When I packed up my sewing room, I was surprised to see really how many patterns I have. Now I am a tracer so some of the patterns take up more space than you'd think with the additional paper, but they were all in one very full medium sized box clearly marked "Patterns".
Striking while the iron was hot (and the fabric was new), I wanted to sew one of the two fabrics I had planned for a skirt. Easy enough project as I have skirt patterns that fit me already, a good project to get back into the swing of things with.
Of course that means finding the box of patterns. I looked in my sewing room closet. I looked at the boxes in the shelf. I looked in the boxes in the basement that have not been unpacked. I asked Mr. Lina. We both agreed we had seen the box, yet neither could remember where.
I gave up. I have a black skirt that is short without being indecent, perfect for a date night and it's a knit. Exactly what I wanted for the "snake skin" knit, but now with the additional work of copying the existing skirt and figuring out the construction. So a little more time than taking the pencil skirt pattern I already love but at this rate, faster than finding the box of patterns.
The skirt I was cloning is done in 4 pieces, a curved 2" waist band in two pieces (4 if you include the facing), and a side zip. The front and back centre seams are straight so I didn't bother, I cut on the fold. I did not notice that the front and back waist bands are not identical so my first waist band was too short by maybe 3" because I only traced the short front band. Oops. My fault for not walking the seams. I did have enough fabric to cut a second waist band so it wasn't the end of the world. I might turn the short waist band into a belt with the hardware and a little elastic making up for the gap.
At which point I found my box of patterns. On the shelf where it should be. Closest to the door, just below eye level, so not even obscured by the desk or too high/low to see properly. The one side of the box that did not say patterns was facing out.
Sigh.
On the plus side, outside of hemming and fixing a little tugging on the side zipper, I have a new skirt and a pattern for a knit skirt that fits quite well if I do say so myself. Pictures to come when it's hemmed and the zipper is fixed.
Showing posts with label Patterns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Patterns. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 10
Tuesday, March 18
I sewed!
Sadly I'm not done yet so I don't have pictures to show you, but progress has been made. It's been ages since I last sewed and I'd like to commemorate the event with a sewing room saga.
When my parents were in Florida, I had two pieces of corduroy shipped to them from Fabric Mart. Sadly, I forgot to save the pictures from the web site and I haven't taken my own. Mind you, black fabric doesn't photograph well anyhow. So... piece #1 was black Ralph Lauren stretch pin wale corduroy and #2 is a dusky plum (hedging towards brown) very wide wale corduroy. The reason pictures are moot is that they would not convey how soft both fabrics are. I swear the dusky plum is like velvet in it's softness. Both pieces are far better than the fabric I used for my grey skirt, the skirt that has me wanting another corduroy skirt.
I washed the fabric late last week. I left it to finish the last drying over the railing in the upstairs hallway so it would be in my way, taunting me. Sunday I had the whole day free. I woke up and told myself I'm going to sew today. And did I? No, stupid Facebook games...
But the England/Germany trip is fast approaching (like two more sleeps approaching). I thought of how much I want another somewhat casual skirt to wear. So I did it. I moved crap from my sewing room to the guest room, I chucked more stuff to clear off the cutting table. And I was decisive and I cut.
A pencil skirt is pretty basic. I have made a few skirts and didn't see an issue. But then I started looking, I've mostly made A-line skirts, or patterns for stretchy fabrics (my mom loved Stretch n Sew patterns), or for a size 10 that would need grading even from the grading I did when I made it before, I couldn't actually find a pattern that was... perfect. I have a UFO for the pencil skirt for Butterick 5147 but something went wrong at the zipper. It's horribly warped and yes, I probably need to put some interfacing to stabilize it, but I think part of the problem is that my hip is not the right distance from my waist making it bunch up too high. It was not the pencil skirt of my dreams.
Somehow, I thought it would be easier to work from a combination of a) measurements, b) the Lekala back skirt piece (no idea where the front piece is) and c) the front DRESS piece for Lekala 5432 just guessing where to put the waist based on the curve of the hip. I've made Lekala 5432 many times, first as linked above for a wedding with satin and swiss dot, then again in a knit, then again looser in a light rayon. Lekala has no seam allowances, but I also needed to add width. The pencil skirt was 3" smaller than my measurements (with no ease), I know that the dress I wore to the wedding that is the same size as the pieces is too snug at the moment and I used every bit of seam allowance, so it needed a little width too. Added to this, I had the back pattern piece but no instructions (although it's no real loss, Lekala directions are well, worse than Burda), so I opened up another pattern to borrow the directions. And yet, I chose to frankenpattern it up because the shape is right. Mr. Lina loves that dress because he thinks it makes my ass look good. I trust his judgement on something I can't see well myself. I added the requisite inches (roughly) and cut away.
At that point, I became my usual terrified self. What if it's too small? I knew I wanted either lining or underlining, I've found tights get caught on my grey cord skirt. So I used the already cut corduroy as my pattern and cut out some Bemberg lining. I sewed it up with the laziest (crappiest) French seams EVER, and pulled it on with lots of room. Lots.
For my grey skirt, I finished the seams by zigzagging and while it works and it's fine now, there was a phase of finding loose threads everywhere until it essentially shredded back to the stitches. While I was trying to find pattern pieces, I came across my shoe box of satin bias tape and I thought that would be lovely on the inside. So now it's sort of a Hong Kong finish with ivory satin bias tape. But in my slapdash mood, I just folded the tape over and sewed it up rather than two passes to sew it on like proper bias tape. The plum stitching looks pretty on the ivory satin bias tape.
As I was about to figure out the zipper situation, Mr. Lina came up to bed. A sure sign it's time to stop sewing. I really didn't want to sleep with thoughts of how it could be big like the lining or too small. In attaching the bias tape, I was also having second thoughts because the seam allowances were going to HAVE to be wider than the bias tape (and thus wider than my crappy French seams). And the corduroy is a lot thicker than lining, there will be turn of cloth kind of issues, I used the cut cord pieces for my lining patters so the lining is naturally a little bigger... maybe it wouldn't fit...
So I set the longest stitches and sewed up the sides. The zipper isn't done so I can't speak to the true fit, but it's going to be just fine. It's not crazy potato sack big, it went over my hips and it's not obvious where my thighs end so I won't be crying as I give it away or wait for 10lbs to magically disappear... it's going to fit. I can't speak to the fit at the waist, I haven't sewn the front darts nor the zipper, but if there is a little extra room there I might add a little elastic to pull it in rather than using darts to remove it. A little pretzel and schnitzel room so to speak.
I am going to wear it in Germany after all.
When my parents were in Florida, I had two pieces of corduroy shipped to them from Fabric Mart. Sadly, I forgot to save the pictures from the web site and I haven't taken my own. Mind you, black fabric doesn't photograph well anyhow. So... piece #1 was black Ralph Lauren stretch pin wale corduroy and #2 is a dusky plum (hedging towards brown) very wide wale corduroy. The reason pictures are moot is that they would not convey how soft both fabrics are. I swear the dusky plum is like velvet in it's softness. Both pieces are far better than the fabric I used for my grey skirt, the skirt that has me wanting another corduroy skirt.
I washed the fabric late last week. I left it to finish the last drying over the railing in the upstairs hallway so it would be in my way, taunting me. Sunday I had the whole day free. I woke up and told myself I'm going to sew today. And did I? No, stupid Facebook games...
But the England/Germany trip is fast approaching (like two more sleeps approaching). I thought of how much I want another somewhat casual skirt to wear. So I did it. I moved crap from my sewing room to the guest room, I chucked more stuff to clear off the cutting table. And I was decisive and I cut.
A pencil skirt is pretty basic. I have made a few skirts and didn't see an issue. But then I started looking, I've mostly made A-line skirts, or patterns for stretchy fabrics (my mom loved Stretch n Sew patterns), or for a size 10 that would need grading even from the grading I did when I made it before, I couldn't actually find a pattern that was... perfect. I have a UFO for the pencil skirt for Butterick 5147 but something went wrong at the zipper. It's horribly warped and yes, I probably need to put some interfacing to stabilize it, but I think part of the problem is that my hip is not the right distance from my waist making it bunch up too high. It was not the pencil skirt of my dreams.
Somehow, I thought it would be easier to work from a combination of a) measurements, b) the Lekala back skirt piece (no idea where the front piece is) and c) the front DRESS piece for Lekala 5432 just guessing where to put the waist based on the curve of the hip. I've made Lekala 5432 many times, first as linked above for a wedding with satin and swiss dot, then again in a knit, then again looser in a light rayon. Lekala has no seam allowances, but I also needed to add width. The pencil skirt was 3" smaller than my measurements (with no ease), I know that the dress I wore to the wedding that is the same size as the pieces is too snug at the moment and I used every bit of seam allowance, so it needed a little width too. Added to this, I had the back pattern piece but no instructions (although it's no real loss, Lekala directions are well, worse than Burda), so I opened up another pattern to borrow the directions. And yet, I chose to frankenpattern it up because the shape is right. Mr. Lina loves that dress because he thinks it makes my ass look good. I trust his judgement on something I can't see well myself. I added the requisite inches (roughly) and cut away.
At that point, I became my usual terrified self. What if it's too small? I knew I wanted either lining or underlining, I've found tights get caught on my grey cord skirt. So I used the already cut corduroy as my pattern and cut out some Bemberg lining. I sewed it up with the laziest (crappiest) French seams EVER, and pulled it on with lots of room. Lots.
