Sharing, Inspiration, and Project Photos V

[cmarie12]

Kathryn ~ I too am glad that you didn't do serious damage to your hand but I have to tell you I laughed out loud at the picture of you sitting on the bed in the emergency room critiquing the Dr's stitches.  And even more importantly does this affect your ability to sew?

[andib]

Kathryn, I hope your hand heals quickly, and with little discomfort.  I had to laugh about the stitches.  I have a few sets of stitches, all done with different techniques, some leaving more of a trace than others.  Yes, I think MD's should take a couture class!  I know my BIL does beautiful work, but he is not an ER Doc, but a hand surgeon.  I thought it was funny when my sister said my BIL wants to take weaving when he retires! 

I have not been sewing, but have been enjoying what you all have been sharing.  Happy New Year Everyone!

[Liana]

Kathryn,  Once again, you're like a whirlwind, but next time slow down before you cut yourself!    Goodness, what a horrible accident, and of course part of the discomfort of the injury is having to look at uneven stitches.     Your project for your DSD was certainly above-and-beyond, and sounds like a marvelous success.  How interesting (and exciting for both of you) that she's interested in the embroidery machine.  Do you think there's a conversion in her future?

Pamela,  I hope your fall was not a really bad one, and that you'll quickly be up to full speed.

Angie,  I'm glad you can wear wrap tops, and thanks for helping me laugh at mine.  I don't know why we seem to long for things that will never be, but that's one of mine, I guess.

I haven't gotten any sewing done over the Christmas week, but some knitting, including finishing a pair of socks that I think I left off with at least 5 years ago.   I was halfway down the heel flap on the second one, and for some reason, I quit.  Anyway, I need to get back to sewing, and I think I'm starting to get in the mood.  Things will settle down around here on Monday, so I hope that will be the start of a surge of work for me.  It's just hard to get going with extra people around that you want to see.  Hope you all had a great Christmas, or winter holiday.  I feel like I had both!   (Celebrate everything is my motto.)  My DSis had very much trouble getting here through Denver (United was less than no help) but she finally made it.  We postponed our celebration a bit, but nothing drastic.  We're hoping their new storm will be over and any troubles worked out before she has to try to return.  It's been a real challenge this year!

[New Zealand girl]

Stairs can be a real nightmare sometimes, we have dark carpeting on ours, and last summer when I had made a pair of
wide-leg pants I caught my toe in them and fell down about four - it sure teaches you to watch them in future, hope you
are soon up to par Pamela.

Kathryn, I truly admire you for staying up to sew home dec for someone else, not my idea of enjoyment at all, but I did laugh
at the emergency room treatment, I have often thought that doctors, probably more so in the past, were/are not always
aware that doing a good stitching up job means a nice neat tidy scar.

I do like those cutco knives though, I have had a complete set for the last 10 years, and since they have a lifetime warrenty,
am just getting ready to send them in to be sharpened, and one has a broken blade down in the handle - but they sure are nice - even if they do slice the fingers.

I just finished making up a pair of pants.  I used Nancy Erickson's pants pattern, I used a ungaro stripe, I thought, well I am
not that crazy on the fabric, so it will be a good muslin, all I did was alter for a flat butt, and of course I had lost the instructions,
but the pattern sewed up and fitted straight out of the packet - a first in pants for me, so now I have a very nice pair of
pants - no muslin, but a nice pair of pants.

I really liked the pleats for a change, and I loved the no-gap pockets, next time I would put a fusible tape on the fold line of the
facing to control the bias there, oh and I think I probably changed the fly application somewhat, as I did a full fly, I do not like
a partial fly, but prefer the full fly, with the facing on the other side, it just fits so much better.  I think the fabric being such
top quality really probably made them go together so well, I wonder now if I had used a cheap fabric for the muslin if I would have
got the fit so nice.

Liana after all the discussion on wrap tops, I cut out Christine Jonson's wrap top, I am hoping it will be as flattering as all
the PR's were, and hope that it does not gap, but since it is a stretch fabric, the pattern being designed for fairly stretchy
fabric, I should think that one could adjust the ties to prevent that and she also had a few tips somewhere that I read on
how to make it less revealing in the front, so I will probably cut it slightly higher in front, after all you can always cut off, but can't
add on.

Fran

[fzxdoc]

Thanks, Liana, Fran, Ann, andib, Carolyn and Marji for the get well wishes on the boo-boo on my hand.  Honestly, I think the stitches make the thing hurt worse!  I can hardly wait to get them removed in a few days!  Those Cutco knives are wonderful, I agree.  I've had a set for years and years.  I even have Cutco dressmaking shears.  However, this new Cutco knife is sharper than a scalpel, DH says.  I'm very respectful of it now!

