Sharing, Inspiration & Project Photos XVI

[Ann]

Thank your for the kind comments on the "Peacock Delight". I am now working on a bright pink one that needs a name. I have the yoke on with the black piping. I did not make this piping as I am using up what I have in my inventory - easier this way. I will be making the piping on the fourth shirt.

I have attached a picture of the hot pink fabric.

Also have a look at fauxyshirts on my blog (link is below). I learned how to do a slideshow today and put my attempt onto my blog.

Ann

[mardel]

Oh the peacock shirt is fabulous Ann, and that pink fabric is awfully pretty, although I am not help at coming up with names for things.

Ms Funk, your costumes and makeup are absolutely wonderful.

[fzxdoc]

Oh goody, more projects!  I'm so woefully behind in reading posts, since life has been a bit hectic of late--but hectic in a good way.  We've been quite the social butterflies this month! 

Ann, I always enjoy seeing your latest shirts, because the colors you choose are so eye-catching.  Turquoise is one of my favorite colors, and that shirt would be my choice if I were ever to become a barrel racer.    I continue to wish you the best of luck in your house-selling and buying endeavors.

Ms.Funk, Tim Burton may be knocking on your door to be in his next scary movie, your costumes are that good.  Your "monster mash" sounds like great fun.  How do you eat in that makeup?

Mary Pat, I left a comment on your 'blog, but I have to say again that your jacket is oh so cute!  And perfect for the "slimming-down you" that is happening even as we speak, since it flatters many shapes.  As usual, your work is really beautiful--so carefully and expertly done.  It's a joy to see your projects.

AnnRowley, I think I missed your last silk seersucker blouse while I was gone.  No wonder you fell in love with that fabric while you were in Italy.  It's absolutely gorgeous, and you did a marvelous job showing it to its finest advantage.  I bet that silk seersucker feels wonderful as you wear the blouse, too.

Pamela, your broomstick skirt is so cute--and that tropical print will go with so many tops.  What type of fabric did you use? You're going to get a lot of use out of that skirt this summer, I would imagine.  It will be fun to see the print you choose for your next one.

PattiB, congrats on finishing your DD's dress.  Ever since you first mentioned it, I've been dying to see the finished product. You're going to be one very proud Mama, seeing your beautiful and accomplished daughter at her master's ceremony and enjoying the moment as she wears that wonderful custom-made dress as well.  And what a cute bag!  I love the color/pattern choices that you made.  It will go well with jeans or dressier outfits as well.  I keep meaning to try a bag pattern, but never seem to get around to it.  Seeing yours, and how nicely it is done, may give me the motivation to try my hand on a purse as well.

I've been busy (gasp) knitting instead of sewing in my moments of free time. I'm taking a knitting class and am so far the most pokey member of the bunch.   So I've got to get this cardigan closer to being finished, or I may just have to knit a dunce cap and sit in the corner for our next class. Seriously, though, the class is great fun--a learning experience combined with wonderful camaraderie. Nothing not to like about that combo. 

The cardigan is styled on a Chanel type of jacket, and I'm using my sewing fitting knowledge to get the upper bodice to work for me a bit better than using the pattern's instructions.  No task is ever simple, I'm learning, especially when knitting a cardigan.  At least in sewing I can do some quickie alterations to get the fit just right.  There is greater uncertainty in the knitting process since it takes so long to get the pieces all together for a try on. At this point I'm hoping that the method of maintaining gauge and utilizing my personal measurements won't let me down.  My mind set is definitely more geared to the sewing process than the knitting process, for sure!

Kathryn

[pamela]

Thanks for all your kind words.
The last one I did is yellow print.
Fabric is cotton. But rayon also works great.
Today I've been finish the diaper bag from the blue lagoon!