For my grey skirt, I finished the seams by zigzagging and while it works and it's fine now, there was a phase of finding loose threads everywhere until it essentially shredded back to the stitches. While I was trying to find pattern pieces, I came across my shoe box of satin bias tape and I thought that would be lovely on the inside. So now it's sort of a Hong Kong finish with ivory satin bias tape. But in my slapdash mood, I just folded the tape over and sewed it up rather than two passes to sew it on like proper bias tape. The plum stitching looks pretty on the ivory satin bias tape.
As I was about to figure out the zipper situation, Mr. Lina came up to bed. A sure sign it's time to stop sewing. I really didn't want to sleep with thoughts of how it could be big like the lining or too small. In attaching the bias tape, I was also having second thoughts because the seam allowances were going to HAVE to be wider than the bias tape (and thus wider than my crappy French seams). And the corduroy is a lot thicker than lining, there will be turn of cloth kind of issues, I used the cut cord pieces for my lining patters so the lining is naturally a little bigger... maybe it wouldn't fit...
So I set the longest stitches and sewed up the sides. The zipper isn't done so I can't speak to the true fit, but it's going to be just fine. It's not crazy potato sack big, it went over my hips and it's not obvious where my thighs end so I won't be crying as I give it away or wait for 10lbs to magically disappear... it's going to fit. I can't speak to the fit at the waist, I haven't sewn the front darts nor the zipper, but if there is a little extra room there I might add a little elastic to pull it in rather than using darts to remove it. A little pretzel and schnitzel room so to speak.
I am going to wear it in Germany after all.
Tuesday, June 4
Alma V2
That's V2 as in version, not view.
A few weeks ago, I met up with K-Line and she kindly pinned out all the extra fabric on my first Alma. While I think that shirt could end up being a wearable muslin of sorts (think camping), I didn't want to take her pins out and futz around too much and lose all the changes that needed to be made to the flat pattern.
I broke out my Ikea paper and traced new front and back pieces by looking at the pinned pieces and the original pattern. I then cut out a new front and sewed up the darts. It looked better just holding it up to my body, but I haven't had the time to get back to it.
Last night, I cut out a new back, sewed the front and back and then got playing with the darts. I think the bust darts are okay, but some interesting things are going on with the lower darts.
Let's look at the line drawing, View B is clearest because the belt isn't in the way. The lower darts end before the hem, opening more fabric for your hips. I had to take a lot of fabric in under my bust, my darts don't want to open back up. They keep folding as if the stitching continued from the widest part. So I'm going to sew them down to the hem. I still have ease at my hips so I don't really need the extra ease space.
I took a whack of pictures last night and it was helpful to see what was going on. It is so hard to see in a mirror since you have to twist to see things. Or I pull the fabric straight so it looks okay, but really it's not when I stand for a picture. I am not quite finished tweaking yet (and the camera is not with me) so I'm not sharing in progress shots today. Writing this out is helping me take a step back and look at where I could adjust again. Thinking time is sewing time.
Yesterday I was reading Lazy Stitchings blog, she posted her finished Mathilde blouse, a pattern by Tilly and the Buttons. I've seen a couple of versions of the blouse, but I wasn't sure how it would suit my frame. Would it fall from my bust line and look like a tent? I'm all for hiding my tummy but not sacrificing my waist. It was lovely to see a version that would more closely mimic my frame. And while I was commenting, it clicked that it's similar to a top I want to replace in my closet.
Okay, so the Mathilde has buttons in the back and the sleeves are looser, but it's not those details I'm looking to replace, it's the place in my wardrobe. Made in a cotton, it could be my go-to "it's too hot out to have anything touching my skin but I want my arms covered" top. I like how Lazy Stitching thinned the sleeves a little, I'd copy that. In a sheer fabric, it could replace this top:
It was like an epiphany in the middle of writing a comment. So I bought the pattern, it's printed out at home, but Alma needs to be finished first.
Don't forget I have a Pattern Pyramid giveaway running. There are some lovely dresses, the halter jumpsuit, a multi-cup Vogue blouse, Kwik Sew bra, Burda blouse... it's a pretty good assortment to pick from.
And in non-sewing news...
Mr. Lina's film, The Post-Lifers, has won another "best short" award. Saturday night we went to a horror festival in Hamilton, ON, not too far away. The organizer went to the Blood in the Snow festival in Toronto in January (The Post Lifers also won best short) and thought maybe he could do the same in his community, focusing on short films. Being the first year of the festival, it was small but successful. All of the films were quite good, not all were to my taste, but well done for what they were. Awards were decided on by the audience by paper ballots. And what a great audience. The theatre held 67 people according to the fire code and it was sold out. All were real horror fans and clearly enjoyed the line up of films. I hope he can run it again next year and expand the offerings.
The next cool thing going on for Mr. Lina is the cast of TPL is being interviewed on Charred Remains, a horror blog run by Char Hardin. Char named TPL her top independent short film for 2012. It will be aired live on Saturday June 8th at 7pm EST, they will be taking phone calls and questions by chat. After the broadcast it will be available as a podcast. After that, I think the film is going to air in Calgary in August and a touring show in BC - 10 cities in 10 days.
And in fertility news... Today is Day 14. In a 28 day cycle, this would be when ovulation occurs and hormones change from having high estrogen levels to rising progesterone levels. For a Frozen Embryo Transfer, we're looking for the endometrium to be thick (it was 10.3mm this morning) and my blood work to check out. I don't need to ovulate because we've already got the embryos on ice. And I just got the call that we're a GO!!!! Sunday morning (June 9th - deadline day for the Pattern Pyramid) we'll be transfering my embryos that are presently in a Manitoban winter. This post is long enough, I'll let you know of next steps tomorrow.
Woo hoo!
A few weeks ago, I met up with K-Line and she kindly pinned out all the extra fabric on my first Alma. While I think that shirt could end up being a wearable muslin of sorts (think camping), I didn't want to take her pins out and futz around too much and lose all the changes that needed to be made to the flat pattern.
I broke out my Ikea paper and traced new front and back pieces by looking at the pinned pieces and the original pattern. I then cut out a new front and sewed up the darts. It looked better just holding it up to my body, but I haven't had the time to get back to it.
Last night, I cut out a new back, sewed the front and back and then got playing with the darts. I think the bust darts are okay, but some interesting things are going on with the lower darts.
I took a whack of pictures last night and it was helpful to see what was going on. It is so hard to see in a mirror since you have to twist to see things. Or I pull the fabric straight so it looks okay, but really it's not when I stand for a picture. I am not quite finished tweaking yet (and the camera is not with me) so I'm not sharing in progress shots today. Writing this out is helping me take a step back and look at where I could adjust again. Thinking time is sewing time.
Yesterday I was reading Lazy Stitchings blog, she posted her finished Mathilde blouse, a pattern by Tilly and the Buttons. I've seen a couple of versions of the blouse, but I wasn't sure how it would suit my frame. Would it fall from my bust line and look like a tent? I'm all for hiding my tummy but not sacrificing my waist. It was lovely to see a version that would more closely mimic my frame. And while I was commenting, it clicked that it's similar to a top I want to replace in my closet.
Okay, so the Mathilde has buttons in the back and the sleeves are looser, but it's not those details I'm looking to replace, it's the place in my wardrobe. Made in a cotton, it could be my go-to "it's too hot out to have anything touching my skin but I want my arms covered" top. I like how Lazy Stitching thinned the sleeves a little, I'd copy that. In a sheer fabric, it could replace this top:
It was like an epiphany in the middle of writing a comment. So I bought the pattern, it's printed out at home, but Alma needs to be finished first.
Don't forget I have a Pattern Pyramid giveaway running. There are some lovely dresses, the halter jumpsuit, a multi-cup Vogue blouse, Kwik Sew bra, Burda blouse... it's a pretty good assortment to pick from.
And in non-sewing news...
Mr. Lina's film, The Post-Lifers, has won another "best short" award. Saturday night we went to a horror festival in Hamilton, ON, not too far away. The organizer went to the Blood in the Snow festival in Toronto in January (The Post Lifers also won best short) and thought maybe he could do the same in his community, focusing on short films. Being the first year of the festival, it was small but successful. All of the films were quite good, not all were to my taste, but well done for what they were. Awards were decided on by the audience by paper ballots. And what a great audience. The theatre held 67 people according to the fire code and it was sold out. All were real horror fans and clearly enjoyed the line up of films. I hope he can run it again next year and expand the offerings.
The next cool thing going on for Mr. Lina is the cast of TPL is being interviewed on Charred Remains, a horror blog run by Char Hardin. Char named TPL her top independent short film for 2012. It will be aired live on Saturday June 8th at 7pm EST, they will be taking phone calls and questions by chat. After the broadcast it will be available as a podcast. After that, I think the film is going to air in Calgary in August and a touring show in BC - 10 cities in 10 days.
And in fertility news... Today is Day 14. In a 28 day cycle, this would be when ovulation occurs and hormones change from having high estrogen levels to rising progesterone levels. For a Frozen Embryo Transfer, we're looking for the endometrium to be thick (it was 10.3mm this morning) and my blood work to check out. I don't need to ovulate because we've already got the embryos on ice. And I just got the call that we're a GO!!!! Sunday morning (June 9th - deadline day for the Pattern Pyramid) we'll be transfering my embryos that are presently in a Manitoban winter. This post is long enough, I'll let you know of next steps tomorrow.
Woo hoo!
Monday, June 3
Stop Press! Pattern Pyramid!
