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I've mentioned before that I don't make one item at a time, but a few together. It usualy ends up with one project on the way in (working muslin, fitting, cutting), one project on the way out (buttons, hemming), and one official project (the major sewing of conponents).
This week I cut two muslins, one for the Burda slacks and one for the Kwik Sew skirt. I sewed both muslins, analyzed fitting issues, and tweeked the patterns.
At the end of this week, the Kwik Sew skirt is the project coming in. It's ready to be cut.
The Burda Slacks is the official project. It's cut, and I couldn't wait to sew these up. I sewed the back darts, sewed the back to the side strip, and pressed. I installed the zipper by following these directions www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3831/video-an-easy-flat-fly-front-zipper. This is the new technique on this item along with including a fly shield, which the directions didn't include. It is a very simple, folded rectangle out of silk taffet a. I also finished the fly seams with a hong kong finish as a practice.
The pattern has hip pockets. I don't usually like hip pockets, but since the pockets are set a little forward, I decided to include them this time. Why don't I like hip pockets? My hips don't need more padding; and when I put stuff in there, the "bumps" are unattractive. However, I will admit that pockets are handy.
As I attemped to sew the front to the side strip, I noticed something seriously wrong. I made the side back adjustment too long. Luckily, too long, not too short. I ended today by tweeking the pattern again, removing the side strip from the back, picking the threads from the seams, and pressing them flat.
I've been sick all week trying to get through work everyday. I
received my china silk lining, silk organza interfacing, and
silk chiffon order from Vogue Fabrics;
shopped for thread, zippers, sewing needles, embroidery
floss, and buttons at Jo-Anns;
traced Burda slacks, Kwik Sew 3494 - blouse and skirt;
made fitting adjustments on the major pattern pieces for
McCall's blouse 7888 and the Burda slacks.
I've had this ruler for years. It has cracks here and there, a melted section from my iron, but I love it; mainly, because I've had it forever, and I can see through it. I can't trace patterns without it. Sadly, I accidently dropped it a month ago, and the top broke clean in half. I've look around at the local sewing stores and was surprised to find that it is not carried. Shows how times have changed. I placed clear tape on both side of the cracks and it works just fine.
I received these two lovely rulers for Christmas, so I promptly placed the old one in the trash. As I passed my sewing studio, I saw it sticking out of the basket. I felt really sad that I discarded this faithful tool so casually. I just had to pull it back out. I am fortunate enough to own three french curves.
Today is the first official day of SWAP 2011. It takes great dedication to complete this contest. I had great hopes of having almost two dresses completed by the end of the year, but life and the holidays got in the way along with a cold, so that goal is not likely to happen.
Today, I am working on tracing Vogue 7609 and placed a fabric order with Vogue Fabrics. I am taking one day at a time, and hope to post my progress weekly.
My first step with Vogue 7609 is to make the pattern larger. I first trace the original pattern pieces to preserve the pattern. These vintage patterns look different.
There is no writing on the pattern pieces. Seam allowances are included, but you have to match the geometric symbols. You also have to reference other sewing sources. This pattern mentions a "gusset", but is not specific. Luckily, I own a couple of vintage sewing books.
I began the enlargement process vertically on the top by taking a measurement from one bust point to another and adjusting the pattern accordingly by placing the pattern straight on grain and cutting from top to bottom. Whatever is added to the front, I duplicate in the back. Next measurement is bust circumfrence, adding two inches for ease, adjusting equally front and back. I try to work around dart positions. Next measurement is waist. These vintage patterns have pretty tight waist lines. I took out the side curves. Final check is sleeve circumference.
I
finished these two Christmas gifts in the nick of time to be wrapped for Christmas. The baby socks were really easy and making them helped me understand what I need to do to finish the gingerbread socks. The hat is super soft and is a practice item for a spring Aran knit sweater I want to make for my grandson.
