Showing posts with label Sew Thursdays. Show all posts

On The Sewing Table : M6560

| Published 3.06.2013

So, I still sew, I just haven't recently. So when better to decide to sew a very springy dress than we were in the middle of the biggest snow storm of the year? Obviously there's some serious wishful thinking happening on my part. Anywho, I'll be sewing McCalls' 6560, and here she is.

 

I'm trying to work through both my pattern and fabric stash. No new patterns until I sew at least a few I already have. I brought this one at least a year ago, so it's about time. I also had some fabric that had no plans to be made into anything, until now. 


Pretty right? It's Valori Wells, Floral Birds in the Merlot color. This fabric feels great, it's a linen cotton blend, and something normally that would be way to expensive for me to even think about. I picked it up at a sale my local indie fabric store had awhile ago, so I scored big time. 

I'm actually pretty excited to fit everything onto my new me size mannequin. Then again, I'm a pretty big sewing nerd. 



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How I Store My Vintage Patterns

| Published 2.26.2013

I know I've mentioned my sewing pattern hoard collection before. I own a lot. Probably too many.
I'd say my collection is about half vintage, and half modern.

I just had them stuffed in a box haphazardly for a long time, which made it hard to find anything. Also it wasn't doing any favors for my delicate paper patterns. (I have some dating back to the 20's!). So I decided to do something about it.

I got an idea from the most unlikely of places, my nerdy boyfriend Brian.

Isn't he handsome? PS this is totally at epcot, excuse the hat. 

Brian likes LOVES comics. In fact, I'm pretty sure the only reason we bought our house is because he could walk to the comic store from it. 

Who loves and wants to protect paper more than sewing pattern hoarders? 

COMIC BOOK NERDS.

In fact they have very specific products to protect and preserve their comics. I guess I just lucked out that my paper product was similar in size to theirs. 

Here's what you'll need. 
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Backer Boards & Bags

 
Long Boxes (I mean you could use the shorts, but my collection barely fits into the two long ones.)

I of course purchased these at my local comic book shop, any comic book shop should carry these supplies. 

I used the backing boards to stabilize my extra delicate vintage patterns. You can use them on the modern ones or not, it's up to you. You then put the pattern with or without the backing board into the bag and seal with a piece of acid free tape. The bags and boards are already acid free, which is awesome. You should end up with something like this. 



Easy peasy right?

Here's the entirety of my pattern collection, taking up way less room, and so much safer, than before.

 I used the backing boards, with tabs I cut from other backing board tape on them, to serve as dividers in my vintage box. I'll eventually organize the modern side into the big four pattern companies.

No pattern is safe around Taco though, his name should be paper destroyer. 

 A plus I've also found for using these comic book bags is that if you can't fit your pattern into the envelope, it's much easier just put it in the comic book bag. Better yet, for printable patterns you have an envelope to store your pieces.

I hope this helps you fellow pattern hoarders at least get your "situation" organized. Let's just all thank my boyfriend, with his nose in his Absolute Dark Knight book shall we?





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DIY Rice Heating Pad

| Published 10.17.2012


When I'm sore, cold, or sick there's just something about a heating pad. Since I'm basically queen of making do with what I have, I've been known to fill a long sock with rice and heat it up in the microwave  The rice stays nice and hot, and is easy and cheap to use.

Yesterday as I was cleaning out my sewing room, going through my huge scraps box, when an idea struck me. 

Instead of using socks, I'm sure I could scrap bust and make something a bit prettier and functional. 
Thus was born my rice heating pad. Mine ended up being the exact same side as my ipad, which works well for me. If you made yours a bit longer it could be great for using around your neck. 

It took me about ten minutes to make, which probably explains the lack of pictures. I tried my best to diagram it out for you. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. It's really simple, I promise.


Cut a piece of fabric that is going to be about an inch longer double the amount of height you would like your final heating pad to be. 



On your long sides, press the seam allowance in. 
Then Fold it in half, hot dog style, so the right sides are touching. Sew using about an inch seam allowance. Trim your seams.

Flip your pouch out again so the right sides are on the outside. Press so your seams are neat. 
Then sew channels along the pouch on the outside. Leave enough room so it's not hard to get rice in. You sew the channels so the rice stays evenly distributed, and so it can easily wrap to you body.
I used a funnel to get in my rice, leaving enough room to sew it shut. 
I sewed a double row of stitching just to make sure it was secure.


