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

domestic maintenance

My refrigerator broke again! The light goes on, but it's no longer keeping stuff cold. I lost a lot of stuff from my freezer, including homemade tamales, frozen lobster ravioli, frozen fish (1 salmon fillet and a bunch of pieces of frozen cod), felafel balls, ice cream including a new half gallon of french vanilla), butter. In the fridge portion, I lost some leftover food, cheese (new Parmesan flakes, condiment (ketchup, mayonnaise) and probably a whole bunch of other stuff that I can't bear to toss yet. This happened about a year ago. I'm so annoyed that it happened again. I know that I'm going to have to toss everything.

When I moved into this apartment 8 years ago, my frugal landlady bought the cheapest fridge in the store (I know, I checked) When I called her about the broken, she acted so affronted that it broke again. She wanted to know if I could stay home on Monday so I could be there when the repair person can. I can't--my job is really busy and she needs to deal with the maintenance issues. That is why I pay rent.

In other news, I was able to go to the San Mateo Quilt and Sewing show. There were was mix of different vendors: quilt, some sewing, and a number of trimming vendors. I bought some small plastic buckles, suitable for Jalie 2921, the scarf top. I almost bought some hot fix gemstones (they are really cool) but I couldn't couldn't decide on which designs to buy. I did watch some great Iron/steamer demonstrations. I know that I have reached a new level of sewing when I can contemplate an iron that costs more than $100.

I did sew two versions of Jalie 2921. It's a nice variation on a regular t-shirt. I do have some rhinestone circular buckles from SF SCRAP, but they are too large for the neck scarf. I was very happy to find the smaller buckles at the San Mateo Show. I might try to make another top tonight so I can wear it to work this week.

Self Stitched September!

I've been participating in Self Stitched September, but I have not been contributing pictures. We are 8 days into the month and I figure that this is worth a report. I've been wearing one of the several iterations of the Hotpatterns Marrakesh pants. It's still warm enough to wear the linen versions that I made earlier this summer, with one of the many knit tops (commonly the Hotpatterns Sunshine top).

I've also been working on the Jalie 2909 pattern. Right now I've decided to make a version out of denim for casual Fridays. Even though I have the Jalie Jeans pattern, I decided that I didn't want to take the time to trace out and fit the pattern, so I'm making it from Jalie 2909 (the very simple trousers pattern). I dug into my stash (literally, they were on the bottom shelf) and I pulled out some denim I purchased from an online coop. The denim is purported to be a factory overrun from 7 for all Mankind jeans. I prewashed it a while ago, and have had it tucked away until I had a great jeans pattern that fit me in a wonderful way. Well, I decided not to wait for a jeans pattern, but use a trousers pattern. I'm glad that I didn't wait.

I think that I have learned my lesson about cheap fabric---when I made my first pair of pants (about 2 years ago), I used cheap denim from a chain fabric store. Even though I've worn these jeans many times and I have laundered them roughly (no delicate wash for me!) , they are stiff and they have a waxy finish. When I folded away and stored the 7 for all Mankind denim (over a year ago), I didn't notice any difference from other denim but gracious, last night when I cut it out with my rotary cutter, it was like slicing butter. The quality of the fabric really comes through. I'm having a very easy time cutting, and sewing the fabric. It's got a lovely hand and I'm enjoying sewing this garment (when I sewed with the cheaper denim, I was almost fighting the fabric). I almost wish that I had purchased more of this lovely denim, but when I look at the volume of my stash, I'm glad that I didn't. But if I see premium denim for sale again, I will think twice! I should be able to finish the jeans tomorrow night during Project Runway--all I have to do is finish add the waistband and hem them.

There was some sad news earlier this week. Fred Bloebaum from La Fred passed away from pancreatic cancer. I'm glad that I have some of her patterns (her designs and from her personal collection). I know that I will enjoy sewing with them, and per her advice, I will always wear my favorite colors.

Ottobre Design Woman 5/2010

I'm waiting for the new Ottobre Woman to arrive (05/2010)--it should arrive any day now! I've subscribed to Ottobre women for several years. This is a Finnish pattern magazine is published twice a year (Spring/Summer, Autumn/Winter) in several languages, including English, German, Dutch, Finnish and Swedish. I love looking at the designs, models and fashion layouts. The Ottobre models represent a range of ages and body types, which is refreshing.

Why is this issue number 5 for 2010? Because Ottobre Design publishes other issues devoted to children, girls and boys. The designs are really cute, so if you have the opportunity to sew for young'uns you should check it out.

Ottobre Design Website

[True confessions: my primary impetus for posting this entry is to get two entries for a giveaway from Ottobre Women. That said, if I felt differently about Ottobre, I would not have written this. Please use your own judgment when reading anything on the web]

Self Stitched September and Jalie 2909

Earlier this summer I signed up for Self Stitched September. Last weekend I realized that September is only a few weeks days away, so I had better start stitching for the cooler faller weather. Well, starting on Monday, the San Francisco Bay area has been hit by a heat wave. It's been averaging 90 plus degrees in my area. I have found it challenging to pull the wool blends from my stash to sew. I decided that I need to make some winter/autumn weight (err...this is San Francisco Bay area winter/autumn weight, which means that while it might get cold, we don't get any snow or ice that doesn't melt away).

I have made progress, though. I have made 3 pairs of Jalie 2909, Women's Classic Trousers. As I mentioned earlier, this is a very simple pattern with 3 pieces. The pattern is designed for a fabric with 20% crosswise stretch (one of my favorite tips for a knit gauge is located here on the Sewing Diva's blog (not the current blog)) but you can alter the pattern for fabrics with zero stretch. Two of the pairs of trousers are suitable for autumn, in color and fabric weight (the summer weight pair was made from a pastel plaid---I'm going to try and wear them several times before the season is over). I've used stash fabric from Happy Stop, Fabrix, and Michael's (Yay! that's close to 9 yards!). I'm planning on making two more pairs, so I can wear one pair each day to work. When I finish making the trousers, I'm going to look at some tops, jackets and sweater tops.

