tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16762164560432936742024-02-21T23:51:46.914-05:00Gotcha Covered<i><center>Challenge yourself to wear the extraordinary...you're worth it!</center></i>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-53199337269299227002014-11-11T12:53:00.002-05:002014-11-12T04:26:10.266-05:00A Sweet Chic Gift for a New Baby<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O<span style="font-size: small;">ne of the most difficult things to locate is an appropriate gift for a new baby. My sister's sewing background is as long as mine, so when she thought she needed a good present for the new grandchild of a college friend, she agreed I could share her ideas with you! T</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">his was a pattern you have probably missed or overlooked in your reviews of new patterns, so I am sharing a few details in case you are thinking of creating a gift for a 'little one.' Look for the <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6980-products-48459.php?page_id=4424&search_control=display&list=search" target="_blank">McCall's pattern 6980</a>, pictured below: </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>McCall's 6980 <br />'Learn-To Cat'</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The pattern provides options for a cat (wearing a dress, as above) or a raccoon who is designed wearing pants and a shirt (appropriate for a young boy). Of course, the raccoon could be dressed in the blouse and pinafore, or the cat would wear the pants, as well. I feel this is a great, modern option for the 'quiet books' which have options for each child to learn how to manipulate the functions of the closures on clothing in today's world. It was created by designer <a href="http://www.sweetchicdesign.com/index.php?main_page=page&id=2" target="_blank">Susan Cousineau of Sew Sweet Chic</a>. She has been designing since 1993, and I have provided a link so you can look into her creative background and other designs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The picture above is the cat made by my sister. The colors of the dress coordinate with the colors in the baby's room, and the stuffed animal's design includes the snaps, buttons, shoe lace tying, zips and Velcro closures of interest to a young child learning to be independent. It was fun picking out all the varied fabric patterns and colors for the kitten, and I was her cheerleader to finish the project before the baby's arrival. I asked her permission to post the project, and she even answered my questions on what changes, warnings and improvements she would recommend for others completing this project.<em> </em></span></div>
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<strong>Design Improvements/Options:</strong></div>
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DS says she could not envision the cat without including a tail. The one you see in the picture above is one of her own design, including my suggestion of including a couple pipe cleaners to give it shape and some position options. If you include one, you will need to create your own opening for it. The seam on the cat's bottom is out of position to hold the tail, so you can create a new seam or a circular opening in the cat's bottom for it. The cat also includes a few squeakers she included for auditory stimulation (in the paws (hands), feet (shoes) and belly). I had a few in my stash, ordered from a catalog <a href="http://www.pet-dog-cat-supply-store.com/shop/index.php?page=shop-flypage-38167&gclid=CN-DmtCX88ECFWZp7Aodl38AgQ" target="_blank">pet supply</a> to replace those pulled from my Westie's well-loved toys. (Domino always pulled the stuffing from his squeaky toys as a puppy, so now he only gets the toys without stuffing and multiple squeakers, which I quickly replace when they are punctured.) The baby was a little girl, so she could not leave our home without a bow sitting right atop the head, as we wore every day as little girls. </div>
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Select all fabrics with strong and tight weaves. Because of the fabric pattern she wanted, DS selected the cheeta print from a selection of flannels. It became problematic because of its loose weave. Avoid this problem in your version. If you would like the shoes to look like<strong> </strong>'real shoes,' plan for including eyelets (my suggestion, my stash) and avoid stitching the laces in the seams on the top of the shoes. I gave her the eyelets from my stash, but she didn't want to make the shoes look like saddle oxfords by using some pleather I had on hand. Make sure your notions are in bright colors and are in all colors of the rainbow. These are all learning options, each button (see the differently-colored flower buttons in the pictures?), oversized snap, and indoor/outdoor zipper can be from each and every color available. One shoe has ties, one has a Velcro closure. The cat also has a bracelet with a Velcro closure, so think of colorful and interesting options for each, keeping in mind your desire to keep each child-safe (ensuring they are not too small to be safe for small mouths, ears and noses). </div>
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Thank you for stopping by to read my little blog. Enjoy the your freedom to celebrate and salute our nation's veterans today. Thanks to each and every one.<br />
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I am sewing, and have many surprises. If you have any questions on this project, I will certainly find out the answers and post them for you. I <i><b>LOVE</b></i> comments, so don't be shy! I hope you stop by again, soon. More interesting projects and pictures are on the horizon!<br />
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'Til then, keep sewing....one stitch at a time....!<br />
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-36226199430366447362014-09-12T11:27:00.000-04:002014-09-14T21:43:13.216-04:00Linda Carr...Rib-It Rib-It!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span><span style="font-size: small;">y sister collects frogs, so I have bought her many over the years for various celebrations. She has a beautiful back yard, so many were outside statuary or birdfeeders, and many others are what I call 'dust-catchers' (ceramic and glass) for the shelves and nooks inside her home. When I saw the pattern for this frog bag (Vogue 8942) I immediately thought of her making it for her, but I knew it was not her style. I bought the pattern anyway thinking it might be considered more masculine and could end up as a gift for one of my three grandsons. The measurements (7"w x 10"h x 8"d) make it a</span><span style="font-size: small;"> rather small purse, so would also fail as a functional schoolbag. Still, I felt it was so unique I proceeded with my plan to bring it to 'life. ' I decided this item will end up in my personal bag collection and could be used as a special lunchbag or conversation piece. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Mr. Froggy hanging in a tree</i><br />
<i>Photo Courtesy Vogue Patterns</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I collected the fabric over the next couple of months from the Home Dec section of my local Hancock Fabrics using their frequent and ongoing sales. I ordered the handbag hardware from a vendor I had never used before, <a href="http://www.buckleguy.com/" target="_blank">The BuckleGuy.com</a>. His service and product quality could not have been more perfect. He carried everything I needed, from swivel clasps and turn </span>lock closures to the 1" rings in different finishes....including the antique brass finish I was looking for. While I was at it, I added four antique brass feet to keep the purse's bottom off surfaces and to prevent the wear-and-tear caused by some of the rough places where purses land.<br />
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The most difficult notion to select were the zippers. You need one twelve-inch and two seven-inch zippers. Per the pattern's instruction sheet, you are asked to remove several inches of zipper teeth to re-size each to fit the side pockets and the major opening on the frog's head, so be prepared with the proper tools (mine were zipper pliers (<a href="http://www.wawak.com/products/infographic.cfm/infoID/8" target="_blank">from Wawak.com</a>) because I was determined to use purse zippers with metal teeth. Be mindful that invisible or coil zippers may not be suitable for this project because of the shortening requirements. I knew I would need to replace the zipper stop at the top, so I used a few pairs in antique brass from my stash.<br />
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My go to source for all stuffed animal eyes has been <a href="http://carolszoo.secure-mall.com/category/Notions-13" target="_blank">Carol's Zoo.</a> She has many options and prompt service, so finding eyes for the frog was the easy part of my search.<br />
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The assistance and information provided by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit?ref=related-shop-11&ga_search_query=zipit&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery" target="_blank">Zipit on Etsy.com</a> untangled all my zipper option questions and the choice of colors available were second to none when selecting the actual zippers. The order of three zippers arrived quickly and were perfect for my project. My hint is that you can select a zipper an inch smaller if your color does not come in the exact length you need. It helps you avoid the task of removing many inches of teeth by choosing the shorter length rather than a longer one. <em>(The palm of my hand <strong>still</strong> hurts from my selection of a purse metal zipper which is heavier than the standard metal zipper...). </em></div>
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It was also rather confusing because the pattern's 'fiddly' pieces were not individually identified on the large tissue that contained the strips and tabs that surround the zippers. Vogue could have done <em>much</em> better on this, but you are on your own to determine the what goes where. See the photo below as an example:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Fiddle-dee-dee! Piece No. 26 - Vogue 8942 </em><br />
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This tissue is number 26; the instructions say to 'cut two.' Beginning with the upper left corner, the pieces are identified only as 'tab,' 'loop,' and 'band.' I had to determine the top two 'tabs' were to be used to cover the top and bottom of the 7-inch zippers. The next larger 'tab' was to be used to loop around the purse's two rings, and the far right tabs were to be used to cover the top and bottom of the 12-inch zipper. And (in order, top to bottom) the three 'bands' were to be used as the band for the outer edge of each side pocket, the bands on either side of the 12-inch zipper, and the bands for either side of the 7-inch zippers. I had to figure all this out, and keep them all in order and clearly marked. This did not have to be that hard!....and there were two such sheets of small fiddly pattern pieces in the pattern <em>(the other was piece No. 21)</em><em>.</em> Needless to say, I made it through....<br />
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This project came together and became charming when I sewed the final seam; the one that closed the top of the 12" zipper and the top of the frog's head. <em>"Voila!" </em>It was truly magical and one of my favorite projects this year...a real cutie pie. Then I had to decide the color eyes to insert. I purchased a sets of both green and yellow, and initially I couldn't decide which one to use. The picture below of my purse reflects my final decision.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why am I sitting in this corner?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I don't play piano...don't leave me here!</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Am I hiding alongside the brush?</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Froggy Side View</i></td></tr>
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<i>Froggy Rear</i> Showing Side Pocket and Back Opening</td></tr>
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Would I make another one? He is cute, but probably not. How many froggy bags does one girl need? LOL<br />
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Have a great day everyone!<br />
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Keep sewing, one stitch at a time!<br />