As the lucky winner of the Pattern Pyramid at Country Girl Couture, it means I get to have a give away myself.
What's the Pattern Pyramid you say? It's a great idea from Karen at Did You Make That?. She hosted a give away for multiple patterns to multiple winners. As the winner, you got to keep one pattern of the 5 or 6 you were sent and pass the rest along. What a great way to shake up our pattern stashes and share the love. I went back to her original post to get the link and you know it's been almost a full year since the pyramid started? Karen's post was June 22nd, 2012. I tracked this pyramid back and the lineage is quite impressive. I'm not the first Canadian stop for these patterns (I even had the pleasure of meeting Gjeometry at the Toronto Meet Up) and it's actually the spin off pyramid from Pretty Grievances. As far as I can track the blogs back, these are previous winners...
So here are the patterns for my giveaway (it's hard to make 7 patterns look like a pyramid, but my backyard stairs helped).
6 are from CG Couture (the Vogue pattern has cup sizes), but I've replaced the one I took with this one.
Kwik Sew 2101 is a bra I have made. It is not a bad pattern, but it's not the right pattern for my breasts. If you have wanted to try making a bra but lack a pattern, here is one for you to check out. The size range is 32A to 38DD.
And what did I take?
I was sorely tempted by the halter jumpsuit in this pattern:
What's the Pattern Pyramid you say? It's a great idea from Karen at Did You Make That?. She hosted a give away for multiple patterns to multiple winners. As the winner, you got to keep one pattern of the 5 or 6 you were sent and pass the rest along. What a great way to shake up our pattern stashes and share the love. I went back to her original post to get the link and you know it's been almost a full year since the pyramid started? Karen's post was June 22nd, 2012. I tracked this pyramid back and the lineage is quite impressive. I'm not the first Canadian stop for these patterns (I even had the pleasure of meeting Gjeometry at the Toronto Meet Up) and it's actually the spin off pyramid from Pretty Grievances. As far as I can track the blogs back, these are previous winners...
- Me
- CG Couture
- Dresses & Me
- Sew Biased
- Tropical Threads
- So I Sewed This
- G Marie
- Kathy Sews
- Hugs & Kisses
- Curious Kiwi
- Gjeometry
- Symon Sez
- Tulle & Tweed
- Mrs Mole
- The Material Lady
- Velosewer
- And Anne herself.
So here are the patterns for my giveaway (it's hard to make 7 patterns look like a pyramid, but my backyard stairs helped).
6 are from CG Couture (the Vogue pattern has cup sizes), but I've replaced the one I took with this one.
Kwik Sew 2101 is a bra I have made. It is not a bad pattern, but it's not the right pattern for my breasts. If you have wanted to try making a bra but lack a pattern, here is one for you to check out. The size range is 32A to 38DD.
And what did I take?
I was sorely tempted by the halter jumpsuit in this pattern:
But it would have required grading from a 34" bust which is well beyond my skills (and attention span) at the moment. So I went for a fun sundress instead that will not require grading.
THE RULES
- Anyone, anywhere can enter the giveaway by posting a comment below by midnight EST Sunday June 9th BUT you must have an active blog.
- I will randomly select one winner.
- I will mail the above 7 patterns to the winner.
- The winner will pick a pattern to keep for themselves (although some people have picked more than one and replaced them with others, that is in the spirit of the pyramid), then host their own giveaway.
- Although I've added a pattern, you are not required to add to the pyramid for your giveaway.
- If you are a winner, Karen would love it if you could make a small contribution to The Brooke. This is a charity close to the heart of Catherine, who so generously provided the original patterns.
Tuesday, April 9
Shopaholic
There is an expression of those who can't do, teach. Well, I think those who can't sew, shop.
I have been very aware that my output has been reduced to damn near nothing the past few months. This makes shopping a little risky. I don't need more stash because I'm not using what I have, but it can be inspiring to have new fabric. And I still sew things in my mind. Sadly, I think some of it leads to what I'd call "analysis paralysis" at work. Looking at so many things at the same time can bring you to a full stop from indecision rather than pushing you to do more.
I thought that I was showing restraint. I haven't been in a Fabricland for ages. I limited myself to a couple of pieces of fabric when my parents were away, a few things at the sewing meet up... But in taking pictures, this doesn't look like much restraint.
When my parents go to Florida, I can't resist buying a few things and having it shipped to them. It's just so cheap. Let's start with Fabric.com purchases, two shirting fabrics
I was thinking about blouses for these shirts. Since adding a little weight and buying a new bra (and accepting an additional cup size) my summer shirt wardrobe has shrunk. Things that I could kind of get away with are not going to work this summer. My employers dress code is casual but not so casual that I can wear tshirts. Say, either of these in an Alma with jeans would be perfect for the three days I'm there. Add dress pants and it might work with my clients office.
So let's talk underwire for a minute. In deciding that I need to go up a cup size (well, two but down a band size so in sister sizes I mean one) I need new underwires if I want to make bras. Here are a close up of 3 underwires.
To the left is a demi wire I bought a couple of years ago (also from Sew Sassy but I have no idea why I bought it). The white wire is "flex lite" spring steel underwire and the third is wholesaler overstock underwire on the site, sold in packages of 6 pairs. I wish I still had a crappy pair of underwire that they sell at Fabricland. I think I have twist ties that are stronger than they are. They may be fine for a young woman with a small cup size, or maybe a bathing suit, but I as K-Line has pointed out, weak wires can be the downfall of a full support bra. On the Sew Sassy site, they picture the flex lite inside the flat metal wires because the shape/height is a little different. Compared to the flex lite, the flat metal are 3/8" larger inside width but 1/2" smaller inside depth and 1/8" inch smaller in outside length. Looking at the list of underwire sizes you start to understand how not all cup sizes are quite equal. I really like the weight of those flat metal wires.
Two bras that I thought fit well both died because of plastic component failure. It's a sad reason to not have a functional bra. I bought white nylon coated metal (which can be dyed although the odds of me doing that are slim) slides from Sew Sassy. On the Toronto meet up, I found some awesome metal findings (front clasp in the top left corner is plastic but it seems a bit thicker than what I have). Silver isn't as easy to find as you'd think and I like silver accessories.
I did buy two pieces of fabric. I have a soft spot for wide lace elastic. This is actually a pale purple colour, the green background is changing the colour a bit. I spied it behind the cutting table, I tell you wide lace calls to me if it's over 5" wide.
It's wild. I don't even like orange but the purple (kind of maroon-ish) and black swirls danced before my eyes blinding me. I think my brain was already in Mexico. The feel of this fabric is really nice. It's going to take a little time to cut into this because it may end up being one of those precious fabrics you can't stop touching long enough to cut into.
Given that I have (clearly) a crap ton of recent purchases. I tried to show restraint during the swap. I picked up a piece of stretchy leather looking fabric. Really stretchy, like legging stretchy. I'm pretty sure that Kristiann at Victory Patterns offered this up, she was quite funny in "selling" it to the group. Black photographs so well (did you hear that sarcasm?) I didn't even bother trying to get the black and shiny features but that's it behind the pattern. I have never purchased a Hot Pattern before so I was happy to take this one home. Thanks K-Line!
And last but not least... While in Landshut, Germany, we happened to walk past a fabric store. At the time we were starving and looking for a restaurant that served something other than strudel & coffee or take out. But the next day, we went back. I bought 2m of this for myself...
The fabric is folded back at the spool of thread so you can see the wrong side and get a little sense of the drape. It's kind of cool, like satin but not nearly as shiny (see how light isn't reflecting on any of the folds like the black stretchy stuff). Very soft and a rather substantial weight to it. I love the shades of purple and beige seems like it adds some versatility to it. There is a little one directional stretch to it.
And that is the end of the shopping confessional.
I have been very aware that my output has been reduced to damn near nothing the past few months. This makes shopping a little risky. I don't need more stash because I'm not using what I have, but it can be inspiring to have new fabric. And I still sew things in my mind. Sadly, I think some of it leads to what I'd call "analysis paralysis" at work. Looking at so many things at the same time can bring you to a full stop from indecision rather than pushing you to do more.
I thought that I was showing restraint. I haven't been in a Fabricland for ages. I limited myself to a couple of pieces of fabric when my parents were away, a few things at the sewing meet up... But in taking pictures, this doesn't look like much restraint.
When my parents go to Florida, I can't resist buying a few things and having it shipped to them. It's just so cheap. Let's start with Fabric.com purchases, two shirting fabrics
I was thinking about blouses for these shirts. Since adding a little weight and buying a new bra (and accepting an additional cup size) my summer shirt wardrobe has shrunk. Things that I could kind of get away with are not going to work this summer. My employers dress code is casual but not so casual that I can wear tshirts. Say, either of these in an Alma with jeans would be perfect for the three days I'm there. Add dress pants and it might work with my clients office.
Then I ordered more bra making supplies from www.sewsassy.com. I like their prices and with few exceptions the quality has been good. I stuck mostly to findings and elastics.
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| Two types of underwires and nylon coated metal slides. |
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| Wide lace elastic & bra elastics, close up below. |
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| Strap elastic at the top, then band elastic and channeling at the bottom. |
So let's talk underwire for a minute. In deciding that I need to go up a cup size (well, two but down a band size so in sister sizes I mean one) I need new underwires if I want to make bras. Here are a close up of 3 underwires.