Since I have altered the pattern so it fits, these pants a very fast sewing job (umm. I'm not putting in the crease and I'm adding belt loops. I should probably draft a contour waistband so it fits better). Cutting out the fabric is very quick (rotary cutter), and I can sew a fly zipper in 20 minutes. I'm not doing an elaborate seam finishing: just top stitching down the seam allowances with decorative stitches.

I'm going to try and use my bias tape collection to finish the seams. Now that I know that the pattern has been suitably altered, I can see that it will be easy to apply the bias tape before assembling the different pattern pieces. I have bazillions of yards and packets of bias and seam tape. Whenever I go to an estate sale that mentions sewing goods, I end up with more bias tape and zippers. My zipper drawers are full (yes, I have TWO drawers of all sorts of zippers), and I need to create a more organized space for the bias tape (and everything else in my apartment).

Speaking of estate sales, I found the mother load on Monday night, and it was right around the corner from my house. I had a trip planned to Costco and took a quick look at Craigslist. I saw that a "free stuff" listing that described "some sewing goods." Since the house was close by I decided to drop by. It turned that the previous owner (deceased several months earlier) was a serial crafter, from sewing to knitting to rug hooking to jewelry making. I was able to go through the items and ended up with a large amount of vintage patterns (including a lot of Stretch-and-Sew patterns), seam tape, more zippers, random yardage of nylon tricot in funky 1970s patterns, hem markers, and other stuff that I'm still going through. I ended up splitting the available collection of stuff with another sewist who was also going through the materials. My tiny little car was packed when I drove away. I told the young couple who were handling the distribution to call me if they found the button collection, but I also advised them that they could probably sell the buttons on eBay, especially if the buttons were on cards or that they would make a nice memento for someone in the family. I have an over abundance of fabrics and notions, so now I need to actually use some of it. When I go to estate sales, sometimes I see the foreshadowing of my own life....

August Accomplishments

I've been sewing a little bit, taking dance classes and have been watching way too much TV (as well as working and preparing for a work conference).

Sewing: I've made 2 more Simplicity 2614s. I still have a my muslin of Hot Patterns MoneyPenny PussyCat blouse to finish. I made one more pair of striped Hotpatterns Marrakesh pants. I used fabric with no stretch so they are slightly tight. I've put them away in the closet until I lose weight on my hips. I'm trying to eat less and exercise more.

I've also started working on a Jalie 2909, the simple trousers. I realize that Self-Stitched September is 2 weeks away. I need to make some autumn weight work clothing (autumn in the SF Bay area is not very cold). The Jalie 2909 pattern is very simple--there are 3 pattern pieces: the front, back and the waist band (okay, there is one more piece--the fly guard). I made what I think are my standard alterations: altering the back pattern piece for my full hips, which also includes lengthening the crotch and allowing for my full inner thighs. I'm almost finished with my first pair--I need to add the waistband, add the button closure and hem them. I'm planning on making further alterations: lengthening the hemline by 1 inch (right now, they seem to be just barely long enough--I'll have to use hemtape to hem them), lower the waistband (in the front, the waist already comes up to my navel and I still haven't added the waistband), and I will add belt loops because my measurements fluctuate throughout the month.

Dance classes. I've taken two dance workshops, 1 was very intensive, and I did enjoy going to back to dancing, I need remember to stretch. I developed a sore/tight IT band which made it painful to walk the next day. Stretching and massage helped a lot. I'm really enjoying my dance classes though. I forgot how much I missed them.

TV. I'm watching Project Runway, True Blood and Mad Men. Since I have comcast on demand, I end up watching the episodes in mini marathons, often while sewing. I know that it's more than a bit obsessive, but I have to admit, it's a lot of fun. Project Runway inspires me to sew, Mad Men inspires the styles, and well, after watching all the episodes of True Blood, it has made me reconsider becoming a vegetarian.

Project Runway, Season 8, episode 1 (no spoilers!)

Project Runway Season 8 started tonight. I watched the show (and will probably watch it again while sewing, if it's available on the On Demand schedule). My initial observations and reactions are:

1. It's an awful feeling when you realize that you have in your stash the fabric being dissed by the judges (either the exact fabric or it's cousin). Well, I can use it for a different garment. On the bright side, I also have material that is similar to the fabric that was used in the winning garment. Of course, it was mentioned in a silk purse/sow's ear context. Yah, I have the sow's ear. Several yards of it in different colors.
2. Most belly dancers don't dress like that. Well, maybe the skirt, but not the top. Unless they are intoxicated...
3. I like the longer format but the extra 30 minutes seemed to be absorbed by the large herd of designers. I'm hopeful that we will see more of the design process when there are fewer designers.
4. If I were on the show, I would pack a sarong, sari, or pashima shawl for fashion emergencies. Didn't any of the designers read articles on how to save space when packing for travel?
5. The Lifetime commercials are getting better. The movies still feature strong women characters, but they don't seem to be as cloying as they were during the last season. However, I do anticipate that by mid-August, I'll want to discipline all those high school students who attended the party where that main character's husband died under mysterious circumstances. "Just tell the truth right away and you will save many people from suffering and agony!"
6. The Austin Scarlett/Santino Rice show is strangely engaging. It's a combination of makeover show and a fish out-of-water show. I was expecting the designers to be very snarky, but they were very respectful which was a nice surprise.