Obviously I'm not very good at blogging! Would you believe that I found at least 3 unposted posts that were saved but never finished? Sure you would - sort of like my sewing - started but not finished!
Today I am wearing my Style Arc "Barb" (or is it Barbara) black denim jeans and they feel pretty good - sure wish they had pockets though. I like the pattern but not happy with Joann's stretch denim. Without ordering though, that is about all that is around here. My first pair were gray bengaline - don't remember where that was ordered from but I made them without washing the fabric first (gasp!) Wish I had . .. . they shrank. They went in the dryer as well - only added insult to injury.
What I have been sewing: lots of tote bags for our local craft center which has crafts made by those 55 and older. Younger crafters can join as well but it isn't cheap for them. Beginning in October, purchases over $25 are put in a handmade tote bag. Last year, they used over 450 bags so it was a good idea and helped increase sales. No, I haven't made that many but I have tried to do my part by probably making 25 or so. There are a few more hunks of fabric (all donated!) upstairs to cut and sew - I will finish those up before October 1.
I have made a dress - a Maria Denmark pattern "Audrey" in a gray with large black polka dots. It fits but I don't think it looks very good on right now - 5 more pounds will help so I may photograph it then. I don't think it is ready for public viewing yet.
I found a book in my sewing room that I had forgotten about - very simple sewing - t-shirts and variations. The patterns are by Simplicity but called Built by Wendy. I've made two and I think I am pretty happy with the fit here and there.
Today I am wearing my Style Arc "Barb" (or is it Barbara) black denim jeans and they feel pretty good - sure wish they had pockets though. I like the pattern but not happy with Joann's stretch denim. Without ordering though, that is about all that is around here. My first pair were gray bengaline - don't remember where that was ordered from but I made them without washing the fabric first (gasp!) Wish I had . .. . they shrank. They went in the dryer as well - only added insult to injury.
What I have been sewing: lots of tote bags for our local craft center which has crafts made by those 55 and older. Younger crafters can join as well but it isn't cheap for them. Beginning in October, purchases over $25 are put in a handmade tote bag. Last year, they used over 450 bags so it was a good idea and helped increase sales. No, I haven't made that many but I have tried to do my part by probably making 25 or so. There are a few more hunks of fabric (all donated!) upstairs to cut and sew - I will finish those up before October 1.
I have made a dress - a Maria Denmark pattern "Audrey" in a gray with large black polka dots. It fits but I don't think it looks very good on right now - 5 more pounds will help so I may photograph it then. I don't think it is ready for public viewing yet.
I found a book in my sewing room that I had forgotten about - very simple sewing - t-shirts and variations. The patterns are by Simplicity but called Built by Wendy. I've made two and I think I am pretty happy with the fit here and there.
This was the first attempt, using a size medium. All done on the serger which included turning the serged neck edge and turning it under. The sewing machine was used to top stitches the neck and hem the sleeves and hem. I found a major problem with the sleeves - they ended up really wide at the bottom. Hated the way it felt and looked so I pinched out a tuck at the bottom and stitched it right across the hem line. Not the ideal fix but it's ok.
Next up is the second try made by using the small size rather than the medium. I think it is a better fit but am considering cutting somewhere between the two for the next one. I used a sleeve from another pattern, with a shorter cap and 3/4 length which I usually wear. Short sleeves aren't friendly to old (mature!) arms and I don't think they are that much cooler in the summer. this one was probably done about half serger and half sewing machine. It has a neck band rather than just turning it under. Sorry for the iPhone photos taken in the bathroom - rainy day and only place the light is light! Guess I need to buy a tripod again.
Presto Popover! The buzz word among the RTW fasters recently. Inexpensive pattern that everyone is loving because it is so simple. Weeeeelllll - not simple for some but I got it done. Burrito - that is something to eat but it seems to mean something else is sewing - I understood what the final product was supposed to be but the folding and turning and all sorts of other things never did click - I just did it my way and got it together - but the pattern didn't match in the front. I''m still not sure about the whole procedure - this was not a fun project - very slippery, slidey, thin material that fought me constantly. BUT I am going to make another - blue/black animal print that I bought on eBay - love it! It is heavier than the multicolored and might be easier to work with. Not sure how the 2 layer front is going to be but it is worth another try. The collar might do and look better with the heavier fabric too.
This hasn't been hemmed yet - actually it was but I didn't like the way it looked so I cut it off and now it is a little short so the new hem is going to be very narrow!
Long post but I think I am caught up until the next Popover is done - I will try to do better!
The popover is very attractive on you. Hope the next one is easier!
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