Cutting Line Design Patterns, Events and Announcements II

[Alice in Bama]

I got my e-mail about the new DVD and preordering info.  Woo-hoo!!!!  Plus, I'm going to Martha Pullen on Thursday and will get to visit Louise! 

I preorder too give Louise a hug for all of us groupies that arent going to be their
Alice

[Terri K]

It was a great sewing day here in the western NC mountain lower elevations - a nice breeze and high of maybe 75 - so I left all the windows open and needed no AC in the upstairs sewing room.  We're priming and sizing for wallpaper and painting on the 2nd floor anyway, so DH was doing that today.   

I finished the ABO dress and an ABO top in the gold rayon jersey knit (FM said it was cotton - but it's rayon).   It would have been a perfect day if I hadn't been fighting this Babylock Evolve machine I got at the Atlanta Expo.   All I did was coverstitch and then rip - re-thread, sew and rip.   I have a 12 year old Eclipse that is fabulous but wanted a coverstitch -  I don't know who designed this thing but the Evolve foot doesn't rise as high as the Eclipse so it's difficult to even put a double layer of a jersey knit underneath to position it it doesn't have self threading needles - I could go on.   I'm so sick of that thing that I wanted to throw it out of the window.    When the CS needles approach the side seam where the 3 thread serged edge makes a little bump, every time it caught up and sewed uneven stitches.   What a PITA!   I'm wearing the ABO dress that turned out really nice but spilled some soup on it that I warmed up for dinner - paying me back right?   

I'm pre-ordering the DVD from Louise too!    I'll post some photos after I wash the dress.

[Linda 75142]

 It would have been a perfect day if I hadn't been fighting this Babylock Evolve machine I got at the Atlanta Expo.   All I did was coverstitch and then rip - re-thread, sew and rip.   I have a 12 year old Eclipse that is fabulous but wanted a coverstitch -  I don't know who designed this thing but the Evolve foot doesn't rise as high as the Eclipse so it's difficult to even put a double layer of a jersey knit underneath to position it

Terri, I feel your pain!  I pretty much gave up on my Evolve for coverstitch.  I ended up getting a Janome Coverpro 900 and I love it.  It tackles the seam areas without balking and it has a nice large harp  area. 

Can't wait to see Martha.  I will tell her the Stitcher's ladies said hello. 

[Karen C]

  I have had the Evolve for 7 years and have never had an issue with the cover stitch.  I'll test tomorrow with a double layer of knit, but have done this many times without problems.  I am thinking it's necessary to have the threads pulled straight before starting - will test and post.

[Terri K]

Here's the prototype for the ABO top with the rolled sleeve using the tab to hold it up.   This shows you the weight and thickness of the jersey - pretty typical, not thick at all.   This tab is my practice tab because it's not as easy to make one in jersey as it is in a stable woven and I just stab-pinned a button on to it.   I lengthened the sleeve so that I could roll it twice.

That's the pattern and Louise's clever bulk-free tab pattern in the background.   You get all kinds of neat tricks with her patterns 

[Karen C]

I tested my Evolve with the colver stitch this morning.

Mine lifts high enough for two layers of knit easily.  If you need it higher you can tip up the front with your fingers to get the fabric againist the needles.

I'm thinking when I first got it I practiced with the cover stitch until I could start it perfectly every time.  I did this on scraps.

If you still have problems is the dealer close enough you can have it checked?

[Terri K]

Here are photos of the knit dress I made using the ABO top pattern.   Keep in mind this is a prototype and I was also experimenting with that coverstitch.   I removed about 2" out of the neckline and added a crossgrain piece of fabric just serged to the neckline.   I cut it shorter than I normally wear because I found a flaw right across the cross grain     Results of my experiment:  It's a great summer dress!   Here are some other photos of the dress with the SW Now shirt as a jacket in black eyelet and the By Popular Demand jacket.    I like to wear jackets in the summer with the sleeves rolled to 3/4 length.

