tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64886899152608206352024-03-05T18:04:42.313-05:00RemnantMy sewing projects and musings. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-36208392412726555642013-06-07T16:29:00.001-04:002013-06-07T16:29:43.859-04:00Claiming my blog for Bloglovin<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/2096985/?claim=n7w7uec7fka">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-22265165228523297732013-01-25T18:34:00.001-05:002013-01-25T18:38:15.695-05:00Life Throwing Challenges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGgPlGcfYfUi9Xy9owYs8RolLQwZ47R1leeSlFrEl8wvIuoiwboujI8DxUyqjcCh7tcEVfuIjCGJKYZNFBs2rJML8_7PlX1KIf7eVrFqxa6VmYXanlEtxac07fj5YaWIXamwLEHm1Qm92/s676/P1012961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGgPlGcfYfUi9Xy9owYs8RolLQwZ47R1leeSlFrEl8wvIuoiwboujI8DxUyqjcCh7tcEVfuIjCGJKYZNFBs2rJML8_7PlX1KIf7eVrFqxa6VmYXanlEtxac07fj5YaWIXamwLEHm1Qm92/s320/P1012961.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
We bought a new home after being here several years, after living in corporate (furnished) rental, after selling our home in another state (11 hour drive) 2 years ago, and after putting almost all our worldly possessions into storage where they remained those 2 years. <br />
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It's our dream retirement home, in a beautiful small town, atop a knoll, with views of the mountains out front and a lovely landscaped yard. One story. A great patio out back. Perfect for downsizing our newly empty nest. Perfect in every way, except that it needs a new a/c unit shortly. In light of that, we bartered with the former owner for the new guest room suite (she had tried to rent the house prior to selling and had beautifully furnished it). So we have the king size bed and head board and the dresser, lamps, table and she left the photos and decorative little boxes. A cute room.<br />
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I mention this for a reason. <br />
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After living in corporate rental for years, I was so excited to get my own things back, to enjoy and to decorate, to be ME! If you've ever spent any length of time with someone else's things, you'll understand. Moving day was set for September 6, 2012. The moving truck pulled up right on time, 9am sharp.<br />
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Then my world came crashing down. <br />
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This was the first item off the moving truck. It is the only thing I have of my dad's who died when I was 12 years old.<br />
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We halted the move after a few more items came off the truck in the same condition. Sent everything back 11 hours the other direction. <br />
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And have been fighting for justice ever since. Living in an almost empty home (we had bought a recliner and rocking chair over the last year or so). We had the guest room bedroom to sleep in. A friend had lent us a dinette set. No carpets, photos, pictures, dressers, tables, lamps...or any of those hundreds of other items that make a house a home.<br />
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I had opportunity in November to drive the 11 hours to inspect the goods with an inspector and hygienist sent by the insurance company representing the movers. We were advised to never ever bring anything "soft" or upholstered into our home. All beds, sofas, chairs, rugs, books - all ruined beyond redemption. The hardwood pieces (and we have several antiques) might possibly be cleaned (at great expense).<br />
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Two weeks ago, the movers insisted we remove our belongings as they were leasing the building and the lease was running out (or something) so the things are with me here, in storage units.<br />
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Before Christmas break, in anticipation of my daughter coming home for a month, a friend brought us a futon and also insisted we borrow the furniture that used to be in her church's foyer. So now we have a sofa, end tables and lamps and area rug. I picked up a coffee table at a local second hand shop.<br />
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I am in the process of locating an attorney in our former state (this is proving to be quite difficult) to take our case as the insurance company has denied all claims based on mold/water damage and the owner blames US because this has never happened to him before. Nice, eh? Sigh.<br />
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Through all this, I've lost my mojo. Lost my joy. Lost my creativity. Lost my zeal. I've felt like a ghost of my former self. My health has suffered as well, my blood pressure soaring and now being monitored by my physician.<br />
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Yesterday, I decided to look at fabric again. Just getting a wee niggling of desire to sew. I had tried to sew in November but ended up ruining a beautiful piece of fabric: I ended up with a perfectly fine vest, but after cutting, realized I had wanted to make a skirt out of that material. Wearing the vest annoys me rather than bringing joy. I realized my thinking is skewed and it would be best to leave well enough alone until I was thinking more clearly.<br />
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I think I went into shock.<br />
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So, yesterday, I pulled out a piece of fabric and was musing about whether to make a long or short skirt and came here, to my blog, to blog about it and seek suggestions.<br />
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When I discovered that my photos had disappeared in my absence. Seeking help on Stitcher's Guild (that wonderful group of sewists), I was able to recreate my header, side bar, and latest post. I'm not sure if I'll take the time to recreate the other posts...maybe I will over time. For now, I'm going to look forward and not back.<br />
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In keeping with that, I'm trying to delegate the moldy furniture to mornings only, working to call attorneys, write emails etc, and then walk away from it for the rest of the day. It's hard to do because the empty house is so "in my face" but I need to find peace and health. I need to start swimming again as well, and have been to the pool several times in the last couple of weeks (of course it turned bitterly cold these last two weeks and the thought of being cold and wet has stopped me from keeping a regular schedule). <br />
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Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we weave through the process. I hope to do some sewing soon, and if I do, I'll keep you posted! <br />
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And lest you think all I do is mope, we put up bird feeders the first of the year and have been enjoying our visitors. I took this parting shot yesterday.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-61381788723252166682012-05-26T19:33:00.001-04:002013-01-25T16:06:10.843-05:00Lime-Orange Twist Vogue 8805<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdgP6mem1UC4moUwBZ5i35n0riUj24yW2MFNjRMlzxoFB2UQ7xVUp8AZc4_Xz8nXD0VMWfeQGrjgA32jXwG_5I6sNHtROpxQppc5YRA7ZTMwCMaxM2tVavxePbZRsmzzvBFqJCViZ7E71/s1600/Whole+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdgP6mem1UC4moUwBZ5i35n0riUj24yW2MFNjRMlzxoFB2UQ7xVUp8AZc4_Xz8nXD0VMWfeQGrjgA32jXwG_5I6sNHtROpxQppc5YRA7ZTMwCMaxM2tVavxePbZRsmzzvBFqJCViZ7E71/s320/Whole+Dress.jpg" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQOmzPHxh7oTwBJXojEEY-YA4Vo1186BuxpSSm-ufo4anuvBTeXKG5J4TonaTY55W_5flfSs6NpUJGUdJcUmjwsKxMeBS6AxxVQcITxvEZzDZpsgIO31X92_uF9uQq_RjMTcJCdimrLrG/s1600/whole+zipper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKQOmzPHxh7oTwBJXojEEY-YA4Vo1186BuxpSSm-ufo4anuvBTeXKG5J4TonaTY55W_5flfSs6NpUJGUdJcUmjwsKxMeBS6AxxVQcITxvEZzDZpsgIO31X92_uF9uQq_RjMTcJCdimrLrG/s320/whole+zipper.jpg" width="218" /></a><img alt="Line Art" border="0" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/newsletters/img.sewingtoday.com/cat/20000/add_img/V8805.gif" style="display: block;" /></div>
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I happen to have collected several beautiful pieces of linen in white and lime green which happen to coordinate beautifully. I had to edit choices carefully, leaving out a solid white and a stripe with wide green strips interspersed with yellow which made the bright white look muddy. I planned to insert a cording made with the solid green at the yoke. <br />
I added a back seam, correctly guessing a zipper would be essential in order for the dress to slip on. <br />
A trip to my local quilt shop for a zipper opened possibilities to me, even though zipper pickings at a quilt shop are quite basic. I auditioned several zipper colors (after rejecting the idea of an invisible zipper): a perfectly matching lime green, a darker green, and a white. Each of these choices were quite adequate, but I kept feeling that a green color--way was playing too safe for a fun summer sun dress when I pulled out the bright orange and a darker, burnt orange. The brighter orange was the clear choice.<br />
I imagined an orange exposed zipper – inserted on the outside of the dress. Orange thread was chosen for top stitching the zipper – thinking of the exposed zipper would need to matching thread. Right before leaving the shop, my eye found the very last package of large orange rick rack. Imagine my glee when it happened to be an exact match with the zipper! <br /> <br />So I had zipper, rick rack, orange thread, to go with the three fabric choices. I was starting to think I was making a clown’s outfit and fought the temptation to leave the shop with alternative, safer color choices. Once home, I had to carefully consider using orange elements sparingly. I overcame the thought to add orange edge stitching at every seam intersection. Less, in this case, was sufficient. <br />
Quick construction notes:<br />
1. I remembered, while cutting, to be sure to check the placement of large motifs over the bust. <br />
2. I matched the rick rack across the zipper. I measured the placement of the rick rack (took an hour, I’m sure) but still managed to insert it a bit wonky which seems more exaggerated in the photo than in real life. <br />
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3. I inserted the zipper on the exterior, hated it, ripped it out the next day, a difficult task due to the washable basting tape I had used. It was too much orange, too large, too bulky, just too much all together!<br />
4. I hand basted and then hand-picked the zipper in place. I give up trying to make a machine stitched zipper look good.<br />
5. I took extra effort to match seam lines where the floral linen meets the solid green.<br />
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6. I overcame last minute temptation to bind the neckline in one of the other linen choices in stash. I did make a bias binding of the floral, but used it to bind the inside of the neckline.<br />
7. Oh – this ought to have been mentioned earlier – I added a back seam so that I could use the zipper. I correctly realized that the dress needed a zipper in order to slip on. Even this zipper is a few inches too short and I need to wiggle quite a bit to get into this. (photos of me wearing it posted tomorrow)<br />
8. I underlined the white floral linen as it is loosely woven…and, being white, more transparent than I like. I did not line the dress – summers are hot here.<br />
9. Edited to add: I changed the shape of the neckline. The original pattern has a small neckline opening, which looks lovely. It’s just simply too annoying and cloying for me to have a tighter neckline during summer heat. I need to feel what air and breezes might come my way. <br />
I think the lines of this dress is flattering and will likely make another. Or two. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-36115412575986308352012-05-13T17:11:00.001-04:002012-05-13T17:17:27.347-04:00Burnout Bohemian Kati Koos Wannabe Vest from Vogue 8090<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pYQG46jnKd8/T7AjQcUpQFI/AAAAAAAAB3g/ssBZwsfavUk/s1600-h/P1012701%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="P1012701" border="0" alt="P1012701" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-5D_ZBVIpb8U/T7AjQ4SCpqI/AAAAAAAAB3o/dXq3pd06PVk/P1012701_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="298" height="396" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Originally I was hoping to make this into a white linen, summery cover-up. When reviews said it was quite loose, I thought I ought to play a bit with it to see if the finished pattern would be to my liking. Here’s the pattern and line drawing:</p> <p><img title="Click to magnify/shrink" border="0" alt="Photo" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/vogue/8090/8090.jpg" width="426" height="314" /><img title="Click to magnify/shrink" border="0" alt="Line Drawing" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/vogue/8090/8090line.gif" width="508" height="638" /></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p>I don’t know what happened, but I pulled out this grey burnout…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sGuyzI_6GKo/T7AjRYNhKnI/AAAAAAAAB3w/_5xk0dfvHEc/s1600-h/P1012673%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012673" border="0" alt="P1012673" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HoLaEs81lPM/T7AjR9sgL7I/AAAAAAAAB34/UE9Gi4Zj75Q/P1012673_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="406" /></a> </p> <p>which may have come in a Fabric Mart bundle. And <a href="www.katikoos.com" target="_blank">Kati Koos</a> became inspiration for something a bit Bohemian. The design started out with the bodice ruffle, morphing slowly over the course of a week. As the week progressed, I bid adieu to my son after he graduated college and moved state to pursue a career, moved my sewing studio from my bedroom to his newly vacated one, then welcomed home my daughter from her junior year of college, having to nurse her back to health when she developed a fever right away due to romping barefoot at night in the rain after her final exam. It has been quite an emotional week.</p> <p> </p> <p>I took the front bottom piece, traced it off, cut slashes every inch and spread. Then I traced out a new piece. Here you can see the original piece atop my expanded piece.