Bags, Bags, Me Made Bags.

The Art Of Bag Making

This blog post will be dedicated to making bags, and I have made quite a few in the last 5 years.

Goddess of the Sea Bag, a newly released

(pdf) by Needle
 and Anchor Supply Co.
Link to bag,  https://www.needleandanchor.com/product-page/goddess-of-the-sea-shoulder-bag

I had never made a bag or purse prior to 5 years ago, when I first began testing bags for Designers.

My most recent bag I created, was the "Goddess of the Sea Shoulder bag". When I first saw the prototype, I knew I wanted to sew this bag up. It was the right size, had a wide opening, and I really liked the uniqueness of the side gusset zippered pockets. Not to mention the unique strap and how it was designed, with metal rings and rivets.

I made my Goddess of the Sea Bag, using a decor tapestry/chenille fabric. I have always wanted a bag made with this type of fabric, giving it a vintage look, and this was the perfect bag for my hoarded fabric. I found this fabric while visiting my son in Arizona. 

I am not going to say this bag is a fast sew, it is not. Time is needed to find the right fabrics, hardware, printing the pattern, and cutting your fabrics out. Following the instructions step by step is a must with this bag, no skipping steps. The end result, was well worth the time and effort I put into it. I added an inside zippered pocket, (not in the instructions) to my bag, as well as the included instructions for the double slip pockets, and the side-zippered-gusset-pockets.

Slip pockets

Additional zippered pocket

Above, view of side gusset zippered pocket, unzipped.

Below, view of side zippered gusset pocket, zipped up.

Love this bag, I plan on making more, once I find the right fabric. Thank you Carissa for an awesome design.

Sunday Cardigan

Sunday Cardigan

by Greenstyle Designs

I love Cardigans, don't feel as if I have enough of them. I have been wanting to sew up a long version of the Sunday cardigan by Greenstyle. I waited until I felt I had the right fabric and right fabric weight because I wanted this cardigan to last for a while.

Once I found the fabric, a medium weight ponte knit with 4 way stretch, great weight, decided to sew the Sunday Cardi with this fabric. As it turned out, I didn't have enough fabric for the sleeves. Since the Sunday cardi comes in a sleeveless version, I decided to go with that. I also used the front patch pockets version. 

I matched my cardi with a new Studio to Street top, also from Greenstyle, and I made a self drafted skirt. I was looking for a style that would utilize the paisley/flowered liverpool fabric, the black and white striped scuba, and the black ponte for the cardi. I also used a modal french terry for the sleeves of the Studio to Street top. I am very pleased with my overall look, it's different, it's me.

I found the instructions to both the Sunday Carigan and the Studio to Street top to be very simple and easy to follow. Since I am 5' 3 1/2" tall, I did remove 3" from the longest version for the Sunday cardi.

For more information on the Sunday Cardigan or any other GreenStyle Designs, click on the aff link, thank you.

https://greenstylecreations.refersion.com/c/455617

Men's Fleece Jacket

The Men's fleece Jacket

a pdf design by Wardrobe by Me.

I had the pleasure of testing this Fleece Jacket for my friend, Orbey. This time I was taking his pictures. I will often sew something for him since he is always taking my pictures for my test garments.

He picked out his fabric, which is a Luxe Fleece, a little heavier than regular fleece. The jacket has raglan sleeves, folded collar,  has two side invisible zippered pockets, an inside hidden zippered pocket, and comes with an optional hood. He was very happy with his new fleece jacket, didn't want to take it off, lol. I will admit, matching the plaids took a bit of time. 
Aff link
https://wardrobebyme.com/?rfsn=388327.5a8a7

I am an amateur photographer and I like to do it as a hobby. I wanted the perfect setting for the fleece jacket. It was raining and very cold, I thought it was the perfect setting, Orbey said the jacket kept him warm.

The Fleece Jacket comes in sizes 2xs-3xl. Other recommended fabrics include, regular fleece, french terry, and soft shell. Wardrobe by Me has several other men's designs. Click on the aff link for more information, thank you.
https://wardrobebyme.com/?rfsn=388327.5a8a7

Greenstyle Sybil robe and the Lillie racer back dress

The Sybil robe in an outing with the Lillie racer back dress in black

GreenstyleDesigns

I wanted my Sybil Robe to be more than just a house robe, I wanted it to be used for outings too, like today. I can't say enough how much fun I had and how free I felt in taking pictures in the rain.

The Sybil robe comes in two versions, I made version B with the side ties. I also added a few inches to the length. The pattern fit was right on with no other adjustments made. The fabric I used is a light weight cotton lycra fabric. I also used pink ribbon ties, I am such a pink and black colors, lady.

aff link https://greenstylecreations.refersion.com/c/455617

I enjoyed wearing my long black Lillie dress, from Greenstyle. I was in need of a black dress and chose to use the Lillie. I also made the self bra option that comes with the pattern. I used a good weight cotton lycra fabric. The lillie is a fast sew with simple instructions, also comes in the top version.

For more information on these two Greenstyle designs, click on the aff link below, thank you.

https://greenstylecreations.refersion.com/c/455617

The new Studio to Street top

The Studio to Street top

a GreenStyle Design

I really enjoyed testing and sewing up 3 of the Studio to Street tops. In this blog I will write about what fabrics I used for each of the 3 versions I made. If my hair looks weird to you, I am transitioning to grey hair, lol.

For the black and white stripe top, I made the long sleeve version with the lower band, deep v back, and crew front neckline. For the main body I used a cotton jersey fabric, and for the contrast, I used cotton lycra. I am very happy with the results of this top.

