tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14833247428999909562024-03-13T16:14:27.048-04:00All My SeamsStitching my way through life.gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-17723502555238088512014-09-26T22:31:00.000-04:002014-09-26T22:31:12.020-04:00NEED FABRIC ADVICE ASAP!! IMPORTANT MISSIONHello Blogger Friends,<br />
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If anybody can help, I know it is the people in this group. My mom was associated with some very talented people so I'm coming to you for help.<br />
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We are trying to dye some boys football pants pink for the 'Pink Out' game that raises money for breast cancer awareness. These are young men starting at age 7 up through high school that are willing to wear pink uniforms to support his cause. So far the pants are not retaining the dye, it just runs off. They are 92% nylon and must have some type of stain repellant on them. We've tried acid dye, RIT dye and hot wash dye bath. So far nothing has worked. <br />
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We need these pants pink by Tuesday. Please tell me you have something else we can try.<br />
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Thank you in advance for any advice you have to offer.<br />
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Thank you!!<br />
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Colettegwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com96tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-89124702707566130592014-01-01T20:40:00.001-05:002014-01-01T20:40:40.885-05:00New Year, New BeginningsSo, I haven't shut down Mom's blog yet as you can see. And since I have not, I decided to give an update on what's been going on around here since September. <br />
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We've been making slow but steady progress on the updates to the home Mom and Dad bought in May. Dad's decided that the big room will become a train/car/truck/play room for him and my boys. I think Mom would be good with that. It's been painted and we just got the floor down last weekend. New windows are ordered - wow they are expensive for an entire glass wall.<br />
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Here's a question for the sewers out there... Do people buy used sewing machines? I have probably 6 that need a home. Should I try to sell them, or just give them away? They were all very expensive when new, and they have been well cared for.<br />
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My mom had been studying Zentangle art for a while and I've found some of her books. I'm finding them very interesting and may be something that I can do - even though I don't have a creative hair on my body. It's calming, which I really need being that I'm a super type A person. Anybody have a book/blog/website suggestion for a beginning Zentangler?<br />
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Happy New Year to all of Mom's cyber-friends. I hope everyone had great Holidays and wish everyone great days ahead.<br />
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God Bless,<br />
Colettegwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-32706558169296514902013-09-15T21:35:00.002-04:002013-09-15T21:35:53.621-04:00Signing Off.Hello Blogger Friends, this is Gwen's daughter, Colette. I am broken hearted to say that I am posting the final thread for AllMySeams. Our Lord called my mom home last night after a long and grueling battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis. <br />
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If you've read her posts in the past you know that she and my dad bought a new home earlier this year and had been remodeling it. She had a beautiful vision for that home and I intend to finish it. I do not have her talent, but she made clear what she had in mind and I will find a way to get it done. <br />
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As you know, my mom was very creative with a great eye for color and accessories so I imagine that at this very moment His angels are getting some new garb with bling included.<br />
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I will leave her blog open for a week or so before shutting it down. Thank you to everyone who cyber-supported her through all her tough times the last few years. She truely appreciated everything you had to say.<br />
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Be in peace mom, and have fun! Bling it up!!gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com164tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-37471753595636176522013-05-26T19:28:00.000-04:002013-05-26T19:28:14.026-04:00Moving OnMoving has been an experience and one that keeps on giving! We sold our home, bought another and moved within a week. Not only that, but the home we bought began being renovated the day after we moved in.<br />
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We're living with boxes and have to transfer one pile to work on an area. Repeat and repeat. Despite the present living conditions, we are glad we made the move. We both knew the time had come. Life changes. The good things to come are a new sewing room, a new kitchen, new appliances, paint, flooring. All good things.<br />
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Our 60s California ranch home has a huge Florida room, which we are turning into a workshop for my husband, a sewing room for me, and a family room. There is plenty of space for all of it. Here's some "before" photos of that room.<br />
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Here, my husband is painting the insides of the cabinets in what will be my sewing room. Those cabinets were here when we bought the house. Just for me.<br />