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pU1E-LnW_4M/T7AjSdwTliI/AAAAAAAAB4A/kMKbTb-FYvA/s1600-h/front%252520bodice%252520new%252520piece%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vNPlpfr8q-M/T7AjS2sarXI/AAAAAAAAB4I/WWWjr8sAGj8/front%252520bodice%252520new%252520piece_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="238" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I further increased the top seam allowance by 5/8 inch in order to fold the ruffle. I would have serged the raw edges if I had had a serger. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yAZVqvZLKvY/T7AjTa_RPoI/AAAAAAAAB4Q/4ehkY3ypxSU/s1600-h/P1012666%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012666" border="0" alt="P1012666" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4PpF7cytCcw/T7AjT_od5RI/AAAAAAAAB4Y/4XShuMH0-6w/P1012666_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="452" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-f1VEB_WkNi0/T7AjUWP7gNI/AAAAAAAAB4g/DKx9j244_f4/s1600-h/P1012672%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012672" border="0" alt="P1012672" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ev2IyTJmYEk/T7AjVGWU1uI/AAAAAAAAB4o/W2pWTNDYDk8/P1012672_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="542" height="408" /></a></p> <p>After gathering the ruffle, I laid the fabric atop the original piece in order to bring the gathering back to the proper size so that the top front bodice could be attached . There was a question about how I would treat the back, but in the end, decided the only thing to do is follow through the design to the back rather than sewing the back as the original draft pattern.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-refHEQe96So/T7AjVkKjEiI/AAAAAAAAB4w/FSF18ZuwYtI/s1600-h/P1012705%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012705" border="0" alt="P1012705" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-G9mh_O3USjM/T7AjWKqyDhI/AAAAAAAAB44/iZChTDgAeRk/P1012705_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="495" /></a> </p> <p>Adding ruffles to a pattern that starts off as wide, well, I’m not sure how wise. I trimmed off quite a bit.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qdlSqyi9y74/T7AjWks7jfI/AAAAAAAAB5A/a3Dx7WKy2fs/s1600-h/P1012696%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012696" border="0" alt="P1012696" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B-slsLR4WME/T7AjXJkIRyI/AAAAAAAAB5I/sx8cjzrsjs4/P1012696_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="321" height="427" /></a> </p> <p>Side seams were finished using French seams. Seams that could not be enclosed were finished with edgestitching and pinking using my rotary blade pinker.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FZDcXfpBLBo/T7AjXpNbTVI/AAAAAAAAB5Q/JPOnALww15U/s1600-h/P1012697%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012697" border="0" alt="P1012697" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hSK5nKPc0HA/T7AjYGxmwfI/AAAAAAAAB5Y/Z8QHPR-q69k/P1012697_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="419" height="315" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Side seams needed a bit of something Bohemian to tie in with the theme. After considering several methods, I decided to simply use elastic to add a small bit of gathering. Also, leaving the side seams open at the bottom for several inches and the hem uneven (don’t know how that happened, but used that error as a design feature) – the back is longer than the front.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1xBbCFVuE_M/T7AjYs3iAwI/AAAAAAAAB5g/b5MM3HCqaJM/s1600-h/P1012703%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012703" border="0" alt="P1012703" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zdyjIRA4lIk/T7AjZFBa55I/AAAAAAAAB5o/XvCPgWGs-Cs/P1012703_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="286" height="380" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hT2bBCjgQHA/T7AjZpAGJaI/AAAAAAAAB5w/xPBr62lSPxU/s1600-h/P1012704%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012704" border="0" alt="P1012704" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-q5i0dGcVqGs/T7AjaRNVp0I/AAAAAAAAB54/NLQPSKvb5zA/P1012704_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="379" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Shoulders presented a bit of a challenge. In the end, I took a pleat in the shoulder because I didn’t like the drop shoulder on such a light weight fabric. I also took a wee tuck an inch behind the shoulder seam. Making a Bohemian-like top allows for tucks, pleats, elastic responses to fitting issues while adding to the design concepts.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nsM6bYAv8jc/T7Aja5ttCvI/AAAAAAAAB6A/vxT1XNpTqq4/s1600-h/P1012706%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012706" border="0" alt="P1012706" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kYJmblMotwg/T7AjbTAhjiI/AAAAAAAAB6I/XiKH4gvne3A/P1012706_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="448" height="337" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tKZC5-UWSys/T7Ajb5oLKWI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/GiDJXLIjCjw/s1600-h/P1012707%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012707" border="0" alt="P1012707" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hqG-qwFYR34/T7Ajcb9DkpI/AAAAAAAAB6Y/kYcSH9PZnzg/P1012707_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="539" /></a> </p> <p>The final design element was to forego the use of a button in favor of ties finished off by little silver doodads I found at the local bead shop. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_cRCeS_Oz4c/T7Ajc1tpYKI/AAAAAAAAB6g/y_U6CHyHIvA/s1600-h/P1012701%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012701" border="0" alt="P1012701" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vgy51T-M274/T7AjdcbUXTI/AAAAAAAAB6o/hokAtYUlIDQ/P1012701_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="313" height="416" /></a> </p> <p>I have no idea how I’m gong to style it. I originally hoped to wear it with the TableCloth skirt, but think the proportions are off. I’ll try them on together and post better photos in the next days. I think I need to make a Kati Koos inspired top to enhance the look. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-6689655306072028692012-05-08T21:00:00.001-04:002012-05-08T21:00:22.817-04:00It only took 9 hours<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Bp0lYS9B_2A/T6nBij2lIdI/AAAAAAAAB1c/0vhOx4lFwnw/s1600-h/from%252520doorway%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="from doorway" border="0" alt="from doorway" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cTNnzjRUU2g/T6nBi2FJsbI/AAAAAAAAB1k/ZMtGoUP93SQ/from%252520doorway_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>My son moved out of the house this morning after graduating college (yay!) and it only took me 9 hours to completely transform his room. Want to take a tour with me?</p> <p>From the doorway, one sees that I must share the room with a queen sized bed. I am “temporarily” living in a corporate rental, which means all my things are in storage and the furniture comes with the house. I’ve switched the furniture from one room to the next as our needs change. To make this room work, I moved out the end tables and the low, long dresser, and moved in a tall dresser (for the TV). I might switch the tall dresser for an end table. I pushed the bed into a corner – we rarely have overnight visitors here so this works for now. I threw out the old pillows this morning and need to remember to buy some more.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nqABqL3Oolw/T6nBjk2IZYI/AAAAAAAAB1s/9Iv5rzhtWqM/s1600-h/P1012683%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012683" border="0" alt="P1012683" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PwmVlL-0xyQ/T6nBkFKjhwI/AAAAAAAAB10/2MmyTu3O5Is/P1012683_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>I like to sew in an “L’ shape, machine on one side, cutting table on the other. My primary requirement was to get the machine in front of the window for natural light.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RW3AslECKQ0/T6nBkd00tsI/AAAAAAAAB18/ILnII7kldn4/s1600-h/Vew%252520of%252520area1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Vew of area1" border="0" alt="Vew of area1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9Y9EiWhfd0g/T6nBk76J8YI/AAAAAAAAB2E/4-UBLQ-jauY/Vew%252520of%252520area1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W_aAQV00PV0/T6nBlh8smZI/AAAAAAAAB2M/D74gR5ce-vU/s1600-h/patterns%252520and%252520vestal%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="patterns and vestal 2" border="0" alt="patterns and vestal 2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cSlnAjl3K4o/T6nBl5THvaI/AAAAAAAAB2U/G9Vq3oJAOr8/patterns%252520and%252520vestal%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Next to the table, my pattern drawers and second machine desk fit well. I opened one end of the machine desk to hold a stack of “working” fabric…these are the fabrics I hope to sew next. Atop the desk (which holds my Necchi I call “Vestal”, sits my Kenmore which does fairly decent button holes. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-obOTu00BdvI/T6nBmWn3hRI/AAAAAAAAB2c/nbQZF-H98GE/s1600-h/closet%252520left%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="closet left" border="0" alt="closet left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-OGhWSSZzt_0/T6nBmver0dI/AAAAAAAAB2k/b4yJEpPNmY0/closet%252520left_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I like having a dedicated closet for my sewing!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vmP7WCx3E3k/T6nBnDqzkJI/AAAAAAAAB2s/l_K7IuRVFdA/s1600-h/closet%252520right%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="closet right" border="0" alt="closet right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gyw_4IPriHc/T6nBnmQSUKI/AAAAAAAAB20/BH1kSCfN0Po/closet%252520right_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I’ll most likely move out of season clothing here.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T6vZC0df8eA/T6nBoBuA9SI/AAAAAAAAB28/OekNYVHW9g4/s1600-h/ironing%252520board%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="ironing board" border="0" alt="ironing board" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cGcnkmzEBWk/T6nBoinCozI/AAAAAAAAB3E/Ibrp9jP3uHY/ironing%252520board_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>The ironing board will fit in front of the closet. I can’t wait to move into my own place at which time I’ll make an ironing table! This board is not mine, it comes with the house, it won’t close (something is broken). It’s annoying! I put my iron on a surge protector with an on/off switch, also put a lamp on the protector, so that I can remember to turn OFF the iron more frequently. If the lamp is on, so is the iron. Think this will work?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BWnNOU9AA0I/T6nBpG-uZ1I/AAAAAAAAB3M/HXK2KzxuBgg/s1600-h/view%252520of%252520area%2525203%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="view of area 3" border="0" alt="view of area 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pwOjER8LS6A/T6nBpZl31vI/AAAAAAAAB3U/m7eQQMbppuw/view%252520of%252520area%2525203_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>I keep my large cutting board atop my 6 foot folding table. There is room at the end for my little shelf unit with sewing essentials: lamp, threads, containers holding elastic, trims, zippers, Steam-a-seam, buttons, pencils, and frequently used sewing tools. On the wall I like to hang my scissors and rotary cutters. </p> <p>It’s a good thing I had this project to tackle today because as the boy hugged me goodbye, he said, “Thanks for taking care of me, momma.” It was my pleasure, dear boy, my pleasure. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-26061610183628660312012-05-05T16:27:00.001-04:002012-05-05T16:27:32.070-04:00Pink and Black Skirt<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aldwiMsoGOg/T6WNKYqIH0I/AAAAAAAAB0o/MBckHY-BMa4/s1600-h/P1012609%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nngnWcZYmPw/T6WNK8YN53I/AAAAAAAAB0w/TkLmF0v_aDw/P1012609_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="407" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>One of my TNT skirts, McCall’s 7316, oop.</p> <p><img alt="" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsrsV6eHPPiqA13wPFHAQ9BRZQ3ChiujKq7pFCmvCsYg1q2n7o6g" width="180" height="240" /></p> <p>I appreciate the way this a-line skirt is cool in the summer and make it with a material with a bit of heft to give it shape.</p> <p>Material bought from Waechter’s in Asheville, NC last year as were the buttons – a pink and black, both floral and layered pink on top of black. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sC9VrmsJNV4/T6WNLWq7kMI/AAAAAAAAB04/Pgses_EaA2Q/s1600-h/P1012610%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZTLw8a1ggdg/T6WNL-Cxw-I/AAAAAAAAB1A/2D-onYgRhKI/P1012610_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>  </p> <p>FYI: Shoes, Reef. Reef is a great little sandal with a great support arch you’d have to try to believe.</p> <p> </p> <p>PS: We were on our way to our son’s college graduation - - - in the rain. Lovely outdoor ceremony. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4U8JRNTBvr8/T6WNMVCxpnI/AAAAAAAAB1I/GSDDRmf5b1s/s1600-h/View%252520of%252520the%252520platform%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="View of the platform" border="0" alt="View of the platform" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N_jE1vCaQyU/T6WNMz7NT5I/AAAAAAAAB1Q/XvTB1LbDcqo/View%252520of%252520the%252520platform_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>The weather cleared in time for the ceremonies.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-62182389069016908032012-05-04T14:34:00.001-04:002012-05-04T14:34:58.697-04:00My Version of Sham’s “TableCloth” Skirt<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OdsxwtdSqOc/T6QhTR5ItyI/AAAAAAAAB0M/-hpVXLwhEPo/P1012607_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="497" />I wasn’t sure that I’d ever make one of <a href="http://communingwithfabric.blogspot.com/2011/11/self-drafted-tablecloth-skirt-with.html" target="_blank">Shams’ Wonderful Tablecloth</a> skirts but now I’m not sure how I’d have made it through the summer without one! I’m sure you are all familiar with the wonderful, whimsical, Shams and her free Tablecloth tutorial. </p> <p>This fabric must have come from a FabricMart bundle because I’m sure I’d never have chosen a grey/pink/puke mustard on a white background fabric on my own volition! Seriously. </p> <p>However…it’s been growing on me. I laid it out yesterday to make a <a href="http://sewingworkshop.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.pbv.v1.tpl&category_id=6&product_id=989&vmcchk=1&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=54" target="_blank">Sewing Workshop Luna Top,</a> (Luna in yellow), trying out layouts for the plaid, turning it this way and that way…</p> <p> </p> <p><img alt="http://sewingworkshop.