Announcing: June Capsule Contest

[AnnRowley]

I have a question regarding construction.  The blouse I'm making is in a very thin cotton, and I've been using French seams for the first time.  It has kimono sleeves, and it occurs to me that I can't use a french seam on a curved seam.  Is that right?  What do people recommend as a finish for a thin cotton on a curved seam?

Elizabeth, Because of the curve in that seam I don't think you'd be satisfied with the look of a french seam - it would pull quite badly.
I would simply do a second line of stitching 1/4" away from the seam line and then serge along that line, stretching the edge gently as you did so.

My skirt is nearly done - I hope to take a photo later today...

[fzxdoc]

You all are going great guns with your JCC sewing!  I'm really enjoying seeing photos of the first pieces. 

Mary Pat, that bag is sooo pretty!  I absolutely love the embroidered print you found for it.  You did a wonderful job.

And welcome to all of the new posters who have come out of lurkdom or have recently joined SG and are participating in this contest!  Here is some information that may help you all get around the site a bit more easily.  The Sandbox topic in particular is a great place to visit, since you can try out the methods of posting photos in your posts and other things without affecting any other topic.  So here's the info:


1.   Visit the “Are You New?” topic by clicking here:  Are you new? 

2.   Learn about the forum rules by clicking here: Forum decorum...FAQs

3.   Play in the Sandbox by clicking here : Sandbox .  There 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.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask one of us four site administrators or the site moderator.  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 red or bright blue.  You can always send us a private message at any time if you need help.


Kathryn

[ejvc]

I would simply do a second line of stitching 1/4" away from the seam line and then serge along that line, stretching the edge gently as you did so.

This would imply that I had a serger!    But I can do a zig-zag overcast or some other similar stitch.  Or maybe I can fold the seam allowances back and stitch (I forget what that kind of seam finish is called) - although that might have the same problem, as what one would wish to do would be to clip the allowance so the seam lies flat.  I'm going to test on some scraps and see how I go.

Good to hear about your skirt.

[Zoubida]

Mary Pat, I love the bag ! It's beautiful. For cleaning it, the only thing I can think about is dry-cleaning.

I rethought my capsule yesterday and selected fabrics and patterns. I will disclose the fabrics right now and will disclose the patterns next week. I'd like to make muslins before deciding on them. I still will use the mohair-silk fabric because I need something nice and warm for our vacation in Gaspésie. The weather there can be crisply fresh in mornings and evenings. I'll also use the Chanel silk because the straight skirt pattern I chose can be easily altered if I continue to loose weight.

The chocolate brown fabrics are from stash, I bought them almost 12 years ago. The flowery one stretches crosswise and the other one I don't even know what it is.



I'll work overtime today and tomorrow so I can finish what I have pending at the office. My goal is to take Friday off so I can work on the muslins all day. If they work, I'll cut the first piece and sew it this week-end. Hopefully I'll be able to finish it.

[kbenco]

Hello to all the new starters. It is good to hear even more people sewing along. Carole, I am particularly happy to hear about your Tropical Winter capsule, Me too! (almost), I am in the Fraser Coast Hinterland, QLD.

Mary Pat I love, love. love your bag. Those embroidered flowers look really rich.

Elizabeth,  could you do an overcast stitch? or maybe a narrow, long zig zag instead of the serging Ann suggests? I have not had access to an overlocker for very long, and found these stitches made a reasonable substitute.

Zoubinda, your new fabric selection is nearly as luscious as your original creamy whites. I am glad you are still sewing for the capsule. I almost took your advice about the chocolate, but then I realized that a lady with shrinking hips would not be thinking rationally about chocolate,  (unless you are very different to me!) and that really I should not be so lazy!

Jafael, I sympathise. If I hit a snag, given the slightest opportunity to do so, I stop at the snag, and I start something else. That is why I like these challenges with deadlines, I have to fix my snag!

Heather, I am sorry about your toothache. I hope your daughter's party goes well. I am really glad you are not throwing in the towel, you need to sew those patterns, it is your duty after your SWAP win .

