Lots of my sewing friends are taking part in SWAPs. SWAP, for those who haven't heard of the term before, stands for Sewing With A Plan. It's a way for a sew-er to create a cohesive collection, rather than just a series of individual projects. It involves planning out several pieces to go together, including tops, bottoms, jackets, occasionally even coats. It's a wonderful way to build a wardrobe that works without any stress!
So to celebrate and support these springtime SWAPs, I've put up a bunch of fabrics at Gorgeous Fabrics. Just click on the SWAP page to see the collections that I have put together. There's one that is black and white, one that's teal and brown, one that's based on French Terry for weekends and casual wear, one that's denim based, and one that is based on knits in the coral family. Use any or all of them, and let your imagination soar.
Oh, and the real kicker about these fabrics? Any of them are on sale for the next 36 hours, so you get fabulous fabrics in fabulous combinations, for an even more fabulous price!
Happy sewing!
Monday, April 30, 2007
Pattern Review - New Look 6429 Dress
Background: I managed to get some time to sew this weekend, finally! So I decided to make up the classic New Look mock-wrap. This is one of New Look's blockbuster patterns. There are at least 20 reviews for it on PatternReview, and countless others on blogs and other sites. I have had it in my stash for quite some time, and when the weather turned sour this weekend, I pulled it out and started cutting.
Pattern Description: Wardrobe of mock-wrap style dresses with sleeve and collar variations. I made view D, the sleeveless, collarless version.
Fabric Used: 'Totally Rad' jersey from (of course) Gorgeous Fabrics. I actually had significantly less than the pattern called for, but I managed to eke out a dress from it without too much trouble. If I were to do it again, I'd use more fabric and do a really stellar job of matching the chevrons across all the seams. As it is, most people won't notice.
What did you like/dislike about this pattern? I have always liked the lines of this dress. I really like the ruching at the left front seam. I like the way it looks on almost everybody. I also am intrigued by the interesting princess seaming. The side of the bodice has a very interesting structure. It's a single piece for the front/back side. I also Like the back skirt. It has a CB seam and wraps around under the side bodice piece to connect with the front. It's a very neat effect!
Changes to the Design or Pattern: I did a FBA on the pattern (that's a subject for another post). The instructions have you turn the hem allowance at the armholes under and do a narrow hem on it. I opted instead to cut a facing for the armholes. I think it gives a cleaner look.
One interesting note is that the front pattern piece is cut on grain per the pattern markings, but the ruching pulls the print so it goes off at an angle. You may want to play around with this on your fabric, or use a fabric that has a less striking print. But I really love it, and on me, it's better looking than it is on my mannequin.
Recommend it? Absolutely. This is a great pattern. It goes together beautifully, and the result is stunning. I will probably make several versions of this. I am going to DC this weekend, and I'll wear this for a dinner we're going to.
Lisette M and Karla both bring up great questions. Lisette asks about gaposis. The way I dealt with this is to use the tip I used on my Cosmo Dress version 2. I cut a piece of 1/4 inch elastic, the length of the facing/neckline seam, less 2 inches. After sewing the facing to the neckline, I then sew the elastic to the facing, stretching the elastic to fit the length. Once this is sewn, it pulls in the neckline just a little bit, and keeps it from gapping. You can also achieve the same effect by cutting your facing 1-2 inches shorter than your neckline and pin-easing the neckline onto the facing.
Karla asks about the sizing. Karla, I used my standard size 14, It actually fits well, but I have very broad shoulders. I have noted with New Look patterns that they are built for people with broad shoulders. I don't need to do huge alterations on them, but that's just me.
Happy sewing!
This is Brilliant!
Have you seen ThreadBanger.com yet? If not, get thee over there. It's a great site with videos on sewing and crafts that are informative and entertaining, sometimes devastatingly so!
Happy sewing!
Happy sewing!
Sunday, April 29, 2007
The Proust Questionnaire
I am going to thank/blame Sewing Diva Phyllis for turning me on to this questionnaire. I had heard about it at some point, but promptly forgot it. I haven't found an internet tag for it, and I'm too lazy to make one, but here are my answers to the Proustian Questionnaire:
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A life full of my husband, kids, friends, sewing and singing.
What is your greatest fear?
It already happened and I lived through it.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Augustus Caesar. His family was almost as screwed up as mine.
Which living person do you most admire?
Corey Aquino. She lived through hell. I met her at my best man's graduation dinner. I sat across from her and her husband, Benigno. He was murdered 2 weeks later in the Phillipines. She survived and went on to become the president of the Philippines.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Hubris.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Hypocrisy
What is your greatest extravagance?
Either my music or my sewing. Probably my sewing - stash and machines. But unlike my music, it's tax deductible.
What is your favorite journey?
The boat ride out to a favorite dive spot.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Anything that someone uses to make others feel like lesser humans.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Nothing. It is what it is.
Which living person do you most despise?
No one. It takes too much energy to despise someone. I'd rather use that energy for better things.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Basically? Basically.
What is your greatest regret?
Listening to my then-premed advisor and changing majors after getting a B- in organic chem. I should have retaken it over the summer at the local community college.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband
Which talent would you most like to have?
Accounting
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
No, they made me who I am, so I wouldn't change them
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The obvious answer is my kids. The less obvious is the fact that I seem to be able to be, as a friend told me yesterday, "dipped in **** and come up smelling like a rose".
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
A dog in my own household
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being utterly and completely alone
What is your most marked characteristic?
According to my husband? My boobs. According to me? My exuberance.
What do you most value in your friends?
Frankness, loyalty, humor.
Who are your favorite writers?
Dickens, John Krakauer, Goscinny and Uderzo
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Nicholas Nickelby
What are your favorite names?
Edward, Steven, Kate
What is it that you most dislike?
Disingenuousness
How would you like to die?
Instantly, while SCUBA diving in the Maldives
What is your motto?
"Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death! Live!!!!!" - Auntie Mame
So how about you?
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
A life full of my husband, kids, friends, sewing and singing.
What is your greatest fear?
It already happened and I lived through it.
Which historical figure do you most identify with?
Augustus Caesar. His family was almost as screwed up as mine.
Which living person do you most admire?
Corey Aquino. She lived through hell. I met her at my best man's graduation dinner. I sat across from her and her husband, Benigno. He was murdered 2 weeks later in the Phillipines. She survived and went on to become the president of the Philippines.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
Hubris.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?
Hypocrisy
What is your greatest extravagance?
Either my music or my sewing. Probably my sewing - stash and machines. But unlike my music, it's tax deductible.
What is your favorite journey?
The boat ride out to a favorite dive spot.
