tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77034153150276121762024-03-12T20:05:08.628-04:00With Needle and BrushSewing, Knitting, and a Dab of PaintDixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-70241215509257329422015-02-25T21:19:00.001-05:002015-02-25T21:19:26.411-05:00Felting and EmbroideryBack in early January I decided to make surface design a focus for this year. I issued myself a challenge to explore a new technique every month, and dove head-long into felting and hand embroidery. I dug out the felting/embellishing machine I bought a couple of years back and re-familiarized myself with it. I augmented my meager fleece supply to the point that I now have way too much of the stuff. I also unearthed embroidery threads from years and years ago, when I did lots of needlepoint. Technically, neither felting or embroidery is new to me. But I never fully explored needlefelting when I purchased the machine, and it's been a looooong time since I did any embroidery. So it was definitely worth revisiting the two in combination.<br />
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I love making things with the felting machine so much, I've continued with it throughout February. Which puts me behind in my challenge, but, hey - it's been too much fun to leave behind just yet.<br />
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The main reason I love this craft/art is because it lets me play with color and fiber. Here is some of the fleece I've accumulated:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Dre2YWZgiY/VO5yZ-llZRI/AAAAAAAACfo/Vko42DPftWE/s1600/BoxesofFleece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7Dre2YWZgiY/VO5yZ-llZRI/AAAAAAAACfo/Vko42DPftWE/s1600/BoxesofFleece.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Warm tones, reminding me that spring will indeed come some day:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Mo6yrniVg/VO5yMwZyJWI/AAAAAAAACfY/QVPbu2sJJ4E/s1600/WarmTonedFleece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J0Mo6yrniVg/VO5yMwZyJWI/AAAAAAAACfY/QVPbu2sJJ4E/s1600/WarmTonedFleece.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cool reds and purples - my favorites:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhrgFQ8u_ZU/VO5yMMUoePI/AAAAAAAACfE/qSZQrYZ8N9A/s1600/PurpleandRedFleece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EhrgFQ8u_ZU/VO5yMMUoePI/AAAAAAAACfE/qSZQrYZ8N9A/s1600/PurpleandRedFleece.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Blues and greens - an ocean of color:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thIgEFaq35M/VO5yK7cigUI/AAAAAAAACeY/HceL1glejMw/s1600/BlueandGreenFleece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-thIgEFaq35M/VO5yK7cigUI/AAAAAAAACeY/HceL1glejMw/s1600/BlueandGreenFleece.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And neutrals, including some very cool curly locks:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRvXkK3zctQ/VO5yL8pTUfI/AAAAAAAACfU/j5qHNYPM4Yw/s1600/NaturalFleece.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRvXkK3zctQ/VO5yL8pTUfI/AAAAAAAACfU/j5qHNYPM4Yw/s1600/NaturalFleece.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is my drawer full of embroidery threads:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oK2_2J_KF0/VO5yLAUXTVI/AAAAAAAACek/bTgrx2S60MA/s1600/EmbroideryThreads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oK2_2J_KF0/VO5yLAUXTVI/AAAAAAAACek/bTgrx2S60MA/s1600/EmbroideryThreads.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you're not familiar with a felting machine, it looks quite like a thread-less sewing machine. No bobbin, no thread. Just a shaft that goes up and down. And on the bottom of the shaft, a head that holds 12 barbed needles. These needles push the fibers through the base fabric, felting the two together. The base can be any number of clothing or home dec fabrications. It can also be the interfacing-like Solvy product that dissolves in water. For most of the work I've been doing, I've used prefelt, a very lightly felted wool fabric similar to needlepunch (that stuff we used to make shoulder pads with, back in the dark ages).</div>
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Here's a photo of the needle head. I don't have all 12 needles in it here.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PsX5LE7FISs/VO5yLFnLTJI/AAAAAAAACfw/aaRGSU9Odq8/s1600/FeltingNeedles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PsX5LE7FISs/VO5yLFnLTJI/AAAAAAAACfw/aaRGSU9Odq8/s1600/FeltingNeedles.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you click on the photo, you may be able to see the barbs on the sides of the needles. (I removed the plastic protective shield for the photo. It should never be removed during use, as it protects fingers and whatever else from being pierced.) </div>
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So what have I been doing with all of these supplies? I started by simply playing with the fleece, felting it onto a woolen fabric. After breaking a few needles, I got the knack of it. It requires a steady, heavy foot on the pedal, and smooth, regular movement of the fabric using both hands. I do use a hand-held felting tool sometimes, for detail work or to "baste" a piece of roving or yarn in place. And that's all there is to it.<br />
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I have little to show for all of my explorations thus far, because I didn't like certain pieces for one reason or another. I haven't taken photos of the rejects, for fear they'd show up on Pinterest or somewhere. But here are two projects I'm pleased with:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4742SZs8LQ/VO5yMezT06I/AAAAAAAACfQ/JNAtaRzTnwA/s1600/VineyardLeafCoaster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w4742SZs8LQ/VO5yMezT06I/AAAAAAAACfQ/JNAtaRzTnwA/s1600/VineyardLeafCoaster1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FFLBccQO08/VO5yMldqbQI/AAAAAAAACfM/CzwrrVjkWRs/s1600/VineyardLeafCoaster2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1FFLBccQO08/VO5yMldqbQI/AAAAAAAACfM/CzwrrVjkWRs/s1600/VineyardLeafCoaster2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Coasters! I used a fleece batting that was several colors blended together, which is why the background is so rich. Then I felted the leaf shapes on, and added the hand stitching. It's really rewarding to see an item come alive with the stitching. It adds texture, more color and a focal point.<br />
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Second, a big, bold cuff bracelet:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C28qn4TqaoI/VO5yLQUY3PI/AAAAAAAACew/Ay9HKt7Xv-o/s1600/MagentaBracelet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C28qn4TqaoI/VO5yLQUY3PI/AAAAAAAACew/Ay9HKt7Xv-o/s1600/MagentaBracelet2.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2WDq8bLFzks/VO5yLsHJU3I/AAAAAAAACfc/yEFXgSeoONk/s1600/MagentaBracelet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2WDq8bLFzks/VO5yLsHJU3I/AAAAAAAACfc/yEFXgSeoONk/s1600/MagentaBracelet3.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmaaHco4erc/VO5yLXeIHgI/AAAAAAAACe4/1saN1GGkNxE/s1600/MagentaBracelet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lmaaHco4erc/VO5yLXeIHgI/AAAAAAAACe4/1saN1GGkNxE/s1600/MagentaBracelet1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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The whimsical spirals on this band make me smile! The large spiral is stitched over a thick strand of hand dyed yarn. It gives great texture and is a focal point for the piece. The smaller spirals are stitched with a variety of threads and types of stitches. Two magnetic snaps close the bracelet, and it's lined with silk dupioni. It's a good 3+ inches wide. That would be too large for many women, but it's great on my long arms. It's really comfortable to wear, despite its size. Its softness and flexibility boost the comfort factor.</div>
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Today I started a felted wall hanging, but you'll have to wait for my next post to see it. I'm pondering what to explore as my technique for March. There are so many things I want to try, it's going to be a fun year!</div>
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Oh, and clothing? I made a couple of ponte jackets in late December. I'll get them photographed one of these days. I have no need for clothing right now, so new clothes can wait a month or two. In the meantime, I'll be felting, embroidering, and longing for spring!</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGJnPaVSFCI/VO6ATp-kjJI/AAAAAAAACgI/ZmnNm4ovIrk/s1600/Deck2-15-15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tGJnPaVSFCI/VO6ATp-kjJI/AAAAAAAACgI/ZmnNm4ovIrk/s1600/Deck2-15-15.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our deck on February 15th. Way. Too. Much. Snow.</td></tr>
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<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-86887742661235188762014-12-21T21:11:00.000-05:002014-12-21T21:11:21.324-05:00Butterick 5891 Revisited<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdKAMrYScd8/VGkizNM4wzI/AAAAAAAACS4/oZMQGq_cjgc/s1600/CottonDoubleCloth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sdKAMrYScd8/VGkizNM4wzI/AAAAAAAACS4/oZMQGq_cjgc/s1600/CottonDoubleCloth.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Earlier this year I purchased two doublecloth fabrics from Marcy Tilton. They are cotton gauze - lightweight, airy, with a soft drape. One is plaid with checks on the reverse side, the other is solid with checks on the reverse side. Purchased on separate occasions, I was pleased to find out the two fabrics played very well with each other. While not an exact match, the purples are very close, and I knew they would look great together in a garment.<br />
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I allowed these fabrics to rest together on my design table for a couple of months, so I would see them often and think about what to make with them. It was a design challenge of sorts. I wanted to use all four sides of the fabric, but I didn't want the finished garment to look clownish or garish. After much consideration, I decided to go with <a href="http://withneedleandbrush.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-tilton-trio-butterick-5891.html" target="_blank">my favorite pattern of the year, Butterick 5891</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrD2tKlTpMg/VIJigW1HtDI/AAAAAAAACXg/RxNcuJB4Jfo/s1600/PurplePlaidTopCollarOpen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VrD2tKlTpMg/VIJigW1HtDI/AAAAAAAACXg/RxNcuJB4Jfo/s1600/PurplePlaidTopCollarOpen.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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The plaid/check fabric was perfect for the collar, as both sides of the fabric show. I cut it on the bias for a bit more interest and better drape.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3-E5PjVJA8/VIJif3WZzHI/AAAAAAAACXQ/ItEPHcjHF7c/s1600/PurplePlaidTopCollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o3-E5PjVJA8/VIJif3WZzHI/AAAAAAAACXQ/ItEPHcjHF7c/s1600/PurplePlaidTopCollar.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love, love this collar! It's not difficult to make, and it gives a sweet focal point that frames the face.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1vfNsPZ7fs/VIJigI-5EPI/AAAAAAAACXc/PL6wY1ErEyc/s1600/PurplePlaidTopCollarClosed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C1vfNsPZ7fs/VIJigI-5EPI/AAAAAAAACXc/PL6wY1ErEyc/s1600/PurplePlaidTopCollarClosed2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I neglected to take photos of the back, which is half purple, half purple check. Not wanting to feature the plaid, I kept its use to a minimum, trying to balance the overall look with it. There is no cuff on the pattern, but I narrow hemmed the edge to the right side, so I could turn it back to show off the white and black check. I like how that echoes what's going on in the collar.<br />
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Some <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Amusement/productinfo/B1201/" target="_blank">rounded square buttons</a> from Sawyer Brook tie into the square motif that runs throughout the top.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDWB-hysQVU/VIJif5cebbI/AAAAAAAACXM/gN0MgffOE1s/s1600/PurplePlaidTopButtons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gDWB-hysQVU/VIJif5cebbI/AAAAAAAACXM/gN0MgffOE1s/s1600/PurplePlaidTopButtons.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After taking photos of this garment on me, I saw how far off my shoulders the top hangs. I don't think that's the intended look, so if I make this again (for a fifth time) I will cut the shoulders and chest narrower and raise the top of the sleeve. </div>
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I continue to be amazed at what I see in a photo that I don't see in front of a mirror! Things show up that I never noticed while making the garment. Has anyone else experienced this? Makes me think I should take photos while constructing and trying on a piece. Or just pretend I'm a camera when I look in the mirror!</div>
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Katherine Tilton hit one out of the ballpark with this pattern. Even with the loose fit, I love this top. The weather won't be conducive to wearing it until spring, but I know I'm going to enjoy it. It's super comfortable and easy to style. And it's <i>purple</i>!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vDlcCbN0yk/VIJif_-uI6I/AAAAAAAACXU/9G5Ws5KKoZ8/s1600/PurplePlaidTopCollarClosed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5vDlcCbN0yk/VIJif_-uI6I/AAAAAAAACXU/9G5Ws5KKoZ8/s1600/PurplePlaidTopCollarClosed.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-57997202794788708362014-12-12T21:09:00.000-05:002014-12-12T21:10:35.701-05:00A Disappointing Vest, Vogue 9034And now I've come to the bottom of the pile, the last of the garments I made during the summer and early autumn of this year. The bottom of the pile also means the last of the photos taken by my sister, Lisa, at the end of October. I'll miss these colorful portraits!<br />
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In September, I whipped up this vest and top:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbkVradyStI/VIJiG2u_JoI/AAAAAAAACWQ/EyV2b0mX9sA/s1600/PurpleLinenViscoseVestFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hbkVradyStI/VIJiG2u_JoI/AAAAAAAACWQ/EyV2b0mX9sA/s1600/PurpleLinenViscoseVestFront.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Only after arriving home and editing these photos did I notice I didn't have the lapels of this vest turned back properly. So, I took some selfies to show how the lapels are supposed to lie.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvpLAdOyr7k/VIJiHCdVD2I/AAAAAAAACWY/AwyB8XTa0TU/s1600/PurpleLinenViscoseVestHome1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UvpLAdOyr7k/VIJiHCdVD2I/AAAAAAAACWY/AwyB8XTa0TU/s1600/PurpleLinenViscoseVestHome1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This vest was made using <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9034-products-48758.php?page_id=863" target="_blank">Vogue 9034</a>, a pattern I can't recommend as is. The reasons? Many shortcuts were taken with the pattern instructions and pieces. And it's not a Very Easy Vogue pattern. So, what gives, Vogue?<br />
