Hi Guys! I recently embarked on a journey I’ve been wanting to take for a very long time. What is that? I’m talking about sewing with plaids. Over the years I’ve gotten bold enough to purchase a few yards of different plaid prints, but never got the nerve to actually cut them. Well, I stopped being scared and embarked on my plaid sewing journey on not one, but two plaid projects at the same time. I won’t lie, I was so scare, but I did lots of research and got it done and I’m so proud of myself.
Simplicity 9186
The 1st projects I started working on was Simplicity Sewing Pattern S9186 Misses’ Coat & Jacket By Mimi G Style. This pattern was selected as the November Sewyourview pattern. I was the October guest host and I wanted to join this month. You can see my posts from last month’s Sewyourview projects HERE and HERE.
I purchased this Sportswear Quilted Knit Fabric White & Black fabric from Joann sometime last year with no clear idea of what I was going to use it for. Initially, I thought I would make a vest because I live in South Florida and it doesn’t really get too cold. I did change my mind when I saw that this was the pattern selected for this November Sewyourview pattern. The pattern has two views which is the jacket and coat views. I decided to make view B which is the jacket length. Based on my body measurements (Bust 38, Waist 36, Hips 42) I cut a size 14 and I thought it fit perfectly. To give the black and white fabric some interest, I paired it some red rib knit fabric I purchased at my local fabric store.
I would have to say this pattern is for an intermediate sewist. The amazing part of this pattern is that Mimi G made a sew along to go with it! I honestly feel this video saved my life. I didn’t read the pattern instructions this time around at all and just followed the video to the letter. You can find the video HERE. I honestly feel I would have totally gotten turned around sewing the collar section.
Pussy Bow Blouse
Back in October, I was sent some yummy fabrics from LA Finch Fabrics to make something amazing with. I talk about the fabrics I received in my Fall/Winter Sewing Plans post found HERE. This fabric is Designer Deadstock Graham Plaid Red Cotton Shirting Woven and you can order some HERE. After looking through my fabric stash I decided to make McCall’s M7601 view A. Based on my body measurements I cut a size 16. The only modification I made to this pattern was sew up the front opening up higher. Other then that, I sewed it according to the pattern instructions and it only took a few hours to make. My favorite part of this top is the bow! It’s so big and I’ve always wanted to make a pussy bow blouse. I love the red plaid and I think it’s perfect for the holidays.
Tips for Matching Plaids
Before I cut into either of these two fabrics I did some research on how to cut into plaid fabric. I didn’t want to mess it up and this is the reason why I’ve never made anything with plaid fabric. I am not a professional by any means, but I do have some tips. Also, there are many ways to skin and cat and there is always more then one way to do something. Having said that, here is what I did to cut my fabrics. What I did was open the fabric right side up and I cut each pattern piece separately. Use the grain line indicator on the pattern piece to help you line up at the same place when you cut out your other pattern piece. So, I cut out the back piece. Then I used that cut piece to know where to cut the front bodice. I used the armhole as an indicator on where to cut. I basically followed the same method to cut out my pussy bow blouse.
Mixing Plaids
I did another 1st guys. I mixed my plaids! I have NEVER mixed prints before. I have always wanted to but have always been afraid that I would look ridiculous doing so. I got over my fear and it just so happened that I was making these projects and I decided to style them together. I think I love the inside of my coat just as much as love the outside. As you can see, I used red thread to sew up the coat and used a different red plaid for my pockets. I might have had too much fun making my coat.
I really had so much fun making my coat and blouse and I cound’t wait to share it with you all. I hope you enjoyed these pieces as much as I do. If you have ever made anything in plaid, I would love to hear any tips you might have. If you’ve never sewing with plaids, I say take a sewing risk and just do it!
Until next time,
Johanna
