September Challenge, Fall motivation!
Good morning! I am going to pinch hit for Lynelle who has been having some health issues and get September going.
Let’s get our September goals for sewing stated and started. Whether its fit or holiday projects or whatever, share them here and get lots of encouragement and great knowledgeable support from each other. If possible post pics, whether its a problem or a completed garment, a pic is worth a thousand words as they say.
I’ll start with my goals:
*First is and was to finish my felted bag so I can check that one
off!
*Next is to make a bag for a friend. It needs to be in the mail by
the tenth.
*I want to get going on sewing for my upcoming twin grandchildren
and have ordered some patterns and smocking plates. I would like
tomake matching 6 month old outfits of blue linen with smocked
sailing motifs. So that means two smocked inserts and garments
completed! Yikes!
*And if time allows I would like to make some more bags for
Christmas gifts. Its getting to be that time of year!
So put your goals down here and let us know as often as possible how its going. We are all here to motivate and help each other.
Solo
Edited 9/4/2007 10:06 am ET by solosmocker
Edited 9/4/2007 10:07 am ET by solosmocker
Edited 9/4/2007 12:03 pm ET by solosmocker
Replies
Good morning! It looks like September will be "bag" month for me as well. I have all the fabrics and notions to make a tote bag for my sister, and I'd like to start on one for my mother-in-law. Both will be from "Laura's Zippered Tote" pattern--a purse for MIL, and a larger tote for Sis. MIL liked my purse so well that she asked if I would make one for her, with a gold monogram. I've been eyeing some black & gold Oriental fabric at the quilt shop that would make a gorgeous lining for her bag.
Hubby is running the Philadelphia Distance Run on the 16th, and I hope to get to "Fabric Row" while we're there. It was HIS idea that we stop at G Street Fabrics on the way home (what a sweetie!). I'll be looking for the fabric for MIL's purse, maybe some t-shirt knits, wool for pants/skirts/jackets, and who knows what else might strike my fancy...
Thanks Solo, for pitching in to help us get our September projects going. And Lynnelle, I hope you're feeling better real soon!
Well, September is finished, and so are my projects for this month. We were out of town for a couple of weekends, so I didn't get as much sewing done as I would have liked. ~ I finished my sister's tote bag. It's large enough for her to carry files from work, and she likes it. (Photo below) ~ We got stuck in I-95 construction traffic and didn't make it to Philadelphia in time to check out Fabric Row. :-( Oh well, something to look forward to next year. But we did stop at G Street Fabrics at Potomac Mills (Virginia), and I got wool for pants, Slinky knit for a top, tapestry for a jacket, and fabric for Mother-in-Law's purse. ~ I also made a makeup bag for a niece's birthday.
Christmas is coming soon, so now I need to get started on gifts. And the weather is getting cooler (finally!), and a new tapestry jacket will be just the thing to wear...
Wow! Love that bag! Just beautiful.......the pink is so striking on the black! You do yourself proud!
Happy Stitching!
Thank you! Angie loves it too--she wanted something bigger than a purse so she could carry files from work.
Pink and Black is my all time, all time, ALL TIME favorite colour combination! Gail
Glad you like it, GailAnn! Pink is Angie's favorite color too. (And her middle name is GAIL!)
The tote bag is so beautiful and it looks like it came from the best upscale store in Hollywood. Great job. You got the talent and more. Love the color combination too. One of my favorite.
Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great stuff.
Thanks for the compliments, Rodezzy. My sister went to LA & Hollywood for vacation a couple of months ago and browsed the shops on Rodeo Drive. I'll tell her what you said about her bag! :-D
I simply love your bag, Vickie! The monograms are particularly well done and unique.
Well done!
Karen
Thank you, Karen. I use Monogram Wizard Plus software. My sister and I had fun trying out different monogram styles, and this is the one she decided on.
Your bag is fabuolous! What a wonderful gift!
Thanks, Solo. My sister really likes it, too!
That is absolutely fabulous, Vickie. I love the pink and black. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for your compliments Cynthia. Pink is my sister's favorite color. :-)
Love the bag, monograms are super! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! :-)
Very nice bag! I love the contrast of black and pink and the way you've incorporated the embroidery and fabrics. Too cool! Mary
Hi Mary! Thanks for the compliment--Angie thinks her bag is pretty cool too!
Home Run! Thank you, Solo, for hitting this one out of the park. =)
I am feeling much better now and can walk with very little pain. I still have bandages and will have to wear a surgical shoe for some time. I can sew with me right foot and looking forward to getting back in the groove. I will definitely join the challenge as I seemed to have lost my motivation - although my wallet seems to always end up at the Fabric store...hmm...how'd that happen?
Here are my September goals:
Yikes! I just thought of something...the American Sewing Expo is at the end of this month! Sigh...must...not...purchase...
Cheers!
Lynnelle
Lynellle,
I love your first and last three challenges! If only I had stuck to that the last five years. Of course, it's devilish hard when Beverly's keeps throwing beautiful two-yard pieces in the fifty-cent bin.
I'm still losing about two pounds a week, so my goal is to keep ahead of the weight loss by sewing at least one new outfit a week. The crop pants pattern takes forty-five minutes and I was able to adjust to the new size by folding out the elastic waistband casing and lowering the waist. Nothing fancy here, just crop pants and shells.
I figured out what was wrong with the August jacket pattern--drafted the wrong size above the waist, so I'll throw that out and start over.
Tatsy
Edited 9/4/2007 10:46 pm ET by Tatsy
I have my September started, I am crocheting two three-quarter length jackets at present, and remeasuring fabrics previously purchased for sewing this month. Research my pattern stash too for the coats that fit the fabric yardage.
Hello ladies. I have been searching for inspiration and thank you for your help. I reorganized my sewing studio in January and found things I forgot. Mostly fabric, fabric, fabric. That said....I will purchase no new fabric in September either, except some medium weight knits for tops!!! My list:
1.) I pulled three coat patterns last night and need to choose 1 for a medium weight topper. We used to call them "Car Coats." I have a lovely deep green boucle that will be used for that.
2.) I want to make the surplice top that Marcy Tilton featured in current issue, but I will make a practice piece with a lesser quality of fabric because I have fitting issues with the girls. No implants required here.
