Sharing, Inspiration and Project Photos XVIII

[shams]

lol  I had to scroll through lots of posts to find the hat.  Oh, man, that is CUUUUTE!!!!  And the embroidery is great. 

I used to love to embroider and since someone posted the UrbanThreads site recently, I am itching to get back to it. 

[sdBev]

Myrna

I agree with the "go with your gut" advice, plus I've got some really soft corduroy.  Corduroy is no longer made only from 100% cotton.  It is made from rayon and microfibers.  I have the microfiber corduroy that also has microcord i.e. is 24 cords to the inch.  It is very fine, soft and subtle.  For a suit I would have to add some strudy interfacing.   I've also seen some fabrics that are corded i.e. have valleys and hills but the hills are not trimmed away like corduroy.  The effect is created by the weft being a thicker thread than the woof (umm not sure if I'm spelling that correctly)    I saw a silk cord that would have been an excellent choice for any of the  very garments in which you were interested. 

One of the things I regret about losing our local stores, is the lack of exposure to these different type fabrics.  The silk cord I saw in Sioux Falls, my 3.5 hour trip.  The microfiber microcord, I purchased in Mitchell, my 1.5 drive.  The stores closer to me carry only quilt cottons, and I'm lucky that they do even that.  (Nothing against quilting cotton but I want dressmaking fabrics)  When I look at pictures on the 'net, I just don't "see" these details.  It just doesn't "compute" for me.

[Myrna]

I agree with the "go with your gut" advice, plus I've got some really soft corduroy.  Corduroy is no longer made only from 100% cotton.  It is made from rayon and microfibers.  I have the microfiber corduroy that also has microcord i.e. is 24 cords to the inch.  It is very fine, soft and subtle. 

Thanks Bev. I went back to the fabric store yesterday and checked the content and mine is a polyester, rayon, lycra blend. It's so gorgeous. I'm working hard to resist buying more. I certainly don't need more fabric - LOL.

To test the pattern, I started with a (hopefully) wearable muslin in a fabric of a similar hand. I realized the whole debate I was having with myself was over "will this make me look fat" and I decided yes, and so what. It won't make me look HUGE - it just won't be as slimming as some other garments and as my friend pointed out, it'll make my waist look small. Here's the muslin so far - belted together at the side seams. I like it on the dress form.



And while I was on a "so what" roll and still at the fabric store, I picked up a meter of this fuchsia plaid that goes great with the yarn for the top I'm knitting. It's for a skirt. I rarely sew with prints and they're not the matching kind so I needed something to meet that criteria. I love the color of this and the freedom of this new attitude. Hopefully I like the results too - VBG.  - Myrna

[fzxdoc]

Myrna, your work is so yummy!  First of all I like your attitude:

I realized the whole debate I was having with myself was over "will this make me look fat" and I decided yes, and so what. It won't make me look HUGE -

Secondly, I agree that the dress looks great on the form. If the form is a close approximation of you, you're good to go.

And finally, that knitted piece and the plaid you purchased to go with it are absolutely gorgeous together.  I'm really going to enjoy seeing that outfit come to life.

Thanks so much for sharing your photos.  They are just the bit of vicarious sewing that I was needing in my morning. 

Kathryn

[vtmartha]

I went back to the fabric store yesterday and checked the content and mine is a polyester, rayon, lycra blend. It's so gorgeous.

Aha!  RPL - or PRL  - the fabric of everyone's dreams these days.  Definitely not your 'common' corduroy.  Enjoy!

[movinon]

Myrna the muslin looks great!  (As do your tops). I really need to learn how to do belts, I lost a box that had a collection of belts over nearly 20 years and some of them made the outfit - you just can't always find the right one to replace so maybe I should be better at making the right ones to go with in the first place.  And why would you think you don't need more fabric ?

Adorable hat!!!

