tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-203502532024-03-17T23:04:07.010-04:00Stitches and SeamsDebbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.comBlogger1242125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-77446332361530460272024-02-25T18:51:00.003-05:002024-02-25T18:51:59.332-05:00Just in time for warm weather - Cashmerette StantonThe Sewjo has been Slowjo since my last post. And that means I probably won't have much chance to wear this before next winter, except for taking Cyrus out back in the mornings while it's still below 50F in the mornings. But, hey, at least it's finally done. And proof that I'm still sewing and updating the blog. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFYbJuvZXUbrfvw-XEW8c-zrX4MOw2HwS3PYwaGGtsJCnW306djlYtrL5FfAV0KSnoH_Nxk596STkCjc6JExCzipbAmsB3yR47zZbuvff01GRfBn-FqFgZdF_zqRwqWQgrY3QNl8Swhi4QrsqB6_U7F_FqPAU2B9sYNjEmklavL166RuNNY11/s1600/Stanton03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFYbJuvZXUbrfvw-XEW8c-zrX4MOw2HwS3PYwaGGtsJCnW306djlYtrL5FfAV0KSnoH_Nxk596STkCjc6JExCzipbAmsB3yR47zZbuvff01GRfBn-FqFgZdF_zqRwqWQgrY3QNl8Swhi4QrsqB6_U7F_FqPAU2B9sYNjEmklavL166RuNNY11/s1600/Stanton03.png" /></a></div><div>This is a mash-up between the <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/collections/size-12-32-patterns/products/stanton-hoodie-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Cashmerette Stanton Hoodie</a> and the <a href="https://blog.cashmerette.com/2022/09/cashmerette-club-meet-the-stanton-hoodie-expansion-the-club-pattern-for-september.html" target="_blank">expansion pack</a>, which includes the collar and half-zip view. There is no specific view or instructions for the full-zip front with the collar, which is a shame IMO. Personally, I don't really like hoodies on me. They give me knots and static in my hair at the back of my head, and it's never cold enough here to really need a hood. </div><div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIHeaZRmNqiOCMud3dYsIIKJao7s76qgXagBi8sEZkAvpn7Hm3eQy8tm2zD1zaPOtBhvbAJoDoWcb3MzDCBdN2i3NIsxU9HISUYvK7zGcGkbPsnkpO0NCT1JqvGkc_iKPZlAhk824Zry3EM_belJPnHsG3bYaXvIlvkZcHvOQWfPjN3QAFRE5/s1600/Stanton04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGIHeaZRmNqiOCMud3dYsIIKJao7s76qgXagBi8sEZkAvpn7Hm3eQy8tm2zD1zaPOtBhvbAJoDoWcb3MzDCBdN2i3NIsxU9HISUYvK7zGcGkbPsnkpO0NCT1JqvGkc_iKPZlAhk824Zry3EM_belJPnHsG3bYaXvIlvkZcHvOQWfPjN3QAFRE5/s1600/Stanton04.png" /></a></div>
So, I had to wing it to add the collar to the zip front and still include the zipper and collar facings. I'm rusty and I goofed, which I'll talk about below. But whatever. It's done. I like it. It fits great. And no one is really going to care about my goofs, including me. I did <b><u>not</u></b> goof on matching up seams, etc. and those are the parts that really show so I'm calling it a win.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY4L71tWAYFugvBFtt-zWh0tGldVtnaYxEh0LcgopZLC8b6sL34yKNktMYaIbo78jnSan26oAV7LbDvSPK0w00aZam02w7NVKIzibpiCOPDI7kzhajEWstvWgXeo11s1_LfiVbS5AQb5rv-bjq_kBXgOg2lMv-Cjl76FouVvWmltbRwQTSsOt/s1600/Stanton05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="401" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtY4L71tWAYFugvBFtt-zWh0tGldVtnaYxEh0LcgopZLC8b6sL34yKNktMYaIbo78jnSan26oAV7LbDvSPK0w00aZam02w7NVKIzibpiCOPDI7kzhajEWstvWgXeo11s1_LfiVbS5AQb5rv-bjq_kBXgOg2lMv-Cjl76FouVvWmltbRwQTSsOt/s1600/Stanton05.png" /></a></div>
I created a primitive color blocking guide <i>(below)</i> so I could keep track of what was what when I was cutting out the pattern pieces and took a pic of the computer screen so I'd have it on my phone and with me while cutting. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x3vcudMnyuvhPh8KkIXiLv-c8LlVwuC68tgZGnAg3zrXZ4rMQoGNzqnKKqSynyWvOTnNbu34aKZWIT-xFhLi477xFOpi8XyyAPoDuysXk2yyhebcdFtcQ5HSh2NDqiyIm3M8VoyD-XRUZXUuL91SXEPRlHwxF_dt-mELXPt62he_EBvdlYRq/s1600/Stanton01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9x3vcudMnyuvhPh8KkIXiLv-c8LlVwuC68tgZGnAg3zrXZ4rMQoGNzqnKKqSynyWvOTnNbu34aKZWIT-xFhLi477xFOpi8XyyAPoDuysXk2yyhebcdFtcQ5HSh2NDqiyIm3M8VoyD-XRUZXUuL91SXEPRlHwxF_dt-mELXPt62he_EBvdlYRq/s1600/Stanton01.png" /></a></div> I ordered 2 zippers from <a href="https://www.wawak.com/" target="_blank">Wawak</a>. After I decided on the final color blocking, I went with the purple zip. The main fabrics are both French terry from <a href="https://www.loiseaufabrics.com/" target="_blank">L'Oiseau Fabrics</a> in Canada, with a matching rib knit purchased at the same time for the wrist and hem bands. The navy French terry was re-purposed from my <a href="https://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2023/12/seamwork-meg-dress-and-beatnik-wadder.html" target="_blank">failed HP Beatnik</a>. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5_GDhZdx9uFgL-pjpoNtD7cQXxMVkGCWM1wmsGeYZt7kP4iV6vDypLYgb8E9wSDLdP1eADnza37wcko4xz31Tx0uWms5Rjw5qtmGQFMPpSOCXYUAmq0mnxzJr3qIZKfeja-qHTR7ueZGr8YB1MixMOnxFWlG9RLn1M0sbh6sdAScjtq4aYDK/s1600/Stanton02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL5_GDhZdx9uFgL-pjpoNtD7cQXxMVkGCWM1wmsGeYZt7kP4iV6vDypLYgb8E9wSDLdP1eADnza37wcko4xz31Tx0uWms5Rjw5qtmGQFMPpSOCXYUAmq0mnxzJr3qIZKfeja-qHTR7ueZGr8YB1MixMOnxFWlG9RLn1M0sbh6sdAScjtq4aYDK/s1600/Stanton02.png" /></a></div>
Here's where you can begin to see my goofs. I should not have serged the facing edge and, instead, turned it under and either handstitched <i>(no way!)</i> or stitched in the ditch. Or, even better, created a new facing piece that incorporated the collar. At the very least, I should not have used navy serger thread. I can live with it. It's a very casual jacket after all and there's no sewing police to give me a visible seam ticket.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMFn9RDhRUp1vV-D0H_KzMudaNzENIqUbgo4tRvMuY4Gs_R91vjM5x2IeKRIiZ0xg1UJZi01F0KLLqJdlfZX8E685q2SlDVrA8nQIgCzv_OVJZdAbmv_lbqCiTUTAMJ7Gze8epq1VLOKT0o3wUxPF3stWGwuzCQKgdFoZI2_1N1nll27mVtvi/s1600/Stanton06.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMFn9RDhRUp1vV-D0H_KzMudaNzENIqUbgo4tRvMuY4Gs_R91vjM5x2IeKRIiZ0xg1UJZi01F0KLLqJdlfZX8E685q2SlDVrA8nQIgCzv_OVJZdAbmv_lbqCiTUTAMJ7Gze8epq1VLOKT0o3wUxPF3stWGwuzCQKgdFoZI2_1N1nll27mVtvi/s1600/Stanton06.png" /></a></div>
Sigh.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhPBXpJ_vXEijWsfv1bOwK86BVZgTugpziDrvXFZbXy1gjiZJF-ZnWjYg_HzPCjEX_eQrkAO_w9avsz3Mat8cxNFDjtm8aSZXO7UmZBdH77w6_jLYbYFepvINfn2EBASSaEUKcMXv4p8xmvoI93iQ5gNtPAxdX9BnxLvCqTq5NkeIiPwogfHe/s1600/Stanton07.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhPBXpJ_vXEijWsfv1bOwK86BVZgTugpziDrvXFZbXy1gjiZJF-ZnWjYg_HzPCjEX_eQrkAO_w9avsz3Mat8cxNFDjtm8aSZXO7UmZBdH77w6_jLYbYFepvINfn2EBASSaEUKcMXv4p8xmvoI93iQ5gNtPAxdX9BnxLvCqTq5NkeIiPwogfHe/s1600/Stanton07.png" /></a></div>
What I can't figure out is why the zipper facings came up short. Below you can see the seam where I added length to the bottom of each facing. I laid my pattern piece over the fabric to confirm nothing had shrunk after fusing the interfacing on. I double-checked I cut the correct size. Swapping the hood for the collar shouldn't have mattered. I haven't seen this mentioned in any review I've seen so it's probably me. Life is full of mysteries. :-) </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRp4VUm7V29SRKKV6o-gkSvedVQUmBzEGjsJq95K2Lto_LcNZ4fTfaCMvRabCl5aJX26V9ZAlGsq2d43yjlibJBHuGgloHML1ceH2N88UxIhIYbo993f_rmgHReYFqU2WdtYVsnf9DszVNCbINCR5NFAhmQki0n58gnU3Onb5tQ_y0FgNK4tj/s1600/Stanton08.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRp4VUm7V29SRKKV6o-gkSvedVQUmBzEGjsJq95K2Lto_LcNZ4fTfaCMvRabCl5aJX26V9ZAlGsq2d43yjlibJBHuGgloHML1ceH2N88UxIhIYbo993f_rmgHReYFqU2WdtYVsnf9DszVNCbINCR5NFAhmQki0n58gnU3Onb5tQ_y0FgNK4tj/s1600/Stanton08.png" /></a></div>
Otherwise, everything fit together well and the size I chose was spot on. I started with an 18 E/F cup and graded outward at waist and hip. I believe 2-3 sizes, but I've put up my pattern pieces and I forgot to refresh my memory before I sat down at the computer. I also used the full bicep pattern piece. No other fitting adjustments were made or needed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtKmuZyM7qLYhcuSSkRGRZ33EdjZJyte2G08eQN18mxkrDs1vZIClyEYBurXBmVkNqwBK6LJBwNmfcRfugougn8OSN3-0WKs9DhXCqEgXhvKi9Rtpd4MZDLzau8B5vpxQIoUPfsHlCVrA2uSEKx_eWoLEs-TSKuIsMqyOeR8BJy7saVIw7TvW/s1600/Stanton09.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbtKmuZyM7qLYhcuSSkRGRZ33EdjZJyte2G08eQN18mxkrDs1vZIClyEYBurXBmVkNqwBK6LJBwNmfcRfugougn8OSN3-0WKs9DhXCqEgXhvKi9Rtpd4MZDLzau8B5vpxQIoUPfsHlCVrA2uSEKx_eWoLEs-TSKuIsMqyOeR8BJy7saVIw7TvW/s1600/Stanton09.png" /></a></div>
Here's a Sunday no make-up, dirty mirror selfie with a photo bomber.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje34xxWrwbmIP8Df5AEitYjzBhJghnFkGWhtVloH-SGshGaUHp-qCD6ZJMaLehyphenhyphenCY6_EXlRhZDp3F_mteogZGMIR_OpHSniqsGVjF4N0r-9IwnmBBe-b9nte3CgjEtsj-VxWxl72UHQp_xShnUMs5CPLdRcoWZLQH1J_yiudkPtPYRC2L1KrV8/s1600/Stanton10.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje34xxWrwbmIP8Df5AEitYjzBhJghnFkGWhtVloH-SGshGaUHp-qCD6ZJMaLehyphenhyphenCY6_EXlRhZDp3F_mteogZGMIR_OpHSniqsGVjF4N0r-9IwnmBBe-b9nte3CgjEtsj-VxWxl72UHQp_xShnUMs5CPLdRcoWZLQH1J_yiudkPtPYRC2L1KrV8/s1600/Stanton10.png" /></a></div>
And because that was so great, here's another with the proverbial hand-in-pocket shot. Speaking of the pockets, many have mentioned that these pockets are good for keeping hands warm but not so much for actually keeping things IN the pockets. I agree. A phone or dog treats will slide right out. Before I put away my purple thread, I will add an "X Box" <i>(no, not THAT one, but a sewn square with an X inside)</i> at the bottom of the pocket flap. Credit to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=icODS3oqBl4" target="_blank">Nina Niskanen</a> for that idea.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepbDBHr7Yhl2xJwwFK1BotpkCEzDBDlpSOvCAXBglzJo8yz9uBiPUhoxe7aWVqhrFOrsZQaF5k5zswSSLjs5RwH82Hn-L_9nb1Gz69O4e99genS2EX8UYXee7fehcZ22YHaW1ILk7rLRxisPIbvVl9W3xmeAih_LIjCF8_8Yu8zT-u6zTMxVv/s1600/Stanton11.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgepbDBHr7Yhl2xJwwFK1BotpkCEzDBDlpSOvCAXBglzJo8yz9uBiPUhoxe7aWVqhrFOrsZQaF5k5zswSSLjs5RwH82Hn-L_9nb1Gz69O4e99genS2EX8UYXee7fehcZ22YHaW1ILk7rLRxisPIbvVl9W3xmeAih_LIjCF8_8Yu8zT-u6zTMxVv/s1600/Stanton11.png" /></a></div>
My next project is going to be some old lady overnight underwear IYKWIM. Sigh. Getting old has some suckie parts.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Parting shot:</b> Where Cyrus spends much of the day when I'm working from home, and where I'm sitting right now as I type this. This is technically my dining room, with the fold down leaves of my table folded down and the chairs stored in the garage. It's not pretty, but it's functional and the commute sure is nice. Who has dinner parties anymore?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKETGkcJhREbsLYOcez7GnSo2hIGbSdITvE0auYJYVUImUihqeCWgC8e9gxPgLTstzd-shjaw3j-u2NFAXPTb-Fz8PNrE-Vr2EKHaJ9Ff2RR28XX2yjrXuVZPnJAw3OXvloXSIEv7XyGv4smOVVyrP9pazkutULTf7_njjXNqPVCvmrlDANtiv/s600/Cyrus_cubbie.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="475" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKETGkcJhREbsLYOcez7GnSo2hIGbSdITvE0auYJYVUImUihqeCWgC8e9gxPgLTstzd-shjaw3j-u2NFAXPTb-Fz8PNrE-Vr2EKHaJ9Ff2RR28XX2yjrXuVZPnJAw3OXvloXSIEv7XyGv4smOVVyrP9pazkutULTf7_njjXNqPVCvmrlDANtiv/s16000/Cyrus_cubbie.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-73193807965042462352024-01-13T16:19:00.003-05:002024-01-13T16:19:44.327-05:00Seamwork AndiHere's my finished jacket, on me. Insert usual disclaimer about dirty mirror, no make-up, etc. It's a long weekend - maybe I'll get to one or the other. Or not.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQvMxbH51QepNiZelEz2JtsZuljhULpLHaGRzzaWvpyQazD4Q1DbTQ1u1amskjXW5lVXJkVx24ALGP_FmNe9abc5tgeVlRVIkkggEMCYmFsg7YjEihintC_hi1V6d2DEHuGSr8a0VZAlcJNlHIX5E0HU1e3DnIcz4fslwfLjTjZjBgXbJFnU7/s1600/Andi05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="577" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQvMxbH51QepNiZelEz2JtsZuljhULpLHaGRzzaWvpyQazD4Q1DbTQ1u1amskjXW5lVXJkVx24ALGP_FmNe9abc5tgeVlRVIkkggEMCYmFsg7YjEihintC_hi1V6d2DEHuGSr8a0VZAlcJNlHIX5E0HU1e3DnIcz4fslwfLjTjZjBgXbJFnU7/s1600/Andi05.png" /></a></div>
And here it is on Zillie. I wish I had done a better job of aligning the pockets but that's water under the bridge. Eventually I won't see it. Especially since I know this jacket will get worn a lot both in the house as an extra layer for those cold days we actually have in Florida and outside the house to run errands, etc. This fabric is so nice and cozy to wear without being too hot in the house.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUgzBJn-bi-xOLtqUaAh-RRGRON-kwiS6a5aAdlW7dGTqYqd5OhRVNnpaBw94KlYLNcJlMRR-24kIT3CBmA6QMKNFHrMVdFAIVUTRGjlIO1gcShaQfUjM-x9WgcPpGVDz5y8aLNNupDNEiO4hfEhmw8nTNrkM-tgV2QdXbDv5u7hUDmgoDmqa/s1600/Andi11.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnUgzBJn-bi-xOLtqUaAh-RRGRON-kwiS6a5aAdlW7dGTqYqd5OhRVNnpaBw94KlYLNcJlMRR-24kIT3CBmA6QMKNFHrMVdFAIVUTRGjlIO1gcShaQfUjM-x9WgcPpGVDz5y8aLNNupDNEiO4hfEhmw8nTNrkM-tgV2QdXbDv5u7hUDmgoDmqa/s1600/Andi11.png" /></a></div>
Back view. I decided to go ahead and insert elastic at the hem. I almost blew the opportunity though, because I put on the snaps first, but thankfully realized before I did the second snap at the hem that I needed to hold off until I inserted the elastic or else I wouldn't be able to since the snaps block the channel.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTBee7Te4AozQyilUffx-nDoogaFH_i49S436zVXndPfAy-J12zQZ8Dys8_9VAPf5PHHxq4KZHAk5-o27xuyxry0bCTvsYjSxUVYjUcdxg-_-Vocx3bPAg5KqEVMdguT16XIJW-T6Txug8OoYEKIfz3b24h9HtUy516rtPVFPLht4dUScmUom/s1600/Andi09.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzTBee7Te4AozQyilUffx-nDoogaFH_i49S436zVXndPfAy-J12zQZ8Dys8_9VAPf5PHHxq4KZHAk5-o27xuyxry0bCTvsYjSxUVYjUcdxg-_-Vocx3bPAg5KqEVMdguT16XIJW-T6Txug8OoYEKIfz3b24h9HtUy516rtPVFPLht4dUScmUom/s1600/Andi09.png" /></a></div>
The annoying pocket. But it's a pocket and I'm glad to have both on this jacket. Perfect for the phone, dog treats, chapstick, whatever.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_QUXSJma1Fw4BUPJnG5iS58uJb78wM1D5rG995RKlXeOkWTPbKF9mHrumG_OXTk56-X_GI-k4TZPzhjPJxRhgSdqTUSVgIIF6Myhcdo63WmW4c_G12YhXTycPDETpDGSjnL6fZwpwZf0vtg5mBDZpTXMfb6wL5fNcGkuq3KD-fXmHMu0PaH4/s1600/Andi10.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip_QUXSJma1Fw4BUPJnG5iS58uJb78wM1D5rG995RKlXeOkWTPbKF9mHrumG_OXTk56-X_GI-k4TZPzhjPJxRhgSdqTUSVgIIF6Myhcdo63WmW4c_G12YhXTycPDETpDGSjnL6fZwpwZf0vtg5mBDZpTXMfb6wL5fNcGkuq3KD-fXmHMu0PaH4/s1600/Andi10.png" /></a></div>
Inside view. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlBqIo2NKUW8DPGvKlqlXUoXzdq_5G1CWJwmaCaA_Ax2aeQwkV_0JIvBxXrri3spMAHdV5qvsBEKl2HPl3q_rH1hSMqcoylW2EPWpDEgdkuJW1leAa0XDdlz8uVQLKpxxpmARBh_hyKCe_46IMDWXxInEVKnJtTWGOfkLJAUhAVntPF_mBc_G/s1600/Andi08.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixlBqIo2NKUW8DPGvKlqlXUoXzdq_5G1CWJwmaCaA_Ax2aeQwkV_0JIvBxXrri3spMAHdV5qvsBEKl2HPl3q_rH1hSMqcoylW2EPWpDEgdkuJW1leAa0XDdlz8uVQLKpxxpmARBh_hyKCe_46IMDWXxInEVKnJtTWGOfkLJAUhAVntPF_mBc_G/s1600/Andi08.png" /></a></div>
This is the snap tool I ordered from <a href="https://kamsnaps.com/" target="_blank">KamSnaps</a>. It, the necessary dies, and the snap pieces arrived on Thursday. Very fast shipping from California.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD1pZCwOFN5YPHIC-GhdnrNBfzvL83igeTmVKl1jBTYjESxvMciZTZjNYHzmV-QQtDWmCN21QbMuiiGRrgVu8SotMtFSIVHuX1hPZwyOEEJ0VSFVIJc_9PNfzGbS9HfvRc9wqmwZkR7wJr2dO4Ew_i1Vpg36sMAdP36obl61Nu9qUrq21B224/s1600/Andi13.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJD1pZCwOFN5YPHIC-GhdnrNBfzvL83igeTmVKl1jBTYjESxvMciZTZjNYHzmV-QQtDWmCN21QbMuiiGRrgVu8SotMtFSIVHuX1hPZwyOEEJ0VSFVIJc_9PNfzGbS9HfvRc9wqmwZkR7wJr2dO4Ew_i1Vpg36sMAdP36obl61Nu9qUrq21B224/s1600/Andi13.png" /></a></div>
Here's everything and the envelope it was all shipped in — laying on top of my on-deck pattern to be cut out today hopefully, around watching football playoffs.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGrrUr_MRZOKS-biPM9RSceNf8_iWxHMLWoDe4_7Hx6SFil4OOgSgPLRZntT9DMJNAkhfLOms8O7owYslKp8dvWhP7fMS02adIjr_oy_013Dr1rrVv7GWD-bO5ZRkA8h9Q4dXyBLRMpDw3UWrFTYJAmCOelf4RaACWHIfk6MpMRGD-O4GEJhH/s1600/Andi12.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGrrUr_MRZOKS-biPM9RSceNf8_iWxHMLWoDe4_7Hx6SFil4OOgSgPLRZntT9DMJNAkhfLOms8O7owYslKp8dvWhP7fMS02adIjr_oy_013Dr1rrVv7GWD-bO5ZRkA8h9Q4dXyBLRMpDw3UWrFTYJAmCOelf4RaACWHIfk6MpMRGD-O4GEJhH/s1600/Andi12.png" /></a></div>
I'm not going to lie - it was kind of a struggle to get everything aligned on this thick fabric with the handheld tool. Moreso for the bottom parts of the snap because the dies and snap pieces are smaller and a little more fiddley and my fingers are big. But I took my time and plowed on, and I'm happy to report that I didn't have any mishaps. I'm sure the honkin' big tabletop setting snap press would be easier to use but aside from the higher price, I didn't want to think about where to store that thing later. If I found myself all of a sudden needing to set tons of snaps, I'd probably upgrade. But the handheld tool does the job just fine too. It's certainly easier than the old purple or teal multi-layer plastic setting tool from Snapsetter that you whack with a hammer and hope the prongs all got caught. Just me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f0Ob05Uhohyib5K6iU7W2mW6OI7YRwLPKqtQECdKaAkZsv9sUpY3D35Uzy-JwMdO7epbH3uP0axqhTIVo3p37Kh3K5djrq0b7eVwJ4nlOnpN9Zeh02sW-GoxoW4kRLRoSZQnoSmbTJMcoL2MVxC8dhfJthvJXZNTK1YunHFjOqnZXWr5xF5m/s1600/Andi14.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="511" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f0Ob05Uhohyib5K6iU7W2mW6OI7YRwLPKqtQECdKaAkZsv9sUpY3D35Uzy-JwMdO7epbH3uP0axqhTIVo3p37Kh3K5djrq0b7eVwJ4nlOnpN9Zeh02sW-GoxoW4kRLRoSZQnoSmbTJMcoL2MVxC8dhfJthvJXZNTK1YunHFjOqnZXWr5xF5m/s1600/Andi14.png" /></a></div>
Before doing the real thing on my jacket, I watched a few YouTube videos <i>(highly recommend <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ue4G4PO6cQ" target="_blank">this video</a> from Sew Many Creations),</i> laid out all my parts and pieces and got very familiar with them, and then I did a practice run, below. I'll probably have to do all of that again the next time I install snaps because I won't have any muscle memory after a month goes by.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQOY38EG4hNv80WSgKDfVCYDrEnTv14-1kQ9Ub2xCeeeP_6952UPhs5abg8NTcmmey3ZY0vF_YKR_QGr8ZGsUAiNgE5M8K8YgoUKK9oNWV863G-yjwFAygNdTGq-uTfUOUU0aoPxR9V72dfhf1l8di0aSqzJpjcds0_NIEIeh1MeIJiarJS6b/s1600/Andi07.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRQOY38EG4hNv80WSgKDfVCYDrEnTv14-1kQ9Ub2xCeeeP_6952UPhs5abg8NTcmmey3ZY0vF_YKR_QGr8ZGsUAiNgE5M8K8YgoUKK9oNWV863G-yjwFAygNdTGq-uTfUOUU0aoPxR9V72dfhf1l8di0aSqzJpjcds0_NIEIeh1MeIJiarJS6b/s1600/Andi07.png" /></a></div>
Here's my new jacket in its home. It will be nice to give my ratty black RTW cardigan a break.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc4cIp7jpmL_89DN0iKdEaqpJD9hH_hMwhDPdptzlOtBlufBSLqLDP60lVlVjEJOQwqxf_3WZB_0VdzWnddYTWDWAeME_imxuTzpRomniws3J_wzcmKIU7algeh_7wPWlwV1wSFpy9WaRUNY8fBLkBXM-AISLeygS3Ugg6pRL6X_3MTdiv7N5/s1600/Andi06.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSc4cIp7jpmL_89DN0iKdEaqpJD9hH_hMwhDPdptzlOtBlufBSLqLDP60lVlVjEJOQwqxf_3WZB_0VdzWnddYTWDWAeME_imxuTzpRomniws3J_wzcmKIU7algeh_7wPWlwV1wSFpy9WaRUNY8fBLkBXM-AISLeygS3Ugg6pRL6X_3MTdiv7N5/s1600/Andi06.png" /></a></div><b>
Parting shot:</b> Cyrus living his best life. We love him so much!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAp7K9xzjo3euE2wDXg9evd0xCXdwVW9A3mxbGO2TuU5J9afkHnQORfd64PLHJtGb0GzTD0oLpQZp1Yln09302iRXy95ZMuDlVsoEdN9AK3tIhSB71hU6x-fGKJzpuWonQ7I58yRdfuVWSlsWrvFGBviUVOJYSHw1cTSHTYLhwBEFaR6-390d/s1600/Cyrus01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKAp7K9xzjo3euE2wDXg9evd0xCXdwVW9A3mxbGO2TuU5J9afkHnQORfd64PLHJtGb0GzTD0oLpQZp1Yln09302iRXy95ZMuDlVsoEdN9AK3tIhSB71hU6x-fGKJzpuWonQ7I58yRdfuVWSlsWrvFGBviUVOJYSHw1cTSHTYLhwBEFaR6-390d/s1600/Cyrus01.png" /></a></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-60583520559769841592024-01-06T22:07:00.007-05:002024-01-06T22:15:30.325-05:00So Long 2023The holidays are over and all the sewing I thought I would get to while I was off work didn't quite happen. But I did manage to get two projects done, or mostly done. And I had lots of time for Cyrus snuggles and some reading.<div><br /></div><div>First up is a <a href="https://www.lovenotions.com/product/rhapsody" target="_blank">Love Notions Rhapsody</a>, but this time in knit. It seems so many things I've made lately have been wovens that need to be ironed. Ugh. While I do press constantly while sewing, I'm not a big fan of clothes that need to be ironed before wearing. I mean I'll do it, but I won't like it. So, I'm back to sewing knits for a while to cut down on my ironing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The fabric I used is a very nice black/white ITY recently from <a href="https://gorgeousfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Gorgeous Fabrics</a>. <i>(There was still some available last time I looked.)</i> I bought 3 yards and I have enough left for a skirt for one of my 2-piece "dresses" should I feel the urge. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVUCJpLjmIhv2QLZCy558NfuzVZO6QJFR4qS-kJ9rd3q4gYPtJmgG-sLI-lJUNy6ZsENLmQzf3EtqddZalDZJoinObZvPMO69ZokyBm_WBzSJ0QqX9_lXUODaH5PY9H20cWLNM9zroCRFExT4WkG_A273h2fAdWlopPxxqaBl58Jpvc7SVAF6/s1600/KnitRhapsody01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyVUCJpLjmIhv2QLZCy558NfuzVZO6QJFR4qS-kJ9rd3q4gYPtJmgG-sLI-lJUNy6ZsENLmQzf3EtqddZalDZJoinObZvPMO69ZokyBm_WBzSJ0QqX9_lXUODaH5PY9H20cWLNM9zroCRFExT4WkG_A273h2fAdWlopPxxqaBl58Jpvc7SVAF6/s1600/KnitRhapsody01.png" /></a></div>I made no changes to the pattern from <a href="https://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2023/07/rhapsody-on-me-and-sewing-room-preview.html" target="_blank">my first woven version</a>, except to use the elbow-length balloon sleeves with elasticated hems. We've been having a bit of a cool down weather-wise and my supply of warmer tops is low. I'll still be able to wear this in the office during the hot days since it's usually an AC iceberg zone<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmCaCOXNzgOVUK1jIoNZrko7qtPe5topwj90l9HUK1Nr0MbwIPRs8-K-weFrzhrMYIvBQ32rHrT6GCrVTOOFx5iFCGA2ubHn0dAOJ1J4EAhWedEs8CkBZ3vglOEpynHyzhlyfnxo-qefWU3vLbGIYeHa9jnTwXOrAam6wUXsVswuCrGMJDOcb/s1600/KnitRhapsody03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmCaCOXNzgOVUK1jIoNZrko7qtPe5topwj90l9HUK1Nr0MbwIPRs8-K-weFrzhrMYIvBQ32rHrT6GCrVTOOFx5iFCGA2ubHn0dAOJ1J4EAhWedEs8CkBZ3vglOEpynHyzhlyfnxo-qefWU3vLbGIYeHa9jnTwXOrAam6wUXsVswuCrGMJDOcb/s1600/KnitRhapsody03.png" /></a></div>