3.) I have 6 quilt tops done that need to be loaded into the frame and I need to choose one and get started. Quilting during the colder months is heaven to me.
4.) Finally, I am in the process of a felted wool pillow featuring a pear tree on an off-white background. Still in the cutting stages, like to use applique scissors, lost them (never lost a major item before in 50 years! devastating) just picked up new pair. Ready to go this evening.
Oh, how funny! I had forgotten about the "car coats"!!! What pattern are you using?
Yes, the famous "car coats!" Growing up we lived in the suburbs, the mom's were stay-at-homes with a major function of driving to and from school, girl scouts, piano lessons and church functions in the famiy station wagon. The "car coats" were great for the car because of their 3/4 length. So said my Mother with her need for several. I am not sure my Father really understood this! My favorite pattern is a Vogue 7127 from 1999. I am not sure if it is available now. It is loose fitting, below hip with entended shoulders...great for wearing with sweaters. One view features a hood. I usually ended up detatching the hood. My other favorite is a Butterick Ellen Tracy 5110 from 1990, I know....almost vintage. This one is also loose fitting, double breasted with a shawl collar, but is unlined. Great for cooler but not frigid weather. I enlarge the facings on this one so that they essentially line and support from shoulder to upper chest. I also do Nancy Ziemans lined bagged sleeves to ease the putting on and taking off. I am allergic to wool so this one needs to be fabric sourced yet. Does anyone have any suggestions??? My stash is depleted right now. Despite the age of these patterns their style is timeless. I tend to be conservative and purchase only patterns that follow that.
Yes, I remember the "car coats" well. Mom (Audrey Childress) used to make a little item called a rouanna (gosh, I hope I spelled that right). In her "Twenty Changes in a Hatbox" show -- a one-girl fashion show where she modeled torn-project garments over a little black basic dress, all of which she magically pulled out of a hatbox -- she used to remark, "This is one that my husband swears is a horse blanket."
The rouanna is basically a rectangular-shaped piece of fabric cut to a certain length, with the longer edge on lengthwise grain. Then a slash was cut (across the grain) to about the halfway point (say to about 22" of a 45" wide piece of fabric). She usually simply fringed a woolen for the rouanna, even at the slash, so there was absolutely no sewing involved other than to stabilize the termination point of the slash with a few machine stitches to keep it from extending further inward.
The rouanna can be worn a number of ways. In one example, the termination point of the slash is placed at, say, the left shoulder. The back piece is brought up and over the right shoulder, from back to front, and then the front piece is thrown up and over the right shoulder, from front to back. This resulted in a more geometric or squared-off appearance. In another example, the termination point of the slash is placed at the center back of the neckline, with the two cut edges of the slash falling over the front of the body. The right-hand piece is thrown up and over the left shoulder from front to back, and then the left-hand piece is thrown up and over the right shoulder from front to back. This is a more dramatic and flattering effect since the garment tends to lay on bias on the body, with the corners basically falling at the hemline. The rouanna makes a great "car coat" because it all falls at or above the hipline. She used to say in the hatbox show that this was the garment she wore to "bring the children to school," and she did.
Another clever little torn project "car coat" is basically comprised of a circle with two slashes cut in the middle for the arms to pass through. When the arms pass through, the top half of the circle falls back over the shoulders and wraps around to the front, creating the luxurious effect of a huge shawl collar. The length of the garment and the width of the collar can be endlessly changed by altering the diameter of the circle or by moving the armholes upward or downward within the circle. It is a very flattering garment for any figure because it contains no angles of any kind, resulting in a soft bias-like drape throughout. One that Audrey did that I can recall from the hatbox show was done up in a black and white houndstooth check, bound with black at the outer edges of the circle and at the armholes. Another she did for evening wear, where she chose a black brocade for one side and a white satin for the other. In that one, the trim on the black side was white and on the white side was black, both at the outer edges and at the armhole edges, lending a dramatic eye-popping effect. This garment should be constructed from fabrics that have no definite wrong side, or you can use double-sided fabrics to great effect.
Still a third torn project was the cleverest little garment you ever did see, and I have never seen it duplicated before or since. I believe she once told me she copied it from a store window during a fashion trip to Dallas in the early '60s. This garment basically consisted of two rectangles stitched together and turned right sides out, always with contrasting or coordinating fabrics, with buttons and button loops placed at strategic points. When the buttons were buttoned in their clever little fashion, this created a shrug that had contrasting collar and cuffs. This one she did, also in black and white, with black peau de soie on one side and a white novelty eveningwear fabric on the other (most everything in the hatbox show was done in black and white), with rhinestone buttons. It makes quite an impact.
If anyone would like to get these patterns, don't hesitate to ask and I'll go dig them out for you. I've seen the first two garments in pattern books throughout the years, but the third garment, the shrug, I have never seen elsewhere before or since. You certainly don't need a pattern for any of them, so save your money. Matter of fact, the patterns are a bigger pain than a good tape measure or yardstick. In the circular coat described above, we used -- yes, you guessed it -- a string and a piece of chalk to draw the circle onto the fabric.
Many thanks to you for providing us with your vintage "car coat" patterns and the memories that go with them. I definitely intend to try and hunt down some of those old patterns.....Donna
Love your stories about your Mom, Donna. I am curious, why are they called torn projects? Do you have any specific goals for September yet? Are you taking the "buy no fabric" pledge like Lynelle? Somehow I have a feeling thats like beating a nasty substance addiction, LOL! At least it would be for me. solo
"Torn projects" because they're made from torn pieces of fabric, or even circles -- squares, circles, rectangles, triangles, combinations of any or all of the above. (They can also be cut at right angles, etc., as in knits and specialty or novelty fabrics.) The apron pattern I recently posted is a torn project, and a tote I posted awhile back. Also, the triple-fold waistband for light- to midweight fabrics.
I'm afraid I've failed miserably at the buy-no-fabric promise, but, then, I didn't make one! Ha! Recently got some gorgeous ponte roma to make a coordinated fall wardrobe. Working on a tunic but having trouble with the fit in the sleeve cap (I was too lazy to check the pattern before I cut -- I know. Don't say it.) Lately sticking to some knits (besides a pretty blouse pattern, Simp 3625) because I travel a good bit and it's crunch-and-go, plus I can get caught in a rainstorm and dry out fast -- well, except for my hair, which is thicker than a horse's tail.
