tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91876062498285513592024-03-13T10:41:56.206-07:00Sewing in StyleJennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-86632546778522823702015-05-01T18:05:00.000-07:002015-05-02T10:20:28.101-07:00The Great Dickens Christmas Faire... In Costume!So I do love an excuse to dress up... particularly if said dressing up involves a corset and a hoop skirt. Because of this love, I left the 2013 <a href="http://www.dickensfair.com/">Great Dickens Christmas Fair</a> bound and determined to attend in 2014, but this time in period costume!<br>
<br>
So after recycling some undergarments from past costumes, I sat down to plan out my own Dickensian dress. I ended up mixing and matching pattern pieces from a few different sources including: Simplicity 2881 and 3727. I also referenced patterns of Fashion 2 by Janet Arnold which provides a great sense of the shape and seam placement. Some day I'd like to try to scale something from that book up to person size but for now it mostly serves as inspiration for my own (franken)patterns.<br>
<br>
So without further ado... my great Dickens Christmas dress!<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB8fMVqngmk/VUQfh_DM7GI/AAAAAAAACg8/pgC3k5uWLoE/s1600/Dickens%2BFaire%2Bthe%2BVictorians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YB8fMVqngmk/VUQfh_DM7GI/AAAAAAAACg8/pgC3k5uWLoE/s1600/Dickens%2BFaire%2Bthe%2BVictorians.jpg" height="640" width="442"></a></div>
<br>
This thing was both fun and a bit of a chore to wear. The corset was actually pretty comfortable (who needs abs when you have an exoskeleton!) but the hoop was HUGE. I had to sit in the back of the car by myself. (I also didn't get the front of the skirt quite full enough for such a large hoop so I wound up with a little bit of pulling across the front.) It was just so much fabric! <div><br></div><div>That said, wearing that much fabric is somewhat freeing... My actual shape was irrelevant when compared to the overall shape of the dress. Thus, a total lack of self-consciousness. (Welł, other than when we were walking to and from our car that we parked on a random side street in Daly City... That bit felt odd.)<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEtSK56kExk/VUQfl1s9N0I/AAAAAAAAChM/5o9MRgpVIXI/s1600/Dickens%2Bdress%2B(living%2Broom).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DNU362ySl3w/VUQfkUBS0iI/AAAAAAAAChE/70DuPKZw0AA/s1600/Dickens%2Bdress%2B(back).jpg" height="320" width="240"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sEtSK56kExk/VUQfl1s9N0I/AAAAAAAAChM/5o9MRgpVIXI/s1600/Dickens%2Bdress%2B(living%2Broom).jpg" height="320" width="233"></a></div>
<div><br></div><div>My favorite element is the green shoulder... flaps? This detail was borrowed from 2881 but utilized in a slightly different way as I wanted to make a winters day ensamble rather than a light evening gown. So I borrowed the shape but used them as a decorative rather than construcural element. However I thing this shape along with the heavy fringe helps create that sloped Victorian shoulder and the placement and sea lines in the back accentuate the waist.</div><div><br></div><div>My only real disappointment is that I didn't have time to construct a bonnet... I guess I'll have to plan ahead for next year!</div><br>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btfp0Cqn-Wg/VUQfomdOHSI/AAAAAAAAChU/Q3nU6aKNBg4/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-btfp0Cqn-Wg/VUQfomdOHSI/AAAAAAAAChU/Q3nU6aKNBg4/s1600/IMG_5159.JPG" height="240" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying some Great Lakes Christmas Ale after the fair!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-30022296726953842022015-05-01T17:41:00.001-07:002015-05-02T10:20:13.787-07:00Hello Again...I last posted just over 7 months ago. Seven months. This is a long time.<br>
<br>
Usually when I'm working on something I think about how I'm going to blog it. About 60% of the time I remember to take pictures. Sadly though, pictures need to be edited. And then they need to be uploaded to something other than my phone or iPad. <i>Then </i>I actually have to <i>write stuff down</i>. It's a lot of work you guys, and at the end of the day I am sorta lazy. I inevitably run out of steam somewhere between the "sewing" part and the "writing" part. Leading to the past seven months.<br>
<br>
Now I could make excuses. For instance, we did move. So for a few months there I wasn't doing much in the way of sewing. I was mainly searching for apartments and then moving into said apartment and then deciding how to decorate the apartment. All of which I'm quite pleased with, but is rather time consuming. I also have been spending a good chunk of my sewing time on the bridesmaids' dresses I'm making for my sister's wedding. That wedding is now in two weeks and we are getting down to crunch time. Are the dresses done? Hahaha! No! But because I'm a glutton for punishment I've decided that a better use of my time is catching up on my long-neglected blog. Because that's the sensible type of lady I am!<br>
<br>
Other than the dresses, the major sewing news since I last wrote include a costume for the Dicken's Fair, the acquisition of a (new to me) sewing machine, puppet outfits, the making of some deeply unflattering pants, and a dress that is both crazy-comfortable and crazy looking.<br>
<br>
Stay tuned...Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-32625074333966567542014-09-29T22:01:00.001-07:002014-09-29T22:01:15.394-07:00A Weekend Palette Cleanser: M6844 and Simplicity 2475<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
For the past two weeks I have been wrestling with <a href="http://www.decadesofstyle.com/products/5007-1950s-object-d-art-dress">The Decades of Style Object D'Art Dress #5007.</a>.. While it is coming along and I think will be a nice addition to my work wardrobe, it has also been a colossal headache. The dart inserts didn't fit into the pattern correctly, and even once I sorted that out, the bodice just fit wrong. I eventually added a bust dart that seems to have fixed the gappage issues (I will get into the details later) but completely ran out of steam. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You know when you like a project, but are not excited about it? And then it stares at you from your dress form begging to be completed but the very idea of tackling it is overwhelming? So then instead of sewing you pour a giant glass of <a href="http://www.franzia.com/">wine</a> and watch <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006q2x0">Doctor Who</a>? (Just me?)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In any case, having reached the dreadful point where sewing felt like work rather than a joy, I realized I needed a palette cleanser; a quick simple project (or two) that would restore my confidence and refresh my spirit. So this weekend I tackled McCall's lovely <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6844-products-47791.php?page_id=96">6844 </a>and made a ponte pencil skirt based in Simplicity's <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-3648-misses-miss-petite-skirts-amazing-fit-collection.aspx">2475</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I first noticed <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/blog?s=1767685">M6844 when PatternReview.com named it 2013 pattern of the year.</a> My love grew every time it saw another rendition in the blogosphere... It seems to look good on everyone! So a mere two years after the peplum trend swept the nation, I have taken the plunge!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I used a brown and black heavy weight sweater knit from <a href="http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/">Fabric Mart</a> that I bought a few weeks ago. The fabric has a great weight and heft that adds some jacket-like structure to the cardigan. Plus I love that the black and brown pattern will expand the versatility like woah.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0kDxw7fr3g4/VCotjAQOO3I/AAAAAAAACc8/8_EppHX4lKY/s640/blogger-image-2065243765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-0kDxw7fr3g4/VCotjAQOO3I/AAAAAAAACc8/8_EppHX4lKY/s640/blogger-image-2065243765.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Obviously that picture is a little faded, but you get the idea... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The pattern itself required minor alterations. I cut an XL and added 3 inches if length to the torso and 2 inches to the sleeve length. I determined these alterations by holding the pattern up to my torso, eyeballing, and saying to myself "eh, good enough."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In what may be my favorite part of the sweater, it didn't require any fancy finishing. I sewed all my seams with a stretch stitch. (Side note: is that what it is called? You know the one I mean... Programmed stitch 03 on my machine? The one that looks like a lightning bolt?). I then finished all my seams on the serger and pressed, easy peasy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The only complicated part of this pattern was finishing the underside of the collar. I had run out of knit so I cut the underside of the collar/front band in a black ponte of similar stretch but different weights. Unfortunately, serving these two fabrics was not as "finished" as the rest of my seams so I cut some bias tape out of a brown stretch material and bound the seam. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QP1zrDNZyGk/VCot4ooJe-I/AAAAAAAACds/XALojAh0xXk/s640/blogger-image-711748438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QP1zrDNZyGk/VCot4ooJe-I/AAAAAAAACds/XALojAh0xXk/s640/blogger-image-711748438.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It isn't perfect, but it is neat enough that I won't be terribly embarrassed if the collar lays wrong and someone sees it. To further prevent such a disaster, I tacked down the front band at the waistline with a few stitches to help keep the proper shape and drape in the front.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vU1rvDVk9u8/VCotb7lKxSI/AAAAAAAACcs/hU6wKT3jaak/s640/blogger-image-1244292358.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-vU1rvDVk9u8/VCotb7lKxSI/AAAAAAAACcs/hU6wKT3jaak/s640/blogger-image-1244292358.jpg" width="478" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MvxDejSzRfo/VCouHPys2AI/AAAAAAAACeM/1whoYDXtSpg/s640/blogger-image--1106903637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MvxDejSzRfo/VCouHPys2AI/AAAAAAAACeM/1whoYDXtSpg/s320/blogger-image--1106903637.jpg" width="239" /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2GAzZaKlUNE/VCot1JzUSmI/AAAAAAAACdk/RDDT9_s6Bdw/s320/blogger-image-1786450955.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
And of course, the requisite (blurry) on-a-human shots...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O0l8RenpmOk/VCotp7PNr_I/AAAAAAAACdM/9cU9WQRItWw/s640/blogger-image--158490178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O0l8RenpmOk/VCotp7PNr_I/AAAAAAAACdM/9cU9WQRItWw/s320/blogger-image--158490178.jpg" width="239" /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-HacEoNjcWjU/VCotmuIbLqI/AAAAAAAACdE/sUOCwMRaYto/s320/blogger-image-947058719.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Seriously, this will be a new staple... I plan to wear it on the plane Wednesday. Also likely to become a new staple? Palette cleanser #2, a black ponte pencil skirt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
So I used to have this great pencil skirt from Anne Taylor. It was a heavy ponte knit similar to high end yoga pants, high-waisted, and fit beautifully through multiple weight gains and losses. I wore it until developed holes in the side seams that could no longer be repaired. And while I have made and purchased other black skirts, none have managed to live up to the comfort and versatility of that long lost perfection.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
In an attempt to recreate it, I bought two yards of <a href="http://spandexworld.com/c3/catalog/product/11711">extra heavy weight ponte from Spandex World</a>. As the old skirt had princess seams and a shaped waistband I decided to use Simplicity 2475 as a jumping off point. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I cut a size 22. I initially sewed in a zipper but it went in wavy due to the extremely stretchy fabric. Luckily I realized that the extremely stretchy fabric also rendered the zipper unnecessary. So I sewed up the seam and pulled on the whole kit and caboodle. It was... I'll-fitting and enormous. I flipped the whole thing inside out and pinned out the excess from the seams. In the end I took out about two inches from each side seam and an additional inch from each side of the waist.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
When I attempted this pattern in the past, using a woven, it was boxy and I didn't much care for it. However, in the stretch material, it has a far better shape. I still don't really care for the kick pleats and they are not really needed for movement here. I may ultimately sew up the seams to remove the pleats, we'll see. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-neUJGd38x2A/VCotfti4VyI/AAAAAAAACc0/Ny_o4XO-Mlw/s640/blogger-image-1502334821.jpg" imageanchor="1"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-neUJGd38x2A/VCotfti4VyI/AAAAAAAACc0/Ny_o4XO-Mlw/s320/blogger-image-1502334821.jpg" width="239" /></span></a><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2nmAfDTNYqQ/VCottb5RXDI/AAAAAAAACdU/MFoPL3ayhhE/s640/blogger-image--1904761915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--hikXJfJZu8/VCouAHxEI_I/AAAAAAAACd8/w5-nyhcSSmg/s320/blogger-image-720051719.jpg" width="239" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
And happily, these items work really well together! Here is my outfit du jour!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VlmYx7QavHU/VCouDkulBkI/AAAAAAAACeE/EADtElCIbZY/s640/blogger-image--229590886.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VlmYx7QavHU/VCouDkulBkI/AAAAAAAACeE/EADtElCIbZY/s640/blogger-image--229590886.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
To be worn with my new Gucci shoes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Kse7r7eJT0Y/VCotX-s3N6I/AAAAAAAACck/s8ycT_2QHiQ/s640/blogger-image-2059220564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kHlYaIogiLk/VCotxYjnygI/AAAAAAAACdc/DndXcE62bkY/s320/blogger-image--1793197854.jpg" width="239" /><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Kse7r7eJT0Y/VCotX-s3N6I/AAAAAAAACck/s8ycT_2QHiQ/s320/blogger-image-2059220564.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
That I bought for under $50! That's right, look impressed!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-7032316375710735432014-09-15T21:53:00.002-07:002014-09-15T21:54:33.067-07:00M6503 - A Modern Pattern with Vintage Flair (the process in pictures)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tDp0IVeeBVo/VBe_Ke5MwdI/AAAAAAAACZg/usS38EkoTH8/s640/blogger-image--497863321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tDp0IVeeBVo/VBe_Ke5MwdI/AAAAAAAACZg/usS38EkoTH8/s640/blogger-image--497863321.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So yeah, I really like this pattern... It fits well, it is flattering, it is comfortable to wear, and it is so easy to sew. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
For this version I used Liberty Tana Lawn in a small scale floral print. Typically I like a larger and more graphic pattern, but in this case I made an exception because this fabric is so lovely. Unsurprisingly, it sews up like a dream and is perfectly suited to this pattern.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So here is that delightfully easy process in pictures...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Step 1: Interfacing - for this pattern you need to interface the midriff sections, collar, and front band.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rLVqtLpIUMw/VBe_i0m2StI/AAAAAAAACaY/1XHyaJJ7GlU/s640/blogger-image--1443024825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rLVqtLpIUMw/VBe_i0m2StI/AAAAAAAACaY/1XHyaJJ7GlU/s640/blogger-image--1443024825.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Then you skip to step 14 and gather along the lower edge of the bodice before moving to step 18.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Steps 18 - 22:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