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This picture shows the view out the windows on the back of the room.<br />
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This is the other side of the room, where my husband's workshop will be.</div>
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There's a fireplace, too. Nice for winter days to curl up with a good sewing book and think.<br />
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My sewing gear is packed away, waiting. Meanwhile, I count my blessings, and know that I have a roof over my head, a nice bed to sleep in. The rest will come all in good time. And I have my computer, and can keep up with your creations. Patience.<br />
gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com54tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-68809944430751818952013-05-01T07:44:00.000-04:002013-05-01T07:44:30.893-04:00Ch-ch-ch ChangesLife is filled with changes, challenges. Some good, some not so much. During the winter, my mojo went missing. I felt tired, sluggish. A nasty virus attacked me, and then I was diagnosed with a lung disease, that causes me to be winded. I can't go like a house on fire anymore. But, I can still GO, and I'm learning my limitations and how to live with chronic illness. <br />
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The end of February, my husband and I decided it is time to sell our home of 28 years and move from the island where we live to the mainland. Although we both think of ourselves as young as the day we married, we are not. Health issues are ever present. Our interests have changed through the years, and our life is not here anymore. We want to be closer to our little family, not so remote and isolated. We want to make the move together, while we're both able to enjoy making a new home for ourselves. Some people wait too long, get too old. <br />
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Our home sold fast-caught us off guard. Then the hunt for another house. We found a sweet ranch in a great location. Things are moving quickly now. We have closed on our current home, and closing on the new one next week. Packing. One thing on our priority was a place for my sewing room and husband's workshop. There is a large family room/Florida room on the back of the house--about 15x40 which will become our play rooms. Windows ceiling to floor all the way around. Love.<br />
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I've been scouring Pinterest for sewing room ideas. I'm taking my cutting table/cabinet and pattern cabinet with me. I'll have another counter-top/cabinets built. Lots of decisions to make. Someday, I'll be in the sewing room again, happy and content. Until then, I'll be reading your stories.<br />
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I'll be back.gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com65tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-66123134151076825242013-04-17T14:41:00.000-04:002013-04-17T14:41:12.462-04:00My Favorite New ThingA few webcasts ago, Peggy Sagers had a cute little pincushion--a Project Runway collectible. When I saw it, I just coveted it so. I started searching online, to no avail. And then, one day--there it was on Ebay. I couldn't believe it! I bid on it, and was the only bidder. I suppose that speaks volumes about my taste in pincushions! I don't care. It is wonderful and I love it.<br />
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This little pincushion holds a red tape measure on the side, and opens up to store notions.<br />
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IT IS MINE !!!gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-2566039969418131992013-04-10T15:09:00.002-04:002013-04-10T15:09:55.122-04:00Episode 2, British Sewing BeeIt's up on YouTube. Doncha' just love this show? Real people handling real sewing problems. Plus, you just have to love Ann Rowley, an 81 year old lady, who is so vibrant, and competing among younger people.<br />
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GO ANNIE, GO !!!gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-83786755806928887052013-03-18T20:10:00.001-04:002013-03-18T20:10:02.833-04:00Wait For Me!!<br />
I'm going with the rest of you to Bloglovin'!<br />
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<a blog="" claim="t2mxtr6vapv"" href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=" http:="" www.bloglovin.com="">Follow">http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/1480921/?claim=t2mxtr6vapv">Follow</a> my blog with Bloglovingwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-7122025288678058092013-03-11T13:59:00.000-04:002013-03-11T13:59:30.500-04:00Back Up the SlideDays go by where a lot of crummy things are going on. Like mice in a maze, trying to find a way out. And then, there it is--a way out and cheese waiting for you. Yay.<br />
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The stolen credit card problem is over. My laptop, with it's broken hard-drive has been replaced with a red Dell, which is great except that I've had to take time to learn Windows 8. I spent the weekend with a Dummies book and reloading programs. Win 8 isn't so difficult. You just have to <strong>think</strong>! We decided it is a good time to buy a new vehicle, and that's another good thing on my happy list.<br />
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The move. Really, if you've ever entertained the idea of moving, rethink that. It's an enormous undertaking for people who have hobbies. Not only do I have an enormous amount of sewing related things, but my husband has model planes. Not little planes, either, but with 8 foot wingspans. And not just one. The garage is loaded with them. Plus the stuff he uses to build the things. What are we going to do with all this stuff? <br />