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com4Alexandria, VA 22306, USA38.758166400000007 -77.09098089999997738.65911040000001 -77.252342399999975 38.857222400000005 -76.929619399999979tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-23128014307520792292014-07-29T18:16:00.002-04:002014-08-06T08:16:06.177-04:00Glutton for Punishment<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span>es, in spite of myself, I give in to challenges and interesting projects in spite of my better judgment. This time, after watching the ballerina skirt being created, a co-worker asked if I would use the leftover tulle to create one for her. Hhhmmm.....didn't I just go into a tirade about selfish sewing and ungrateful recipients recently???? But,......I considered it....and thought it would stretch my abilities...so I thought about it for a few days--and agreed. <br />
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The young lady agreed to pay me, and I could use the red tulle purchased at the same time I bought the black tulle I used for my oldest niece's birthday present. You can see it hiding below the bolt of black I used for my niece. Remember, both cost approximately $9-10 per bolt from the wedding/party website whose location I passed along on this <a href="http://oneattatime.blogspot.com/2014/06/secret-dreams-to-be-ballerina.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>.<br />
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The two-layer tulle skirt was a size 6 and used 36+ yards of the 40 yard bolt. (I will probably <strong><em>never</em></strong> sew the double-layer ruffled version again<em>....soooo labor-intensive!)</em> The single length skirt, however, uses far less tulle (only about 14 yards) and only four long runs of gathers, so I agreed to whip one in red for her birthday celebration coming up the first week in August.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1e-DD2NW_oK2N9fuqTEm5X-NUCKAU-LCxX02OpsT0sKt5Qw60us6b4UyIiCM5-dzo_f12eRT4h_QahwiTlZllD3g2a35WKTfxQMsuFoqKp3D83nC2QN74lZDBHF6YeItCj5YtiRvOmiSv/s1600/DSC00420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1e-DD2NW_oK2N9fuqTEm5X-NUCKAU-LCxX02OpsT0sKt5Qw60us6b4UyIiCM5-dzo_f12eRT4h_QahwiTlZllD3g2a35WKTfxQMsuFoqKp3D83nC2QN74lZDBHF6YeItCj5YtiRvOmiSv/s1600/DSC00420.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Each Bolt Contained Forty Yards of Tulle</i></td></tr>
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Now, what I thought would be interesting was computing how I would convert the lining pattern piece (which looked like a quarter of a circle) to a pattern piece large enough to go around her waist.<br />
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The only way I can explain it is to draw you a picture of my thought process. Take a look:<br />
The drawing is not an exact replica of the pattern piece, but the fundamentals are basic. I took the client's waist measurement and made sure the circumference of the top of this pattern piece was one-quarter of this measurement. I used a math formula to compute her waistline measurement as if it were the circumference of the complete circle (indicated by the dotted line) then divided it by one-fourth to make sure the dotted line below was the same number.<br />
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I finally learned how to turn off the flash on my digital camera, so you can really see the detail on this skirt. The young lady was outside the standard pattern size (6-22), so I used my math skills to alter the pattern to fit her. Her waist is 58" and she requested the length end just above her knee (at 25" long).<br />
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The end result is what you see in the photographs below. I think the skirt turned out quite well and I'm proud of my efforts. The color is glorious, isn't it? My co-worker was delighted. The gathered tulle is a series of panels seamed together and gathered along the top. To make sure her skirt looked full, I added two more panels of tulle to each layer (there are four...two are dropped about 2" lower attached to a 'yoke' ) so the gathers would cover the extra inches added to the pattern. The only tedious portion of this work was custom-hemming the lining to cover her fullness in the back and making it gradually shorter in the front. Hemming in this way made the skirt hang evenly all the way around. They have tools that make this type of hemming easier. I have one, but guess where it is?...that's right...stored with my things in Atlanta! Ah, well! <em>lol</em><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">The double-faced ribbon is the most beautiful ribbon I have ever seen. It ties so smoothly! I'm delighted to have found the source and hate I sent the entire roll of black ribbon to my niece when I mailed her black tulle skirt to her. I'll need to order myself another roll, for sure!</span></div>
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Well, I'm off now to put the final pieces of my evening jacket together. It is also beautiful and should be done in the next week or so. This project was just a little sewing distraction on my normal sewing adventure, so now I can get back to my normal projects (for myself). As you can tell, sometimes I squeeze in a project for someone else.....only if it is interesting and challenging. Do you do the same thing?</div>
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I hope you all have been well and continue to sew whenever you can....one stitch at a time!</div>
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-50143814647087349712014-06-12T19:00:00.000-04:002014-07-14T19:26:53.142-04:00Secret Dreams to be a Ballerina....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> have two nieces I have been sewing for since they were tiny babies. Christening gowns, Easter outfits and Christmas dresses were the way I worked through my 'girly sewing' desires. I had one son, so my sewing for him consisted of stuffed toys, shirts, robes, winter jackets and ultimately tuxedos for his formal high school events. The girls also received custom-created Cabbage Patch dolls and AunTee-made outfits for their American Girl dolls. I also included hats, soft-covered books and toys for them; and they were always excited to receive my gifts and appreciated my creativity and sewing ability. Little did they realize I used these little projects to stretch my sewing horizons and expand my sewing vocabulary using small-size projects for them.<br />
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My oldest niece is the recipient of my latest project, <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-11726-misses-tulle-skirt-in-three-lengths.aspx" target="_blank">Simplicity 1427</a>. It fulfills a young girl's secret desire to become a ballerina or dance like one---even if its just once. Although it does not fit into my wardrobe or figure at my age <i>(hmmmm...maybe in a tea length???)</i>, I think it is a beautiful, soft wardrobe addition for any young lady.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.andreaschewedesign.com/uploads/1/4/1/4/14148288/6397480_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.andreaschewedesign.com/uploads/1/4/1/4/14148288/6397480_orig.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Simplicity 1427<br />Photo courtesy of Simplicity.com</i></td></tr>
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When this pattern was published, I hurried to purchase it directly from Simplicity.com. In fact, I was so quick the smallest sizes were not available for a week or so. I don't normally purchase Simplicity patterns, but I was willing to see if their pattern drafting had improved over the years. Years ago, they had consistent problems in that area and bland styling designs, so I always purchased patterns from the other Big Four companies, specifically, Butterick and Vogue. <br />
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I have delayed creating a petticoat for another dress I've made because it takes so much yardage and miles and miles of gathering. Why now? Because I could do it for less than I could buy it, and would not need to rely on the instructions of untested patternmakers. I put all my faith in Simplicity to have the yardage and instructions worked out perfectly, so I was willing to give them a try</div>
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My niece is a size 6, and for View B (the knee-length double-ruffled style in coffee above) I would need over thirty-seven yards of tulle. You read that correctly....37+ yards of tulle at 54" wide, plus some fashion fabric <i>(suggested: dupioni, shantung or taffeta)</i> for the lining underneath it all. The taffeta was no problem to find at the Hancock location nearest me. The tulle, however, took a bit of time to locate at a reasonable price. If you stay away from really stiff nylon 'netting' and seek the much softer-feeling tulle in soft colors, you will be happy with your choice. <br />
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I ordered two bolts of tulle from a company I found on the internet. There are many wedding suppliers so you may select a different one that stocks the perfect color at prices that fit your budget. When I ordered, the website was having a sale on certain overstocked colors of tulle used at weddings, so I was able to purchase a 40-yard bolt of tulle for $11 from <a href="http://www.idearibbon.com/" target="_blank">IdeaRibbon Wedding and Fabric Supply</a>. The colors on sale at that time were very limited, so I just selected black and red. <a href="http://www.yourorganzabag-us.com/tulle-fabric.php" target="_blank">This link</a> is another company that offers many colors, including tulle metallics and animal prints. I also purchased beautiful double-faced 4" wide satin ribbon for a bow to tie around the skirt's elasticized waist was from <a href="http://www.hairbowcenter.com/ribbon/double-faced-satin-ribbon.html" target="_blank">The Hairbow Center</a> at a very reasonable cost. The customer service for both companies I used was surprisingly good, and I recommend them.<br />
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It did, however, take a while to cut the skirt out. There are only three pieces for the lining, so I made it first. The plain polyester black taffeta I purchased filled the bill. No design questions or confusion, so it was finished and put aside fairly quickly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Underskirt and Tulle Yardage<br />Simplicity 1427</i></td></tr>
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The tulle portion of this project involved a little more work, though. The ruffle required I cut that pattern piece 36 separate times against the foldline. These sections were to be sewn (short side to short side) with double rows of stitching <em>(1/4" apart within the seamline). </em>Each seam was to be trimmed and ironed to one side (sides in this case are considered the left side and right side of the skirt). Then, the ruffles (in two 18-segment lengths) are folded in half lengthwise and gathered at the folded edge before being joined to the skirt front/back sections. The skirt front/back is a pattern piece cut against the foldline sixteen times. Then, there is what is called the 'overlay' which you are asked to cut against the fold twelve times. The overlays are grouped and placed between the front/back ruffled layers and the taffeta underskirt. I like that the underskirt has a yoke holding most of the gathers slightly below the elasticized waistband. What this does is smooth the transition from the waistband gathers to a place a few inches lower, making your waistline appear smaller and the gathers less bulky because they are all not placed at the same spot.<br />
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Now, I don't wish to scare or discourage you from attempting this project yourself, but let me make you aware that following the instructions for each of the sections will take a considerable length of time. You will rack your brain to think of an easier way to accomplish all of them. I did--that is, racked my brain. My 'solutions' did not necessarily expedite the process, though. <br />
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I purchased a double needle to avoid stitching the seam twice---it only darkened the stitching line, so I decided not to use it. I also considered sewing french seams, but discarded that idea because the seams would not disappear, but would actually become more pronounced. I tried to iron the tulle absolutely flat prior to cutting it....too time consuming. I purchased multiple yards of stabilizer to determine if I could sew smooth straight in the tulle or needed to use something to sew underneath it. The stabilizer was too difficult to pull away after the double rows of stitching were made. The seams were fine without it, so there was no need to use it. <br />
