Sharing, Inspiration and Project Photos XIX

[RuthieK]

Love the tops and the dress.
I have a lot of admiration for what you did to make that fabric and pattern work and the result is lovely.

[mardel]

Sorry that I am a bit late to the party here, but your finished projects are just lovely Elizabeth!  The Ottobre top is really lovely and the sewing and fabric information is quite inspiring.  It must be a dream to wear and I love that you can push up the sleeves.   I really had to smile with your description of attaching the cuffs with the elastic as it is exactly the kind of thing I would do (even when I was sewing a lot).  I always get all bolluxed up with that bit of translation from written directions to what I am actually seeing.  Turned out lovely though.

The skirt and blouse are really fabulous.  That skirt looks like it must be perfect on you and I adore how the puffed sleeves balance the skirt and add a nice bit of a retro-yet-modern look.  I love the accessorizing tips you have gotten and agree with Ann that a tan belt, perhaps lighter than the one shown could be fabulous, although that belt with boots in a similar color would be fabulous.  With bare legs it might also be nice with a really neutral shoe, something that makes your legs look like one line from the skirt down to the feet, although dark pumps would also be nice.  Of course this look will also depend on how the tone of the skirt is with your skin tone and the shade of the shoes, you are such a fair person, and the skirt looks a little dark, but that could just be the light.

Laura, I love the drape of the cowl on you and the way your lovely top looks.  Thank you for all the useful information on the pattern.  I am surprised that the seam below the bust is just a design detail, but it seems like it would not be difficult to use it as a fitting tool with a full bust alteration.   I had it in my cart but didn't buy the pattern at my last sale, but I am still a little uncertain about the alterations for raglan sleeves on me.  You inspire me to reconsider.    Is there a way to fix the cowl so you don't need to fiddle with it as much? perhaps topstitching the seam allowances as Elizabeth suggested?  The lavender color is really pretty on you, but I understand what you say about it being close to skin tone.  I always fret about a big expanse of pale lavender as there are a lot of lavender undertones in my skin and it has to be just right, and I always worry it will look a little risque from a distance, but your top looks really lovely on you and gives your skin a nice soft glow, even visible on the iPhone photo.

[fzxdoc]

This seems somewhat silly in view of the gorgeous garments that have been posted here, but I made myself a bookbag. Actually, I just embroidered on a blank one. Since no project is ever simple with me, (dunno why), I had to remove the outer pocket, baste strips onto it to secure it into the embroidery hoop, embroider it, and then re-insert it back onto the tote. Sigh. But it was worth it:





Here's the blog entry:

Kathryn

[LauraS.]

too cool!

[Karendee]

Adorable bag, Kathryn. I, too, have enjoyed those same bags for various things. I like the cover the entire bag with a quilted pattern using the stitch and flip method. Then I embellish with yarns and machine stitching. I also use the "free" bags given out at conferences etc. I prefer these to completely handmade ones just for the durable straps etc. Of course the lovely handmade ones could also be very sturdy , I'm sure. Anyway, I approve; this is adorable.

Karen

[Ann]

Kathyrn, I love that book bag. It is too cool. And anything that takes a while to do is always worth it.

I finished another project and it was started last Saturday. It is the Feb. Embroidery Club project ---- a hot water bottle warmer. I went out and bought a hot water bottle for this project as I loved it. I will be making another one as DD wants one for hers. I did mine with a country flair using copper brown minky and Barn Buggy fabrics (very country). I did use another line for the binding but may go back to the barn buggy fabric for the binding of the next one. I will be putting velcro squares at the top inside for closures. I need to do it in Ashcroft where I have the velcro and the glue.

Ann

[mardel]

Kathryn, really darling book bag!  You come up with the nicest embroidery projects.

Ann, I like the hot water bottle warmer.  It looks like a nice idea:  soft and warm.

[Towanda]

Here's some videos showing spring trends from net-a-porter.com:  http://www.net-a-porter.com/Content/video?cm_mmc=Email-_-Dedicated-_-TrendsVideos140210-_-Intl#/video=modern-metallics--ss10

[Diane P.]

This site http://public.craftcouncil.org/2010/31/8 was posted on the Cutting Line Designs thread by Louise Cutting.  Some absolutely wonderful eye candy and inspiration.