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First of all, the garment is lined to the edges. Not a good construction practice. I much prefer facings and hems, to give the garment more structure. Secondly, no interfacing in the lapels!!! Horrors! I foolishly followed the instructions, and put interfacing only in the collar. Big mistake, as you can see in the photos. Those lapels are crying out for more support.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdcgk7WiSRk/VIJiGyiX6lI/AAAAAAAACWc/gB9-TuNyBP0/s1600/PurpleLinenViscoseVestClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdcgk7WiSRk/VIJiGyiX6lI/AAAAAAAACWc/gB9-TuNyBP0/s1600/PurpleLinenViscoseVestClose.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Thirdly, no tailoring techniques were recommended. To give Vogue credit, the undercollar is cut in two pieces, on the bias. A surprise, considering the lack of any other tailoring tricks. I did know enough to hand sew the undercollar/body seam to the collar/facing seam. But I really should have interfaced the front, faced and interfaced the armholes, and hemmed the bottom. I'm not sure why I blindly sewed along to the directions. I must have been in a trance of some sort!<br />
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The fabric is a rayon/linen blend from Marcy Tilton. It was a gem to work with, and I love the color. The jersey for the top is from her, also. I used my TNT t-shirt pattern, <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8793-products-16435.php?page_id=260" target="_blank">Vogue 8793</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bza7pscBIug/VIJiG0jmkVI/AAAAAAAACWo/lwhf_zs2vHU/s1600/PurpleGeoTop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bza7pscBIug/VIJiG0jmkVI/AAAAAAAACWo/lwhf_zs2vHU/s1600/PurpleGeoTop.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love the print of the top, and it was cool how these two fabrics came together, as they were purchased separately. Too bad I probably won't wear the vest very much. It just looks too sloppy. A shame. I suppose I could take it apart and remake it the right way, but I'm not sure how motivated I am to do that.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-pw3WNI79s/VIJiHUfP63I/AAAAAAAACWk/vphgcQbYWJY/s1600/PurpleLinenViscoseVestStatu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f-pw3WNI79s/VIJiHUfP63I/AAAAAAAACWk/vphgcQbYWJY/s1600/PurpleLinenViscoseVestStatu.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I do like the asymmetry of the front of the vest. I'm not crazy about the rest of it, though, so I just might reclaim the fabric for another pursuit. I have at least 1/2 yard of the fabric remaining, so it could become part of another garment.<br />
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All in all, a disappointing pattern and garment.<br />
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Why in the world, you ask, am I standing next to a Hindu statue (a deity?), with my hand on its head? Because I couldn't resist her. The grounds of <a href="http://www.deerparkevents.com/history.html" target="_blank">the manor</a> where my sister lives is dotted with these, along with a few Japanese and Celtic statues. An eclectic mix, almost humorously positioned among the grasses and Indiana limestone rocks that dot the landscape. I had fun wandering the gardens and photographing the statuary. Enjoy!</div>
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Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-66177498743889585742014-12-05T21:53:00.000-05:002014-12-05T21:53:57.472-05:00Denim Jacket Times Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/B6106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://butterick.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/B6106.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></div>
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No, this isn't a photo of me, or my jacket. Wouldn't life be different if both were true?! This is Butterick 6106, a jacket I've made twice this year, with varying results. Here's the story:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQHD-zgxaoM/VFwtXnIEJPI/AAAAAAAACOY/liD9x-jpCYQ/s1600/ChereeJacketBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lQHD-zgxaoM/VFwtXnIEJPI/AAAAAAAACOY/liD9x-jpCYQ/s1600/ChereeJacketBack.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Back in August I married this pattern to a mid-weight, denim-type fabric from Sawyer Brook (now sold out). I liked the striped version on the pattern envelope, as well as a plaid version Katherine Tilton posted on <a href="http://thetiltonstudios.blogspot.com/2014/08/babe-and-jean-or-variations-on.html" target="_blank">her blog</a>. You know I like to add some paint to fabric whenever it's appropriate, so I jumped in and did it here. I laid the yardage out on my work table and masked off a 2 inch wide stripe about 6 inches from the selvedge. Then I took a brush and some pewter Lumiere paint and used light strokes to paint the stripe. I liked it so much, I repeated it at the other selvedge.<br />
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When I cut out the pattern pieces, I tried placing them where they would take advantage of the stripe. I didn't get fancy about matching stripes anywhere. I just wanted the stripes to appear in a balanced fashion. Not a perfect job, but I'm happy with it.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhlHS_gqDrw/VFwtYqu-KWI/AAAAAAAACNM/D1_EjrFTaSU/s1600/ChereeJacketFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vhlHS_gqDrw/VFwtYqu-KWI/AAAAAAAACNM/D1_EjrFTaSU/s1600/ChereeJacketFront.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The fabric, which is all cotton, was a breeze to sew, and it stands up pretty well to the collar design. I was really pleased these buttons from Sawyer Brook matched the paint so well:</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iw4SbPcenmU/VFwtYK16fcI/AAAAAAAACOE/eg2W3PPEMdI/s1600/ChereeJacketButtonsandPaint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iw4SbPcenmU/VFwtYK16fcI/AAAAAAAACOE/eg2W3PPEMdI/s1600/ChereeJacketButtonsandPaint.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sewing this design is like putting a puzzle together because of the asymmetry at the lower fronts. It's not difficult, but it requires patience and attention to detail. As I put the pieces together, I discovered two errors on the pattern. The first involves a mis-placed notch:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HREPA2K8Q5w/VIJix2ZurzI/AAAAAAAACX8/zsHHRFyAZ6I/s1600/B6106PatternCorrection4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HREPA2K8Q5w/VIJix2ZurzI/AAAAAAAACX8/zsHHRFyAZ6I/s1600/B6106PatternCorrection4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The notch at the top of piece #4 should have been about 1-1/2 inches to the right. I only figured this out when I went to attach it to the right front and found the notches were quite far away from one another.</div>
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The second error is on piece 13, the right front facing. The lower edge needs to be extended on one side and tapered to nothing on the other side, as shown below:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAZV4P6n-XU/VIJiyEnfX0I/AAAAAAAACYE/SPWWX3kJhJo/s1600/B6106PatternCorrection13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gAZV4P6n-XU/VIJiyEnfX0I/AAAAAAAACYE/SPWWX3kJhJo/s1600/B6106PatternCorrection13.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you don't do this, you won't have enough fabric to cover a seam later on. So it's pretty important to fix it before you cut. You can see the problem if you lay piece 13 against the right front piece. It's just too short!</div>
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Aside from these two errors, the pattern sewed up really well, and was fun to construct. I really like this jacket and expect to get a lot of wear from it, since it's in a good-for-me basic color.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIrS9FGeldI/VFwtZj4-qkI/AAAAAAAACNU/oOsxA-4SqoY/s1600/ChereeJacketFront2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GIrS9FGeldI/VFwtZj4-qkI/AAAAAAAACNU/oOsxA-4SqoY/s1600/ChereeJacketFront2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Oh, and one thing about the design of the lower left front. As you can see in the photo above, the lowest piece does "stand out" from the jacket. It's a bit odd, but I've grown to like it.</div>
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*****</div>
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Three months later, in late November, I decided to make the jacket again. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qRM7Zx5F74/VIJiyhayFBI/AAAAAAAACYY/ClyZKcCbvN4/s1600/BrownKTJacketFront2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qRM7Zx5F74/VIJiyhayFBI/AAAAAAAACYY/ClyZKcCbvN4/s1600/BrownKTJacketFront2.jpg" height="320" width="219" /></a></div>
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And I'm not so happy about this one. First of all, the color is a stretch for me. Even though my eyes and hair are brown, it's hard to find brown that enhances my cool skin tone. I don't think this is bad, but it's not my best color. Agree?</div>
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The second problem is a larger one, and it involves an unhappy marriage of pattern and fabric. This is a lightweight denim of cotton, polyester and lycra. It is soft and drapey. Not the right fabric for this collar style. The collar can barely stand up, even with a facing and interfacing. And see the drag lines on the upper chest? Too soft a fabric.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbHGivrHrME/VIJiyU4zGeI/AAAAAAAACYQ/hseNzDY0BPg/s1600/BrownKTJacketFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vbHGivrHrME/VIJiyU4zGeI/AAAAAAAACYQ/hseNzDY0BPg/s1600/BrownKTJacketFront.jpg" height="320" width="229" /></a></div>
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And lastly, the fit of this jacket isn't good at all. I don't know why I didn't notice it back in August when I made the first one. The shoulders are just too wide on me. I should have cut this version in a smaller size. The style is loose, to a certain degree, but I don't think the sleeves should hang off the shoulder by more than an inch. I simply wasn't paying attention.</div>
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Oh well, on to the parts of this jacket I really like: the printing. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AVQS0mb0_8U/VIJiydzViEI/AAAAAAAACYU/zB5E3MuNRNg/s1600/BrownKTJacketCollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AVQS0mb0_8U/VIJiydzViEI/AAAAAAAACYU/zB5E3MuNRNg/s1600/BrownKTJacketCollar.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.dianeericson.com/store/" target="_blank">Diane Ericson's</a> Bamboo Forest and Brush Alphabet stencils were a perfect pairing for embellishing this fabric. I used black Neopaque and copper Lumiere paints, which enhance those colors in the fabric (and the buttons, which are from Sawyer Brook). </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eo5lykRisYw/VIJiy6xGf2I/AAAAAAAACYc/LiRWvpHSerg/s1600/BrownKTJacketLowerFront%2BSle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eo5lykRisYw/VIJiy6xGf2I/AAAAAAAACYc/LiRWvpHSerg/s1600/BrownKTJacketLowerFront%2BSle.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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What a lot of fun this printing was! In fact, I love the printing so much, I'm not all that unhappy with the jacket. I just don't know how much I'll wear it because of the color, the baggy shoulders, and the drag lines. Honest opinions - would you wear this jacket if it looked like this on you? If not, what would you do with it? I welcome any and all comments!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9GowjRJm8k/VIJix2QsTXI/AAAAAAAACYk/dxaEdsaW2lY/s1600/BrownKTJacketClose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9GowjRJm8k/VIJix2QsTXI/AAAAAAAACYk/dxaEdsaW2lY/s1600/BrownKTJacketClose.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
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Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-46404893663729695042014-11-30T20:37:00.000-05:002014-11-30T20:37:20.842-05:00A Go-With-Everything Ponte Jacket<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKQS_xGkqpc/VHu8Bnx-7UI/AAAAAAAACVU/OLeCHd9HvRs/s1600/EFJacketFront1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKQS_xGkqpc/VHu8Bnx-7UI/AAAAAAAACVU/OLeCHd9HvRs/s1600/EFJacketFront1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Back in September I realized I could really use a basic cardigan in my wardrobe, an easy-to-wear jacket that would go with (almost) everything. So I dug through my resource center and found a black ponte milled for Eileen Fisher, purchased from Sawyer Brook a couple of years ago. The fabric is rayon and nylon, and it has a soft hand and drape.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIA2LMZWXIE/VHu8Bk-8CQI/AAAAAAAACVM/YbsYxaY_ILs/s1600/EFJacketFront2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EIA2LMZWXIE/VHu8Bk-8CQI/AAAAAAAACVM/YbsYxaY_ILs/s1600/EFJacketFront2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now, basic isn't my normal thing. If you've been reading my blog for any length of time, you know I like asymmetry, uneven hemlines, and maybe a touch of paint. But not on this garment. I really needed it to be PLAIN. Enter <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6996-products-48712.php?page_id=115" target="_blank">McCall's 6996</a>, view C/D, a simple cardigan with a wide center front band that becomes a collar of sorts. Without buttons or pockets. Really basic.<br />
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There is one nice design feature on the jacket - gathering at the center back seam of the band:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvNRfnstvto/VHu8Bu-UtGI/AAAAAAAACVI/jYD4ScS5XBQ/s1600/EFJacketBackNeck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvNRfnstvto/VHu8Bu-UtGI/AAAAAAAACVI/jYD4ScS5XBQ/s1600/EFJacketBackNeck.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I like the extra interest this gathering gives, even though it's a small area that is almost covered by my hair.<br />
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A simple pattern and easy to sew fabric made for a quick project. Cutting this out and sewing it up was a dream. A dream in terms of easiness, but I have to admit, it was a bit boring for me to sew, and I was glad to get it over with. But it will be the perfect thing to grab when I need an extra layer over a t-shirt, and I expect to wear it a lot. I'm in the market for a really funky cardigan style jacket to make from ponte but I haven't found one yet. Maybe I'll have to design one that more suits my style.<br />
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The t-shirt I'm wearing with the jacket is also a recent make. The fabric is a rayon/lycra jersey, once again from Sawyer Brook. I had visions of combining it with other fabrics, but that never happened, so I decided on a top. It's a lot of print for me, but it will usually be covered by this jacket, or one of my black vests. I used my TNT t-shirt pattern, <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8793-products-16435.php?page_id=260" target="_blank">Vogue 8793</a>, Katherine Tilton's zipper collar top. I made it with a neckband instead of the collar.<br />
