Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Pattern Flop
I began making a muslin of the McCall's 5596 jacket; I am so drawn to the dramatic collar!:
However, I could not get the sleeves to set into this jacket. I used the pin-baste method, but even using about a package of pins, spaced almost on top of eachother, there seemed to be too much fabric for the armscye. There was about half an inch to an inch of extra fabric in between the triangle markings and side seams that had no where to go.
If the fabric were wool, I could have attempted to shrink it with steam. I suppose I could have tried clipping the seam allowance, but I didn't feel even this would work because there was so much extra fabric. Have you ever had this problem: you felt there was just way too much sleeve fabric for the armscye? How did you resolve it? (Please don't say "threw out the pattern"...!)
I am going to walk away from the pattern and start a new project. I think I found a better pattern to match what I was going for with the jacket, anways, so I'm not too upset. But I'd like to make it at some point because I just adore the jacket's collar. Maybe it will behave a bit better after some time-out.
However, I could not get the sleeves to set into this jacket. I used the pin-baste method, but even using about a package of pins, spaced almost on top of eachother, there seemed to be too much fabric for the armscye. There was about half an inch to an inch of extra fabric in between the triangle markings and side seams that had no where to go.
If the fabric were wool, I could have attempted to shrink it with steam. I suppose I could have tried clipping the seam allowance, but I didn't feel even this would work because there was so much extra fabric. Have you ever had this problem: you felt there was just way too much sleeve fabric for the armscye? How did you resolve it? (Please don't say "threw out the pattern"...!)
I am going to walk away from the pattern and start a new project. I think I found a better pattern to match what I was going for with the jacket, anways, so I'm not too upset. But I'd like to make it at some point because I just adore the jacket's collar. Maybe it will behave a bit better after some time-out.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Boston Apparel Fabric Stores
Saturday I went to Boston to visit the apparel fabric stores I had researched online. I live just under 2 hours from Boston, while New York City is an hour drive and 2 hour train ride away, so Boston is a more convenient shopping choice.
On the way up I stopped first at Sew-Fisticated Discount Fabrics in Dorchester, a neighborhood in south Boston (Lambert's Plaza, 735 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA 02122, (617) 825-2949).
Located in a strip mall off a busy highway, Sew-Fisticated was a rather disappointing way to start the day. It had 2 large walls of cotton quilting fabrics and decent-looking home décor fabric, but the majority of the apparel material was polyster. The best fabric was the store’s selction of silk dupioni, which it had in a myriad of colors. I think I saw a dozen different shades of green ($9.99/yard).
However, there were almost no wools, and the small pile of “coat weight” material was of poor quality (to be fair, it was only $3.99/yard). The store has a few cabinets of new patterns and a small wall of zippers in the back. Ultimately, I picked up a few yards of wool-looking thick cotton material for pattern test-runs.
The next stop was WinMil Fabrics in Chinatown, downtown Boston (111 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111, (617) 542-1815).
WinMil ultimately was my favorite fabric store in Boston. It has a fabulous selection of beautiful, high-quality wools, at the cheapest prices for wool I’ve seen: $6.98 - $12.98/yard, with most being in the $7 - $8/yard range.
The cashmere blend wools were $12.98/yard. It also has a large wall of suiting fabric. There were a few racks of knits and polyester-blend materials, and a smaller selection of cottons (including some lovely ginghams, which I imagine there are more of in the warm months). There are OOP patterns in the back of the store: $5 for Vogue patterns, $1 for all others. The staff were mostly young, funky art students who were very friendly.
Go for: some fun knits, but primarily the high-quality wools and suiting.
The second Sew-Fisticated outpost is in the Twin City Plaza off the McGrath Highway on the Somerville/Cambridge line, just across the Charles River from Boston proper (14 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA 02143, (617) 625-7996).
This store was nicer than the Dorchester location, and the fabric offerings were much better - undoubtedly because this store is in a more affluent area. However, few of the fabrics seemed to be very high-quality. The front of the store houses home décor, trim, and silk and polyester blends. There is a small collection of woolens, knits, and cottons in the back. There were nice madras plaids and other cottons, including some fun African prints (labelled as having been made in Africa) which would be great for summer skirts or dresses.