These steps have you attach the interface front band to the bodice front, sew on band facing, flip to the correct side, press, and tack down. To add some extra detail and finish, I decided to top stitch the front band.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XOtpgL7fWfQ/VBe_meGdAnI/AAAAAAAACag/TXJbTRK-DU8/s640/blogger-image-1962772613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XOtpgL7fWfQ/VBe_meGdAnI/AAAAAAAACag/TXJbTRK-DU8/s320/blogger-image-1962772613.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-We8a1gb4dKc/VBe_qucvj_I/AAAAAAAACao/BLVeuiGxSgY/s640/blogger-image--1435979140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-We8a1gb4dKc/VBe_qucvj_I/AAAAAAAACao/BLVeuiGxSgY/s320/blogger-image--1435979140.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3aGDZihhcaQ/VBe-mzsxo_I/AAAAAAAACYQ/V60tqQjZ4NU/s640/blogger-image--1573867030.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3aGDZihhcaQ/VBe-mzsxo_I/AAAAAAAACYQ/V60tqQjZ4NU/s400/blogger-image--1573867030.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UniU-A1cL68/VBe-fLbST3I/AAAAAAAACYA/V8VZJKgFVkI/s640/blogger-image--854620583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-UniU-A1cL68/VBe-fLbST3I/AAAAAAAACYA/V8VZJKgFVkI/s320/blogger-image--854620583.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zHtO5GVQIjI/VBfAM5RD8-I/AAAAAAAACbw/xJV3Y3Gw0Uc/s640/blogger-image--1931864361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-zHtO5GVQIjI/VBfAM5RD8-I/AAAAAAAACbw/xJV3Y3Gw0Uc/s400/blogger-image--1931864361.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Pastels 23 - 24: back darts and attach the front and back bodice.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bv2z7MZNqSA/VBfAGaN45rI/AAAAAAAACbg/1zMyggTkQe0/s640/blogger-image--271217711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-bv2z7MZNqSA/VBfAGaN45rI/AAAAAAAACbg/1zMyggTkQe0/s640/blogger-image--271217711.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gaydfyOOTic/VBe__RE1btI/AAAAAAAACbY/QabJi3EY_Hk/s640/blogger-image-1338378472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gaydfyOOTic/VBe__RE1btI/AAAAAAAACbY/QabJi3EY_Hk/s640/blogger-image-1338378472.jpg" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7__icdatc1o/VBe-1Cd3y-I/AAAAAAAACYw/gdhY9wA35QQ/s640/blogger-image-220837463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7__icdatc1o/VBe-1Cd3y-I/AAAAAAAACYw/gdhY9wA35QQ/s640/blogger-image-220837463.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Step 29 - 30: Then I added the collar, and again I top-stitched to finish. To clarify, the top-stitching is largely because I am too lazy to do any hand stitching.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f-doDgOpH4Q/VBe_4IC14tI/AAAAAAAACbI/vVVlFOUvQbU/s640/blogger-image--1984844289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-f-doDgOpH4Q/VBe_4IC14tI/AAAAAAAACbI/vVVlFOUvQbU/s640/blogger-image--1984844289.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ewlRohDs4W8/VBe_0i1CuaI/AAAAAAAACbA/Kq2d1iUjmkE/s640/blogger-image-1112619839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ewlRohDs4W8/VBe_0i1CuaI/AAAAAAAACbA/Kq2d1iUjmkE/s640/blogger-image-1112619839.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFXABqo39-4/VBe_7i_Z9AI/AAAAAAAACbQ/UmNng9_S11k/s640/blogger-image-1344139438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BFXABqo39-4/VBe_7i_Z9AI/AAAAAAAACbQ/UmNng9_S11k/s640/blogger-image-1344139438.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Then we skip to step 36 - 39 and add and finish the sleeves.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JGUAJIaqzG4/VBe_t3ibeTI/AAAAAAAACaw/Xudfe92g7VE/s640/blogger-image--1010720380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-JGUAJIaqzG4/VBe_t3ibeTI/AAAAAAAACaw/Xudfe92g7VE/s640/blogger-image--1010720380.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-10b8dIvE8UA/VBfAYmiuNRI/AAAAAAAACcI/IeP5eCvqD8M/s640/blogger-image--718259085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-10b8dIvE8UA/VBfAYmiuNRI/AAAAAAAACcI/IeP5eCvqD8M/s640/blogger-image--718259085.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v0U0SeQ182o/VBe_xOsUvwI/AAAAAAAACa4/ainFx8dSO8M/s640/blogger-image-1010585705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-v0U0SeQ182o/VBe_xOsUvwI/AAAAAAAACa4/ainFx8dSO8M/s640/blogger-image-1010585705.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-shHCS2YHD_s/VBe-4-UOxSI/AAAAAAAACY4/HkoIF3FYB0U/s640/blogger-image--1303938868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-shHCS2YHD_s/VBe-4-UOxSI/AAAAAAAACY4/HkoIF3FYB0U/s640/blogger-image--1303938868.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Step 40 - 45: Then I attached the midriff band... At this point I did not follow the directions as written, but rather sewed on both the band and facing with one seam. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-glIaHe1g-Us/VBe_bzYtOmI/AAAAAAAACaI/IUklCzEToT4/s640/blogger-image--1070516923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-glIaHe1g-Us/VBe_bzYtOmI/AAAAAAAACaI/IUklCzEToT4/s640/blogger-image--1070516923.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KZeJo4FN2m0/VBe_DUscn9I/AAAAAAAACZQ/QqpCvAm45Ik/s640/blogger-image--589575013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-KZeJo4FN2m0/VBe_DUscn9I/AAAAAAAACZQ/QqpCvAm45Ik/s640/blogger-image--589575013.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KnlHpxj3Nac/VBfAU_X3llI/AAAAAAAACcA/Xk9LGsTTfxQ/s640/blogger-image--2006443923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-KnlHpxj3Nac/VBfAU_X3llI/AAAAAAAACcA/Xk9LGsTTfxQ/s640/blogger-image--2006443923.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Step 50 - 52: Next I completed the pleats on the skirt, sewed up the non-zipper side of the skirt, and attached the skirt to the midriff band.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FcsCBRUlbpM/VBe_G7pui8I/AAAAAAAACZY/PH3azbwjzfg/s640/blogger-image-1717825386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FcsCBRUlbpM/VBe_G7pui8I/AAAAAAAACZY/PH3azbwjzfg/s320/blogger-image-1717825386.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sXdfY5bxOSo/VBe-xoOfWNI/AAAAAAAACYo/Wz-gnkRHXL4/s640/blogger-image--1236671972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-sXdfY5bxOSo/VBe-xoOfWNI/AAAAAAAACYo/Wz-gnkRHXL4/s320/blogger-image--1236671972.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Now we break for a cat... (cue elevator music)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gRLC-NOuI1c/VBe_AF4GrqI/AAAAAAAACZI/DszfL-eInj4/s640/blogger-image-2054348369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gRLC-NOuI1c/VBe_AF4GrqI/AAAAAAAACZI/DszfL-eInj4/s640/blogger-image-2054348369.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
As an aside, I also top-stitched the midriff band.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Step 50 - 59: Zipper and Finishing - I finished the dress by sewing in a 12 - 14" invisible zipper and completing the side seam. I then sewed in three buttonholes, attached the buttons, and hemmed the dress.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Given the light weight of the fabric I did add a small strip of fusible interfacing along the edge where I ultimately installed the zipper. This both adds stability and heft which makes the zipper easier to sew in, and it adds some strength to the part of the dress that will likely get the most wear and strain.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Initially I planned on using small red shank buttons, but once the dress was complete it seemed too childish and cartoony. So I busted out the button box and instead went with a burnished gold plain button.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYW-NY6QppY/VBfAcnC1a6I/AAAAAAAACcQ/y3vuGCjYCiw/s640/blogger-image--388495215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYW-NY6QppY/VBfAcnC1a6I/AAAAAAAACcQ/y3vuGCjYCiw/s640/blogger-image--388495215.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xYW-NY6QppY/VBfAcnC1a6I/AAAAAAAACcQ/y3vuGCjYCiw/s640/blogger-image--388495215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y1OZFNlD6ec/VBe_YZIvExI/AAAAAAAACaA/yRM6b7RK5D8/s640/blogger-image--37066994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-y1OZFNlD6ec/VBe_YZIvExI/AAAAAAAACaA/yRM6b7RK5D8/s320/blogger-image--37066994.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8DsENZwI9UY/VBe_U1EnSmI/AAAAAAAACZ4/wCzeLrmD1Qk/s640/blogger-image-978161219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8DsENZwI9UY/VBe_U1EnSmI/AAAAAAAACZ4/wCzeLrmD1Qk/s640/blogger-image-978161219.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IHRLXHz1JSE/VBe_ONv49yI/AAAAAAAACZo/xOfzdvtRxR8/s640/blogger-image--1532974984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-IHRLXHz1JSE/VBe_ONv49yI/AAAAAAAACZo/xOfzdvtRxR8/s640/blogger-image--1532974984.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YfiW34Jf9wo/VBe_RYXvJpI/AAAAAAAACZw/vUGgBNA7NjA/s640/blogger-image--1584229446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-YfiW34Jf9wo/VBe_RYXvJpI/AAAAAAAACZw/vUGgBNA7NjA/s640/blogger-image--1584229446.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KKYTQLrRxi0/VBfAQb4KGGI/AAAAAAAACb4/x23Y4XuV4ps/s640/blogger-image--1033450929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KKYTQLrRxi0/VBfAQb4KGGI/AAAAAAAACb4/x23Y4XuV4ps/s640/blogger-image--1033450929.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7tNT_Anox40/VBe-8h2jjrI/AAAAAAAACZA/oOGNdDEoEJw/s640/blogger-image-1558719932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7tNT_Anox40/VBe-8h2jjrI/AAAAAAAACZA/oOGNdDEoEJw/s640/blogger-image-1558719932.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-08ex_F40PWM/VBe_faFzBAI/AAAAAAAACaQ/EnbrHPtq0FM/s640/blogger-image--906645036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-08ex_F40PWM/VBe_faFzBAI/AAAAAAAACaQ/EnbrHPtq0FM/s320/blogger-image--906645036.jpg" width="239" /></a> </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m2QvD3zlmc0/VBe-qmoHjVI/AAAAAAAACYY/MthVwu9AZbo/s640/blogger-image-1821977063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m2QvD3zlmc0/VBe-qmoHjVI/AAAAAAAACYY/MthVwu9AZbo/s640/blogger-image-1821977063.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1ohxmVHSaM/VBe-uHIDX5I/AAAAAAAACYg/rBmHnlJqUDw/s640/blogger-image-1078125782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y1ohxmVHSaM/VBe-uHIDX5I/AAAAAAAACYg/rBmHnlJqUDw/s640/blogger-image-1078125782.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The final step? Wear your new dress, look adorable, and be photo bombed by your feline assistant!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XyrRMJ7ruQ/VBfAJub9vzI/AAAAAAAACbo/k7BawYcYuzI/s640/blogger-image-70110758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5XyrRMJ7ruQ/VBfAJub9vzI/AAAAAAAACbo/k7BawYcYuzI/s640/blogger-image-70110758.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pCSrG5lkDj4/VBe-jU86CxI/AAAAAAAACYI/fFfe1fzxfBU/s640/blogger-image--870997505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pCSrG5lkDj4/VBe-jU86CxI/AAAAAAAACYI/fFfe1fzxfBU/s640/blogger-image--870997505.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
And yes, I posed with my bike. It lives in my living room so I may as we'll adopt it as an accessory... Also I am really looking forward to riding in this dress!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-25223584408772150742014-09-15T21:39:00.000-07:002014-09-15T21:39:30.093-07:00Because I liked M6503 so much...<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I am making another one!</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Writing yesterday's post reminded me how much I liked (and wore) the last version of this pattern I sewed up. But as bright citrus tones don't make very good wardrobe staples, I decided to make another lightweight floral in red, white and blue. I am using a fabric I picked up at Liberty when I was in London in June.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uaufYCtvX8c/VBPcm3fEscI/AAAAAAAACXw/8Q00YwDbAlA/s640/blogger-image--1011019659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-uaufYCtvX8c/VBPcm3fEscI/AAAAAAAACXw/8Q00YwDbAlA/s640/blogger-image--1011019659.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Since I have mad this before I knew I could cut directly from the pattern and was able to piece out and cut the entire dress today.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1XVJKdOKS-g/VBPcfQZIOGI/AAAAAAAACXg/F-GIRi87Q2w/s640/blogger-image-203738230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1XVJKdOKS-g/VBPcfQZIOGI/AAAAAAAACXg/F-GIRi87Q2w/s640/blogger-image-203738230.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7WR8bW8tynY/VBPcjlWIz9I/AAAAAAAACXo/GU59O12Rzlk/s640/blogger-image--1313425813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7WR8bW8tynY/VBPcjlWIz9I/AAAAAAAACXo/GU59O12Rzlk/s640/blogger-image--1313425813.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
This time I am using View D and using some red buttons to add an extra pop of color. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Let's see how much progress I can make over the weekend!</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-3639280097096001772014-09-11T23:35:00.001-07:002014-09-11T23:35:49.559-07:00M6503...In Canary YellowRemember this from yesterday?<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B7gytmJIvM4/VBKT_r4CrkI/AAAAAAAACXA/3EARCevLirY/s640/blogger-image--1949656858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B7gytmJIvM4/VBKT_r4CrkI/AAAAAAAACXA/3EARCevLirY/s640/blogger-image--1949656858.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well after that post, I was inspired to buckle down and actually finish this dress meaning that today I had a new outfit...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dczxDn7nW-M/VBKTznoeazI/AAAAAAAACWo/Z2y6di2JoiI/s640/blogger-image--634264560.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dczxDn7nW-M/VBKTznoeazI/AAAAAAAACWo/Z2y6di2JoiI/s640/blogger-image--634264560.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now first and foremost I need to warn you that wearing this color takes a shocking degree of undeserved self-confidence as it WILL get you noticed! Comments I heard today:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Bright!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"You remind me of Mary Tyler Moore!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"What a cheerful color!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"I love it, so summery!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">"Yellow!!!!!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Notice the exclamation marks... Good, bad or passive aggressive, this is a dress that inspires some strong emotions.</div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now I am fortunate in my ability to wear yellow without looking as I have been struck with an unfortunate ailment of the liver, bit I nonetheless warn that it is not a shade for the faint of heat. Therefore, despite this being one of the most comfortable garments I own (seriously why don't I own more shirt dresses?) I highly doubt it will become a wardrobe staple. This of course is solely a comment on my fabric choices and not the pattern itself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I have actually made up this pattern before to great success:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z5Dz5JVy2WI/VBKT3rfFQAI/AAAAAAAACWw/LKnc3G4kUyk/s640/blogger-image-1965297437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-z5Dz5JVy2WI/VBKT3rfFQAI/AAAAAAAACWw/LKnc3G4kUyk/s640/blogger-image-1965297437.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Full disclosure, I wore the black and white silk version until the fabric started disinograted on me. That was view D, whereas I made the yellow using view B. I plan to recreate D with some Liberty lawn I picked up in London this summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now the collar definitely worked better in the stiffer sateen, but overall the fit of the bodice is better in the softer fabric as the stiffer fabric created some odd shapes in the bust area rather than draping nicely. To be fair though, the yellow moves far better than it photographs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As I mentioned, the bodice is taken from M6503, version B. I cut the 20 to assure that I would have sufficient volume so that the wrapped front wouldn't gap. In retrospect, I should have gone with an 18 and done an FBA as the bodice is slightly larger than I would like. But again? Super comfortable. Who knew it would be so pleasant to wear clothes with ease?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The only chage I made to the bodice was finishing the collar with pipping.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JXCb3zC8C44/VBKT8L4SV3I/AAAAAAAACW4/gPo-OWT8MuE/s640/blogger-image--2014442532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JXCb3zC8C44/VBKT8L4SV3I/AAAAAAAACW4/gPo-OWT8MuE/s640/blogger-image--2014442532.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Please excuse the wonky top stitching. You can't really see it in person so I decided it was good enough.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the skirt a did a circle skirt with my standard method of lengthening by adding an additional strip of fabric with piping detail. I also added some self drafted pockets which were also top stitched (poorly).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ACxGJixXe4I/VBKUDuFnIKI/AAAAAAAACXI/7mYEoR2hJu4/s640/blogger-image--899291089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ACxGJixXe4I/VBKUDuFnIKI/AAAAAAAACXI/7mYEoR2hJu4/s640/blogger-image--899291089.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Overall, I am quite pleased with results despite the imperfect fit and less than flawless finishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6r2UkxJtHfs/VBKUHLDNhuI/AAAAAAAACXQ/vR2dbqi-Se0/s640/blogger-image--723622564.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-6r2UkxJtHfs/VBKUHLDNhuI/AAAAAAAACXQ/vR2dbqi-Se0/s640/blogger-image--723622564.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-29780448304283415952014-09-10T20:53:00.001-07:002014-09-11T21:03:59.225-07:00A Very Lazy Summer...<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jWiT0CGbgS4/TE5jUMN_7QI/AAAAAAAAAj8/DTQYSj4cdFc/s400/vintage-swimsuits-02.jpg" height="298" id="irc_mi" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 113px;" width="400"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Summer bathing beauties and their alter-egos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The ancient Greeks said it best... "Know thyself." Sadly, that self knowledge presents a stark contradiction to the self I often wish I were. I would like to consider myself industrious and clever and driven but the reality is that I am inefficient and slothful. Many an evening in the past few months I have thought to myself "Self, you should sew something and write a blog about it!"</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
"Or as an alternative," my inner slug pipes up, " you could drink this box of wine and binge watch the first three seasons of Scandal..."<br>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Now I won't say that the slug always wins, but much of my fall inspiration is suspiciously Olivia Pope-ish.</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
But before I can get to that, I should first share the few items I have managed to create since I last wrote:<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cv_OKw5Ftak/VBEZy_IdUEI/AAAAAAAACWA/AdIn8h7PkM0/s640/blogger-image-1288311664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Cv_OKw5Ftak/VBEZy_IdUEI/AAAAAAAACWA/AdIn8h7PkM0/s640/blogger-image-1288311664.jpg"></a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br></div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Continuing on the caftan theme, I decided to make a poolside cover up. I purchased this purple J. Crew chiffon from Fabric Mart. It is particularly well suited for this purpose as it is a vibrant royal purple on one side and a deep blue on the other. This was perfect as there was no "wrong" side so I could finish my edges with a narrow hem folded over onto the "outside" of the garment to create the look of contrast binding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lQEzmkj0UFw/VBEZoXjP06I/AAAAAAAACVo/XECTSL_k-Io/s640/blogger-image-1890787756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lQEzmkj0UFw/VBEZoXjP06I/AAAAAAAACVo/XECTSL_k-Io/s320/blogger-image-1890787756.jpg" width="239"></a> <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_Qd3mc8w9Pw/VBEZeRdRZBI/AAAAAAAACVQ/-qHuvHWKmvY/s640/blogger-image--942206197.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_Qd3mc8w9Pw/VBEZeRdRZBI/AAAAAAAACVQ/-qHuvHWKmvY/s320/blogger-image--942206197.jpg" width="239"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I also used a slightly different design in order to achieve a fjord flowing and draped shape. Rather than cutting a neck into one large square, I cut my fabric Dow the middle length-wise into two long scarf -like pieces. I then finished one long edge on each "scarf." I pinned these right (purple) sides together and sewed a center front and back seam and pressed. I then rounded all the corners and finished the outside edge of the entire larger square. Finally, I determined where I wanted my side seams and stitched from about 10 inches below the shoulder to about 20 inches from the hem assuring that my side seams were far enough apart to accommodate my widest measurement with ease.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZwxfcmwxVI/VBJwrVQHD2I/AAAAAAAACWY/FqgV2m4w-3A/s640/blogger-image--1388759707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QZwxfcmwxVI/VBJwrVQHD2I/AAAAAAAACWY/FqgV2m4w-3A/s640/blogger-image--1388759707.jpg"></a></div></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nrp4LM6sh-w/VBEZ2YktFUI/AAAAAAAACWI/5CMa_CDqYXg/s640/blogger-image--214327784.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nrp4LM6sh-w/VBEZ2YktFUI/AAAAAAAACWI/5CMa_CDqYXg/s400/blogger-image--214327784.jpg" width="297"></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