I am not going so well at this stage. I lost my new look blouse pattern. This is because my patterns were disorganized, I said to myself, so I spent my valuable sewing time tidying and organizing my patterns, New look blouse is still lost. I have started a trial blouse in Vogue 7903 instead. It is quite fun because it has a way of attaching the collar that is new to me. However, I was not planning to make a trial, but to go straight to my real blouse. I am not terribly happy about having to fit again.
Karen

[KayB]

@ Mary Pat, the bag is simply cute! I really like the fabric.
@ Zoubida, I'm glad the ladies could convince you to 'come back'

as for me, no progress as of yet. I wanted to start with my top, but have to re-consider the style. Since my skirt is so 'ruffly', the top shouldn't come down past the waist, or I even could tuck it in, but with my intended top, that would look .... well.....not very nice. 
So I have to mull over this...... see here

[ClaireC]

Zoubida, I too am happy you came back and armed with a new plan.  The new fabrics look as luxurious as the first set.
I intended to pull out my dress pattern last night, but ended up doing something else.  I'm not sure how far I'll get tonight as I have a hair appointment.

Thank goodness many of you are so organized that you inspire me to get moving.  And we get eye candy along the way.  What could be better?   

[Robin]

I have just decided to take off Friday - I NEED a personal sewing day!
Lately I lean towards making a pair of white pants, a white sleeveless top and a couple of light jackets.
I do have one light jacket in progress.

The enthusiasm here is wonderful.

[AnnRowley]

Elizabeth - my apologies for presuming you had a serger!  Just trim close to your second line of stitching and zig-zag. I sewed for many years without the luxury of a serger and used this method all the time.

Zoubida, so glad you're still with us! I look forward to seeing your new ideas.
I'm with you - and others - on keeping it simple; summer here is a pretty fickle season and I did wonder last week just what was I thinking with my very summery selection of fabrics. I just hope I shall have a chance to wear them...

I finished my skirt this morning and took advantage of the first sunshine we've had in ages to take a photo.

                   
 
                    BWOF 05/07 - 125B 

The fabric is linen/viscose/lycra cut on the bias. Just two seams, but there are darts at the waist for some extra shape. I lined it with Bemberg rayon (Ambiance)
(The t-shirt is only to cover the black of my dress stand - not included, but it co-ordinates)

[Karendee]

It sounds as though most of us are in the same place (except BeeBee, Ann R., and MaryPat,) by doubting our decisions or we've hit a snag. But we WILL work through them and finish our garments. I mentioned yesterday that my first garment is made out of inferior silk Dupioni. It looked beautiful when I received it in the mail. Karen (from CA) said that the sale  silk from this online retailer is not a heavy enough weight for clothing, and my one purchased at least a month ago. But I plan to finish is and love the wrinkles. I think that's a case of self-delusion.

It sounds like lots of excitement is bubbling up, and many newer voices posted today. It is so wonderful to have a large, diverse group to participate. Enjoy any sewing you do today.

Karendee

Lovely skirt, Ann. You should get much wear our of such a nice, summer garment.

[MrsGalihad]

Wow, so much is getting done already.  I have my first skirt almost done and a bunch of patterns picked out.  No real plan yet except to be sure it all goes together.  I decided that a scarf would be a good accessory.  Not hard to make so I won't feel bad if I never actually wear it.  I imagine I will though. 



http://www.flickr.com/photos/25941017@N08/

[AnnRowley]

What an interesting skirt MrsGalihad, and how enterprising to re-work your DH's pants!  A scarf sounds great, and I'm sure if you make it you'll wear it...

[mardel]

What a lovely and charming bag Mary Pat.  It so pretty and it looks just perfect for summer fun.

Love your skirt Ann.  It looks so perfect for summer days.  I think you were smart making simple wearable summer things and I am envious already.  Even your simple garments look so nice and elegant.

Mrs.Galihad, what an interesting fun skirt!  I am looking forward to seeing what all you come up with.  A scarf sounds nice, and I would think that once you make it you will find yourself wearing it a lot.

