It's hard to believe that last year this time I had just received a new sewing machine and challenged myself to learn to use it with Project Sewing 101. I planned to work my way through the book 1-2-3 Sew by Ellen Luckett Baker. To date, I've completed 23 of the 33 projects, skipping 2 that looked way too unrelated to sewing, and adding in several of my own. That's a grand total of 27 different projects, not including repeats (many times I'd decide to produce a stack of one type of item just for practice).
While I still plan to finish up the book (just 7 projects to go!), I've found myself sidetracked for a while as I build my sewing skills I find myself wandering down different paths seeking projects that are closer to what I'd eventually like to be making.
One of those paths is leading me into menswear:
My brother mentioned wanting a brown suit vest, and that he'd been having trouble finding an affordable one that he liked in stores. Since I'd just made little boy suit vests, I thought, how hard can it be, and offered to make him one.
So, I went to the store, picked out a pattern & fabric (for the first time!!) and worked through it. It was rough going at times, but in the end I was able to hide all of my mistakes on the inside and come up with a pretty smart look! It's a bit ill fitting though; I followed the pattern for his size, but he's got a very skinny long torso, so needs added inches in length and subtracted inches in width. I'll most likely take this one in, but also make another one to try and perfect it:)
Curious about some of my other sewing goals for the year? Well, I'd like to:
* Finish the 7 projects in 1-2-3 Sew
* Continue exploring menswear by creating a few more vests, and attempting a man's dress shirt
* Experiment with sewing leather
* Come up with a few purse designs of my own (just for friends & me, not for sale)
I'm so excited for what this year will bring!
19 comments:
I think for a first try it looks fantastic! Good luck getting to all of your goals this year. :)
Well, I think it looks very stylish! You are certainly becoming an excellent seamstress.
It looks great! I've never tried to make clothes from scratch before (only alterations) so I'm impressed!
I'm excited to see what you do with the leather!
Nice work Nancy! The vest fits your brother perfectly! The details look fantastic.
I think it looks great! I'm sure your brother is thrilled with it, since you made it for him! Good luck with the menswear!
Your brother looks very stylish in his new vest! I bet he loves it :)
You chose the perfect fabric!
Your vest turned out great! I bet your brother is so happy...and how sweet of him to model :)
You've accomplished so much in the year you've had your sewing machine! Menswear is a great category to get into and little boys too...hard to find cool/cute clothes for them sometimes.
WOW! Impressive!
Your brother is a great model!
I tried to make a suit for my husband for our wedding, but gave up because it became too difficult and I didn't have enough time to finish.
Happy sewing!
I think your brother looks pretty sharp in that vest. We forget about menswear and that some have a hard time fitting their size. This would be a great custom item to offer! {:-D
Goodness gracious, you are talented! Other than being a little short, it is perfect. I never mind if clothes fit a little loose, although I know the young men don't like them that way. I really can't believe you've only been sewing for a year. Well done!
I can't believe how far you've come with your sewing this year! The vest looks great. I look forward to seeing what you make in 2013. Menswear is such a neat avenue to explore.
The vest turned out great and looks very stylish on your brother! His friends are going to all want vests now!
Sigh. He looks dreamy in that vest. :)
I wish I knew more about tailoring. Wouldn't that be handy? I don't like garment sewing much, but I would LOVE to know how to tailor so the things I do make can actually look nice.
Wow, I am impressed, Nancy! This is not an easy project to tackle. However, you have come so far in your mission to learn sewing, and your confidence and growing skills are shining through!
I wish I could bottle your drive and enthusiasm and sprinkle it on me! lol, I feel like I could use some! I say it often when I visit your blog - but you really do never cease to amaze me with your creativity and talent.
Wow, really impressive! I bet he was stoked. Menswear seems so intimidating.
I got a sewing machine for Christmas, and have learned the basics of using it, but have only done two projects, a reversible bag and a little bunny.
Very nice job! This is the reason I really don't make clothing--fitting is the major issue, most of the time! Unless you are making for the same people all the time, like my mother did when we were growing up, it can be not-so-fun! Also. . . great goals for this year, you are really making awesome progress!
WOW! self taught sewing! you are so brave!! Well done on the vest - I would have no idea it was your first!
Your man's vest looks great!!! Now that you have started making clothes it's going to be hard to stop. Enjoy.
Valerie
Everyday Inspired
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