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Stella___Luna_To_4e95a91d73afb.jpg?ml=3&mlt=rt_mynxx_j15&tmpl=component" src="http://sewingworkshop.com/components/com_virtuemart/shop_image/product/Stella___Luna_To_4e95a91d73afb.jpg?ml=3&mlt=rt_mynxx_j15&tmpl=component" width="275" height="275" /></p> <p>When all of a sudden, the fabric spoke and a vision of Sham’s TableCloth skirt came to mind. I love it when a fabric so clearly tells you how it wants to live. </p> <p>I did have a wee glitch – I used French seams for all side seams which made the corners a bit skewed. No one but you and I would know the difference. </p> <p>Final word: This skirt is fun! If you haven’t had a chance to make it yet, you ought to consider it. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_uWyGJqjRhs/T6QhT26Y_oI/AAAAAAAAB0U/zesLefz0s90/s1600-h/P1012606%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0GVw3h_IlRI/T6QhUQSJyjI/AAAAAAAAB0c/n6LLccgt_bk/P1012606_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="372" height="570" /></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-45677016254935315172012-04-18T10:53:00.001-04:002012-04-18T10:53:41.812-04:00Olive Green Border One-Seam Skirt ala Jennifer Sterns<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8ycn4Gw-sX4/T47VRRCyt6I/AAAAAAAABxM/6unnoobMBLA/s1600-h/Whole%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FiMwIByDYjg/T47VRykn1GI/AAAAAAAABxU/wG26qE3RFH0/Whole_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="389" height="406" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>Two loves. Olive Green. Border. </p> <p>The border is a misprint and ran on the cross grain. The bolt was printed in the lighter color, however, when I found this fabric at PA Fabric Outlet in Lancaster, PA a few weeks ago, the bolt had been cut to within 1/2 yard from this error. I bought the whole mistake and turned it into a <a href="http://www.craftstylish.com/item/33230/how-to-draft-a-one-seam-skirt-in-30-minutes/page/all" target="_blank">Jennifer Stern One-Seam Skirt</a>, using as much of the dark olive as possible. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JJ47DQe9o7Y/T47VSbdS5tI/AAAAAAAABxc/La_FumpBlhI/s1600-h/close%252520up%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nJoyXc4Ce7s/T47VS_EnfXI/AAAAAAAABxk/Vaen_u-D-Tk/close%252520up_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="391" /></a> </p> <p>Can you see the bit of iridescence (and cat hair)? The fabric was lovely to work with – like a light weight linen. Almost every bolt of fashion fabric at PA Fabric Outlets is marked 100% polyester. A few bolts reported “rayon poly.” This is obviously not 100% poly. It’s lightweight – really light – but has a thick weave so that I decided it was unnecessary to line it, but perhaps I ought to have for durability. Ah well, I can always wear a slip. <br /> <br />If you haven’t taken the time to draft one of these one-seam skirts, do yourself a favor and set aside 30 minutes to do so. This is an elastic-waist skirt with deep side seam darts with additional darts front and back for shaping and works very well in knits. The darts take away the extra bulk around the elastic waist. Once drafted, you can have yourself a skirt in an hour, start to finish.</p> <p>Since this skirt is woven rather than knit, I made quite a few changes.</p> <p>First, I added an invisible zipper which is not necessary when making this in knits. I reinforced the seams with interfacing (you will see the interfacing in a photo below).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dS9WAj7Vg_Y/T47VTb5UMmI/AAAAAAAABxs/5UWcvnUg_jA/s1600-h/zip%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BjDUv6mp0zQ/T47VTrCmxCI/AAAAAAAABx0/w0J4h3gKQiE/zip_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="284" height="378" /></a> </p> <p>Second, I added side seams because I cut this too large. I was trying to accommodate the few pounds I’ve put on since drafting the original skirt. The skirt pattern has deep side darts so I simply tried the skirt on inside-out and pinched out the excess and sewed the seam about 1/2 wide. </p> <p>Third, I had to change the waistline finishing from the elastic called for in the original pattern. I used elastic on the back waist and used a grosgrain ribbon to finish the front waistline (and remembered at the last minute to only sew the uppermost portion of the ribbon!). I opted for elastic on the back for comfort’s sake. I find a whole-ribbon waistline a bit restricting and terribly uncomfortable. The touch of elastic (I stretched it only an inch or so) makes the skirt so much more wearable.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WwIqZLEBUMs/T47VUbii3cI/AAAAAAAABx8/QmW0wmyB7BI/s1600-h/back%252520waist%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="back waist" border="0" alt="back waist" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c1NIFm8B9NA/T47VU-3VK2I/AAAAAAAAByE/FRWaG4eZrY8/back%252520waist_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="290" height="218" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j3QAt3ffg90/T47VVRRTzPI/AAAAAAAAByM/iDxwN-HVKEI/s1600-h/front%252520waist%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="front waist" border="0" alt="front waist" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QLiRduGPIX8/T47VV4paqBI/AAAAAAAAByU/XC3h2jdmBJY/front%252520waist_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="289" height="218" /></a> </p> <p>Fourth, I added a kick pleat. </p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AdRsOlbMxgk/T47VWYotn3I/AAAAAAAAByc/TKwCh4Sc8h0/s1600-h/kick%252520pleat%2525204%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-IVbZhjUSD9U/T47VW41_1GI/AAAAAAAAByk/ZK0PDiv0lB8/kick%252520pleat%2525204_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="451" /></a></p> <p>(Funny how photos show what the naked eye does not! See the iron imprints?)</p> <p>Think a kick pleat is difficult? Think again. Look below at the simplicity of the shape needed for the kick pleat:</p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zy16P1NPij0/T47VXYunIXI/AAAAAAAABys/fFdn08wT2qs/s1600-h/kick%252520pleat%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kiA2liYITNg/T47VX0uNJAI/AAAAAAAABy0/TCDtAdoWvRY/kick%252520pleat%2525201_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="342" height="456" /></a> </p> <p>To make this pleat, I cut identical back seams, allowing 3 inches wide and originally cutting the pleat portion much longer than shown. You will need to measure where you want the top of your pleat as you don’t want it too high. [Mental note: make a mark on the pattern to show the cutting height of this pleat as I think it’s a perfect depth for me.] Sew your back seam from the zipper stop to the pleat. I then finished the pleat side seams by turning under a scant 1/4 inch and turning again so that I would have no raw edges. This fabric is very light weight, as I said, and this double turn did not add bulk. Otherwise, I’d probably turn once and zigzag the edges (at times like these, a serger would come in very handy!). Clip one side seam at the top of the pleat as shown, fold the pleat following the original center back seam line. Be sure to line this up precisely. I think some patterns have you baste this seam, but this fabric behaved so well, I found that unnecessary. Finally, sew the top of the pleat through all three layers, starting EXACTLY at the CB seam.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6WC4UYRl8L0/T47VYVwZ9RI/AAAAAAAABy8/TLBFQOPb8FA/s1600-h/pleat%252520seam%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VvLeLVunmDM/T47VY2xwMjI/AAAAAAAABzE/KZXjwZed1YI/pleat%252520seam_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="581" height="382" /></a> </p> <p>I pulled my thread to the back and knotted off. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VM4tYzqUvYM/T47VZifNETI/AAAAAAAABzM/RcuA2VRAA7w/s1600-h/kick%252520pleat%2525202%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mwqMA8LGIQY/T47VaDL5RyI/AAAAAAAABzU/18bmuf2uJL4/kick%252520pleat%2525202_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="335" height="445" /></a> </p> <p>I mitered the top (outside) pleat before hemming.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cgoo4pEEHWg/T47Vaof4cGI/AAAAAAAABzc/NkrpD8uGdu4/s1600-h/kick%252520pleat%2525203%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y5JQ6HMIuAk/T47VbJfA2VI/AAAAAAAABzk/j1UVA0eeqBQ/kick%252520pleat%2525203_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="492" /></a> </p> <p>I like to use hem tape to finish my hems. I find it hems with less bulk and just seams like the thing to do. After seeing these photos, I think I need to tweak the under pleat – it appears just a wee tad too long, doesn’t it? But perhaps it’s the way I laid it out. I’ll aim for photos with me wearing it soon – today is cold and rainy and I’ve merely changed out of jammies to sweats this morning. </p> <p>Making this skirt took longer than an hour, that’s for sure! </p> <p>Oh – and am I pulling my hem stitches too tightly? Or is that simply the light’s reflection making the skirt appear puckered?  Or perhaps I need to press. I’ve learned to NOT press my hems but to allow them to hang as turned. I think I may have neglected to press the hem stitching.</p> <p>I have a stack of light weight fabrics calling my name….especially this floral purchased at PA Fabric Outlet – marked 100% poly (of course) but it has a slight stretch so there’s something other than poly going on. I’m thinking wrap skirt or A-line skirt for my son’s college graduation. I love wrap skirts but sitting in them and maintaining modesty is a full-time endeavor. I’ll probably opt out of the wrap and think A-line for comfort. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-r16QTnInDDs/T47VbRKd9pI/AAAAAAAABzs/8KwaIAsGXzo/s1600-h/P1012550%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012550" border="0" alt="P1012550" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-I45EhqEtVX0/T47VcCSqLFI/AAAAAAAABz0/-sPIsWdKnIg/P1012550_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="408" /></a> </p> <p>What do you think about one of these jewel tones for a coordinating top? I made a muslin of a Burda pattern, but don’t love it so I’m back on the hunt for a pattern. </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gWKnrm_pNgI/T47VchdejnI/AAAAAAAABz8/oX94Rnhjc-0/s1600-h/P1012552%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="P1012552" border="0" alt="P1012552" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0epFXXXC31Y/T47VdCVnJ6I/AAAAAAAAB0E/iAcR5uAEYZk/P1012552_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="298" /></a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-49866863196513687452011-12-22T22:09:00.001-05:002011-12-22T22:09:53.505-05:00No Dart FBA for Kay<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EfZuwLVVfF0/TvPw__D2_bI/AAAAAAAABws/-JfwT_1_t4o/s1600-h/NoDartFBAforKnits3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="No Dart FBA for Knits" border="0" alt="No Dart FBA for Knits" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yQnnOzbAN0Q/TvPxAK1snpI/AAAAAAAABw0/ZfMCFIHJX94/NoDartFBAforKnits_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="438" height="583" /></a> </p> <p>Pattern piece altered in 3 areas: Front neckline, bust, front center hemline.</p> <p>I recommend using Pamela’s Patterns Perfect T for a starting point. Her pattern is made for us mature women – the shoulder is forward and sloped (I think those are the changes she uses for her basic patterns). Her techniques are basic and I’ve made a ton of these t’s with all sorts of necklines and sleeve length (including sleeveless). </p> <p>For my former shape (since reduced) I added 1 inch at the neckline and center front hemline for this no-dart technique.</p> <p>I will have to retrace the pattern and figure out how to fit my new shape (this is a SWAP goal). My former shape required a 1 3/4 inch spread when doing a traditional Y shape FBA. I think my new shape requires a 3/4 inch spread (not as reduced as I requested, evidently!). I had this surgery in June and I am still unable to wear a traditional b r a – I’m still wearing a sport’s b r a and will be for quite a few more months. Therefore, I’ve been told, I have a uniboob. Sigh. (Mothers!) And I’m quite self-conscious in posting photos. What is still healing are the underlying muscles – there is no way I can even wear a larger size band for 5 minutes. So I have no idea what my final size will be but I’m thinking a D cup based on my latest attempt at trying on b r a’s. </p> <p>More info than you requested, but this is about making clothing to fit our unique shapes and the challenges thereof. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-78584346029061240672011-12-21T23:14:00.001-05:002011-12-21T23:14:10.541-05:00Thread Troubles and Green Fake Velvet Cardboard Vest<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-g6EIOCU9wik/TvKuepDTFhI/AAAAAAAABuQ/EEpl6M2L5Ns/s1600-h/PC212395%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC212395" border="0" alt="PC212395" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5OrhBcgDen0/TvKue_nKt1I/AAAAAAAABuY/GgysRUwQTn4/PC212395_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="341" height="453" /></a> </p> <p>This keeps happening to me.</p> <p>With different threads.</p> <p>Different machines.</p> <p>Sometimes near the needle. Sometimes near the tension knob.</p> <p>And NOT when I’ve just started sewing with a newly threaded needle. Nope. I can be sewing along for many seams until this nest forms.</p> <p>And ignore Nora’s dustiness. I polish her up and oil her well between uses. I absolutely love her…but her bobbin case gave me fits today! The bobbin thread kept coming out of the little slot. Think I ought to tighten it?</p> <p>Advice?</p> <p>Meanwhile, my Koos Coat is growing on me. :) I made a simple A-line skirt out of the red/grey to wear with it. It took me about an hour – no waistband, only elastic – I’ll have to show you what I did. Fast and easy and I think it will be very comfortable. And I made a Loes Hinse Bolero jacket today which still needs a final pressing. I’ll photo those in the next few days hopefully…tomorrow is errands and packing before the long drive to DC on Friday. </p> <p>Here is the olive green fake velvet cardboard vest I made a couple of weeks ago. Really awful stuff. Don’t know what I was thinking.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dsSoWaST1Ac/TvKufLQ5KGI/AAAAAAAABug/Hxi7IgKCUGk/s1600-h/PC142286%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC142286" border="0" alt="PC142286" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mPNnNwgUn7U/TvKuflQ1E4I/AAAAAAAABuo/uPzRCKuOg4E/PC142286_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="493" /></a> </p> <p>Pocket (love these pockets) and button from my wonderful button stash. It’s not a large stash, necessarily, but I have the cutest buttons. I think my grandmother must have cut off every button before getting rid of a garment. I’ll post a photo of my glass jars one day.