planning for a long weekend

January is turning into the month of de-stashing and de-cluttering. I've entered the PR stash contest-and I'm currently at 1.75 yards, so I haven't been sewing. I did manage to go through my stash and identify materials I will not use. I managed to bring 3 boxes of crafty trim and knitting stuff to a BABES meeting (BABES - a group of local sewists). I also gave some stuff to my co-worker who is going to send them to his sisters who quilt (and live in Iowa). I did manage to acquire more fabric. I carpooled to the BABES meeting with a friend who had never been to Happy Stop, so I had to introduce her to Simon. I managed to leave with a modest 9 yards: two lengths suitable for trousers or sheath dresses, and one blouse length.

I was unable to locate the key to the lock in my storage unit, so my luggage has been in my bedroom for the past month. I've been very annoyed while walking around it every morning. I've also spent several nights each week looking for the key without success. One the tech guys at work told me that they had some bolt cutters! I borrowed them and I cut the lock on my storage unit. My luggage is out of my apartment and locked away (with a combination lock--the combination is taped to my fridge). Since January 1, I've probably (re) gained more floorspace, probably a 3 by 4 foot patch. It's small, but it's progress!

While I was going through my stash, I came across several UFOs, including 3 unfinished pairs of Jalie 2909 trousers. They were neatly packed away in zip bags in various stages of completion. My goal during this long weekend is finish at least 1 pair. I'm laundering some stash fabric, so I can make another Simplicity 3684 blouse. If I can make two garments this weekend, I'll be very happy

I'm also laundering some stash fabric from a previous BABES meeting.

01-01-11 and 09-2010-121

I could not resist posting on such an auspicious day-it's quite binary! I've been working at home while watching the SyFy channel's Twilight Zone marathon.

I have sewn one garment: the BurdaStyle 09-2010-121 turtleneck top. When I organized my stash yesterday, I came across a purple/white/grey/black animal knit print that I purchased last February at Michael Levine's Loft in Los Angeles. It's a nice bright colored pattern which I think is suitable for winter in Northern California. I managed to use about half of the piece of fabric - about 1 and 3/4 yards, so I'm off to a good start for the PatternReview contest. I had to enlarge the pattern (Burda's pattern goes up to a size 44 and I am larger), and add a FBA (which meant that I added a dart). It's really funny, I didn't worry at all when doing the alterations--I just measured the pattern flat, measured me and pulled out my Real Fit for Real People and I made the changes. It was a very smooth process.

I finished the neckline using Summerset's suggested technique, which ensures that the turtleneck remains folded while wearing it. I made three other versions last weekend and I'm consider this pattern a TNT. PatternReview has 17 reviews already--I haven't added mine yet and I can see why it's popular.

Happy New Year!

I want to wish health and happiness to everyone in 2011. I think that it's been a tough year on many levels.

I have been spending the past few weeks working and recovering from the cough that I caught in Egypt. I'm mobile and able to go into work, but dang, when I start coughing, everything stops for about 5 minutes.

I've spent this afternoon re-organizing some of my fabric stash and trying to sort out fabric that I'm not going to use and that I should donate/trade/gift. I'm going to do the same thing with my clothing. I just have too much fabric in my apartment. I'm participating in PatternReview's Stash contest, so I need to clear out space for new garments in my closets and drawers. I have several TNT patterns for tops that will work nicely, including the BurdaStyle 9-2010-121 turtleneck that I managed to trace off and sew earlier this week. Since I can make these patterns over and over again, I should take the opportunity to clear out tops that I no longer wear.

The massive amounts of sewing related stuff are making me feel uncomfortable and I'm glad that I'm sorting through things. Last night I went through and organized my sewing magazines (Burda, Knip, Threads) to clear out some space. I managed to pull out my UFO's (Un - Finished Objects) from under my sewing table (when I reached a stopping point on the project, I put it in a 3-4 gallon ziplock bag and tossed it under the table. Out of sight= out of mind). I seem to have more trousers projects than I remember.

I'm not buying any more fabric until I go to Los Angeles in March (fingers crossed that my plans work out). I did manage to buy some more fabric for Christmas New Year's presents for my coworkers, as well as a quick trip to Fabrics R Us in San Jose for garment fabric. I'm was sad to realize that Fabrics R Us has consolidated to two storefronts, instead of the three that I'm accustomed to seeing. I worry about the fabric stores and vendors--I am seeing more sales announced more frequently: I sense more tough times ahead. I hope that my friends and colleagues remain in business.

