March 2003 Archive

Saturday, March 29, 2003

The MOTHERLODE!
I just received a shipment of a 100+ patterns from an Ebay auction - Thanks to corkyangel. I am ecstatic! Nearly all of them are my size, or within alteration range. Once I weeded out the 70's and 80's stuff I didn't dig, I was left a solid 30 that are 60's style wonderful. Incredible! Fantastic! Superb! Tomorrow a trip to two huge fabric stores. Watch this page for new garments.

BONUS!
Along with the patterns, was nestled a pink pamphlet of sewing tutelage: Cut Out For You: A plan for a smart girl's wardrobe. Published by Vogue Pattern Service in 1956. I shrieked with delight when I saw it. I am a smart girl. I want a plan for my wardrobe. Here's it's advice to me:

Short. Your clothes and accessories should be scaled to your size, without too much detail. Avoid two-piece dresses, two-color effects; instead strive for a long, unbroken line. Princess and Empire styles are good silhouettes for your small figure - sheath dresses too., if your figure is slim and trim. Steer clear of extremes such as full or circular skirts.

Thursday, March 20, 2003

What Were You Doing When the Attack on Iraq Started?
I was making this dress. It started out just another sewing project while watching Law & Order. The Lenny was interrupted by "decapitation attacks" and "surgical maneuvers."

This dress started out from a favorite shapeless sundress pattern that I've made half a dozen times, included the dress I graduated college in. Since the paper pattern is long gone, I traced the graduation dress and cut a new one. I made it out of a fantastic remnant I bought years ago. It started out shapeless again. Well, it had a shape, just sort of bell shaped and untailored. Then I came up with the idea of using a couple of big, vintage buttons and tabs of fabric to give the number an empire waist. I'm super pleased with the way it worked out. And I've got a chartreuse linen jacket that can make it work clothes, on the odd day I'm working onsite, and not here in the pjs.

Night well spent on the homefront.

posted on 1:13 AM

Monday, March 17, 2003

Left: Absolutely, wonderfully loopy during the fitting. Right: Demure homemakers in the finished product.
Skirt Sewing Silliness
Anne and Sonya came over to make skirts yesterday. I literally laughed so hard I gave myself a headache. After a good round of girl talk, we headed over to Hancock fabrics to pick out fabrics. I was completely fickle and decided to use fabric I had at home. Anne decided on a sailor-y shirt in white with blue top stitching and two fake pockets festooned with anchor appliques. Sonya, who "supports derranged" decided to make a mini out of two panels of Bob the Builder fabric meant to be made into a toolbelt, hat and little Bob doll. Sonya had never sewn before, and Anne hadn't sewn since getting a D from the Home Ec teacher who hated her. I am super proud of them for their acheviements! And they were fantastic afternoon entertainment.

Thursday, March 13, 2003

Thursday, March 06, 2003

Next I made a superfantastic skirt out of a bold, totally Brandy fabric. It's an African Batik in yellow, gold, red and black. The pattern in the fabric line up well, and I placed the darts perfectly. Since I adore wearing color, I want to live in this skirt with my favorite red shirt.

Plus I made a pair of stockings out of plain black knit fabric. I got the idea from UnluckyMonkey, a co-worker from a past life and renegade crafter. She had made some pirate-y stockings out of a striped knit remnant. I dug it because it sounded easy and, best of all, warm. Now that I've got the pattern I can see making myself some in every color. They are quite warm and comfy, but they do bunch up just a little bit around the knees and ankle.

The Sewing Bible
A big reason I'm back in the terrain of sewing garments is because I've rediscovered Readers' Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. It is a consummate reference book for sewing, chock full of diagrams. I was truly obsessed with my mom's copy of the book growing up.Out of nowhere, I thought of it again, and thanks to Ebay, I got a copy in my hot little hands in no time.

Yeah, you could buy the newest edition, but I fear that they've updated the delightful 70's illustrations. I also just bought an old edition of their Complete Guide to Needlework. I'm starting to think those Readers Digest folks are geniuses.
posted on 2:43 AM