I finished the tabs and button-holes for my ABO top in same fabric - just have to sew them on.   

[vtmartha]

Terri, that color looks wonderful on you!

[Karendee]

Terri,

You look wonderful in your new clothes. The yellow is beautiful on you and I love all the tops. Also like your new hairdo; I read about it on your blog. The hem length also looks cute on you--young and summery. Hope all is well with you.

Karen

[MaryAnn]

Terri,
I love your ABO dress!!! It looks comfortable and stylish at the same time. Is it the original proportions of Louise's pattern except longer? Great idea to put the tabs on a roll-up sleeve. When you make ABO in a knit, do you just turn and stitch the neckline?
Mary Ann

[Terri K]

Thanks Karen and Martha - lots to do and not enough time to do it all   I'm getting back into my sewing zone!  Thanks for the complement on my haircut.   Today it needs washing badly but I wanted to show you the dress on.    I think it makes a big difference seeing what something looks like on the person rather than a dress model.

MaryAnn -  Glad you like it -  Easy to do!   I just put the ABO top pattern size XS over my TNT LH tank dress (size med) and that's it for lengthening it.  I posted the pattern layout on my last blog entry Blog - Sew Terri .   I stabilized the shoulders by sewing over a strip of silk organza and then cut the neckline out about 2".    I used a crossgrain strip that was proportionally shorter than the neckline, stiched it together, folded it wrong sides together, and then quartered it and serged it to the neckline.    Sleeve just has a 5/8" turned up hem that I cover-stitched.     

Here's another outfit that I just love - the tabbard from the Of The Moment pattern in sheer with opaque stripes dk brown linen.   That's another ABO top in a zebra printed silk knit I made some time ago.   It just has  5/8" serged and stitched down neckline and sleeve hems.   You can also eliminate the side mitered vent when making this top in knits and just three-thread serge the side seams.   I wore it a lot on my CA trip last summer.   The pants are RTW eskandar linen pants.

I put my arm up so you could see the way the side looks and this is a no-brainer to make.
 

[Terri K]

I just posted the finished ABO top with the tabs on the sleeves on my blog Sew Terri .     Here's a close-up of the top.   I'm happy with the results.



Here's the sleeve of the Target Rogan Gregory top I that inspired me:


 

[lessalt]

Terri,
Wonderful work. You certainly have great style.

[MaryAnn]

Terri, thank you for the info on morphing from the top to an ABO dress. I agree with lessalt: you have great style!!! And I thank you for your generosity in sharing your expertise.
Mary Ann

[Alice in Bama]

Terri

  Thanks for showing your otm jacket made out of the linen i been debating on make it out of some linen for some time now [since its gettting really hot here ] but since i ve seen yours i am going to go for it talk at you later thank for the inspiration
Alice

[Linda 75142]

Lovely things Terri.  And you look so fashionable and comfy wearing them!

I finally cut out the Farewell to Arms shirt.  I wanted to modify it (although I eventually want to make it just as the pattern).  I wanted to be able to wear it as a jacket .  Several trials and tributlations with this one (all my fault).  First off, I didn't measure correctly and made it too short.  I was running short on fabric so the bottom addition was cut on the cross grain.  Then, when doing the buttonholes on the sleeves, I missmarked one of the 4 (each sleeve has two) and sewed it and CUT IT!  So, I just satin stitched it closed and put the buttonhole in the correct place.  A few other mishaps that required the frog stitch, but it finally got done.  I had planned to embroider some tone on tone design and picked this one from the Janome card for the MC 9000 Australian card.  Embroidery on the front and back.  when I finish this post, I'm going to post more pics on my blog.  In the meantime, here it is

 

[Terri K]

Thanks everybody for cheering me up!   I was checking the chinchilla boys and giving them their hay for the night.  They like Timothy Hay but make a big mess with it.   