[BeeBee]

I thought about posting these on BWOF thread, but I'm just too lazy to find the thread, so these shall become inspiration instead.
First, my BWOF blouse (that everyone else did last fall) from the October or August (?) issue #125.  I left out the elastic, it just wasn't necessary, the sleeve bands were too narrow - but I made them work.  And it fit well so I'm very happy.  The buttonholes did great (thanks, kbenco, I held my tongue just right) and the collar went well.  The sleeves are fussy - but Ann Rowley would be proud - I hand basted and then stitched and they turned out great.  Thanks, Ann
  This fabric came from Mood's last summer.  A very tightly woven super soft cotton that pins tended to snag when given the chance.

And the BWOF skirt from Oct 08 #103 (I'm sure about this month).  I used the batik from Waechter's I got on our recent fabric adventure and scalloped the hemline: 
Here's a closeup of the hem:
The colours are best on the close up.  I used the scallop stitch on my machine and then trimmed off below.  I fused tearaway on the hem before starting.  If I did this again, I might use washaway instead.  It wasn't nearly as tedious as I thought it might be and much more fun than blind hemming.  A summer touch, I thought.

[Liana]

BeeBee,  Your blouse is so pretty, but I just adore your skirt!!  Tell please, how you did the scallops.  I went to your blog to get a better look, and it looks like you did a faced, scalloped hem and then did the stitching.  Or was it easier than that?  (I'm hoping.)    Anyway, I must know, so I can do it too. 

[BeeBee]

It was way easier than that.  I just marked where I wanted the skirt to end and used my double tracing wheel to mark a line on the RIGHT side of the fabric.  Mark it to show, you'll cut it off.  Then I fused on tearaway stabilizer to the back.  I used the scallop stitch enlongated to max and made the stitch with the right of the presser foot on the marked line.  Then I trimmed off the bottom close to the stitching.  That was tedious, but not hard, I used my sharp embroidery scissors.  Cut before you tear off the stabilizer - it's easier to cut.  Maybe 1/2 hour to finish the entire hem.  No folding, no hand stitching.
 I wanted the hem to be light weight so I didn't hem first for a double layer on the bottom.  I thought about using a darker thread, but as I said in my blog, I didn't have one. 
I'm in the process of adding more info and pictures on my blog if you want to check again.   I really did enjoy doing this and am quite pleased with my result (makes up for the wonky knit, sort of)

[AnnRowley]

Very pretty blouse BeeBee - and I'm pleased about the sleeves.

I love the way you finished the skirt hem and I'm sure that it gives a lovely light weight finish. 
Although I remember - vaguely - doing this in the past it's good to have a reminder of forgotten techniques.   Thank you!

[ejvc]

I love this thread.  I'm out of clothing mojo, and am handstitching some dolly clothes instead, which is quite relaxing and enjoyable.  When I get my mojo back I should have a lot of things at once since I'm about half done with several projects.

Great hem, BeeBee, and nice blouse as well.  Sorry not to comment on everyone's things, I'm afraid I mostly just enjoy them as they fly past. 

[AnnRowley]

I've been doing some non-dressmaking sewing too!

Last week I did a day school with Madeleine Millington.  She uses old wool blankets, from charity shops and EBay, which she felts and dyes before using them for Crazy Patchwork.
We each had a small bag of these felted pieces to work with and were given a few suggestions for using the finished piece.

I chose to make a tea cosy.

                     

It was a fun day and I just loved all the bright colours... You can see more details here.

[Marji]

BeeBee, great skirt. Love the hem. Does your machine do a scallop that long?
And the blouse is really pretty. Love that fabric too.

Ann, I just love the tea cozy. What a bright fun piece it is.

[BeeBee]

Yes, Marji.  I made it as long and wide as the machine would allow - I don't remember the dimensions, 108mm maybe?  I know 7 wide - that's the machine max.  I did have to flip the design or the scallop would have curved into the skirt, rather than away.  TEST FIRST!!

Ann:  I love your tea cozy.  I bet the felted wool will really hold in the heat.  And it's such an interesting concept that there's always something new and pretty to look at.  Kind of like a crazy quilt for your tea pot.

[mdmcgrath]

Pretty skirt, BeeBee, those scallops really add a nice touch.

