Discussion: General SWAP chatter, pre-start

[kbenco]

I have two pieces of that Merino wool from The Fabric Shop, need to get it out see how it drapes and how large the knot will be

Sharon, what a great idea. You can make yours first and nut out any fabric peculiarities, then I can coast in on your coat tails/cardigan front extensions.
Karen

[Ann]

Myrna, the sweater and the skirt look fab together. I do like the colour on you. And thank you for going to all the trouble of getting the photo done.

Ann

[Myrna]

Thanks for all the compliments on the sweater/skirt combo. Nice to be building a mix & match wardrobe. YEAH SWAP.

- Myrna

[JennyAnne]

Myrna, that's a great outfit!  Very nice pick-me-up for another snowy day here.

[JennyAnne]

Shams, that jacket embellishment is so unique.  Love it!  Did you see that somewhere or come up with the idea?

Carol, I love your two tops.  I almost ordered that print fabric.  I love how nice knit prints make the coolest tops.

[shams]

Thanks, JennyAnne!  I got the idea from a Sewing Workshop open house I attended last month.  I give more details on my blog. 

[CarolTrendall]

Lanteri, that red blouse is lovely!  It would slot right into my SWAP!

Shams, so would your jacket.  I love the effect of the holes.  I would never have thought of doing anything like that.

In fact, seeing what some of you are coming up with makes me realise how creatively stunted I am.  I am going to make an effort to try more interesting things from here on in.

[sdBev]

.. I have reached a point where I am sick of sewing the same colours....

Karen

That is part or the discipline of SWAP sewing.  Yes it is YUCKy.  But being persistent even while you are tired, even revolted by the sewing the same color is important.  You are building a basic wardrobe, that will entail a lot, an extra lot, of the same color.  That's very important to the basic wardrobe.  Gees,  I'm having so much problem finding the right inspiring words.  Even though your sick of the same color, keep on sewing!!!! You will appreciate it. It may be months before you understand, but you will value this disciplined sewing.

[Sharon]

Karen  As long as you aren't in a rush, so much to sew, so little time 

Shams I am in awe of your top, and have just visited your blog to find out more details.  Wonderful idea and hope your finger is getting better.

Lanteri Wonderful blouse and Carol I had exactly the same thought.

Sharon

[shams]

Thanks, Carol and Sharon.    The technique I saw someone else do, but he was just using it to embellish organza scarves.  I thought awhile before that application occurred to me.

Next I want to try some screen printing.  I also have an idea I want to try for a stripe shirt using bias.  I am having fun. 

[Licarrit]

Oh, shistilpit! (What my mom used to say in front of us kids when we were little. Anybody else's mom say that?) I cut out a NON-swap4 gore suede skirt last night and figured I could sew it up quick and bring it to Canada with me. And then the sewing gods laughed! My machine won't catch the bottom thread or if it does the stitches are all bunged up.  Sat. I was bringing in the other 2 machines so now I'll have 3 in the repair shop!

Oh, my little fashion design class? Was supposed to be 8 girls... 11 signed up before they thought to cut off registration and they have never had a class fill up so fast! 2 days! I've heard from most of the moms and all the girls are super psyched to be able to do it. There is a generation of sewers out there Teach someone what you know!

[SarahLouWho]

Myrna, the combination really is sweet.  Fun colors for winter!

Shams, I LOVE the cutouts!  It is sooo fun to see that technique- circles like that are my favorite to doodle. 

Licarrit, I really hope the class goes well- there are a ton of people out there who would love to learn and who are learning.  Kudos to you for teaching. 

I got a box of awesome.  More details on my blog

[kbenco]

That is part or the discipline of SWAP sewing.  Yes it is YUCKy.

, Yes, I know  , I just wanted to have a little whinge about it  . This week I have only cut out one thing and sewn 3 seams. I think I will take Ruthie's advice and sew something frivolous and non-SWAP this weekend..after I finish this pair of trousers, Bev, I am being good, I promise!

Carol, as always, your knit tops are terrific. How do you find the poly blend knits to wear? I am thinking there must be air conditioning at work!

Shams, your top is amazing. I read on your blog that it is made from the raincoat remnants - or is that just the cut out bits on the plackets and pocket? I wondered how the raincoat fabric works as a top, is it waterproof? The style looks very versatile, as if it could be worn as a shirt or as a jacket.

Jd98, your New Look red blouse turned out really well. I love the colour and the angel sleeve.

Kim, Wow, a biker jacket. That is a lot of work, and it looks very well made. I saw on your blog that it is a Burda magazine pattern, I will look out for your review, as attempting something so complex with burda instructions sounds rather scary to me. I would not have thought of a biker jacket in wool, and it looks terrific.

