Almost Completed Dress

Here is a view of the front and back of the Almost Completed Dress. (Click on the photo for a larger view.) There are a few fitting issues to resolve still. I need to lower the front waistline, so will go back and take 3/8 seam allowance. I am a long waisted short person. I added to the bodice length when cutting it out but the back waistline is fine but I find the front a little higher than I like to wear my front waistlines. I don't like the cap sleeves and I have an issue going on under the arm. The armhole dart was not placed correctly in the first place, my error. So in adjusting the line of the dart it has created a wonky seam right under the end of the cap sleeve. I am going to remove the sleeve and either use the full sleeve version or either go sleeveless. I am thinking sleeveless with a binding around the armhole. I am not sure that I have enough fabric to cut out the sleeve pattern.

I also need to take deeper seams at the hip area down. The lining has all seams sewn in and I basted all the side seams on the dress to finalize the fit. Making the changes above and then hemming the dress will complete the dress. I am so ready to have this over and done.

Back views

Here is a view from the back. Photo on left is on AlmaMarie, no side seams sewn yet. The center back seam is basted closed so I can pin baste the zipper. Top right is view of the pleated neckline and sewing through all those layers was a bit fiddly. Bottom right is where I started to pin in the zipper. I was getting tired and some what cranky so thought this was a good stopping point. The color of the zipper is brown shade but looks purple in this photo. Could not get this to adjust.

Front view

Here is a front view of the dress on AlmaMarie. No side or back seams have been sewn yet. You can get a good idea of how the collar will drape. There is a lot of collar here and if I was to do this again I would redo this somewhat. I hope it passes the wearability test.

Dress Update

Making progress. This dress is becoming a "I can't wait til this is done" project. I have deviated from the instructions which has eliminated some hand sewing which as most of you know I don't like to do. This will cause me to have to make some changes in how I will finish attaching the lining but it is all doable.

Sewing today

I spent some time this AM and PM sewing on my dress. I felt like I was spinning my wheels for awhile this AM. It actually started last night with sewing the front bodice and back bodice to skirt pieces. Both top and bottom have darts that are somewhat unusual angles and placements. It is important to mark these darts carefully and noticeably. When you attach the bodice to the skirt, the darts need to line up.

My dress fabric is rather loosely woven and slightly slippery. The markings were better marked on one piece than the other, thus requiring me to make sure that the darts on both sides of the center front matched up. All of this created a challenge for matching top to bottom at waistline. Susan Khalje (sp) on some of her sewing shows talked about breaking seams up into parts to allow for getting pieces to align correctly. So I followed her techniques and stitched the darted part first, then continued stitching from the darts to the side seams.

Here are photos of the back and front showing the darts alignment.

After doing this, I basted the side seams and back seams to try on for fitting. This fabric as I noted above is loosely woven and drapey. I found that I needed to take a deeper dart at the armhole and deeper darts in the back darts as well. It is interesting that the lining unit fit well without the deeper darts in the front armhole but I did think that I needed to take deeper darts in the back for the lining as well. This clearly reinforces the need to fit both lining and fabric units before attaching due to the variance in the weight, body and hang of the fabric.

I am also deviating from the pattern instructions for attaching the collar and the lining, particularly since I am using a full lining instead of just lining the bodice. Not only that, but their instructions for attaching the collar just does not make since and not as sewing efficient as I think they could be.

I really thought that this dress would go together quickly. Again because of extras that I have done and working striving for perfection, this is going slower than I had thought or planned. More photos and progress report later.

Enquiry minds want to know

I recently saw on several blogs where individuals have purchased new sergers, coverstitch machines, etc. I have contemplated buying a coverstitch machine as well as a blind hemmer. My serger has coverstitch capabilities but it is somewhat of a hassle to convert machine to coverstitch mode. I have also entertained the idea of buying the Babylock serger that has the jet stream threading and coverstitch capabilities that seem easy to use with a flip of a dial or switch.

I also have read several blogs where sewists have a blind hemmer and use it regularly. I thought it would be interesting to see what others would do if you were in a position to make the purchase.

