2009: The Year in Review

I think I can honestly say that this year was the best year of sewing I've ever had!  I sewed more (over 100 yards according to my side bar) and I sewed better, which is exactly what I had hoped the year would bring.  I just finished 2 pairs of Burda pants (which put me over the mark), and will post on those later this week...

By far, the biggest highlight of the year for me was my trip to New York.  4 days of instruction from Susan Khalje and Kenneth King did amazing things for the construction of my garments.  My couture Chanel jacket turned out great, I'd never be able to do that on my own, without instruction and explanation from the experts!  I've got another fantastic boucle in my stash now, acquired in NYC during the trip, and I will do it all over again by the end of 2010.  The class also taught me patience for hand-sewing, and as a side effect, I know have much greather confidence (and speed) in that area.  Getting to meet LindsayT, Joanne, Laura and Ann also made 2009 a very special sewing year, and I'm so grateful for their friendships.  It's wonderful to be able to fire off an email with a particular rant or rave, and know that someone else will totally appreciate and understand.  Thank you, ladies... and we will figure out a "reunion" is some way, shape, or form! LindsayT summed the entire experience up here, far better than I ever could have!

My favorite garment of the year?  Hmmm, that's a tough one.  The Chanel Jacket was a landmark, but I know the next one will be even better.  The Homecoming Dress is my favorite formal dress to date (there's only been 3 or 4), but I got many positive comments on my Stunning Silk Dress.  The most commented on garment of the year was my Empire Jacket, but if I have to pick just one, I think it would have to be the Leather Vest.  I've never worked with leather before, and sewing on a vintage machine was also a first.  Working with leather is a challenge, but it came together so nicely, and the process of making such an edgy garment on such an old machine made construction even more fun.  "What would the original owner of the machine think about this vest?" kept running through my mind...  especially during the fun photo shoot DH organized.  I love my photographer!

In September, my black bamboo knit dress was selected to be part of the Top Ten PR Challenge Fashion Show at the American Sewing Expo in Novi, Michigan.  I modeled my dress in front of judges Sandra Betzina, Kenneth King, and Pati Palmer, and met Deepika and other PR members backstage.  It was exciting and fun, along with the classes I attended that day.  I didn't win anything, but being in the company of some of those amazing garments really was an honor.

In the blog world, I gathered 90 followers.  Whoa.  90?  That is such a compliment, and reaching the 100 mark in 2010 is a very exciting idea for me.  I think a giveaway will be in order!

I'm not quite sure what could top this year.  Christmas brought me some Jalie and Hot Patterns, which are new to me, so I'll keep working on expanding my sewing experiences.  DH's Christmas Shirt turned out great, and Little Miss Princess loves to dress up, so sewing for my family will continue.  I'd love to meet up with my NY sewing buddies, and would love to meet more of you.  Dawn, Angie, Bunny, Michelle, Somerset... someday, right?  Fine tuning some embroidery details/editing would mean keeping/expanding the embroidery business, so that's a must!  When the weather warms up, I'm going to give swimwear a shot, and would love to work with leather again.  It might be a cop-out, but as long as I'm sewing quality garments and continuing to improve, I'll be happy.

Here's hoping that 2010 brings good sewing projects your way, along with health and prosperity to you and those you love.  Happy New Year!!!

Given and Received...

2 yds of striped cotton shirting + Simplicity 7030 = 1 happy husband

DH loves his "custom made" shirts, so I made one up this week, in secret! It's the same pattern I always use for him (this is the 4th version), but I've never done a long sleeved one before! The cuffs went together easily, and I will definitely be making more, since it really went together fast, and fits him perfectly. Here's a close-up of the collar, stand, and topstitching...
... and the cuff! If you haven't made your hubby a shirt yet, I recommend this pattern strongly, but with a word of warning! If the fit is right, he'll want more than just one! The fabric is a fabulous cotton shirting you can get from Gorgeous Fabrics (on sale right now, run! Go get some!), although I bought mine at Metro Textile in NY this summer.
Making this shirt made me wonder why I haven't made any button-downs for myself yet!!! But, since Santa brought me 4 new patterns...
I will definitely be working one up (using the Hot Patterns seen above) very, very soon! I also got an extension table for my Viking! I didn't realize how nice it is to have the full weight of your project supported until I sewed on my vintage machine in it's cabinet. So, I found this at Sewing Mates, put it on my wish list. Thank goodness I was not on the "naughty" list this year!!!
Santa left some other stuff under the tree, too, but who cares about that?!?! Just kidding, the kids were thrilled with their new toys, and my fingers are raw from transforming Transformers. Little Miss Princess got this cool little fashion toy called a Harumika, which is a tiny dressform she can wrap fabric around and lock into place. She's had a lot of fun with that, and I just can't imagine where she gets that interest from??? The package only includes 3 tiny scraps of fabric though, so we'll go dig through the scrap box, er... uh, I mean "treasure chest", for more pieces to add.