Like the previous location, there were racks of silk dupioni, plus this store had pretty solid and plaid tafettas.
Go for: tafettas, madras plaid.
The reviews on yelp.com of Sew-Low Discount Fabrics in Cambridge (473 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141, (617) 661-8361) were hilarious:
“Don't be scared of the cluster of confusion, the cover of dust on anything solid and the strange stare downs by the staff......you are on *their* turf after all....................”
“It's cheap and they have what you are looking for. Even if you are matching a fabric you bought 6 years ago in Missouri. Yeah...they did!”
“I do feel that their laces are a bit lacking and I'd personally love even more colors of cheap acrylic yarn. But that's not what you're going for. You're on a mission for loud, proud aggressive fabrics that force you to take them home.”
The store was as interesting as reported. It was rather musty, with tight rows of fabric stacked to the ceiling – totally endearing! It had a large, nice selection of wools - larger than WinMil, though the prices were more expensive (most I checked out were over $10-$15/yard). There was a large mountain of faux fur, and a nice grouping of cottons (including mutliple colors of swiss dot for $3.99/yard).
There weren’t many knits, and the polyster blends for tops or dresses weren’t appealing, but there was a large pile of chiffons in every color imaginable for $3.99/yard.
The greatest aspect of the store were the 2 cabinets of 1980’s patterns at the back of the store. Vogue patterns were $1, all other 50 cents (making WinMil’s pattern prices seem downright exorbitant). Looking for a Christie Brinkley romper?
A boyfriend jacket for your tween?
A “Super Saver” brand pattern?
You should be able to find it at Sew-Low.
There was a section of notions and trim, including 20 cent buckles and a mix-and-match button tub. The store also had serger cones and 2 for $1 thread.
Go for: large selection of wools, chiffon, swiss dot, awesomely bad 80’s patterns.
The Boston fabric scene doesn’t compare to the selection of the New York Garment District stores. I wasn’t able to find nice silks or blends for tops, which was my goal. However, WinMil, and even Sew-Low, had some great wools and cottons. I’ll continue to make sojourns to New York (or begin ordering online!) for silks and blends, and specialty items like leather. But one can definitely get a fabric fix in Boston. I would definitely recommend checking out WinMil if you are in the Boston area.
I forgot to stop at the notion heaven, Windsor Button, when I was in Boston. I’ve heard that it has a great selection. I’d love to hear of any other Boston (or southern New England) notions or apparel fabric stores I should visit!
On the way up I stopped first at Sew-Fisticated Discount Fabrics in Dorchester, a neighborhood in south Boston (Lambert's Plaza, 735 Morrissey Boulevard, Dorchester, MA 02122, (617) 825-2949).
However, there were almost no wools, and the small pile of “coat weight” material was of poor quality (to be fair, it was only $3.99/yard). The store has a few cabinets of new patterns and a small wall of zippers in the back. Ultimately, I picked up a few yards of wool-looking thick cotton material for pattern test-runs.
A warning
Go for: silk dupioni, 35 cent pant zippers, sweatshirt material (haven’t seen that anywhere else).The next stop was WinMil Fabrics in Chinatown, downtown Boston (111 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111, (617) 542-1815).
WinMil ultimately was my favorite fabric store in Boston. It has a fabulous selection of beautiful, high-quality wools, at the cheapest prices for wool I’ve seen: $6.98 - $12.98/yard, with most being in the $7 - $8/yard range.
Regretting that I didn't buy a yard of this for a skirt.
The cashmere blend wools were $12.98/yard. It also has a large wall of suiting fabric. There were a few racks of knits and polyester-blend materials, and a smaller selection of cottons (including some lovely ginghams, which I imagine there are more of in the warm months). There are OOP patterns in the back of the store: $5 for Vogue patterns, $1 for all others. The staff were mostly young, funky art students who were very friendly.
