From Storage to Spotlight – 52 Week Sewing Challenge 2026 – Week 2 – Part 2
Trials, Triumphs & a Stunning Finish
Welcome to Part 2 of my Week 2 challenge! Before we jump into the stitching mayhem, I should probably admit that this project got off to a fashionably late start. A round of weather‑related work operations swooped in and stole my sewing time, and by the time life settled down, we were already into February. Apparently my jumper wasn’t the only thing taking the scenic route this week! But once I finally made it back to my sewing room, I was more than ready to dive in.
In Part 1, I covered all the planning—rediscovering the micro suede, choosing the pattern, and preparing the toile. Now it’s time for the real adventure: sewing the jumper, unraveling fit mysteries, trying a new zipper technique, and eventually bringing this long‑stored fabric into the spotlight. If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, you may want to start there so you can follow the journey from the very beginning.
Let’s jump into the stitching, seam‑ripping, and surprising victories that made this project unforgettable.
What is the 52 Week Sewing Challenge?
Welcome to Down Home at Dee’s 52 Week Sewing Challenge 2026! This year-long adventure is all about rediscovering the joy of sewing—one week, one theme, one project at a time. Each week brings a fresh prompt designed to spark creativity, encourage progress, and help us tackle those “someday” projects. Whether you’re a seasoned quilter or just starting out, this challenge is your invitation to make sewing fun, intentional, and rewarding all year long.
Want all the details? Check out my post Sew Much Fun – The 52 Week Sewing Challenge 2026 for the full overview. And for January’s themes, tips, and inspiration, don’t miss 52 Week Sewing Challenge 2026 – January: Fresh Starts & Cozy Comfort.
When the Real Fun (and Chaos) Began
Fitting: The Plot Twist
I kicked things off by taking fresh measurements and filling out my Sewing Project Planner. According to the chart, I should be a size 6A with a size 8 at the waist. To keep things simple, I went ahead and cut a straight size 6 with the Cup A bodice, fully expected the waist to be snug, My plans was to use a 1/2″ seam allowance on the final version to give myself some wiggle room.
I like to highlight and jot down important pattern notes before I start a project or while I’m putting the toile together. It keeps me organized and saves me from all those “Wait… what did the instructions say again?” moments. Plus, I’ve learned that writing things down—especially things I’ll definitely forget—means smoother sewing later and fewer dramatic sighs at my sewing machine.
To test the fit, I grabbed an old thrift‑store sheet (because nothing says “high fashion” like a recycled bed linen) and stitched up a quick toile.
And… NOPE. Absolutely not. Not even close.
The Cup A bodice fit like a dream, but the rest of the size 6?
My body laughed, my dress form sighed dramatically, and I swear she would’ve walked out of the sewing room if she had legs.
This is my fourth Charm Patterns project, but it’s been long enough that I apparently forgot the sizing runs small. I really should pin a sticky note to my sewing board that just says: Charm Patterns = size up, girl!
Sewing Shenanigans Begin
At that point I had two options: sew another toile… or live dangerously.
I chose to live on the edge. I took a deep breath, channeled my inner daredevil, and cut the actual jumper in a size 10. My logic? A size 10 might come out a little big, but taking things in is way easier than trying to let out seams that don’t exist.
The bodice stitched up beautifully—the instructions were super clear, and every notch and seam lined up just the way it should.
As for the fit… I’m still not totally sure. It’s hard to judge anything before the skirt is attached and the zipper is in. My dress form is a little smaller than I am, so the bodice looking big on her doesn’t panic me too much. But the extra length in the back and that gaping under the arms? Yeah…those are definitely giving me “hmm, should I be concerned?” vibes.
And honestly, if everything doesn’t settle into place once I get it fully assembled, I’ll take a deep breath, rip the jumper apart, and redo the bodice from scratch.
Skirt Success (and One Little Oops!)
The skirt came together just as beautifully as the bodice—honestly, it was a breeze! It was so much easier to sew, and attaching it to the bodice was smooth sailing. The pattern instructions were super clear, but any time I hit a moment of “wait… what?”, Gertie had an amazing tutorial ready to save the day. It made the whole process feel fun and totally doable.
But even with the instructions and the video, I still had an “Oops!” moment. When I stitched the bodice to the skirt, I forgot to keep the bodice lining free and ended up sewing it right into the seam. So out came the seam ripper, and I had to undo the whole thing and start again. Honestly, at this point I’m convinced that taking seams out is just as much a part of sewing as putting them in!
Nervous Try‑On… and a Pleasant Surprise
When I finished the bodice and put it on my dress form, I’ll admit I was a little nervous that the jumper might turn out too big. But once I attached the skirt and tried it on, all those worries disappeared. I didn’t have the zipper in yet, but from what I could tell, the size 10 looked like it was going to be a great fit. I still couldn’t fully judge the back waist until I had the zipper in, but I felt pretty good about it. And honestly, if the waist ended up a little long, I wasn’t planning to stress over it—sometimes trying to “fix” something just makes things trickier than they need to be.
The pattern called for a lapped zipper, which was totally new territory for me. I’ve sewn in regular zippers and invisible ones plenty of times, but I honestly can’t remember ever doing a lapped zipper before. So it felt a little like stepping into uncharted sewing land! But that made it kind of exciting — a chance to learn something new and add another technique to my toolbox. I took my time, followed the steps carefully, and before I knew it, I mastered the process!
Final Fit Check: Wins & Tweaks
After I got the zipper in, I slipped the jumper on to check the fit, and I was so excited — it actually fit really well! Of course, I won’t know if it’s a perfect fit until the whole jumper is finished and I can try it on properly with a shirt underneath.