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WL5ihkXEax8/TvKuf0ZiP6I/AAAAAAAABuw/amLdKBRnKgo/s1600-h/PC142289%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC142289" border="0" alt="PC142289" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Ba85TpoVAZU/TvKugObr-DI/AAAAAAAABu4/sMZLB3mFthk/PC142289_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="364" height="274" /></a> </p> <p>Not one raw edge, she says smugly. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rANL351umdg/TvKugW_9e-I/AAAAAAAABvA/GluPfj63X2Y/s1600-h/PC142292%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC142292" border="0" alt="PC142292" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cWmcqE1GTsY/TvKug5h0YII/AAAAAAAABvI/LmtCIY5B_R8/PC142292_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="350" height="465" /></a> </p> <p>This was meant to be a jacket for my 2012 SWAP. However, just before inserting the sleeves, I realized I’d never wear a green fake velvet jacket that feels like cardboard. But I might wear it if it were a vest. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Qq2ipo9g9pQ/TvKuhBfPirI/AAAAAAAABvQ/8iwJNCRXuZs/s1600-h/PC202382%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC202382" border="0" alt="PC202382" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-h2iq2IAgqGY/TvKuh34RTgI/AAAAAAAABvY/UrUMZ49EUcY/PC202382_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="402" /></a> </p> <p>See? Comfy.Well, comfier than if it were a jacket. The hem is wonky, so that will need to be fixed.</p> <p>And see this photo?</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NWTFj2URzSY/TvKuhzHu6DI/AAAAAAAABvg/3ySrgJtylEw/s1600-h/PC202384%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC202384" border="0" alt="PC202384" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s4QORJeBrNg/TvKuiaudB9I/AAAAAAAABvo/cbHNlMFx4Zw/PC202384_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="390" /></a> </p> <p>Well, lesson learned and filed away. When performing a sway back, I need to add the length BACK at the hem. Right? Who knew. I missed reading – or remembering – that part of the sway back instructions. So, I’m going to fix this whole hem, which won’t take me too long. I think I’ll bring this project to DC with me. I have JUST enough olive green thread left. I hope.</p> <p>And totally not styled. I’ll wear with a nicer top and scarf and whatnot. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NLlF39bVCYU/TvKuit0NLHI/AAAAAAAABvw/Exi6INOioSI/s1600-h/PC202387%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC202387" border="0" alt="PC202387" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UUhaapcQH_Y/TvKujHBfiCI/AAAAAAAABv4/xqZSoPQOsxE/PC202387_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="318" height="422" /></a> </p> <p>Doesn’t look too bad from the back except that I over compensated for the sway back thing on this square cardboard-like jacket. </p> <p>But what do those wrinkles tell me? I already performed a sloping shoulder adjustment – think I need more? Or a broad back (which I did prior to my surgery but thought I wouldn’t need any longer. Maybe I do?)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Dq7cqWg0r2g/TvKujXDGNKI/AAAAAAAABwA/UP5JK5EtC40/s1600-h/PC202383%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC202383" border="0" alt="PC202383" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-j282WTxc7x4/TvKuj0VWGLI/AAAAAAAABwI/5VVTNX6rK3w/PC202383_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="383" height="511" /></a></p> <p>And, yes, this means I need a substitute fabric for my SWAP. G Street anyone????</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kraxUtORCSc/TvKukCsbJtI/AAAAAAAABwM/trEUlqVLXC4/s1600-h/PC202387%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC202387" border="0" alt="PC202387" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VOhuLUNMbQI/TvKukVU9a1I/AAAAAAAABwQ/6OROK8PZoNA/PC202387_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="449" /></a> </p> <p>Yeah yeah. Hush with the spoiled dog thing. He NEEDED picked up. Doesn’t he always?  </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-83270990096501171532011-12-20T17:39:00.001-05:002011-12-20T17:58:51.671-05:00Koos Coat Final<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-c9o0gStm6iY/TvEOjAHBiXI/AAAAAAAABrM/77Z7AVVaii4/s1600-h/PC202381%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="PC202381" border="0" alt="PC202381" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-f9RxRVjD_Nk/TvEOjv6UUZI/AAAAAAAABrU/xHGgevjplf4/PC202381_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="371" height="493" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C3kzenFXkyQ/TvEOjzabv9I/AAAAAAAABrc/uH6kudws4UY/s1600-h/PC202376%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC202376" border="0" alt="PC202376" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VtvkvBpcLdw/TvEOkWHm8oI/AAAAAAAABrk/nYeK8UWptDE/PC202376_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="398" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Darn! The rear view is blurred. And it has gotten too dark outside to retake. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2OnX7-t4-AY/TvEOkgz8ZXI/AAAAAAAABrs/sZ2WemsCHVE/s1600-h/PC202378%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC202378" border="0" alt="PC202378" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iIrRB0XXEBE/TvEOk6uI8ZI/AAAAAAAABr0/oiKf0-ZknHs/PC202378_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="338" height="449" /></a></p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Q9mC3j99_ss/TvEOlZ49P6I/AAAAAAAABr8/gdITRZRwCcI/s1600-h/PC202377%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC202377" border="0" alt="PC202377" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ip_-PXEQcE8/TvEOl6VhN-I/AAAAAAAABsE/r3o1quLcxmw/PC202377_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>  <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2Q2-QKyDNcM/TvEOmEp-qZI/AAAAAAAABsM/QGNlcnT8aAE/s1600-h/PC202379%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC202379" border="0" alt="PC202379" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Je6_f1zE9Yk/TvEOmhl5voI/AAAAAAAABsU/KrH4X-fEVJE/PC202379_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jmwNwynAFbc/TvEOm4lYI-I/AAAAAAAABsc/HJqca7xcKBM/s1600-h/PC202380%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC202380" border="0" alt="PC202380" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-shegblHupQk/TvEOnJiuHmI/AAAAAAAABsk/lXNoPFYB5e4/PC202380_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a>  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Sleeves and before welts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wlX29cW6LQ4/TvEOnjUKHhI/AAAAAAAABss/lteLMGRsC7k/s1600-h/PC192370%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC192370" border="0" alt="PC192370" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lpi6Lu5OTi8/TvEOnyhHFOI/AAAAAAAABs0/8qd5J_MThn8/PC192370_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="420" height="316" /></a> </p> <p>Welts. Before adding the pocket lining.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qHkejudA-Ws/TvEOoYifezI/AAAAAAAABs8/JBzKDauYXh0/s1600-h/PC192371%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC192371" border="0" alt="PC192371" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3lxbclqVzt0/TvEOo-t2QwI/AAAAAAAABtE/xVgl7sZ5Owc/PC192371_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="427" height="322" /></a> </p> <p>After the pocket – straightens up the edges nicely. Hmmm….looking at the photo, the top welt looks wonky, but in reality, it is fine.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HGrP77mKWdI/TvEOpM22JDI/AAAAAAAABtM/MGqmRAYwWm8/s1600-h/PC202394%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="PC202394" border="0" alt="PC202394" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KOTsDgtOhSg/TvEOpjyRp_I/AAAAAAAABtU/SSsvfNifmg8/PC202394_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="670" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>I ended up not binding the outside edge. I cut off an inch or so all around the perimeter, and cut out the lining from the hem allowance. I turned a bit more than an inch for the hem. Before topstitching the hem, I turned the raw edge in 1/2 inch. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--uFl9Ae0fXE/TvEOp7KmO2I/AAAAAAAABtc/_CP0tTFA_58/s1600-h/PC202389%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC202389" border="0" alt="PC202389" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qjsPjWlnuqA/TvEOqaBfeCI/AAAAAAAABtk/zclwVJhhF2M/PC202389_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="356" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-i8hYUczR_EY/TvEOqqyU-rI/AAAAAAAABts/m3UTZ4dHxrc/s1600-h/PC202391%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC202391" border="0" alt="PC202391" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HPEMJXUc_i4/TvEOrJxnQhI/AAAAAAAABt0/067UTVZ2si0/PC202391_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="469" height="353" /></a> </p> <p>My daughter thinks it’s too much in the front. I agree. I think it would have been better if I had not used spray adhesive on the lining. The glue changed the hand, making the lining – well – crinkly feeling. </p> <p>My husband, on the other hand, thinks it is fine. </p> <p>I could have cut a size extra-small all around rather than just in the neck/arm area where I cut a size small. According to the pattern measurements, I should have cut a medium. No. Extra small. </p> <p>What do you think? Wear this when visiting family in DC for the holidays? Or opt out.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-36533829280106232722011-12-19T13:09:00.001-05:002011-12-19T13:09:36.527-05:00Koos Coat: Auditioning Binding<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cMBdjEFlrKk/Tu98DHRcTeI/AAAAAAAABp8/9aN7ix8FT5E/s1600-h/PC192360%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC192360" border="0" alt="PC192360" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ifEtUb5-O6I/Tu9901A192I/AAAAAAAABqE/_YAWoaqXkqM/PC192360_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="373" height="495" /></a> </p> <p>Before I journal the construction details for today (thus far, set in sleeves, finished neckline), I need to audition binding for the outer edge of the coat.</p> <p>Above is the same lightweight binding I used between fabrics and what I plan to use for the pocket welts. No. Too much of the same. I don’t think the light weight would give the needed heft at the hem.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XCEUEcaiIXU/Tu991FH53xI/AAAAAAAABqM/foUqHftXlmE/s1600-h/PC192359%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC192359" border="0" alt="PC192359" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ciY4E6hqPHU/Tu991mSNLYI/AAAAAAAABqU/W373DEEtwN4/PC192359_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="366" height="486" /></a> </p> <p>I like this but it would use up what I have if I have to cut a chunk on the bias. I’d not be able to make a skirt. And I want a skirt. What do I want more? This for the binding or a skirt? Decision: skirt.</p> <p>I can’t use the red/grey because of the ravel factor. It would need interfaced and that would defeat the bias purpose. The photo below shows the interior of the jacket (giving you a sneak preview of the finished interior) – notice the black interfacing I used on the red/grey. The interfacing is of such a nice quality that I did not have to line that piece as I had thought would be necessary. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l9LVrJUjfh0/Tu9917ONE7I/AAAAAAAABqc/z48Fq8iaaMo/s1600-h/PC192357%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC192357" border="0" alt="PC192357" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HctI906EeC4/Tu992XBCksI/AAAAAAAABqk/bdo5m9BuH_I/PC192357_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="463" height="615" /></a> </p> <p>I used the subtle grey stripe (under the red above) for sleeves. I don’t want to use it for binding as well. It is my least favorite fabric in the whole coat. It makes a great sleeve as it is very soft and of medium weight. Plus the stripe shows off the unusual characteristics of the twisted sleeve pattern. I’ll show you that later.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-IijzpMFg6WI/Tu9925A30kI/AAAAAAAABqs/QX3mFdoDAHc/s1600-h/PC192366%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC192366" border="0" alt="PC192366" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jbkpohVK_qA/Tu993KrnB6I/AAAAAAAABq0/RX0gtqsh9O8/PC192366_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="326" height="433" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FSv9NQHQ2tc/Tu993tKvaYI/AAAAAAAABq8/0hVFgGR8oD8/s1600-h/PC192367%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC192367" border="0" alt="PC192367" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TmxpjYBR0Tw/Tu993-abyLI/AAAAAAAABrE/iGffoQ1zS_0/PC192367_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="590" height="444" /></a> </p> <p>Which leaves me with the black. I’m leaning towards this because I chose the black for the outer piece of the coat and using this will keep the overall look as it now stands. It’s of a good weight to weigh the hem, it isn’t too thick (like the red/grey or black/white plaid). I think I have enough that I could still make a pencil skirt. </p> <p> </p> <p>[Note: See the little bit of unsecured binding in the left photo above? There are little fiddly bits like this which need to be hand-stitched and fixed even though I went slow slow slowly on the binding stitching. Some pieces just will not bow to submission!] <br /> <br />There is time to weigh in with your opinion (please!). I’m heading off to make the pockets. I imagine that will take me the afternoon to complete between loads of laundry and whatnot. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-50475267555248296542011-12-18T22:31:00.001-05:002011-12-18T22:33:01.201-05:00Koos Construction – Day 2<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1kFQSRl26Xc/Tu6wCKPAEUI/AAAAAAAABpc/8QsWn81g7Fw/s1600-h/PC182344%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC182344" border="0" alt="PC182344" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-X1cBUeWJ6pA/Tu6wCkt8QoI/AAAAAAAABpk/f-jKrlcRhE4/PC182344_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="380" /></a> </p> <p>Plus the sleeves are sewn (they have a spiral seamline) and one sleeve has been inserted. The other sleeve was fiddly so I took that as a sign that I was too tired to do more tonight. The difficult armscye is the one Murphy is sitting on – see the plaid on the bias? It is all stretched out. I need to press it back into shape and top stitch. Notice that the other armscye has different fabrication and, therefore, was much easier to work with. </p> <p>Construction photo: </p> <p>I am using Koos method of construction – this is the right side. I trimmed the seam allowanced, pressed open and laid the bias tape on top. It wasn’t the best option. I progressed to pressing the seams in one direction and then laying the bias. That was better</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-33h_kscYT5Y/Tu6wC_1CTiI/AAAAAAAABps/Cy2DIIP2H_4/s1600-h/PC182341%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC182341" border="0" alt="PC182341" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nL757KOswjg/Tu6wDS7O8oI/AAAAAAAABp0/dMvTEwXyv2s/PC182341_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="511" height="384" /></a> </p> <p>But the best method was to press open and stitch very close to the seam (1/8 inch) and then trim before laying the bias. This is the method I used for the bottom bias (between plaid and black dots). </p> <p> </p> <p>I have yet to: Set in the second sleeve. Welt pockets. Neck line. Trim off 5/8 from outside edge, finishing bias. Hem sleeves. </p> <p> </p> <p>Question: If I were to make a skirt to match – which fabric should I choose???? I have enough of most everything (except, perhaps, the solid red Shetland wool).</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-89887765671802279262011-12-17T22:07:00.001-05:002011-12-17T22:09:51.670-05:00Koos Coat – Construction Day 1<p><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC172331" border="0" alt="PC172331" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nxG3vmKomLE/Tu1Y7AVTuCI/AAAAAAAABoI/3PMTbybFBLc/PC172331_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="446" /></p> <p>Taking this slow and steady. </p> <p>For me, that means I do a bit and walk away. Do chores. Run errands. Cook a meal. Visit with my daughter home from college and my husband who has the next week off work. This is not one of those projects where I can obsess and work till the wee hours of the morning.</p> <p>Yesterday: I cut and constructed a size medium muslin. I did not petite it. My usual petite is one inch above bust plus one inch above the waist. I determined that I would cut a size extra-small at the shoulders and a medium elsewhere. Holding my breath that this is a good fix to the armscye issues on the muslin – they were too large and needed to be cut much higher. I think it will be fine.</p> <p>Today’s advancements include:</p> <p>1. Deciding to rearrange the order of fabrics. I will use the black speckles as the main body rather than the red/grey. The red/grey does not have much body. I think it would be great for a one-layer jacket, but not quite suitable as the base of this construction because there will be NO sew-on or ironed on interfacing used. We’ll see it in the piecing as the days progress.</p> <p> </p> <p>2. I cut, sewed, folded the bias tape. Pain in the tuchas (!) as the wool did not want to keep a crease. I ought to take a photo of my process: using one of those 1/2 inch bias turners PLUS about 5 or 6 pins in the ironing board to keep the folds in place while drying to set. I hope I don’t have to fiddle with it too much once I start using it.</p> <p> </p> <p>3. I ran out to our town’s little quilting shop to be met with a sign on the door: Jeannine and her husband Jean are both in a nursing home and the shop may never reopen. I plan to pay them a visit tomorrow. I learned quite a bit from Jean about machine repair. The loss of this shop will be a great loss. In order to complete my errand, I needed to venture to the next town to Walmart. The week before Christmas. I had quite a mental debate with myself about the greater need – but forged on singing along with my radio’s Christmas carols. Thankfully, it was just 10am so that the crowds had not yet descended, though the parking lot was jam packed. There was no line at the registers as I paid for my spray fabric adhesive.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-jdY4kCljmus/Tu1Y7eKYk5I/AAAAAAAABoQ/b-2JiRpXYU0/s1600-h/PC172332%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC172332" border="0" alt="PC172332" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MjaBFTXiRiA/Tu1Y74qROyI/AAAAAAAABoY/9v8OyxafR30/PC172332_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="479" height="360" /></a> </p> <p>4. Attempted to spray adhesive on the facing fabric (the silky leopard print) to stick on the wool, but it was too windy outside (and cold!) and the fabric kept blowing away. Rethinking options, we shuffled cars so that we could use the garage. The adhesive didn’t end up sticking very well – we’re debating whether the cold has anything to do with it, or the time it took to fiddle with the silky facing fabric in order to place it properly onto the wool.  (The “we” is my hubby.)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-iVBpRlAe_n8/Tu1Y8EGm6mI/AAAAAAAABog/ftHfM4JUi9s/s1600-h/PC172327%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC172327" border="0" alt="PC172327" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-B1agwrjo8Uc/Tu1Y8glQTVI/AAAAAAAABoo/v9nyH63shNE/PC172327_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="405" height="539" /></a> </p> <p>5. Pinned the wrong side of the facing to the wrong side of the wool, cut a wide margin around the pattern pieces, traced the pattern with chalk and pen, then ran a couple of lines of free form quilting to adhere them permanently. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eW6V-FJWFb4/Tu1Y9A5VwtI/AAAAAAAABow/XGrVoLEBs9k/s1600-h/PC172330%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC172330" border="0" alt="PC172330" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xKH-xVBNVB0/Tu1Y9Z9-3qI/AAAAAAAABo4/UCryonSzu5s/PC172330_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="570" height="428" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>6. I re-attached the paper pattern to the quilted piece to cut more precisely….remembering to place the pattern face down on this one layered piece.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-o_rDZloWBsM/Tu1Y9h7NaxI/AAAAAAAABpA/g8bSsgJLkJ0/s1600-h/PC172328%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC172328" border="0" alt="PC172328" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dNu6dhH9iFQ/Tu1Y-FCiT0I/AAAAAAAABpI/YjCVw0RyME8/PC172328_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="603" height="453" /></a> </p> <p>All of this quilting of facings is because I do not plan to line the coat. I’m following Koos’ methods. <br /> <br />Mental note: Cut off the 5/8 inch seam allowance on the outer edge before placing the final bias tape. I’m leaving it for now – to allow this seam allowance to ravel during the construction and manipulation of the coat. </p> <p>This is what I accomplished thus far: </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AM9SR7T2HgU/Tu1Y-j8XcaI/AAAAAAAABpQ/5q_M88liZYg/s1600-h/PC172331%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC172331" border="0" alt="PC172331" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-nxG3vmKomLE/Tu1Y7AVTuCI/AAAAAAAABoI/3PMTbybFBLc/PC172331_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="594" height="446" /></a></p> <p>Did you notice that the facing doesn’t complete the circle? I don’t know why I opted this – I think I felt it unnecessary to have the facing along the bottom back. Hopefully this will be a good decision.  </p> <p>Tomorrow: Sew these pieces together and start construction of the basic coat.</p> <p>I’m still undecided about what to use for outer-edge bias and for the sleeves. I have options but I’m not thrilled with any of them.</p> <p>I’ll take more photos tomorrow of the process. I forgot about taking photos till this evening and missed recording some interesting details.  </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-32746896910389403742011-12-14T22:17:00.001-05:002011-12-14T22:17:17.807-05:00More Koos Fabric Planning<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WHr76wyNHEI/TulmoshacKI/AAAAAAAABmI/QJL1lKB_kug/s1600-h/PC142314%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC142314" border="0" alt="PC142314" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7Xi5dK094nU/TulmpS66tkI/AAAAAAAABmQ/L-hDR1Hbxi8/PC142314_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="439" height="584" /></a> </p> <p>I never claimed to be an artist. This jacket is a puzzle, isn’t it? I needed some way to visualize it in order to piece it. </p> <p>Original plan below:</p> <p> </p> <p align="center"> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0LnJpD6Mwo4/Tulmp1deJxI/AAAAAAAABmY/NF9QzffqPds/s1600-h/PC072267%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC072267" border="0" alt="PC072267" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JB0JGSgkFYI/TulmqRsVOmI/AAAAAAAABmg/cKhVbmUKfpg/PC072267_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="401" height="533" /></a> </p> <p>The problem with the above plan was that some of the fabrics weren’t coat quality not to mention a tad monochromatic. </p> <p>I found the following two at Fabric Mart last week and was quite pleased when they arrived today.</p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N1YaPk7GO2w/Tulmq0sRzaI/AAAAAAAABmo/XPpDZHDbHlg/s1600-h/image%25255B6%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xD5Bk5eNAKM/Tulmrf8DQ2I/AAAAAAAABmw/S6fv8WzUoaY/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="290" height="379" /></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_0SONt_BSqw/Tulmr7o79oI/AAAAAAAABm4/JtiqKQE91uw/s1600-h/image%25255B7%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-v7ieFYT75F0/Tulmsbbn0hI/AAAAAAAABnA/hktZ0gPhPvw/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="288" height="377" /></a></p> <p align="left">The newest plan is as follows:</p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h6Nw6t6OEpM/TulmtBI8dZI/AAAAAAAABnI/g0YOkgZoNGs/s1600-h/PC142313%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC142313" border="0" alt="PC142313" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6Y_SCZEhcS4/Tulmtt-2NgI/AAAAAAAABnQ/sQ7X9de535Y/PC142313_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="402" height="534" /></a> </p> <p align="left">Is that a tad blurred? Or is it my sleep deprived eyes? <br />The top fabric will be the bias – that’s the reason it is shown on the diagonal. The bottom red/grey will be the main fabric – on the front it is the collar and center front, around to the bottom fabric in the back. The order of the rest are as stacked, top to bottom, with each separated by the diagonal grey stripe bias.</p> <p align="left">My color key – and a second view which I adjusted for color of the fabric. </p> <p align="left"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC142319" border="0" alt="PC142319" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-u78gTT25Kzo/TulmtyRlCwI/AAAAAAAABnY/vk8MsrOLF-8/PC142319%25255B9%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="403" height="536" /> </p> <p> <img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-uhERo2w8Ys4/Tulmuaz2TbI/AAAAAAAABng/gDdQ9l60A64/color%252520adjusted_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="505" height="671" /></p> <p>I’m still having a difficult time photographing a true color for the red Shetland wool – the below gives you a good idea of the wool textures. </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-8gzcO977e5s/Tulmug8isWI/AAAAAAAABno/wnQqmd4ZGHc/s1600-h/PC142310%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC142310" border="0" alt="PC142310" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d4zz9qxP8zk/TulmvMdGSUI/AAAAAAAABnw/172lxwX54YE/PC142310_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="471" height="354" /></a> </p> <p>I have decided that I will not be lining the coat. I’ll follow suggestions in Koos’ book for finishing seams. I have to decide what to do for a facing. Perhaps I’ll just let the reverse side of the red/grey provide the facing contrast (it’s mostly black). </p> <p> </p> <p>At any rate, I spent the evening cutting the pattern pieces to a size medium – but not cutting where the small was on the outside margin because I have yet to make a muslin and I’m not sure about the size. I hear it runs big. I’ll have to re-trim the pattern once I come up with a proper size. Yes, I’m cutting into the tissue. I doubt I’ll make a second of these coats any time soon. Besides, tracing these pieces is quite daunting! Have you seen them???? <br /> <br />I’ll make the muslin out of the lining pieces which I won’t be using on the final coat. At least I won’t need to piece the puzzle together just to make a muslin. I’m really looking forward to starting this process tomorrow, except my daughter is coming home for winter break sometime tomorrow and I’m determined to bake some cookies for her, have Sangria in the frig chilling for her, and, of course, a home cooked dinner of oven breaded chicken and cheesy cauliflower. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-5349107778338298732011-12-14T21:40:00.001-05:002011-12-14T21:41:14.563-05:00Coordinating Blue Wools<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OKuOnnzHfyI/TuleHEYztKI/AAAAAAAABlY/0_4wtAlQS_Q/s1600-h/PC142294%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC142294" border="0" alt="PC142294" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TV9YrWovtok/TuleHjCtbSI/AAAAAAAABlg/ft7lnqUgvcI/PC142294_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="423" height="319" /></a>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZSGiyBvwNSM/TuleH9ij8HI/AAAAAAAABlo/vaHoWXGPJfY/s1600-h/PC142298%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC142298" border="0" alt="PC142298" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-23MBG3b8VpQ/TuleIU061BI/AAAAAAAABlw/vl5DpUCQX5M/PC142298_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="426" height="320" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jib6CorM7i0/TuleIhDkG3I/AAAAAAAABl4/ni92xsgGmdg/s1600-h/PC142296%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC142296" border="0" alt="PC142296" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-chJ2A7XsNIs/TuleJH5VpGI/AAAAAAAABmA/dWQUeO7hG78/PC142296_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="422" height="318" /></a> </p> <p>Just wow. </p> <p>Fabric Mart.</p> <p>The floral plaid is a Marc Jacobs angora. Soft and beautiful. I have one yard.</p> <p>The other is Shetland wool, a bit stiff. </p> <p>How to coordinate these two will be a creative process. <br /></p> <p>One option is to make the floral plaid a skirt and the denim a jacket.</p> <p>Or I can make the floral plaid a comfy jacket or vest and use the denim as an embellishment of sorts…binding, pockets, etc. I could also make a matching skirt of the denim.</p> <p>I’ll let it simmer until I know. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-81041682072337280392011-12-08T12:12:00.001-05:002011-12-08T12:13:25.030-05:00Simple Tool Used to Set Seam Allowances<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Qm7YGIe0ykM/TuDv2vnWkpI/AAAAAAAABkY/bviIgZZ-m4w/s1600-h/PC082281%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="PC082281" border="0" alt="PC082281" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jgoi0JR-orY/TuDv27KiNII/AAAAAAAABkg/G59Ng28cueQ/PC082281_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="391" /></a> </p> <p>How many times do we change the size of a seam allowance or stitching line in the making of a garment? It’s not too much of a problem if your machine comes with an engraved needle plate, but Necchi machines do not.</p> <p>My solution is this Quilter’s Gauge by Dritz.</p> <p>Simply slip it under your presser foot.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u1AtIiBDXbc/TuDv3cn1qBI/AAAAAAAABko/vNi1wHgTpFQ/s1600-h/PC082283%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="PC082283" border="0" alt="PC082283" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yhysM6aUc8A/TuDv3sgm8qI/AAAAAAAABkw/iEPVwc_K6gQ/PC082283_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="467" height="351" /></a> </p> <p>Slip the needle through the appropriate measurement. (I simply eyeball it.) And set your metal gauge next to the edge. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-etJydH9cEGE/TuDv4U-yciI/AAAAAAAABk4/Iq2hsLBRP3I/s1600-h/PC082284%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="PC082284" border="0" alt="PC082284" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HNshMCKXUHw/TuDv4s2MyLI/AAAAAAAABlA/JRa4GaIRENQ/PC082284_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="477" height="359" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j0HjTHOFuZ0/TuDv5DRRvzI/AAAAAAAABlI/bhJO3Ccjy3M/s1600-h/PC082282%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="PC082282" border="0" alt="PC082282" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KcwDBRmSNr8/TuDv5bdpH3I/AAAAAAAABlQ/kh9GVaJ5SMs/PC082282_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="473" height="356" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Viola! Accurate seam allowance in a jiffy. <br /> <br />My only complaint with this tool is that it does not have 3/8 inch, which I frequently use when sewing knits. I mark 3/8” with a piece of tape – which I took off for the sake of the photo above. </p> <p> <br />I’ve never seen this tool listed on anyone’s “notions I can’t live without” lists. But it certainly tops mine. Do you use an unusual notion on a frequent basis?</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-75255310039422698222011-12-07T11:07:00.001-05:002011-12-07T11:07:22.947-05:00Cooking the Koos Coat<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-aP5KHYgHiFk/Tt-PAuKaM8I/AAAAAAAABfc/GCWh7uxdTAo/s512/image2.png?imgmax=800"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b2an_1rW33Q/Tt-PAxfa_bI/AAAAAAAABfk/YmDs8Qe53Pk/s512/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="191" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I received a lovely note from a dear gal who doesn’t like to make herself known publicly on the blogs. She is in the process of making the Koos coat with a sewing buddy (how fun to have a sewing buddy!) and offered some welcome advice. </p> <p> </p> <p>In response to my inquiry regarding Koos’ method of construction, she pointed me to the book <u>Koos Couture and Collage</u> by Linda Chang Teufel, available for $15 on Linda’s rwebpage, <a href="www.dragonthreads.com/books/koos.htm" target="_blank">Dragon Threads</a>. Before constructing the coat, I’m going to read this book, so sewing will have to wait. I’m not convinced flat felled seams are necessary, especially at the shoulders. There has to be a better way. </p> <p> </p> <p>My pattern finally arrived and I’ve given it a once over. I’m just a tad intimidated. :) I think I’ll make a one-layer, one-color coat to start. In other words, I’ll follow the example of my anonymous friend and make a coat from the lining. I have a couple of lengths in just the right weight and length. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EEW81XXs8Ac/Tt-PBUOvrwI/AAAAAAAABfs/ermzG1mMllM/s512/PC072278%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072278" border="0" alt="PC072278" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lKqixxe0a8c/Tt-PBrZPrJI/AAAAAAAABf0/cl0OqaHzSp0/s512/PC072278_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oDhj3FPkSik/Tt-PCFuq5SI/AAAAAAAABf8/kxdzemfzXVk/s512/PC072279%25255B14%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072279" border="0" alt="PC072279" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--yr7gsCy_W4/Tt-PCcK5FPI/AAAAAAAABgE/NDc_a4lUxe4/s512/PC072279_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>That blue is a bit bright but I can imagine wearing with black jeans.</p> <p>Below is a length of wool – it’s a bit meh. I’ve never loved it. The real color is a bit more bright – with yellow tone. I imagine it will be a dream to sew with.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5YoUh5hfCuU/Tt-PCuXtiMI/AAAAAAAABgM/zNBsmlc4vx4/s512/PC072280%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072280" border="0" alt="PC072280" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HO34CTS12cw/Tt-PDPaQvwI/AAAAAAAABgU/rIvTOLhTnLE/s512/PC072280_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The below fabrics are the ones I’m mulling over for the layered coat.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-0nL8PlZzSSA/Tt-PDms9iEI/AAAAAAAABgc/pYVwevYsl6I/s512/PC072267%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072267" border="0" alt="PC072267" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9wA6j40NXFc/Tt-PDy7jQmI/AAAAAAAABgk/27ZW0gEg22s/s512/PC072267_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I found the red/grey just last week at Hancock’s on 40% off sale. It is quite ravely and will be a nightmare, I’m sure! I’m thinking of interfacing with a light weight knit interfacing to make it easier to handle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GNtXePjMTXQ/Tt-PEUiScrI/AAAAAAAABgs/ibUmd-P9FJQ/s512/PC072275%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072275" border="0" alt="PC072275" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IekmrjY4UJU/Tt-PEkIdP8I/AAAAAAAABg0/SMVbVP78FyY/s512/PC072275_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Next in the stack is this beautiful piece of  Merino wool with a subtle tan stripe.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AZqnmyxOr4E/Tt-PE7EUfNI/AAAAAAAABg8/sg-RrKwots8/s512/PC072274%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072274" border="0" alt="PC072274" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-B_XXtVW1BCQ/Tt-PFR9O34I/AAAAAAAABhE/COxi4mWfPBg/s512/PC072274_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>I realize I have a problem with each of the other fabrics – they are either too light weight or have stretch. </p> <p>The below piece has black/white threads, forming a perfectly neutral grey. The problem is the weight. I’d have to interface with a heavy interfacing, changing the original hand a bit. I don’t know if that works or if there would be too much of a difference in heft to make it work with the red/grey.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7u6G5YwDB-I/Tt-PFhMltVI/AAAAAAAABhM/3l6Y-EtoWs4/s512/PC072273%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072273" border="0" alt="PC072273" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F0Wd-c8AOFM/Tt-PGKm8ANI/AAAAAAAABhU/-9iJ67WklU8/s512/PC072273_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>This piece I LOVE.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kuN72T1cZRQ/Tt-PGtfLWyI/AAAAAAAABhc/dfPuHNInPzY/s512/PC072272%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072272" border="0" alt="PC072272" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pNxa4xSXP8U/Tt-PHF_TJ4I/AAAAAAAABhk/gq4dIG2P9XU/s512/PC072272_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>But it stretches.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Mzy9OQz0sE8/Tt-PHTO7QdI/AAAAAAAABhw/uSJe4WOWtiw/s512/PC072271%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072271" border="0" alt="PC072271" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EAaykyUFzH8/Tt-PHxZQMDI/AAAAAAAABh4/LTLCfaernlE/s512/PC072271_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Bah! Would interfacing and/or underlining work?</p> <p>The next one – click on it to increase the size so you can see the texture – is wonderful. But light. I could use it for the binding.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-MsNiARAtfvw/Tt-PIRDiNoI/AAAAAAAABiA/YJHmRjR7ep4/s512/PC072270%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072270" border="0" alt="PC072270" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hujy36LbgjM/Tt-PInczVXI/AAAAAAAABiE/bkclSYC_1A0/s512/PC072270_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Or I could use this light weight stripe for the binding, which is the direction I’m leaning.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r8wB-qGjcQU/Tt-PJaLenhI/AAAAAAAABiQ/G4848b5oLaU/s512/PC072269%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072269" border="0" alt="PC072269" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Cvchjf2SC5M/Tt-PJr-v6nI/AAAAAAAABiY/BHd1IPnk7SI/s512/PC072269_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Once again, a lovely stack of possibilities but with issues.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-N04uWlP2dGM/Tt-PJ8P2xVI/AAAAAAAABig/pcNVH-AV3Po/s512/PC072267%25255B8%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072267" border="0" alt="PC072267" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-r9k6Ji7ym68/Tt-PKcPSpJI/AAAAAAAABio/Y5RhyENw1CM/s512/PC072267_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Another idea is to add another bit of color. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_Eo75sHjRHM/Tt-PKyj484I/AAAAAAAABiw/F9z5LS3AIJY/s512/PC072276%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072276" border="0" alt="PC072276" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MPu7jPlssOc/Tt-PLBUgX9I/AAAAAAAABi4/QIOkRC847WA/s512/PC072276_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>The coral/red actually blends quite nice in real life – if I don’t use them directly next to each other. The color below is more true. I only have a yard of this Shetland wool which came to me in a Fabric Mart bundle.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i9u0X6w9DXo/Tt-PLeAdkcI/AAAAAAAABjA/7VIeRDNYAr4/s512/PC072277%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072277" border="0" alt="PC072277" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WqF3fNoz6b8/Tt-PL5vKH-I/AAAAAAAABjI/RUtwZTDnxXc/s512/PC072277_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p>Or, thinking, ditch the red/grey bulky fabric entirely and go with the lighter weights. </p> <p>Meanwhile, while I await the arrival of the Koos book, I think I’ll pull out another coat project. In the blue. That blue is speaking to me today.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-GPXDjAL7Mu0/Tt-PMNsJf4I/AAAAAAAABjQ/aP_8fMulcJg/s512/PC072279%25255B17%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="PC072279" border="0" alt="PC072279" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-e9VNdABgrFA/Tt-PMa1kH0I/AAAAAAAABjY/4OqOh9M9q1s/s512/PC072279_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Vogue 2988. Perhaps.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_MsMNXCjRzA/Tt-PNKns4lI/AAAAAAAABjk/v0ZyfvJVEmU/s512/image%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rwytOiE48bY/Tt-PN4zpqXI/AAAAAAAABjo/Dk3IHYYuWO8/s512/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="181" /></a> </p> <p>Or Kwik Sew 3095  which I’ve chosen for my SWAP. I think this is a sleeper pattern. I have been drawn to this pattern for quite some time. I could start the fitting process today. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y9QR-W4W8KA/Tt-POEGJI3I/AAAAAAAABj0/bjiNPi3Xc9Q/s512/image%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xQqDx2ZHcwM/Tt-POtznFSI/AAAAAAAABj8/SRB-JrsttOA/s512/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="160" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Do you ever feel like flipping a coin to help decide what to do????</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-57041474816423917592011-12-05T23:00:00.001-05:002011-12-05T23:00:54.103-05:00Koos Coat: What is taking so long?<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AT62wf4h2lA/Tt2TZcL3ivI/AAAAAAAABfM/GR-01pnLSJM/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ufcoksgaM9k/Tt2Tcy3DIxI/AAAAAAAABfU/kRbNbdhjdAI/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="231" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>It has been a week since I ordered this pattern from BMV. The status has read “shipped” since Wednesday. </p> <p>But perhaps the wait will be worth it, especially since another blogger, <a href="http://jillybejoyful.blogspot.com/2011/12/koos-coat-what-ive-learned-so-far.html" target="_blank">Jilly Be Joyful</a>, is currently making the coat and is taking the time to blog her observations. I’m finding her details and her recommendations very helpful. </p> <p>One of her recommendations about using wool of similar weight has altered my fabric choices. I’ll take photos of fabrics tomorrow and will discuss what I want to use, why I may not use some, and a question about a color choice.’</p> <p>Another recommendation, mental note: lower the height of the collar.</p> <p>Meanwhile, I have a few questions regarding the construction:</p> <p>1. Can this coat be made without the flat felled seams? </p> <p>2. Could the inner layer, which I'd probably never wear on the outside, be treated more as a lining, therefore eliminating the need to flat fell all these seams? </p> <p>3. Furthermore, I've read a few blogs which report that the construction method Koos uses differs from the printed Vogue instructions. I'm wondering if anyone knows how he recommends constructing the coat. I’m thinking the sleeve construction is where the major construction differences might lie.</p> <p>Thank you, Jilly Be, for forging the way!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-51255105502907991372011-12-04T10:47:00.001-05:002011-12-17T23:47:44.985-05:00A Learning Curve: Simplicity 2155, View D<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oaLkAh7n5ic/TtuV7eaTkKI/AAAAAAAABdI/YMOhV5-HQbs/s1600-h/Vest%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-m8UPfct-o84/TtuV8EFNZVI/AAAAAAAABdQ/C6QJiQ2dDHI/Vest_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CIjytwrnpaA/TtuV8VRILPI/AAAAAAAABdY/cHTyFncjfQU/s1600-h/image2.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H_ZnWviVjsk/TtuV8u9LrUI/AAAAAAAABdg/NkTASW8f9UI/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Notes</strong>: </p> <p>I chose this pattern for the shoulder princess seams.