Go for: some fun knits, but primarily the high-quality wools and suiting.
The second Sew-Fisticated outpost is in the Twin City Plaza off the McGrath Highway on the Somerville/Cambridge line, just across the Charles River from Boston proper (14 McGrath Highway, Somerville, MA 02143, (617) 625-7996).
This store was nicer than the Dorchester location, and the fabric offerings were much better - undoubtedly because this store is in a more affluent area. However, few of the fabrics seemed to be very high-quality. The front of the store houses home décor, trim, and silk and polyester blends. There is a small collection of woolens, knits, and cottons in the back. There were nice madras plaids and other cottons, including some fun African prints (labelled as having been made in Africa) which would be great for summer skirts or dresses.
Go for: tafettas, madras plaid.
The reviews on yelp.com of Sew-Low Discount Fabrics in Cambridge (473 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, MA 02141, (617) 661-8361) were hilarious:
“Don't be scared of the cluster of confusion, the cover of dust on anything solid and the strange stare downs by the staff......you are on *their* turf after all....................”
“It's cheap and they have what you are looking for. Even if you are matching a fabric you bought 6 years ago in Missouri. Yeah...they did!”
“I do feel that their laces are a bit lacking and I'd personally love even more colors of cheap acrylic yarn. But that's not what you're going for. You're on a mission for loud, proud aggressive fabrics that force you to take them home.”
The store was as interesting as reported. It was rather musty, with tight rows of fabric stacked to the ceiling – totally endearing! It had a large, nice selection of wools - larger than WinMil, though the prices were more expensive (most I checked out were over $10-$15/yard). There was a large mountain of faux fur, and a nice grouping of cottons (including mutliple colors of swiss dot for $3.99/yard).
The greatest aspect of the store were the 2 cabinets of 1980’s patterns at the back of the store. Vogue patterns were $1, all other 50 cents (making WinMil’s pattern prices seem downright exorbitant). Looking for a Christie Brinkley romper?
A boyfriend jacket for your tween?
I would have *loved* this circa 1987.
A “Super Saver” brand pattern?
This bold shoulder shape is actually so hot this year!
Pictoral evidence of the truly cyclical nature of fashion.
You should be able to find it at Sew-Low.
There was a section of notions and trim, including 20 cent buckles and a mix-and-match button tub. The store also had serger cones and 2 for $1 thread.
I hope they mean with money.
Go for: large selection of wools, chiffon, swiss dot, awesomely bad 80’s patterns.
* * *
I forgot to stop at the notion heaven, Windsor Button, when I was in Boston. I’ve heard that it has a great selection. I’d love to hear of any other Boston (or southern New England) notions or apparel fabric stores I should visit!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A high waist pencil skirt
I have a few pair of high-waist jeans, but my wardrobe was lacking a high-waist skirt for the office. McCall's 5590 turned out to be a great version: the waist is noticeably high, but not so high that it’s too avant garde for work or obviates the need for a bra. I made view A, the shortest version, with the tabs from skirt B. It wasn't as short as the pattern picture, though I suppose I’m considered petite at 5’4”.
I made this skirt with melton wool I bought from Ebay. It came up in a search for melton wool, and while I was wary of buying fabric online that I can’t return, it was so inexpensive that I went for it. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality; the wool even has a slight lanolin feel to it. The seller said it was a remnant from the Jones of New York line.
Using suggestions from Pattern Review, I sewed Rigilene boning into the side seams to ensure that the skirt’s waist maintained its structure. I was intimidated by Rigilene, but it was so easy to use! Per instructions online, I seared the edges (with a Yankee Candle!) to prevent the plastic “hair” from unravelling, and then stitched the Rigilene to the seams on the edges.
A seam allowance must be left on either end of the boning since it still has to be sewn to the lining and/or skirt body.