Ann, I love the cozy.  Now I know why I've been saving all of those little wool scraps!!

Mary

[fzxdoc]

Ann, what a delightful project!  I loved following along in your 'blog, and interestingly enough (before I got to the last photo and your comments about it) noticed that wonderful "buildings" piece that someone in your class is working on.  How very clever.  Your tea cozy is so cute, and very functional.  I like the idea of making something functional using a new technique rather than opting for a wall hanging, say. In my house at least, there is only so much wall space available, so wall hangings take up precious wall real estate.    Best yet, every time you use that cozy you will think of that pleasant afternoon spent in the company of creative friends and an inventive instructor.  It sounds like a perfect day to me!

BeeBee, your blouse is so pretty.  How you chose that fabric out of the thousands of available selections at Mood's is beyond me, but it is so pretty.  It has such a wonderful three-dimensional quality to it due to the many shades.   A fine cotton blouse like that will be perfect for summer months, too.  You did a really good job with it--it sounds as though you have bonded well with your new sewing machine.

And speaking of bonding with your machine, well, that skirt is adorable.  I love the hem treatment, and the method you used will go into my "sewing methods" computer file.  The fabric you chose from Waechter's is so pretty!

I read on your 'blog that life had pulled the rug out from under your family big time, and am happy to learn that sewing has been a good outlet for finding a measure of peace as your son recovers and hopefully can eventually reestablish his life in his own space again. He's a very brave kid. As a parent, it's heartwrenching to imagine what you have been through these past few weeks. I wish you and your family all the best.

Following in your footsteps, I was just at Waechter's last week and must confess that I scored more fabric.   So much for my "no new fabric" rule.  Remember my "gambler in Vegas" analogy? Well that was me in Waechter's.  There were just too many beautiful pieces to walk out of there empty handed.  Plus the staff is so wonderful, each so friendly and helpful.  This was my first time visiting their new space, and I love being able to wander through their wares without the fear of an overhead bolt of fabric following the law of gravity and bonking me on the head!    The old place was just to small for Joyce's (the owner) fine selection. This new place is light and airy and a delight to wander through. The fabrics are arranged by type and color which really gets the creative juices flowing. Now I've really got to get cracking on some new garments!

Pamela, how nice that you have finished your second broomstick skirt, in a sunny yellow print.  I hope photos follow soon!

Kathryn

[Karendee]

Such beautiful items are being shown today: Pamela's skirt, BeeBee's wonderful scalloped skirt and trendy blouse, Ann's teach cozy--my mind is just swirling. Congratulations for all the posters creativity and great garments/artistic household items.

Karen

[Patti B]

BeeBee, your scalloped skirt is so pretty; thanks for the scallop tutorial on your blog too. Ann, you are the woman of many talents -- what a darling cozy! So cheerful on a winter morning to keep the tea nice and warm, er, cozy.

[Liana]

BeeBee,  Thank you for the details on your scalloped hem.  I'm glad it was such a fast method even though you got such great results.  It makes it more likely that I'll actually do it. 

Ann, Your tea cozy is so cute!  What a fun class that must have been.  As I looked at your pictures, I was sifting through the stash in my head thinking of wool pieces I have that might be cosy-worthy.  You go to such interesting classes.  I have to ask if there's a group that puts these on, or a shop, or do you find these individually?  You never seem to have a so-so class.

[LauraS.]

I lurk more than I post, but I must say the eye candy recently posted is wonderful.  From BeeBee's blouse and skirt - -  the scalloped hem is too cool.  I know I won't be the only one copying that technique before too long; to Ann's tea cozy - - where do I find classes like that in my town?!  MaryPat, I have that vogue jacket pattern ready for cutting out and hope I can do it justice.  Your jacket is so nice.  Ann, your western shirts always leave me in awe.  Broomskirts are so much fun to make, I just wish I had the time.  I've spent the last month rolling fabric in my free time, cataloging it all.  I can't wait for my sewing mojo to find it's way back to me.  In the meantime, I live vicariously thru others.  (I have much more talent that way!)

laura

[Elona]

What lovely things you busy ladies have been making!

