Monday, December 12, 2011

B5566 Progress

I didn't go to Joann's yesterday. I decided who was I kidding that I needed to make a special trip into the mobs of shoppers for a zipper for a skirt I hadn't even cut out yet. So I went on my way home from work tonight instead since it *is* on the way and no special trip was needed. And I didn't buy any fabric, so hah! to all of you doubters. ;-) OK, so I looked, but it was a fabric wasteland there tonight so it was easy to come home with no further stash additions.

I got my black zipper and a few others in my usual colors, plus the latest issue of Vogue Patterns magazine, mostly because Peter is in it. And I swear I had to do a doubletake on the cover model because with just a quick glance, I first thought it was Peter's identical cousin Cathy on the cover. No lie. Must the bone structure and eyebrows. (Nice article, Peter!)


After dinner, I spent some time in the sewing room. I cut out the skirt, single layer even (but not the lining yet), interfaced the facings and front yoke pieces, and serged all the raw edges since (1) this fabric ravels and (2) I'm going to be pressing seams open to allow for easier alterations later on. (Elaine, I haven't read that Threads article, but I'm pretty sure what I'm doing is probably what it shows.) Then I sewed the front yoke pieces together and topstitched them. The next step will be the invisible zipper in the back pieces, so I quit for the night. I figure I'll have better results if I do that at the start of my sewing evening instead of at the end. Or that's the theory anyway.


I really like the yoke pieces on the bias. I think they are flattering and add nice visual interest, especially now that I'm  not averse to tucking in tops again. Ann of Gorgeous Fabrics sent a very generous "1 yard" cut so I had no trouble fitting all the pieces with fabric to spare. So far, this skirt is looking much better than the RTW houndstooth skirt I tried on at Beall's.

Parting Shot: Goodbye my beloved Sunshines. I only wear this one at home these days because it's too big and I end up flashing most of my bra before I realize I need to adjust it. You can see it sticking out here. I'm going to miss this one. But I do have more of this fabric so I think I may make a replacement in a smaller size. But first I have to figure out what that size is. And I think I cut the pattern. Oops. Hopefully, it won't be too hard to figure out the lines for a smaller one. But if it is, I'll just buy it again.


13 comments:

  1. My goodness, you're looking positively teeny tiny! I hate when my favorite clothes get too big or too small, but on the plus side we can always sew more.

    I love when I can squeeze a skirt out of a yard of fabric. That houndstooth looks like it would be really flattering to the waistline!

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  2. I am liking this skirt.
    I might have to go to Joann's just to read Vogue. To see for myself if that is Cathy doing a covershoot.

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  3. Fantastic skirt! On the Sunshine top..can you take it up in the shoulder seam? Or will that goof up the sleeves (too much ease)?

    Glad that you are doing well.

    Joy in Palmland

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  4. The skirt looks so 'waist-flattering' and comfy at the same time - a winner here! How good does it feel to think that the old favourite top is now way, way, way to big??? What a great year 2011 was for you...

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  5. I wear skirts 90% of the time to work so I am always looking for a bit different style of straight skirt. I think I'll have to try this one out - love the bias yoke and it looks great in the houndstooth.

    ~Bev

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  6. That yoke design looks like it would be very flattering.Can't wait to see this one on the ever getting smaller bod.

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  7. Looking good, Debbie, congrats on your weight loss. I saw Peter's article, too, and Ann Steeves (Gorgeous Fabrics) also made it into Vogue. She did a piece on her Chanel jacket.

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  8. Oh you have become a skinny minny because I made that pattern at the beginning of the year but I had to make my own pattern pieces because I don't think it went past a size 20 and here you are using a regular size! I'm in awe I tell you...just in awe!

    I also love how you manipulated the herringbone...this is going to be a fantastic skirt. I have another one on my to-do list but I was going to use a pinstripe to get that effect. Can't wait to see how you style this one!

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  9. Shopping alert! Both local newspapers have sticky coupons for $10.00 off a $30.00 purchase at your favorite Beall's, good 12-14-17. Could be worthwhile to pick up an extra paper since you love Beall's.

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  10. Wow, that skirt is dynamite! I can't wait to see it finished!

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  11. You are positively glowing :-)

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  12. Look at that waist! You go gurl. <3

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  13. Dang! You're looking great Debbie! Would you have believed this a year ago?

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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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