Linda -  What a great idea for the FTA shirt pattern!  I looked at all your photos and what you did looks great - I didn't see any mistakes.  I'm sure Louise will be proud when you wear it to the Martha Pullen Market tomorrow!  Don't look too closely at my ABO dress.  Because of all the ripping out I did, there are some little holes here and there  but nobody will even notice them.    I had my FTA pattern out a couple of months ago doing some planning.    I like the dress but it's waay to long for me, necessitating some serious shortening when I make one.    Lots have made the skirt and like how flattering the shape is.    It's on my short list.   

[DeniseM]

Wow, Terri, you have been doing some really great sewing. Love your new outfits. I've got to get back in the swing. I want to do the Butterfly and Bees jacket for summer. Right now I'm bogged down with my graphic design class trying to learn Photoshop and Illustrator from a guy who's such a genius he doesn't understand some of us didn't grow up with computers.

[Karendee]

Terri,

You look so cool and smart in you tabard, silk top, and pants. Somehow, I don't think I'd  look that good in the tabard. I wasn't aware that the sides/shoulders morphed into a slight sleeve. I like that look. Also, really enjoyed seeing your gold dress; quite a clever take on a top. S. Betzina advocates making dresses that way, also. Keep these items coming, so I can get inspired. I have made 2 LC jackets recently; her patterns are well written and easy to construct by. The product that evolves contains solid workmanship. I like that. Thanks again,

Karen

Linda, Your top is lovely. The subtle embroidery adds a lovely touch. I especially love your glass buttons; where did you find those?

[Alice in Bama]

Lovely things Terri.  And you look so fashionable and comfy wearing them!

I finally cut out the Farewell to Arms shirt.  I wanted to modify it (although I eventually want to make it just as the pattern).  I wanted to be able to wear it as a jacket .  Several trials and tribulations with this one (all my fault).  First off, I didn't measure correctly and made it too short.  I was running short on fabric so the bottom addition was cut on the cross grain.  Then, when doing the buttonholes on the sleeves, I missmarked one of the 4 (each sleeve has two) and sewed it and CUT IT!  So, I just satin stitched it closed and put the buttonhole in the correct place.  A few other mishaps that required the frog stitch, but it finally got done.  I had planned to embroider some tone on tone design and picked this one from the Janome card for the MC 9000 Australian card.  Embroidery on the front and back.  when I finish this post, I'm going to post more pics on my blog.  In the meantime, here it is

 


   What a great looking shirt  I have not made that one yet got the  pattern make the skirt all the time love it I love the tone  on tone color in embroidery to is that little birds in the designs great look .  as far as you goof no one but you well ever be able to tell they Are there . We seamstress are our worst critique's[spelling not sure ]

Alice

[Alice in Bama]

  Terri
 I also like your hair cut and you sandals where you get those shoes you know my foot problem from previous conversations so always have to ask did get some aerosol's [actually had a couple pair in closet]  :purple:did OK with them with my inserts in them for a few hours would not want to walk all day with them thou 

Alice

[Terri K]

Hi Alice - I'm usually wearing Aerosoles shoes and sandals.   In the mid 80's I had some pain in my foot - I wasn't sure of the exact cause, so I went to a podiatrist.  He x-rayed it and said I had multiple broken bones in my foot - more than ten as I recall.   He also said to stop wearing high heel shoes because the weight and pressure is on all those small bones behind your toes, also pushing your toes into the front of the shoe.  I didn't always wear high heels but I did a lot of walking in DC - to work and in the big buildings there.    Later I discovered Aerosoles, which are stylish and comfortable.    I met one of the Aerosoles corporate guys at their store in Union Station in Washington one time when I was shopping there.   He said that every season they go to the fashion shows just like the big dept store buyers to see and examine the upcoming trends in shoes and then interpret them in comfortable styles.   Their soles have kind of a honeycomb rubber bottom that never wears out.     Many of the summer styles are on sale now.   www.Aerosoles.com


Here's some detail of that OTM tabbard linen over a top I finished tonight - It's the new LH tee and I'm getting better with that coverstitch    I even used a single thread with a chainstitch on the neckline - Yay!

