I can’t remember exactly why I wanted to start a blog. I have been a blog reader, especially sewing/crafty/foodie ones, for about 12 years, and I thought about writing my own for practically that entire time. I know I had lots of reasons for wanting to, but what I never anticipated was the friendships that would come from it — and the impact they would have on my process…
One of the friends I’ve made through the blogosphere is Lisa from notes from a mad housewife. She and I met through comments on each others’ blogs, and then we began connecting elsewhere, as you do. We share similar tastes in patterns and fabric. We exchange recipes. I think of her and chuckle anytime I hear someone say combination of hard and soft. I am regularly motivated by her creations and tutorials, and lately she’s had me crushing hard on chambray. So I already knew that I was being inspired by her when I bought this fabric, but I didn’t realize quite how much until I started adding it all up.
I am what I like to call “selectively frugal.” I will literally piece together small remnants of batting to make a pot holder. If there’s a foot of thread left on a bobbin spool, I’ll thread a hand sewing needle with it for the next time I need to baste or something. But then, when I buy fabric, I usually get ¼ to ½ yard more than I think I need, or I just get like 2-3 yards if I’m not sure what it will be for. So, I’m not typically very careful about stuff like cutting layouts, and I end up with lots of big scraps here, extra half-yards there. I’ve been trying to challenge myself a little in this area, so when I found this chambray (50% off at Hancock’s), I purchased 1¾ yards, from which I knew I could easily make a Scout. (I know it’s not a huge leap, but hey, at least I didn’t round up!)
Instead of just throwing down my pattern pieces* any old way, I decided to try to channel Lisa’s impressive fabric cutting layout skills to use as little fabric as I could. (Seriously, the woman could probably cut a circle skirt from a fat quarter.) Fortunately, since there was no print or directional issue to contend with, I was able to be really efficient. I got crazy and even had a little of the white selvage in one of my seam allowances. ;)
The only changes I made from my basic Scout pattern were to 1) add the Tiny Pocket, and 2) lengthen the sleeves by 1″. Just to see how I liked it. (I love the pocket, but I think I like the shorter sleeves slightly better.) I also used contrasting topstitching ’cause I lu-HUV contrast topstitching.
So, I had a scant ½ yard plus some partial-width scraps left. Typically, I’d throw this in my give-away-at-the-next-swap bag or into my small-yardage scrap stack (where it would languish indefinitely). But I really liked this fabric, and I was feeling particularly industrious, so I decided to see if I could pre-stashbust… by just never stashing it. Now, Lisa’s been stashbusting lately by making awesome stuff for her little ones. I don’t have little ones (and somehow I don’t think I could persuade Elphie to play dress-up). BUT! I do have a pattern that I’ve made and loved that uses a small amount of woven fabric…
I’ve been meaning to return to Butterick 5356 for a while. I really love my other version of it, and I’ve nearly worn it out. The yoke of this pattern doesn’t require a lot of fabric, but strictly speaking, I needed more than I had left. What Would the Mad Housewife Do? Center back seam added. Sleeves shortened. More selvage in the seam allowances. It was touch and go for a while there, but I pulled it off in the end. (And still, all pieces may or may not be perfectly on-grain.)
So, I have two new tops that I love, and I adore that the process was inspired in so many ways by my friend. Thanks, Lisa! :)
* This is another story for another time, but I’ve gone so long between Scouts because I. Lost. My. Tweaked. Pattern. Had to recreate it, which was harder than it should have been. More on that later.
Both styles look great and I definitely need to take your advice and find some good uses for my smaller yardage!
Patterns that make the most of scraps are worth their weight in gold! Thanks, Jeri. :)
I am wondering if you are putting the red and white chambray in the washer and the dryer. Does it need to be ironed? Thank you. Barbara
Yes, I definitely machine washed and dried both of these tops, but I also did so before making them to take care of the shrinkage. And yes, this chambray was a wrinkler! Ironing a must.
I’m incredibly happy to have found your blog! My creative juices are flowing again…thanks for the push.
Thanks Debbie! I’m happy that you found it inspiring. :)
i love every little bit of your post! when i decided to hit “publish” for the first time, the idea that i might make new friends never ever entered my mind. you are the sweetest! :)
love the chambray scout, and i extra love that you got part of a second top out of it! funny, i used almost identical fabric for the hawthorn i just made. now i’m channeling you channeling me…
Tooooo funny about that fabric, it is so similar! Here’s to the ebb and flow of the inspiration cycle… :D
Those are both LOVELY! Great work, sis!