My other big project was a full, flirty summer dress in a large print white and blue floral.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MUU4i1XB8MM/VBEZvRf6ZeI/AAAAAAAACV4/OmqCKFmucuw/s640/blogger-image-432045893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-MUU4i1XB8MM/VBEZvRf6ZeI/AAAAAAAACV4/OmqCKFmucuw/s640/blogger-image-432045893.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
This was also mostly a self drafted pattern. The bodice was once part of an old Butterick as I recall but it has gone thru so many versions and refittings that at this point it doesn't really resemble he source. It is simply my go to well fitted top with bust and waist darts and an easily alter able neckline. My favorite part of this pattern is how well the armholes fit, being both close to the body and without any unfortunate gappage.<br>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8jyOLMHmuA/VBEZrpwvh4I/AAAAAAAACVw/K8oBhlnRbcw/s640/blogger-image--1962410847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-J8jyOLMHmuA/VBEZrpwvh4I/AAAAAAAACVw/K8oBhlnRbcw/s640/blogger-image--1962410847.jpg"></a> </div>
</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
The skirt is a simple circle skirt with some scooped pockets that I drafted. But as I often find, a circle skirt cut on the fold on your standard 60" width fabric is about 4 inches to short on my long legged self. My solution is to cut a long curved strip (matching the curve of the hem) and added it to the hem along with some navy piping. This adds a fun design detail and lengthens the skirt to a more appropriate length! I also used the piping to finish the neckline and pockets.<br>
<br>
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3T2CjlmybCk/VBEZa1NwouI/AAAAAAAACVI/htBBX6NVsEc/s640/blogger-image--1295447186.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3T2CjlmybCk/VBEZa1NwouI/AAAAAAAACVI/htBBX6NVsEc/s320/blogger-image--1295447186.jpg" width="320"></a> <a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1fiJQk7UfKI/VBEZlAIqbHI/AAAAAAAACVg/VJW9bdXq4Xw/s640/blogger-image-1503856359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-1fiJQk7UfKI/VBEZlAIqbHI/AAAAAAAACVg/VJW9bdXq4Xw/s320/blogger-image-1503856359.jpg" width="238"></a></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
The fabric is a stretch cotton sateen (pretty much my favorite fabric to sew as it is easy to work with and fit). Because of the large scale of the pattern I had to be somewhat cognizant of the flower placing on the bodice, but otherwise I didn't even try to worry about matching the pattern. The dress has a side zipper, fully lined bodice and is quickly becoming a go to wardrobe staple. (With a navy cardigan from Banana Republic and nude pumps! So cute!)</div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
Finally, for the last few weeks I have been working on a canary yellow shirt dress. This is what it looks like now.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DS3IQAh8nCg/VBEZhtRYj7I/AAAAAAAACVY/hsYghbKV0UI/s640/blogger-image--1005347112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DS3IQAh8nCg/VBEZhtRYj7I/AAAAAAAACVY/hsYghbKV0UI/s640/blogger-image--1005347112.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
What was that I was saying about lazy? </div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-40753989088513120792014-07-02T22:50:00.001-07:002014-07-02T23:33:26.557-07:00The Pattern-Free Caftan... Effortless Chic!The obsession started a few months ago... First Christina Hendricks went on Jimmy Fallon to discuss her "<a href="http://www.hulu.com/watch/625121">Caftans and Casseroles</a>" birthday party. Then New York Magazine's The Cut ran a feature on <a href="http://nymag.com/thecut/2014/05/how-to-get-your-body-caftan-ready-for-summer.html">getting your body "caftan ready"</a> which sounds far more fun than working on a bikini bod. Later I tried on some designer selections at Nordstrom while jeans shopping and realized that spending big money on what is essentially two squares of fabric is a bit silly. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So instead, I decided to make my own caftan top ( a dress is likely forthcoming) which would not only be a quick and easy project but also provide a use for the silk panel prints that I have picked up over the years. I sketched a tentative "pattern design" that looked something like this:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P13pSZzo7tw/U7T2xWyGTkI/AAAAAAAACS8/VhnKecnbbcU/s640/blogger-image-1031681103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P13pSZzo7tw/U7T2xWyGTkI/AAAAAAAACS8/VhnKecnbbcU/s640/blogger-image-1031681103.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
So yeah, basically a caftan is a big square with a hole cut out for the head and some simple side seams. Now some fancy folk might add some shirring to define the waist or also stich horizontal seams to better define the arms, but I don't have time for that nonsense!</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bTw2wSIvcYI/U7T1fGUuj2I/AAAAAAAACR4/Kf76pIzzPmU/s640/blogger-image-1348880866.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bTw2wSIvcYI/U7T1fGUuj2I/AAAAAAAACR4/Kf76pIzzPmU/s640/blogger-image-1348880866.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
For a bit of added interest (and to hide the break between panels) I added some forest green silk charmeuse at the shoulder. However, this truly is just a big rectangle with a hole in the middle.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E0WLaW2AQOo/U7T2nPD3OGI/AAAAAAAACSo/C8GEwjbpAJ4/s640/blogger-image--1948818940.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-E0WLaW2AQOo/U7T2nPD3OGI/AAAAAAAACSo/C8GEwjbpAJ4/s640/blogger-image--1948818940.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
I made bias tape with the remaining green silk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HNHVUMa0P04/U7T1ix9y3zI/AAAAAAAACSA/iR5oS4yeqjk/s640/blogger-image-560572169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HNHVUMa0P04/U7T1ix9y3zI/AAAAAAAACSA/iR5oS4yeqjk/s320/blogger-image-560572169.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q5XjcOrbeBA/U7T2qvavQcI/AAAAAAAACSs/31JwleHRcMs/s640/blogger-image-1715436259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q5XjcOrbeBA/U7T2qvavQcI/AAAAAAAACSs/31JwleHRcMs/s320/blogger-image-1715436259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
And used my silk bias tape to finish the neckline and hem.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZeDdKmRnbtg/U7T1mYxsDzI/AAAAAAAACSI/uPQnFOcacZ4/s640/blogger-image--375812343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZeDdKmRnbtg/U7T1mYxsDzI/AAAAAAAACSI/uPQnFOcacZ4/s640/blogger-image--375812343.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I then sewed the side seams. And this is even simpler than normal side seams as you sew the wrong sides together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mNjS6bhdVN8/U7T1p_Jf7uI/AAAAAAAACSQ/XMRPFQYaUFs/s640/blogger-image--1245052520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mNjS6bhdVN8/U7T1p_Jf7uI/AAAAAAAACSQ/XMRPFQYaUFs/s640/blogger-image--1245052520.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Now if you want a loose and easy fit and feel you can stop here and call it a day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hyAZkNqSQeU/U7T1tr5l9uI/AAAAAAAACSY/V47R0VPBSE0/s640/blogger-image--288052586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-hyAZkNqSQeU/U7T1tr5l9uI/AAAAAAAACSY/V47R0VPBSE0/s640/blogger-image--288052586.jpg" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NNuxAzfb67o/U7T2uBzPPUI/AAAAAAAACS0/AftlSiSiU2I/s640/blogger-image--1806498878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-NNuxAzfb67o/U7T2uBzPPUI/AAAAAAAACS0/AftlSiSiU2I/s640/blogger-image--1806498878.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
However, for those of us who want or need a bit more waist definition, you can sew large buttonholes just outside the side seam and use a narrow belt or sash to emphasize your curves!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EmPn3Fgsxpg/U7T2KBVzd4I/AAAAAAAACSg/ary2Oy9Ls4A/s640/blogger-image-1693076058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-EmPn3Fgsxpg/U7T2KBVzd4I/AAAAAAAACSg/ary2Oy9Ls4A/s640/blogger-image-1693076058.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Voila! Casual summer glam!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-46994275525379264182014-06-30T22:43:00.001-07:002014-06-30T23:30:45.973-07:00The Completed Chicago Quilt... Only two months later!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Zsdc2Pp-rw8/U7JKOos4zeI/AAAAAAAACRI/Qk_SYNT8hNI/s640/blogger-image--2105935368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Despite my failure to post about it in a relatively timely fashion, I did in fact finish the Chicago quilt in time to gift it to my cousin at her baby shower the first weekend in June. That said, now seemed like a good time to show off the finished product as her son was born this past weekend as per the photos, mother and baby both seem to be doing well!</span><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D1_AGTroYVE/U7JKFheMiPI/AAAAAAAACQw/FCUGDgp-bDs/s640/blogger-image-857002717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-D1_AGTroYVE/U7JKFheMiPI/AAAAAAAACQw/FCUGDgp-bDs/s640/blogger-image-857002717.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So here is the finished product, conveniently posed in front of color coordinated balloons.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xRn7R5qhrR8/U7JKbJzIKVI/AAAAAAAACRo/dgHtN-GeTbQ/s640/blogger-image-1562153756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xRn7R5qhrR8/U7JKbJzIKVI/AAAAAAAACRo/dgHtN-GeTbQ/s640/blogger-image-1562153756.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
When I last posted, I had finished piecing the front and back and was trying to figure out the whole "quilting" thing. I ultimately decided to quilt around the shore and skyline to outline the image and try free form quilting for the lake and sky. Given this plan, I started at the straight shoreline to assure that the colored blocks on the back would line up with the image on the front. I also didn't have a lot of space so I had to roll up most of the quilt as I worked (as seen above) and quilt small sections.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
The free form quilting was HARD! I had no idea it would be such a challenge, or so fun! I get it now guys, I really do. It didn't turn out perfectly, but it is solid and shouldn't fall apart, which was my real concern.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lDbk79NvVWM/U7JKYZ02NCI/AAAAAAAACRg/m0oSzClJM_Y/s640/blogger-image-559138195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-lDbk79NvVWM/U7JKYZ02NCI/AAAAAAAACRg/m0oSzClJM_Y/s640/blogger-image-559138195.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-byaB2BwuJb8/U7JKStWFisI/AAAAAAAACRQ/ZmhyUyn4dxY/s640/blogger-image-1003301907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-byaB2BwuJb8/U7JKStWFisI/AAAAAAAACRQ/ZmhyUyn4dxY/s640/blogger-image-1003301907.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
This image of the back provides a good sample of the quilting.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FlEkzwroHO8/U7JKVUfpM_I/AAAAAAAACRY/SBueQIy4k0s/s640/blogger-image-1972269629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FlEkzwroHO8/U7JKVUfpM_I/AAAAAAAACRY/SBueQIy4k0s/s640/blogger-image-1972269629.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RxwBVTdxwi4/U7JKIkYop4I/AAAAAAAACQ4/exWzDdsER94/s640/blogger-image--1914071928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-RxwBVTdxwi4/U7JKIkYop4I/AAAAAAAACQ4/exWzDdsER94/s640/blogger-image--1914071928.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Once the quilting was complete, I finished the edges with wide bias binding. Finally, I ran it through the wash several times to make sure that none of the threads would come loose (and tied off the few that did) because... Baby.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
Then all that was left to do was attend the party!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XmUE8lM2bc4/U7JKLcOeGHI/AAAAAAAACRA/4KwNwfctCFc/s640/blogger-image-1953884723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XmUE8lM2bc4/U7JKLcOeGHI/AAAAAAAACRA/4KwNwfctCFc/s640/blogger-image-1953884723.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
One advantage of blogging several months after the fact is that the frustration of the learning curve and the many hours of picking out and redoing badly done stitches have faded from memory. Because honestly, this was probably a more ambitious project than a first time quilter should have attempted. It turned out as I pictured, I am pleased with the results, but this was a humbling experience. That said, I may need to repeat this exercise, perhaps with a different skyline... Golden Gate Bridge anyone?</div>
<br /></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-22732251760590074042014-06-29T21:49:00.001-07:002014-06-30T23:41:50.289-07:00Britex Workshop Space Launch Party and a LOT of inspiration!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FbLOPX7w330/U7DsIbtfBdI/AAAAAAAACQQ/OnEl4esn2OM/s640/blogger-image-95685963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-FbLOPX7w330/U7DsIbtfBdI/AAAAAAAACQQ/OnEl4esn2OM/s640/blogger-image-95685963.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
As per usual, I have gone far too long between posts, despite having a TON of blog fodder in my life the last few months! I finished the Chicago quilt, gave it to my cousin and this past week the intended recipient was born! I learned a few fun pattern free projects (who knew a caftan could be so flattering!) and have several so far unposted tutorials to share. I made a floral linen dress to wear to a hippie garden party wedding in the UK. I had an amazing vacation traveling around England and Scotland where I did some fabric shopping (Liberty) and learned about tartan weaving. I also dealt with some family health emergencies, spent far too much time on planes and bought an iPad mini, which I think will be beneficial in this whole "blogging" thing.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Despite all this good material, I had been content in lazily composing posts in my head and never sharing until yesterday when I attended the Britex Fabrics workspace launch party!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
To launch the new workspace on the 4th floor (conveniently near the remnants) Britex invited a number of amazing sewing bloggers to speak as well as setting up some great crafts. I attended as part of the Bay Area Sewists meetup group. I had never attended one of their events before, but all the women involved seemed delightful and I definitely plan on participating in the future!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now I did make a headband, and sadly learned that I am none too proficient with the fabric glue... I actually looks pretty cute on, but the inside is a disaster... You can't really tell from these pictures, but trust me on this, grosgrain ribbon is much prettier when it is a) applied evenly, and b) not covered in glue.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Y6FT0yFMmU/U7DsOq2FT5I/AAAAAAAACQg/6pMZqNzmW2w/s640/blogger-image--1767490597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--QEB7We9-n4/U7Drxy5lYQI/AAAAAAAACPQ/uUvmaOtVRAU/s640/blogger-image-917133671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--QEB7We9-n4/U7Drxy5lYQI/AAAAAAAACPQ/uUvmaOtVRAU/s320/blogger-image-917133671.jpg" width="239" /></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Y6FT0yFMmU/U7DsOq2FT5I/AAAAAAAACQg/6pMZqNzmW2w/s640/blogger-image--1767490597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--Y6FT0yFMmU/U7DsOq2FT5I/AAAAAAAACQg/6pMZqNzmW2w/s320/blogger-image--1767490597.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: red;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
The highlight of the afternoon however were the speakers.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1JFI5gLhG9Y/U7Dr3sOWJxI/AAAAAAAACPg/cSvvGlUHNg4/s640/blogger-image-920526336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1JFI5gLhG9Y/U7Dr3sOWJxI/AAAAAAAACPg/cSvvGlUHNg4/s640/blogger-image-920526336.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
