Saturday, April 4, 2009

Basting, Basting, 1,2,3


I had high expectations for this day. This morning I started hand basting batiste to the lime green fabric for my jacket. That took quite a bit of time because there are a lot of pieces. I was happy, stitching away and watching reruns of Project Runway. Fused interfacing on appropriate pieces. Ready to sew, after lunch.

I had a quick lunch, wanting to get started on some serious sewing. Uncovered the machine, went to the thread drawer, only to discover--I had no thread that comes anywhere close to the fabric. Sigh. I threw on some make up , combed my hair, and waited for the dishwasher to finish its cycle so I could go to Jo's. That was not in my plans.

It was a pretty day, although cold (we are expecting snow in a couple of days), and I have a brand new ride, purchased yesterday. It was a good time to get used to driving the new vehicle, since I didn't even know how to turn on the heater! I went to Jo's just for thread, but of course, spent two hours in the store. I found a couple of pieces of fabric for summery type blouses to be worn with white pants. Here they are: The blue/white is a poly matte finish, and the army drab/white is silk. I did manage to remember thread!



The jacket I'm working on, S2703, has a gathered lower front which is attached to the midriff. The facing for this piece is the same. I cannot understand why the facing piece should be gathered. All that does is add bulk. Me thinks the pattern drafters were being lazy!

I made an executive decision, and changed the gathered facing to a flat piece of fabric. Here's the pattern piece, which I split, and then overlapped it, removing the area that was supposed to be gathered.

The fabric is really lime green (see previous post). Like neon! It didn't look that bright in the store. All that green needs to be broken up a bit, so I'm considering slot seams, using black as the fabric under the slot. I'll do a test sample, but I think that will be a good detail and maybe keep me from looking like Kermit! Kenneth King is giving an online course at PR on slot seams, coming up soon.

That's where I stand. I'm ready to sew, probably Monday. Tomorrow is church, and a birthday party for my 2 year old grandson. Oh, and snow shoveling, I hear!

Have a great Sunday. Sew much.

12 Talk to me:

Unknown said...

Sounds like fun, going to the fabric store in a new ride! Looks like a productive day to me...
You practiced great self control, two hours and I would've done a lot more damage than 2 cuts and a spool of thread!
And I refuse to shovel another inch of snow. I'm so done with winter!

Anonymous said...

Hello! My name is Carolyn and I'm in Canada. I just found your blog and could not help commenting right away - I LOVE slot seams!!! I've been a TA for the last couple years at the local university while doing my MA, and I always encourage the students to do slot seams, I think they're so neat!
Now I want to make something with slot seams!
Yay slot seams!!!!!
(um.....yes I'm a little crazy, but not the scary kind)

Julia said...

You sound so much like me. I went to Walmart (the only real store in my town) the other day to get a couple of things and spent a couple of hours just looking at stuff. I love your lime green!!

Jean said...

Wow -- slot seams! I've only done them once as part of a class --- never had the courage to revisit them. Great idea to incorporate them into your jacket. I'm sorry to hear about the snow, but I'm sure that kind of weather makes it cozy for sewing. It has been warm and sunny out here in California, so it is hard to stay inside to sew!

Linda L said...

I love your fabric! Especially the green one. I am glad you are making this jacket as I have this pattern and want to make the jacket and dress. Great idea for eliminating the gathering for the facing, that would be too much. I await seeing your progression on this pattern.

Nancy K said...

Pretty jacket. I think that they are just plain lazy these days. It is a very familiar rant! I am old enough to remember great drafting and instructions in designer Vogue patterns. I am pretty much a self taught sewist and the pattern and my mid 70's edition of the Vogue sewing book took me far.

Faye Lewis said...

Thanks for trying to help me with my posting problem. I don't even see edit HTLM anymore. Three or more things are missing. I'll keep fooling around with it trying to get it right. Love your animal print tops.

Unknown said...

Such a lovely jacket pattern. I can't wait to see the finished result and your blouse? Grrr indeed. As for my linens, it is killing me to cut into them. I keep thinking what if I find a better project? What if I never find another vintage Disney sheet again? But I'm still using them. And you're right, I've been collecting them for a very hard time. I feel sad cutting into them, but it's for a good cause and I don't feel as guilty as I did for keeping them hidden in a closet. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.

Julia said...

Orange ink is hard to find. I don't know where my friend gets these pens. i used to use felt tip but then they got hard to find too.

HeathersSphere said...

Gwen, I cannot wait to read the next chapter of your new projects! ~Louella

Faye Lewis said...

Hey Gwen, just wanted you to know that I got the compose button back on my posts. Thanks!

Julia said...

That's one of my favorite songs!!! I would love to know you personally.

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