McCall's M6653 Misses' Top

I made this McCall's M6653 Misses' Top a few weeks ago. I confess, I have made a few garments since then, but I have been remiss in contributing here. I hope to catch up this weekend.

This is a loose fitting pullover top with cut-on sleeves. Two pattern pieces only! It took longer to sew on the bias binding than to construct the actual blouse. I made it out of a cotton voile, for summer weather.

Your posts have inspired me so much. I do enjoy reading them and getting great tips. Thank you!

I blogged about it here:
http://threadsovmetal.blogspot.com/2013/05/mccalls-m6653-misses-top-using-denyse.html

Welcome Andrea!

It's time to welcome to Andrea!!! She blogs at Knit Knac!  She enjoys making her own clothes and has been on a buying fast for a few years.  We are glad you've joined us Andrea!  

Welcome Darci & Stephanie!

It's time to welcome Darci who is looking forward to journeying with like-minded sewists and blogs at Currently Darci.  Stephanie is also excited to join us and blogs at On the Mend!
 We're thrilled you both have joined us!  

Welcome Robin!!

Yay....welcome Robin everyone!  She's ready for the challenge.... She has lots of fabric and patterns, her machines are oiled and in working order. No blog yet, but it's on the way.  We're excited to have you Robin.  

Welcome Sophie and McKenzie

Hi Ladies,

Two more ladies are gracing us with their talents.  Sophie blogs at Monbouton's Needles and McKenzie (no blog to post yet) is joining us as well.  It's great to have both of you ladies!  We look forward to cheering you on.... 

Welcome Nicola!

It's time to welcome Nicola!  She's excited about joining us and looking forward to the adventure.  Nicola blogs at The Great Jeans Sew Along and Sewvival.  We're honored you're joining us Nicola, and we're ready to cheer you on!!! 

Welcome April!

Welcome April!  We're so glad you've decided to take up the challenge....  April blogs at Amore-Fitness & Fashion!  It's great to have you....

Welcome Kbenco!

Please send a shout out.... It's time to welcome Kbenco who blogs (sews, smocks, embroiders, and knits :-) at Kbenco's Projects!  Welcome Kbenco!  It's great to have you joining us.... 

Welcome Faye!!

Yaaaaay!!! It's time to welcome Faye!  She blogs at Faye's Sewing Adventure and is noted for hosting her own share of great challenges throughout the year.  It is great to have you join us Faye!!!  

Hi Marg!

I love the momentum we have....  Join me in welcoming Marg who shares her musings at Marg's World!  Thanks for accepting the challenge.  We're excited to have you with us....

Welcome Judith, BeaJay, Zeva and LaToria!

Hi Ladies,

It's time to welcome more ladies to the team!   

Judith blogs at Made By J .  It's great to have you join us Judith!  

BeaJay blogs at On The Road to Sew Wear!  Welcome BeaJay!  

Zeva blogs at My Creative Eclectic Life!  Welcome Zeva!

LaToria is also joining us on the journey and hosts a website at Creations by LaToria!  Welcome LaToria!!!

Are you up for the challenge (REPOST)

Beginning April 1, 2013, we will begin a year long journey of home sewing!  We're committing to not purchasing clothing for one year.  Instead, we will build our wardrobe by making it ourselves....

Challenging? YES
Impossible? NO!!

Join us.... Leave a comment and your email if you're interested.  Many sewists have already joined us....  How about you?  We'll even invite you to author posts, share techniques, review sewing books, and display your efforts along the way.

Review the challenges that have already started, and look for more challenges in the coming weeks to help you get ready to take your sewing skills to the next level.  More later....

Challenge #1: Sew ReInvented Audrey

A few months ago - I organized my sewing space. And, much to my own surprise - it's still organized. Currently, I'm using a 3-drawer plastic organizer that holds my fabric (inside the drawers), notions and patterns (on top in fabric covered shoe boxes).

Sew ReInvented Audrey - Organized Fabric, Pattern & Notions

Patterns - all patterns are organized by Pattern company and number (Vogue 1st, all others alphabetical). I haven't really tried many patterns, so I'm going to try more patterns before I decide to get rid of any that I have.

Fabric - all fabrics are folded up inside the drawers. I use 3x5 index cards and double sided tape to keep an accurate list of what's inside each drawer. The cards list the color and type, amount (yardage), size, and whether or not it's been pre-treated (i.e. Purple Knit 2 yds (60) <P>). I don't put new fabric in the storage container unless I mark it. If I take fabric out, I mark it when I put it back in.


Here's my fabric:

Knits: Double - 2 colors, 4 yds (60), Crepe - 1 color, 2 yds (52)
Tweed: 2 colors, 4 yds (60)
Cotton: 3 colors, 8 1/2 yds (45), 1 print, 1 yd (60)
Polyester backed Satin: 3 colors, 4 yds (60)
Suiting: 2 colors, 6 yds (45), 3 yds (60)
Crepe Georgette: 1 color, 3 yds (58)
Brocade: 1 color, 1 1/2 yds (52)
Shirting: 1 color, 2 yds
Vinyl (leather look skirt): 1 color, 1 yd

**I bought practically 20 yds of fabric on Black Friday with the intention of sewing more of my own clothes in 2013.

I'm also posting this on my blog along with additional pictures.

Needles Up,
ReInvented Audrey



My fabric stash is organized...

My fabric stash is organized--it took an hour or so, but I sorted through it and rearranged my closet.

I keep my patterns in plastic storage drawers.  I'm still working through purging my stock.

CHALLENGE 1: Let's get organized

Hi Sewers,

As 2012 ends, let's take some steps to prepare for the project ahead....

1. Inventory all of your fabric and pattern stashes.

2. Store your patterns in categories and work out how you'll organize them.

3. Organize your fabrics, too.  How will you store it? This is a great time to work out storage issues.  The next challenge will focus more on this detail.

4. Purge your stash of any patterns and fabric you KNOW you won't use (donate them to other sewers, thrift stores, or kids learning to sew)

5. Share with the group how you did.  How much fabric do you have (for slacks, skirts, dresses, suiting)?

That's it for now.  Complete the challenge by Saturday, January 5, 2013