Loes Hinse Tank Dress Maxi

This was a very quick project--kind of a trial that I really like!  I added two inches at the lower L/S line of the longer version--did not use the side slit and it fits well!  My version is rayon challis from the stash.  Easy way to create a simple summer dress!  This took about an hour to make ;-)

Vogue 7579 Finished!

Here is the jacket I've finally finished!  Now off to other projects--first some Loes Hinse crop pants!  This jacket is lined in silk organza--no facings or interfacing.  Nothing but the pattern made twice--one in fashion fabric and one in silk and then joined at all edges.  I sewed the neckline and hem by machine and then hand sewed the front edges and the sleeve hems.  I will make a more complicated construction version of this in the future, now that I know it fits me!

Vogue 7975 wearable muslin

Here is a work in progress--iphone photo--with one sleeve set in. For once I took someone's advice and pinned the sleeve without any ease stitching.  What a joy!  It would have been even better if I hadn't put the sleeve in the wrong armhole.  I patiently unpicked it and resewed it in its proper place.  Whew.   I am going to use the silk organza lining a la Nancy Erickson's directions.  Basically two identical jackets sewn together at the neck and front edges.  There will not be a facing in this one, though I guess that is an option.  I was snoop shopping at Zara the other day and looked at some of their spring/summer jackets.  Even DH commented on the quality (?) of the construction, but they were cute!  Theirs are not really sewn together...rather the lining is placed inside the jacket and both pieces of the garment are zigzagged at the edges, leaving a small raw edge hanging off.  One jacket had grosgrain ribbon on the underside of the front edges for stability.  I may try this technique.

I had not made this pattern before and was leary of using the good fabric I have saved for doing a more labor intensive version of the jacket--I want to use Claire Schaeffer's instructions for finishing a Chanel like jacket.  First I needed a pattern that fit.  I am not a fan of Vogue patterns because I find the fit to be so hit or miss for me.  Using my measurements, I recently made a V 8819 cardigan.  Huge.  So, this is a size 12 and could be taken in a bit.  I will make notes for when I cut the "real" fabric.  I hope to finish this tomorrow, but my DGKs are coming to swim, have dinner, and spend the night.  They have not slept in this house and it may be a long night with them waking up in unfamiliar surroundings.  Let's hope not!

I am proud to say that ALL boxes are unpacked after our move.  That is a first!  We have moved many times during our almost 44 years of marriage and I usually just wear out with the final boxes.  I have been on the hunt for my camera.  No luck.  DH has a jillion cameras, but I want a simple one that does not require a PhD in photography (or the equivalent) to operate.  Hopefully I will be able to find one soon so I can get back to documenting my little projects.

Next project is cleaning up the mess I have made in this room.  I'm trying to keep up with the scraps in the new studio ;-)

Missing camera...

Well, I have unpacked (or at least inspected) all of the sewing room boxes and my camera is not among the remains.  Hmmmm.  I am not the family photographer, but I like having a simple point and shoot camera to document my sewing.  Looks like I may have to find a special or sale to replace the missing item.  That's the sure way to have it show up...

I have been doing some sewing.  Here's my list:

1.  Textile Studio Soho Pants--yellow twill for summer.  LOVE this pattern and have already done a little morphing to make it a TNT.  I used the LH Euro pant front to modify the upper front of this pattern to accommodate a front fly zip.  I am planning to make a new pair tomorrow.  I've worn the yellow ones to several casual events and have been comfortable and sort of on trend with a bright color slimmer leg pant.

2.  LH tank top--white.  Just a staple to wear under sheer summer tops.

3.  2 Perfect tees--one in brown knit and one in teal lace knit.  The brown knit was a remnant purchased at the LH seminar.  It is a different knit--really two layers lightly fused.  I did not hem any of the raw edges--just top stitched about 1/4 inch from edge to allow the two layers to separate and roll.  I like the look!  The teal lace top is also raw edges for sleeve and hem--I did turn and stitch the neck edge.

ETA  Item #4--crop pants in tangerine linen from a modified LH pattern.  Love the fit and how easy they were to sew!!  Bought a coordinating top at H and M and have a cute outfit for hot weather!

I need to keep this list to verify that I am still spending a little time at my hobby!

I am going to meet a fellow sewist for coffee next week--haven't met IRL before, so I'm looking forward to chatting with a new friend.

Happy Mothers Day to everyone!  Another good opportunity to remember my dear Mom and thank her for all she did for us.  Never a day without thinking of you and missing you...

Quick Ottobre Top and Chez Ami Pants

Here is a little tee shirt I made to go with some purchased pants from Chez Ami. The tee is an Ottobre pattern I had traced but did not label--so I know it is Otto but not sure of the issue.  I did purchase the pants online, but they were too long for my peanut DGD.  She will be 10 in September, but these size 8 pants were too big when I bought them for birthday #8.  Still too long, so I finally cut them off.  The tee is a coordinating fabric from the same source.  I love the ability to purchase fabrics that were designed to coordinate by a ready to wear designer.  I don't duplicate the same style of garment, but I know the colors will match and/or compliment one another.  Easy project, but a sense of accomplishment as I am almost done with the sewing studio!

Fabric Donation

Whew!  As I was moving fabric and folding fabric, I quickly realized that there were many pieces of fabric that no longer needed to live at my house ;-).  Earlier this year I subbed as the principal of a K-12 school and had mentioned to the home ec teacher that I might have some fabric to donate if she was interested.  Today I finally got around to delivering the said fabric!  She was tickled pink and so was I.  I hated knowing it would go to the rag merchant if I donated the fabric to GW.  Win-win.  Here is the delivery!

Sewing Room Progress!

We are moved in--our home is very comfortable and the sewing room/fabric cave is coming along as well.  I have a large bedroom dedicated to my vices.  LOL.  The large closet has been outfitted with a closet system for storing sewing things, especially fabric.  I have been going through my large stash of fabric and folding much of it for the storage system.  Many pieces will be donated as they are no longer of use to me.  I bought different things when I was working, when my sons were young, etc.  Now I sew for fun, not for economy.  I sew for personal fulfillment and for the challenge.  I also sew for my 5 grandchildren.  So, I have a lot of stuff.  I will share some photos of the stuff still in the process of being stowed.  I like my new closet because I can see the fabric.  I can find things even if my "system" is not one any other person would use or understand.

Lucky for me, DH has been a trooper and helped fold most of what you can see in the photo.  Thanks to Carolyn (sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/) and Shannon (hungryzombiecouture.blogspot.com/) for their inspiration and example!  I am more than halfway done and hope to actually sew soon!  I found a CJ funnel neck tee and some LH Euro pants all cut and waiting to be made as I unpacked.


Happy Easter and happy sewing everyone.  I have enjoyed reading blogs while I have been on hiatus.  Lots of lovely examples and inspiration out there!