Obviously I was not the only person trying to get a picture of these amazing ladies!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QRbm3VanThs/U7Dr0tBfrOI/AAAAAAAACPY/LJGz7fpdA8g/s640/blogger-image-1570509565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-QRbm3VanThs/U7Dr0tBfrOI/AAAAAAAACPY/LJGz7fpdA8g/s640/blogger-image-1570509565.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First up was Shams of <a href="http://communingwithfabric.blogspot.com/">Communing with Fabric</a>. She did a show and tell of some of her recent work with a focus on closures. A standout for me was a garment she had made for the fabric mart contest that used hardware store key rings for the closure. She also raved about the folks on the button floor at Britex (3rd floor) so I may have to utilize their services next time I make a jacket! She and several of the women at the talk suggested bringing the finished or nearly finished item to the store to "audition" closures in person. I think this is a great idea (and something I had never done before) as the closure on the garment, as opposed to just being held up to the fabric, can be quite different.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7irg3xo0YGk/U7DrvFttS8I/AAAAAAAACPI/hHiMMevYAvE/s640/blogger-image-1848181150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7irg3xo0YGk/U7DrvFttS8I/AAAAAAAACPI/hHiMMevYAvE/s640/blogger-image-1848181150.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The second speaker was Beth of <a href="http://sunnygalstudio.blogspot.com/">Sunny Gal Studio</a>. sadly, I missed a lot of her talk as I was busy wrestling with my glue covered headband. That said, she mentioned using many Vogue patterns as well as using scraps for linings which is functional rather than attractive. As a fan of the vogue patterns who has several garments which look downright bizarre on the inside I may need to start following her work.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4-riOGtkyVw/U7DsLheNJII/AAAAAAAACQY/01ueSIaaDLY/s640/blogger-image--1009696849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4-riOGtkyVw/U7DsLheNJII/AAAAAAAACQY/01ueSIaaDLY/s640/blogger-image--1009696849.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Offering something a bit different was Jacqui from <a href="http://www.birds-of-a-thread.com/">Birds of a Thread</a>. She spoke on crafting an ethical wardrobe and discussed manufacturers with transparent supply chains so that the consumer could understand who actually made their clothes (or fabric as the case may be). She suggested thinking carefully about our purchases and considering if we really need what we are buying. Of course this was after I had just bought yards and yards of remnant lace to make dresses that I will have little occasion to wear!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8IQXotSdu1k/U7DsChPE0fI/AAAAAAAACQA/DSFTOAiU4t0/s640/blogger-image--1497390024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8IQXotSdu1k/U7DsChPE0fI/AAAAAAAACQA/DSFTOAiU4t0/s640/blogger-image--1497390024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JEjDSh-TWB8/U7Dr_wjId3I/AAAAAAAACP4/QrqNILqj3do/s640/blogger-image-72392216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-JEjDSh-TWB8/U7Dr_wjId3I/AAAAAAAACP4/QrqNILqj3do/s640/blogger-image-72392216.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The last speaker I saw before I had to leave was <a href="http://seamstresserin.com/">Seamstress Erin</a>, who, I have to admit, I now have a bit of a girl crush on... She is also tall and had to sew to get clothes long enough! She was once a theater major and sews costumes! She was wearing a large scale dinosaur print maxi dress! She is making a beautiful wedding jacket from the same (depressingly unfinished) Claire Schaffer pattern I have been working on for near 3 years now! Not to mention that she has a PhD in biochemistry and is going to spend the months after her wedding traveling around Southeast Asia... Seriously? So cool. As I said, major girl crush.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Also, her talk inspired me to get back to blogging, so you can thank (blame?) her for this and future posts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Sadly I had to leave before I could see the remaining speakers. The final two were Nicole from <a href="http://www.nicoleathome.com/">Nicole at Home</a> and Laura Mae from <a href="http://www.lauramaedesigns.com/">Lilacs & Lace</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also am grateful for the opportunity to take some time to explore Britex. When I went in the past I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">found it a bit overwhelming but now I think I would be in a better spot to actually shop.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And speaking of shopping, I did make a few purchases while at the store.</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LVFgdDss5oE/U7Dr9P6QaUI/AAAAAAAACPw/1e8sKHQj4MU/s640/blogger-image--1742884586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-LVFgdDss5oE/U7Dr9P6QaUI/AAAAAAAACPw/1e8sKHQj4MU/s640/blogger-image--1742884586.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First I bought this lovely nubby material to make a lightweight jacket. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r54W_UXzASU/U7Dr6cyyLLI/AAAAAAAACPo/82TS_IRbz-8/s640/blogger-image--1153808248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-r54W_UXzASU/U7Dr6cyyLLI/AAAAAAAACPo/82TS_IRbz-8/s640/blogger-image--1153808248.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I also bought this gorgeous gold lace and gold silk charmeuse. My plan is to make a 60's style simple shift to really show off the lace, although I may need to buy different fabric for the underlay as I don't know that I got quite enough of the silk.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Continuing in the theme of lace over a silk shift, I also bought this unusual grey lace made from piping and a darker grey silk to go underneath.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GK_qB13Maw4/U7DsFi8m8rI/AAAAAAAACQI/oxDliVpLQgw/s640/blogger-image--1681922287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-GK_qB13Maw4/U7DsFi8m8rI/AAAAAAAACQI/oxDliVpLQgw/s640/blogger-image--1681922287.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
Again, my thought is a shift, although for this one I think I would like longs sleeves made of just the lace.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That said, given how many unfinished projects I have sitting around, I am not sure when I will be able to get to these.</div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-6783902972910044362014-03-11T20:57:00.002-07:002014-03-11T20:57:42.869-07:00And now time for some... Quilting?<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I'll be honest... quilting? Is not usually my thing. Or at least it wasn't, unless you count my Laura Ingalls/Cady Woodlawn/American Girl inspired obsession with pioneers and the American West that lasted approximately from 4-7 grade and which spawned many a doll-size patchwork monstrosity... (I was so cool guys, so cool.) But other than that? No, not so much a quilter. I mean, why spend hours precision sewing straight lines when there are frivolous dresses to be made, corsets to be built, and jackets to be tailored? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus as one who mostly (solely?) sews garments, I'm often a bit bitter at the array of colors and prints that are available in the quilting aisles... they draw me in with their amazing rainbow of jewel tones and perfectly coordinated pastels only to disappoint when you touch a cotton that is not only practically see-through but shockingly sandpaperesque to the touch. With the advent of extensive online fabric stores and the move to a city with more on offer than just a JoAnns, this is a bit less of an issue, but still... I've been burned before.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plus there is a bit of a snob factor... this idea that quilting falls under the umbrella of "crafting" and I'm not a "crafter." "Crafters" are bored moms poorly recreating something they saw on Pinterest which was itself totally derivative. Crafters make casseroles out of pre-packaged ingredients because Rachel Ray thought it was a good idea. Crafters glue pom poms on Popsicle sticks and follow directions. No, in my mind, I am an artist. I am a designer. I may use purchased patterns 85% of the time, but never mind that... in my minds eye I am a creative genius and a beacon of style and good taste...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And maybe a little bit (totally) deluded.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And actually? I love Pinterest and scrapbooks and activities involving glue guns. And I'm from the Midwest... if you can hide the taste of frozen veggies with a can of Campbell soup, I'm a happy, happy girl!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So absurd pretensions thoroughly shattered, I embarked on that most classic of crafts, the quilt. What inspired this project, you may ask? Why it is because my cousin Kristin (who is amazing, FYI... doctor, former figure skater, living with her new husband in the world's most amazing Chicago apartment) is having a baby! And I decided to make a baby quilt.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Upon making this decision, I could have behaved like a normal person and thought to myself, "Self, you don't know how to make a quilt. Perhaps you should find some directions or buy a pattern or a book." But that sort of self-awareness and good sense would be out of character. Instead, I busted out a sketchbook and drew out what seemed to be an appropriate design for the situation and promptly hightailed it to the JoAnns to bring my dream to fruition. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWlz5Rq7QJo/Ux6n7RG9DoI/AAAAAAAACLE/Tl4_HvoquyE/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWlz5Rq7QJo/Ux6n7RG9DoI/AAAAAAAACLE/Tl4_HvoquyE/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG" height="486" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Why yes, that is the Chicago skyline... as a quilt. Because goodness knows I couldn't make my first attempt a quilting something normal and based on right angles because that would be too easy. <br />
<br />
So, design decided upon and supplies obtained, I needed to figure out how to turn my fevered vision into a soft cotton reality. Now I don't know how you are supposed to do these things but I figured a pattern was in order. So I made a quilt size square of brown paper from old grocery bags, taped it to the mirror in the bedroom and sketched my Chicago skyline again, this time in full size. (Full quilt size, not full Chicago size... that would be both ridiculous and expensive. Plus the baby would get lost.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxF6r-DknkE/Ux6nkmFpOJI/AAAAAAAACKE/JLjoSJlp8pk/s1600/IMG_4816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AxF6r-DknkE/Ux6nkmFpOJI/AAAAAAAACKE/JLjoSJlp8pk/s1600/IMG_4816.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the lake I wanted to create random shapes in different shades of blue and white to mimic motion of water. Again, I wasn't sure how to go about this, so I just started cutting out random bits of fabric and piecing them together until I had a piece a bit larger than the pattern I created.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gTga4JESeQs/Ux6noW4g_pI/AAAAAAAACKM/uVE50u6AIUQ/s1600/IMG_4817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gTga4JESeQs/Ux6noW4g_pI/AAAAAAAACKM/uVE50u6AIUQ/s1600/IMG_4817.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhZ0HaWJq5s/Ux6npeQcsGI/AAAAAAAACKU/ceR8eqSC5dw/s1600/IMG_4819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FhZ0HaWJq5s/Ux6npeQcsGI/AAAAAAAACKU/ceR8eqSC5dw/s1600/IMG_4819.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After I assembled the water and the shore, I cut out my buildings one at a time. I would cut each piece out of the paper pattern, cut out the fabric with a 1/4 inch seam allowance and I slowly started building my skyline. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g1mjIBGuvlU/Ux6ntVZiGlI/AAAAAAAACKc/9ivr81uUTd4/s1600/IMG_4820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3vgeUPkFiQ/Ux6nxIiakwI/AAAAAAAACKk/pTvWFsVcwPY/s1600/IMG_4821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n3vgeUPkFiQ/Ux6nxIiakwI/AAAAAAAACKk/pTvWFsVcwPY/s1600/IMG_4821.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
After most of the skyline was assembled, I started in on the Sears Tower. (I know intellectually that it has a new name now, but I do not accept this so shush!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-etYvLYj3VtQ/Ux6nyWDrP0I/AAAAAAAACKs/pQnIqJi6po8/s1600/IMG_4823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf-1knTdDDY/Ux6n1g4xMFI/AAAAAAAACK8/68ZUX8-dxTY/s1600/IMG_4824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf-1knTdDDY/Ux6n1g4xMFI/AAAAAAAACK8/68ZUX8-dxTY/s1600/IMG_4824.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So far, the face of the quilt looks like this:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEN3K0HlE6E/Ux6n0kolr2I/AAAAAAAACK0/NpicWgpu0Ic/s1600/IMG_4825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DEN3K0HlE6E/Ux6n0kolr2I/AAAAAAAACK0/NpicWgpu0Ic/s1600/IMG_4825.JPG" height="640" width="530" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Obviously there is still a lot of work to be done. It needs to be pressed and quite a few of the buildings are as of yet unattached. And that green one in the middle looks wonky. It isn't actually that crooked but I do think the color is a little off and I may have to replace it. Plus the sky? Will be blue and white and gray and cloud-like, and not made of grocery bags. But it's progress and not bad for two evenings of work on a first attempt I think. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZWlz5Rq7QJo/Ux6n7RG9DoI/AAAAAAAACLE/Tl4_HvoquyE/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
So what is the moral here? <br />
<br />
Don't think practially! Just follow the guide of your fevered imagination! If you take time to figure out how to do something you very well may talk yourself out of it so it's better to just jump right in! <br />
<br />
But, um... if someone has any thoughts as to the best way to do the actual <em>quilting</em> part, please let me know. My original idea was to machine quilt by outlining the buildings and then free-form quilting the water and sky. Now I'm a little uncertain. So now that I've taken the plunge into a quilted Lake Michigan, is there anyone out there who can teach me to swim?<em> </em>Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-11634958251161758422014-03-10T23:04:00.000-07:002014-03-10T23:04:04.134-07:00On Shamrocks, nooks, and cleavage...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9N_-DvZzgOQ/Ux6bvK4juNI/AAAAAAAACJs/4Q9HKuhEMgA/s1600/IMG_4829.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9N_-DvZzgOQ/Ux6bvK4juNI/AAAAAAAACJs/4Q9HKuhEMgA/s1600/IMG_4829.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is me... pretending not to notice my very handsome photographer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Earlier today, I was enjoying my newly created "reading nook." (And by "earlier today" I mean right now, as I'm typing.) It's just a corner really, but it's amazing what an armchair, an ottoman, and some luxurious layered rugs can do! (Why yes, I am posing reading the newest issues of <em>Threads</em>!)<em> </em>And you know what makes the perfect outfit for comfortable lounging? Why a faux-wrap dress in a satiny soft rayon jersey, of course. As comfortable as pajamas but you can wear it all day at work? Sign me up!</div>
<br />
This simple dress was my project this past weekend. This <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5206-products-7474.php?page_id=430">Butterick pattern</a> by Chetta B has a wrap style top, flared skirt, and a wide obi inspired sash. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="B5206" border="0" height="475" src="http://butterick.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/B5206.jpg" title="B5206" width="450" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The fabric I chose has a small kelly green clover print on a black background. The wrong side of the fabric is all black so I was able to use the same fabric to create the bias binding. The reversible quality of the fabric also helped make the sash look more finished when tied without having to line it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did make a few alterations to the original pattern. First, I eliminated the zipper. Honestly, doesn't a zipper sort of defeat the point of an easy-wear jersey dress? I really do not understand the Big Four pattern companies love of putting zippers in knit dress patterns. Second, I didn't attach the sash as directed, but simply finished it with the black bias binding and tied it on. It not only stayed put, but I think it makes the dress more versatile as I could also pair the dress with a purchased belt or wear unbelted for a looser, more casual look (maybe with boots and a long sweater? hmm...) Finally I added the contrast bias trim to the sleeves as well. Honestly, I think it creates a cleaner and more finished look, particularly on the short, almost capped, sleeve.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Generally, I found this pattern to be pretty great. The proportions are good, the skirt was long enough without adding significant extra length (I think I only added about 2 inches, but I don't really know as I eyeballed it), and the few hours it took to make this dress is completely worth it for a classic dress that can be worn in all seasons. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That said, it runs BIG. Right now, my measurements put me anywhere from a 16 to a 22 based on the back of the envelope. Given that this is a knit and the jersey I chose has considerable stretch, I cut an 18. Once the body of the dress was assembled, I tried on the whole kit and caboodle and it was, frankly, enormous. I ended up taking in the side seams at the waist by two inches on each side. After wearing it today, I'll probably throw it in the wash to make sure there is no additional shrinkage and take in the side seams a bit more, particularly as I think that will make the bust gap open a bit less...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Which brings me to my other criticism of this dress... it is pretty low cut. Now I have a relatively high tolerance for low cut. I figure that as a busty gal, my bras are almost all "full coverage" so if the entire bra is covered I consider myself work appropriate. Now this may just be a rationalization to make up for the fact that as one who can manage to have cleavage in a crew neck (this is only a slight exaggeration) the girls are <em>never</em> work appropriate so, well... screw it. Point being, if you care about silly things like modesty, decency, and the prevention of so-called "wardrobe malfunctions" you may want to either raise the neckline ever so slightly or find yourself a cami. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RC4oJaGP0ZA/Ux6bwnG94kI/AAAAAAAACJ0/wL_vj66dztE/s1600/IMG_4836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><em><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RC4oJaGP0ZA/Ux6bwnG94kI/AAAAAAAACJ0/wL_vj66dztE/s1600/IMG_4836.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></em></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall though, I have to say I'm pretty pleased. Plus, now I have something to wear next week for St. Patrick's Day! Not that I have any plans for March 17th. While I love any holiday that lends itself to themed dressing, I am getting too old to deal with half dressed, drunken teenagers whose neglectful and delinquent parents I spend the day judging. You know you are an old lady when a day of harmless debauchery ends with your threatening to call the truant officer. No, instead I will simply wear this dress (which for one day only shall be dubbed "the shamrock dress") and raise a pint to the holiday... after all, there is a nook with my name on it!</div>
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-43591575445570457382014-02-18T23:08:00.000-08:002014-02-18T23:08:06.968-08:00Acquisitions, Organization, and Future Plans...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I haven't been updating this blog o'mine nearly as often as I should have, but there is a good reason for this... I haven't been sewing nearly as often as usual and thus had nothing write about. I chalk this up to post-holiday laziness and general malaise. Of course it could also be that I'm busy admiring views like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz_-espvEws/UwMKZM4T27I/AAAAAAAACIA/cwSmvV5AMZ8/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz_-espvEws/UwMKZM4T27I/AAAAAAAACIA/cwSmvV5AMZ8/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That said, I did acquire some amazing new stuff to help in some upcoming projects.</div>
<br />