What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Anything that someone uses to make others feel like lesser humans.
What do you dislike most about your appearance?
Nothing. It is what it is.
Which living person do you most despise?
No one. It takes too much energy to despise someone. I'd rather use that energy for better things.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Basically? Basically.
What is your greatest regret?
Listening to my then-premed advisor and changing majors after getting a B- in organic chem. I should have retaken it over the summer at the local community college.
What or who is the greatest love of your life?
My husband
Which talent would you most like to have?
Accounting
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?
No, they made me who I am, so I wouldn't change them
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
The obvious answer is my kids. The less obvious is the fact that I seem to be able to be, as a friend told me yesterday, "dipped in **** and come up smelling like a rose".
If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?
A dog in my own household
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being utterly and completely alone
What is your most marked characteristic?
According to my husband? My boobs. According to me? My exuberance.
What do you most value in your friends?
Frankness, loyalty, humor.
Who are your favorite writers?
Dickens, John Krakauer, Goscinny and Uderzo
Who is your favorite hero of fiction?
Nicholas Nickelby
What are your favorite names?
Edward, Steven, Kate
What is it that you most dislike?
Disingenuousness
How would you like to die?
Instantly, while SCUBA diving in the Maldives
What is your motto?
"Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death! Live!!!!!" - Auntie Mame
So how about you?
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Check it out!
I'll keep this one short and sweet. I'm a published author again! The "Super Triple Secret Project" is a jacket that I made for this article for Threads Magazine. The article is available online, but without some of the pictures, notably of the front of the jacket. You can read all of my, ahem, adventures with this jacket at The Sewing Divas Blog. The full article is available on newsstands today.
Happy sewing!
Happy sewing!
It's Nice, but is it Couture?
There's a great article in the Wall Street Journal today about couture, both real and feigned. 'Couture' is French for 'sewing'. In France, the term 'haute couture' translates very roughly to 'high fashion, but true haute couture entails much more. Here in the US, 'couture' has been co-opted, some might even say hijacked, by retailers and designers to designate expensive ready-to-wear. If you walk into Barney's in Boston and check out the Couture department, you'll find high-end RTW designers. But everything is made by machine, with very little or no hand-sewing. And it's off the peg - it's fit to a standard fit model. If you want it fit to your measurements, then a tailor will go to work on it once you have purchased it.
By contrast, almost all of an haute couture garment is sewn by hand, in one of the ateliers in France, by French workers. There may be occasional use of a machine sewn piece, but that's the rare exception, not the rule. Haute couture customers choose their looks from the models (dress, not mannequin) sent down the runway, and they place orders which are sewn to their exact measurements, with several fittings taking place during construction. I could go on forever about the differences between high-end RTW and haute couture garments, but there are much better and more definitive works out there - check your library or favorite bookseller. The publications from the Met Costume Institute and the Kyoto Fashion Institute have good references.
Another interesting thing is the list (according to the WSJ) of haute couturiers:
Adeline Andre
Chanel
Christian Dior
Christian Lacroix
Dominique Sirop
Emmanuel Ungaro
Franck Sorbier
Givenchy
Jean-Louis Scherrer
Jean Paul Gaultier
I was intrigued to see how few haute couturiers exist any more. YSL and Versace both pulled out of the haute couture. And I don't see any names on that list that contain the words Juicy or Binky.
So yes, it may be a nice dress, tracksuit or romper, and it may have set one back a pretty penny, but it ain't couture.
Happy sewing!
By contrast, almost all of an haute couture garment is sewn by hand, in one of the ateliers in France, by French workers. There may be occasional use of a machine sewn piece, but that's the rare exception, not the rule. Haute couture customers choose their looks from the models (dress, not mannequin) sent down the runway, and they place orders which are sewn to their exact measurements, with several fittings taking place during construction. I could go on forever about the differences between high-end RTW and haute couture garments, but there are much better and more definitive works out there - check your library or favorite bookseller. The publications from the Met Costume Institute and the Kyoto Fashion Institute have good references.
Another interesting thing is the list (according to the WSJ) of haute couturiers:
Adeline Andre
Chanel
Christian Dior
Christian Lacroix
Dominique Sirop
Emmanuel Ungaro
Franck Sorbier
Givenchy
Jean-Louis Scherrer
Jean Paul Gaultier
I was intrigued to see how few haute couturiers exist any more. YSL and Versace both pulled out of the haute couture. And I don't see any names on that list that contain the words Juicy or Binky.
So yes, it may be a nice dress, tracksuit or romper, and it may have set one back a pretty penny, but it ain't couture.
Happy sewing!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Another Shameless Plug
I've been so busy lately that I have barely had time to sew, never mind post! There are tons of things in the works right now, and you'll see the fruits of all my labor starting soon. First up will be the newest Cosmo dress, as soon as I make the buttons (covered, I gave in), then in about a month, the ol' "Super Triple Secret Project" will see the light of day. And in the meantime, I'm working on a couple of articles and such, so stay tuned!
In the meantime, I want to put in yet another shameless plug for a great supplier. Sew Exciting. Pam owns the company, and I use her interfacings for every project. She gets THE BEST stuff! I love her elastics, too. The service is great, and if you call to talk to Pam, she's just a delight.
So, if you need high-quality interfacings and notions, get thee to Sew Exciting. NAYY, but I use her things, and I can personally give a big thumbs up.
Happy sewing!
In the meantime, I want to put in yet another shameless plug for a great supplier. Sew Exciting. Pam owns the company, and I use her interfacings for every project. She gets THE BEST stuff! I love her elastics, too. The service is great, and if you call to talk to Pam, she's just a delight.
So, if you need high-quality interfacings and notions, get thee to Sew Exciting. NAYY, but I use her things, and I can personally give a big thumbs up.
Happy sewing!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Pattern Review - Simplicity 5867 (Top)
Background:
Can you say easy-peasy? This top, which is part of a lounge/yoga-wear wardrobe, is about as simple as they come. I wanted something super-fast to make, since my third iteration of the Cosmo dress in silk is just the perfect button's throw away from being done. I know, I know, it was supposed to be done for New York, right? Well, I'm going to wear it to my nephew's bar mitzvah instead, and I'll look fabulous! I think I'm going to end up making covered buttons, but that's a post for tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Pattern Description:
The pattern contains pieces for: a skirt, shorts, pants, a top - long sleeved or sleeveless - and a jacket with sleeve variations.
For this review, I just made the sleeveless top. What a pleasure to sew with!
Likes or Dislikes?
