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)

surfacing and planning

I'm still around and I'm still sewing. I just haven't been blogging. I'm almost finished with Simplicity 3880--I need to add the ties to the pant's hems. I'm already cut out the fabric for the Jalie tunic and I will start sewing tomorrow. After the tunic top, I think I'll make a pair of pants, either one of the Ottobre Women designs or one of the new Jalie designs.

Progress!

I've decided that Simplicity 3880 will be the product of slow sewing--no rushing on this project. On Sunday, I cut out the pattern and made a muslin to test for fit. I prewashed the fabric, cut out the fashion fabric and interfaced all the necessary pieces. Last night I made all of the pocket flaps (trimmed with white lace), and I attached the front pockets (front yoke, linings, pocket flap, button and buttonhole). I read the instructions for the sewing the fly zipper several times last night before I went to sleep. The illustrations aren't very clear, and it's confusing trying to figure out the relationship between the "big" dot and the bottom of the zipper. And the fly pieces in this pattern are separate pattern pieces from the pants front (they are sewn on). I just went through it step by step and I have to say that I think I have success! I put the darts in the back pieces before I decided to call it a night. Next up: the cargo and patch pockets for the legs and hips.

In order to inspire my progress, I've started pinning the completed fabric pieces to Dolly--it's great. I can see my pants slowly taking shape. Dolly is also wearing a blouse made from the same fabric I plan to use for a new top. It's great--I can see how the colors will work together. Right now, I'm wondering about the fabric weight for the cargo pants. I'm using a lightweight canvas (bright yellow!), and I'm concerned (at this late date) that they might be more than a bit transparent when worn in sunlight. Ah, well, I'll see what happens.

Dancing with the Stars - Costumes

Well, I'm not a regular viewer of Dancing with the Stars. I am very sad that Woz was eliminated. He isn't the most graceful performer but you could really see is heart. Note to performers: Woz was voted out when he didn't show any expression in his face (or when he wore a serious expression on his face). Your facial expression is the most important part of your performance, especially when you are dancing for votes.

In any case, I read an article on Sunday's SF Gate (San Francisco Chronicle) website: an interview with Randall Christensen, the costumer for all the competitors on the US version of Dancing with the Stars. Ahh, the magpie in me would love to see his fabric stash. There is no such thing as too much glitter. I'm also intrigued by his comments regarding cutting clothing on the bias. Enjoy!


Dressing 'Up" Dancing Stars

I'm still here

Well, my sewing mojo disappeared for a while. I think that it might be surfacing. I had the brown and white version of the Jalie 2793  on Dolly (my dressmaking mannequin) for close to 2 weeks without change. I wasn't inspired to finish it, even though all that is left are the hems. I just didn't like the colors for spring. So, to get it off my plate, I mentally cataloged it as a muslin, and I decided to make one from the turquoise and brown print. I made myself finish in in two rounds of sewing, so I could wear it to work, which I did. I'm not certain that this is the pattern for me, though. I am planning on making it in one more combination--a white floral cotton lycra jersey, with white bands. I hope that the effect will be very spring-like.

While Dolly wore the brown and white muslin, I did make a muslin of HotPatterns Deco Vibe Flippy Skirt I like it. I'll have to cut out a 'real version'. The pattern pieces are simple enough, but the end results is very nice. As several reviewers have noted, I have to be careful with matching edges. But my next project which is Simplicity 3880, which is a Threads magazine collection pattern that is now out of print. I'm making view B, the cargo pants. I actually made a muslin (no pictures) to check the fit, and instructions. I've cut out the pattern pieces, interfaced what needs to be interfaced, and I've already have sewn up the pocket flaps, trimmed with lace. I'm actually excited by this project, so I'm hoping I can finish them this week. I need some pants that fit nicely.

I spent a good chunk of time working on the pants yesterday and today. I wanted to spend more time today, but I had to fix (well, replace) my bike basket. Last summer, I bought a bike to ride to work (and exercise), and of course, if I'm riding to work, I need a basket to haul stuff. I asked the bike shop to install a front handle basket. Well, the brace, which holds the basket to the handlebars, broke sometime over the winter. And after I removed basket and the brace from my bike, I realized that all the brace's parts were plastic, and even I got replacement parts, the design is flawed. So off to REI to get a WALD basket. It took a while for me install it (including a trip to the hardware store to replace a stripped screw. Have you ever purchased something for 11 cents and received a receipt? One guy helped me determine the proper size metal screw (I brought the bad screw and the WALD brace with me), and told me it cost 11 cents. He was going to ring it up, but he started helping other customers in the nails/screws/bolts aisle. I went to the cashier, told him it was 11 cents. He accidentally rang the sale up for 2 screws (he saw my stripped screw). I was surprised that the price came up to 24 cents. The cashier fixed it, when I pointed out the error, but it wasn't' until I was in the car driving home did I realize how frugal (or cheap!) I must have appeared.

Other stuff I want to work on: I'm waiting for my Jalie patterns to arrive. I'm joining the jeans-sew-along on PatternReview.com. I have some denim in the stash that will be fun to work with. I also want to make a woven blouse. I want to wear something more businesslike to work other than knit blouses. I also purchased a book by Adele Margolis, "Making your own patterns." I think that it's great bedtime reading, along with pattern instructions--right now, my clothing needs a number of alterations for the clothing to look good, so I'm hoping that reading this book will be helpful.

Thank you to the House of Kent!

I would like to thank Peggy of The House of Kent blog for showcasing my blog earlier this week. Thank you, Peggy! :)

The House of Kent

Catching up

Sorry! No pictures today! It's been close to a month since I've last posted. Work has been keeping me busy: we had some layoffs, and my job has been restructured a bit (but I'm still employed, which is very nice).

I'm close finishing the first version of Jalie 2793. I should have something to share later today. Marita asked: I selected the the dark brown and cream abstract print jersey, with dark brown bands. When I look at it, I can see that these are Fall Winter colors. I like the overall effect, but right now, I'm craving brighter clothing to wear. I have some abstract (non-floral) print jersey's in my stash that don't have a lot of black in them, as well as an interesting jersey with a large paisley border (purchased very recently from Fabrix in SF).