Jalie Sew-A-Long Day 1

Are you guys ready for the first day of our sew-a-long? Like always, if you have any questions, leave them in the comments section of this post and I will try to answer them in tomorrow's post. If this is the first you're hearing about this sew-a-long and are wondering about the details, see THIS post.

Today we are going to measure, trace and cut. Probably to many of you this seems pretty self explanatory. I don't want to leave any beginners hanging, wondering what to do. So, let's start with the basics.

Measuring

Jalie gives a great diagram on the pattern showing the three measurements you should take. You can then match them to the sizing on the envelope to choose your appropriate size. Now, if your measurements don't match a size exactly you will want to size up to the next closest size (of course if you are semi experienced with patterns you can cut between sizes but for those of you that are beginners sizing up to the next closest size is the easiest option).

It is very important for you to measure yourself! Don't just choose the size you think you wear in store bought clothing. Although Jalie I feel is pretty true to size, many pattern sizes do not reflect accurately the sizes found in stores. By taking the risk of not measuring you are putting yourself at risk of spending your precious time making something that will wind up too big or too small.
Try to not to get hung up on the number on the pattern and focus on the fact that you will have a well fitting pullover. We all wish we were a size 4, but what is the point in having a size 4 top if you'll fit a size 10?

Once you have figured out your size you can look at the top of the size chart for a coordinating letter. That letter is the letter you will want to trace on your pattern.

Tracing

The reason you want to trace your patterns is so that you can use them over and over in a multitude of sizes. If you cut into it you will most likely be stuck only able to make that size.
Now, those of you that sew on a regular basis I'm sure have your own way of tracing. Pattern Ease paper is very popular and like brands can be bought in your local fabric shops. Paper specifically made for tracing patterns. Easy to see through and easy to use.
I never, or rarely ever, use pattern paper. The reason is, it is expensive for me to buy here. Or at least more expensive than what I use....

See that photo above? I know, pretty horrible photo, but it is my pattern taped to my sliding glass door. It gives me more than enough light to be able to just trace my pattern onto regular easel paper. You know the stuff you buy your kids on rolls? Whenever any of my friends are going to the city, and to Ikea specifically, I get them to pick me up several rolls (it seems to be the cheapest place). They last me a long time and are really cost effective. I cut out my pattern pieces and store them in large ziplock bags. 

 Here are my pattern pieces. You should have a trace of pattern piece A, B, AB, C and then either D (collar version), or E (hood version). You will see the hood on my tracing but I will be completing the sew-a-long with the collar version (I accidentally cut through my fabric with my rotary cutter thus not giving me enough fabric for the hood).

Cutting 

 Piece AB is needed to make up the back as well as the front of your pullover. To cut the front, piece together piece A with AB as shown (remember to cut on the fold with your stretch going width wise).

 And here we are with piece AB paired up with piece B to make up the back (again cut on the fold with stretch going width wise). The pattern advises you to tape the pieces together but I didn't.

 When you're finished cutting this is what you should have.

1. 1 Back Piece
2. 1 Front Piece
3. 4 collar pieces
4. 2 Sleeve Pieces (also cut on the fold) 

We'll stop here because I realized at this point that I didn't have any dark thread. :) See you tomorrow when we'll get sewing!