Vacation Sewing. Do you do it?

Summer is here! It's hot and I'm loving it. Well, until I get sick of the heat. Then, I'll cry for cooler weather. I'm as bad as the kids I tell ya. 

Ventura, Ca

But, for now, I'm enjoying the warm days and cool evenings. We like to sit outside at night counting stars and the occasional airplane. 

Also, summer is a time for vacations. Whether you take the whole family or just a solo weekend away.

Yellowstone. We camped for a week and it was gorgeous.

My question for you is, do you sew for vacation? 

Vacation is perceived differently by everyone. For me, its anywhere that isn't home. Head up to the mountains and camping in a tent. A week long trip at a nice resort. A quick weekend getaway. Those are all perfect vacations. 

Things I've made for vacations in the past:

1. Travel bags for your clothing. Make sure you use a good-quality zipper.

2. Simple tops such as the Charms Pattern Rita Blouse by Gertie.

3. Maxi skirts are a must. Comfortable clothing is great when you're away from home. Knit fabrics work best for maxi skirts.

4. Hair scarf or headband. Make a few. They’re great for camping too, think dirty hair.

5. Toiletry bags like the one pictured above. Make one for yourself and your family members.

6. Make an eye mask. These are really easy. If you have problems sleeping anywhere but at home, this is an ideal make.

7. A fun pillowcase! Do you always take your own pillow with you when you travel? Make a fun pillowcase for it to use only while you travel. Satin fabric ones get extra points.

8. Straw bag. Do you love your stainless steel straws? Sew a quick and easy rectangle snap pouch for them.

9. A vacation purse like the one above. If you hand embroider or have an embroidery machine, make a fun quote for it. Tell everyone you're on vacation. You deserve to be there!

10. Infinity scarves are a great travel item. You can wrap it around your arms when you get chilly. Use it as an extra layer during cold weather. They take 2 yards of fabric and you get 2 scarves out of the fabric. Make one for a friend and yourself.

11. Skirts! These are my favorite vacation staple for warmer weather. They even work in cooler weather, just add tights.

If you don't have time to sew up something new, you can pack something from your arsenal that you've made in the past. It's always fun meeting a fellow sewist while out in the world. I can usually spot a handmade bag or clothing item and it sparks a fun conversation.

If you make anything for traveling, I want to know. Leave me a comment below and tell me what you make or plan to make for your vacation. If you don't make anything ever, tell me why. 

Happy stitching and happier vacationing!

Annette

Simplicity 8243 Pants

Hope the weather is treating you well. In southern California, we've been lucky enough to enjoy warmer days and cooler evenings lately. As I type this, I'm listening to the birds sing and the leaves flutter on my Mulberry tree. The 3 tier pond in my backyard is bubbling away. This is what heaven sounds like to me-peaceful and serene. I live in southern California, but am not in Los Angeles. I'm far from it, actually. We live on a quiet little dirt road. I don't hear cars drive by. No basketballs are bouncing in a nearby driveway. I do however hear the occasional dirt bike ride up and down the hills.

I love where I live. I'm feeling extra thankful today for the beautiful things and landscape that surround me. I am also thankful you’re here and reading this.

Without further ado, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and let me walk you through Simplicity's pants pattern 8243 a.k.a. my favorite pair of pants. 

photo by Erica Lancaster

This pattern was easy to cut. Easy to sew. I had zero fit issues as well. How often does that happen, you ask? Um... never! But, a tiny disclaimer, I don’t have hips or a booty. So, pants are easy to sew, for me. Tops are a whole other story though.

I bought the pattern on sale a few years ago, and it's been in my stash along with this fabulous tweed fabric. I made this pair of pants at the end of winter but, was able to squeeze a few wears out of them before summer hit. I live in the high desert, and our weather can be finicky.

These pants are wide-legged and high-waisted. They are perfect for any 1940's fashion-loving gal. The pattern Simplicity 8243 has a shirt pattern I have not tried yet. 

I did not prewash the fabric first because tweed is made with wool fibers. I planned on dry-cleaning these after a few wears. One thing I did not think about before I made them was the fact that they are made with tweed which can be itchy. The fibers don't bother me at all, luckily. Although next time I sew with tweed, I'll make a lining. Eeep!!

This post isn't a step-by-step tutorial, but more of a simple guideline. I didn't take photos every step of the way, but hopefully, there are enough photos to inspire you to make a pair.

Gather your sewing tools and let's get started.

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Cut out the pattern pieces according to your measurements. For pants, I always stick with the waist measurement. I don't have hips, so that's not an issue.

I stabilize anything that will need interfacing at this point as well.

Sew the darts on both front and back pieces. 

Sew your stay stitching along the top. 

Now, apply your invisible zipper. This always feels wonky to me. I use my chalk pen to mark the zipper tape. When I sew the other side, I match my markings and I get a seamless invisible zip every. Single. Time. #sewinghack

Invisible zipper set up

Mark your zipper tape with chalk

Pins will be your best friend with all zippers. I pull mine out at the last minute. It also helps to line the zipper up with the edge of the fabric.

Your invisible zipper shouldn't show at all. If it does show, take a sip of tea, eat a cookie, rip it out, and try it again. Pay no attention to my stay stitching that is uneven. LOL

Once your zipper is in, it's time to sew up the crotch seam. You're going to sew the inseam area first. Again, pins are your friend here.

After you sew up the front and back inseam, trim your seam allowances. I used pinky shears for this pair. They have a nostalgic feel, so I didn't serge them. I also trimmed the crotch seam to create less bulk.

The pattern has you sew the outer seams and pockets in one swoop. I started following the instructions but then went rogue. I like to clip the inside corner of my pockets to allow them to move freely inside the pant leg. 

Time for pockets. Follow the pattern instructions, or, if you have your own way of doing pockets, choose that route. I did my own method. The instructions were a bit confusing for me.

After the side seams are sewn up, it's time for the waistband. We're almost done! Woohoo!!

Attach your waistband and then fold the seam allowance under. I used clips because tweed doesn't really hold a crisp edge.

I marked with chalk where I needed to fold over the waistband seam. Attach the waistband to enclose the raw edge.

Try the pants on and mark where you want your hem to be. I had my husband help with this part. My worst fear is having uneven hemmed pant legs. Ahhh, the horror!!

Give it a once-over press, and then apply the hook and eye. I cut the waistband a tad short but was still able to finagle it. The hook and eye worked beautifully. I hand-sewed that portion while I sat in the car waiting for after-school pickup. 

I wanted to wear these pants to a birthday party that same night. It was a cold night and the wool tweed kept my legs warm.

Oh, the sewing life. Am I right?

Overall, the pattern was easy to make. The tweed I chose has multicolored fibers. They are brown or green depending on the light. So, I did find it difficult to find a matching top. I love the fit and love how easy they were to make. I can’t wait to make a few more pairs.

Have you made these pants? Is the pattern in your stash or on your list to purchase? I definitely recommend sewing these for a quick project. I see more pairs of these in my future.

Photos of me are by Erica Lancaster

Thanks for hanging out and following along. Leave a comment below if you love these. Sign up for my newsletter to stay updated on my posts as well. 

Hugs,

Annette