My goals? To consume what I purchase (to reduce on stashing--if I can purchase it once, then I can purchase it again. I don't need to buy it all at once); to take a worldview on events (to look at things from a perspective more widely than my own); and to take pleasure in simple things.

Also, if I'd appreciate it if I could find the key to my storage unit, so I can put my luggage away. :)

Stash busting- Bundle of Love and Artistry in Fashion

I saw the SlapDash Sewist's post on the Bundle of Love project and it sounded so timely, that I'm participating. The post I linked to does a great job summarizing the project, so I'm not going to add any more information. I'm just back from a trip to the post office to pick up some boxes so I can get some stuff in the mail early next week.

My stash (fabric, buttons, zippers, pins, threads, hand needles, yarn (! I don't even knit any more) and other notions that I have picked up at estate/garage sales) overflowth the storage shelves, closets, rubermaid bins, cabinet drawers, cardboard boxes, etc and honestly it's overwhelming. The lack of stash organization is contributing to the problem. I need to dramatically decrease the volume. I literally can't buy any more sewing stuff because I have too much stuff and I need to quickly get it out the house. The Bundle of Love project seems to fit the bill.

Oh yes, my refrigerator is fixed, so no doubt this urge to destash is heavily influenced by:

1. Rapid destashing of refrigerator/freezer contents. it was a very annoying event, but gracious, it's nice have all that room in the fridge/freezer.
2. Embarrassment of having the landlady and repair person tread their way through a nascent hoarders apartment. All elements of my fabric stash are in the same line of sight as my TV and when I channel surf and come across one of those hoarders reality tv shows, I have to rapidly change the channel. Why watch the show, when I'm so very close to living it! LOL!
3. The change in the seasons and recognition that I will be spending more time in my apartment than outside, since winter (such as it is in the San Francisco Bay Area) is coming.

On another note: Artistry in Fashion is taking place this week at Canada College, Redwood City, CA. I'm planning on attending. Sandra Betzina is having a fashion show at 11:00 in the theater and a bunch of sewing BABES from Pattern Review are getting together at 10:30 ~10:45 to watch the show. They have changed the venue and are holding the sales booths outdoors. It looks like it should be a lovely weekend.

Artistry in Fashion - Main site

Discount Coupon and map of directions <--print this out and get $1 off admission.

Map with Location details

May Recap

What did I sew during the Merry Month of May?

Six pairs of Marrakesh pants.

1. one in heavy rayon suiting (from Fabrics R Us in San Jose via the stash).
2. one in a slate grey flannel (from the stash from somewhere). I honestly cannot remember how I acquired this fabric. My stash may be reproducing on it's own--it would explain all the lint I find in my apartment.
3. one in a green textured linen (from Elliot Berman, owned less than 2 weeks before cutting!). These are fun, because I used a quilting cotton in a US dollar print for the pockets and waistband lining--I'll always have money in my pockets!
4. one in wild burgundy and cream plaid, with a lime green line (from a Hancock Fabrics store closure, from the stash, and it's at least a year old). And yes, I matched the plaids on all the seams, including the center back seam which matches horizontally, but not vertically (because the plaid is uneven). I love these pants---they remind me of a pair of Perry Ellis plaid pants that I wore when I was in high school. I still have those pants--I'm never going to fit in them again, but just looking at them in my closet makes me smile.
5. one in a reddish-pink cottony/lineny blend. This pair of pants frays whenever I launder it-these pants are not going to last through the summer because the I didn't take the time to finish all the seams. The allowances are topstitched down, but the unfinished edges are going to erode away like a cliffside hit by ocean waves at high tide (from Fabrics R Us, owned less than 1 week before cutting).
6. one embroidered khaki linen/cotton blend (from Happy Stop, owned less than 1 week before cutting). A fun neutral color, but the embroidery makes it a little more special than the plain khaki pants that are all over Silicon Valley.

After sewing six pairs of these pants, I can sew this pattern from memory, including the fly zipper. Sewing the Marrakesh pattern from memory doesn't mean that I didn't make mistakes, but I was able to catch them and fix them before they went too far. Regarding zippers: I watched the Threads/Sandra Betzina video a few times while I was sewing the first two pairs, but last night when I pulled out my pattern for the BWOF 402 pants (I need to have more trousers in my wardrobe rotation), I didn't hesitate to put in the zipper for muslin. I must have been upset when I last tried sewing the 402 pants, as I found the pattern all crumpled up. Luckily, Swedish tracing paper irons very well.