Look in the right hand column under the About me for a poll for you to take. Feel free to add comments to this post as well about your vote and choice.

Happy Thanksgiving

I wanted to take the time to say thank you to all who read my blog and share your thoughts and comments with me. Your feedback is most appreciated and has helped me to grow in my sewing talents.

I truly appreciate and am thankful that I live in a country and a time where one can have so many friends in "real" time and via Internet. I starting blogging about two years ago sometime during the month of November. As a result I am continuously inspired and in awe of what other sewists/bloggers are able to accomplish with their sewing/knitting/crafting talents. I know I have said this before but always worth repeating, Lisa of Sew Random and Liana of Sew Intriguing were instrumental in getting me into the blogging world and to both of these talented ladies I want to say thank you.

I got all my shopping done yesterday, I was in and out of the grocery stores by 10:00. My timing was impeccable as I missed a lot of the shopping crowd. After getting the groceries put up, I went to Panera Bread for a Cafe Mocha and Cinnamon Crunch Bagel! After that great fortification, I went to Alpine Sewing, purchased an embroidery card that was on sale, stabilizer, other sewing notions and a gift certificate. I also attempted to find a thrift store that I have not visited before but not finding it came home and completed another ASG gift item for our upcoming Christmas party.

While doing this I started to cook a few vegetables that we will have today for Thanksgiving and waiting for DH to come home to begin our long Holiday weekend.

With the gift sewing out of the way, I will start my dress sewing again in between cooking today.

To close for now, a big thank you again to my fellow sewists and bloggers. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Pre Thanksgiving Wednesday

I am on vacation today! Yeah!!!!!!

I still got up early and have been enjoying my coffee and reading pattern reviews at PR. Always inspiring.

My big plans for today are to complete my Thanksgiving day grocery shopping. Yes, I love the hustle and bustle of going through the grocery store, bumping into other shoppers and listening to whiny children or couples arguing over whether to get this or that or not. (Not really!) But I always try to go into the store with a good attitude and most of the time I leave feeling good.

Once that is done, I plan to sew. I am on tight deadline to finish Christmas gifts for our upcoming ASG meeting. I have a business trip to take the latter part of next week and will lose some precious sewing time for that. Thus plan to knock out the remaining two gifts and then restart my dress sewing. Great news is that it is truly a long weekend as Thursday and Friday are holidays! So sew, sew, sew!

More later.

RL Raking Leaves

RL Raking Leaves
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

I know this blog is about sewing. But I thought I would post a photo of DH raking leaves. Not the best photo shot of him but I thought it was a good one.

Progress

As you can see from the photo posts from yesterday, I am making progress on my dress. I began sewing the dress fabric today. I have all the darts sewn for the front and back bodice pieces. I will sew the skirt darts next. I am so pleased with the progress. .

I need to start on another Post It Note holder for Christmas gifts for ASG. While those are embroidering I hope to continue to work on the dress. If other "must do" housework and work related tasks were not required I could possibly finish the dress today or at least have it ready to attach lining. Alas, somethings must be done besides sewing.

I experienced a small issue with the armhole dart when working with the lining. It is a good idea to start with the lining when making a pattern that you have not used before. This lining is like a muslin. Thanks to going with that sewing strategy, I found that I had shaped the armhole dart incorrectly and needed to redo the dart. After re-directing the dart if you will, I then pin marked this change onto the front fabric bodice piece. The direction of the dart now works better with the original darts of the dress.

I do have concerns that the bodice/skirt waistline may still be to short waisted in spite of my bodice lengthening. I have not tried on the lining dress yet to see about this. I will test this before sewing the dress bodice fabric and skirt together.

McCalls Dress Lining

McCalls Dress Lining
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Front view of the Reese's Peanut Butter lining on AlmaMarie.

Front closeup

Front closeup
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Close up of the front darts that give this dress a nice look.

Armhole dart

Armhole dart
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Here is view of the armhole dart I added when making the FBA.

Closeup Back Lining

Closeup Back Lining
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

This is a close up view of the back. You can see how the darts line up in the back bodice and skirt.

