Monday, August 5, 2013

Goodbye Cotton, Hello Wool

It's August already? It can't possibly be. School's only been out of session for like... 3 weeks, right?

I'm in the midst of Vogue 8241, using a yard of blue/white rayon stash.

It's fully lined, so there's lots of trimming and clipping and pressing going on. 
This is the back of the bodice, lining side up. I'll need a pretty button for the top closure at my neck.
The instructions have me finishing the neckline/armhole/shoulder straps in the weirdest way... which involves slipstitching the lining/fabric together along the top of the armhole.  I like to use a machine stitch here, to guide the fold when I press the edge over, and it also gives me a guide line for my hand-stitching.
I love blue and white prints. This is the end of my "summer" sewing, though.  With school starting just after Labor Day, it's time to hand me the wool, please...

I had BIG plans for sewing a beautiful new fall wardrobe this summer. Some really great coordinating wardrobe staples, like pants and skirts and jackets. I have the most beautiful fabrics from my visit to the NYC garment district a few years ago.  The Khalje/King "Sit and Sew" class seems like a lifetime ago, but it was 3 years ago. Nope... 2009.  4 years ago. Again, where does the time go??? 
 Why haven't I sewn this yardage yet?
- I wanted to get skinny first. There's always that, "I'll wait until I'm thinner!" voice. Well, I've gone from a 12 to a 6, so that excuse is gone. Thank you protein, veggies, and Crossfit.
The fabric was a kind of my "souvenir" from my trip. Cutting into it? Then, it won't be waiting in my stash, waiting to be petted and pouted over ("I wanna go back!!!").
- "I'm not worthy!" was running through my mind when I would think of working with it, like my skillset was just too lacking to risk ruining my awesome NYC fabric. I know I'm capable of sewing the classic pieces I had planned for this fabric. I think this is really just about reasons 1 and 2.

So, I'm over it. I'm doing it. I'm pulling patterns and cutting into that yardage, enough is enough. Because life is short, no one (namely, ME) is enjoying that beautiful fabric while it sits in a box in a closet in my basement. And, most importantly, IF I SEW IT ALL GONE, I HAVE TO GO BACK TO NYC AND GET MORE. Am I right, or am I right?!
So, first up on the list is this lovely suiting from Paron's that has always wanted to be a Chanel jacket. While I'll likely not go all "couture" on this (so much more stash to sew), I do have the silk charmeuse and pattern ready to go. I found the buttons on Etsy last week, along with some gold ones for another Chanel jacket in the works...
The Etsy seller was wonderful, quickly replying to my questions and creating custom listings for the exact number of buttons I needed. Also, she sent along 2 extra buttons, lovely pink ones, that perfectly match one of the NYC fabrics, a pink boucle...
So, if you need buttons, check out Lakesha at ChicButtonsExpress.  She's affordable, and in Chicago, so my order came right away. Now, I just need the trim... Does anyone have recommendations for trim vendors on Etsy???  Do you find yourself saving the best of your stash, too?

10 comments:

Lori said...

My last pattern was 8241 for Meredith, it is such a classic style. You are right, cut into that fabric, you look great and these garments will be fabulous to have in your wardrobe. Can't wait to see the finished items, thanks for the link to the button site. I really don't know of a trim site, Mood does have some on their online shop. Have fun sewing.

Jenny said...

Oh I just brought this pattern! I can't wait to see your version - I'm sure it's going to look great.

Unknown said...

Yes, I saw your review, she looked lovely! Yes, I'll check Mood's trims... thanks!

Carolyn (Diary of a Sewing Fanatic) said...

I love the buttons on the rose boucle! I know you're going to get busy with school stuff soon but can you make that soon!

Gail said...

Funny I have the same reason for not stitching my beautiful wools. Very interested in you plaid piece.

Unknown said...

Sure thing, Carolyn! I'll get right on it! Lol... But, I do wonder if she sent me 2 just to tease me, knowing I'll email and buy 10 more!

Unknown said...

I'll do it if you do it, Gail! Come and "Bite the Bullet" with me!

Sandra said...

Kristine, I'm still sewing summer clothes! So not ready for anything about cold weather. I know that smart people plan ahead and sew accordingly. And I would, too, but I just can't even think about it! Okay, about cutting into the good fabric. It takes such a leap, doesn't it. When I cut into a piece of fabric, all of the other possibilities that I had ever thought of for it are no longer possible (for that fabric, anyway). I was just talking with my husband about this yesterday. He responded with the "um, yeah, oh, hmmm" that means "I know you're saying something that's important to you, and I love you, dear, but are you finished yet?" LOL So, Kristine, you are an inspiration to me, and I can't wait to see what you do with these. The buttons coordinate so mnicely with the fabrics, not only in color, but in style, too. As for trims, can you make some? What does the selvage look like? I'll be watching and admiring from afar... for now, at least. At least until the first frost!

Bunny said...

Beautiful coordination with the buttons. Just cut it!

L said...

I agree with cutting into the stash. I used to save fabric because I thought it was special. What better way to honor that special fabric than to wear it? I look forward to seeing your fabulous fashion creations.