To the left is a demi wire I bought a couple of years ago (also from Sew Sassy but I have no idea why I bought it). The white wire is "flex lite" spring steel underwire and the third is wholesaler overstock underwire on the site, sold in packages of 6 pairs. I wish I still had a crappy pair of underwire that they sell at Fabricland. I think I have twist ties that are stronger than they are. They may be fine for a young woman with a small cup size, or maybe a bathing suit, but I as K-Line has pointed out, weak wires can be the downfall of a full support bra. On the Sew Sassy site, they picture the flex lite inside the flat metal wires because the shape/height is a little different. Compared to the flex lite, the flat metal are 3/8" larger inside width but 1/2" smaller inside depth and 1/8" inch smaller in outside length. Looking at the list of underwire sizes you start to understand how not all cup sizes are quite equal. I really like the weight of those flat metal wires.
Two bras that I thought fit well both died because of plastic component failure. It's a sad reason to not have a functional bra. I bought white nylon coated metal (which can be dyed although the odds of me doing that are slim) slides from Sew Sassy. On the Toronto meet up, I found some awesome metal findings (front clasp in the top left corner is plastic but it seems a bit thicker than what I have). Silver isn't as easy to find as you'd think and I like silver accessories.
And then craziness took over. I've made a few bathing suits. I think they represent a good ROI on my sewing time compared to full retail prices assuming you can get the material on sale. I was given a little discount on this but it is probably the most expensive fabric I've ever purchased (on the plus side, you don't need much for a bathing suit).
It's wild. I don't even like orange but the purple (kind of maroon-ish) and black swirls danced before my eyes blinding me. I think my brain was already in Mexico. The feel of this fabric is really nice. It's going to take a little time to cut into this because it may end up being one of those precious fabrics you can't stop touching long enough to cut into.
Given that I have (clearly) a crap ton of recent purchases. I tried to show restraint during the swap. I picked up a piece of stretchy leather looking fabric. Really stretchy, like legging stretchy. I'm pretty sure that Kristiann at Victory Patterns offered this up, she was quite funny in "selling" it to the group. Black photographs so well (did you hear that sarcasm?) I didn't even bother trying to get the black and shiny features but that's it behind the pattern. I have never purchased a Hot Pattern before so I was happy to take this one home. Thanks K-Line!
The fabric is folded back at the spool of thread so you can see the wrong side and get a little sense of the drape. It's kind of cool, like satin but not nearly as shiny (see how light isn't reflecting on any of the folds like the black stretchy stuff). Very soft and a rather substantial weight to it. I love the shades of purple and beige seems like it adds some versatility to it. There is a little one directional stretch to it.
And that is the end of the shopping confessional.
Saturday, September 29
Lost & Found
I seem to be having some issues of misplacing things.
I could have sworn I took the charger for my cell phone with us in Montreal just in case my phone died. When we returned I looked through all the bags. No luck. I was starting to think that I would have to upgrade my phone (I am due for a new one it just seems wasteful when this one still works well enough for me) because I couldn't charge the damn thing.
Mr. Lina asked to take the little camera I generally use for my blog with us to Montreal. Given that I'm the last one to use it 99% of the time since he bought the fancy one, I really should know where it is. Couldn't find it.
On Wednesday night, while snacking at the dining room table at the house concert break, I saw something plugged into the wall on the other side of the table. We don't often have anything plugged in there so it stood out. But with people around I made a note to check later. Sure enough, it was for my cell phone.
It's getting chilly and to get our runs in, we're running a bit late mid-week. I bought some stretchy gloves and wicking undergarments on Monday night. I was searching high and low for the gloves on Thursday night and while I did not find them, I did find the camera sitting on the stairs to upstairs.
So the benefit of me finding the camera? My blog is not text only! Yay!
I mentioned that I got a little twisted around when I got off the subway and went the wrong way on St. Hubert. I didn't appreciate that the first place I went to had prices well labelled and you could see the fabrics. It still felt like a lot of polyesters or I didn't care for the prints, but the notions were pretty cool. The elastics were $1/m and his measuring was by the arm and rather generous, my 4m of strapping elastic measures out to 5m. Aren't those zippers kind of cool? I am not one to do exposed zippers but I thought at 50 cents I'd pick up a few, you never know and they sure look neat. The bottom fabric is a remnant piece, very stretchy, soft. A bit like tricot.
What I thought was really cool was the bra elastic. This is a heavy elastic, satiny on one side and fuzzy on the other. The kind you want for bra straps. It's something I generally order from www.sewsassy.com in standard black and white. Sewsassy charges $0.60-$1.05 per yard for strapping elastic (plus shipping and the really low prices have a minimum of 10 yards). $1 per very generous metre is a pretty good price. To find it in an ice blue and mauve/purple was surprising.
I walked and walked before deciding that for sure I had walked too far. Sure enough, just the other side of Jean Talon, every third store had "Tissues" in the window. Honestly though, by this time my legs were rubbing a bit, my feet hurt and I was hot. I didn't have the patience to lift bolts of fabric and harass people for the prices and fibre content. This would have been more fun with other people to work as a team to identify prices and fibres. Still, I found two pieces of fabric that caught my eye.
Now this fabric has a nice drape, see how it folds nicely where I opened it up? I asked about the fibre content and he didn't seem to be totally sure but it does feel like there is likely some rayon in this woven and it doesn't feel like polyester. I burned a little and it flared up like rayon and there was a tiny bit of beading by the dark purple stripes so maybe there is a bit of synthetic there but it mostly went to ash. I love the shades of purple and there is a little bit of green woven into it. I don't like wearing green so I know this seems lame to others, but it's a stretch out of my normal range of colours even if it's 90% purple. I think it could make a nice Alma blouse, but I'm open to suggestions. I have to say, the place I bought this had the strangest way of cutting. He actually just brought a wooden yard stick to a table full of bolts of fabric and cut it on top of the bolts. Weird, no? There was not a single spot in this store that was not covered in fabric, not even a cutting table.
I could have sworn I took the charger for my cell phone with us in Montreal just in case my phone died. When we returned I looked through all the bags. No luck. I was starting to think that I would have to upgrade my phone (I am due for a new one it just seems wasteful when this one still works well enough for me) because I couldn't charge the damn thing.
Mr. Lina asked to take the little camera I generally use for my blog with us to Montreal. Given that I'm the last one to use it 99% of the time since he bought the fancy one, I really should know where it is. Couldn't find it.
On Wednesday night, while snacking at the dining room table at the house concert break, I saw something plugged into the wall on the other side of the table. We don't often have anything plugged in there so it stood out. But with people around I made a note to check later. Sure enough, it was for my cell phone.
It's getting chilly and to get our runs in, we're running a bit late mid-week. I bought some stretchy gloves and wicking undergarments on Monday night. I was searching high and low for the gloves on Thursday night and while I did not find them, I did find the camera sitting on the stairs to upstairs.
So the benefit of me finding the camera? My blog is not text only! Yay!
I mentioned that I got a little twisted around when I got off the subway and went the wrong way on St. Hubert. I didn't appreciate that the first place I went to had prices well labelled and you could see the fabrics. It still felt like a lot of polyesters or I didn't care for the prints, but the notions were pretty cool. The elastics were $1/m and his measuring was by the arm and rather generous, my 4m of strapping elastic measures out to 5m. Aren't those zippers kind of cool? I am not one to do exposed zippers but I thought at 50 cents I'd pick up a few, you never know and they sure look neat. The bottom fabric is a remnant piece, very stretchy, soft. A bit like tricot.
What I thought was really cool was the bra elastic. This is a heavy elastic, satiny on one side and fuzzy on the other. The kind you want for bra straps. It's something I generally order from www.sewsassy.com in standard black and white. Sewsassy charges $0.60-$1.05 per yard for strapping elastic (plus shipping and the really low prices have a minimum of 10 yards). $1 per very generous metre is a pretty good price. To find it in an ice blue and mauve/purple was surprising.
I walked and walked before deciding that for sure I had walked too far. Sure enough, just the other side of Jean Talon, every third store had "Tissues" in the window. Honestly though, by this time my legs were rubbing a bit, my feet hurt and I was hot. I didn't have the patience to lift bolts of fabric and harass people for the prices and fibre content. This would have been more fun with other people to work as a team to identify prices and fibres. Still, I found two pieces of fabric that caught my eye.
This is a pretty heavy fabric, cotton sateen with a little synthetic to add a bit of stretch is my guess. It can't be much synthetic, it didn't bead up when I burned a little. I've put a little penny to give some scale to those dots, the penny can cover the dots pretty much perfectly. I thought the cream coloured background was really nice. It's a bit stiff, not a whole lot of drape to this fabric. I think it would be lovely as a Cambie dress, the A line skirt version. It's way too heavy for the full skirt.
Now this fabric has a nice drape, see how it folds nicely where I opened it up? I asked about the fibre content and he didn't seem to be totally sure but it does feel like there is likely some rayon in this woven and it doesn't feel like polyester. I burned a little and it flared up like rayon and there was a tiny bit of beading by the dark purple stripes so maybe there is a bit of synthetic there but it mostly went to ash. I love the shades of purple and there is a little bit of green woven into it. I don't like wearing green so I know this seems lame to others, but it's a stretch out of my normal range of colours even if it's 90% purple. I think it could make a nice Alma blouse, but I'm open to suggestions. I have to say, the place I bought this had the strangest way of cutting. He actually just brought a wooden yard stick to a table full of bolts of fabric and cut it on top of the bolts. Weird, no? There was not a single spot in this store that was not covered in fabric, not even a cutting table.