This summer did a few skirts and blouses, simple stuff, because I've been extra busy in my office, but I'm sure hoping the work tapers off a bit so I can sew. Of course, I need the work to make the money to buy more fabric. Ain't it sad?
Yeah! I got a pair of crop pants done tonight. I was so inspired by the baseball pocket in the new Sew Stylish that I used that on the side instead of cargo pockets. It took almost as long to draft and sew the pocket as the pants themselves, but I think it was worth it.
Congratulations on finishing those cropped pants. I love those. They seem to surface every season with some slightly different take but always a go to type of garment.
Chalk up goal #2 done! Yippee! Now I can start sewing for the twins. I am so ready. Here's a couple of pics of the bag I made for my friend.
The closeup shows the mini piping around the piecing. The bag colors seemed to wash out because of their gray undertones and I thought it might work to inject a shot of red. So red silk dupioni piping to the rescue. This will go in the mail tomorrow for her!The bag fabric is an acetate upholstery fabric which I found did not waterspot and steam pressed beautifully. I lined it with the same as I had so much. Picked it up for 2.00 a yard at a tent sale last summer. I have to say that with each garment I make lately I am getting over that phobia about cutting into certain fabrics because #1, they are "special" or #2, I have grandiose plans that I know won't happen. So my new philosophy now is if it works cut, don't save it. There is always more fabric to be bought!soloEdited 9/9/2007 10:12 pm ET by solosmocker
Edited 9/9/2007 10:17 pm ET by solosmocker
Once again - gorgeous!!Becky
Hi there Solo,
love this bag too, is it a backpack?
regards, wombat
Glad you like it. Its just a draw string bag, not a back pack. It is a smaller version of the one I posted in the gallery prior. It is McCalls 4884, a Sewing with Nancy pattern, View B. I really did so many changes that is more like a smaller version of View C which is the other bag I made.
What a beautiful bag! The red piping really makes it pop. I'm sure your friend will love it.
Thanks, VK. Greatly appreciated. solo
Dear Solo, loved the pics! What a great bag. Thanks for the inspiration. The red piping really gives it a WOW factor!
Am not sure whether I should adapt the no more buying material philosophy or just cut into those multiple loved pieces that have been piling up over years and buy more!! I must admit , however, I even save ugly pieces. Talk about addictions. Happy to know there are so many of us maybe there will be a cure someday....
Thanks. They are an absolute godsend in the high heat we have at the beginning of the school year--and no air conditioning.
Yes, Donna, do show us the patterns - you could start a new thread with them, so they aren't part of the challenge, as there will most likely be lots of feedback on them, too. Thanks for all your input lately - we appreciate it!
Gloria
Gloriasews, I'll do just that! Look for a Thread called "Torn Projects."
I'm so excited. Just finished my first rouanna!
Years ago............. years.............. I bought a lovely piece of very soft, shades of brown wool in a 'bit too large' for me plaid. Planned for a suit, but then decided it had too soft a hand to accept very much tailoring. I had more than 4 yards. It's been ageing in the cedar chest, so Monday I hung it outside to air.
Yesterday I boldly cut it in half. Made the rouanna out of the first half. I love it, but think I need a little bit more skill to wear it. I can get it on, and arrange it quite attractively, but I'm thinking if I took it off for any reason, say in church or a restaurant, I'd have to excuse myself to the ladies' room to get it back on again. It seems to require a quite a little bit of fussing. Any suggestions?
The second half of the fabric, maybe even tomorrow, will be a long straight skirt. Then I'll have that suit, I wanted so many years ago!
Thanks, Gail
Wow! Can you upload a pic for us? Probably the easiest way to get it back on in a hurry is to simply put the termination point at the back neckline and let the front simply drape over the body. Nothing wrong with wearing it that way; I've seen it done in fashion magazines, etc. Then when you get situated you can throw it over each shoulder....I'm so excited! Picture, please!
Oh, Miss Donna Kaye, I'm so technically imparred, I don't even have a digital camera or a printer.....This computer belonged to my Mother-in-law, and when she died, at 83, my sister-in-law set it up for me, at my house. Sister-in-law believes that I live in the Dark Ages or at the very least am in danger of turning Amish..........
I'll see if my daughter can post a picture for me over the week-end. Gail
Oh, Gail Ann--in the Dark Ages! That made me laugh! :-D But I'm not too far behind you--we haven't had our digital camera for very long. But you do have a computer so you can come here and chat with us!
Please get your daughter to post a picture. I can't quite see in my mind's eye how that Ruanna is wrapped, so I'd love to see you modeling it.
Getting away from the present thread, yet again, my old car coats were made of wide wale corduroy. You could make yours out of wide wale corduroy, too, or denim or fleece (I can't wear wool, either). Depending upon where you live, you could line it with fleece (cuddly & warm!), flannelette or satin - those would eliminate the itch factor.
Gloria
I did find a nice piece of a multi-brown & tan nubby fleece in my stash. I am not sure if there is enough for the coat though. I may do the sleeves in a dark brown ultrasuede and the body in the fleece, good idea!
A very good idea! You could also do the collar & pockets in the ultrasuede, too. You may find that the sleeves aren't as warm as the coat body, though, but you could use Thinsulate between the suede & the lining - that would compensate. I haven't seen any tweed fleece here, but it would be a great choice for a coat. Good for you!
Gloria
Hi read your post have you gone to http://www.lionbrand.com they have some great car coat patterns I love them I left a message for Donna that this time of year I wander through the giant fall issues of Vogue and Harpers Bazaar and others they give me great ideas of what to sew since I cannot afford the prices of these clothing also gloves are really big now and Vogue patterns has a pattern so you can sew your own what is really big are the gloves that go almost to the elbow, remember those? for fabric how about checking out http://www.emmaonesock.com and http://www.fashionfabricclub.com you might find some great fabrics at Nice prices.