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I've been on a quest of perfecting my TNT t-shirt pattern. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting close.</div>
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And that's the news from my little corner of the world. I have some other garments finished but I need more photos. We got 6" of snow Wednesday, so outdoor shots are out. The daylight hasn't been good here lately either, so I'm still waiting for a sunny day so I can take photos indoors. I'll be using my new camera and tripod. Wish me luck!</div>
<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-32167043075367623362014-11-21T20:14:00.000-05:002014-11-21T20:14:14.578-05:00A Tilton Trio: Butterick 5891Back in June I made Katherine Tilton's <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5891-products-44968.php?page_id=369" target="_blank">Butterick 5891</a>. I liked the shape of the top so much I decided to challenge myself to making two additional, different garments from the pattern, as a design challenge. Here is the first version I made, following the pattern quite closely:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZt313aNLZc/VG_H40J_UyI/AAAAAAAACUM/C6bwOZGe-Ws/s1600/VioletLinenTopModeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UZt313aNLZc/VG_H40J_UyI/AAAAAAAACUM/C6bwOZGe-Ws/s1600/VioletLinenTopModeled.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I made only my normal adjustments to the pattern for this version. I added some length to the body and the sleeves, did a forward shoulder adjustment and a rounded upper back adjustment. Just the usual things I do. It was unusual for me to not need to add width to the side seams. This style is very loose fitting, and there is plenty of room for my extra padding.<br />
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I absolutely love the collar on this top. I cut it on the bias and it sewed up beautifully.<br />
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One design change I made was to add a center seam to the sleeves, so I could insert a decorative flange and button:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urqyldYmYPE/VG_H4rVLaiI/AAAAAAAACTw/UpDIbDX2ZUk/s1600/VioletLinenTopCuffDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-urqyldYmYPE/VG_H4rVLaiI/AAAAAAAACTw/UpDIbDX2ZUk/s1600/VioletLinenTopCuffDetail.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Aren't the <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Chips/productinfo/B1313/" target="_blank">buttons</a> fantastic? They are from Sawyer Brook, naturally. I was just thrilled when I saw how well they matched. The fabric is cross dyed linen, in a solid and a coordinating textural plaid. It's also from Sawyer Brook, a few years ago.</div>
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There's a funny story about this fabric. After deciding to make it up into this top I noticed on Martha's blog, <a href="http://nowsewing.blogspot.com/2013/04/b5891-almost-perfect.html" target="_blank">Now Sewing</a>, I had a kindred spirit. She had made the sleeveless top in this pattern out of the same fabric! I had the pleasure of meeting Martha a couple of years ago when she came to shop at Sawyer Brook. Our style aesthetic is quite similar, and sometimes I wonder if we were separated at birth!</div>
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Onward to version two, a collarless jacket:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pitel34O8X0/VGPye7DcisI/AAAAAAAACRE/YKy2mNpjNBs/s1600/RedDragonJacketFront2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pitel34O8X0/VGPye7DcisI/AAAAAAAACRE/YKy2mNpjNBs/s1600/RedDragonJacketFront2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Studying the pattern, I saw I could omit the collar - wonderful as it is - and use identical center front pieces for a v-neck look. The fabrics I chose are a black linen/rayon blend and a cotton printed with a dramatic dragon design, from Marcy Tilton. On this make, I rounded the center edge. It doesn't show up much in the print, but a close look at the buttons gives an idea of where the edge is.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_T6Nw-Mbl3A/VGPyfD7i9DI/AAAAAAAACQ4/S9hxMHClCJg/s1600/RedDragonJacketFront3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_T6Nw-Mbl3A/VGPyfD7i9DI/AAAAAAAACQ4/S9hxMHClCJg/s1600/RedDragonJacketFront3.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's a detail that might be wasted in this fabric, but if/when I make this again in a solid, it will show up nicely. I added the half-moon window pockets for a touch of whimsy. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU4vyWeYPUo/VDsxJPJe69I/AAAAAAAACK8/SND0ki2mIWI/s1600/RedDragonJacketPocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZU4vyWeYPUo/VDsxJPJe69I/AAAAAAAACK8/SND0ki2mIWI/s1600/RedDragonJacketPocket.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Topstitching throughout is done with dark red thread that matches the print.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJuDwJ7-xcg/VGPyeln6b9I/AAAAAAAACRA/rxIx6ejVEYc/s1600/RedDragonJacketButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJuDwJ7-xcg/VGPyeln6b9I/AAAAAAAACRA/rxIx6ejVEYc/s1600/RedDragonJacketButton.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Another great <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Ophelia/productinfo/B1328/" target="_blank">button</a> match was found at Sawyer Brook. I love being able to sew with the buttons I work with every day!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjcDnWjAHu0/VGPyemlfEwI/AAAAAAAACQw/titBrokKjAU/s1600/RedDragonJacketFront1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sjcDnWjAHu0/VGPyemlfEwI/AAAAAAAACQw/titBrokKjAU/s1600/RedDragonJacketFront1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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And finally, version three, a longer length vest. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm6JCeSk27s/VGPyQZjzqXI/AAAAAAAACQE/oYohQtKEeuA/s1600/BlueDenimCollageVestModeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hm6JCeSk27s/VGPyQZjzqXI/AAAAAAAACQE/oYohQtKEeuA/s1600/BlueDenimCollageVestModeled.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
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This was one of those makes that changes as you work on it. I started out wanting a go-with-everything denim vest and ended up with one that has a lot of purple in it. None of the purple tops I have look good with it (seriously!), so I made a solid navy crew neck t-shirt. Unfortunately, it was at home, 1000 miles away, when these photos were taken. I had to run out to Macy's and make do with what I could find, which was the v-neck, 3/4 sleeve top you see here. I also forgot my navy pants. Let's just say this isn't styled the way I will wear it!</div>
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Anyway, back to the evolving make. As I cut out the denim fabric, I kept wondering if certain remnants in my collection would look good with it. I gathered some of them together, and came up with a combination I loved. They are a linen jacquard, a blue silk dupioni, a rayon batik, and a solid purple rayon twill. I decided to try piecing the center front panels with the fabrics, and once I got into it, I just loved the look. So much for something to wear with everything. But that's what love does, messes up the plan for an end result that's even better than imagined!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpdskFgTalo/VGPyQmKmLjI/AAAAAAAACQI/dK7a6sSDCRc/s1600/BlueDenimVestCollageProgres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fpdskFgTalo/VGPyQmKmLjI/AAAAAAAACQI/dK7a6sSDCRc/s1600/BlueDenimVestCollageProgres.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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As the photo above shows, I used the already cut out front panels as templates for the piecing. I interfaced each of the fabric remnants to give them stability, then I cut out shapes and sewed them together. I worked on both sides at the same time, to keep them balanced. Once the vest was sewn up, I decided to add some hand stitching to bring more detail to the panels.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8iLwMu3K24/VGPyPtV6CmI/AAAAAAAACPw/C5CTutAEydM/s1600/BlueDenimCollageVestFrontDe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X8iLwMu3K24/VGPyPtV6CmI/AAAAAAAACPw/C5CTutAEydM/s1600/BlueDenimCollageVestFrontDe.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Wanting a little treat on the back, I inserted a long pieced flange in the center back seam, and topped it off with a button. Just a parting wink!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdOiNEt10jc/VGPyPvJvIwI/AAAAAAAACPg/rC1KqbKb_BY/s1600/BlueDenimCollageVestBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jdOiNEt10jc/VGPyPvJvIwI/AAAAAAAACPg/rC1KqbKb_BY/s1600/BlueDenimCollageVestBack.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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But that's not the end of this pattern. Today I started sewing another version of the top with the collar. It's looking good, and you'll be seeing it here soon!</div>
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Thanks to my wonderful baby sister who shot all of the modeled photos in this post. <a href="http://lisawalkerphoto.com/" target="_blank">Lisa</a>, you're the best!</div>
Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-55071201173874836492014-11-17T18:34:00.002-05:002014-11-17T18:34:34.681-05:00Notes from a Fabric Whisperer<span style="background-color: #fdfdfd;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a blogger, I'm always on the lookout for other blogs that might interest me. So when <a href="http://nowsewing.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Martha</a> of Now Sewing asked if I'd like to participate in a blog hop, I said yes. If you trace back through this particular branch of the blog hop, you'll find several talented fiber artists. Their work is inspiring!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfdfd;">Martha is</span><span style="background-color: #fdfdfd;"> an accomplished sewist who makes meticulously constructed garments. She has a bit of a funky style streak, and we often make similar garment styles. Tilton sister patterns are as much a part of her sewing as mine. What I admire most in her creative work is her Sashiko stitching, which she uses to embellish garments, quilts and wall hangings. Martha has inspired me to practice hand sewing and to incorporate it into garment construction. Be sure to visit her blog, if you're not already a regular.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, for a bit about me.</span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What am I working on? </span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I cut a top out of these two fabrics, using a Katherine Tilton pattern. (I'm not going to disclose which pattern just yet. You'll have to wait!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These cottons are double cloth, so I had four sides to choose from. The challenge was to use all four sides without any of them looking predominant. I think I did a pretty good job of including each of them in the top. Look for finished garment photos in a future post.</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How does my work differ from others of its genre? </span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I consider myself a garment maker. My work is distinguished by my use of asymmetry, unusual hemlines, and unique silhouettes. The addition of printed images, either silk screened or stenciled, separates me from most other sewists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Why do I create what I do?</b></i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fabric and garment sewing have been part of my life for over 45 years. Knitting came later, but quickly fit in. I'm happiest when fiber of some sort is flowing through my hands.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I added printing with stencils and silk screens to my creative work as a means of making unusual garments that make a statement. I've grown to love the painting process, and look forward to it as a time of play. Recently, I'm enjoying some simple freehand painting, adding a distressed look to the fabric. Here is a piece of linen I painted back in July:</span><br />
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How does my creative process work?</span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I don't have a very structured method for creating new things. I usually don't know what it is I'll be making next. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When choosing a new project, I often spend a couple of hours sorting through my fabrics or yarn, listening to what they say they want to be. That may sound wacky, like some sort of fabric whisperer, but experience has taught me I can't force a fabric to be something it wasn't designed for. Every fabric in my resource center has characteristics that lend it better to one particular use than another. The process of determining what type of garment to make with which fabric or yarn is critical to a successful finished garment. Once I have a good idea of what I'm making, I think about design details and whether or not to embellish the garment with paint or hand stitching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Printing happens only if a garment is a good canvas for it. Sometimes the fabrication does not lend itself well to being printed. Sometimes printing is not going to enhance a style. Also, wearing printed items is fun and playful, but an entire wardrobe of paint embellished garments would be very silly!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUllb5JYmTg/TgvWmAAhL1I/AAAAAAAAATs/RCIRMtzQn0A/s1600/BlackCrowdetail3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vUllb5JYmTg/TgvWmAAhL1I/AAAAAAAAATs/RCIRMtzQn0A/s1600/BlackCrowdetail3.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With that, I'm going to hand the baton over to <a href="http://damselflys.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Louisa</a>, of Damselfly's Delights. Louisa inspires me with her energy to pursue several different but intertwined creative endeavors. She sews, she knits, she spins, she dyes fabric and yarn, and she grows the plants she dyes with! I'm sure I'm missing another one or two of her creative skills. So get on over to her blog to learn about this multi-talented person!</span></div>
Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-75685070188341690192014-11-14T19:40:00.000-05:002014-11-14T19:40:56.894-05:00A Copy of Two CopiesSay <i>what?! </i>A copy of two copies? It's simpler than it sounds. Both <a href="http://gayleygirl.blogspot.com/2013/11/recent-sewing.html" target="_blank">Gayle</a> and <a href="http://communingwithfabric.blogspot.com/2014/06/a-summer-top-and-rambo-project.html" target="_blank">Shams</a> copied a ready-to-wear tunic. I saw their versions, fell in love with the design, and copied them. And here's my copy:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyVJxKW0-u0/VFwta-ybBeI/AAAAAAAACN4/jAWHzSUquhw/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicFront2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyVJxKW0-u0/VFwta-ybBeI/AAAAAAAACN4/jAWHzSUquhw/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicFront2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7PJDgKnE_M/VFwtbMcNrcI/AAAAAAAACN0/Ar8P_4ASIdQ/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicHanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H7PJDgKnE_M/VFwtbMcNrcI/AAAAAAAACN0/Ar8P_4ASIdQ/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicHanger.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is made with three fabrics from Marcy Tilton - red rayon jersey, black and white dotted jersey, and printed mesh knit. They were great to work with, and the top went together fairly easily. The only changes I made to the design were to angle the hem and add a cowl neckline rather than a funnel neckline. I used my tried and true t-shirt pattern as the basis for the draft, and made changes for the details.<br />
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The cowl is simply a tube, applied to the neckline as you would apply a neck band. It is single layer, and I left the edge raw:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jpI75Q0Dg8/VFwtZ4COgnI/AAAAAAAACNc/EUH0vIV24dQ/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicCowl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1jpI75Q0Dg8/VFwtZ4COgnI/AAAAAAAACNc/EUH0vIV24dQ/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicCowl.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've just realized my photos don't show the drawstring detail very well. Here's a close-up:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g18NjalfJyU/VFwtaQp18BI/AAAAAAAACOI/-gvqH7GFaak/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicDrawstrin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g18NjalfJyU/VFwtaQp18BI/AAAAAAAACOI/-gvqH7GFaak/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicDrawstrin.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This is definitely my favorite detail in the garment, and it could translate easily to many different tunic and top designs. It was very straightforward to make, so I'll try to detail the process here. </div>
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First, I added an extra 5/8" to the seam allowance in the area that would become the drawstring channels. That gave me a 1-1/4" seam allowance, enough to make a 5/8" channel. <i>Before sewing the seam, I pressed the hem allowances up</i>. (This step is critical. There is no way to turn up the hem once the channels are sewn, so it must be done now.)</div>
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Next I made two drawstrings, sewing one end closed on each one. Then I got out some trusty Steam a Seam and applied it to the long edge of both casings. I laid the drawstrings inside the casings, leaving the raw edges extending out of the tops of the channels. I then pressed the Steam a Seam edges so they would hold it all together.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Uhmd0guU6s/VFwtbmJvHRI/AAAAAAAACN8/gnfWCsJV0WM/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicMakingCas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Uhmd0guU6s/VFwtbmJvHRI/AAAAAAAACN8/gnfWCsJV0WM/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicMakingCas.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Off to the sewing machine, where I attached my topstitching foot. Starting at the seamline, I stitched across the top and down the side of each channel. That secured the drawstrings at the top, and enclosed them in the channels.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rN1ceAumdDM/VFwtbyU7mPI/AAAAAAAACOA/5vln0MDqH_k/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicTopstitch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rN1ceAumdDM/VFwtbyU7mPI/AAAAAAAACOA/5vln0MDqH_k/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicTopstitch.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And that's all there was to it. Keeping the drawstrings out of the way while sewing the channels was the most difficult part. I suppose the channels could be stitched, then the drawstrings threaded through, and the top of the channels sewn shut. But this accomplished it all without having to do the threading.<br />
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Attaching the flounce was also very easy. It is simply a large rectangle of fabric. I cut away the lower front at an angle - easy to see in the top photo above. The side seam is sewn, ending at the top of the angle. Then the long edge of the rectangle is sewn to the angled side seam allowance, breaking the stitching where the "normal" side seam ends.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eUh6jaDSyM/VFwtalXHKpI/AAAAAAAACOc/yJHeLP4_uXg/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicDrape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eUh6jaDSyM/VFwtalXHKpI/AAAAAAAACOc/yJHeLP4_uXg/s1600/RedDrawstringTunicDrape.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Yes, I am *this* happy when wearing this tunic. It is super comfortable, and I love the whimsy added by the details. Thanks to both Gayle and Shams for inspiring me to make this. I'll definitely be sewing it again. I'm thinking a solid color next time, maybe with a funnel collar...</div>
<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-27217146229029856772014-11-12T19:21:00.000-05:002014-11-12T19:21:35.268-05:00Another Funky Shirt for Lisa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGC9NUWtaYc/VGPyfRcqVaI/AAAAAAAACRM/F4bwea-YNnw/s1600/TealWavesShirtLisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KGC9NUWtaYc/VGPyfRcqVaI/AAAAAAAACRM/F4bwea-YNnw/s320/TealWavesShirtLisa.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She isn't always so serious. And I don't always hold the camera so crookedly!</td></tr>
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This is my sister Lisa, wearing a linen, rayon and cotton shirt I funked up back in July. She loves it, and gets lots of compliments when wearing it. I swear I think I could make a dozen of these and sell them on the street!</div>
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This was a refashion only in part. The shirt is made using Diane Ericson's Nuevo Shirt pattern, which I've used many times. The fabrics are a black linen and a teal and black rayon challis from Sawyer Brook. The accents are a cotton shirt I cut up. New, from TJ Maxx. Not cheap, but the colors worked great!</div>
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The hottest feature on the shirt is the pocket. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6r7Wms_fhg/VDsxJznWvbI/AAAAAAAACLI/dHSCFu5Sjt0/s1600/TealWavesShirtPocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6r7Wms_fhg/VDsxJznWvbI/AAAAAAAACLI/dHSCFu5Sjt0/s320/TealWavesShirtPocket.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was as simple as it looks. I cut the sleeve apart and made it into a patch pocket, maintaining the pleats for the length of it. I changed the buttons so they all would match. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLPOK2bIb7Y/VDsxJhgI7cI/AAAAAAAACK4/fOi7-oYYKQ0/s1600/TealWavesShirtBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLPOK2bIb7Y/VDsxJhgI7cI/AAAAAAAACK4/fOi7-oYYKQ0/s320/TealWavesShirtBack.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
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There was enough of the shirt fabric to cut the back yolk on the bias, in two pieces. It's a nice effect with the stripes, and it fits Lisa's rounded upper back well. The lower back has a center pleat. And there's a touch of bias cut challis piping running down the center of the sleeves.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3tkerd353c/VDsxJ7QvsAI/AAAAAAAACLE/R_kb75WqgLg/s1600/TealWavesShirtFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K3tkerd353c/VDsxJ7QvsAI/AAAAAAAACLE/R_kb75WqgLg/s320/TealWavesShirtFront.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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So that's it. A relatively quick make that was fun to sew. And Lisa says it's fun to wear!</div>
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For those of you waiting for photos of Lisa wearing the <a href="http://withneedleandbrush.blogspot.com/2014/06/refashioned-mens-shirt.html" target="_blank">Refashioned Men's Shirt</a> I made back in June, I finally have some!</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Izb-XUTPLeg/VGP2-kciVMI/AAAAAAAACRw/SbdlSI5Tf7o/s1600/LisaIzodShirtModeledFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Izb-XUTPLeg/VGP2-kciVMI/AAAAAAAACRw/SbdlSI5Tf7o/s320/LisaIzodShirtModeledFront.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure which of these I like best, as each has details I love. I think there are more of these shirts in the future, probably starting with the pattern rather than with a shirt. The fit is just better that way. </div>
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If you like to play with your sewing, I highly recommend a project like one of these. You can get creative without going way out of your comfort zone, and you'll find you really enjoy doing it!</div>
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Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-56370995798303383292014-11-06T22:00:00.000-05:002014-11-06T22:00:51.824-05:00Photos, Photos! I've Got Photos!Finally, I have photos of the garments I made during the summer and early fall. I visited my photographer sister in Indiana last week, and we had a couple of photo shoots, where I modeled about ten garments. She did a fabulous job and I'm eager to show you what I've been up to. But where to start?<br />
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Let's begin with the most out-there-at-the-edge-of-my-comfort-zone garment, the shirt designed by Liz Mizono (<a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1274-products-15137.php?page_id=259" target="_blank">Vogue 1274</a>):<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zsr8N-fPqo/VFwtW8BzLLI/AAAAAAAACMs/tHI_Kyn83zA/s1600/BlueMizonoShirtTwirl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zsr8N-fPqo/VFwtW8BzLLI/AAAAAAAACMs/tHI_Kyn83zA/s1600/BlueMizonoShirtTwirl2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Want to fly with me, anyone? Seriously. this shirt contains a. lot. of. fabric. And I'm not sure how great I look with all of that fabric around my midriff and hips. Funny thing is, I never tried folding the flaps back, as on the pattern. I think they probably wouldn't be wide enough to meet in the back without making the shirt too tight on me. Honestly. So I just left them to hang. Which looks great while twirling, but I get dizzy easily, so I'm not sure how much I will wear this.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MiqPN5p1zQI/VFwtWkSt7HI/AAAAAAAACMg/Sw187mptDaY/s1600/BlueMizonoShirtTwirl1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MiqPN5p1zQI/VFwtWkSt7HI/AAAAAAAACMg/Sw187mptDaY/s1600/BlueMizonoShirtTwirl1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was a really fun make, and I found no problems with the pattern. I followed the instructions as written, including the french seams. I added a few inches of length just above the side drapes, but the sleeves were good as is.<br />
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The fabric is a shirting weight cotton from Homespun Boutique in Ithaca, NY. It's a really beautiful piece of goods. I love how well the buttons match (from <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Jazzed/productinfo/B1101/" target="_blank">Sawyer Brook</a>, of course).<br />
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The sleeve is finished with a drape, echoing what's going on at the hip. A nice design touch!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iN2toSmOc9M/VFwtWFbJ_lI/AAAAAAAACMk/FO64QJFPvDc/s1600/BlueMizonoShirtFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iN2toSmOc9M/VFwtWFbJ_lI/AAAAAAAACMk/FO64QJFPvDc/s1600/BlueMizonoShirtFront.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Diane Ericson has used this pattern several times to great effect, proving it's a fabulous starting point for design excursions. I'd love to work with it more, but first I'll have to see how I like wearing it.<br />
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This shirt is crying out for some skinny pants, rather than these jeans. I don't own any leggings or skinny pants - another comfort zone issue - but I'll be buying or making some before spring. That's the soonest I'll be able to wear it, as autumn has set in here in New England. So it will be a few months before I know whether to get the pattern out and play with it, or file it in the archives.<br />
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Is this pattern languishing in your library? Do you want to make it but don't quite dare to do so? Or, have you made it and found you like it, or hate it? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it!<br />
<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-66765476441857381132014-10-11T23:01:00.002-04:002014-10-12T22:30:40.191-04:00An Update<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3264853/?claim=xsfp9xygds9">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a><br />
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First, a clerical note. I've just made it a bit easier for you to follow my blog via Bloglovin'. There is now a button on the right you can click to follow me. Thanks to Shams of <a href="http://www.communingwithfabric.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Communing With Fabric </a>for suggesting this. (FYI, the code above has to stay in this post to keep me connected with Bloglovin'. That way I can see how many readers are following me with Bloglovin'.) I'm curious to know how many of my readers use Bloglovin' as opposed to their Blogger reading list?<br />
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Second, a big thank you to all who have visited my blog in the past several months, errr, make that the past year. I've been posting so seldom, I'm just *this* happy to see that people do visit the blog in spite of me. So why don't I show up here more often? It's the photos. I don't have a dress form, and my husband's schedule (he's my photographer) and mine never seem to coincide. Then there are the factors of daylight, sunlight, good hair, etc. It's just been too much for me to overcome. I've made the conclusion I need to get a tripod and remote so that I can do my photo shoots on my own. Then I can write about the garments I've been making in a far more timely manner (and I would be out of excuses about why I don't write!). I could also get a dress form, but that's a big investment and I'd rather show the clothes on my body, anyway. So my goal is to get set up with a camera/tripod/remote in the next month or so. Until then, I'm going to try to get DH to take some shots of new garments I made this summer for fall wear. I believe I have a dozen things to show you, if not more!<br />