As I said, I was looking for something that would whip up quickly. This pattern has two pieces, front and back. The front is cut on the fold, but the back has a contoured CB seam, which I really like for fit and comfort. Another thing I really like in this pattern is the jacket. The lines on the front are really nice and very flattering to many figures, and I think it would look really cool with the CF pieces done up in a contrast fabric. Well, it gives me a project for next week!
I also like the neckline on this. It's a modified bateau neck, but the shoulders are cut so that it is very bra-friendly. And the armholes are cut high, but not binding.
Fabric Used:
A heathered polyester jersey in peach tones from Gorgeous Fabrics (natch).
Alterations or Changes FBA on the front, add an inch of length at the waist.
Construction Details I serged all the seams, and I used a narrow overlock to finish the bottom hem. The sleeves and neckline I made a standard narrow hem with a decorative stitch at the neck. Next time I'll just use a plain zigzag, or my coverstitch machine. This would also be a great candidate for a bound neckline and hem in a contrasting fabric.
Would You Make it Again? Absolutely. And I recommend it to others. This is a very easy top. Even with the pattern adjustments I made, it took less than an hour and a half from start to finish.
Conclusion:
This is a great top for knits. Don't let the "Simplicity @ Home" moniker fool you. This is a classic shell that would look right at home in an office if you make it up with a more formal knit. Even the jersey I used would look office-ready under a jacket.
All in all, I think this one is a real winner!
Happy sewing!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
I'm Not Really Bad, I'm Just Drawn That Way
Okay, maybe I am really bad, but you can't convince me you don't like it. I just put up a ton of new fabrics over at Gorgeous Fabrics. And can you say Milanese designer shirtings? Abondanza! Tons (literally) of fabrics from one of the really big guys. And very, very fun knits! Let me tempt you with just a few:
Lookie what I found for you!
Same print, this time in a deep yellow.
The dots on this are actually holographic silver, they just don't scan well.
And the Shirtings darlings, the shirtings! You have to check them out. They are truly magnificent!
Well, I have a really cute tee shirt, or is it a yoga shirt? to post. But I think I'll save that for tomorrow. The Sopranos is on, and as you might guess, I have to watch that!
Happy sewing!
Lookie what I found for you!
Same print, this time in a deep yellow.
The dots on this are actually holographic silver, they just don't scan well.
And the Shirtings darlings, the shirtings! You have to check them out. They are truly magnificent!
Well, I have a really cute tee shirt, or is it a yoga shirt? to post. But I think I'll save that for tomorrow. The Sopranos is on, and as you might guess, I have to watch that!
Happy sewing!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Well, the City Never Sleeps, and Neither do I
When I'm there, that is. Oh my, what a whirlwind tour it was to New York yesterday and today! We drove down in the morning. The weather in Boston started out dreary, but the clouds were lifting, and they kept coming in and going out as we approached New York. Here's a hint for those doing the I84 trip. Reins Deli in Vernon, CT. The BEST chocolate egg creams outside of the Big Apple. One of those and I'm ready to go all day. Of course, I'm sure they have about 3000 calories each, so I don't stop every time I go.
Yesterday the weather was pretty misty, I had to go to meetings all afternoon while DH and the kids went to the Statue of Liberty (pictures later). But when I walked out onto Broadway at 5:30, the sun was shining gloriously, and it was as though someone had taken a big dustcloth and just swept everything clean.
Today was even better, and we spent much of the day at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA, for short). MOMA and the Louvre are probably my two favorite art museums in the world. I hear the Hermitage is as good if not better, but I haven't made it to Russia yet, so I'll just have to save my pennies and hopefully get there some day. In the meantime, if you get the chance to go to MOMA when you're in New York, go! Honestly, you turn every corner and there is a painting or sculpture that you studied in school. Van Gogh's "Starry Night"? Check. Jasper Johns' "American Flag"? Check. Andy Warhol's "Campbell Soup Cans" or "Marilyn Monroe"? Check, check. Toulouse Lautrec, Salvador Dali and Paul Klee? Check check and check! It's so much fun. And having the kids there saying "Mom, I did Starry Night in art class!" or admiring the work of someone none of us had heard of before was just great! And since it was such a nice day, of course we spent some time wandering through the sculpture garden.
We all had a great time, and of course, I found Gorgeous Fabrics while I was down there, with more to follow. But right now, I'm exhausted after a 5 hour drive ("The Merritt Parkway, friend, or foe? Story at 11").
So, good night, and happy sewing!
Yesterday the weather was pretty misty, I had to go to meetings all afternoon while DH and the kids went to the Statue of Liberty (pictures later). But when I walked out onto Broadway at 5:30, the sun was shining gloriously, and it was as though someone had taken a big dustcloth and just swept everything clean.
Today was even better, and we spent much of the day at the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA, for short). MOMA and the Louvre are probably my two favorite art museums in the world. I hear the Hermitage is as good if not better, but I haven't made it to Russia yet, so I'll just have to save my pennies and hopefully get there some day. In the meantime, if you get the chance to go to MOMA when you're in New York, go! Honestly, you turn every corner and there is a painting or sculpture that you studied in school. Van Gogh's "Starry Night"? Check. Jasper Johns' "American Flag"? Check. Andy Warhol's "Campbell Soup Cans" or "Marilyn Monroe"? Check, check. Toulouse Lautrec, Salvador Dali and Paul Klee? Check check and check! It's so much fun. And having the kids there saying "Mom, I did Starry Night in art class!" or admiring the work of someone none of us had heard of before was just great! And since it was such a nice day, of course we spent some time wandering through the sculpture garden.
We all had a great time, and of course, I found Gorgeous Fabrics while I was down there, with more to follow. But right now, I'm exhausted after a 5 hour drive ("The Merritt Parkway, friend, or foe? Story at 11").
So, good night, and happy sewing!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
I Want to Wake Up... in a City that Never Sleeps....
I'm going to head to New York, New York, tomorrow with DH and the kids. I have a bunch of business meetings all afternoon, while they go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Fun times for all of us!
Then in the afternoon, I'm going to meet a friend for drinks (Stay tuned, kittens! That's all I can say right now.) And then, Friday we are spending somewhere between Central Park and the new MOMA. I just love exploring other cities with kids, It's like looking at them through a brand new lens. So, I'm off to have fun. Have a great day!
Happy vacationing!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Sewing Tip: Get More Mileage from your Fabric
Part of what I love about my new company is the interaction I have with customers. Yesterday I got chatting with Lillie. She ordered the last of one of my fabrics, and when we rolled it off the bolt, it turned out we came out 1/2 yard short. Ouch! I hate when that happens. So I called her to let her know, and we got talking about what she was going to use it for. I checked the pattern and she had enough even with the shortage, so she was fine. But I then started talking with her about layouts, because we all hate to come up short on fabric when we're cutting out a great garment, right?