</p> <p>As you can see, I did not add the collar or make the belt. I wanted to try one of Sandra Betzina’s methods for lining and opted to omit the collar in order to do that. </p> <p>I added bound buttonholes. </p> <p>I cut size 14 at shoulders and bust, size 16 at hips.</p> <p>I made two petite adjustments of 1 inch each: mid-armholes and at a couple inches above the waist. </p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Problems</strong>:</p> <p>I forgot to scoop out the armscye after the petite adjustment so they are tight. It should be easy enough to reopen the hand-sewing on the lining to fix that. I followed Betzina’s advice to remove the gaposis on the front and back armscye (staystitch the area, putting your finger behind the foot to draw up the fabric). </p> <p>I did not perform a broad back adjustment and the shoulder blade area feels tight. Maybe increasing the size of the armscye will help that issue a bit. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-C8Yo_bqMtBE/TtuV9I9H4TI/AAAAAAAABdo/cE7b1VQpgII/s1600-h/3%252520buttons%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="3 buttons" border="0" alt="3 buttons" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fYgRNLmrJIw/TtuV9UkVgtI/AAAAAAAABdw/m3GJ99-ecFo/3%252520buttons_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>My bound buttonholes are sloppy. I think they are sloppy because I followed a technique in Sandra Betzina’s Power Sewing which has the buttonholes bound in a double layer with the lining. That is too bulky</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kmiVkDpB2ns/TtuV93LcU7I/AAAAAAAABd4/0dGvbigLI-w/s1600-h/Bound%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="Bound" border="0" alt="Bound" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3wwV1lE0Ruc/TtuV-DjDciI/AAAAAAAABeA/ebHE_0MEFqQ/Bound_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>Now I know. </p> <p>On the inside of the garment, Sandra sews 1/4 inch around the button hole (rather than in the ditch) and then cuts the remaining patch away, leaving the edge raw. I did not want the top stitching so I turned in the raw edges of the patch and slip stitched. They look awful. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GiftQoSdwVc/TtuV-ZxfwbI/AAAAAAAABeI/Kv-fPj-jYlo/s1600-h/bound%252520inside%252520close%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="bound inside close" border="0" alt="bound inside close" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HWXBUENyAeI/TtuV-lSRLLI/AAAAAAAABeQ/CJSNfVCWerc/bound%252520inside%252520close_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>But from the outside, even though they are wonky, the striped binding adds a needed pop to the bland grey.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WY4IGP0M78E/TtuV_Jnm2qI/AAAAAAAABeY/V7Xtnoc4PjA/s1600-h/buttoned%252520buttons%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="buttoned buttons" border="0" alt="buttoned buttons" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rLcnj2dCu1Y/TtuV_aSTTkI/AAAAAAAABeg/C4cToAm3MzU/buttoned%252520buttons_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I was hoping this would be a bit more loose fitting, less fitted. </p> <p> <br /><strong>Techniques</strong>:</p> <p>Bound button holes.</p> <p>Princess seams. I’ve made relatively few. I chose this pattern because this vest has princess seams that go to the shoulder rather than the armscye. I hope to tweak this pattern to give me a more loose fitting garment that can be used for many fabrications and embellishments, with or without a lining. </p> <p> </p> <p>The lining method has you insert one lined piece into another and sew through all four layers at shoulder seam and at side seam. Conclusion: I do not like this method, at least, not on heavy garments. No matter how much I tweaked, I could not get the edge points to line up perfectly. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-TcshRUG3ZjE/TtuV_hIztwI/AAAAAAAABeo/-pA1liI49FI/s1600-h/PC042262%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="PC042262" border="0" alt="PC042262" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jH5AtLNea2E/TtuV_6qBpVI/AAAAAAAABew/Gys7CeChAi4/PC042262_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a>  </p> <p>The above side edge matched fairly well, but the one below not at all.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o8jPyXTYCPc/TtuWAVWviOI/AAAAAAAABe4/MdEHOWKP7xQ/s1600-h/side%252520seam%252520offset%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="side seam offset" border="0" alt="side seam offset" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uvWlghScsZ0/TtuWAs36xKI/AAAAAAAABfA/-WMNUjLsP1U/side%252520seam%252520offset_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>So, I’m concluding that this grey wool vest is far from perfect but perfectly wearable. I didn’t intend for it to be a show-stopper so I am not bothered by the errors. It will be fine for a bit of warmth around the house or a quick trip to the store. Perhaps we’ll call this a wearable muslin. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-12060651069732202622011-11-28T10:09:00.001-05:002011-11-28T10:11:41.762-05:00Remnant’s Rockin’ SWAP 2012<p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lMt78oTnxO0/TtOkCoZC4KI/AAAAAAAABdA/IUFYlf6bAD4/s1600-h/image%25255B7%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-84A2AeBe9EE/TtOkDGh29mI/AAAAAAAABdE/AiQF4jBhvSU/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="290" height="178" /></a> </p> <p>My Sewing with a Plan for 2012 is coming together. I have chosen all my fabrics and a few of the patterns. I’m calling this my Rockin’ SWAP because of the textured earth-tone fabrics in olive, gold, brown and winter-white. </p> <p>The primary 7 garments I will be sewing:</p> <p>1. Trousers - possibly Cutting Design’s One-Seam or Style Arc’s Linda. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-saT3u89jkTw/TtOkDZwKkXI/AAAAAAAABaA/FM7CdEJJxc8/s1600-h/1%252520Trouser%252520dark%252520brown%252520closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S1fNnHlyvA8/TtOkDnoNcRI/AAAAAAAABaI/GFKGZ-W8cng/1%252520Trouser%252520dark%252520brown%252520closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="175" /></a> A brown mystery fabric. Slight stretch.</p> <p>2. Skirt – Pamela Pattern’s Magic Pencil Skirt</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9Z7Qsr9as9k/TtOkEaM4RcI/AAAAAAAABaQ/5q1k-iIUGC8/s1600-h/2%252520Skirt%252520Olive%252520Knit%252520closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xOXVOZN3ON0/TtOkEsCBaZI/AAAAAAAABaY/U89Jeh0qepY/2%252520Skirt%252520Olive%252520Knit%252520closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="231" height="244" /></a> A beautiful knitty knit fabric.</p> <p>3. T-Shirt – Paco Peralta’s Drape</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ajq6GYEAZRA/TtOkFGI9UcI/AAAAAAAABag/v4dYtDHU6Og/s1600-h/3%252520T%252520Shirt%252520Winter%252520White%252520stripe%252520closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ARPFjhhTHrM/TtOkFUO3LrI/AAAAAAAABao/k4lh4cdknQM/3%252520T%252520Shirt%252520Winter%252520White%252520stripe%252520closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="206" /></a> A very light weight ribbed/slubbed knit.</p> <p>4. Blouse – This is yet to be determined. There are so many styles I want to try, yet I must find one I wish to become a TNT (tried and true) according to SWAP rules.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TtWBpDPstWw/TtOkF0DzpSI/AAAAAAAABas/VCmaffAfPik/s1600-h/4%252520Blouse%252520Olive%252520multi%252520closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ftvIVyAGAJE/TtOkGEEO5VI/AAAAAAAABa4/-avW47lzaUw/4%252520Blouse%252520Olive%252520multi%252520closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="232" /></a> Slight stretch. Beautiful tones.</p> <p>5. Jacket – Loes Hinse Zipper</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OHFP5GCpiFE/TtOkGfG9cNI/AAAAAAAABbA/K52BjiQuy9w/s1600-h/5%252520Jacket%252520brown%252520speckled%252520closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NqbO9NfdOJU/TtOkGiH2VvI/AAAAAAAABbI/FEU8wW7F3jE/5%252520Jacket%252520brown%252520speckled%252520closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="196" /></a> Fairly light weight, warm, great drape.</p> <p>6. Coat – Kwik Sew 3095 (a boxy looking coat, but I like my coats loose fitting rather than tight and constricting)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pi6PA7hWsoU/TtOkHBNoA8I/AAAAAAAABbQ/MIZo6X15vsQ/s1600-h/6%252520Coat%252520Dark%252520Olive%252520corduroy%252520closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RlUwoHz4Bn4/TtOkHjkUefI/AAAAAAAABbY/dZqRoDRuoSg/6%252520Coat%252520Dark%252520Olive%252520corduroy%252520closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="191" /></a>  Green Corduroy. Thick. Maybe too stiff.</p> <p>7. Over Coat – possibly Burda 7587 (a swing coat)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-b5AFiNI6xCk/TtOkH-DyqNI/AAAAAAAABbg/ZL-NE_ibL0Q/s1600-h/7%252520Overcoat%252520Winter%252520White%252520Wool%252520closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-T2EbKD4ddms/TtOkIaTdfgI/AAAAAAAABbo/IZ3HTYkuEak/7%252520Overcoat%252520Winter%252520White%252520Wool%252520closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="160" /></a> Wool. Thick. Love.</p> <p> <br />The 4 garments, which according to this year’s SWAP rules, I must repeat with the same or a different pattern:</p> <p>8. Skirt </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c-CrK5A89iI/TtOkIuanf1I/AAAAAAAABbw/BWnC8ErAdxM/s1600-h/8%252520Skirt%252520tan%252520stretch%252520close%252520up%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-x9PBxicU6ZM/TtOkIyLEn_I/AAAAAAAABb0/8k3Q_YBMAq0/8%252520Skirt%252520tan%252520stretch%252520close%252520up_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="177" /></a> Stretch. </p> <p>9. Blouse</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RtvOt_QvEb4/TtOkJscLl3I/AAAAAAAABcA/Ku1BPxTMYDU/s1600-h/9%252520Blouse%252520black%252520white%252520gold%252520close%252520up%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9c5spJ0F4lE/TtOkJ_hchpI/AAAAAAAABcI/Rsg9kwdhdWU/9%252520Blouse%252520black%252520white%252520gold%252520close%252520up_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="182" /></a> Lovely. Just wait and see. </p> <p>10. Jacket</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-K-VrZK1rcX8/TtOkKJpKzpI/AAAAAAAABcQ/-Tpdk2tCQGw/s1600-h/10%252520Jacket%252520Gold%252520Velvet%252520closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DRnTtQ7bvM8/TtOkKs3nuVI/AAAAAAAABcY/1GItedABrzA/10%252520Jacket%252520Gold%252520Velvet%252520closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="152" /></a> Beautiful stretch velvet. Kind of furry.</p> <p>11. Coat</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-m_lkcpTR54s/TtOkLO1uisI/AAAAAAAABcg/B6FnWbG3f0U/s1600-h/11%252520Coat%252520Green%252520Velvet%252520Closeup%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gXRQmEOrwGo/TtOkLXs6T1I/AAAAAAAABco/IKRlj7exPOQ/11%252520Coat%252520Green%252520Velvet%252520Closeup_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="181" /></a> Stretch velvet. Kind of stiff. </p> <p>I will wait to determine whether to repeat the first pattern by how much I like the first choice once it is made up and worn. If I like it, if I determine I want to have a second in a different fabrication, I will repeat it, otherwise, I have plenty to choose from and will attempt a second style.</p> <p> </p> <p>I had a relatively easy time choosing fabrics as I have discovered I purchase quite a few in this color-way. I love these dark, deep tones. Of course, as the weeks and months progress, I reserve the right to exchange a current fabric or pattern for another, but as it stands today, I love these choices. There is enough pattern to make it interesting, enough texture to make it fun and enough styles to make it challenging. Perhaps I will add a bit of embellishment as my heart leads, perhaps with some decorative stitching using the cams on my SuperNova and using a few seed beads. Ideas are ruminating.</p> <p> </p> <p>According to SWAP rules, I can start fitting muslins now and can even complete 2 garments prior to the Dec 26 start date. YAY! Eleven well-fitted garments seems a mighty large task to complete by April 30. But the goal is to make future sewing more rewarding by having these well-fitted, TNT’s at hand. The effort will have long-lasting reward. </p> <p> </p> <p>But I do have to say….I’m sorely tempted to hold off on the SWAP sewing in order to make this Koos Coat…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xTlm05seP8Y/TtOkLhTE1BI/AAAAAAAABcw/0f8hjJk_ahw/s1600-h/image2.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hSvNN3KZFow/TtOkMGBu8zI/AAAAAAAABc4/lL800xNw7aI/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="231" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I’ve chosen tentative fabrics, in grey tones and a wee spot of red. My fabrics aren’t as wonderful as those pictured, but one must work within one’s budget, darn it all. My patterns are much more subdued, and perhaps that fits my style a bit better anyway. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-53049169317215754602011-11-22T22:47:00.001-05:002011-11-22T22:47:22.352-05:00Murphy on Wheels – only slightly sewing-related<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pSOdSLXLsfc/TsxsuzjsBZI/AAAAAAAABYM/sfMXHncJ0Ig/s1600-h/Murcase4%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Murcase4" border="0" alt="Murcase4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ta1_PacpyTQ/TsxsvdWXtYI/AAAAAAAABYU/xHaF75HlFg0/Murcase4_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="242" height="321" /></a> </p> <p>I don’t think I’ve properly introduced Murphy. </p> <p> </p> <p>Murphy is a Chiweenie. If you <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=chiweenie&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hl=en&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&biw=1138&bih=532&sei=sWnMTvDQJYaatwfgvcWQAQ" target="_blank">Google “Chiweenie”</a> you will see all sorts of oddities. A Chiweenie, if you haven’t quite gotten there yet, is Chiuaua plus Dacshund. Murphy’s mother was a Teacup Chiuaua and his father a mini-Dacshund. </p> <p> </p> <p>He’s quite a pathetic pooch. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-prYavS4mCJ8/Tsxsvvcz1nI/AAAAAAAABYc/us3Uk_MVfiQ/s1600-h/Murcase2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="Murcase2" border="0" alt="Murcase2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kHC7CJ4YxCc/Tsxsv5nv05I/AAAAAAAABYk/zGpmNu3_NI4/Murcase2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>My day trip to the Garment District necessitated bringing Murphy as the hotel would not allow him to remain at the hotel unescorted so I had to bring him with me on the train into the city but I could not carry him all day – he’s just a tad too heavy at 12 pounds. Not being used to crowds of feet, keeping him on a leash all day was not going to work for him. </p> <p>My only option, other than staying close to the hotel, was this suitcase/briefcase on wheels (that’s my daughter pulling Murphy).