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I've been a busy gal in my studio all summer long and into the fall. The mojo has been strong, and I move fairly seamlessly from one garment to the next. Some makes are a bit creative, while others are simple basics. I've decided one can never have enough t-shirts, and <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8793-products-16435.php?page_id=260" target="_blank">Vogue 8793</a> has been getting a workout. It's my go-to pattern for a basic tee, and I also lengthened it for a tunic or two. I also sewed Katherine Tilton's <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5891-products-44968.php?page_id=366" target="_blank">Butterick 5891</a> three times, switching from a collared shirt to a vee neck jacket to a vee neck long vest. There have been several one-offs, and a copy of a copy of a RTW tunic. So, I don't lack for things to write about - and photograph!<br />
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Here's one garment I can write about, a top I made in July, modeled on a very hot day:<br />
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This is <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v7883-products-306.php?page_id=951&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">Vogue 7883</a>, which is out of print. It's been in my stash for a few years, patiently waiting to be used. The lightweight linen had also lingered in my "resource center" for a couple of years, and the two made a good marriage.<br />
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I'm tall, so I lengthened the top above the horizontal seam line. In hindsight, I probably should have lengthened it both above and below that seam, to maintain the balance of the sections. I added at least 3", if not 4". I like how the lower sections are layered:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDWt8yknVl8/VDsxKsP6lLI/AAAAAAAACLQ/K74mSQ65h1Q/s1600/TurquoiseLinenTopHemline.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yDWt8yknVl8/VDsxKsP6lLI/AAAAAAAACLQ/K74mSQ65h1Q/s1600/TurquoiseLinenTopHemline.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This make was very easy and the top is very easy to wear. Nice and cool in the hot weather. It's not for the autumn weather we're having now, but maybe you gals in the southern hemisphere will be encouraged to try this one.<br />
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On the knitting front, I didn't make a stitch all summer long. There was just no interest. But the needles started calling to me in September, and I jumped head first into a huge project that will take me at least a year to complete. It's designed by Kaffe Fassett, whom you might know from the quilting world. Long before he quilted, he knit (like, in the 70's). We can credit him for making color knitting popular. His patterns were, and continue to be, very intricate and time-consuming explosions of color. His work is like painting with yarn. I've long wanted to make one of his designs, but never found just the right thing. Until now. Here is a photo of the Jubilee Throw:</div>
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<a href="http://www.knitrowan.com/files/imagecache/yarn_detail/patterns/Jubilee%20throw%20web%20cov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.knitrowan.com/files/imagecache/yarn_detail/patterns/Jubilee%20throw%20web%20cov.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I've completed three panels and have three more on needles. (There are 24 in all.) It's great to have a variety to choose from each time I sit down to knit. Sometimes I'm in the mood for stranded work, while other times I prefer intarsia. While this is an enormous project, it's broken up into small sections and there are a lot of different stitch designs included. I'm really enjoying it!<br />
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So that's what I've been doing the past few months. Here's hoping I can get posting more regularly real soon. Thanks for visiting!</div>
<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-1439650666879467412014-07-01T18:27:00.000-04:002014-07-01T18:30:03.593-04:00Turtle Batik Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrJebRtmr0k/U7Mu6DXQSkI/AAAAAAAACJI/bdZzWMp0RVM/s1600/TurtleBatikShirtFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lrJebRtmr0k/U7Mu6DXQSkI/AAAAAAAACJI/bdZzWMp0RVM/s1600/TurtleBatikShirtFront.jpg" height="320" width="218" /></a></div>
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Catching up on blogging about garments here, this shirt was made in late April. I've been waiting for a modeled photo, which just hasn't happened, for one reason (bad hair day) or another (husband's schedule not meshing with mine). So I'll forge ahead with this post anyway, as the shirt is but a fading memory in my sewing mind.</div>
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For this artistic expression, I chose the Nuevo shirt pattern from Revisions (again), a rayon batik from my collection, a solid royal linen from Marcy Tilton, and Diane Ericson's turtle stencil. </div>
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Printing with the stencil was lots of fun. I added it to the back yoke and a re-shaped pocket, after cutting the pieces out but before sewing them. This is my favorite method of printing, as I can easily determine where the printed image will fall on my body when wearing the garment. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9r2uVGFpoKM/U7Mu573k57I/AAAAAAAACJE/0JZ3pGn1FLY/s1600/TurtleBatikShirtDetail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9r2uVGFpoKM/U7Mu573k57I/AAAAAAAACJE/0JZ3pGn1FLY/s1600/TurtleBatikShirtDetail2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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After sewing, I added some hand sewn backstitching in embroidery floss. I like how this added some definition to the pieces. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Ej9LCbDXI/U7Mu6bx-m2I/AAAAAAAACJk/OvlU-xOGKD8/s1600/TurtleBatikShirtPocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c5Ej9LCbDXI/U7Mu6bx-m2I/AAAAAAAACJk/OvlU-xOGKD8/s1600/TurtleBatikShirtPocket.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Some really <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Eden/productinfo/B1314/" target="_blank">great buttons</a> from Sawyer Brook were a perfect match. They're carved and dyed coconut shell disks.</div>
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I've decided this is my take on the proverbial Hawaiian shirt. I'd never wear one right off the rack, but I'm a bit more comfortable in this version. It's not something I'd wear everywhere, but it's perfect for a barbeque, picnic, or casual night out at a seafood shack. Here's a shot of my husband and me at a function during our week in Hawaii:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7bigu8CcvI/U7Mu6zhWpvI/AAAAAAAACJg/O41SR2ngLkU/s1600/TurtleBatikShirtWithEric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s7bigu8CcvI/U7Mu6zhWpvI/AAAAAAAACJg/O41SR2ngLkU/s1600/TurtleBatikShirtWithEric.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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P.S. Eric never drinks sweet drinks, so he must have chosen that green concoction because it matched my shirt!</div>
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I just celebrated my third blogiversary! I haven't been as prolific or regular a blogger as I had initially envisioned, but I love having this place to share my creations. Thanks to all who visit here, especially those who have supported me with your comments!</div>
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<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-19654258715937824292014-06-25T21:07:00.000-04:002014-06-25T21:07:25.867-04:00Refashioned Men's Shirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XTNtW6Gvm3k/U21z5k0eo2I/AAAAAAAACCI/6G_Q91CAGmI/s1600/LisaIzodFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XTNtW6Gvm3k/U21z5k0eo2I/AAAAAAAACCI/6G_Q91CAGmI/s1600/LisaIzodFront.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></div>
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Here's a shirt I refashioned as a gift to my sister, done on a couple of afternoons in early May. She has been meaning to get some selfies of her wearing it, but as that hasn't happened yet, I'm going ahead with this post. {She's a professional photographer, by the way. You know, it's that old saying about the cobbler's children never having shoes to wear! (Check out <a href="http://lisawalkerphoto.com/" target="_blank">her website</a> and <a href="http://lisawalkerphotography.smugmug.com/" target="_blank">SmugMug</a> for some beautiful portraits and nature photos!)}<br />
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Lisa sometimes wears men's shirts, as she is large and garments to fit are difficult to come by. She complained to me that the shoulders are always way too wide, and the sleeve heads fall to the middle of her bicep. So, the first thing I did with this shirt was to take in about 3 inches at the sleeve head by forming darts that extend down the front and back of the shirt. Sorry I don't have a detailed photo of this, but if you look carefully, you can see a dart on the right shoulder and front of the photo above. I haven't seen the shirt on her - we live far apart - but she said the darts went a long way to improve the fit.<br />
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I dug into my scraps and remnants and found two fabrics that looked good with the fine black and white plaid of the shirt. One is a seersucker woven check, the other a lightweight cotton tropical floral print.<br />
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Removing the buttons and the pocket gave me a blank canvas to work with. To create a slimming, vertical element, I made an elongated patch from the check fabric. I pressed the edges under and edge stitched them in place, sliding one edge under the placket edge. Easy peasy.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqgbQYNqN2A/U21z6XcdiJI/AAAAAAAACCQ/lYf3lv_yMp4/s1600/LisaIzodShirtFrontDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zqgbQYNqN2A/U21z6XcdiJI/AAAAAAAACCQ/lYf3lv_yMp4/s1600/LisaIzodShirtFrontDetail.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I made a long double-sided strip of the floral print to tuck into the side of the patch. I also cut the collar off. I left about a quarter of an inch of it to use as a base for the floral print, which is wrapped over the edge and stitched in place. I love the look of the collar!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkKzuyDA5zQ/U21z5q2TcZI/AAAAAAAACCA/fQ3h8QvkGQ8/s1600/LisaIzodButtons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WkKzuyDA5zQ/U21z5q2TcZI/AAAAAAAACCA/fQ3h8QvkGQ8/s1600/LisaIzodButtons.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Cardiac stitching adds accents to the placket. This is done with regular sewing thread and the stitch on my machine that sews each stitch twice. That gave a bold look to the stitching. The buttons are <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Do-Si-Do/productinfo/B970/" target="_blank">squared corozo nut disks</a>, from Sawyer Brook (naturally). The shirt still buttons opposite of women's styles, because I wanted this to be an easy project, and remaking the placket would be a lot of work. Buttoned, no one will notice.<br />
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There is a lot of visual activity on the left side of the front, so I balanced it by placing the pocket on the lower right side. First, I added a double sided strip of the floral fabric, then I made a tuck in one side as I stitched around the edges.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FjaV0Q_pfM/U21z6gLwQDI/AAAAAAAACCE/PKxqzfu2dAE/s1600/LisaIzodShirtPocket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FjaV0Q_pfM/U21z6gLwQDI/AAAAAAAACCE/PKxqzfu2dAE/s1600/LisaIzodShirtPocket.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The sleeves were full length. I cut them off and faced them with the floral print. They can be turned up to show the print, or not.<br />
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A couple of patches were added to the back yoke, along with more cardiac stitching on the collar stand.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cvj1adpeAA/U21z5k1wyMI/AAAAAAAACB4/bNfS3DMSq2I/s1600/LisaIzodShirtBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_cvj1adpeAA/U21z5k1wyMI/AAAAAAAACB4/bNfS3DMSq2I/s1600/LisaIzodShirtBack.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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This was an absolute blast to make. I haven't had so much fun playing with a garment in a long time! It was one of those projects that come together easily once you get going.</div>
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I have to give credit to Diane Ericson for inspiring me through a video Marcy Tilton filmed of her. She explains how she refashioned a shirt <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mLY_96_xaw" target="_blank">here</a>. This is a must-watch for anyone wanting to do work like this. Once you see it, you'll recognize some techniques I incorporated in this shirt. Thank you, Diane (and Marcy)!</div>
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Lisa loves this shirt and says she gets lots of compliments when wearing it. I'll be sure to add selfies when she sends them. In the meantime, keep an eye out for the lower sleeves, as they're sure to show up in a future project!</div>
<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-6349748025035533812014-05-29T22:44:00.000-04:002014-06-01T19:20:56.887-04:00What I Sewed - And Didn't Sew - Over Memorial Day WeekendI had four days to sew last weekend, so I gave myself a design challenge. I wanted to make something really unique, using the Nuevo Shirt pattern I've been working with this spring. I wasn't going to use any of the design elements given in the pattern - the collar, pocket, inset, etc. - and I thought I had all the fabrics lined up. This print was to be my key fabric:<br />
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It's a remnant of a crinkled blend of shirting, from Sawyer Brook. I love the colors, and it paired well with a solid black linen and a tiny black and white plaid shirting that looks gray from a distance. I had everything planned out, but something about this fabric kept gnawing at me. Then I realized what it was. The words. They're noisy. They're bold. They're anxiety producing. RUSH. URGENT. OVERNIGHT. These are not words a laid-back introvert wants to put on her body. Ever. The piece of fabric went into the red remnant box. (Yes, I keep my remnants sorted by color. It's the only way I can keep track of what I have on hand! And it's just about the only organized thing in my studio, for sure.)<br />
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So, I switched gears, and took another look through my boxes of remnants. Mind you, I had purchased black linen from Sawyer Brook and had the main shirt pieces cut out, so I wanted to continue with my plan. This time I chose this printed linen:<br />
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It, too, is bold and loud. But in an arty sort of way, one that I could live with easily. This is a huge print - the strings of green triangles are 6 to 8 inches or so long. I found a textured solid in the neon green color, and was on my way to make this awesome creation. I thought the giant print would give me great options for placement and topstitching on the solid black and all, but in the end it just befuddled me. The printed fabric is now laid out where I can look at it often, so I can figure out how to make this fabulous shirt. I'm not going to force it, because I know the key to making it work will come in time. Tomorrow I'm going to pin the fabric up on my design board so it's even more in my face. There's no giving in on this one!<br />