Thanks for the ideas. I used to belong to fashion fabric club for many years. Would you believe I have saved all the swatches I received over the years from them and Vogue fabrics. There are thousands, most are 2 inches square:) Some day I will do something with them. I will check out emmaonesock.
I have mine too and am glad to know I'm not the only one. I think there ought to be some good use for them.
Make a quilt, tote bag or pillow cover out of your swatches, depending upon how many you have. Good for you to get all those free swatches!
Sept goals...
finish valance for nursery (newest Grand due soon)
clean up sewing room...
brown loose fitting pants (looks like skirt when standing still)
clean up sewing room...
knit "chainmaille" for friend's kid's homeschool play, number of knights TBD
clean up sewing room...
6 gore skirt, fall colors, 2 prints
clean up sewing room...
help my mom with a dress pattern and maybe a jacket?(this one may end up in Oct just because of her schedule)
Becky
Oh Becky,
thats a lot of cleaning my lovely. When your done............
wombat
Chuckle, chuckle! Now I do have to clean up sewing room, I have been guilted!
please, I have to get the fall clean through done, my mom has a saying..."tomorrow is another day" :-)) got my new swatches from fashion fabrics club today some really nice shirting fabric, boucle wool coating,velour woo-hoo! I LUV FALL, I can clean tomorrow :-)). Cyndy
Maybe I should start a new thread... how messy is YOUR room?
Photos required, LOL
Well the nursery was ready just in time! Josiah is here, the cutest little boy in Atlanta! I did get the valance up for her, and made liners for 2 baskets, and trimmed some burp cloths to match (not on the original list, but oh well, I did it anyway!)sewing room did not get cleaned6 gore skirt is done, working on shirt to match, same pattern as striped one.Daughter w/ new son needs mom's help so.... sewing room still did not get cleaned up! I can hardly turn around in there, almost tripped on basket of scraps!Brown pants.... well hubby is scheduled to be out-of-town next week too, so maybe there is a chance they will get done before the end of Sept.
Becky
Becky, that is wonderful, joyous news. Thanks for sharing. The sewing room can be cleaned anytime but enjoying your new grandchild is fleeting. Bless you all!I worked on the twin boy christening gown. This is an everchanging design. My tucks just changed to pintucks and I spent the evening doing samples on the same fabric and layers. I like the effect and worked out the tension and such. It correlates with the piping better than the plain tucks. So tomorrow, when the brain and eyes are fresh, I will commit to fabric. I also got the idea today to do a softly pleated skirt, not a gathered one. I am trying to use heirloom treatments but definitely have a "boy" gown. I think it will work. The girl gown is so lacy by contrast which I think is good.
This has a little sewing so I guess I can post it. I had to figure out how to come up with a Pea Pod with twins and this was my solution. My job is centerpiece and favors and corsage for the twin shower. Glad this is out of the way! Today I will do the bodice of the CG now that I have the details worked out. Cross your fingers as I can't rip this out, no extra fabric. Thats why I worked up the samples. Its near the end of the month. How are we all doing with our goals?
Those Pea pod babies are just way too cute!!! (also a good thing knowing they are a boy and a girl... the wonders of modern medicine!)
Becky
Your Pea Pod babies are absolutely adorable, great idea!
Simply adorable and thank you for sharing! Your sewing skills are always so meticulous no matter what you sew.
Karen
Brought tears to my eyes! Simply charming. Gail
Wow, that was so adorable, how did I miss this pic?
Are those diapers rolled up?
Woweee you are so creative!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111111
Rodezzy, its not an original idea by any means. I will take credit for the peapods but diaper cakes have been around a while. I googled and found some really great ideas, several sites DEDICATED to diaper cakes, and more. My little granddaughter loved helping roll up the diapers and it was great fun. At the shower there was a gift of a beautiful spft green afghan that the giver rolled up, then opened up and stuffed with diapers and a couple of prescious dolls. Then ends were tied candy style so it all looked like a bean pod when done, very cute. Then DD's MIL gave her a pair of earings that were green with two pearls in each pod, imitation pea pods. May sound tacky , but there were just lovely and DD was thrilled. Lots of people went with the theme and it really added to the fun. solo
Wow, sounds like fun. I haven't been to a baby shower but once in the last 15 years. No wonder I don't know what's going on. Oh, well.
Congratulations on the new addition in the family.
I've been lurking--but not terribly productive. You all do such beautiful work!
I FINALLY finished the two Roman shades. I still haven't hemmed the Burda dress I made back in July. Had the hubby mark the hem around the same distance from the floor. He did a crappy job :>(. It's awfully crooked. For a man that can make an entire bedroom suite of heirloom quality furniture, he's useless for anything to do with fabric. I tried to get him to help me get the silk for the shades on grain and it was a disaster. If it's not grain in a tree forget it, I guess! I'll get my daughter to repin the hem. I'm flat in the front with large behind, so the length is longer in the back than the front. My husband, however, is going to build a computer desk/hutch to get the computer out of the sewing room. Then I don't have kids pestering me all the time and it will be easier to get stuff done.
I've been quite naughty with buying stuff. I've been slowing picking up notions along the way. I've bought some boiled wool for jackets for my husband and my little one. And some beautiful boiled wool from Emmaonesock for a cape. I also bought some lime green dupioni for a blouse and ordered some silk for a skirt. Maybe I'll get it done by NEXT Christmas. ha ha... I've invested in some more sewing books as well.
I'm slow, but the challenges do help me with coming back to it and not giving up. Saturday the sewing machine shop I go to, is having a demonstration of all the new Pfaff stuff so I'll go check that out.
Jane
Jane, a wardrobe is built one garment at a time. So just keep on pecking at it. With every garment comes new skills and experience. Make sure you tell us about your class.
