Midtown Trench Beginning

Fall is in the air, and I find myself in need of a lightweight coat.  I've decided on Indygo Junction's Midtown Trench.

I first paid attention to this coat when I saws it on Patty'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.

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.

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!

Patterns, Books and EShrugs

No sewing here for a few days.  Next week.

Meanwhile, I collect things to sew, which is almost as good, doncha' think?  I saw this IndygoJunction pattern, made up on Patty"s blog.  Isn't this cute?

It's called "Midtown Trench".  I love the pleats in the back.  I will make this knee-length, maybe longer.  I thought Patty's version, made with a large black/white print was cute as can be!

I have a love for fabric flowers.  Here's a book, showing how to make Kanzashi flowers.  They are worn in the hair of Japanese ladies, and traditionally made from silk.  They can be made from a variety of fabrics though.  I can see a little corsage of them on a suit jacket or dress for spring. SPRING!!

There are a couple of shrug patterns, taking Stitcher'sGuild by storm.  Called "E-Shrugs",  this one is a  download from SewingWorkshop.  Nancy made it here in a black knit.  It's available on TSW site for $6.00.  Nancy lengthened the sleeves on hers to the wrist, which is a fabulous idea.
 
The other is a free HotPatterns download, available from Fabric.com, called Cascade-Cozy Shrug.  Karen made it in a gorgeous lace.  Here's the illustration: 

There are other versions on the Stitcher's Guild website, but these two are the most recent.   I love them, and have both patterns downloaded and printed.  They are perfect as an accessory or a lightweight coverup for chilly summer evenings.  Make it in lace as Karen did, and it can go dressy for a night out on the town.  Lots of possibilities.  There will be one or two of these little E-Shrugs in my future.

In the works right now, I'm trying to copy an RTW, frilly cascade jacket.  I laid it out flat, pinning one section at a time to a pinnable board with tracing paper underneath.  Then, with an awl, I've pricked through the seam allowances, around each piece, making little holes in the tracing paper.  Then, connect the dots.   I have the body done, and made a muslin.  It turned out pretty good, with just a little tweaking.  Next, I'll work on the sleeves. 

Right now, I'm getting things ready for a Spiderman birthday party for my little four year old grandson.  Red and blue cupcakes, even!  Because, what's more important than a little person's birthday?  Especially when you're FOUR!

ReStylin'

My Creative Clothing Club often poses challenges. There are several going on right now--fabric flowers, B5249 skirt, CJ Patterns, etc. One of the challenges is to refashion a shirt.

I bought this instruction sheet from Indygo Junction. I like the two versions on the back page. And, I have, in the closet, a denim shirt that I never wear. I'm thinking of restyling it into one of the shirts pictured.

What they have done here is very simple. You determine the length of the shirt, minus the ruffles. Cut it off. Same with the sleeves. Enclose the front plackets with a strip of fabric, folded over the edges. Sew a strip of fabric on the collar. Make a bottom ruffle and sleeve ruffle. I would lose the bow at the waist and add a tube tie.

I seldom do projects such as this, but I thought I would bring my old shirt out of the closet and fix her up a bit. Maybe I can start on it while waiting for fabric that's on order for DD's jacket. I can't get to it until Sunday afternoon, but then I'll have a couple of days to sew.

A great weekend to all.