Jeans Back Patch Pocket Tutorial

There was a question on my favourite sewing list about sewing on patch pockets. I'm making jeans for DD(16) at the moment and thought I'd take pictures and share my technique along the way. This is for a standard 5 straight sided jeans pocket as shown below.

Overlock the top raw edge of the pocket



Check the pattern for the placement of the fold line at the top of the pocket. Here the fold is 2.5 cm from the raw edge.

Fold the top edge of the pocket down 2.5 cm with right sides together.

Sew down the folded section at each side along the seam allowance (here I'm using 1cm)

and the other side (I like to see where the folded piece finishes)

Progress so far ...

Trim the threads and a little of the folded edge inside the seam allowance, just a little diagonal cut.

Turn the right way out and press, making sure the top corners are sharp and the centre of the fold is 2.5cm deep.

Using a long stitch mark the seam allowances around the edge of the pocket. I just sew 4 straight lines, so I don't have to worry about turning corners accurately with a long basting stitch.

Use these lines as a guide while pressing the seam allowances under

I like to stitch along the top hem at the edge of the overlock stitches, here I can see it is at the 2cm mark on my machine. Don't stitch yet!

Turn the pocket over so that the right side is facing up. I've changed the top thread to a contrasting orange for top stitching. I lengthen the stitch slightly from 2.5 to 3 on my machine. Sew a line 2cm from the top.

Here's the pocket ready to sew on to the back of the jeans.

I'll post more pictures next sewing/computer session
Happy to answer any questions :-).

Hilarious Sewing Machine Ad

I noticed this ad today in the classifieds at work, honest!! It cracked me up - hope it gives you a good giggle too!! LOL

This thing is a Janome Mystyle 16.

Comes with instructions ,spare plate, pedal, unpicker,screwdriver, needles, 3 spare bobbins & machine vinyl cover.

$100.00

I bought this for an old girlfriend to try to get her to do stuff. When we broke up a few years ago she used it to sew up the legs of all my jeans and sleeves of all my shirts.
It hadn't been used for a few years since but when but I plugged it in the other day it still runs perfectly.

Hardly used.

$100

Go Burda Style!

I was very excited to read that Burda Style have embraced open source sewing. This means that they've removed the copyright from their patterns, sharing intellectual property. We can sew and sell our creations using Burda patterns!! For more details see the Burda Style blog.

Now I just have to resist the crazy urge to resign from my job and sew for a living, LOL ;-)!

Ugly Duckling?

I finished one of my Ottobre SWAP 2009 garments today, Viscose Jersey Crossover Top design #17 in the Autumn/Winter 5/2008 issue of Ottobre Woman (size 44). I really thought it looked absolutely awful as I laid it out on the table for a photo. I thought it had been a total waste of time and fabric making this top :-(. See what I mean?


I was dreading the look of it on me but amazingly I was absolutely thrilled! The fabric feels gorgeous, a lovely soft stretchy viscose jersey, and the top looks alright after all (just standing a little awkardly I think, tired back after sewing and trying to keep my arm away from the side seam detail) :-). I think it'll look great with this skirt.


The side pleat detail is my favourite part of the top, 3 little inverted pleats giving the front a little 3D interest. It's also nice to have two layers of jersey fabric across the tummy, a little more forgiving of curves!


Alterations:

The pattern is able to be made with or without a collar and stand. I made it without the collar because I find jersey collars look a little limper than I like a collar to be and other members who have made this top commented on not liking the collar style. I may have tried using a woven for the collar if I had a suitable piece but couldn't come up with one!

I used pale pink ribbing for the neckline binding rather than self-fabric. I thought the jersey was too stretchy to support itself as binding. It peeps out a little but I can live with it, I'll just have to try to be a galloping horse ;-).

Being of shortish stature, as usual I had to cut 1" off the sleeve edges and 2" off the top length before hemming.

There are some funny lines under my arm, when I lift my arms it looks a little like the sleeve opening is a little too big. Surely my chest is not big enough for a bust alteration! Any hints ideas would be welcome, but be kind ;-)!

Sewing Plans

I have lots of sewing plans, I'm not sure how I'm going to fit it all in!

I'm participating in a Sewing With a Plan activity with my Ottobre-English group. Here are the first and second completed steps, choosing designs and fabrics.


What else...
- I have a big bag full of penne crushed velvet to make capes for the school's Spring Fair in November.
- I have 3 more Rail Fence blocks to make in August/Sept for a swap with my Quilting For All group.
- I have Pay It Forward gifts to create for two lovely on-line friends, by March 2010, already moving along.
- My 3 kids need new pants to keep them warm this winter (hopefully before spring arrives!). I've traced one pattern for each of them and have the right fabric to make at least one each. J prefers track pants, O prefers canvas pants and E prefers jeans, variety the spice of life :-).
- the dogs still need more bedding.

Now if only work didn't get in the way I'd be set ;-)!