Most crucially, I upgraded my iron with a nice new Rowenta. This is not to say that the Hamilton Beach iron I inherited from my mother circa 1980-something is not perfectly lovely... frankly it's stood me in pretty good stead, but it was time for an upgrade and some Amazon vouchers for Christmas proved the ideal opportunity to get a great iron for far less than I would otherwise have paid. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vM_lHi_kQHw/UwMKUSvzWhI/AAAAAAAACHk/fSKAWBiHL6E/s1600/IMG_4781+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vM_lHi_kQHw/UwMKUSvzWhI/AAAAAAAACHk/fSKAWBiHL6E/s1600/IMG_4781+(2).JPG" height="320" width="245" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hvLDNtaX4o/UwMKVXShu0I/AAAAAAAACHw/cjFuk3oFuRg/s1600/IMG_4782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hvLDNtaX4o/UwMKVXShu0I/AAAAAAAACHw/cjFuk3oFuRg/s1600/IMG_4782.JPG" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Isn't that pretty and shiny? Particularly when compared to my previous equipment?</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DhsLKr71m0/UwMKSzfSfGI/AAAAAAAACHg/eqRYVvY3Uos/s1600/IMG_4774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1DhsLKr71m0/UwMKSzfSfGI/AAAAAAAACHg/eqRYVvY3Uos/s1600/IMG_4774.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-869mCmDAPsc/UwMKRwcreqI/AAAAAAAACHU/bqgDaqo9F08/s1600/IMG_4773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-869mCmDAPsc/UwMKRwcreqI/AAAAAAAACHU/bqgDaqo9F08/s1600/IMG_4773.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And I am pleased to report that my new iron is not only visually pleasing, and not covered in burnt crispy...stuff, but it also works far better. Observe:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uEd3xPwMBc/UwMKfmZQGrI/AAAAAAAACIs/yDt5_Gm30tk/s1600/IMG_4800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uEd3xPwMBc/UwMKfmZQGrI/AAAAAAAACIs/yDt5_Gm30tk/s1600/IMG_4800.JPG" height="202" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vDmo7ajFHE/UwMKb4BIHcI/AAAAAAAACIQ/e5Zg8UqQ5WI/s1600/IMG_4798.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4vDmo7ajFHE/UwMKb4BIHcI/AAAAAAAACIQ/e5Zg8UqQ5WI/s1600/IMG_4798.JPG" height="139" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ0iagtb5ds/UwMKdiOzfmI/AAAAAAAACIg/Wx2ybkiG0o8/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ0iagtb5ds/UwMKdiOzfmI/AAAAAAAACIg/Wx2ybkiG0o8/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" height="114" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These two irons were on the same setting (upper mid-range heat recommended for wool with the steam on). Just look at the difference! The new iron created such nice crisp results, comparatively. The lesson that I've learned once again? Upgrading to better (sadly this often means more expensive) equipment is pretty much always worth the investment. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also have acquired an interesting new pattern and some useful books. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Over the summer, my younger sister was involved in field study in Mongolia and on her way back she stopped off in Japan where she picked up a pattern for her sewing obsessed sister. Now part of me is deeply tempted to make myself an amazing new kimono, but the larger part of me doesn't want to risk cutting up a pattern in a foreign language I can't even read. We'll just have to see what happens. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-MJr36S_rU/UwMKfRmK-EI/AAAAAAAACIo/ooIWAvUREmY/s1600/IMG_4801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-MJr36S_rU/UwMKfRmK-EI/AAAAAAAACIo/ooIWAvUREmY/s1600/IMG_4801.JPG" height="640" width="457" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also bought myself Patterns of Fashion 2. As someone interested in costuming and historical clothing, I eventually plan on buying more from this series, but I started with the edition which focuses on my favorite era: 1860-1920. This amazing book(s) diagrams and provides scaled patterns for period gowns from various museum collections. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2tYFTSVoMU/UwMKqhwjkAI/AAAAAAAACJI/mc60csLfx6o/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2tYFTSVoMU/UwMKqhwjkAI/AAAAAAAACJI/mc60csLfx6o/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also bought Bridal Couture by couturier Susan Khalje. This book outlines the fabrication, construction, and application to design and build wedding gowns and formals. The book details topics such as working with lace and constructing boned bodices. It's fantastic. And why did I buy this book you may ask? Because I have offered to make bridesmaid dresses for my baby sister's wedding set for May of 2015. It's really the least I can do as one of the co-maids-of-honor.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v1H_w1GBVVQ/UwMKRn5EHDI/AAAAAAAACHQ/bki8P5T58kU/s1600/IMG_4759.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v1H_w1GBVVQ/UwMKRn5EHDI/AAAAAAAACHQ/bki8P5T58kU/s1600/IMG_4759.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Early in the planning process, Caitlin and I discovered we had the same dress on our respective Pinterest boards. Namely, Trashy Diva's Honey dress.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="http://www.trashydiva.com/image/products/16449.jpg" height="640" id="theimage" width="331" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MQiR1cT8jgM/UwMKWYO3TWI/AAAAAAAACH4/zqtTxtVKmqY/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div align="left">
I noticed that this bore a striking resemblance to the Butterick pattern by Gertie (<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5882-products-44960.php?page_id=4453">B5882</a>) inspiring the reaction, "hey, I own that pattern!" And the subsequent determination that I could make the dresses as a wedding gift for less than these dresses would otherwise cost. </div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="B5882" border="0" src="http://butterick.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Add_3_Full/B5882.jpg" height="475" title="B5882" width="450" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz_-espvEws/UwMKZM4T27I/AAAAAAAACIA/cwSmvV5AMZ8/s1600/IMG_4787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
That said, I prefer the true under-bust look of the first dress to Gertie's version, which is designed more to de-emphasize the bust (dear lord, why would I want to do that?). So I decided to draft my own version as well and figure I can let the bride (remember her?) to make the decision as to what she wanted to use. So, last night, I busted out my cheap plastic tablecloths (best thing for first draft muslin-ing I've ever discovered) and drafted a 50's style cocktail gown that I'm actually quite proud of!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--v7WWqmZkeU/UwMKg_sEnfI/AAAAAAAACI4/Y85BzdGx_3w/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--v7WWqmZkeU/UwMKg_sEnfI/AAAAAAAACI4/Y85BzdGx_3w/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" height="320" width="217" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9h96LukReU/UwMKrGDKXmI/AAAAAAAACJQ/hZZkaNRE9H0/s1600/IMG_4811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9h96LukReU/UwMKrGDKXmI/AAAAAAAACJQ/hZZkaNRE9H0/s1600/IMG_4811.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pretty, no? I've also drafted a circle skirt to go with this (you can see it in the back view), but it's ultimately less important to draft ahead of time than the bodice. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8CfxTOQ0fc/UwMKjOww1HI/AAAAAAAACJA/GqjHaZUhhvo/s1600/IMG_4807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
Additionally, I've made some significat Ikea purchases to update the sewing corner of my bedroom and open up the space significantly. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEhycvODQlE/UwMKaTmOYCI/AAAAAAAACII/eYoDh7iLKOU/s1600/IMG_4792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FEhycvODQlE/UwMKaTmOYCI/AAAAAAAACII/eYoDh7iLKOU/s1600/IMG_4792.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdL1Ef8fP7U/UwMKcYg966I/AAAAAAAACIY/WXLZfzxIvK8/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hdL1Ef8fP7U/UwMKcYg966I/AAAAAAAACIY/WXLZfzxIvK8/s1600/IMG_4796.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
This new arrangement also gives me the ability to watch terrible reality television while crafting... and what could be better than that?<br />
<br />
So to sum up: iron, patterns, weddings, and Ikea... all good things! Discuss!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WZ0iagtb5ds/UwMKdiOzfmI/AAAAAAAACIg/Wx2ybkiG0o8/s1600/IMG_4799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uEd3xPwMBc/UwMKfmZQGrI/AAAAAAAACIs/yDt5_Gm30tk/s1600/IMG_4800.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0-MJr36S_rU/UwMKfRmK-EI/AAAAAAAACIo/ooIWAvUREmY/s1600/IMG_4801.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--v7WWqmZkeU/UwMKg_sEnfI/AAAAAAAACI4/Y85BzdGx_3w/s1600/IMG_4805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z8CfxTOQ0fc/UwMKjOww1HI/AAAAAAAACJA/GqjHaZUhhvo/s1600/IMG_4807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9h96LukReU/UwMKrGDKXmI/AAAAAAAACJQ/hZZkaNRE9H0/s1600/IMG_4811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6CfEjk_G2sc/UwMKsKEciSI/AAAAAAAACJY/zVoP7-212sE/s1600/IMG_4813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2tYFTSVoMU/UwMKqhwjkAI/AAAAAAAACJI/mc60csLfx6o/s1600/IMG_4758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-12795123480209618912014-02-12T21:35:00.000-08:002014-02-12T21:35:55.543-08:00In lieu of the Superbowl...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDD3exDTRHo/UvxWU46q-4I/AAAAAAAACGk/pNbPg5u4LiY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XDD3exDTRHo/UvxWU46q-4I/AAAAAAAACGk/pNbPg5u4LiY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a> </div>
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fraSdN-PG8">Here </a>is the best summation of my opinion of sporting events...<br />
<br />
Thus Superbowl Sunday found me not watching commercials and eating wings, but rather at a costume workshop at<a href="http://rockitcolabs.com/"> RockIT CoLabs</a> crafting it up steampunk style!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5_ahCt2Qi4/UvxWR8rhfsI/AAAAAAAACGI/EPPjWbOLUA0/s1600/photo+-+workshop.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z5_ahCt2Qi4/UvxWR8rhfsI/AAAAAAAACGI/EPPjWbOLUA0/s1600/photo+-+workshop.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This amazing afternoon started with a tutorial in paper mache, something at which I am shockingly bad. I somehow managed to make everything both exceedingly soggy and shapeless... it's not good folks, not good. After that, we learned to fashion top hats from cardboard and fabric scraps. I am pretty impressed with my quasi-Victorian efforts.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW5aKF8iKfo/UvxWS5xY3EI/AAAAAAAACGU/qXu5KXmmm60/s1600/photo+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SW5aKF8iKfo/UvxWS5xY3EI/AAAAAAAACGU/qXu5KXmmm60/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRF1oIstMIc/UvxWT82FMeI/AAAAAAAACGc/2VPUjWf11GI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eRF1oIstMIc/UvxWT82FMeI/AAAAAAAACGc/2VPUjWf11GI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
We also had a tutorial in the use of the 3-D printer. This was actually really cool, particularly in that I think that sewing and crafting is one area where the technology as is, is sufficient for current purposes. While there are some 3-D printers which can work in metals or glass, the vast majority are useful only for polymers. This restricts the use for many purposes but just think of the notions which are nothing but bits of plastic! Think of the buttons!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-Twnswn5tc/UvxWP2A4lnI/AAAAAAAACF8/vqWeHrdDCj0/s1600/photo+-+3d+printer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-Twnswn5tc/UvxWP2A4lnI/AAAAAAAACF8/vqWeHrdDCj0/s1600/photo+-+3d+printer.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf_PT9x3k5A/UvxWREo3zwI/AAAAAAAACGE/op-MEjljXGY/s1600/photo+-+use+the+3d+printer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sf_PT9x3k5A/UvxWREo3zwI/AAAAAAAACGE/op-MEjljXGY/s1600/photo+-+use+the+3d+printer.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
So I spent a wonderful afternoon with cool people learning about some of the intersections between sewing and technology... I can't wait for the next workshop. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KyClnGkcoWk/UvxWWO2kRwI/AAAAAAAACGw/jgDVnw0DIZw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KyClnGkcoWk/UvxWWO2kRwI/AAAAAAAACGw/jgDVnw0DIZw/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-6094771909399085572014-01-14T22:49:00.002-08:002014-01-14T22:49:26.201-08:00The Claremont Coat... Decades of Style #4009<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KL2eVVqRJo/UtYUYF9o9xI/AAAAAAAACFU/z-Dfoux7ugI/s1600/IMAG0252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7KL2eVVqRJo/UtYUYF9o9xI/AAAAAAAACFU/z-Dfoux7ugI/s640/IMAG0252.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So after my very sequin-y, sparkle-y New Year's Eve, I spent New Year's Day enjoying a nature hike along the Pacific Coast wearing my new Claremont(ish) Coat made from <a href="http://www.decadesofstyle.com/vintage-patterns-1940s/4009-1940s-claremont-coat">Decades of Style 4009</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The fabric was a lilac wool tweed purchased <a href="http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/By-the-Piece/">by-the-piece from Fabric Mart</a> and a lilac and patterned gray and lilac floral print silk/cotton voile for the lining. I've always loved lighter weight jackets, and for the first time ever I live in a climate where they are a practical option. I imagine quite a bit more tweed in my future! Although I will give one note of caution... this fabric was lovely to work with, presses beautifully, but frays easily. This was not a problem in the original construction, but the back panel had already began to separate from the side panels near where the panel back facings end. I've fixed it by hand and lightly tacked the seam to the lining at the weak point which should prevent further fraying along the seam, but if I was to start over I would have finished the seam edges with the serger... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yD8N0yT2xmM/Usu5iWrfWdI/AAAAAAAACCg/08rYUOoXL4w/s1600/IMG_4671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="341" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yD8N0yT2xmM/Usu5iWrfWdI/AAAAAAAACCg/08rYUOoXL4w/s400/IMG_4671.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I set out the pattern to cut just before Christmas, thus the holiday cheer in the background. I cut the smallest size C, which pretty closely matches my measurements, but if I was to attempt it again, I'd probably go up to one of the larger "C" sizes to get a little more ease in the bust and waist and allow an easier fit over casual clothes. In the posted pictures the coat is straining a bit over jeans and a sweater but today I wore it over a jersey wrap dress (um... and spanx) and the fit was flawless... take that as you will when determining your own size. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eWNgD_0IpA/Usu5ZryB8XI/AAAAAAAACBw/-gW-OnaR0Wo/s1600/IMG_4659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFnSQYp6TkE/Usu5bBfOnPI/AAAAAAAACB4/xVfhKXvi7NA/s1600/IMG_4660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DFnSQYp6TkE/Usu5bBfOnPI/AAAAAAAACB4/xVfhKXvi7NA/s400/IMG_4660.JPG" width="255" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLZIxsRmOQc/Usu5fB47CCI/AAAAAAAACCM/d6Z-iyKkA88/s1600/IMG_4666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HLZIxsRmOQc/Usu5fB47CCI/AAAAAAAACCM/d6Z-iyKkA88/s400/IMG_4666.JPG" width="275" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnP2GEfzzq4/Usu5kgjFxLI/AAAAAAAACCo/oN-NePDRuLg/s1600/IMG_4673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OnP2GEfzzq4/Usu5kgjFxLI/AAAAAAAACCo/oN-NePDRuLg/s640/IMG_4673.JPG" width="587" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I followed the directions provided with the pattern fairly closely. I started by attaching the front yoke to the panel back. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5J068sZVP8M/Usu5nmBP1OI/AAAAAAAACCw/DqpsRPEa7sQ/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5J068sZVP8M/Usu5nmBP1OI/AAAAAAAACCw/DqpsRPEa7sQ/s1600/IMG_4681.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then assembled the yoke and panel facings and attached the facing to the yoke and panel back assembly. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3Hq008VU0w/Usu5vZmxonI/AAAAAAAACDI/vk_lTGUM3P4/s1600/IMG_4686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M3Hq008VU0w/Usu5vZmxonI/AAAAAAAACDI/vk_lTGUM3P4/s200/IMG_4686.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQN82nwZaus/Usu5xL2V9pI/AAAAAAAACDQ/laJOUenxNS0/s1600/IMG_4687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQN82nwZaus/Usu5xL2V9pI/AAAAAAAACDQ/laJOUenxNS0/s200/IMG_4687.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next, I marked the darts on the front and sleeves with tailor's tacks and stitched all the darts. This is my least favorite part of any project so I always do all the darts at once to get it over with!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy4LuQnFz8c/Usu5zzweHYI/AAAAAAAACDg/1N4LrZDWS5U/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fy4LuQnFz8c/Usu5zzweHYI/AAAAAAAACDg/1N4LrZDWS5U/s1600/IMG_4689.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I then assembled the coat side back and coat fronts... and attached the yoke and panel back with lapped seams. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLWSDp8BzME/Usu53IVbv0I/AAAAAAAACDo/Lgx6ySUIk7k/s1600/IMG_4690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rLWSDp8BzME/Usu53IVbv0I/AAAAAAAACDo/Lgx6ySUIk7k/s200/IMG_4690.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYc2tENAmMA/Usu57oSwVvI/AAAAAAAACD4/LblofRboOnA/s1600/IMG_4692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYc2tENAmMA/Usu57oSwVvI/AAAAAAAACD4/LblofRboOnA/s200/IMG_4692.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W8d4tauCemc/Usu59fLUXrI/AAAAAAAACEA/Ffpsb0IfqdQ/s1600/IMG_4693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W8d4tauCemc/Usu59fLUXrI/AAAAAAAACEA/Ffpsb0IfqdQ/s200/IMG_4693.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
Once the body was assembled, I attached the pockets. The pocket section attached to the coat front is made of the shell fabric, while the back pocket is cut of the lining. This way if/when the pocket gaps open a bit, it will be less noticeable.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jV4bedZuqk4/Usu5_DN55pI/AAAAAAAACEI/odewCBpCwz8/s1600/IMG_4694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jV4bedZuqk4/Usu5_DN55pI/AAAAAAAACEI/odewCBpCwz8/s1600/IMG_4694.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f02J-3YDN2E/Usu6ApiYtpI/AAAAAAAACEY/qBEKZAwukFU/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f02J-3YDN2E/Usu6ApiYtpI/AAAAAAAACEY/qBEKZAwukFU/s1600/IMG_4697.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bj-epAh8vzI/Usu6DUaH3XI/AAAAAAAACEg/I-0k1_JHs3k/s1600/IMG_4698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
And then the sleeves... I actually really love these sleeves soooo much and may utilize this technique/design in future garments. On this pattern, rather than evenly spacing gathers and doing a set in sleeve, the sleeve has 5 small, evenly spaced darts which shape the sleeve cap. It is visually interesting and far easier to sew! (I always have to redo set in sleeves multiple times to eliminate unwanted puckers, this is so much easier.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8_5u670FZ0/Usu6FR1MM8I/AAAAAAAACEo/hNmSzZZqAaA/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8_5u670FZ0/Usu6FR1MM8I/AAAAAAAACEo/hNmSzZZqAaA/s1600/IMG_4699.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At that point, I assembled and inserted the lining of the body, pinned and stitched the sleeve linings in and hemmed the whole kit and caboodle. I found that my interfacing was not quite up to the task of wrangling this wool, and the front was not laying flat so I decided to top-stitch around the front and neck closure as well. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tE6elK8xOkY/Usu6GSHYQ3I/AAAAAAAACEw/rbhINo6DBbw/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tE6elK8xOkY/Usu6GSHYQ3I/AAAAAAAACEw/rbhINo6DBbw/s1600/IMG_4719.JPG" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_b4-ogFGbS8/Usu6HapGtiI/AAAAAAAACE4/VJfgD_ML8cg/s1600/ocean+waves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
