Faye's Sewing Adventure

THE SKIRT THAT DIDN'T...

2012-02-02T19:49:00.000-05:00

...want to get made.

When I cut the skirt for my Mother, I also cut one for myself. How convenient, same pattern, same size - might as well go ahead and get all the cutting out of the way. Same thread, same construction process - I could even use a production line method and get them finished simultaneously. Great idea, but it just didn't work out that way. The production line idea fell by the wayside, and after finishing the first skirt I had no desire to do another. I really wanted a solid black wool skirt in my wardrobe, but I was just in the mood to make something other than another skirt. I wanted to fold my skirt up and chunk it into a "do later" box.

But you do know all about my SELF IMPOSED SEWING RULE! The one where I don't get to start a new project until I finish the one I've already started. I think the rule came into play back in '10 or maybe '09, but it has really helped me. I haven't had a UFO flying or laying around for at least two years.

To that end, here's a self photo of my black wool pencil skirt. Yes, I wore it today even though we had perfect Spring weather. After all, I've got to get some wear out of my winter stuff, even though we never know what season the weather will portray from day to day.

Today during a brief sewing thought I asked myself these questions:

Don't you have enough clothes? After all you can barely get anything more in that closet; and
Are you sewing out of greed or out of need?

My answers:

Yes, I really do have enough.
Neither; I'm sewing for THE LOVE OF THE GAME

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it. How would you answer those questions???

THE SEWING TIME FRAMES...

2012-01-28T20:07:00.000-05:00

...don't always end up as predicted. Maybe I should stop predicting time frames - but I just can't seem to help myself. I always think I can get projects completed quick/fast/and in a hurry. But as it turns out, times speeds by - but I don't. I am such a slowwwwwww sewer. I guess if it were not for blog reading, Pinterest pinning and watching a movie or two or three, I'd sew a WHOLE lot faster. But, alas, those are the things that make my leisurely Saturday sewing sessions so very relaxing.

As I mentioned last post, today's project was finishing up McCall's 3830 TNT pencil skirt for my Mother. I hand stitched the hem, the lining to the zipper, made french tacks at the side seams, and tacked the facing down (so she needn't have to bother with the facing flipping out on her). Hand stitching lends itself beautifully to movie watching don't you know. The invisible zipper went in without a glitch. I'd searched high and low for a completely understandable zipper tutorial and finally found one. May I say again - THE COLETTE ZIPPER TUTORIAL is FABULOUS!

I know there are lots of people who have no problem with invisible zippers whatsoever; but for those who may still be struggling with them, here are two points that make this tutorial work so well for me:

it made me understand that not all invisible zippers are 5/8" wide - even though the zipper (opening) seam allowance is
it let me know exactly where to place the zipper in relationship to the edge of the fabric

Utilizing this information I've incorporated two additional points:

I run a 1 inch basting stitch 5/8" along the top of the zipper seam, and another basting stitch 5/8" from the outer edge of the zipper (opening) seam allowance. So it looks something like this

Now I know exactly where the zipper starts, and that the zipper teeth are placed right on the seam line (about a 1/4") from edge of the seam edge.

I also interface the zipper opening (seam allowance) from the top to way past my marking that denotes where the zipper is supposed to stop. Interfacing past the bottom zipper mark has helped me avoid that pesky "bump" that often occurs where the zipper ends
I use an invisible zipper foot as the tutorial suggests and a generic adjustable (SKINNY) zipper foot to finish up the process.

I purchased my SKINNY zipper foot at Hancock's for less than $5.00, and it fits several of my different brand machines. I picked up two of them - you know, just in case...

So here's the pencil skirt for my Mother. Same fabric that I used to make one for myself a couple of months ago - her's is just longer cause she likes it that way.

We can thank Ebony who gifted me the fabric, it was more than enough for two pencil skirts!

I originally planned to make two skirts in a production line manner, but it didn't work out that way. I've already got the zipper installed in the second skirt, so now I need to finish it up. I figured a black wool skirt would be a great basic for my closet...