Inspired to blog again

Look what arrived in the mail today, an awesome Pay It Forward package from Marina!!! We both love Curly's and sew, couldn't find a more perfect friend ;-). First the pretty package.



Look at this beautiful soap sculpture, which came in a cute paw print bag!


and a magnet, what a regal head our dogs have :-)

and beautifully sewn bags in divine fabric, wow!!!

Thank you Marina, you're package makes me feel very special :-)

I owe you one.

Eurovision Family Fun

We've been watching Eurovision as a family together since 2004, it's great fun!! We prepare comment and scoring sheets which we fill in as we view the performances. There are many disagreements regarding scores and comments which can get somewhat heated but it's all in fun ;-). Aggregating our scores these were our top 5:

Norway

Ukraine

Finland

Iceland

Azerbaijan

My favourite songs were
Estonia - beautiful combination of voice and cello
Norway - cheeky lad, cute song with character
Albania - catchy tune and I enjoy songs in the lower range.
Please ctrl click on the links to listen :-)

Seeing as I love to sew clothes I thought it might be fun to award some unofficial Eurovision 2009 Costume Prizes!!

My Favourite and the Most Co-ordinated Ensemble
Estonia - the beautiful blue fabric looked great as a feature fabric in each outfit, all different styles

The one I'd most like to study close-up
Armenia - with it's layers of velvet and silver detail

Most Beautiful Fabric
Cyprus - white with delicate gold detail

Prettiest Feathers and Frills
Iceland - tastefully frilly

Most Leg Flattering
Albania - pretty prom feel to this one

Best Corsetry
Germany - I'm sure I've only ever seen that shape in cartoons before!

Most Scantily Clad
Ukraine's Roman Gladiators - couldn't get any shorter could it!

Easiest Costume To Make
Russia - rectangle of fabric gathered with elastic, what the ... !!

Put On Your Sunnies!
Netherlands - wow, glitter suits

Wardrobe Malfunction
Greece - looked ridiculous with his hairy belly popping out as he gyrated ;-)

Wooden Spoon
Czech Republic - I just don't get the caped crusader look

On Stage Costume Changes
Hungary - from suits to barely anything ;-)

Feel free to share your favourite songs and costume prizes :-)

Canine Appreciation!

Spotlight is having an end of bolt fabric sale for 4 days, and although I'm not a big fan I made it in this morning to look for some new bedding material for the dogs. Kaeli still chews it up and I've run out of old sheets to use ;-)! I found some thick chocolate brown polar fleece (non pill) and some pretty green and pink striped flannelette and bought both bolts, 15m of one and 17m of the other.


I was a bit worried that the dogs wouldn't like sleeping on polar fleece until while cutting it up I returned to find this, LOL! It did go down well after all, what a hoot :-D

Final Round of Voting for Spring Top

The Top Ten Spring Tops have been chosen at MadeByRae. You can vote for your favourite until Friday 11pm (eastern time), whatever time that is for you ;-) I know which one is my favourite!

Spring Blocks

Some more beautifully sewn blocks arrived today from Canada and USA.

Thank You!

Star Trek Uniform and More Retreat Blocks!

Three more blocks arrived today from the USA :-) Beautiful floral fabric.

Thank you!

Now I'm off to continue sewing a Star Trek uniform for my 11 yo son who wants to look like Captain Archer on Enterprise. We found some blue velour in my stash and have chosen a jacket and leggings pattern from Ottobre. I've sewn two zipped patch pockets on the front and some yellow grosgrain ribbon over one shoulder and sleeve, I will have to get some more tomorrow for the other shoulder, I knew I should have bought extra! Here's a sneak preview :-)

We found a Space Shuttle badge and J used my machine's alphabet function to embroider "ENTERPRISE" on the badge, which is now sewn onto the left sleeve.

More Retreat Blocks!

More retreat blocks arrived in the mail today from two ladies in the USA! Such a lovely surprise :-) I think these will look great trimmed with some spring themed sashing.

Thank You !

Brilliant Mail Day!

Three packages arrived in the mail today!

My Ottobre Design magazine arrived from Finland, see my excited waiting with anticipation post here!

My first delivery of April Retreat blocks from the UK and the USA. Don't they look great together, I love the contrast :-)



and I'm lucky enough to have an early Rail Fence swap block in my requested colours of yellow orange and red. Such sweet fabrics :-)

Thank You

Formal dress for niece

I've always sewn for my little nieces and last night one of my older nieces asked me to sew her Year 10 formal dress, is she really 15 already!!! Her initial design thoughts are a knee length one shoulder dress in silk. I've been searching the net for ideas/patterns and fell in love with this gorgeous evening dress from Vogue. The all in one flounce and gathered shoulder strip are divine. Even the shorter length dress looks lovely.

Unfortunately I am trying to avoid making a fitted boned bodice which is required for this dress.