Here's the inside with the "burrito'd" yoke. I again gathered the lower back instead of using the box pleat per the pattern. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw_ZEx6uD7BgAZkRDvWt7t5JGKda4d0MmFUBNaTxclOGNvyeWBqjN4uyOliRL1sHryr_Y0bBlw1p0vGoZK655_Sfdqg9cBc3dX7_PAI6XGdbeilFlaIr_cPj5Xpxam0VRwD9txpXUw-qKTWtMqPv8j3qpmh_quQyWihpoQAiYfDJrZS9LwBDf/s1600/KnitRhapsody04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRw_ZEx6uD7BgAZkRDvWt7t5JGKda4d0MmFUBNaTxclOGNvyeWBqjN4uyOliRL1sHryr_Y0bBlw1p0vGoZK655_Sfdqg9cBc3dX7_PAI6XGdbeilFlaIr_cPj5Xpxam0VRwD9txpXUw-qKTWtMqPv8j3qpmh_quQyWihpoQAiYfDJrZS9LwBDf/s1600/KnitRhapsody04.png" /></a></div>
The binding and ties were done on my coverstitch machine. The black looper thread shows on the backside of the ties, but I'm OK with it. I'll take applying knit coverstitch binding over woven bias binding any day of the week. But I also seem to remember owning a bias binder sewing machine foot for wovens <i>(like <a href="https://www.sewingpartsonline.com/products/husqvarna-viking-adjustable-bias-binder-4129850-45?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAkeSsBhDUARIsAK3tiecWZ1ijWj-RRMg0qPI601AlF0Zy9tvG-xhy1QHHu3zb-4utyPkH8eIaAkkbEALw_wcB" target="_blank">this</a>)</i>. I may need to dig that out and reacquaint myself with it.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8cisfZc5l17MZ_flF2mSXV6ZzbN4HZBrVOWgH7nA6aqXiuTItyKiAIPYyAZG2_VqFsSy9Qlh5cl9NLjSKEBCEOXPAuceNQRIlrxNIbHuaQdEdsVSz9NEbM4AyOkq0E6AYoKL0HB33YsjkWTNCTXKN6N-eHbF_bgmTHF4GbCpTXmkpFmOLikF/s1600/KnitRhapsody05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8cisfZc5l17MZ_flF2mSXV6ZzbN4HZBrVOWgH7nA6aqXiuTItyKiAIPYyAZG2_VqFsSy9Qlh5cl9NLjSKEBCEOXPAuceNQRIlrxNIbHuaQdEdsVSz9NEbM4AyOkq0E6AYoKL0HB33YsjkWTNCTXKN6N-eHbF_bgmTHF4GbCpTXmkpFmOLikF/s1600/KnitRhapsody05.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz8XA5AJ_mwbdNgbtkzvqaKQkcgpAzxyz7ZxhjE-hIzKzO7BYbu7Y8cAhDyKbXbYDJmXNDuND2BTmlYePqkken3iOm3jK-Rci-bgkKAU7kTeI3xG9_7e2-XHYd47ebi1XYQC1D2ZjoEr5CQjoqWIAx8iMQVMvLTZkS6Ht6EPj7ls33j8gnYWu/s1600/KnitRhapsody06.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifz8XA5AJ_mwbdNgbtkzvqaKQkcgpAzxyz7ZxhjE-hIzKzO7BYbu7Y8cAhDyKbXbYDJmXNDuND2BTmlYePqkken3iOm3jK-Rci-bgkKAU7kTeI3xG9_7e2-XHYd47ebi1XYQC1D2ZjoEr5CQjoqWIAx8iMQVMvLTZkS6Ht6EPj7ls33j8gnYWu/s1600/KnitRhapsody06.png" /></a></div>
To give the binding strip a bit more body and less curl as it feeds through the binder, I bought some <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07K6X4Q7H?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&_encoding=UTF8&tag=stitchesandseams-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=94f210b915972285788f4363ba85eb8c&camp=1789&creative=9325" target="_blank">SewKeyse 1 Inch Fusible Knit Stay Tape</a> <i>(that's an Amazon link, which may pay me a penny or two if you use it for a purchase)</i>. I usually cut up fusible interfacing scraps and use that on knit binding strips that need some help but this already cut and ready-to-go 1-inch tape seemed like it would be a great addition to the notions collection. And it is. I love that it's ready to go.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz5Flpc4PKAF-FptrFQM9r2AKxPGxsc7DaDTtZ6ld43oxt15CMyoSRxDzOu-Xi0a-DMp68RMHrNMU2arTYMjc8T44rf0skcWDFmterxPtKetncIiVLzyBW8TAUsCxcNtBGj62tg6pACuVePh348Y2VQmpzhg-c-xdfXlRA4F4MPGtrgjjw8WN/s1600/KnitRhapsody02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYz5Flpc4PKAF-FptrFQM9r2AKxPGxsc7DaDTtZ6ld43oxt15CMyoSRxDzOu-Xi0a-DMp68RMHrNMU2arTYMjc8T44rf0skcWDFmterxPtKetncIiVLzyBW8TAUsCxcNtBGj62tg6pACuVePh348Y2VQmpzhg-c-xdfXlRA4F4MPGtrgjjw8WN/s1600/KnitRhapsody02.png" /></a></div>
Here it is on my ironing board being applied to my binding strip. <i>(I finally bought a new <a href="https://amzn.to/3tHM0D4" target="_blank">board cover</a> and this is the cleanest you'll probably see it.)</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF3LEgHWrcac4sfZsIvX4jJROVuucZBDcynFdIthZyQ3ma1uUnkaQyTZ8bN9QmMut8phXUWaUHkOiPcCyWKaarSa_tD0BFUwSdpY6hauFSDfJ4gDufI9PkkWxBivYSSk5ni3FyzWo4t7u6OYHmQhxptfB1DH_8stlSSQCHFeewU72xd0fXTKX/s1600/KnitRhapsody00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnF3LEgHWrcac4sfZsIvX4jJROVuucZBDcynFdIthZyQ3ma1uUnkaQyTZ8bN9QmMut8phXUWaUHkOiPcCyWKaarSa_tD0BFUwSdpY6hauFSDfJ4gDufI9PkkWxBivYSSk5ni3FyzWo4t7u6OYHmQhxptfB1DH_8stlSSQCHFeewU72xd0fXTKX/s1600/KnitRhapsody00.png" /></a></div>My other project, which is not quite done yet, is a <a href="https://www.seamwork.com/catalog/andi" target="_blank">Seamwork Andi jacket</a>. I really need a casual slightly warm jacket for around the house/yard and running errands, etc. Seeing this pattern made up by others on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/seamworkandi/" target="_blank">Instagram</a> is one of the reasons I decided to go with a Seamwork subscription. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9iHKE2H1zqtX6hWndBrxsLVjAKyEOMtxn9YX1uCZ5FP0Zvv5tn6eAtasH8iDI1FxQKNA6Sa-VWtmlzHUJJSmPA2xO7pdt-JniAzWjjYuk_gSRCOFO97b89O8dCC4sMpzrWgFKoTXhyphenhyphenoQzPOxg6mqklfNI6jUC5MO9aF7Dv1e5XIELIBZXBB_/s1600/Andi00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid9iHKE2H1zqtX6hWndBrxsLVjAKyEOMtxn9YX1uCZ5FP0Zvv5tn6eAtasH8iDI1FxQKNA6Sa-VWtmlzHUJJSmPA2xO7pdt-JniAzWjjYuk_gSRCOFO97b89O8dCC4sMpzrWgFKoTXhyphenhyphenoQzPOxg6mqklfNI6jUC5MO9aF7Dv1e5XIELIBZXBB_/s1600/Andi00.png" /></a></div>
I shamelessly copied my inspirations by using the same prequilted knit. I bought this navy colorway from <a href="https://stylemakerfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Stylemaker Fabrics</a> and I might have another color coming from <a href="https://www.minerva.com/" target="_blank">Minerva</a>. And OMG is this fabric so comfy/cozy! <i>(And kind of a pain to sew with since it sheds its innards and is a bit thick and slippery.)</i></div><div><br /></div><div>What I did not have ready to go were snaps for the closure. I have a TON of Snapsetter <i>(RIP)</i> snaps that I was thinking would work but I hadn't even looked at them in years and it turns out they are all too small for this jacket and I don't feel confident that the short-ish prongs would be a good match with the fabric thickness even if I had a bigger size. So my jacket got a bit more expensive since I ended up buying a snap press and dies <i>(plus bigger snaps)</i> from <a href="https://kamsnaps.com/collections/kam-press/products/snaps-rivets-grommets-hand-press" target="_blank">KAMSnaps</a>. My order should be here next week and then I'll finish the jacket.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZbOpNUS2dZa7OD9BnldHz6CEoO2vXP4hx2Hz0XLG5ufk1aiK4hNczdOiRQGdCo9F8X3ta0hmeOrJDrF2GZLLwehyumwhnWczzMsQ3RUlXE2nQEWbb9yZGIiHpgs66s2dzOIhHfBzcFnfhtt-1KBMan4Due8rxqq7LujgHQq4dGX65FO24VFK/s1600/Andi01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ZbOpNUS2dZa7OD9BnldHz6CEoO2vXP4hx2Hz0XLG5ufk1aiK4hNczdOiRQGdCo9F8X3ta0hmeOrJDrF2GZLLwehyumwhnWczzMsQ3RUlXE2nQEWbb9yZGIiHpgs66s2dzOIhHfBzcFnfhtt-1KBMan4Due8rxqq7LujgHQq4dGX65FO24VFK/s1600/Andi01.png" /></a></div>
Here's the back, which is hanging very crooked on Zillie. I also have not yet added elastic to the hem. I'm still deciding on that and will make up my mind once I can actually snap the jacket closed.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTSLy0UhCwHf70BhySKIFkWbdqErGRWIYkRqz7rl5Hiix_tC-Xh4mOlE9XiyLAfQFWA5k8enBoqlfgs1yyo-ygraIqrO4jnzh-U8EAD2GCgyRR1lNdNi1HfxiidPQJpAISYaAq2II8Mzd9O4vF5YVmcZsMqfucytd5hMnGdUIeMERrUx3l3zN/s1600/Andi02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjTSLy0UhCwHf70BhySKIFkWbdqErGRWIYkRqz7rl5Hiix_tC-Xh4mOlE9XiyLAfQFWA5k8enBoqlfgs1yyo-ygraIqrO4jnzh-U8EAD2GCgyRR1lNdNi1HfxiidPQJpAISYaAq2II8Mzd9O4vF5YVmcZsMqfucytd5hMnGdUIeMERrUx3l3zN/s1600/Andi02.png" /></a></div>Even though this is a very simple and oversized design, I had to go my own way a bit with the pockets because they are shaped with a straight side to be inserted into a straight side seam and I blended between sizes, which created a very curved side seam. It's not a big deal, but I kind of think the instructions should have mentioned/shown that you'll need to apply the pockets more like a patch pocket if you do blend between sizes. Seamwork patterns are mostly geared toward beginners and I can imagine a beginner doing some head scratching on this situation. On the plus side, Seamwork's private member forum is very active and filled with extremely helpful people, so one could ask there if stuck.</div><div><br /></div><div>I cut the pattern pieces to match the "pattern" of quilting across the front and side seams, but somehow one of my pockets does not match up at all. I decided to just leave it. Besides the laziness factor, I didn't want to "waste" any of the remaining fabric since I should have enough left to colorblock for another pattern that's percolating in my brain. I figure there's so many lines going every which way and the pockets hang more to the side than how it looks on Zillie that no one but me <i>(and now the entire internet)</i> will ever notice. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP1f6w7T6tMl0L-6sdPe2HO2VvfM002u8Ryk27QQzFYxu5neD-9NMg_oUEtxLO2r7lKccahxMztJGjONhJjJTMwaYmRdQkBms3MZhXsb8HJ_unLRNSipmkiUpXPB7cYHyigg6RtgrVEZR1WbvLfzQktCD0Dh66JikhueHWWcZl955Mfh9WSK4/s1600/Andi03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLP1f6w7T6tMl0L-6sdPe2HO2VvfM002u8Ryk27QQzFYxu5neD-9NMg_oUEtxLO2r7lKccahxMztJGjONhJjJTMwaYmRdQkBms3MZhXsb8HJ_unLRNSipmkiUpXPB7cYHyigg6RtgrVEZR1WbvLfzQktCD0Dh66JikhueHWWcZl955Mfh9WSK4/s1600/Andi03.png" /></a></div>
So that's the end of my 2023 sewing. I'll be back when I have my snaps on the jacket. I'm also planning to start a sweatshirt tomorrow so hopefully I'll have that to share soon too. </div><div><br /></div><div>Happy New Year!</div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-34800929432385900552023-12-01T18:33:00.003-05:002023-12-30T09:14:59.422-05:00Seamwork Meg Dress (and Beatnik wadder)<div>Yep, you read that correctly. Seamwork. </div>
<div><br /></div><div>I've been eying the <a href="https://www.seamwork.com/catalog/meg">Seamwork Meg</a> dress for a while. There's just something about it that called to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>So I decided to test out a Seamwork membership because with a 15-day trial membership you get a free pattern download plus access to all the other membership stuff <i>(message board, member projects, tips, project sheets, videos, etc.)</i>. If I decided to cancel, I'd still be able to keep the pattern at no charge and I wouldn't be charged for the membership — your credit card is not charged during the trial period. Good deal, right? </div><div><br /></div>
<div>So, I downloaded the pattern to have a look at the drafting, sizing, and instructions. I printed out everything and taped the pattern together. It all seemed in order. <i>(I have some opinions — shocker! — about some of the instructions which I'll share later but overall, they're fine.) </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div>
<div>And here is my dress <i>(still to be hemmed)</i>. And I love it!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yMD4j0fzPyIRNDywrbWmwE5_Y8y8XZMnQq19qvnRTPHfgdqNuu1DnSD8Z3R92IGmh4B1eR90TS7QhQ3IcSUanIjyl541iMXQyBfCXfkiTCSPu94HwBWboLYY6YOSUXVcg8TrrKfUY_kc5zwuve_9CarFEcjceZ0gQxnEnJoce1fiz419Haky/s1600/SeamworkMeg01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="795" data-original-width="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yMD4j0fzPyIRNDywrbWmwE5_Y8y8XZMnQq19qvnRTPHfgdqNuu1DnSD8Z3R92IGmh4B1eR90TS7QhQ3IcSUanIjyl541iMXQyBfCXfkiTCSPu94HwBWboLYY6YOSUXVcg8TrrKfUY_kc5zwuve_9CarFEcjceZ0gQxnEnJoce1fiz419Haky/s1600/SeamworkMeg01.png" /></a></div>My measurements put me in a size 20 bodice, but this pattern has a lot of ease and after reading through some of the Seamwork "Community" <i>(message board)</i> and seeing some YouTube videos on this and other Seamwork patterns, I think Seamwork patterns run large. I cut an 18 bodice and blended to a 22 at the waist/hip. My measurements would put me in a much larger hip size but there's plenty of design ease in this dress so I stayed at the 22. My sizing decisions worked fine. I also added length to the bodice. Instead of cutting the bottom edge at the 18 lines, I extended to the 22. Kind of a cheater FBA. Seamwork is supposed to draft for a DD in the larger size range, but, again, after my research, I thought I would need more bust length. I was right. The width is fine, but again, lots of design ease.<div><br /></div><div>The fabric is rayon voile from Fabricmart. It was supposed to be challis, but it's not. I'm not lucking out with Fabricmart rayons lately. But I do love the actual print. Also, I see that I still need to more evenly distribute the elastic in the channels so the waist is looking a bit wonky. <i>(If only I could distribute my own waist so quickly.)</i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ64Nr5i8iK3rMbWyRq3dwXNB727X5EKfRJHT_y2WuwxTxnouuv2vELIcTshPiWea0gXVO_6b6ky8EC-OzZQ_wHa1fQE_C9c4sYpNiwyYin7xPgoMGNbIH314c1zrB5HfoTA0EdjHamy2RZiBQMmgJyEC6Mk_t1eZ937qZ0FfnQ5Wy_CbUMpRH/s1600/SeamworkMeg02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ64Nr5i8iK3rMbWyRq3dwXNB727X5EKfRJHT_y2WuwxTxnouuv2vELIcTshPiWea0gXVO_6b6ky8EC-OzZQ_wHa1fQE_C9c4sYpNiwyYin7xPgoMGNbIH314c1zrB5HfoTA0EdjHamy2RZiBQMmgJyEC6Mk_t1eZ937qZ0FfnQ5Wy_CbUMpRH/s1600/SeamworkMeg02.png" /></a></div>
The tie is organza ribbon from deep stash. I'm still "auditioning" it and I may end up making a tie from the leftover fabric, of which there is a lot. But I do like the bit of contrast so the ribbon may stay.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwcBYM48-qwG2Pi4KsBzQoCiOfGMhQE2P9a8yqaft6Xg1ubX_tT1mA1Lu_AOZJO6wbSnzeyWPAbhm5IP2yvXud8gE0BmNCYage4ZUs8cQHBTkbSYpwCm7qeGQUSkhz1N7p0NjnVzaCpTo5r_claMFTzSntuPozveaaUVr0tsAgRBuTKzOfNrt/s1600/SeamworkMeg03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWwcBYM48-qwG2Pi4KsBzQoCiOfGMhQE2P9a8yqaft6Xg1ubX_tT1mA1Lu_AOZJO6wbSnzeyWPAbhm5IP2yvXud8gE0BmNCYage4ZUs8cQHBTkbSYpwCm7qeGQUSkhz1N7p0NjnVzaCpTo5r_claMFTzSntuPozveaaUVr0tsAgRBuTKzOfNrt/s1600/SeamworkMeg03.png" /></a></div>
These are the "bonus" sleeves, which are "puffed" and have an elastic channel to create the gathered hem flounce. Members get "free" bonus views of patterns that you don't get if you just buy the pattern without a membership. I think that's how it works, anyway. The non-bonus sleeves are flutter style.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMjjPq7jWpI1GQ7DjAmuokNUvWeGPXAcoAwT4gr_q-1FTq3MbwTeIH6JbQmzQBOnPEvry4D3ZY_KMOhzzsnOT1idDxz5wOhNCgy0LXOqTDyAt6oV5kX9XYK4pT9TyjUDD7HSha2z9X1ZldqN9-pv9mj74joMnYyJUqiYMAcooP1AH5ghd69fc/s1600/SeamworkMeg04a.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMjjPq7jWpI1GQ7DjAmuokNUvWeGPXAcoAwT4gr_q-1FTq3MbwTeIH6JbQmzQBOnPEvry4D3ZY_KMOhzzsnOT1idDxz5wOhNCgy0LXOqTDyAt6oV5kX9XYK4pT9TyjUDD7HSha2z9X1ZldqN9-pv9mj74joMnYyJUqiYMAcooP1AH5ghd69fc/s1600/SeamworkMeg04a.png" /></a></div>
Line drawing of the bonus view.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXzAsPhyO4uJp-V76qHB7H6tV940WJiRxovhnlCzCrVPmoD-ALqhe567CK38qmNUC6CXMjBRDb0tBFdVg0zE2-TSCBMaUOBVH9VZqlq03D18_J1wZmBcUUbqfAMiLsaryZw3y1Xmt75Nj5zAEmuH-Hdq1znnnaruijQys1ZUn9glIG_gU8kL1/s1600/SeamworkMeg00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="547" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSXzAsPhyO4uJp-V76qHB7H6tV940WJiRxovhnlCzCrVPmoD-ALqhe567CK38qmNUC6CXMjBRDb0tBFdVg0zE2-TSCBMaUOBVH9VZqlq03D18_J1wZmBcUUbqfAMiLsaryZw3y1Xmt75Nj5zAEmuH-Hdq1znnnaruijQys1ZUn9glIG_gU8kL1/s1600/SeamworkMeg00.png" /></a></div>
Here's the dress in progress to show how low the neckline is before gathering shortens it. I also added about 6 inches to the skirt length, much of which is now taken up by the waist elastic. I haven't done a final hem yet, but I'm thinking I'll keep most of the extra length.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHv1njy0Gm8G9tTecoHqYAZXlKfLKwxCt3QqVzeQbUgRRqFf2ypbjEDragyOWEyvuGjYTVLnEtL6babaqYGF25zyCDn3blatnoUfRTNk7i0N39IgQykdBhjRfckuFG4TNLqhGA-m1a5DCPLNjPXyHVhbijVYEh_nKIT6gYLJYRnWXm6XF69ER/s1600/SeamworkMeg04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZHv1njy0Gm8G9tTecoHqYAZXlKfLKwxCt3QqVzeQbUgRRqFf2ypbjEDragyOWEyvuGjYTVLnEtL6babaqYGF25zyCDn3blatnoUfRTNk7i0N39IgQykdBhjRfckuFG4TNLqhGA-m1a5DCPLNjPXyHVhbijVYEh_nKIT6gYLJYRnWXm6XF69ER/s1600/SeamworkMeg04.png" /></a></div><b>Side note: </b>Cyrus decided the pattern tasted good and I found this after walking into the sewing room one day. My fault for strewing pattern pieces all over the place. It taped together fine, but it turns out that the bonus view also comes with its own bodice pieces so I didn't need the chewed piece in the end.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz53E2wy2ahOCo2ktLQ5WgbNjkhWUT73MHSSxskr4O_4NXwRX_Al51wx6JW_ZrHimr5nvh4rOsWEL_C1cb0KOeZveRwUzc2xzhkUDq4N_hsAzkFFPeMWkAVl_Bw0xQFoQ16u5v_oQy2dePvxhYV-sHEIR82HpTPNTZBUCwGML3Zyqv6GQ-bOq/s1600/SeamworkMeg05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBz53E2wy2ahOCo2ktLQ5WgbNjkhWUT73MHSSxskr4O_4NXwRX_Al51wx6JW_ZrHimr5nvh4rOsWEL_C1cb0KOeZveRwUzc2xzhkUDq4N_hsAzkFFPeMWkAVl_Bw0xQFoQ16u5v_oQy2dePvxhYV-sHEIR82HpTPNTZBUCwGML3Zyqv6GQ-bOq/s1600/SeamworkMeg05.png" /></a></div>Now on to my opinions about the instructions. Overall, they are fine and will get the job done, especially if you have some experience. But some of the methods are not necessarily "Best Practices." For example, almost everywhere, you are instructed to finish <i>(zz or serge)</i> seam allowances separately. Technically, that's fine. But it's not necessary to construct the pattern and on my lightweight fabric, serging one layer was horrible. I quickly ditched that after being sure no seams actually had to be flat. If there's no construction need for the seam to be flat/open, then I think the instructions should offer a choice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ironically, there is no instruction to finish the seams of the CF bodice and facing, which means they end up raw edges which can be fiddly inside the neckline channel if your ribbon insertion doesn't go smoothly. The facing should be interfaced and it's not. This would eliminate one of those raw edges in addition to just giving the facing a bit more something-something IYKWIM. </div><div><br /></div><div>Another "bad practice" is you are instructed to sew the bodice sideseams before attaching the facing and doing the topstitching to it. Much, much easier to do all that in the flat and THEN sew the sideseams.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lastly, the pattern uses 5/8" seam allowances everywhere. I know this is technically OK and standard for Big 4, but I personally hate a 5/8" seam allowance on a sleevecap. Since this one is gathered, it wasn't a big deal, but if it wasn't, I would have trimmed it down.</div><div><br /></div><div>Out and out mistakes include some typos, a missing instruction to remove basting stitches from outside a seam allowance <i>(the puffed sleevecap)</i>, and no instruction to understitch the facing join seam. These are things a sewist with experience would just do so they didn't slow me down, but a beginner would have no idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>So, did I cancel my trial membership? Actually, I did not. I'm enjoying the behind the scenes features and other members and there are a number of other patterns I want to download/try, plus I might actually go through their Design Your Wardrobe class at my own pace since my closet needs a huge overall. I think I'm actually seeing marked improvement from Seamwork patterns and practices since their early days and I'm willing to give them another chance. We'll see how I feel next year at renewal time.</div><div><br /></div><div>* * * * *<br /><div><br /></div><div>Now for <b>The Wadder</b> <i>(HotPatterns <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSv0Dl51jfVeWyldvUhxaTef1ovYMlyuZOJFpgtYGGIeJShySPX_fTtiyMEHoCuP0DpEmnl3_NSQrHzt1MzoNN0sS7SP8xzntA_mb4sIGogTmS7S2qcKj6xlEDrOcUvtKVqx7brM6cyMFOV90hCAyftTFh5ue6ULDPI_hi-bTCte91vIAEH1f-/s1600/HPBeatnik00.png" target="_blank">Beatnik</a>)</i>. Ugh. This fabric <i>(French terry)</i> is so nice that I hate to waste it so I'll probably just literally wad this up and put it in a pile for a while until I can repurpose it. But the actual garment is a Big No. It just looks horrible on me. It's just too much fabric in the wrong places and not enough where it's needed, and the neckline sits funny on me. I've wanted to try this pattern for a while and I'm glad I did finally get to it. It's now out of my system. I'll be trying a <a href="https://www.cashmerette.com/collections/size-12-32-patterns/products/stanton-hoodie-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Cashmerette Stanton</a> next, I think. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8KiM5voJR7XVLGg_fTvKrWf_UKkY8AYt4OdAmN8fxD4WDRpKV8z6McNHJ_sZwPZ7vRv86rp5NlryBOO0H2XRk3kA0k5daltffEH9kTUX_AfDxYdxV9_Oa6G_bVhE1ReYdPipBbLjx7QX5VSdlpY6xs9z-C73Xt6Nfu9YZ-DjwKjzOr6svka2/s1600/Beatnik00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8KiM5voJR7XVLGg_fTvKrWf_UKkY8AYt4OdAmN8fxD4WDRpKV8z6McNHJ_sZwPZ7vRv86rp5NlryBOO0H2XRk3kA0k5daltffEH9kTUX_AfDxYdxV9_Oa6G_bVhE1ReYdPipBbLjx7QX5VSdlpY6xs9z-C73Xt6Nfu9YZ-DjwKjzOr6svka2/s1600/Beatnik00.png" /></a></div>
