Sunday, April 24, 2011

Simp 2896: Actually Sewing for ME


The Marine arrived Friday night and today both sons are out getting some "bro time" in on the golf course, so I've been in the sewing room sewing up a muslin for Simplicty 2896, View B (the short jacket w/o puffy sleeves).

I cut the pattern tissue as an 18 at the neck/chest, blending to a 22 from the bottom of the armhole downward, and used the 22 sleeve. Here's the result:


Not too bad. I will need to do about a 3/4" FBA, and enlarge the sleeve bicep a little because it feels snug with my tee underneath. I'll rotate the resulting bust dart into the gathers at the yoke (which were just loosely pleated in the muslin so don't judge the sewing there too closely). I also need to narrow the shoulders about 3/8" and probably should've started with the 16 instead of the 18.

I've obviously forgotten how to sew for myself since I had a brain fade and forgot to make my usual square shoulder adjustment before cutting the tissue. Luckily I remembered before sewing the shoulder seam and I just made the adjustment during construction. I'll fix the tissue while I'm doing the other alterations but it would've been nice if I had just remembered before I cut. Ahh. Too many things on my mind these days.

I'm undecided on the length. I think I want it short like this, but I will probably add an extra couple of inches for insurance. My main plan is to wear it with the graduation dress from last year. With pants, I'd want it longer but I don't think I'd be wearing it with pants. At some point, I'll have to cut bait and fish and make a decision. 

You can sorta see my new haircut in this pic. It's not a new style. Just back to the usual. It was past my shoulders before I got it cut, which is WAY too long for me both in looks and care. It flips up on its own so this is a very low-maintenance cut/style. I've learned that I can't fight my hair in the summer humidity so it's best to just go with it.

The shoes from last post were from Zappos, here.

Tyler leaves tomorrow morning, so I'll be taking him to the airport bright and early. After that, it's back to the job hunt. I haven't actually applied anywhere yet. I was getting my resume and self in order first, because of course I'll be getting dozens of calls wanting me to come in IMMEDIATELY, right? Hahaha! Yeah, I crack myself up.

Continued heartfelt thanks for all the nice comments and notes that have continued to arrive. I should have life disasters more often. There are a LOT of lurkers out there that I'm glad to finally "meet."

Oh, here's a warped fact about me this week: I've been watching "Say Yes To The Dress" like an obsessed fool. What's up with THAT? It doesn't make me sad or wistful or anything bad like that, and I definitely do NOT want one of those dresses anytime in my future, but still I can't help watching all those young brides try on $10,000 wedding dresses. But it's better than all the cooking shows that just make me raid the kitchen, right?

31 comments:

  1. You new haircut looks fabulous! And so does that muslin, I think I'll add that pattern to my wishlist :)
    Ashley x

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  2. You new haircut looks fabulous! And so does that muslin, I think I'll add that pattern to my wishlist :)
    Ashley x

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  3. Oops, I'm not sure why it posted twice :S Ah well, I forgot to wish you happy easter anyway. Happy Easter! :)
    Ashley x

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  4. Ahhhhh, so nice to see that beautiful smile. The hair is cute, too. Happy Bunny Day.

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  5. Ooo, I have that pattern too, although I've never gotten around to making it. I can't wait to see how this turns out!

    Good luck in the coming days. I'm thinking of you (in-a-not-as-creepy-as-it-sounds way). :)

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  6. Hair looks really cute! I like the jacket short. A bit more trendy.

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  7. Your hair looks great..it's a really nice length and style on you.
    I also like the jacket. I think it will look perfect with the dress.

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  8. Like the hair, like the top. I know sewing things for me makes me feel better (mainly when they come out well, though). Hope you are feeling better.

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  9. I love "Say yes to the Dress" but until now it has been a secret obsession. Thanks getting me out of the closet!

    Your hair looks great. The color is so pretty too. Maybe all this change is agreeing with you?

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  10. Ah, I've been eyeing that pattern. Can't wait to see how it turns out. In really like that style pants, also.

    I like the length of the jacket on you, but I would also add the extra for insurance if it were me.

    Cute haircut, nothing like the Florida humidity to make you want to go short.

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  11. I'm obsessed with SYTTD. Obsessed. I love watching them try on dresses and noticing all the details. I only get wistful in wondering if I'd ever be able to sew a gown like that.

    I meant to tell you I was thinking about you when I was in Tampa a few weeks ago. It was mid 70s and I thought it must be crazy hot it in the middle of summer. "no wonder Debbie chooses casual clothes'. I can't imagine wearing some of my suits and dresses every day in the dead of summer.

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  12. Diane from Sydney10:44 PM, April 24, 2011

    Love the haircut and the jacket. Great to see your smiling face.

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  13. I'm glad that you are working on something for yourself...you are in my thoughts!

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  14. Debbie,I am behind on my blog reading as I came down to Fla to visit my son and family with their new baby.