The happiness in my DSD's face at seeing the completed home dec project in time for her to take back home was worth the all-nighter.  I've stayed up all night for things that were much less fun over the years!   This was a labor of love--even if it was home dec!  I wish I could love doing home dec, just like I wish I could love eating fish,  but it just doesn't ring my chimes.

Fran, how wonderful that you have new pants.  I have made that NE pleated pants pattern, too, and changed it around a bit so that the pinstripes aligned exactly with the pleats just as they do on men's pants.  The fit is great, though.  Where did you get your fabric, and what color is it?  Did you line them, or are you planning on wearing a pants liner with them?

Keep us posted on your findings on that CJ wrap top, please.  It's a really cute pattern.

Liana, I don't think DSD will want an embroidery machine any time soon, but she sure enjoyed playing with mine.  Your Christmas holiday sounds lovely, filled with friends and family as it is.  I hope the snowstorm in Denver doesn't throw a monkeywrench into travel plans.  So what's next on your sewing docket?  Do you have a specific project in mind, or are you just going to surprise yourself next week?

Carolyn, I see that you are moving right along with the SWAP.  Good for you!  I bet you'll be putting this three-day weekend to good use, unless your DDs drag you out to party with them on New Year's Eve!  To answer your question, I can still sew, but like everything else, it's a bit compromised with the bum hand.  I'm looking forward to getting back into the sewing saddle again next week, hopefully.

Angie, I'll have to pass on making covers for those two sofas of yours  .  I've served my time in home dec purgatory for a while! 

Pamela, it sounds as though you have indeed been very busy.  Cooking a meal for the Ronald MacDonald house is quite a big chore, I would imagine.  Take good care of yourself--I hope you are better from that fall.  An accident can happen in the blink of an eye, can't it?  Maybe, after a little rest, you can get some sewing or machine embroidery projects going again.

[fzxdoc]

Hope I am not too late for some of you.  Quickly get a tape of Martha Stewart's show today.  She has an incredible video of Raph Rucci's work.  I can just see Kathryn and Ann doing "The Coat" and sharing with all of us.  Oops, now he is cooking.  Later, Kaaren

Kaaren, I just went to www.marthastewart.com and watched that episode with Ralph Rucci.  That coat is amazingly beautiful!  What fun that would be to copy!  If only I had the patience.  My current doublefaced wool coat project is about to do me in with its tedious seaming. 

For anyone who is interested, you can watch the episode (the coat is toward the end of the very first segment) by clicking this link:

Ralph Rucci on Martha Stewart

I don't know how long shows stay in the archive, but it is certainly worth watching.

I see that today (12/29) Valentino was on the program.  I plan on watching that episode as well, just as soon as it is archived.

Thank you so much, Kaaren, for the heads up on this wonderful presentation.  I would have been very sad to have missed seeing that amazingly beautiful doublefaced cashmere Rucci coat.  Martha's interview with him is interesting as well.

Kathryn

[karent]

Kathryn, the last ten days have been a blur, and I'm just catching up on past posts.  I must apologize on behalf of my cohorts....I've been an ER doc since 1988.  Yes, you are correct, they don't teach us couture sewing.  There are two choices, the uninterrupted mattress (I don't use it, you can't take out individual stitches) and the interrupted ones.  We learn the basics, but particulars are on a one by one, as wanted, basis.  Some people are more interested than others in dealing with nice "plastics."  I'm so sorry, but I hope you heal ok.  K

[Rosemary]

Hi,
I am quite new to the list and I have been so inspired by everyone doing the swap. I am not sure if I am joining in with you or not.  I made a blouse recently, did a FBA  for the first time, and made a muslin, it looks good when I am standing but bunches up when I sit. However, I had another friend take a look at it again and will try a few more fixes. If all that fails, I am considering  posting pictures to see what everyone thinks.
My big goal for this year, get a group of patterns that will fit my body. I still think I'm 20 pounds lighter than I am. I bought some great fabrics today so I will play with my stash and hope to come up with a plan or two.
Rosemary

[fzxdoc]

Karent, no need to apologize on behalf of  ER docs who don't necessarily do couture sewing on the hands of sewists who make stupid mistakes with paring knives in the first place!  I was just joshing a bit about sewing!    Actually, I was delighted to have the hand stitched up and be back in the game within an hour!

