Saturday, February 25, 2012

The Eyes Have It

Time passes fast, even when you're NOT having fun!  The month of January and part of February have been consumed with getting my eyes fixed.  It takes a lot of I-Doc appts. and may I say I was sincerely tired of eye-drops!  I didn't feel like sewing.  All is better now, and I've getting back to what I love to do.

For some time, I've wanted to have a basic underarm bust-dart jacket pattern.   Try to find one.  Actually, I found TWO.  One is Burda 8332 and the other, Butterick4963.  These two patterns are almost identical in their draft.  Most jacket patterns have a Princess seam, which of course, is a nice shape, and makes fitting a bit easier.  But, I want a basic TNT bust-dart jacket pattern for a couple of reasons.  For one, I want a TNT pattern that I can design upon.  And, sometimes I don't want a print broken up with a seam.   Having a TNT eliminates constant fittings and muslins.  All pluses.

I made muslin(s) of B4963.  Bust dart correctly placed, shoulders and sleeve all good.



I used this new book as a reference.  If you make muslins, this is a very good book, with real photographs showing fitting problems/solutions.


Now, I'm going to make an actual garment with lining, for a final check.  If I'm happy with the results, I'll start drafting collars, sleeves, princess seams--and have a bunch of interchangeable parts.  Also, I can superimpose another pattern onto my TNT and copy design details.  I'm looking forward to having some fun with this.  A few pattern designers have tried to do this with their pattern lines.  Shirley Adams had "Alternative" patterns with interchangeable parts.  It never caught on.  People didn't really know what to do with them.  Nancy Erickson has a few basic patterns and a newsletter to purchase that uses the basic patterns and applies design changes.  I've read a thread at StitchersGuild, about Sure Fit Designs, which builds upon a sloper draft.   There are some informative videos on that site.   Someday, I'm going to buy the program.  After paying for eye surgeries and  unexpected income taxes.  But for now, I  have my own jacket TNT.  It makes me happy.

I did a bit of hand embroidery and sewing pillowcases for Valentines gifts.  I embroidered white pillowcases with blue lettering for my daughter.  Sewed some ric-rac on the hem.  I love their simplicity.  These are just laid on my bed to photograph, and they are large pillowcases,  and I couldn't get them in their entirety.  Here's one:


And the two, side by side:



I made these for my little grandsons.   You know that Spiderman rules don't you?  Even when you sleep!


20 Talk to me:

Dr. Fun (AKA Sister) said...

Love those pillowcases - glad your eyes are back in business. I just got that book - haven't cracked it yet - been reading the Singer Perfect Fit. Glad you're back to sewing!

knitmachinequeen (KMQ) said...

Glad you're back and that your eyes are okay.

Belinda said...

Happy to see you back! And thanks for the complement!

sdBev said...

Glad your eyes are on the mend!

YES, I do like basic patterns that I can add and change details. Can't wait to see your versions.

Rebecca said...

I love the pillows! They are adorable.

Linda L said...

I hope you will continue to get back in the swing of sewing again now that your eyes are better. Love the pillow cases you did for your daughter.

Karin said...

I am glad to hear that your eyes are all sorted now. It must have been a difficult and maybe frightening time. Your pillow cases are great. Can't wait to see what you make next, now that you are "back in the game."

Bunny said...

Those Spiderman pillowcases are fabu! Glad you are now over the surgery and getting your groove back. I think your quest for a darted jacket pattern makes sense. A princess seam is not always the way to go. Glad to have you back, Gwen.

Linda T said...

Glad to see you back in the sewing saddle! Hope the eyes are all perfect now.

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

Alot of my TNT sewing was influenced by Shirley Adams. I loved her interchangeable patterns collection eventhough I couldn't afford them, I could incorporate the idea into my sewing.

I love B4963. I'm going to have to go through my collection and see if I have it or a pattern like it. You know I'm always looking for a great jacket pattern and this looks like a great one!

Glad you've gotten your eye situation under control!

Mariela Alethia said...

Happy to hear your eyes are doing better. A TNT pattern is gem. The book is also a gem.

Uta said...

Glad you're feeling better. I love the embroidered pillowcases - simple and lovely!

Ellen said...

So sorry to hear about your eye troubles, but great news that you're now on the mend!

The jacket TNT is a great idea. I'll look forward to reading about your progress! And those spiderman pillowcases... adorable.

Ann said...

Glad to hear your eyes are better. Your jacket is a wonderful basic pattern that you will do so much with. I must get that book - looks like a good one. And those pillow cases are fantastic.

Corrine said...

So glad your eyes are on the mend and you are able to to some sewing again. Your pillowcases are so nice. The children do love their Spiderman. One of my favorite gifts is a pillowcase set as well. You can do so many embellishments and personalize them. Your embroidery is lovely.

I met Shirley Adams years ago at a Sewing Expo here. She had stunning samples of her work in her booth and I took a class. I don't even remember what it was about! I do remember that her pattern system was pricey beyond my means at the time. Anxious to see your jacket progression.

Irene said...

Once you have the fit of a jacket worked out it only makes sense to use that pattern for many jackets. A few design changes makes for a completely different look. Have fun with this one!

Kyle said...

Congrats on your eyes being healed now. Are you back to the eye makeup?
Those pillowcases with the blue embroidery are adorable!!!

The Slapdash Sewist said...

Those "I love you...too" pillowcases are adorable! Glad your eyes are feeling better.

Anonymous said...

Glad you are back!

Linda T

Ann said...

I've chosen you for the Versatile Blogger Award. If you like, you can visit my blog and grab it and post it on yours.

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