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The only thing I will recommend is that you iron the selvage smooth (the tulle arrives rather rudely wrapped around the bolt) and use painters tape to hold the selvages together smoothly on your cutting surface. Decide whether you will cut all four layers of tulle at once following the suggested fabric layout or just say, <i>"Hang it!" </i>and cut them one at a time <i>(like I ultimately did)</i>. I didn't have my largest cutting surface with me, otherwise, I would have definitely used a flat surface <i>(like a dining table with my largest healing mat, i.e., Olfa)</i> and use a rotary blade to cut the skirt pieces against a straight-edge ruler or yardstick. <br />
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If you decide to make the double-ruffled view as I did, measure your skirt front/back after your seams are joined, and use that measurement to pull the exact length of ruffle you need. Trying to pin it together and pull the gathers to match the width of the skirt front/back is not as easy.<br />
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Otherwise, the entire process is straight forward, one step at a time...fundamentally one thing after the other until you're done. The entire cutting process can be completed even if you must cut each piece one layer at a time. Take your time to make sure you are consistently identifying the same right/wrong side of the tulle so your seam allowances are all on the same side of the fabric. (<i>Yes, I goofed in this regard a couple of times myself, so check and double-check your work...lol).</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ballerina Posh<br />Photo Courtesy poshandspicy.wordpress.com</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://poshandspicy.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/6a79ae1c3a558f13b179a6bf92143eaf.jpg?w=560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://poshandspicy.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/6a79ae1c3a558f13b179a6bf92143eaf.jpg?w=560" height="320" width="218" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Double ruffle Chic<br />Photo Courtesy poshandspicy.wordpress.com</i></td></tr>
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A few suggestions for the patternmaker or sewists using the pattern's current instruction sheet. The instructions should be re-written for each view. When constructing View B, it was disheartening to read, "...Continue same as View A, C. Refer to steps 5 through 11." As you can imagine, this caused much paper-flipping and marking on my instruction sheets. As a matter of fact, I wrote Simplicity Customer Service to clarify an instruction to set aside one single-layer overlay for use later when I could not find where it was ultimately used. The Customer Service promptly answered <i>(within 24hrs!)</i>, and I was delighted to be able to move forward with the project. Anyway....read through the instructions thoroughly prior to beginning any stitching. You will be pleased that you understand the process ahead of time.<br />
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Now, the one thing that will wear on your nerves is the length of time it will take to pull the gathers, particularly for View B, the one I created. Begin with a full bobbin each time you begin to sew a row of gathering thread. (I sewed two rows of gathers, so remember each should begin with a full bobbin.) Be careful to not pull so strongly that you break the gathering threads. Remember, the two ruffle sections are sixteen segments (each) sewn together! There are no marks that regulate how to distribute the gathers, so at least fold the ruffles lengthwise to mark side seams and distribute them evenly on each half of the overlays. Do not be confused, these two ruffles attached to (1) a skirt front/back of a single layer and (2) another doubled layer of skirt front/backs (basted together). <br />
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Below are pictures of the completed skirt with tops I made from a piece of FabricMart crushed velvet and some black mesh from my stash. I used <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V8950.jpg" target="_blank">this pattern</a> for Top 1, and made a second top from View A adding long sleeves as <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/First_Full/M6705.jpg" target="_blank">the second option</a>. What do you think? If you would like to read a review of these two patterns, let me know. The McCall's pattern presented a few obstacles, but I was able to convert them to design opportunities.<br />
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I tried to find a black cashmere sweater in her size, but was unsuccessful. That will be something I will seek throughout this year. I used the black mesh and combined it with something in her favorite color. I'm sure she'll get many occasions to wear this skirt set, through both summer and winter. This is a gift for <i>(her third)</i> Mother's Day and her <i>(June)</i> birthday. I hope she likes it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Top 1</em><br />
<em>from McCall's 6705</em><br />
<em>View A with long sleeves from View D</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Top 2</em><br />
<em>from Vogue 8950</em><br />
<em>View B</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Simplicity 1427 View B<br />Finished Skirt</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Simplicity 1427 <br />View B</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vogue 8950<br />View B</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>McCalls's 6705 top<br />Simplicity 1427 View B</i></td></tr>
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I do NOT plan to make this skirt again. I will, however, make a tea length version for myself in a soft butter yellow or antique gold. It is now enroute to my niece. I hope she appreciates all my effort!<br />
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Keep stitching, one stitch at a time....!<br />
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-36452751829003346692014-04-20T13:17:00.000-04:002014-04-20T13:17:14.116-04:00Anne Klein at EasterTime....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>o you remember getting ready for Easter? I do...! <br />
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It was the one time in the year when my hair was curled and my whole family dressed up with hats and gloves to celebrate the holiday. I don't really remember if I concentrated on the true meaning of the holiday, but I remember practicing over and over in the weeks preceding it to commit to memory an Easter verse of some length (depending on my age), and being celebrated as smart and articulate following my recitation in front on the entire congregation at our church or Sunday School class. I remember the great Easter meal that waited at home. It always included deviled eggs, a ham with pineapple and maraschino cherries decorating the top, and plenty of home-made rolls....hot and buttery from the oven. <br />
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I no longer give Easter speeches or visit the main street or parks of the city to participate in Easter parades, but I seem to always prepare a dress to wear in celebration of the day. This year, my fabric came from FabricMart, and was actually on sale for only $2.40 per yard when I bought it a few months ago. My pattern selection took a lot of fabric (in my size (16) it took 3 1/2 yards of 60" fabric) because of the dress details, so I was looking for a low cost fabric to make this outfit. I purchased 4 yards and felt I did a good job in reducing the cost of this project.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Vogue 1358<br />
<i>Courtesy of McCalls Pattern Company</i><br />
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I used Vogue 1358, and made no changes to the pattern in the process of completing the garment. I do wish I has lengthened the hemline, though. Vogue seems to be making them shorter and shorter nowadays. The dress was one of the things I cut out on my one of my cutting marathons, and the garment required a lot of single layer cutting, which as you know, is tedious and time consuming. The fabric is a lightweight burnout, and a good substitute for the silk, chiffon, charmeuse and crepe de chine fabric the pattern recommended. The dress is fully lined, and I wish I had lined it with a fleshtone lining instead of the snow white poly I selected. With my dark skin, the only unlined portion, the burnout area in the sleeves, contrast with the other sections of the garment, and could have been handled differently. But, at least it will be cool and this summer will not require a slip when I wear it. <br />
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<i>White/Black/Brown Animal-like Print Burnout</i><br />
<i>Poly/Cotton Shirting</i><br />
<i>from FabricMart</i></td></tr>
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What may not be obvious is the dress has a pointed collar with a stand and a separately added facing at the ruffle that closes the bodice with a hook and eye. The front of the dress joins with differently-shaped left and right skirts at the waistline, but the back of the dress has only a center back seamline. I would suggest anyone trying this pattern to <i>MARK THE PLEATS CAREFULLY</i>. There are a lot of them all close to one another! Also, take the time to baste the narrow hems required around almost every piece of the garment's raw edges (including the lining). Turning these raw edges evenly and carefully will determine the final finished appearance of the garment and will keep it from looking "Becky Home-ecky." The interior seamlines are joined with french seams, keeping everything neatly finished. Practice making them and remember to begin the first stitchline with wrong sides together! I had to pause often because the right and wrong side of this fabric was so similar. I can't imagine how it would be looking for the 'right' or 'wrong' side if I had used a piece of silk or charmeuse. I'm sure I would have had to employ painters tape to mark them, but with this fabric I put the non-shiny side of the fabric outside. Sewing at night was the only time the differentiation presented a problem. </div>
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Will I make it again? Probably not....This pattern was a lot of work for what was rated as an average-level challenge. I did learn something new, though. I put the collar together using <a href="http://grainlinestudio.com/2013/04/12/archer-sew-along-day-12-assembling-attaching-the-collar/" target="_blank">a method</a> I've learned since I began blogging, and I am very pleased with the finished appearance of the collar and stand. I will be using it from now on and recommend this method to other sewists, too. </div>
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I have also learned the secret to the success of a garment is to not be fearful of trimming the collar (and other interior) seams. I've never trimmed confidently or thoroughly before. If the instructions told me to trim to 1/4", I would probably trim it to 3/8" and would rarely grade the seams if there were multiple layers of fabrics in the seams. But, I urge you to do it!...It makes such a difference in your finished garment! I love when each sewing experience teaches me something new about sewing more expertly and confidently. This dress taught me two good lessons.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Hung in front of the light <br />to show the sheerness of the fabric and lightness of the dress</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Button and Loop at Dress Waistline<br />from G Street Fabrics</i></td></tr>
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My local Hancock Fabrics just did not stock the proper button. A black button seemed too dark, and a white one was too stark. So I ventured on my second driving expedition in the DC area to reach G Street's famous button wall. I just <i>knew</i> they would have a transparent button with black striations....and they did! They cost $1 each (I needed seven...including the extra one I always purchase to hide inside an interior seam allowance), and their total was almost as much as what I paid for the fabric! Do any of you do the same thing? I will always pay the cost for the perfect button....they always make the outfit.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Finished Product</i></td></tr>
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I wish you could see the detail on this dress. I still am not expert on photographing garments in my sister's house....so I apologize for the repetitive surroundings.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Close-up of dress bodice</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dress Back</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Dress Interior and <u>the</u> Shoes</i></td></tr>
