Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Q&A, Sewing Products and Christmas Nails

While so many are rushing around doing last-minute shopping or baking or whatever for the holiday, I am happily engaged in sewing, watching seriously sappy Christmas movies.  No stress.   Only fun.

In my last post, I showed a jacket, with diagonal basting on the edges of the CF and sleeves.


Q:  Carolyn asked what the purpose of the basting is. 
A:  The seam is slightly rolled to the wrong side.  The diagonal basting holds it in place until the edge
      is pressed, or topstitched.

Here's the wrong side:

Using silk or rayon thread for basting will prevent getting an imprint from the iron when pressing over the thread.  I don't mind hand basting, and in fact,  it has saved me a lot of grief. 

I'm making the Inset Jacket from CJPatterns.


I've made it before, but I am changing the sleeve this time.  I love this easy, casual jacket.  I'm making it in a black poly shot with silver metallic threads.  This fabric has been in my stash for years.  It's a good trial fabric to test the sleeve.  If it works out, fine.  If not, no great loss.  This jacket has pleats, front and back, under a square inset.  Here's the top of the front bodice.  I am happy that the square corner actually turned out to be square!


The next project in the Q is this OOP McCall jacket pattern.  Isn't this cute?

This jacket has a lot of detail.  There is a dart in the front, extending from the bust to the hem with a pocket flap inserted into that dart (view B).   View B also has 3/4 length sleeves with a band on the sleeve.  There' a back yoke, pleated lower back bodice with a band there also. The armsythe is squared, and the dropped sleeve has a pleat.   I love the collar.

I ordered a mustard yellow wool crepe from GorgeousFabrics, and a lining for this jacket.  My version will be a suit-type jacket, rather than outerwear.  I'll follow Carolyn's method of steam-shrinking the wool.  I need a day and a couple of good movies lined up because it's a long process.  I would love to join in the "12 Jackets in a Year" at Stitchers Guild.  I can't wait to seee all the awesome jackets that you make.

I got a fancy paint job on my nails yesterday.  Very festive, with red glitter polish and a gold swirly, twirly design.  Rhinestones, even.

----and to all a good night!

20 Talk to me:

Eugenia said...

Your jacket looks like it's going to be beautiful. I love your festive nails and I am pleased that you're having a good time in the lead up to Christmas!

Aminat said...

Can't wait to see the finished project, and the second project on the queue looks cute and will be fun to sew. Love your nail polish...Happy holidays to you

sewistafashionista said...

It sounds like you are having loads of fun. Perfect for Xmas. Terrific CJ jacket. I don't think I have seen her patterns. Will check them out.
Love the nails! Merry Christmas!!!

MushyWear said...

Oh, pretty nails. I really like the jacket pattern you are working on. The inset pleating is a unique design detail. It will be fun to see it all finished. Merry Christmas.

Irene said...

Oooo - snazzy nails. Painted nails is something I dropped years ago (back in the diaper-changing days, and that was a looong time ago) and I have yet to get back on the bandwagon. I do admire those who can manage to keep their nails looking wonderful.
Jacket is looking good. Can't wait to see it finished!

Bunny said...

Those are some nails, who hooo! Both of the jackets are great. The details on the second one are pretty seductive and I am sure you will do this pattern justice.

Merry Christmas, Gwen!

Sharon said...

Your jacekt is going to very nice, love the glitter in the fabric. Very festive nails, I just wish mine would stay unchipped for more than 1 day.

Victoria said...

You have some great projects going and planned. And those nails are so festive---love them!

Kyle said...

You are definitely one cool grandma with those nails!
Merry Christmas and thanks again for the Santa bag inspiration--it's definitely a TON of fun to carry around!

Faye Lewis said...

Pretty paint job and I can't wait to see those jackets.

Karin said...

Great nails! Your grandkids will be impressed.

I am looking forward to seeing your jacket. Thanks for sharing your basting tip.

Merry Christmas!

Jane M said...

How lovely! It's so nice to have relaxed time to sew without making yourself crazy. Your jacket is turning out wonderfully.
Merry Christmas!

angie.a said...

Merry Christmas!!

BCN - UNIQUE designer patterns said...

Hi Gwen.- Only wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My best wishes for another year full of happy sewing ...!!!

Jean said...

Those nails are fabulous! Have a Merry Christmas!

Claire S. said...

oooh pretty nails ! Merry Christmas !!!

Anonymous said...

Love the nails! Very festive! Merry Christmas Gwen!

Linda T

Sheila said...

Wishing you & yours Happy Holidays and a Beautiful New Year.

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

Thanks for answering my question. I thought it was something like that but I wanted to make sure!

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