More sewing--Four Sunshine tops:

1. one in purple & white stretch (rayon & lycra?) fabric from Michael Levine Loft (purchased in February 2010.
2. one in a brown tribal cotton lycra (from an online coop, via the stash, at least 1 year old). This may be too informal for work, but it's great to wear on weekends
3. A combination of a black rayon/lycra and a remnant of black/red/white/beige stretch lycra (from Happy Stop, at least 3 years old). Definitely suitable for work.
4. A black and white small/geometric stretch lycra, from a BABES exchange, I think (age unknown). I debated using a solid color for the collar and I elected not to. I think that was not the best decision. The result is a very busy looking shirt. I'll wear it a couple of times before I decide if it's a pass/fail.

I can understand why this pattern is so popular--it's a great/fashionable shirt that got a little more going on than a simple t-shirt--its very flattering. But it's easy to sew.

And I made two other tops:

1 Simplicity 4076 (the simple t-shirt) made from a red and white chain-link patten (from Gorgeous Fabrics from about 4 years ago, via the stash). Definitely suitable for work. I like it because it's bright.

1 Burda 7970 T-shirt, made from a Gustav Klimt cotton lycra from Fabrix (owned less than 2 weeks before cutting). Very suitable--I wore it today. It might be better for Fall/Autumn, but I really like the rich colors.

1 Simplicity 2614. This is a pullover top (made from a woven) and it's custom fit pattern (A-D cups). Another plus is that it doesn't require buttonholes. Laura--thank you bringing this pattern to my attention. I made two muslins, the second one in a clearly defined striped shirting, which didn't seem to work. The back and lower front is cut on the bias (which is why you can pull it on over your head) and the stripes just look awkward. I think that a small scale pattern (floral or checks) will work better. I did pull some fabrics out of the stash for this project, but I got busy with other patterns.

I also have one garment which hasn't quite reached UFO status--one pair of McCall's shorts--I need to re-cut the waistband, and attach that. It's been sitting at my cutting table for 2 weeks.

I also went through part of my fabric and notion stash (I'd get overwhelmed if I went through ALL of it). I pulled out and re-folded some of my knits and stretch fabrics, selecting some for the different t-shirts tops that I planned on sewing (but I didn't get around to sewing ALL of them LOL!). I also went through my stash of interfacing, and I think that I'm set for the next few years, unless someone figures out a way to make garments completely out of interfacing. *smile*

There was a meme travelling around the blogosphere --Me-Made-May*. I followed along, trying to wear clothing that I had made (of course, I didn't take any pictures). I had problems on Fridays--we have casual Fridays at work, and while I have made some jeans, I just don't like the way they fit. So one of my upcoming projects is to make another pair of jeans (or pants from denim), so I have something to wear on Fridays.

*There will be a follow up in the Fall, Self-Stitched September, so maybe I'll try to participate in that.

Marlene Dietrich Pants Burda Plus 02-2007-402

I finished another pair of pants! Burda Plus 02-2007-402 is a wide legged pair of pants with a contour waistband (Burda calls this "Marlene Dietrich style").

I'm getting pretty fast at technically sewing pants, but fitting the pants is taking as long as the actual sewing. So this pair took me about 2 days of actual sewing (probably 7-8 hours total), which includes tracing the pattern, making a muslin, a trip to the store to get matching thread for the fashion fabric, a two day rest period. I made the version without the cuffs and the creases, so I know that saved me some time. I spent this morning finishing the waistband, adjusting the fit in the back and hemming. Based on the muslin, I lengthened the front and back crotch seams (by extending the pattern pieces). When I was fitting the pants, it seems like I removed all the fabric that I added. I guess that the inseam stretched. I think that I'll have to play around with the fit on the back a bit (right now, they fit as well as any ready-to-wear LOL!), but I think that this pants pattern can be moved into my pattern repertoire. If I can get a decent picture of the back with me in it, I'll post. There are some wrinkles that could be removed, but I can't figure out what alteration to make.

I am planning on making this pattern again--this pair was made from some brushed cotton twill ("brushed cotton" = "extra lint" in the sewing machine) from my stash. It spent a relatively short time in my stash--I purchased it from an online coop in the Spring. It's a nice olive green and more of a heavyweight twill than a medium. It's definitely a casual fabric. I have some other striped (pinstripes) that will change the look a bit.

The picture above is a true depiction of the color. I'm going to have to get a real tripod and figure out a standard pose for these project photos. If I wear these with a tucked in blouse (not my usual style), I will definitely add a belt.

Here is a hanger picture of the front:

Picture of the rear (hanger)

PatternReview located here.

