Ottobre Jacket #32 1/2011

I finally finished this little jacket for my DGD.  It is a size 128 from the spring issue of Ottobre magazine from 2011.  The fabric has been well aged in the stash--it is a sweatshirt fleece, but the knit is from selvage to selvage.  I think I bought it from a local independent shop which may have purchased factory overruns.  Anyway, it worked well enough for me for this design.  I also have a skirt cut out to go with this--basically a jeans yoke with a black watch plaid skirt gathered to the yoke.  I have had two sewing machines go to the shop since I started construction of the jacket...so it has been a work in progress for quite a while!!!

I am sewing in the JAM group on Stitchers' Guild, and this is my third jacket for 2011.  I have a fulled wool jacket cut out for me.  That will be jacket #4.  Hope I get it finished before the winter in Las Vegas is over!  I am using Trydy Jansen Design #301, the Boiled Wool Jacket.  It is a princess seamed fitted jacket and I am making a size 12 based on pattern measurements.  I hope to make this soon!

I bought patterns and a zipper...

Does that count as sewing?  We have been making weekly or biweekly trips to CA for dr appointments and to see my dad who is on hospice care.  He is 94 and we are thankful that we have had him in our lives for so long, but it is difficult to see him now.  So, I just can't get myself psyched up to sew and concentrate at the moment.  I did, however, notice the 5 for $5 sale on Simplicity patterns at JoAnn Fabrics.  I may make a couple of them, but I will read most of the directions.  I enjoy looking at new techniques and finishes, and for the grand investment of $1 a pattern, I plan to enjoy these little treasures.  I hope to have some photos to share soon, not of the pattern envelopes, but of some actual projects which I may complete in the next few days.

Been Sewing--no photos

I just finished a pair of European pants from Loes Hinse--guess this is my TNT pattern tho I do make others.  I KNOW they will fit, I know how to make them, the zipper is easy and neat from my perspective, and there are no surprises.  That is both a good and a bad thing.  No pleasant surprises of the satisfaction of a new style to sport.  No wasted time from trying out a new pattern that just doesn't work for my body.  So, pants are made and already being worn today with a Garbo I made several years ago and a long sleeve perfect tee from this fall.  I feel put together, but the clothes are so comfy I don't feel uncomfortable in "dressy" clothes.

I have an Ottobre jacket traced for DGD and the fabric is in the dryer.  I hope to get it cut out this evening and maybe even sew tomorrow.  We will see how much I accomplish.  The jacket is #32, The Two Way Buttoned sweater knit jacket.  (*ETA from the 1/2011 issue) I'm making the first try from some sweatshirt fleece that has aged well in the stash.  It's a forest green that will go with jeans or maybe a little plaid skirt I might whip up to go "with" the jacket.

I'll get some photos soon.  The green Burda jacket is finished, snaps and all.  I really am learning to love it!

Jacket #2--Loes Hinse Retro Jacket

I'm participating in the Jacket a Month sew along over at Stitchers' Guild. Here is my second jacket, one of Loes's earlier patterns. One of the participants in the fall seminar made a stunning version of this jacket and it's been on my mind ever since. Loes did suggest removing one inch from the sleeve side of the shoulder, tapering to the original seam allowance by the armscye notch. I made a small with no other alterations. It seems a bit big, but I like the look with it belted. I am not going to put in buttonholes, planning to use a decorative pin and/or belt for a closure. The fabric is a stretch suiting I purchased from Michael Levine's in the LA garment district a couple of years ago. I'm pleased with the jacket and will probably finish it as a suit, not sure if it will be pants or a skirt to complete the outfit. I do like it as a separate too.

My next project is going to be from Ottobre Design--a jacket for my DGD.  I have a couple in mind and will need to make a final decision soon!

Can Can Skirt for DGD

I was reading a blog (My Sewing Space) and saw a darling skirt the blogger had made for her daughter.  I had some fabric I knew my DGD would love and decided I would order the pattern she had used.  It is the Can Can skirt at this blog http://tinyurl.com/yd2k6gh Very easy and fun to make.  I made the size 8 just as the directions indicated.  However, this is a neat pattern/directions because Dana gives you the ratio to make the skirt for anyone--small child through adult.  I did not use as many or as full ruffles as the pattern creator did.  I wanted the print to show through, but I think the idea is still the same.  I think my DGD will love this one!

I saved it as a rotated photo--but when it imports to the blog it is sideways...sometimes I wonder what gremlins reside in my computer!  Anyway, if you turn your head sideways, you can see the skirt and get the general idea!

Jacket Completed--Burda 1-2011 #105

I finished the jacket today, minus the snaps for the front. The directions say to use lining fabric to cover the snaps, but the lining is a contrast, so I will need to I look around for some medium green organza. I had several rough patches in making this jacket, but I am pleased with the final outcome. I used several of my sewing reference books to take the place of he confusing Burda direcions. I only have my iphone for a camera at the moment and do not know how to transfer a photo from the phone other than to send to FB or email. If anyone can send me directions, then I will post photos.

I used some green tweed I bought from Melody at Fashionistafabrics.com. It was a joy to work with, and I am really happy with the way the fabric behaved during consruction.

Hopefully, I will soon post a photo!

We are enjoying the warm weather in SoCal for a few days. Today was1 80 degrees and the beaches were packed. Fun day to be out walking in the lovely weather

Holiday Sewing

I've been sewing, but have not done much photography! I made a top from Oliver and S pattern (these are fabulous for good drafting and easy-to-follow directions) for DGD to go with her pajama pants--made several pairs of jammies for a doll she will receive for Christmas, and did some embroidered pillow cases for all of the grands. Fun sewing. Today I even made a "draft snake" for the front door of our condo unit. I think these units had carpet when first constructed and now we have large ceramic tiles on the floor of the kitchen, dining, and living rooms. Thus, a pretty generous slit under the front door. Our door opens out onto a hallway, but still cold air comes through during our rare cold spells. Easy project, found the directions on the internet. Again, I'm thankful for this media!

Happy Holidays to anyone who stops by to see this pictureless entry. I'm enjoying my "fur" coat and have a pair of LH Euro pants almost done--just a zipper and hems to go. I worked for several weeks and will return for the week after the winter break as an elementary assistant principal. Kind of a nice way to keep myself busy, make a little money, and help out our cash-strapped school district. Besides, I got to see the holiday performances and even received a few gifts and good wishes form students and staff.

Dinner with family tonight, nothing planned tomorrow, then medical appointments and a drive home on Tuesday. So thankful we can get away easily and visit my ocean on a regular basis!