The red cami is so cute, who'd have guessed it's out of scraps.  Once I'm done with a project I hate having so much fabric that's useable as it's almost like I didn't eliminate one project as there's still enough waiting for another.  Warped thinking?  And once I have something new from the fabric I'm tired of dealing with it. Short attention span?  But I need to maximize these days so maybe I should whip out those scarves or such out of the smaller leftovers.  I've been making some aprons for exSIL and friends using unconventional apron fabrics - didn't photo SIL's (who loved it), here's the next I made for another friend -
http://www.flickr.com/photos/krothwolff/4250795423/in/photostream/

[Myrna]

Myrna the muslin looks great!  (As do your tops). I really need to learn how to do belts, I lost a box that had a collection of belts over nearly 20 years and some of them made the outfit - you just can't always find the right one to replace so maybe I should be better at making the right ones to go with in the first place.  And why would you think you don't need more fabric ?

Thanks. The belt is purchased. I have no idea how to do belts but I read somewhere - I think on Gerties Blog for Better Sewing - that they can be made by a professional. That appealed to me.

I have (or had at last count and have bought more since) 450 meters of fashion fabric in my studio already. That is taking up more than the allotted space. That's how I keep it under control so I need to stitch up in order to buy more. I'm taking a workshop with Sandra Betzina and Ron Collins in April and want to be able to shop then.

Aha!  RPL - or PRL  - the fabric of everyone's dreams these days.  Definitely not your 'common' corduroy.  Enjoy!

OH - that's what that acronym stands for. Thanks.

Myrna, your work is so yummy!  First of all I like your attitude: Secondly, I agree that the dress looks great on the form. If the form is a close approximation of you, you're good to go. And finally, that knitted piece and the plaid you purchased to go with it are absolutely gorgeous together.  I'm really going to enjoy seeing that outfit come to life. Thanks so much for sharing your photos.  They are just the bit of vicarious sewing that I was needing in my morning.  Kathryn

I hope the attitude sticks. I like it. LOVE the plaid. It's sitting on the cutting table calling me. I may move to it before the purple paisley. Millicent (my dress form) looks a lot like me. She's got a padded bra on to equal my best. Just needs high hips and a bit of a tummy. I'm working on that. The tummy may disappear. Need to pad up the hips.

Thanks Everyone - Myrna

[tumblina]

I'm with you Myrna! The proprietress of a wedding dress shop I was at expounded at length about her ability to make people look "as petite as possible" . And people who won't wear bottoms with pockets because it makes their hips look wider. I'm all about the style, baby! And the practicality. "Makes me look slim" is pretty far down on my list .

[sdBev]

Myrna 

I like the comment I read on your blog "it makes your waist look so small"  or something to that effect.  Sometimes we're so critical we forget to praise and see the upside. 

[MaryPat]

Thanks to everyone for your comments on Maisie's hat.
As for the photo- it is one of the few recent pictures of her without her tongue out. She takes after her dad. Say no more.

[KathrynT]

MaryPat, didn't Maisie used to run away when you tried to take a photo?  This is definitely an improvement.  The hat is adorable!  How is the coat progressing?

Myrna, I realised a couple of years ago that it's boring only wearing clothes that are slimming.  It's great when they are, but other items can have other charms.  Wear what makes you feel good.

[Carole]

  Look what my son sent me!  It's a sari, direct from India.  So, what do I make from it?  A jacket?  A skirt?  I can tell you it will be awhile before I have the nerve to cut it.

[shams]

Mmmmm.   Yum yum yummers, Carole.  Really beautiful.  I would definitely utilize that gorgeous border.

I could maybe see a duster out of that, with the border going up the front.  Mmmmm... 

[fzxdoc]

I absolutely love sewing with sari fabrics, Carole. There are a few patterns that would take advantage of that border, either lengthwise down a side center front seam or along the hem.

Here is an eveningwear outfit that I made from a silk sari many years ago, in 2003:



from this Burda WOF design:



I made a deep green tunic and pants set from a sari as well, even before this turquoise one. While the pants may be a bit "out there" for some tastes, the shape of the top (which in this design splits at the waist) would adapt well to a sheath or tunic.

I still have 3 or 4 silk saris in my stash, waiting for their turn in my sewing room. Lucky you to have such a wondeful collection!

