A few weeks ago I presented my finished coat: Vogue 8548. Some of you lovely readers requested to see the inside. Well here it is, better late than never, right?
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Sewing inspired Home
I'm getting married in September and gathering things for our future home. I've been searching for some casual dinnerware, that I like for a while now. It's been hard to find something that wasn't just plain white, or there is a trend to have birds or bugs on dinnerware (has anyone else noticed this?), which I'm not really into. But then I discovered that the English fabric brand Sanderson, produced dinnerware based on their fabric designs. What could be better?
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| Source: Sanderson Dandelion Clocks dinnerware |
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| Dandelion Clocks Fabric |
Of course I found out that my beloved dinnerware is only available in the UK, and then discovered it is being discontinued. I searched the internet and bought the last of it at Havens, they were great, and I got 30% off. As you can see, I was very excited to get it.
I also found some storage containers, featuring a ric rac design! Fishs Eddy in NYC, is making these ric rac containers, with some of the proceeds going to the Food Bank. I also think these would be great to stow sewing odds and ends. I love sewing and adding hints of my hobby into everyday items is an easy way to bring a smile to my face. Do you have any great sewing/home finds?
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Meringue Skirt : The Colette Sewing Handbook
After I finished the Roobios dress for the second time, I still had a bit of fabric left over, and whipped up some meringue! Meringue is the first pattern in the Colette Sewing Handbook : a must have for anyone that wants to sew. I had enough of the wool herringbone for the skirt body and the waist facing, but not the hem facing. I used a little bit of grey poly that was laying around.
I finally gave in and bought an invisible zipper foot, and was amazed that my zipper looked actually invisible. Imagine that! I also love the way that the waist facing is enclosed on the zipper side. It makes it look so much more professional. This skirt came together in a flash and really is a useful wardrobe addition. I can wear it with about a million things. I'm definitely going to make more, that I can wear in the spring.
P.S. does anyone know why there is the weird shadow in the pictures and what I can do about it? I'm new at using my fancy camera.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Roobios Take 2
About a year ago, I tackled my first "real" dress, the Roobios by Colette patterns. It came out OK, I think it was a little big, and I hardly wore it. Since then, I have lost some weight and decided to alter Roobios. It had to be taken in everywhere, so I removed the bodice from the skirt, and took the bodice apart. I had extra fabric to cut the bodice (pieces a & b) again, and reused the other pieces.
I used a wool herringbone grey wool and a puce colored silk charmeuse for the
facings, pockets, and the piping. The charmeuse was not as delicate as I thought, and was still usable. I remade the top 2 sizes smaller, and then took in the seams of the skirt accordingly. As you can see below the back was really gaping, and I'm glad it fits much better now.
It's really amazing how much I've learned about sewing in such a short time. The dress came together in a pinch, the piping was so much easier to do, and it is much more wearable. What do you think? Have you ever remade a project? Or looked at your work in the past?
Monday, January 9, 2012
Vintage Robe - Simplicity 3712
I needed something warm and cozy for hanging around the house, and this vintage Simplicity pattern fit the bill. Simplicity 3712 from 1961, is a raglan sleeve robe, with a small collar and front button closing. I used a red sweatshirt material, which made for really easy sewing. The pattern included darts on the upper sleeves as well as the neckline, creating a tailored look. It is rather glamorous for something not intended to leave the house. I made version one complete with the embroidered monogram, done in satin stitch.
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| 3712 source |
I only made some slight changes to the overall pattern. I added some belt loops to keep the sash in place, added a cell phone sized pocket and hemmed quite a few inches off. I thought the buttons might be uncomfortable while lounging, but I don't even notice them. I like this robe even more than a conventional wrap style robe because everything stays in place. The collar and buttons give off a neat appearance while I'm acting slovenly. Of course lounging would not be complete without my beloved bunny slippers.
Friday, December 30, 2011
My December
Sorry for the lapse in posts, it's been a crazy month! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Not only have I been knitting up a storm for some Christmas presents, but I also went wedding dress shopping! Remember a while back when I won the wedding dress from Amsale, well I finally went to go pick it out. It was such a memorable experience and I had such a fun time with my Mom and Maid of Honor. The dresses are amazing, and it was so fun to see actual gowns, inside and out. It was interesting to see the sewing techniques I use on "couture". There is a lot of horsehair braiding in the dresses. Anyway, I'm keeping my choice a surprise so you'll have to wait until the Fall to see!
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| My Mom and I outside of the Amsale Flagship Store |
After all of that excitement I was ready to do some knitting for Christmas! I took my time on the first hat, for my brother, which ended in DISASTER! The "Weekend in the Country Hat" by Mimi Hill, is a interesting hat. A plaid colorwork hat, was simple to make just a bit time consuming with the color changes. Somehow it came out too small and too long! The only person it would fit is the life size reindeer in the kitchen. Good thing he looks good in it.
The Strib hat was the perfect solution to my problem. It is quick, easy, free pattern, and manly. I made four of them using different worsted weight I had in my stash. They were a big hit!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Finished Coat! Vogue 8548
TA DA! My finished coat. My version of Vogue pattern 8548. I love this coat, it is so warm and cozy. It is completely interlined with lambswool, and lined with a bright blue china silk. I also ordered some custom buttons from Pat's Custom Buttons and Belts. A lot of tailoring went into this coat, the entire inside is stiched with hymo which helps the coat keep its shape.
I added a third button to the pattern, at the top, which keeps the wide neck in place. Pockets are a neccesity on a winter coat, so I also included some in the coat. This color combo in the houndstooth is so great, tan and white, it is a true neutral. All my other coats are wild colors so a nuetral color was good to make, it goes with all my purses, shoes, hats and gloves. I will be wearing this all winter.
See the inside of the coat here
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