Now as for buttons (this is always a dramatic issue for me, is it not?) I decided against the classic 2 button closure in lieu of a frog closure (for now). As I mentioned, this coat had a little less ease than I would have initially preferred, so instead of buttonholes and buttons I decided to have the front closure meet flush at the edges with a frog closure. It was a "make it work" moment as Tim Gunn would say. And should my current diet succeed in reducing my girth, I can easily swap out my hand-stitched closures for proper buttonholes and buttons. Only time will tell. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UtuCnqakBlA/Usu6JHwLzyI/AAAAAAAACFA/2BIzE1_5YUU/s1600/purple+coat+on+the+cliff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UtuCnqakBlA/Usu6JHwLzyI/AAAAAAAACFA/2BIzE1_5YUU/s640/purple+coat+on+the+cliff.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-39206733686124291622014-01-07T00:20:00.000-08:002014-01-07T00:20:46.986-08:00Ringing in 2014 with Sparkle and Shine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PmizE4DA38/UsuzOBhEF1I/AAAAAAAACAw/0Qgm05aFDWM/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PmizE4DA38/UsuzOBhEF1I/AAAAAAAACAw/0Qgm05aFDWM/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" height="640" width="444" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So as we decided to spend New Year's at a comedy club (John Oliver at Cobb's Comedy Club... we got a front row table right along the stage and he was hilarious) I decided I needed a casual, yet suitably festive ensemble. Of course, I made this determination on December 30. So like any good sewist, I hightailed it over to my local JoAnns and picked up a few yards of a fabulous sequin mesh. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7pYZBsvT0Q/UsuzEbWOJyI/AAAAAAAACAI/xcZeu5JKzY8/s1600/IMG_4721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxir85UYtKU/UsuzGgJkNTI/AAAAAAAACAQ/YtDNTDDCOco/s1600/IMG_4724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yxir85UYtKU/UsuzGgJkNTI/AAAAAAAACAQ/YtDNTDDCOco/s1600/IMG_4724.JPG" height="320" width="209" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF8voUmtO_8/UsuzJVV6uEI/AAAAAAAACAY/FBFoGjGT070/s1600/IMG_4725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oF8voUmtO_8/UsuzJVV6uEI/AAAAAAAACAY/FBFoGjGT070/s1600/IMG_4725.JPG" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was then faced with the challenge of finding a sequin appropriate top. I think the trick to working with such highly embellished fabric is to keep the design lines minimal. So I settled on <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6078-products-10889.php?page_id=980">McCall's 6078</a> (now sadly out of print), which I have made from rayon jersey successfully several times before. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7pYZBsvT0Q/UsuzEbWOJyI/AAAAAAAACAI/xcZeu5JKzY8/s1600/IMG_4721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I7pYZBsvT0Q/UsuzEbWOJyI/AAAAAAAACAI/xcZeu5JKzY8/s1600/IMG_4721.JPG" height="320" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I made a few minor alterations. First, I decided to keep the plain mesh selvage in lieu of hemming, so I lined up the hem of the pattern along the border of the sequins when laying out my pattern pieces. I was also uncertain as to how this much heavier and substantial fabric would drape so I played around with it on the dress form and eventually decided that the triple pleats along the shoulders and side back added too much bulk. Instead, I made on large pleat at each point to create a cleaner cowl draped effect. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u6eEiEmXoKs/UsuzJkVzC2I/AAAAAAAACAc/0soN1d4JpH8/s1600/IMG_4729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-u6eEiEmXoKs/UsuzJkVzC2I/AAAAAAAACAc/0soN1d4JpH8/s1600/IMG_4729.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCez1Be80Io/UsuzLXmxSaI/AAAAAAAACAo/Pm3jf5xOSu8/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YCez1Be80Io/UsuzLXmxSaI/AAAAAAAACAo/Pm3jf5xOSu8/s1600/IMG_4732.JPG" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also decided that, for the sake of both transparency and comfort, I would line the top with a black rayon jersey from the stash. This made the overall top a bit heavier than would probably be ideal, but given the amount of time we spent outside and wandering the hills of San Francisco, I was glad for the extra warmth. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WD6idbDpYNw/UsuzPi07QkI/AAAAAAAACA4/XxDKgxzYvnM/s1600/IMG_4734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5HkTt2XhrI/UsuzUxFgbcI/AAAAAAAACBU/s-H1cwur7u0/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5HkTt2XhrI/UsuzUxFgbcI/AAAAAAAACBU/s-H1cwur7u0/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now, this was a bit of a rush job, so on the afternoon of New Years Eve, I decided that my shoulder seams (which at that point were exposed sequins) needed to be less scratchy and sewed plain black bias tape over the trimmed seam allowance. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUML2FEHweM/UsuzWbZHhgI/AAAAAAAACBg/7L6pPeberGM/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUML2FEHweM/UsuzWbZHhgI/AAAAAAAACBg/7L6pPeberGM/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, due to my sewing in a hurry, I didn't properly lay out all the pieces so once corner of the shoulder wound up sadly sequin-free. In the end, it doesn't bother me too much and it's a small enough patch (about a square inch) that if I really wanted, I could add the embellishments by hand from some of the leftover scrap in about an hour. That said, the plan was to wear this under a blazer, so I didn't much care. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IamnwzRH6CI/UsuzT0uJQfI/AAAAAAAACBQ/Z3YRDopmskw/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IamnwzRH6CI/UsuzT0uJQfI/AAAAAAAACBQ/Z3YRDopmskw/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" height="330" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ultimately, I think this top turned out pretty good for a 2-3 hour, last minute project. I would certainly wear it again for other festive "going out" occasions, because really what day couldn't use a little extra sparkle?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8PmizE4DA38/UsuzOBhEF1I/AAAAAAAACAw/0Qgm05aFDWM/s1600/IMG_4736.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eG_B3g7gsoo/UsuzP92fj7I/AAAAAAAACA8/ziTtUV8qWvY/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eG_B3g7gsoo/UsuzP92fj7I/AAAAAAAACA8/ziTtUV8qWvY/s1600/IMG_4738.JPG" height="320" width="221" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrk4siUOMCc/UsuzR677NuI/AAAAAAAACBI/uJnpvyX3984/s1600/IMG_4739.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qrk4siUOMCc/UsuzR677NuI/AAAAAAAACBI/uJnpvyX3984/s1600/IMG_4739.JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IamnwzRH6CI/UsuzT0uJQfI/AAAAAAAACBQ/Z3YRDopmskw/s1600/IMG_4742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p5HkTt2XhrI/UsuzUxFgbcI/AAAAAAAACBU/s-H1cwur7u0/s1600/IMG_4749.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iUML2FEHweM/UsuzWbZHhgI/AAAAAAAACBg/7L6pPeberGM/s1600/IMG_4751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-42942185642987146072013-12-19T16:10:00.000-08:002013-12-19T16:10:01.156-08:00A Holiday Gift Guide for that Special Sewist in your LifeChristmas is now less than a week away, which means that we have reached that special time of year when holiday shoppers begin to panic! If you are still looking for the perfect something for your favorite seamstress (or seamster?) look no further! Here are 10 ideas for items that you can still procure in time for Christmas morning:<br />
<br />
1. A Notions Gift Bag - Seriously, this is my number one suggestion for a gift for anyone who sews on the regular. Just go to the aisles of your local fabric store that sell thread and zippers and needles and snaps and bias tape and grab... anything. I promise you, it will get used. I am forever needing invisible zippers and sewing machine needles (just get the universals). And if you want to get really fancy and/or spendy you could purchase around a theme such as putting together a collection of cutting tools. Grab a pair of <a href="http://www.joann.com/gingher-8in-serrated-edge-knife-edge-dressmaker-s-shears/2856854.html#start=3">Gingher Dressmaker's Shears </a>(currently on sale at Joann's), a<a href="http://www.joann.com/gingher-45mm-rotary-cutter/9412677.html"> rotary cutter</a>, <a href="http://www.joann.com/gingher-6in-applique-scissor/1782721.html#start=17">applique scissors</a>, and<a href="http://www.joann.com/gingher-stork-3-1-2in-embroidery-scissors/3537222.html"> embroidery scissors </a>and you have a flawless present! Seriously, a girl can never have too many high quality scissors. <br />
<img class="irc_mut" height="260" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.gingher.com/products/g_124.jpg" style="margin-top: 67px;" width="500" /><br />
*Special Tip* - Buying yardage of fabric can be risky... but if you can't resist (sometimes you see a great deal on a print that really sings!) buy at least 3 yards, 4 is better. Actually this is a good rule of thumb in general as even when I purchase fabric with something specific in mind, these things tend to change and it is sad when you realize the 2 yards you bought for a blouse would actually make a perfect dress that requires 3.5. Avoid my mistakes, young shopper...<br />
<br />
2. Magazine subscriptions - a great last minute gift that keeps on giving. Gift subscriptions for many sewing/knitting/crafting magazines are easily accessible via the interwebz but if you want to do things the old fashioned way (and give your recipient a present to open under the tree) pop by your local bookseller and pick up the most recent issue and add a note that you've filled out the card to purchase a full year of glossy gorgeousness. My favorites are <a href="https://www.threadsmagazine.com/subscribe/magazine/theme/ppc/source/WX013PPC?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=threads%20magazine%20subscription&utm_campaign=Threads%20Brand%20-%20US&gclid=CPCIxYDhu7sCFeZ7Qgod3k4Aew">Threads</a> and <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/subscribe-to-burda-style-magazine">BurdaStyle</a>.<br />
<br />
<img height="200" src="http://www.tauntonstore.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/318x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/h/th_fan.jpg" width="200" /><img height="192" src="http://assets.burdastyle.com/articles/images/000/001/368/BurdaStyle-Magazine_large.jpg?1279572108" width="320" /><br />
<br />
3. Books - While you are at the bookstore picking up your sewing based magazines you should also peruse the selection of hard copy books. My favorite references include anything by <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_sabc?url=search-alias%3Darts-crafts&pageMinusResults=1&suo=1387440651199#/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_7?url=search-alias%3Darts-crafts&field-keywords=claire%20schaeffer&sprefix=claire+%2Carts-crafts%2C208&rh=i%3Aarts-crafts%2Ck%3Aclaire%20schaeffer">Claire Schaeffer</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fit-Real-People-Clothes-Pattern/dp/0935278656/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387440684&sr=1-1&keywords=fit+for+real+people">Fit for Real People</a>, and (if you are shopping for more of a beginner) the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Colette-Sewing-Handbook-Techniques/dp/1440215456">Colette Sewing Handbook</a>. And even easier, all these options and more are available at Amazon. Speaking of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Arts-Crafts-Sewing/b/ref=topnav_storetab_ac?ie=UTF8&node=2617941011">Amazon</a>...<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&docid=VB8pZHWY-LjxWM&tbnid=Ga1Et0KHlPSKaM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tauntonstore.com%2Fcouture-techniques-workshop-with-claire-shaeffer-061063.html&ei=96qyUtvkE876oATL24KwCQ&bvm=bv.58187178,d.cGU&psig=AFQjCNHTOVpKQU9Fr9U2Wk5nGu7Yp1TtcA&ust=1387527249112655" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img class="irc_mut" height="400" id="irc_mi" src="http://www.tauntonstore.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/318x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/0/6/061063_lg.jpg" style="margin-top: 38px;" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
4. Purchases from Amazon - There are four days left to order from Amazon to guarantee delivery by Christmas... usually with free shipping! Now I don't know about everyone else, but I certainly have a broad selection of sewing based items on my wish list. Many of your intended gift recipients may have a standing <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/search/ref=gno_listpop_find">wish list</a> and you can search for your friends and family by name or email. Some of my favorite items on the list include this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V808HG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UQSM09SFLQI0&coliid=I1R1PHU67ZWPNX">form curve ruler</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/0896760278/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UQSM09SFLQI0&coliid=I2BLK66PDOXBUF">pattern books</a>, and notions such as <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ELBCFG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=UQSM09SFLQI0&coliid=IQVNAQ2AZZGX">That Purple Thang</a>. An excellent gift for a beginner sewer might be a basic machine, I recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Brother-Feature-Rich-Built-In-Auto-Size-Buttonholes/dp/B000JQM1DE">Brother CS6000i</a>. I owned this inexpensive machine for several years of hard use and it held up beautifully. It is a great gift for someone who thinks they may be interested in picking up the best of hobbies, but is not yet committed enough to lay out the big bucks. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img class="fullScreen" height="181" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71WYLMoKDDS._SL1500_.jpg" style="height: 377px; margin-left: 59.5px; margin-top: 10px; width: 416.434px;" width="200" /></div>
<br />
5. Gift Cards and other vouchers - Now the gift card <i>can</i> tend to the impersonal, but they are also always appreciated and a store specific card chosen will care can be surprisingly thoughtful. Some ideas for gift vouchers include: <a href="http://www.moodfabrics.com/gift-card-79533/gift-card.html">Mood</a>, <a href="http://www.britexfabrics.com/notions/gift-certificates.html">Britex</a>, <a href="http://www.joann.com/online-gift-card/13031927.html">Joann Fabrics and Craft Stores</a>, and <a href="http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/giftcert.php">FabricMart</a>. And of course, as mentioned above, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gift-cards/b/ref=topnav_giftcert?ie=UTF8&node=2238192011">Amazon</a>. <br />
<br />
Of course, when time is not of the essence, there are so very many more options! You can get <a href="http://www.bblackandsons.com/jacket-packet-p-312.html">suit making kit</a>s from B.Black & Sons! <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty//Tulip-English-Tapestry-Kit/90718">Tapestry kits</a> from the Liberty Haberdashery! <a href="http://www.shiboridragon.com/Notions-Japanese.htm"> Japanese Hand Sewing Needle sets</a>! <a href="http://www.knitpicks.com/needles/Options_Interchangeable_Harmony_Wood_Circular_Knitting_Needle_Set__D90306.html">Knitpicks</a>! <a href="http://easypatternmaking.co.za/">Pattern Drafting Rulers</a>! A high quality <a href="http://www.rowentausa.com/Pages/catalog/Ironing/STEAM-IRONS/PRO-MASTER-DW8080.aspx">iron</a>! (I actually really need that last one... can someone forward this to my boyfriend?)<br />
<br />
In any case, my point is that when shopping for a seamstress, the possibilities are endless. So go forth, go shop, and if you do a good job there may just be some homemade goodies for you under next year's tree!Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-11421737487866752522013-12-10T15:00:00.001-08:002013-12-10T15:00:20.878-08:00My newest obsession...So I know the new Vogue patterns came out a while ago, but has everyone seen <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1374-products-47818.php?page_id=174">V1374</a>? Because I am completely smitten.<br />
<br />
This is actually unusual for me. For the past year or so I have been far less pattern obsessed than in previous eras. In part, I attribute this to the extensive collection I've already amassed. At this point, if I have a vision for a dress, jacket, or pant, I probably already have something similar in the stash of untouched patterns. This particularly holds true for the Big 4. Lately the only patterns I actually buy are vintage and even then, only if it is something unusual that I cannot draft, alter, or franken-pattern myself. <br />
<br />
But I am now obsessed... I love love love this gown. <br />
<br />
<img alt="V1374" border="0" height="320" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V1374.jpg" title="V1374" width="303" /><img alt="V1374" border="0" height="320" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/First_Full/V1374.jpg" title="V1374" width="303" /><br />
<br />
I love the simplicity and austerity of the front with it's high neckline and long sleeves. I love the touch of sexiness and glamour of the bare back. I love the draped cowl. I love the slight fishtail hem, which I imagine walks beautifully. <br />
<br />
<img alt="V1374" border="0" height="640" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Add_1_Full/V1374.jpg" title="V1374" width="604" /> <br />
<br />
And for something so slinky, I think this would actually be incredibly flattering on quite a few body types, particularly when done up in the sequin mesh. Now I understand that not everyone loves sequins to the same degree as I, but a sequin mesh really does drape beautifully due to the weight of the heavy embellishment. (I can also see this working well in a rich toned velvet. I've probably been watching too much<i> Say Yes to the Dress,</i> but can't you just imagine a holiday wedding with the bridesmaids in this gown in an emerald velvet? Gorgeous.) <br />
<br />
<img alt="Line Art" height="360" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/newsletters/img.sewingtoday.com/cat/20000/add_img/V1374.gif" width="640" /><br />
<br />
I also love the shoulder yoke detail. While you can't really see it in a solid sequin, I would love to create a version where just that tiny square was done in a coordinating satin. (You could then use that satin to make your bias tape to bind the neck... so it isn't all that wasteful!)<br />
<br />
Now as this is one of Vogue's Designer patterns, we also can take a look at the Badgley Mischka original: <br />
<br />
