Saturday, March 31, 2007

SWAP 2007: Loes Hinse Tango Skirt

I'm still working on my garments for the SWAP, even though I won't be finishing in time to meet the deadline. Today, I finished up a Tango Skirt in plum georgette. This is a super easy pattern, consisting of one pattern piece. Most of it is done on the serger too. The result is a 10 gore skirt that fits fairly close to the body, then flairs out at the bottom.

After I finished serging all the sections together, I realized the skirt was going to be too sheer. and I didn't think wearing it with a slip would look too great. So I drafted and cut out a lining loosely based on Els' instructions at the Sewing Divas.


I also decided to attach the lining to the skirt at the top of the casing--in other words, there's a seam instead of the usual fold. I sewed the lining and fashion fabric right sides together, then turned and edge stitched. Lots of pressing along the way. Next, I marked the sewing line for the lower edge of the casing and sewed with fashion fabric and lining wrong sides together, leaving a space to insert the elastic between the 2 layers. Nice result with little bulk.

This is the 3rd time I've made this skirt, and it's a keeper that I'll be making again. I previously reviewed this skirt on Pattern Review last June.

With this skirt, I have a top, 2 blouses, and a jacket to make in order to complete the SWAP. Since I've given myself time, I'll have the opportunity to test out the blouse and jacket patterns before making them out of the "real" fabric.

Friday, March 30, 2007

TNT PJ Pants: McCall's 2476

It's great to have a project that provides immediate sewing satisfaction. For me, that project is pajama pants. They provide an opportunity to use fun prints, go together quickly, and don't require much fitting. And, they're something I can wear all the time so I can make plenty of them.

My TNT for pajamas is McCall's 2476, which is still in print and has patterns for a top, gown, shorts, and robe in addition to the pants. But really, there are a lot of patterns like this around. I saw one at the sewing machine store that cost $15.00 for simple pj pants and a pillowcase (!). That's just wrong. This is one time to wait until Joann's has a pattern sale.

Anyway, I digress. The last time I used this pattern, I cut the pants out assembly-line style. I laid out 4 different cottons on my cutting table, pinned on the 2 pattern pieces, and rotary cut through all layers. 8 in all. The hardest part was lining up the fabrics and smoothing them out. Then I had 4 pair ready to go, for whenever I had the need for a quick sewing fix.


Last night, I was in one of those moods at about 10:30. My serger was back from the shop and I felt the need to do some sewing. So I pulled out my pre-cut pajamas and picked the fabic that best matched the thread in the machine. All assembly was done by 11:00. Ahh, bliss. All that was left was hems and casings, which I quickly finished up this evening. Voila, I have another pair of pajama pants for lounging and sleeping. By the way, the fabric is still available from eQuilter; it's called "Everglade Postcards."

I've also sewn these pants assembly line style. It helps to use fabrics in similar shades, then you don't have to switch out your serger or sewing machine thread between pants. It doesn't take that much longer to make 3 or 4 pair than one.

Yes, I could have fussed with this project at every stage: tweaked the fit, fussy cut the fabric, etc., etc. However, I believe that not every project has to be couture quality. As my friend Kim K. says, "Sometimes done is better than perfect." There are times when it's just right to sew something that's easy, relaxing, and fun. Something that brings a smile to your face when you've completed it and another smile when you wear it. I encourage you to find a project like this one. It doesn't have to be pajamas, find what works for you. Something easy to cut, easy to sew, lends itself to multiples and immediate gratification.

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Upcoming Events

My ASG chapter is sponsoring a trunk show and work shop with Rami Kim. The class is on May 12, and of course I signed up for the whole day. Here's some information about her: Rami Kim is a DNA scientist-turned fabric artist/quilter/instructor known nationally and internationally. She is a 11-time Best of Show winner, distinguished for her innovative art-to-wear.
Her passion is in contemporary art-to-wear, quilts, cloth dolls and bags with special interest in 3-dimensional textures and she is known for her own distinctive colors and techniques.

It should be interesting...not that I do much Art to Wear, but it's good to expose yourself to different types of sewing. Plus there's a lot to be said for hanging out in a sewing environment with ASG buddies, too.

Also in May, the Fiber Arts Fiesta is coming to Albuquerque again! This Fiesta will be the 6th biennial event, sponsored by 15 local fiber art guilds. It is expected to have over 500 juried and judged entries in its exhibits and over 50 vendors in the Vendors Mall. It takes place May 24-26 at the Creative Arts Building, EXPO New Mexico , formerly the State Fairgrounds. This is a great local event, it's amazing to see what everyone's making and opportunities to shop for unusual sewing-related goodies.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

SWAP 2007: Flinging the towel

I'm flinging the towel.

Not that I don't intend to complete the Timmel Fabrics SWAP; actually, that would be pretty cool. I like my fabrics and ideas. It's just that the timing isn't so good right now. I have too much stuff going on at work and I'm also on the committee that's decorating for Easter at church. I feel the need to offload some responsibilities to preserve my sanity, and since the SWAP is self induced, I'm letting the deadline go.