Well here's a little secret that not too many people talk about. You can get away with less yardage than the pattern companies recommend. Sometimes a lot less. How? Simple. Use a single layer layout. By that, I mean, open your fabric out with the right side facing up, and cut each pattern piece twice, flipping the pattern piece over so you get the right/left sides.
Now, don't go looking at me like I just sprouted horns. There are lots of good reasons to do this. First, you might not have as much fabric as the pattern envelope recommends. One example stands out in my mind. I wrote an article for Threads magazine called, "Pressing Matters". I needed to make two versions of the same blouse for emphasis. One would be left unpressed during construction (the "Sad Blouse") while I would press the other blouse at all stages of construction (the "Happy Blouse"). I called Kashi to get a brocade, which can look either fabulous or hideous depending on your technique. He had a perfect one, BUT, he only had 3 yards. The pattern envelope called for 2 1/8 yards of fabric for one blouse. So I was coming up short by 1 1/4 yards. Well, damn the torpedos, right? I laid the pattern pieces out using a single layer layout, and I was just able to eke two blouses out of 3 yards of fabric! I did have to get a little creative and leave off the cuffs, but other than that, it was the same top, and it turned out great for my needs!
Another reason to do a single layer layout is to match patterns across seamlines. It gives you much more control, while saving you fabric. Couture garments are all cut one piece at a time.
So don't be afraid to do a single layer and buy slightly less fabric. It takes some practice, but once you've done it a few times, you'll find you can estimate yardage pretty accurately.
Happy Sewing!
Well here's a little secret that not too many people talk about. You can get away with less yardage than the pattern companies recommend. Sometimes a lot less. How? Simple. Use a single layer layout. By that, I mean, open your fabric out with the right side facing up, and cut each pattern piece twice, flipping the pattern piece over so you get the right/left sides.
Now, don't go looking at me like I just sprouted horns. There are lots of good reasons to do this. First, you might not have as much fabric as the pattern envelope recommends. One example stands out in my mind. I wrote an article for Threads magazine called, "Pressing Matters". I needed to make two versions of the same blouse for emphasis. One would be left unpressed during construction (the "Sad Blouse") while I would press the other blouse at all stages of construction (the "Happy Blouse"). I called Kashi to get a brocade, which can look either fabulous or hideous depending on your technique. He had a perfect one, BUT, he only had 3 yards. The pattern envelope called for 2 1/8 yards of fabric for one blouse. So I was coming up short by 1 1/4 yards. Well, damn the torpedos, right? I laid the pattern pieces out using a single layer layout, and I was just able to eke two blouses out of 3 yards of fabric! I did have to get a little creative and leave off the cuffs, but other than that, it was the same top, and it turned out great for my needs!
Another reason to do a single layer layout is to match patterns across seamlines. It gives you much more control, while saving you fabric. Couture garments are all cut one piece at a time.
So don't be afraid to do a single layer and buy slightly less fabric. It takes some practice, but once you've done it a few times, you'll find you can estimate yardage pretty accurately.
Happy Sewing!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Sewing Tip: Easy Gathers
I'm compiling the tips I've put on other sites here for ease of searching. This is one that I use all the time, especially in home dec applications. My students just love it:
When gathering fabric, rather than using the "double row of long stitches" approach that most patterns and books recommend, I sew over dental floss ( preferably unwaxed) with a very wide zigzag stitch, making sure to center the floss between the stitches. I set the width of the zigzag to 5.5-6 mm and the stitch length to 2.5-3 mm. Once the dental floss is in place, it's a snap to gather very quickly, and it is very easy to control the fullness of the gathers. I use this technique all the time for home-dec, but it is equally useful for fashion sewing, especially if you are attatching ruffles. I also find that it saves wear and tear on the fabric, because you don't have to manipulate the gathers with as much force.
Makes me kick myself for buying that Pfaff ruffler!
When gathering fabric, rather than using the "double row of long stitches" approach that most patterns and books recommend, I sew over dental floss ( preferably unwaxed) with a very wide zigzag stitch, making sure to center the floss between the stitches. I set the width of the zigzag to 5.5-6 mm and the stitch length to 2.5-3 mm. Once the dental floss is in place, it's a snap to gather very quickly, and it is very easy to control the fullness of the gathers. I use this technique all the time for home-dec, but it is equally useful for fashion sewing, especially if you are attatching ruffles. I also find that it saves wear and tear on the fabric, because you don't have to manipulate the gathers with as much force.
Makes me kick myself for buying that Pfaff ruffler!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Charmeuse is a Slippery Little Devil!
Okay, the dress is almost done! I've decided to do a couple of things differently from the way they recommend (quel surprise, right?). I'm going to use a hand-picked zipper installation, and move the zipper to the side instead of the CB. I wish I had thought of it sooner. I could have saved myself time by cutting the back pieces on the fold. Oh well, live and learn, right? Here's a tip for working with silk charmeuse. Baste before you sew. I used machine basting on the long seams, and I hand basted the armholes. It may sound time consuming, but it kept me from making mistakes, so it's worth the extra time and thread.
Hopefully this beast will be done tomorrow night, at which point I'll do a full review. But I'll insert the zipper while watching "The Sopranos" tonight.
Until then, happy sewing!
Hopefully this beast will be done tomorrow night, at which point I'll do a full review. But I'll insert the zipper while watching "The Sopranos" tonight.
Until then, happy sewing!
Today I am Going to...
SEW!
Yes, I've been away from the sewing room all week long. I've made no progress on my Cosmo dress in the silk, so today I am going to finish that puppy, dammit!
I will post any results here later. It's a rainy day in the neighborhood, but nothing like what's forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning. To my marathoning friends, be careful out there! I'll be watching from the comfort and warmth of my house.
Happy sewing!
Yes, I've been away from the sewing room all week long. I've made no progress on my Cosmo dress in the silk, so today I am going to finish that puppy, dammit!
I will post any results here later. It's a rainy day in the neighborhood, but nothing like what's forecast for tonight and tomorrow morning. To my marathoning friends, be careful out there! I'll be watching from the comfort and warmth of my house.
Happy sewing!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
New Stuff at Gorgeous Fabrics!
Oh boy oh boy oh boy! I just put a bunch of new fabrics for warm weather up at Gorgeous Fabrics! Check out the What's New page to see what we just put up. How fun!
Happy shopping!
Happy shopping!
Friday, April 13, 2007
Linings, Seersuckers and Jerseys, Oh My!