Solo,
They cancelled the Pfaff demonstration on Sat. I was quite miffed. My daughter took the call and said they didn't give a reason. Good luck with your Christianing gowns. My late mother made one for my children and it was quite simple. Pure white batiste with white smocking on the cuffs (long sleeves) and the yoke with a small ruffle around the base. She had a smocked bonnet for the girls and a small boy's bonnet for the boy. It was like a Quaker bonnet I guess..a flat piece of fabric in a "U" over the sides and top with ribbon and piping and the back was closed in. Change the sex change the hat basically :^)
Jane
I just spent the most frustrating day pleating for my smocking. I pleated some silk taffeta last night for a Christening gown for the twins and it was like pleating iron. I could only do a pleat or two at a time and the plate requires about 160 pleats. Then today I went to pleat a cotton/poly blend that I have used before and it took me all afternoon and many broken needles at 2.00 a pop! Finally I got it all done but I was so frustrated at the time. This has never happened to me before. I think I had such difficulty with the silk that I forced the handle of the pleater and when I went to pleat today it was out of sink. Oy...So I have two inserts and some silk pleated and am now ready to get going on the smocking of these outfits for the twins. Hope I make my deadline. solo
Quoting Jane:
"He did a crappy job :>(. It's awfully crooked. For a man that can make an entire bedroom suite of heirloom quality furniture, he's useless for anything to do with fabric. I tried to get him to help me get the silk for the shades on grain and it was a disaster. If it's not grain in a tree forget it, I guess!"
You know, Jane, there is Bamboo fabric. >=) I know I know, terrible joke. I'm so sorry. I just couldn't resist.
lYnNeLle
cute....!
doesn't emma have some interesting fabric? I just got some new swatches from the fashion fabric club Monday. they have some pink wool that I cannot decide whether to make a skirt or dress trousers. And yes they really do not have a clue :-)) Have you check out Nancy's Notions. Cyndy
Progress Updates:
Blasted Jo-Ann Fabrics and their Coupon Commotion. I am viciously fighting the urge to buy fabric...must...resist...coupon's...calling...
As for Simplicity 4698, I do not know what to say. I made the muslin but am having some fit issues with the sleeve/armhole. When I raise my arm, the whole side of the jacket comes with it in a most uncomfortable way. Does this mean I need to raise the armhole curve?
I've been trying to follow a discussion on Pattern Review about Simplicty multi-cup patterns. So far, I am wondering if the size I used is even correct for me. I cut size 16 D front and made a host of alterations including shortening the armhole length 5/8" (per Betzina's suggestion on petite adjustments). Any suggestions?! I will try to post a picture soon.
Lynnelle
I am a little confused by those patterns too, Lynelle. I have one of the blouses I would like to make. I am thinking I use the size pattern I always use but in the Ccup. I haven't taken the sheets out yet to see how they actually accomplish the cup adjustments. Is it a separate pattern piece for each size in each cup or is it all the sizes on one for each cup? Or is it one size, one cup, per pattern piece, the ideal I would think? I will tackle this one later this winter once all is settling down with the twins. I am starting finally smock today. Yippee!Solo
Hi Solo!
It's as you said, all sizes on one for each cup. My problem is I am just not sure which size works best. I tried the 14 and 16 D-cup with adjustments as well as the 18 with a small FBA. The 18 felt great across the back, but didn't feel right along the neck and in the sleeves. They were way too long, wide, and everything else unflattering. If I use the 18 front and back, how do I adjust for a smaller sleeve fit?
Sigh, the evil fit demon is hard a work.
This sounds like the problem I've for the last few years--since I'm no longer a size 10. I think the problem is that we need the width of an 18 but not the length in the bodice. I finally learned that I needed to pinch out 3/4" vertically right across the top of the bosom and another 3/4" at the same height in the back. This reduces the size of armscye by 1-1/2 inches. I haven't solved the sleeve adjustment problem yet because I mostly wear sleeveless blouses and just cut the facings from the main pattern, but I bet if you are using a multi-size pattern, you could pick the size sleeve that fits your arm and scooch in the armscye until it fits. Remember, you can adjust the armscye by reducing the height of the armhole as mentioned above, taking out of the shoulder seam, the side seam, or by raising the underarm seam with fill-in tissue. Good luck--I finally decided it was easier to lose weight.
Tasty,
Thanks and I think you're right. I pulled out the pattern again and decided to trace the 18 and make some adjustments. I've really been procrastinating because I'm afraid that all my work will be in vain. I really need to get over this fear! I don't know why this one is affecting me like this. The KS skirt was a disaster the first time, but I overcame it and made it again.
As for the weight thing, I'm there with ya! I signed up for a kick-boxing class but I have to be careful since the incision on my foot is still healing.
I suppose I'll get started with the jacket (or the its pattern) this weekend.
Lynnelle
Lynnelle,
It sounds like we have the same bodice fitting problems. I finally gave up on the major pattern companies and switched to the Bon-fit patterner, which went out of business, and then to the Lutterloh pattern company. Lutterloh is much better and updates their patterns with the seasons. You put in your own measurements and draft the patterns to suit you. It's expensive to get started but no more so than ruining a season's worth of patterns and fabric trying to figure out what you're adjusting and in what order. If you're interested, you can google Lutterloh and find one of the several American distributors. They also visit sewing centers in most big towns every year or so.
Beth
See, that's what I'm talking about. Make it easy on yourself. Put in your measurements and let someone else get it together. I am not patient and I am. Some things I just don't want to do. Adjusting patterns is one. That's why I don't do a lot of clothes. I mostly do outer wear. I'm going to check this out, thanks Tatsy, you are my kind of lady.
Blasted Joann's and their 50% off red-tag fabric sale. So far, I've gone three weeks without purchasing fabric. That's almost a month, right? I mean, on Mercury, that's almost 3 months. That's gotta be worth something. =)
I have yet to recover from this treacherous slump that I'm in. I have projects to finish, many more to start (since it's starting to get cold here). Why can't I sit down and sew?
I think part of it has to do with my ill parent. When they're gone, it's peaceful and all I want to do is sleep. When they arrive home, the air is tense, attitudes (mine included) need serious adjustment and all I want to do is sleep - to escape. A few moments ago, my parent asked me "how do I turn this thing off." Mind you, they're downstairs, and I'm upstaris. What the hell is 'this thing?' When I ask, "what thing?" my parent snaps back very nastily 'you do have a radio on down here.' Damn, x-ray vision failed again. Sigh.
My dear pooch is having her bi-annual cycle and is upset that I won't let her in the room with the rug. Again...more attitude.
On a good note, I made a really tasty mango smoothie out of frozen mango and mango nectar. It was aaawwwesome.