Ann, your tea cosy is stunning---a little jewel.

[AnnRowley]

Thank you all for liking my tea cosy - even though our spelling differs.

Liana, I belong to a group of embroiderers; there are about thirty of us altogether, who have in the past gained a City and Guilds Certificate in Embroidery.  We formed the group about 18 years ago to continue our education. Members come and go but the classes go on - about once a month. I usually do nine or ten a year, depending on the subject.
 
The committee decides on tutors; people whose work we have seen and admired.
Some are better teachers than others but we rarely get a dud.

I don't post about all the classes - sometimes I just end up with samples of a technique that I know I'm unlikely to use for a finished article. But all are interesting and most are pretty stimulating - good for the old grey matter...

[Patti B]

Thanks for all the kind remarks about my blue purse. I've been using it this past week and have a few tweaks for the next one (don't we always?  ) It was fun to sew and I know I'll make another version some day. 

Kathryn, how nice that you remembered the project I was sewing for our daughter. It is finished! Briefly, it's a linen dress with a jacket made of a slubbed Japanese cotton. Here's the link to the album and the review on Pattern Review. I'm pleased with the silk organza underlining and think that it really helped with wrinkles. The photo shows DD after she had worn it twice so it's not pristine.

[lessalt]

What wonderful projects I am seeing. I love BeeBee's beautiful new blouse and Ann's fabulous tea cozy. I imagine it really does a great job keeping the teapot hot. Patti B - Your purse and your daughter's outfit are perfect.

Kathryn, There aren't too many of us who could walk away from Waetcher's empty handed. Now that it is in a new place with lots more room, it is probably harder to resist. I always get a little claustrophobic in small crowded places. How nice that you can stand back to see what jumps out at you. I love checking out the artistic clothing at Bellagio in the same shopping area. After you see the prices you can go to Waetcher's and buy fabric and feel virtuous.

[MsFunk]

Patti, I love that jacket; the classic simple ones always draw me in.  and it must be wonderfully cool to wear as well.  And that scallop hemmed skirt is fantastic; what a great and unexpected way to finish off a skirt.  There really isn't enough time in the day to make all of the things I drool over (but I'm trying    )

I'm spending the day making perfectly respectable men's white cotton shirts for customers and the Mister; reenacting season is almost upon us and it's time to get in gear.  Glad that the pictures of last weekend were enjoyed; it certainly is an odd sensation to not recognize myself in the mirror.  To answer the 'how do you eat', you don't.  I was able to drink through a straw, and could manage the random oyster cracker but that was about it. 

[zora]

Patti, love the jacket! I really like the simple lines.

Ann, the tea cozy looks like a fun project! I like the bright colours and the little details. I've been thinking on trying something similar but never found the time. Maybe next winter.

BeeBee, I like all the clothes you posted but I definitely like the blouse best! Fabulous fabric!

[Karendee]

Patti,

What lovely jacket on DD. She looks just great in her entire outfit.

Karen

[fzxdoc]

PattiB, that dress for your DD is amazing--so beautifully constructed!  It's a real pleasure to see something that is as beautifully done on the inside as on the outside, and that dress and jacket certainly qualify.  I love the jacket's lining and piping next to the facing.  The fit of the jacket and dress is really nice on your DD as well.  You do really lovely work, and should be justifiably proud each time you see your DD wear the outfit.  

I hope the Master's ceremony went well. If the smile on your DD's face is any indication, it went beautifully!

Kathryn

P.S. I know I said "beautifully" 3 times (now 4) in this post, but there is really no other word that more accurately conveys my sentiments.  Kudos to you again, Patti.

[lyra]

Just popping in to that everyone for posting so many wonderful garments.  What fantastic inspiration.

I'm hoping I'll get a bit of sewing done this weekend... moved my summer clothes out of the back closet, and I now have a nice list of things I "need" to make.   