McCall's 5857 - Shorts! and Future Projects

I decided to take a break from the BWOF 9-2005-129 pants because of a heat wave we are currently experiencing in the San Francisco Bay area. One item that is lacking from my wardrobe are shorts. I stopped wearing them several years ago for no particular reason. Temperatures are supposed to reach the upper nineties in the next few days (and I live on the Peninsula, so it's going to be hotter than living in SF). After spending close to three weeks away from work, I have grown tired of wearing yoga pants all the time. Note: the pants made from KwikSew 3115 or 2723 -- the shorts lengthened to capri pants. With this heatwave, shorts are a good idea.

I pulled this pattern out of my stash and I decided to make view C (the longer shorts without the cuffs). For my first pair, I tissue-fitted (re: Pants for Real People) and compared the front and back crotch lines to the Burda pants. I added inches along the front and back crotch line, grading up along the inseam. I need to find out if there is some formula about adding inches to the crotchline: if you add 1-2 inches along the crotchline, how far down do you go along the inseam? 5 inches? 6 inches? I've just been eyeballing it and guessing, but if there is a rule of thumb, I'd appreciate hearing it. I'll take another look at Real Pants for Real People to find out if I missed this detail.

I have made two pairs of shorts: one from a navy blue plaid seersucker (when I wear these, I feel like I'm stolen my dad's boxer shorts) and a brown pinstriped mystery fabric. Both are from Fabrix in SF, the plaid bought years ago. Each pair of shorts took a yard and 1/8 of 60 inch width fabric. I'm getting better at fitting--the fabric hangs very well and nothing seems to be pulling. I do need to work on fitting waistbands --I'm allowing too much length and I'm getting gaps in the back. I can wear a belt with this pattern, so practically speaking this problem is taken care of, but it's one more item that I'd like to add to my skill list.

The pattern does go together very nicely! After tracing my Burda patterns, it's very nice to be able to cut pattern tissue and not add seam allowances. I usually add seam allowances when I'm cutting out my fabric. I use shears and my cutting table is a foldable cardboard surface that I lay out on my carpet. I'll be honest, the seam allowances are probably not even. But when I use a pattern that I purchased on sale from J's, I don't have to worry about tracing or seam allowances, so it's one less thing to set this awry. In any case, the hip pockets and front hip yokes line up very well. Wow. All together it's taken be about a day to sew each pair of shorts, If I pushed it, I probably could finish one pair in day. Thanks to my experiences with different pants patterns I feel very comfortable sewing yoke pockets and doing a fly zipper. I'm so glad I have a large stash of everything.

Future projects: I want to work on is Vogue 8555, a dress (view A, with the sleeves and pegged skirt). I have several pieces of cotton sateen that would be suitable for this dress. If I choose the right fabrics and colors, I should be able to wear this into late autumn. Because of the construction, I definitely need to make a muslin.

Line Drawings below:

I also want to make BWOF 05-2009-110. I've seen several really nice versions of this top: Michelle at Cheap and Picky (see the posts from September 2009) has been working with this pattern and I have gotten some good ideas. Thank you, Michelle!

Question: if you do not have a photographer on site, how are you taking pictures of your finished garments: I can do a hanger photograph, I can put blouses and dresses on my mannequin, but pants seem to need a fashion shot. I've figured out how to use the self-timer on my camera, but the pictures seem very blah... any suggestions?

New Project! Simplicity 3796

I had a post-surgery appointment with my doctor today and I was able to clarify what I can and cannot do physically and why I should avoid certain moves. I'm feeling very good over all. I foresee long walks in the next few weeks, but no crunches or strenuous stuff for another 6 weeks or so (or driving for another week). And I should make certain I don't overdo anything.

The end result is that I'm clear for sewing. Yay! After returning home from having lunch with my great friend (who has been taking to me to my appointments and shopping for food) it took me about 20 minutes of sitting around before I realized I could be cutting out fabric! My first choice: Simplicity 3796, which is a pattern for drawstring pants, shorts, and skirts. I'm making View A out of mystery fabric from Happy Stop in Oakland. It's black and it's kind of a seersucker with a crosswise stretch, fiber content unknown. I washed the fabric (and a couple of other pieces) before I went on leave from work, so it's ready to go.

I'm hoping this pattern works for wearing of the next few weeks while I'm home from work. If it's not too pajama-like, I might be able to wear it to work. That all depends on the fit. A few nights ago I cut out the pattern pieces (there are about 5 of them) and tried tissue-fitting the pattern using Pants for Real People, by Pati Palmer and Marta Alto. I ended up adding to the crotch length significantly (page 29). I like this book because it has photos and drawings, so I can find a woman who's body resembles mine and I can see how the tissue pattern was fitted, and I can see what alterations were made to the pattern. It's great for when I'm comparing wrinkles in in the mirror with wrinkles in the photo in the book. I'll have further proof when how well it works when I assemble everything and try it on tomorrow morning.