The topstitching looks so wonky in these pics. That's about the only thing that actually turned out OK, but it doesn't look like it. Hah.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggajnAkyttnfgp6yNSWNTh9Uwm931NMbvkkckj9A5S6OUBNnBHlG2jOmBZrYS0WRB5eq8Bz0kcOEaYAXhmsSC2s3FuxAO-H5jlO86VlN0ct9RbbRfVXIYj3AnLaJ3WwA4Idwyy917gHHVRqKnaWtZzMBOmFkpKp0AM4Li-JTnvBp_uU3mMXHO5/s1600/Beatnik01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggajnAkyttnfgp6yNSWNTh9Uwm931NMbvkkckj9A5S6OUBNnBHlG2jOmBZrYS0WRB5eq8Bz0kcOEaYAXhmsSC2s3FuxAO-H5jlO86VlN0ct9RbbRfVXIYj3AnLaJ3WwA4Idwyy917gHHVRqKnaWtZzMBOmFkpKp0AM4Li-JTnvBp_uU3mMXHO5/s1600/Beatnik01.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AcnwlUfeJ7ztdjLPZAuarDngGjFABXDAl0vhl6GFIuPgT-rtHtfzgBYr2HGTWnoHXJ6GfFf3B-1Ggb-zBTN4bUKPO94X7cUFcKeR8TXSgrYzIjjI0RL2yeZO-amXNKDcRG6DcgKKMyPBsuGEI_v_8evgH4ZNXS01Y0AhPpWP8lsyC7iacGX4/s1600/Beatnik02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AcnwlUfeJ7ztdjLPZAuarDngGjFABXDAl0vhl6GFIuPgT-rtHtfzgBYr2HGTWnoHXJ6GfFf3B-1Ggb-zBTN4bUKPO94X7cUFcKeR8TXSgrYzIjjI0RL2yeZO-amXNKDcRG6DcgKKMyPBsuGEI_v_8evgH4ZNXS01Y0AhPpWP8lsyC7iacGX4/s1600/Beatnik02.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSx_QBVlwnpcqjV_RZZHjQEdDXs3pGBR0nv7gg7p_8IGTAy_vKh2fuBs-dUfFjfWuWczZ6CYqNEMMFW6imzfE7e2j0BcabmgrNR7XWCBuC2huwzZTr5sm3qv7RrZ2ao2sJEqyCVB_OJSGVbYUiZ-eKT0TwnI_6wCvFTkplskizRpyoZyE9TSV/s1600/Beatnik04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="527" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSx_QBVlwnpcqjV_RZZHjQEdDXs3pGBR0nv7gg7p_8IGTAy_vKh2fuBs-dUfFjfWuWczZ6CYqNEMMFW6imzfE7e2j0BcabmgrNR7XWCBuC2huwzZTr5sm3qv7RrZ2ao2sJEqyCVB_OJSGVbYUiZ-eKT0TwnI_6wCvFTkplskizRpyoZyE9TSV/s1600/Beatnik04.png" /></a></div>
<b>Parting Shot: </b> If you've made it this far, here's Alex prepping the bird for our Thanksgiving last week. He's an excellent Cook<i> (haha, get it?)</i>. Seriously, though, he's done the turkey for a couple of years and it's always been SO GOOD. That's one of his 3 dogs, Oreo, standing behind him. Anytime anyone is in the kitchen, so is Oreo. It was a low-key but enjoyable day with my sons and all the dogs. I finished up the last of the leftovers last night. I'm ready for more turkey! <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIj_VKGclpv_0oJIxJneZ0wjkhj0gwsFeUjONeHe-0OWCg1zFMxMCe-u4vIAgW2qTdrmAzDx-wD93b1nDDCXRtBC_nb8XAsAu9OxbiXQpf3GJmgOqpYiND0A9hzAl2oyAx4ftlrYU6Tn-b-6A5BnFiGhiRXbPcombh012gu8icszrdLBvzYx0/s1600/Thanksgiving2023.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNIj_VKGclpv_0oJIxJneZ0wjkhj0gwsFeUjONeHe-0OWCg1zFMxMCe-u4vIAgW2qTdrmAzDx-wD93b1nDDCXRtBC_nb8XAsAu9OxbiXQpf3GJmgOqpYiND0A9hzAl2oyAx4ftlrYU6Tn-b-6A5BnFiGhiRXbPcombh012gu8icszrdLBvzYx0/s1600/Thanksgiving2023.png" /></a></div>
</div></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-70296411269999182072023-11-15T10:24:00.000-05:002023-11-15T10:24:01.508-05:00Finished Fringes on meNot my best photography <i>(is there such a thing for me?)</i>, but also not on Zillie so there's that. <div><br /></div><div>Here are my finished <a href="https://www.chalkandnotch.com/shop/fringe/" target="_blank">Chalk & Notch Fringe</a> dresses on me in mirror shots. That harsh overhead lighting and shadows for the Fringe #2 pics are doing me no favors, but whatever. I've now grown too old to care. Much. Hah. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjhesMTrrsDe5FZbLEzQkTBtGB8uh70AudL2F_vKct6fhM1STqkndSqu5bRTqhgLPqFXBTMTWaErMJp1Imq72LDKvlILZbOfPfBYm65ZlsMXZi9xJertXFlgsIH88xRch0nSuUAKP8oycjROswHCEzcqGMCSjwaW3oju1JKcR8vhh1gp3EozQ/s600/Fringe11_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="523" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFjhesMTrrsDe5FZbLEzQkTBtGB8uh70AudL2F_vKct6fhM1STqkndSqu5bRTqhgLPqFXBTMTWaErMJp1Imq72LDKvlILZbOfPfBYm65ZlsMXZi9xJertXFlgsIH88xRch0nSuUAKP8oycjROswHCEzcqGMCSjwaW3oju1JKcR8vhh1gp3EozQ/s400/Fringe11_final.png" /></a></div>
I wish this fabric would hold up, but it's just not going to. I suspect I'll be retiring it after a few more trips through the laundry cycle. I'll reclaim those buttons when it goes.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGP9AOqQ3zaK4WAWBvTvNQGJOcRheOpn7a52sHIaQCTrbP7AyXIum9UxKay8tbmIHFDv_jRGyJqPmb_vOruN-RPoBLPW-8YzuMICkYhNG1Cqg9N9t_fiu57evobW71BphgE4wK7sW1YRR8DAgvakMVh03FDbzPwo2zC8IQf4XOJH6ioKRJAcJ/s600/Fringe12_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="562" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFGP9AOqQ3zaK4WAWBvTvNQGJOcRheOpn7a52sHIaQCTrbP7AyXIum9UxKay8tbmIHFDv_jRGyJqPmb_vOruN-RPoBLPW-8YzuMICkYhNG1Cqg9N9t_fiu57evobW71BphgE4wK7sW1YRR8DAgvakMVh03FDbzPwo2zC8IQf4XOJH6ioKRJAcJ/s400/Fringe12_final.png" /></a></div>
This fabric is so much nicer, but it definitely feels a little heavier to wear. Both dresses are extremely comfortable since they are loose fit and flowy. Perfect for the very warm days we're still having. <i>(What happened to that cold spell that was predicted?) </i>This should be the last you'll see of the Fringe dress for a while. But it's a keeper and an easy sew, so it might pop up again after the navy dotty version dies.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC-6Tuxp6ilQiDP3dl7OXB5Uf0l0eXjhSRCvPU79vXLpx56CPPblrrbAv0CHw_D1sai4lHCieZaXMX4XESOO91v1QMYyzLrcYWUlsHTHQ3gYmJh3P-oALt6heJvSQj77Op2UnLkPHe51K52cVt6YnZJ5bmL8fc1KPOEHeBzlDikvy28DFksAo/s700/Fringe13_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="402" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhC-6Tuxp6ilQiDP3dl7OXB5Uf0l0eXjhSRCvPU79vXLpx56CPPblrrbAv0CHw_D1sai4lHCieZaXMX4XESOO91v1QMYyzLrcYWUlsHTHQ3gYmJh3P-oALt6heJvSQj77Op2UnLkPHe51K52cVt6YnZJ5bmL8fc1KPOEHeBzlDikvy28DFksAo/s400/Fringe13_final.png" /></a></div>
Cyrus, as usual, is pretty much Velcro'd to me and you can almost see him behind me. He's such a cuddle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ6Y-AMWtlvjCrGV3bZEsi4RCj5nTjJDFmDv70UBJJeCefmQ8On6RlLao0mpO3TQE7AkbGqIGirwb2OkDqoSy_qg6QitowzqEdp9O7ksp66LHdWdKNqoyVDUfrcvYWq5Z2WrqHg-M8HiYOWoRqkyARB6DzGdLpQoZhlaCawwxq35Zu7W_bn6C/s700/Fringe14_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="522" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihJ6Y-AMWtlvjCrGV3bZEsi4RCj5nTjJDFmDv70UBJJeCefmQ8On6RlLao0mpO3TQE7AkbGqIGirwb2OkDqoSy_qg6QitowzqEdp9O7ksp66LHdWdKNqoyVDUfrcvYWq5Z2WrqHg-M8HiYOWoRqkyARB6DzGdLpQoZhlaCawwxq35Zu7W_bn6C/s400/Fringe14_final.png" /></a></div>
I'm just about finished with the HP Beatnik top but I'm not loving it on me. It's very boxy. I'll finish it and it will be a house sweatshirt, which is needed because my made-for-Florida house gets pretty cold on cold days when we have them. And we do always have them.</div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-33642284207662064272023-11-06T15:40:00.000-05:002023-11-06T15:40:07.467-05:00Second verse, better than the first - Another C&N Fringe DressWhile my sewjo didn't disappear again, it was having a severe case of analysis paralysis. I just could NOT decide what I wanted/needed to make next. I have so many things I want to make that I can't make up my mind (<i>sound familiar?</i>).<div><br /></div><div>After making my first <a href="https://www.chalkandnotch.com/shop/fringe/" target="_blank">Chalk & Notch Fringe Dress</a>, I had pulled out a much nicer quality cut of rayon to make a second Fringe Dress, but I kept telling myself I didn't need a second one quite so soon. But then I couldn't decide what to make instead and this fabric and my pattern languished on my cutting table, whispering to me. Since I wasn't coming up with an alternative, I finally decided to just give in to the whispers and make the darn thing. Here it is. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3k08tOphd8LX13KPYWXboa7jYDIRpBx615H7FD29Nl1_6u1mArQHc2Lca5tzP6SiAV-Qe4iUODHLVjyht6cA17JKSiioSPmbJpO5Zw-IN7djTQ2K9nlT0JWiMCneibfqr9LrfaWnNRmQKaDhg7e6nPrsk_qMlpZ5inbzhHtrhUtGsQYdLu-2/s1600/2dFringe_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3k08tOphd8LX13KPYWXboa7jYDIRpBx615H7FD29Nl1_6u1mArQHc2Lca5tzP6SiAV-Qe4iUODHLVjyht6cA17JKSiioSPmbJpO5Zw-IN7djTQ2K9nlT0JWiMCneibfqr9LrfaWnNRmQKaDhg7e6nPrsk_qMlpZ5inbzhHtrhUtGsQYdLu-2/s1600/2dFringe_01.png" /></a></div>I'm not sure where the fabric came from at this point. Fabricmart? Fabric.com (<i>RIP</i>)? It's been in the stash for years. But it's much, <b><i>much</i></b> nicer than the navy dotty challis from the first Fringe. This one is a black rayon crepe with ivory herbs? <i>(no idea</i>) printed on it. In person, they do read as a horizontal and vertical pattern so I cut the front bodice pieces single layer to match the print. I think I did pretty well. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74g-AqLAmtcSDVMAmD0cy0oEYWB6QlgEXf5lsEEmtH9bpmJQU7TQoiz6gX2ygKBBLuKxT-HzLqoEMU4MtWrLcVWUKCaPyU8pYNkZnRYrDzb5Q_zsJ2NqyiT9SDLNoK7l6vdN_WYgjbhhXOdYdpflAl0PRp64BhQ6DPgOy9KMJ3ckC1GmVbeTE/s1600/2dFringe_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj74g-AqLAmtcSDVMAmD0cy0oEYWB6QlgEXf5lsEEmtH9bpmJQU7TQoiz6gX2ygKBBLuKxT-HzLqoEMU4MtWrLcVWUKCaPyU8pYNkZnRYrDzb5Q_zsJ2NqyiT9SDLNoK7l6vdN_WYgjbhhXOdYdpflAl0PRp64BhQ6DPgOy9KMJ3ckC1GmVbeTE/s1600/2dFringe_02.png" /></a></div>
Since I was topstitching the facing, I wanted it to actually show, so I used a matching ivory/beige thread for the facing, and the sleeve cuffs. I went back to black thread for the skirt-to-bodice seam and bottom hem since I didn't think those needed to be quite so visual. Plus, I was playing thread chicken with the ivory and the bottom hem is fairly long. The buttons are silver metal from the button stash. I only had 4 so 4 it was. They are non-functioning since this dress goes on over my head. Which means I still haven't sewn buttonholes on my new machine. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9SMucU3oZuo89Mxwc2c_LcD9cr_0oVz8gTNn-90V4nXGe50od6nxyaNX1MVawaLvD8lgCNyekoiLa7txz0WfQxZOlKRxIlWRXXXbpUVgt5xdo7hyphenhyphenrtDPfIrtsGx7K52PyYgVlgfi2xVtzg4ZEyrfJWYatJw007UO_W0lDW3AW5RdYbNp8e1w/s1600/2dFringe_03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx9SMucU3oZuo89Mxwc2c_LcD9cr_0oVz8gTNn-90V4nXGe50od6nxyaNX1MVawaLvD8lgCNyekoiLa7txz0WfQxZOlKRxIlWRXXXbpUVgt5xdo7hyphenhyphenrtDPfIrtsGx7K52PyYgVlgfi2xVtzg4ZEyrfJWYatJw007UO_W0lDW3AW5RdYbNp8e1w/s1600/2dFringe_03.png" /></a></div>
And apparently the sewjo knew best since the Fringe #1 is already showing wear/tear. I knew this fabric wasn't going to last. I have an identical cut but with an olive green background. It's not going to get anywhere near a final version of anything and will be regulated to muslin status. I'm disappointed because I really like the navy version, so I'll be on the look out for a similar but high quality fabric for a future Fringe #3. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEGnZ41_GPDlYYiR1ALR3X9Kuzg4zLSchuvqjcf4raLgz5_u8_E8IuOU1VBnEiQqaYx2xMRT2CrMyxjZUOfMvD2PtRt_k2KPXYBjkl_irv-P4fB5rzH_Zkd9SQwpA_ZBdyedbaaRfHGo5NnBfY-KmqKSNrg_F1gNLOXPRCTT3uYTXts8R1t_5/s1600/2dFringe03_1stFringe.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEGnZ41_GPDlYYiR1ALR3X9Kuzg4zLSchuvqjcf4raLgz5_u8_E8IuOU1VBnEiQqaYx2xMRT2CrMyxjZUOfMvD2PtRt_k2KPXYBjkl_irv-P4fB5rzH_Zkd9SQwpA_ZBdyedbaaRfHGo5NnBfY-KmqKSNrg_F1gNLOXPRCTT3uYTXts8R1t_5/s1600/2dFringe03_1stFringe.png" /></a></div>
Next up is what I hope to be a very quick HP Beatnik sweatshirt since the temps are dropping here in Florida next week to a frigid 50ish (<i>ha!</i>) and I don't have sweatshirts I want to wear out of the house. I'm going to lengthen the sleeves and probably narrow the neckline and attach ribbing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSv0Dl51jfVeWyldvUhxaTef1ovYMlyuZOJFpgtYGGIeJShySPX_fTtiyMEHoCuP0DpEmnl3_NSQrHzt1MzoNN0sS7SP8xzntA_mb4sIGogTmS7S2qcKj6xlEDrOcUvtKVqx7brM6cyMFOV90hCAyftTFh5ue6ULDPI_hi-bTCte91vIAEH1f-/s1600/HPBeatnik00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="493" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSv0Dl51jfVeWyldvUhxaTef1ovYMlyuZOJFpgtYGGIeJShySPX_fTtiyMEHoCuP0DpEmnl3_NSQrHzt1MzoNN0sS7SP8xzntA_mb4sIGogTmS7S2qcKj6xlEDrOcUvtKVqx7brM6cyMFOV90hCAyftTFh5ue6ULDPI_hi-bTCte91vIAEH1f-/s1600/HPBeatnik00.png" /></a></div></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-18395324171793293612023-10-09T16:42:00.000-04:002023-10-09T16:42:15.054-04:00Boring BasicI know many sewists don't like sewing basics, but, truthfully, making basics is one reason I'm back in the sewing room. No, basics are not exciting blog content. But they sure are workhorses in my closet. I have a RTW plain(<i>ish</i>) black top that I've never loved even though I wear it a lot to the office because most of my office wardrobe is pretty much a take on basic and/or black these days due to a relaxed dress code and opting for comfort over "fashion." It's been way past time that I make a plain black top I actually like.<div><br /></div><div>So, I present my 6 zillionth TNT Ottobre tee (<i>view 4 with the gathered front</i>). This pattern is now 16+ years old and still going strong, both on my cutting table and in my closet. I have more than a few I still wear from when I started making them 16 years ago. (<i>Gotta love indestructible polyester haha!</i>) And if I haven't sewn a knit top directly from one of the multiple views of this pattern, I've used it to fit most any other tee I've sewn. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26CcB40LCgnWsPvZCxStNRvT_gPiMOlSaQWYVLZQjjkDFNZ4VLQLkAsJNXOsWqp2tVGXtkZh9OmQhQUCVJOT5QV7RMgN27vgy5wUk8UbPcokzsFR_hGiV66QaF_tTcpJs17Jc4OF6nxCooN-g7-lrLiKwA4ZogCCZG7NVvk7f35MXWJIhpx_p/s1600/otto0207_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi26CcB40LCgnWsPvZCxStNRvT_gPiMOlSaQWYVLZQjjkDFNZ4VLQLkAsJNXOsWqp2tVGXtkZh9OmQhQUCVJOT5QV7RMgN27vgy5wUk8UbPcokzsFR_hGiV66QaF_tTcpJs17Jc4OF6nxCooN-g7-lrLiKwA4ZogCCZG7NVvk7f35MXWJIhpx_p/s1600/otto0207_01.png" /></a></div>(<i>In the pic above, the arrow is pointing to fabric I'm planning to use next for a skirt. It will be another boring project, but I imagine I'll get a lot of wear out of that too.</i>)</div><div><br /></div><div>This is what this particular 02/2007 Ottobre Woman issue looks like. It's actually still available, only in Dutch, on the Ottobre website <a href="https://www.ottobredesign.com/subscription/single-2.php?i=200031&t=irto" target="_blank">here</a>. I'm pretty sure I'd still wear most everything in this issue. I really should revisit it now that I've re-stocked my tracing paper.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9IKdZ3npabt1ksvma3ppFeUm2xSTXet3kthDwb2tE0WTYv0vG_f11RZbvFhBKd3OBsujvI686kLBb8Nw_T-KmTfTuDkyucv67UJV7IOgMYiuf0FAF8KmRo2-c2AlJ1XqYCE8twSw5D7yD6BK0TjCppHARPTlB8eAy7IFVrdgkIBnNvsRpLoh/s1600/cover.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe9IKdZ3npabt1ksvma3ppFeUm2xSTXet3kthDwb2tE0WTYv0vG_f11RZbvFhBKd3OBsujvI686kLBb8Nw_T-KmTfTuDkyucv67UJV7IOgMYiuf0FAF8KmRo2-c2AlJ1XqYCE8twSw5D7yD6BK0TjCppHARPTlB8eAy7IFVrdgkIBnNvsRpLoh/s1600/cover.jpg" /></a></div>
I went "old school" with this top and used a neckline band instead of a binding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM-4cXK1l5vBrISbt18ko5-uD3twKGxrcQ8_kWMMB81SmwKjWe2o7ItItCjKKop-7JZnsNqRTKEcvU2I9eB9u9ZTjql_U6nswjaqfb7sa6LxOPaWABdz8QhGFYvCrmiNbBh5azxMTb0vmtPWSk15XRbHJZZzsTjHW9kZCm2ej2yHNKSlB1BRt/s1600/otto0207_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUM-4cXK1l5vBrISbt18ko5-uD3twKGxrcQ8_kWMMB81SmwKjWe2o7ItItCjKKop-7JZnsNqRTKEcvU2I9eB9u9ZTjql_U6nswjaqfb7sa6LxOPaWABdz8QhGFYvCrmiNbBh5azxMTb0vmtPWSk15XRbHJZZzsTjHW9kZCm2ej2yHNKSlB1BRt/s1600/otto0207_02.png" /></a></div>
And as usual, I coverstitched the bottom and sleeve hems. Which leads to …<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZVTN78aYAiJjFYtwS-4CYLN9jupdLEmbL4Ajqtr-a33nkY1wQwY3Ll7Zrl9YecXYgy-9L-GgFxXkxsBq_a_zOzFJj0-OYPD_CsnZbnc_yufQLHnt94aTXsK1oCniQz-aYLl4GHb2mVjS72BjKkzKtFm_q_-fbHqRIDxul6yINhEczbiyk5kU/s1600/otto0207_03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwZVTN78aYAiJjFYtwS-4CYLN9jupdLEmbL4Ajqtr-a33nkY1wQwY3Ll7Zrl9YecXYgy-9L-GgFxXkxsBq_a_zOzFJj0-OYPD_CsnZbnc_yufQLHnt94aTXsK1oCniQz-aYLl4GHb2mVjS72BjKkzKtFm_q_-fbHqRIDxul6yINhEczbiyk5kU/s1600/otto0207_03.png" /></a></div>… this little doo-dad. I've seen these hem guides a few places on the interwebs lately, and being the notions <strike>collector</strike> fiend that I am, it was soon in my Amazon cart and on its way to my sewing room. Yes, a stack of Post-Its still works just as well, but this looks cooler. :-) <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaL1_15q5DqYj-g1HAvvHzhNNU27TAi2w9NahA6ICE-4ViUPz_RfkIEUZHU3fx-gxJXZxrMb3ZiBDOS5uHkhgjTdScv-O3gpVoexBqFUeusG8o3M9AUj82dRKKOcV7fp0G_7NDpPDQ-bN9qBWvv4y3dwBP9xmwmFkA639e1jobnsp-9ASSWQB/s1600/Clover_seam_guide_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGaL1_15q5DqYj-g1HAvvHzhNNU27TAi2w9NahA6ICE-4ViUPz_RfkIEUZHU3fx-gxJXZxrMb3ZiBDOS5uHkhgjTdScv-O3gpVoexBqFUeusG8o3M9AUj82dRKKOcV7fp0G_7NDpPDQ-bN9qBWvv4y3dwBP9xmwmFkA639e1jobnsp-9ASSWQB/s1600/Clover_seam_guide_01.png" /></a></div>The package comes with two guides, which can interlock or not, and a little clear ruler grid if you want to set the guide up at a measured distance from your needle, which is probably more useful on a sewing machine and not a coverstitch machine. The guides have a removeable, and renewable, stickiness on the back to attach harmlessly to your machine bed. Here's the Amazon <a href="https://amzn.to/46Iy89y" target="_blank">link</a> so you can check it out (<i>which is an affiliate link so I might make a fraction of a fraction of a penny if you happen to buy one from the link</i>).<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJgvdqUyYPVQMWi8sfvTe0Ve2VkiQPS7cGpH1fLvIZjFRs1AX08czFNvRhpZvjxMJ77PJXWdCrJO6ROK3Kk5z5rmkBLPMoZaJmWY8l5-BftEefHAODfaIJQwJvd1Nh9OrmGsJ6seq5MHGPOv3fhM1oeWhsVzfJcbBGcaGX5YuEl0e7Uw0xMps/s1600/Clover_seam_guide_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="464" data-original-width="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJgvdqUyYPVQMWi8sfvTe0Ve2VkiQPS7cGpH1fLvIZjFRs1AX08czFNvRhpZvjxMJ77PJXWdCrJO6ROK3Kk5z5rmkBLPMoZaJmWY8l5-BftEefHAODfaIJQwJvd1Nh9OrmGsJ6seq5MHGPOv3fhM1oeWhsVzfJcbBGcaGX5YuEl0e7Uw0xMps/s1600/Clover_seam_guide_02.png" /></a></div>
As you can also see in my hemming pic, I've finally found a good use for the sewing clips I bought a while back. I mostly press and coverstitch hems by eye but I usually use a few pins to hold things in place. Except some of the pins inevitably fall out as I'm going around the hem. These clips are a perfect replacement. Old habits die hard so I find the clips are still not as quick to use as pins in most of the rest of my sewing and they had pretty much been collecting dust. I'm glad to put them to use at last.</div><div><br /></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-35306000854541280542023-10-01T18:22:00.002-04:002023-10-01T18:22:35.083-04:00Chalk and Notch Fringe Dress - FinishedMy Fringe Dress is done, and overall I like it. I'm still not loving the fabric though. The print/color is good. But the fabric quality is just OK. It's very drapey and comfortable, though I expect it to wear out quickly.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMSqprZIefRl3MRIEnlof4WEpJdJf7CzereOTmeZ3T4rKHiV9cc5y7X86HQaaEKKFrB2MwhiDBkT5iRPanDTCcjXu1MPSIfLU5vPNb6-9tzobFa_75gWZjNuAysB69l53ARB-unrsPlEzfdfGOVnVsHhRRngDCWXjeQtcFj4wVFDYM74uJdaY/s1600/Fringe06_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMSqprZIefRl3MRIEnlof4WEpJdJf7CzereOTmeZ3T4rKHiV9cc5y7X86HQaaEKKFrB2MwhiDBkT5iRPanDTCcjXu1MPSIfLU5vPNb6-9tzobFa_75gWZjNuAysB69l53ARB-unrsPlEzfdfGOVnVsHhRRngDCWXjeQtcFj4wVFDYM74uJdaY/s1600/Fringe06_final.png" /></a></div>
The dress sat in Time Out for a week because the bottom edge just seemed so uneven and I didn't want to deal with trying to even it out. (<i>I had eliminated the curved up sides of the pattern and just squared off the hem but that wasn't a factor.</i>)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_AUv4KDVBVK3xfS0_DfKCStsYHCch2zkow0Yc96CXWXyenUB5yrynuxzaKFFOb9TlmScBa4csKVlLafzqoUbLwWMUbpORn07ZA__4l_HPcHu4lejAUueKznsUulwuzs0XboPNJkB1qIgrQYiWtAtGlcYaaN2PKpQmrlSZSXfgayfYSn7YH-t/s1600/Fringe04_timeout.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_AUv4KDVBVK3xfS0_DfKCStsYHCch2zkow0Yc96CXWXyenUB5yrynuxzaKFFOb9TlmScBa4csKVlLafzqoUbLwWMUbpORn07ZA__4l_HPcHu4lejAUueKznsUulwuzs0XboPNJkB1qIgrQYiWtAtGlcYaaN2PKpQmrlSZSXfgayfYSn7YH-t/s1600/Fringe04_timeout.png" /></a></div>
Here's another view. It looks like the sides of the dress are hanging much lower than the front/back.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbenQIJPYIT-F6RLjPpR0uRakR9A28ndCQ8QOzo_iIVnNG6j9p58R5YNnlivWGQxORI9dYo13J63NwqBFgXIEHmjZPw3qzGYkfpFVe6s0QIrlhhPCo3VkoceC6ckE6E57I9ZD9If4x0vm8nQTOa2pJ7V2Vk0ayYVRykCEr7hoSlrIrEoiE7_r/s1600/Fringe05_timeout.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCbenQIJPYIT-F6RLjPpR0uRakR9A28ndCQ8QOzo_iIVnNG6j9p58R5YNnlivWGQxORI9dYo13J63NwqBFgXIEHmjZPw3qzGYkfpFVe6s0QIrlhhPCo3VkoceC6ckE6E57I9ZD9If4x0vm8nQTOa2pJ7V2Vk0ayYVRykCEr7hoSlrIrEoiE7_r/s1600/Fringe05_timeout.png" /></a></div>