Hmm...this has nothing to do with sewing. I guess I just needed to vent.
Happy Sewing all! I'm working on getting there...
A great mango smoothie sounds like an awesome accomplishment to me. Lynelle, I have been in your shoes and so understand. My prayers are with you. During the period when I was dealing with difficult eldercare I got very little sewing done. I found great pleasure in reading sewing magazines, rearranging my fabrics and threads and on rare occasion sewing.Mostly I fantasized about what I would so if I had more time. When I finally did get to sew it was so satisfying and truly gave me some serenity. How about honing in on just one of you projects and just work on that one when you get a chance? It will help keep the shrink away and you will be so glad you did. An hour or two a week is better than feeling like there is no light at the end of the tunnel. Right now I am at a bit of a standstill. I have all the handwork done on the Christening gown and now have to start putting it together. Oops, I take that back. I have to do some tucks and featherstitching on the skirt. I have my tiny grandaughter visiting so I will just put my heirloom work aside til she returns to Mom. After all, we have dollies to dress!
I'm there too I am taking care of my Dad and my mom they have to go to medical appointments and my Dad was incredibly sick over the Xmas holiday, sometimes one is soooo tired you just want to sleep or veg. in front of the tube. Thank heavens I have grad school because of them I am doing the degree online it's fantastic but it takes my mind off of everything, this is why I am getting back into my sewing and knitting and other things that I used to do before the old fella got sick...old fella I've been reading to much Andrew Greeley :-))but as a former nurse definatly get back into some project this takes you into another world to the point that it clears your mind, but you do have support I will say a wee prayer for you my friend and others out there in this group that are caregivers as well. Now get sewing :-)))Cyndy
Careful, it's a slippery slope.
The last 4 years of my Dad's life were difficult, maddening, dangerous and exhausing. He turned from being a good and caring father to, well, something else........
I tried to be a good daughter. I tended them every day. Cleaned their house. Did their laundry. Took them to doctors appointements. Took Mom to visit Dad in the hospital. Cooked their meals. Quit my own job. Neglected my health, husband, home, own daughter, and my own life.
One day, I had both my parents, both in wheelchairs, Mom on oxygen, in the hospital elevator, by myself. Dad told me he wished I'd never been born! It was too hard on Mom to have me.
I wound up with my own stroke.
Four more years down the road, I still can't get my blood pressure under control.
Dad has gone on to his reward.
I didn't even try to care for Mom, by myself. She is in Assisted Living now. I take anti-anxiety, and extra blood pressure medicine before I visit her, and I go to bed for the rest of the day when I get home.
My goal in life is to AVOID doing this to my own daughter! Gail
Gail Anne, I so know what you are saying. My wonderful Mom was mentally ill which definitely got worse the last 3 years or so. What got me thru was the thought that I was probably pretty unbearable at times myself when I was a child. She cleaned the vomit, took the temps, changed the diarrhea diapers, put up with the teen sass, etc. It was now my turn to give back. I will spare the sometimes extremely difficult details. I thank God for an understanding hubby. I will keep those of you out there dealing with this in my prayers. You are not alone. I feel very stronly that the loneliest job in the world is caring for our elders. Until you have been thru it you just don't know.
I think there are lessons to be learned here.
You are right about having to have been a caregiver, at one time, to be able to understand it. My closest cousin/friend is a psycologist, so you'd think she would have some special insight. She had lost both of her parents by the time she was 43. So from her point of view, I should be happy mine lived well into thier 80s.
It's that perception vs. reality thing, you know. Gail
As I sit here reading all of the responses, I cannot help but be emotional. Oftentimes I feel so alone in coping with my mom and her mental illness. It is comforting to know that you all care enough to lend your unyielding support. Thank you. Thank you, sincerely, from my soul.
It's really been hard the last few years and right now it seems like this situation is in suspended animation. Things are moving along, but to what end? Not knowing and harbouring fear about the unknown is causing so much anxiety in me. I am trying to put my faith in God and His promises, but my faith is tested each hour of every day. She can be so mean and nasty. On one day, she's cursing my name and telling me how I'm going to hell and how I will pay for what I've done to her. The next day, she's conversational and joking around. I have such an attitude because it's hard for me to separate her from the illness and I can't take the emotional swings.
You're right, people who have not experienced this first hand can be difficult to talk to. I am so glad that I have the support of all of you as I live with this challenge.
On a positive sewing note, I cut out the pattern pieces to a skirt that I'd like to make. I ironed the pieces yesterday and will let fate determine when I pin it to the fabric.
Again, I thank you all for your love, care, and support. I am blessed to have found such a wonderful group of people.
Lynnelle
Dear Friends, while I don't post often I do follow certain threads. That said, I am sending my best hugs and understanding to all who deal with aging, physically and mentally compromised loved ones. There are few words to describe the painful and conflicting emotions we all share when this occurs. With life-expectancy at its current state, our parents generation is the first to live so long, but not necessarily so well. This presents challenges to us that our parents likely didn't have to deal with when their parents reached their latter years. We are truly pioneers in this. Having supportive friends (face friends, e-mail, message board) is essential. Maintaining a sense of "self" is just as important. To that end, Cut out those patterns, fit in 15 or 30 minutes of stitch time when you can. I always have a hand-project of some sort going for doctor office time and just "sitting with time." It has helped me through so many difficult times. Each finished project is a milestone, I am still me, no matter what else is going on in my life.
My prayers are with you as well. I lost my dad very suddenly when I was just 23. Mom was then alone and did fine for a while. She battled cancer for the last 20 years of her life....and I was just 30 when I lost her. The last year or so was the worst. She was sick and terminal but insisted on living at home. I lived 5 miles away.......four kids (the youngest an tiny infant) and alcoholic husband who had not yet found sobriety and was also abusive. My dear sweet mom turned into a pain-riddled demanding old lady and I had a full plate with my own home. Somehow I managed to care for her by driving between the two homes and caring for my children at the same time. My ex (yes, I finally took the step over 20 years ago) found sobriety one year before mom passed away but it was hard year for me juggling it all. Even sober he wasn't a lot of help........well, I'll be honest......he was NO help! I suffered nearly constant migraines but looking back........gee, I wonder why! I had no time to take care of myself at all. So, I know what the rest of you are going through. Just remember, as cantankerous as they can be, one day they will no longer be with you and those sour memories will fade. I still remember what a struggle it was for me but I'm sure it was no picnic for mom either. The cancer had spread, she was on chemo but only to help reduce the pain......it did nothing to stop the cancer. Her Dr. called me one day and told me the end was near...........it was just three weeks later that she succumbed.