Back view

Back view
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

I made progress on my McCall's dress today. I call this my Caramel and Chocolate lining or Reese's Peanut Butter lining. I did not have enough of the bodice lining fabric to cut out the skirt lining. The dress fabric is a brown that is closer to the golden brown of the bodice lining.

What I wore 112108

What I wore 112108
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Here is another shot!

What I Wore today

WIW3
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

I wore my new jacket today with a brown microfiber skirt (RTW) and orange mock turtle rayon knit top(RTW). I like the jacket and it wore well. The view I chose suggests only one button. After wearing all day I think I will add another button.

Dress progression

I was able to get the lining for the dress cut out. I ran into a situation though with the lining. I did not have enough of the perfect matching lining fabric. I ended up using the perfect match to line the bodice of the dress. The pattern does not call for lining the skirt part but I want to. I had to cut out the skirt lining from another fabric and color.

I am going to try to run to JoAnn's during my lunch today and see if I might be able to find lining fabric closer in color to the dress and bodice lining fabric. I don't think it will be too much of an issue with two toned lining but I do have slight concern that the top and bottom may appear a different shade when lining is attached. Given the styles I am seeing in stores, dresses are looking like a blouse and skirt combination. This will become a design feature if it is off.

TGIF!!

Winter

I am not a fan of winter. I was born in winter and all my friends were born in the spring and summer. They had birthday parties outside in the back yard and there was lots of sunshine. We had hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill. My birthday party was always inside and normally it snowed. I have never been a fan of snow either. It is pretty coming down and I like it if I don't have to go out in it.

This week we now have winter. It actually snowed Monday night. Not a lot but enough to cover the yard and our vehicles. The streets were pretty bare and traveling to work the next day was not an issue. I had to travel to a business meeting late afternoon yesterday and there were snow flurries traveling back and forth.

Last night the low was 29 degrees. Brrrrrr!

The good thing about winter is sewing wool clothing. I love sewing most wool fabrics. I have plans to sew up some skirts and some ideas on wool jackets as well. I hope to cut out my lining for dress fabric tonight after dinner. Dinner is in process as I write. Though my new dress is not wool and actually pretty light weight, I am looking forward to sewing it.

Perhaps you noticed my Christmas theme background for my blog. Trying to get and stay in the Christmas spirit until it arrives.

Group #3 Member of SewCraftBlog

I was reading Sharon's blog the other day and read about SewCraftBlog. Its a blog where other sewists and crafters can sign up to be members of sewing or other crafting group. I was notified that I became a member of the Sewing Group #3. It is always nice to learn of other people who share sewing and other crafts with the intent of sharing and learning as well.

You can learn more about this group by going to www.sewcraftblog.blogspot.com.

WoolFabrics from Fabric.com

WoolFabrics from Fabric.com
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Dress was pin fitted and cut out

I am happy with my sewing time today. I was able to pin fit the McCall's dress pattern. I am making the dress with cowl neck and cap sleeves. I had to make a small FBA as well as my usual FSA and swayback adjustment. I lengthened the bodice about 3/4 of inch; I raised the hip line by two inches.

I was able to cut out the fabric. This is a fabric piece I purchased from Vogue Fabrics about three years ago. I have pulled this fabric out of the stash several times over the past few years to make something and always put it aside. I guess like the jacket fabric it has finally aged enough now.

I will post more later.

Jacket Finished and More Xmas Gifts

Today I started the morning as usual with coffee, blog and email readings. I went off to CURVES around 8:15. DH and I had to take his vehicle to dealer's service department for some work. We then ran around, ate lunch and did some shopping. I got another pair of shoes-casual wear. Photos later.

Upon returning home, I immediately went to my sewing room. I had pinned the chain to my jacket last night while watching TV. My plan today was to sew the chain and button on the jacket and mark that project complete. AND IT IS!

While doing this task, I cranked up the embroidery machine to make another post it note holder for ASG Christmas gifts for our upcoming Christmas luncheon. I have to say that the holidays are coming faster and faster. I am not really ready for all of this. I keep trying to find out what happened to summer. It just came and went.