The major negative of this skirt is that it is unlined, which wasn’t going to work with a wool skirt. I made a lining by making the skirt in the lining material, including sewing the darts. I put the facing over the lining, marked it with tailors' chalk, and marked a seam allowance above the first chalked line. I cut off the lining at the seam allowance chalk line and sewed the lining to the facing. From there I followed the instructions for attaching the facing. The lining is a mystery polyester from the Paron's Annex bargain bin. It is a steel blue, but when I ironed it, it temporarily turned bright pink. I called it my "hypercolor" lining (remember those T-shirts from the 80's that would turn a different color with heat?)
Finally, the last Pattern Reviewer pointed out Two On Two Off's tutorial on how to attach facing/lining to an invisible zipper to avoid hand sewing the lining to the zipper. It worked perfectly! I'm so grateful for her detailed description of this method because it is such time saver, and the inside looks so much more professional than if it had been handstitched (by me, at least).
I’ll probably make this skirt again in other colors. I would love to make this Stella McCartney version:
What a simple, but high impact, idea to put a row of thick lace around the waist. I like how the exposed zipper, which I’ve seen on a few high-end RTW garments lately, tempers the fanciness of the skirt.
Craft Stylish recently had a very helpful-looking tutorial on how to insert an exposed zipper.
I didn't start any new projects this weekend, though I did a fun tour of the Boston apparel fabric stores yesterday. I’ll write a (warning: long and picture-heavy) post about them this week. Have a good Monday!
I made this skirt with melton wool I bought from Ebay. It came up in a search for melton wool, and while I was wary of buying fabric online that I can’t return, it was so inexpensive that I went for it. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality; the wool even has a slight lanolin feel to it. The seller said it was a remnant from the Jones of New York line.
Using suggestions from Pattern Review, I sewed Rigilene boning into the side seams to ensure that the skirt’s waist maintained its structure. I was intimidated by Rigilene, but it was so easy to use! Per instructions online, I seared the edges (with a Yankee Candle!) to prevent the plastic “hair” from unravelling, and then stitched the Rigilene to the seams on the edges.
A seam allowance must be left on either end of the boning since it still has to be sewn to the lining and/or skirt body.
The major negative of this skirt is that it is unlined, which wasn’t going to work with a wool skirt. I made a lining by making the skirt in the lining material, including sewing the darts. I put the facing over the lining, marked it with tailors' chalk, and marked a seam allowance above the first chalked line. I cut off the lining at the seam allowance chalk line and sewed the lining to the facing. From there I followed the instructions for attaching the facing. The lining is a mystery polyester from the Paron's Annex bargain bin. It is a steel blue, but when I ironed it, it temporarily turned bright pink. I called it my "hypercolor" lining (remember those T-shirts from the 80's that would turn a different color with heat?)
Finally, the last Pattern Reviewer pointed out Two On Two Off's tutorial on how to attach facing/lining to an invisible zipper to avoid hand sewing the lining to the zipper. It worked perfectly! I'm so grateful for her detailed description of this method because it is such time saver, and the inside looks so much more professional than if it had been handstitched (by me, at least).
I’ll probably make this skirt again in other colors. I would love to make this Stella McCartney version:
What a simple, but high impact, idea to put a row of thick lace around the waist. I like how the exposed zipper, which I’ve seen on a few high-end RTW garments lately, tempers the fanciness of the skirt.
Craft Stylish recently had a very helpful-looking tutorial on how to insert an exposed zipper.
* * *
I didn't start any new projects this weekend, though I did a fun tour of the Boston apparel fabric stores yesterday. I’ll write a (warning: long and picture-heavy) post about them this week. Have a good Monday!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Meet my new friend!
I got a serger!:
She's a Baby Lock Protege that I bought refurbished from a local quilting store (Close to Home, a small CT chain). She was $199. I probably could have found one slightly cheaper on craigslist, but I like the support one gets buying from a small, local store: she has a 90 day warranty, and I can go to the store for help if I'm having problems. Plus, the store has a free serger class for new owners.
I don't know if a new sewer *needs* a serger, but it will give my projects' interiors a more finished look and make hemming (to me, the most tedious sewing task. I'd rip seams over hem any day!) a bit less painful. One would have come in handy for the unlined skirt I just made, and perhaps I will eventually branch into knits with it.