2012-01-26T19:13:00.094-05:00

...Lately I've found myself questioning my sewing ability. Can't quite put my finger on the reason. Guess a lot of us go through that from time to time. I wore this retro style dress for the first time yesterday...

and it got rave reviews from students and staff alike. That perked me up a little bit. Then today I wore this dress..

and got even more positive reviews than yesterday. Mmmmm, O.K., now I'll stop questioning my sewing abilities. I don't usually base the way I feel about my sewing skills on validation by others, but the positive comments did help snap me out of this mini slump.

That being said, it's time to get busy sewing again. After all, there's maybe only 6 or 7 weeks left for winter sewing. I always have somewhat of a difficult time switching sewing seasons. I should take the opportunity of getting a jump start on the up-comming season. Oh well - instead I'm still wallowing in the wools and medium weight knits (which I adore) of winter.

I'd said I would make a wool (#2) pencil skirt for my Mom - I could even visualize her wearing it. Just hadn't gotten around to it yet even though I have everything I needed for it (of course I do; the sign of a highly blessed sewist - Praise God). But the time has come, so I got busy and cut it out and will be putting the invisible zipper in tonight.

I'll be using TNT McCall's 3830 (not the mini Mom). I love this pattern and have made it countless times even though I have many, many others that would be just as useful. I've even cut another one for myself me that's coming up next. One can't have too many classic #2 pencils can one???

How many do you have????

CURTAINS...

2012-01-16T21:21:00.000-05:00

...FINALLY, got some sewing room curtains finished and up. This is the second pair I've made for this room - didn't like the first ones (pink and white stripes reminded me of a circus tent). Just wasn't the look I was going after.

This second pair are only temporary though, because now I've come up with the bright idea that the curtains for this room should match my picture...

- makes sense to me. Just got to find the right fabric....

MLK CONVERSATION...

2012-01-16T10:56:00.000-05:00

...
Me: I am so sorry Dr. King was assassinated.

Students: My God, were you alive then???

Dr. King still inspires a multitude of dreamers. I need to get back to work on a few of mine...

ODE TO JOE TEX...

2012-01-15T13:36:00.000-05:00

... and don't you worry about a doggone thing at all

because there's some man some where who'll take

you baby, skinny legs and all...

Guess you're asking, what in the world do the lyrics of this old song have to do with sewing??? I remember this Joe Tex song from long, long ago - maybe from my Junior High days. You know, when kids just have to find something to pick on you about. Chants of this song from classmates dented my little self esteem; but not to worry, by the time I entered High School I had fully embraced being comfortable in the body that God gave me, and was able to be thankful that I had 2 functional legs - skinny or not.

That brings us to the subject of boots of finding boots that fit properly. Boot/shoe fit presents a serious problem for me. One time I took a pair of boots in to a shoe repair place - asked them if they could take up the slack in the leg of the boot for me and they said they couldn't help me. But; alas, I've devised my own solution.

I have a heavy - duty metal machine for just a time as this. So with a little time and a denim needle I'm able to make the boots work for me. I've applied this fix to 2 pair of suede boots, and one light weight faux leather pair. I simply measured the amount to take up in the back seam of the boot and sewed a dart/wedge to take up the excess. The dart has not caused discomfort in wearing.

Thought I'd do a post about this just in case I'm not the only one out here with SKINNY LEGS AND ALL...

WEEKEND SEWING SAGA...

2012-01-08T15:53:00.000-05:00

...not really much going on in here this weekend - I had to do a little pause because I'm having my floors redone and can't get into the laundry room to pre-treat fabrics for my next projects.

The floor is still tacky after almost 24 hours but isn't it pretty!

I did; however, work on Vogue 8731. I made view C (the print one in the picture). I've been wanting to make up some simple tunics to wear with the leggings that I LIVE in when I'm at home, especially during the winter months. I thought the length of view C would cover better just in case I want to make a run to the store - I'd be covered properly.

I haven't made any tops recently since I've been on a heavy dress kick since October. I took a few headless shots just to check the fit. Headless, because refinishing floors and hairdos really don't go together.