So I didn't go wild and crazy, but I have a few nice pieces of fabric to remember Montreal by.
Now, to find where I put those gloves...
Friday, September 21
Friday Ramblings
Time to sit down with some caffeine of some sort and put a few thoughts together...
- Went to get that warm beverage and got swarmed with people. Apparently my day is full of work now.
- Running is going okay. Mr. Lina has a faster gait than me which leaves me either pushing too hard or him wondering where I went.
- We're going to get new shoes for me tonight because I don't think mine are doing me any favours. They never really felt right for my feet.
- Mr. Lina is doing quite well with the weight loss competition. The people who are starving themselves are not losing weight anymore (surprise, surprise) and he is losing about 2-3lbs a week. He's not in the lead but he's feeling good about it and that's important to me.
- We had a guest with us this week. A friend of the musician we'll be hosting next week was taking an art class in the area. She was awesome and a good guest.
- I spent a little time in my sewing room on Wednesday tidying it up. I need a little more elbow room for it to be a productive space again.
- I was showing our guest some fabric and the Sewaholic Alma and Cambie patterns, I think the two pieces of fabric I bought in Montreal will work for each pattern.
- A-line Cambie in big black polka dots with a cream background? The fabric is too heavy for all the gathering of the full skirt but I think it will be great in the A-line version.
- With a black shirt underneath and black tights it would wear in winter well.
- This weekend is about filming. Tonight is set up and prep for filming tomorrow.
- I'm in charge of "craft services" aka food for about 10 people.
- I keep hearing it like "Kraft services" like all the food should be Cheeze Whiz, bbq sauce and Miracle Whip.
- Hmm, I can't eat any of those products as they all contain mustard. We'll have to stick to Jello, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft peanut butter. ;)
- I'm going to take my crochet with me this time so I can be quiet and productive.
- Dinner (roast chicken) is going into a slow cooker so it can cook quietly too.
- Hopefully they get it all done on Saturday. After having a guest from Monday evening until this morning and sleeping over for filming tonight, I want to be home alone for a while on Sunday. I need some snuggle time with Mr. Lina.
- I hate 9am meetings.
- I generally get to work somewhere between 8:50 and 9:20. My employer is not too fussed as long as I arrive before 9:30 and get my work done.
- Somehow, knowing I need to be there for 9 makes it that much harder to get there for 9.
- Looks like I'm going to be doing some training in late October. 3 hours with a client that is not one of my regulars. I'm looking forward to it.
- I think I'd rather talk about what I do than do it.
Tuesday, September 18
Montreal is awesome.
Yeah, I already knew that.
The screening went well, people laughed at the right time and the applause at the end was genuine and more enthusiastic than other films. Mr. Lina felt pretty good about that. He also had a chance to meet Tom Savini and get his copy of Day of the Dead signed. Last year they entered a costume contest with two of the zombies from the movie (one being Mr Lina) and Tom awarded them first prize. Mr. Lina was pretty pleased to be able to give him a copy of the final movie. It seemed like Tom remembered them (well, Humphrey costume, not Mr. Lina specifically).
I did manage to sneak away for a bit on Saturday afternoon to find some fabric stores. Sadly my sense of direction is not so good. I found St Hubert and Jean Talon, but went the wrong way on St Hubert. I did find a fabric store that was all kinds of crazy polyester, but they had some great bra strap elastic in colours other than black and white. By the time I figured I had walked too far and turned around, it was getting late and I was tired. In the end I did visit a handful of stores, but it was a little overwhelming at times. Stacks and stacks of fabric, most without prices on them or notes on the content. I bought two pieces, a remnant, elastics and buttons. I'll post about them when I get pictures. On the bright side, this leaves some birthday money to purchase Gertie's book.
I wore a lot of me-made clothing. Sencha going there, Sorbetto on Saturday, a cloned tank top to the bar on Saturday night. Mr. Lina took lots of pictures of me, but not many that show the me-made aspects of my wardrobe.
I really should revisit Sencha. I made two of them. I like them, but after the "wow I did that" has worn off, I don't love them. The neckline is too high. I don't know if I followed the button placement for either all that well but I needed to add clear snaps in between the buttons to keep it closed. I dunno, it's a good blouse, but I don't think I got either right.
I wore the second one on Friday and I was so happy to take it off, it kept pulling forward and I found myself constantly trying to make it sit in the right place. I'd like to revisit it at some point to see if I could make it right, I feel like it should suit my figure better.
One top I have been wearing a lot is the top from Butterick 5147.
It's a lifestyle wardrobe and I bought this prior to blogging. I've made the top up twice, had intentions to make a dress or the skirt and just never quite did it. The first version I really made too big. I think this was prior to the enlightenment of FBA. It does fit my bust well, it's more that the shoulders are a little wide and it feels like there could be a fold at the neck. On the bright side I got the waist darts right so there is great waist/bust definition going on. I usually wear a heavy necklace to hold the neckline down and stop me from playing with the extra fabric. The second time, I made it smaller, took that fold out of the neckline. The fabric I chose had a little stretch so that was the second reason for making it smaller. Too bad I didn't think about making the lining stretch too. It has always been a little snug but okay, but I am rather certain I'd feel like a sausage in it at the moment. As much as it is a tank top, it's lined and the fabrics I chose are polyester suiting (which are nicer than that sounds). I find them too warm for summer, but in winter I put a cardigan or jacket over top and it's perfect.
The change in season has me looking at my wardrobe again. With fall arriving, I feel bored of my summer clothing. I don't want to wear socks, but it will be refreshing to pull out a few things I haven't worn in a while. And it seems some are not as worthy of favourite status and B5147 is showing me that it really should have a prominent spot in my work wardrobe.
The screening went well, people laughed at the right time and the applause at the end was genuine and more enthusiastic than other films. Mr. Lina felt pretty good about that. He also had a chance to meet Tom Savini and get his copy of Day of the Dead signed. Last year they entered a costume contest with two of the zombies from the movie (one being Mr Lina) and Tom awarded them first prize. Mr. Lina was pretty pleased to be able to give him a copy of the final movie. It seemed like Tom remembered them (well, Humphrey costume, not Mr. Lina specifically).
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| Mr. Lina & Tom Savini |
I wore a lot of me-made clothing. Sencha going there, Sorbetto on Saturday, a cloned tank top to the bar on Saturday night. Mr. Lina took lots of pictures of me, but not many that show the me-made aspects of my wardrobe.
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| Honest, Sorbetto is under there. At the steps of Notre Dame Cathedral, resting my feet. |
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| Senchs #2 with Annabelle Chvostek last Thanksgiving. |
I wore the second one on Friday and I was so happy to take it off, it kept pulling forward and I found myself constantly trying to make it sit in the right place. I'd like to revisit it at some point to see if I could make it right, I feel like it should suit my figure better.
One top I have been wearing a lot is the top from Butterick 5147.
It's a lifestyle wardrobe and I bought this prior to blogging. I've made the top up twice, had intentions to make a dress or the skirt and just never quite did it. The first version I really made too big. I think this was prior to the enlightenment of FBA. It does fit my bust well, it's more that the shoulders are a little wide and it feels like there could be a fold at the neck. On the bright side I got the waist darts right so there is great waist/bust definition going on. I usually wear a heavy necklace to hold the neckline down and stop me from playing with the extra fabric. The second time, I made it smaller, took that fold out of the neckline. The fabric I chose had a little stretch so that was the second reason for making it smaller. Too bad I didn't think about making the lining stretch too. It has always been a little snug but okay, but I am rather certain I'd feel like a sausage in it at the moment. As much as it is a tank top, it's lined and the fabrics I chose are polyester suiting (which are nicer than that sounds). I find them too warm for summer, but in winter I put a cardigan or jacket over top and it's perfect.
The change in season has me looking at my wardrobe again. With fall arriving, I feel bored of my summer clothing. I don't want to wear socks, but it will be refreshing to pull out a few things I haven't worn in a while. And it seems some are not as worthy of favourite status and B5147 is showing me that it really should have a prominent spot in my work wardrobe.
Wednesday, September 5
Weak Willed & Easily Led
I'm stealing the title from Little Toby Walker.
Sewaholic is having a moving sale. You know I thought Alma was adorable when it was released. Cambie is also very pretty. But I bought Pendrell when I bought Renfrew and the most I've done is to take it out of the envelope and put it back. I told myself I couldn't order the others until I did something with Pendrell. My resolve only lasts for so long and a 20% off sale was too hard to resist. Alma and Cambie are heading my way now.
Mr. Lina is also leading me along in a good way. I have mentioned a handful of pounds that I'd like to part ways with, Mr. Lina is in a similar situation and wanting to change it. Adding to that, they are doing a weight loss contest at his work. Each month you chip in $20 if you want to play, the person at the end of the month who lost the most wins the pot. Mr. Lina also needs to get his blood pressure down. So lots of reasons to lose some weight and get healthy. We have far more success in losing weight when we both want to and work together, so he's dragging me along for the Couch to 5K program. Last night was the first time running for me in a long time. I managed better than expected and while I can feel a few muscles today, it's not so bad. Last time we tried running together I ended up having to stop because my asthma was just out of whack and I couldn't breathe. My asthma is usually triggered by allergies so it may have been bad timing, it didn't pose a problem when I was training for the try-a-tri 7 years ago. We also have slightly different gaits, I'm not sure how well running together is going to work in the long term, but we'll deal with that as it comes. I managed pretty well yesterday with the 60 second increments of running.
