:58 AM
Te vest is looking great! You are moving along quick on it! I also love the sewing pattern you chose. I think it is great that you sew too.
Posted by: Lara | March 31, 2008 at 01:21 PM
I purchased that pattern also. I can't wait to see your finished top.
Posted by: Lashell | March 31, 2008 at 01:43 PM
That's great that you got your mojo back for knitting and sewing. Mine is starting to come back too for knitting as well as cleaning and fixing up our house. Spring must be around the corner! :) Your vest looks really good so far; I like the colors you choose for the fair isle part.
Posted by: Debby | March 31, 2008 at 02:18 PM
Wow the vest looks great!
I'm having buttonhole hole problems with my newfangeld way to expenisve machine myself! I think I need to take mine in to get looked at actually.
An idea is to take a piece of cardboard or plactic that is about the same thickness as what has to go under the foot and slip it behind the fabric.(My machine came iwth these little plastic things to do this) Stitch a couple stitches move the cardboard closer and then stitch on through the rest of the fabric. the cardboard gives your presser foot a little lift so that your fabric is more balanced under the foot. Does that make any sense? Let me know if you need me to explain clearer.
Posted by: Michelle | March 31, 2008 at 03:23 PM
The vest is coming along nicely. Sorry, I can't help you with your sewing dilemma.
Posted by: Tina | March 31, 2008 at 03:36 PM
I'm a little late to the game, but I agree with the suggestions so far for the sewing machine problems with the buttonhole loop. If those don't work, have you tried changing your needle and re-threading the bobbin and top thread? I like the microtex needles (I think that's what they are called-Schmitz makes them, and the upper part of the needle is purple). They are sharper than "sharps" and it helps to go through many layers of fabric.
Good Luck, and I've really enjoyed hearing about your cruise!
Posted by: Penny | March 31, 2008 at 11:28 PM
The vest looks great!
Posted by: Heather R | April 01, 2008 at 09:19 AM