Well, today I had the brilliant idea to finally try on the darn dress. And, guess what? The bottom edge hangs MUCH straighter on my actual body and not Zillie's. The dolman sleeves without arms in them made the sides of the dress hang lower. It's obvious NOW, but when I was looking it on Zillie, all I could see was the floppy unevenness, hence the Time Out. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5Z7-cm_esbZGmMWqtV4jEfLo1WSPY_QQjUgsOjrrVDWTaImBrq-9jaxiHV3Jn4jHOYyXbINMZ2zkyLxTdhE3Dwm4MJmqCaaZB5Wseh6g-jMJoWlc99tmP8hshsS8jkQCKpndFAGiCaw5dx9M-YpfWOrspnm5zjzqlphd8s_hcU_PNadA1m2l/s1600/Fringe05a_timeout.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="543" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje5Z7-cm_esbZGmMWqtV4jEfLo1WSPY_QQjUgsOjrrVDWTaImBrq-9jaxiHV3Jn4jHOYyXbINMZ2zkyLxTdhE3Dwm4MJmqCaaZB5Wseh6g-jMJoWlc99tmP8hshsS8jkQCKpndFAGiCaw5dx9M-YpfWOrspnm5zjzqlphd8s_hcU_PNadA1m2l/s1600/Fringe05a_timeout.png" /></a></div>I decided that any residual unevenness is not obvious when I'm wearing it, so I just hemmed it, added buttons, and called it Done. (<i>Do you see my Cyrus—aka Velcro—behind me?</i>)<div><br /></div><div>Here's the back view. (<i>I really need to fix Zillie's tilt.</i>)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf3XoBEzc2Tc63FEARmJ_XaknJqUINidkdldqA1uhsoHaDVZb1uG-PszZ31A4ZPCI-Vmqnt1feOEdtznQoGbu17nQ4ZZau78VGXXhafw4nVc2TDggk04zMYS-IMo3Wy22k6oSszuDnHRYYO3yh0mgIs56h_P8hP5EdZ3n9ON53qQT-6JH1YkM/s1600/Fringe07_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsf3XoBEzc2Tc63FEARmJ_XaknJqUINidkdldqA1uhsoHaDVZb1uG-PszZ31A4ZPCI-Vmqnt1feOEdtznQoGbu17nQ4ZZau78VGXXhafw4nVc2TDggk04zMYS-IMo3Wy22k6oSszuDnHRYYO3yh0mgIs56h_P8hP5EdZ3n9ON53qQT-6JH1YkM/s1600/Fringe07_final.png" /></a></div>
The inseam pockets.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEHwx2lXhkf2JymAKOT_vZFjk6LmfrEWyY05fSlipQv9JH1LZ-nOS4d0JrOxpo8n8wnXCWKpRjmSpQCDVn9Z-b36_mttmU1xVUnv0UW1M2BJq8uCsN8cLZxMKd3eW8Jrv4zahPyzfkV8sViPbPKSHn9NcuDowWlR6N2z7pHuFzgZkOzRDtepe/s1600/Fringe08_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQEHwx2lXhkf2JymAKOT_vZFjk6LmfrEWyY05fSlipQv9JH1LZ-nOS4d0JrOxpo8n8wnXCWKpRjmSpQCDVn9Z-b36_mttmU1xVUnv0UW1M2BJq8uCsN8cLZxMKd3eW8Jrv4zahPyzfkV8sViPbPKSHn9NcuDowWlR6N2z7pHuFzgZkOzRDtepe/s1600/Fringe08_final.png" /></a></div>
And the sleeve "cuffs" that are the View B sleeves bands, which aren't really cuffed and there are no tabs. I didn't want to fiddle with those.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxy5FD48pT5IU8u2u4mgN7ml6hoavjAqOywFilZby_NaXn4myqo81qs9w-3Vz4jDBz8v61jT31kQMJ4uuoBEOvvvQ7ed6Drx6HoGZgw8AD2qXpM54W1msOTsSM0mXX9spAVZvyyLq1SdqCUC7rrj73IO6n0Gl1S8tD7O0RQlK13C64G9dzzYI/s1600/Fringe09_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWxy5FD48pT5IU8u2u4mgN7ml6hoavjAqOywFilZby_NaXn4myqo81qs9w-3Vz4jDBz8v61jT31kQMJ4uuoBEOvvvQ7ed6Drx6HoGZgw8AD2qXpM54W1msOTsSM0mXX9spAVZvyyLq1SdqCUC7rrj73IO6n0Gl1S8tD7O0RQlK13C64G9dzzYI/s1600/Fringe09_final.png" /></a></div>
I also didn't want to fiddle with buttonholes. The dress fits over my head fine so I just sewed the buttons on, by machine, through all the layers. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6z9W2bDxhF96jVTy_Ewy7nm1BAiVpfxr4stYDcGv0YUQmUnU_Q2ZYU2PqCasQ7E3T_J01M3C6ILUiIh3TG13OH7XKtr9WWHFVZhzgxraJI9oS0gm6GvMpOTMBykzg5cnTuRbX_Eb6b1xj0TDy5V7w_yqOeJY54x1jrbEKyKXHcmyX1ITX3Fi/s1600/Fringe10_final.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6z9W2bDxhF96jVTy_Ewy7nm1BAiVpfxr4stYDcGv0YUQmUnU_Q2ZYU2PqCasQ7E3T_J01M3C6ILUiIh3TG13OH7XKtr9WWHFVZhzgxraJI9oS0gm6GvMpOTMBykzg5cnTuRbX_Eb6b1xj0TDy5V7w_yqOeJY54x1jrbEKyKXHcmyX1ITX3Fi/s1600/Fringe10_final.png" /></a></div>Before I get into my very few quibbles, I'll say the pattern goes together very well, I like it, and I'm sure I'll make it again. Now here we go on the quibbles …</div><div><br /></div><div>The PDF prints in landscape orientation and I found that kind of awkward. It's not a deal breaker and I know I'm being nit-picky, but I do wish at least the instructions were portrait oriented. It's just what feels "normal" to me. I kept reading the left side of the page top to the bottom and then the right side, like columns and not rows, and the instructions are oriented in rows not columns, so I was reading out of numerical order and had to keep self-correcting.</div><div><br /></div><div>I found it completely ridiculous that there are about 20 pages devoted to patterns for interfacing. (<i>Outlined in yellow below.</i>)<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFXcnLPsK1pVn35IXXUM-hpkPyoU_y7Rw2e_6j7DAKNvCibTEGiqkBunCmyy4Xm-TEuzbuSSMcEb08Q-VZl5tmRbcoWelvBfNz8KEJK8R9ARcHR3G4sUWqvcj0qx8vkPdf1eRxIPHo_xLEa_JVcEMA0qQlDY3loub26ucp94IvCuIdo3jL6pN/s1600/Fringe_layout.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbFXcnLPsK1pVn35IXXUM-hpkPyoU_y7Rw2e_6j7DAKNvCibTEGiqkBunCmyy4Xm-TEuzbuSSMcEb08Q-VZl5tmRbcoWelvBfNz8KEJK8R9ARcHR3G4sUWqvcj0qx8vkPdf1eRxIPHo_xLEa_JVcEMA0qQlDY3loub26ucp94IvCuIdo3jL6pN/s1600/Fringe_layout.png" /></a></div>
And even if you deselect those sizes in the layers tab of Acrobat, the interfacing pages still print with the page outlines and number watermarks. Yes, I could have checked and done a custom page selection before clicking Print but since I print at the office, I tend to just print everything because I blend between sizes and I want to be sure I don't miss something. Even with the "key" telling you what to print for certain sizes, it's difficult to know which pages are actual pattern pieces and which are interfacing pieces. If you're using your own printing supplies, you may want to check what pages you can eliminate from printing. Twenty extra is a lot.</div><div><br /></div><div>After all that, I didn't even use the interfacing patterns, preferring instead to block fuse my interfacing to my fabric and cut out the facing pieces that way. The instructions have you fuse the interfacing to the garment wrong side instead of to the facings, although fusing to the facings is an "option" mentioned. Fusing to the garment side of things is way too fiddley for me, especially with this floppy rayon challis. (<i>See <a href="https://www.chalkandnotch.com/fringe-sew-along-prepare-facings-and-sew-darts/" target="_blank">here</a> if I didn't explain well.</i>) I'll also mention that the interfacing pattern pieces do not include seam allowances, which can be good in theory but extra fiddley to place accurately. Also, you shouldn't be using interfacing on this dress that is thick/firm enough to be a problem in the seam allowances so I think eliminating the seam allowances from the interfacing pieces is not really necessary here. Plus, I *like* the interfacing to go to the edge of my facings, especially on fabric that ravels when you just look at it sideways. And I don't turn under the edges of my facings - I just overlock/serge those suckers, at least for non-fancy stuff like this. So I guess what I'm saying is the instructions are fancier than I sew. Haha.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the instructions overall are good. Not too verbose and well-illustrated with diagrams/drawings. If you prefer photo instructions or want more fitting help, there's also very good extra information on C&N's sew along pages, <a href="https://www.chalkandnotch.com/fringe-sew-along/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like I said above, I do want to make this again and I like the pattern. Any negatives I've detailed above are not show stoppers and are easily remedied or overlooked. I also hope to get a decent pic of me in this one, but who knows when that will happen. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Question(s) of the Day: </b>Do any of you watch sewing channels on You Tube? Who are your favorites? I have a few but I'm always looking for new ones. I miss the sewing shows from PBS. Sandra and Nancy and Shirley were gems, weren't they?</div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-86045911461992682192023-09-25T13:13:00.000-04:002023-09-25T13:13:13.381-04:00Quickie UpdateI was able to get the Chalk & Notch Fringe dress pattern put together and cut out on Friday and over the weekend. I even started sewing it yesterday.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SOhDOXfBMv9aRdrWi6yGewS58Uysh6ZnLu7H6Gj7GIKuVgd0o2sf2p3B9uBLk150ZRTQAx7JwDSKcUDQ1aZcmAaT_Y0ZYdmA0LvAfKI3gFOjmrv6_uN4j1hKPhdXYHpbP0FBA-Q7jAiif_oyG-X6nkrAWceaCwmK_tAOweQeN7n3jXTtsrLn/s1600/Fringe02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SOhDOXfBMv9aRdrWi6yGewS58Uysh6ZnLu7H6Gj7GIKuVgd0o2sf2p3B9uBLk150ZRTQAx7JwDSKcUDQ1aZcmAaT_Y0ZYdmA0LvAfKI3gFOjmrv6_uN4j1hKPhdXYHpbP0FBA-Q7jAiif_oyG-X6nkrAWceaCwmK_tAOweQeN7n3jXTtsrLn/s1600/Fringe02.png" /></a></div>
So far, so good. But I think I hate the fabric and if I continue to hate it, this will be a muslin/toile. The fabric is more lightweight than I was expecting, which I could work with, but it also seems kind of low quality. By that I mean that it just seems like it will fade and show wear fairly quickly. Just a hunch. Hopefully, I'm wrong.<div><br /></div><div>The pattern, on the other hand, seems good. Everything is going together nicely so far. I do have a few opinions (<i>surprised?</i>) which I'll detail whenever I make a final post about this dress. Nothing really bad at all — just my own preferences on some things. </div><div><br /></div><div>So now that the sewjo is back, I'm seeing all sorts of things I want to make and there's not enough time in my days. One thing on the short list is this <a href="https://sewyours.com/collections/whats-new/products/sewing-pattern-the-double-vision-case" target="_blank">Double Vision</a> glasses case for toting two pairs of glasses in one case. I'm always juggling between my prescription sunglasses and regular glasses and it would be nice to have a pretty single case instead of two ugly boxy ones. The boxy ones are good for protection but I'm not actually going anywhere where I'm slamming down my purse, so an interfaced fabric case should be fine to protect my eyewear from lens scratches while inside my purse. I'm not sure exactly how I ran across this pattern, probably from looking at the designer's sewing room tour on YouTube. But the pattern is only $2.95 and the video tutorial looks like it will be a fast and easy project. Also, good Christmas gift for my sister. I'm not affiliated or anything — just sharing. Wawak has all the interfacings/notions needed, which I ordered (<i>and which brought the cost of the $2.95 pattern up substantially. Haha.</i>). I'm sure I have plenty of quilting cottons in the stash that will work fine for this so at least I'm "saving money" on that part. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_0QbGSD2F-TFfhir7museEVYx-KCkGX7VRbAD-SWfqrYaWtk4E9qznocxxapl3fxRrb4AcP6Asud2y58hJQjSXe_bTEevCfCYqR0CP_DlE6rt7mXSE55_dYHsnh6y-_jqyj4rLlLppboNg7z2LNxijjQOI8SFReEzf5luvOp2Pyv5__eto4c/s1600/DoubleVision01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="615" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_0QbGSD2F-TFfhir7museEVYx-KCkGX7VRbAD-SWfqrYaWtk4E9qznocxxapl3fxRrb4AcP6Asud2y58hJQjSXe_bTEevCfCYqR0CP_DlE6rt7mXSE55_dYHsnh6y-_jqyj4rLlLppboNg7z2LNxijjQOI8SFReEzf5luvOp2Pyv5__eto4c/s1600/DoubleVision01.png" /></a></div></div><b>
Parting shot:</b> My table in the midst of a project. I need to figure out a second surface for this room so I'm not constantly moving things on/off the cutting table. Maybe a bookcase to the left with a couple of empty shelves for in-progress stuff. I've already filled up the shelves below the table. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMPCmmaZZmgH7sSKlu4Imi3TPn-zBO9V2EsFY4xDV-WogXn51T9H4lSA4ea6q6XlJ9vXnCRQ6r-5KWNNEVEJHMlfcMd3XsDoD_-nwRAwKjqx-YgYrQ-O8CWRiiI9tzmQbqZRMjtw6wJUT4jY8sxyFn0kdikWcuG7DxXvy55Hy6dlnvBtZbdAG/s1600/Fringe03_tablemess.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMPCmmaZZmgH7sSKlu4Imi3TPn-zBO9V2EsFY4xDV-WogXn51T9H4lSA4ea6q6XlJ9vXnCRQ6r-5KWNNEVEJHMlfcMd3XsDoD_-nwRAwKjqx-YgYrQ-O8CWRiiI9tzmQbqZRMjtw6wJUT4jY8sxyFn0kdikWcuG7DxXvy55Hy6dlnvBtZbdAG/s1600/Fringe03_tablemess.png" /></a></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-74455804165585925252023-09-20T14:41:00.001-04:002023-09-20T14:55:53.755-04:00What's New?!I haven't done any actual sewing since my last post, but I have done some sewing adjacent activities.<div><br /></div><div>I've been working on the <a href="https://www.chalkandnotch.com/fringe-update-pattern-release/" target="_blank">Chalk and Notch Fringe</a> dress. First was assembling the PDF. This is NOT a no-trim pattern. Boo. I spent an evening in front of the TV trimming the pages. Yes, I know I could do the "fold a corner thing" but actually trimming gave me an excuse to do something sew-y that didn't take much brain power. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VfsO9liKpHsXHHRo1W2ROL2reFEer-5lEQt9buHgqCZtIxh3LD_LY22ccvmH9h1snBSWODoUXSIlv_BngCRqGt2xFL3JsFODAPT4nLP0Wsuk_vHVbQ6hd27nOUF6iSKaxCiNDTrbTG0CcU3yjoHnFCU_vqwAbkrq_2-CUxkJLG2ECq6DX-2O/s1600/Fringe01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="641" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VfsO9liKpHsXHHRo1W2ROL2reFEer-5lEQt9buHgqCZtIxh3LD_LY22ccvmH9h1snBSWODoUXSIlv_BngCRqGt2xFL3JsFODAPT4nLP0Wsuk_vHVbQ6hd27nOUF6iSKaxCiNDTrbTG0CcU3yjoHnFCU_vqwAbkrq_2-CUxkJLG2ECq6DX-2O/s1600/Fringe01.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn7O1iOaUxop3KXjhFklVLYjIJo0EWE_FYejGwamQ0z7iywViHkEAObDdV3B-OGld2lsIruI03_NZpdjMsT_IN-SAcmDRcfXxqcAemTvy59jooXXVyAsIZWf3TRQKCb8BL2X2m_oD5v78_9KY5Ut64nQvpSTpN3b2JUaY4q-7qrdD09NIcoE7/s1600/Fringe00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="650" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMn7O1iOaUxop3KXjhFklVLYjIJo0EWE_FYejGwamQ0z7iywViHkEAObDdV3B-OGld2lsIruI03_NZpdjMsT_IN-SAcmDRcfXxqcAemTvy59jooXXVyAsIZWf3TRQKCb8BL2X2m_oD5v78_9KY5Ut64nQvpSTpN3b2JUaY4q-7qrdD09NIcoE7/s1600/Fringe00.png" /></a></div>I left the TV to assemble the pages and sort out which pages/pieces I needed and which I didn't. Thankfully, I can use my office printers and not worry about ink or paper because there were a LOT of wasted pages, like 10-ish or so pages just for interfacing patterns and 5-6 that ended up being blank after turning off smaller size layers. I don't use/need interfacing patterns and I either just block fuse <i>(preferred)</i> or I use the actual pattern pieces. I certainly didn't need to print interfacing patterns for a bunch of different sizes but I found the "key" for which pages to print kind of fiddly and/or my brain just was not on full power. I generally print ALL the pages <i>(thanks office!)</i> and the sizes around my general base size and then I sort out which of them I actually need to put together. </div><div><br /></div><div>The fabric I'm planning to use is below. It's the Fabric Mart navy blue/dotty rayon from one of my last posts, which is now hanging over my chair since I pre-washed and pressed it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbfjPXjrSrV9EHq4fAN0Ka4ntdTr1Of7HC9uCeWr46D_19Obx9XkZFXJFLM7ZKN6XbQ1Ou3oRbu1s_XkuRBB3CZd9bcm-dP7GxNzQ8RRt7jOxfnadQcarJW-U2tAmzu69dS8WD1mBbtDueOlg7r1tTsAYeOuIuqIYLr4iMKKPSIDgEqUKDWr7/s1600/Fabric01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGbfjPXjrSrV9EHq4fAN0Ka4ntdTr1Of7HC9uCeWr46D_19Obx9XkZFXJFLM7ZKN6XbQ1Ou3oRbu1s_XkuRBB3CZd9bcm-dP7GxNzQ8RRt7jOxfnadQcarJW-U2tAmzu69dS8WD1mBbtDueOlg7r1tTsAYeOuIuqIYLr4iMKKPSIDgEqUKDWr7/s1600/Fabric01.png" /></a></div>
The big (<i>BIG!</i>) sewing-adjacent activity <i>(previewed on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxQ2QOZJzPd/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>)</i> was bringing in my Designer 1 for service <i>(finally!)</i> and also coming home with this. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtomJmVez5cT7EqjzrJvIVPiOTX42MqmVfoWH225KAT4gBRjnnzh-mZfSIkKRozkN8cCy3NTk_ho9-yXovNc97NOFT4e4Zn6KbjnTVil-fXIpT29L63S9lXrGJaL4TfGmEiEHSr7KjH5oH-MR131ckDrhyblF8jAkEVBD7zZLA-Gy9tazOvNRA/s1600/Sapphire85.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="895" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtomJmVez5cT7EqjzrJvIVPiOTX42MqmVfoWH225KAT4gBRjnnzh-mZfSIkKRozkN8cCy3NTk_ho9-yXovNc97NOFT4e4Zn6KbjnTVil-fXIpT29L63S9lXrGJaL4TfGmEiEHSr7KjH5oH-MR131ckDrhyblF8jAkEVBD7zZLA-Gy9tazOvNRA/w573-h640/Sapphire85.png" width="573" /></a></div>
Meet my new toy! It's not a top of the line anymore but it's certainly at least 50 steps up from my Designer 1. It's weird <i>(and not gonna lie, still a teeny bit annoying)</i> to have to wait for my sewing machine to boot up. But it's also very cool to have a 21st Century sewing machine. This one better not die before I do. Not that my D1 is dead — I expect to pick her up in a couple of weeks.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDftiyPWxPDIZpL8-4J0P_LaSU0R2Y-sZDYHlMNgNBVSFKzk4wHVx3bc55dcXJMQfAAP7bJEZT3NaKsMFtRI7koA9kohumOEx2Q_r6AvGidOtfINkhGlm0jFzT4n6khvjrruYFYD1GDLqRs6NOClL1bjV51Za1_vzNXCK73ziP_CcX_12Xl5M/s1600/Sapphire85-02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="646" data-original-width="601" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKDftiyPWxPDIZpL8-4J0P_LaSU0R2Y-sZDYHlMNgNBVSFKzk4wHVx3bc55dcXJMQfAAP7bJEZT3NaKsMFtRI7koA9kohumOEx2Q_r6AvGidOtfINkhGlm0jFzT4n6khvjrruYFYD1GDLqRs6NOClL1bjV51Za1_vzNXCK73ziP_CcX_12Xl5M/s1600/Sapphire85-02.png" /></a></div>
I went into the store set on a Topaz 50. But there were a couple of quirks I just wasn't thrilled with. Silly, minor things but things that would bug me nonetheless. Don't get me wrong, the Topaz is an <b>excellent</b> machine and I almost came home with one but … I spent a good 2+ hours in the store <i>(an independent fabric store slash Viking/Pfaff/Singer dealer)</i> and the saleswomen were very patient with me, letting me go back and forth between machines and do whatever I wanted with no pressure, and in the end, the owner/saleswoman dropped the price of the Sapphire 85 considerably lower than what I have ever seen for a new OR used one and that pretty much sealed the deal for me. If you're ever in my area and need a new machine or sewing stuff, I highly recommend <a href="http://www.fabric-warehouse.net/" target="_blank">Fabric Warehouse</a> in Lakeland. <i>(Side note and probably one reason for the extra good price on my Sapphire — There's a new Designer Epic 3 coming out next month that's going to cost ~$25K. It's quite a machine from the previews but for that price, it had better drive me to the fabric store too.) </i></div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the internet on my new machine. Well, sort of. I haven't actually created my account yet.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58vNzPJqz__PBNUU9rMtZ19M3GzdcpyHUJ-LBNPl0l1o2Y24G-w8i0iEC-6aintdvecs2ntX21t_VbtRj9JLC8usX-gnSr0Htk71mZWWoaHGHqg7iZZHc6AtP9VcMPYXQ6DSYF6l1OOuBOmAO2FNF_tCQiSeCr7sBq9EImEY2Xrx0MhthFp5G/s1600/Sapphire85-03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58vNzPJqz__PBNUU9rMtZ19M3GzdcpyHUJ-LBNPl0l1o2Y24G-w8i0iEC-6aintdvecs2ntX21t_VbtRj9JLC8usX-gnSr0Htk71mZWWoaHGHqg7iZZHc6AtP9VcMPYXQ6DSYF6l1OOuBOmAO2FNF_tCQiSeCr7sBq9EImEY2Xrx0MhthFp5G/s1600/Sapphire85-03.png" /></a></div>
Here's the regular stuff.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z8nq5nedFUJvMpUUWcEuW6_LLoIqdlBGI_CQHXTSa5CuigTEQSPWn2oaZ_nRHVn3wb6zxILHuq9U0qlMsRoj33kR0x0myoykJhjvgasww0CkI56V7YYgBKg9ksX4XijUSCkhvz996TTl_7qb3oDQE1Ys7CB_mmVMtphjDpnFHLj5OQPC1fn-/s1600/Sapphire85-04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7z8nq5nedFUJvMpUUWcEuW6_LLoIqdlBGI_CQHXTSa5CuigTEQSPWn2oaZ_nRHVn3wb6zxILHuq9U0qlMsRoj33kR0x0myoykJhjvgasww0CkI56V7YYgBKg9ksX4XijUSCkhvz996TTl_7qb3oDQE1Ys7CB_mmVMtphjDpnFHLj5OQPC1fn-/s1600/Sapphire85-04.png" /></a></div>
All of my Designer 1 feet and accessories are 100% compatible, including embroidery hoops, which is great news because I have about every foot made and it's nice to not have to re-buy them. But I knew that before heading to the store which was another reason I stuck with same "family," the main reason being I'm just a Viking girl.</div><div><br /></div><div>But there are some Viking feet I didn't know about until I started looking at new machine stuff, including an "interchangeable" walking foot. It's just like a regular walking foot except there are specialty feet options, such as an edge joining foot, a 1/4" guide foot, and others, so you can dual feed AND precisely topstitch/edgestitch at the same time. Cool, right? I'm not sure how often I'll actually need it, but I was stupidly happy one was included with my new machine. My name is Debbie <i>(hi Debbie!)</i> and I have a machine/accessories problem. ;-) </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm hoping to get my dress cut out before the weekend so I can actually SEW for real on this new machine. I will not be shopping for a while. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-71568140049726402322023-09-12T22:15:00.001-04:002023-09-12T22:15:58.629-04:00Niagara No. 3Continuing on with the <i>(unplanned)</i> turquoise and navy theme of the month, I made my third <a href="https://patternniche.com/product/niagara-top-dress/" target="_blank">Pattern Niche Niagara</a> top in stash ITY knit from Fabric Mart <i>(I think)</i>.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wVAHwz7mexoQKrd-KBJRKgeFwuTUq4hlHQ1Yiu92tijVJAljgqrN0kK28JzRMftLSey-5okop4utsSiBbY6j1cqECizBUPDVmv36W0RCSkCfmVpnq79dzfGI8jqtwE8IXB-Wt16THfA775Gney6zpYIIjQcTPWpXQ4_es9P4mOWnYObufpdc/s1600/PNNiagara_01.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-wVAHwz7mexoQKrd-KBJRKgeFwuTUq4hlHQ1Yiu92tijVJAljgqrN0kK28JzRMftLSey-5okop4utsSiBbY6j1cqECizBUPDVmv36W0RCSkCfmVpnq79dzfGI8jqtwE8IXB-Wt16THfA775Gney6zpYIIjQcTPWpXQ4_es9P4mOWnYObufpdc/s1600/PNNiagara_01.PNG" /></a></div>
For this one, I extended the cut-on-fold pattern pieces so I could cut flat in order to center some of the motifs in a more pleasing manner than willy-nilly. I'm not going to lie - this was a Royal Pain in the Arse since I had 4+ yards of this fabric and wrangling the slipperyness and weight of it over my cutting table and then cutting the big pieces was a Chore. But it all worked out and I'm happy with the design placement<i> (although I could be a tiny bit happier with the lower front bodice but I wasn't about to re-do it for something no one but me will notice/care about.) </i>I do love how the back yoke turned out.