Tomorrow, I hope to cut out the McCall's dress that will go with the jacket. I have some new wool fabric that I purchased from Fabric.com in October that I want to make up into some skirts. I will try to post some photos of those new fabrics. Two are wool crepe in taupe and cement and the other piece is wool gabardine in a camel color. I acquired some lining fabrics from Schoolhouse Fabrics, a fabric store about 40 minutes from Roanoke, that go with these wool fabrics beautifully.

Here are some more photos of my completed jacket.

I'm a Bette

Your result for Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz...

You Are a Bette!

You are a Bette -- "I must be strong"

Bettes are direct, self-reliant, self-confident, and protective.

How to Get Along with Me

• * Stand up for yourself... and me.
• * Be confident, strong, and direct.
• * Don't gossip about me or betray my trust.
• * Be vulnerable and share your feelings. See and acknowledge my tender, vulnerable side.
• * Give me space to be alone.
• * Acknowledge the contributions I make, but don't flatter me.
• * I often speak in an assertive way. Don't automatically assume it's a personal attack.
• * When I scream, curse, and stomp around, try to remember that's just the way I am.

What I Like About Being a Bette

• * being independent and self-reliant
• * being able to take charge and meet challenges head on
• * being courageous, straightforward, and honest
• * getting all the enjoyment I can out of life
• * supporting, empowering, and protecting those close to me
• * upholding just causes

What's Hard About Being a Bette

• * overwhelming people with my bluntness; scaring them away when I don't intend to
• * being restless and impatient with others' incompetence
• * sticking my neck out for people and receiving no appreciation for it
• * never forgetting injuries or injustices
• * putting too much pressure on myself
• * getting high blood pressure when people don't obey the rules or when things don't go right

Bettes as Children Often

• * are independent; have an inner strength and a fighting spirit
• * are sometimes loners
• * seize control so they won't be controlled
• * figure out others' weaknesses
• * attack verbally or physically when provoked
• * take charge in the family because they perceive themselves as the strongest, or grow up in difficult or abusive surroundings

Bettes as Parents

• * are often loyal, caring, involved, and devoted
• * are sometimes overprotective
• * can be demanding, controlling, and rigid

Take Are You a Jackie or a Marilyn? Or Someone Else? Mad Men-era Female Icon Quiz

Vaneli Brown Suede

Vaneli Brown Suede
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Earlier in October, I purchased three pairs of shoes which I realized I had not photographed nor shared with you. Yesterday I wore these to work with a faux brown suede skirt made from a Simplicity pattern along with a teal brown paisley print jacket that I also made from a Simplicity pattern. Both have been reviewed at PR and here. Both were garments made about a year to two years ago.

They are Vaneli's which fit me very well. We have a great shoe store here called the Cobbler's Wife. I will take pics of my other two pairs of shoes later.

Button from JoAnns

Button from JoAnns
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

My previous photo was not showing up so here is an edited photo. The button is pinned on. The actual button is nicer looking than what is showing here in this photo. Perfect match to the jacket's colors.

Xmas Gift inside 2

Xmas Gift inside 2
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Another view. This was my test model. Trimming close to applique/embroidered items is something I need to work on. I embroidered this on my Janome 300E.

Xmas gift inside

Xmas gift inside
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

This is the inside of the holder. When you remove the pen/marker held inside the elastic pieces as posted below, you then have post it notes on which to write your note, pattern number, zipper size, etc. You then pull the post it note and the next one comes up ready for use.

Xmas2008 gift

Xmas2008 gift
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

This was my first in the hoop embroidery project. I ordered the design from Secrets of Embroidery. The black pieces you see are elastic. You insert a small pen or marker into the elastic loops and keeps the folded over holder closed.

Butterick jacket-backview

Butterick jacket-backview
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Butterick jacket with sleeves

Butterick jacket with sleeves
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

Jacket is almost complete. I took this photo after inserting the sleeves. I need to hem the jacket. I will be adding a chain to the hemline as I think this will make this hang much better when wearing.

Butterick Jacket in progress

Butterick Jacket in progress
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl

This was my jacket this AM when I went to my sewing room.

