Doggie needs a Thunderwrap

New Years eve is quickly approaching, and our dog is afraid of fireworks.  The vet says she is getting too old for drugs and we need to try other options.  As I was searching for ways to soothe her, I came across Thundershirts.  Does it work?  Will it work for my dog? I don't know yet, but as there is a sewing contest on PatternReview.com, I'm going to attempt to make one for good old Bonesy.

I have a pattern for dog shirts in my stash.  I thought it might be a good idea to start with it so I could get a basic idea on the shapes for dog garments.  I found it unnecessary, so don't go out and buy one if you're considering making a thunder shirt.  I ended up draping with some leftover stretch fabric to get a pattern I liked.  Here's what I ended up with...

There are basically two pieces.  The top flap, and the body.  I had to add in a decorative stripe 'cuz I was using up some Ponte scraps and didn't have enough brown.  Thus, I ended up with 8 pieces, 4 for the body and 4 more for the flap.

When cutting the pieces, I made sure the greatest stretch went around the body.  This allows for a snug wrap around doggie's body.

I finished sewing the pieces to construct the body piece using a small zigzag stitch so it will be able to stretch... and used it to refine the fit.  Luckily my dog was very cooperative and let me try the garment on her several times as I worked.

I applied Velcro to the right sides of the body and lining first, so there wouldn't be too much stitching showing on the outsides.  There was quite a bit of fitting as I decided where to place the Velcro.  I used chalk to mark the placement of the Velcro..

Then sewed them, right sides together... turned, pressed and edgestitched all around the edges with a triple stretch stitch.


Next, I worked on the flap using the same process.  when that was ready, I simply sewed it onto the back, again refitting as I went along.  I tried to get the stripe to match up, but when I wrap it tightly on her (as recommended) it doesn't.  That's okay.  I just hope it helps.

If it works, I'll probably make another one for her.  crossing my fingers...

July: La Strada T-shirt by Hot Patterns

I realize I'm a little bit behind in my sewing goals, but I had some work to do and had to take care of the neglected chores. Yup... sewing first, then chores...  until it gets to be an intolerable mess.  LOL

So it's already the end of July and I haven't updated my blog for a couple months.  I made this top last month and am finally getting around to posting it.

 It's Hot Patterns 1167:Fast and fabulous La Strada T-shirt.  Check out the soft gentle lines on this one... all those flowing gathers and the curved hem.  And I'm loving this soft rayon knit... I think I got this fabric from Fabric.com and if I remember correctly, it was about 6.00/yd.  I squeezed most of it onto a Fabric.com 1 yard piece.  I did, however, make up the facing with a piece of  leftover grey rayon knit I had in my stash.

There is a problem with the armhole on this pattern.  I'm not sure, but I think the mark to end the armhole is missing.  There are some notches, but I raised my armhole by at least 1 1/2".  Here... let me show you the alteration to the side seam:

 It was also a little too big around the bust so I reduced the width a little bit when I fixed the armhole.  Next time, I'll cut one size smaller on top. All in all though,  I'll be making this top again.  And again... I really love this elegant, drapey top and would love to have more in my closet.

I've made a couple other tops using some of my knits, but nothing worth using out of the house.  I'm still refining a tank pattern and am also working on a v-neck top from Craftsy's Sewing with Knits class. Making good progress on those, so I'll post those next time...

I'm supposed to have at least one of quilt completed already so I've also been working on that in my spare time.  Hopefully my Craftsy BOM from 2012 will be done by August.  I'm learning a lot of Free Motion quilting techniques and am excited about the progress I'm making.

Back to the sewing room!  :)

April Sewing - KS Yoga pants and top

I'm a little late posting, but I did get these items done last month.  Using Kwik Sew 3115, I made 2 pairs of  long yoga pants, and 1 shorter one, and two tank tops.  :)   Here they are:

After making the mauve tank top, I decided to lower the neckline by about 1" and cut it slightly wider.  It's more comfortable.  I used the leftovers from the pants to trim the neckline and armholes and to add a strip across the bust since the grey fabric is a little thin and might become transparent if it gets wet. It was recycled from an old polo shirt that belonged to my husband.

For the shorter length pants, I sewed the leg openings much smaller than the pattern.  Mine are about 12". I tapered them from the hip to a couple inches below the knee to get them to a length I liked.  These are comfortable, but the brown fabric is slightly thinner than the other two.  It's still usable though, and very soft.

And yes, at least 3x a week I get in a short workout, though I got lazy this week and skipped workouts.  But next week, I'm adding 30 minute walk/jogs on alternating days.  Doctor's orders...  I need to get exercise.  And now I can use normal workout gear instead of  jeans. 

April was a productive month for workout gear.  May (nearly over, but I think I can squeeze in something...) will be either a set of undies, or a new knit top.  I found lots of  knits for 2.99/yd and am looking forward to making them into some summer tops, but I desperately need to replace some of my shabby undies. 

Yoga Pants

I bought this wonderfully soft, comfy Ponte de Roma from Fabric.com about a month ago and am loving it!  I will have to buy  more!  I wasn't sure I'd like it, the fabric content is 80% polyester/ 15% rayon/ 5% lycra.  I was thinking of those 70's double knits whenever I heard "ponte", but after learning a little more about it, I found out it's totally different.  If you look for Ponte de Roma (not just Ponte) you'll end up with a nice quality knit.  This one is perfect for my yoga pants. It has a little bit of weight to it and is soft and smooth.

 I'm using Kwik Sew 3115, a TNT pattern in my stash.  According to my measurements, I cut a size Medium.  My waist is between M and L, but I'm hoping to lose a few pounds now that I've started working out with my son.  He keeps me motivated.  This fits me well enough for now and maybe in a few months,  it will look a little smoother as I get into better shape. It has a loose comfortable fit and doesn't cling.

This pattern is really easy to put together and can be done in just a couple hours.  I used a drawstring waistband elastic instead of regular elastic.  It gives it a more RTW look.    Pull the cord out before sewing the ends of the elastic together for obvious reasons...  And make eyelets on the waistband to stick the cord through.

 

Here's what the waistband looks like from the inside before sewing it onto the pants.

 

And here's the finished pants.  Comfy and ready for a workout!  :)

Type 1 Dress up time! RWBY - red

I had an unfortunate playground accident and could not use my fingers for a week.  Thus all sewing had come to a halt.  But with tender fingers now healing, and I can get back to sewing for a few hours a day.  I've been finishing up the RWBY cosplay for my daughter.  Here it is. She is definitely a Type 1... cosplay is one of her favorite things to do.

And now I can get back to sewing some things for myself.  This month, I want to finish a pair of yoga pants and a casual t-shirt or workout shirt.  If I have extra fabric, I'll make a pair of yoga shorts too.  I do have a bunch of stuff for work, but I'm pretty sure I'll have time for my own things this month.  :)