 

[Linda 75142]

I’m still on a high from the Martha Pullen Market yesterday.  And I’m really excited that I had a nice vist with Louise AND got to see samples of the new patterns.  YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE THEM.  I can’t wait to get my hands on a couple of them!  I have to gloat here a bit since I got to see them in person!

I didn’t have my good camera so I had to rely on my phone camera.  Louise graciously allowed me to take photos.  My sewing buddy that went with me to the market was not that familiar with Louise’s patterns, but she was a real convert after our first class with Louise.  She LOVED the B&B pattern.  I think if she could have gotten by with it she would have “made off” with the silk print B&B sample Louise had.  She came home with two patterns and two booklets. 

There were fabrics to die for.  I didn’t come home with any as I have so much in the stash right now, but some of them were one of a kind and just beautiful (as we would expect from Louise).

Remember the green top Louise had on in the Sue H. video?  You’ll see it in the photos below and the top to the right is the accompanying pattern.  Isn’t it cute?

I was really excited to see the samples of the patterns she and Linda Lee collaborated on.  I can’t wait to get my hands on the skirt pattern.  It looks like a wrap with angles.  I also want the top pattern to right of the skirt with the asymmetrical collar. 

I knew she had been busy, but I really don’t know how she must stay up 24/7!

Such a treat for me!  I wish I could go back tomorrow, but I can’t.    If you are in the DFW area and are reading this, you must try to go!

[LyndaC]

Louise does a great job at anything she does!  Ask her cats!

Terri, love your citrus yellow dress, especially with the white jeans jacket.

I found myself with FOUR free days and just completed a sewathon.   I had so much fun!   Two night I didn't even sleep - just sewed straight throughl.  I ended up with 7 perfect summer dresses:  a designer Emma-One-Sock knit, a Denver Fabric lime batik with ocean blue trim, a periwinkle blue and lime green dot cotton from my stash, a lilac eyelet from Emma-One-Sock lined in a vintage print fro Denver Fabrics, a green knit with a vertical hot pink stripe  dress, a natural textured linen from Fabric.store.com in a vintage pattern, and an out-of-character (for me) vintage Vogue sundress. with a wild print and wild contrast trimming....This was more fun than I have had in a long time!   I only took breaks to go to the gym, water the grass, do personal grooming, and eat.

I would post pictures, but I ran out of time.

[Terri K]

Linda,  thanks so much for giving us the report and photos so we could attend in cyberspace.   Your cell phone photos have amazing resolution.  So much fun to be able to see all her new ideas and patterns.   

LyndaC, let us see your finished outfits when you get a chance.   

I'm off to Waechter's and some errands and am taking the two gold jersey ABO garments to show off 

[Karendee]

Linda 54-----
Loved the pictures and a peek at the new patterns. I really want the beige linen top on the left of one of the pics. Terri was right, your phone pictures are excellent; I usually get fuzz on mine.

Lynda C,

We've got to see pictures; your marathon sounds TDF. How could you stay up 2 nights? I would be dozing with the hum of the machine. But I truly admire your tenacity and want to see the results and the trims. The use of those interesting trims really adds interest to the garment, doesn't it?

Terry, the pictures of your work continue to look wonderful! I bet you bought some fabric today? Was I right?

Happy Sewing,

Karend

[LyndaC]

Seeing these photos of a sewing expo and Louise's booth makes me long for next year's Atlanta Expo....long months away.

Next I am doing a jewel purple silk twill in the oneseams with a 3/4" waistband instead of the standard one.   I am too short for the standard.

How do I stay up all night?   I don't know.   Sometimes I just get these bursts of energy.   If my husband is out of town, I go for it.   I'm not even sleepy the next day.   The cats get worried about me, but finally just go to sleep in the sewing room.  And I get amazingly lots done!

