jacket

We have something that's partially recognizable as a jacket, people!

Let's cut right through the chase and have a look-see:


For some reason, I really couldn't get the lighting right to take a full front shot. The best one I was able to capture is this one:


Here's the other side, for good measure:

SO. Let's talk about some things. First, please disregard the pillow that's trying desperately to fill that jacket as I would. I've been heavily considering making either a paper tape or duct tape double of myself. It can be done.

My seam ripper has been GLUED to my side. I sewed the front interfacing to the wrong side. Then I also ended up cutting out about 4 extra front lapels, because I either cut them out and interfaced the wrong side (difficulties in using fabric that doesn't have a right and wrong side), or after sitting at the machine for evidently too long, I cut out one lapel - only to start cutting it at the seam allowance. WHY WOULD I DO THIS? And it's not like I just started to snip, oh no, I cut almost 1/3 of the way!

But despite those things, I'm quite pleased with how this is starting to turn out. I haven't made any adjustments, but if I make this again I'll definitely be adding some length to the bottom pieces.

I bought a tracing wheel, and while on the one hand am glad I did, the other hand reminds me that some of the notions at Joanns are junk, including but not limited to my tracing wheel. This little thing feels like it could snap in two at any moment. It has been helpful though, since my least favorite part of sewing is tracing seam allowances, but I don't really like to sew without tracing them.

I'm already thinking of my next project. Options include:
Simplicity 2593, a simple tank.
McCall's 5803 (Just the top, which I LOVE)
McCall's 4769, a classic and versatile shirt-dress.
Butterick 6582, View C. I don't know what I'd wear it to, though. It's part of their "Retro" Line. (This happens to be '60)
Butterick 4790, also part of their "Retro" line. This one is '52.

Choices, choices. This is all that's fit to print, for now.

this will be brief

i'm a dummy today:


that is all.

fin!

finally finished the Vintage McCall's 3886! I stayed up until nearly midnight hand sewing the waistband down. I decided on a straight hem at the bottom. I also did button holes in place of the hook/eye combo. The button holes turned out...well they look right. I should have interfaced though. I was off by just a tiny bit, but it's only noticeable to me. I was going to wear it to work today, but it was raining out.


I've started cutting out the pieces for the jacket. I have a baby shower to attend this weekend, so i am not sure how far along (pun intended) i'll be able to get on the jacket. It's going to be made of a black cotton. It's pretty light, so hopefully will be nice for summertime.

zero to many

I recently decided I needed a true hobby.

See, I've had a lot of hobbies that I start, but I just never finish them. I generally enjoy each activity I try to some varying degree, but I just lose interest. Crocheting and knitting I just didn't find satisfying nor challenging. Scrapbooking just wasn't challenging... I guess as a creative person, I still feel the need to be challenged. If I feel like I'm constantly learning, then it is possible to hold my attention for more than a few moments.

Enter sewing.

I first made a skirt, using Butterick 5043. I reviewed it over here. This is the skirt.
It looks just like the pattern photo, and really inspired me. (As if I expected it to turn out like something other than the pattern photo? Maybe an accidental pair of pants?)

My next work in progress has been a vintage pattern I received from my grandma. It's McCall's 3886. I was pleased as punch with how this came together, for the most part. I had to size out the pattern a little bit, because I'm not a 7 Junior Petite, and old patterns are not graded, they're just one size.

I made my first attempt at a skirt zipper, and it turned out better than I could have hoped for.

I currently need to do the following to finish it::::

• Cut a new waist band. The one that I had cut and attached wasn't long enough. I could have left it, and fibbed a little, but I have extra fabric and might as well go the extra mile to make it as thoroughly and accurately as possible.
• Interface & attach the new waist band.
• Decide what I'm to do about the hem. Pattern calls for a blind hem, which I don't mind doing, as I did it on the last skirt I made. I would, however, like to keep with the same straight 3 line top stitching I did around the zipper, so I may just do that with the hem.

I recently found some AWESOME sales on patterns and fabric. I will be posting next about the those, and hopefully have a final photo of the Vintage McCall's skirt, and maybe a sneak peak at what I'm going to do next.

I'm SEW excited!!