What was the idea? I'm glad you asked. Does this pic give you a hint?
Now imagine it in official USMC camouflage fabric, with embroidered name tapes. Yep, I'm making a Marine Mom purse. A little hokey, yes, but kind of fun too.
I spent way too much time yesterday looking at downloadable purse patterns on Etsy before I decided I should just try my hand at my own pattern, save the purchase money, and end up with exactly what I wanted. I worked up a pattern after dinner and what you're seeing in the pic is my first muslin. I need to enlarge the bag a little so the pockets will fit better on a sharper angle. Real USMC cammie blouse pockets are set on that same angle. Why? I don't know. Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
I found some official fabric and I'm going to ask my son's recruiter next week if I can borrow one of his cammie blouses for a few days so I can measure things and note details. He doesn't wear cammies in his recruiter job, and I think he owes me for taking my son away, don't you? ;-)
After I make the pattern adjustments and another muslin, I'll return to the placemats either this afternoon or tomorrow. For now, they've been shifted to the ironing board awaiting their turn. Poor little squares.
In MPB Men's Shirt Sew-Along news, and I think the final chapter in this saga, here is Michael in his new shirt. You can read more details on his blog, here. He's happy. I'm happy. Life is good. And aren't these great photos? (Thanks Peter!)
Too late for me...but I know a ton of army moms who just might like to make one of those bags for themselves. Or is that bad protocol mixing the marines with the army? I am never one to know what is or is not politically correct. :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway Michael looks damn fabulous in that shirt. Fits him to a T. I just love the back darts. That is what my husband needs..he is so small and just swims in shirts. Will have to go back in your posts and see what pattern you used. Really outstanding.
Michael looks great in that shirt. Can't believe you made it without being in the same location.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! That shirt looks awesome on Michael!
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Marine Mom! The idea for the bag is creative, practical, and all that good stuff. Michael's shirt is an A+!!
ReplyDeleteFabulous Shirt, Debbie...you rock !
ReplyDeleteThe shirt and its fit are wonderful-nice work. As for the purse you could probably retire on the sales of the pattern and/ or the purses-great way for a mother to honor her military member. I'll bet you will love the new purse. mssewcrazy
ReplyDeleteMichael's shirt is beautiful. I'm still on the sleeves of my muslin for my partner's shirt. Oops.
ReplyDeleteP.S. Now you've made me curious: what's the difference between saddle shoes and wingtip shoes?
Now what can I say about Michael's shirt....too much of a good thing...those wrinkles in the underarm area. I'd have thought you'd have had those fixed after I mentioned it.
ReplyDelete@amelie - I answered on your blog.
ReplyDelete@anon 10:44 - well, happy Sunday to you too. I see why you're anonymous.
You did a fantastic job on Michaela's shirt. It fits him perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of the purse.
Ooh, ooh, a question I know! Shirt pockets are set on an angle (at least, when the garment is laying flat) so that they are parallel to the ground when on the body. Same reason insignia/etc bars are pinned at a slight angle - more of an issue for female than male service members, according to my (Air Force Staff Sargeant) sister.
ReplyDeleteMichael's shirt looks great! The perfect slim fit.
ReplyDeleteHey, I think BDU (chest) pockets are set at an angle for ergonomic reasons, it's easier to reach into an tilted chest pocket than a straight one. But for a handbag (LOVE the idea!) it's a moot point. Military rucksacks have 90D-angle pockets. Anyway!
ReplyDeleteI envision a girly version in flamingo pink camo print :)))
What a fabulous job you did for Micheal's shirt, the lower body taper in particular is just flawless!
Michael says: The shirt fits PERFECTLY! The underarm roominess allows me full range of arm motion, which is important in my work. (Do I sound defensive of my Florida sewist? Damn right! She's the greatest!)
ReplyDeleteFormer Marine here - and Katherine is correct. Take your left hand and reach into your right breast pocket - it is much easier to reach into when set on an angle. Marines were the first to do this and adopted it when they adopted the digital style cammies.
ReplyDeleteI chose the Anon status because as I suspected, you don't take kindly to critique but IMO they were valid and not meant to embarrass you.
ReplyDeleteWell Anon - you're wrong. I don't mind critiques at all — when I ask for them. The thing is, I don't recall asking you.
ReplyDelete