Yep, I stealthily put a few fabrics up on the site last night. Check out the What's New page for some bee-yoo-tee-ful cotton seersuckers! And the matte jerseys - wow! Vibrant fuchsia and turquoise would make such a wonderful kimono wrap dress á la Kara Janx.
We also put up a bunch of lining fabrics last night, both silk and rayon. They are really lovely. The silks can also double as lingerie fabrics. Check them out at the Linings page.
I'll be adding a bunch more fabrics for your weekend viewing/shopping pleasure, so check it out often!
Happy sewing!
We also put up a bunch of lining fabrics last night, both silk and rayon. They are really lovely. The silks can also double as lingerie fabrics. Check them out at the Linings page.
I'll be adding a bunch more fabrics for your weekend viewing/shopping pleasure, so check it out often!
Happy sewing!
Thursday, April 12, 2007
As If I Needed a Reason not to Run in the Marathon
Boy, we are having one weird spring around here! Last Thursday, we woke up to 4 inches of snow on the ground. Three weeks ago it was 75 degrees out. Today, as I looked out the window, the weather turned from rain to snow to rain to heavy hail to snow to rain to pouring rain then back to sleet. I think it's pretty much subsided. But... Monday is Marathon Monday in Boston. The city gets the day off because of an obscure holiday called Evacuation Day, which commemorates the Battle of Breeds Hill in the Revolutionary War. Any port in a storm, eh? For tax procrastinators, it also means you get one extra day to file with the IRS.
But face it, the biggest reason to celebrate and give the kids the day off is because the venerable Boston Marathon is run on that day. Walk around Boston for the week beforehand and you see the largest collection anywhere of rangy people stuffing themselves with pasta at buffets at all the hotels in the Back Bay. It's pretty amusing. The Nike, New Balance, and City Sports stores on Newbury and Boylston Streets do a bang-up business. The chi-chi shops like Chanel and Valentino? Not so much. These are serious runners.
Don't get me wrong. I really admire marathoners. It takes a mindset and a body type, not to mention arches, that I never have been able to sustain. I'm more of a weightlifting/cycling/skiing/SCUBA type. But even if that weren't enough reason to not ever want to run the Marathon, here's a doozy: the weather. April in Boston is always a dicy proposition, but this month is even more so than usual. Because this Monday, they are forecasting a bona fide Nor'easter, complete with driving rain, gale-force winds and temperatures in the low 40s. There are going to be a whole lot of hypothermic runners out there, you can be sure of that! Here's he Weather.com forecast for Monday. If you are running in the Marathon, please, be careful, and mind your temperature. I really don't want to see anyone get hurt.
Happy running!
But face it, the biggest reason to celebrate and give the kids the day off is because the venerable Boston Marathon is run on that day. Walk around Boston for the week beforehand and you see the largest collection anywhere of rangy people stuffing themselves with pasta at buffets at all the hotels in the Back Bay. It's pretty amusing. The Nike, New Balance, and City Sports stores on Newbury and Boylston Streets do a bang-up business. The chi-chi shops like Chanel and Valentino? Not so much. These are serious runners.
Don't get me wrong. I really admire marathoners. It takes a mindset and a body type, not to mention arches, that I never have been able to sustain. I'm more of a weightlifting/cycling/skiing/SCUBA type. But even if that weren't enough reason to not ever want to run the Marathon, here's a doozy: the weather. April in Boston is always a dicy proposition, but this month is even more so than usual. Because this Monday, they are forecasting a bona fide Nor'easter, complete with driving rain, gale-force winds and temperatures in the low 40s. There are going to be a whole lot of hypothermic runners out there, you can be sure of that! Here's he Weather.com forecast for Monday. If you are running in the Marathon, please, be careful, and mind your temperature. I really don't want to see anyone get hurt.
Happy running!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Sewing Tip: Applique Foot for Precision Sewing
I do quite a lot of work that requires precision sewing. My straight sewing foot has been useful, but I still have difficulty seeing the exact position of the needle on the fabric. Then one day I had an AHA! moment: use an open-toe applique foot. With this foot, which is available for many machines, you can see the exact placement of your needle on your fabric. I have one for Pfaff machine; I used to have one for my Viking, and they are available for Kenmores, Berninas and Brothers, and probably others as well. You can see exactly where your needle is going to be on the fabric. It makes sewing tricky areas much easier.
HTH!
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
People? Can I Ask You to Gather 'Round?
Okay folks, Rachel just posed a great question, and I'm going to throw it out to all my über-fashionable friends in Cyber-land. Here's the query:
"love your website
(Thanks sweetie! Love you too. Really)
and I wanted to email you this question but I could not find an address.
(If you want, you can always contact me through the gorgeousthings.com contact page.)
Anyway, I am in love with this Nanette Lepore dress seen on this website:
Nanette Lepore jumper
In case the link breaks, and since the original photo from eLuxury is no longer available, I'm going to put it here too:
Do you have any suggestions as to a pattern I could use to make it? Thanks."
Oooooh, I love a challenge like this! Scour your brains, and let's see if we can collectively come up with a pattern that would work as the basis for this jumper. It's a princess-line sleeveless dress with a flared skirt, a back-waist tie, and a surgically enhanced - er - removed bodice.
Me? I would start with the HotPatterns Classix Nouveau Indispensable Dress:
It requires major surgery, a la what I did to my McCall's Jacket. Also, since the design is sleeveless you might be better off starting with a sleeveless dress, perhaps a sundress. I am going to ruminate on this one. Anyone have any suggestions?
Happy pondering!
"love your website
(Thanks sweetie! Love you too. Really)
and I wanted to email you this question but I could not find an address.
(If you want, you can always contact me through the gorgeousthings.com contact page.)
Anyway, I am in love with this Nanette Lepore dress seen on this website:
Nanette Lepore jumper
In case the link breaks, and since the original photo from eLuxury is no longer available, I'm going to put it here too:
Do you have any suggestions as to a pattern I could use to make it? Thanks."
Oooooh, I love a challenge like this! Scour your brains, and let's see if we can collectively come up with a pattern that would work as the basis for this jumper. It's a princess-line sleeveless dress with a flared skirt, a back-waist tie, and a surgically enhanced - er - removed bodice.
Me? I would start with the HotPatterns Classix Nouveau Indispensable Dress:
It requires major surgery, a la what I did to my McCall's Jacket. Also, since the design is sleeveless you might be better off starting with a sleeveless dress, perhaps a sundress. I am going to ruminate on this one. Anyone have any suggestions?
Happy pondering!