There. I feel better now.

I'll continue to post here and to Stitcher's Guild as I continue to work on my SWAP items. The plan is a good one, I have the fabric, so why not? It's just going to take longer.

I also mentioned earlier that I'd show a combined RTW/sewn SWAP of my items if I couldn't finish, so I'll post that here at some point. The plan coordinates with a lot of items that are already in my closet, so it should be interesting to see just how many combinations I can come up with.

I'll keep you posted on my progress--and there's always next year (I'll start earlier!)

Monday, March 19, 2007

A Gift from DBF

My boyfriend brought me a gift this weekend, a Dale of Norway sweater. I don't understand either the gift or the rationale even after his explanation.

You see, I gave him a Dale of Norway sweater this winter. It was a Lillehammer Olympics edition, which gives you some idea of how long it was sitting in my closet--so it was essentially a hand me down. It was given to me a long time ago, and while it was beautiful, it was a little warm for me to wear. It looked great on him, and in passing, I mentioned that it could be machine washed. Which is true, if you use the delicate cycle and cold water. Unfortunately, DBF didn't realize this and washed it in with everything else. He says it would now fit a 6 year old. End of story, right?

Nope, he replaced the sweater with a new one. This was an unnecessary act since my philosophy of gifts is that once given, they are the recipient's to handle as they see fit. In other words no replacement was necessary since the old sweater was his.

It was a nice gesture though, and I look forward to wearing come December or January when it's cold again.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Get a Life, People!

Most of my readers probably know me from a couple of sewing boards that I regularly visit. Well, I'm going to be making a concerted effort not to, because I just cannot stand the waves of negativity that are present on many of the threads. The pissing and moaning about the most minor incidents.

Some recent examples:

Does the "Quick and Easy" label matter all that much to you? I mean, really. Can you not look at the picture on the pattern envelope and the technical drawings to figure out if the garment has any potential?

And if I see yet another thread about how horrible Jo-Ann's is, I think I'll lose my mind! Not that I love them unconditionally, but pu-leese! There have been years and years of complaints on the boards about how they carry polyester, have a lack of knowledgeable staff, too much crafty stuff, bad restrooms, no restrooms, etc, etc, etc. Ditto, Hancock's. We all know this--Get. Over. It. Shop somewhere else but please please stop whining. All those darling independents are gone for a reason. Even though they were loved for all their beautiful fabrics and fabulous service, people didn't want to pay the prices needed to support those businesses.

And Threads magazine and Sew News topics. Ugh. Nothing new there that hasn't aleady been said, just complaints over and over.

These are just a few of many. I'm tired of the nit-picking and whining.

So, I'll be participating much less on the boards and in other activities where there is an atmosphere of complaint and will be seeking more positive venues going forward.

Monday, March 12, 2007

SWAP 2007: 2 More Garments

I'm having a long weekend because I took a couple of days of paid time off from my job--using the last of the 5 days of carry over from last year before they expire at mid month. Having the time has been nice because I've had some additional time to sew. This picture shows the result.

Both pieces are made from gold wool blend jersey I bought from Timmel Fabrics. The top is from my TNT pattern, Kwik Sew 2565, which I've mentioned here before. This time I modified the pattern by cutting the sleeves 3/4 length, basically just measuring another top for the right length and shortening the sleeve pattern by pinning it accordingly.

I have to say that the jersey is a real pleasure to work with. It's fairly thin, and I'm pretty sure it has some lycra in it. The top went together very quickly and easily.

The skirt is from the Sandra Betzina Vest and Skirt pattern by the Sewing Workshop. I've made this skirt before, but in a woven, not the recommended knit fabrics. The skirt was huge when I tried it on! I ended up taking out 5" of ease. I don't know if this was due to an error in tracing or what, but it was pretty simple to remedy as the skirt is straight up and down, and I just took in the side seams.

The sewing instructions for the skirt are strange, requiring the sewer to sew hems after hemming the edge of the overlap, but before assembly. Then you're supposed to go back and match up the stitching. Umm, no. I changed up the order to that the hems were completed after the side seams were sewn, fit was tested, and length was determined. In other words, in a logical manner.

I used a twin needle extensively on both pieces, since I don't have a coverstitch machine. I used wooly nylon in the bobbin for added stretch. FYI, the wooly nylon needs to be hand wound onto the bobbin. I also loosened the upper tension so the double stitches lay flatter.

Also, I used a bit of water soluble stabilizer at the beginning of each seam to prevent the thin jersey from being "eaten" by the machine. This is a good way to use up those dried up pieces of Solvy, by the way.

I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this outfit. I like it, but maybe it's a little too fall/winter looking to wear for a spring SWAP? The color is a perfect match to the circle fabric though!