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This fabric has a border print along each selvedge and I decided to take advantage of it for both the neck binding and by adding sleeve bands.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjQ4zOgWeCaT8FE2MovQq2v3f6XTZIfNWLsXeic11uLW-lurFHSc7YcR8fCSAivDmYVuQtCfyqZ3MYfZKXXwTum6wZN28WoHNax1v84wI0lDlvnBG8_GfAZ-EPdz_FiaXwiFJNtGpFTl5JRhAzYrv-r9FOeQl2d4P9Y8iKdT817sx4DhC5d2v/s1600/PNNiagara_04.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixjQ4zOgWeCaT8FE2MovQq2v3f6XTZIfNWLsXeic11uLW-lurFHSc7YcR8fCSAivDmYVuQtCfyqZ3MYfZKXXwTum6wZN28WoHNax1v84wI0lDlvnBG8_GfAZ-EPdz_FiaXwiFJNtGpFTl5JRhAzYrv-r9FOeQl2d4P9Y8iKdT817sx4DhC5d2v/s1600/PNNiagara_04.PNG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9jWHlpZTpto1aIlCYo7OnXtsBbvpT7y-p4TuP8Qr8mXyMRCgNTZEDMKf5VCqwd1wxsAGJQq72uBxSZXbZL253gpgRFZ3OY_J1VEjpKcBYZNy97Ln8OR8KJKmWeINhIjlOrjCmKCVibtxxSelhD_UbTRAaQGFLeXQwpgIMkt54ZIGpVk6CAHa/s1600/CS00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG9jWHlpZTpto1aIlCYo7OnXtsBbvpT7y-p4TuP8Qr8mXyMRCgNTZEDMKf5VCqwd1wxsAGJQq72uBxSZXbZL253gpgRFZ3OY_J1VEjpKcBYZNy97Ln8OR8KJKmWeINhIjlOrjCmKCVibtxxSelhD_UbTRAaQGFLeXQwpgIMkt54ZIGpVk6CAHa/s1600/CS00.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk_qUm_PlEl2YdQTwIkOvvVmXGTxDBTvemI1AZWSa7fwDrtWFgTcUIGUA14JBGahMnNzXEUAvc5PPqqzmllqK_87ILMxzNvaa_zxVDx_8qtxmGZbYgUiQNcLun9dUPPEUOjjkbUeaoCC-VPUGeUryIbfQA0_JNrD1QSI-e7bOCxDG2sxj4x_0/s1600/PNNiagara_05.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWk_qUm_PlEl2YdQTwIkOvvVmXGTxDBTvemI1AZWSa7fwDrtWFgTcUIGUA14JBGahMnNzXEUAvc5PPqqzmllqK_87ILMxzNvaa_zxVDx_8qtxmGZbYgUiQNcLun9dUPPEUOjjkbUeaoCC-VPUGeUryIbfQA0_JNrD1QSI-e7bOCxDG2sxj4x_0/s1600/PNNiagara_05.PNG" /></a></div>
To go along with my blog return, I also cracked open my Instagram account yesterday and posted a couple of these photos, noting that my binding skills seem to be like riding a bike. Whew! I don't, however, think my current bike riding skills are like binding with a coverstitcher. ;-) <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="color: black; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaOwas8FSEN4M42rCR20xBlCmy1ei_TIiPVffKpVlJ2agniUg4B4oy3ds6_XXwKhKo9GOwySYDy5eUxS_EmtUT6WPoJQJHDiJZuC6Ylz0-2envUyZs0Dm5pz_v8Edm659MNOrG2YmSXJAsjWvW80GcvjtsjVgWNcgQloUiVWodeIUCSwpcXXwa/s1600/CS02.png" /></div><div><br /></div>Part of the "skill" is using scraps of fusible interfacing on the binding strips to give them a bit of oomph and to prevent the edges from curling. Match the direction of stretch in the interfacing to the crosswise stretch of the binding.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXxr9U6V79gu0f8Yvn_xvCuwW-Lk13yHlstDxswdKuDPu0u1gGW2-ZO_3VsI4XFO6my-5T6UE28nSedu7kGUB7KOSaGAX_4mM05C_xyLb9_J19SYIKBv1QmMEt9LGI34HjPypY68ASL99i40w4kXf74_hli1HU2g8TVQwicD9KUbkxQb0WAC6/s1600/PNNiagara_06.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWXxr9U6V79gu0f8Yvn_xvCuwW-Lk13yHlstDxswdKuDPu0u1gGW2-ZO_3VsI4XFO6my-5T6UE28nSedu7kGUB7KOSaGAX_4mM05C_xyLb9_J19SYIKBv1QmMEt9LGI34HjPypY68ASL99i40w4kXf74_hli1HU2g8TVQwicD9KUbkxQb0WAC6/s1600/PNNiagara_06.PNG" /></a></div>
I guess I've been in a hole, but apparently quilters are using coverstitch binders on their sewing machines to attach quilt bindings? Of course, the sewing machine companies aren't calling them coverstitch binders and are selling them at high dollar with specialty plates so the binder can be attached to the sewing machine. Interesting. Anyway, I saw a tip in a <a href="https://youtu.be/KrRO8z_Bg_0?si=J4_K90Rp5rwb-Sgy" target="_blank">You Tube video</a> <i>(13:15 mark)</i> to use an awl between the foot and binder to help guide the binding, as shown below. It's a good tip and I highly recommend it when coverstitching a binding on.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMS1lvqioZ3_xlrz-9MDRAuY-31rnIHcIX3Y0m3H53nZsZ1KUtqA2SwRhj9beuJz27AvDh-_2h12A9oYqdCUBXn-eUb4bCYWyf6dfSUfa-jgn20pNHdP27Av5val7Bhy_jWNEbAYZlTLGuKQ0v1O2P8K8ZtdwSzwSZfYiRIQkbgkU7-YgYaeb/s1600/CS01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOMS1lvqioZ3_xlrz-9MDRAuY-31rnIHcIX3Y0m3H53nZsZ1KUtqA2SwRhj9beuJz27AvDh-_2h12A9oYqdCUBXn-eUb4bCYWyf6dfSUfa-jgn20pNHdP27Av5val7Bhy_jWNEbAYZlTLGuKQ0v1O2P8K8ZtdwSzwSZfYiRIQkbgkU7-YgYaeb/s1600/CS01.png" /></a></div>
Are you Team All The Pins when you attach gathering to a non-gathered piece? I say the more the merrier and sew very s-l-o-w-l-y over them. Next up will be a skirt to match this top. I'm not sure of the length yet <i>(probably midi so I'm not a complete walking wallpaper)</i> but I do want to try to incorporate more of the border into it. There's now less of the fabric to wrestle so hopefully cutting out will be a little easier.<div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zgQAzHDyUD19mIinTSdu9kfMP5aNzdvHfz9GyIlQAayRoH-y5vDLDIecCXJCesdB7O8Szcmh1FXwP4Awig5oylhb7ElitQwwRkkux1NCgHDmKIXWE4H2NlaFCPO89_wAzC9b7tgndjziVylNg5M1ttZ1O3zxyKAf3dxBcxCjZluJJ_OANMBZ/s1600/PNNiagara_03.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7zgQAzHDyUD19mIinTSdu9kfMP5aNzdvHfz9GyIlQAayRoH-y5vDLDIecCXJCesdB7O8Szcmh1FXwP4Awig5oylhb7ElitQwwRkkux1NCgHDmKIXWE4H2NlaFCPO89_wAzC9b7tgndjziVylNg5M1ttZ1O3zxyKAf3dxBcxCjZluJJ_OANMBZ/s1600/PNNiagara_03.PNG" /></a></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-85768994652626941682023-09-10T08:57:00.000-04:002023-09-10T08:57:11.339-04:00A Bit of ShoppingI am truly and well back into the sewing thing, as evidenced by my recent shopping sprees. Yes, I have two cabinets <i>(plus some bins in the garage)</i> full of fabric. Does that stop me from adding to the collection? Nope. I feel I'm preaching to the choir.<div><br /></div><div>In the top row below are ITY knits purchased from <a href="https://gorgeousfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Gorgeous Fabrics</a>. The solid black will become a top of some sort. The b/w print a top and skirt. And the coral/white dots likely another top and skirt. The bottom row are all rayon challis purchased from <a href="https://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Fabric Mart</a>. They are bit thinner than I was expecting, but they will still work for tops and dresses. They are being prewashed as I type. I hope to stay away from further fabric purchases since I really have more than enough and I actually WANT to sew some of the stash so I can finally wear it. But I had to dip my toe in a little bit to get the sewjo into high gear. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TKgaWAqXcA3tTpNsLHqJ1kFQ2Glpi6BX_qac5besBTeKI9SXuhw4fLgvvT5tj_ErBGaOqD6rnjQPbK2WtMX6i1O0AZf0NTRQwEas7CrAcxK4ezzNPekoYXSPDlyheQSRWXTbye5XAY_3RqWY4QrG5wNs5EbT6vPbLpnZ6rXTwZLz-_9uIHn9/s1600/New_Fabric.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TKgaWAqXcA3tTpNsLHqJ1kFQ2Glpi6BX_qac5besBTeKI9SXuhw4fLgvvT5tj_ErBGaOqD6rnjQPbK2WtMX6i1O0AZf0NTRQwEas7CrAcxK4ezzNPekoYXSPDlyheQSRWXTbye5XAY_3RqWY4QrG5wNs5EbT6vPbLpnZ6rXTwZLz-_9uIHn9/s1600/New_Fabric.png" /></a></div>
I also went on a bit of a PDF pattern buying bender. I now own the <a href="https://www.chalkandnotch.com/shop/fringe/" target="_blank">Chalk & Notch Fringe</a>, the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/nittany-top-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/" target="_blank">Itch to Stitch Nittany</a>, and the <a href="https://www.lovenotions.com/product/saltwhistle" target="_blank">Love Notions Saltwhistle</a>. I will print them when I'm in the office next week, because free office printing is one of the perks of actually going into the office.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Fringe will be first up in the woven category but not until I've sewn another knit top currently in the works <i>(see below)</i>. I will definitely have to muslin this one and I'm sure I'll be adding length to the skirt and straightening the shirt tail hem. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xxNtiLU6hhbdqr4_nDxb5PSxCTApWyBmYt2errWegL3XKRy3yGW6b3D8KvZg2EeCgVZXpcMj82O1vzPgpN0kYK7jF1O50vqP4Nc-GBREGOgLHxVclSbpbvEYAwKi2ei7xEAd5XIsSMA9hfP2HdH7Om6BTZf8MtA8FP_JmlHmhoXZwgIh9koY/s1600/CNFringe.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="609" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1xxNtiLU6hhbdqr4_nDxb5PSxCTApWyBmYt2errWegL3XKRy3yGW6b3D8KvZg2EeCgVZXpcMj82O1vzPgpN0kYK7jF1O50vqP4Nc-GBREGOgLHxVclSbpbvEYAwKi2ei7xEAd5XIsSMA9hfP2HdH7Om6BTZf8MtA8FP_JmlHmhoXZwgIh9koY/s1600/CNFringe.PNG" /></a></div>
The Nittany below has neckline pleats which are impossible to see in this print. There's also an option for a keyhole in the middle of the pleats. Not sure which option I'll try, but this will be another I'll have to muslin.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy4RCr894Ruw-aYwh5zRu6lVcWzxG8VU7_iejTYUck1W4mb1t035LNXCngG2tF8BndYlx0GunwFSym1LXohZEOZrIR291bIXbe2mJLzr0KaKhG0n63tekr0a5FtMb5S31Qy3sV_rf1mUOclAJhHlhJVsWQu5yW0ssMmZVhK9ZFGXwzcyBSzMZ/s1600/ITSNittany.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoy4RCr894Ruw-aYwh5zRu6lVcWzxG8VU7_iejTYUck1W4mb1t035LNXCngG2tF8BndYlx0GunwFSym1LXohZEOZrIR291bIXbe2mJLzr0KaKhG0n63tekr0a5FtMb5S31Qy3sV_rf1mUOclAJhHlhJVsWQu5yW0ssMmZVhK9ZFGXwzcyBSzMZ/s1600/ITSNittany.PNG" /></a></div>
And finally the Saltwhistle, which was on a $5 Friday sale. I'm not in love with the scallops, especially as tiers, but I do like the square neckline. I'll likely make a dress version with short sleeves. I'm sure I'll need a muslin for this one too. At least in Swedish Tracing Paper if not fabric.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV813AJw46HUcYNtH1MXiWriafh6qrgP_MznEQFtCGAKuR4ICY4vf1XaXLqE-NlNRMHj_m0oA5c_ikPJJ_Tlc4arwhkZ9jGRpNPI0Js61DzUxUPetSUFNy8N_1GWJUkKdjK3rQa-22pXNiByiRZuuqsA_o6p3LGwlVlT_g3uFsjI8mtTLzOoC4/s1600/LNSaltwhistle.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="818" data-original-width="659" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV813AJw46HUcYNtH1MXiWriafh6qrgP_MznEQFtCGAKuR4ICY4vf1XaXLqE-NlNRMHj_m0oA5c_ikPJJ_Tlc4arwhkZ9jGRpNPI0Js61DzUxUPetSUFNy8N_1GWJUkKdjK3rQa-22pXNiByiRZuuqsA_o6p3LGwlVlT_g3uFsjI8mtTLzOoC4/s1600/LNSaltwhistle.PNG" /></a></div>
The biggest purchase is a sister for my Designer 1. But by "big" I mean a mere fraction of what I paid new for my original D1. I paid nearly $5K for my original about 20 years ago. <i>(Gah, How has it been that long??!)</i> I paid $170 on Ebay for its sister. Sister seems to work very well, but it does have a couple of issues that will need to be fixed at the local repair shop. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rkxA4eABlvqm9-ZVdvi4L8mOXStocmzcGoqNbP0kcVVr6TUVGQcnE8I8q1J5AfHn6F12HwMyKutTyxZIiRIlIZAx4Y6ODQ0t8R2R7UOM7ac3ELywVWBW0jd2Ttq07MMVRNy3aiuH1bBEtDjf_wwfCshDs4cgK89MkBSv0p-z4EizksnPMJnB/s1600/NewishMachine.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0rkxA4eABlvqm9-ZVdvi4L8mOXStocmzcGoqNbP0kcVVr6TUVGQcnE8I8q1J5AfHn6F12HwMyKutTyxZIiRIlIZAx4Y6ODQ0t8R2R7UOM7ac3ELywVWBW0jd2Ttq07MMVRNy3aiuH1bBEtDjf_wwfCshDs4cgK89MkBSv0p-z4EizksnPMJnB/s1600/NewishMachine.png" /></a></div>First, the thread cover broke off in shipping. Well, one of the hinges holding it in place. <i>(My original D1 with the thread cover flipped up is on the right, the "new" one is on the left.)</i> Second, the auto thread cutter "thingie" is completely missing so it doesn't cut the bobbin thread. This missing piece wasn't mentioned in the listing and the seller has not responded to any of my inquiries, so Boo on that. But the machine itself seems to work well otherwise so I'm going to keep it anyway and just get those things fixed and still feel I got a good deal. I can snip threads with scissors until then.</div><div><br /></div><div>You're probably wondering why I bought a SECOND machine exactly like my original? Well, the truth is that while I ADORE my D1, it has some things that need fixing too and I've been just limping along for YEARS instead of bringing it in for repairs. I just haven't wanted to be without it while it's in the shop. Yes, I haven't actually been sewing for the last couple of years so I could have EASILY been without it <i>(and I do have other "vintage" machines)</i>, but sewing and machines were not top of mind. Now that they are again, I just decided I must have a comparable backup. And well, just because. <b>:-)</b> I thought $170 was a reasonable backup price, not that I don't think my original was worth every penny I paid because it was/is and I still love it.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's going to be a shock to be sewing with a working reverse, a light over the needle, and a fix button that I don't have to trick into working by re-selecting my stitch every time I want to end a seam. Yes, I have been sewing without a reverse for years. How <strike>ridiculous</strike> <strike>pitiful</strike> lazy is that? </div><div><br /></div><div>So my plan is to bring my original D1 into the shop next weekend and keep its sister at home to sew. Then I'll switch them when my baby is ready. I also might want to look at some new machines. Ahem. I never did spend that Pandemic relief money so who knows? </div><div><br /></div><div>Currently on the cutting table is another <a href="https://patternniche.com/product/niagara-top-dress/" target="_blank">Niagara top</a>. My <a href="https://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2021/03/in-quick-succession-another-niagara.html" target="_blank">last one</a> was one of the last things I made a couple of years ago before the sewjo went MIA. I still love/wear it and want another. Stay tuned.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jZbpgdB0mAKS2_u5MzhU8ng-stZxDt9TFhYDp2_zzjiKIhNJL0XXqM5-KFZhj3RhLsUdJ3cyHKIb-2qAVoRKFXox-hj6OPG74qcqMYPgquEINkFpkfKDHf8Nhs5GFO01zADU-cggNfEc5R3QRP7MdMtRFpAyMmjSeh_25B0VvNh90yk2mQYM/s1600/PNNiagara.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="583" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0jZbpgdB0mAKS2_u5MzhU8ng-stZxDt9TFhYDp2_zzjiKIhNJL0XXqM5-KFZhj3RhLsUdJ3cyHKIb-2qAVoRKFXox-hj6OPG74qcqMYPgquEINkFpkfKDHf8Nhs5GFO01zADU-cggNfEc5R3QRP7MdMtRFpAyMmjSeh_25B0VvNh90yk2mQYM/s1600/PNNiagara.PNG" /></a></div></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-44496709691625557942023-09-06T10:41:00.001-04:002023-09-06T15:14:35.308-04:00Soller Top - It's a QuickieThis is the <a href="https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/soller-top-dress-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/" target="_blank">Soller top</a> from Itch to Stitch. It was a <b>very </b>fast sew! There's only one front and one back piece plus neck and sleeve bindings, and everything goes together very well. I like the top and the pattern a lot and I can see myself reaching for the Soller for more quick tops to be worn both at the office and around the house. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m_BHpyw7DBMLumgjESqKDZsrW0b0_aGdFTsj2y23jmzomFaBV2-qETnGjpGLy9vinohGwe94Ufw_zAc9SLVOk2iNO9TGuwSbd2c4Yyxy1_-uWZaZl-0AZdxyhDiCSnrE4K9TapG7mQ04kcz2pF98fhRNlkRCy9Nmtfwz4b37rN8oDLom4rHi/s1600/Soller01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6m_BHpyw7DBMLumgjESqKDZsrW0b0_aGdFTsj2y23jmzomFaBV2-qETnGjpGLy9vinohGwe94Ufw_zAc9SLVOk2iNO9TGuwSbd2c4Yyxy1_-uWZaZl-0AZdxyhDiCSnrE4K9TapG7mQ04kcz2pF98fhRNlkRCy9Nmtfwz4b37rN8oDLom4rHi/s1600/Soller01.png" /></a></div>
The fabric is from <a href="https://gorgeousfabrics.com/" target="_blank">Gorgeous Fabrics</a>, one of the last pieces of fabric I bought before the sewjo up and vanished a couple of years ago. It was listed as a pique finish ITY but it feels more like Liverpool. I like the texture of it. The background is navy, although it shows up close to black here.<div><br /></div><div>Below is the "envelope" cover for the pattern, with the designer Kennis modeling. As you can see, her finished top is at high hip level. I added about 3 inches in length to mine, 1 inch at the lengthen/shorten lines and 2 inches to the hem. I would have added everything to the hem but because I had to blend sizes dramatically due to Pandemic Butt, I opted to add some of the extra length near the waist to smooth out the resulting curve from the blending.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnbwqyoVkRl23GNhqPbdPwixMCYTSNlnVSd14sx0optvQDa5_ZQAa-fugjobM1rAn9nz8CspKdhCqpFMCuIXt2T0UYcMPCVoGNsCpNQleewEnuO_FOOVfOiORC4wEHGeJm3wmjFy1BGxFvWgZlH3OXm-K4rvI3IWejtawLJzFvA7bOpuwcuL0/s1600/Soller00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="601" data-original-width="461" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmnbwqyoVkRl23GNhqPbdPwixMCYTSNlnVSd14sx0optvQDa5_ZQAa-fugjobM1rAn9nz8CspKdhCqpFMCuIXt2T0UYcMPCVoGNsCpNQleewEnuO_FOOVfOiORC4wEHGeJm3wmjFy1BGxFvWgZlH3OXm-K4rvI3IWejtawLJzFvA7bOpuwcuL0/s1600/Soller00.png" /></a></div>
The bindings are "old school," meaning no coverstitch machine was used, and remind me of my sewing days before coverstitchers and sergers and using Kwik Sew methods. <i>(RIP Kwik Sew.)</i> Just attach binding RS to top RS, flip the binding over the neckline edge, and stitch-in-the-ditch from the top to catch the other side of the binding. You can see a hint of my ditch stitching. It really is a good method and faster than setting up my binder on the coverstitch machine.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the vee "point," you clip at the point and attach the binding in a straight line and then stitch at the center to <i>(re)</i>create the vee. The print placement sort of makes my vee look off-center, but it's not. It is actually a true perpendicular line down from neck edge to point.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LQlZ2dFZ2VXijIwq3kCoDlcYh4L8sTAZhY_NTXj2ztFkljpm5j2BIEU7UJ1MvZM2v6A4WjEM7NN_9TwgQ2S0LSmPmd-FCBWtNbCVqptuZGqlAs3BZWdALqt8TGzB_xb67rVDXKaCAuJrYF-Dx7YfkNabtQaMeUcO2ytcyb9cxTCdnAluzoyH/s1600/Soller02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8LQlZ2dFZ2VXijIwq3kCoDlcYh4L8sTAZhY_NTXj2ztFkljpm5j2BIEU7UJ1MvZM2v6A4WjEM7NN_9TwgQ2S0LSmPmd-FCBWtNbCVqptuZGqlAs3BZWdALqt8TGzB_xb67rVDXKaCAuJrYF-Dx7YfkNabtQaMeUcO2ytcyb9cxTCdnAluzoyH/s1600/Soller02.png" /></a></div>
There is some "interest" at the upper chest, using clear elastic and a zigzag stitch to create gathers. If you make this top/dress, I would advise cutting your elastic longer than the pattern instructions so you have "tails" to hold on to when starting/stopping your zigzagging. You can then trim the excess tails off once your elastic is attached.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9CZ24D4FQt4EOuEVdVeGb-ADWcpkaAny6zaCmR-a-0ZquUKPWv1sqCSDCXs7B0etp61DuTvW0fafkdu2xExhkZ6FU7ylp8s-rhZaLHk9OkksLPGcAZUp1HVCOmbJJeXXJPjpf7HuuPJD9GJp6NZRKLXjE3d_fGmtiNjT28IEoLiEUlYdusKS/s1600/Soller03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia9CZ24D4FQt4EOuEVdVeGb-ADWcpkaAny6zaCmR-a-0ZquUKPWv1sqCSDCXs7B0etp61DuTvW0fafkdu2xExhkZ6FU7ylp8s-rhZaLHk9OkksLPGcAZUp1HVCOmbJJeXXJPjpf7HuuPJD9GJp6NZRKLXjE3d_fGmtiNjT28IEoLiEUlYdusKS/s1600/Soller03.png" /></a></div>
I did pull out the coverstitcher for the hem. Nothing too exciting here. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPIMS0fqB5e-w3r5esrCoBBf7OUYRFyWq2xuLcn3mskWxtvefpT58UXDdqM2MtaiHOiDhIz2Fd6nhclA5NMgII9701KIEx2HXoA9b9zHSkFMQNta1dq6PciaVrhC2_IaEmX7Fns3dujZhDWwwX8jvie5o4Qqhb5Yz-un-PsPU-cGH1bZic_nX/s1600/Soller04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEPIMS0fqB5e-w3r5esrCoBBf7OUYRFyWq2xuLcn3mskWxtvefpT58UXDdqM2MtaiHOiDhIz2Fd6nhclA5NMgII9701KIEx2HXoA9b9zHSkFMQNta1dq6PciaVrhC2_IaEmX7Fns3dujZhDWwwX8jvie5o4Qqhb5Yz-un-PsPU-cGH1bZic_nX/s1600/Soller04.png" /></a></div>
The only other change to the pattern/instructions I made was to add about an inch to the bottom of the sleeve and to attach the binding strip as a band and not as a binding for a bit more length. As the pattern is, the sleeves are more like cap sleeves and I wanted a little more coverage. I also edgestitched the seam allowances up.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLvb_QsHxOYXWxmzpvki1_v7isDYFsawd-u0kRSBOUVyynyLr0vAADgjeEMxxFFVdQ6Q6ueKAtfC64ysFrjkVpFpaejbjuU8mp1AdBjCqZx2RZw0fqO9CuOBzVjgA5ZLqGA7iCv3OZZagqDasGJXY0wu7941d4UHlwUE8GaFt8JZhPZ0AQBc5/s1600/Soller05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLvb_QsHxOYXWxmzpvki1_v7isDYFsawd-u0kRSBOUVyynyLr0vAADgjeEMxxFFVdQ6Q6ueKAtfC64ysFrjkVpFpaejbjuU8mp1AdBjCqZx2RZw0fqO9CuOBzVjgA5ZLqGA7iCv3OZZagqDasGJXY0wu7941d4UHlwUE8GaFt8JZhPZ0AQBc5/s1600/Soller05.png" /></a></div>
Nothing too fancy here either. I didn't even use my serger to finish the edges, choosing to keep this "old school" as well. I did serge the shoulder and side seams which you can alllllmost see down at the bottom left of the photo below.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg0MbEOmzAdED3KVaDNmukZx-OSYLJHulL8EIMtSI_M8QutK1ik2DvedZXpP_iah7RLiHJQwfYw4IqBQwpHDRdZYo_3KahadM-gTNqFa26FdAFkSvZBXvsBl-1zaSERFhDhcm_nLLWRD8NG6IgmMt1nBwsEI1gM4H--jxWwvWyIXubahFVV-l/s1600/Soller05a.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcg0MbEOmzAdED3KVaDNmukZx-OSYLJHulL8EIMtSI_M8QutK1ik2DvedZXpP_iah7RLiHJQwfYw4IqBQwpHDRdZYo_3KahadM-gTNqFa26FdAFkSvZBXvsBl-1zaSERFhDhcm_nLLWRD8NG6IgmMt1nBwsEI1gM4H--jxWwvWyIXubahFVV-l/s1600/Soller05a.png" /></a></div>
Here's the top with a RTW navy maxi which matches perfectly. I also have more than enough of this fabric left for a matching skirt to create yet another 2-piece dress, which I will probably do at some point. Cyrus isn't yet sure what to make of Zillie. Until recently, she hadn't really been in use much since Cyrus came to live with me.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6E8eZA9nfAlQ_t2Kx2C76pAxCpwz_FARwgjlamePr7hOaZ9F2EjgXIVboLMys1_FyBNqKjLK20SiwEXYqqUGQkpDMBjuYCgR01laMkrqP5FsCOeTH8p2CxRjhfCSqrdyYiuoUd303syzCQFV17JsmHKjwAWaQVumPPA5rzCrleXOhPrAYA27/s1600/Soller06.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6E8eZA9nfAlQ_t2Kx2C76pAxCpwz_FARwgjlamePr7hOaZ9F2EjgXIVboLMys1_FyBNqKjLK20SiwEXYqqUGQkpDMBjuYCgR01laMkrqP5FsCOeTH8p2CxRjhfCSqrdyYiuoUd303syzCQFV17JsmHKjwAWaQVumPPA5rzCrleXOhPrAYA27/s1600/Soller06.png" /></a></div>Since I've been using stash fabric for my recent projects, I gave myself permission to shop a couple of Labor Day sales. I really hadn't bought fabric in well over two years, so I have a lot of catching up to do. Hah. </div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-87636580101890637232023-08-31T13:15:00.000-04:002023-08-31T13:15:06.598-04:00Hurricane Sewing - Melody DolmanAs I've mentioned, my firm has moved to a new building. This new building's management has slightly different policies during hurricane times in Tampa, and I'm here for them <i>(the new policies — hurricanes not so much)</i>! This building shuts down as soon as there is an official Hurricane Warning from the weather service. Well, that official warning for Idalia came Monday afternoon. Which means the building and my office was closed from then through yesterday <i>(Wednesday),</i> and it was sewing time! It felt like a "snow day" from my youth. As far as the hurricane, I had nothing but rain Tuesday night and never lost power. It's still rainy today so I'm tired of rain but I'll take that over an actual hurricane.<div><br /></div><div>Below is my finished <a href="https://www.lovenotions.com/product/melody-dolman" target="_blank">Love Notions Melody Dolman</a>. It's too big on Zillie because Zillie is currently smaller than me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was able to look at past orders online where I learned this fabric is a rayon challis I bought from Fabricmart in 2020. That's the last of the old dryer fabrics. </div><div><br />The sewing part was a breeze <i>(hurricane pun?)</i>. But the buttonholes made me want to scream. My <i>(now ancient but still loved)</i> Viking D1 is in sore need of servicing and it just did NOT want to make buttonholes without a fight. Ripping out a black thread buttonhole on b/w fabric is not a pleasant job. After doing that once, I decided to move to Plan B …<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_ck7kRwljqqPrQbZrsZm-NvQ7iG_BO2ZMaJGwRAXgkuJARgx-IWHZfvq5O06jGdeuJY77-sUUuLGiOCP3pxr0nqY7H0yYby273O2sorAw9A734XOlx0htIgEOdxcpcpGbypnSLFs0qWWkext8bkVKd8rzWpcnvjAA0QkiTPyoq9q4Iacy_i-/s1600/MelodyDolman01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF_ck7kRwljqqPrQbZrsZm-NvQ7iG_BO2ZMaJGwRAXgkuJARgx-IWHZfvq5O06jGdeuJY77-sUUuLGiOCP3pxr0nqY7H0yYby273O2sorAw9A734XOlx0htIgEOdxcpcpGbypnSLFs0qWWkext8bkVKd8rzWpcnvjAA0QkiTPyoq9q4Iacy_i-/s1600/MelodyDolman01.png" /></a></div>… which was bringing out my Featherweight and the Singer buttonhole attachment. I shouldn't have grumbled about this because it didn't take long to set up, review You Tube to be sure I was threading and attaching correctly, and then make 6 perfect buttonholes in a row. Plus, it was fun to visit with my Featherweight. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLwysOjCYzWH45EWSHn3cZY5BBxa5wfBDzmN13ybz67mY8BdLrJHGtSO8b7HnYKm2LtUWPAI7XjIu3oA4nYqv0HsL9tBD0_bkez_Zm8r7A7f-U6IybCGX4c356Ni79ZT7OyNkSdzTAJIBug6so0YiMCVrdOX6BVxoiRL36zJRl5qUJeGkhPQl/s1600/FWButtonholer.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="4048" data-original-width="3036" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLwysOjCYzWH45EWSHn3cZY5BBxa5wfBDzmN13ybz67mY8BdLrJHGtSO8b7HnYKm2LtUWPAI7XjIu3oA4nYqv0HsL9tBD0_bkez_Zm8r7A7f-U6IybCGX4c356Ni79ZT7OyNkSdzTAJIBug6so0YiMCVrdOX6BVxoiRL36zJRl5qUJeGkhPQl/w480-h640/FWButtonholer.png" width="480" /></a></div>
Here are the finished Featherweight buttonholes. Sorry, you can't see much with the black thread on b/w. <i>(One of my near-future projects really needs to be a new ironing board cover.)</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxGpja8iJf0BxUiIY_yQP0e6fNT1PmvHe9K3ejBCsktD_MeMd_uytWKob-x6sPuePDuDeUfkXvEuv4augTXZ7O7zt4zgiYlYbdLAn1LuxMWRdXlzpCw-3nHUA57PLeTDV7ACwfhDK2YOFabcKJmtk5Ozd4IakgrE1BwM0_aH7CxDyY_YZREYS/s1600/Buttonholes.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjxGpja8iJf0BxUiIY_yQP0e6fNT1PmvHe9K3ejBCsktD_MeMd_uytWKob-x6sPuePDuDeUfkXvEuv4augTXZ7O7zt4zgiYlYbdLAn1LuxMWRdXlzpCw-3nHUA57PLeTDV7ACwfhDK2YOFabcKJmtk5Ozd4IakgrE1BwM0_aH7CxDyY_YZREYS/s1600/Buttonholes.png" /></a></div>
Below you can see the edges of my buttonhole and the buttons I chose for this top, as well as my fading chalk marks for placement. These buttons are from <a href="https://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Carolyn</a> years and years ago. Thank you again Carolyn! I went with 6 buttons instead of the 5 per the pattern. I may have even gone for 7 if I had 7 buttons. I like less gaping opportunity.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZsX_y8YcrGP4u_bZjyxvjhNywxfzlcU85XMNL6CMcesrnyfqFgfVWhha14DkY-n8epf1l_jd3rfHjpwcfHJ8nxgRVYWlb2uEm9nx8jaUb1kUZkhtZoTn85slnfPnBs_G2OqtyyCl61lET2ea4kZI8u010EmUsD3g-CfVuH5Ch8Qeu-7UE3Ku/s1600/Buttons.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZsX_y8YcrGP4u_bZjyxvjhNywxfzlcU85XMNL6CMcesrnyfqFgfVWhha14DkY-n8epf1l_jd3rfHjpwcfHJ8nxgRVYWlb2uEm9nx8jaUb1kUZkhtZoTn85slnfPnBs_G2OqtyyCl61lET2ea4kZI8u010EmUsD3g-CfVuH5Ch8Qeu-7UE3Ku/s1600/Buttons.png" /></a></div>Overall, I think the pattern is pretty good and goes together well. The only other thing I'd change <i>(and I did)</i> would be to interface the entire integrated facing instead of using just a strip per the pattern below. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFkNE0dcmz7pSj_71Fl-1gDpblcj0h1Vmp48y-rmpxhIlR1grTmQ-cRfUGKfxwT23xiEjqUJZFSRtd8-ZOCcTgYUtJ0R2D_EY7rrry3HGL7z-3cN5CTxAUjcFV4coP4l61y1gQw2JHf9lcGVNP1utvLvix1es88EH_KedvvQYaYyliBdXQ0Mz/s1600/MelodyDolman03Interfacing.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="669" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWFkNE0dcmz7pSj_71Fl-1gDpblcj0h1Vmp48y-rmpxhIlR1grTmQ-cRfUGKfxwT23xiEjqUJZFSRtd8-ZOCcTgYUtJ0R2D_EY7rrry3HGL7z-3cN5CTxAUjcFV4coP4l61y1gQw2JHf9lcGVNP1utvLvix1es88EH_KedvvQYaYyliBdXQ0Mz/s16000/MelodyDolman03Interfacing.PNG" /></a></div>Here's the inside of the shirt. Nothing too exciting here. I attached the cuffs technically wrong but I wanted them to be bands and not cuffs so they're attached opposite of the pattern instructions. At the bottom of the shirt, I turned up a 3/8" hem, twice, and stitched it from the wrong side. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxwtNxhUjqWZBjXg5Zyk17jBS88ELKChtxtOk5fI0K7bDVLo37QGFnuCAoJ1M82RbK_V2YixkJ6BEUBgAkhdgLFRkHWaxkitg5sao8XSSlUwK-pm3HMDZrHWVrYMLKVM96bnPINbUexlmST_5Nrye4OoSwWdMby5V4iy68wOgcWfMi5kUUdzI/s1600/MelodyDolman02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLxwtNxhUjqWZBjXg5Zyk17jBS88ELKChtxtOk5fI0K7bDVLo37QGFnuCAoJ1M82RbK_V2YixkJ6BEUBgAkhdgLFRkHWaxkitg5sao8XSSlUwK-pm3HMDZrHWVrYMLKVM96bnPINbUexlmST_5Nrye4OoSwWdMby5V4iy68wOgcWfMi5kUUdzI/s1600/MelodyDolman02.png" /></a></div>
The Melody has a standard camp collar, with good instructions, although I question why they have you snip 1/2" into a 3/8" seam allowance. I think that's a typo? But if you've been lounging around your living room watching Netflix for the past couple of years and NOT sewing <i>(who me?)</i>, a good refresher is Katrina's video below. Her Lifting Pins and Needles channel is fun to watch.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vlRC55Nq2U0?si=F8i6AF4XyazrgaMS" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><br /></div>
I'm not sure what's up next. Now that I've sewn up the dryer fabric, I have given myself permission to look through my stash. That should reacquaint me with what I have and hopefully inspire a pattern/project choice.Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-21055179122886083942023-08-25T21:34:00.006-04:002023-08-25T21:41:38.619-04:00Basic<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-GfEZUnp8m7a-rc5w-oS4VKWu4DBPZEGyeBcC_A-1KBfV4DV-wSOL2Qjk4r628c5Lelz2O1XaX6dzdJZePOjQi3cK58nZNRiu3VTDabx2QVJz0Xc6qjQk0F8Ey2AbOQ_IpQUKYY7IvILeuOnfKay6AwkYVyiv4pEQ9oZHfuqXAggXg1D5SJT/s1600/skirt_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu-GfEZUnp8m7a-rc5w-oS4VKWu4DBPZEGyeBcC_A-1KBfV4DV-wSOL2Qjk4r628c5Lelz2O1XaX6dzdJZePOjQi3cK58nZNRiu3VTDabx2QVJz0Xc6qjQk0F8Ey2AbOQ_IpQUKYY7IvILeuOnfKay6AwkYVyiv4pEQ9oZHfuqXAggXg1D5SJT/s1600/skirt_01.png" /></a></div>
You can't get more basic than this. Sorry for the snoozer but I will actually get a lot of wear out of this, if my current basic black knit skirt is any indication. This is the old formerly black skirt <i>(right)</i> next to the new one <i>(left)</i>. Yeah, I was overdue, wouldn't you agree?