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Thanks for coming along for the ride. I've got so many other garments to finish before the end of the month. It's getting warmer and warmer, so sewing will lighten up, too! Drop me a line if you have any questions. I love comments, so feel free! 'Til next time....take it one stitch atta time!.....</div>
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-18188523604671006302014-03-16T12:28:00.000-04:002014-03-16T14:23:28.184-04:00Okay...Where Were We?....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">H</span>ave you been thinking of me? I certainly have not forgotten you! I've been busy and sewing between the holidays and regular days since my last post. It's now about time I brought my friends and readers up to date on the specifics of these activities. <br />
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One thing I've begun since moving cross country (about a year ago) began because I currently have no dedicated sewing space. I now have begun to work on multiple projects simultaneously. It's only because when I cut something out (my <i>least</i> favorite part of the process), I must clean up and return the area used back to its original appearance. So, I seem to have begun to cut out multiple projects at a time. It's fine, but I've always been a 'one-project-at-a-time' sewist, so it seems to be taking me a longer time to get anything to the point where I can blog about the process. I rarely hoard fabric or purchase it without a specific project in mind. I worked at a fabric store during my son's last two years of high school and accumulated <i>a lot</i> of fabric at a substantial discount during those years. Moving (and <i>paying</i> to move) lunks and trunks of this yardage cured me of hoarding. Don't misunderstand, I still love beautiful fabric, so when the fabric is purchased, the next step is to cut the project out, organize it with the associated notions, and work on it with the hours or minutes I have available. With that as a background of how my life currently works, I will share with you how my current minutes have been spent.<br />
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The things I seem to sew are things that make me stretch my talents and keep me open to new sewing experiences. Most of the time, the projects I select appear nowhere else on internet blogging sites (like patternreview.com or the personal blogs on blogger.com or wordpress), so there are very few sewing hints or completed examples of identical projects posted by others. I feel more like a pioneer in the sewing world. Part of that is because I have been sewing for so many years, the 'standard solid-color-shift-dress' sort of sewing doesn't seem to interest me any more. New and interesting designers do, though....and working with new and interesting fibers and textiles....and incorporating my other talents (cross stitch/embroidery/silk ribbon embroidery/quilting) keep my creative projects interesting. <br />
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I did take everyone's lead and create a dress from the ever-popular Vogue 1314 by Tracey Reese. I bought an ideal soft, patterned knit fabric from the local Hancock sale table for it. My sister (another seamstress) copied me and rushed to the local store buy two yards for her own version in another color. I had no problem with her actions because we've had many, many sewn items in our closets that are from the same pattern since we were little girls. We always end up in identical clothing in different colors, and the picture below proves how proud we were of my mothers sewing talent (and our new bicycles). <i>lol </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUpEG1hYQvk/UyWoVe7cj7I/AAAAAAAACSI/dOK5DhVsUNc/s1600/DSC00389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUpEG1hYQvk/UyWoVe7cj7I/AAAAAAAACSI/dOK5DhVsUNc/s1600/DSC00389.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'The Girls'<br />
Back in the Day in Nebraska</td></tr>
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<i>Weren't we adorable?????</i> Bows and all!..hahahahaha!!!!!...My sister would <i><u>die</u></i> if she knew I posted this pic, but you won't tell her, so she will never know...right? I would have rather shown another pic of us at Easter in some identical frocks we wore that year. She and I recently laughed long and hard about our holiday outfits as tried to remember which color hers was versus mine. She didn't have a copy of the picture and mine remains packed away.....so, instead you get this little glimpse into our history. We are a year apart in age and a size apart in clothing. I think her interest in sewing no longer keeps pace with mine, but, she remains a creative individual and my creative backboard with a very good eye for style and 'the arts.'<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRCtV-89_M1oVUEzyrpLB3rLHJohFupyRM-bUxeMGmUWzSL3YoEftRVgBRo74LD0rAwsnat4nyRnS6mD-vsII8BBNeDPAtyxg-viHQSJcHY7PZEDq0XsI6a-XC-N6T7gg6USywmv6mUn7/s1600/V1314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRCtV-89_M1oVUEzyrpLB3rLHJohFupyRM-bUxeMGmUWzSL3YoEftRVgBRo74LD0rAwsnat4nyRnS6mD-vsII8BBNeDPAtyxg-viHQSJcHY7PZEDq0XsI6a-XC-N6T7gg6USywmv6mUn7/s1600/V1314.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1314<br />
<i>Photo courtesy of McCalls Patterns</i></td></tr>
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This pattern had been produced many times, so I was able to incorporate some design changes to improve the fit. Invaluable were <a href="http://goodbyevalentino.com/2013/10/30/a-little-help-from-my-friends/" target="_blank">the suggestions made</a> by Sarah, one of my favorite bloggers, posting to Goodbye Valentino. I had already completed my dress by the time she wrote the blog about this pattern, but I went back and opened the side seams to incorporate the changes she suggested. It improved the garment dramatically, and I plan to make it again with the RTW changes the designer made to the original dress. Also...thank you, Andrea (posting from Knit-Knac.blogspot.com) for <a href="http://knit-knac.blogspot.com/2014/03/what-im-working-on-vogue-1314.html" target="_blank">the inspiration</a> for my second version of this dress....I love this dress and the changes she plans to make to it; I am currently seeking the ideal fabric to duplicate the new version of this pattern, too. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5XddtPoD5BNEggc2djX_0_KfysykYO1Bai5Xo53UejyJG3gaaDxRrk7gpIug_Om0s8WS34JRNLgjTfvQ8KgMN_mBhM40cyH-lzg9oPcnyU3s1AlS8PKr4K450_YcCDTUNLBJCIciScbI/s1600/DSC00387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_5XddtPoD5BNEggc2djX_0_KfysykYO1Bai5Xo53UejyJG3gaaDxRrk7gpIug_Om0s8WS34JRNLgjTfvQ8KgMN_mBhM40cyH-lzg9oPcnyU3s1AlS8PKr4K450_YcCDTUNLBJCIciScbI/s1600/DSC00387.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1314<br />
<i>Front Neckline</i></td></tr>
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Wow!...my blogs are too long....but I can't leave without telling you about a couple of other projects 'in-process.' This second one is taking a long time to cut out. It took a long time to find the fabric and a few additional days to read the pattern instructions to make sure I understood the construction process. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V8957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V8957.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 8957<br />
<i>Image Courtesy of McCalls.com</i></td></tr>
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I LOVE this evening jacket! I am making View B (shown above) which is sleeveless by design, but I will be adding the tiny cap sleeve from View A. The jacket is fully lined and is put together by joining a series of split circles lengthwise (the number depending on the size you are creating). The pattern in my size required 5 yards of fabric 60" wide. The instructions suggest a template be made for the three circles, and they be cut from the yardage a total of 68 times...that's right....no typo...sixty-eight times! The circles are joined by french seams (my choice) and the edges of each ruffle are to be double-rolled after staystitching. I don't recommend this project to anyone fearful of handwork or as I've seen it called "fiddly" handwork. It will be beautiful, though....and I will keep you posted on my progress.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F3hQNAh1sMtv1k3Xb8_E1Zjc4DIYDnG5FBqleaMM8_CR71u1TA_xbsARzDhCbd-q4bvG4y4CCUqyP90j8H1CfF-f3YeqW4jphpYhfKCdETMOW-sojBvUqXv-xkmoHXMOpahbgfPS6wPd/s1600/DSC00391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_F3hQNAh1sMtv1k3Xb8_E1Zjc4DIYDnG5FBqleaMM8_CR71u1TA_xbsARzDhCbd-q4bvG4y4CCUqyP90j8H1CfF-f3YeqW4jphpYhfKCdETMOW-sojBvUqXv-xkmoHXMOpahbgfPS6wPd/s1600/DSC00391.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 8957<br />
<i>Over 60+ pieces of fabric!</i></td></tr>
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My non-sewing machine handwork includes cross stitch. My current project is a little black girl in a yellow dress. The pattern was purchased from an Etsy vendor, and I am working diligently on this every day for the past month or so. She reminds me of my childhood when the neighbors used to refer to me as that 'big-legged girl.' As you see, she has braids and ribbons, too, so she holds a special place in my heart. I'm not sure if she will become a pillow or be framed on my wall, but she will be one of a pair of little black girls whose charts are waiting to be completed. I know, more of tedious work that calms me and currently strains my eyes. I am getting older....</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Girl in a Yellow Dress<br />
<i>Cross Stitch</i></td></tr>
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Okay....that's all for today. This post has taken too long to compose. I hope you enjoyed the update. I haven't told you about my <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V1358.jpg" target="_blank">Easter dress</a> because its soo springy and the weatherman is predicting another snowstorm tonite in my area.....<i>sigh! </i>I will also include my completion of a summer version of the ever-popular Vogue 8728.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 8728<br />
<i>Photo Courtesy of McCalls.com<br /></i></td></tr>
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I goofed putting together the belt buckle, so I am re-doing that portion of this project. It also includes a lapped zipper....I still detest the invisible type, but, I am getting better at them. This vintage dress required an old fashioned installation at the side seam. I'll show you the result on my next post. It's been fun!...comment any time. If I've omitted anything, please ask....I love comments and appreciate hearing from everyone who visits!<br />
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Remember....Keep going....one stitch at a time!....</div>
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-44724230186246967472014-01-30T10:50:00.000-05:002014-01-30T10:50:51.232-05:00Moving On....Donna Karan Collection - Vogue 1341<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span>y posts could easily slow to posting once in a blue moon, but I don't want to do that again! I keep sewing and cutting out and ordering more fabric, so I must stay ahead of the curve by sitting at my computer to post what I have done to my blog. Anyone who does this knows how long it takes (if you do it well), and for me....getting it right takes longer because I am not a writer. I just wish to communicate with fellow sewists and give back to the community that has informed and improved my sewing experience. So, here goes....another dress by Donna Karan. I sewed this dress around Thanksgiving using a beautiful double knit purchased from Gorgeous Fabrics specifically for this pattern (just 2 yards). Because the fabric is black, taking photographs that show the dress details is very difficult unless it is lit in bright lights or direct sunlight. It also hangs funny on the hanger (highlighting my need for a dress form here) because the front bustline is full and has no rigid shaping beyond the tucks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6iBJOj_hLYrAB-AKNHLKbgQfYuaL4vbWJZWpSRMtkLr6IFclaQ_TLGFhSQpauFh13w4GHBZoSzt7YZMXBOfP9F3LEouOIepdxq87-omlFhqyu8u0cUcDlW3Uft63-XmFjV-CfokHHo4J/s1600/vogue+1341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6iBJOj_hLYrAB-AKNHLKbgQfYuaL4vbWJZWpSRMtkLr6IFclaQ_TLGFhSQpauFh13w4GHBZoSzt7YZMXBOfP9F3LEouOIepdxq87-omlFhqyu8u0cUcDlW3Uft63-XmFjV-CfokHHo4J/s1600/vogue+1341.JPG" height="320" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1341</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EdvIpEsfEbMZVm3NCXqitXzAYI8nH6YmWJwVppCaLWfP_Z68erfgphl8NqG2ajMZ7MBpGvsMVDynQyl5Lu8Dy2m52LirI8WGPAY09wtOY2HtsEInBqa9sr7tACQpfxv8gzZPYpjpk3g6/s1600/vogue1341back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EdvIpEsfEbMZVm3NCXqitXzAYI8nH6YmWJwVppCaLWfP_Z68erfgphl8NqG2ajMZ7MBpGvsMVDynQyl5Lu8Dy2m52LirI8WGPAY09wtOY2HtsEInBqa9sr7tACQpfxv8gzZPYpjpk3g6/s1600/vogue1341back.JPG" height="320" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1341<br />