So much to pick from but I particularly liked the Elizabeth Garver and Dahlia Popovits jackets.

[Ann]

I got another western shirt done today. It does not have a yoke on it due to the type of design on the fabric - words, ribbons, and flowers. I did add ribbon to the sleeves and collar to break up the look as it got very boring when left as a simple shirt.

Sorry the picture is not the best as I don't have anywhere to photograph the shirt except in the bathroom. It has a heat lamp for lighting which leaves a lot to be desired. I can hardly wait to get moved down south so I can sew and photograph in my sewing studio.

Ann

[ejvc]

Very cute totebag, Kathryn.  You will be the talk of the book club. 
Towanda, I had a great time looking at the net-a-porter shows and was very cheerful that I would not, in fact, be wearing any of the new metallics , thank you for posting. 
Ann, I just love your shirts; this is rather subdued? Client preference? Or is it the heat lamp?

Diane, I'll have a look at that link later.  I'm off to sew now!

[Ann]

Elizabeth, it is mostly the heat lamp yellowing the picture. It is very purples and white (great contrast). It is very simply done due to the print on the shirt hence why I added some ribbon. If the weather is nice today, I will try and outdoor shot.

Ann

[fzxdoc]

Thank you all, Elizabeth, Ann, Mardel, Karen, and Laura for the nice compliments on that little embroidered tote bag.  I don't know why I get the itch to use that embroidery machine, since it is more technical than creative, but I enjoy it nonetheless. That bag will get a workout, and it's fun to own.

Ann, your new shirt is cute--I like the ribbon trim on the sleeves.  I thought of you when I watched the wonderful HBO movie, Temple Grandin. Her western shirts were really great looking. It's such an uplifting movie about living with such a heartbreaking disease, autism. There are many unsung heroes in this world, and those who live with autism, both first hand and as supportive family and friends, are most certainly in that number.

I just returned from a delightful surprise Valentine's weekend trip to Memphis, orchestrated by my DH. That guy is such a keeper! Today is earmarked for unpacking, laundry, and finishing up a sewing project. I finished a swing jacket last week and have enough of the very pricey fabric left for a short pencil skirt, so the skirt is on the docket for finishing today.  Photos and 'blogging to come.

Kathryn

[cmarie12]

Ohhhh a new Kathryn project ~ I am sooooo looking forward to seeing this!

[fzxdoc]

Oh, Carolyn, you always make me feel so good! Can you move in with me?

Here are photos of my latest swing jacket. This is the 5th time I've made this pattern, so that makes it a TNT for sure.



You can see more photos here on my photosite:

Or see the photos and read about the project here on my 'blog:

The fabric is a wonderful Carolina Herrera wool/silk/nylon blend from Waechter's Fabrics in Asheville, NC. It is raisin and silver in color. You can purchase it here.The fabric is reversible, and I used the other side from the one shown on the website.

Kathryn

[marciae]

Beautiful coat - color is great.  Yes, I'd say this is a TNT pattern!!

[shams]

Kathryn,  Gorgeous coat.  I read through your blog and looked at all four photo albums.  Wow, each looks so different and each is made to perfection, but my eyes particularly popped on the black one with cutouts.  Yowza!  I saw that technique years ago in an issue of Threads, I think, but never used it.  You just may inspire me to get to it. 

Amazing!

[lessalt]

Kathyrn,
Your coat is very beautiful!

[Ann]

Beautiful jacket Kathyrn. I will have to look at your blog later. I am trying to write report cards right now.

Ann

[vtmartha]

Absolutely gorgeous, Kathryn!  I love the colors.  I need to get that pattern out again.

[BetsyV]

Really stunning jacket Kathryn!

[Madrona]

Kathryn that is simply gorgeous.  TNT is an understatement. 

[Deirdre]

Beautiful garment, Kathryn.   I love the placement of the design on the front opening!

Deirdre

[AnnRowley]

Beautiful coat Kathryn!

I love the way you've pattern matched at the front opening, and the way that secondary pattern has emerged.  Fabulous fabric too.

And to think that you HK finished all the seams only to find it needed lining...