After all, they're basically 6 yards of beautifully embellished fabric. Let your imagination roam free!

Kathryn

[Ann]

I have just had quick looks here so far this week as school start up has consumed my brain.

Martha - loves skirts and tops. They look very spring like to me. Living in the cold north does that to one's brain if these are to be winter skirts.

MaryPat - I love your daughter's hat. It is so darling on here. You did an amazing job of the embroidery.

Movinon - neat apron. I am going to start making cowgirl aprons for sale. I like your pattern.

Carole - what a love sari. When DS was in India, he brought me home a lovely piece of purple silk that I plan on making into a jacket. I hope he goes again and I will request a sari. Kathryn, I love your sari. I don't think I could wear that but I am sure I could think of something to make out of a sari.

Myrna - your dress is coming along nicely. I also like that plaid you are going to make a skirt out of. For me it would be on the bias or in a shirt but I know it will be something special you will make. And where and when are taking this workshop with Sandra Betzina and Ron Collins??? I am so jealous of this.

BTW, I just found out that Myrna and I will live 60 miles apart when I retire and head south. It will be so much fun to have a SG friend live that close.

Ann

[Myrna]

Myrna, I realised a couple of years ago that it's boring only wearing clothes that are slimming.  It's great when they are, but other items can have other charms.  Wear what makes you feel good.

Now that I'm moving beyond jeans and a black t-shirt, I'm figuring that out what makes me feel good again. VERY fun. I really hope this dress works out. I've been imagining it finished (as in with heels, tights, jewelry) all day.

- Myrna

[Myrna]

Myrna 

I like the comment I read on your blog "it makes your waist look so small"  or something to that effect.  Sometimes we're so critical we forget to praise and see the upside. 

Isn't that the truth. Can't see the forest for the trees. Thanks for the encouragement.

- Myrna

[Myrna]

... "Makes me look slim" is pretty far down on my list .

LOL - well.... blushing sheepishly... it's not WAY down my list. I just don't want it to be top of the list and keep me from exploring something fun.

- Myrna

[Myrna]

Myrna - your dress is coming along nicely. I also like that plaid you are going to make a skirt out of. For me it would be on the bias or in a shirt but I know it will be something special you will make. And where and when are taking this workshop with Sandra Betzina and Ron Collins??? I am so jealous of this.

BTW, I just found out that Myrna and I will live 60 miles apart when I retire and head south. It will be so much fun to have a SG friend live that close.

Ann

Thanks. I'm having fun with the dress. Just about to tack the lining in. It's done quite neatly. You sew around the neckline, turn it in and then baste it to the sideseam and armholes BEFORE sewing the sleeves and the sideseam. Makes it quite neat.

Taking a workshop with Sandra has been on my wish list for YEARS. It's about $2,900 in San Francisco which includes the hotel and lunch. I'm taking it in Nanaimo at the Snip & Stitch for $350.00 including lunch. My B & B will be $400.00 including breakfast.  Gas and the ferry will be about $200.00. That leaves four dinners and shopping. I don't think I'll get the opportunity closer and less expensive than that. AND... Ron is a bonus. This will be my 2010 retreat.

It will be very fun to have you closer. When are you moving down?

- Myrna

[Ann]

That retreat sounds so exciting. I am sure you are going to have a blast.

I am moving down early in July. I will be retiring from teaching. I know that July to the end of September will be really busy for me as I have to set up my sewing room (hmmmm I think I need to buy your book) and I have a lot of canning to do. Plus I need to sew a lot of barrel racing shirts.

I can hardly wait to get down and visit with you.

Ann

[vtmartha]

Oh, what a blast!  If it weren't so far, I might be tempted as my best friend from hs lives in Nanaimo and it is such a great place to visit.  Ron is definitely a bonus!  Have fun!

[Myrna]

I must have forgot to come in from one notification because WOW - there are a LOT of images/postings that I haven't seen. Wonderful work. Absolutely LOVE the fabric in your tops Betsy.

