pattern-making | organised castle

As promised, here is an update on how my sewing from my stash is progressing. This week I have done pretty well, albeit with a couple of hiccups along the way.

This is the polo shirt for The Duke that I started a couple of weeks ago.

I have put the collar on and finished the tab front, however, when he tried it on it is way too big. How did I manage that? I chose the size of a multi-sized pattern based on an existing polo shirt that fits him well. Anyway, now I know. So, it is back to the drawing board with this one. The sizing does not influence the neckline/collar or tab front so I think I should be able to cut it apart along the side, underarm and sleeve seams and recut the pieces to a smaller size while maintaining all of the neckline and collar. Here’s hoping!

In the meantime I decided to make myself another pair of boxer shorts for pyjamas. This was another sizing issue as I could not remember whether I had previously used the medium or large sizing of a multi-sized pattern. I went for the medium and of course I was wrong but all was not lost. I went ahead and completed the boxer shorts and a camisole top and have given them to my sister.

I have now cut out a pair for myself in the correct size but have yet to start sewing them. It is a quick and easy task so I may do that after dinner.

A few weeks ago my mother gave me a book and equipment for making your own custom-sized patterns. It is not for the faint-hearted or novice as there are no real instructions, just an expectation that you are familiar with dressmaking techniques and construction. There is a selection of nearly 300 designs so there are plenty to choose from.

I decided to start with a fairly simple skirt using a piece of navy/white striped seersucker from my stash. Once I had created the pattern I checked it for fit and felt that it would be OK. Today I cut out and made the skirt apart from the zip and finishing the inside of the facing and the hem.

It has loose inverted pleats off a wide, shaped yoke with side pockets and a centre back zip. The fit is absolutely perfect so if the other patterns work similarly, I will be very happy.

I also managed to re-fashion one of The Duke’s long-sleeved business shirts into a short-sleeved one as the cuffs had worn out but the rest of the shirt was still in good condition.

I am not sure what my next project is as I need to finish these first but stayed tuned for more sewing next Sunday.

One of the advantages of Project 333 is knowing exactly what clothes you have available to wear. When you have a limited selection it is important that everything is in wearable condition.

If something is worn out or simply unable to be repaired it is time to turn it into a rag or otherwise dispose of it. This then frees up a space for a replacement item. I tend to remove anything that might be useful, such as buttons. The fabric may be able to be salvaged for re-fashioning purposes. On the other hand, often all that is required is simple maintenance.

The mending pile quickly builds up and so this will be one of my jobs for the weekend.

This time there is very little of my own clothes. I have The Duke’s socks, Belle’s dress, Missy’s skirt and Si’s (Belle’s partner) shorts. I do have a shirt of my own to deconstruct to create a pattern.