The Field Trip Scarf

I took a "field trip" with a couple of students to the fabric store.  I think I enjoyed it much more than they did and of course I picked up some fabric which has now increased my stash!  I wasn't going to do that was I?  Anyway.....while we were there one of my students ran to her car and got a RTW scarf she had and loved and wanted to copy.  Her idea reminded me of a RTW scarf at my house that I love but would never wear because of the color.  I purchased one yard of fabric ($2.98 on a flat fold probably a rayon/poly mash up of some sort), pulled out the inspiration scarf and measured it and in about 30 minutes I had a cute scarf.  Infinity scarf tutorials are everywhere on the web but here is a quick overview of what I did:

Purchase 1 yard of 56"-60" wide knit fabric.

Cut fabric 34" by width of fabric (my fabric was 58" after I cleaned up the selvages).

Fold fabric in half lengthwise, right sides together, and pin.

Change machine stitch to either stretch stitch (it looks like a jagged line) or a narrow zigzag to create a seam that stretches.  1.5 stitch width and 2.0 stitch length worked great on this fabric and my machine.  (Isn't my machine cute?....She's smiling for the picture!)

Change machine needle to a ball point or jersey needle.  This will help prevent skipped stitches and runs.  It is difficult to differentiate between the regular and ball point when they are out of the package so I put nail polish on all of the ball point needles.  This makes it so much easier to find the right needle in my sewing drawer especially if the needle jumps out of the proper package as mine often do. 

Sew the lengthwise seam using a 1/2" seam allowance.  Turn right side out.  Match seams from the opposite ends of the scarf "tube" (right sides together) and pin around the open ends of the scarf as far as possible (you'll need to leave a few inches open but we will close it next).  Stitch.

Put open ends together, folding seam allowances in, and straight stitch close to the edge of the fold (you can also close this by hand with a slip stitch if you prefer).  

Here's my inspiration scarf (I love it but I can't wear orange).

And here's my pretty scarf.  I love it and I can wear pink!

Simplicity 1717

This pattern just came out and I almost didn't buy it because I have so many others that are similar.  But I have a thing for aline skirts so I got crazy and busted out the .99 cents for it (on sale at Joann's).  Turns out it was a very good investment.  This skirt pattern is great!  Believe it or not this is the first time I've used an Amazing Fit pattern from Simplicity and it really does have some nice features including drawings and instructions on how to solve common fitting problems and a 1" seam allowance on the side seam of the skirt which is sewn in last so any final fitting adjustments can be made easily.  I made my "muslin" out of some black cord from my stash and it turned out nice enough to wear but I really wanted to use this Italian silk suiting I've had in my stash for a while.  This suiting has a beautiful drape so it was perfect for the aline.  I added piping to the yoke and lined the skirt and I made sure the waistband hit me at the waist and not 1" below the waist like the pattern calls for.  I think it's more flattering and so does Ann Taylor Loft apparently (they have some cute new skirts for inspiration if you want to check them out and they recommend the same waist fit too).

Here's my review on Pattern Review:

Pattern Description: 

Misses' A-line skirt in three lengths with individual pieces given for slim, average and curvy fit. includes customized fitting instructions.

Pattern Sizing:
Sizes 6-22. I made a 12.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes. Great fitting advice is included.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?The instructions have you sew the side sew up last so it's easy to make any final fitting adjustments. Make a note: it has a 1" seam allowance on the side seam.

Fabric Used:Silk suiting from my stash.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:I added piping to the yoke and lined the skirt. I also made it fit at the waist instead of 1" below the waist like it calls for. I think it's more flattering with an aline.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?Yes! It's a great beginning project but it's also nice as a wardrobe builder.

Conclusion: I'm sure I'll be making this again for the summer.

January Sewing...Did I really make all this?

In keeping with my "3 Projects A Month" I'm listing what I made in January.  I don't have a picture for everything but here's the list with a few photos :

Vogue Cowl Sweater (I possibly finished this on December 31st...I can't remember!)
Striped Cowl Top
Red Renfrew
Red Ikat Knit Top
Yoga Bag (not pictured)
Black Cord Skirt (muslin - not pictured)
Silk Suiting Skirt (review is coming soon....I love this pattern)
Plaid Wool Top

Lots of tops!  I went through the pants in my closet and found I have a brown pair and a khaki pair and everything else is jeans.  So now, pants are up along with a nightgown for my mom.