The birthday weekend was lovely. We went to 5 wineries, Cave Springs (and lunch at Inn on the Twenty) and Flat Rock, then over to Niagara on the Lake area to visit Sunnybrook (fruit wines), Strewn and Hinterbrook. We kept calling Hinterbrook variations of Hinterland Who's Who, I'm going to struggle to remember their name because of that. If you're in the area, it's worth a stop. They are super new, they have been growing grapes since the 90's and selling them to Hillebrand, but 3 years ago decided to set aside a third of their grapes for their own winery. The buildings are still under construction, the staff serving on Saturday were the children of the owner of the winery, I enjoyed chatting with them. My favourite was their Franc Blanc ($22), a white wine made from Cabernet Franc grapes, generally made into red wine not white. It has a lovely flavour, mouth feel, not too sweet but it's still lovely to sip alone. I'll be reaching for it with the next spicy meal we have. I didn't buy enough. If you are ever planning on heading to Niagara/St Catharines/Jordan area for wines, let me know and I'll give my two cents on where to go. We tend to hit the smaller wineries. I'd rather visit places that I can't buy their wine at the LCBO than the Jackson-Triggs, Hillebrands etc. We now have a well stocked cold room, a very well stocked cold room.
Sewaholic is having a moving sale. You know I thought Alma was adorable when it was released. Cambie is also very pretty. But I bought Pendrell when I bought Renfrew and the most I've done is to take it out of the envelope and put it back. I told myself I couldn't order the others until I did something with Pendrell. My resolve only lasts for so long and a 20% off sale was too hard to resist. Alma and Cambie are heading my way now.
Mr. Lina is also leading me along in a good way. I have mentioned a handful of pounds that I'd like to part ways with, Mr. Lina is in a similar situation and wanting to change it. Adding to that, they are doing a weight loss contest at his work. Each month you chip in $20 if you want to play, the person at the end of the month who lost the most wins the pot. Mr. Lina also needs to get his blood pressure down. So lots of reasons to lose some weight and get healthy. We have far more success in losing weight when we both want to and work together, so he's dragging me along for the Couch to 5K program. Last night was the first time running for me in a long time. I managed better than expected and while I can feel a few muscles today, it's not so bad. Last time we tried running together I ended up having to stop because my asthma was just out of whack and I couldn't breathe. My asthma is usually triggered by allergies so it may have been bad timing, it didn't pose a problem when I was training for the try-a-tri 7 years ago. We also have slightly different gaits, I'm not sure how well running together is going to work in the long term, but we'll deal with that as it comes. I managed pretty well yesterday with the 60 second increments of running.
The birthday weekend was lovely. We went to 5 wineries, Cave Springs (and lunch at Inn on the Twenty) and Flat Rock, then over to Niagara on the Lake area to visit Sunnybrook (fruit wines), Strewn and Hinterbrook. We kept calling Hinterbrook variations of Hinterland Who's Who, I'm going to struggle to remember their name because of that. If you're in the area, it's worth a stop. They are super new, they have been growing grapes since the 90's and selling them to Hillebrand, but 3 years ago decided to set aside a third of their grapes for their own winery. The buildings are still under construction, the staff serving on Saturday were the children of the owner of the winery, I enjoyed chatting with them. My favourite was their Franc Blanc ($22), a white wine made from Cabernet Franc grapes, generally made into red wine not white. It has a lovely flavour, mouth feel, not too sweet but it's still lovely to sip alone. I'll be reaching for it with the next spicy meal we have. I didn't buy enough. If you are ever planning on heading to Niagara/St Catharines/Jordan area for wines, let me know and I'll give my two cents on where to go. We tend to hit the smaller wineries. I'd rather visit places that I can't buy their wine at the LCBO than the Jackson-Triggs, Hillebrands etc. We now have a well stocked cold room, a very well stocked cold room.
Thursday, May 10
Fantasy Orange Sewing
So... it seems proof reading was not one of my strengths last night. I updated the title so it's not Fantasty but just Fantasy Orange Sewing. As tasty as oranges are, I don't plan on eating zippers or bias tape.
What a week. I am still tap dancing a bit at work and I really should be doing some of it now but I need me-time too. There have been some long days this week, a few stressful tears on Wednesday, but I see a little light at the end of the tunnel. By the time the FET gets here, I'll be ready for a couple of days off.
In April, I debated about doing Me Made May. It seems like a lot of fun and I can see how there is learning if your challenge is appropriate to your current wardrobe. I think I can wear something self made every day, even if some days it's just my bra and panties. But I opted not to officially join because with the FET (and Mother's Day is typically not good for my mental health), it seemed like too much. To participate, I would need to set the bar so low it really wasn't a challenge which defeats the purpose. I have, however, been trying to pay attention to what I have been wearing, picking more me-made items and seeing if I'm up to it. So far so good. 8 days I've worn external me-made clothing, 2 days it was only my own bra and panties, but still, I'm wearing something I made every day. I would have found it impossible to document. I appreciate all the pictures participants put together, the weekly collages, and I am so not able to take daily pictures right now.
And in the spirit of fantasy sewing... I won a pile of orange. I thought I'd see if there was anything that would match/contrast well with the lovely assortment of orange. And you know what I bought last month?
Also in my list of fantasy sewing is a Sorbetto top to go with my pj bottoms. I am finding that I like wearing the shorts around the house. They are quite comfortable and the right mix of ease to be both comfortable and not feeling bulky. Honestly I have only slept in them once, but they are finding a spot in my wardrobe and washed up to bubbly seersucka goodness.
Fantasy sewing #3 is more funtional. I could actually use more Renfrews, but without the cowl so they aren't so distinctive. I wore the purple one today with a black skirt and felt really good, but it's getting a shade too warm for them. Three quarter sleeve in a more breathable knit would be handy. Also, bottoms. I have a lot of dresses and tops, one skirt, and no pants. So either I'm head to toe in a dress I made or it's a top. More skirts or pants would give me more versatility for a Me Made Month.
And reminders to myself for the next FET:
What a week. I am still tap dancing a bit at work and I really should be doing some of it now but I need me-time too. There have been some long days this week, a few stressful tears on Wednesday, but I see a little light at the end of the tunnel. By the time the FET gets here, I'll be ready for a couple of days off.
In April, I debated about doing Me Made May. It seems like a lot of fun and I can see how there is learning if your challenge is appropriate to your current wardrobe. I think I can wear something self made every day, even if some days it's just my bra and panties. But I opted not to officially join because with the FET (and Mother's Day is typically not good for my mental health), it seemed like too much. To participate, I would need to set the bar so low it really wasn't a challenge which defeats the purpose. I have, however, been trying to pay attention to what I have been wearing, picking more me-made items and seeing if I'm up to it. So far so good. 8 days I've worn external me-made clothing, 2 days it was only my own bra and panties, but still, I'm wearing something I made every day. I would have found it impossible to document. I appreciate all the pictures participants put together, the weekly collages, and I am so not able to take daily pictures right now.
And in the spirit of fantasy sewing... I won a pile of orange. I thought I'd see if there was anything that would match/contrast well with the lovely assortment of orange. And you know what I bought last month?
Indoor lighting sure changes the colours in pictures. The picture on the right is a daylight picture from when I bought the fabric, left I took tonight with some of the orange assortment. It sure is a vibrant print. I bought 2m (45" wide) of cotton sateen, a lovely weight for a skirt or fitted dress. It is soft to touch, but too heavy for anything with pleats, blousing or bulk, it wouldn't drape well and I don't need additional bulk. Now to find the right pattern that requires an orange zipper (or three). I have a RTW A-line skirt in a similar weight fabric that I wear a lot in summer, something similar would be nice. I could use the same pattern I used for the grey corouroy skirt, I like the shape of it (although the waist could use a little tweaking).
Or maybe B5147, they say I'd need 2.2m of 115cm wide fabric for that black dress on the bottom. I have 2m and whatever little extra I got on the cutting table, but I'm short. I would likely lose 10cm or so in length so maybe I could eek it out. I like the idea of a dress because I'd need to make a top to go with a skirt, my black t's would be fine on the weekend but not for work. A dress would need some black accents to just tone it down a bit.
Fantasy sewing #3 is more funtional. I could actually use more Renfrews, but without the cowl so they aren't so distinctive. I wore the purple one today with a black skirt and felt really good, but it's getting a shade too warm for them. Three quarter sleeve in a more breathable knit would be handy. Also, bottoms. I have a lot of dresses and tops, one skirt, and no pants. So either I'm head to toe in a dress I made or it's a top. More skirts or pants would give me more versatility for a Me Made Month.
And reminders to myself for the next FET:
- Biore face cloth are actually keeping the hormone acne at a reasonable level. Break outs have been an issue in some cycles but not all. It's pretty bad this time with pimples popping up in non-typical spots like beside my eyes at the side of my face and between my nose and lips. I don't like using chemicals but salicylic acid in those cloths are keeping the teenage look at bay.
- Day after intralipids I felt awake and amazing, it was a very productive day.
- Insomnia is a side effect of Lupron. I was rereading a personal journal from a few years ago and I noted restless nights and that Lupron may be to blame. I am sleeping, but it is taking me longer to fall asleep (which I was attributing to work stress and Mr. Lina snoring, I usually sleep through it if I fall asleep first and nose strips made a huge difference) and I'm restless at night - hot, cold, dreaming, etc. Mr. Lina and I were actually talking to each other at 3am last night.
