Sunday, February 27, 2011

Sideview-wip2262011


Sideview-wip2262011
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl
Side view of the jacket. I am liking the look.

zipper pocket and zipper closeup

Close up look of the front zipper and one of the zipped pockets. I thought they turned out well; had to fiddle a little to get zippers centered. I used the embroidery thread to stitch the zippered pockets.

Front zipped up


Front zipped up
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl
I wanted to also see how this looks when zipped up. Without collar attached not sure really of  how this will look.

Front turned back-wip


Front turned back-wip
Originally uploaded by Danvillegirl
I turned back the jacket lapels to get an idea of how this will look when front facings are attached.

Front view-back and fronts sewn at shoulders

Made some progress on jacket yesterday. The jacket is attached at shoulders with sides pinned for fitting.  I will not get this complete in February, though I wanted to. 

Thursday, February 24, 2011

A little sewing here and there

Yesterday before and after work I spent a little time on my jacket.  The next step is attaching the pocket lining, then attaching the pocket zippers.  Basically this is creating a welt pocket but instead of attaching the "lips" of the welt pocket I am attaching a zipper.

In my many years of sewing, welt pockets have been the "intimidator" to me.  My success with this type pocket has been IMHO mediocre.  So facing my fear, I read and re-read the instructions for attaching these pockets and no matter how you read them, the pockets are definitely a welt pocket with a zipper.

So making sure markings on the jacket front pieces were symmetrical for each side, I then marked the pocket lining after affixing the interfacing on the pocket lining to support the zipper.  I then stitched, cut and turned the pocket lining to the wrong side. I then pressed the edges of the pocket window and have now pinned in the zipper on both pockets.

That is where I left things last night.  I have to say that the pinned zippered pockets look good at this point. Next will be to sew them.  More updates later.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Progress on second jacket of the year

I had a productive sewing day.  I cut out the KS jacket early this AM.  I took time to read through the pattern instructions as this is not an easy-peasy pattern to make.  I have not sewn a separating zipper in many,many years so I wanted to make sure all parts lined up well.

One side of the zipper is stitched into the left front and left side front seams.  My zipper was too long for the pattern and had to be cut.  I used KS instructions for creating fabric zipper stop.  One side of zipper attached

Next you stitch the right front and right side fronts together.  All seams are pressed to side front and then topstitched 1/4 inch from seam edge.

Close up rightside zipper and topstitching

I used embroidery thread in bronze metallic color that matched the bronze in the jacket. In this photo the other side of the zipper has not been attached. 

topstitching thread

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next you attach the other side of the zipper to the right front edge of the jacket.  It has to be aligned with the other side of the zipper.  It is important to mark the placements of the zippers on the fabric to align both sides.

Both sides of zipper attached

Here is a shot of both front pieces with zipper separated.

close up of both sides of zipper

Next step is to attach the pockets and zippers.  I ended my sewing with a nice start on the jacket.

Saturday, February 19, 2011

New Fabrics

I mentioned in a previous post that I had purchased two fabric pieces from Sawyer Brook that arrived recently.  Today the fabric I ordered from Denver Fabrics came.  So without further ado, here are some shots of the new fabrics:

silk rayon woven-Sawyer Brooks-2-2011

Green mid-tone silk rayon fabric from Sawyer Brook, I think it was called Avocado. 

woven-cotton-Sawyer Brook-2-2011

This is the second piece from Sawyer Brook.  It is a cotton with raised circle designs woven in the fabric; I suppose a jacquard.  I think this will be a summer sheath style dress.

Today’s newest additions:

Multi color geometric-stripe knit-Denver Fabrics-2-2011

This is from Denver Fabrics, a knit geometric and stripe design.  I am thinking a Jalie knit top with tie.

Olive greeen animal print knit-Denver Fabrics-2-2011

This is an animal type print in olive green and white.  Also from Denver Fabrics.  Probably will become a knit dress.

Stretch lace-Denver Fabrics-2-2011

I fell in love with the colors and not really sure what this will be but it is a lovely stretch lace fabric.  It is really a lovely fabric in real life, more so than seen on Denver Fabrics website.

Now off to fix dinner and hopefully find time to cut out the KS jacket.  I made some additional fit adjustments to the pattern this afternoon and I think it is a go now!

Another package!

My zippers from Erica's Sewing arrived Thursday!   I feel like I can make some progress on the KS jacket now.  Though I still have yet to cut out the fabric, when it is cut I know I have all that I need to get started! 

I also got two new Australian Stitches magazines.  I really like this magazine.  I use to buy it locally but then they stopped carrying it.  I find inspiration and pattern fitting articles from reading this magazine.  I also drool over some of the fabrics that are advertised in the magazine.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Sewing related purchases

I was in Richmond for the past three days.  Sometimes while there on business, I get an opportunity to visit Hancock's, not this time.  It was mostly all work and no play.  I was happy when I arrived home this evening to find two boxes were waiting for me.  One was from Sawyer Brooks; I ordered two fabric pieces from their current sale.  Both pieces are for spring/summer garments.  The other box was from Birch Street Clothing; I ordered two rolls of Swedish Tracing Paper and you get the third one free.  I use this paper a lot.  They are so prompt in sending.  I have another order from Denver Fabrics that I am not sure when it will arrive.  I really have not received any response from them as to the status of my order. 

I got an email regarding my zipper order.  Some are not currently available and are on back order.  The key separating zipper is on its way to me and hopefully the others will follow soon.  I have to say I am envious of those of you who live in or near a large city with sewing notion sources near by.

I am so anticipating doing some sewing this weekend.  Later.