Ok, so she might not be as cool as my aunt's million-stitch Viking Huskylock, but I like her a lot, and think we'll get along quite well.
Hoping to use her to finish a high-waist skirt tomorrow evening!
She's a Baby Lock Protege that I bought refurbished from a local quilting store (Close to Home, a small CT chain). She was $199. I probably could have found one slightly cheaper on craigslist, but I like the support one gets buying from a small, local store: she has a 90 day warranty, and I can go to the store for help if I'm having problems. Plus, the store has a free serger class for new owners.
I don't know if a new sewer *needs* a serger, but it will give my projects' interiors a more finished look and make hemming (to me, the most tedious sewing task. I'd rip seams over hem any day!) a bit less painful. One would have come in handy for the unlined skirt I just made, and perhaps I will eventually branch into knits with it.
Ok, so she might not be as cool as my aunt's million-stitch Viking Huskylock, but I like her a lot, and think we'll get along quite well.
Hoping to use her to finish a high-waist skirt tomorrow evening!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
This makes me want to sew men's clothing
I came across this blog (love the name and font!), which has really made me want to learn how to sew men's clothing:
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/
(Or win the lottery so that DH could afford bespoke suits.)
This handsome gentleman is a professional wardrobe consultant who has a knee-weakeningly amazing closet. Some of his posts might not be of much use to the average man (such as what tuxedo weight should be worn on a late summer evening), but most (like how to pull off a suit without socks), are quite relevant.
I'd love to make something like this for DH to sport:
Or this:
(Check out that lapel!)
Right now there are too many of my own items that I'd like to complete (so selfish, I know! But I'm not buying anything for a year!) - and I have way too much learning to do before I can move on to tailoring - but I'd love to sew men's clothing in the future. However, Saville Row tailors spend a lifetime learning how to produce suits and dress shirts. Is learning how to sew fine men's clothing realistic? Have you tried sewing men's clothing with any success?
http://asuitablewardrobe.dynend.com/
(Or win the lottery so that DH could afford bespoke suits.)
This handsome gentleman is a professional wardrobe consultant who has a knee-weakeningly amazing closet. Some of his posts might not be of much use to the average man (such as what tuxedo weight should be worn on a late summer evening), but most (like how to pull off a suit without socks), are quite relevant.
I'd love to make something like this for DH to sport:
Or this:
(Check out that lapel!)
Right now there are too many of my own items that I'd like to complete (so selfish, I know! But I'm not buying anything for a year!) - and I have way too much learning to do before I can move on to tailoring - but I'd love to sew men's clothing in the future. However, Saville Row tailors spend a lifetime learning how to produce suits and dress shirts. Is learning how to sew fine men's clothing realistic? Have you tried sewing men's clothing with any success?
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Brimfield report
One of my favorite booths at Brimfield Antique Show this weekend, besides the vendor selling vintage French ticking at an out-of-my-price-range $80/yard, was a vendor that appeared to have bought the stock of a sewing factory: it had bins of huge silk skeins, wooden racks, and wood silk bobbins.
The vendor also had a large collection of 1970s/1980s binding, ric rac, hem lace, and even stitchable reflective tape, all 3 for $1.
At another booth, which sold mostly posters and uncut vintage packaging, was a fascinating stack of 1890's fabric salesman samples from a New York City textile company. How neat would these be framed in a sewing room?
I only came across one booth selling vintage patterns - none of which were my size unfortunately. I was particularly enamored by a 1980's Vogue Christian Dior caftan. There was a second caftan pattern, on the back of which the sewer had written "Did not like this pattern AT ALL."!
My only purchase was a pair of 1940s/1950's eyeglass frames at a fabulous booth devoted solely to vintage eyewear. I have an appointment this week to have prescription lenses made - really looking forward to being able to wear them.
The vendor also had a large collection of 1970s/1980s binding, ric rac, hem lace, and even stitchable reflective tape, all 3 for $1.
At another booth, which sold mostly posters and uncut vintage packaging, was a fascinating stack of 1890's fabric salesman samples from a New York City textile company. How neat would these be framed in a sewing room?