I hope your holiday was also wonderful, and please do share, What Sewing Goodies Did Santa Leave Under the Tree for You???

Empire (State of Mind) Jacket

Burda Jacket, August 2009, #118 (Click above pic to enlarge.)

Fabric: 2 yds of blue/grey wool and 2 yds of blue lining, both from Paron's in NYC.

Notions: 5 large pewter snaps, from Pacific Trims in NYC.

Here's my review at PR.

This was my first project using one of the New York fabrics I bought in August during the Sit and Sew class. I really took my time making sure I did things right (rather than just getting to the finish line), so it took a lot longer than expected, but came out very nicely.

I made 2 muslins to un-petite the sizing, ending up adding an inch to the length (above the waist), scooping out the armscye a bit, and letting out the side seams a pinch. I am very, very happy with the resulting fit (doesn't the back look amazing?).

The pattern went together nicely, I only had to refer to the directions for the shoulder placket placement and the sleeve vent construction. I pretty much put it together my own way, and used Claire Schaeffer's book to confirm my interfacing suspicions. I don't like how Burda shows a "ring" of interfacing around the armscye, and ended up interfacing the whole top-half of the back pieces as Schaeffer recommends. I suspect I should've used a higher quality fusible interfacing, as this one was slightly too heavy for the weight of the wool. The other issue with this wool is the thickness of the seams were allowances were doubled up. I used a lot of steam and pressure (aka hammering/clapping) to flatten out the hem and collar bumps. Below, you can see how the plackets curve over the collar and attach at the lining seam.

And above, you can see the inside of the sleeve vents where the sleeeve facings and lining meet.

My biggest headache was the should placket parts. I placed them incorrectly 2 or 3 times, having to rip and restitch them. Then they wouldn't lay nice and flat (like the magazine photo), so I really steamed and slapped them around a bit. A few extra stitched to tack them down in certain places, and I'm finally happy with those lil' buggers.

Overall, I'm pleased with the appearance of this unique jacket. The snaps are little big for my taste, but I love the color of them with the fabric, and couldn't bring myself to cover them. Susan Khalje showed me how to correctly stitch them down in class, so I used her method. I adore this shade of blue, and plan on wearing this with grey dress pants or jeans, and I also have a piece of grey doubleknit from Gorgeous Fabrics that wants to be a sheath dress to match.

I won't be updating again (probably) until after Christmas, so I hope you all have a wonderful holiday. This year, Little Miss Princess got to help me set up my Swarovski Snowflake collection. I started in 1995, my first Christmas with DH, and have every one made since. They are so beautiful, and thankfully I have this super safe curio to showcase them in (where little hands can't reach, and balls can't hit and tails don't wag...). The back of the cabinet is mirrored, so it may look like more than 15 ornaments! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Stunning Silk Dress

I worked right up until the very last minute, but it's finished. And, I absolutely love it! (Click to enlarge the photo above!)

Vogue 8382, using 2 yards (60" wide, cut on the cross-grain) of ombred silk from Gorgeous Fabrics. I also used 2 yards of silk organza for added structure (the silk is lightweight and a little sheer) and 2 yards of Ambience lining. When I first saw this fabric, I knew I had to have it. Get on Ann's email list, become a "Facebook Peep" and you'll find out about the great sales (I saved 26% on this one) early! Here is my earlier post explaining the pattern challenges of working with a ombred fabric of this weight. Ann, thank you so much for carrying such a fabulous fabric! I got more compliments on the unique-ness of the fabric, than anything!

The finishing touch was the beaded segments to turn the center front "notch" into a keyhole opening. When I was finally able to put it on, the opening wasn't too deep (I raised it a couple inches from the pattern), but anyone sitting/standing to my side would get a free show. Albeit, not a great show, but nothing I wanted anyone to see! So, I ran to the local bead shop (5 hours prior to party starting) and found a few pretties to close the gap......and make earrings to match! (The beads are smokey black, not brown, and the stones in the center are pinky-mauve. $10 for everything!)You can also see above that my "handstitching the lining" skills are getting better! The pattern has you just line the bodice, but I needed it lining all the way through. Between the silk and the beads, no one would ever guess this dress is homemade!
The fit of the pattern was great, I'll make it up again in spring with a cotton or rayon, and ignore the center front notch. There are only 4 pieces, and it "should" go together very quickly. My fabric and structure choices added on a lot of time in handstitching, but it was worth it. The cap sleeves are very comfortable, not too restricting. I would recommend making a muslin though, if you have large upper arms and to perfect the front neckline.

If I had a formal event to wear it to, I would've made up this BWOF dress from the April 2009 issue. The color gradation and drape of the silk is perfect for the silhouette and the style, so if you have a daughter who needs a prom dress, it would also be stunning!

Sneak Peek

It's late. I should be in bed. But, I'm giddy...
Wouldn't you be, too? This is just the outside and the side seams are pinned since the lining isn't in it yet. Just have to assemble the lining, insert it, add the zipper and hem. I should be done Friday night or Saturday morning. See you then!