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But do I stop bringing more into the house? Nope. Instead, I found a couple of patterns to add to the crap I have to move. But, at least at the moment, I get some pleasure from them. I like this Vogue top. It could easily be a jacket, and if I make it, it will be. Except for the ties at the underarm. I would be dragging them into food and drinks and getting tangled up. <br />
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My Designer group's next challenge is to make a vest from B5772, view A. We're supposed to use any technique we want to embellish it, whether it be paint, or a machine or hand embellishment.<br />
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I haven't a clue what to do with it. While I'm thinking on it, I'll whip up a quick muslin. Maybe an idea will come to me while I'm tracing/cutting/sewing the test garment. <br />
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"And so it goes" (Linda Ellerbee)gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-45990112928964111432013-03-04T18:00:00.000-05:002013-03-04T18:04:42.283-05:00On The SlideThere has been some bad juju around here lately. I've learned that when one thing goes wrong to hang on because there is usually more coming. <br />
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I made pants for our Designer group challenge. I must have had my head up my keester when I made them because when I put them on to wear to the meeting, I found they were way too big. Now, I did not lose weight, which can only mean I obviously wasn't paying attention when I fitted them.<br />
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My credit card was hijacked. I got a notice from the bank that the card was used suspiciously and they blocked it. I'm in Michigan, and someone in Delaware was having a good old time with my card. Thank goodness for fraud protection. A few years ago, after losing my wallet, I signed up for loss, theft, fraud protection at my bank. So, that is being taken care of, but it still aggravates me.<br />
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Someone managed to get into my blog and send me some lovely porn. I wasn't the only one to receive such beautiful gifts, either. Another blogger posted about getting the same thing. I changed my password and that should take care of it until another idiot hacks my blog again.<br />
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My computer's hard drive bit the dust. My daughter is a computer tech and she told me she could install a new hard drive but I would probably be having issues with that computer in another year or so. <br />
I just ordered a new RED Dell laptop. Rest in peace, Toshiba.<br />
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Meanwhile, I'm using my Netbook, which I'm so glad to have right now. But, I don't have it loaded up with things like camera software, or my phone software so I can't post photos unless I take the time to install those things. I don't normally use this little Netbook at home, so I probably won't bother. I do like it to take with me when I'm going somewhere because it's so small and portable. I don't really need an IPad since I have this. It goes with me to sewing meetings, because we're usually looking up patterns and fabrics, and I take it with me to babysit, or to Drs offices when I know there will be a wait.<br />
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So that's where things stand. I've been purging closets in anticipation of a move one of these days. Our big walk-in is finished. It's difficult trying to sort out what to keep and what to give up. Especially since I don't know where we're ending up. I keep telling myself it's better to do this now instead of 10 years from now. Get it over with while we're both healthy enough to do something. Hey, you will all be there one day--quicker than you think!<br />
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I did sign up for 3 Crafty classes while they were having a sale. Craftsy junkie, I am. I hadn't even watched S.Betzina's pant fitting class yet, but I bought PerfectFit, Plus-SizeSewing, and AlabamaChanin. Lots of information when I'm ready for it.<br />
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Hopefully my new computer will get here quickly and even better if I have some photos of something, like sewing!<br />
<br />gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-53402190338969522202013-02-16T13:50:00.000-05:002013-02-16T13:50:23.309-05:00Look Around, I'll Be GoneI want to thank each and every one of you who sent me such wonderful birthday wishes. I do so appreciate your dropping by my little blog to say "hi".<br />
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As life changes, we must learn to go with the flow. Some of you may know I live on an island. We take a car ferry to and from the mainland. In the last couple of years, the ferry rates have increased at an alarming rate, and now we will have 2 more rate hikes this year. My husband and I have been talking about moving from here for some time. It would be more convenient for us to be on the other side of the river, closer to our daughter. My husband is not in the best of health either, and we're far from a hospital. It takes an enormous amount of time to ferry back and forth, not to mention the ridiculous rates they are now charging. This last episode was just enough to give us the push we need to get our behinds in action.<br />
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So. Our home is for sale and we are looking for another. This has been a very hard decision for us to make after living here 28 years and loving this home that we built. But, it is time. We want to make this move while we still have each other. Certainly, we don't want to wait until one of us is alone and have to tackle this enormous task by ourselves. I've started the agonizing process of cleaning out closets and tossing and taking things to the Salvation Army. Any of you who have done this knows what a PITA it is. I won't be sewing much for a while, although I hope to keep up with my Designer group challenges. But until I get things in the house sorted out and more manageable, I can't spend much time at the machine.<br />
