May 2021 WIPs: Scrap quilt, Nikko top, and Super G tights
Welcome to WIP Roundup! Handicrafts are just as much about the process as the end result. The projects I work on can take anywhere from days to months to years before they are finished. In 2021, I’m writing a monthly series where I take a look at three WIPs (or small projects I've finished in the past month) and give a quick snapshot of how things are going.
For May 2021, I have yet another update on my improv scrap quilt, a remake of an old favorite, and a first attempt at a new-to-me pattern.
Quilting the improv scrap quilt
Let's revisit my old standby, the improv scrap quilt. The quilting has begun!
I went with 100% cotton Quilters Dream for the inside. This is the first time I've thread basted, and basting with cats was an adventure.
I decided to quilt with white sashiko thread. I love the matte look and thought it might be a nice neutral to go along with the muslin. I'm going to "improv" the quilting as well, starting with small circles.
Revisiting the Nikko top
The Nikko top was one of the first knit garments I sewed and is probably my most worn top pattern. I've been wanting to make another one, and it's interesting to compare my approach then and now.
Originally, I sewed a straight size 10. My bust-waist-hip is an 8-8-12, so I must have chosen a 10 to split the difference. I ended up taking out some width right below the armscye and straightening out the hip so it's less curved. This is one of the rare projects where I clearly documented my alterations on/with my pattern pieces!
This time, I decided to properly grade between sizes. 😉 I also added a 1/2" square shoulder adjustment and straightened out the hip as I graded. The hips are a little wide on the back bodice and I could use a tad more width on the back bodice at the bottom of my shoulder blades. Neither of these are critical. But the square shoulder adjustment fixed some folds I had at the back of the neck. I call it a successful update!
One of my favorite parts of sewing is adding little customizations you'd never see in RTW. I love using a coordinating fabric for the arm binding. This is a sherbet-y wool knit salvaged from a faux wrap top I never wear.
Super G tights
A super quick note on leggings -- I've been sewing a ton lately! I'm in need of some more comfortable workout clothes. And we have a company fitness challenge in June, which seems like a perfect opportunity to improve my athleisure wardrobe. Definitely need a more in-depth post on leggings soon.
I tried out the Super G tights, which is a new-to-me pattern from Greenstyle creations. I was drawn to the fact that they include waist-hip-thigh-calf measurements (so amazing! I wish more pattern companies did this) and have a large gusset that extends down to the calf. I'm all about pants without an inseam where my thighs rub.
My first attempt turned out pretty well! I chose my hip size, and graded one size down for the waist and one size up for the thigh. Had to tweak how/where I graded the crotch. For my V2 (pictured below), I added ~1/2" to the rise. I think I need to reduce some width in the gusset and maybe also scoop out the back crotch curve. I do like this patten and will continue to tweak it.
A quick note on this fabric from Blue Moon Fabrics: I cannot get over how bright it is! Also, it's printed white spandex, and the design doesn't fade when stretched. Stellar! However, I've noticed that it doesn't have super great recovery... but that's in line with other shiny/slippery spandex solids I've used. The leggings are still great, just less compressive than my V1, which is fine since my main activities are cycling and yoga.