Tonight I was able to cut the pattern pieces out of the fabric, sew the yokes, outside seams and sew on the patch pockets. Tomorrow morning, I will sew the inseams, crotch, and casing/drawstring--I don't want to sew them tonight as I don't want to make a mistake that I'll have to pick apart tomorrow. One change I'm making is that the pattern calls for using twill tape as the draw string--I'm going to make the drawstring out of the fashion fabric, probably with an elastic extension in the back.

I'm so glad that the sewing drought is over! I'm ready to watch Project Runway and the Model show tonight. I feel like I'm moving forward!

Jalie 2787 and onto trousers!

I decided to take a break from pants and sew something easy.  Well, relatively easy for me: a knit top!  I selected Jalie 2787, women's criss-cross top, in the 3/4 sleeve version.  I traced out the pattern one evening, then sewed it a few nights later.  It went together very quickly--I cut it out and assembled all in one evening.  I like the fit, I like the drapes--there is enough drape in the bodice top that my it fits well, not too tight or too loose.  The pattern is designed that it can be used by nursing moms--uhh, not my situation, but that's not apparent to anyone but the wearer.   I selected a lovely black and white floral jersey with a bit of sparkle that was gifted to me at the last BABES meeting--thank you, Georgene!  I'll try to take pics this weekend.  I'm already planning on making it again. 

Tonight I traced out an old BWOF pattern from the plus section of September 2005, #129 . Here is the BWOF-September-129  technical drawing.   Earlier this year, I purchased some Knip XL issues.  I saw a very similar pattern for cargo pants, that features the curved insert on the front leg, as well as lots of pockets.   I really liked them and my original plan was to puzzle though the Dutch instructions as well as stretching my sewing skills.   Of course, I am at the beginning side of the learning curve for sewing trousers,  so I decided to hone my skills with an English language pattern.   When I came across this pattern, I decided that I'll start with this one.  I have this one traced, and I'll flat pattern measure it (thank you for the suggestion, Mary Beth!).   I think that the BWOF trousers are more fitted/less baggy, and I'll skip the extra pockets until I get a great fit.   

Well, we'll see what happens.  :)

Spring time!

I finished Jalie 2793. I'm very happy with the result. It's great to have a spring/summer blouse. I used two fabrics: the main fabric is from Lucy's from a few years ago. the other white interlock is from my stash. I made it with the ties because I wanted to make certain I had some waist definition. I did a little bit of an FBA by adding about 1/4 inch to the bodice (the lower bust curve). It's a little long--when I wear it, it ends at about midthigh but I like the length.





-- I like the camisole insert--it preserves modesty and it has an interesting construction that provides for a very neat finish. Someone on PatternReview is asking about the many decorative stitches on sewing machines--I felt inspired to use one of the herringbone (stretch) instead of topstitching to finish the ties and the for the hemline.



Total fabric used = 2 yards! (plus 4 more for muslins)

It's only fabric. It's only fabric...

I've been busy at work with various projects, but tonight while watching the Academy Awards I traced out Jalie 2793. This is a banded tunic top with inset sleeves. I like the look, especially since this version already comes with a insert. I imagine that I'll work this pattern to death make it up several times so I'll have a TNT (Tried N True) pattern.

Now comes fabric selection. I have a large stash of fabric from a variety of sources. I'm planning on using the dark brown jersey for the band (top row, second from the right). I'm still deciding on the other fabric. Fabric sources from left to right, top row: Happy Stop, Fashionista Fabrics, Diva Friend, Diva Friend; second row, Happy Stop, Fabric store in New Orleans (Garden District I can't remember the name), Fashionista Fabrics, and Happy Stop. I didn't pull the two brown animal print fabrics, or the dark brown and turquoise dots (more abstract) from my stash bins. I like having a selection, but sometimes too much fabric makes it difficult for me to make a decision.



I hadn't realized that two fabrics have the same colors, but different patterns (one is brown paisley, the other is the brown larger scale floral): these two fabrics along with the blue pucci style have an olivey green in them. This presents some fun sewing opportunities: using the paisley as bands for the larger floral and/or finding an olivey green to use as a border for the blue piece. Or use the olivey green as the main fabric and the patterned fabric as the border. Of course, I'll have to look for the olivey green jersey. I could also look for a light brown/tan jersey and do the same thing with the other fabrics. :)

I think that I'll start with the abstract brown and beige fabric in the upper left with the brown bands. It's a pretty fabric, but it's the one I like the least. I can get paralyzed by too many options, so I just need to get a move on it.