Monday, April 09, 2007
Sewing Tip: Masking Tape for Marking Fabrics
I've published tips at some other sites, but I thought it might be nice to have them here, too. Search by category "Tips" to find them. This one is very handy for working with fuzzy fabrics:
I've always been a big fan of using WhiteOut to mark notches and pattern markings onto Polar Fleece. But the WhiteOut gets gunked up easily with fibres, and it dries out quickly once the fibres get in the bottle. So when cutting a sweater knit earlier today, I had an Aha! moment. Cut small notches out of masking tape and use those to mark the knit. I keep the notches small enough that they don't cross the seamline. It's precise, it stays, and it comes off easily. You can also use painter's tape, which is even easier to remove.
Hope this helps. Happy sewing!
I've always been a big fan of using WhiteOut to mark notches and pattern markings onto Polar Fleece. But the WhiteOut gets gunked up easily with fibres, and it dries out quickly once the fibres get in the bottle. So when cutting a sweater knit earlier today, I had an Aha! moment. Cut small notches out of masking tape and use those to mark the knit. I keep the notches small enough that they don't cross the seamline. It's precise, it stays, and it comes off easily. You can also use painter's tape, which is even easier to remove.
Hope this helps. Happy sewing!
Trying to Muster Excitement
Have you ever had one of those days when you just can't get your sewing mojo going? Today's one of those days for me. I'm trying to get going on the Cosmopolitan dress, but I keep distracting myself from it. Sigh. Well, let me slog back to the sewing room and see if I can build up some momentum on it. Once the bodice is done, it's pretty much finished anyway.
Oh, and if you haven't seen it already, check out Musical Mondays at Project Gay. Tom and Lorenzo are absolutely hilarious, shredding classic movie musicals. Be warned, there is some profanity and suggestive writing. But you're in for an addictive, gut-busting bellylaugh!
Happy sewing!
Oh, and if you haven't seen it already, check out Musical Mondays at Project Gay. Tom and Lorenzo are absolutely hilarious, shredding classic movie musicals. Be warned, there is some profanity and suggestive writing. But you're in for an addictive, gut-busting bellylaugh!
Happy sewing!
Saturday, April 07, 2007
There's the Snap to Miller. He Drops Back and...
Punt!
Yep, I could drive myself bonkers, snap at my kids, growl at the dog and kick my husband, or I can just get Zen about the whole thing and do a great job on the Pucci print Cosmo dress in time for my trip to NYC in a couple of weeks. And since the house looks like a bomb went off in it, and we have a crowd coming for Easter tomorrow, and I have to sing at the Vigil for 3 hours tonight, and sing at the 10:30 mass tomorrow, including a solo prelude of "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth" from Handel's Messiah, I'd rather minimize that particular self-induced stress.
Now the question is, "What to wear? What to wear?"
Happy Easter!
Yep, I could drive myself bonkers, snap at my kids, growl at the dog and kick my husband, or I can just get Zen about the whole thing and do a great job on the Pucci print Cosmo dress in time for my trip to NYC in a couple of weeks. And since the house looks like a bomb went off in it, and we have a crowd coming for Easter tomorrow, and I have to sing at the Vigil for 3 hours tonight, and sing at the 10:30 mass tomorrow, including a solo prelude of "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth" from Handel's Messiah, I'd rather minimize that particular self-induced stress.
Now the question is, "What to wear? What to wear?"
Happy Easter!
Friday, April 06, 2007
I am Strength
You are Strength
Courage, strength, fortitude. Power not arrested in the act of judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy.
This is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion's hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden's steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion's mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. With strength you can control not only the situation, but yourself. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one's personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.
What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.
My DH's reaction was, "Well, duh!" I think that was a compliment. A shout out of thanks to Kathleen Fasanella for this fun diversion! She is the High priestess.
So how about you?
Happy personality quizzing!
Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble
This post could also be titled "Oil and Water", and it refers to silk charmeuse and fusible tricot interfacing. I'm making the Cosmopolitan dress from an absolutely gorgeous Pucci-type silk charmeuse that I bought from Kashi at Metro Textiles. It is so wonderful, and I just love it - the colors, the flow of the fabric, you name it!
While cutting it out today I decided to use my fave rave fusible tricot interfacing. I use this kind of interfacing on just about everything. It really fuses beautifully. But there's always an exception, right? Check it out:
Gah! I checked all my settings. I had preshrunk the interfacing, and I used a silk organza press cloth and a spritz bottle to moisten it lightly before fusing. This is all standard procedure and works fine on just about every fabric, including many other silk charmeuse fabrics I have sewn with. But not this one! I used my standard silk setting on my gravity feed, and it bubbled like a pan of pudding over high heat. There's always an exception to every rule, right? And this one shows that not all charmeuses are amenable to this kind of treatment.
So in the spirit of "drop back and punt", I took a deep breath, dragged out the ol' silk organza (which, BTW, you can never have too much of in your stash) and cut new cuffs and facings using silk instead. I applied them using long hand basting stitches about 1/4 inch from the cut edges of the fabric. Here are the results:
Much better!
Now I just have to actually make the dress. Back to the sewing room!
While cutting it out today I decided to use my fave rave fusible tricot interfacing. I use this kind of interfacing on just about everything. It really fuses beautifully. But there's always an exception, right? Check it out:
Gah! I checked all my settings. I had preshrunk the interfacing, and I used a silk organza press cloth and a spritz bottle to moisten it lightly before fusing. This is all standard procedure and works fine on just about every fabric, including many other silk charmeuse fabrics I have sewn with. But not this one! I used my standard silk setting on my gravity feed, and it bubbled like a pan of pudding over high heat. There's always an exception to every rule, right? And this one shows that not all charmeuses are amenable to this kind of treatment.
So in the spirit of "drop back and punt", I took a deep breath, dragged out the ol' silk organza (which, BTW, you can never have too much of in your stash) and cut new cuffs and facings using silk instead. I applied them using long hand basting stitches about 1/4 inch from the cut edges of the fabric. Here are the results:
Much better!
Now I just have to actually make the dress. Back to the sewing room!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Hmmmmm, It's Not Working
Don't you hate when this happens? I got my fitting muslin done for Simplicity 3877. Even with my adjustments, there is some serious gapping at the wrap. I could fix it with an eased facing, but I don't really have time to do that right now. I think I'm going to drop back and punt.
So it's decision time. Do I use a new pattern like this one from Sew Stylish:
and try to futz with it and hope I can get it right in time for Easter Vigil in 48 hours, or do I use a TNT pattern and go for revision 3 of the Cosmopolitan Dress?