Rosemary, welcome to Stitcher's Guild!  If you need help with a project or want to share what you have made, this is the place!  You'll find it filled with helpful, friendly members and lots of positive outlooks on our wonderful hobby.  If you are interested in participating in the SWAP, then this topic is the one that you will want to visit (just click on this link):

SWAP topic

If you want a gentle critique of something that you have made, then starting a topic (just click the topic button at the top of the page there) in this section might be of help:

Critique section

Of course you can always just post something here on the Sharing topic, and lots of people will be around to help and/or to enjoy your work. 

It sounds like you're moving right along, Rosemary, having made a blouse that you like, even if it needs some more alterations.  I had to laugh at your comment that you still think you're 20 lbs lighter than you are.  Oh, gosh, make room in that boat for me and some of my friends!    Getting patterns and altering them to fit is the biggest challenge in sewing, but well worth the extra work.  Hang in there!  It must have been fun to fabric shop for a new mini-wardrobe.  You must be brimming with ideas!

Here is some information that we like to give new posters, Rosemary.  You may have read it elsewhere on this site, if you have been lurking for a while, but we like the one-on-one approach.  So here goes:

You may want to familiarize yourself with Stitcher's Guild by visiting these links:

Are you new? 

and

Forum decorum...FAQs

You can play around with a lot of the features of the site to your heart's delight in the Sandbox topic without affecting any of the other active topics.  It’s truly a “no worries” place to play and learn:

Sandbox

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask DragonLady, the site administrator, or one of us four moderators.  One or the other of us is almost always around.  On the opening page, at the bottom, where it lists who is online, our names show up in bright blue or bright red.  However, you can always send us a private message at any time.

[pamela]

Thanks for all the good wishes. I'll be fine. Did find out last night that I can't wear some shoes that I wanted to wear. And if its still hurting by the end of the week I have an appointment  with the Doc.
I"m getting ready to start on Vogue 2911.
The top is alittle concern of mine since I've chosen a stable knit.
But I think it will work.
Just alittle bored with all the Blacks and Brown. The fabric is a deep eggplant and the skirt is a black floral with the same colors.
Kathryn,
You are a very talented lady. I also work from home. DH is a Home Builder and I get the Books
Working on getting the time to take up knitting.
Have a good one.

[cmarie12]

Pamela ~ so glad that you are feeling better and are up and around!

Kathryn ~ I just watched the Ralph Rucci segment on Martha Stewart and it was absolutely amazing!  I wish there was some way that I could download it and hold onto to it!  The piece on the making of the cashmere coat was awesome ~ from the fabric and how its dyed, to the techniques used to create the twist.  He is an amazing designer and always inspiring to my creative mind!

I ordered my The Devil Wears Prada DVD yesterday from Amazon!  Can't wait for it to come so that I can see the divine clothes again!

[Marji]

Kathryn ~ I just watched the Ralph Rucci segment on Martha Stewart and it was absolutely amazing!  I wish there was some way that I could download it and hold onto to it!  The piece on the making of the cashmere coat was awesome ~

Me too, I just watched it. I wish there were a way to archive it. Kathryn, thanks for posting the link.
Makes me want to sew....coats.

[fzxdoc]

Marji and Carolyn, I'm happy that you enjoyed the link.  I have some soft-as-butter Marc Jacobs cashmere doublecloth that I am really tempted to play with that twisted insert design of Rucci's.  It may take 6 months to make, given my available sewing time of late, but it would be spectacular!  I've watched the segment twice, and am still drooling, and telling myself not to think of embarking on such a project.  Kaaren, you really sent some major temptation my way with that tip! 

Pamela, too bad about the shoes, but you'll be back into them in no time. Just take it easy and sew instead of walking for a while.  It's a great rationalization, don't you think? Thank you for the nice compliment.  There are so many talented folks on this board, I just blend into the herd!    It's a lovely thing for you to say, though.

That Vogue 2911 pattern that you are starting a project with is really cute.  Sandra Betzina is coming up with even more interesting styles lately.  I like the way the princess seam curves right into the peplum on this style.


Vogue 2911 photo credits at www.voguepatterns.com

It will be really pretty in eggplant with a print skirt that picks up the eggplant color, Pamela.  Even though you work from the home, I would think that you'd have plenty of opportunity to wear this design when you go out to church or to social events.

Vogue patterns are on sale at Hancock's for 75% off this weekend, and I think at JoAnn's for $3.99.  That pattern might be one worth looking at.  Thanks for the inspiration, Pamela.  I probably wouldn't have noticed it if you hadn't mentioned it.