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But--I will still be reading and commenting on your blogs. I will sew vicariously through you until I get things in order. I may even pop in my blog now and then and put up some photos of our mess, if only for my own diary. I will be back. Someday.gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-72101591183221835192013-02-06T17:58:00.000-05:002013-02-06T18:24:49.802-05:00My New Sewing Cool ThingToday, when I woke, I woke up with a different age number. It happened while I was asleep. Today, my medical insurance became old age insurance--Medicare. I noticed wrinkles. And aches in creaky bones. Fortunately I got my hair done yesterday, so it's still red! Hooray for the little things in life.<br />
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Since there isn't really a good alternative to getting older, I decided I may as well have a nice present to cheer myself up. A couple of weeks ago, I told my husband that I would like an extension table for my sewing machine for this anticipated event. It arrived today. Just in time.<br />
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I'm enjoying sewing on this Plexiglass table. No more squiggling around of cloth. It makes me happy. Actually, I had something similar years ago for another machine. One that my husband made for me from wood and covered with Formica. It worked beautifully too, but--it weighed around 100 pounds. This is a guy who thinks nothing is good unless it's so heavy you can't pick it up, or screwed in so tight as to never be able to take a thing apart again. His heart is in the right place. His head is not.<br />
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This table I can move without the aid of a crane. We will spend many happy hours together. Getting older.gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-58626441474288778682013-02-04T19:57:00.000-05:002013-02-04T19:57:54.673-05:00Tape ItSometimes, I get excited by the simplest of things. Like tape, for example. When I'm altering patterns, or doing a bit of designing, I use a lot of tape. And you know what tape does to pattern tissue or tracing paper when you try to remove it. Rip. Tear. I recently heard Sandra Betzina, in her pant fitting Craftsy class, mention removable tape. I found some at Staples. It has a light adhesive, like a sticky note. Wonderful stuff for a temporary bond. I tested it on pattern paper, and it will peel off without making a mess. Good stuff.<br />
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On these cold Michigan winter nights, I enjoy curling up in my chair and do some type of handwork. Watching Downton. Or Scandal. This is my current project--a black/white/gray ripple afghan. Mostly because I had a lot of black/white/gray yarn and am trying to empty some of my yarn stash. The nice thing about this is--it's covering my legs while I work on it. When it's done, it's going in my car. In these cold climates, one never knows when a blanket will be needed. Just in case.<br />
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When I venture out into the frigid, snowy, frozen tundra, I buy patterns. Like these.<br />
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I'm still working on pants. There has been a lot of foul language in my sewing room while I attempt to fit them. I have a pretty good muslin, but had a mental block when trying to transfer a couple of the alterations to the flat pattern. It really shouldn't have been so difficult, but I couldn't get my head around it. When I finally wised up, I made the changes and am ready to cut a pant. At last! I will have those pants ready for the Designer challenge this month. Do you hear me, Katherine?</div>
gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-645101161701431352013-01-19T18:41:00.000-05:002013-01-19T18:41:29.181-05:00Cell Phone Bag, Patterns and Fabric- Oh My!Last weekend, I had a sew-in with a friend. We had a good time, chatting and sewing, and she made an awesome Vegan soup for dinner. A while ago, she made her own pattern for a cell phone bag that I admired. For our sew-in, we both made that little bag. It holds not only a phone, but has a pocket for license and cards and a clip to hang keys. There's a D-ring attached to the top of the bag and a Carabiner to clip it to a belt loop, or attach the long strap to wear cross-body.<br />
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The fabric is a crazy upholstery sample that has little tufts of thread that reminds me of eyelashes. I love this little bag, and will make more. There are many times I don't want to carry a big purse but need my license, a card or two and some money. This will be perfect.<br />
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Jos has McCall and Butterick patterns on sale this weekend. I'm working on pants for my Designer group challenge, and through a blog (I don't remember whose), read that ConnieCrawford's pant draft was good. So, I picked up her pants and jeans patterns, and a couple of other patterns, as well.<br />
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It was my lucky day, because I found some decent fabric in their RedTag section. Usually I find crap, but I came home with a really nice black/white/metallic stripe knit. This knit is beefy-not the thin, wimpy stuff. I also found a red knit, that's a nice weight for a drapey something. The gray knit is thick, textured with a metallic in it.<br />