Thanks, J-B! Expect to see lots of that second one soon, it travels well… :)
These are two great tops! I love the contrast of the solid and print in the Butterick top. My daughter and I just went through your Flickr pics to find more of Elphie. She’s sooo cute. We have a Corgi with ears that are very similar. I realized looking through your pics that I have the same IKEA fabric waiting to be made into a Hummingbird skirt. I may have to borrow your idea of an exposed zip.
Oooh, Elphie gets so excited to get comments about her (and she says thankyouverymuch). ;) Corgis are so adorable too. And yes, you should — that fabric is so perfect for an exposed-zip Hbird! :D
OK, I think you are the straw that broke the scout T’s back for me. I think I need it. What a bad influence you are. :-)
You say that now, but once you have that nifty little pattern perfected just-for-you, you might just thank me… Pretty sure I’ll be making versions of it for the rest of my life. :D
These are both lovely tops! That chambray is great! Fabulous job using up all of it!
Thanks Emily! I felt quite chuffed… ;)
It’s such a clever and pretty way to use up that lovely fabric. And you got 2 pretty tops to wear! Love it!
Thanks, Erin! Both of these patterns are ones that I can’t ever seem to have enough makes from…
Gorgeous! Both of them. And look…no harlequin effect ;-)
HA! Yes, although I didn’t hate that bias chambray as much as you did… ;) Thanks, Evie!
Both these tops are awesome! (And of course I love the shoes you’re wearing with the Scout too – so perfect for that top!)
I’m “selectively frugal” too – in the exact same ways, LOL! And I too am constantly inspired by Lisa! And I think “What Would the Mad HouseWife Do?” (wwtmhd?) totally needs to be a thing.
Oh, yes the shoes! A birthday present from Miss Lulu, aren’t they fab?? WWTMHD…officially now a thing! ;D Thanks Gail!
You definitely made the most of that yardage! I just keep saving my small pieces and scraps with hopes that I will find something to do with them!
That’s what I usually do too! You know, I think I had it in the back of my mind that I couldn’t *actively* have two garments made from the same fabric. Well, bollocks to that… I love that none of the fabric ended up in the scrap stash pile. :)
Great fabric and tops Susan. You have done a spectacular job squeezing out that second top. Excellent.
Thanks BeaJay! It’s good to have a few tricks up the sleeve… ;)
I like both the tops, especially the floral print fabric! If I am running out of fabric I use the selvage as the seam allowance too. I find it hard to relinquish scraps too. I always think but this would be great for doll clothes… when I don’t know any girls young enough to make them for.. oops!
Thanks Zoe! I can’t see myself getting into making doll clothes, but if you do let me know, I’ll send you my itty bitty stuff! :D
Awesome! Those are fantastic tops and so glad you got to use all your fabric for it! Seriously cute shoes, too! :)
Thanks Angela! Yes, I’m pretty proud of myself, ha! And Miss Lulu definitely knows me well… Those shoes were the perfect gift. ;)
Hi Susan,
Ginger from the Hummingbird sew a long here.
Love your Scout top, I should check that out. Your Hancock’s has way better fabric than mine. :-)
You know, it’s hit and miss! I have a friend who regularly finds silk charmeuse in the value section but that’s never happened to me… :) Nice to see you, Ginger!
CUte as can be!! The scout is really nice with the tiny pocket and I love the second top with the cool florals.
Mine certainly wasn’t the first Scout to borrow the tiny pocket, but it’s a great little touch that I’m sure to use again… Thank you Mary :)
Wow! Impressive pattern cutting skills there. I’m so bad about cutting frugally (does that make sense?). Pretty darn inspiring.
Thanks Mela! Totally makes sense… I’m trying to do a little better but it doesn’t come naturally to me, either!
for a moment you had me worried, i have slow internet so as it was loading i saw only the title, and i thought you were actually angry – but on the contraire, you’re happy as usual! WHEW! :) lovely lovely scout!
Thanks, Cathy! I’m a little mad yes, but not usually angry… ;D
I love that you conserve fabrics by manipulating the cutting layout. It is something I’ve never even thought about!
Thanks, Nothy! I probably wouldn’t have thought of it either, without getting ideas from those much smarter than I am… :D
Love both your tops..But the one made from left over fabrics is my favorite. So cute..Looks so good on you.Happy sewing.
Thank you Judy :) I have to say that one has gotten a *lot* more wear because it requires little-to-no ironing!
Both look very nice, they fit you well!
This cloth doesn’t stretch, does he? is it comfortable enough around the chest and shoulders?
Oy, this is a way late response, I’m sorry! No, the chambray didn’t have any stretch. Both patterns were designed for wovens so it wasn’t an issue. :)