I see that the new Marfy Spring Catalog is available for purchase.  Each season I tell myself that I don't need another Marfy catalog, especially as $$ as it is--like buying a sewing book--but each season so far I have succumbed to the lure of those lovely fashions.  I usually end up buying the patterns available through Vogue, which are on their website within a few months of the catalog's arrival.  Maybe this time I won't order it.  Or maybe I will. 

Kathryn

[marciae]

NOT order a Marfy Catalog??   At least you and Liana do make up some of the patterns - I only drooooool and couldn't imagine not ordering!

[AnnRowley]

I just want to echo Carolyn and Marji's enjoyment of the Ralph Rucci coat details.

Lovely to see real   couture workmanship, although it did look as though one of the seamstresses was sewing without a thimble. 
How do you think they made that inset strip?  A single layer stitched and turned would be my best guess.

He's not a name I'm familiar with;  I don't think American couture gets much coverage here but I like what I see!  And that fabric is absolutely to die for - I wish........

[appleannie]

I don't think American couture gets much coverage here but I like what I see!  And that fabric is absolutely to die for - I wish........

AnnR, Here is something for you to look forward to....an exhibit at the V&A beginning sometime in April featuring American Designers and our very own Maggie Norris Couture designer.

[M and M]

Thank you very much for the link to the Rucci show.  I enjoyed it very much.  I also enjoyed watching him making soufflé.  I am definitely trying the recipe. 

Speaking of Rucci, Kent State University had an exhibit on him.  You can still see garments here.  You see a lot of 'worms' in the garments.

[margyh]

Color me dumb, but I can't seem to get the Ralph Rucci fashion part; I watched the full show last night including the souffle stuff and the singer, but no fashion...what am I doing wrong?

[fzxdoc]

Color me dumb, but I can't seem to get the Ralph Rucci fashion part; I watched the full show last night including the souffle stuff and the singer, but no fashion...what am I doing wrong?

Martha, I'm not going to even think about getting my crayons out! That Martha Stewart site is a very busy website, graphics-wise, so it's easy to miss the segment that we are talking about. 

When you click on the link and the page comes up, go over to the right side of that web page where it says "Top Videos" and click on the "Play" in the llittle window that has  "12/21/06.1 Ralph Rucci" on it.  That's the first segment of the program, and right at the end of that segment is the marvelous cashmere double cloth coat piece.  Have fun watching it!  If you have any problems, just PM me, and I'll get it to you.

Ann, I think perhaps the twisted segment of the coat is indeed a single layer of cashmere, as is the rest of the coat.  Each edge and seam of the cashmere has to have the double layers split apart by hand and then seamed by machine and/or hand.  In the double cloth coat that I am making, each long princess seam takes 3 hours to complete, from starting with the splitting of the fabric to the hand topstitching after the seam is first sewn on one layer and hand stitched on the other layer.  That seamstress sewing without a thimble may have had one of those clear adhesive thimbles on that many people now wear.  Since I have a thimble collection, I love using a different thimble for each project, but for thimble-intensive projects like needlepoint, I prefer the adhesive dots because my finger doesn't get sweaty like it does after long sessions of thimble wearing.

I have watched that segment perhaps half a dozen times.  I love looking at that huge roll of cashmere double cloth.  Knowing what I paid per yard for my piece, I get dollar signs in my eyes looking at that huge roll!   


Kathryn

[Surfer]

Thanks Kathryn for sharing the link of the making of the Ralph Rucci coat. Like AnnRowly and lots of others I love to see real couture work done and learn from it like the stitch which attached the inset strip.

AnnRowly

How do you think they made that inset strip?  A single layer stitched and turned would be my best guess.

Ann, I guess that the inset is made out of double faced/ or cloth cashmere and you can see the inset strip being stay stitched after Mr.Rucci hands out the pattern to the seamstress, the next clip is when the seamstress is cutting the two layers apart from the inset.

I do too found it odd that the seamstress did not wear a thimble, and Kathryn maybe you are right about using a adhesive thimble but I could not see it on her finger , and I know how they look like because I have a packet at my studio too. I do prefer an open thimble sometimes for the reasons you brought up like sweaty fingers, but I also have a variety of closed top thimbles , so I can choose what fits me best to do the job.
Like you I can only imagine what the cashmere bolt would have costs, just to pet the fabric alone would feel like heaven.

[New Zealand girl]

Thank you Kathryn for posting the link to the Ralph Rucci segment.  I had looked for it myself the other day and could not
seem to find it.

What amazing clothes, if you can call them clothes, more like great art.  I found the word 'discreet' described them well.
I noticed that he does not use prints much, except the aisan face, but the fabrics, design and cut were just beyond words,
not to mention the segment on the sewing of the double faced cashmere.  That whole piece was so totally engrossing.

