What's on my cutting table- January 2015

 

I just can't seem to do one thing at a time . I always seem have at least 4-5 projects on the go at all times. Or at least they are percolating in the back of my mind some where. This month I have cut out Marcy's coat. I'm just trying to figure out what lining to use.

One of my New Years resolutions was to get more creative. I'm so bored making patterns straight out of the envelope - I need to get my hands dirty!! And I don't really wear "classic" style. So this year I'm going for arty and Edge-y.

 

Boy did I get my hands dirty and everything else in the studio!!!!

I will include a few do's and don'ts in my post!!!

Today I finished my MAGAM challange and posted my intentions on our Facebook page. Kinda put the horse before the cart on this one.I finished my posts and garment two weeks ago. I was a little nervous posting with the new Facebook thing but it was a piece of cake!

 

 

I blogged about it here

 

I'm having some fun with ink and stencils on some red linen. I haven't decided what to actually make with it yet.

 

Adding textures to more of the same red linen. Still not finished texturizing...

Made a dress for spring. This one I slipped in before Christmas.

 

Making Lola a new bed. I have yet to write a blog post but will put one up soon.

I've also been working on my Alabama Chanin style skirt.

Each panel is different.

I hope to be finished and wearing this by spring time.

Not one if her stencils. My own design.

It's sort of a "sampler" of stitches and beading techniques. The fabric is black- not grey. It is very time consuming but I find the hand sewing very relaxing and it lets me think about my Mom:)

 

Also, I've been collecting men's t-shirts at the second hand shops to make an Alabama Chanin corset top.
This is the style I'm going after but in Greys-.... Maybe?

 

And the last thing on my table is a stencil I'm cutting out. Don't know why,but the mood just struck me.

It's the weekend now so who knows what else will land on my cutting table!!! I am declaring January a "housework free" month because nothing is going to get done at my place for sure!

What's on your cutting table? Leave me a comment and tell me all about it! Thanks for stopping by.

 

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Burdastyle cocoon sweater

This is Burdastyle's cocoon sweater #107/11/2013

I chose to make it with a mystery fabric from my "private collection". It's a short shaggy fun fur on the right side and a fleece on the wrong side. Being short on yardage I thought I would make the outer binding with some of the leftover embossed pleather I had from another project.

The cover.

This pattern originally had inseam pockets. I opted out of them because they were going to flop around on the inside. Then I happened to come across an alternative pocket idea on Gayle Ortiz blog - Gayle does amazing work that I am always inspired by. I have never made this style of pocket so I will have to make it up as I go.

This was my process. Using my French curve I drafted my pocket shape.

 

I carefully fused some stabilizer around the edges so it would keep its shape. None of these fabrics like heat! Just missed a melting disaster!

 

I then used a 1 1/2 inch binding, stitched,and trimmed seam.

 

I folded my binding over, but didn't turn it under so it wouldn't create extra bulk.

From the right side, using my in the ditch foot, stitched it down. I avoided sewing on top of the pleather.

Using my pocket shape as a guide I cut the pocket and finished the edges on the serger.

After pinning everything in place - I stitched around the shape of the pocket from the back. Now when I flip it over....

Poof! A pocket appears! That was fun and easy and no floppy inseam pocket jobby.I'm just going to mention here, that some of theses new fake leathers do not show pin marks. I'm pinner ,so that makes me happy.

Now it will tie in nicely with the rest of my pleather binding. This shaggy fabric is very forgiving other wise I would have top stitched from the front. I don't know if these pockets have a name. If anyone knows please leave me a comment and fill me in.

 

I did make a few customizations to this pattern. I shortened the length by 2" before cutting it out.

Also, after attaching the binding,the cocoon tail had a funny little sticky out-y fling to it , I took it apart 3!!! Times - it would just not conform to my wishes-so I just wacked it off. As a hairdresser for 30+ yrs - I am fearless with scissors;) besides it was still way long on me as I am only 5'3" . I then added a box pleat at the bottom to give it a nice inward curve. I like it. I also think that sitting on the pleather would have wrinkled it in an unhealthy way. I hand stitched the hem- I'm kinda old fashioned.

Inside view.

Ta da!

It's so warm and cozy!!!

All the women at work want it. I think it could really be dressed up as well. I have some faux grey lambs wool begging to become a cocoon too.

The next one will be another inch or two shorter. My legs are longer in real life!Thanks for stopping by.

 

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Marcy Tilton V9057

 

This is a fine pattern! V9057. I've made 3 so far and have another one on the cutting table.

This is truely a great stash reducer- or you could go and get new fabric which is never a hardship in my world. The fit is great through the back, shoulders and bust, from there it falls into a soft drape. I've seen this dressed up with skinnys and high heels but I went the other way - comfortable.

I picked up this great remnant of (undetermined content), black knit- cheap! And then decided to deconstruct a wadder of similar weight for the contrast sleeve and neck band. I don't know about you, but I always feel guilty of a crime when I take a perfectly amazing piece of fabric and turn it into a piece of garbage.This sleeve eliminates some of that guilt. Oh, I added a little band of contrast on the left sleeve just for the heck of it.

For this one below , I bought new fabric. I like it but I still have issues with prints- I just feel over whelmed by them. This one is okay because it's a mono/blend-y print. There's a new word for you! There was enough left over for an extra set of sleeves for the next one.

The third one up, allowed me to use up some solid red microfiber that was going to be cut up into dusting rags, if I didn't find a use for it. I guess I'll wear it for a while first and when I get tired of it , then I'll dust with it! This fabric doesn't drape as nice as the previous two but it's passable for a hanging out at home outfit.

What's next? I think I'll go dressier with views B and C.

I like the look of these two together.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

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A successful GEEK story

I'm happy to say my brother loved his new Christmas, Star Trek bathrobe. It was a desperate last minute gift for a hard to buy for guy. I was worried about the fit but it worked out just fine, and he loved it!

I blogged about it here.

                          

Here's an action shot! LOL!

Here he is just realizing he is wearing the feared "red" tunic.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas, and all your gifts were well received!

Thanks for stopping by!

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Festive MAGAM December Dress

I love this dress pattern! Newlook 6071. To bad it it's out of print.

I used a stretch velvet burnout with a delicate damask pattern. The fit was perfect right out of the envelope. I made the size 10.

The original version had an A- line skirt,but I decided to shorten and pencil it in. For this fabric I just thought it gave it that little extra something. Ok-less dowdy. I also made the sleeves 3/4 length. I finished the hems with a wide double needle, which looks very nice. The husband agreed!

Yes, I am standing in front of a table cloth. It's so dark and cloudy this time of the year , I just can't catch any light no matter what time of the day. So this will have to do. I finished it two weeks ago and was afraid I'd never get a picture of it.

I have already cut it out again, but with a cap sleeve and maxi length using a border print. I will lay it aside for now and pick it up when spring threatens.

Now I'm ready for Christmas with my festive little black dress.

Thanks for stopping by.

 

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