I only came across one booth selling vintage patterns - none of which were my size unfortunately. I was particularly enamored by a 1980's Vogue Christian Dior caftan. There was a second caftan pattern, on the back of which the sewer had written "Did not like this pattern AT ALL."!
My only purchase was a pair of 1940s/1950's eyeglass frames at a fabulous booth devoted solely to vintage eyewear. I have an appointment this week to have prescription lenses made - really looking forward to being able to wear them.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
A new shape for fall
One of the many things I'm discovering that I love about apparel sewing is trying out new styles that, because of the distinct shape which I won't get a ton of wear out of, I might not purchase in a store . I really like these full, gathered tulip skirts. They're a modern twist on a classic pencil skirt shape, that I think looks really sharp:
I normally wear straight pencil skirts to streamline my lower half. But, I've been wanting try new silhouettes lately, and Simplicity 2512, a Cynthia Rowley pattern, appealed to me because of the tulip-shaped gathered skirt.
I saw a lovely version of S2512 on PR, so I decided to go for it. I'm really glad I did, because this turned out to be a really cool skirt!
I think I broke a cardinal apparel sewing rule: I made this out of a home decor fabric. It's a remnant from a local textile mill that makes high-end home decor fabric. There's a little factory store in the basement that sells overstock, designer rejects, and remnants. This almost-digitized leopard print was a $3 piece on the remnant table. It is a thick linen that was marked one yard, but ended up being over a yard and a half. I could not imagine it as curtains, but did see a skirt!
I made some major design changes: I removed the yoke's sweetheart shape. I wanted a simpler silhouette for this busy pattern. I traced the pattern onto brown wrapping paper, and drew a straight line from end to end to make the straight top.
I also did not do the bias binding, but instead combined the two facings. If you do this, be sure to add a seam allowance to the top and sides because in the pattern version a seam allowance is not included because the pieces are joined with binding.
The gathering was really difficult on this thick fabric. I don't know how the previous reviewer did it in denim. I could not get it to gather at all through the pockets. The gathering at the front, especially, is really thick: you have to force about a foot and a half of fabric into 4 inches.
The back and sides are as voluminous as the front, which might not appeal to some.
The thick gathering gives the skirt its modern, voluminous shape. I'm really happy with it. I'll probably wear it casually, and perhaps to work in the fall with opaque black stockings and pointy flats. I'd like to make another version of this in a lightweight wool, perhaps a black crepe, because I just really love the modern shape.
I'm trying out a high-waist pencil skirt pattern next, and then I'm moving on to a jacket. I'm making a muslin for this one, because I'm going to attempt to add a design feature - cuffs - that isn't in the pattern.
This weekend DH and I are off to the Brimfield Antiques Show in Brimfield, MA.
It's a huge antiques show/flea market, with thousands of vendors, that is held 3 times a year. It's apparently very popular with designers; Martha Stewart has been known to attend. I've been in the spring, but it is so beautiful in the fall. Not looking for anything in particular, and I won't even be upset if I don't come home with any treasures. The joy of browsing through the neat antiques (and junk!) is enough for me. I recall a few stalls of vintage notions - will be sure to post any finds. Have a great weekend!
Fendi
Alberta Ferretti
I normally wear straight pencil skirts to streamline my lower half. But, I've been wanting try new silhouettes lately, and Simplicity 2512, a Cynthia Rowley pattern, appealed to me because of the tulip-shaped gathered skirt.
I saw a lovely version of S2512 on PR, so I decided to go for it. I'm really glad I did, because this turned out to be a really cool skirt!
I think I broke a cardinal apparel sewing rule: I made this out of a home decor fabric. It's a remnant from a local textile mill that makes high-end home decor fabric. There's a little factory store in the basement that sells overstock, designer rejects, and remnants. This almost-digitized leopard print was a $3 piece on the remnant table. It is a thick linen that was marked one yard, but ended up being over a yard and a half. I could not imagine it as curtains, but did see a skirt!