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX2nmtPB7d2LgigAq-C8LScWNycpNLYZCj9WSKPv0sd48oxSw12SS_246faGR-Kswu5-63G4cTbQjPsAEJogQCC2y3KinnDgSrq5gItEIH81lBWeV8HElSbiega8TzcpWhvu14kS3VboNRVCbLZEAtQxpjsAQ0jUBnlNuEHflQag1qWCHxweM/s1600/skirt_04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoX2nmtPB7d2LgigAq-C8LScWNycpNLYZCj9WSKPv0sd48oxSw12SS_246faGR-Kswu5-63G4cTbQjPsAEJogQCC2y3KinnDgSrq5gItEIH81lBWeV8HElSbiega8TzcpWhvu14kS3VboNRVCbLZEAtQxpjsAQ0jUBnlNuEHflQag1qWCHxweM/s1600/skirt_04.png" /></a></div>
I copied pretty much everything from the old skirt, including the slit. The only thing I didn't have on hand was 2" wide elastic. So I adjusted the top edge and used some of my 50-yard roll of 1-1/2" elastic from Wawak. I also didn't make a separate elastic casing. I was boring myself with this project and just wanted to be done already so I just serged, turned, and coverstitched it down.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtninS0T9cpeM904UNSSmtL4mlnADaOHis3bv3oBkxDZt0WZpzuEXAfOnCZQoSFWBWpZPwzLxeW_eUjJy14V_EfyfSs0vSc3E4YlX0EbUJCxPCYz_7BdCzYOX3gRbrO8nGuozz1M6o6HW_3bhvLSk2lGZdnXAaXEF0WtL_7ucq_oTtdudnlCUz/s1600/skirt_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtninS0T9cpeM904UNSSmtL4mlnADaOHis3bv3oBkxDZt0WZpzuEXAfOnCZQoSFWBWpZPwzLxeW_eUjJy14V_EfyfSs0vSc3E4YlX0EbUJCxPCYz_7BdCzYOX3gRbrO8nGuozz1M6o6HW_3bhvLSk2lGZdnXAaXEF0WtL_7ucq_oTtdudnlCUz/s1600/skirt_02.png" /></a></div>
Note to self: If you leave your coverstitch machine sitting for 2 years, it would probably be a good idea to dust off the harp before dragging your new black skirt across it. That's the wrong side of the hem/slit edge. Yuck. The harp is clean now though. LOL!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE_WmCnw3_OYoPKfXsveOHNPmNCvRSYl9IMK8fwpi07Pf7qyXvTmCk-tLbGWU0KPVraZum1KxJiKLnkpwm7wcbNBs7WoZ76n2dvOPNrSKXRqe2Mu2_d7wY47CSX_VHG47QplToUb-Bv4DnySeq_EGgvz5qZEvipgLKEYyNgcMpHqji87KJp1y/s1600/skirt_03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOE_WmCnw3_OYoPKfXsveOHNPmNCvRSYl9IMK8fwpi07Pf7qyXvTmCk-tLbGWU0KPVraZum1KxJiKLnkpwm7wcbNBs7WoZ76n2dvOPNrSKXRqe2Mu2_d7wY47CSX_VHG47QplToUb-Bv4DnySeq_EGgvz5qZEvipgLKEYyNgcMpHqji87KJp1y/s1600/skirt_03.png" /></a></div>
Next up is this b/w dotty woven fabric. It was the other piece that had been sitting on my dryer for 2 years with the fabric I recently made into a <a href="https://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2023/07/just-like-riding-bike-or-i-sewed-love.html" target="_blank">Rhapsody</a>. I'm forcing myself to use it before I venture into my stash. It's been so long that I don't even remember where I bought it. <i>(Funny story - I was digging through a bin of miscellaneous sewing stuff that had been sitting in the other room. I found bits and pieces of masks and mask makings, some Wonder Clips I forgot I bought, and a brand new, tags still attached, pair of knit joggers that I also forgot about — the "TNT" Old Navy RTW that I've been living in around home. I'm sure I bought them as a backup since I love all my others so much. I don't even need them yet since the others are still in excellent condition. I'm usually NOT scatterbrained like this, but this is definitely an indication of how weird the last 3+ years have been.)</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOTjwZXr2jh8XMnWRBjbj5TjayNuzX5zn0L-p4Qv516jVBa_7-cln3wXtjBS2CDmoPCkdLg1nBwGpgBH1wPLh1EkBd-weLasFB1C05SU5_9988AsRbTdZNrF6e7Nefpd8hHwUHsdRLHSLRAajtMCMOoNhbqwAoVQJ817ytoJ5H3r1dVuGtfOT/s1600/fabric_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="574" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOTjwZXr2jh8XMnWRBjbj5TjayNuzX5zn0L-p4Qv516jVBa_7-cln3wXtjBS2CDmoPCkdLg1nBwGpgBH1wPLh1EkBd-weLasFB1C05SU5_9988AsRbTdZNrF6e7Nefpd8hHwUHsdRLHSLRAajtMCMOoNhbqwAoVQJ817ytoJ5H3r1dVuGtfOT/s1600/fabric_01.png" /></a></div>
I'm going to be giving the <a href="https://www.lovenotions.com/product/melody-dolman" target="_blank">Love Notions Melody Dolman</a> a try. I don't think I'll be wearing it tied up, but never say never. I'm hoping to get the pattern taped together tomorrow. And maybe some pictures up on the walls in the sewing room. It's so … blank in there.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8WFDdcIKjmh9W1iRB-ylGvPwQHdEQvFJN04QbQU5YnJ0e75lMA41xiIHAkYCST28xBKpgc-nEJiS0M2wfKc9uHPYj8rjfa_sSIWuSuTjE58VdrOrmeJADFcLY9OKnfgDRTx4H-UPuFnlDUOD05INFluEttRvj47RhhBkiQJJXDDiBivTgPzt/s1600/Melody_00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="541" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt8WFDdcIKjmh9W1iRB-ylGvPwQHdEQvFJN04QbQU5YnJ0e75lMA41xiIHAkYCST28xBKpgc-nEJiS0M2wfKc9uHPYj8rjfa_sSIWuSuTjE58VdrOrmeJADFcLY9OKnfgDRTx4H-UPuFnlDUOD05INFluEttRvj47RhhBkiQJJXDDiBivTgPzt/s1600/Melody_00.png" /></a></div>
If this top works out, it will be something else I can wear to the office. Or around the house. Speaking of the office, we just moved to a new building a few weeks ago<i> (I think I mentioned that already in another recent post)</i> which means I've lost my trusty work bathroom selfies mirror. A moment of silence, please. The new building, not my firm, owns the bathroom spaces, so I don't think anything will be improving there. I also don't have a true full-length mirror in my house so it looks like I'll be shopping for one of those soon. <div><br /></div><div>Have a great weekend! I hope to be checking in again soon with progress on the Melody.<br /><div><br /></div></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-59185612825658132592023-08-24T11:56:00.004-04:002023-08-24T11:56:54.566-04:00Easy Peasy<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk4EOPxxnXYjdP22g3nz6_9h8DlSmN7P17jUJumRb1VoveebJhDaX-kmwMaHwvpHYnD7ev6MOvEqgxwmoJ9v6EKWJWlpWSoisFeJ1GPL9M2f60vaJO29MO5LaodDXFDLLp_6XInBWhrtPeH_fr1GLbqE1NsYzyprAZij8bklJNTDmBWBAYWhH/s1600/black_skirt.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCk4EOPxxnXYjdP22g3nz6_9h8DlSmN7P17jUJumRb1VoveebJhDaX-kmwMaHwvpHYnD7ev6MOvEqgxwmoJ9v6EKWJWlpWSoisFeJ1GPL9M2f60vaJO29MO5LaodDXFDLLp_6XInBWhrtPeH_fr1GLbqE1NsYzyprAZij8bklJNTDmBWBAYWhH/s1600/black_skirt.png" /></a></div>
This post is really to remove the "Under (Temporary) Maintenance" post as the last post, because I really have not done much since my last "sewing" post <i>(which was a <a href="https://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2023/08/last-post-i-said-this-is-either.html" target="_blank">wadder</a> to bring you up to speed)</i>. <div><br /></div><div>The good news is I believe I fixed the issues I was having with my blog. Replying to comments seems to work again. I can add new entries to my two blogrolls at the right. My archive of old blog posts at the left is expandable/working again. There are few small things that aren't back to my preference, like typefaces and sizes, but I'm going to just let it roll for now because I just don't feel like spending more time in the HTML bowels of the blog. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, back to the sewing stuff. I am making the absolute easiest thing in the world. A black ponte knit skirt, which uses one pattern piece cut two times. You'd think I'd be done by now. But you'd be wrong. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was going to use my RTW skirt <i>(on its last legs hence this project)</i> to create a pattern, so I'd get lengths and widths correct. Then I went a step further and decided to just modify an actual pattern instead of, I don't know, drawing lines on paper. The problem with drawing lines on paper was I have no idea where any pattern paper is at the moment, so modifying an existing pattern seemed easier. Neither method was going to be particularly hard. It's a tube of fabric with elastic at the top. </div><div><br /></div><div>I used Kwik Sew 3256, which I <a href="https://stitchesandseams.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-new-work-outfit-hotpatterns-1189-and.html" target="_blank">last sewed</a> 7 years and many pounds ago, and which I actually cut instead of tracing. I used the top section of View A. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETBvF1edXeDYUhXNNFbmDPs2riNSGAgGs7i6WfYPjRYtp2dbdtTdbJ4_H_TVlOsBDU35muPDq1AKNyLmqKDLAfdudPcmovwRRvL4Z2EFadrYbAnzvjOo3rCaQC12aa7lyfEz3/s709/112216_KS3256_00.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjETBvF1edXeDYUhXNNFbmDPs2riNSGAgGs7i6WfYPjRYtp2dbdtTdbJ4_H_TVlOsBDU35muPDq1AKNyLmqKDLAfdudPcmovwRRvL4Z2EFadrYbAnzvjOo3rCaQC12aa7lyfEz3/s16000/112216_KS3256_00.png" /></a></div><br /><div>I still have the skirt hanging in my closet so I could <strike>try</strike> squeeze it on and figure out adjustments. I added up adding many inches by just adding copy/printer paper <i>(thank you office!)</i> to the sides and bottom with Post-It tape <i>(LOVE this stuff!)</i>. That way my original pattern can survive unharmed.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EW4AlMR9q5LfnLBOCh1iWFs7ykyUOn5bRrIROkl8DjZlk_6JAQAHpFflx6ulzRiMhT1qdP8UiezTL6pa8bpSutbR9XopBADRL9BqmRju58kbvMFXfKqQcZSc1TXBhcgxSF0b9TgCtY0ITZjla2x9I1Rdju5IRj3Q39uIENgQpMy5XgJt7caI/s679/post_it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="547" data-original-width="679" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EW4AlMR9q5LfnLBOCh1iWFs7ykyUOn5bRrIROkl8DjZlk_6JAQAHpFflx6ulzRiMhT1qdP8UiezTL6pa8bpSutbR9XopBADRL9BqmRju58kbvMFXfKqQcZSc1TXBhcgxSF0b9TgCtY0ITZjla2x9I1Rdju5IRj3Q39uIENgQpMy5XgJt7caI/s320/post_it.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>I should have had the skirt finished yesterday but I was having the weirdest problem with skipped stitches. My trusty main machine has never done this before. I finally changed the needle and was back to sewing. But that put me off for the afternoon so I've still got the side slits to sew around, and black thread on black fabric + over 40 eyes at night <i>(who are we kidding? Over 60!)</i> don't mix. I hope to finish it up tonight or tomorrow.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, if you're interested in someone who is undertaking a much more interesting and challenging project than my stupid-easy black skirt, I encourage you to go visit <a href="https://lasewist.blogspot.com/2023/08/lots-of-sequins-and-fit-mccalls-8406.html" target="_blank">Bunny's blog</a> and follow her as she makes what's going to be a fabulously fancy sparkly wonder! </div><div><br /></div><div>Also since I can't help it, I leave you with another photo of Cyrus. Who is definitely in the running for Most Spoiled Dog in the World. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0VlKxFWFALYDWhgxabheUv2n61Asx5Q9BXaK0tIT-botWdZEV7Ux0GWE7mWGg65biL7m1i_p-DnPQeB8TxHgtAs6dfpO3n2hazpcLlK_mKD_bduirwmywmuSQWlp4yOnj2wI8PjNnSIwucH61FKLR2BboxEnMTWio_DSinZHL9esVYtEkmKx/s1600/cyrus_pink_toy.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0VlKxFWFALYDWhgxabheUv2n61Asx5Q9BXaK0tIT-botWdZEV7Ux0GWE7mWGg65biL7m1i_p-DnPQeB8TxHgtAs6dfpO3n2hazpcLlK_mKD_bduirwmywmuSQWlp4yOnj2wI8PjNnSIwucH61FKLR2BboxEnMTWio_DSinZHL9esVYtEkmKx/s1600/cyrus_pink_toy.png" /></a></div></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-50343324843841425812023-08-21T11:37:00.003-04:002023-08-21T15:26:06.860-04:00Under (Temporary) Maintenance<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzErqWcEsh7Nl74roVq67i4nJ0dp6jw5tuxloubqhgP7btrYdcFv2bWbNM_RWxKqvdxp1EMbaOQ3F8JukH0EtuPGlhmClqFGxUsRK_UIiUmcezyYdXvCcoUJY5EwnmjAGT0b0_ajqw4IWxmQrRpeXIHEclj-euj2YJSyCvjOwE_2_c8TYYCeDR/s1600/maintenance.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzErqWcEsh7Nl74roVq67i4nJ0dp6jw5tuxloubqhgP7btrYdcFv2bWbNM_RWxKqvdxp1EMbaOQ3F8JukH0EtuPGlhmClqFGxUsRK_UIiUmcezyYdXvCcoUJY5EwnmjAGT0b0_ajqw4IWxmQrRpeXIHEclj-euj2YJSyCvjOwE_2_c8TYYCeDR/s1600/maintenance.jpg"/></a></div>
I'm mucking about with my blog. Hopefully this goes well. Stay tuned.Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-85053958755878339222023-08-09T13:38:00.007-04:002023-08-21T13:24:52.258-04:00The End. But Not.<div>Last post I said "This is either the beginning or the end of my saga with the Elizabeth Suzann Clyde Work Pants." Well, I didn't want to leave you hanging, or thinking I had disappeared from the blog again, but it's The End. </div><br>
<div>Of the Clyde Work Pants, that is. And it's not an end with a completed pair of pants to show for it. Although I did end up with quite an impressive pile of ripped out thread. <i>(That's not even half of it.)</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNWRpLecWpBujytTwCbASYkOLLFr64gMZ0d3nkRhuqs8A0RpFprxEId9-agM1XYbc5QaT7TVPHm78iVUvk7eFdghkSQY10uYjAiGhn5Up08OqbHmmbVBg6v5jz2_MDz-AliIUvI-pzpdFxmk4eAgv93SetkvrSHv3Rs_jXqQkS1_XzAd0Sa8l/s1600/ES_ClydeWorkPants_04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdNWRpLecWpBujytTwCbASYkOLLFr64gMZ0d3nkRhuqs8A0RpFprxEId9-agM1XYbc5QaT7TVPHm78iVUvk7eFdghkSQY10uYjAiGhn5Up08OqbHmmbVBg6v5jz2_MDz-AliIUvI-pzpdFxmk4eAgv93SetkvrSHv3Rs_jXqQkS1_XzAd0Sa8l/s1600/ES_ClydeWorkPants_04.png" /></a></div>
Below is where I ended things. I did rip out every seam and all the topstitching and I cut them down by a size or two. And then I sewed them back together, and topstitched again. When I tried on the new version, they fit MUCH better, but I still wasn't loving them. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4KfW5hV7Ln1-k0phWswIFeHc29jDqlJ0pj9FEJYtUAPpsuYI3L_aq5z22KmSsYbXMnLs_IAi0R9luhYOzoQJ7mQDvmMKTZcL7B8UBtukoHjFVlVVy0ge4sv7DECr2t5VDlUC/s0/ES_ClydeWorkPants_03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4KfW5hV7Ln1-k0phWswIFeHc29jDqlJ0pj9FEJYtUAPpsuYI3L_aq5z22KmSsYbXMnLs_IAi0R9luhYOzoQJ7mQDvmMKTZcL7B8UBtukoHjFVlVVy0ge4sv7DECr2t5VDlUC/s0/ES_ClydeWorkPants_03.png" /></a></div>It's those pockets, which span front and back. They are just TOO BIG and feel like TOO MUCH fabric in a weird place when I walk. So, I'm giving up because I know I'll never enjoy wearing them <i>(and I'm not about to do any further ripping/altering to eliminate those monster pockets)</i>. I might go ahead hem the legs and add elastic to the waist so I can donate them, but I'm definitely not keeping them. So, alas, a wadder to welcome me back to sewing. Hands up if you can relate!</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up is probably going to be a really boring black knit skirt for work. Nothing fancy because we are still not dressing up in any way at work <i>(and I'm only in the office 2 days a week)</i>, but my current black knit skirt is fading. Literally. I've worn/laundered the heck out of it and I want/need a new one. I need to check was the fabric stash has to offer.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, please enjoy two more pics of Cyrus. I'll be back soon.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rke3a2tnaDzKC0vDTcMamDMBw29FUHYBeg3kYksO1RiwLZoFYLQ2zy8-bFoVifrYqZt-7OO4T2jvb2LJjdp7PAk5LlVqiqtrb7_JxNiPT5g89GZ_Ini2OcusxPT2SW53g5zN/s0/Cyrus05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Rke3a2tnaDzKC0vDTcMamDMBw29FUHYBeg3kYksO1RiwLZoFYLQ2zy8-bFoVifrYqZt-7OO4T2jvb2LJjdp7PAk5LlVqiqtrb7_JxNiPT5g89GZ_Ini2OcusxPT2SW53g5zN/s0/Cyrus05.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXu4hG3R7CmTn2t2qPuGrKcJvK-yqEkTPJT3087vICxGduy7q8u7-Af37GeoAsbvlM7wn3Dt8QiauF8yalW75ty7-qBOGMv-GqDZagmra4Zf6DRi93e_Ns_W4ZBpGb8dCGGhv/s0/Cyrus06.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXu4hG3R7CmTn2t2qPuGrKcJvK-yqEkTPJT3087vICxGduy7q8u7-Af37GeoAsbvlM7wn3Dt8QiauF8yalW75ty7-qBOGMv-GqDZagmra4Zf6DRi93e_Ns_W4ZBpGb8dCGGhv/s0/Cyrus06.png" /></a></div><p> </p></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-78603522401205140642023-07-26T13:16:00.000-04:002023-07-26T13:16:27.575-04:00Clown Pants (or why one should make a muslin)<div>This is either the beginning or the end of my saga with the <a href="https://elizabethsuzann.com/collections/digital-sewing-patterns/products/clyde-work-pant-digital-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Elizabeth Suzann Clyde Work Pants</a>. Which of those outcomes will be determined by my desire to spend hours with my seam ripper and ability to find something to stream on the ol' tube to keep me occupied while I do so. I note this pattern is now $22. When I bought it, it was free/pay-what-you-can. According to my account on the website, I paid $15. I also think I probably would NOT pay $22. Especially when the very similar <a href="https://www.munaandbroad.com/products/sculthorpe-pants-sewing-pattern-pdf" target="_blank">Muna and Broad Sculthorpe Pants</a> are available for $16.</div><div><br /></div>I bought and assembled this pattern right before my sewjo went on hiatus a couple of years ago. Since it was pretty much begging to be next, I decided to go ahead and give it a whirl. I can definitely use a pair of dog walking pants. They were never slated to become more than very casual, wear mostly at home pants. But I also optimistically thought "Who knows? Maybe they'll be great." And the pattern gods laughed.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqyL7VIrYARSSflslKZV70L37LY7T_oapWttcxqSCZtUlbkxceF6imqHDzBT1kpKwMicbgXLpfAwiVxc0NIAf00b5HgPd3loxdcsjmCXg36xaKg3pcqiJYhL6XD547IVrit5C3an7U2RIXkubVeYUM7pPuh2W18qOyuQ6BgGL6d7L1PmLydIQ/s1600/ES_ClydeWorkPants_00.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="806" data-original-width="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmqyL7VIrYARSSflslKZV70L37LY7T_oapWttcxqSCZtUlbkxceF6imqHDzBT1kpKwMicbgXLpfAwiVxc0NIAf00b5HgPd3loxdcsjmCXg36xaKg3pcqiJYhL6XD547IVrit5C3an7U2RIXkubVeYUM7pPuh2W18qOyuQ6BgGL6d7L1PmLydIQ/s1600/ES_ClydeWorkPants_00.png" /></a></div>Did I try them on as I went? No. In hindsight, since I wasn't making a muslin, I definitely should have basted everything together before committing to all the serging and topstitching. Yeah, even crusty old sewists make rookie mistakes. Hubris, thy name is Debbie. </div><div><br /></div><div>The photos below REALLY do not do justice to just how BIG these are on me. I have a large tummy. I have large thighs. And I have enough room in the pants legs for a small animal. Or even a medium-size one.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvB1FFYiTEmq8dWhyjXN1LFVdqhGFg4iMx8Smf0HE8mgLmrizfq7NH1G4Y89H0cx6QPe2PRDHBHF_ZeXrA9J-iPde7pxWYq3HuO6a5dGeWTjI1bY-wb5cUS05ZLO74K3R51tP9JtZDy04IcR3Bxz406BELiv92fdbsBg-wz3-AW4wxOPuobJf/s1600/ES_ClydeWorkPants_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="519" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvB1FFYiTEmq8dWhyjXN1LFVdqhGFg4iMx8Smf0HE8mgLmrizfq7NH1G4Y89H0cx6QPe2PRDHBHF_ZeXrA9J-iPde7pxWYq3HuO6a5dGeWTjI1bY-wb5cUS05ZLO74K3R51tP9JtZDy04IcR3Bxz406BELiv92fdbsBg-wz3-AW4wxOPuobJf/s1600/ES_ClydeWorkPants_01.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KBLoih2e_rJXEz2gNBEPruHGQyz6SzqZBEa5-FHn2o-vfSCtkA9h4RQi61S8ITH3Vk3Ff6pBfZ8g8vBSjUST0zO-tbNxHpmtXRrpG26RHmD4W9vAODRi9bcXCqZCnJyC21s9JO6-IiJYEW1B_1fYY5EpHsF1eYXW0Y4pz6q2JJkKoNwuoTYA/s1600/ES_ClydeWorkPants_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="507" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KBLoih2e_rJXEz2gNBEPruHGQyz6SzqZBEa5-FHn2o-vfSCtkA9h4RQi61S8ITH3Vk3Ff6pBfZ8g8vBSjUST0zO-tbNxHpmtXRrpG26RHmD4W9vAODRi9bcXCqZCnJyC21s9JO6-IiJYEW1B_1fYY5EpHsF1eYXW0Y4pz6q2JJkKoNwuoTYA/s1600/ES_ClydeWorkPants_02.png" /></a></div><div>I picked my size from the body and finished garment measurement charts and from notes on the retail side of the ES website noting model measurements vs. the size they were wearing. Someone is fibbing. On the bright side, if you thought you were sized out of this pattern by a couple of sizes, you probably aren't. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think they're salvageable. It's just going to be a question of how much patience I have in me for ripping out every serged and topstiched seam. Right now, I feel up to it. Stay tuned.</div><div><br /></div>Other thoughts on this pattern: Assembly of the PDF was easy enough. The instructions are so-so. I mean, they will definitely get the job done and are nicely illustrated, but I don't like the order of assembly. For one example, instead of sewing the crotch seam last from front to back with the legs one inside the other, you sew the crotch seams separately and then the inseams as one long stretch. Pretty sure this is to make topstitching the CF and CB seams easier, but I'd rather do it all in one go. So, it's really just a preference thing on my part and not a slam of the instructions. I also don't think I'm going to be a fan of the method for attaching the waist elastic, but I haven't gotten there yet. </div><div><br /></div><div>But what I really do not like and will slam a bit for is that notches are severely lacking for aligning the pocket pieces and all the leg panels. For the legs, there's one notch at the waist and one notch at the waist. And all the notches are just one single line/snip, so it would be very easy to mix up front and back panels since the panels are all very similar shapes. It would also be very easy to mix up front and back crotch seams for the same reasons. It's not that I need the notches for lining up the pieces, but more for identifying which piece is which. </div><div><br /></div><div>TL;DR: If you do make this pattern, be sure to keep track of and/or label your pattern pieces. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Parting shot:</b> My sewing buddy Cyrus who follows me room to room wherever I go. <i>(Ignore the pile of crap to the right of the cutting table which still needs to be relocated.)</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi36FWhMxgs_WvU90lVwgFbvGjvubbWBGN4LxvN5wuwMxslzN_xmhZWYnl83bVEVE47WuCAcFDtb7N-waXAMznxhb3bwP7A4rbSn1MwE1cQ9QH6piWjBzzQMMQWUjk_WGjYQi6GV1Cj_PxB0WVE9ihjK5phbvkyF2mmNRDnB4HfJ2hidMhX-4T/s1600/Cyrus04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi36FWhMxgs_WvU90lVwgFbvGjvubbWBGN4LxvN5wuwMxslzN_xmhZWYnl83bVEVE47WuCAcFDtb7N-waXAMznxhb3bwP7A4rbSn1MwE1cQ9QH6piWjBzzQMMQWUjk_WGjYQi6GV1Cj_PxB0WVE9ihjK5phbvkyF2mmNRDnB4HfJ2hidMhX-4T/s1600/Cyrus04.png" /></a></div></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-28328252582785954472023-07-18T17:40:00.000-04:002023-07-18T17:40:08.471-04:00Rhapsody On Me and a Sewing Room PreviewHere I am, after work, and with a mirror shot. Proof I am actually still alive. <i>(And chubbier and grayer.) </i>I currently work from home MWF and in the office TT. Today was an office day. We're moving buildings in ~2 weeks so my in-office time for the last month has been mostly spent packing up files into boxes or the shredding bins. It's approximately 400 degrees outside this month <i>(with humidity levels to match)</i> and it doesn't matter how much AC is blowing, my body still knows. Which is to say I was a little drippy today while moving all those files and boxes. Ugh. The new shirt held up well, though it's much more wrinkled after a full day and 2 car rides than what shows in this pic. I also see that part of the back of the top is hung up on my hip. Oh well. This is real life here. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QPzIUGDtFo1drq3CboQ44Cmuup9ytRkmluoXf4dv3uY8W4WZfFWkvypBUrKCd0P_QIqbe12YMbwjiRYkbaEu91R2mDd5WezdF1RfcL6Yj4VJrtTNzAzv0YkLhMBq0Gr45kuoCmA7dTw4rWiIadYepOpPxV42LpPPI9-0p3EWXc1u_sHoTopU/s1600/Rhapsody_07.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QPzIUGDtFo1drq3CboQ44Cmuup9ytRkmluoXf4dv3uY8W4WZfFWkvypBUrKCd0P_QIqbe12YMbwjiRYkbaEu91R2mDd5WezdF1RfcL6Yj4VJrtTNzAzv0YkLhMBq0Gr45kuoCmA7dTw4rWiIadYepOpPxV42LpPPI9-0p3EWXc1u_sHoTopU/s1600/Rhapsody_07.png" /></a></div>