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So, you ask, what did I make over the long weekend? Not something unusual at all, but a very sedate, follow-the-pattern, solid color tunic.</div>
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This is Katherine Tilton's Butterick 5925, made from a bamboo jersey from Marcy Tilton (gotta keep it in the family, ya know). I like the details on this top, specifically the cool lower side pockets and the twisted neckband.</div>
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The band on the pocket uses the same technique as the neckband for making it look as though the fabric is twisted. In reality, the long edges are simply offset by a couple of inches. In other words, when folding the neckband and matching the markings, the markings are about two inches from where they normally are. It's simple to do and the look is quite chic.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nA3ipVjGZc/U4fs7Ha7HmI/AAAAAAAACHg/Gu7Ik6muVR0/s1600/MagentaTunicNecband.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nA3ipVjGZc/U4fs7Ha7HmI/AAAAAAAACHg/Gu7Ik6muVR0/s1600/MagentaTunicNecband.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I shortened the sleeves to 3/4 length. After wearing the tunic today, I wish I had made them an inch or two longer. The only other change I made was to cut the armscyes and sleeve heads a size smaller than the rest of the pattern. I'm really pleased with the fit, and it's a really comfortable top to wear. </div>
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I'm not giving up on that arty Nuevo shirt, so keep watch here because it <u>will</u> be showing up eventually!</div>
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Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-23881773951033452802014-05-27T21:52:00.000-04:002014-05-27T21:54:33.461-04:00An Unlikely Favorite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the best things about working at Sawyer Brook is easy access to small fabric remnants. The floral print I used in this shirt was just such a remnant. Small enough that I used nearly all of it. I combined it with a white linen and a <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Cape-Neddick/productinfo/13-0604/" target="_blank">cotton stripe</a>. The print and stripe had caught my eye while both were still on rolls, but I didn't buy them then as I thought I'd never wear a garment using the two of them. Too busy. The addition of the white convinced me to go ahead with what is now one of my favorite shirts.<br />
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The pattern I used is <a href="http://www.dianeericson.com/store/" target="_blank">ReVisions' Nuevo Shirt</a>, one of my favorites from Diane Ericson. I love the design ideas Diane included in the pattern, as well as the cool pocket inset, the two piece sleeves and the bias-cut asymmetrical collar that lays beautifully.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DINhPZscKWU/U4U8EjpcGjI/AAAAAAAACG0/qVxs9isQ7nA/s1600/TisketShirtBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DINhPZscKWU/U4U8EjpcGjI/AAAAAAAACG0/qVxs9isQ7nA/s1600/TisketShirtBack.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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The pattern has long sleeves with a really cool cuff treatment. I chose to cut them short for summer wear, and inserted bias strips into the seam.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFQylrg2dr4/U4U8Eug7dCI/AAAAAAAACGs/-i3OSMcwKzc/s1600/TisketShirtDetail1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QFQylrg2dr4/U4U8Eug7dCI/AAAAAAAACGs/-i3OSMcwKzc/s1600/TisketShirtDetail1.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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I modified the top edge of the pocket and added free motion topstitching. I really love this pocket treatment, as it's such a good opportunity for combining fabrics. It becomes the focal point of the shirt.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeT-e_Pc5qc/U4U8Ehqg8jI/AAAAAAAACGg/lRsUKK1jsyI/s1600/TisketShirtDetail2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oeT-e_Pc5qc/U4U8Ehqg8jI/AAAAAAAACGg/lRsUKK1jsyI/s1600/TisketShirtDetail2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you enlarge the photo above, you'll see the <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Intrigue/productinfo/B1205/" target="_blank">triangular buttons</a> from Sawyer Brook. I've wanted to use these buttons since they first arrived at the store, and they are a perfect match to the greens in the fabrics.<br />
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I recently made another Nuevo shirt, and have yet a third in the works. Keep watch for them here!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRzTOXj-imY/U4U8FCX7o7I/AAAAAAAACGo/l50uTDvcXQs/s1600/TisketShirtModeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pRzTOXj-imY/U4U8FCX7o7I/AAAAAAAACGo/l50uTDvcXQs/s1600/TisketShirtModeled.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a></div>
<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-70614295415069151522014-05-25T22:23:00.000-04:002014-05-26T19:49:46.427-04:00Buggy Batik Shirt for My Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bQ2xPKRPzY/U4PSCS_T9AI/AAAAAAAACF4/5-z1gD1ke1s/s1600/MomsGardenShirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bQ2xPKRPzY/U4PSCS_T9AI/AAAAAAAACF4/5-z1gD1ke1s/s1600/MomsGardenShirt.jpg" height="217" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been focused on sewing fabrics from my "resource center" lately. When I came across this periwinkle blue rayon batik (bought from Sawyer Brook a few years ago), I knew it would make a perfect summer shirt for my mother.<br />
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The pattern is an out of print McCall's by Palmer and Pletsch. I used it a few years ago for a shirt for my mom, so the fitting was already done. The instructions are excellent, with pro tips scattered throughout, and dual methods for certain applications included. For example, there are two methods for attaching the collar to the garment. The first attaches only the band to the neckline, then the collar and band facing are attached. The second method constructs the collar completely, then attaches it to the neckline. I used the first method and am very happy with the results.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X_wivRhTU0/U4PSCX9YjCI/AAAAAAAACFs/XXyqxpJ60VU/s1600/MomsGardenShirtFrontButtons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3X_wivRhTU0/U4PSCX9YjCI/AAAAAAAACFs/XXyqxpJ60VU/s1600/MomsGardenShirtFrontButtons.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course, I couldn't resist adding some paint to this shirt. I used <a href="http://www.dianeericson.com/store/" target="_blank">Diane Ericson's</a> Bugs in Flight stencil (which I don't currently see in her web store) to add some dragonflies, moths, beetles, butterflies, etc. I like the touch of color these images add, and the way the lacy quality of the bugs combines with the shadowy batik print.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7qY8Ia6Xzk/U4PSC-qGsEI/AAAAAAAACF0/5DjpfzEYHa8/s1600/MomsGardenShirtbackdetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O7qY8Ia6Xzk/U4PSC-qGsEI/AAAAAAAACF0/5DjpfzEYHa8/s1600/MomsGardenShirtbackdetail.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I found the <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Stardust/productinfo/B1305/" target="_blank">perfect buttons</a> for this print at - where else? - Sawyer Brook. I like how they blend in with the overall look.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myaRMX4CHgM/U4PSCWRV60I/AAAAAAAACF8/lCwI7SQnoJE/s1600/MomsGardenShirtButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-myaRMX4CHgM/U4PSCWRV60I/AAAAAAAACF8/lCwI7SQnoJE/s1600/MomsGardenShirtButton.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Until my parents downsized their home last year, my mother was an avid gardener. This shirt reminds me of the numerous flower gardens she has tended throughout her lifetime. She loves to wear blue, so this will be a welcome addition to her summer wardrobe. I'll be mailing the shirt to her this week, but it will be a month or so before I get to see her wearing it. If I get a chance for a photo shoot, I'll add some shots then.</div>
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I'm still behind in getting photos of shirts I made in April. I'll try to get the shots this week so I can show them. Today I cut out a solid magenta colored bamboo jersey and started sewing Katherine Tilton's Butterick 5925. I expect to finish it tomorrow.</div>
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I hope those of you in the States are enjoying sewing during this long weekend!</div>
<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-53498889757751450972014-05-09T22:42:00.001-04:002014-05-09T22:42:51.284-04:00Hawaiian Top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SOQfPFL5xU/U22OBxb0LuI/AAAAAAAACDA/wzA1_jm6vYo/s1600/FairmontOrchidBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2SOQfPFL5xU/U22OBxb0LuI/AAAAAAAACDA/wzA1_jm6vYo/s1600/FairmontOrchidBeach.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I recently spent a fabulous five days on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was a company trip for my husband, and I was welcome to tag along. We were at a wonderful hotel, the <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/orchid-hawaii/?cmpid=google_orc_search-branded_branded-e-revsh&s_kwcid=TC|1025556|fairmont%20orchid||S|e|25920087180&gclid=CLPOlIKjoL4CFehQOgodlXgAaQ" target="_blank">Fairmont Orchid</a>, located in a lush, 300 acre resort that sits in the middle of a huge lava flow. It's on the arid, western side of the island, and the weather is ideal for resort activities. It's quite isolated (Kona is about 45 minutes away), and we never left the property. An unusual vacation for us, as we like to sight see, but it was a grand opportunity for chilling out, which I successfully did. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/10-hawaii-green-sea-turtle-dave-fleetham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/10-hawaii-green-sea-turtle-dave-fleetham.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from fineartamerica.com</td></tr>
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My favorite part of our stay was snorkeling off the beach, where we saw plenty of beautiful fish and swam with several different sea turtles. They are the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, and they're endangered so approaching them isn't allowed. We did find ourselves in close proximity to them at times, and it was just such wonderful play!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt-eW_iSnLg/U21zvDwYAoI/AAAAAAAACBc/-SbN3gCJ9V0/s1600/PassionBerryTopModeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Xt-eW_iSnLg/U21zvDwYAoI/AAAAAAAACBc/-SbN3gCJ9V0/s1600/PassionBerryTopModeled.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></div>
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This photo was taken shortly before our loooooong trip home. I wasn't eager to leave, so the smile was only for the camera. The top is <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8912-products-46653.php?page_id=864" target="_blank">Vogue 8912</a>, made with a rayon batik from Sawyer Brook that's been in my resource center for a couple of years. We recently got <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Passion-Berry/productinfo/SBO14-038/" target="_blank">the fabric</a> again at Sawyer Brook, in case you're interested in it.</div>
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The top was an easy make, and I had no issues with the pattern. The only change I made was to eliminate the patch pockets at the bust line. They wouldn't have been very visible in this print, so I took the easy route and didn't bother with them. Not that I want to draw attention to that part of my body anyway.</div>
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I found some <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/PRODUCT-TITLE/productinfo/B1306/" target="_blank">buttons</a> at Sawyer Brook that are a perfect match to the mauvy/berry tones in the print.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ9w0xWEEzA/U21zvCHnGJI/AAAAAAAACBg/VLqjwisgSOg/s1600/PassionBerryTopFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJ9w0xWEEzA/U21zvCHnGJI/AAAAAAAACBg/VLqjwisgSOg/s1600/PassionBerryTopFront.jpg" height="269" width="320" /></a></div>
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The top is super comfy and I enjoyed wearing it out to dinner and on the flights home. I can see myself making another one of these, as it is so easy to wear.<br />
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Every time I put this on, I'll be reminded of those colorful fish and gentle turtles!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/2-hawaii-green-sea-turtle-ed-robinson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/2-hawaii-green-sea-turtle-ed-robinson.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
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<br />Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-91494986719803451402014-04-17T21:13:00.001-04:002014-04-17T21:13:39.076-04:00A Triple Duty Tote<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PPu9UhTIXc/U1BtrDuGFHI/AAAAAAAACAA/219PHxX103g/s1600/CallaToteDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8PPu9UhTIXc/U1BtrDuGFHI/AAAAAAAACAA/219PHxX103g/s1600/CallaToteDetail.jpg" height="170" width="320" /></a></div>
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My husband and I are going on a company trip to Hawaii in a couple of weeks and I wanted a new tote to take on the trip. Something that would do as a carry-on, shopper, and beach bag. Needing a durable fabric that could handle sitting in sand, I headed to our nearby home dec fabric store. I looked for about an hour and finally decided on a cheery, whimsical floral print. The base was like poplin, so I knew it would hold up to the uses I intended. </div>
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I cut out the bag that evening and was all set to start sewing it the next evening, when I realized what a blunder I had made. This print would be fine in Hawaii, but no way would it play well in the Boston or San Francisco airports. The perfect beach bag, yes. But not, ahem, a sophisticated urban tote.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MueDtYxpSk/U1BwnawHyHI/AAAAAAAACAs/k83UqFWzJcE/s1600/FloralTote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1MueDtYxpSk/U1BwnawHyHI/AAAAAAAACAs/k83UqFWzJcE/s1600/FloralTote.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sooo, back to the home dec store I went, this time deciding on a quiet gray/taupe linen/rayon herringbone fabrication. I knew I wanted to paint it, and I wanted to make the handles from some dark purple faux suede from my collection. Purple would look great with this fabric, so I didn't think it would be a fail.<br />