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My brown pants are still not sewn, and are waiting on a hanger. I have nothing brown to wear with them, so I have to find a pattern and fabric to go with them once they're done. Meanwhile, I decided I want to make jeans. I'm using <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/search-pages-615.php?search_term=5894&submit.x=24&submit.y=10" target="_blank">M</a>cCall 5894. I worked on that pattern today, and have the jeans cut, machines threaded. I'm using a yucky Jos denim for the trial pair, and have some denim on order from Fabric.com. Or course, that's always a surprise too. <br />
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Sewing jeans tomorrow.gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-61519933880579716022013-01-12T12:16:00.000-05:002013-01-12T12:16:56.986-05:00Alabama Chanin--Deconstruct BeautifullyI first saw this book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Alabama-Studio-Sewing-Design-Hand-Sewing/dp/158479920X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358009567&sr=8-1&keywords=alabama+chanin" target="_blank">A</a>labama Studio Sewing Design at a luncheon, where <a href="http://roomforsewing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">K</a>atherine, of Room For Sewing was showing her copy. She had used one of the techniques in the book as inspiration for a ruffle on a skirt. After browsing through that book, I knew I had to have it. <br />
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Alabama Chanin is the brand of a very expensive clothing line sold at upscale boutiques. The owner, Natalie Chanin, wrote this book of techniques and projects that the company uses for their garments. The clothes are primarily organic cotton jersey and have a deconstructed, rough quality--raw edges, exposed seams, etc. Garments are embellished with applique, reverse applique, fabric tubes, embroidery and beads.<br />
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This deconstructed way of sewing is something that I would struggle with, yet I find in fascinating. I've seen the unfinished look a lot in the last few years, but probably to to the extent of the Alabama garments. Since I seem to be drawn to it, I may try something on a small scale.<br />
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There are two other books by Natalie Chanin--Alabama Stitch Book and Alabama Style Studio. I may have to give those a look, too. <br />
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My pants are cut and ready to sew. But instead, I'm sitting here, doing this!gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-86224783713259591262013-01-09T19:45:00.000-05:002013-01-09T19:45:40.385-05:00Sure Fit Pants AlterationWhen I last worked on my <a href="http://www.surefitdesigns.com/" target="_blank">S</a>ureFitPants, the back leg was wider than I wanted. I had pinned a 3/8" tuck down the center of the back legs from the ankle to the hip, which took out 3/4" of fabric. The pant hung much nicer, so I want to take that out of the pattern. Here's what I've done.<br />
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The grain-line on the pattern ran right down the center of the back leg. I drew a 3/8" line on either side of that grain-line which is same as the tuck I made on the trial pants. I split the pattern on the grain-line from the ankle to the waist.<br />
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Next, I overlapped the pattern, matching the 3/8" lines, beginning a the ankle. The overlap begins to taper as it nears the waist. <br />
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I've taken out 3/4" in the back leg. Doing this also removes a smidge in the hip and waist. But, I have 1" seam allowances all around the pattern. If needed, I have plenty of seam allowance to let out.<br />
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<a href="http://palmerpletsch.com/" target="_blank">P</a>almer/Pletsch pant patterns have a 1" seam allowance all the way around the pattern--except for the crotch. That makes it easier to drape the pant on yourself. That method has always worked well for me, so I continue to put those wide seam allowances on most patterns.<br />
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Now that's done and brown fabric is ironed, ready to cut. Tomorrow. gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-91803958989997510392013-01-07T15:50:00.000-05:002013-01-07T15:50:01.740-05:00Hot Patterns Gift To Me<a href="http://gwenstriptych.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">G</a>wen, of "In Over My Head" blog had several give-aways in December. She wanted everyone who entered to win, so at the end of the giveaway(s), she bought those of us who didn't win their choice of Hot Patterns from a particular grouping. How sweet is that? I decide on this <a href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/" target="_blank">H</a>otPatterns Plain&Simple Boxy Bowling Bag pattern. Whew--that's a lotta' name! Looks like this:<br />
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I like a structured bag, and this fits the bill. I'm going to search the HP Website and PR to see if I can find photos of the bag, finished. I'm anxious to try this one out. <br />
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Thank you, Gwen. <br />
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I was glued to the TV last night, watching Downton Abbey. Some of you are having Downton parties, with tea and crumpets. I am so jealous! Still, I thoroughly enjoyed it without a party. Tonight, PeggySagers is doing her bi-monthly webcast. It's about knits. Honestly, knits are more popular now than in the 70s when Stretch&Sew erupted. I took a lot of classes at the local S&S store. It was new, fresh and fun. Now the variety of knits has expanded so that it takes some skill to know how to handle the various fabrics, their stretch and eccentricities. Which you know, they have. <br />