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I really do like how the dress turned out; it could have been labeled one of those 'Easy" patterns, but it did have some sophisticated details. For instance, there are no side seams and the zipper is to be placed in a seam with a curve which can be seen on the left back in the picture above. Insertion of a perfect invisible zipper is critical here, and no place for anyone who has not mastered this art. When you install the zipper, I recommend you place iron-on interfacing strips in the seam allowance. Make sure it ends at least 1/4' beyond the seam allowance for a smooth appearance along its curve. I usually avoid invisible zippers, but this dress requires one even though the notions listing on the envelope back does not specifically say it. The curve of the seam would not work with a standard zipper insertion, so do yourself a favor and take this recommendation.<br />
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The dress also has a one-shoulder lining (not essential, but desirable in my opinion). To put this design together, you need diligence in marking the tucks that define the dresses shape. There are only a few, including a couple on the sleeves, but the many pattern dots can be confusing if you don't color-code them or pay attention to which way the folds should lay. As I removed each pattern piece, I immediately handbasted the tucks and pinned them in the correct position. This one process was one that made putting this dress together much easier than it might have been otherwise. <br />
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As a designer, Donna Karan feels a woman's shoulders (including her collarbone) are one of the last things to go as we age. If yours haven't disappeared yet, you may wish to take advantage of this dress' design details to show them off. Don't look for the inward fit at the waistline you see in the pattern picture, the pattern doesn't allow for the close fit the picture purports it has. It just means those of us with a little more waistline will create a dress that fits just fine without any adjustments. I find that is what happened with me although I wish it had a closer waistline fit. I made no alterations there or at hemline or bustline, either. The pattern pieces are such unusual shapes, I wouldn't have known where to begin on either. The pattern is no longer available on the McCalls/Vogue website, and for such a recent pattern, the lack of easily made alteration points may be why it was discontinued so quickly. I would recommend this dress be made from a knit with heft and weight. The fabric needs weight to hold the designs details and not have the tucks collapse on one another. I will be trying this one again, though. The second one will be in a brighter color. Looking for a coral or turquoise double knit, perhaps.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeoMY3R7EGMu0SfVZdGtBJ3v4C5NzWNMsD-wHVho7rQkmdogeT7r7BVRBZp5bMNBWPmhcieoe4pcH4B9j-lXiXWuT8Agj2t1nX21V7gj1jvTIkNNpE9n3lFxOstmaVVDQQESmhcUUClaL/s1600/DSC00374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizeoMY3R7EGMu0SfVZdGtBJ3v4C5NzWNMsD-wHVho7rQkmdogeT7r7BVRBZp5bMNBWPmhcieoe4pcH4B9j-lXiXWuT8Agj2t1nX21V7gj1jvTIkNNpE9n3lFxOstmaVVDQQESmhcUUClaL/s1600/DSC00374.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1341<br /><i>(technical drawing)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1341<br /><i>(dress zipper in curved seam)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1341<br /><i>Slip/Lining</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Nice label, huh?<br /><i>Thanx Ann!</i><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1341<br /><i>(dress front)</i></td></tr>
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<br /><br />If you decide to try it, drop me a note if you feel my comments were validated in your sewing experience. I'd love to hear from you....til then, keep sewing....one stitch atta time!<br /><br />
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-47481697867466454592014-01-20T10:57:00.001-05:002014-01-30T11:42:50.260-05:00I Sew Quite a Few Vogue DKNY Patterns....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">M</span>y recent pattern selections include a lot of the designs of Donna Karan. Other than the 'shorter than (personally) flattering' skirt lengths, this particular designer seems to focus on the structural details that appeal to me.....i.e., tucks, pleats and the neckline and shoulder details that attract my attention. The next project I recently completed falls right in this line.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1287<br />
<i>Photo Courtesy of Vogue Patterns</i></td></tr>
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This dress surprised me. The fabric suggestions on the pattern back were all very light-weight fabrics like silk crepe, charmeuse and lightweight jerseys. Because these are such delicate and 'summery-weight' fibers, the pattern also included a separate slip Vogue suggested be made from crepe de chine. My fashion fabric choice was very different for the dress I constructed. I chose what FabricMart called a black/white giraffe print stretch knit. It was 60" wide, and would not require any under-slip for modesty or warmth so I didn't include making the slip in my version. Of course the fabric was on sale for some ridiculously inexpensive price per yard (less than $4), so I began my project comfortable I would only need the interfacing, thread and elastic for notions. I did a standard FBA, and lengthened the hemline one inch. The photograph's fabric doesn't reveal the design details, but should you peek at the technical drawings, you will see a pocketline that wraps and moves the dress side seam more to the rear of the dress.</div>
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The dress was very simply constructed, with many flattering pleats at the shoulder seam and waistline above (and below) the waistband. The back waistband is kept snug against your body with a small length of non-roll elastic 1-1/2" wide. The hemline has a facing, which was a pleasant option from the standard 'turn-it-up-5/8"-and-stitch' instructions that have become so prevalent. </div>
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The only instruction confusion occurred at Step 16. The picture that accompanies the verbiage was confusing, so just remember the shaded (right side of the fabric) is only a part of the right side of your garment and not a strangely shaped pattern piece. There are very few interior seams to serge or finish, and I put lightweight interfacing in the pocket facings and hemline. All in all, I think I will make this one again....right after I go through all the other DKNY designs that are waiting. <i> lol</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Front<br />
<i>Vogue 1287</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Back<br />
<i>Showing Pocket Position</i></td></tr>
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As I said, I liked this pattern and recommend you create one for yourself. <br />
I thank you for stopping by. I hope to get better and better at posting pictures of my garments without an available dress form. My sister doesn't have one, and although I have two, neither are available until I stop moving cross country or buy her one. She doesn't sew as much as I do, and I certainly do not need a third dress form! <i> Sigh!....lol</i><br />
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I keep going....one stitch at a time! You do the same!</div>
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-22224851303294781892014-01-12T22:17:00.000-05:002014-01-12T22:17:23.178-05:00Do You Remember the Selfish Seamstress?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span>o any of you remember the posts of the <a href="http://selfishseamstress.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Selfish Seamstress</a>? If you've been reading sewing blogs as long as I have, you would miss her as much as I do. She was a <strike>fabulous</strike> <u><i>exceptional</i></u> seamstress and had a witty sense of humor that left you panting for her next project and post....which always included a tongue-in-cheek rant that reinforced her commitment to sewing only for herself.<br />
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This past year or so, after moving cross county to be with my recently-widowed sister, the pressure to sew for her friends and the new people I meet became intense. Although the Selfish Seamstresses posts had become infrequent (following her marriage and move to Europe), I sought out her blog just to purchase one of the coffee cups she offered with her original haiku poems that politely discourage the begging. The one I chose says, <i>"Sew something for you? It's not that I don't have time...I just don't want to." (teehee</i>) I keep it on my sewing spot filled with the small notions I constantly reach for. In spite of her blog's inactivity, all of her items are still available and can be purchased to support St. Jude's Hospital for Children, and include a variety of tote bags, tshirts and customizable mugs with similarly unique haiku. <i>(Check them out....and if anyone knows of her whereabouts, <b>tell her we miss her</b>!)</i><br />
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I had gotten pretty good at dissuading the begging babble that surrounds accomplished sewists, and had gotten really good at politely rebuffing their offers of payment, no matter what the project. This holiday season was very discouraging, though. Because of a very limited budget, I chose to make presents for my immediate family and the results reminded me of the reason I had refrained from sewing for anyone except myself. <br />
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The niece I had made things for all her life now had an opinion and <i>seemed</i> not to like what I created....she didn't take it out of the box or say much about it...not even a mumbled, "Thank you." She sorta sniffed at what I described as the 'difficulties' I encountered making it. (I lengthened each 3 inches, the <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/5pcs-light-Brown-Horn-TOGGLE-Resin-Buttons-Craft1-7-8-/300667673444?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4601309b64" target="_blank">horn buttons</a> came from China via an EBay seller and I quilted the inside lining. I was really pleased with the long-haired fur, which had been ordered from a website: <a href="http://www.imstuffedfur.com/highfashion.html" target="_blank">imstuffedfur.com</a>) The special length zippers (my niece is 6'2" barefoot) were ordered from an Etsy seller <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/zipit?ref=l2-shop-info-avatar" target="_blank">(Zipit)</a> and I enjoyed look;ing for the special zipper pull placed on each one. This niece has lupus and recently had knee surgery, so she needs to keep her joints warm as she performs her work-related duties. I thought this was going to be a great present., although my sister predicted she would not like it and suggested instead that I ask my niece what she wanted. I was too far in, too much time had been spent, too much money had been invested in the project. I had only enough time to finish it before the holiday, and no time to rethink the process. Did I have enough money to purchase whatever she would say she wanted? No....so I plunged forward to complete the project. I just hoped she would be gracious, and watched if she keyed on my sister's reaction...it was disappointing.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>McCalls 6809</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Very Easy Very Vogue 9427</i></td></tr>
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My sister didn't goo and gush over her gift either, in spite of the effort and details I put into the project; she sews as well, so has knowledge of how time-consuming my efforts were. I made the jacket from a plush deep purple fleece. I quilted the inside hood/jacket facing and made cording for its edge. Not sure if she liked it either, beside it being extremely soft and warm. She did say thank you, however and has been wearing inside the house.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Purple and Warm</i></td></tr>