The fit of the pattern is just o.k. due to an "oh, I know what I'm doing" alteration that resulted in a "guess I shouldn't have done that" finished product. Want to know what I did??? I lengthened the shoulder area of the pattern (about 2") because I really... it looked awfully short to me. And although I also raised the neckline 1 1/2" - because it looked too low for my liking - raising it was null and void because of the shoulder alteration I had made. I really over-thought this project.

Besides the miss-judgements I made on my alterations, my fabric was soooo very uncooperative. How could this pretty printed knit that I bought all the way from New York's fashion district last summer be so unsuitable FOR ANYTHING! First of all I actually had to have help laying it out on the cutting table. Don't think we ever really got it on the straight of grain! I thought about ditching this project several times, but noooooooo, me and my "must finish every thing I start" philosophy couldn't let it go. Mind you I liked this print so much that I bought not one, but two 2 yard cuts of it - so there is still another piece left. The fabric fought me on the serger and on the sewing machine. And please don't ask me what it is... some sort of poly-cotton-slinky-sticks-to-its-self -maybe-some-jersey-in-it-stuff!

This will definitely be an at home with leggings top - so I will get some wear out of it even though it's not perfect. Glad I chose to make a top rather than a dress - cause with this fabric that would have been an even bigger mess. I did manage an infinity scarf out of my scraps that I've tied slightly different from my others. The scarf was even a mess to sew.

I will make the top again some time soon. After all, it's only three easy pieces with the most time consuming part being the darts/tucks. Oh yeah, I used a self bias fabric for the neck binding rather than bias tape as the pattern suggested. The self binding is just a little bit easier on sensitive skin.

About the only other thing I have planned sewing wise with what I have left of the weekend are two more scarves.

WHAT'S ON YOUR SEWING TABLE...

2012-01-04T19:35:00.000-05:00

...my 2nd project of the new year is an effort to get back to my Fall Hit List project. I've strayed, as you may have noticed, and was starting to feel just a wee bit guilty about it. So to make myself feel better, I went back to my October 18th post to read the disclaimer I included - which read:

"Funny thing, my Fall Hit List has not been stressing me at all. Normally I obsess over lists, or goals, or challenges - that's just how I am. I guess I'm not stressing because:

there is no real deadline. It's a Fall Hit List but I've given myself both the Fall and Winter Seasons to complete it.
my list is not at all stringent. It's not written in stone, so change is highly probable somewhere down the line."