<img alt="Emerald Sequin Cowl Back Gown" class="product-picture-main" height="400" src="http://www.badgleymischka.com/files/imagesBM/product/400/EG0621C01.400.2.jpg" width="320" /><img alt="Emerald Sequin Cowl Back Gown" class="product-picture-main" height="400" src="http://www.badgleymischka.com/files/imagesBM/product/400/EG0621C01.400.1.jpg" width="320" /><br />
Weirdly, I think I like the pattern illustration version better. I like the drape of what appears to be a heavier sequins and the more pronounced cowl on the version created for home sewers. I also prefer the styling on the Vogue version as I think the designer's model seems a bit severe. <br />
<br />
I've also priced out the difference. The Badgley Mischka dress retails for $660.00. A knockoff could easily be a fraction of the price. Sequin mesh seems to average between $15-$20 per yard and the dress requires 4 yards. Tricot lining averages $5.00 per yard and you need just over 3 yards. Even if you round up your yardage you are looking at a maximum of $130 in materials. Add in the $20 for the pattern (not that anyone buys Big 4 patterns at full price!) and you are looking at owning a perfectly fitted designer original for under $150. A savings of at least $510.00! <br />
<br />
With that sort of savings on the table it would be irresponsible NOT to make this gown... which may be why this pattern is winging it's way to me as we speak. <br />
<br />
Now all I need is somewhere to wear it... glam grocery shopping anyone?Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-20620011809791920722013-12-09T22:23:00.001-08:002013-12-09T22:23:21.208-08:00Fripperies and Fineries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For most of my life, I have always been inclined to be overdressed rather than under-dressed. I believe that any excuse to adorn oneself in something satin, shiny and/or brightly colored is to be firmly embraced. The exception to this rule? Sleepwear. I just am not a sexy nightgown kind of girl. My Victoria's Secret purchases lean toward the <a href="http://www.victoriassecret.com/sleepwear/pajamas/the-dreamer-flannel-pajama?ProductID=132358&CatalogueType=OLS">over-sized and flannel</a>. (And not being a lingerie model, I am not adorably and seductively dishevelled in this lumberjack wear but more resemble an actual lumberjack. Also, why isn't her shirt buttoned? That looks both uncomfortable and cold.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I am now 30! I am a proper grown-up woman! I should own at least a few things that are soft and silky and feel nice against the skin! My sleepwear should be glamorous and not <a href="http://www.sewinginstyle.blogspot.com/2011/03/bad-bad-blogger.html">covered in nautical monkeys</a>! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And like any good seamstress, I was not about to hit a department store to quench my new-found desire for impractical silken intimate apparel. No sir, because that would have been easy and cost effective! Nope, instead I turned to the internets where I obtained yards and yards of silks and velvets and laces and in order to make nearly every view of <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8888-products-44860.php?page_id=174">V8888</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<img alt="Line Art" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/newsletters/img.sewingtoday.com/cat/20000/add_img/V8888.gif" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So far, I've tackled my own (slightly altered) versions of views B, D, and E. I started with the robe. Now I already own a white "spa" robe made of soft absorbent terry cloth. So what I was looking for here was something floaty that I could throw over my lounge wear in order to flit about the apartment looking like one or both of the Hepburns. (In my fantasy life I am willowy... and possibly an heiress...)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I altered view B to add a few additional inches of length (it still only hits mid-shin instead of the ankle length robe of my dreams) and cut it out of a silk velvet I purchased from <a href="http://printedsilkfabrics.com/">printedsilkfabrics.com</a>. The underside of this fabric was not as soft and luxurious as I would have liked though, so I also cut a matching lining out of silk charmeuse sourced from <a href="http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/home.php">FabricMart</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOi3hl1knro/UqVtLNWKXZI/AAAAAAAAB_M/xaJW7uQl708/s1600/IMG_4654.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOi3hl1knro/UqVtLNWKXZI/AAAAAAAAB_M/xaJW7uQl708/s400/IMG_4654.JPG" width="228" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeAv24M_crw/UqVtOJ5sQtI/AAAAAAAAB_g/EoqOz8i1LZI/s1600/IMG_4657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qeAv24M_crw/UqVtOJ5sQtI/AAAAAAAAB_g/EoqOz8i1LZI/s400/IMG_4657.JPG" width="251" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fza8XujLZwU/UqVs2ZqT3LI/AAAAAAAAB9w/a-pAtmU0VaA/s1600/IMG_4549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_-eoyH-FlQ/UqVtMSrZA9I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/fNJ0r3qt9E8/s320/IMG_4655.JPG" width="240" /> <img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fza8XujLZwU/UqVs2ZqT3LI/AAAAAAAAB9w/a-pAtmU0VaA/s320/IMG_4549.JPG" width="196" /></a></div>
<br />
In the end, I did accomplish my goal of creating a soft and fun to wear "around the house" robe. Sadly, donning it does not instantly bestow me with a movie star good looks and flawless lighting as I hoped, but I think maybe that will kick in later.<br />
<br />
I did make two mistakes in creating this robe leading to one "make it work" moment and some minor "it'll do" resignation. First, I ran out of material. As I mentioned, my vision was a robe that hit at the ankle, but I made do with a robe that hit at the lower shin. Even this compromise though did not leave sufficient yardage to cut the sleeves. I had enough to cut three quarter length sleeves so I did that, but then I thought that a 3/4 sleeve is sort of stupid on a garment intended for warmth and cover. So I cut a "lower sleeve" out of the scrap and made some bias binding out of the lining material to make my two part sleeve look intentional. It isn't perfect (particularly as the slip-slidy material kept getting away from me) but I have decided it has a certain homemade charm. Plus now my wrists are toasty warm!<br />
<br />
In a slightly <i>less </i>charming and excusable error, I cut the entire robe with the nap the wrong direction! And as I am ever so attentive, I didn't even realize it until I had the darn thing on! The velvet is silky smooth to the touch so long as you stroke UP the back. It's a disappointment I have learned to live with, the robe is still soft and pretty, but it feels just a little...weird. <br />
<br />
Next I tackled a variation of View D. I had not purchased a lace with a defined edge so I attached the lace to the bust more like the silk charmeuse was a lining rather than as if the lace was an embellishment.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXk798IUO0k/UqVs6Xsw34I/AAAAAAAAB-A/2aSmt9SJUKg/s1600/IMG_4566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-arBhzYsBZ10/UqVs4Qt8f8I/AAAAAAAAB94/MezdiuQneMs/s400/IMG_4564.JPG" width="231" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXk798IUO0k/UqVs6Xsw34I/AAAAAAAAB-A/2aSmt9SJUKg/s1600/IMG_4566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXk798IUO0k/UqVs6Xsw34I/AAAAAAAAB-A/2aSmt9SJUKg/s400/IMG_4566.JPG" width="206" /></a></div>
<br />
I also decided not to line the midriff band section with the charmeuse so that bare skin peeks through the lace. This probably would have more of an effect if this silk didn't match my skin tone quite so precisely.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Um09xtbgKTI/UqVtCmL8RgI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/OW6IiXsC6Bg/s1600/IMG_4579.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Um09xtbgKTI/UqVtCmL8RgI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/OW6IiXsC6Bg/s400/IMG_4579.JPG" width="400" /></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2deTe9zX5o/UqVs_VRf1EI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/KMIVhDtTvyw/s1600/IMG_4567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p2deTe9zX5o/UqVs_VRf1EI/AAAAAAAAB-Q/KMIVhDtTvyw/s640/IMG_4567.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALl0Q29v2eY/UqVs-cTdoNI/AAAAAAAAB-I/uprM2j5p3OQ/s1600/IMG_4569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ALl0Q29v2eY/UqVs-cTdoNI/AAAAAAAAB-I/uprM2j5p3OQ/s640/IMG_4569.JPG" width="336" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As per the instructions I used french seams for views D and E which creates a nice finish on the inside of the garment as well. For view D, I replaced the lace segments with a cream crinkle chiffon for a slightly sportier aesthetic that I though complimented the abstract print of the silk. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOOMvTd7VaM/UqVtFDLy1DI/AAAAAAAAB-g/QATCGwBdkLE/s1600/IMG_4640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sOOMvTd7VaM/UqVtFDLy1DI/AAAAAAAAB-g/QATCGwBdkLE/s320/IMG_4640.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeo3-zmLx4M/UqVtGNK9nsI/AAAAAAAAB-o/2j7saEy9ayQ/s1600/IMG_4641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jeo3-zmLx4M/UqVtGNK9nsI/AAAAAAAAB-o/2j7saEy9ayQ/s320/IMG_4641.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZo_Y3MJg0U/UqVtHy0HB4I/AAAAAAAAB-w/XLPlbqRsB40/s1600/IMG_4643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kZo_Y3MJg0U/UqVtHy0HB4I/AAAAAAAAB-w/XLPlbqRsB40/s320/IMG_4643.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDKOtq6AFSw/UqVtKKmLP_I/AAAAAAAAB_E/FAjj2lJPHIg/s1600/IMG_4644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GDKOtq6AFSw/UqVtKKmLP_I/AAAAAAAAB_E/FAjj2lJPHIg/s320/IMG_4644.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now that I've finished both negligee patterns, I have a few fitting issues that I hope to resolve in future versions, primarily in the bust region. After adding a bit of additional length (about 3 inches) the skirt fit very well (I cut the 18, on the bias) but the bust is clearly meant for someone with slightly less volume in that region. Ultimately as these are sleepwear and undergarments, they are wearable but wardrobe malfunction would be a constantly imminent risk. In other words, there is a lack of the "lock and load" fit I generally prefer in a bodice. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Luckily I can hide any potential inappropriateness with my fabulous velvet robe.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IbUu3VC4wM/UqVtIusDYkI/AAAAAAAAB-0/XOjL0BQjyYM/s1600/IMG_4649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9IbUu3VC4wM/UqVtIusDYkI/AAAAAAAAB-0/XOjL0BQjyYM/s320/IMG_4649.JPG" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sleep well everyone!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-47451600897152860942013-11-24T01:09:00.004-08:002013-11-24T01:09:33.577-08:00A Terrible Lack of Impulse Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28U8bppXQbE/Uo8NkmDbatI/AAAAAAAAB8s/00ko8iGexHE/s1600/IMG_4529.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="174" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-28U8bppXQbE/Uo8NkmDbatI/AAAAAAAAB8s/00ko8iGexHE/s640/IMG_4529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most
of the time I am pretty good at behaving myself when it comes to fabric
shopping... Sure I may buy things to fulfill visions of impractical or
unwearable garments. But in my defense, I almost never pay full price!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What <i>am </i>I
guilty of though? Binge-shopping... and like binge drinking it leads
to a certain guilty nausea which can only be partially alleviated by
running my hands across the soft pile of newly acquired silks and
velvets. (The rest of the guilt usually dissipates with an adorable
distraction... oh, look! A cat!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CxX9VtX54MU/Uo8NaFgPqwI/AAAAAAAAB8A/l0xMlgJXhh8/s1600/IMG_4499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CxX9VtX54MU/Uo8NaFgPqwI/AAAAAAAAB8A/l0xMlgJXhh8/s640/IMG_4499.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Isn't that better?<br />
<br />
But
the important thing is that I bought fabric... far too much fabric. So
I am going to make a coat with this gray and purple wool herringbone
and line it with a lightweight silk floral. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aPNL5iV8Zg/Uo8NeLIAnQI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/2O4MBGe6FCI/s1600/IMG_4514.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9hrqdL8cgsU/Uo8NbhOW19I/AAAAAAAAB8I/BwL4v0MpCRU/s400/IMG_4510.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I
also purchased several yards each of the following: (1) a gold and navy
striped cotton that is fairly sheer, (2) a dark sapphire blue wool and
rayon lightweight suiting, (3) a cotton fabric with a blue and cream
stripe, and (4) a black brushed wool that I plan to use for a shift
dress. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5aPNL5iV8Zg/Uo8NeLIAnQI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/2O4MBGe6FCI/s400/IMG_4514.JPG" width="400" /> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And I decided I wanted to create some glamorous sleepwear and so purchased some silk charmeuse, lace, and silk velvet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upjX1lJlRgU/Uo8NjWDfZRI/AAAAAAAAB8o/y9rnNibS6Cw/s1600/IMG_4528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="288" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-upjX1lJlRgU/Uo8NjWDfZRI/AAAAAAAAB8o/y9rnNibS6Cw/s400/IMG_4528.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So
far I've started cutting out my lingerie wardrobe. I am using Vogue
pattern V8888 and so far I've cut out a long claret colored velvet robe
and two nightgowns... I am going to be so pretty when I'm asleep! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btv28TS_mIk/Uo8NhhX9PmI/AAAAAAAAB8g/2YyvV0D6Cjw/s1600/IMG_4521.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-btv28TS_mIk/Uo8NhhX9PmI/AAAAAAAAB8g/2YyvV0D6Cjw/s400/IMG_4521.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So I am have a lot of work to do this weekend, but luckily I have an assistant who is always alert and ready to help me out... </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA4jpydRpYI/Uo8NceWKNdI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ehbARW6sBcM/s1600/IMG_4497.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DA4jpydRpYI/Uo8NceWKNdI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ehbARW6sBcM/s400/IMG_4497.JPG" width="400" /> </a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Um... or not... <br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-56652620971558799792013-11-20T23:13:00.000-08:002013-11-20T23:13:05.450-08:00A Little Bit Vintage... the 50's housewife look<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgFT8LkAGMY/Uo08tCX4coI/AAAAAAAAB7E/-DuX-O7ApM8/s1600/IMG_4445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TgFT8LkAGMY/Uo08tCX4coI/AAAAAAAAB7E/-DuX-O7ApM8/s400/IMG_4445.JPG" width="253" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDhbGJGxgJo/Uo2YjNZ3VUI/AAAAAAAAB7w/ldIS5tCFXlk/s1600/IMG_4475+vai+1+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PDhbGJGxgJo/Uo2YjNZ3VUI/AAAAAAAAB7w/ldIS5tCFXlk/s400/IMG_4475+vai+1+copy.jpg" width="198" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Several years ago a certain <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1118060/synopsis">Mad Men episode</a> suggested that all women wanted to be a Marilyn or a Jackie. Of course Mad Men itself gave us it's own three iconic women and this classic shirtdress is straight out of the Betty Draper playbook. Simplicity 2047, dating back to 1957, features a forward shoulder seam, soft vertical pleating at the natural waistline, and cuffed sleeves that hit below the elbow.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I cut this pattern from a brown and white polka-dot border print cotton sateen. This fabric has a crisp hand at holds the pleats yet is soft enough to drape nicely. As this dress is unlined I finished all the inside seams with a serger to prevent fraying.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGQWdviArAc/Uo08rA2ZS6I/AAAAAAAAB64/KzkU416kofc/s1600/IMG_4385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yGQWdviArAc/Uo08rA2ZS6I/AAAAAAAAB64/KzkU416kofc/s400/IMG_4385.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dress has a fly-front button opening. As the buttons are fully hidden, I used generic neutral buttons from the stash. I probably would have bought brown buttons, I probably <em>should</em> have bought brown buttons, but I am both cheap and lazy and used what I had on hand.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyg58Byd4C4/Uo08sgR1k3I/AAAAAAAAB7A/wRSHuakgHC4/s1600/IMG_4397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Oyg58Byd4C4/Uo08sgR1k3I/AAAAAAAAB7A/wRSHuakgHC4/s320/IMG_4397.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other thing I love about this dress? Pockets! A dress with pockets is always a win in my book! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnWyGK8d8q0/Uo08uKUZ4qI/AAAAAAAAB7M/qfB45f0hkNY/s1600/IMG_4449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qnWyGK8d8q0/Uo08uKUZ4qI/AAAAAAAAB7M/qfB45f0hkNY/s400/IMG_4449.JPG" width="256" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AvsloqUz92U/Uo08vYaZb8I/AAAAAAAAB7U/BnZUikfjQlY/s1600/IMG_4461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AvsloqUz92U/Uo08vYaZb8I/AAAAAAAAB7U/BnZUikfjQlY/s400/IMG_4461.JPG" width="272" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwdD72gyrbg/Uo08wK19SaI/AAAAAAAAB7c/U2xucqLNgcI/s1600/IMG_4466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MwdD72gyrbg/Uo08wK19SaI/AAAAAAAAB7c/U2xucqLNgcI/s640/IMG_4466.JPG" width="634" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So as I mentioned in my last post, I'm entering this into the <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/contestreport.pl?ContestID=194">Pattern Review vintage contest</a>. You can check this <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&ID=92956">link</a> for the full review. </div>