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I know, I know....I have learned that you should give a gift for the pleasure of giving it, and that's what I am concentrating on. I have made the decision not to put as much work into gifts for individuals that don't express an appreciation for the effort. Maybe I do better at gifts for the little ones in my life.....i.e., my great nephew and 3 grandsons. They seem to give me the big smile and thanks for the puppets, stuffed animals and aprons gifted them this past year or so. I'm trying to be more understanding for my relatives who benefited and felt entitled during the years prior to the U.S. economic hiccup and the salary of a seasoned employee vs. the beginning salary my son and I began with. Now, instead of getting what you may want, you should develop the skill to appreciate what you are given. I can't be the only person who feels this way.</div>
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I've suddenly become a fan of the proverbial innocuous gift card....I'll be giving them more as gifts in the future. I marvel at a fellow blogger who cheerfully accepted the fact that his mother did not like the housedress he made for her and (seemingly unaffected) he bounced out to get more fabric in an effort to please her with another effort. I pray I can cheerfully try, try again. I'll begin that journey tomorrow. But, today, I am more like the Selfish Seamstress. It seems safer....</div>
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I continue my journey....one stitch at a time....</div>
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-24763542892131037422014-01-10T15:16:00.000-05:002014-01-10T19:43:02.883-05:00Finishing Last Year's Projects....Vogue 1268<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> have so much holiday sewing to complete! And with it being so cold out here in the eastern United States, I can find few valid reasons to leave the house other than work or walking my dog, Domino. Yes, I have finally purchased a few pairs of socks to wear in this frigid weather, and it now takes less than two hours for my feet to warm up after coming inside. <i>lol</i> My hands stay busy, and this post is to describe the last step taken to complete a sewing project begun over a year ago.</div>
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It turned out pretty well as far as sewing goes, and I have just sewn on the single button, the finishing touch to this fully-lined synthetic suede dress. I have seen a few versions of Vogue 1268 on Patternreview.com, and only one seamstress completed <a href="http://corecouture.wordpress.com/2012/01/03/suede-says-guy-laroche/" target="_blank">her garment</a> in a similar weight fabric as mine. We also had a similar assessment about the final results of the Guy Larouche pattern style and final fit. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1268<br />
<i>Image courtesy of McCall Patterns</i></td></tr>
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I purchased the fabric I used (from either fashionfabricsclub.com or fabricmart.com) before I moved from California, and completed the dress not too long after arriving here in Virginia. I had gained a bit of weight in the interim, so there was no trying it on until recently, after dropping approximately 25-30 lbs. Now that I have returned to something closer to my 'normal' weight, I have sewn on the statement button and am ready to place it into my very limited wardrobe rotation. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diamond-stitched Microsuede<br />
<i>Photo courtesy of Martha's Fabrics</i></td></tr>
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The dress was cut in a size 16 with a FBA for a DD bustline at the time. I now am closer to a size 12 or 14 and my ribcage is 2" smaller and only a D cup at the bustline. I did no other adjustments to the pattern, neither lengthening the dress at the hemline or changing the sleeve length. I worked hard to get the one buttonhole as perfect as I could, seeing that it was a focal point of the dress and almost as large as a small welt pocket (overexaggeration) and difficult to ignore. <i>lol</i><br />
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The pictures below show the selection I made for the single buttonhole. Yes, it is a large one....about 1-1/2" across. It was one of the largest available from a website called <a href="https://ascuteasabutton.com/" target="_blank">As Cute as a Button</a> based in San Diego, CA. I was pleased that I was able to get the button through my bound buttonhole, which I made approximately 1-3/4" wide.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Button from "As Cute as a Button"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l9CD-WxO-ytBd5BsFIwUksraE7ckCXIAzTTk3eVTG0llw2VlMvclDqFPIqGLL91krUzKb7Xlzw8D1vOlmh-1AtQF1q6zJpVspl6OpksIofOC_NFp7p1LIrGJw3xA69cY9EJ15gngGYAu/s1600/DSC00357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_l9CD-WxO-ytBd5BsFIwUksraE7ckCXIAzTTk3eVTG0llw2VlMvclDqFPIqGLL91krUzKb7Xlzw8D1vOlmh-1AtQF1q6zJpVspl6OpksIofOC_NFp7p1LIrGJw3xA69cY9EJ15gngGYAu/s1600/DSC00357.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Front</td></tr>
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I also added an heavy duty hook and eye to hold the front of the dress stable. I am very pleased with the finished product. I chose a pair of heels from Sole Society to wear with it. They are taupe and dark brown with a gold-colored piping around an edge that ties the ensemble together. I plan to wear this with dark brown tights as soon as an appropriate occasion presents itself. Hopefully, soon! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSJnTqJrkJ5x0C8Vhmw6kMuVtHQgjIT7y8HV3rVM_77Am-rpUmRLPHLsf1wVn7Y25kGLO2wSDLDFWIfkMJS18urRbVntjoFyFgNKwcQvlQDTGNuqXGl24aLP6hqaLCMdVsA6t1xUOC2zk/s1600/DSC00358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSJnTqJrkJ5x0C8Vhmw6kMuVtHQgjIT7y8HV3rVM_77Am-rpUmRLPHLsf1wVn7Y25kGLO2wSDLDFWIfkMJS18urRbVntjoFyFgNKwcQvlQDTGNuqXGl24aLP6hqaLCMdVsA6t1xUOC2zk/s1600/DSC00358.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sole Society Shoe</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WCFmqC96ryCpCd-QYpm1PjGHkHUzAIrXwma1GtZ5Z-A5Hm-2E0IblqxLVkYz2cupUDUWtw-GUErXIsuU__okL_xt0xYPAvVaVtJdXwVh_qk4JzQIiflQImMqtt7aD8PyzdAZOanl4a37/s1600/DSC00359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1WCFmqC96ryCpCd-QYpm1PjGHkHUzAIrXwma1GtZ5Z-A5Hm-2E0IblqxLVkYz2cupUDUWtw-GUErXIsuU__okL_xt0xYPAvVaVtJdXwVh_qk4JzQIiflQImMqtt7aD8PyzdAZOanl4a37/s1600/DSC00359.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Front<br />
<i>Vogue 1268</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vSrWEoXVdBmLPBZfCQQcMy0eqaZ9mwXVjzpfB68rnYwTjNgFK9Ph3_3ZT3p7i0r2G8rnYa1rBxKP6bTd88SrgIKGnjrd-WycZujddxDPJLccz2oL5j1efwxZpyw63ix4hBpg9mj0wTVD/s1600/DSC00362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9vSrWEoXVdBmLPBZfCQQcMy0eqaZ9mwXVjzpfB68rnYwTjNgFK9Ph3_3ZT3p7i0r2G8rnYa1rBxKP6bTd88SrgIKGnjrd-WycZujddxDPJLccz2oL5j1efwxZpyw63ix4hBpg9mj0wTVD/s1600/DSC00362.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Back</td></tr>
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Just before the New Year, I also finished a gift for my middle grandson. He seems to have become obsessed with PacMan, so I took it upon myself to order some custom-designed fabric from Spoonflower that had the colorful representation of that game. Are you familiar with Spoonflower? We'll discuss that experience in the next post! I hope all of my readers return to hear and see the details of that experience. Happy New Year to you and all my fellow bloggers. I'm trying hard re-kindle my blogging desire and post more this year. I learn so soooo much from reading all the blogs I follow, I feel obligated to contribute my two cents. Please write me back! I enjoy your comments<br />
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'Til then....keep sewing....one stitch at a time! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeF2g7mmQjbsKJLcfu-H-yFtxsikABIPeyeQPgQb-0o9M9G8Mdd7jTkqi5jnvaiM9MaPgWdntdPGirzK_uWtiQW_DHy0QrfdTmEPGCs8feLh-DNQy-zqjFLk8cMarEua6hFSvBxXpQkaN/s1600/westie.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeF2g7mmQjbsKJLcfu-H-yFtxsikABIPeyeQPgQb-0o9M9G8Mdd7jTkqi5jnvaiM9MaPgWdntdPGirzK_uWtiQW_DHy0QrfdTmEPGCs8feLh-DNQy-zqjFLk8cMarEua6hFSvBxXpQkaN/s1600/westie.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">P.S. .....Domino says Hi!</td></tr>
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-7543372243466109072013-12-03T23:55:00.000-05:002014-01-10T19:59:59.990-05:00I Won, I Won!!!!!!.....Downton Abbey, Here I Come!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>'ve always felt like a fish out of water, someone with eclectic tastes and unusual interests cultivated in a midwestern childhood and an adolescence basted in California liberalism. It makes for strange bedfellows and friends, and leaves me alone a lot of the time. As I get older, it doesn't bother me half as much as it used to. I do a lot of reading, sewing and solitary television watching. Most of the shows I watch are not of interest to a majority of those I encounter IRL (in real life) <i>(lol). </i>Since I've begun blogging and become involved in the internet, my world has expanded to introduce me to more people like me. Sites like Pinterest and Facebook help begin conversations with interesting people and connects me with organizations and groups who are no longer satisfied to sit alone at home and bay at the moon. </div>
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I remain a lifelong supporter of the Public Broadcasting System, and for the past three years have become an avid fan of their Masterpiece Theatre show: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/downtonabbey/" target="_blank"><b>Downton Abbey</b></a>. Are <i>you</i>? Oh, I hope someone (maybe a few of you) out there is/are as fascinated by the clothes, decorum and storyline of this captivating saga as I am! I digress....</div>
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This January, the fourth season of this show begins, and all Downton fans are holding their breath and waiting to see what happens following the sudden death of one of the main characters at the end of last season. I follow the show for 'behind the scenes' articles on the PBS website, and they recently sent me an email asking if I were interested in attending the local premiere preview of the first episode of the upcoming season. This will occur just a few weeks ahead of the show's national premiere date! Of course, I said I would LOVE to! I quickly submitted my name as one of the group of thousands who must have responded, and lo and behold....about a week later I received an email advising me that I had been selected! I think it was because I was a party of one....having no clue as to who I would ask to go with me, I submitted only myself as an interested party.</div>
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So off I'll go....alone into the Washington night.....wending my way through the dark streets of DC in early evening....carrying a shower gift for Lady Mary's baby (which will be donated to the National Center for Children and HOPE in Northern Virginia, Inc. on behalf of WETA-TV supporters). Oh my!....What shall I take (or make) for the baby???....homemade or storebought???? OMG!!!! So second issue is...what should I wear!!??....what would <b><i>you</i></b> wear!!!!???? I've been sewing like mad, so I do have choices....just which one? </div>
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I've decided it will be what I made from <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/400604358150?lpid=82" target="_blank">this Suzi Chin Butterick Pattern 4978.</a>. The Washington Metro area is COLD right now....so I am delighted to own an appropriate heavy wool winter coat and have decided to walk from the self-park garage nearby to the hotel event ($34 valet parking they warned!) in a pair of <a href="http://www.solesociety.com/glenna-black.html" target="_blank">black booties</a> I ordered from Sole Society. I will wear black hosiery and my earring choice remains open. I'll toss my black Pashmina over my shoulders and carry my black kidskin gloves. </div>
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I know....I wish I could wear anything Lady Sybill wore (before her untimely death), but this ensemble will have to do. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MLaRP1KViKp8FAYXdYf8h05wfrXfVT-YCSZnUWMVC-o8nUHqyJ9i8NtIrc_dpGgiqGCAbsszEvww8otvGotFZUNIh_OzYXeN_6O3RaKhHn3cac93cmjIj9SAwQZ9nvY0hqA3UKWo4xxh/s1600/DSC00316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MLaRP1KViKp8FAYXdYf8h05wfrXfVT-YCSZnUWMVC-o8nUHqyJ9i8NtIrc_dpGgiqGCAbsszEvww8otvGotFZUNIh_OzYXeN_6O3RaKhHn3cac93cmjIj9SAwQZ9nvY0hqA3UKWo4xxh/s1600/DSC00316.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Full Length Dress<br />