Behind me you can sorta kinda see the table where my sewing machines used to live. Over the weekend, I bought a new table and moved the machines into what will now be my dedicated sewing <i>(and miscellaneous dog stuff and other junk)</i> room. <div><br /></div><div>Below is their new home. Along with the ironing board and cracked iron <i>(see previous post).</i> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fpCqfM03wVaqbRA-fOj8dAwf-DdXmLnESw3Hd6WJs1coTDIcAPeW69RjHmE3WmYtU4lAuKUJf5e7iyY8KoQFYyqzxNDtkvJLsmTn15fhBS_hRDTaLnJZZSepmw5oNkZEmURt8UDkg4p0P7kKGHMuObon3s7uSnJ41g7mE1fmh4C1bRfQryb5/s1600/room_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0fpCqfM03wVaqbRA-fOj8dAwf-DdXmLnESw3Hd6WJs1coTDIcAPeW69RjHmE3WmYtU4lAuKUJf5e7iyY8KoQFYyqzxNDtkvJLsmTn15fhBS_hRDTaLnJZZSepmw5oNkZEmURt8UDkg4p0P7kKGHMuObon3s7uSnJ41g7mE1fmh4C1bRfQryb5/s1600/room_01.png" /></a></div>
My cutting table is on the other side of the room. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iwXR00mLilsbzemhMKmAXjuaUDurugyQUhUVxlQfLxO0F6vvCNxWhiXblJE68WE0u_UaaPmZxc0ioLddlX7NbZb86MLwEhwQ2fVrkuetWY2jQP46U8P8rKtpFAD844NGrLY9I__WGng6xF4S0akqi0WrpmCGqkHE6FrXgPFjCe0HB_179_nI/s1600/room_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4iwXR00mLilsbzemhMKmAXjuaUDurugyQUhUVxlQfLxO0F6vvCNxWhiXblJE68WE0u_UaaPmZxc0ioLddlX7NbZb86MLwEhwQ2fVrkuetWY2jQP46U8P8rKtpFAD844NGrLY9I__WGng6xF4S0akqi0WrpmCGqkHE6FrXgPFjCe0HB_179_nI/s1600/room_02.png" /></a></div>Coming around full circle, there's Zillie and a shelf full of mostly non-sewing stuff. Weird fact — my ex's ashes are in the red urn in the top left cube. I'm not completely sure exactly why he is "living" with me again. The irony cracks me up regularly. If he were in a grave, he might be rolling over in it. I have a very dark sense of humor. Please disregard. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2g2F26drrCZOAFNYXk3NsVp5cGFEgjkmJ3No1BzV6yQpGvWFXltxULxf2R7-cD4Y7yFu12jQArgqd87YCChCp2ty8acXXU2VTTyHLvu7u0MG6TB-Jd9Wq3VdwPJ0sRwNq9nhCfgqgvOmNRrK0F19_CTrRubswBFYdMl3pGIPGb4jPX_kluhW/s1600/room_03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio2g2F26drrCZOAFNYXk3NsVp5cGFEgjkmJ3No1BzV6yQpGvWFXltxULxf2R7-cD4Y7yFu12jQArgqd87YCChCp2ty8acXXU2VTTyHLvu7u0MG6TB-Jd9Wq3VdwPJ0sRwNq9nhCfgqgvOmNRrK0F19_CTrRubswBFYdMl3pGIPGb4jPX_kluhW/s1600/room_03.png" /></a></div>
Back to the cutting table, where you can see there is absolutely nothing on the walls in here yet. And there's a stash of big bags of dog food under the table and dog crates to the right of it. Since Alex moved out almost 2 years ago and Tyler moved in "temporarily" about 9 months ago, I've been using this room as a catch-all. Now that I'm reclaiming it for sewing, I'll need to figure out new homes for a lot of this stuff. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAsu2QiFFFqqsrOwxhKHInP15MpvLeefl4goW4RiCTwid4nqd9LbDCIG023epyKeD5n933Am-0gwyVGjSg6lLS2qTYNbEvWHvuT20nhX64NW9PkYWrd5teoKcJib__K0si3sz_7A6W_E9Y3z1zdQmLkaDcZiKyj_J5jmLFZvfwwsrpJEpclPM/s1600/room_04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="525" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAsu2QiFFFqqsrOwxhKHInP15MpvLeefl4goW4RiCTwid4nqd9LbDCIG023epyKeD5n933Am-0gwyVGjSg6lLS2qTYNbEvWHvuT20nhX64NW9PkYWrd5teoKcJib__K0si3sz_7A6W_E9Y3z1zdQmLkaDcZiKyj_J5jmLFZvfwwsrpJEpclPM/s1600/room_04.png" /></a></div>
That's the tour at the moment. It's definitely a work in progress. But I think the sewjo is back and I'm excited to get things going in here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, a note about comments. I can't reply to them on my computer, only on my phone, and I haven't figured out why yet. Blogger has changed some things in the last couple of years and it's making me a little nuts. Since I'm not a big fan of "typing" on my phone, until I figure out what's going on I probably won't be replying individually until I get it fixed. And since my HTML skills are rusty and my patience for troubleshooting is low, it's going to take some time. But I am reading and very much appreciating that you're still out there, helping me knock down the cobwebs off this thing, and saying hi! </div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-47978284396420398072023-07-15T23:13:00.010-04:002023-07-16T10:09:32.250-04:00Just like riding a bike (or I sewed a Love Notions Rhapsody Blouse)I actually cut out and finished a new top in a week. Yay me! I can't tell you the last time that happened. But before I get into the nitty gritty, let me tell you what NOT to do when you return to sewing after an extended absence.<div><div><br /></div><div>1. Don't choose predominately black fabric, especially if using black thread. And really especially if you're over 40 and sewing sometimes at night.<div><br /></div>
<div>2. Don't think you can outsmart shifty fabric when attempting to make/apply double-fold bias binding without reacquainting yourself with the process and the tools. Yes, I used spray sizing to stiffen it up. Yes, it was better. Yes, I still managed to bungle it in places. Thank heaven for Wonder Tape and glue sticks, and the <a href="http://emsewandsew.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-galloping-horse-method.html" target="_blank">Galloping Horse Rule</a>. </div><div><br /></div>
<div>3. Don't try to move your ironing board with a hot iron standing up on it, or you'll end up with the iron wobbling and then crashing to floor with a horrible BANG! and multiple cracks and chips in the outer pieces. So far, it seems to still work OK but as soon as I saw the chips and cracks, I RAN to my computer/Amazon and ordered a new one, which arrived yesterday. I like this iron a lot so I'd rather have one waiting on stand-by instead of wishing I did. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3TdDIwzFNj343aNzV3g6Mj6aw0KZfc0sMARz3xoePqw01j3NVvWmkbaCu4vbqTrTPx60ctG4lLEJ1c7iGo6gVOq--WY2dLJZxEcXWo1IHoourc_0oLErgMdeY_kGhBZYundyKZ54ymyXQkkDQeUPTRuFPVwqRgQTF-FCXTXmgqYQUaG02AV2/s1600/Rhapsody_06.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia3TdDIwzFNj343aNzV3g6Mj6aw0KZfc0sMARz3xoePqw01j3NVvWmkbaCu4vbqTrTPx60ctG4lLEJ1c7iGo6gVOq--WY2dLJZxEcXWo1IHoourc_0oLErgMdeY_kGhBZYundyKZ54ymyXQkkDQeUPTRuFPVwqRgQTF-FCXTXmgqYQUaG02AV2/s1600/Rhapsody_06.png" /></a></div>
So, with that fun stuff out of the way, let's jump into it. </div><div><br /></div><div>I bought, downloaded, and printed <a href="https://www.lovenotions.com/product/rhapsody" target="_blank">this pattern</a> at the office long before we even heard of a pandemic. <i>(Remember those days?)</i> And it sat. During that time, Love Notions updated their sizing and I downloaded and printed the update. And still it sat. Until my sewjo finally came back this month, after being AWOL for years. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovC6ONfMNrdyqoT5LIA09OV33ja7fBDyaO_4IATaTiwaAHOtj6_dNR9rHovdv4zkiXlWQGBQBBH3ZyVhTcev8mZ6D9di2RLEH016bL3rwbJ9876aA2kROrbE_nSrqmOQAM7TDu5E20I8MSjxJyUFYeUbz2UgdCdLu_oYgN4elfpC8qwhngeWg/s1600/Rhapsody_00.PNG" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhovC6ONfMNrdyqoT5LIA09OV33ja7fBDyaO_4IATaTiwaAHOtj6_dNR9rHovdv4zkiXlWQGBQBBH3ZyVhTcev8mZ6D9di2RLEH016bL3rwbJ9876aA2kROrbE_nSrqmOQAM7TDu5E20I8MSjxJyUFYeUbz2UgdCdLu_oYgN4elfpC8qwhngeWg/s1600/Rhapsody_00.PNG" /></a></div>
What also sat, and this is embarrassing to admit, was this fabric — on my dryer for years. Yes, at least 2 years. Right on top of my dryer. Somehow I thought that by seeing it on a regular basis, I would force myself to use it. Every time I saw it, I did think about sewing and my heart would flutter a little bit, but I just couldn't get myself to actually start anything. Until last week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Here's the finished top, and like everyone else who's made it, I really like it. I still need to toss it into the laundry before I can wear it to remove all the Wonder Tape and glue left over from struggling with the bias binding. The fabric is a really nice crepe rayon from <a href="https://www.blackbirdfabrics.com/en-us" target="_blank">Blackbird Fabrics</a>.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDInbWnWHYHRCtwaZeGrK3qKDjIyh2_q00mV4Gn2xvJfMZOZ_rARAoBwcR4ekvpaQT09TYMkIWccLteQmrT_jz1n1sv24T1DB_d7zJhNUAKQ74xnFvN7iyU0FJjesfUkoXGXZ5pAQmqh1I3U5rmzDipFCtgobt6LdWJiX4Kobq2OjdAZqn6rW/s1600/Rhapsody_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicDInbWnWHYHRCtwaZeGrK3qKDjIyh2_q00mV4Gn2xvJfMZOZ_rARAoBwcR4ekvpaQT09TYMkIWccLteQmrT_jz1n1sv24T1DB_d7zJhNUAKQ74xnFvN7iyU0FJjesfUkoXGXZ5pAQmqh1I3U5rmzDipFCtgobt6LdWJiX4Kobq2OjdAZqn6rW/s1600/Rhapsody_01.png" /></a></div>
Rear view, where you can hopefully see I converted the back pleat to gathers. I just don't think an inverted back pleat is flattering to my backside. The gathers distribute the fabric better over my terrain in my opinion. Plus, it matches the gathers at the front extended yoke/shoulder seams.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomYEMpvj7kwVnTVopQdqk7HIgnda9sz1557M-tIwgbgAb8rixduXLUyA3CbL44KnMbXdjaoFRRqpXW0d3B9d1ODgAx_ifSTIBcgHLfeLPtwGg91yvUaklzpSIOifBHkp6ZNZ6IymZL8Kpgyj1WXQJI_Y_tFcnL3ApFMWUpF3RkBgthYtfMZ_B/s1600/Rhapsody_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhomYEMpvj7kwVnTVopQdqk7HIgnda9sz1557M-tIwgbgAb8rixduXLUyA3CbL44KnMbXdjaoFRRqpXW0d3B9d1ODgAx_ifSTIBcgHLfeLPtwGg91yvUaklzpSIOifBHkp6ZNZ6IymZL8Kpgyj1WXQJI_Y_tFcnL3ApFMWUpF3RkBgthYtfMZ_B/s1600/Rhapsody_02.png" /></a></div>
Voila! Some of my wobbly binding stitching. Absolutely NO ONE is going to be inspecting my stitch distances, so I called it Good Enough. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-Yf7PVXci5CxdSXX0i0ZjMsmssOKBa1K5TxvJnWRfu-j28-641qBxGkZ3zZdCxe7Cxkdi3Z3VBLjWUP9WorTwTRxbQ_hezhcFC_bifhgFw4xtRR-l-WAeJadlM-NjQMyOYXb0ciVT3-C_HZUD4-DskIMCJNOlW0as-5VjAiw8qk9exjjEZ86/s1600/Rhapsody_03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-Yf7PVXci5CxdSXX0i0ZjMsmssOKBa1K5TxvJnWRfu-j28-641qBxGkZ3zZdCxe7Cxkdi3Z3VBLjWUP9WorTwTRxbQ_hezhcFC_bifhgFw4xtRR-l-WAeJadlM-NjQMyOYXb0ciVT3-C_HZUD4-DskIMCJNOlW0as-5VjAiw8qk9exjjEZ86/s1600/Rhapsody_03.png" /></a></div>
Another thing I changed/added, was edgestitching along the front "shoulder" seam and …<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7hHUurOr5FzY2FEj3X-_JgxMnR3NmPiThZuEUhaypVU5CiONIrJWEYD9CT5EdmcZz-qlZydeOexrr8Q95BnxB3-L4KU6JzxB5on0U9OfJNpX_xJX6-2lYn8_vfCxDg8AbZZb079T8ypKBbqdYoM70TROCcdXQMo-D4nnKuZE74AUme9qkIaE/s1600/Rhapsody_04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7hHUurOr5FzY2FEj3X-_JgxMnR3NmPiThZuEUhaypVU5CiONIrJWEYD9CT5EdmcZz-qlZydeOexrr8Q95BnxB3-L4KU6JzxB5on0U9OfJNpX_xJX6-2lYn8_vfCxDg8AbZZb079T8ypKBbqdYoM70TROCcdXQMo-D4nnKuZE74AUme9qkIaE/s1600/Rhapsody_04.png" /></a></div>
… along the back yoke seam. I think this just gives a more finished look and also holds down seam allowances underneath. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Tkqr6J_mC87ylPTRbkGKm46eSOMzZZzbZjt4-Rnpv4HVb1OvUZCh5MrNkB0pk61hcXl7l1icmbbh8dBRSGCzcUh60cgXNCQ1abth7T5fs70yrIUgaHoyqGKBM-bSeF8M12YZv8s1Q6NWBzMvjdg7a2exXtEyrQCQEHf3Gzr-R_Dr3mXfPrUP/s1600/Rhapsody_05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Tkqr6J_mC87ylPTRbkGKm46eSOMzZZzbZjt4-Rnpv4HVb1OvUZCh5MrNkB0pk61hcXl7l1icmbbh8dBRSGCzcUh60cgXNCQ1abth7T5fs70yrIUgaHoyqGKBM-bSeF8M12YZv8s1Q6NWBzMvjdg7a2exXtEyrQCQEHf3Gzr-R_Dr3mXfPrUP/s1600/Rhapsody_05.png" /></a></div>
I think the pattern is pretty good. I <b><i>love, love</i></b> that Love Notions' patterns are No Trim. You just print, lay out the pages, and tape or glue. So easy. So fast. </div><div><br /></div><div>The sizing seems to be accurate to my measurements. I used the full bust front piece and sized from 2X at the neck/chest/armholes gradually to 4x for my Pandemic hips. <i>(How long can I blame the Pandemic for my butt?)</i> The only other adjustment I did was to make a square shoulder adjustment at the front yoke and armholes. Oh, I also used the cap sleeve option but added an inch to its length but that was a preference thing, not a fit thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>The instructions were good, but I changed the order/method of some things to my preference. Specifically, I did the binding before adding the sleeves and closing up the sideseams. And gritted my teeth the entire time. I did NOT use French seams and instead just serged the insides. <i>(Let's not push this return to sewing thing too far.) </i>And I already mentioned the added edgestitching.</div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't knotted the tie ends yet. I need to decide if I like them this length or want them shorter. I didn't really pay attention to that when I tried on the final top and then just didn't want to strip down again. </div><div><br /></div><div>I bought a new table for my machines today and I have one more piece of fabric that has also been sitting on my dryer …</div><div><br /></div><div>* * * * *</div><div><br /></div><div>Thank you to everyone who's still been checking this space and for leaving a comment last week. I'm really hoping to become a more regular blogger again. Lots of <i>(mostly boring) </i>stuff has happened in the last couple of years. I'm sure I'll be throwing in tidbits of all of that at some point. </div></div></div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-38192602299207461652023-07-09T18:01:00.001-04:002023-07-10T10:35:45.012-04:00I MightI <b>might</b> be cutting out a pattern <i>(after a >2-year hiatus)</i>.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOjRmUjTjQqBjbaP91z3oCNx1ShkOHJwBqtZuLTUo5shWTXV_W7vIxaFTl8Q4LV4_1Lic1bIcHOXLGNrzr5Y5BovCPPawUl_u1ThHfqg5xWzZokXdU_V6GbFVFf9y7vfoQb9Qmz_v3mGykXM29NvYVHWUDYqZ-oNgGZI9saJOELr1SQfJzdM_/s1600/Cutting01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOjRmUjTjQqBjbaP91z3oCNx1ShkOHJwBqtZuLTUo5shWTXV_W7vIxaFTl8Q4LV4_1Lic1bIcHOXLGNrzr5Y5BovCPPawUl_u1ThHfqg5xWzZokXdU_V6GbFVFf9y7vfoQb9Qmz_v3mGykXM29NvYVHWUDYqZ-oNgGZI9saJOELr1SQfJzdM_/s1600/Cutting01.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I <b>might</b> have a separate cutting room, now that Alex has moved out, and maybe even a sewing room if I move my machines into it and straighten up the mess.
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnuIfRffPzNmE_RYgfdZanI1ZtmNs5SgFK3fGAMeZvZxfcCRs0jiBb_PbpsrP3XYVibh-mYDW2wAjBbD1PzdXqpL4rjcd0red9gLoaavIS9eRvC8Mki3egZNVMf9Zpp2YHCowbFwo3nFDw_kY7y7bchP7SZmFRGjMEYGijQT-hlMZpwcFeyb0/s1600/Cutting02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBnuIfRffPzNmE_RYgfdZanI1ZtmNs5SgFK3fGAMeZvZxfcCRs0jiBb_PbpsrP3XYVibh-mYDW2wAjBbD1PzdXqpL4rjcd0red9gLoaavIS9eRvC8Mki3egZNVMf9Zpp2YHCowbFwo3nFDw_kY7y7bchP7SZmFRGjMEYGijQT-hlMZpwcFeyb0/s1600/Cutting02.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I <b>might</b> have a new dog <i>(meet Cyrus)</i>, after Alex "stole" my other three when he moved out.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HmEo3947CiEchnXiqyqow1Aj1sfyTgwlClXITaC9JFtgLBnUWR3YBgUuUDO8I90Sg3F0SFsVTlglFpcYxn5SXZ1745pwvR721t3ERq8459hG0SivQpzltVBqhWbCz0ymbCoj8-ezLslBF7f2Vsin8mXX68sSkGdhQGXgZkG-mnKSqWv2wS6K/s1600/Cyrus01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HmEo3947CiEchnXiqyqow1Aj1sfyTgwlClXITaC9JFtgLBnUWR3YBgUuUDO8I90Sg3F0SFsVTlglFpcYxn5SXZ1745pwvR721t3ERq8459hG0SivQpzltVBqhWbCz0ymbCoj8-ezLslBF7f2Vsin8mXX68sSkGdhQGXgZkG-mnKSqWv2wS6K/s1600/Cyrus01.png" /></a></div>
I <b>might</b> have another "roommate" after Tyler moved in "for a while." <i>(I'll still get a cutting/sewing room since Alex had 2 rooms and I'm only sacrificing 1 for Tyler. Ha.) </i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6bM0BKKRqvH_tImxMykB8OLBSoCq7wq6JB8x5SFl6GFemnlwfcbh4-YEV7p5ELsO7qGGCtQLOeHHDQzX4kfdoxn2LNzlyLyWM-3E9UqQ0co0JYUihP76GosjRilEX39TQgCiFM0JSK43SFfUKevfFWrAq49XFK-ww57cEGU3hkGYb9D6D2Y_/s1600/Cyrus02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK6bM0BKKRqvH_tImxMykB8OLBSoCq7wq6JB8x5SFl6GFemnlwfcbh4-YEV7p5ELsO7qGGCtQLOeHHDQzX4kfdoxn2LNzlyLyWM-3E9UqQ0co0JYUihP76GosjRilEX39TQgCiFM0JSK43SFfUKevfFWrAq49XFK-ww57cEGU3hkGYb9D6D2Y_/s1600/Cyrus02.png" /></a></div>
I <b>might</b> actually sew and blog again this year. Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-2933096846692499322021-04-10T14:01:00.001-04:002021-04-10T14:59:16.625-04:00Ready Thread GoWhen I first moved into this house <i>(almost 2 years ago now!)</i>, I unpacked my sewing supplies and called it done. But I really didn't organize a lot of it to my liking. Since I haven't been sewing regularly for a while, I just grimace through it when I do dust off the machines. But my thread was irritating me just a bit too much and I realized it's been a mental roadblock keeping me from sewing more. So I decided that today was the day I would finally tackle it instead of forever searching the rows for the right color, or more likely, just ignoring sewing altogether. <div><br /></div><div>It only took a couple of hours and it's not like I haven't been inside this house most of the last year with time on my hands, so I don't know why the procrastination, but I'm guessing we've all accumulated a lot of those feelings lately so I'm not going to offer any specific excuse except to say, oh well. </div><div><br /></div><div>I meant to take a pic before I started pulling spools off, but whoops. I did remember after pulling off the whites and browns. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDq7ikddcSblxdA_CTpkFIXvsBzIAkuYl2PnjpIUkWXmzqH1Yvf_21upk7qG12TdHMzsfRBW5WH_Uy8NMbPof6XAwhtn4EYkIpakoltHnhqUolRBie6W4mzJwbCVausH0g-ap/s0/thread02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEDq7ikddcSblxdA_CTpkFIXvsBzIAkuYl2PnjpIUkWXmzqH1Yvf_21upk7qG12TdHMzsfRBW5WH_Uy8NMbPof6XAwhtn4EYkIpakoltHnhqUolRBie6W4mzJwbCVausH0g-ap/s0/thread02.png" /></a></div>
And here are the racks completely empty. Same as when I was in my rental house, I hung the racks using Command Velcro strips. I love those for this. First, no doors are harmed, and second <i>(and almost as important)</i>, no measuring is needed to get everything lined up. I've found that using the Command strips on some painted walls hasn't turned out as well, but a wall is a lot easier to fix than a hole in a door. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97xEevT38oIYvUh2Wcc6NFBmI56opSGL-rstQRvpEiLygVkWS-fj7MiK6xaOzOISx-fe3X9cWhjW0FDOy0NgodMn_zt_UohAh8KKp-L2JgYEoovWKqi8z3sv5Gmggerdqhmm0/s0/thread01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97xEevT38oIYvUh2Wcc6NFBmI56opSGL-rstQRvpEiLygVkWS-fj7MiK6xaOzOISx-fe3X9cWhjW0FDOy0NgodMn_zt_UohAh8KKp-L2JgYEoovWKqi8z3sv5Gmggerdqhmm0/s0/thread01.png" /></a></div>
I pulled off all the spools and arranged them in groups of colors on a blanket pulled across my bed <i>(which is about 5 steps from the door)</i>. Also, see my treadle makeup table? I really don't have room for it anywhere else but I also don't want to get rid of it. Makeup table it is. Although what IS makeup anymore?</div><div><br /></div><div>And then I stared at the piles for a while, trying to decide how I wanted them to run into each other. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-R_8dZvlwWaTGy0Tlb1_d1D6j3TUUf81frOoLm_GrSvksf-AOlLvfg3y3TI57EmNUCo0LX5u0Y7lW31JMie1J1lggtlpTY4-v73z_DFRcz9esBVpxCYcnu1jdws99Gphyphenhyphennl4/s0/thread03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-R_8dZvlwWaTGy0Tlb1_d1D6j3TUUf81frOoLm_GrSvksf-AOlLvfg3y3TI57EmNUCo0LX5u0Y7lW31JMie1J1lggtlpTY4-v73z_DFRcz9esBVpxCYcnu1jdws99Gphyphenhyphennl4/s0/thread03.png" /></a></div>
In the end, I went with whites/beiges at the top, going into grays and then blues, greens, black, yellows, pinks, reds, oranges. I ended up with empty rows for expansion and weird stuff on the bottom row like nylon thread, fusible thread, etc. Because of my coverstitch machine, I tend to buy multiples of the same colors. For many of those, I use straws over the pegs so I can stack spools. For basics, like blacks, whites, grays, and browns, I keep them single so I have room to expand within a color range using the straws if needed but without having to move the entire collection of spools up or down. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwijqjOrL4nOZiV9VcckkaIUVk6vEz_uFKO2Cz-b86snbMY1vT-aFP33Htl6N3hL1nIkYaM6tC-d3RGXU7jcbMeZ7w5OBrFBkPwtM4g_KzyFu6cnU-c_pHA6TTtq_BdAg_MBX/s0/thread04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwijqjOrL4nOZiV9VcckkaIUVk6vEz_uFKO2Cz-b86snbMY1vT-aFP33Htl6N3hL1nIkYaM6tC-d3RGXU7jcbMeZ7w5OBrFBkPwtM4g_KzyFu6cnU-c_pHA6TTtq_BdAg_MBX/s0/thread04.png" /></a></div>And since we're on thread, serger cones are kept in 2 drawers of an IKEA unit under my machine table. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKs2n1VDNIY9q84PFQ-ltEteCCvbFCRbgFQ38XOLJ0tWG7i9O7a1mlpy5qIZo67Z6RBn8be5PebPYrpqtA9ETJooaxiXkVnxcUk09mxUKJFY2OWtwTGxEnfQKYaESHYgT4MSs/s0/thread05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKs2n1VDNIY9q84PFQ-ltEteCCvbFCRbgFQ38XOLJ0tWG7i9O7a1mlpy5qIZo67Z6RBn8be5PebPYrpqtA9ETJooaxiXkVnxcUk09mxUKJFY2OWtwTGxEnfQKYaESHYgT4MSs/s0/thread05.png" /></a></div>
And bobbins in Bobbin Savers behind my sewing machine. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisp7_5S4FTNcracXCqhWyPZDMwqE6t_1koGNRjzsp-fK2vhL0785e6ZAofcRtbahpjrUGPqcXTW8zAIVmTyRFCJipapLFDfpwIaMBAmSBv-9_sJsXSH8Fba2nohAKP2FnElh5q/s0/thread06.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisp7_5S4FTNcracXCqhWyPZDMwqE6t_1koGNRjzsp-fK2vhL0785e6ZAofcRtbahpjrUGPqcXTW8zAIVmTyRFCJipapLFDfpwIaMBAmSBv-9_sJsXSH8Fba2nohAKP2FnElh5q/s0/thread06.png" /></a></div><p> </p></div>
And that's probably more than you wanted to know about my thread. <div><br /></div><div>I have a pattern printed and taped together, but I don't think I have fabric in the house that is suitable. So, another small project today will be getting into some fabric bins in the garage. I actually got rid of a lot of fabric when I moved so I'm not even sure what's out there, but I really, really do NOT want to turn looking in those bins into another organization project. I think I'll take my phone out there and just take some general pics so I have some record of what's there and call it done. </div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-40790576056743994862021-03-23T21:49:00.003-04:002021-03-23T21:53:21.687-04:00In Quick Succession, Another Niagara<p>I trust most of you have recovered from the shock of seeing a post from me. </p><p>Seriously, thank you for all of your kind comments. While I sincerely appreciate them all, Janet's comment of "While you were gone, I stopped by for 'advice' a couple of times" cracked me up for a good few minutes. And Bonnie@<a href="http://sewplus.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">SewPlus</a>, how did I not know about your blog before this week? I spent HOURS reading through it, wanting to make everything you've made, watching your daughter grow up <i>(and you grow DOWN!)</i> — and reliving a hurricane or two. I think we're almost neighbors, right? And Carolyn, I'm out of "retirement." This one's for you. :-) </p><p>So, while the pattern was still on the cutting table, I quickly cut out another <a href="https://patternniche.com/product/niagara-top-dress/" target="_blank">Niagara</a> and sewed it up over a couple of days/nights. I made a couple of construction changes on this version, but that's it. </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7epJL0kODanEnxS6ApEUy8R7L46R9m8BSRP0D4xJmdH3J8hesyV1PvlO5a0PRu15LvXNdQi6-CMKCm9YeyI8UfMPducEeTHJFI5OyjXZHI-N3fxkxkwQ5B4DEBaoacFagCCXv/s0/Niagara_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7epJL0kODanEnxS6ApEUy8R7L46R9m8BSRP0D4xJmdH3J8hesyV1PvlO5a0PRu15LvXNdQi6-CMKCm9YeyI8UfMPducEeTHJFI5OyjXZHI-N3fxkxkwQ5B4DEBaoacFagCCXv/s0/Niagara_01.png" /></a></div>