Wednesday, April 18
Pajama Planning
I did not realize there were multiple ways to spell pajama/pyjama. Quite often Canada sides with the UK on spelling, adding u's into words like neighbour or humour, or re's for centre. But we still pick up phrases from the US, pants are not panties in my mind (my MIL would call underwear gotch, sometimes gitch), my car has tires not tyres and if I had an extra tire, it would go in the trunk not the boot. Did You Make That spells it py, but the pa was how I typed it without thinking about spelling and that's how it was spelt for the movie Pajama Party. I turned to google for clarification to find my confusion is a Canadian thing. http://grammarist.com/spelling/pajamas-pyjamas/
PJ's (neatly avoiding either spelling camp) can have many objectives. These are going to be cool pj's for hot nights and I figured I'd go through my existing pj's and patterns to figure out what I actually like to wear. You know I really don't have anything I want to copy? All of my summery pj's are oversized knit tshirts/tank tops and shorts with Winnie the Pooh on them. This cotton is not a knit and I don't really want something ridiculously oversized that I feel I'm wearing a tent. I also would like enough bust coverage that it's okay to step into the backyard and be seen by my neighbours. The bottoms I'll work with my pants block as a starting point and use existing pants to figure out ease, oddly enough, I'm not worried about the pants.
I do not have a wide assortment of patterns. I try to purchase patterns carefully or supporting people like Colette and Sewaholic. Quite a few patterns in my collection are from Mom so they run the gamut of clothing for her and kids patterns. Nothing that I have in envelopes is really suitable. I turned to the patterns I've got from Lekala (who spell it py), I think I like the top for 5252, this one is also available with Modern Sewing Patterns
Things I like...
So I dunno if I'm heading into TMI, but I tell you if I'm ovulating so I'm not sure that I really understand the limits of TMI. When it is really hot, the big problem of staying cool is skin to skin contact. Be that between the two of us or between my legs or... under my breasts. It gets freaking hot there where the under part of my breast sits against my rib cage. Bras deal with that in the daytime but I am not wearing a bra to bed because it's hot. So one thing I kind of like about having sort of cups to the top is it could help with that. At least have fabric in the area I can tuck around.
If not this, then maybe just a Sorbetto tank. It would be easy...
I have my fabric all washed up. It seems to have washed well although it creased a bit at the cut edge. I had zig zagged the cut edges, it seems to fray as I'd expect from a woven but ridiculously so. I like that it has a little texture to it so it will look intentionally wrinkled in the morning. The colours here are a little warmer thanks to the lighting in my sewing room, the green stripes are a pretty vibrant lime colour. You can see a bit of the creasing (and zig zag) at the fold.Pajamas and pyjamas both mean loose-fitting clothes worn for sleep. Pajamas is the preferred spelling in American English. Pyjamas is preferred in most varieties of English from outside North America. Canadians are inconsistent on the issue, though they prefer pyjamas by a small margin.
PJ's (neatly avoiding either spelling camp) can have many objectives. These are going to be cool pj's for hot nights and I figured I'd go through my existing pj's and patterns to figure out what I actually like to wear. You know I really don't have anything I want to copy? All of my summery pj's are oversized knit tshirts/tank tops and shorts with Winnie the Pooh on them. This cotton is not a knit and I don't really want something ridiculously oversized that I feel I'm wearing a tent. I also would like enough bust coverage that it's okay to step into the backyard and be seen by my neighbours. The bottoms I'll work with my pants block as a starting point and use existing pants to figure out ease, oddly enough, I'm not worried about the pants.
I do not have a wide assortment of patterns. I try to purchase patterns carefully or supporting people like Colette and Sewaholic. Quite a few patterns in my collection are from Mom so they run the gamut of clothing for her and kids patterns. Nothing that I have in envelopes is really suitable. I turned to the patterns I've got from Lekala (who spell it py), I think I like the top for 5252, this one is also available with Modern Sewing Patterns
 |
| http://leko-mail.net/bt/5252.jpg |
- Wide shoulder straps
- No sleeve
- It is intended for wovens
- Princess seams should give the illusion of curves
- Buttons? I'll have to think about that, could be cute, could be annoying.
- Will likely have issues of the bust area not lining up with where my braless bust ends. I did find that the "red slip" princess seams did fit well sans bra so they may have already worked that in the pattern.
So I dunno if I'm heading into TMI, but I tell you if I'm ovulating so I'm not sure that I really understand the limits of TMI. When it is really hot, the big problem of staying cool is skin to skin contact. Be that between the two of us or between my legs or... under my breasts. It gets freaking hot there where the under part of my breast sits against my rib cage. Bras deal with that in the daytime but I am not wearing a bra to bed because it's hot. So one thing I kind of like about having sort of cups to the top is it could help with that. At least have fabric in the area I can tuck around.
If not this, then maybe just a Sorbetto tank. It would be easy...
Tuesday, March 6
Mish Mash of Catch Up
What a weekend. No time at all for sewing, although fabric did arrive. I'll post about all the great music when I get the picture of Ben and I (in Renfrew) off the camera. Short version is that the music was all fantastic.
The clinic called on Friday - reception with an appointment time. I missed the call so I was half listening to the message when I heard the appointment is for March 10th. 8 days from the time they called, that's... unheard of. Someone lit a fire under someones ass to find an opening for me. So, I'm going to take that appointment with a huge smile. I'd rather see my doctor than broken telephone through a nurse, but I wasn't so interested in the potential 2 month wait. So, we'll see what he has to say on Saturday morning.
And fabric... My parents came to the house concert on Saturday with my box of fabric in tow. I still haven't had a chance to really pull it all out (never mind wash it), just enough to get a quick peek and put it to the side prior to guests arriving. I ordered some denim and it's super dark and a nice weight. I chose dark because I do wear jeans/casual to work on Mondays and Fridays but I still think darker washes look more work appropriate and while denim may fade to a softer colour, it will never get darker (without help anyhow). I bought this silk charmeuse jacquard with Pendrell in mind.
I don't think I noticed the dots when I was looking at pictures on line. It's quite pretty but I still haven't pulled the full length of it out to see it all. The bright colours in the picture are true to the fabric, it is vibrant. The navy modal and the light plum bamboo jersey felt soft and I like the colours, but I'll have to take pictures at home. Fabricmart seems to be out of stock on the same skus.
You know what's funny is that I think I am a different shopper online than in store. I do occasionally buy solids in person, but it's been driven by people talking about linen or ponte knit and so I buy some wanting to see what the fuss is about not so much because I am excited in store. In store, I bring home prints like my Renfrews or polka dots like Lekala 5432, or a texture I love. But online, I mostly bought solids. I'm not sure that print in person would have really caught my eye, I would have seen more yellow than purple and thought it was too busy. I am happy to have all of what I purchased, but part of me is looking at the box wondering what I was thinking about when I ordered it.
I have a confession to make. I may need to enter a 12 step sewaholic program. I am addicted to my Renfrew shirts. Because I go to different offices on different days, I can rewear favourite clothing without worrying about someone noticing beyond Mr. Lina. He likes my Renfews so I'm not hearing complaints. I literally wore them Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. I did a single load of laundry just so I could wash them and wear it again that night (there were other clothing in the load, I just didn't NEED those clothing). But no one saw me wearing them twice (of course the down side is now I can't wear them for a week). They are just so perfect, knits feel casual enough for weekends and with jeans or a fun skirt, paired with black dress pants and heels and they look office appropriate. Two is just not enough.
The clinic called on Friday - reception with an appointment time. I missed the call so I was half listening to the message when I heard the appointment is for March 10th. 8 days from the time they called, that's... unheard of. Someone lit a fire under someones ass to find an opening for me. So, I'm going to take that appointment with a huge smile. I'd rather see my doctor than broken telephone through a nurse, but I wasn't so interested in the potential 2 month wait. So, we'll see what he has to say on Saturday morning.
And fabric... My parents came to the house concert on Saturday with my box of fabric in tow. I still haven't had a chance to really pull it all out (never mind wash it), just enough to get a quick peek and put it to the side prior to guests arriving. I ordered some denim and it's super dark and a nice weight. I chose dark because I do wear jeans/casual to work on Mondays and Fridays but I still think darker washes look more work appropriate and while denim may fade to a softer colour, it will never get darker (without help anyhow). I bought this silk charmeuse jacquard with Pendrell in mind.
 |
| https://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/xcart/CVE1088-Silk-Charmeuse-Jacquard-Floral-45-Wide.html |
You know what's funny is that I think I am a different shopper online than in store. I do occasionally buy solids in person, but it's been driven by people talking about linen or ponte knit and so I buy some wanting to see what the fuss is about not so much because I am excited in store. In store, I bring home prints like my Renfrews or polka dots like Lekala 5432, or a texture I love. But online, I mostly bought solids. I'm not sure that print in person would have really caught my eye, I would have seen more yellow than purple and thought it was too busy. I am happy to have all of what I purchased, but part of me is looking at the box wondering what I was thinking about when I ordered it.
I have a confession to make. I may need to enter a 12 step sewaholic program. I am addicted to my Renfrew shirts. Because I go to different offices on different days, I can rewear favourite clothing without worrying about someone noticing beyond Mr. Lina. He likes my Renfews so I'm not hearing complaints. I literally wore them Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday. I did a single load of laundry just so I could wash them and wear it again that night (there were other clothing in the load, I just didn't NEED those clothing). But no one saw me wearing them twice (of course the down side is now I can't wear them for a week). They are just so perfect, knits feel casual enough for weekends and with jeans or a fun skirt, paired with black dress pants and heels and they look office appropriate. Two is just not enough.
