Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Simplicity 2591 & Pattern Weights


This evening I cut out another dress for Katie: Simplicity 2591. I never would have chosen this pattern from the envelope photos, but my sister-in-law sewed up this pattern for her daughter, and Katie just loved the dress so much that now I'm making it for her. It's not very obvious from the envelope or even the line drawings, but this dress has wonderful deep pockets. The front side panels are cut on the bias and form pockets in the skirt. What a great dress design!


When cutting out the dress, I tried out some of the new pattern weights I'm making for a group of ladies from the This-End-Up co-op. I had orders for 31 sets of weights, and I still have 5 more sets to finish up. The green weights seem to be the most popular; I never would have guessed. :)

Several readers have expressed interest in these pattern weights. The weights are simply metal washers wrapped with fabric. You can make your own, and smaller washers can be found in most hardware stores. It can be rather difficult, however, to find the large 4.5" washers that I use. You can use plain washers, but the fabric keeps them from clinking and from sliding around.

If you have ever used weights to hold down your patterns, you probably realize how much easier and less time-consuming it is than using pins to hold the pattern pieces in place. The only times I use pins anymore is around detail areas such as darts or pleats.

Okay, enough of the weights. I'll be back next time to report my progress on the dress. Katie is going out of town in a few days to visit a friend, and I'd like to have the dress finished so she can take it with her.

happy sewing,
Ruth



13 comments:

  1. My mother has a rheumatoid arthritis and still loves to sew. Your pattern weights would be perfect for her. Could you tell me how to purchase or make them? You have a cute blog which I enjoy reading.

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  2. I've been intrigued with that dress pattern for a few days-I think there was only one review at Pattern Review. I'm anxious to see how yours turns out-I think it would be a cute dress for my daughter.
    The pattern weights are a great idea and yours are so pretty. They would be a delight use.

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  3. Nan, You can use plain washers or cover them with fabric or ribbon. Or I sell the weights in my Etsy store. Link on the side of the blog.

    Rhonda, There are 2 reviews up now at PR. But if you do a google search you will find several blogs telling about the dress. I never would have chosen it except that I saw it on my niece and it was lovely. Stay posted---I'm working on the dress today.

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  4. was this dress easier than the one i made? i really want to make another one, but since mine didn't quite turn out like i thought it would, i'm not sure i want to try it again..

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  5. Oh I do love this dress pattern, the pockets are a great hidden design feature!
    The pattern weights are very pretty :-)

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  6. I can't visualize how you cut pattern pieces by using only weights. Do you use a rotary cutter for this? I'm eager to know as I hate the "pinning tissue paper" method.

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  7. I'd like to how you prepare the fabric for the washers - I see no raw edges nor bulk and I would so like to know. :-)

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  8. Rosaline, I use scissors to cut out my fabric. Many people do use a rotary cutter, and the weights work just as well for either.

    Thank you all for the comments regarding the weights. I don't want to tell all my secrets since I do sell these in my Etsy store. Just do a bit of googling, though, and you'll find it's not hard to make your own weights. The hardest part is finding the 4.5" wsahers--and I'm not telling my source on that one. :) (Smile)

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  9. Pattern weights! What a marvelous idea.

    Thanks for your comment on my blog about our aprons.

    www.homeschoolblogger.com/kristenph

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  10. Very pretty green dress! I like how you described all the alterations in detail. However, it must be disappointing to have the pattern require so much work. I have found the same to be true of many patterns I've used in the last few years, whereas when I was younger, it was never an issue. Do you think patterns have changed?

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  11. Pattern weights! I have never heard of them before. What a marvellous idea. And the dresses are beautiful, and they suit those adorable young ladies perfectlye.

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  12. Those are great pattern weights! You did them so beautifully! I made some 2.5" ones over the weekend but I couldn't figure out how to use fabric so I used ribbon and they didn't turn out as nice. I want to make some 4.5" ones but the cheapest ones I can find are on Grainger.com and they are $17.57 for 8 of them. Does anyone know where I can find cheaper ones? I am not looking to make and sell, just use for personal use. I couldn't figure out how to tuck and glue the ends either. I'm just not that creative. LOL -Katherine

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  13. Love this! But I'm sure my farmer of a husband can find me some large washers! Now how to end them is the next mystery!

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