SWAP 2011 - Storyboard

I spent some time gathering all my patterns and fabric swatches to display my storyboard.  I decided on option #2 which allows for two dresses.  The colors are black, gray, red, tan, gold.  I own two pairs of dancing shoes.  One is black, the other tan.  I haven't yet decided on the option piece.  I may just purchase a shawl. 

Waistbands For The Toddler Grandson

Instead of using one row of one inch elastic for these corduroy pants, I made two channels for two rows of one half inch elastic.  I personally find it much more comfortable. 

A Night of Buttonholes

Some people sew one garment at a time, but I like to have a couple in various stages of production.  Some I am problem solving, others allow me to work on whatever part I feel like working on at a given time.  Tonight I worked on bottonholes.  The ones on my DS's shirt and my DGS's jacket.  I only had time to sew on the buttons for the jacket.  Those black buttons upped the cost of the outfit another $10.00.

SWAP 2011 - The Beginning of a Storyboard

In 2003 I moved back to my home state of NH after living for 26 years in CO.  I went through a really tough three year period and actully stopped sewing.  Something I've done and enjoyed since 5th grade.  After living here for a few years, I searched the web for some sewing connections.  I discovered the SWAP contest, and it brought back the love with a vengence.

My first contest was business attire, my second a southwestern theme.  I met my DH ballroom dancing, so this year I plan on making clothes to go dancing in.  Not competition clothes, but clothes I can were to other places also.  Below is an example of exactly what I am talking about.   

The back of the shorter skirt allows for movement in dancing, but it appears more of a normal straight skirt to wear for an evening out.  The top is a perfect garment to wear with a skirt or slacks.

Pants and Coat For The Toddler Grandson

I hemmed in no time at all the two pairs of pants for my grandson.  They were both done my machine. All that's left with the pants is the elastic waistband.  I don't usually use one piece of elastic, but multiple, small rows.  I have yet to purchase the elastic.

The coat assembly took a little longer.  I first stay stitched around the curves of the jacket and the lining to keep the jacket from stretching in those areas.  I added a white muslin interfacing on the fleece at the same time I stay stitched the jacket.  I hand stitched the interfacing at the shoulder. 

What took the most time was the blanket stitch around the edge of the jacket and sleeves.  I used a top stitching black thread.  To keep the edge as even as possible, I basted around the whole jacket 1/2 inch away in white thread.  I inserted the needle and black thread in every other stitch.  Here's the jacket with the basting removed.  All that's left are the buttons and button holes.