Friday, September 30, 2011

V8709 In Progress

 I'm working on V8709.    All I have to do is set in the sleeves.  The fabric is a deep olive green/white stripe, poly suiting.  Here's the pattern and fabric.

This, like most of Marcy Tilton's is funky, asymmetrical.  It has a cut-on pocket, a diagonal pleat in the back peplum and a wonky-looking collar.  The pattern says it's a jacket.   Shams and Ann are calling this a shirt, or top.  I can see why.  But, because of the fabric, mine, I think, is more "jackety".  Regardless of what you call it, it's an artsy, out of the ordinary garment. 

I made a muslin, and glad I did.   The pattern says it's loose-fitting.  But, it's not loose in the shoulder/bust area.  It's loose in the hip.  When I made the muslin, before I set in the sleeve, there was a gap in the back armsythe.  That's an indication of a rounded back.  I never realized I have a rounded back, but it does happen with age and being bent over a desk (or sewing machine).  It needs added length over the upper back.  I followed instructions for "rounded back" in SandraBetzina's fitting book.  As soon as I added the extra length in that area, the armsythe gap disappeared, like magic!

Other stuff.  On a recent stop at Jos, I found this cool sweater knit in the bargain bin at 50% off.  I couldn't resist.  It's really beefy.  A nice piece of fabric.  I loved the giraffes. 


At the last Creative Clothing Club meeting, I got some pieces of fabric off the grab table.  There 3 yards of really nice, gray Herringbone wool.  A dark red poly.  and a navy DottedSwiss.


But what landed on the table is something I've wanted for a long, long time.  Years ago, back in the 70s, I took Stretch&Sew classes.  It was a big deal at that time, this sewing on knits.  Very new.  No one knew much about that type of sewing.  I bought the workbooks, which are still today, good guides for sewing with knits.  Several years ago, I let those books go, and have regretted it since.  And then--there they were--those first Stretch&Sew books, on the grab table.  It took me about a second to scoop them up!



There was also an unopened software program, "Sweater Wizard".  I'm anxious to play around with that. 

No sewing today or tomorrow.  Our little grandsons, aged three and four, are spending the night with us.  I don't know how any of you sew when you have little ones around.  But, that's ok.  Sewing can wait.  This weekend, I'm doing crafts with the kids.  We'll be making ghosts, and decorating pumpkins and other Halloween type fun!



16 Talk to me:

Karin said...

I am looking forward to seeing your versions V8709 made up. I think the stripes will really show off the "lines" of the pattern itself. The fabric will make a nice early Fall jacket.

Fran said...

I love those giraffes - how cool is that!

The Hojnackes said...

I am excited to see how your top turns out! I have little ones around, and it definitely makes it harder to sew. I have to work it in somehow. I am sure when they are all in school I will be able to sew all the time.

Bunny said...

Sounds like a perfect weekend, Gwen. Enjoy the babes.

Love this shirt/jack. I would have fought you to the floor for those giraffes! Too fun!

Anonymous said...

Gwen, you have great plans for V8709 and great fabric/book finds! I also love the giraffes. I'm sorry for the loss of your MIL. It's hard. It does sound like you are planning a fun weekend with your grandchildren. Have a ball!

I'm posting as anonymous. I'm getting a cookie error that I have never seen before. Google can be so strange sometimes. Let me know if you have a fix for that one!
Rose
www.rosessewingroom.blogspot.com

Patty said...

Can't wait to see how your shirt turns out, that pattern is at the top of my list of need-to-sew! I drove out to Haberman's Fabrics today and they had some lovely shirting that would look great in this design, but I have some stash shirting that I need to use up first. Don't worry, tho, I walked out with three lovely cuts of fabric: a knit, a stretch denim and a Nanette Lepore fabric :-)

kbenco said...

What an interesting looking jacket/shirt. I am looking forward to your tke on it.
I love the giraffe fabric.

Faye Lewis said...

You have the most interesting books.

shams said...

Gwen, I can't wait to see your striped version! I bet it will be great!

And that giraffe fabric is FABULOUS. LOVE. :D

Irene said...

Love those giraffes! Can't wait to see the top/jacket in the stripes.

Linda T said...

Enjoy your weekend with the little ones. They grow up so fast!!

Sewingadicta said...

I am excited to see this shirt - Jacket finished, however, as you say, the seam can expect when it comes to enjoying the family .... and children grow so fast ....

Kyle said...

That giraffe fabric is AWESOME!!! I can't wait to see what you turn it into!!!

Gabrielle said...

I'll look forward to seeing your V8709 - it does look "jackety" to me too. Your recent grab table scores are great - that must be some table :-)

BTW yes, I find it pretty much impossible to sew anything when my young kids are awake. There's my incentive for getting them to bed in the evenings!

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Fun stuff! I had a gap like that too - haven't tried SB's fix yet, I just try to stand up straighter - HA! (Didn't work too well.)

Anonymous said...

I have major giraffe envy! Make something wonderful.

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