Sewing Slump

I am in a sewing slump. We all get this from time to time. I have to admit I have not lost the mojo in the past several months, just had numerous other life related things to interfere with my sewing time. This week I just can't get motivated right now to sew and have had some opportunities to get in my sewing room to do so. I hope that by the weekend the mojo will be back.

I have an ASG board meeting tonight. Perhaps being around others who are always working on some project or other may be the booster I need.

Sewing Christmas Gifts

Several posts ago, I spoke about doing some sewing for Christmas gifts. While reading others' blogs many other people have similar idea. I received the following email about a contest related to swing holiday gifts and agreed to share with you:

FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE
Holiday Gift Ideas: Sewing, Hobby & Craft Sew a gift this holiday season or give the gift of sewing to a family member or friend with a SINGER®, HUSQVARNA VIKING® or PFAFF® sewing machine. Consumers can also enter a contest this holiday season to win a featured sewing, embroidery or quilting machine and a $1,000 shopping spree. "Sewing is an ideal holiday activity and gift because it keeps on giving," said Don Fletcher, CEO of SVP Worldwide, www.svpworldwide.com. "Giving the gift of sewing is easy with the new SINGER, HUSQVARNA VIKING and PFAFF sewing, quilting and embroidery machines. These dependable machines are loaded with features and benefits that are perfect for holiday sewing, hobby and craft projects." To enter the GIFTS BY YOU contest presented by SVP Worldwide and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (MSLO), upload a photo of a sewn project at www.marthastewart.com/sew between November 17, 2008 and December 31, 2008. Images of the uploaded sewn projects will be displayed on the Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia website at www.marthastewart.com during this time. Entrants will be asked to enter their project to be judged in one of the following four categories: home décor/crafting, fashion, machine embroidery and machine quilting.

Each person who uploads a photo of their own project will receive a $5.00 gift card they can use at authorized and participating SINGER, HUSQVARNA VIKING and PFAFF retailers throughout the U.S.-it's SVP Worldwide's holiday gift to sewers. One project in each category will be selected by a panel of sewing experts from MSLO and SVP Worldwide. The winner in each category will receive the following gifts:

Home décor/crafting category: SINGER® CONFIDENCETM 7470 sewing machine

Fashion category: PFAFF® EXPRESSIONTM 2.0 sewing machine

Machine embroidery category: HUSQVARNA VIKING® DESIGNER DIAMONDTM sewing and embroidery machine

Machine quilting category: QBOTTM-the robotic automatic quilter, Imperial Quilt Frame, and the PFAFF® Grand QuilterTM sewing machine.

Grand prize: The Grand Prize Winner can choose one of the three featured sewing machines plus receive a $1,000 shopping spree to their local authorized SINGER, HUSQVARNA VIKING or PFAFF retailer, and the winning project will be featured in one issue of Martha Stewart Living in 2009.

Whatever the price range, SVP Worldwide has the perfect sewing gifts to fulfill every holiday wish list. Among its sewing, embroidery and quilting products, the following four products provide a breadth of features and benefits for the beginner to the experienced sewer: SINGER CONFIDENCE sewing machine: Beginning and skilled sewers alike will appreciate one-step functions, push button controls and automatic capabilities that streamline the sewing process to enhance their creativity. Extensive global consumer research has shown that sewers want a bobbin that is fast and easy to thread, larger buttons and knobs to operate the machine, more light for the sewing surface and fashionable machine colors with a contemporary feel.

The new SINGER CONFIDENCE line was designed with these desired features in mind.PFAFF EXPRESSION 2.0 sewing machine: The spacious, bright and precise features on the new EXPRESSION 2.0 machine give flexibility for quilting, fashion design, and home décor projects. With 250 mm / 10 inches of space to the right of the needle, dual lighting, 37 different needle positions available for a straight stitch, and the Original IDTTM feature, PFAFF has brought affordable high quality features to sewers around the world.HUSQVARNA VIKING DESIGNER DIAMOND machine--the world's new top of the line sewing and embroidery machine. Now, sewers have the capability to create, view and customize embroidery designs in stunning detail on the largest and brightest, interactive VGA touch screen available in the sewing industry. At the touch of a fingertip or stylus, the DESIGNER DIAMONDTM machine will automatically embroider the sewers creation on the largest sewing and embroidery surface available. The new DESIGNER DIAMOND machine gives sewers and quilters the fastest, easiest path from concept to completion through its generous capability, remarkable convenience and exclusive sewing innovations.QBOT: The new robotic quilter brings professional quilting into the home. Rather than hand stitching a quilt as it has been done for hundreds of years, home quilters can now attach the QBOT to their sewing machine and it will automatically move the sewing machine across the framed quilt while stitching perfect designs. For additional information about the GIFTS BY YOU contest visit www.sewingideas.com/GiftsByYou