For the flowered top shown below, I used the short sleeve version with bands and the lower hem with a band as well. I did a double V, with a V neckline in front, and a deep V for the back. I used a cotton jersey for the main and a cotton lycra for the contrast. 

My favorite one is the grey with black neck bands, shown below. I made this one out of french terry fabric, and I used cotton lycra for the neck bands. I made the longer version with long sleeves. With the cold weather where I live, this top has already been worn often. I also paired the grey and the flowered tops with the GS Power Sports Bra. I wrote a blog about my sewing the Sport Bra in another post.

 https://sewsynsewn.blogspot.com/2019/01/greenstylecreations-power-sports-bra.html

There are many versions to choose from for the Studio to Street top.

The Studio to Street Top has just many options to give you a variety or looks. Five neckline options, three sleeve options, and four hemline options

For more information, click on the aff link, thank you reading my blog.

https://greenstylecreations.refersion.com/c/455617


A FB group for garment sewist over 50.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/339687273550279/?ref=bookmarks

The many versions of the JoJo.

The JoJo 

designed by Designer Stitch

http://designerstitch.com/?affiliates=12.

Talk about the many different versions to the JoJo, oh my, and on sale for a limited time.

I've had the pleasure of testing the JoJo top and dress for Designer Stitch designs. I made two versions so far.

I am always on the hunt for patterns that include a turtle neck. I recently came back from a 10 day trip to Arizona. It was very cold and it snowed in Arizona, specifically in Seligman (route 66) . I came home still cold and looking for turtleneck garments, I had very few. When the JoJo test came up, I only saw the turtle neck version, lol. The JoJo comes in many different versions.

Shown above is the turtleneck and tunic length version, with long sleeves and cuffs. I made this version from a medium weight sweater knit fabric. Oh, and I do love stripes. I also chose to belt my JoJo. I paired my JoJo with the Alyse taper leg pant, also from Designer Stitch. http://designerstitch.com/?affiliates=12.

I like to accessorize when possible.

Shown in the pic below is another version of the JoJo, it's the dress, with a skirt sewn onto the top. This is made with a cotton lycra for the top portion and the lower portion of the JoJo is a metallic type stretch fabric. I did line the metallic fabric because it was a little thinner than I like. The JoJo is a simple sew and the instructions are beginner friendly. I plan on sewing many more in the near future.

For the dress version of the JoJo I wanted to sew the sleeves to look like an inspiration photo I saw of the sleeves, (love these sleeves), and with a turtleneck option. I cut the sleeve at the 3/4 length cut line and made a longer cuff to add to the sleeve, see pic below.

Different versions of the JoJo, shown below.

Thank you Ann Grose for another fun and on trend design.

This blog post has aff link, which helps to buy fabric to continue to test garments and sew. Thank you

http://designerstitch.com/?affiliates=12.

GreenstyleCreations Power Sports Bra

The Greenstyle Power Sports Bra

My Sew-Along-Version

I signed up to follow along with the Greenstyle Power Sports Bra, which was a 4 day SAL. This was the first time sewing the Power Sports Bra. This blog is about some of the changes I made to have a comfortable fit for me. For more information on the pattern, click on the aff link.

https://greenstylecreations.refersion.com/c/455617

Day 1, fabrics used: for the bra I used active wear fabric with good stretch and recovery, the lining I used the same fabric (with power mesh in between), and for the band I used a cotton lycra. For the straps I used swimsuit lining. I needed to use cotton lycra for the bra band as I am prone to itchiness, lol.

Day 2: Begin sewing the bra. I followed along with the pattern in sizing on under bust band and full bust cup, for what the pattern called for. Once my fabric was cut (exterior and lining), I felt the side was going to be smaller than I like. I like a little more side coverage so I re-cut the side front pattern piece, 5 sizes wider than my size.  I needed the side to be wider for my liking from my under bust to under my arm pit, It probably sounds like a lot, but it fit perfect.

Bra cups: I also added sew in bra cups because I want to use the bra as an everyday undergarment. I pinned bra cups to the inner lining and once I was satisfied with placement, I zig zaged in place and continued with pattern directions to finish. I will probably use different bra cups for my next Power Sports Bra, these I had on hand at the time.

Day 3, bra straps: I like my straps to be wider than normal. I cut my strap fabric 2" wide and the length according to the pattern pieces for the straps on the strappy back. I folded the longest side in half and sewed 3/8" seam and turned right side out once sewn. Because I did not have clear elastic (follow the pattern instructions), I used lingerie elastic that was 3/4" wide and threaded it through the sewn strap. Once my straps were finished, I followed the pattern instructions to add the straps to my bra. I used swimsuit lining for my strap fabric.

Day 4, bra band: Because I have issues with the bra band sitting at my rib cage, I had to widen the band by 5" more. I then continued to follow the pattern instructions, I also added a 4" wide elastic into my bra band.

Overall, with these changes made for my liking, I love my Power Sports Bra. I feel the cups gave me added lift, the straps gave me added support, and the band feels great, and comfortable too. The easiest way for me to put my Power Sports Bra on, is from the feet on up, best way for me.

Thank you so much Sarah Connell, for doing this sew along and the videos were so helpful. I was hesitant in buying the pattern, glad I did. Your videos for the SAL were very clear and easy to follow, any beginner-advanced or anyone who sews, can make the Power Sports Bra. 

Thank you Greenstyle Designs for another great bra. The Endurance bra is just as great too with the front zipper closure

This blog contains aff links.

https://greenstylecreations.refersion.com/c/455617