I made some major design changes: I removed the yoke's sweetheart shape. I wanted a simpler silhouette for this busy pattern. I traced the pattern onto brown wrapping paper, and drew a straight line from end to end to make the straight top.
I also did not do the bias binding, but instead combined the two facings. If you do this, be sure to add a seam allowance to the top and sides because in the pattern version a seam allowance is not included because the pieces are joined with binding.
Finally, I did not include the tie. I made it, and intended to place it on the skirt at the end, but determined that I really liked the skirt yoke the way it is.
The gathering was really difficult on this thick fabric. I don't know how the previous reviewer did it in denim. I could not get it to gather at all through the pockets. The gathering at the front, especially, is really thick: you have to force about a foot and a half of fabric into 4 inches.
The back and sides are as voluminous as the front, which might not appeal to some.
The thick gathering gives the skirt its modern, voluminous shape. I'm really happy with it. I'll probably wear it casually, and perhaps to work in the fall with opaque black stockings and pointy flats. I'd like to make another version of this in a lightweight wool, perhaps a black crepe, because I just really love the modern shape.
I'm trying out a high-waist pencil skirt pattern next, and then I'm moving on to a jacket. I'm making a muslin for this one, because I'm going to attempt to add a design feature - cuffs - that isn't in the pattern.
* * *
This weekend DH and I are off to the Brimfield Antiques Show in Brimfield, MA.
It's a huge antiques show/flea market, with thousands of vendors, that is held 3 times a year. It's apparently very popular with designers; Martha Stewart has been known to attend. I've been in the spring, but it is so beautiful in the fall. Not looking for anything in particular, and I won't even be upset if I don't come home with any treasures. The joy of browsing through the neat antiques (and junk!) is enough for me. I recall a few stalls of vintage notions - will be sure to post any finds. Have a great weekend!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
I could really use some new tops.
I was going through my closet this weekend and realized that I just don't have that many shirts. For some reason, I tend to buy skirts or pants much more than shirts. I guess I think that I'll get more mileage out of a bottom, but I don't have enough shirts to go with them!
Right now it's that in-between time when it's not yet sweater season, but it's too cool for floaty summer shirts. I'd like to make some long sleeve, cool-weather shirts to wear with skirts, but something other than button-up collared shirts (I work in a very "corporate" office, so wearing an oxford doesn't feel classic, just stodgy). While there are so many patterns for summer tanks and tunics, I had a difficult time finding longer-sleeve, winter approriate tops. Here are the ones I found that I'm planning to make:
I really like the pleated neckline detail on this Diane von Furstenberg top:
M5661 has similiar pleating at the neckline:
For fall, I'm planning to make the longer-sleeved view C. In the spring, I could use view E to make a blouse similiar to this lovely Anne Klein one:
When secretary blouses al la "Working Girl" were reintroduced a few years ago, I really thought it was going to be a passing trend. However, they seem to be back more than ever this season. They are everywhere!
Alexander McQueen
Luella
There are a few cute secretary-style patterns; I picked up McCalls 5884 during the last pattern sale.
This one is very similiar to the cream Luella version. Wouldn't it look great in a matte, kelly green crepe? Or a dark teal? Or a mustard...? I don't love that it does not have darts and is a "pull-over" style, but I think it will be a good starter blouse. (Is it weird that I'm more intimidated by blouses than dresses? I think it's the detail work like binding and making small, barely-visible seams that gets me nervous.)
I ebayed this Simplicity 2856 pattern because none of my local JoAnn's had it. That probably means it is going out of print?
I'm strangely drawn to its 80's-ish strong shouldered look. I'm planning to make the longer sleeved view. It could look great in a cool pattern in a thick/stiff fabric (I think). This is actually the one I'm most excited about.
This one I'm not so sure about:
I grabbed it because of the long sleeved view E at the top, but after further thought, it could turn out to be a really weird shirt. Maybe I'll try it out with a plain, cheap fabric to see if I like the style. I'd make a straight muslin, but I think it'd be hideous in muslin and would not allow me to make an impassioned decision about it. But even if it doesn't work, views D and F would be really cute tops. (D, E, and F are wovens; views A-C are knits.)