For more information contact: Stephen Whyte or George BowieWestmoor ConsultingProvo, Utah, USATelephone: 801-377-2354E-mail: stephen@westmoorconsulting.com or georgebowie@westmoorconsulting.com


Many of you like to enter sewing related contests so this may appeal to you. This is an opportunity as well to get a great top of the line sewing machine/embroidery/quilting machine.

VOTE

No matter who you want to vote for, it is truly important for you to vote!

I have to say that for the first time in some years now I am truly motivated to vote. I can remember the first time I got to vote which was way back when and I was excited to be so "grown up". I have become disillusioned over the years with the candidates and there were a few elections I did not participate in. Shame on me! I felt that my vote would not count.

Not a good attitude to have. It does count and if I don't exercise this right, this privilege then apathy wins! When I read about other countries and the lack of the voice of people, then again shame on me when I have such a right, privilege and freedom to do so.

Today I truly feel excited and believe that my vote matters. God bless the USA!

Easing into the weekend

It is great to have my computer back and running again. As I have posted before I love drinking my coffee and eating a light breakfast while reading blogs, emails and looking at Flickr photos on Saturday AM. I have to say my computer is running better than it ever did and I am somewhat convinced that it was not set up correct originally when I purchased it. Several drives and programs are working that didn't work before. But then VISTA has been a bear for many and I just read the Microsoft is coming out with a replacement in 2010 called Windows 7. They say they will better test this one. Why would they not have done that with VISTA? Oh well!

I want to thank all of you who have commented on my dress. As Carolyn-Diary of a Sewing Fanatic has posted before, the real test of a garment you make is the wear ability test. The dress does not stay closed from the bottom snap down when walking or sitting. And it is one of those things that I knew would probably happen before cutting it out. I had it in the back of my mind that Sandra Betzina's walking ease pattern adjustment may be appropriate for this dress. Yet did not incorporate it. Should I make this dress pattern again, I will make that adjustment. When sitting at my desk, you can not see the front spread when sitting, but if sitting out in the open, let me say that I need to be wearing my best slip or one that is shorter than the opening or spread or not one at all.

The other issue I had was the first snap, the turn back of the collar somewhat exposes that first snap. My remedy when wearing it the other day was to put a small brooch right below the turn back point. Another idea was to add a scarf but the one I had in mind was too wrinkled to wear without ironing and I did not have time to iron it.

I really like the dress in spite of these two issues. I do have to get use to the A-line look of the dress. Actually I have worn suits and sheath style dresses with jackets for so many years that wearing a dress is almost unfamiliar territory for me.

Next subject:

I want to say thank you to several who have enquired about how I am feeling due to my leg issue. I am doing well though I still have discomfort. I am sitting here writing with ice pack on my knee. I had to modify my exercises at CURVES to avoid some of the exercises using your knees. Interestingly we have a stretching apparatus that allows you to stretch numerous muscles after doing the 30 minute rotation of machines and resting exercises. One of those exercises I was avoiding thinking I was aggravating my sore knee. The exercises that the Ortho gave me has both of these exercises to do!!!!!!

Final comment for the AM:
DH and I are going to Danville to visit my MIL. So sewing is postponed for the day. I am closed to being finished with the jacket. I debating on moving forward with pin fitting the McCall's dress that I plan to wear with this jacket or to make the blouse that is cut out and ready. And I need to finish some gift sewing for upcoming Christmas events.

Off to the shower!