Zoubida, I'm glad to hear you are back in, and your new fabic additions (even if you've had them a while) are lovely.

No progress here; I'm still waiting for materials.  But the month is young yet.

[zora]

MrsGalihad, great skirt! Which pattern did you use?

Ann, the skirt is lovely.

You all seem to have started quite well. All I did was cutting the fabric for my Patrones blouse but after reading this thread I'm very motivated to do some sewing tomorrow.

[peachykeeeeen]

MrsGalihad - I really love that skirt. I'd also like to know what pattern that is - I've been looking (although not very diligently) for a similarly-styled skirt pattern as yours to make myself some outfits to coordinate with the father/son capsule.

My husband decided the other day he liked the idea of a family coordinated capsule so that for outings and such we can all dress alike. I thought it was hilarious coming from my hubby who always thought it was annoying when I would want our outfits to coordinate for parties and such - now he's getting into it!! Fatherhood really changes men, I've noticed (in my case, it's a good thing)

I have made no further progress on my capsule since Monday night - last night when I should have been sewing (or at least cutting out the rest of the shirts) I sorted my 4lb bag of buttons from Fabric Mart that arrived yesterday. I'm easily distracted when the UPS or mailman deliver new things

[meauxily]

All of you are so encouraging! I hit a lot of snags and just want to throw in the towel! Lately I've been trying to fix snags or see projects through and its good to know I'm not alone! I got my Burda patterns traced and am excited about getting them cut out now. I used wax paper for the tracing and it worked fine. Not sure what might be bette.rI may do a time tested and oft reviewed S4076 for a top. My accessory is a straw hat,which is a must at this altitude, with flowers in the fabric colors. ,

meaux

[meauxily]

Just want to add that I love that skirt Mrs. Galihad and also would like to know which pattern it is.
Thanks,

Meaux

[sdBev]

Looking good everybody !!! 
...long story short:


* I don't want to cut in a hurry in the fabrics I bought. They deserve time, care, and quite some muslin work before reaching for the scisors.

* I don't want to find out in one month or two my JCC garements don't fit me anymore and I barely had time or occasions to wear them.

* I don't want to feel torn between work, kids, vacation preps and the capsule. Something has to give.

* I want to make all the items on my capsule plan, only not in the JCC time-frame. I need much more time.


So I prefer to remove the stress off of my shoulders and just make my plans work in my moving and shifting schedule and for unstable (for now) body measurements.

I'll be following this thread with as much pleasure and enjoy all your stories and all the nice things you'll make.

[/list][/list]

Well said.  I've been following the thread from the sidelines too.  I have different priorities right now, but the point is the same.  I have other demanding priorities.   

Also for the figure change, I'm using all Kwik Sew patterns in classic lines.  I've found that I need to make the same adjustments to each pattern.  So when I change sizes, I can easily trace off a new pattern make some basic adjustments (like I always need an extra 1/4" at the center back), baste it together and make final tweaks.  It's so much faster for me.  Of course, different bodies may not have the same experience.  I've heard from another SG member who says that KS armscye's never fit her and require major adjustments to look decent. 

I also really "busted my b...." when doing the Timmel SWAP earlier this year.  Now when I wearing the clothes, I find that I didn't spend enough time on the final fitting.  I've made adjustments to several of the garments and even tossed one.  Just didn't want to frog anymore seams.  I'm sure if I hadn't been quite so hurried I wouldn't be ripping out as much as I am.

[meauxily]

OK--one more from a discouraged sewist---I am tempted to put my machine on the sidewalk with "TAKE ME!" sign.
I am using bias rape to face armholes and neckline.  It looks like a sad version of happy hands at home.  Do others have bias tape woes? Next time I'll redo things and make my own yoke facing but for now I'm stuck with this.Guess Its a wearble( hmmm) muslin but I like the fabric and pattern---just NOT the tape.

Meaux

[Glossy]

Ann and Mrs Galihad I love your skirts.

I finished my first top this evening after work. It is a very basic strapless top for my holidays (I'm nowhere near your level of sewing and just in the competition for fun!). 

