Sewing Plan: Butterick 5526 (B5526)

I'll be sharing my new sewing space soon! But suffice to say, the paint, new floors, and reorganization really sparked my desire to make. 

I wanted a straightforward project, but not a fast project. I wanted to spend some time in the process, and decided on a button front shirt. I knew I wanted a more casual top (not too fitted) that was fairly neutral and could mix and match readily with skirts and pants in my wardrobe. 

I also decided on short sleeves. I recently thrifted a blue & white striped cotton shirt with long sleeves and I just don't really wear long sleeves in summer - even rolled up!

I wear this chambray version of Burda 7136 ALL the time. I made it in 2016 and it has only gotten better with time. 

I was going to go for the TNT (I've made this pattern 5 or 6 times) but ultimately decided to branch out. I searched my stash and decided on the oldie but goodie, Butterick 5526. 

Imagine my surprise to find THREE copies of this pattern in my pattern drawers! Oy! I got back ups to my back up! Haha!

I opened the first one, and huzzah! the size 14 was already cut out. I chose a thin striped cotton shirting from the stash. There was no label on it, so I don't have a source for it, but it's been in the stash for a while.

I'll be using Fashion Sewing Supply's ProSheer Elegance Light interfacing (HERE) and shirt buttons from Wawak (HERE). I swear by FSS interfacing. It's pretty much all I've used for about 5-6 years. I remember one year snagging a deal on some interfacing from Fabric Mart at $1/yard and it was VERY comparable to FSS. Aside from that, I keep going back for more, even as the price has increased a bit. 

Her interfacing is 60" wide (vs Pellon which is 20") and is preshrunk. It performs fabulously. I usually keep the Light, Medium, Couture, and Tricot on hand, in white and black. 

As I edit this for posting, I have the collar, buttonholes, and buttons left to do. Looking forward to this addition and sharing a bit more about the process. 

Tap, Tap, Tap...Is this thing on?

Hey y'all!!

Apparently, it has been approximately 539 days since I last blogged. And let me tell you, a lot can happen in 539 days!

I think most that follow the blog follow me on IG, so probably not news but since my last post I've purchased a home (new sewing room to share! woohoo!!), got a divorce (joyfully!), and became a grandma again (for the 3rd time!).

While I've certainly sewn a few things, I have not been sewing like I'd like. I'm thinking my recent sewing room upgrades will change that, and I'm excited to reconnect with the sewing community without relying on IG. The algorithm continues to be an issue, the exclusive focus on Reels is an issue, and now, they've made hashtags useless. 

I've always excitedly shared new makes here, but I think I'm going to move to a different format, especially since I'm sewing less overall. I hope to share projects in 2-3 parts: 

• planning;
• fitting and/or construction; 
• construction and/or modeled photos

Planning: pattern choice, fabric choice, notions needed (and where to acquire them!)

Fitting: I have some standard changes that I make for various pattern brands that I sew regularly (Big4 patterns, Burda magazine, and Style Arc), but I will also share in these posts the resources used or similar resources available to determine fit changes that may be needed and how to do them. Depending on the garment, this post may include construction information (e.g., a simple knit dress or straight skirt may not have a lot of fitting details or construction steps).

Modeled photos: This post may include construction if it is a more complex garment, along with the modeled photos. I hope to share items after they have been integrated into my wardrobe so that I can talk about what works, what may not work, and/or what I might do differently on a future make (or if the pattern won't be revisited!).

I will forever state, vehemently, that I am not a teacher! But, as my sewing continues to improve, I'd like to be a resource for people who care about the overall craft and not just shiny finished goods and high-quality photos. I'm *considering* a YouTube channel, but I'm not sure yet if I can commit to that. 

I am also diving heavier into machine knitting. I can't be a resource on that topic yet...but will be sure to share as much info as I can in each project post for anyone who may be interested. 

I have dove head-first into DIY since buying my house! I've done so many projects and have started a bit of amateur woodworking, so you might see that too! (it's MY BLOG! haha!). 

Lastly, while I don't do much general crafting or Cricut crafting anymore, those posts will be here as well. I am no longer a Cricut ambassador. They dropped me after I gave an honest (but not negative!) review of the Cricut Joy. Booooooo.

For now, here is a picture that brings ME great joy...lounging in my new hammock in my backyard :-D