Saturday, May 16, 2009

Hello Mojo

The mojo was back with a vengeance today, and all I can say is it's about time!

First up was clearing the mending and UFO's off the sewing table, and by clearing I mean actually doing the work. Two pairs of DS's shorts needed pocket repair. One on the front inside pocket bag. The other, to re-attach a back cargo pocket which had come unsewn down one side. (Sometimes I think I would like to be a fly on the wall at school to see exactly WHAT he does to his clothes.) Last was to *finally* hem the CJ wrap top I almost finished weeks ago.

With a clear conscience and clear table, I was free to sew the Jalie 2806 I had cut out last night. Get out your sunglasses, this print is not dull. ;-)



I bought this fabric on a whim a few months ago with a bunch of other prints. I wasn't sure if I liked it or not, especially with all that black in it and me not wearing black. The next worry was where all the circular designs would land. I had only bought 1.5 yds so there wasn't much wiggle room and I had to just lay down the pattern, cut, and hope for the best.

I'm quite pleased with this top and the fabric now that it's done, except I think I need a pair of white capris to wear with it. The motifs are not smack on the boobs or the butt. Whew! The fabric is one of the "good" polys — great drape and feels comfortable even during the 90+ degree days we're now stuck with for the next 6 months.

This is the view of this pattern with the foldover neckline gathers. It's my 3rd time making it (4th if you count my PJ top/muslin) and it won't be the last.



Pardon Zillie's rear end. The photographer (me!) didn't notice the fabric was hung up until the card was out of the camera and into the card reader. Oops.



The mojo was still in high gear after finishing that top, so I thought I'd get out my TNT Ottobre gathered neckline pattern and make that again. Except as I was starting to put away the Jalie, it occurred to me that the Jalie was also a gathered neckline tee and, well, what the heck, let's try it.



This fabric is much more Florida-friendly cotton/Lycra jersey. Very nice stuff from The Fabric Fairy.

This top is a keeper too, but I still prefer the Ottobre tee. The Jalie is much more gathered and looser all the way down the front. But since I've made at least 10 Ottobres, a little change isn't a bad thing, especially since I know I'll be making many more of the Ottobres for years to come. On this top, I bound the neckline and the sleeve hems with a brown knit from the stash.



Before the mojo starting begging for mercy, I got out my new J Stern jeans pattern and pressed the tissue so it's ready to cut and muslin in the morning. If it works for me and I can find some white denim, it will be the white capris I now want for the bright top above.



This last shot is just to show that I have actually hemmed this top. I think it hung on Zillie for a month with threads dangling. For some reason, I just could never make myself sew the hems until today. Weird, because I have been wanting to wear it and the coverstitch machine was already set up with the correct brown threads and needle positions. Mojo is odd that way and there's just no fighting the direction it takes.



So now I have three new tops to pick from tomorrow for my exciting outing to the grocery store.

21 comments:

  1. Your tops are cute. I love that fabric. I'm looking for knits that don't shrink or ride up. It seems the lycra/poly's ride up on me.....any suggesstions for a nice drapable knt?

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  2. Yea, to your sewing mojo and all your new tops. Can't wait to hear about the jean pattern. I am so tempted to order a couple of those patterns.

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  3. It's nice to see all these tees after talking about them. :) Yay for the mojo returning.

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  4. Great tops! I've been working on tops also. I'm anxious to see your Stern jeans patter. I have mine, but haven't started them yet.

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  5. That elusive mojo. I'm hoping I just caught some from you! Love your tops, and can't wait for your verdict on the J Stern jeans. So far folks really like them.

    I was in Florida last weekend for a college graduation. Left NC in the lovely 60's, got out of the car and it was 95 in DeLand. Sorry, but I'm glad we moved. Lived in the Sunshine State my whole life until 13 years ago. Don't know if I could take that heat all the time anymore.

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  6. I love both tops! How come I haven't heard of J Stern? Wait a minute...Am I still in that dang bubble?

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  7. The tops are cute. I need some new tops desperately and as soon as I finish my pants, I will!
    I am looking forward to seeing how the J Stern jeans fit.

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  8. Love your tops,especially the print on the first one. It's bold and gorgeous :)

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  9. I love the tops but hey they are Debbie's sewing so we knew they would be fantastic. J Stearn jeans-I am clueless but they must be special if you have the pattern and are already pressing out the wrinkles.I can tell already that pattern must be something only the clueless like me don't know about already. I look forward to hearing all about it. mssewcrazy

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  10. Yes, it's definitely back!!! Yeah! I know what you mean about not being able to do something if its gone...probably explains my ambivalence! :) And it's amazing how those who don't craft don't understand this...*sigh*

    But back to those beautiful tops...beautiful, oh yeah I said that! But they are...and I'm sure that you will enjoy them all!

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  11. Beautiful tops! My sewing mojo - in hibernation, but any time now...I love the wild print. Very summery.

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  12. I'm glad someone else plans "exciting outings to the grocery store." Your new tops are great; I really like the light green leafy fabric!

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  13. I really like the print! I've been leaning towards large patterns lately, although I haven't been brave enough to actually cut into them yet. My mojo returned yesterday, too. I whipped out three knit tops in about an hour and half, including cutting one out then I started on a pair of men's pants for DH. When they were done I cut out three more tops for sewing this week. Don't know how it happens, but when the mojo returns, it's hard to ignore. I'm glad you hemmed the last top, I really love the fabric.

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  14. I like your wild tops. Glad to hear I'm not the only one that loses my enthusiam sometimes! Could you post when and if you find some white denim on line? I've been looking for some too.
    Thanks,
    Maggie

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  15. WOW! I need some of your sewing mojo! I am always inspired by your blog. Your tops look great!

    Also, I nominated you for the "Blogger Buddy" award, Enjoy!

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  16. You mentioned about the first, bright top that it was one of the "good polys" that is comfortable in the heat and humidity. How do you find those? I have HEARD that some polys are like this but haven't a clue where they are.

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  17. What did you cover Zillie with? I need to pad the bust on Saffron and then cover it all up to make it look nice like yours.

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  18. I'm curious about the "good polys" also. I'm currently making a knit dress out of some knit mesh that I'm pretty sure is 100% poly, lined with something that I THINK is a poly/rayon/spandex. I'm planning to wear it to dd's graduation which will be held outside (on the football field) and although it's a dry heat, it's probably going to get up to 107 degrees today. I'm starting to perspire just thinking about it. Hopefully it'll cool down by a week from Wednesday (when it's taking place) but realistically, I'll be hot even if I wear all cotton!

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  19. It is so true that you cannot question the mojo! Love that bright top, and so fortuitous that the motifs came out well placed.

    Please send us some of your warm weather. It was so chilly today that I regretted not wearing a scarf. I can't take it any longer.

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  20. I second Cathi Twill's question. Where, oh where, do you find poly fabric that's comfortable in 90 degree heat? Can you elaborate on that? Cute tops, by the way. I like the gathering in the Jalie pattern. More fabric=less visible lumps and bumps.

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  21. Great looking tops. Glad the mojo is back.

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