Thursday, March 26, 2009

CJ Patterns

I belong to a marvelous sewing club. Every month, 100-150 ladies turn out, and occasionally a man thrown in for good balance! We are all ages, shapes, sizes and opinions about everything. There are professionals, amateurs, business people, housewives, artists. We have a furrier, a few tailors and dressmakers. Those who are skilled are very generous of their knowledge to those who are budding dressmakers. No egos here--just a lot of people who get together and love sewing clothes.



Each month, three or four people are responsible for preparing the program. We've had programs about everything imaginable. Those giving the program study their topic for several weeks, make up samples and give hand-outs about the subject. Occasionally, we have a guest speaker. This month, we had ChristineJonson of CJPatterns. She had a terrific trunk showing of the garments made from her patterns. Her patterns are primarily for knits, although there's a few sized for wovens as well.



Christine's patterns have a lot of instruction, and a sizing chart to calculate size according to different stretch percentages in fabrics. She's a joy to listen to and we learn something every time she's with us.



I have a few of her patterns. Debbie made the "Shirred Top and Princess Wrap", and posted it on her blog recently. She made the "Princess Wrap" view of the pattern. Because I saw it on her site, I had to buy the pattern. This is a really cute top. I would bring the neckline in closer, and redraw the "v", to make it a bit higher. It's a very flattering top on all sizes.


I tried on Christine's "Inset Jacket" at the meeting. Hers was made from a black pique fabric. The pattern runs very large. The small fits me exactly as it should. It's a loose fitting jacket, with great style lines. I already had this pattern, and now that I know what size to make--it will be in the queue. The "Easy Coat" is a simple coat that is perfect for embellishing.


The meeting was inspiring, as always. Thank you, Christine.

14 Talk to me:

Julia said...

how much fun would a sewing club be!! That sounds like something I would love to belong to. I don't have the energy to start something up like that though!

Julia said...

Thanks for the "commercial". I will get on line this afternoon and check for a chapter near me. I've been meaning to check on a SAGA chapter as well.

Faye Lewis said...

Sounds like a really great meeting to me Gwen. Thank you for your comment on my pocket. I'm trudging along about to make my second practice one now.

Anonymous said...

So much fun, I'm looking forward to trying to make a meeting this summer with you!

Anonymous said...

Found your blog from After the dress. Your sewing club sounds fun! Good luck with your blog. I just read through all your posts. You've done gorgeous work.

Susan said...

What a great time! I would love to be part of something like that.

Faye Lewis said...

Hey Gwen, thanks for the pocket advice!

Jean said...

Thanks for sharing the information about your club and CJ patterns. Sounds like a fantastic gathering --- it is always fun to hang out with people who enjoy doing the same things you do. Love all of the CJ patterns you wrote about!

Marji said...

I've made that Princess Wrap top and love it. I'll be making it again too.
Thanks for the well wishes. What island are you on? CJ is in the Detroit area, but the only islands I can think of are Strawberry (no perm residents there, are there?), and Grosse Isle. Did you know that our boat is currently on a cradle at the yacht yard in Holland, and that we'll be sailing out of Holland this summer?

Lori said...

How fun does that sound, a sewing club with that many people. Thanks for sharing.

Ann Made Studio said...

A sewing group sounds like so much fun!
The wrap top looks like a great pattern.

Julia said...

Sometimes The Sew Beautiful mag. will have adult items that are smocked. they are beautiful. I haven't done any for myself because of the time, but I should. I really have fun with these details.

Mary Beth said...

Wow, great club to belong to! I've also made that CJ top 3 times and didn't need to raise the neckline. The fabric's amt of stretch is really the key to how it will fit tho. One rayon/lycra knit just grows too much, the sleeves are baggy while the same size in a knit with much less stretch produced a top with nice close cut.

Els said...

Thanks for visiting our blog.
It is great that you have a sewing community to show, tell and learn from.

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