Sigh, I broke down this weekend and participated in an online sale and bought more fabric. Way more that I needed, but I'm sure I *knew* that as I decided to purchase. Sigh.

Another Tea Cozy, another hard-won yard!

While sipping my morning tea, I was disappointed that it got cold fairly quickly. So I made another tea cozy! after selecting the fabric, it took me 2 hours. I added some appliques to the outside again. I like have the ravens disappear into the fabric, and I couldn't imagine using the owl for anything else.



I'm also including a link to show how the different pattern pieces work together. The red part is the lining, the brown is the stripe, and the yellow is the outside.




Stash usage = 1 more to the total!, 12.75 for the 2009 so far!

pic of the other side

Ten to Midnight

This wasn't on my list, but I decided to sew a tea cozy.  I made one for a friend for Christmas, so I  know how to make it.  The pattern has been cut out.  I have no qualms cutting a craft pattern because there are no fitting problems.  clothing patterns are usually traced, unless I have a second copy.  Oh! those pattern sales! :)

It took me about 3 hours to make this, including ironing the fabric that I had stored in one of those huge ziploc bags.  I wasn't certain if I was going to finish it.  But I stopped sewing at ten to midnight.  I was reaching that dangerous time:  tired, but wanting to finish before I went to sleep, the time when you can't judge if you are making a mistake that you will rip out later or if you will work!  And you then you think twice, then three times, and then you know you are tired and but you keep going, until you need to rip something out.  I think that I did okay--my mind didn't range that far.  Nothing looks like it should be ripped out, but I'll know for sure in the morning! LOL !  I had better make certain that I have unplugged my iron, though.  I know that my sewing machine is turned off.

I used Simplicity Pattern 4341, view A (the larger cozy), which uses about a yard of fabric all together and a 1/4 of insulated lining.  For whimsy, I sewed on some appliques that I purchased at an estate sale:  some flowers on one side and a ladybug on the other.  The outside fabric is so busy (some aubergine colored quilting fabric with wine labels, that the appliques kind of disappear, which I like.  It does make me wish I had some ant appliques to sew onto a cake-patterned cozy).  To close it, I used some knit drawstring (similar to that found in commercial sweatpants) from SF SCRAP and some stretchy round elastic that I had in my stash.  When I have time, I'll do a formal review:  you need three different colors (or patterns) of fabric to make the pattern look good.  Also, the lining fabric  (which should be dark, I think, because it's gonna get tea all over it), peeks out on top.  I'm going to take it into work to use on the teapot at my desk.  

I took this to work today and I was able to take a couple of pictures before left for the day.

Tea at my desk 

1 yard to add to the stash total.  I think that this would make a nice gift (quick, pretty, and it can be personalized) so I'll add the label it as a gift.  

[Edited to add]  Three hours to remove one yard of fabric from my stash!  Yikes, I need to make a dress.  Or think quality, not quantity.  Or don't worry at all.  

Off to sleep, perchance to dream....

Recounting January

Several people are adding end-of-month posts that summarizes what the month's accomplishments.   I think that I did okay regarding some of my 2009 goals:  I did not buy any fabric from stores or online.  I did succumb to some fabric from an estate sale and when I went to SCRAP in SF.   At SCRAP, a shopping bag of fabric was $5.  I could not resist.  I also got some rhinestone buckles (10 cents each!) and some fold over elastic.  Total cost = about $8  (the lady who works the register kind of eyeballs the stuff you  have on the counter and tells you how much you owe. 

Other goals need more work.  I did buy new sewing patterns, too.   I need to figure out how to break the pattern buying habit:  those pattern sales are my downfall.    I don't think that I could ever purchase a pattern at full price.  In the mean time, I have boxes of patterns in my living space.  Sigh.

Sewing:  I made Burda Sweater top (from November 2007), so that used about 1.75 yards.   I have made this pattern before.   Wait!  I messed up the assembly, so I had to re-cut several of the pieces- another 0.5 yard!  (2.25 yards)   I am not certain if I will hold onto this top--the fabric is a raschel/flat sweater knit that I bought from Fabrix in SF several years ago.  I think that the fiber content is synthetic--the fabric looks very shiny and cheap (as opposed to being fabric was just inexpensive).