Sorry to paint such a morbid picture but it is a part of life for many of us. We all manage to get through it. It often isn't pleasant but as one poster mentioned, I wasn't excactly a model child and mom put up with me so I guess I owed her that much. She's been gone nearly 30 years now and I remember the good and don't dwell on the not-so-pleasant times.
By the way.........that mango smoothie sounds awesome!
Hang in there kid.........life is full of its ups and downs but you know, if it was all on an even keel it might get just a bit dull. I know when you're living in turmoil, dull sounds wonderful. There are better days ahead.
Thank you for sharing your story, CrazyK. I am sitting here at my computer upset at myself for saying some harsh things to my mom a few minutes ago. I decided to take her to a sewing craft show so that she can have a chance at doing something different. We both enjoyed the show and talking with various vendors. After leaving the show, we stopped at an eatery and that's when things went sour. It's not her fault the thoughts she has and after nearly three years, I am still no good at not responding to her thoughts. What she believes is not true and I still have conflict with it. So, I got angry at once at her behaviour and said something I shouldn't have said. She sat quietly for the rest of the ride home and I can tell she was upset. I am so disappointed in myself. She's not here now, but when she returns I will apologize and try to make things better.
You're so right. She will not be around forever and when the inevitable happens, this incident will be forgotten. I have to focus on the good things about her and this situation - though it is getting increasingly harder to find it.
I hate to see her upset and sad. I cannot begin to imagine how these thoughts plague her mind 24/7. It must be hell to live like that and then on top of that to have an attitudinal child who doesn't believe you. Conflict. I feel so bad right now.
Don't beat yourself up!! You are only human with thoughts and emotions of your own. I can't imagine dealing with her issues......or being plagued with them. Must be awful......for you both. She may get upset but does she even remember? Does she remember the awful things she says to 'push your buttons'? If not, she has probably forgotten the entire incident by now.......but it continues to torment you!
My issues were different altho alcoholism is a mental illness and is awful for those inflicted and those around them. Mom's issues were bad health, lots of pain and being so incredibly lonesome at times.....at least I would suspect that. I couldn't spend the time with her that she would have liked and while she didn't complain about that specifically, she did complain............and it was hard for me not to 'bite' back. I tried but I'm sure I snapped back more than I should have. Being any only child put an extra burden on me because there was no one else to share the care.
Anyway, take a deep breath and don't be so hard on yourself. Have you ever thought about finding a support group for caregivers? It might give you an outlet to express your anguish and perhaps others could share tips and ideas that they've learned from their experience. Just a thought????
I called her shortly after posting this message and tried to apologize. She just got more angry and started yelling, so I gave up. When she came home, neither one of us said a word. She started watching tv like nothing happened. So, you're right. She's probably moved on and so should I.
I've been to a few support meetings but lost motivation for going. I'll start going again.
Also, I won't use this forum anymore to share more of my drama. This thread was started for us to support each other in our sewing endeavors. I sort of got off track and kept typing about other stuff. =)
I am ever thankful to all who have lended their time, thoughts, and prayers. It's working because I can feel it.
Lynnelle
Well, I actually FINISHED some stuff. I finished the 2 Roman shades awhile ago and finished the Burda dress yesterday. It needs to be pressed. I'll try and get hold of a digital camera. I'll surprise you with some photos one of these days. The armistace blouse is almost done as well.
Jane
Yes, we had both gotten off track.....sorry about that.......but when someone is hurting it's maybe o.k. now and then to offer a little support. After all sewists are some of the greatest people around.
Sometimes just knowing that we are not completely alone in our situation.....whether it be family or a sewing project gone-wrong...is very helpful.
Take care of yourself..........
K
God bless you! My heart goes out to you in this difficult time. Many of us are struggling through difficult times. It helps to have others to share our thoughts and work through things. I, for one, do not mind a bit when others share thier personal stories here. This is such a wonderful forum, I feel like we are friends, even though we are not close geographically. The support and encouragement we give each other is a Godsend to me. I live a very isolated life and don't know how or if I could manage the lonliness without all the wonderful people here.
Thank You Threads for Gatherings! Thank You for allowing us the freedom to express the threads of our lives a bit and not just the stitches on cloth. Thanks to all the members who give encouragement and support and instruction and share a bit of truth and life along the way. Mary
I've borne the 'parental responsibility' for my parents for 23 years. Made their physical, medical, financial housekeeping, and practical decisions. Longer, I note, than I spend raising my own child.
It's much easier now with my father having passed on and my mother in assisted living.
What is so terribly scary to me, is that I am now only three years younger than my mother was when I started down this road.
I don't want to do this to my child. I want her to live her life and be the best person she can be.
Guess we are all in the same boat. At least, we can take turns rowing. Gail
I've thought of that, too.........being a burden, that is. It is something I don't want but when we get to that cross in the road we don't always have options. I think I've read articles about 'baby-boomers' have a dual responsibility to children and ailing/aging parents all at the same time.
Yes, we take turns rowing.........beautiful way to put it!
Kay
Hee, hee, I went to Joann's yesterday for some yarn and then remembered the coupons. Resisting the urge to buy fabric, I used one for the yarn and then handed the rest to the person standing behind me in line, suggesting that she use what she needed and continue to pass them along. After that, it was a lot easier to walk out of the store without any fabric!
I couldn't resist that boiled wool. I love the stuff and it's hard and expensive to find the wool doubleknit to make it yourself. EOS has the most beautiful fabric, but I've always been able to resist before:^( I joined Fashionfabric club too. I've checked out pretty well every site for notions. I just pick stuff up if I either need it right away or find something somewhere that interests me and the price is right. I must now stop buying and use up what I've got stashed.