Karen

[yorkshire lass]

Sorry ladies, I am late in saying thanks for the kind comments on my trousers.  I'm having IT problems and can only get on here intermittently. 
I have caught up with some of the threads but not all so apologies if I have missed anyone out.
Myrna, your cardigan is fab.  I love the colour and the way it works with the skirt.  Also the neckline is very flattering on you.
Kim - I have been following the progress of your bike jacket and its come out really great.  I have a similar project in the back of my mind to do; same style, different pattern, but was going to make it in red wool melton.  Do you think this would be too thick to use for the style of jacket?
Carol, the red high waist skirt you made is fabulous.
JD98 - love the red blouse and am looking forward to seeing what closure you choose to use on it.

Jenni

[shams]

Karen,

Yes, the entire top is made from the raincoat remnants.  I am planning to include it in my swap, hence I am looking at it as a top, but down the road, I may use it as a short jacket over a t-shirt.  I agree, it's a strange fabric for a top, but I am seeing that fabric used as a garment fabric more and more in RTW.

[Kim12469]

Kbenco - I posted a review on Pattern Review for the jacket.  The pattern was 9-2008-121/122/123.  I kind of did a combination of them.

Yorkshire Lass - I'm going to say that melton might be too heavy for that coat.  My fabric was like a tweed texture and weight and I'd say it was probably as heavy as I'd go.  I actually intended the coat to be more like blazer weight but in the end it's pretty darn warm.

Thanks for the compliments.  I'm trying to figure out what to do next...

Kim

[marciae]

KIM - Your 'biker' jacket looked great!!

[jd98]

Carol, Sharon, Karen, Yorkshire Lass thanks for the compliments. I'm really happy with the way it turned out.
Karen, I'm thinking about the polka dot dress A LOT   (I'm sure if you lend me one of your little elves, it would go much quicker!)
Carol, I could borrow some of your garments too...
Yorkshire Lass good luck with the fittings. the trousers are lovely. Bet it was worth all the effort in getting the right fit!

Kim your biker's jacket is great.
 
Jenny a corduroy skirt with interesting closure... can't wait to see some pictures! (I love corduroy)

Shams thanks for sharing this great technique with us. My BF doesn't like the idea of me handling a soldering iron... apparently I'm not careful enough when it comes to cutting/burning etc...

Myrna your outfit looks amazing! the cardi is gorgeous, I love the colour.

Next item for me: jeans... at last!

[RuthieK]

I've just had chance today to read all of the threads again and get the updates.

Carol - love the print cowl neck top.
Shams - what a fun top, love that really creative approach your have taken with the trim.
Elve - welcome and look forward to seeing what you sew up with us.
JD98 - lovely red shirt.
YorkshireLass - what a bummer about IT playing up, hope you'll be back online soon. The jacket is looking great.
jensa - I really like the tank and skirt. They will be very useful pieces to have in the wardrobe.
Kim - great biker jacker. (about to go read more on your blog)

I've been working a lot and not sewing anything, though I did go and do some fabric shopping yesterday.

I made a coral pink cowl neck top today. I am enjoying the shot of the warm bright pink in the olive of the Botanical Garden collection.

[marciae]

Ruthie - I love your coral top - - you always use "my" colors so I'm always drawn to your clothes!!

Carol - the shirts for Grant look great.  Your top is awesome - good job on the matching - one would never know!!

[JuneBug]

Just popped in to say that everyone's projects are looking great!

[indigotiger]

I'm really impressed with how many folks are moving right along with their sewing! I'm hoping I can catch up!

I've been beavering away on a big window treatment commission - three big Roman shades, interlined with blackout cloth. This has of necessity put my personal sewing on hold for a while.

I did take a partial day off this afternoon. Two of my friends have started getting together on Wednesday afternoons, and invited me to join in; since one lives on the next block, this is a delightful treat. It's so much easier to move forward on  projects if you have company. I simply used the time to re-draft the twist front top pattern, and to draft and cut out all the pieces for the grey tunic.  Vandy learned to use the spinning wheel, and card wool. There was also a "lets dye this mass of fleece a gorgeous tangerine orange color", and Molly did quite a bit of work on her Navajo rug weaving. All in all, a great afternoon, the plan is to do it again in two weeks. Really nothing would make me happier!

At the rate I'm going, I will have all my components cut out before I actually have time to sew anything. I keep telling myself that is a good thing, and that when I do have time, I'll be able to sew like the wind. At least that is what I hope...

[SarahLouWho]

Ruthie, I LOVE that pink... really pops.

Carol, your seasonless reds make my heart happy.  And inspire me.  Although no real reds in my plan... at the moment... hmm. 

There are sooo many really neat things happening in this SWAP!  I am so ready to get going and sew... and it looks like I might just have time soon.  I got some "before" pictures up of 3 refashions-to-be... However I don't know that they will be a starting point.  Here's the link to my blog with the photos!