</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5J7iBzvrCuI/TsxsweRSiyI/AAAAAAAABYs/gkEFFjPwDpQ/s1600-h/Murcase1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lH8WZHVxCKU/TsxswgYPStI/AAAAAAAABY0/hlT-rUDjr50/Murcase1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="165" height="277" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3p3otMDYsCw/Tsxsw4vpIuI/AAAAAAAABY8/28m9cKC-bZw/s1600-h/Murcase6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-tzOzAwfpFrQ/TsxsxIZU50I/AAAAAAAABZE/ZgmluYqggUI/Murcase6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="264" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-puLAKl0TnVM/Tsxsxe16j4I/AAAAAAAABZM/IWCSJXPTt_I/s1600-h/Murcase8%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TYSbEvUEcZ0/TsxsxmkwKXI/AAAAAAAABZU/B1wUVkFTF6o/Murcase8_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="171" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L7YEaL1qHNg/TsxsyK226OI/AAAAAAAABZc/046lLHVFVYY/s1600-h/Murcase7%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-l5UC_W2_KsM/TsxsyddCvjI/AAAAAAAABZk/q8s1kZhjTVY/Murcase7_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="158" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>Murphy has morphed me into a crazy dog woman.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-83066626288766812832011-11-16T10:51:00.001-05:002011-11-16T10:51:04.183-05:00Upgrading Patterns<p>When I started sewing, I aimed for inexpensive fabric and simple patterns. I had fitting issues (a full bust) which I needed to learn to accommodate. Simple patterns equaled successful patterns. I’ve rarely had a wadder (something which is only good to be wadded up and tossed out) but, even so, I didn’t want to learn and experiment on costly fabrics.</p> <p> </p> <p>Today I am tempted by seriously expensive wools. Just saying. Wools – sigh – love.</p> <p> </p> <p>I managed to take away quite a haul of very lovely fabrics from G Street’s back wall a couple of weeks ago. After laundering, I realize just how good these pieces are. I’m hoping to build my <a href="http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,16282.0.html" target="_blank">SWAP</a> for this year [11 well-fitted garments resulting in TNT’s – or tried-and-true patterns] around these G Street pieces. However, I have decided that in order to “make it work” I’ll need a few extra filler pieces – non-G Street back wall finds – and some newer patterns.</p> <p> </p> <p>I have a new favorite ETSY fabric shop, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/fabricsandtrimmings" target="_blank">FabricsandTrimmings.</a> I hesitate to post this shop here but you’ll promise to keep my favorite pieces available to me for purchase, won’t you? I found a few lovelies last night:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-GQo7hjAOpaU/TsPbuqQuaUI/AAAAAAAABVY/VRHbrM0uTQo/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZrNVh2qk6uc/TsPbvOPiH8I/AAAAAAAABVg/nqGMelokhhk/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <h1></h1> <p>Brown and Black Tweedy Wool with Poly Knit Fabric--One Yard. Skirt.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2On3ocCwGlY/TsPbwMgi02I/AAAAAAAABVo/tGdHldMkpyg/s1600-h/image%25255B5%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n4e4twDZGgQ/TsPbw4DH-1I/AAAAAAAABVw/KyN9YAYY5yg/image_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>Cotton and Lycra (2%) Fabric 60" Wide. Nothing better than cotton with a wee bit of stretch for comfort.</p> <p> </p> <p>And I snatched the last two yards of:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lASmyYT2o_4/TsPbxlibltI/AAAAAAAABV4/i8pjbINxai4/s1600-h/image%25255B8%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CKRHeLOEH1I/TsPbyWyrWeI/AAAAAAAABWA/98rVhZQZfmM/image_thumb%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>“Winter white sweatery wool.” Originally, I bought the last yard listed, then received notification that a second yard was available and that I could have it for half price. Great customer service!</p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Those three pieces will make a lovely outfit, don’t you think? The colors – the browns and rusts are colors I love to wear. And I hope the wool is more sweatery than wool because I’d love something very cozy to wrap me – I hope I can make something unlined so the warm cuddle is maximized.</p> <p> </p> <p>I also was so tempted by Spain’s Paco Peralta’s Cowl Neck top. He hand draws every pattern. This man is an artisan and I greatly admire his handiwork.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WrsrlgGBz1Q/TsPbyxCSj_I/AAAAAAAABWI/inHnTDdFGp8/s1600-h/image%25255B11%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-L4__YKKS8GI/TsPbzOopPSI/AAAAAAAABWQ/kKG2HFoC4-4/image_thumb%25255B3%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="160" /></a>  </p> <p>Paco’s Jacket – has intrigued me from the first time I saw it months ago. Yet I knew my skills were not up to attempting it. …<a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/45818" target="_blank">look here</a> as well for a unique fabric application. Love it!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--FEjITOfIcc/TsPbz3oIGPI/AAAAAAAABWY/Ng87tS_HQWg/s1600-h/image%25255B14%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--i5ZAe15EFQ/TsPb0nFil2I/AAAAAAAABWg/XpgcpWAN5nU/image_thumb%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="187" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zwXyQs8eaqs/TsPb1Iz1QvI/AAAAAAAABWo/yoCIizqFilo/s1600-h/image%25255B17%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zolMPB2XLD4/TsPb1kaUGxI/AAAAAAAABWw/zoR9-iD114M/image_thumb%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="191" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>J’adore the in-seam button hole and flattering seam placement.</p> <p> </p> <p>I decided I will attempt this jacket after the first of the year. I do not think Paco encloses directions so I will need to rely upon books and generous blogsters who post tutorials and advice, as well, of course, upon the sewists at <a href="http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php" target="_blank">Stitcher’s Guild.</a> I think Paco has posted a photo tutorial for construction tips.</p> <p> </p> <p>I took advantage of Paco’s bundled offer which included his <a href="http://pacoperaltarovira.blogspot.com/2011/09/falda-half-circle-skirt.html" target="_blank">Half-Circle Skirt</a>  which gets rave reviews from those who have made it. I probably won’t include it in my SWAP – but my SWAP plans have only begun to marinate thus far, so we’ll see what happens.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TYMDfRvVplc/TsPb2MVOh6I/AAAAAAAABW4/N565Irtihc0/s1600-h/image%25255B20%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TSgY_P_2G6A/TsPb2lRM6FI/AAAAAAAABXA/0lHGFKlCEjc/image_thumb%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="180" /></a> </p> <p>Paco demonstrates the three pieces together as “The Perfect Outfit.”</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/--BQl9m1cO0k/TsPb3KlRGvI/AAAAAAAABXI/5_xEjLvBOpA/s1600-h/image%25255B23%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wUA4Jdg_6Cc/TsPb3We-B0I/AAAAAAAABXQ/yKjUF_en_tA/image_thumb%25255B7%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="115" height="244" /></a></p> <p>Ah, yes. This is definitely “me.”</p> <p> </p> <p>I am in the midst of examining a few Style Arc patterns - </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.stylearc.com.au/stylearc/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=329&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=41" target="_blank">Safari Jane Jacket</a> has just the right amount of comfy slouch. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vNU3S68Lfjc/TsPb342A-JI/AAAAAAAABXY/OBKjytqrYCE/s1600-h/image%25255B26%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AF0ADSE3_WU/TsPb4bgYodI/AAAAAAAABXg/6N8TpBhE1dM/image_thumb%25255B8%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="154" /></a> </p> <p> </p> <p>The Lara Cardi has the touch of wool I’ve envisioned for the small collection of wooly fabrics I’ve collected.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lpw8E5yDjYY/TsPb4jCUd2I/AAAAAAAABXo/3ymvhheXW_A/s1600-h/image%25255B29%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AXd2aM1EXlg/TsPb40FOvnI/AAAAAAAABXw/-oiKqNdoWSE/image_thumb%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="129" /></a> </p> <p>The Shelly Top is a dynamite cross over which mimics a RTW I recently purchased and love. I was going to trace the top, but perhaps purchasing a pattern would be better. It will certainly be easier!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GjqQfzzUsZw/TsPb5dy-7LI/AAAAAAAABX4/rten0xE0kbc/s1600-h/image%25255B32%25255D.png"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CCkF_S009Jw/TsPb5lON4BI/AAAAAAAABYA/QGEHhErwG2g/image_thumb%25255B10%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="244" height="129" /></a> </p> <p>Sewing for the SWAP doesn’t officially begin until Dec 26, though I can make muslins and cut fashion fabric before then, plus I am allowed to make two garments before the start date. I’m still in the designing/dreaming phase so I have quite a bit of work to do. Good thing sewing doesn’t end until April 30. </p> <p> </p> <p>Are you planning to SWAP this year?</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-30132409140444117472011-11-13T15:48:00.001-05:002011-11-13T15:48:23.658-05:00I haven’t shown you this yet series: Bronze Vest<p>This is one seriously weird vest.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wmT4ZXIh2ss/TsAtC6_6QGI/AAAAAAAABUE/H9yj9aIX59c/s1600-h/Copper%252520vest%252520front%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7bxJYa4kXiY/TsAtDHA_ICI/AAAAAAAABUM/5QWFPpr_4mU/Copper%252520vest%252520front_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="160" height="244" /></a>  </p> <p>This vest looks best off rather than on. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6rKVD20SsnE/TsAtDWJvPTI/AAAAAAAABUU/000tzpp0GBE/s1600-h/Copper%252520vest%252520table%252520front%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_RP8r5_iHVM/TsAtDpOu_kI/AAAAAAAABUc/Pt_XbwUM9ZE/Copper%252520vest%252520table%252520front_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="214" height="244" /></a></p> <p>The back…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-350Lu5JY3RI/TsAtELwq5BI/AAAAAAAABUk/BwMz01jdCqU/s1600-h/Copper%252520Vest%252520table%252520back%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zrUisehAq3M/TsAtEWz4PQI/AAAAAAAABUs/ihFSHzHh2iI/Copper%252520Vest%252520table%252520back_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="244" /></a> </p> <p>I think the fabric was acquired in a mystery bundle from Fabric Mart.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-F2rM1J1giko/TsAtEx7fKpI/AAAAAAAABU0/Jp2jp8DIClw/s1600-h/Copper%252520vest%252520button%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3k1onD3tHIY/TsAtFD1A5EI/AAAAAAAABU8/0CzByvmJg18/Copper%252520vest%252520button_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a></p> <p>A “parting” shot….</p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-dmenkk1Zh74/TsAtFUemm7I/AAAAAAAABVE/yXl5dBcVSr8/s1600-h/Copper%252520vest%252520back%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4oL2b_tTma4/TsAtFwf1LzI/AAAAAAAABVM/kurkg_xyn60/Copper%252520vest%252520back_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="215" height="416" /></a> </p> <p>Go ahead. Laugh. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6488689915260820635.post-73604700014992048122011-11-13T15:41:00.001-05:002011-11-13T15:41:47.658-05:00I Haven’t Yet Shown You This Series: Wine Linen<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xz9XiO1b-bA/TsArggiov3I/AAAAAAAABS0/XB5Y5Lo8Ld4/s1600-h/Wine%252520Skirt%252520and%252520Vest%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8eL316cJIDM/TsArg43RjcI/AAAAAAAABS8/UY5-2dwAzas/Wine%252520Skirt%252520and%252520Vest_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="125" height="244" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qjo0H05ZiOQ/TsArg6LptII/AAAAAAAABTE/_AOficcHmjE/s1600-h/Wine%252520Vest%252520Close%252520Worn%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u5hfZuFzQgU/TsArhPamYlI/AAAAAAAABTM/fiNvzAYraS4/Wine%252520Vest%252520Close%252520Worn_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="244" /></a> </p> <p> <p>Skirt: <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/35249" target="_blank">Butterick 5421</a> View B</p> <p>Vest: <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/2900288" target="_blank">McCalls 2260</a></p> <p>Bow Pin: my own</p> <p>I made a coordinating top with bow: <a href="http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3782" target="_blank">Kwik Sew 3782</a>  and skirt with flounce: <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/patterns/8721" target="_blank">New Look 6463</a> View D, from a light and breezy floral rayon which I think I bought at Hancocks. You can see the fabric on the bindings below. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QkPYzilcB5I/TsArhZMAvUI/AAAAAAAABTU/bfW2p6OcxvM/s1600-h/Wine%252520vest%252520on%252520table%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Wy2mUd7vekQ/TsArhjQpidI/AAAAAAAABTc/zlJVPYdBtMk/Wine%252520vest%252520on%252520table_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="400" /></a> </p> <p>Talk about the swish factor…..</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sYJylpHoZLw/TsAriLbkSVI/AAAAAAAABTk/cTmbsOQe9x8/s1600-h/Wine%252520Skirt%252520spread%252520out%2525201%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " border="0" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA " src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hOT-7cJsTlo/TsAriPyajZI/AAAAAAAABTs/j25IXJm1fvc/Wine%252520Skirt%252520spread%252520out%2525201_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="340" height="232" /></a> </p> </p> <p>I lined the skirt and used a stable cotton broadcloth for the facing. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jT9iH1EoJ6A/TsArijVVf3I/AAAAAAAABT0/wGTgGokudxI/s1600-h/Wine%252520Skirt%252520facing%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Wine Skirt facing" border="0" alt="Wine Skirt facing" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H4cUdnpY0cs/TsAriwriGVI/AAAAAAAABT8/ym1k8HYPGqk/Wine%252520Skirt%252520facing_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="184" /></a> </p> <p>I have worn the vest with black jeans on several occasions. </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1