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I'll be here with my face in the computer screen tonight. See you there. gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-76663188130744811722013-01-05T19:38:00.001-05:002013-01-05T19:38:40.933-05:00Rose Messenger Bag<a href="http://girlsinthegarden.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">L</a>ori has a couple of bag patterns that she's designed. A couple of weeks ago, she had a give-away of bags and her patterns. I won the Rose Messenger Bag. She made it from blue and brown cotton prints, and it has a pretty little zipper flower on the front. Lori has done very professional sewing on this pretty bag, and I'm so proud to have it.<br />
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She sells this pattern on her etsy shop here: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/girlsinthegarden?ref=em" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/shop/girlsinthegarden?ref=em</a> On blog, there are photos of the Rose Messenger in different fabrics, and her girls modeling them.<br />
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Thank you, Lori. I will treasure this bag.<br />
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<br />gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-53964479839945052622013-01-02T11:06:00.000-05:002013-01-02T11:06:03.206-05:00Crocheted Headband Ear-warmersI like to have some handwork to do in the evenings, while watching TV. Something that I don't have to concentrate on, but that keeps my hands busy. <a href="http://everythingsewing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A</a>nn at EverythingSewing has been crocheting these cute little headband/ear-warmers. I found the pattern link on her site, and have made a couple of them.<br />
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There's a flower, sewn on to the side/front, with a rhinestone button in the center. The headband is about 5" wide in the center, tapering on each end toward the back, and it's fastened together at the back with a button and buttonhole.<br />
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This one is wrapped around a bowl, because I don't have a head form. The pattern is here:<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AllYourStories" target="_blank">http://www.etsy.com/shop/AllYourStories</a> It's made with worsted weight yarn. I put a strand of silver metallic thread in with the yarn so it has some sparkle. Quick to make--I can crochet one in an evening. <a href="http://everythingsewing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">A</a>nn has made about 35 of these recently, sold them all, and I think has orders for more. Evidently, they are very popular in Canada. <br />
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OK, my kitchen floor is dry and I'll get back to boring housework.<br />
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<br />gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-77381415135472410882013-01-01T18:24:00.000-05:002013-01-01T18:24:05.971-05:00SureFitPants, first try<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The current challenge in my Designer group is to make a pair of pants with a fly-front zip. Although I have a pattern that fits pretty well, I decided to use this as an opportunity to try out my <a href="http://www.surefitdesigns.com/" target="_blank">S</a>ureFitDesigns pant draft. After a bit of tweaking, I have a good fitting pant from this system. <br />
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I have an irregularly shaped, middle-age body. Difficult to fit. On the first trial pant, the front was very good. The dimples around the dart are because of the cheap poly fabric, which didn't hold a press well. On good fabric, there won't be any wrinkles there.<br />
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The back had a good fit at the waist and hip. There was an issue in the legs. I had diagonal wrinkles pointing toward the inseam, but extra fullness in the back leg. <br />
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I let out the inseams a bit, and then took a vertical tuck all the way down the center of the leg from the hemline to the middle of the hip. That let the pant have some fabric at the inner thigh where I need it, while taking out the extra fullness in the middle of the leg. This is the end result, with the extra fabric pinned out in the back leg.<br />
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No wrinkles, no pull lines. Once I make the adjustments to the pattern itself, I'll be ready to make a wearable pair of SFD pants. I didn't have to work as long on these as I have other pants patterns. For one thing, they are drafted to my measurements, and I know a little more about fitting now. <br />
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I'll use this pattern to make all types of pants. Jeans, yoga pants--whatever I want. It's easier to design than fit. At least for me. <br />
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This was a good start for the new year. gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-21576357633051814972012-12-30T14:15:00.000-05:002012-12-30T14:15:07.144-05:00My New Rule (rs)Thank you all for your comments about my <a href="http://www.threadsmagazine.com/" target="_blank">T</a>hreads Magazine jacket. Each of you inspire me, and sometimes I even attempt to make something "inspired by".<br />
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Have you seen these?<br />
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No, they are not canes. These are curved rulers, used to add/subtract seam allowances. If memory serves me, I believe <a href="http://communingwithfabric.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">S</a>hams has at least one of these. They. Are. Wonderful! The rulers come in 5/8" and 3/8" widths. Clear plastic with markings. They each have an armhole/hip curve. It's so easy to lay the ruler on a curve and simply trace around, adding, (or subtracting) the seam allowance. No more ticking around a curve and then connecting the dots!<br />
