Sunday, September 19, 2010

Planning Ahead

I don't usually think about sewing cool weather clothes until, well, at least December when it finally starts to cool off around here. But we will be in Parris Island SC for my son's graduation from boot camp at the end of the November and if I don't want to freeze my butt off, I need to get cracking now. My cool weather wardrobe is severely lacking.

(Yes, I know the temps are low-60s during the day there at that time, but that IS cold to me. Plus, we'll be at the base at Oh Dark Thirty on Family Day the day before graduation to watch the Motivational Run and temps will definitely be below 60 at that time of day/night. Brrr!)

My son's training company color is red. I've read that most families will dress in the appropriate colors for their recruits' company. I don't have or wear a lot of red so nothing I have will go with a red tee shirt underneath (which I'll purchase). But I did manage to find this piece in the stash, which will be perfect for another make of Kwik Sew 3369. You can see my previous version here.



But before I start that, I'm going to try out this Burda jeans pattern. I've had it my stash for a LONG time and with all the TNTs I've been sewing lately, the sewing mojo wants a little more challenge. I may eat those words, I know. But I need to do something since I seem to have outgrown most of my other "good" jeans. Hrmpf.



I wish I could wear the Jalie jeans pattern that everyone and their dog has made. But it just isn't made for the body I have and even though I could make the pattern fit, it still won't flatter. See that girl in the red top on the Burda envelope? See her chunky thighs, especially at the knee? That's me, my body type — which is definitely not the Jalie jeans body type. I'm hopeful this pattern is true to the photo.

So that's what I'm working on today during football games — first a muslin for the Burda jeans without any alterations to get a starting point. And then I'll work on the alterations that I'm sure will be coming.

After the jeans and jacket, I have plans for a couple more "winter" items because after graduation we'll be going up to my mom's at the Virginia shore for Thanksgiving. Hopefully, I can stay on course and get these things made that I've had in the cue for at least two years now. I want to pack light, but I still will need some warmer tees and other pants (read: stretchy!) for Turkey day. Worst case is I'll just wear my "Turkey pants" from a couple of years ago but I'm really hoping I can get to the wonderful brown velour that's been biding its time.

17 comments:

  1. I like the tradition of wearing the group colors. Ah, I remember when I used to think the 60's were cold. Folks here in NC laughed at us when we saw our first frozen puddle. I don't think I could ever take Florida again on a long term basis. Unless I "wintered" there January and February. Plus there's that whole "personal climate change" that middle age brings.

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  2. They make family come at oh-dark-thirty? It must be a test of Semper Fi. Thank goodness your son isn't a Hollywood Marine, he'd never hear the end of it.
    Good on you for good intentions regarding stash sewing, breaking new pattern ground, and packing light. I'd never commit to so much!

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  3. I love the first jacket you made from this pattern. What is the new fabric's content?
    Better make big pockets to stuff with kleenex!

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  4. Oh I LOVE that fabric!! I can't wait to see it. I think I have that pattern stashed away too.

    Woman, i hear you on the Jalie jeans pattern. NOT flattering for me either, but I had to give them a try. i haven't found a jeans pattern I love, at least not since an old Delta Burke pattern I had years ago (that is probably mom jeans territory now!) I'm going to try out an Ottobre Woman pattern this fall I think.

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  5. Love the red fabric and that pattern!

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  6. Looks like you've got a few great sewing projects ahead of you. The first Burda jacket came out beautifully! looking forward to seeing this one too :)

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  7. I've tried the Jalie pattern too, and it just so wasn't for me either.
    I LOVE my Burda jeans (not from the same pattern as yours) but they are so flattering. Even with me being plus size with chunky chops! lol

    I just live in them. Burda jeans are drafted so well I think!

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  8. For a trip such as this, "planning ahead" is good. And Parris Island is on the coast, so it will be a little cooler. Enjoy your sewing!

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  9. I love the fabric that you have chosen for the jacket. I am about ready to make a red "jeans" jacket for fall, too! Enjoy the graduation!

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  10. It sounds like you have some exciting trips planned. As usual, you sound like you are well organized. Besides, the sewing preparation should help with the waiting for November to see DS1. BTW, I love the red fabric. I think that it suits you.

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  11. A Thanksgiving to really look forward to, and lots of sewing to keep you going until then. :)

    Nice fabric for the jean jacket. I just hope it's warm enough. Outside in below 60 (had to look up the conversion :) ) and I'd freeze in only a jean jacket, especially if a cold wind is blowing. Temps are about 60 at the moment here so I can relate. Where did our spring weather go?

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  12. Your red print will make up into a gorgeous jeans-jacket. Oh, I covet the Jalie jeans that I cannot wear. I'll be interested in how the burda jeans work for you.

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  13. The Jalie jeans don't work on me. I have that woman in red's body type. Just a slightly smaller version. It's all good though. I have some Levi's I love and other Jalie patterns that work for me :)

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  14. I love the Jalie Jean, but it doesn't work for non-stretch denim. In fact, it didn't work in some stretch fabrics. I keep it, but I also use Trudy Jansens 906 which makes a great jean for me.

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  15. So much fun stuff coming up for you. You know, I was trolling Anthro yesterday and I thought this sweater totally looked like the fabric you're using for the jacket:
    http://tinyurl.com/2fg2ky6

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  16. I love the fabric you've selected for your jacket.The other jacket is really nice too.I thought about trying that Jalie pattern too and I want to thank you for that reality check. I think you may have saved me from a lot of fustrations.

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Thank you for each and every comment. I appreciate them all, but I have to be honest and let you know that I'm usually bad about answering questions. I hope you understand that there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.

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