I'm kind of tempted to go with the Cosmo dress. Two reasons: I have the fit down, and I can pound it out in pretty short order. The other compelling reason to go with it is that I think it's more classic and I'll get more wear out of it over several seasons. I love the Sew Stylish dress, but I fear that it will be gone, baby, gone after the summer. And given the fabulous fabric, I would like to have it around for a while.
I think that will make up my mind for me. Cosmo it is! This time, though, I think I'll make the scoop neck version.
Happy sewing!
So it's decision time. Do I use a new pattern like this one from Sew Stylish:
and try to futz with it and hope I can get it right in time for Easter Vigil in 48 hours, or do I use a TNT pattern and go for revision 3 of the Cosmopolitan Dress?
I'm kind of tempted to go with the Cosmo dress. Two reasons: I have the fit down, and I can pound it out in pretty short order. The other compelling reason to go with it is that I think it's more classic and I'll get more wear out of it over several seasons. I love the Sew Stylish dress, but I fear that it will be gone, baby, gone after the summer. And given the fabulous fabric, I would like to have it around for a while.
I think that will make up my mind for me. Cosmo it is! This time, though, I think I'll make the scoop neck version.
Happy sewing!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Okay, Time for An Easter Dress
I am so behind the eight ball on my sewing for Easter. I made the Butterfly top, but I should have been working on a fab dress. I have the fabric (a Pucci print silk charmeuse in teal and green tones). I have the pattern, Simplicity 3877:
What I don't seem to have is the time! Every time I get going on this pattern - and I have gotten far enough to make a fitting muslin on it, but that's it - I get sidelined by (pick one) kids, dog, husband, workout schedule, phone calls from vendors, phone calls from family members, piano lessons, karate lessons, (neither of which are mine, they are the kids'), Les Miz rehearsals (finished, thank God, but they slowed me down), rehearsals for Easter, rehearsals for recitals. Then there's work, but that's what pays for the piano, karate, workouts, blah blah blah, so that's okay. Oh, and then there's the only semi-scheduled distractions, like going to the eye doctor at 7 in the morning so I don't disrupt my schedule, only to get stuck for 90 minutes in traffic on I93 because of an accident at Mystic Ave. (the area where much of "Mystic River" was set)
Mind you, I'm not exactly complaining. These things happen, and it's all part of the "If you ever want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans" philosophy. And heaven knows I've been sewing up a storm. and I won't go naked on Easter. But I was really looking forward to making this dress, and the lace trench, which is still in the flat pattern stage. Sigh. Well, it's time for a deep breath. I'm going to mentally take myself back to SCUBA diving at Angel City in Bonaire, and tomorrow, gosh darn it all, I'm going to cut into the Pucci fabric and get going on this beast!
Happy sewing!
What I don't seem to have is the time! Every time I get going on this pattern - and I have gotten far enough to make a fitting muslin on it, but that's it - I get sidelined by (pick one) kids, dog, husband, workout schedule, phone calls from vendors, phone calls from family members, piano lessons, karate lessons, (neither of which are mine, they are the kids'), Les Miz rehearsals (finished, thank God, but they slowed me down), rehearsals for Easter, rehearsals for recitals. Then there's work, but that's what pays for the piano, karate, workouts, blah blah blah, so that's okay. Oh, and then there's the only semi-scheduled distractions, like going to the eye doctor at 7 in the morning so I don't disrupt my schedule, only to get stuck for 90 minutes in traffic on I93 because of an accident at Mystic Ave. (the area where much of "Mystic River" was set)
Mind you, I'm not exactly complaining. These things happen, and it's all part of the "If you ever want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans" philosophy. And heaven knows I've been sewing up a storm. and I won't go naked on Easter. But I was really looking forward to making this dress, and the lace trench, which is still in the flat pattern stage. Sigh. Well, it's time for a deep breath. I'm going to mentally take myself back to SCUBA diving at Angel City in Bonaire, and tomorrow, gosh darn it all, I'm going to cut into the Pucci fabric and get going on this beast!
Happy sewing!
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
HotPatterns Butterfly Top - Review
Whew! Break time, folks. I've been out of the office and walking around all day, and my dogs are barking! So it's time to sit down, have a cuppa and while away a little time by posting a review.
After finishing the Good Karma Camisole for my niece, I wanted to make something quick and easy for myself. This was recommended by several people, and when I pulled the pattern out, I was thrilled to see that it only had 3 pattern pieces. Score!
Description: Pattern for two tops and a skirt. I made the cowl necked top.
Why this pattern? Easy, quick, in my stash. What more could you want?
Fabric used: Butter yellow rayon jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics. This fabric is so incredibly soft. I just love it!
Any design alterations or changes? I did flat pattern measurements on this to check the size, after reading some reviews for it. I'm glad I did. While I could have gotten away with my usual size 12, I decided to cut the 10, based on the amount of ease (a lot) and the drape and stretch of my fabric. If you are using a soft knit for this, I definitely recommend going down a size.
Construction details: As always, I decided to do several things my own way. I read the instructions for attaching the upper sleeve and cowl, and decided to do it the way I usually do. I attached the back facing to the back as the instructions indicate. Next I basted, then serged the seams, sewing the back and front (with facings) together in one long seam:
Here's the other side. This might be easier to see
(These pictures show the basting)
After sewing the upper sleeve seams, I used a Stitch in the Ditch to secure the facings at the shoulders:
When I measured the bottom band, I saw that it too had more ease than I wanted. It measured about 40 inches for a size 10. I sewed the other seams together as they recommended, but I decided, after trying on the top, that I could benefit from some elastic in the waistline to 'snug' the band at my hips better. To do this, I used the same casing technique that they use in the Good Karma Camisole. First, sew the seam using a regular sewing machine, not a serger (that's really important). Sew the raw edges of the seam allowances together, a scant 1/8 inch from the cut edges, leaving an opening for the elastic:
Insert the elastic into the casing, secure, then sew the rest of the casing shut:
For the finishing touch, I decided to do a narrow overlocked finish on the sleeves. I like the way it turned out. I think it's very light. And here is the finished top:
Conclusion: This is a great pattern. From beginning to finish it took less than two hours. It's very, very comfortable, and it's a rewardingly quick and fashionable pattern. Definitely two thumbs up!
Happy sewing!
After finishing the Good Karma Camisole for my niece, I wanted to make something quick and easy for myself. This was recommended by several people, and when I pulled the pattern out, I was thrilled to see that it only had 3 pattern pieces. Score!
Description: Pattern for two tops and a skirt. I made the cowl necked top.
Why this pattern? Easy, quick, in my stash. What more could you want?
Fabric used: Butter yellow rayon jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics. This fabric is so incredibly soft. I just love it!