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These are available through their inventress at: <a href="http://sacurveruler.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">http://sacurveruler.wordpress.com/</a>. There you're directed to the Etsy shop to purchase. <a href="http://sacurveruler.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">C</a>laire also has the same rulers with a straight edge attached. These are shipped from Texas. I ordered mine on Thursday and received them Saturday. That's fast, especially considering holiday mail. She also has a video showing how to use them. Really, it's a simple matter. Sometimes, a simple matter is the best. As in this case.<br />
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I will put these to good use, and soon. My Designer group's current challenge is to make pants with a fly-front zip. Each of us will do our best to get a good fitting pant. I have a pattern that fits, but instead of using it, I'm going to try out my <a href="http://www.surefitdesigns.com/" target="_blank">S</a>ureFitDesigns pant draft. I have made a trial pant, and it fits nicely, except for a leg twist problem, which I've corrected using the SFD website videos. I'll get some photos of my progress and post them later on this week. <br />
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Have a wonderful New Year. Happy Sewing in the months to come!gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-2505121526179399802012-12-25T13:56:00.000-05:002012-12-25T13:56:11.953-05:00The White Jacket in Threads--the March issue:<br />
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is mine!!! This is the jacket with bias strip insertion panels.<br />
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And whose beautiful jacket is on the page right beside me? Ms.Rhonda Buss! <br />
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What a fun Christmas present this is. Thank you Threads.gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-696897390035798232012-12-22T11:23:00.001-05:002012-12-22T11:23:48.288-05:00Blog Award Time!<a href="http://girlsinthegarden.blogspot.com/">L</a>ori kindly put me in the mass of Lovely Blog/Very Inspiring Blog awardees. Awardees? <br />
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Thank you, Lori. You are all familiar with her and her range of talents. She's a very busy lady, and yet she took time to help me with buying a Silhouette machine for my daughter a couple of years ago. She does everything--cooking, sewing, mothering, soon to be grandmothering, has a couple of jobs, and now is producing bag patterns!<br />
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The rules for this award are:<br />
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1. Thank the person who nominated you. <br />
2. Add The One Lovely Blog Award/Very Inspiring Blogger Award to your post.<br />
3. Share 3 things about yourself.<br />
4. Pass the award on to 10 nominees.<br />
5. Include this set of rules.<br />
6. Inform your nominees by posting a comment on their blogs.<br />
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Seven things about myself:<br />
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1. Years ago, I was certified by NationalQuiltingAssociation as a certified quilting teacher and quilt show <br />
judge. I am no longer involved in that.<br />
2. I have a jacket that is in the Readers Closet in Threads magazine, February issue. I'll be posting about<br />
that soon.<br />
3. I am very fortunate to be involved in several sewing groups. I live rural, so I have to drive an hour or<br />
so to get to them. It's definitely worth the drive though, to be with such talented women.<br />
4. My grandsons, now age 4 and 5 are a huge part of my life. My husband plays trumpet in 4 bands,<br />
which means a lot of concerts. I try to go to as many as I can. All of this keeps me busy.<br />
5. I love 40's swing music and old black/white films on AMC. And DowntonAbbey. And MadMen.<br />
6. I am older than I think I am. It causes me conflict, sometimes!<br />
7. I've recently started working on SureFitDesigns drafts, and enjoying the process.<br />
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On to those blogs which I nominate for the awards above. If you've been nominated, ignore. If you don't like to participate in awards, that is fine--just disregard. For the rest of you, these blogs are worth a visit. Don't miss out.<br />
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1. Kathryn, of <a href="http://roomforsewing.blogspot.com/">http://roomforsewing.blogspot.com/</a> Kathryn is in my Designer group. She sews<br />
beautifully, and has a great sense of humor. Check out her blog.<br />
2. <a href="http://sewforthandconquer.blogspot.com/">http://sewforthandconquer.blogspot.com/</a> Marcy makes cutting-edge, avant-garde garments. If you<br />
like the artistic, this is the place to find it.<br />
3. <a href="http://everythingsewing.blogspot.com/">http://everythingsewing.blogspot.com/</a> Ann makes absolutely fabulous rodeo show garments. She<br />
embroiders and glitzes those garments as well as other types of sewing, crocheting.<br />
4. <a href="http://gwenstriptych.blogspot.com/">http://gwenstriptych.blogspot.com/</a> Do you remember Gwen' (yes another gal sharing my name)<br />
blog "After the Dress"? She discontinued that blog and opened a new one called "InOverMyHead".<br />
5. <a href="http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://ruthieksews1.blogspot.com/</a> Ruthie participates in a lot of SWAPs. I admire anyone who<br />
can keep up the pace of a SWAP!<br />