<i>(Tea Length)</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Kln4NAQngRyJxtgt7xLJThINsPsyl0zf1Q6dd1c8fQnUkF0gmOs8niZfNeTD1djIccAc3TKSOLunhR9Sc85zt_CPuf3QhLjjqTK2Vh7DzRAOHcP3lTeq0IrJt795knrqQkcLDiVIvAh3/s1600/DSC00321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Kln4NAQngRyJxtgt7xLJThINsPsyl0zf1Q6dd1c8fQnUkF0gmOs8niZfNeTD1djIccAc3TKSOLunhR9Sc85zt_CPuf3QhLjjqTK2Vh7DzRAOHcP3lTeq0IrJt795knrqQkcLDiVIvAh3/s1600/DSC00321.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Inside Lining</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCO1NiAGdmJ0wFdekyazLN39o31JlgMY0zD4C7exRNz-ynDYbSxjDOcS5UhuXvuM15V2i-srSTwhi7F68G33DcJ5Cgvi-CxtosWMsskih5SH4N84HpsMzprvOfVtuBEhjPzMWQW_IT8ZlU/s1600/DSC00322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCO1NiAGdmJ0wFdekyazLN39o31JlgMY0zD4C7exRNz-ynDYbSxjDOcS5UhuXvuM15V2i-srSTwhi7F68G33DcJ5Cgvi-CxtosWMsskih5SH4N84HpsMzprvOfVtuBEhjPzMWQW_IT8ZlU/s1600/DSC00322.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Front with Bow at Waist</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Back at Zipper</td></tr>
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Just to add....making the dress was not difficult, and was made with $2 per yard fabric from (FabricMart, I think). LOTS of handwork and basting on the chiffon, but handwork is something I have never minded doing. I was more delighted to find the lining in the perfect brown at my local JoAnn's. That brown lining in straight grain and stretch is soooo hard to find! It is my goal to gather my coins and purchase a bolt of each as soon as I can. I was also proud of my regular zipper. Zipper insertion is so important to a new sewist, when I began to sew I practiced and practiced until I could insert them perfectly (lapped, centered and hand-picked). Now, this was waaay before invisible zippers were even invented, and I still strive to master invisible zipper insertion today. <br />
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The only real question I encountered on this dress was figuring out which way the finished side of the lining should face.....which way would you have done it? Choice one is to have the finished side of the lining facing your body.....choice two is to have the finished side of the lining facing the underside of the chiffon. Is there a rational choice? Chime in.....which way would you have completed the garment? After the event, I'll tell you which way I finished mine and tell you what I chose to take as a shower gift for Lady Mary's baby boy. Will I meet any blogger friends or sewists there? Let me know if you will be there, too! I'm so excited!</div>
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'Til next time....</div>
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Keep sewing....one stitch at a time!...<br />
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-86082081353135063012013-11-19T12:54:00.002-05:002014-01-10T20:03:31.581-05:00A Quick Gift for a New Baby....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span>f you are one of my followers, you already know I now live with my sister in a Washington, DC suburb. I've been here since closing my mother's home and driving cross-country with my doggy, Domino. My sister had recently become a widow and needed a little emotional support. I brought along my sewing machine and serger and have used them for smaller projects for friends and family more often than embarking on the major personal projects I normally tackle. I've been residing about a year in a home my (only) sister has owned over 40+ years. Over that period of time, she has witnessed the neighborhood changes and neighbors come and go. <br />
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She currently has a next door neighbor who owns a beagle who has become close friends with my Westie due to an unrepaired hole in the fence. Well...this female neighbor is now pregnant, and the baby is due the first week of December. This latest project of mine is a small gift to her new baby, which will be a girl! <br />
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Do you think she will like it? Let me tell you where you can get the patterns so you can duplicate the projects for your next expectant mother. <br />
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The booties come in multiple sizes (birth to 18 months) and the hat instructions include birth to adult head sizes. The patterns can be ordered from the Etsy sites <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103530240/eskababy-boots-pdf-sewing-pattern-by?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/103529512/animal-ears-hat-pdf-sewing-pattern-by?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">here</a>. The pair of items require the purchase of two separate patterns. I made them from a pink shearling found online on Ebay. The second pattern is for <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/128862459/sewing-pattern-bubbo-the-frog-plush-toy?ref=listing-shop-header-2" target="_blank">Bubbo the Frog</a> (he doesn't look like a frog in pink, does he?) lol This is the second time I have used this seller (DIYFluffies) publishing from the Netherlands, but her English instructions made the sewing experience just as pleasant. This sellers pattern instructions are always very clear and the pieces fit together perfectly, just as her <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/62631671/yoki-the-fat-dragon-sewing-pattern-pdf?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">dragon pattern</a> did.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIYMe98pYUc/UshlU0NAf4I/AAAAAAAACGk/R2P9C-C2III/s1600/DSC00313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BIYMe98pYUc/UshlU0NAf4I/AAAAAAAACGk/R2P9C-C2III/s1600/DSC00313.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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The stuffed animal (above) is sitting on a large popcorn can in the picture, and the hat and booties are below him in the front. These hat and booties require the skill set of an advanced beginner because the drawings and instructions are not so easy to decipher, but nothing that could not be figured out with a little thought. I used white fleece for the bottom of the frog and his extremities. The bottom of the booties are made with anti-skid gripper fabric available at most fabric stores. The position of the frog's legs are left to you the seamstress, and I also warn you to use a stabilizer when sewing on the features of the frog's face. I also customized the frog by including squeakers; one is in his front leg, the other in the main body. It should provide some audible interest for the baby as she grows up.<br />
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Thank you for stopping by to see my latest project. I am currently sewing Christmas gifts, so there will be more to share very soon....<br />
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Til then, keep going....one stitch at a time!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRsIidYxzeC0tkKAIjDlVqDVbxae_9HBGk4bCM3qozHVEmsb4Smi7uEOuS9DYbpdXEUcnCJWKV1xdFBSIb6ZuV1mwty4MVBNmqr0jCYNXUuRq5_08TPrhpLaSYvr15CuCA4BD_fmT_LaP/s1600/DSC00314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRsIidYxzeC0tkKAIjDlVqDVbxae_9HBGk4bCM3qozHVEmsb4Smi7uEOuS9DYbpdXEUcnCJWKV1xdFBSIb6ZuV1mwty4MVBNmqr0jCYNXUuRq5_08TPrhpLaSYvr15CuCA4BD_fmT_LaP/s320/DSC00314.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hey! Why didn't I get into the pictures?</td></tr>
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-87960988624694778162013-10-30T14:44:00.000-04:002014-01-10T20:24:10.900-05:00Shaken from the Doldrums...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span>es....it has been that long. Where have I been? Close by...closed up and closed in. Like many of us, dealing with my personal demons...healthwise and otherwise. Now I am better, as it is always revealed when you step outside yourself and think of others not as fortunate as you--in spite of whatever your current circumstances are. Just be reminded, we are fortunate to be alive today...many are not. We are fortunate to move free of debilitating pain....many are not. And, Rhonda Buss (author of <a href="http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-wednesday-showcase_9055.html" target="_blank">Rhonda's Creative Life</a>,) an expert sewist and fellow blogger, reminded so many of her readers that many of those not so fortunate are children, much younger than we who have had many more years of life. I felt I needed to participate in the <a href="http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-mary-bridge-childrens-hospital.html" target="_blank">Mary Bridge Childrens' Hospital Pillowcase Project</a> she sponsored, and it helped snap me out of my malaise.<br />
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Thank you, Rhonda....<i>.thank you thank you Thank You</i>. You are an angel to the children who get to pick a pillowcase for themselves, and to those of us who felt the joy of guiding each stitch in our donated pillowcases. The picture above is the pillowcase grouping I created. They are not perfect and have unique flaws which set them apart from the factory-created examples. My overlock blade was often too dull to cleanly sever several bulky seamlines, but, I kept sewing. At the end I was visualizing even more fabric combinations but forced myself to stop after completing twelve. I put one of my vintage printed labels in each one, hoping the child that chose one of them would find it and wonder who was the creator. They honor my three grandsons, all healthy and growing up in sunny northern California. All are rather boyish looking, although I did throw in one with purple and red flowers just for me. (smile)<br />
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Well, that has taken up only a portion of our yearlong separation. The other time has been filled with sewing, and I have several posts currently in draft status, just waiting to share the final garment on a dress form or on my body. I have lost so much weight, they will fit <strike>differently</strike> better, but, I currently have so few opportunities to dress up and model them with the proper accessories, <strike>days</strike> months have passed by. I promise to reveal them soon, even if they lie on the floor!<br />
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There are several crafting projects to complete, too. Below you will see three examples of decoupaged cigar boxes I am completing for my son and his oldest two boys. They were covered with napkins purchased at The Party Store ($1 per pkg). Each napkin was roughly torn and slapped down with ModgePodge inside the lid and outer surfaces of each box. Isn't the lizard eye menacing???!!! <i>My oldest grandson will love it!</i> The bottom of each box will sit on four colored flat-bottomed marbles and each top will be hinged and latched with hardware I purchased from an overseas Etsy seller. The inside of each box will be lined in green felt, and it is my hope they use them to store the secrets and treasures accumulated over their lifetimes. I hope they keep them forever and never surprise their mother by storing a tarantula or frog inside. lol....<br />
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I actually wanted to share a source for my favorite straight pins, but the cigar boxes added so much more visual interest to the picture I included them in the shot, too. The <a href="http://www.wawak.com/products/product.cfm/pid/6845/Iris-Super-Fine-Straight-Pin-20-1-1-4-500-/" target="_blank">large blue can</a> in the foreground holds <u>five thousand</u> extra long superfine Iris straight pins! All those sewists (like me) who do not gravitate toward using ball head pins (except on dressforms) will <i>love</i> these pins. They are very thin (superfine) and extra long (1-3/4") which remains ideal for old-school sewists who still pin pattern to fabric a majority of the time. And, I confess....they work great with the bad habit I have of sewing over pins with my 401 Singer Slant-O-Matic. <i> I know, I know</i>...my sister has <i>told</i> me I can't do that on any other machine.....including her $2000 Bernina...lol So far, it has worked fine in certain cases (to ease in set-in sleeves especially), so I will continue this horrible, horrible habit another 50 years until I begin to throw off machine timing or begin breaking straight pins one after the other. I also have the habit of cutting out several garments at once, so I no longer fear running out of my supply of these special pins before I remove them from other projects. <br />
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While my son was still in high school, I worked as a training instructor in a (now defunct) fashion fabric store in Fremont, CA. I fell in love with the extralong pins they carried, and purchased six or seven packages of them, each containing 300 pins. Well, this year I opened the last package and found out the company is no longer in business. WAWAK has their replacement, and I am glad I was able to find them. (Atlanta Thread Supply went out of business and WAWAK took over their customers, website and inventory.) Looking for a pin that does not snag your fabric and holds a maximum area flatly and smoothly, check these out.<br />