Well, I continued searching and found an easier design, also at Vogue, which includes silk in the list of recommended fabrics. I like the flared hem and I hope that having the princess seams will help resolve any fitting issues. This design looks younger and more appropriate for her age :-).

Both of these patterns are out of print so I may have to order direct from Vogue if they have the right size in the warehouse. Please leave me one if you rush out to buy the pattern ;-)!

Oh, just one more outstanding design to share from Smitten By Me, absolutely beautiful shoulder strap and fabric!

Any other pattern suggestions would be most welcome :-)

Ottobre Waterfall Blouse

My Ottobre Woman 'Waterfall' blouse is finished, pattern #5 in issue 2/2009. Many thanks to Pam for her tutorial on sewing the draped cowl neck, I highly recommend following Pam's instructions for a lovely finish! This top will be worn with my new Ottobre 'Swing' skirt sewn earlier in the same fabric, although it looks quite nice with jeans and I think it'll be beautiful with my grey, navy and turquoise Ottobre skirts. Very versatile :-)

Surprisingly the sleeves are a little shorter than usual on me, you may like to add a bit of length before cutting to ensure that the sleeve finishes past the wrist after hemming!

I'm sorry there's no modelled shot, my photographer is away on a three day practice hike for the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme (Gold) :-).

New Issue of Ottobre - Summer 2009

The new issue of Ottobre is on-line and the magazine was posted out to subscribers on 20th April 09 (see comments on the Ottobre blog)!!! Time to stalk the postie for the big white envelope ;-)

Look at these beautiful shots, Ottobre do a lovely job presenting the new patterns. Here are just 4 of my favourites :-)

A beautiful baby dress with 3 inverted pleats at the neckline,

there are also patterns for a hat and pants to complete the outfit.

I love the bow and pleated detail on the bodice of this dress.

Isn't this the cutest sailor you've ever seen!

There is a little sailor dress too.


Here's one for my son, t-shirt and shorts with an elephant feature.
I enjoy the little extras Ottobre comes up with to make an outfit look less 'homemade'

Thank you Ottobre !

Spring Top Week - in Autumn ;-)

I'm going to join in the Spring Top Week challenge on the MadeByRae blog, what a wonderful initiative. I found out about it via Astrid's blog, another sewing blog I love to follow :-). I know it's autumn here but it's my favourite season and provides lots of inspiration for me to sew. Click on the button below to find out more :-) 27th May is a public holiday here so I know I can sew for at least one day, yay! Will blog more about my fabric and pattern choices in up coming days.

Long Tall throw without borders

I've finished sewing the strips together for the Long Tall quilt top!! This is the throw size which is about 40"x60" at the moment. I'll be adding two borders, an inner border (1 1/2") and an outer border (6 1/2"). If I have enough fabric I thought I'd use the silver/black glitter accent fabric for the inner border and the background fabric for the outer border. Anyway I'll work that out during my next sewing session, time for a break .

The strips really had to be trimmed accurately to construct this top neatly, boy oh boy, spent a bit of time unpicking bits and pieces for this one and re-cutting some of the uneven strips (I bought the class kit!). It was an interesting logistics puzzle working out how to combine the strips to make the blocks and then to arrange the blocks so that the colours worked well. Relieved I've made it through to this stage, phew :-).

Happy Birthday J

My youngest was born on Easter Sunday and this year is the first time his birthday has fallen on Easter Sunday again. He says this is the 'best year of his life' which is just lovely to hear! He was really looking forward to being able to eat chocolate easter eggs for breakfast this morning on his birthday, LOL! He enjoys his soccer and was over the moon about being picked for the Under 11 Div 1 Gold team for his club this season, yahoo!

J is a very creative little fellow, thought I'd share a few of his designs.

Here is a lego bag he designed and helped sew, it includes a pocket for the instruction book and another for the lego pieces plus a handle.

Here's his gun shoulder holster

Here's his quidditch cape, he loved these two fabrics and definitely wanted a hood and a button. Not sure why the rocket badge ended up there but it had to go on, LOL.

Here's his ninja outfit, I was sure it was going to be too hard to make but he took me through step by step and got what he wanted ;-)

Some of his friends like AFL, so he wanted a roos top. He has number 29 on the back, can't remember which player that is. We had fun deciding where to place the blue vertical stripes, white background with paint splashes was acceptable for the white part of the shirt ;-).

Being a fan of Star Trek he just had to have a uniform (this is Capt Picard)!

Happy Birthday J

with love and hugs from Mum!!!

Sudoku Skirt

sugar snap 112
Originally uploaded by gock's frocks

Not only can you incorporate a Sudoku puzzle theme into a quilt but it also works well in clothing :-). Isn't this outfit divine!!! Handcrafted by Gock's Frocks using the sudoku skirt and orvokki jersey blouse patterns from Ottobre Design issue 1/2009.

For more kaleidoscope of colour visit Gock's Frocks' blog, she's celebrating 200 posts with a 'Great Give Away'.