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I chose the Eucalyptus stencil from Diane Ericson, and went to town painting both sides of the bag. I intended to add some dragonflies the next day. But when I walked into the studio to resume working on it, I saw I had made yet another error. This bag looked so drab, there'd be no way I'd carry it in Hawaii. Maybe in Boston in the winter, but definitely not in April.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CEMk_s-jdc/U1BwndKHeOI/AAAAAAAACAo/RQH-OBeI2eE/s1600/EucalyptusTote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3CEMk_s-jdc/U1BwndKHeOI/AAAAAAAACAo/RQH-OBeI2eE/s1600/EucalyptusTote.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back to the proverbial drawing board. What did I really want? A fabric I could paint. A dark fabric that wouldn't show dirt. A sophisticated look with a touch of individuality. </div>
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Feeling a bit like Goldilocks, off I went to JoAnn's, where I got a yard of black cotton duck at a 40% discount. I took it back to the studio and tried out two new silk screens I got last week from <a href="http://www.junecolburn.com/" target="_blank">June Colburn</a>. While I love the screens - Lotus Flower and Dragon - neither looked good. They were just not the right size for the large bag. In a last-ditch effort I pulled out my new Calla Lily stencil from Diane Ericson, printed a practice lily, and I knew I'd finally found the right combination.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EA8jYHSzpIY/U1BtruZ9a2I/AAAAAAAACAQ/J7Sb_3OpZsw/s1600/CallaTote1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EA8jYHSzpIY/U1BtruZ9a2I/AAAAAAAACAQ/J7Sb_3OpZsw/s1600/CallaTote1.jpg" height="288" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love my new bag! It's colorful without being cutesy, it's just the right size, and it's appropriate for all of my travel needs.<br />
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The pattern is the L2 Bag from the Sewing Workshop. I loved making this bag! The pattern is well drafted and written, so it was easy to follow.<br />
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There were a couple of tough areas to sew, partly because my fabric was very stiff.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzsq7c4K_bA/U1BtrHYOFnI/AAAAAAAACAE/O35bvLBbXEQ/s1600/CallaToteGusset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qzsq7c4K_bA/U1BtrHYOFnI/AAAAAAAACAE/O35bvLBbXEQ/s1600/CallaToteGusset.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The first trouble I ran into was with the side gussets, which are sewn in after the main part of the bag is lined. That made for three layers of duck and three layers of silk dupionni to sew through. I had to do the best I could with pin basting, as there's no way I could have got a needle through the heavy fabric.<br />
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The second trouble spot was sewing the plastic needlepoint canvas into the bottom of the bag (used as a stiffener). It's done by stab-stitching through the center bottom seam, but you have to do it with one hand inside the bag, with no visibility of the plastic canvas. It took a lot of feeling what I was doing, rather than seeing it. Patience and focus paid off, and the task wasn't so bad after all.<br />
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I learned a new trick with this pattern: the side pleat on the outside of the bag. I won't try to describe how it's done, as pictures show it much better. But it was easy and I like the finished look.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUI-j9vEgVU/U1BtrhGJ3oI/AAAAAAAACAU/ZDeV8ZMnm_k/s1600/CallaTotePleat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TUI-j9vEgVU/U1BtrhGJ3oI/AAAAAAAACAU/ZDeV8ZMnm_k/s1600/CallaTotePleat.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, I lined the bag with silk dupionni. Extravagant, I know. But I had it on hand, and the color matches the purple paint perfectly. I neglected to take photos before inserting the lining in the bag. Suffice it to say I put in a zippered pocket, and my usual double pleated pocket to hold my phone and glasses case. There was a flat double pocket in the pattern, but I didn't make it because I knew I wouldn't use it.</div>
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Lesson learned? Time away from a project can do a world of good. Excited with the idea of a new bag, I had stuck my head in the sand as I forged ahead on the first two bags, not really "seeing" what I was making. In each case, I put in hours of work, only to not like the look of it the next day. After I slowed down for the third one, everything fell into place.<br />
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Trial and error is most certainly the way the design process works. But learning to look and see along the way is crucial to being satisfied with the finished product. I'm not saying this bag is perfect or exactly as I would like, but it is good enough for my needs and I'll get a lot of use from it!Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-27201013650984526022014-04-13T20:46:00.000-04:002014-04-13T20:46:11.171-04:00Whimsical Red VestI'm back! After about four months of little or no sewing, my desire to create in the studio is stronger than ever. Which feels sooooooo good! I've been playing in the studio nearly every day for over two weeks now, and I'm learning and creating and having a blast. I've been playing with stencils and paint, making some sample prints and some finished garments. Here is the first item I've made this spring:<div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntm5aA53Jeg/U0sot2r3_cI/AAAAAAAAB_U/qAQZ1eDAzvk/s1600/RedWhimsyVest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ntm5aA53Jeg/U0sot2r3_cI/AAAAAAAAB_U/qAQZ1eDAzvk/s1600/RedWhimsyVest.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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As they say here in New England, that's wicked bright! It's a gorgeous linen from Marcy Tilton that's been in my collection for a couple of years now. The trim fabrics are remnants from Sawyer Brook. I used Diane Ericson's Revisions Java Jacket pattern. It was very easy to add a couple of inches at the sides and bottom to make it fit, and it's a very straightforward pattern to follow. The fussy part was the binding on the neck and armholes, but it wasn't difficult. Just painstaking to make sure things lined up just so.</div>
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The theme for the vest was determined by the buttons, which are fused glass, made by a wonderful woman who lives in Rhode Island. I see her every year at the regional sewing expo, and she had a trunk show at a local yarn shop this past winter. I've amassed quite an assortment of these buttons over the years, so it was a joy to finally use these red ones.</div>
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I love the geometry in these buttons, and how the melting process softens the edges a bit. They're still very angular, but there's a feminine quality to them as well.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qR37lSp1gIM/U0sot6WKQoI/AAAAAAAAB_M/ylD3HMAvlLY/s1600/RedWhimsyVestButton2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qR37lSp1gIM/U0sot6WKQoI/AAAAAAAAB_M/ylD3HMAvlLY/s1600/RedWhimsyVestButton2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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No two buttons are alike, so they offer nice variety as design elements. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5SOEadH95Y/U0sot7YeluI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/TIHGW2jv2kg/s1600/RedWhimsyVestButton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k5SOEadH95Y/U0sot7YeluI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/TIHGW2jv2kg/s1600/RedWhimsyVestButton.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I painted the black band and the bodice using stencils from Diane Ericson. The buttons determined the colors and influenced my choice of stencil images. I love the whimsical touch the stenciling adds to the garment!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7fAgwBmS28/U0sovCdZ9aI/AAAAAAAAB_k/9LP1aLbfyb8/s1600/RedWhimsyVestTopDetail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A7fAgwBmS28/U0sovCdZ9aI/AAAAAAAAB_k/9LP1aLbfyb8/s1600/RedWhimsyVestTopDetail.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The pattern offers two lower pocket options, but I decided not to use them, as I didn't want to draw attention to that part of the garment. I really wanted the focus to be at the top, with a strong vertical center element. Those are the lines that seem to flatter my body most.</div>
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I neglected to take a photo of the back. It is two overlapped pieces, with a long vent at the bottom. At the waist there's a blue shaped tab adorned with a button.</div>
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I'll have a few opportunities to wear this before the weather becomes too warm for it. Then it's into the closet for a few months. It's a great spring/autumn piece, and it will add lots of color to my look when I want it!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYNJWNBz-ic/U0souWwaX7I/AAAAAAAAB_g/XnzX9kA_YeY/s1600/RedWhimsyVestModeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YYNJWNBz-ic/U0souWwaX7I/AAAAAAAAB_g/XnzX9kA_YeY/s1600/RedWhimsyVestModeled.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Next up: a tote bag I finished today, to take to Hawaii at the end of the month. Stay tuned, as I'll be writing again soon. Promise!</div>
Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-26522849254216164242013-11-15T21:37:00.000-05:002013-11-15T21:37:02.685-05:00Where Have I Been? Or, What to Do When The Urge VanishesSeven months without blogging. What happened? A lot. Where have I been? Here. What have I been doing? Knitting like a fiend. Recently, sewing like a fiend. Let me explain.<br />
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In May my sewing mojo took a hike, went on vacation, was missing in action. Gone. A few feeble attempts at accomplishing something in the studio were in vain. I simply had no desire to sew. None whatsoever. So, I decided that aspect of my creative life needed a break. And I started knitting. I knit like crazy, and shawls appeared like bunny rabbits. Lots of shawls - eight completed so far this year, three more currently on needles. I couldn't get enough of them!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhLTVzgXKzI/UobNHYgcFHI/AAAAAAAAB8c/KiieS0lFdfo/s1600/RollintheHay8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nhLTVzgXKzI/UobNHYgcFHI/AAAAAAAAB8c/KiieS0lFdfo/s320/RollintheHay8.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen West's <i>Barndom</i> shawl, before blocking.<br />Knit with Breathless cashmere/merino/silk yarn. <br />My absolute favorite yarn and shawl of all time.<br /></td></tr>
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This knitting fever lasted all summer, into September. So did the sewing heebie jeebies. No sewing for four months. The entire summer my studio sat idle. And I knit shawls. And socks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtKM52ANGe4/UobNgtHRugI/AAAAAAAAB9I/E-XRvtmFkzU/s1600/EntwinedSocks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wtKM52ANGe4/UobNgtHRugI/AAAAAAAAB9I/E-XRvtmFkzU/s320/EntwinedSocks3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entwined cabled socks. Knit in Hazel Knits Entice<br />(merino, cashmere, nylon sock yarn).</td></tr>
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Letting the sewing landscape lie fallow was a good move. I firmly believe you can't force creativity. If the urge isn't there, there's no making it happen. Letting it rest lets other things come to the forefront. And it's not gone, it's just hibernating. It's lying quietly, brewing ideas, growing new roots and shoots, preparing to sprout.<br />
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And then one day the creative urge returns. For me it was mid-September. Subtle at first, it quickly gained momentum and I found myself in the middle of making a coat. I finished it mid-October, and started another, which I completed today. And now a jacket is under way. My sewing mojo has definitely returned, and the creative energy is flowing freely. It's a great feeling!<br />
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Meanwhile, knitting has taken a back seat. I still dabble in it, but I'm not knitting for hours every day like I was. My creative energy has shifted, and that's ok. I finally feel like blogging again - another creative pursuit that ebbs and flows. So here I am, and that's what happened over the past seven months.<br />
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In an effort to catch up on blogging, I'm showing two bags I made in April and May. I have only one photo of the first, view B of Diane Ericson's Pacific Purse pattern.<br />
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The fabrics are silk duppioni, linen and quilting prints. The button has been in my stash for many years, and it was the inspiration for the bag. The flap and most of the back are stenciled using Diane Ericson's Spring Leaves stencil and Lumiere paints. To create the stripe effect, I used strips of sticky-back paper (like Post-It Notes) to mask part of the fabric. Then I did the stenciling, and carefully peeled the paper away. This could be done with masking tape, also. I added some hand embroidery to add some definition.</div>
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I really like this bag, but I never carry it as the greens are too yellow for my coloring. They just don't look great with my wardrobe. I don't want to give the bag away, either, because I like the button too much. For now it will stay as it is, but I suspect the button will some day be removed to be used on a jacket. In the meantime, it can enjoy living on this bag.</div>
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The second bag is one of my favorite painted creations. I used both stencils and silk screens to embellish this tote.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDhBlPgGFEo/UobSpSvyf-I/AAAAAAAAB-E/Md8Lq4GurlM/s1600/LabyrinthBagFront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iDhBlPgGFEo/UobSpSvyf-I/AAAAAAAAB-E/Md8Lq4GurlM/s320/LabyrinthBagFront.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
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The basic shape was achieved using Butterick 5866. I added the pockets on the front and back, plus some in the interior. The fabrics are deep purple cotton shirting, lavender wool gauze, linen, and silk organza. I especially like the organza overlay that is crinkled and embellished with buttons.<br />
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That's a foiled damselfly at the top left. I used the foil on a couple of moths as well. The writing on the front is bleached using a dye resist through a silk screen. All of the screens used are from Marcy Tilton. The eucalyptus stencil is from Diane Ericson. It was really fun to combine purple and pewter paint in the stenciling.</div>
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The lining fabric is a textured linen/rayon blend, and I added my usual tucked slip pockets to the zippered pocket that came with the pattern.</div>