Monday, January 23
These are the bras I know I know
I did get to sew this weekend, not as much as I hoped, but it was good. I've made lots of bras and I thought it was time to try again. I went to take a picture of the work in progress and thought I'd post a few other bras I've made that have not worked out for one reason or another. Then I started singing in my head "These are the bras (Daves) I know I know" courtesy of The Kids in the Hall.
Before I get into my bra history, I have to give a shout out to K-Line. She has been doing a fantastic little series on bras. Pretty sure this is part of what gave me the push to make another. Sadly I haven't been in the right mental state to comment on it much, but it's a good read. Go over, I'll wait.
Most of my supplies come from Sew Sassy. Even with duty etc at the boarder, it seems worth it based on what is available at Fabricland (although most of the lace is from Fabricland). The under wire are heavy, I love the channeling (922 - not 909), the stretch satin has a nice amount of stretch to it and washes well. My parents go to Florida for the month of February, to save the crazy shipping I stock up once a year. My other recommendation if you are going to make bras is the Beverly Johnson book The Bra-makers Manual. This has saved my sanity and inspired me that I could make bras and it was okay to make a few to get it right.
To answer the first bra post from K-Line, I am not comfortable taking pictures of me in ill fitting bras. I'm sorry these are not so great pictures because my 38D/DD bras do not look so pretty flat, but I still don't have a dummy to model them for me. Maybe if I can get this looking good and no nipple showing, but for now, you get flat pictures. If I do work up that courage, it sure as hell won't be sexy "oh look at me" bra-porn pictures.
So first up is the bra I am working on. Elan 645. I'm making it in purple stretch satin, lots of support with tricot in the cup, powerknit underlining the back. So far so good, except... I put the black lace in on the wrong cup so it is inside out. I realized this after I had topstitched and cut the seam allowances so I'm sucking it up knowing it's not perfect. Right now one cup is inserted, the other is not. It will have under wire, I think that is optional with this full band bra but I like underwire if it's fitting properly.
I have made this bra before, but the cup is much too large. K-Line asked if people like a snug band. I am sad to say all the bras I'm wearing at the moment are loose from being too old and stretched out. The one thing I loved about this bra was the feeling of the band. It's snug, you aren't fitting much between my skin and that bra, but not uncomfortably so. It is quite sad just how much retrofitting would be required for those cups to hold my breasts because the band truly is perfect. My breasts get bigger when pregnant, maybe one day my band will stay the same and I'll fill those cups. Doubt it. So realizing a lost cause, there are no straps on this bra.
The first bra I was really pleased with was this one. Elan 510. Keep in mind, this isn't the first bra I made, there were a few white ones with the bra kits from Sew Sassy first. As directed, most of these bras would be disappointing. I don't think they give enough support as directed with the supplies in the kit. I figured that out quickly. 510 appealed to me as a front closing bra. I'm on the cusp of not being able to find front closing bras. Either they cut off at a 36 and are too tight, or they only go up to a C cup and there are spillage issues. I thought making my own would be nice. I did love this bra. It didn't lift them all that much, but I had a nice shape and I could wear a deep V neck shirt well. I would wash that out in the tub, hang it to dry and wear it all over again. The lace cup was starting to get a little stretched out when the front clasp broke.
So I tried to make another one. Not nearly as successful. This one ended up too small if I remember right. I think the satin shrank from the steam in the iron. So frustrating. Adding to that, I screwed up the straps, something is twisted. I should revisit this one to see if the magic closet has helped.
Ever try on a bra and you just know it's not designed for your breasts? The shape is wrong, it is just... wrong. That's Kwik Sew 2101.
All that lovely pink top stitching, black & pink lace... Sigh. Love the look, but it would take more engineering to make that fit than I'm willing to do. That said, it actually fits my mother in law well. At some point I'll finish the straps etc and give it to her. Someone may as well wear it.
I'd say the consistent fit issue comes down to a few points:
Oh and to answer another question K-Line asked, I have been for a proper bra fitting. The first time was to get a strapless bra for a wedding I was a bridesmaid for. A couple of years later I dragged a friend to get fitted. I was wearing the right size and was pleased to hear that. My friend, however, did have one of those life altering fittings that drastically shrunk her band and increased the cup size. Go figure, the bruising from the under wire stopped with the right size bra.
Before I get into my bra history, I have to give a shout out to K-Line. She has been doing a fantastic little series on bras. Pretty sure this is part of what gave me the push to make another. Sadly I haven't been in the right mental state to comment on it much, but it's a good read. Go over, I'll wait.
Most of my supplies come from Sew Sassy. Even with duty etc at the boarder, it seems worth it based on what is available at Fabricland (although most of the lace is from Fabricland). The under wire are heavy, I love the channeling (922 - not 909), the stretch satin has a nice amount of stretch to it and washes well. My parents go to Florida for the month of February, to save the crazy shipping I stock up once a year. My other recommendation if you are going to make bras is the Beverly Johnson book The Bra-makers Manual. This has saved my sanity and inspired me that I could make bras and it was okay to make a few to get it right.
To answer the first bra post from K-Line, I am not comfortable taking pictures of me in ill fitting bras. I'm sorry these are not so great pictures because my 38D/DD bras do not look so pretty flat, but I still don't have a dummy to model them for me. Maybe if I can get this looking good and no nipple showing, but for now, you get flat pictures. If I do work up that courage, it sure as hell won't be sexy "oh look at me" bra-porn pictures.
So first up is the bra I am working on. Elan 645. I'm making it in purple stretch satin, lots of support with tricot in the cup, powerknit underlining the back. So far so good, except... I put the black lace in on the wrong cup so it is inside out. I realized this after I had topstitched and cut the seam allowances so I'm sucking it up knowing it's not perfect. Right now one cup is inserted, the other is not. It will have under wire, I think that is optional with this full band bra but I like underwire if it's fitting properly.
I have made this bra before, but the cup is much too large. K-Line asked if people like a snug band. I am sad to say all the bras I'm wearing at the moment are loose from being too old and stretched out. The one thing I loved about this bra was the feeling of the band. It's snug, you aren't fitting much between my skin and that bra, but not uncomfortably so. It is quite sad just how much retrofitting would be required for those cups to hold my breasts because the band truly is perfect. My breasts get bigger when pregnant, maybe one day my band will stay the same and I'll fill those cups. Doubt it. So realizing a lost cause, there are no straps on this bra.
 |
| Bah, this is right side up in Photobucket. |
Ever try on a bra and you just know it's not designed for your breasts? The shape is wrong, it is just... wrong. That's Kwik Sew 2101.
I'd say the consistent fit issue comes down to a few points:
- Too much space in the upper cup, I'm a D/DD depending on the band, but it's not in my upper chest.
- My breasts do not push together, again, they just aren't spaced quite like other D cups I think
- Fabric - a small change in the degree of stretch has left some bras (not pictures) just making me look flat and spilling. Ick.
- Fabric - shrinking. One of them must have shrunk because by the time I went to sew it up, the band was smaller than the power net. It wasn't that way when I cut it.
Oh and to answer another question K-Line asked, I have been for a proper bra fitting. The first time was to get a strapless bra for a wedding I was a bridesmaid for. A couple of years later I dragged a friend to get fitted. I was wearing the right size and was pleased to hear that. My friend, however, did have one of those life altering fittings that drastically shrunk her band and increased the cup size. Go figure, the bruising from the under wire stopped with the right size bra.
Wednesday, January 11
Not quite the day I planned
Yesterday Mr. Lina was feeling... snuggly. A little sad in the morning, a few extra hugs before going to work. I didn't realize how sad until I came home from bowling. We try very hard not to remember dates from failed cycles and loss, it's just asking for ongoing heart ache I can't live with. Yesterday was a year to my last miscarriage and while we weren't trying to remember, it seemed to be what was triggering his mood. We decided to take today off work and spend it together.
Thread is not the only thing that walked out of Fabricland with me. They had a lovely 100% rayon on buy one get two three (um, change that to free, not three), so 3m walked out with me for $12. Also, ponte knit was on 60% off. How can I argue with $7/m?
 |
| Rayon to the left, ponte knit to the right. |
Here you can see a close up of the inside of the waist band at the zipper. The lighter silver line is the selvage. Fluff from this skirt gets everywhere, that's the grey specks on my ironing board.
And I'm freaking proud of that zipper there. It's not quite high enough, but I am so pleased with how well it hides and still zips, I don't want to take it out.
Wednesday, October 5
Signs you have a translation problem
I was just browsing through the Lekala offerings. Many that I like I have or they look too complicated to tackle with Russian instructions. I was looking at this dress, 5854.
The "photograph" picture of it isn't all that thrilling, the necklace makes it look like there are buttons. Lekala has a photo contest of sorts so a lot of patterns have a link for finished garments. I liked the way this looked finished so I thought I'd download it.
First I save the pictures, then I save the pattern, then the instructions. They open in Russian and Google offers to translate it. They title each outfit and this one is called...
I wish I was kidding...
Snicker...
5854 Knitted dress with a smell
(Makes you wonder where they shop for fabric, eh?)
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SELECTION OF FABRICS: jersey medium or low degree of elasticity of natural or mixed fibers .
AND YOU NEED: rubber band
Make sure you don't forget that rubber band. At least the fabric recommendation makes sense.
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