I realised that I go on holiday on 20th so I really want to get my JCC done before then, however, I do return on 28th so a couple of days left to finish off if I need to.

[BeeBee]

I am using bias rape to face armholes and neckline.  It looks like a sad version of happy hands at home.  Do others have bias tape woes? Next time I'll redo things and make my own yoke facing but for now I'm stuck with this.Guess Its a wearble( hmmm) muslin but I like the fabric and pattern

YES!  I recently followed Vogue's instructions on a top using bias tape  .  It turned out ok - not great, but next time (in the works right now) I'll make my own facing using the pattern.  The tape is ugly and uncomtforable.  I was lucky in that I found a good color match, but you can only do so much with that stuff.  If I could have found some of the older silky kind, it might have been a different story, but for now, I'll just keep making my own facings.  Probably saves time in not fighting that junk and money by using scraps.  And looks better, too.

Is it too late for you to replace this tape with fabric? 

Don't give away your machine, give away cheap notions  , you'll be much happier in the end. 

[Karrol]

Good golly! You all are moving right along. Congrats to those who already have stuff finished - that's great.
Zoubida, glad to hear you're staying with us! 
So for me . . . I got nothin'.    Well, I shouldn't say that, I have patterns (I received my fabulous Katherine Hepburn pants pattern just yesterday! Yippe! It's truly wonderful.) picked out, and fabric selected and prepped, just nothing cut or sewed yet. But I do have another date with my new guy! (hehe! progress there, anyway  ) I just need to get started and I know I'll get motivated to work on it more. This weekend will probably be a wash, since I have too many plans for Saturday and Sunday I will NEED to clean my house. Maybe I can get patterns fitted in the evenings left this week and then squeeze in a half day on Sunday to cut. Lost almost a week already! Darnit. Well, I'm not giving up, so I'll just have to forgo tv or sleep or something and chain myself to the sewing machine for week 4. 

[kiltsnquilts]

Wow, great skirts AnnR and Mrs Galihad!  What progress everyone is making!  Zoubida, I love your fabrics and glad to have you back!

I had no luck finding a lining for my silk tweed - just couldn't find the right colour!  I did find a stripe 'mens' lining that kind of went but I really wanted something a bit more unusual and luxurious.  Unfortunately my fabric store options are very limited!  I did have the idea that I could get more of the sandwashed silk I am using for my shirt and use that - but I am not sure it wil be slippery enough?! 

Maybe I will try to go back today with my camera and take some photos the post them here for advice!  I really want the lining to be a strong feature of my jacket and as it will be worn open with no fasteners, it is important!

Oh well, I should probably make a good start on the other items - just don't want to leave the jacket too long and then rush it at the end! 

[MrsGalihad]

Thanks so much everyone for the complements on the skirt.  It's a bit of a franken-pattern but I'll describe what I did.

The main body is McCalls 5429 view A.  It's an 8 gore skirt with some jeans styling.  I laid the pocket piece over the side front gore to "fill in" the pocket when I cut the fabric.  The pocket is from a vintage wrap skirt, Simplicity 5485.  The pleating is me winging it.  The strips were cut to 5 1/4" (as wide as I could get and have enough length from the old pants) and I used a 1/2" seam to attach them and not lose too much length.  I'm not sure how to describe the pleating but the pleats are 2" apart and 1/2" deep.  I hope that makes sense.

Ann, I love your skirt too.  I've never done one on the bias or even owned anything linen.  I'm going to have to try both soon.

ETA: The McCalls pattern runs one size large.  This is my second version of this skirt and the first one was wearable but needs a belt. 
I also didn't care for the placement of the belt loops so on this second version I added a 6th one and put them where I thought they should go.

[ejvc]

You guys are really motivating!  This is my favourite bit - when the pictures start rolling in.

Plus I am going great guns on my first shirt -- all I have left are hem and sleeve hem (with inserted elastic) and sew on the buttons!  Yes, my friends, the buttonholes are already done.  Oh, and I have to finish the side seam.  I seem to have made a tactical error and clipped under the arms before I finished the seam.  But I think I'll do a mock French seam on the straight bits and the zig-zag overcast under the arms.  You know what I really like about this shirt?  I haven't made any drastic, tragic errors on it yet AND it's so loose-fitting I didn't need to make any alterations.  Cut and sew, man, cut and sew.  Pure efficiency.

