Replies

1. 
   purduemom | Aug 29, 2009 03:57am | #1

   Even though buttonhole issues with my coat left me with only a dress to enter, I just couldn't stay away! The dress is a combination of 2 Burda World of Fashion patterns and must have impressed the judges because I will be representing Indiana in the National Contest again. I do not have any pictures yet, but hope to get some this weekend. Will post one as soon as I can. Now if I could just figure out a way to salvage my cashmere coat. I don't know why I decided to do bound buttonholes instead of corded ones - temporary insanity perhaps? I have hung the coat behind the bedroom door thinking that in a couple of weeks, I can tackle it once again with a refreshed attitude. Thanks for asking; I was afraid that I must have missed you in all the commotion after the awards.
   Sue

1. 
   ljb2115 | Aug 29, 2009 04:42am | #2

   That happened to me with a 4H dress back in the stone age.  My mother cautioned me about being careful w/buttonholes.  Long story short.....older sister had to drive 35 miles for fabric for a new right front.  Haven't made too many since.  Did you see the most recent issue of Threads? (#145).  Large layout of the Make it with Wool contest.  None too soon.  Most had bound buttonholes!  Makes me a little leery of entering again - not too sure I am up to speed.

   Lydia

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   ljb2115 | Aug 29, 2009 04:56am | #3

   Where are my manners???  Congratulations!  Your garments are always of the cutting edge and are a wonderful showcase to exemplify the versatility of wool.  No more coats and suits which can stand alone in a corner.  What type of wool did you win?

   To all who are reading this post: check the latest issue (#145) issue of Threads and peruse the photos and article about the Make It With Wool.  I have been connected with this for fifteen or so years.  Fun to enter and fun to judge.  The entrants who compete are top-notch seamstresses and it is always a fine line as to who wins.

1. 
   purduemom | Aug 29, 2009 05:38am | #5

   The piece is a little over 3 yds and beautiful. Very soft, with almost a brushed feel and great drape. 32 inches between the 9 inch stripes. This is by far the most interesting piece I have ever received. I must say there seemed to be fewer plaids and more variations in the prize wool this year.

   
1. 
   KharminJ | Aug 30, 2009 10:24pm | #6

   Oh Yum-Yummmmmmmy!

   Do you have any thoughts yet on what you'll do with that?Congratulations, too! When is the National competition?

2. 
   purduemom | Aug 31, 2009 02:57am | #7

   Thanks for the congrats! Judging is the end of December and the contest is held at the end of January. Perhaps some type of loosely structured cardigan/jacket- maybe Vogue 8483 or McCalls 5529. I'll be searching out my favorite haunts at the Novi expo for something that coordinates.

3. 
   sewluving | Sep 01, 2009 12:05am | #10

   Hi there,

   Congratulations.  I am fairly new to this forum and find it so very interesting to read everything.  I looked at the two patterns you mentioned.  I really love the Vogue one.  The short jacket looks so much more 'chic' than the McCall's one.  Let us know what you make and pictures would be wonderful to see. 

   Heather in Calgary

2. 
   purduemom | Aug 29, 2009 05:16am | #4

   I really do not want to replace the front piece as the stand-up collar is on, the sleeves are set in, shoulders padded, and the princess seam with inseam pocket has hand-picked top-stitching. Of course, I'd have to find the same fabric...will be looking at the Novi show but fabric is a couple of years old! I love the styling and fit of the coat (another Burda World of Fashion pattern) and the lining is a gorgeous heavy silk print. This coat WILL NOT get the better of me. Since the sleeve tabs, belt and stand-up collar are trimmed with a narrow black leather band, perhaps I can perform miracles with some leather trim in the buttonhole area...

1. 
   decoratrice | Aug 31, 2009 07:32pm | #8

   .Roberta Carr's book, "Couture:  The Art of Fine Sewing", has her triangular buttonholes and pockets (think buttonholes) in "windows".  If I had botched buttonholes in cashmere, I'd be thinking along those lines.  Threads may have done an article on the buttonholes, don't know about the pockets.  Good luck!  Do all states have MIYWW contests?  Sounds like fun, and the winners in the current issue were thrilling!

1. 
   purduemom | Sep 01, 2009 02:05am | #11

   That is one book not in my library, but on my list. I do seem to remember something in Threads about this - will check it out after another week or so...I need to approach the coat with 'fresh eyes' and 'a positive attitude' so I have put myself in a self-imposed time out regarding said coat! cafms posted The site, http://www.sheepusa.org/Make_It_With_Wool, came from cafms in another thread - should give you the info you desire.

2. 
   decoratrice | Sep 01, 2009 04:29am | #13

   Thanks for the link--I just put in a request for information.  Now my brain is churning with ideas.  If you can't find anything in Threads that seems to solve the buttonhole problem, let me know, and I will scan the relevant pages of the book and send them to you.

2. 
   Tatsy | Aug 31, 2009 07:39pm | #9

   First, Congratulations!

   Second, using the contrasting leather bands to redo the buttonholes sounds like a safe way to save the jacket. Good luck.

1. 
   purduemom | Sep 01, 2009 02:11am | #12

   Thank you! I would like to incorporate the black leather into the buttonholes and I am kicking some ideas around, checking out runway pics, etc. Knew I could get some great ideas if I picked the talented brains of my seam'sisters' here!