Terri, I am sorry to hear you have feet problem.   So do I, only I am way past Aerosoles.  I have fallen arches, which I found out is more serious than I thought.   If they literally FALL, they can't be fixed.   So I had surgery to rebuild my ankle and now wear inserts.  That severely limits your choice of shoes and eliminates all the pretty ones.   I try to keep people's attention up high so they don't notice my feet.   

[Terri K]

I'm back and no fabric.    I have enough to keep me busy for a long time.   I finished one of my Mimosa tops this morning, putting buttonholes and buttons on - one of those duh things because the thread I used for the zebra jersey top worked    so I wore that.

Lynda -   Actually the broken bones in the foot was 20 years ago and taught me to be kind to my feet.

My problem right now is that I think I've got a sinus infection.   I've been so congested when I lie down at night that I can't breath, my ears are plugged up - can't hear well, and now my head hurts.  Time for the ibuprofen and too late for Dr. visit since it's Friday afternoon.   I think this is residual from that bad cold I had back in May.  Lots going on - my sister and her husband are driving up from FL because his brother in Hendersonville, who had cancer, died today.   They'll stay with us and attend his services next week.    That's the reason that I wasn't sure whether I was going to be able to attend the HGA conference in Tampa.

[Linda 75142]

 Two night I didn't even sleep - just sewed straight throughl. 

OHMYGOSH, I would have been making so many mistakes and probably would have seamed my fingers together!

Glad folks enjoyed the pic of the Sewing Market.  This is really the first time I've used the phone camera and uploaded the photos.  I had no idea what the quality might be, but I'm pleasantly surprised!

Linda T.

[Alice in Bama]

  Hi everone ,


                  I to love the pictures thanks Linda for sharing I been doing some sewing too but I sleep in -be -tween my session
Made a pair one seams out of some mint green  linen last night that i got at Joann's when i went to Pensacola a couple weeks ago I admire you Ladies that can go in stores and not buy any fabric I have not learn that trick yet .

Terri did you figure out cowl neck?  I got me a dress form witch only will help me sew better but will help get pictures made quicker so i can start posting some of the better work .

Alice

[LyndaC]

I posted photos under Sewing and Inspiration of the new dresses I made during my sewathon this week.  I thought that site was more appropriate.  Can someone tell me how to download from flickr?  I have my photos there, but didn't know how to download them.

[Terri K]

Lynda - Wow, you did have a marathon!   Dresses are really comfortable for the summer and every one you made is unique and stylish.   

To link to your flickr photos -  click on the little image icon above your post  (bottom row, second from left).  You to your flickr.com photo - choose the photo size (I usually open up the photo and chose the medium), and right click and copy "copy image location".  Then past it between the img brackets you'll see after clicking on the above icon.

That's it.   You can link as many as you like on one post.    Here's an image of a dress from the Neiman Marcus site .  I used the same process I described to link flickr photos. 

[LisaB]

Lynda, I don't post photos often enough to remember the steps, so I always go back to this post in the Forum Decorum section for a refresher. Lisa has a link in her first sentence that shows the basic steps. My recollection is that in Flickr, you will need to right-click on your picture and choose Properties. You'll get a pop-up box that contains the specific URL for that picture. Copy that URL and paste it in your post here at SG. Then highlight the entire URL in your post and click on the Insert Image button. I need to run off to a 50th Anniversary party, but I'll try to check back later. You can always try it out in the Sandbox. I think one of the moderators is usually available for questions and help. Have fun!

[LyndaC]

Terri, and Lisa, thanks, and I know you think I am an imbecile, but I got through all the steps each time (right-click on properties) to "copy".   It wouldn't give me that choice.   It was grayed out.  I tried repeatedly.  I finally posted from my computer. 

[LyndaC]

I clicked on "image", the second from the left,  and found no way to go to flickr.com to get a photo.   In this text space, two (img.) (img.) appeared, but when I clicked on them, they were empty.  I was not able to choose the photo size because I didn't get to Flickr.  What should I do after clicking on "image" to get to Flickr?