Using my new Brother Coverstitch machine on a top made in Stretch Cotton Jersy Rib

 The Brother CV3550 Coverstitch Machine 

I am very lucky to now own a Coverstitch machine,  I have wanted one for years . They are not a necessity but are an incredible addition to a sewists collection of sewing machines.

Coverstitch machines are primarily used to create professional-looking hems to garments. They can be used for covering raw edges of a fabric,  for example in seams , they can be used for embellishments and are suitable for stretch and woven fabrics ,

Mine is from BrotherUK and I purchased it from Jaycotts.co.uk

  Brother coverstitch machine from Jaycotts.co.uk

It has many stitch options plus a feature I love is the possibility of creating multicoloured stitching using any variation of thread colours to give the effect you want 

This is a Top Coverstitch using multiple coloured threads. 

This is the reverse side of the same stitch.

It has numerous stitches in addition to the top  Coverstitch with three needles it will do a Coverstitch like this one with up to three top threads which can also be adapted to wide and narrow stitches This sample is a narrow two thread 

I found that YouTube has plenty of suggestions.

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Cotton Rib Stretch Jersey Top.

The best way to learn about your new machine is to use it. I self drafted a top and made it up in  this Cotton rib stretch fabric which was gifted to me from Minerva.com 

Cotton Rib fabric at Minerva.com

I made a simple design as an extra layer on cooler summer days. The front and back have little shaping but the sleeves are slightly full with a cuff which can be worn in multiple ways.

The neckline has a band. This needs to be cut with the stretch along  the length and stretched slightly when applying to the  neckline. 

Whilst we want the band to stretch, the main fabric needs to remain the same. To stop it from stretching therefore I stay stitched along the garment neck edge. 

If I could give you a hint. It is far easier to install the neckline if you stitch just one shoulder and join the other one later. 

Similarly it is easier to add sleeves before stitching the side seams. 

To finish the neckline I added a triple top Coverstitch in shades of pink and purple 

I used the same stitch on the hem. To prevent the hem from stretching out of shape I used some iron on seamtape 

I think you will agree that this very simple top will be a very useful addition to my wardrobe 

Just a touch of embellishment helps lift it from the ordinary to something special

The fabric is soft, light but has plenty of body. It lends itself to lots of different garments

Thank you Minerva.com for gifting the fabric. And thank you to Jaycotts.co.uk for sorting out this fabulous machine for me

Angela

Sewangelicthreads 

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Simplicity 9270 loungewear set in a reversible squares and stripe fabric from Pound Fabrics

 Loungewear Set by Simplicity patterns,  fabric from Pound Fabrics 

I love nice loungewear and this is just perfect for evenings relaxing with a book or watching TV

The fabric is totally amazing and is very affordable 

This wonderful reversible fabric is from Pound Fabrics , it is 70% Cotton and available in three  colourways 

The link to purchase is Mini squares and striped fabric from Pound fabric

It is a double layered fabric , substantial but the high Cotton content makes it easy to wear.It is airy and soft next to the skin and needs minimal pressing .

I made size 12 and it took 3m of fabric 

It is reversible with small squares on one side and stripes on the other 

It is a stretch fabric and therfore you will need a brand new stretch needle in your sewing machine   

I  recommend using a stretch thread , this means that you  can use an ordinary straight stitch without risk of it snapping during wear 

The thread I use is 

mettler-seraflock-stretch-thread from Jaycotts.co.uk,  or there is 

Gutermann Maraflex from Pound Fabrics

 I also like to use my walking foot which feeds fabric through easily without stretching or distorting it. I find that once I have this foot on my machine it is a while before I remove it it makes sewing any fabric a total breeze 

In order to make best use of this wonderful fabric I wanted to incorporate both sides, the top is made using the squares as the right side with the collar and facing cut out with the stripes showing 

 

You will need stretch iron on interfacing to support the collar and front facings.  Please never  buy  cheap interfacing, it is horrid and will cheapen your garment.  These little touches make the difference between Home Made and Hand-Made . The latter is what we are aiming for 

I  chose I neutral coloured button and added an extra one as the pattern has just three. 

The trousers are stripe side out. 

Do you struggle with sorting the front from the back? I do, so I just stitch a bow or a flower or anything else I like onto the centre front . Easy! Of course you  could put a label inside at the back but I find them irritating 

The sewing pattern is suitable for  beginners upwards. There is a  choice between shorts and trousers and a long and short sleeve top. This versatile pattern will inspire you to make lots of garments. If you are a beginner I recommend starting with nightwear and loungewear as they tend to require very little fitting.  I believe that it is far more satisfying to make a simple garment well rather than to make a mess of a more complicated pattern. Learning to sew should  be a pleasurable experience so take your time.

Another tip. Sometimes jersey Fabrics can  be tricky when it comes to sewing buttonholes. I use small pieces of a machine embroidery stabiliser under each  buttonhole and it prevents the fabric  from misbehaving. Save scraps of tissue paper from  when you were cutting out for the same purpose 

Side vents in the top add to its comfort 

Lovely to wear when spending time in the sewing room too

Do you like this pattern and fabric combination?  Will you make it too?

I hope you have enjoyed this post

Angela

Sewangelicthreads 

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Vogue 8854 in dark green Velour Rib

 This is Vogue V8854 made in this absolutely butter soft cord. From Minerva.com 

This absolutely gorgeous velour rib knit is from Minerva.com,  available in many different colours.  Do please click through this link to view more details about this fabric  

Velour cord knit at Minerva.com   Velour cord strech knit fabric

Although it is an "easy" pattern if you are unsure then I suggest that you do a mock up of the front first, any fabric will be fine for this, especially a woven. This cord stretches and care needs to be taken with the front.

