carrotflowers

Kayaki top #10 from Home Couture

Project Notes: I actually made this quite awhile ago, back in the summer, I think. This is the second time I’ve sewn this pattern - well third, I made a test version out of leftover curtain fabric. The test version is one of the first things I ever sewed, so I have a certain sentimental affection for this pattern. It’s also sweet and so simple and fast to make!

This pattern features raglan sleeves. The first time I made a wearable version, I consulted my go to person for sewing advice (whom I’ve sadly moved away from) and she taught me that I needed to match up the bottom end of the sleeve (the end near your armpit) and not worry that the top, by the shoulder, doesn’t match up. She also had me pin where the stitching would be, to then open it up and see if the seam appeared to line up correctly - a great tip. I have now mastered the raglan sleeve!

Mistakes/Complications: Well, I made the elastic a little too tight in the sleeves.

Notes for Next Time: Ummm…don’t make the elastic too tight?

Tags: Home Couture, Machiko Kayaki, raglan sleeve, top

Made: top from Home Couture

My Kayaki top - how I love you so. Here is the second item I sewed from Machiko Kayaki’s Home Couture. I love it to bits and might wear it every day if I could. It’s not perfect, but it’s mine, damn it! I got to use fabric I bought, after love at first sight, and some super nice buttons from The Parker Button Store (to be found on Pittsburgh’s Carson Street).

I’d like to mention that right before I made this, I had read, and was heavily influenced by, Claire Shaeffer’s Couture Sewing. An Amazon reviewer declared that they learned more from this book than from many of your average How To type manuals. I might make a short post about it soon, because I agree. Anyway, having just read it, I ended up doing a lot of hand basting on this project. I made this before the JJ ruffle blouse, by the way - I know I mentioned doing it there too, but I started with this top.

Project Notes: Like the other 2 Kayaki patterns I have sewn, this was really easy to make, and even without knowing Japanese, I’d think a moderately experienced garment sewer could follow the great diagrams in the book.

Mistakes/Complications:

Notes for Next Time:

Tags: Home Couture, Machiko Kayaki, top

Made: Kayaki Home Couture pattern #3

Ah, I sewed for the first time in 3 or 4 nights. I’ve been low on energy and distracted by playing mafia over at the SGU games forum. I finally finished my “practice” skirt, which turned out well enough to wear. There were some bumps in the road, and I definitely have a number of notes to type up for reference when I make my “real” version with the lovely apple corduroy. It will be interesting to compare the “practice” with the real as the fabric on the practice is heavier and thicker, and becomes the skirt style well. Whereas my apple corduroy is actually a pretty lightweight cord, and will give the skirt more drape and less form I think. I’m sure I’ll still love it though, the cord is sooo soft.

Actually, since I started this blog, I’ve made a couple more headbands, a purse from a free Ottobre pattern, a bag for my mom, and a Kayaki top or 2. I’ve got a lot to write up, it’s daunting enough that I’ve been stalling.

Tags: easy, Home Couture, Machiko Kayaki, skirt