Monday, February 14, 2011

Pattern fitted (almost) and ready to cut out

Gosh, yesterday was a beautiful day.  Much warmer, sunshine and a feeling of spring.  I ended up spending some quality time with DH outside in our yard.  I am so ready for spring and getting excited about spring sewing.

I was able to finish the pattern fitting yesterday and made all the adjustments except FBA which I will have to do later this week.  The pattern calls for a separating zipper and then several smaller zippers for the pockets and sleeves.  Unfortunately our local JoAnn's is getting ready to move to a new location in April; so the current store is bare of most merchandise including zippers.  I have no other source close to home.

I went online and found several sources for separating zippers with some sites having very limited colors and sizes.  I went to Erica's Sewing and Craft site and found a greater selection of zippers, both separating and regular, and ordered several in various colors.  With my having to travel for business this week not having them in my hand at this time will be okay since I will not get to do much in the way of sewing the early part of this week.

Update to follow.  Enjoy the week.

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Me-Made-March 2011

'I, Linda L of http://danvillegirl.blogspot.com sign up as a participant of Me-Made-March '11. I endeavour to wear one handmade piece of clothing or accessory each day for the duration of March 2011'

Kwik Sew 3764

I began the pattern tracing of KS 3764.  I am going to make View A ( jacket on left) with all the zippers.  I found several sources for separating zippers; the one with the most selections of colors and sizes was Erica's Sewing and Craft Center.  The fabric I am going to use for this was purchased several months ago from Hancock's in Richmond, VA.  I washed and dried it and it did very well.  I think it is in the denim family; I thought maybe linen like but it washed and dried with hardly a wrinkle.

All pieces are traced except for the sleeve and that I will do soon; hopefully I will be able to pin fit pattern this afternoon. I have an upcoming business trip that I need to get ready for and the weather promises to be in the mid to upper 50's today which makes me want to be outside for a brief period of time. 

More later.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

What I wore today-2-9-2011

Today was back to being cold again or colder than the previous two days.  So I decided to wear pants, sweater and my new McCall's jacket.  The pattern calls for snaps to be sewn to the collar so you can have it stand up.  That is just too much collar at my neck and I kept thinking that the wool would cause me to scratch at my neck.

So I place the snaps differently resulting in the collar laying differently.  One side overlays the other.


Here is a side and back view.






I can tell from my DH's reaction that he is not sure that he likes the style.  He kept saying it is so short and I kept confirming he was right. That was the intent and the design.  As I always remind him, I am the one wearing it, not him.  I do like the mid length version as well and see that as a possibility in the future.

As to wear ability, the jacket was warm enough for my office without being to hot or heavy.  It hung well all day and I was not constantly fiddling with it.  So that passes my wear ability test.

So now I am going to start working on my next jacket project.  I think I have decided to make the KS jacket next.  I need to order zippers as the local JoAnn's is undergoing renovation with hardly anything left in stock; and our newest Supersized Walmart does not have a very good sewing section, actually it is a joke and very disappointing section.  So online sources here I come.




Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Snaps!

I tried very, very hard to cover the snaps with fabric for the McCall's jacket.  After four attempts at this, I decided 1)snaps were small and difficult to cover; 2)the fabric kept raveling and adding interfacing helped but 3) it added more bulk to fabric making it very difficult and cumbersome to sew onto the jacket.  I think the idea was good but really works better for larger snaps.  At least that is my theory and I am sticking with it.

The good side of this is that I do understand the process and there are many sources of helpful information on this subject, including the "1000 Tips" book composed of various tips from PR members.

So the jacket now has snaps, uncovered but functioning. 

Sunday, February 06, 2011

New fabrics

I bought two new pieces of fabric recently from EOS.  Let me say that this site always offers quality fabric and great customer service. 

One of the pieces I purchased was an Italian denim jacquard fabric.  After placing my order, Linda P, the owner emailed me to say that she did not think she was going to have enough fabric to fill my order but she was going to check with her supplier to see if they had more.  I was truly appreciative of her doing this without my having to ask if she would/could!  That to me is top of line service.

I was even more delighted that she found more and immediately completed my order and shipped. 

Both fabric pieces arrived the middle of last week.  Without further ado here are photos of the new fabrics: Denim jacquard floral lace-EOS-2-2011b

When I first saw fabric on the site my idea was a jacket, now that I have it in my possession I think I want to do something different-dress or skirt.  Not sure but the fabric is nicer than I imagined.

The second fabric is an ikat cotton fabric.  I recently got a catalog from Chico’s that had a ikat jacket in blue, which was the inspiration for buying this fabric.  I am going to have to modify one of my jacket patterns to get the look of the Chico’s jacket.

Ikat Cotton fabric-EOS-2-2011

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

What I wore yesterday

I finally got around to wearing my new Simplicity skirt.  I really like the fit of the skirt and it wore very well.  The only thing I want to do is adjust the hook and eye closure.  I always seem to have a hard time determining the best placement for sewing those on.  Anywho--here is a shot or two of me wearing the skirt.  The black knit top is from a Sandra Betzina pattern and I have just about worn this top to death, great knit.  The jacket is a purchased sweater knit cropped jacket with horizontal ridges which of course does not show well in the photos. 

Having taking the pictures before heading off to work yesterday, I realized I needed to wear a necklace and add a pearl necklace to the look.    Wish I had thought of it before taking the photos.

This next one gives a close up of the pockets, which I just love!
I order two pieces of fabric from EOS which arrived yesterday.  I want to take a couple of shots to post.  Both pieces are better than my expectations.  Later

August Sewing Simplicity 7295

 I am not doing well as a blogger. I have been working on this project since July 30. Today, I finally finished it. It has been a stop-and-g...