Speaking of circle fabric, the skirt is still not hemmed. I'll post photos on the dress form when I get around to it.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Shell Frame

Today's kind of a lazy Sunday. Yep, I probably should be in the sewing room but I felt like changing things up a bit with a simple craft project. So I worked on Florida Room decor instead. Sorry, no "how to" photos, but this is so easy that you could probably just figure it out for yourself.

I started with a cheapie plastic picture frame and a couple of bags-o-seashells from the craft store. I poured the shells onto a plate so I could spread them out for easier selection, then I fired up the glue gun and started sticking shells to the frame. I started with larger shells, roughly placed at each corner, then filled in until the frame was encrusted. Then I inserted the photo, and viola, more Floridiana! I still have lots of shells left so another project is only a matter of time.

This sort of project can be done with any assortment of small items. For example, buttons work well, if you're thinking of something with a sewing theme.

By the way, the picture is an old one of my sister Ellen and Daisy, her pit bull.

Friday, March 9, 2007

Jan Brooks

Last night I attended the monthly meeting of the local ASG Chapter. Jan Brooks was the speaker. Jan's day job is at one of our local sewing machine dealers, but she has also grown into quite the wearable arts maven. This picture is a detail of the machine embroidery from one of her coats; the pattern is one she drew and digitized. Yes, those are lizards interlaced among the leaves. They are kind of a signature touch of Jan's that she uses in a lot of her designs because of the Southwestern connection, and also because she just likes working with their shape.



She has been in the Sulky Challenge for several years, and even won the Grand Prize recently. This coat is the Grand Prize winner. There's an amazing amount of detail on this, definitely a show piece. There are yards of machine embroidery on organza in it. And of course, yards and yards of Sulky thread! It is amazingly light in weight considering all the stitches and piecing.


She also won a competition at Bernina University (she got an Artista machine for that one) and is going to be in the Bernina Fashion Show this fall. Best of all, Jan is a genuinely nice person in addition to being immensely talented and creative.




I picked up some vintage patterns at the Trading Post, including a couple of Advance Patterns. I think this company probably disappeared before my sewing days because I've only recently became familiar with them through Erin at Dress A Day. These 2 suits appear to be from the early 60's. I especially like the one at lower right, which features princess seams on both the jacket and the skirt.

The other 2 patterns are 1970's Simplicity. I really like the top with the flutter sleeves at upper left, which should translate well to current times. I'm thinking that the yoke would be cute if sheer or semi-sheer.

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Another Santa Fe Road Trip

Today I was back in Santa Fe on business, this time for the ground breaking ceremony for the project I'm involved with. I received a hard hat and shovel (with golden blade) for my efforts, so now I really feel official! It was actually kind of fun chatting with the architect, builders and customers. One day soon, I need to go up on strictly a fun basis, or late enough in the day that I can play around at the Plaza, museums, and 10,000 Waves instead of heading right back.

As I headed back to Albuquerque, I detoured to the outlet mall again. This time I went to the Liz Claiborne outlet where I bought a couple of matching pieces. The top is a modified campshirt and the skirt is a yoked gore skirt with godets. Stylewise, they're identical to an outfit I bought there last year, although a different print of course. It doesn't hurt to have a basic dress look in the summer, and no one will realize they're the same. Tim Gunn, now that you're at Claiborne, please keep these 2 styles in production! Winners!

I think I'm going to take some basic measurements off the shirt. I like the fit and should be able to reproduce something similar out of my stash of fabric and patterns. And I have plenty of gored skirt patterns for a matching skirt or two. Professional yet cooler to wear in the heat than a suit. And of course the parts could be intermingled too.

I also got a pair of summer Clark's sandals at one of the shoe places. DBF likes "practical" shoes, so once in a while I'll follow his advice by buying something that meets his criteria. Throw him a bone, so to speak. He doesn't need to know I only spent $30. Actually, I really like Clark's, and with all the goat heads (burrs) in the back yard, I actually need some thicker soled sandals to guard against the accursed things!

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

SWAP 2007: Slogging Along

The skirt is still on the dress form waiting for hems and the finishing of the back slit. I suppose it won't hurt if it waits a little while longer for the finishing touches!

However, I did move forward with the SWAP by cutting out a top and skirt from the gold Timmel jersey tonight. The top is another version of Kwik Sew 2565. This time I cut the sleeves to 3/4 length. The skirt is the Sandra Betzina wrap from the Sewing Workshop.

I'm still considering a cardigan, but I'm putting it on hold for now since it would be a bonus piece. And I don't really have time for extra items at this point.

Friday, March 2, 2007

SWAP 2007: Progress on Butterick 3133

My skirt is almost done. I have to put in hems and finish the back slit, but that's it! Hooray.

Next up, I'll be working with the gold jersey I bought from Timmel Fabrics. I think I have enough for a top, cardigan, and skirt. That's the current plan, at any rate. Off to Ann Silva's Bernina at the lunch hour to buy some thread. Of all the gold thread I have, I don't have any this color. Isn't that always the way?