And your done. This is a handy little heating pad, and make great gifts. Now that it's getting colder, we all could use a little heat, no? 

To use, simply place in your microwave and "cook" for about a minute at a time until it reaches the desired temperature. If it's too hot, wrap it in a hand towel until it cools down. 

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Fall Palette Challenge

| Published 10.10.2012

Please Check out my Pinterest for sources.

It's that time of year where I start my seasonal sewing plan. Unlike in spring, where I completed say only three projects, I'd like to get a lot more sewing done this winter. Seeing as it's already like 40 degrees outside I have a feeling this winter is going to be a bad one. Nothing gets me more sewing productive than being stuck in the house. 

I haven't purchased any fabric for this yet, and it doesn't really match anything in my stash, which means I'll need to buy as I go. I'm not super stoked about that, but my stash right now is kind of all over the place. Nothing coherent is coming from that mess. I have some patterns in mind though I'd like to take a crack at, all of which I already own. 

Simplcitiy 1427 from 1955, I have a really well maintained copy in my size. I've never sewn from a true vintage pattern before, and it makes me a bit nervous. I expect there to be tons of fitting issues, but I could use some fitting practice. The full skirt and bow are staying well within my theme. 

Victory Patterns Nicola. This is such a beautiful dress. Really timeless. It seems pretty easy to put together as well, which is a plus. 

Simplicity 1776. I love the clean lines of view A with the three quarter length sleeves. I've never used a PR pattern before, I'm interested in what makes them unique. 


Ah the trusty, and free, sorbetto pattern. I plan on drafting some sleeves and a peter-pan collar to mimic the striped shirt in my mood board. 

I have a ton more patterns in mind as well. I'm in the process of organizing and documenting my pattern stash. It'll be easier to figure out what I want to sew once I know what I have. I also want to dip my toe into actual pattern drafting this winter. I need to make myself a good sloper. If that's something anyone is interested in, I could blog the process. 

Do you have any sewing plans this winter? 








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Lisette Portfoilio Dress

| Published 8.30.2012


So I'm pretty much a pattern hoarding. I figured it was about time I start working my way through a lot of my  Big 4 (simplicity, butterick, mccalls, & vouge) patterns. Not to mention some of my fabric stash. I completed the Lisette Portfolio Dress (simplicity 2245) It's a quick sew, but I did manage to fudge it up a bit. I thought I could get away without stay stitching the neckline, or using interfacing. I was very wrong. I ended up have to turn the neckline over and stitch it down because it was so warped and wobbly looking. But other than that little snafu I really like this dress. It looks good on with a belt. I was going to take some pictures of me in it but got a bit shy at the last second.





Pictures of it on me...

Read more »

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Sewing & Creatures Of The Night

| Published 8.23.2012


I have been slacking on my sewing. I probably could have finished my 1940's bra last night, but I had pork tacos and Just Dance 3 to attend to. Priorities right? 
So after about an hour of sweating my butt off dancing, I decided it was time to call it a night and retire to the pet pile that is our bed. All was good and snugly until about four AM. The dog and cat were going BANANAS. They were both running back and forth, the cat careening through the air running into everything and making the most noise possible.

I was pretty perturbed considering I had two hours before I had to wake up for work. I figured that cat was in a tizzy because he was hungry or something so Brian gets up to feed him and he doesn't follow. That should of been the first clue something was right. The cat will literally jump down the stairs, even from the top, if he has any inkling that it might result in the slightest chance of food. Brian comes back upstairs and turns on the light.

It takes a minute for us to realize that something is flying around the top of our low, cape cod, 1/2 story bedroom. It looks like a big, fast, bug. As our eyes adjust we realize it's a bat.



There's a bat, freaking out, about to be murdered by our resident cat assassin. I'd really rather the pets or the people not touch Dracula, rabies is a very real thing.

We try to get Count Chocula to fly out an open window, but he is for real super dumb, and instead just flies in manic circles. Oh and by we, I mean Brian. I'm usually not a baby about anything, especially animals. I grew up in and around many farms, was in 4-H, and have seen my far share of slaughter for food. In fact I kind of champion bats for eating mosquito's and other nastiness.

But lets be real, when you wake up in the middle of the night to something swooping around in your room, you lay under the covers and make your boyfriend deal with it.