[fzxdoc]

You all are so kind.  Thank you AnnR, Deirdre, Madrona, Betsy, Martha, Ann, Leslie, Shams, and Marcia for all of the positive comments.

You're so right AnnR--it was a delightful surprise to find that medallion pattern emerge from the wavy linear layout of the flowers. My initial goal was to avoid having a flower over the bust area. Starting from that perspective, the medallion shape resulted at the front closure. It took me several days, off and on, to get the pattern placed the way I wanted it. It was one of those things where it was better to work on for a bit, walk away from, and then come back again with fresh eyes and work on some more.  

As always with large print patterns, I was constrained by the print's repeat, by the need to match, by the width of the fabric and by the available yardage. I had overbought the yardage, thankfully, because I used most of it to get the design placed correctly. Of course that results in some waste, but that often happens with large prints and plaids.

And it was good to get the practice with HK finishing using some of the features of my relatively new machine. That's how I spinning that unneeded effort!    

Kathryn

[Deirdre]

Some inspiration for the adventurous:

http://www.livemaster.ru/topic/23667

I posted this earlier today, but it was very early, so I guess I didn't press the "Post" button.

Deirdre

[Karen Roth]

That is gorgeous Kathryn.  Love the perfect matching in front!  I love perfect pattern matching and this is a great way to boast your skill in doing so without saying a word!   

[mardel]

Kathryn, that is just gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous.  I love the way you worked with the pattern and got that fabulous match at the front.  As always your work is inspiring and drool-worthy.  I haven't gotten over to your blog yet, although it is waiting for me here on my computer and I can't wait to finish a bunch of math on a project so I can reward with myself with the big yummy treat of perusing your blog and photo album.

[Patti B]

Kathryn, I can just echo all the compliments on your amazing swing coat -- wow. It is a stunner. I too love this pattern and am going to print your alterations and put it with my pattern for the next  time. I would love to be a fly on the wall and watch your process from fabric to layout to finished -- what fun that would be!

[Karendee]

Kathryn,

I agree with all the comments posted! Your swing coat is just an amazing creation. I would love to see you wearing that coat out with all your admirers in awe of your garment. Everything about the jacket is just perfect!!

Thanks for the thorough and detailed review.

Karen

[LauraS.]

Beautiful jacket, Kathryn.  I'm going to have to give in and get a swing coat pattern.  that pattern!

[RuthieK]

Kathryn: Beautiful coat, elegant and unusual. Fantastic matching of the print at the front.

[fzxdoc]

I am so happy that you all like my jacket, Ruthie, Karen, Patti, Mardel, Karen (movinon), and Deirdre. Thank you so much for your compliments on it.

I highly recommend that pattern, which can be made, if you don't have to match prints, in a couple of hours. It is made for knits and is sewn entirely on the serger. There are two possible problems with it. The first is that the sleeves are very narrow in the forearm/wrist area, so that should be checked for comfort, and there is a possible error in the shoulder angle of the pattern. I have described that error in the last paragraph of my 'blog posting about it. But once those two corrections are made, it goes together like a dream.

Deirdre, I tried to get that link to open (I have AOL/IE), and it would not load.  However it opens just fine using Mozilla or Safari.  Sometimes my AOL/IE browser is picky, though.  Those are some way out there designs, both knitted and sewn. I particularly liked these looks:




OK. I'll stop now.  But I could load a dozen more. I can't even figure out how those knitted pieces were made, but they sure are pretty. I didn't realize that there are more photos below the postings on that page. There must be over 100 looks. Amazing. Thanks for posting the link!

Kathryn

[Jacs]

Kathryn I love your swing jacket and the wonderful matching of the  fronts.  Thanks also for the blog posting on the process as important as the wonderful finished pictures IMHO.

I found those pictures interesting and have added some to the scrapbook - it looks as if the crochet/lace look is going to be around for another season. - just as well as I have not finished my versions and summer is almost over here!!!

[KathrynT]

Kathryn, lovely jacket.  It took me a while of staring at the photo of the back to work out how you could have cut it to get the fabric to be symmetrical across the front.  I can well imagine the thinking process you describe on your blog (place and think and come back later).  It was well worth it.  I also like the pictures you posted, particularly the 2nd crocheted top.  I have the skills to do that, but frustratingly not the time.