To prevent the fabric edges from curling up then I suggest iron on seam taper - it really helps.

There are one or two alterations I want to make, the sleeves need shortening by a couple of inches and as I won't wear the collar up I may as well remove the top popper

The pattern is very roomy, so compare your measurements with those on the pattern.

This is a sucess I feel 😍

My posts on Minerva.com can be found on Sewangelicthreads on Minerva.com

#MinervaBrandAmbassador 

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Vogue Designer lounger wear using gorgeous French Terry Fabric

 

Loungewear Set.

Iam greatly impressed with this fabric. I received 2•5 metres which meant that I could make not only a tunic top but trousers too. It was a bit of a jigsaw puzzle fitting all of the pattern pieces onto the fabric, and keeping the animals the right way up and the grain line accurate, but in the end it was not so difficult.

The fabric is exclusive to Minerva.com and is available here:_ French Looped Back Terry

I have parkinsons disease and have a lot of days when just the act of getting dressed exhausts me and I will not be able to do anything for the rest of the day. I find that if I spend a day doing housework, shopping or even just meeting with friends means that I have to pay it back for the next day or so.
I therefore love nice loungewear which is easy to put on is comfortable to wear especially if I am going to be resting a lot, but it has to look amazing too, because quite frankly wearing something lovely really cheers me up. We all need to look good don't you think. Of course a chocolate biscuit always helps 

I do love Vogue patterns and for the top I used a Marcy Tilton design for Vogue. You will. No doubt notice that I have used this pattern before. Each design has its own set of pattern pieces which means in effect that you,In this case, get four patterns!
For the pants I used an old pyjama pattern, I am sure that you will have a suitable pattern to use.

I am excited about this project, the French Terry is so gorgeous. Plus it is mostly cotton, this is important to me as natural fibres help to regulate my body temperature

It is always the same for me - I try on a new Minerva Make in order to take photographs and I love it so much that I do not take it off!
This is my new loungewear, different to pyjamas as loungwear, to me anyway, is just a but smarter and more fitted, the pants in particular.
This Vogue pattern is so very easy to make and with three separate patterns in the envalope there are lots of choices to vary each make.

The pants are from a old pyjama pattern, but I took the width in to give them a more streamlined look.
And as for the fabric! Wow! This French Terry has such an amazing print, very much like the jungle prints I wore in the late 60's yes, sadly I am that old.
For me, loungewear is a special part of my wardrobe, as I have mentioned before I have parkinsons and need plenty of rest days, but I still love visitors - I had a coffee morning yesterday, so even if I am not going anywhere I boost my own self esteem by dressing nicely but comfortably. This outfit is perfect

Do look at the fabric, it is gorgeous 

 Thank you to Minerva.com for the fabric.  Do please follow this link to view the entire website including sale items Minerva.com

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Re-use, recycle. Will you take the challenge?

 Re-use, recycle.  Make Do and mend. What is this all about?  Why should it affect me?

I am alarmed after doing some research  just how much clothing, some of it unworn, goes to landfill. We purchase a lot of cheaper clothes which soon lose their appeal and out they go. Our wardrobes are crammed with things we hardly ever. Or never wear.

Not just clothes, I have been rescuing furniture too

Did you know that Dunelm take back textiles? I shall be doing this 

The website is Dunelm Take Back Scheme

Simplicity Shirtdress in Organic Cotton Denim from Jaycotts.co.uk

 Simplicity 8014 Shirtdress in Organic Denim Fabric. A Jaycotts post 

To read this blog on Jaycotts web site go to Jaycotts Blog

A Shirtdress is timeless and classic, and I love mine, I wear them in lots of different ways throughout the year.

I wear it as a summer dress or with a pullover underneath and thick tights or leggings  when it's cold.  But my favourite way to wear one,, especially when made in Denim, is to wear it as a coat over trousers and a simple Breton . A Shirtdress is so adaptable.. 

I chose to make view D which is the shorter version with the curved hem. I also made a pair of trousers using the pattern next to it,  but I feel that trouser making merits a separate post, so that is what I will do, look out for the post in a week or two.The fabric is from Jaycotts, and it is a wonderful indigo organic cotton with just the right amount of lycra. This fabric also comes in beige which is fabulous for summer , and in red. These do not contain lycra .

When I was pinning my pattern pieces to the fabric it became clear that I would have plenty left over. With some frugal cutting and omitting the pockets and self fabric belt I was amazed to find that I could make a pair of trousers too, I was absolutely delighted at this.

A very beautiful blouse in fabulous Art Gallery Fabrics stretch cotton Jersey

I do not normally wear blouses and I was thinking about why I don't. I realised that I have always sewn them in a woven fabric and I feel too restricted when wearing  fabrics like cotton  Lawn,  no matter how beautiful  it is , it's  just not me.

So I was glad to have been gifted a length of this fabric and also a copy of the pattern,  so it was the perfect opportunity

Vogue V8952 Pullover Tunic Top

 A Minerva.com make

You can read the post in full and view more photos as well as finding out how to order this fabulous fabric and pattern on this link My Vogue 8952 top on Minerva.com

What an amazing pattern this is. I love all three views but in the end decided on the version with the cowl neckline, however I am already planning on what fabric to make the other two versions in. This does seem to be a popular pattern and since purchasing mine I have seen quite a few versions and they all look fantastic 

The fabric I used is a Viscose Jersy knit and it hangs really nicely don't you agree. It comes in four colours and is modestly priced especially as you only need 2m

This isxtgeclink to this gorgeous fabric which comes in several different colours 

Viscose Jersey Fabric