Burda 7970--I'm trying to make this one a TNT pattern. I think that I have succeeded--I can practically make it in my sleep.   I made a black and white (jersey knit) version of Burda 7970,  as well as a purple stretch velvet version (with a white collar accent), so that is another 1.75 yards.  I also used that pattern to make a black/white/pink floral mesh blouse, which I lined with black mesh, so that mean I used 3.5 yards for this version (7 yards total!)

Over this past weekend, I made fleece socks from KwikSew 2527.  I have made these before--they are are great to wear around my apartment (I remove my shoes after entering my home).  I also wear them when I go to sleep--no cold toes!  I made two pairs from some fleece scraps I bought at Joann's in December.  I bought the fleece for some Christmas gifts before I found different material to use.  Now I can discard my earlier/wornout versions of these socks.  I used about 1 yard of fabric for the socks.

I also made a camisole top from KwikSew 3115, also made from mesh, also lined.  I skipped the shelf bra, because I'm planning on wearing it over my regular bra.  The pattern takes about  0.5 yards, doubled (because of the lining), that's 1 yard.  I was also able to use some of the foldover elastic from SCRAP.

Jeesh!  I think that is 9 10.75  yards!   When I add it up, that number looks pretty good!  When I add the previous figure, it's 13.25 15  yards sewn for 2009!

February projects on deck:  

1. I need to make certain I have flattering dance costume I can wear later this month at a performance.   This will be a folkloric costume:  I have the sparkly black and white, I have the pattern (a variant of Jalie's polo shirt pattern).  I have also done this before, so it shouldn't be so bad.  
2. I also like the idea of working a pattern to death and making it a TNT (TNT = Tried and True, I think that many sewists has adopted this terminology from Carolyn).  I think that I have done this with several patterns (e.g. KS 3115, both top and bottom views), as well as several BWOF tops.  I traced out a skirt pattern and I made a muslin (Oh! more yardage 1.75 yards), so I do have adjust it.  While digging through the pattern stash I found a copy of Burda 7947, which is a skirt that has interesting piecing . I will need to alter the pattern to fit, as I am out of the size range.
3. I'm expecting 2 pattern magazines:  the February issue of BWOF, as well as Patrones.  I received the Burda Plus issue.  I might make something from one of these issues.

Two sewing goals are enough.  That's all for now!

Checking in

Not much going on.  I managed to sew one more Burda 7970 top--a white cotton lycra with 3/4 sleeves (fabric purchased from Fabrics R Us in San Jose over a year ago).    So another 1 and 7/8 yards down.   Year to date total = 4.25 yards!  95.75 to go!

I'm going through my (massive) pattern collection,  for a skirt pattern.  Skirts seem to be less daunting than trousers.  Burda 8269 is a lovely pieced skirt--when I read though the pattern pattern instructions, I saw that the pattern required laying it out flat, in a single layer.  Yuck. I have the energy to trace out the pattern, and then lay it out:  10 separate pieces (2 that are facings).  Maybe I'll be able to do it this (long) weekend.

Shuffling the Deck - Trying to Void the Collyer Legacy

What did I do today?  I took a couple of whacks at the fabric stash, reshuffled it and re-organized it.

My mountain of fabric was overwhelming.  It was impossible to look through, difficult to find things and demoralizing to look at.   I saw a post on the local freecycle list for fabric scraps so that someone could sew clothes for her daughter's doll.   I was able to create two semi-large bags to pass along.  They contain some scraps  of fashion fabrics, quilting fabrics, as well as some large scrap pieces from my dance costumes that I have never created.  If I hear back from the freecycler, I think that she will be pleased.  Regarding my stash, I was able to organize the stash into knits and wovens, then by color (more or less).  I was also able to identify fabrics I would feel comfortable using as muslins.  and a few sorted scraps that weren't worth passing along were deposited in the dumpster.

The process was very strange and scary, because everywhere I turned, I came across another bag or stack of fabric.  Yikes.  I had no idea that I had acquired so much fabric!  It was a very disturbing discovery.   I really don't have any excuse to buy any more.   I have fabrics from several online vendors, several local jobbers, some lower quality stuff from local fabric chain stores, higher quality stuff from some high end fabric stores, as well as mystery fabrics that I got from estate sales, great quality cottons that I have purchased from quilting stores, and other mystery stuff.

I'm expecting two more fabric shipments:  one from Fashionista Fabrics, as well as some made-to-order fabrics from a coop.   I don't think that I'll have any problems NOT buying more material.  I still have to go through clothing closets and get rid of clothing that I have no intention of wearing.  I mean, if I sew even half of my fabric stash into dresses, blouses, skirts, and pants (or pajamas, jackets, fitness clothes), there would be no room even if my closets were empty.