Anyway Nosferatu was successfully maneuvering the cat and had perched himself on the curtain rod above the open window. We (Brian) took a laundry basket and kind of bumped him down until he flew out the window.

Last night was the official end of sleeping with the windows open. We had screens in, but I guess one must have been a bit ajar. Bats only need 5/8ths of an inch to get in somewhere. I'm going to check the small crawl space that is our attic to make sure we don't have a roost going. I'm also going to put a few bat boxes down at the opposite end of the yard, a quarter acre away.

Bats of the world, please eat all the bugs you like, just stay out of my bedroom.
Have you ever had any "creepy" animal encounters? 

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VV 1940's Bra

| Published 8.16.2012


I finally got my wearable muslin together. I used a cotton lawn. Overall it's pretty darn comfy. More a bralette than actual bra though, especially for us more well endowed ladies. I didn't line it since this was a muslin, and just finished the seam edges on the inside. The fit is pretty spot on, and I can't wait to do sew a more finished version. \


Love the cup support details! 

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Victory Patterns Hazel Dress

| Published 8.02.2012



So you remember when I finished this dress right? Since the imac is up and running again (Praise Cheeseus) I figured I could show you a picture not taken with the horrible camera that is the ipad one. I really dig it! I might be taking it in just a bit at the waist though, but that's a personal fit issue. The amazing Hazel Dress Pattern pattern is from our lovely new sponsors over at Victory Patterns! If you're into sewing your own garments I promise you will not be disappointed to take a gander at her selection!

The patterns are classic, yet modern. With detailed and easy to follow instructions! Plus they're available for instant download!






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I mean, take a look at how awesome her patterns are! I cannot wait to sew them all!

Victory Patterns


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On The Sewing Table : Vera Venus 1930's Bra

| Published 7.19.2012


I've recently acquired this awesome looking pattern from across the pond. It's a vintage bra pattern and I'm really excited for my first foray into lingerie making. Even better, this pattern is custom drafted to my measurements.I'm still going to do a muslin first, but I don't think this will be a very time consuming sew. As for the final fabrics, I'm not really sure. I'm thinking a nice cotton sateen? Any input?

One thing is for sure though, I won't be modelling this one.

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Sew Thursdays: Victory Patterns Hazel

| Published 7.05.2012


I hope everyone here in The States had a wonderful independence day! We skipped out on the fireworks this year and went and saw "The Amazing Spiderman" at our local theater. It's good, and worth a watch if super heroes are your cup of tea! Even if Emma Stone's Gwen Stacy was really unbelievable as a high school student. Andrew Garfield is probably the best representation of Peter Parker/Spiderman yet! 

I was pretty lazy most of the day, I even forgot to post my Whatever Wednesday. Forgive me? 

Anyway, I did cut out my hazel! Well cut everything except the lining. It's only the skirt that's lined, so I'm pretty sure I can get away with just some nice seam finishing and a slip. I promise I'm not super lazy, but I didn't buy any lining material and am saving my pennies for some house related stuff. 

As you can see I chose a linen-look navy with purple undertones. The buffalo check fabric is the same weight, and I think have a heavier fabric than the pattern sample will give it a bit of structure. Plus I think the way linen wrinkles is pretty chic. 

There's no zippers or buttons on this dress, it's a purely over the head deal. I think that might end up making it my go to summer dress. 

Do you all have anything on your sewing table at the moment? 



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Sew Thursdays : Simplicity 1800 Complete!

| Published 6.28.2012


If you weren't aware, this is my summer hat. Because pale girls need more than sun screen! 

I debated wether I should throw this on my dress form to save me the awkwardness of modeling it. But since my vintage dress form is very much a size six, and I am very much not, I decided to grit my teeth and bare it. It fits me probably better than anything I've sewn thus far. 
But moving on, I finally finished the first article of clothing for my summer palate challenge. Even in time to wear it to the first big BBQ of summer! I got lots of compliments! Someone asked if it was vintage. I replied that I had made it. 

"So you do that for a living right?" 

CUE THIS FACE

The pattern itself was super duper easy... Until you get to the sleeve facings. I'm sure those could have been better explained/illustrated in the instructions. I'm totally going to make this pattern again, except next time, the halter version. I know my prints don't match, but I was gifted the fabric by my mother and didn't have enough to match, or I would have tried! 


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