My sister will be happy, another garment has been (almost) finished in what I’m calling my Sister’s Sewing Projects.
This one isย a vintage pattern from 1978, Simplicity 8510. It must be a favourite of my sisterโs for her to keep it safe all this time. The fabric is a similar beige as in the pattern photo, linen-like, 70% polyester, 30% rayon.

It was an easy pattern. ย The most complicated parts, if you can say that, were the collar and the turned up sleeves.
When it comes to these types of collars/necklines, I prefer to not make a “pointy” slit, but a rounded one. ย I find it is easier to turn and press when it is rounded.

The sleeve tabs were easy to sew and top stitch with my 1/4″ foot. ย When I was sewing the tabs I put the not interfaced side down and the interfaced side up so my feed dogs would pull the loose fabric through more evenly. ย I love those straight lines!

I certainly appreciate all the fabric and sewing supplies I get from friends and family. ย If they ever come across someone getting rid of their “stash”, they make sure to snap it up for me. ย Look at all these buttons my sister found for me! ย She even took the time to string similar colours and sizes together! ย I am sure to find a couple of suitable buttons in here for my sister’s dress.

Ah, now here’s another helpful sewing machine foot – my button holer. ย It wasn’t until I got this machine that I had a button holer foot – I am quite appreciative of it! ย I have a habit of leaving the threads long and pulling them through to the wrong side to tie them off. ย It just feels more secure to me. ย I do the same when sewing on buttons too.


I am going to make the Sewaholic Nicola for myself next. ย I don’t want short sleeves or long ones and after doing these sleeves… well I like them and am going to do the same with my Nicola.
Like I said “It’s Done! ย Well almost…” ย I am going to wait for my sister to come visit before I do the waist line elastic – is she long waisted or short waisted? – and then afterwards it will be easier to hem up her dress to the correct length.
But here’s how it looks so far on Petunia… ย Notice the side pockets? I love side pockets.

It will definitely look better with waist line elastic and a blouson effect to the top of the dress. ย It will raise those pockets up to a proper height too. .

I am thinking of buying an “adjustable binding foot” next. ย What about you – which sewing machine foot do you wish you had?
Happy Sewing!

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