[kitnrose]

Oh my, everyone's doing so good!  I need to catch up.  Through a happy mix of finding a fabric store going out of business at my in-law's town and some very generous gifts of fabric I've got more than enough for my swap-on-a-dime theme ... but I'm paralyzed.  I got such nice stuff (silks and wools, oh my!  Luxury!) that I think it's overwhelming me and making me more nervous than basic denim and yucky poly ever could.  Deep breaths.  I do need to get over that, though - got yet ANOTHER trip coming up end of this month and nothing to wear.  Must fix. 

Anyway, back to looking at everyone else's progress in hopes that you all will inspire me to great things!  I have tomorrow off so hopefully mad cutting will ensue. 

[KathrynT]

Robyn, your linen shirt is beautiful!  I love the hemstitching detail.  That is the sort of embellishment I love, subtle, but lifts the garment to the next level of luxury and interest.  I'm going to try my embellishment today - let's see if I can achieve the same effect. 
Your fitted denim jacket looks great too - lucky you to have such a slim waist.

[marciae]

Robin your tops are great!  Love the new Burda mag black top!!

[RuthieK]

I am sewing another pink top.  I have a lime green knit top cut out, another pink one planned and a gold blouse also cut out.
I am not sure I am still sewing with a plan, rather an approximate colour scheme.

Robyn I love your pieces. Great detailing and beautiful clean lines. A great aesthetic.

[ejvc]

Kitnrose - it will be OK.  Remember to tissue-fit your patterns, cut with slightly wide seam allowances, baste first, and everything will be fine.

Robyn, I agree, your pieces are beautiful and I love the blouse.

Ruthie -- sounds great!

[blue mooney]

June Bug, you have a very pretty plan. Really nice your pattern choices! I covet your caribou buttons. Do you remember where you got them?

Ruthie, your productivity is always astounding. The colors you have coming up sound perfect for you.

Sewinsuzie, welcome, and I look forward to seeing what you make.

Carol, I get a laugh everytime I see the title of your SWAP for Grant.

Kim, excellent biker jacket! You’ll be glad you tackled the most difficult item first.

JennyAnne, I like your work. Hope you get the rest of your fabrics soon.

Yorkshire Lass, good luck with the Jalie jeans. You certainly gave the Marfys a fair try.

Thanks to all for the comments on my pieces. I was beginning to wonder if I’d be able to get anything done, what with other commitments and all. I’m really enjoying this SWAP. The Option 2 allows me to pull just about any fabric from stash and make a top. It’s working out great for my weight-loss needs, too, since I’ve purchased cheap jeans for the two bottoms. I don’t want to go through pants-fitting until I’m closer to my goal weight.

[ejvc]

Shams, I love your alternative closure top. Your funky and fun sense of style is coming through in all the clothes you make.  Really a pleasure to see your collection.

[JuneBug]

Blue Mooney:   I got them a few years ago at a gun show in Anchorage, Alaska.  I was with my husband and I think the guy wanted to have something to keep wives from tearing their hair out - or dying of boredom. He had simply sawed cross sections of antler from caribou he had hunted and drilled holes.  I spent about 20 minutes picking through a couple hundred buttons at 5 cents each.  They are a bit rough and I am going to have to do a bit of edge smoothing or they will pick my fabric.  Otherwise, I will use the smoother, but less interesting moose antler buttons I got for Christmas.   

If you google "antler" or "horn" buttons you will find a lot of different suppliers.  There are a lot of local people (Sterling, AK) that make these, but they don't have web sites.  I once bought some button covers that were caribou antler but had bear paw prints carved into them.  If you want more information I can look them up for you.

[JuneBug]

Hermelin:  I haul in firewood and do other chores everyday too.  Don't let that stop you from making and wearing pretty clothes.  Just make yourself some pretty all-over aprons to go over your pretty clothes when doing chores.  My favorites are Simplicity's 7481 and 8372.

[blue mooney]

Carole, wish I had a cruise to sew for.

Lanteri - love that last blouse you posted. The sleeves give a nice strong shoulder, and a bit of a retro feel. I may look that pattern up and use it in my swap, too, with the puff sleeve converted to a flange. My fabric's totally different, so I won't be copying you exactly! Hope you don't mind if I make use of your great pattern find. It's from the Burda mag, right?

[Myrna]

... circular shrug finished. I know it can't be officially in the SWAP if I keep the other knitted top but it will go nicely with the other garments anyway. It's the Circular Shrug using the Chalice Baby Blanket lace pattern (both patterns are free on Ravelry). First lace pattern, I'm super happy! 

Gorgeous. Great job.

- Myrna

[shams]

Thanks so much for that compliment, Elizabeth!

Lanteri, that circular shrug you knitted is gorgeous!!! 

Carole, your fabrics coordinate beautifully.  It will be so much fun sewing for a cruise!