So I guess sewing straying is o.k., especially if you've built in an escape route.
~~~~
I purchased this fabric in early fall knowing full well that I wanted to knockoff an iconic DVF wrap dress with it. I even envisioned two of them on my Fall Hit List. So using the very popular and highly reviewed Vogue 8379 I finished one of those dresses last night. This is the second time around with this pattern, so I had no problem at all with it.

Changes made to the pattern:
. I chose view B, but opted to go with regular full length sleeves rather than a 3/4 sleeve with a cuff
. Decreased the sleeve cap ease
. Decreased skirt fullness by 6 inches
. Added 1 1/2" to the bodice length
. Added 2 inches to skirt length.

My only regret with this dress is the seam tape I used to stabilize the shoulder seam - it's a bit stiff. Maybe it'll soften up after the first wash because it's too late to change it now.

The sewing cave a hot mess ~~but I'm not in the mood for cleaning because my next project raring to go...

OOOOOPS....

2012-01-01T23:01:00.000-05:00

...forgot to show it

IT'S A WRAP...

2012-01-01T22:53:00.000-05:00

...I'm referring to the year 2011 and my first completed project of the new year. My year ended sharing time and much sewing lingo with friends - Ebony and Lisa - and this is how the evening went:
. we had snacks while we enjoyed a round of show and tell. We all LOVE show and tell - its informative as well as inspirational. It's all about showing what we've created since out last meet up, providing information on patterns-fabric-sewing techniques, and answering all the questions that follow. Believe me, show and tell is a real learning experience for each of us.

. Afterwards we had a nice little potluck dinner, and
. then settled in for a evening of sewing and related talk. To be honest, I never actually get much actual sewing done during our sessions - I guess I talk too much (lol).

I did complete my first project for 2012 this evening; which by the way has nothing to do with my Fall Hit List (I must get back on that thing!). A couple of days before Christmas while cruising the web I happened upon a cute little pattern that I could not resist from Fashion Patterns by Coni.

It's a spiral wrap & I'm in love with it! I swear this thing can be wrapped at least 10 different ways - probably more. It's so easy to make taking only 2 yards of fabric; and can be made from almost any fabric. The hardest part about it was deciding what fabric to use. I settled for a brown patterned ponteroma because I wanted it to be warm with just the right amount of drape. Had my serger not UN-threaded itself - the wrap would have taken only 45 minutes to complete start to finish. I'm thinking about making this up again in a black light weight double knit. Mmmmm, we will see. In the mean time Happy, healthy, prosperous New Year to one and all.

I'm off to hit that list again...

IN ANTICIPATION OF COLDER WEATHER...

2011-12-29T14:08:00.000-05:00

...I made up Oop McCall's 5996 (view F). I purchased this pattern and fabric from Hancock's at least three years ago thinking that I would get around to making hood/cowl/shrug thingy. It's a wonderful winter white knit fabric that I wish I'd bought more of - it would have made the most wonderful dress. But I had just a smidgen over one yard - as they say, hind sight is always 20/20.

I saw a lady wearing something similar several years ago and thought it was the most wonderful thing. She wore it with a turtleneck top, skinny jeans, boots and gloves on a very cold day. I'm looking forward to creating that look that I've had in my mind for so long.

FRONT

BACK

This creation can also be worn as a head cover as shown on the pattern envelope. It's a cute little pattern, but there is a major glinch in the pattern instructions just in case someone else would think about making it. It cannot be turned as illustrated by the instructions!!! Turning it caused me major frustration, so I ended up simply surging the bottom edge in matching thread.

I'd like to make another like it in a darker color. I have another wrap planned from a new pattern that I happened upon just recently coming up soon.

THREE FRENCH HENS...

2011-12-27T11:14:00.001-05:00

THREE FRENCH HENS

...couldn't help myself. That phrase just popped into my spirit when I was standing back looking at the project that I started and completed last night. Although this symbolism stands for the theological virtues of Faith, Hope & Charity, I think it can also be the title for my project. I can hear myself asking "where in the world did I put Hope, I want to wear her today"...

Now more about this project: Vogue Pattern Magazine featured a quick and easy tutorial on making infinity or circle scarves in its Oct/Nov 2010 issue (page 10). I finally got around to making one back in March and really have enjoyed wearing it. I kept saying that I was going to make more because it adds just the right pop of color to a monochromatic outfit. And because it has multiple colors I get to wear it with several things in my wardrobe.

My first Infinity Scarf