Oh, regarding the black denim.  Another sewer the coop mailing list pointed out that it was normal for black denim to shed a lot of dye and that she usually pre-washes black denim 2-3 times before sewing.  Well, I was more than a bit concerned by the amount of dye in the dryer's drum.  Sigh.   I still have to remove the denim from my car trunk--I'll wash it again later this week.

Oh, as far as I am aware, I'm not related to the late Collyer Brothers.  :)

Another Burda 7970, Pre-Washing, and Possibly Damaged Fabric

I'm close to finishing another Burda 7970, this time in a red cotton lycra (fabric purchased from Fabrics R Us in San Jose). This version has short sleeves, so I guess it's about 1.5 yards of fabric.

One of my goals is to develop a great fitting pair of pants.  This afternoon I decided to pre-wash the denim fabrics that I have in my stash.   Pre-washing is a good idea for several reasons:  

1. It pre-shrinks the fabric. Why spend a lot of time creating a garment that fits only once (before it gets laundered).  All of my clothing has to be able to survive the washing machine, so it gets tossed in the washing machine, on HOT if it's cotton.   I don't dry clean a lot of my clothing, so I try to be brutal when pre-washing.  
2. It gets rid of lint.  I try to clean/vacuum my sewing machine after each project, vacuuming the bobbin area, the needle uptake, etc.  I used to wonder where all the dust came from.  I buy a lot of my fabric from fabric jobbers, where the fabrics probably been stored in less than desirable locations (less than desirable = open air, on the ground, outside in parking lots, garages, etc.)  This means that the fabric picks up a lot of dust.  I don't store my fabrics away in a closet, they are pretty much out in open air in my apartment, so this means, MORE dust.  Pre-washing removes a lot of lint.  I pre-washed some corduroy (still unsewn) and the dryer's lint case was full.  Well, now I know the origin of the dust.
3. It removes any chemicals or sizing that remain in the fabric.  Some sewists have had problems with allergies, I haven't had problems, but pre-washing couldn't hurt.

I'm sure that there are other good reasons, but these are the reasons I do it.

Well, I discovered that one of the pieces of denim is crocked, that it it's shedding dye all over the place.  The fabric was fine (it didn't shed anything) until it was in the washing machine an dryer.   The washing machine was full of lint, but nothing unusual since I didn't finish the ends of the yardage before I tossed it in the washing machine.  The dryer was worse--after I removed the fabric, the dryer was full of a dry black dust--stuff that had flaked off of the black denim.  I had to wipe it down for about 10 minutes.  The lint case was full of black dust, not fibers, but dust.   And worse, when I put the fabric on the clothes line (did I mention that it was 5.5. yards?) the dust that was still on the fabric flaked off on my sweatshirt and on the clothes line.  Yuck.  I hope that the dye piece flake off the clothesline and don't stain my neighbors' clothing.   I folded up the piece as best I could and I put in a garbage bag in my car trunk.  I just could not face bringing it back into my apartment.

I purchased this piece of fabric online from a coop and I read that some of the other purchasers had reported  some problems when the fabric was washed.  It looks like there are two sets of black denim that were sold:  one set that is crocked and the other set that shreds/falls apart after being sewn.   I'm not certain if my purchase was from the group that shreds apart.  If it is, then I'll free-cycle it.   I was able to put some synthrapol in the washing machine, so the dye did not travel to the other piece of cheaper fabric chainstore denim.   

The next question, should the 5.5 yards count in my stash-busting?  :)

Stash Busting 2009 - Day 1

1 and 7/8 yards down, 98 yards to go! 

I made a simple long-sleeved t-shirt from some black and white fabric that I purchased from Happy Stop in Oakland, CA.  I used Burda pattern 7970, which is a simple scoop neck darted t-shirt.  I had to raise the neckline (which is a standard Burda alteration), and do a FBA.  When I traced the pattern, I kinda fudged the FBA but the finished garment fit very well, so this is a keeper.

I need more basic, yet dressy-ish tops for work.  I'm planning on using this pattern to make other t-shirts out of solid colored fabrics.  My stash contains a lot of bright print jerseys or wild prints:  I need to round out my work wardrobe with tops in some solid colors, so they will coordinate with some skirts I'm planning on sewing.   Sewing solid colors will be a great exercise, because solid color garments will display all the stitching and seams.  I have the solid colored knits material in my stash, I just need to sew it.