The cardigan is styled on a Chanel type of jacket, and I'm using my sewing fitting knowledge to get the upper bodice to work for me a bit better than using the pattern's instructions.  No task is ever simple, I'm learning, especially when knitting a cardigan.  At least in sewing I can do some quickie alterations to get the fit just right.  There is greater uncertainty in the knitting process since it takes so long to get the pieces all together for a try on.

Oh man... I never thought about it that way.  I guess you just hope your swatch worked and that it will fit in the end???

[pamela]

Finally finished the Diaper Bag  .
Went to Hancocks today and pick up this pattern from Vogue it was on the cover of Threads.
Like Carolyn I didn't realize how much yellow fabric I've purchased this year.

[pamela]

I was suppose to post pictures. Hit wrong button.

[Karendee]

Pamela, You have made quite a special bag. Congratulations!

Karen

[joan71]

Patti, just checking back after looking at your photo album of DD ensemble.  What a nice job you did and I love the fabric combinations, the fashion fabrics and the lining and piping.....so pretty and your workmanship is a delight to behold.  Thanks, for sharing and congrats to both you and DD.

Joan

[Patti B]

I can't tell you lovely people how much your kind comments mean to me.    I've always been a cut-it-out-this-morning-and-wear-it-tonight kind of sewist ... and you can tell that this wasn't possible with these garments. And, I've discovered that I do enjoy the more challenging aspects of sewing -- what a nice surprise! There were moments on the jacket lining that were a test of ingenuity and a tribute to friendly assistance from a fellow sewist. Whew, fortunately two heads were better than one and the jacket was finished. I was using Roberta Carr's lining method for the first time and there was a bit of a learning curve. So, again, thanks for the encouragement! Also, it was such a pleasure to go to my lovely local fabric shop and purchase everything I needed there (except for the silk lining) and not have to do internet guessing/shopping. My friends consider it our 'duty' to keep them in business! And, while I do my share of internet purchasing, I love being able to fondle the fabric and select in person.

Pamela, very cute diaper bag. How were the instructions? I guess they must have been pretty good or you wouldn't be finished. 

[Liana]

PattiB,  What a lovely dress and jacket for your DD!  Wonderful fabric too, and how lucky are you to have a local fabric shop with good stuff.  I'm turning slightly green with envy here.  Glad someone has it good, and good for you and your friends for doing what you can to keep them in business.  Interesting how suddenly a different aspect of sewing is appealing.  Have you got another challenging project planned already? 

Pamela,  Great bag!  It looks like it will be great to use.

[pamela]

Not that Great. But I have made bags before so I just mixed it up a bit. Omitted the zipper, just too much bulk there. Didn't put the side pocket it on. Either the pattern piece was missing from the mgf or I did something with it. I pre-quilted the fabric co most everything was quilted so that made it thick in some areas of construction.
And it is big.
On another note, I went to Hancocks yesterday to pick up a vogue pattern. As usual I just had to pick up a few pieces of Fabric. Sew Passionate posted butterick 3030 on her blog and I liked it so much that I bought fabric to do one. Fabric to do the new vogue pattern and 2 pieces of twill for jean style skirts. The crazy thing is, I bought a piece of yellow for a top and some yellow for the skirt. Then I purchased some white for a top and white for a skirt.
One thing for sure, I'll be in yellow and white.

[BetsyV]

As utilitarian as these are, I was desperate for them, and they make me smile when I wear them to the gym. Bonus: In spinning class, when the flourescent lights go off and the black lights stay on, only the not-black pattern shows!

One of my sewing retreat projects a few weeks ago was to take my old, worn out, spandex shorts and make a pattern from them that I could use to make new shorts for myself. The shorts are very simple: there are 2 leg/lower torso pieces and a square gusset for the crotch. So no side seams, just CF and CB. Add some elastic around the waist however you like to do it, and you're done. The fabrics are remnants I got for being quick to respond when a blogger I follow had a bag of remnants to get rid of!