Carolyn's recent custom made Christmas gifts encouraged me to get some additional scarves made up. I was in Hancock's for just a minute on Christmas Eve and took the opportunity of choosing three prints for the project. Their sheer, chiffoney fabrics were 50% off - of course I couldn't remember how much was needed for a scarf so I just got a yard of each. Total Cost: 3 yards $11 something. I jumped right on the project while the motivation was hot. By the way you only need 2/3 yard of 60" fabric per scarf.

Each scarf can be completed with a serger or machine and a little hand stitching to close the circle in 30/45 minutes tops.
HINT in case your thinking about making this: Where the tutorial mentions starting and ending the stitching 4 to 6 inches from the ends, decrease to 2 or 3 inches - this makes the amount of hand stitching used to close the opening to a very minimum, or just machine stitch the opening using matching thread.

The Christmas miracle of the whole scenario is - I was able to get not 3 but 6 scarves from 3 yards of fabric having not a scrap left.
The tutorial suggests cutting the scarf 24", so three of mine were cut at 24" and I used the remaining 12 inches for each additional scarf. Therefore the scarf can actually be any size you want.

I'm kicking myself now, because if I had thought about doing this earlier - the 3 extra ones could have been used as gifts. Oh well, another lesson learned. I'm thinking about putting them back for next Christmas. A big thanks to Carolyn for the scarf inspiration.

My next project is forcing myself out of the sewing room this morning so I can clean the rest of the house...

YES, I FORCED IT....

2011-12-26T13:09:00.000-05:00

...I mentioned forcing sewing motivation in my last post. Yes, I forced it. I know you are supposed to just go with the motivation flow, but this time I refused to enter into a dreaded sewing slump. I purchased the fabric for this dress on a Hancock's "zipper run". A Zipper Run, in case you don't know, is when you run into the store to pick up ONLY a couple of zippers, BUT exit the store with a couple of zippers and a few yards of fabric. Sound familiar? The run could just as well be for other small, low cost notions, i.e. thread, buttons, one pattern etc.; but the end results are always the same - you buy more than intended.

My eye always wonders over to the side of the store that has the so called bargain fashion fabrics. You never know a treasure just might be lurking over there. That day while looking for a low cost/cheap muslin knit I eyed a winter white embossed fabric and thought "that would make a cute retro dress". If you remember, I'm still slightly involved in my "All out Dress Palooza".

There have been times when forced sewing motivation has produced less than desirable projects - an all out mess to tell you the truth. But this time the end results were just the opposite. I used this pattern for the second time this season.

I made the long sleeved version changing the belled sleeved to a regular sleeve, and making my usual pattern alteration to remove excess sleeve ease. Because the winter white fabric was slightly transparent I also lined the the dress (minus the sleeves) with a nude knit tricot because they didn't have anything suitable in off white. I hemmed the dress so it would be slightly longer in the back to accommodate lifting caused by my high derriere. The dress fits perfectly, and is well suited to add to my Fall Retro Dress Collection.

I think I'll pair it with brown accessories and boots when it goes back to school with me in January (sounds so far away doesn't it?).

I've got a couple of easy peasy accessory projects coming up next. Hope all of you are having a wonderful after Christmas day! Is anyone out there sewing besides me????

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS TO ALL MY SEWING FRIENDS...

2011-12-23T14:18:00.000-05:00

...Something happened to my sewing motivation - How/Why does that happen to me??? I did force myself to cut out my next dress, and worked on it last night and this morning. Yes, I forced up some sewing motivation - I call this pressing through! I did this because I have all this time off from work, and know I'll regret it if I don't get some degree of sewing done during this time.

I haven't blogged with any regularity over the past few weeks, but I would be remiss not to take the time to send (please click here Christmas Greetings to all my followers and fellow sewers).

I've enjoyed yet another year of inspiration and encouragement from all of you. My prayer is that you will all enjoy a multitude of successfully finished projects, health, happiness, new gadgets and prosperity in the upcoming year...

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE (Part 2)...

2011-12-12T18:49:00.000-05:00

...High today 49, low 37, seriously cloudy all day long - no sun shine at all. It's funny, winter's not my favorite - but I just love dressing for it! Think I would have had a fit if I didn't get the chance to wear this coat today (even though I don't like cold weather).

Worn with a last years #2 pencil...

BABY IT'S COLD OUT HERE....

2011-12-11T11:53:00.000-05:00

