2 Weekends, 2 Garments

Since the last time I posted, I've completed a couple new garments. Unfortunately, no pictures yet. It's unseasonably cool here today, and I don't feel like changing out of my gym pants and hoodie to model warm weather clothing. Perhaps later this week if I get a chance.

The first item is the peasant blouse I mentioned from New Look's "Suede Says" line:

Well, I got a nice garment out of this pattern but not without some angst. This one has a bound neck and sleeves as opposed to the more common elastic casings. While the binding looks lovely, it was a pain to put in, partly because the instructions called for gathering the neckline then binding it in the round! Let's just say it wasn't a fun experience.

Thankfully, I had already changed the order of construction so that the sleeve and side seams were the last to be sewn, so I was able to gather and bind those flat and then sew the sleeve shut.  I shudder to think of gathering and binding those in the round.

Let's see, what other issues? The top is lower cut on me than it appears from the photo or technical drawings, and I even sized down the neckline and shoulders 2 sizes smaller than the torso. While wearable, it's a very open neckline and I had to install strap "keepers" to prevent showing too much while leaning over.

I do like the top in spite of its problems. The fabric is a lovely weight of cotton and very soft. I will probably make this garment again but with several changes such as further snugging up of the neckline and using elastic casings instead of bindings.

I also made a pair of one-seam pants using a lengthened version of TSW's Hudson Pant pattern. I chose a lightweight striped linen and wanted to avoid matching stripes at the side seams. They were quick to sew and came out pretty well. Perfect for summer weather.

Finally Zen

...for more than one reason! Tax time is officially over for this year! I also finished my new TSW Zen Shirt late last week. It hasn't been worn yet due to a late season cold snap, meaning I'm back to wool sweaters and coats for a bit. I hope we'll be back to warmer weather very soon. In the meantime, a couple of late afternoon shots from the Sewing Cave.

Like its sister shirt, the Zen has some features that make it interesting to sew--back pleat, hidden buttonhole front placket, button loop, and double collar. I am very pleased with how it came out and look forward to making it again out of a less humble fabric than cotton. And I want to apply some of its features to other garments in the future.

My next project is almost underway. I'm making a New Look peasant blouse from its "Suede Says" line. Remember him? He was a Project Runway contestant a few years ago. He had a blue faux-hawk and always referred to himself in the 3rd person. Fortunately, my first read through of the guide sheet indicates that they were written by New Look staff instead of Suede--a relief, IMO. I'm planning to use the organic cotton print that I bought at Santa Fe Fabrics last month.

Here's Now!

It's done! I wore my new TSW Now Shirt to work today. Still not too crinkled, considering that it's cotton and I've been chained to a desk all day. I'm very happy with it, having lengthened the pattern 3" this time and modified the sleeves (which happened last time I made it). About the only tweak I'd make it to move the collar button down just a touch so it would lay a bit more evenly.

As usual, playing with self-photography. The front porch seems to have the most even light in the afternoon, although perhaps a little public for my taste. Probably more my imagination than anything else. Need to work on tripod settings some. And of course, how to pose while waiting. 10 seconds is longer than you think when you're waiting for a camera shutter.

But hey, you wanted a picture, so here you go.

The TSW Zen Shirt is very close to done. Maybe I can work on my taxes and still get some sewing done tonight!

TSW Now and Zen Progress

Even with visitors, I have been able to work on the Now and Zen shirts I cut out in March. I've actually made a good bit of progress on both. I've been alternating back and forth, and both are at the point where buttons need to be chosen and buttonholes made. Here are a couple of quick "in progress shots" so you have some idea of what's been done so far.

The Zen is one I haven't made before, but it's been an interesting project so far. It has a hidden placket, which is something I've done perhaps once before in my entire sewing career. I may need to borrow this feature for future garments.

It also has a double collar and button loop, but those won't be added until the placket is completed.  

I've made the Now shirt several times, so I can make it relatively quickly. I started it Thursday after work and by this morning, it was complete except for closures and the hem.

Since I'm working with cottons, I decided not to make the French seams specified on the guide sheet to speed construction and eliminate bulk. Nice detail, but something that won't ever show on these shirts. I'm also serge finishing the hems instead of turning under edges, something else that won't affect the appearance of the finished shirts.

Visitors

This is the second Friday in a row I haven't had to work, although last weekend was anything but relaxing. DH's family was in town for a visit, so lots of fun and running around.

So what was on the agenda for our guests?

Friday involved a trip to the top of Sandia Mountain via the Tram. Quite an experience for out of town guests! The 20-degree temperature drop is also a surprise--here are our niece and her boyfriend freezing on the mountain top:

Afterwards we went to Old Town for a late lunch and some shopping.  DSIL especially enjoyed the San Felipe de Neri church on the Plaza, so much so that she, DBIL, our niece and her boyfriend returned the following afternoon for Mass.

After all that, we went out for drinks at Apothecary, one of DH's favorite spots in town for an adult beverage. Lovely views but unfortunately, the service was horrible. We waited for an hour and finally gave up. I hope they get their act together now that the weather is warm, but it will be some time before I'll want to go back.

Fortunately, we headed to Seasons after that. It's one of our favorite restaurants in town, and they did a great job of taking care of us. The hostess even sent free appetizers to our table. Love them!!

On Saturday, we travelled out to Acoma Pueblo since our guests were from out of the area (New Jersey and northern California) and were unfamiliar with the area's Native American culture. We took a tour of Sky City, which is the oldest continuously inhabited dwelling place in the U.S.  This picture is from Sky City looking toward the visitor center, so you can see it's located pretty high above the valley floor.  Can you imagine having to get up there on foot?

It's located on top of a mesa and its largest building is a Catholic mission church, San Esteban. The church is still used for services a few times a year.

The Acomas also continue to practice their native religion. These white ladders indicate the location of the kivas, which are used for their religious practices.

Yes, people still live up there! Our guide said a few families still live up there all year, but others maintain a home that they stay in during the summer and for feast days.

Back to Albuquerque and another dinner. This time we went to Jinja, which is close to our home and features a "pan-Asian" menu. I would recommend it--the food is good, so are the drinks, and the decor is fun. There are 3 locations, 2 in Albuquerque and 1 in Santa Fe.

Our guests flew back on Sunday, time to get ready for the upcoming work week and "real life". It was nice to be with our visitors and see things that we, as residents, often miss.