Jaimesyn Sew Along – Day 1

Welcome to day one of the woven Jaimesyn sew-along. I hope quarantine has given you plenty of time for new sewing projects. For day one we will decide on pattern options, print our pattern pieces, select our fabric, and cut our fabric pieces. Let’s get started.

Pattern Options

If you are new to Jaimesyn then I’m sure you will be surprised by all the options packed into this pattern. First, let’s look at the bodice. You can create a plain front, ruffled, or double ruffled bodice. If you are short on time, the plain bodice is a great choice. There are also two options for the back bodice: full back or v-back. I love the dramatic statement of the v-back. Now you need to decide on sleeve length. You can choose to sew sleevless, short, 3/4, or long sleeves. With our spring weather I opted to sew the sleeveless version.

Now, let’s take a look at the skirt options. First decide on the length of your skirt. Will you be making tunic or dress length? Besides deciding on skirt length, there are also options for adding pockets and a gorgeous pleated hemline. There were several questions regarding pockets during the last sew-along. Therefore, I will be dedicating one day of the sew-along to adding pockets. I will also have a video showing how to add the pleated Jaimesyn pockets. Hopefully this will help with any future pocket projects you do. Designer tip: the pleated hemline is a great way to incorporate lace detail into your project.

Pattern Pieces

Did you know that the pattern has a handy chart on page 5 with page numbers you can print for specific design elements? For example, if you just want to print the front bodice, simply print page 21! The pattern also comes with layers so you can select only the size you need to print. If you are unsure how to use the layers options, check out this blog post from Gail here.

SLPco has also started offering projector files and Jaimesyn now includes this option. If you need help getting started with using projector files you can check out this informative blog post.

Fabric

You will notice on page 3 of the pattern there are fabric recommendations for Jaimesyn. For this sew along we are focusing on the woven version. You can use woven cotton, chambray, linen, or voile.

For this sew-along I am using fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics Dollhouse collection. Art Gallery Fabrics are printed on 100% premium cotton poplin fabrics. The colors stay true during wash and so incredibly soft. With a high thread count and tight weave, these fabrics do not fray easily and can withstand daily wear from my three year old. I highly encourage you to give them a try. I promise, once you sew with AGF fabrics, you won’t want to sew with anything else!

Regardless of the fabric you choose, please be sure to wash it beforehand. Fabric has a tendency to shrink during the first wash and can alter the fit of your final garment. I like to prewash my fabrics with free and clear detergent in cold water to prevent any possible color bleeding.

Day 1 Progress

To finish day one, we will cut out our fabric pieces. Make sure to take a picture of your cut fabric pieces and upload them into the Jaimesyn Sew-Along album in the SLPco Facebook Fan group. At the end of the sew-along I will choose a daily winner from the participants that upload their daily progress photos. This is an easy and fun way to earn free shop credit! I’ll see you back here tomorrow when we assemble our bodice.

Happy sewing,

Chauncey