I'm planning a few other projects first, and I need to go fabric shopping, then hopefully I can get started on these!
Funny story that the title reminded me of: my brother and I visited our family in England last November. (My maternal grandmother was British, and my great-uncle, great-aunt, and cousins live in East Sussex.) When we were visiting my Nana and uncle's hometown, we walked by a café and began chatting with the proprietress who was standing outside. My uncle asked if we would like to go in for a coffee, and I replied "Sure, I could use a coffee." The proprietress let out a huge laugh and said "USE? 'I could USE a coffee'?? What does that mean? Oh you Americans! 'Use', har, har, har." I tried to explain that "use" wasn't such a ridiculous expression, because I could have used the caffeine to wake up, but she would not be persuaded. It was really quite funny. Now, whenever I say I could "use" something, I smile, thinking of that incident. Which makes me wonder: does this title sound strange to any non-American readers?
Right now it's that in-between time when it's not yet sweater season, but it's too cool for floaty summer shirts. I'd like to make some long sleeve, cool-weather shirts to wear with skirts, but something other than button-up collared shirts (I work in a very "corporate" office, so wearing an oxford doesn't feel classic, just stodgy). While there are so many patterns for summer tanks and tunics, I had a difficult time finding longer-sleeve, winter approriate tops. Here are the ones I found that I'm planning to make:
I really like the pleated neckline detail on this Diane von Furstenberg top:
M5661 has similiar pleating at the neckline:
For fall, I'm planning to make the longer-sleeved view C. In the spring, I could use view E to make a blouse similiar to this lovely Anne Klein one:
When secretary blouses al la "Working Girl" were reintroduced a few years ago, I really thought it was going to be a passing trend. However, they seem to be back more than ever this season. They are everywhere!
Alexander McQueen
Luella
There are a few cute secretary-style patterns; I picked up McCalls 5884 during the last pattern sale.
This one is very similiar to the cream Luella version. Wouldn't it look great in a matte, kelly green crepe? Or a dark teal? Or a mustard...? I don't love that it does not have darts and is a "pull-over" style, but I think it will be a good starter blouse. (Is it weird that I'm more intimidated by blouses than dresses? I think it's the detail work like binding and making small, barely-visible seams that gets me nervous.)
I ebayed this Simplicity 2856 pattern because none of my local JoAnn's had it. That probably means it is going out of print?
I'm strangely drawn to its 80's-ish strong shouldered look. I'm planning to make the longer sleeved view. It could look great in a cool pattern in a thick/stiff fabric (I think). This is actually the one I'm most excited about.
This one I'm not so sure about:
I grabbed it because of the long sleeved view E at the top, but after further thought, it could turn out to be a really weird shirt. Maybe I'll try it out with a plain, cheap fabric to see if I like the style. I'd make a straight muslin, but I think it'd be hideous in muslin and would not allow me to make an impassioned decision about it. But even if it doesn't work, views D and F would be really cute tops. (D, E, and F are wovens; views A-C are knits.)
I'm planning a few other projects first, and I need to go fabric shopping, then hopefully I can get started on these!
* * *
Funny story that the title reminded me of: my brother and I visited our family in England last November. (My maternal grandmother was British, and my great-uncle, great-aunt, and cousins live in East Sussex.) When we were visiting my Nana and uncle's hometown, we walked by a café and began chatting with the proprietress who was standing outside. My uncle asked if we would like to go in for a coffee, and I replied "Sure, I could use a coffee." The proprietress let out a huge laugh and said "USE? 'I could USE a coffee'?? What does that mean? Oh you Americans! 'Use', har, har, har." I tried to explain that "use" wasn't such a ridiculous expression, because I could have used the caffeine to wake up, but she would not be persuaded. It was really quite funny. Now, whenever I say I could "use" something, I smile, thinking of that incident. Which makes me wonder: does this title sound strange to any non-American readers?
The village's lovely high street.
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