Next up is a linen skirt.  I note my pattern calls for about a meter of linen, which is what I had before I washed it, but now i's .86 meters.  I'm wondering if there will be any way to cut it or whether the white linen will end up being a bag or hat or sleeveless top. Oh well.  Or possibly just a straight knee-length skirt.  Meanwhile I have the pattern to trace and cut (and FIT) first.

Elizabeth

[ruthc]

I feel like the girl with chicken-pox watching all her friends play in the street.

I want to play too - wah!

Yesterday I couldn't pursuade DH to drive the extra 15 mins from the airport to IKEA yesterday so am now without sling fabric, but I did cut out the paper pattern for his trousers.  I was feeling left out and wanted to say I had done something.

Mrs. Galihad - that is one funky skirt.

[ElaineMC]

You guys are really motivating!  This is my favourite bit - when the pictures start rolling in.

AMEN!

I got my shorts and one shirt cut out yesterday.  I didn't go to work so I could spend the morning at DS the youngest "moving up" ceremony for the last day of school.  I took him and a buddy out for lunch, and then ( drum roll, please) they spent the afternoon at the neighborhood pool.  Yes, he is finally old enough, and now, after 18 years, I can send the last of the kids to the pool and not have to sit out in the sun (sizzle, burn, cook) every time someone wants to cool off in the water.  Instead, I can stay home and sew with an occasional stroll down the street to check on him.   This might turn out to be the most productive summer since B.C. (Before Children)

I'm also inventorying all the "stuff" I need to carry in my bag so I can plan all the requisite pockets for my accessory.  I printed out the sun burst applique for it, too - nothing complicated, but it will add a little interest without being too fu-fu for me.

Keep sewing!

-EMC

[Fox Valley Patti]

Pooh - I've done nothing but prewash and now older son is boomeranging back home.  I'll probably lose my sewing room, unless he and DH agree to let him live in the basement room - and older son fixes it up.

I refuse to sew in the basement!

Oh well - I go on vacation next week, does anyone know if we can fly with scissors any longer?  do I have to check those?  Then I could cut out fabric while I'm on vacation - it would be nice and peaceful anyway.

[peachykeeeeen]

I'm slowly making progress. I have two baby shirts cut out and one of hubby's shirts cut out (I got one baby shirt cut out at the tail end of my lunch hour). Since the baby shirts are going to be instant gratification-type items I want to get them sewn up first. That way, if I run out of time I can just have one capsule for baby done by the end of the month and then finish hubby's as I have time. The baby will outgrow his shirts before hubby's wear out so it makes sense to prioritize them that way.

*fingers crossed* that I'll actually be able to make it into the sewing room tonight and finish up hubby's shorts. Not much left to finish on those so I'm hopeful.

[kiltsnquilts]

Today is my morning off - and I feel lousy    I think I am getting a cold, but I woke up with a pounding headache, backache and feeling nauseous!  Typical!  I had such great plans for this morning, even sneaked over to the fabric shop yesterday when I should have been working and bought some lining for my jacket!  After much deliberation I went with this beautiful dark aubergine/chocolate colour - lovely and rich!
 

Unfortunately I couldn't find anything suitable for my skirt lining!  As that is the only thing I have cut out so far I was hoping to do some work on it today.  I will possibly tissue fit my blouse and jacket so they are ready to go, I could also put the zip in the skirt and sew the panels together - Idon't need the lining yet so who am I kidding!!    While I was there I also bought some more of the aubergine denim I have for my JCC - I couldn't decide if I was going to make a skirt or jeans with my fabric - now I can do both!!!  I bought a McCalls Jeans pattern (Palmer/Pletsch I think?) and will work on them after JCC - the skirt will be quicker as I know it fits  

Great to see and read of everyone's progress - good motivation for us all - certainly something I lack!

