Using Double Faced Knit Fabric and Self-Fabric Trim to Finish Edges

As I sew, I like to try new fabrics that come out on the market, and new sewing techniques. I guess you could say that is my style.
 The double faced jersey knit that I used in this outfit for the

 Project Run and Play Sew Along Challenge 

was so easy to work with. It was soft, stretchy, and forgiving.

 Double faced jerseys can have the same face on each side or     vary in pattern or color. Mine varied in pattern but featured the same color palette. 

My granddaughter has been asking for a top with a high-low hemline, and I knew that this fabric would be perfect.  When viewing the top from the front, the lower curved back panel on  the top is visible. So I needed a fabric that looks great both on the right side of the fabric as well as the back of the fabric.

 

 The fabric is soft and drapes well. "It's like wearing my pajamas!" said my granddaughter.

 I like trying new sewing techniques, and this outfit utilizes

 raw edge self-trim.

 I want my granddaughter to like the finished outfits that I make for her. Trying to keep up with pre-teen fashions is an important job for this grandmother. I visit stores like Justice, Forever 21, and internet stores that feature pre-teen fashions to see what girls my granddaughter's age are buying... then I incorporate those details into my designs. 

Same Look, Different Top

While in Target, I noticed an white sleeveless knit t-shirt top on the 80% off rack for $2.80. 

I started thinking about adding a cold-shoulder sleeve to the original shirt to create a different look to go with her new pants. 

 

 Here is how my idea turned out.

Again, I used the raw edge self-fabric trim to finish the sleeve top.


Smiles,
Deborah

Upholstering My Dining Room Chairs

Well I'm back from a 3 day upholstery class in Minnesota at the Blue Skies Gallery.

 I thought I would share the results with you.

 First, it was a lot harder than I thought it would be... I started with this cane back chair that I disliked. 

I worked for 2 days on my chair adding the fabric inserts and new support structure.

 On the 3rd day, I told my instructor that I really disliked my chair and I was going to tear it all apart.

 "So what can we do to make you happy with your chair?" he asked. 

Yeap, we cut off the top of that chair and added a nailer strip to the back of the chair so I could add fabric there too. 

 Here is my finished chair. Both the front and back of the chair are covered with my new taupe herringbone fabric. I'm one happy girl!!!!

 My six chairs are far from completion, but I'm on my way and plan to have it finished for Thanksgiving dinner with my family. 

Smiles,

Deborah