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-87970721883914417552013-11-01T21:09:00.001-07:002013-11-01T21:19:31.634-07:00The Shirtwaist Dress circa 1957<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/ContestGallery.pl?ContestID=194" target="_blank" title="Read more about this contest"><img alt="Vintage Pattern Contest" border="0" src="http://images.patternreview.com/siteimages/contest/2013/vintage_ientered_200px.png" /></a>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I've been doing so well completing my <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/contestreport.pl">Pattern Review</a> <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/ContestGallery.pl?ContestID=192">contest entries</a> lately, I decided to enter the November competition: The Vintage Contest! The rules require sewing a garment using a vintage pattern, defined as pre-1978. After digging through my stash of both fabrics and vintage patterns, I decided to tackle this classic shirtwaist pattern published by Simplicity in 1957. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdjZj8nlq4E/UnRzStHx16I/AAAAAAAAB54/Cton0K6yqGs/s1600/IMG_4356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GdjZj8nlq4E/UnRzStHx16I/AAAAAAAAB54/Cton0K6yqGs/s640/IMG_4356.JPG" width="436" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now this pattern has a few advantages over some of the other vintage patterns I consdered... First and foremost this pattern is in the appropriate size. As anyone who has purchased vintage patterns before can attest, these patterns are not multi-sized like our modern day versions. Rather, you purchase the appropriate size based on your bust size. Second, I had a perfect polka dot border print in a cotton sateen on hand which has been languishing in my stash for years. Third and finally, this is a "Slenderette" pattern. As per the <a href="http://vintagepatterns.wikia.com/wiki/Category:Slenderette">Vintage Patterns Wiki,</a> the Slenderette line of patterns were drafted with the goal of making the wearer appear slender or at least slenderer! And I ask you, who could possibly resist a cotton polka dot "I Love Lucy"-esque dress which promises to skinnify you as if by magic? </div>
<br />
I also like the directions which I found to be straight forward, simple, and fit on a single sheet of paper. I often misplace the multiple sheets of directions (this is a tragedy of working on multiple projects simultaneously) so a single page of directions is an organizational godsend in my book!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8u3AXc0PIKs/UnRzVxfE-jI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/pQYppjjUxko/s1600/IMG_4364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8u3AXc0PIKs/UnRzVxfE-jI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/pQYppjjUxko/s640/IMG_4364.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now I say this pattern is the correct size as it is a Bust 38... and clearly my bust has not been a mere 38" in many a day. However, my upper bust measures at 38 so this size provides the appropriate sizing in the shoulders which is the most difficult part to alter. That said, I will have to do a classic full bust alteration here to add the necessary volume to the necessary areas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After making a standard full bust alteration, I cut the altered pattern peices out of a plastic backed paper tablecloth from the grocery store. This allowed me to pin together the basic bodice and further adjust the fitting. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhZGoPmyJqE/UnRzAQvxGUI/AAAAAAAAB38/j_2Q-lYcavk/s1600/IMG_4310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KhZGoPmyJqE/UnRzAQvxGUI/AAAAAAAAB38/j_2Q-lYcavk/s320/IMG_4310.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SjpiKXQumDQ/UnRy_fn_aaI/AAAAAAAAB34/0rnITe9Ke9A/s1600/IMG_4313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SjpiKXQumDQ/UnRy_fn_aaI/AAAAAAAAB34/0rnITe9Ke9A/s320/IMG_4313.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For example, I noted that I would need to add a bit of additional width to the center back. I also noted that after my alterations I needed to re-adjust the armholes that now refuse to line up properly.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoQUCv_B8Uo/UnRzCfTG-EI/AAAAAAAAB4M/ePPMMtlFbcw/s1600/IMG_4315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zoQUCv_B8Uo/UnRzCfTG-EI/AAAAAAAAB4M/ePPMMtlFbcw/s320/IMG_4315.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once I was satisfied on the matter of fit, I cut into my fashion fabric and pinned together the peices to make further tweaks to the fit before taking to my needle and thread. This also gave me an opportunity to make some stylistic decisions. For instance, did I want to use the border polkadots for the collar? Sleeves or no sleeves? And the ever important conderation of length... </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pH3hlKq-1f8/UnRzB2WB4iI/AAAAAAAAB4I/0j2aG2ssNqQ/s1600/IMG_4326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pH3hlKq-1f8/UnRzB2WB4iI/AAAAAAAAB4I/0j2aG2ssNqQ/s200/IMG_4326.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1pD5Wi-8Q/UnRzEnfuQgI/AAAAAAAAB4g/X4lNRC2o_4o/s1600/IMG_4327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TD1pD5Wi-8Q/UnRzEnfuQgI/AAAAAAAAB4g/X4lNRC2o_4o/s200/IMG_4327.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next I take on actual assembly of the dress. As I noted above, I've reviewed the directions and they seem clear. Plus, at the end of the day a shirtdress is not an overly complex garment. Ultimately how it turns out will be more a reflection of fit and fabric than of any complicated technique. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know what I'll be doing this weekend...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8u3AXc0PIKs/UnRzVxfE-jI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/pQYppjjUxko/s1600/IMG_4364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KuEtYC6aIPc/UnRzDtQUk9I/AAAAAAAAB4U/Axy_yJo5Jxs/s1600/IMG_4336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-36404037845061116502013-10-27T17:37:00.000-07:002013-10-27T17:37:50.050-07:00Dress Form TroublesSo wouldn't you know it, a mere three days after I wrote and posted my ode to the dress form, it decided to give me problems. I was working on my latest UFO project, the finishing of an avocado green, faux wrap, jersey dress. I attached the sleeves...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXVM-1XUQwE/Um2tz8Va8uI/AAAAAAAAB2I/P_NwDXKUBA4/s1600/IMG_4274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uXVM-1XUQwE/Um2tz8Va8uI/AAAAAAAAB2I/P_NwDXKUBA4/s320/IMG_4274.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGde8svTEsI/Um2t1OqoRMI/AAAAAAAAB2M/h9JrWmYd2ZY/s1600/IMG_4278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eGde8svTEsI/Um2t1OqoRMI/AAAAAAAAB2M/h9JrWmYd2ZY/s320/IMG_4278.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HZ7RfrAiVi4/Um2t3DMO7II/AAAAAAAAB2g/_bLCH-28OBs/s1600/IMG_4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
I pressed the remaining unassembled pieces...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgcheaW9avo/Um2t2CM3H8I/AAAAAAAAB2Q/f2T2VEfc6KA/s1600/IMG_4282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qgcheaW9avo/Um2t2CM3H8I/AAAAAAAAB2Q/f2T2VEfc6KA/s400/IMG_4282.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because seriously, two years in a bag at the back of the closet can lead to some severe unwanted wrinkling... And as I was working, I heard a loud thuwump. I looked over to my dress form to witness this: </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxiuamcbr0s/Um2t4E42v4I/AAAAAAAAB2k/zbOdtwP8s38/s1600/IMG_4284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wxiuamcbr0s/Um2t4E42v4I/AAAAAAAAB2k/zbOdtwP8s38/s320/IMG_4284.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbqPRGYKtfg/Um2t5i1H6BI/AAAAAAAAB2w/KLpvCrA3uvw/s1600/IMG_4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xbqPRGYKtfg/Um2t5i1H6BI/AAAAAAAAB2w/KLpvCrA3uvw/s320/IMG_4285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And as I am not three feet tall, this was a problem in need of a remedy! Let me explain what happened... This dress form is adjustable by height. The stand is made of metal piping and the center of the foam form has slightly larger metal pipe running up the center. The bottom pipe fits inside the top pipe which is held up by a rubber ring and screws. Sadly, after several years the rubber had grown a bit stiff and brittle and could no longer take the tension created by the screws. It cracked in two separate points leaving my poor dress form with a very abbreviated leg line.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6t6OSmn4JdQ/Um2t9Q_4YvI/AAAAAAAAB3E/tYWBIkX_c6Q/s1600/IMG_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6t6OSmn4JdQ/Um2t9Q_4YvI/AAAAAAAAB3E/tYWBIkX_c6Q/s320/IMG_4293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="left">
Now, this didn't stop me from finishing the dress! (Although the fit is off here and I may have to do some alterations as I like a lot more negative ease on a jersey dress than this pattern provides. The fit is quite loose and it just doesn't work. More on that later... Plus I can't exactly pin the hem when my body double is in this terrible state!)</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHMqxWMPa68/Um2t8rd0g4I/AAAAAAAAB3A/dllYRIhMqRw/s1600/IMG_4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gHMqxWMPa68/Um2t8rd0g4I/AAAAAAAAB3A/dllYRIhMqRw/s320/IMG_4289.JPG" width="224" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My first attempted fix involved creating a new ring of scotch tape which initially seemed to work, but... well...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6t6OSmn4JdQ/Um2t9Q_4YvI/AAAAAAAAB3E/tYWBIkX_c6Q/s1600/IMG_4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G39qOz_qDnU/Um2uCC8oVFI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/Unn7V0bttXs/s1600/IMG_4294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G39qOz_qDnU/Um2uCC8oVFI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/Unn7V0bttXs/s320/IMG_4294.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67H7xxUlNlM/Um2uDILaJ9I/AAAAAAAAB3c/fXYJje-oC9A/s1600/IMG_4295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-67H7xxUlNlM/Um2uDILaJ9I/AAAAAAAAB3c/fXYJje-oC9A/s320/IMG_4295.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The clear scotch tape didn't quite have the sturdiness needed. So I decided to head to the Home Depot, pipe in hand, to find a more permanent solution. After half an hour of searching the shelves of the hardware and plumbing aisles with two different employees, I came home with... Slightly sturdier tape!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92Rf7waAt0k/Um2uC4u5kwI/AAAAAAAAB3U/_ucH1FmdNOU/s1600/IMG_4299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-92Rf7waAt0k/Um2uC4u5kwI/AAAAAAAAB3U/_ucH1FmdNOU/s640/IMG_4299.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sadly, unless I wanted to buy a heavy duty drill capable of putting holes in the underlying pipe, duct tape seemed to be my best bet. And so far it seems to be holding up. My dress form friend is standing tall once again. Let's see how long it lasts!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-arlYloVbm3g/Um2uEBV72nI/AAAAAAAAB3k/_GCzhipz_lg/s1600/IMG_4302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-arlYloVbm3g/Um2uEBV72nI/AAAAAAAAB3k/_GCzhipz_lg/s400/IMG_4302.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-60241964552169485672013-10-22T00:57:00.001-07:002013-10-22T00:57:43.714-07:00UFOs... project "WTF"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktBSM5zXuUw/UmYr_CnZRNI/AAAAAAAAB1g/iUiw-Rpf_cE/s1600/IMG_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktBSM5zXuUw/UmYr_CnZRNI/AAAAAAAAB1g/iUiw-Rpf_cE/s400/IMG_4266.JPG" width="376" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So please ignore the poor quality selfie, but I am totally befuddled by my incomplete rendition <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5752-products-7938.php?page_id=108">M5752</a>... a dress that should be fabulous. But I apparently decided sometime in <a href="http://sewinginstyle.blogspot.com/2011/01/in-progress.html">January of 2011</a> that I wouldn't bother to finish this garment which proved problematic to past me. So nearly three years ago I abandoned this dress at this point of undone:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTVqJZcccF0/UmYr1IPHDII/AAAAAAAAB0s/SFBa6ONetyg/s1600/IMG_4240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KTVqJZcccF0/UmYr1IPHDII/AAAAAAAAB0s/SFBa6ONetyg/s640/IMG_4240.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If I pin on the other (distressingly wrinkled) pattern pieces I wind up with this disheveled mess... and I have EXTRA pieces! Extra pieces that I have zero idea what they are because the dress is fully pinned! Thus the befuddlement and WTF face of the initial picture.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1r0beVLH7Q/UmYr1E0w-LI/AAAAAAAAB0o/fYVQ0xnb3pQ/s320/IMG_4244.JPG" width="203" /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OzSMdSbv3ys/UmYr16upIJI/AAAAAAAAB0w/X2M7ac-bffk/s1600/IMG_4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OzSMdSbv3ys/UmYr16upIJI/AAAAAAAAB0w/X2M7ac-bffk/s320/IMG_4246.JPG" width="209" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In this case, I am incredibly grateful for the blogging... if not for the post from January of 2011, I would have no idea why this was a) in a bag, b) not completed in any semblance of order (see the directions below), and 3) why it looked like an angry dog was chewing on the sleeve. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IS2CDWUnUDg/UmYr5S64OGI/AAAAAAAAB1M/T0F_il4zYGo/s1600/IMG_4254.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IS2CDWUnUDg/UmYr5S64OGI/AAAAAAAAB1M/T0F_il4zYGo/s320/IMG_4254.JPG" width="268" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tc3jfOjltqY/UmYr68DtraI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/aXjGk5_ISxY/s1600/IMG_4255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tc3jfOjltqY/UmYr68DtraI/AAAAAAAAB1Y/aXjGk5_ISxY/s320/IMG_4255.JPG" width="271" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the bright side, I've decided what I'm going to do for the Vintage Pattern contest. I will make this classic shirt dress in this lovely brown polka dot sateen. However, I think the look will be modernized somewhat by the fact that this polka dot is a border print... We'll see. It will either be cool or crazypants. This is always a gamble.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TllyRmQ2p4k/UmYr4WoLY0I/AAAAAAAAB1I/mQbFgz02ZrA/s1600/IMG_4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TllyRmQ2p4k/UmYr4WoLY0I/AAAAAAAAB1I/mQbFgz02ZrA/s640/IMG_4252.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ktBSM5zXuUw/UmYr_CnZRNI/AAAAAAAAB1g/iUiw-Rpf_cE/s1600/IMG_4266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
<br />Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9187606249828551359.post-65912922495442458812013-10-21T11:30:00.002-07:002013-10-21T11:30:40.432-07:00My Dress Form... the best purchase I've ever madeOn my last post, reader ozviking asked about my dress form and whether I had made it. The answer is no... and sorta?<br />
<br />
The dress form I own is the "Uniquely You" a customizable dress form which is made of a high density foam which you customize with a canvas cover that has been altered to meet your measurements. The dress form comes with a cover but additional covers can be purchased to accommodate weight changes or multiple individuals (provided you are <i>roughly </i>the same body size). <br />
<br />
Now this dress form is obviously not homemade, but it takes quite a bit more work than your average "dial a size" form. See the (hilariously old-timey) instructions:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6bXgKpIHYo/UWJPmI-hyAI/AAAAAAAABGQ/KGjoCpOWHTo/s1600/5940664250_2f24ec2e58_z.jpg" class="decoded" height="458" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F6bXgKpIHYo/UWJPmI-hyAI/AAAAAAAABGQ/KGjoCpOWHTo/s1600/5940664250_2f24ec2e58_z.jpg" width="353" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
There are two main challenges to fitting your dress form. First, you have to perfectly fit your canvas cover. This can be a bit of a struggle, particularly if you don't have a friend on hand to help you out. Working alone this took me several hours of sitting alone in front of my sewing machine in my underpants. I would turn the cover inside out, put it on, pin, stitch, and repeat making tiny adjustments until it fit like a second skin. Which leads us to the second challenge... to assure that the canvas cover is properly filled out, the underlying foam form is significantly larger than the final intended measurements. This means that you may break a bit of a sweat wrestling some laughably enormous foam bosoms into your canvas. However, once the canvas is zipped up and the foam appropriately compressed, it creates a dense, pinnable form that should closely mimic your figure.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The form comes in 5 size groups with 14 adjustable cover sizes. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<img src="http://www.allbrands.com/images/misc/formsize.gif" /> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now it's been over six years since I purchased my form, but I believe I bought a medium form with a size 9 cover? Due to some weight gain in the ensuing years, if I was to buy one today I would probably get the medium large with a size 11 cover, but I'm working on that! </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A few thoughts about this form that you may want to consider... I love this form but I am not that far off from a "standard" figure. I tend to be a bit bustier than average and sport some junk in the trunk as it were, but my measurements generally adhere pretty closely to those propogated by the Big 4 pattern companies. I don't know how much my love of and success with this form is related to the relatively minor adjustments that I needed to make. Also, I am uncertain as to the compressabiliity of the shoulders and back width. One thing I LOVE about my form is that the shoulders are perfectly my size (even with the weight gain) which makes it much easier to install sleeve caps and so forth. However, I have fairly balanced and squared off shoulders. If you have a severe slope or narrower shoulder and back it may or may not work for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Finally, as for price... Now this is obviously not going to be as cheap as the DIY dress forms made of duct tape, paper mache or the like. That said, it is not unreasonable compared to other options on the market. Various sites price this out at between $139.99 and $189.99. Given the advantages (no sticky residue on your pins! practically industructible!) I think the price is well worth it. And keep in mind, when I decided the price was worth it, I was on a student budget... As an adult with a grown-up job my reaction is "OMG BUY IT! BUY IT! SOOOOOOO worth the cost!"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So there you go, more than you ever wanted to know about my dress form. If you are interested in getting one for yourself, here are the resources I found:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.sewvacdirect.com/uniquely-you-your-shape-pinnable-dressform-small/?gdftrk=gdfV2739_a_7c861_a_7c9636_a_7cuniq_d_dform_d_small&gclid=COSAl7S6qLoCFWtxQgodIHkAng">SewVacDirect</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.allbrands.com/products/3900-uniquely-you-bestbuy-professional-dress-form-plus?utm_source=froogle&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feeds&utm_term=Uniquely+You&gclid=CO3_xei6qLoCFUwV7AoddR0AUQ">Allbrands </a>(this site looks familiar and I think this is where I ordered mine lo these many moons ago)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Uniquely-You-Shape-Pinnable-Dressform/dp/B00281UISS">Amazon</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://sewtrue.com/Store/Uniquely-You-Dress-Form-P181.html">SewTrue</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Jennyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16236845234651766769noreply@blogger.com1