Instead of front/back facings for the upper bodice, I made it single layer and bound the neckline opening. We're quickly heading into hot temps here in Florida and keeping the polyester layers to a minimum should be cooler. <i>(Who am I kidding? There's no such thing as "cooler" in Florida summer.) </i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAMwqAizR2CrFkGHw6b3snM10Zks41DKF_SQ_7Ug7R2XCtFaRE29Hiu6XBNrZxcos4yCPblM3wvtHxGDMRHbL2cUIC83PwtSgxm03a3WdFfGIkj5PSIlq6eaw1NwDp0jmC8-K/s0/Niagara_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="709" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHAMwqAizR2CrFkGHw6b3snM10Zks41DKF_SQ_7Ug7R2XCtFaRE29Hiu6XBNrZxcos4yCPblM3wvtHxGDMRHbL2cUIC83PwtSgxm03a3WdFfGIkj5PSIlq6eaw1NwDp0jmC8-K/s0/Niagara_02.png" /></a></div>
This is an ITY knit from Fabric Mart a couple of years ago. It's much brighter than it shows in the two pics above. More like the right side of the pic below. Unless you're new here, I'm sure you know how I love bright colors.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFDKv829VVvd8dQfGM-6nBJs6KROaHHIy3mUz3fmPC87-rjyu1V55yCyU8JSS-oO2FKVsjbUYxeCKIY2va6YRsYxM9dgAwQpZSJrCX2IqqFo5J3YcFu3MvGOBOZwfjAFLOBIl/s0/Niagara_03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFDKv829VVvd8dQfGM-6nBJs6KROaHHIy3mUz3fmPC87-rjyu1V55yCyU8JSS-oO2FKVsjbUYxeCKIY2va6YRsYxM9dgAwQpZSJrCX2IqqFo5J3YcFu3MvGOBOZwfjAFLOBIl/s0/Niagara_03.png" /></a></div>
No pretty enclosed seams this time, but I'm OK with that. It's faster, lighter, and uses less fabric.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7SI4CestGzsMilfzLTBlfUPUtqsBRBp6E9UZryXzoojOF42oRM-CbLI0g17qUGXHEp9FNGZI_XGW0i0poLFzq2u-VjwMeKDTcd8qiSbPKYBDJ8vsPxO1wHLUlbfrSvdgqTOc/s0/Niagara_04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA7SI4CestGzsMilfzLTBlfUPUtqsBRBp6E9UZryXzoojOF42oRM-CbLI0g17qUGXHEp9FNGZI_XGW0i0poLFzq2u-VjwMeKDTcd8qiSbPKYBDJ8vsPxO1wHLUlbfrSvdgqTOc/s0/Niagara_04.png" /></a></div>
And here I am, with my Old Navy joggers. Not sure if I'll ever be able to wear office shoes again. Also, see that OTT light in the background on the left? I found out that if I have it and my iron on at the same time, I'm blowing a fuse/circuit breaker. Every time. So, the light will be on its way out. I've got an LED bulb in my coverstitch machine which is plenty bright, even for my old eyes, plus another regular lamp over my sewing machine/serger so I'm really not going to miss the OTT. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5qBTuNcCDyJwlJg_SXf0QYQ7jrzvGJvV8SMmidQB5fO7fMnuG7NMbhE9iDzJclsP3msSy3g14zO7FhCmh8rYjuXZxeVN8ApkJskpoyBw5oTa6U9bWfBbi2GOdIGkehVoFUvY/s0/Niagara_05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1162" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_5qBTuNcCDyJwlJg_SXf0QYQ7jrzvGJvV8SMmidQB5fO7fMnuG7NMbhE9iDzJclsP3msSy3g14zO7FhCmh8rYjuXZxeVN8ApkJskpoyBw5oTa6U9bWfBbi2GOdIGkehVoFUvY/s0/Niagara_05.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">* * * * * </div>
Now to catch up a little on some non-sewing, mundane life news. First is my car, below. Alex was driving it to pick up some dinner and got sideswiped. <i>(Minor accident; he's fine, but boy was I hungry by the time he finally got home.)</i> I took it into the local dealer <i>(not where I originally bought it)</i> for body work and a couple of service issues. They had it for three and a half weeks and I finally got it back last night. Except they missed a couple of things so it's going to need to go back. Ugh. They promised me a free rental this time, but truthfully, I hardly missed it those three weeks. Thanks Covid. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoyQgNtQ99c5dM5ZM-hnfLHem7cMCkUOiJlQfOj2FKTJ-J709Cf_nM8fPC2GJqxF78MVcl-VcYgNl-dwI5m6qQkk-lHfUCedxHqaGx-cOtLzrqDra5pRzfpV7a8xmQ-iPPs6f/s0/car_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNoyQgNtQ99c5dM5ZM-hnfLHem7cMCkUOiJlQfOj2FKTJ-J709Cf_nM8fPC2GJqxF78MVcl-VcYgNl-dwI5m6qQkk-lHfUCedxHqaGx-cOtLzrqDra5pRzfpV7a8xmQ-iPPs6f/s0/car_01.png" /></a></div>
See this reflector where the arrow is pointing to below? That's one of the things they missed. Or two, actually, since there's one on the other side too. There's also an area where the bumper meets the tail light that needs to be re-aligned better. And I asked them to replace the wiper blades and they missed the one on the back. I'm not overly thrilled with this place. The pic below is from when my new fridge was being delivered last year. I got it right before the lockdowns and before all appliances were selling out. Thankfully dodged that bullet since the new fridge was a need, not a want. OK, it was a want too, just earlier than expected.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoaWhEDHmEhQyjsT-Gdma4LSMdo6jeEKbHqpB-ofSZun2R7juHptXQXMYgTmLdlagYvMRTk1shOQnStjZyKGV6NqEtv_u3MBnw5xald1xE0Npelgk81lE7kXyshygIatkZngq/s0/car_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoaWhEDHmEhQyjsT-Gdma4LSMdo6jeEKbHqpB-ofSZun2R7juHptXQXMYgTmLdlagYvMRTk1shOQnStjZyKGV6NqEtv_u3MBnw5xald1xE0Npelgk81lE7kXyshygIatkZngq/s0/car_02.png" /></a></div>House update: Shortly after moving here, we had a garage built in the back yard. It's really more workshop than garage, and it's really nice to have all the extra space for junk and projects. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1MeL6P_ju16gAAMDgwaU0HXB9_Rq_GsjMI55mhLk4E83lTzOMxSHj6ig-yoEPHivUTRjnwh0SnFZjRI4Wm4-tBmMNODLmEJYqFKZ3ijUfL6RIWyxo6iIS8VQV9-xD2x5Tiwx/s0/Garage_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1MeL6P_ju16gAAMDgwaU0HXB9_Rq_GsjMI55mhLk4E83lTzOMxSHj6ig-yoEPHivUTRjnwh0SnFZjRI4Wm4-tBmMNODLmEJYqFKZ3ijUfL6RIWyxo6iIS8VQV9-xD2x5Tiwx/s0/Garage_01.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28DJCKg0Zs-pXHJ4xdnfcpJDFzXsGKZYs2vuImcCBsQN0SzXO4MV2mAUAKDwigcxJ357Vt49iG_DX-wrBaA59wA0D-w95Ynnu-a1tD7QUCYZZPzc1W3ybC4efTaicTcagoODC/s0/Garage_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi28DJCKg0Zs-pXHJ4xdnfcpJDFzXsGKZYs2vuImcCBsQN0SzXO4MV2mAUAKDwigcxJ357Vt49iG_DX-wrBaA59wA0D-w95Ynnu-a1tD7QUCYZZPzc1W3ybC4efTaicTcagoODC/s0/Garage_02.png" /></a></div>
Alex update: We're still sharing this house, but over the past five or so years, he's been building a real estate "portfolio" of rentals. In December, after selling one that he had rented out for about three years, Alex bought two more fixer-uppers in New Port Richey, which is about 45 minutes north of Tampa. That makes five houses he now owns. <div><br /></div><div>We've been spending many weekends updating floors, kitchens, paint in Alex's latest additions. Below, is the tile that was in place throughout one of the houses, but it was coming up in places, cracked in others, and not very stable.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Vy1AnrCqqqQ-L6ByfBlS6Tm94XgD7u7csoXRGdJveW_p1ZLn3Q1EVjIAsyb6n66yxD5UlmWke9LjB7LDyBmRdeUYmVfZX_BFuoB8ywmCxU7H9GxqyOIORVIJGQ3iMl5w_4M/s0/seashore_01.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="364" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6Vy1AnrCqqqQ-L6ByfBlS6Tm94XgD7u7csoXRGdJveW_p1ZLn3Q1EVjIAsyb6n66yxD5UlmWke9LjB7LDyBmRdeUYmVfZX_BFuoB8ywmCxU7H9GxqyOIORVIJGQ3iMl5w_4M/s0/seashore_01.png" /></a></div>
Alex jackhammered it all up and is replacing it with vinyl plank <i>(below)</i>. After both "new" houses are rented, the plan is to put similar flooring in our house. I don't know if my old knees can take that.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dKENvVeYaNa4af4Wf8pOmbLGNummyD9BYlqXkch5vfmf4RVz8pFk7-y5tXTklZjJhxT3l80CcnrxeTF0kKe5wQY8W_O8WfJLWskXDdAju4R4OrEQC3fc19KMzno-NUzchARh/s0/seashore_02.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dKENvVeYaNa4af4Wf8pOmbLGNummyD9BYlqXkch5vfmf4RVz8pFk7-y5tXTklZjJhxT3l80CcnrxeTF0kKe5wQY8W_O8WfJLWskXDdAju4R4OrEQC3fc19KMzno-NUzchARh/s0/seashore_02.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVavI4Sp2g7x83oh9MgiK0dePK_dHbW45S7vCjsG7Mgxoi12OunIYc6tgn6V6stQYLXNwkUqYIHkamCGnRfOmWH1KS-zYANs4cAnZ8NkEx9IXxCl2Qfu301WgJblzAOOGOFRw/s0/seashore_03.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXVavI4Sp2g7x83oh9MgiK0dePK_dHbW45S7vCjsG7Mgxoi12OunIYc6tgn6V6stQYLXNwkUqYIHkamCGnRfOmWH1KS-zYANs4cAnZ8NkEx9IXxCl2Qfu301WgJblzAOOGOFRw/s0/seashore_03.png" /></a></div>
To save my knees, I've been mudding the drywall of a wall and closet we added to what was a second living room, to enclose it for an additional bedroom. The light "fixture" you see is really a new ceiling fan, just with the blades removed. The closet area used to be a pass through to the kitchen. We also added french doors to the left of this view, but I didn't get a pic.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vgqNH0C9wm7auIKztZEKirdvo7VLVUB9r4v2foUOpNHtqkCQwwljhH49wdztemlPgYNOIF_Wp2ueIUdCb4WLhmERyRsucGaI_vYmNDVIv1s8QVrlgkn1qStD3hGohaoFUB8I/s0/seashore_04.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3vgqNH0C9wm7auIKztZEKirdvo7VLVUB9r4v2foUOpNHtqkCQwwljhH49wdztemlPgYNOIF_Wp2ueIUdCb4WLhmERyRsucGaI_vYmNDVIv1s8QVrlgkn1qStD3hGohaoFUB8I/s0/seashore_04.png" /></a></div>And, finally, the project supervisors … sleeping on the job. I'm glad we don't pay them by the hour.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqxuKZmoegSRFbsQ8E6YczsI2SdhQjndz3_Fbs_DGrUkO97QHx_Iuk3yDXbhxYqPakmlqBTF-h_PZchh4ZrpwCyBPvIZdejI3fXQypTg1gIaz0N66-xShkx0oGgInWWFRG23n/s0/seashore_05.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqxuKZmoegSRFbsQ8E6YczsI2SdhQjndz3_Fbs_DGrUkO97QHx_Iuk3yDXbhxYqPakmlqBTF-h_PZchh4ZrpwCyBPvIZdejI3fXQypTg1gIaz0N66-xShkx0oGgInWWFRG23n/s0/seashore_05.png" /></a></div>
</div>Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20350253.post-84793737104020562532021-03-17T20:54:00.003-04:002021-03-23T23:18:03.245-04:00576 Days<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xl7pDuLK9z4ACUJuypogFcyz-kyt0TtIgK1yI5lalXheyuSS6Ge6qnUMJwlqfSCqlYbm3EISgIgAfUY2b2PARrVAD8q4YKrHHfcg9rPTwi0uMDQbkf5BV834jUq_K9J0MUph/s0/02_PN_Niagara_031721.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Xl7pDuLK9z4ACUJuypogFcyz-kyt0TtIgK1yI5lalXheyuSS6Ge6qnUMJwlqfSCqlYbm3EISgIgAfUY2b2PARrVAD8q4YKrHHfcg9rPTwi0uMDQbkf5BV834jUq_K9J0MUph/s0/02_PN_Niagara_031721.png" /></a></div>
<p>Five Hundred Seventy-Six Days. That's how long it's been since I last posted. I have no idea how that happened. But I also have no idea how the last year happened either. Holy Toledo! <i>(But I'm pretty sure you're as happy as me to get those damn plates of food off my blog landing page!)</i></p>
<p>It hasn't been quite that long since I've sewn, but it feels close. And with mostly wadders to show for the effort, I just gave up for a while and watched all that Netflix had to offer. Tiger King anyone? Fun fact: Tiger King is actually a local story here in Tampa, and a couple of street scenes were filmed just a few blocks from my house. I found lots of "new" or returning favorites too: The Queen's Gambit, Good Girls, The Crown, Queen of the South, Greenleaf, Bridgerton, Longmire, and many more. </p>
<p>Thankfully, I've kept my job and have been able to work from home since last March, and like most everyone who's been working remotely, I've been working/living in casual tops and stretchy pants. I had ordered some joggers from Old Navy and a few tops from Amazon after I realized that the "I can make those" sewjo just wasn't happening. I even resorted to RTW undies, for the first time in at least 15 years. </p>
<p>Finally, the sewing fog is beginning to lift. Is it Spring? Vaccines on the way? A new Administration in D.C.? Yes. Life is far from "normal," but I'm beginning to think that light is actually the end of the tunnel and not an oncoming train, and the AWOL sewjo has started whispering. </p>
<p>So, what's the new outfit? Stretchy pants and a casual top. Hah. Although I didn't sew the pants (<i>Old Navy again, and I'm actually impressed with the quality of these joggers originally bought on a whim in a different color. I have them in black, navy, gray, and now this light green. No pilling or visible anything after months of constant wear! I even bought duplicates.). </i></p><p>But I did sew the top, from a new-to-me Indie pattern company I came across by accident when I clicked on a random review on PR. The name of the company is Pattern Niche. At some point in the recent past, they were New Horizons Designs <i>(which is currently how to find them on PatternReview)</i> but the company? owner? someone? changed names after Nintendo started using New Horizons or something like that. I really have no idea if that's correct, but I sorta saw something about it in their Facebook Group. Also, I hate Facebook Groups. </p><p>Anyway … the pattern itself is great. <i>(I'll get into what I *don't* like later.)</i> The price is good <i>(I paid U.S. $9.95)</i>. The download was fast. The PDF is well-organized, sizes are layered, and the pattern sheets are NO TRIM. Let me say it again, <b>NO TRIM</b>. I think every single digital pattern company should switch to NO TRIM, and PRONTO! This is not the first time I've used a NO TRIM PDF pattern so I've loved them even before now. But it was the first time I printed a PDF pattern on my home printer, instead of the <i>(free) </i>work printers. I have an HP 5660 inkjet and the print-out was perfect, which isn't always the case on the work printers. From the home print, everything lined up perfectly, and assembly was very quick due to the NO TRIM feature. Did I mention NO TRIM? The whole PDF, including instructions, is 57 U.S. letter-sized pages. The pattern itself is 27 pages. I have no complaints about the PDF. And I still have <i>(free) </i>work paper. :-) </p>
<p>The pattern is the <a href="https://patternniche.com/product/niagara-top-dress/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Niagara Top and Dress</a>, line drawing below. As you can see, there are multiple views and combos, which can be combined for many different looks. The sleeveless views are not just the sleeved views without sleeves. There are different armhole lines on the pattern for the sleeveless option. I cut the tunic length with the scoop neck and short sleeve options. However, I decided the tunic length was too long in my cotton/Lycra fabric <i>(butt Velcro)</i>, so I shortened it about 3 inches shorter than the tunic length. I also lengthened the short sleeves about an inch to be less cap-like. I think I'd like to try this dress length for summer, maybe with some color blocking and a faux button placket <i>(the pattern has a real button placket)</i>.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrTflZOqGOFQIuJtEOHmyoYxO4Dc5FfjvnEDuj4FsVzGqL5Jrxg37BwUwqdOhNfeVDZZTjJAo8a2TkjFVkreYfZHvEgwUx8sIpB8l89jY3RM6Y6R7fSrvW9pi7j9ltNsVrTqe/s0/00+Niagara-top-line-drawing-scaled.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrTflZOqGOFQIuJtEOHmyoYxO4Dc5FfjvnEDuj4FsVzGqL5Jrxg37BwUwqdOhNfeVDZZTjJAo8a2TkjFVkreYfZHvEgwUx8sIpB8l89jY3RM6Y6R7fSrvW9pi7j9ltNsVrTqe/s0/00+Niagara-top-line-drawing-scaled.png" /></a></div>
<p>The sizing seems to be accurate and the drafting is good. I used my measurements and TNT to compare and blended from the 18 upper bodice to the 24 hips. My hips and tum have seen some "expansion" during this, Our Year o' the Pandemic.</p>
<p>Front view on good ol' Zillie:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-ivEidV7bsY8jEAxakoWAYuzTusDuItQT00yFDt4jhh5nxvXOvd03Chlvl-POzEvfUvVglEcbOiNN_O3mzaqNZHlN8SqwLpE565G0SpFG60UFLEwgeiHHEyeTdGsoRwqToSQ/s0/01_PN_Niagara_031721.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU-ivEidV7bsY8jEAxakoWAYuzTusDuItQT00yFDt4jhh5nxvXOvd03Chlvl-POzEvfUvVglEcbOiNN_O3mzaqNZHlN8SqwLpE565G0SpFG60UFLEwgeiHHEyeTdGsoRwqToSQ/s0/01_PN_Niagara_031721.png" /></a></div>
<p>Back view:</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXsBPi14ecYbWeDB04roc6fMQtqSymUeiDogTLb84VzR-ZKxS9-piMs-s8qOGpZ28815a7H-0bEdtVPTPFpoPvoI0xl2ISXssclxMJQMdnmv4pmVionu6fVsxdl6or-wAUaMr/s0/03_PN_Niagara_031721.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXsBPi14ecYbWeDB04roc6fMQtqSymUeiDogTLb84VzR-ZKxS9-piMs-s8qOGpZ28815a7H-0bEdtVPTPFpoPvoI0xl2ISXssclxMJQMdnmv4pmVionu6fVsxdl6or-wAUaMr/s0/03_PN_Niagara_031721.png" /></a></div>
<p>Where things had me starting to grind my teeth were in the instructions and terminology, as I'll describe later. Nothing impacted my sewing of the pattern because I'm experienced and know better, but if one doesn't know what they don't know, well …. </p><p>So, here we go.</p>
The upper bodice is double-layer <i>(faced) </i>and is sewn/turned using the "burrito" method, once for the front upper bodice and then again for the back. This is a good method and the instructions and diagrams for this are fine, although "burrito" is never mentioned. Which it doesn't have to be, but it would be nice to add it in for those newer to sewing so the term becomes familiar to them since it's becoming ubiquitous. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM27gSyx5viUx6IMQa9AbWKdJBIlUdkD0lQ0iOSuQTSPg9ag_PzF-IgnbrV9jXQ8bz5o1ZONnmsTh8HgG_WDuzul2COAY6FBL7XtoQmIIN45NaBPY1PUyA4x87TtaxiaE35OQy/s0/04_PN_Niagara_031721.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM27gSyx5viUx6IMQa9AbWKdJBIlUdkD0lQ0iOSuQTSPg9ag_PzF-IgnbrV9jXQ8bz5o1ZONnmsTh8HgG_WDuzul2COAY6FBL7XtoQmIIN45NaBPY1PUyA4x87TtaxiaE35OQy/s0/04_PN_Niagara_031721.png" /></a></div>
Here's the inside view:<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1xkmiP45Mzb1alWsj5xRPQxQBY26ow6KrlP2C08C_fUuwdC86VAMzGgp2-LVjpE3qnt6xXDKEoEsAcigCi5tpJ3g_-qnYNRDoK7DGVf8epQvOv0FyyhyZWFvLqQ9m3BxfKox/s0/07_PN_Niagara_031721.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd1xkmiP45Mzb1alWsj5xRPQxQBY26ow6KrlP2C08C_fUuwdC86VAMzGgp2-LVjpE3qnt6xXDKEoEsAcigCi5tpJ3g_-qnYNRDoK7DGVf8epQvOv0FyyhyZWFvLqQ9m3BxfKox/s0/07_PN_Niagara_031721.png" /></a></div>
Here is where I understitched the wrong side of the upper bodice. This step is NOT included in the pattern instructions. I think this is a necessary step. <i>(Apologies for the blurry photo.)</i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpghTGQPQqpgPupAnzeVd1b1iBG69ntFyAPeyzKwvE273eXVT_JGYYwFV9rHEO_NJGSloBim0V-qK-t5vxIws-j1a8xbwCPPurFoS8iLtYAy4NDNx2b0V0zvoOTVBT876c14p/s0/06_PN_Niagara_031721.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkpghTGQPQqpgPupAnzeVd1b1iBG69ntFyAPeyzKwvE273eXVT_JGYYwFV9rHEO_NJGSloBim0V-qK-t5vxIws-j1a8xbwCPPurFoS8iLtYAy4NDNx2b0V0zvoOTVBT876c14p/s0/06_PN_Niagara_031721.png" /></a></div>
Also not included is edgestitching the right side of the upper bodice. This is not an absolutely necessary step but it should be at least mentioned as optional. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyG4SBWuQ8iiozSRyojNAI-rPj8ij1ldtsWpbk9akiqDNnrLxULIb5dSflkF-Ge5HgBFDLe-Pa4Mu7vsb5cyvKTO0ROWP_uFsqJ9M4G0w6_6Vh6Asy_9QJv2ADjdGJUBa3m3i/s0/05_PN_Niagara_031721.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwyG4SBWuQ8iiozSRyojNAI-rPj8ij1ldtsWpbk9akiqDNnrLxULIb5dSflkF-Ge5HgBFDLe-Pa4Mu7vsb5cyvKTO0ROWP_uFsqJ9M4G0w6_6Vh6Asy_9QJv2ADjdGJUBa3m3i/s0/05_PN_Niagara_031721.png" /></a></div>
<p>And then there's some questionable terminology:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Calling the upper bodice pieces just "bodice" and the lower bodice pieces "skirt."</li><li>Calling the upper bodice facing a lining.</li><li>Calling basting "two long straight lines between the markers."</li><li>Calling notches "markers." Especially when sometimes they are called notches in the same instructions.</li><li>Instructing to hem from the wrong side by "edgestitching." I guess this helps keep things straight, but then say it's a option if you're wobbly but also give real hemming instructions.</li></ul><p></p><p>I often read Indie pattern instructions and feel like they really need a good editor, someone who is an experienced and properly educated <i>(either formally or self-taught using standards) </i>sewist. <i>(Sorry purists. I hate the word "sewer" when reading.) </i>The solution would be to have such a tester just for instructions. Personally, I would probably do this just for a "free" pattern because I think I'm good at it and I'd much rather edit than sew tests on a deadline. Pattern designers - want a ruthless editor? Hit me up. LOL</p><p>Lastly for this pattern, here's the top when it was still tunic length before I added the sleeves and trimmed off about 3 inches. I didn't know where else to stick this pic. :-) </p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY3Nx7VnOn50Y1mL693CYZlYQgi4d3b8b_2iCFXAm7NXWqhpjRKhy2MNKVC9LD8sc5YKQOAlv7kvoYpsSujEBCpzVbv3ZPtrrr9LI396DxV3-zCYg76hWAn4vLYfjhD0RRCxP/s0/08_PN_Niagara_031721.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAY3Nx7VnOn50Y1mL693CYZlYQgi4d3b8b_2iCFXAm7NXWqhpjRKhy2MNKVC9LD8sc5YKQOAlv7kvoYpsSujEBCpzVbv3ZPtrrr9LI396DxV3-zCYg76hWAn4vLYfjhD0RRCxP/s0/08_PN_Niagara_031721.png" /></a></div>
<p>In other sewing news, I finally bought myself a clear foot for my coverstitch machine. Obviously, if I felt a huge need for it, I would've bought one years ago. But it's nice to have it and it was nice to just order it to arrive to my porch instead of trying to find a dealer with one and making a special trip. Especially in These Uncertain Times. </p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka-s6w_7z37zYRErXXSUjsvAJiRNmEOTyF7vcvibGGzMhXhfteZh4WCeSB0fBAesf4L-VqQhM3XRViiLKG-iLm56nq3bo4eKkwtCHJZ1cdrCxlZrQScuqZhNKnCKy4X8xqsA-/s0/10.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjka-s6w_7z37zYRErXXSUjsvAJiRNmEOTyF7vcvibGGzMhXhfteZh4WCeSB0fBAesf4L-VqQhM3XRViiLKG-iLm56nq3bo4eKkwtCHJZ1cdrCxlZrQScuqZhNKnCKy4X8xqsA-/s0/10.png" /></a></div>
<p>In life news, especially for my "oldie" readers … last July we said goodbye to Dani <i>(b/w dog on left below). </i>She was almost 14 and her heart was failing. <b>Our</b> hearts were broken, but we knew it was time. We loved her a lot and still expect to hear her bark at dogs on TV.</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidf3WUh0yu-OE7xaHoaQJfWkwKcmUS1U3IsT3A3iTbrl8-7gwI3nQa6KaeEm8bscTiG6BAz15TUY_RCw_cBAFAnLjSzGIY9sX3-_wvcn4NWlUex7xu026U6TPZJwSFkOJxXj-G/s0/11.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="514" data-original-width="544" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidf3WUh0yu-OE7xaHoaQJfWkwKcmUS1U3IsT3A3iTbrl8-7gwI3nQa6KaeEm8bscTiG6BAz15TUY_RCw_cBAFAnLjSzGIY9sX3-_wvcn4NWlUex7xu026U6TPZJwSFkOJxXj-G/s0/11.png" /></a></div>
<p>About a month before we lost Dani, this big goofy pit bull found us. Her name is Cali. She looks ferocious but …</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv_TMdn_PWxhgt3HA6kFIQg_JIbqM_6Q8EJ5oPTcsa6ZZ24GAPe5c43WHwjXsHi-MwDu_dUdrk7DcXHKaKg3muhLrtO5Vd7CdF4Abibb0c6WWO7-4gVAtMxJ0fcA-Km95qJEO/s0/12.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv_TMdn_PWxhgt3HA6kFIQg_JIbqM_6Q8EJ5oPTcsa6ZZ24GAPe5c43WHwjXsHi-MwDu_dUdrk7DcXHKaKg3muhLrtO5Vd7CdF4Abibb0c6WWO7-4gVAtMxJ0fcA-Km95qJEO/s0/12.png" /></a></div>
<p>… this is her true self. </p>
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<p>And her best friend.</p>
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<p>And yes, I did get on the mask making/wearing bandwagon. Stay safe out there! I'll be back soon. Definitely less than 576 days.</p>
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Debbie Cookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03601675304884019607noreply@blogger.com40