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Once completed, I realized I don't care for the drawstring closure on the top. There's no way I'm going to use a tote with a drawstring for everyday use. So this became my knitting bag, and it's carried many a shawl-in-progress over the past few months.</div>
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That wraps it up for this catch-up post. Thanks to those of you who checked in on me during my silence, and visited the blog despite there being no current postings. I love the feedback you readers give, and I missed the online sewing community I've found through this blog. I'm so glad to be back sewing and blogging!</div>
Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-14979087446881012732013-04-24T21:47:00.000-04:002013-04-24T21:47:39.751-04:00Purple Stripes on the DoubleApologies to my regular readers for not blogging in so long. I seem to go through stretches where I'm just not inspired to post photos of myself online. Here's an attempt to get back into a routine.<br />
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Back in February I made two different garments using purple striped fabrics. The first is this knit top:<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdsBD674saw/UXiCNseWe6I/AAAAAAAAB0I/RyvF81Pl9HU/s1600/StripedKTTop1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FdsBD674saw/UXiCNseWe6I/AAAAAAAAB0I/RyvF81Pl9HU/s320/StripedKTTop1.jpg" width="221" /></a></div>
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This fabric is a gorgeous purple and black striped double knit from Marcy Tilton. It has a beefy hand and was a dream to sew. I used Katherine Tilton's <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8710-products-13657.php?page_id=260" target="_blank">V8710</a> , which I've made a couple of times before. I raised the neckline and added a twisted, loose turtleneck to this one, making it perfect for winter wear.<br />
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Some non-plus size sewists have complained about the fullness of this top, but I really like it. There <u>is</u> a lot of extra fabric, however, so if that's not your ideal, I recommend slimming it down.<br />
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I enjoyed wearing this in the cold months, and will get a lot of use from it next fall and winter. It's really comfortable and cozy!<br />
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The second garment is this shirt, made from a tone-on-tone striped cotton shirting, also from Marcy.<br />
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The pattern is a hybrid based on an out of print Sandra Betzina shirt pattern, with details from Diane Ericson's <a href="http://www.dianeericson.com/store/" target="_blank">Nuevo Shirt</a> pattern (sorry, I can't get a link to the pattern itself), and her out of print Just Pockets pattern. I love, love the pocket, and the interesting cuffs:<br />
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The layers of the pocket are assembled and basted on top of the base piece, then the entire thing is inset into the shirt front (rather than laid on the shirt and topstitched). It's finicky, but I really like the look.<br />
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I was hoping to really like the shirt, but I have to say I don't, just because I don't like how woven fabrics drape on my body. There always seems to be too much extra fabric in a shirt, and I feel sloppy wearing one. Maybe it's because I haven't found a good fit in the chest and shoulder area. Or maybe that's just how a shirt fits. I don't know. What do you think?<br />
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By the way, those are <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Do-Si-Do/productinfo/B970/" target="_blank">rounded square tagua nut (a.k.a. corozo) buttons</a>, from Sawyer Brook. They are a perfect color match and I love their angularity on this garment, as the design lines are angular too.<br />
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There are several more items in line for me to blog about, including a jacket and two bags, so stay tuned!Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-72601807369134972292013-04-10T21:17:00.001-04:002013-04-10T21:36:47.554-04:00And the Winners Are...My husband drew two names from the pile for me, and the winners of the Plus Sized Pattern Pyramid Give-Away are (drumroll, please):<br />
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chiralcraft and megan<br />
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Congratulations to the winners. Please send an email with your addresses to me at whistlingdixie "at" comcast.net, so I can send the patterns on their way.<br />
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Thanks to all who played along. Be sure to follow Laura at <a href="http://chiralcraft.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Chiral Craft</a> and Megan at <a href="http://thegreenviolet.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Green Violet</a> for more chances to win!Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-15203062409804024692013-04-02T20:28:00.002-04:002013-04-02T20:28:54.498-04:00Plus Sized Pattern Pyramid Give-Away!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hurray! The infamous pattern pyramid started by <a href="http://ontheroadtosewwear.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BeaJay</a> made its way to me in Massachusetts last week. Here is what I received from <a href="http://thesewcraticmethod.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">KC</a>:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7sGa4vA29U/UVt1kQqFXEI/AAAAAAAAByw/Gw0CtrRYpH8/s1600/PlusSizePatternPyramid1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7sGa4vA29U/UVt1kQqFXEI/AAAAAAAAByw/Gw0CtrRYpH8/s320/PlusSizePatternPyramid1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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How about that fabric bag she made for me? It will be great for knitting projects or packing.<br />
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Since the collection is thinning down (pun intended), I decided to sweeten the pot with some unloved patterns from my collection:<br />
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If you'd like the opportunity to choose a couple of these patterns for yourself, leave a comment. I'll be drawing two winners on April 10th, so be sure to check back then to see if you've won!Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-48028427722725463612013-03-01T18:13:00.000-05:002013-03-01T18:13:56.341-05:00Black and Plum = YumFinally, a photo opportunity - when husband was available and light was bright. I modeled this top and vest, made in December and January:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlXskAHeiTk/UTEyd8b3RPI/AAAAAAAABxk/0pb27s21ZJM/s1600/BlackWoolVestModeled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FlXskAHeiTk/UTEyd8b3RPI/AAAAAAAABxk/0pb27s21ZJM/s320/BlackWoolVestModeled.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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Let's begin with the top. Both fabrics are from Marcy Tilton, and have been marinating in my collection for a while. They were separate purchases, but when I saw them together I knew they would be perfect in one garment.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30QF6WOxee8/UTEqQIPr4BI/AAAAAAAABv8/Lr0Ew2mtz7k/s1600/PurpleDotTopMeshCollar2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-30QF6WOxee8/UTEqQIPr4BI/AAAAAAAABv8/Lr0Ew2mtz7k/s320/PurpleDotTopMeshCollar2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I love the idea of combining mesh and opaque fabrics, but as a plus size gal, there's little of my body I want to expose through mesh. I pondered the challenge for a while and came up with the idea of a cowl and scrunchy cuffs.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEzJ4_3XQHI/UTEqQVZt0kI/AAAAAAAABwA/ifrh2OEevho/s1600/PurpleDotTopMeshCuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fEzJ4_3XQHI/UTEqQVZt0kI/AAAAAAAABwA/ifrh2OEevho/s320/PurpleDotTopMeshCuff.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I love the sheerness and gathers of the mesh against the tiny polka dotted rayon. The mesh is very light and easily collapses into a frothy ring around my neck. Fun!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqc0VuD885w/UTEqQB2xAgI/AAAAAAAABwE/ulWoAmmXp1o/s1600/PurpleDotTopMeshCollar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fqc0VuD885w/UTEqQB2xAgI/AAAAAAAABwE/ulWoAmmXp1o/s320/PurpleDotTopMeshCollar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a TNT pattern for this, and simply cut the cowl to fit the neck opening. It is quite high; if I pull it up it entirely covers my head. The mesh and jersey were a really easy sew, and the top is a delight to wear. (Of course it is. It's <u>purple</u>!)</div>
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The vest was made using an out of print pattern from Diane Ericson:</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX0w8qjXf98/UTEqVSM6AJI/AAAAAAAABwc/YoHuuwcUvro/s1600/RevisionsVestCollectionPattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX0w8qjXf98/UTEqVSM6AJI/AAAAAAAABwc/YoHuuwcUvro/s320/RevisionsVestCollectionPattern.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The teatowel vest is certainly outdated now (was it ever exactly fashionable?) but I think I can get a lot of mileage out of the other two designs. I used view A.</div>
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I started with a gorgeous <a href="http://store.sawyerbrook.com/Asphalt-Crepe/productinfo/H11-0807/" target="_blank">wool crepe</a> from Sawyer Brook. Wanting to take advantage of several textural black fabrics in my remnant collection, I decided to design pieced lapels. The pattern includes only a long, straight lapel piece. Here is the pattern mock up as I designed it:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ue7NigaPUc/UTEqDInOmOI/AAAAAAAABvg/GoVQ2DjAqbo/s1600/BlacWoolVestLapelPattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Ue7NigaPUc/UTEqDInOmOI/AAAAAAAABvg/GoVQ2DjAqbo/s320/BlacWoolVestLapelPattern.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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And here are the lapels I spent hours designing, cutting out and sewing together, only to decide I didn't like the look:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SwtmI0S2Vm4/UTEqDsXxUCI/AAAAAAAABvQ/Vzt9Kjr6DDw/s1600/BlackWoolVestPiecedLapel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SwtmI0S2Vm4/UTEqDsXxUCI/AAAAAAAABvQ/Vzt9Kjr6DDw/s320/BlackWoolVestPiecedLapel.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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If you click on the photo to enlarge it, you'll be able to see the textures a bit better. The reason I nixed these lapels is they were just too much. I didn't like the choppiness of the edges, even though I had staggered them. In a nutshell, it just seemed too crafty. So, I backed off and went for the streamlined look of the original pattern piece, and chose one of the textured fabrics. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fU0OUY7qY4/UTEutDSm1WI/AAAAAAAABxM/WJUdyJtaMkw/s1600/BlackWoolVestModeled2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8fU0OUY7qY4/UTEutDSm1WI/AAAAAAAABxM/WJUdyJtaMkw/s320/BlackWoolVestModeled2.jpg" width="201" /></a></div>
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The vest has a fun construction detail. Except for the shoulder seams, all seams are overlapped and topstitched. To do this, the entire vest is lined to the edge and turned inside out. Then the back pieces are overlapped and stitched, and the sides follow suit. This means lots of pin fitting, and making sure of where the seam lines will be before attaching the lining. The overlapping leaves little vents at the lower back and side seams.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LU_k1kYsWTc/UTEqDPoxfdI/AAAAAAAABvI/bPgCyKcfmws/s1600/BlackWoolVestBack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LU_k1kYsWTc/UTEqDPoxfdI/AAAAAAAABvI/bPgCyKcfmws/s320/BlackWoolVestBack.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
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I like the asymmetrical back and the button detail. The seam gives a nice vertical element to the back, too. Always a benefit for a plus size!</div>
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The hemline is angled from high in the front to low in the back. My full midriff tends to pull hems up in front, so I added about an inch in length to the center front. I love how this vest falls over my curves. Both the ambiance rayon lining (which feels scrumptious!) and lines of the pattern allow for this.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ_mpdkRVlE/UTEqDtwN95I/AAAAAAAABvU/FK1usfRlLQI/s1600/BlackWoolVestSide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bZ_mpdkRVlE/UTEqDtwN95I/AAAAAAAABvU/FK1usfRlLQI/s320/BlackWoolVestSide.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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The vest is a valuable addition to my winter wardrobe, as it layers easily over almost any top I've made. It's the perfect layer for keeping a touch warmer when the temperatures are cold. It can also be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion. I'm loving it!</div>
Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7703415315027612176.post-34741775273057719862013-02-14T22:23:00.000-05:002013-02-14T22:23:25.741-05:00Happy Valentine's Day!I'm so glad we celebrate St. Valentine in February. It offers the perfect opportunity to fill the day with gorgeous color!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBufmC6UmXM/UR2mzm4PZpI/AAAAAAAABug/gfBNluQAOG0/s1600/RedFeltedWoolJacket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wBufmC6UmXM/UR2mzm4PZpI/AAAAAAAABug/gfBNluQAOG0/s320/RedFeltedWoolJacket.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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This very unstructured jacket is made from a wool jersey from Marcy Tilton. The pattern is also hers, Vogue 8430. I've made it as a vest twice, most recently <a href="http://withneedleandbrush.blogspot.com/search/label/Vogue%208430" target="_blank">a year ago</a>. The jersey was semi-felted, and I washed it to felt it a bit more. All of the edges are raw, and the fit is very loose. I'm not crazy with how this looks; I think I'm kind of done with unstructured for now. It just seems sloppy. I really wish I had done something else with this gorgeous fabric, but it's too late now.<br />
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This will be a good layer for early spring and fall weather. I wore it to work today but it became a tad too warm as the day went on. It looks good overlapped more in the front and fastened with a pin. Sorry no pictures of that. My photographer has been very busy at work and photo ops are short and infrequent!<br />
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I think I'll be moving toward more structure in my sewing, leaving the draped front Tilton patterns behind. I'm currently working on another linen jacket, one I can wear in early spring. You'll be seeing that one soon!Dixiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14712003004658269721noreply@blogger.com13