Any design alterations or changes? I did flat pattern measurements on this to check the size, after reading some reviews for it. I'm glad I did. While I could have gotten away with my usual size 12, I decided to cut the 10, based on the amount of ease (a lot) and the drape and stretch of my fabric. If you are using a soft knit for this, I definitely recommend going down a size.
Construction details: As always, I decided to do several things my own way. I read the instructions for attaching the upper sleeve and cowl, and decided to do it the way I usually do. I attached the back facing to the back as the instructions indicate. Next I basted, then serged the seams, sewing the back and front (with facings) together in one long seam:
Here's the other side. This might be easier to see
(These pictures show the basting)
After sewing the upper sleeve seams, I used a Stitch in the Ditch to secure the facings at the shoulders:
When I measured the bottom band, I saw that it too had more ease than I wanted. It measured about 40 inches for a size 10. I sewed the other seams together as they recommended, but I decided, after trying on the top, that I could benefit from some elastic in the waistline to 'snug' the band at my hips better. To do this, I used the same casing technique that they use in the Good Karma Camisole. First, sew the seam using a regular sewing machine, not a serger (that's really important). Sew the raw edges of the seam allowances together, a scant 1/8 inch from the cut edges, leaving an opening for the elastic:
Insert the elastic into the casing, secure, then sew the rest of the casing shut:
For the finishing touch, I decided to do a narrow overlocked finish on the sleeves. I like the way it turned out. I think it's very light. And here is the finished top:
Conclusion: This is a great pattern. From beginning to finish it took less than two hours. It's very, very comfortable, and it's a rewardingly quick and fashionable pattern. Definitely two thumbs up!
Happy sewing!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Oh. My. God!
Thanks to Eithne for pointing me to this. Check out the fabric on this DVF dress from Style.com:
And on this:
Look familiar????
Of course, DVF used a different colorway (pink and black), and she did her two dresses back in the Spring 2006 line, but it's still pretty cool!
Happy sewing!
Ann
And on this:
Look familiar????
Of course, DVF used a different colorway (pink and black), and she did her two dresses back in the Spring 2006 line, but it's still pretty cool!
Happy sewing!
Ann
Sunday, April 01, 2007
"Rosie's" Top is Done!
I said I was going to sew today and by gosh, I did! I have to mail off my niece "Rosie's" present tomorrow. I made her a dress, and I wanted to make her a cute top. I had ordered all of the new HotPatterns line, the No Sweat Easy Sew patterns. This seemed like a perfect top for a young girl.
It sewed up very, very quickly. In fact, the part that took me the longest was tracing the pattern. Rosie takes a size 6 Petite, so I used the smallest size, and I shortened it considerably. I used some Key Lime rayon/lycra jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics. Excepting the tracing of the pattern, this took less than two hours to cut and sew up. I used my serger for the side seams, and I threw out their suggestion of using a bias tape as a casing on the sleeve head, instead using the folded-over seam allowance as the casing. I don't know why pattern companies still tell you to use bias tape - that's a big 4 thing, not HotPatterns, I think. I never liked that approach. You don't see it in RTW, and its not necessary if you use a knit like I did.
Other than that I used their instructions, and it went together beautifully. I'll be sending it to her tomorrow by UPS 3-day so she has it in time for Easter, along with the dress.
Next up? Another HP from the new collection - the Sugar Babe jacket. Stay tuned!
Happy sewing!
It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
And dammit, I'm going to sew today!
But first, I have to go sing at Palm Sunday services. The Holy Week Marathon has begun. At my church, Holy Week gets the full court press treatment. Today - Palm Sunday. Thursday, Friday, Saturday? The Triduum, complete with loads of music. I keep joking that we're the most Anglican of any Catholic church I've ever sung with. I used to sing with the Wicked High Anglican church in Boston, Church of the Advent. Great music program, and serious smells 'n bells. St. Malachy isn't quite that heavy duty, but during Holy Week it comes close. And today I get to see Father Lenny wearing the Cope that I made a couple of years back. I still love that piece. Every once in a while I do something pretty good, and that cope is one of those times.
I must, must, MUST finish my niece's top and ship it off tomorrow with her dress by UPS 3-day. And I have about a thousand yards of fabric in my stash that I should sew up. SABLE, don't you know. What should I make for Easter? I have not a clue. I have to sing ("Have to sing"? Riiiiiiight - they forced me into it!) "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth" from Messiah as a prelude to the Easter masses, so I suppose at some point this week I should work it up. And there's always the normal set of "stuff" that has to get done. Well, that's why God created coffee, isn't it?
It's such a lovely spring day today, I want to take Hoover to the reservoir for a swim, too. We took him yesterday when we needed a break from trying to fix the stoopid IE problem. He's glorious to behold swimming. He loves to find the highest rock and launch himself from it when you throw something in the water. His little white paws are fun to watch when he swims, you can see them clearly in the water. If we make it over there today, I'll bring the camera.
Well, it's time to start getting ready for the rest of the day. So little time, so much to do....
Happy sewing!
But first, I have to go sing at Palm Sunday services. The Holy Week Marathon has begun. At my church, Holy Week gets the full court press treatment. Today - Palm Sunday. Thursday, Friday, Saturday? The Triduum, complete with loads of music. I keep joking that we're the most Anglican of any Catholic church I've ever sung with. I used to sing with the Wicked High Anglican church in Boston, Church of the Advent. Great music program, and serious smells 'n bells. St. Malachy isn't quite that heavy duty, but during Holy Week it comes close. And today I get to see Father Lenny wearing the Cope that I made a couple of years back. I still love that piece. Every once in a while I do something pretty good, and that cope is one of those times.
I must, must, MUST finish my niece's top and ship it off tomorrow with her dress by UPS 3-day. And I have about a thousand yards of fabric in my stash that I should sew up. SABLE, don't you know. What should I make for Easter? I have not a clue. I have to sing ("Have to sing"? Riiiiiiight - they forced me into it!) "I Know that My Redeemer Liveth" from Messiah as a prelude to the Easter masses, so I suppose at some point this week I should work it up. And there's always the normal set of "stuff" that has to get done. Well, that's why God created coffee, isn't it?
It's such a lovely spring day today, I want to take Hoover to the reservoir for a swim, too. We took him yesterday when we needed a break from trying to fix the stoopid IE problem. He's glorious to behold swimming. He loves to find the highest rock and launch himself from it when you throw something in the water. His little white paws are fun to watch when he swims, you can see them clearly in the water. If we make it over there today, I'll bring the camera.
Well, it's time to start getting ready for the rest of the day. So little time, so much to do....
Happy sewing!
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