- Myrna

[sdBev]

  Look what my son sent me!  ..

OMG.  How beautiful is that.  You must know that your son loves you and has good taste!

[Betty F]

What a beautiful piece. 

My sister brought me a burgundy silk sari yardage 3 years ago which has gone largely untouched because I am somewhat unsure what to do with it, not being a dress person at all.  I did learn that the color comes out copiously, so the fabric will need some sort of treatment if used where it might get wet or sweat upon.  Some of the border made a beautiful addition to a purse that was made of dupionni.

I think such a treat just needs to sit and be loved until it's ready to tell you what to do.

[mardel]

I can't even begin to catch up here, so if I missed you, my apologies.

Carole, what a beautiful piece of fabric!  And what a very thoughtful son.

[Karendee]

Carole,

What lovely fabric and such a lovely gift from DS. Whatever you decide to make will be a great memory item.

Karen

[Liana]

Trying to catch up here as well.    So many neat things!

MaryPat,  That hat is the cutest thing!  The finger puppets are so darling that way, what a good idea.

Myrna,  Very nice tops, and I like your pleats.  I'm looking forward to seeing your dress/jumper.  Sounds like pretty fabric.

Ruth,  Your camisole is very nice, and hooray for using up scraps.

I have finally sewn something, however simple it may be.  I bought a simple fleece vest last week and decided it was too long in the back and looked droopy on me.  I also thought it would be super simple to copy and make the changes I needed.  I had everything I needed to make it, including a 23" separating zipper, so I was ready to go.  Here's what I came up with.

  You can click on the first photo and it will take you to more that you can scroll through, including a RTW vest that's pretty close to what I copied.  There's a little more on my blog, too.

[lessalt]

Liana,
Nice vest - it looks very cozy and I love the color.

[sdBev]

Liana  I love the color and shape of the vest.  What a great project!

[vtmartha]

Lovely vest, Liana!  It looks great on you.

[Myrna]

Myrna,  Very nice tops, and I like your pleats.  I'm looking forward to seeing your dress/jumper.  Sounds like pretty fabric.

Thanks. The dress is done. I'll get a picture of me in it on Sunday. I didn't use the pretty fabric yet. This was a wearable muslin. It's okay. The fabric has too much lycra I think. There are a few things to change for next time.



Your vest looks lovely - warm and cozy. What fun. Right now I'm drafting a knock off of this ModCloth Returning To Duty t-shirt starting with my T & T - New Look 6735. It'll have 3/4 sleeves.

- Myrna



 

[AnnRowley]

How nice that you've got back to some sewing Liana.  You look so warm and comfortable in your fleece.

It's not a fabric I've ever worn or used. I bought some once and just couldn't cope with the feel of it; I completed the top and donated it...

[Ann]

Liana, I do like your fleece vest. You did a great job on it.

Ann, fleece is not my favourite fabric but I have sewn with some high quality fleece and do like it. I have a bolt of mid grade fleece at home and will make myself a couple of items from it. I also have some wind block fleece that I will make DSIL a jacket out of for next Christmas. For me it depends on the quality of the fleece. In Canada, we get some pretty horrid stuff and it makes me cringe to work with it. I had that delightful experience teaching Home Ec a few years ago and one of the projects was a hooded jacket and some of the fleece the girls brought in was terrible to touch and sew.

Ann

[Fran G]

A fleece vest..perfect for pretty much any USA location this winter, even FL!! Really pretty color on you Liana, and I like your shortened version..I am much shorter than you and generally find vests, tee shirts  and such "droopy" in in the back even though I am relatively long waisted. Would the person out there with the perfect body proportions please speak up!

And what is your favorite method of copying a ready to wear favorite piece?

[Carole]

I finished this Kwik Sew cowl necked top some people were raving about, and I don't like the way the cowl slips up and exposes the seam attaching it to the body.  (I had to tack it down.)  The knit is slippery so I think that's the problem.  I sew pajamas out of a type of fleece called "minky" which is very, very soft and kind of what I call a "micro-fleece", suitable for lightweight baby blankets and very warm.