Hello there fellow sewing bloggers! I'm glad you've tuned in to my very first December post. Haven't posted recently, but I have been quite busy altering several garments so I would have something really warm to wear. I had significant weight loss last year, and although I've gained 10 pounds back, miraculously I did not gain all the inches back - Praise God! But, that created a little problem that I finally took time to fix because some of my garments had become way too large for me.

Posted here is my wool tweed suit that I made a couple of years ago - it was swimming on me so I had to take in both the jacket and the pants last weekend. I felt that the amount of time put into the initial construction made the suit worthy of fixing. And as you know, altering can sometimes be just as time consuming as actual garment construction. It was worth the time because I now have pieces that are again comfortable as well as attractive to wear. Too big is not attractive or comfortable.

Secondly, last weeks 35 to 45 degree morning temperatures have prompted me to pull out (not jackets) but coats. I'M REALLY COLD NATURED...as it pertains to temperatures and weather that is, and at school we didn't have heat at all one day. There was even talk of the possibility of snow - oh Lord please not yet! So I pulled this RTW midi coat from the back of the closet. Its old, but I've probably only worn it 2 or 3 times because I just didn't like the length. I decided to shorten it.

BEFORE

AFTER

I removed a total of 9 inches, hand hemmed both the coat and lining, and re-secured all the buttons. RTW buttons are never sewn on securely. Now with a scarf and maybe a pretty broach, I have a nice slightly below the knee red statement coat. I'm glad I made this decision. I like red if I can find just the right shade, I'm not an orange/red person.

My Chanel suit is still hanging in the closet begging to be taken in - yes, both the jacket and the skirt - and the jacket is quilted. Mmmmm got to figure that one out soon. But with those two projects completed, I can now mentally ready move on to some NEW creation - yet to be decided on. Wonder what it will be...

FILLING IN THE BLANK WITH NO. #2 PENCIL...

2011-11-30T18:18:00.000-05:00

...during the Thanksgiving holiday I had visions of whipping up two pencil skirts and another retro knit dress. Howbeit, I sew much slower in reality than I do in my mind, so I was only able to finish the leopard print pencil skirt and start on the second one. Thus the name no. 2 pencil. Love the term and wish I had thought of it, but I'm borrowing it from J.Crew. I did finish the skirt last night however.

I've had this picture from an old Coldwater Creek catalog on my inspiration board for a while, and really wanted to create this look.

I searched my internet fabric sources for a salt and pepper tweed and couldn't fine what I wanted anywhere. Then I turned to my stash and what to my wandering eyes did appear?, but a reasonable facsimile - I think it was donated by Ebony awhile ago. The fabric is a wool blend, and the skirt is fully lined. I used TNT McCall's 3830 view c that I've probably made up 5 or 6 times previously.

The skirt is easy to make up, only four pattern pieces and it fits like a glove. The very best thing about finishing a project besides wearing it - is STARTING MY NEXT PROJECT...

JUNGLE GOES TO WORK...

2011-11-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

I wore the leopard print jean style faux suede pencil skirt w/matching embellished sweater today. I was pleased with the fit of the skirt, and my students approved of the look. I trust their judgment, but they said the skirt needed to be a little bit shorter. I have to remind them that I am somebody's Grandmother (lol).

I AM SUCH A GADGET PERSON...

2011-11-27T21:20:00.000-05:00

...sewing gadgets that is. Are you a sewing gadget person too? I'm always in search of just the right tool to make my sewing work easier and more precise; so when I first laid eyes on this baby - I just knew it had to be mine.

I first saw it mentioned here at the Cupcake Goddess blog (nka A Fashionable Stitch) about a year ago. As you can see by the label on the box, I was able to pick mine up from B. Black & Sons in NYC. However, like so many of my "I have to have it" gadgets - never even used it. UNTIL ... today when trying to straighten the loop-sided hem grain of the skirt I'm currently working on. RESULTS: it worked perfectly!

Now I won't have to sweat so hard to get my hem straight. I certainly need to pull out more of my GADGETS (and use them) to make my work more precise. Lately I've also been using my blind hem foot for hemming - got to convince myself that not every garment has to be hemmed by hand.
So I ask you, ARE YOU A GADGET PERSON TOO????

-----------------------
Serenity Love Sincere Peace Earth asked how I appliqued the cardi in my last post.

This cardi was my very first applique project. I cut out different shaped scrap pieces of the leopard fabric and arranged randomly by pinning on the sweater. I had to refer to my machine manual to identify the stitch to use, and used another one of my gadgets - an applique foot. I practiced on a scrap and soon got the hang of stitching around the curves. The cardi was thrifted for $4.50 so the cost factor made the fact that this was my first project a little less scary. I see so much creativity over the world wide web I want to try my hand at more of it.