6. <a href="http://sewingontheedge.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://sewingontheedge.blogspot.com/</a> You all know Barbara, her style and her outrageous humor!<br />
7. <a href="http://mysewingbasket.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://mysewingbasket.blogspot.com</a> also known as CalicoQuilter, is a new blog to me. She's doing<br />
some wonderful garment sewing.<br />
8. <a href="http://straightjacketmuse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://straightjacketmuse.blogspot.com/</a> Another familiar blog. You're surely aware of Digs. She<br />
just finished a beautiful trench coat and matching hat. <br />
9. <a href="http://loweryourpresserfoot.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://loweryourpresserfoot.blogspot.com/</a> Kristy sews for herself, her daughter and tiny son. I'm<br />
amazed she has any time to sew, but she makes some terrific things despite being a busy mom.<br />
10. <a href="http://scatteredsewist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://scatteredsewist.blogspot.com/</a> Belinda is a long-time sewist, and you know she's experienced<br />
when you see her garments.<br />
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Whew! <br />
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gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-7789241720357360392012-12-09T16:26:00.000-05:002012-12-09T16:26:05.218-05:00A Couple of ThingsNot much sewing has been coming from my hands. Testing, muslins, etc. but nothing that I've felt like blogging about. I have kept up with all of your fantastic projects though.<br />
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My Designer group met at one of the member's homes for our holiday luncheon. Lots of chatter, laughter and food, of course. We had a gift exchange--a White Elephant, actually. We drew numbers to determine who chose a gift first, 2nd, etc. The first person opens a gift. The second person can draw a gift from the pile or take an already opened gift from someone instead. And it goes on.<br />
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We had to make a gift for the sewing room and could only spend $5.00. Here is my gift, wrapped in pattern paper and tied with tape-measure printed ribbon. I thought it was perfect for the occasion.<br />
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This is what I made. It's a round box--about the diameter of a salad plate that I've had for years. It came with a bottle of perfume in it. I covered the top with black velveteen, made a pincushion for the top, and decorated it with trims. The top looks like a little hat.<br />
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It has braid for handles, inserted through grommets, so it can be carried.<br />
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I covered the inside of the lid, and the bottom. It can be used to hold sewing supplies.<br />
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This is the gift I drew from the pile. It's a sewing machine caddy. It slips underneath the sewing machine, and the pockets drop from the front of the table. It holds scissors, tweezers--whatever you need when you're sewing. It can also be rolled up with your tools inside to take along for classes or sew-ins.<br />
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We also showed our most recent challenge projects. The challenge was to use a computer generated color editor to pick colors from a photograph. I used picmonkey.com for the generator. It's amazing how many colors are actually in a photograph. The photograph I used had reds, greens, blacks. I gathered those colors of cotton from my quilting stash, and made a crazy-quilt pillow.<br />
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The top was pieced and embroidered by hand-lots of embroidery. Many bouillons and french knots. I added beads when the embroidery was done. Then put the pillow together with a green and black lace ruffle.<br />
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Our next challenge is to make pants. I have a good fitting pant pattern, but I want to try the <a href="http://www.surefitdesigns.com/">S</a>ureFitDesigns pants kit. <br />
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Continue shopping. Christmas is in two weeks.gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1483324742899990956.post-74357507546976618162012-09-17T19:17:00.000-04:002012-09-17T19:17:05.866-04:00Midtown Trench BeginningFall is in the air, and I find myself in need of a lightweight coat. I've decided on Indygo Junction's Midtown Trench.<br />
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I first paid attention to this coat when I saws it on <a href="http://sewmuchknitting.blogspot.com/2011/03/indygo-junction-mid-town-trench.html">P</a>atty's post. Hers was made from a black/white print and cute as can be. I like the pleats in the back, the slightly belled sleeve and big collar. The fabric is a textured burgundy something or other--in other words, content unknown. It's beefy fabric, and the back is brushed. <br />
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I made a muslin, and decreased the ease in the front princess seam a bit, so it eased in better. Other than that, the only changes I made was to lengthen the coat. The pattern calls for an unlined coat, but mine will be lined. Today I cut fashion fabric. Next, I will cut and fuse interfacing. I'm going to fuse the entire front and the back yoke. <br />
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So, it's started. I need to focus and get it done in the next couple of weeks because the temps are cooling down fast. Seems like I'm always late for the show!<br />
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<br />gwensewshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05809115166600229262noreply@blogger.com20