BUT, like with any good sewing project, a couple of small fit quirks popped up that I’ll tweak the next time I make this fabulous jumper:
- The seam under the arm has a little bit of a gap — almost like tiny “wings.” It’s not a big deal when wearing it as a jumper with a top underneath, but if I ever make this pattern as a sleeveless dress, it’ll definitely show.
- The bodice doesn’t sit right under the bust the way it’s designed to. I didn’t catch that when I tried on the toile.
After doing some research, it looks like the fix is pretty straightforward: I need to go up a cup size and down a base size. So instead of sewing a 10A bodice again, I’ll try an 8B/C next time. I’m pretty sure that adjustment will also help the band sit correctly under my bust.
One thing that made me ridiculously happy, though? The back waist landed exactly where it was supposed to — no horizontal wrinkles, no signs of extra length. That little win felt so good!
The Big Reveal!
Once I added those final little finishing touches, it was finally time for the big try‑on. I grabbed the top I planned to wear underneath, slipped the jumper over my head, and zipped it up before giving everything a quick smooth‑down. Then I took a deep breath, turned to the mirror… and oh my goodness — perfection. I love how this jumper turned out, and it feels even better than I imagined!
From Forgotten to Fabulous
This jumper had its own true “From Storage to Spotlight” moment. Fabric that had been tucked away for decades finally got its chance to shine, transforming from a quiet stash piece into the star of my sewing room. With every stitch, seam‑rip, and try‑on, it slowly evolved into something special.
Bonus Win: Making this jumper also counts toward the Pattern Review 2026 Fabric Stash Challenge for January and February! It’s a great way to use up those long-stored fabrics while tackling multiple challenges at once. Double the motivation, double the fun!
Notes From the Sewing Trenches
This project taught me quite a few things — not just about the pattern, but about my own sewing habits. First, I was reminded (again!) that fit is a journey, not a one‑and‑done situation. Even though the size 10 ended up working well overall, those little discoveries — like the underarm “wings” and the bodice not sitting under the bust — showed me where I can fine‑tune next time. Learning that a different cup size and base size might solve both issues was a lightbulb moment, and honestly kind of exciting. It feels good to understand why something isn’t fitting perfectly and how to fix it moving forward.
I also learned to trust the process a bit more. The zipper wasn’t in yet, and I still found myself jumping to conclusions about the fit — only to be pleasantly surprised once I could actually try it on properly. And the fact that the back waist landed exactly where it should? That was such a confidence booster.
Most importantly, I was reminded that every project — even the smooth ones — has its little quirks. Whether it’s a seam that needs picking out, a lining that gets accidentally stitched down, or a fit that needs a tiny adjustment, those moments are all part of the adventure. They’re not mistakes so much as stepping stones that make the final garment (and the sewing experience) even better.
f you missed Part 1, be sure to give it a read — that’s where the whole journey begins, from rediscovering the fabric to choosing the perfect pattern and stitching up the toile.
Up Next: Week 3’s Challenge!
Next week’s theme is Sew Something Cozy. Week 3 invites us to embrace warmth, softness, and comfort—perfect for mid‑winter sewing inspiration. Whether it’s lounge pants, a sweater knit cardigan, a fleece hoodie, or even cozy home décor like blankets and slippers, this challenge is all about sewing pieces that feel like a hug.
I’m already dreaming up what my “something cozy” will be! Stay tuned for the next chapter in this year‑long creative adventure.
Ready to Join the Sewing Journey?
Start Stitching Your Own 52‑Week Story!
Ready to make 2026 your most creative year yet? If you haven’t joined the Down Home at Dee’s 52 Week Sewing Challenge 2026 yet, it’s not too late! Every stitch counts—whether it’s a big finish or a tiny triumph.
- 📸 Show off your progress: Post your projects and tag me so I can celebrate with you!
- 💬 Join the conversation: Share your tips, struggles, and victories in the comments.
- ✨ Spread the inspiration: Use hashtags #52WeekSewingChallenge2026 #SewMuchFun #DownHomeAtDees so we can find and support each other.
Let’s make this year unforgettable—one project, one week, one stitch at a time!
What’s On Your Sewing Table?
Are you joining the challenge? What’s on your sewing table this week? Will you tackle an old project, start something new, or mix it up with your favorite fabrics? Drop me a note in the comments below and tell me your sewing plans!
Happy Sewing!!
Thank you for visiting with me at
Down Home at Dee’s
Subscribe to Down Home at Dee’s and join Litten, Tigger and me on our adventures of Exploring Life Every Day!
Down Home at Dee’s is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Just So You Know
Sewing Heads Up
The sewing projects shared on my blog are intended to be both entertaining and informative. I do my best to make sure the supply list is complete and the instructions are correct. However, I cannot guarantee your success with the projects and I am not liable for any injuries, damages, or losses that may result from following the instructions.
Be aware that these sewing projects may involve the use of sharp tools and other items that can pose a danger. It is important to exercise caution and good judgment when attempting any of the projects. If you make a mistake and injure yourself or damage something, I cannot be held responsible.
Please understand that by attempting these sewing projects, you are assuming all risk. I am not making any promises or providing any warranties, so please do not expect me to offer assistance if something goes awry.
Ultimately, these sewing projects are designed to be enjoyable and educational. However, it is crucial to always be careful and use your best judgement when attempting them. Remember, any consequences that arise from attempting these projects are your responsibility alone.
Discover more from Down Home at Dee’s
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