[Karendee]

Kilts,

Great job on the jacket lining. I know you were looking for something smashing, and that eggplant/dk. choc. fabric "fills the bill." It sounds as though you have enough to work on, even without the skirt lining, because you probably don't feel like doing much with your cold/flu symptoms. Hopefully, you will feel better soon and sneak off again to fabric shop. I think you mentioned 1/2 day off on Friday mornings; rest or fabric shop, whichever makes you feel best. 
 
Karen

[kiltsnquilts]

Karen, thanks for the compliment on the lining - I think it is just the right colour too!  It took a while to find though - I needed something that complimented the tweed and didn't overpower it.  I was looking at patterned satins but nothing went. I decided to fabric shop yesterday so i would be able to stay home this morning and sew!  Doesn't it always happen that when you finally get the time to do what you really want to do, something gets in the way??!!  I have been wanting to spend my Friday morning off at my sewing machine for weeks - each week something else has needed to be done and I was so excited for this morning!!!  I am more annoyed that I dont feel up to sewing than the fact I might be getting a rotten cold Lol! 

Oh well, I will go with the flow!  It is my hobby after all - well, not quite, but garment sewing is!  I will not get stressed about it, I will make myself a hot drink, forget about the housework and sit in my sewing room - even if I only feel like reading a sewing book or my pattern instructions 

[boppingbeth]

I'm in (I hope).  I even inventoried my stash--and realized that not one piece would work for 'NOT IN BLACK' (unless I wanted to be uberformal with my shorts, anyway--I have one great piece of pink boucle suiting that has no black in it).  In the summer it needs to be lightened up a little, and I really need less formal clothing.  Much less formal clothing. Like--shorts and summer pants.  I teach grade school, and I love suits, but wash and wear would be more realistic.   

So, I shopped, and came home with enough coordinating fabrics in teal to make a decent wardrobe capsule for $24 total.  Enough heavy teal linen/cotton to make pants, jacket and skirt.  One of the bottoms and the jacket will be for the capsule.  I also purchased 2 'legal' knit pieces for tops, one with a navy flower and one that is a coordinating crushed velour, and one 'not legal' teal print that is really neat.  I already own a lightweight rayon knit that is a similar teal, so it is a toss up whether the crushed velvet will end up made, or I will save with for winter.  I also have a white knit and a white eyelet that would work.  So, too many choices and not enough focus, but it works.

I pretested my jacket pattern (in a mystery black sportswear knit), along with a lovely pair of pull on matching black pants.  I've worn the whole thing about 4 times this week--it is totally comfortable and stylish and suits me, which makes me happy.  But it is black so it won't work for the contest.  I Have to do something Not Black.  Repeating many times--not black.  Black is not needed.  Be colourful and creative.  Not black. 

Will hopefully post some pictures of fabrics and pattern suggestions this weekend. 

[Sharon]

Oh there is so much going on and you are making me feel so frustrated with my lack of achievement.  I've only just managed to get my notions and to make matters worse we are headed south to Thredbo for the long weekend (Opening Weekend for the Snow Season) and I can't take any sewing bits with me (staying in a ski lodge) and no internet connection (withdrawals).

Kilts I just love the aubergine/dark chocolate lining and can't wait to see the finished jacket.

Sharon

[Therese]

It is so fun to see how active this thread is! I finally finished top #1 myself. The facing at one shoulder was being uncooperative and I had to mess around with it a bit, but all is well now. I was going to start on the sleeveless shell. I made one for the Timmel swap and really like it. This one will be out of a fine ribbed Merino wool in a lovely shade of blue. Problem is, I'm missing one of the screws that holds one needle in my serger, so I can only do three-thread seaming right now. I've called a local shop twice about getting another screw and they don't call me back! Guess I'll have to find another shop to contact. In the meantime, I guess I could do the three-thread seam and reinforce with a regular stitch...will have to do some testing on this one...

Everyone is doing so well - I find that participating in these contests helps get me moving and not just pondering, as I am wont to do...

I'm going to do some testing on that wool knit now!

therese