    So sorry to hear about the things happening in your life right now and can't help but will be thinking of you. Hope things turn around soon,Take care
    Terry

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  15. I like "Say Yes to the Dress" also. For me, it is an extension of my love of "What Not to Wear" and my interest in the interpersonal dynamics. How about the mother of the bride who kept calling the up-coming wedding "our wedding"? It is interesting to see who is supportive, which bride is spoiled beyond belief and yes, the dresses are pretty.

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  16. Debbie, sorry to hear of all that's going on in your life at present, but it speaks heaps to your character, will and friendship to see so many offering their support. Stay strong.
    Janine

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  17. wonderful haircut and a delight to see you smile. Glad you are sewing for yourself!

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  18. You are on your way, Debbie. Life has not been nice to you lately, but you appear to be facing it head on..that's a good thing! Not easy, but healthy.Your hair always looks cute and, I do agree that realizing that your 'interview' clothing still works is a huge uplift! I just bacame a full time Floridian..love it..humidity and all. Every day bright and beautiful in spite of any frizzes!

    Fran G

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  19. It is good to see you are sewing and planning for your tomorrows. Continue to take care of yourself.

    God Bless you
    Marie

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  20. Glad you are back in the sewing room and blogging, it does give your mind something else to think about. Love your flippy hairdo! You can always find the best patterns, I always seem to just pass them over. I'll have to take a closer look at this one.

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  21. Good job on the jacket and hair! I like them both. There's no sense fighting hair in the Florida humidity. The humidity always wins. Happy sewing and job hunting!

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  22. Your hair looks really fresh! It will be perfect for interviews. I never comment, but wanted to let you know I am thinking of you. You have been a really inspirational seamstress for me. Just wanted to let you know! Andi

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  23. Glad you are smiling and feeling good-nothing like a great hair cut and fab shoes and a handsome marine visiting to get a girl going again. Great to see you sewing something wonderful for YOU and so happy that the work wardrobe which was just fantastic will still help you while you are getting your life sorted out.I like many others have expressed feel like we are a part of your everyday life watching the boys grow, the sewing,the work on the house,the pets,etc. You have given so much to so many with this blog and we do care about you a lot. I know from how you tackle everything and succeed this will be the same-you are already way ahead of your game. Some of the rest of us would still be boo hooing in the pity parlor. A red head is unstoppable especially with a great new hair do. You are already in the ron to better things area. mssewcrazy

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  24. I love your new shoes--nothing like shoes to boost my spirits! Your new haircut is also awesome! I don't want to have to go through the challenges you are facing, but the shoes and hairdo would perk up my day. Good to see you sewing too!

    Lynda in LV

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  25. Enjoy sewing for yourself. Nice pattern and it will look amazing with the adjustments and in fashion fabric.

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  26. I don't know, it seems to me that cooking shows lead to better food, which is much better than practicing weddings on a large scale :-). Just an opinion..

    I do like the jacket very much, and vote for the shorter length. There's nothing wrong with feeling prepared enough before you actually send resumes out. I've experienced a few times the immediate call, and it does not help you make a good impression if you're totally at loose ends, having to stay up half the night to get an outfit together etc :-). On the other hand, of course you want to avoid perfectionist procrastination.

    Wise thing too about not fighting your hair..

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  27. ok total lurker here but had to say I really like the haircut and really admire the way you have dusted yourself off and come up "fighting" As a single mom with multiple layoffs (stupid enough to go back to same company ) had you given any thought to supplementing unemployment with a few Ren faire costumes as you search for a career?

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  28. Cooking shows make me hungry too. Glad you're sewing again. I made that pattern but got rid of it because I outgrew it. Now I wish I had kept it since now I'm smaller. Maybe it's time to make it again. Your haircut looks nice.

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  29. Your hair does that adorable flip ON ITS OWN??? Wow, that's lucky.

    Sewing something for yourself seems (seams?) like a step in the right direction, and the little jacket is cute and all, but the REAL therapeutic benefits will accrue when you sew something else for ME.

    P.S. I bought myself a t-shirt in that daffodil yellow you introduced me to.

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  30. This is an awesome pattern! I can't wait to see the finished jacket! Thanks for the sneak peek!

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  31. Debbie,
    I just now read your "news" - been kind of not keeping up - sorry! I'm so, so sorry! Glad to "see" that you've picked yourself up as well as you have. I'm sure *I* wouldn't have "recovered" so quickly.

    As far as the job search goes, dd (who was engaged at Christmas, and STILL hasn't finished school) decided AT CHRISTMAS that she "needed" to find a new job - she's worked at BWW since she was 16. Well, since she doesn't have a degree (yet) she's finding her options are quite limited. However, I'm not convinced she's pursuing it as hard as she could.
    And SHE'S going to need to find a REALLY good one, since she too, loves to watch "Say Yes to the Dress"! LOL!!!
    -designdreamer-

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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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