Jane,
Did you see the tip published recently, not sure where, that allows you to mark your own hems? Coat a string with bath talc and tie it evenly across a doorway or between two chairs at the height you want the hem, then brush against the string and turn. The powder is supposed to come off the string evenly. Haven't tried this myself, but it sounds feasible. Tatsy
Tatsy,
I considered using my husband's chalk line, but it's brick red and I was afraid it would stain the fabric. The fabric is cream, so white wouldn't show. I do have it pinned now. I'll try the chalk trick with darker fabric.
Thanks,
Jane
Jane:
Since your husband likes woodworking, try to get him to use one of the laser levels to mark the length of your dress (as you stand in a doorway), and then just get him to pin at the line. Guys just love gadgets like this.
Once you take the dress off, you can repin the hem in the proper manner.
At least with the level, he should be able to use it and get a straight line......
Good luck,
Hello,
Thank you so much for this great advice...now all I have to do is get my dh out of the garage and into the sewing room...lol.
Like you say "he should be able to use it and get a straight line" I will let you know!
Cp
Unfortunately we don't have a laser level--my husband is not a gadget guy. He's one of the few purists left, I think. Still uses a cabinet scraper and hand planes etc. It was a big deal for him to pick up a brad nailer a few years ago. However that's a genious of an idea--I'll look at getting one. I finished the dress and he got it right. The dress turned out quite well-I got to wear it to church last week.
Congratulations on successfully completing your dress! It must have felt so great to wear it already! Mary
Thanks, Mary.
It's nice to have something different to wear out. Now I need to work up my speed!
You know what......that's a great idea for anyone to have in their tool stash. It's easy, and leaves no marks. Thanks. I'm going to get one.
Hi Solo, well my goal is to get to grips with 53 metres of dupion silk and get my daughters drapes made up, then make 2 sets of triple layer sheers from 40 metres of voile, 2 blackout roller blinds and 8 co-ordinating Roman blinds, and 1 quilted bed throw and set of matching cushions. 2 aubergine silk cushions with a small embroidered Salamander on each cushion. At the same time finish an embroidered Kimono, digitise the Salamander design, digitise some designs for a set of table linen she wants made, and make a table runner and chair pad covers from the dupion to match her drapes. Then I want to start drafting a coat pattern for some faux fur I bought to make myself a coat for the winter.
I have a feeling it's time to stop procrastinating and start sewing.
Wow! That is some serious Home Dec sewing! I also think that I would have to take out a second mortgage to buy all that silk! It should be stunning when you are done. As they say, an elephant gets eaten just one bite at a time. In this case, one drapery panel at a time would be more like it! Are the draperies lined? interlined? Silk drapes are wonderful with flannel interlining. I have some in my BR and I love them. I am glad you got some "you" sewing in your list of goals too. Good luck with your endeavors. I am working on the boy christening gown and did a sample up yesterday on how I want to treat the cuffs and collar. I emailed it to a friend and she and I both agreed it was better than the other alternative considered. The fabric is a deep ecru silk taffeta and I am using the same for tiny piping to be inserted between sleeve and cuff and the yoke and the collar. I will whip stitch floss around the piping. I am aiming for a more masculine tailored look albeit the gown is a gown. Can't have one twin in a gown and the other not. This will be a fairly tailored look. Does anyone else do samples? I make tons of them. Whenever I get one of my ideas its off to make samples before committing to the garment. This has saved me much heartache with improper stitch length, wrong needle, etc. Highly recommend. It would seem to take more time, but it actually saves the time of ripping something out, or worse, just not being as happy as you could with it. solo
I haven't as yet but I intend to with muslin I purchased some expensive fabric and if I make a mistake all of you would probably hear the scream all the way from Long Island New York :-))) especially with the fitted waist pants and jackets they are most problematic, I think if one has a dressmakers dummy then life is easier but they are expensive it only pays if you sew constantly. Cyn
The dress makers dummy is handy but only if it really looks like you!!
Duct tape doubles are not quite as expensive (unless you factor in the $ for your time, and choose an expensive method for the stand); they are just like you bumps and all!!
See the photos of my shirt on my "double". I could not have fit the back w/o 'Sunny'!
Becky
I remember thearticle in Threads about making your own duct tape dummy, have you seen the one for pants? Cyndy
No, I haven't seen directions for a double for pants; but I would guess it would be similar to the other type.
Becky
No it's a dressmakers dummy I guess it would pay if you sewed a lot of pants/pantsuits. I just got through watching The Devil Wears Prada love that movie I would Love a job like that well I am close I live in NY :-))now if only I wore a size 4, just started a diet so if you hear a scream from the direction of NY "it be me" :-))))))Cyndy
My daughter had looked at retail outlets and had chosen Sandersons dupion, I threw a fit as it was £45 plus a metre. I use a wonderful wholesaler here in England and the Dupion was £ 8.17 a metre. She had been quoted £1700 for a single set of lounge drapes and 3 Roman blinds, thanks to mums mean nature we are getting all the fabric, quilt wadding, voile, interlining, hook and loop tape, black out lining, buckram heading for goblet pleats, Roman blind rods, tapes, cords eyelets, hanging hooks and brackets plus roller blind kits for £1200. That means all her windows will be dressed the way she wants. All I need now is 48 hours in a day and 52 days in a week. I've stocked up on coffee and new swear box.
The last time I made the mistake of saying how can I help, earlier this year, I ended up making 50 costumes for her schools theatre exam production of the Wizard of Oz. Was good fun but hard work. The best bit was forcing my eldest son to act as a tailors dummy for fitting the main charactor costumes. He was a really lovely cowardly lion, not a lot of good as a tin man, too stiff, and as the straw man looked scruffy, he wouldnt let me take a photo of him in the good fairys costume as I'd insisted on him wearing a false bust to see how the neckline laid. he was priceless with his 24 hour stubble and walking boots.
I can just see him standing there, muttering under his breath! My youngest son was in an anachronism group and insisted that I make him a monk's robe. That wasn't too hard, but I was really worried he would blind someone with the real elk antlers he wore hitched to his back like some eerie non-angel wings.
Give yourself several pats on the back for taking on these challenges. They make life richer for us and the people we're helping.
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