Works in Progress (Picture Heavy)

Burda Jacket, ready for lining insertion...

Here is the inside of the front, the front yoke is pulled open so you can see the seams.

The wool and interfacing is a little bulky, and I wanted my seams to lay flat, so I pressed them open and catch-stitched them down.

I've never made sleeve heads before, but these really do help pull the cap flat nicely. The shoulder pads are the thinnest available, 1/4" I think...

The end of the sleeve have inside facings since the slit allows you to wear them down, or turn them up. I had to re-read the instructions a few times to figure out the stitching!

Now, for the big decision! Leave the snaps uncovered (pewter color, the 2 on top) or color with the lining (the 1 below)??? Yes, they are the world's largest snaps, and Ann new exactly where to find them, at Pacific Trims in NYC! I'll probably wear the jacket open more than closed, so they will be visible.

Here are the shoulder yokes, which really give this jacket it's unique appearance. I wish I could get them to be a little thinner and lay flatter. Ideas???

I'm close on this one, but the silk dress needs to be done for Saturday night, so the jacket will wait for a few days.

Vogue 8382 dress, ready for cutting and construction...

(don't you love my "pattern weights", aka Yankee Candles and pantry cans!)

The silk is beautiful, but nearly a chiffon. You can see below that when held up to the light, it's nearly sheer (that's my countertop under the fabric). So, I did a little research (back issues of Threads) and found a recent article by Kenneth King about interlining/underlining. He recommends silk organza to add support and weight to the lightest fabrics. I had 2 yards of sand/nude silk organza in the stash, but no black. With no time for a trip to the fabric store (Haberman's is 45 minutes away, you know that Joann's organza is polyester), I grabbed it and it worked perfectly.

The added bonus with this color organza is that I was able to use my carbon paper and tracing wheel to transfer all the darts and grain lines easily. By basting it to the silk, the 2 together will now behave like a single layer of heavier fabric (good-bye "indecent exposure"), and I can stitch right on the darts marks!

You might not be able to see the transfer markings above, but you can definitely see that my hand-stitching. I stayed inside the seam allowances all the way around, and used a single length of embroidery thread, since the silks are both so fine and to keep the stitching smooth.

I had to place the pattern pieces closely and carefully to make best use of the color change in the fabric. I don't want a noticeable black/purple line at the empire seam! I also made 2 pattern alterations: I raised the "cleavage notch" (all the reviewers said and showed it was really revealing) and added a 1/4" to the s.a. at the waist, just to be safe on the fit, since I'll be sitting most of the night. The lining was much, much easier to cut since it's just black Ambiance. The bodice lining will finish the neckline and sleeve hem, I'm so thankful I don't have to deal with facings!

Hope you're all staying warm. We got our first really cold winter night and woke up to a dusting of snow yesterday. I heard that Texas and Louisiana got more snow than we did, so hopefully that forced you indoors and made for a fun sewing day!

Distractions a Plenty...

Pardon the low quality of the photo, my only way of getting pics to load right now is via the camera phone. The computer won't recognize the memory card or the camera (via USB), so I'm left to this. Hopefully I'll have the problem solved soon, as I'm dying to show you my jacket progress. But, before I get to that, let me explain the beautiful silk above. It's from Gorgeous Fabrics, and I need a new dress for DH's work holiday party next Saturday. I was debating strapless or sleeveless, but realized that this (view B) would achieve the short flowy look without the discomfort (and boning) of a strapless. This silk will give this simple cut all the "Wow!" factor, as it is truly gorgeous, the way the color slowly changes from burgundy to black. But, it's a little light-weight for Michigan in December, so I'll need to work in another layer. Stay tuned, as I need this in 10 days! I'm thinking burgundy at the hem, and black at the shoulders...

As for my beautifully constructed Burda jacket... every seam is pressed open and hand-stitched down. There are the shoulder plackets I stitched upside down, ripped out, then stitched backward, then ripped out again. Third times a charm, right? I had to set the back of the sleeve cap 3 times, too. It just kept rippling, and when you search NYC for the perfect wool and don't know when you'll get back to do all again, you suddenly don't mind taking an entire day to set sleeves!

So, before I sew in the lining (which I had completely pinned wrong sides together) and collar, I will try a new memory card and take a new set of photos. It's been a bad week for sewing, just a lot of distraction at the house with the holidays and such. Seems like there just isn't enough time in the day, but I know I can find 30 minutes in there somewhere. Hoping that all of you are finding some much needed quiet time during this hectic time of the year!

*ETA*: After careful review of the pattern stash and the 2 yards I have to work with, I've decided to change patterns. Gathers at the waist (on me) may give people the wrong idea (aka "NO! I'm NOT expecting!"), so I'm seriously considering Vogue 8382 instead, the short version.Since I'm laying the pattern out on the cross-grain to use the color gradation, I measured the skirt circumference and it will work! The reviews I found are positive, with the recommendation to shorten the "V" in the front. As for lining, I'm using some black Ambiance. I will update you soon!