🕊 Merryweather Knitting Podcast Ep. 45 - Handmade Wardrobe Dreams ✨

[@mynorthknitcorner]

So lovely to see you again, Gabriella 🥰 I get so Inspired by your sewing adventure😃 I am knitting on summerknits now as we are going in to spring here in Norway. Really looking forward to some warmer weather☀️ Hope you are doing well and are having a good week with your loved ones💖 Love from Anne

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

Thank you so much, radiant Anne!! 🥰 Isn't this season of shift so miraculous! The longer days, the slowly warming sun 💖 I hope that every stitch on your summer knits is an absolute joy this week. Sending lots of love your way! 🥰

[@helenedumoulin9092]

Hi Gabriella! I am also sewing more … I always finish the edges with my serger or French seam the edges, my preferred way! To make French seam you first seam your pieces wrong sides together and then press the seam closed not open and then sew again but this time right sides together ! This encloses the edge .. it looks great and all the designer clothes are made this way to hide the seam. Hope the explanation is clear ! From one seamstress to another, good luck !

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

This is a brilliant explanation and must leave the garment with a gorgeous edge. I am going to have to give it a go in a future project, thank you so much Hélène!! 💖

[@FibreBound]

Lovely to see you again Gabriella! 💗

[@WellLovedKnits]

I am with you on the sewing mojo!! I’m gravitating towards my machine more than ever right now. I am SO jealous about that fabric steal - it’s the perfect choice for that pattern! Going to be so lovely. My fabric store doesn’t believe in sales apparently and I try not to order online because I need to see and feel the fabric to make sure it’ll work out, ya know? Good luck with this next dress!! Also re the purple dress: you could try to leave the excess fabric in tact instead of cutting so that later you can just seam rip it back to the original. Velvet may be a bit thick, but worth a shot? Idk from one beginner to another 😂

[@helgav.3498]

Hello Gabriella, thank you for sharing your lovely projects! Summer is arriving soon in Germany. 😁☀️ Here ist my tipp for your sewing project: Woven fabrics do not stretch vertical or horizontal, but they always strech diagonal. That is the reason why your seam streches so much. Do not pull the fabric while sewing, just let the machine transport the fabric while ist is laying flat an not streched. Do not strech the seams with your iron. I hope this tipp helps you, happy making!. 😉 Greetings and best wishes for you! ☀️ Helga

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

Yes!! Isn't this fresh sunshine such a wonderful feeling? 🥰 Thank you SO very much for your words on the sewing projects and my problem with the wavy edges. Here is hoping my next project is just a bit better than the last! 🥰 Wishing you a wonderful week full of happy making, dear Helga 💖

[@KnittingWithCatHair]

So lovely catching up with you Gabriella 🥰 That Eucalyptus colour is so stunning and will make the cutest baby cardigan 😍

[@kelknits]

Thanks for another lovely podcast. You're sewing look fantastic! I haven't sewed before but I'd love to give it a try some time.

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

Thank you so very much!! Sewing seemed so intimidating, but is definitely a blast and I highly recommend giving it a go if the inspirations strikes 🥰

[@amandab.3954]

Your sewing plans are so inspiring!! I've been thinking about starting but have been scared. I should pull out the machine! Loved this episode as always

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

It is so intimidating at the beginning, but so much more doable and rewarding than I imagined. Jumping in and having grace with your first projects is a recipe for so much fun ❤️🥰

[@alexandrah535]

I am endlessly captivated by that “Victorian” color! When you were talking about it as an autumn/winter color, it reminded me of those antique velvet ribbons that used to be rich, deep colors and are sun-bleached a little? So romantic! And I’m totally with you on dressing up loungewear!

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

Oh those ribbons!! What a dream 🥰 The though reminds me of all of my favourite childhood novels!

[@katrinaknits08]

Hi Gabriella, the wrap top is so pretty and will be so perfect after having the baby! I love the fabric for your next sewing project. What is it? The colour is gorgeous!

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

Thank you so much!! 🥰 The fabric is a cotton/linen blend in a "khaki" colorway. It really is so lovey, and so much fun to sew up! 💖

[@thecharmedskein]

I was just looking through my favorites on Ravelry and found a pattern that made me think of you! It's called "Argent" by Louisa Harding, and it's a beautiful lace-trimmed cardigan that feels very ballet inspired

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

Oh what a gorgeous pattern, and the hugest honour to know you thought of me with it!! I have added I to my favourites, and I even have some lace weight yarn in my stash that I haven't been sure about what to do with- this may be my perfect project! Thank you so much 🥰💕

[@alexandrah535]

Re: wavy effect on zig-zag finished edges! It could be that you’re pulling on the fabric as it goes through, the tension could be off (too much tension on top or bottom), or it could be too heavy/light of thread for the fabric! It might iron out though. ☺️ The main reason I can think of why you’d finish seams afterwards rather than before sewing is that I usually trim down seams to half-sized, then finish them together after ironing. You’d have bulkier seams if you kept the whole seam allowance, but that’s not the end of the world!

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

Thank you SO much for those thoughts on the wavy effect- I'll have to experiment a little, but I think the tension issue (or my pulling) is probably likely. I hadn't even thought about trimming the seams down, but I can imagine that little detail makes a difference with the bulkiness. I'm still very much a beginner but this is so helpful... I'm definitely going to need to do some experimentation in that direction too 🥰

[@heatherr9201]

You want to stay stitch those angled, on the bias pieces before you zig zag or serge the edges… that’s why it’s wavy, you can also buy a light weight fusible /iron on webbing or interfacing to instead of stay stitching if you prefer and it will keep it from stretching out and make for a nicer finish and wear well longer

[@MerryweatherKnitting]

Thank you so much!! This is so helpful- I am definitely going to do this on my next project. It makes so much sense, but for some reason I was totally perplexed at this problem! 💖

[@lisab.3116]

Love that "victorian" colorway. So pretty. Will knit up so lovely no matter what is made.

[@opheliabells]

also, I think that capsule wardrobes are about using high-quality fiber/fabric so your pieces last years. I'm focusing on knit tops for now, in neutral colors that would be used as layering pieces like camisoles and even bodysuits using natural fibers. And it definitely seems feasible that you could create yourself some really cute/simple dresses for spring and summer. There are so many tutorials up on youtube and suggestions-look up 15 free dress patterns for summer by Alexandra Burnett for just a start.... also right now i'm watching My Top 10 Patterns for Linen | With Tips to Sew Linen and My Favorite Places to Buy It! Tomkat stitchery and see a few wrapped dresses like the Elodie.

[@kellymontgomery4233]

Hi Gabriella. I have a question on your project bag. I forgot the name of the maker. Thank you. Enjoy a great week of knitting.