I truly wish it was all as easy as it looked!

Fran

[margyh]

  Got it! Thanks for your help, Katherine, it was well worth it. The double cashmere coat is, indeed, gorgeous, but given our temperate winters, I think I'll go with the porcupine shrug... 

margyh

[Gorgeous Things]

WOW!!! What a great segment!  I bookmarked that one.  I want to test out the "worms".  I have a great Marfy coat pattern and some navy cashmere that would be great in it.  But of course, I need another coat like I need another hole in my head.

Sigh...
Ann

[fzxdoc]

I'm with you on that one, Ann!

Margyh, do you think we could talk a few porcupines out of their quills and collaborate on that project?    I'll rile them up and run and you gather up the quills.

Fran, I'm glad you enjoyed the Rucci segment.  It's a fun link.  And we owe it all to sharp-eyed Kaaren!    I hope to get to see the Valentino segment today or tomorrow.

Kathryn

Edited to add:  Ooooh, Margy!  I just noticed your new avatar Margy in Marrakesh! How exotic! Did you buy any fabric while there?

[Liana]

That was a wonderful Rucci segment!  Thank you Kaaren for sharing!  And thanks Kathryn for finding a link for those of us who figured we'd missed it and there was no chance we could see it.  I love Rucci's things, and it was fabulous to see and hear the explanation of some of his interesting techniques.  What a target he sets!

[mardel]

Thank you Kaaren for the Ralph Rucci segment, and doubly thank you Kathryn for posting the link for I had missed it the first time and had to go back.  Ahh the perils of trying to "catch up" too fast.

I love Rucci's clothes and examine them whenever I get a chance; I admit that I feel lucky to have had the chance to see his collections in stores a few times.  Having examined and fondled some of those cashmere double cloth coats and jackets I can confirm that they are indeed one layer and beautfiully made.  I have seen the "worms" on garments and now I have to try that technique myself.

It was really fabulous to see the techniques and listen to Rucci discussing his designs.  What a treat.  I will have to watch it over and over, but I have only managed once so far.

Happy new year everyone!

[fzxdoc]

Happy New Year to one and all!   

May your all's new year be filled with lots of sewing days!

Kathryn

[margyh]

[quote author=fzxdoc link=topic=1072.msg25834#msg25834 date=1167573540

Margyh, do you think we could talk a few porcupines out of their quills and collaborate on that project?    I'll rile them up and run and you gather up the quills. ;

Edited to add:  Ooooh, Margy!  I just noticed your new avatar Margy in Marrakesh! How exotic! Did you buy any fabric while there?
[/quote]

Kathryn: believe it or not, I already have the porcupine quills! not enough for a shrug, but maybe a scarf? Anyway, no need to rile and run...
I didn't find any fabrics I loved in Morocco, but I did find a pair of SHOES

Happy New Year, all

margy

[Lisa]

Margy, I enjoyed seeing your shoes!  Very cute.  But the rest of the album is amazing.  What a gifted photographer.  You?   At any rate, I hope lots of people go and take a look.  Stunning!  I really envy you that trip.  You must have wonderful memories!

Thanks for sharing them w/ us!

Lisa

[AnnRowley]

Happy New Year everyone!

[fzxdoc]

Margy, I really enjoyed looking through your album as well.  The shoes are awesome!  The photos I liked best were the one of goats in the tree and the marketplace one with the basket of what looks like roots with the "prescription drugs" sign on it.    It looks like a totally wonderful trip.

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, peaceful  2007! 

[Marji]

I finally finished stitching on the last of the paillettes that were missing, stitching the buttons on  the cuffs, and putting the tie together, to wear it last night.



all the gory details made it into the pattern review I wrote for PR

The picture set is here at flickr.

I may take the sleeves off though, and cut them down about 1/2. I think it would improve the silhouette of the whole.
And I welcome opinions here as to whether or not to do that...I'm open to suggestions.
Thanks, Marji

[margyh]

Thanks, Lisa and Kathryn; I'm glad you enjoyed the photos of my trip to Morocco. It was a great trip even if I came home without textiles!

margy

[cmarie12]

Marji ~ What an awesome dress!  I love how you took the inspiration picture and made it yours.  The fabrics, the detailing all wonderful.  I personally wouldn't change a thing.  Great job!  BTW, did you have fun in the dress last night?

[mardel]

Fabulous dress Marji!

I love the way you interpreted the inspiration dress, which is wonderful but not very wearable except perhaps by the very young and hyper cool, and made it into a really stunning dress that looks great on you.

I hope you had lots of fun wearing the dress.  It just looks like a party!