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Don't forget me! This blogging community is amazingly supportive and I have learned <b>so</b> much from its contributors. My sewing has improved immensely, even though I have been sewing over 55 years, so thanks to you all. I love the fact that there is still so much more to learn. I hope to become a frequent participant and encourage your comments. If you would like to see more detail on the cigar box project, just let me know. <br />
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Til next post, take care of your health and take each stitch....one atta time!<br />
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-91583790566510915352012-09-27T19:23:00.000-04:002012-10-14T18:41:52.432-04:00Two Years Six Months Later.....!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="font-size: small;">ow! Do you believe it!? It's finally finished!!!! </span></div>
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After selecting all the fabric, making sure it was 100% cotton and pre-shrinking every fat quarter in hot water, I began the project to complete the childs quilt called <a href="http://www.amybradleydesigns.com/funnybabies.html">Funny Babies,</a> designed by Amy Bradley. The quilt's background fabric would be blue (we knew the baby would be a boy) and I wanted to select at least one of each primary color a child would learn to identify during childhood. Fabric selection was the most fun....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red, Blue, Green, Red and Yellow</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beginning binding at bottom center of quilt </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binding attached and ready for final handwork</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Done!</td></tr>
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The quilting was done by a Georgian quilt shop in light blue thread. I allowed them to make the design selections and am very happy with their choices. I wanted to share the detail they added visually to the back of the quilt where I used white muslin. Can you see the many toys and baby items sewn into the design in the following four pictures?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the teddy bear...?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And the keyring rattle....?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you make out the pacifier....?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the ducky...!</td></tr>
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Sigh....So, this project has been completed. I hope finishing three more quilts for my growing grandsons will not take me as long. I did learn a lot....One....avoid appliques and stick with piece quilting from now on! Two...being exact when measuring is critical. Three....The love you stitch into the project will cover all errors.....<em>(smile)</em><br />
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I just hope I will bring the smiles to my niece and her son you see below when they open the box. I loved doing it. The package will go in the mail Monday.....<br />
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You will be hearing more from me, soon. Til then....keep sewing....one stitch at a time!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Washington DC's METRO over 2012 Labor Day Weekend</td></tr>
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greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-60164327051792132862012-09-21T16:06:00.000-04:002012-09-22T13:51:56.595-04:00Wedding Attire<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Look 6124</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><strong></strong></span><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span> y youngest niece asked me to sew her a dress she could wear at an upcoming wedding she had been invited to attend. Because I have been sewing for her since the day she was born, saying yes was no problem at all. About a month ago I came to live with her and her mother, so I had the opportunity to fulfill her request with her new measurements. I also wanted her to become more involved with the pattern and fabric selection this time around, and this was a prime opportunity. </div>
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Young adults are so computer literate now, so she was easily able to look through the online patterns available, and selected a very simple style with the newest craze: the peplum. Her selection was <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-7544-misses-dress.aspx" target="_blank">New Look pattern 6124</a>. She asked my opinion for fabric options, and I quickly guided her away from the standard satin (too many wrinkles) worn too often by wedding guests and suggested the less-gaudy shantung. She and I took a road trip to the local Hancock's where the fabric was on sale in her favorite color for only $2.99 per yard. She was excited the cost was so low because (this time) she was paying for it. lol...The entire ensemble was less than $25...including the pattern!</div>
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Pattern and the prepared fashion fabric and button</div>
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Now, the photo that follows was the result of all the recent classes I have taken on fitting and altering paper patterns. This young lady is six feet two inches tall, size 6 pattern with a D-cup bustline. I underlined the dress in a matching lightweight cotton, and she gave me her permission to post a finished picture of her in the dress on my blog. Needless to say, she was delighted. The two frosted buttons are an irridescent turquoise overlayed on a burgundy base that matched the suede shoes she wore. A road trip to G Street Fabrics was coupled with a side trip to <a href="http://www.ritasice.com/cool-treats/menu/italian-ice.aspx" target="_blank">Rita's</a> for a treat was the icing on the entire process. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Look 6124 <br />
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What did I do differently? Well, I decided to eliminate topstiching the tabs 3/8" from the edge as suggested in the instructions. And, I hand finished the bottom of the peplum instead of topstitching it down. I put in an invisible zipper (including the proper way to finish the facing on the inside) using one of the many instructions and hints posted by fellow bloggers on the internet. I had almost forgotten the most important instruction: that is, to begin the zipper installation after fusing interfacing in the back seam allowance....a critical step with this particular type of fabric, for sure!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Look 6124<br />
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I lengthened the back waist to 17 1/2". and slimmed the skirt bottom to more of a pegged look. Her mother (my sister) didn''t have any hips until she gave birth to her, so I suspect this young lady has inherited the same physical trait. Slim hips are perfect for this style of dress, and the kick pleat left her ample room to stride down the aisle with the bride's son. <br />
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I told her to have fun, take pictures, and smile. She was so happy when she bounced down the ramp, I couldn't help but feel happy I had been a part of her joy.<br />
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Thanks for checking out my blog....I haven't been posting a lot, but I have been sewing. I don't want to be lost like the bloggers mentioned in <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2012/09/lost-bloggers.html" target="_blank">MPB's blog</a>. Thanks for stopping by to check on me......<br />
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Keep sewing....one stitch at a time!!!</div>
greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-28342965700908896842012-07-23T18:08:00.001-04:002012-07-25T01:46:09.319-04:00Finishing Vogue 1305<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1305 <br />
(courtesy of Vogue pattern site)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>ince it was already cut out, I decided Vogue 1305 would be the last dress I will sew during the final days of my stay in northern California. I know, I've been rather quiet for a while, but it was only because I was in transition from one residence to a different, temporary one. I will be making my final drive cross country the last week of this month, back to my home and belongings stored in the metro Atlanta area of Georgia. <br />
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I am not looking forward to 33 hours on the road, but I am looking forward to seeing the accumulation of items I haven't seen in six or seven years....particularly the vintage pattern collection I had been dragging around the country for decades. Many of them are Vogue Patterns and include the woven labels Vogue used to include with your purchase when you bought the 'designer' patterns <i>(Are any of my readers as old as I am?) lol</i>. I look forward to posting most of them for sale on etsy or ebay as soon as I'm settled. My son's last couple of years in high school I worked in an independent fabric store (Fabricland in Fremont, CA), and still have many of the fabrics purchased with my discount from there. I've learned so many new techniques in junior college classes since I returned here to care for my mother, I am no longer reluctant to create the garments I envisioned when I made the purchases. No more adding to my stash 'til they're considerably reduced!<br />
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I began this particular sewing journey discovering an error on the cutting layout of the pattern. It was the first time this has happened to any pattern I've sewn, but it reinforced my commitment to understanding all the steps and terms prior to beginning to sew any pattern I haven't drafted. If you're interested, you can take a peek at the discussion in my previous <a href="http://oneattatime.blogspot.com/2012/05/waiting-for-vogue-to-answer.html" target="_blank">blog</a>. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Sides are Different and Separated by Center Seam</td></tr>
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<span style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The fabric is a drapey rayon knit I purchased for $1 per yard at a Joann's sale. The dress takes about 3 yards of 60" fabric for a size 16, so any fabric commitment is quite an investment. This brightly colored fabric will serve as my muslin. I</span>n the picture above I am trying to show you the different directions of the fabric from the front center seam. One side of the dress is straight-grain perpendicular to the floor, the other side fluid and drapey. I knew the weight of the dress (and it is substantial) is carried along this seam, so I stabilized it by placing a strip of 3/4" bias iron-on interfacing along this seamline prior to sewing them. I now realize it was a good move because the seamline is completely smooth and straight no matter how I move in the dress.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dress Rear with Long Sleeve Opening</td></tr>
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<span style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I</span>n the picture above I am showing the back of the dress with the opening and the slit along the longer sleeve on the right side. I had not chosen the single button yet, but the small loop is there (at the neckline) waiting for its companion.<br />
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The hemline photographed in the picture above is unique because it hangs from the shorter lining, so no handwork is required. It was an easy way to not have to worry about pulling out your hem with an errant pointy shoe heel. I have to remember how its done for future reference. </div>
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I will make this pattern again; the next time I will use a less transparent lining fabric. I don't have the type of bustline that allows me to run around without a bra, but within my own home it is a great around-the-house dress for an old lady who hasn't forgotten style. lol</div>
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I will close with a picture of my extremely happy great nephew holding the two stuffed toys I made for him. He called me on his mother's phone just to say thank you! Then promptly ran off to feed the mouse some cheese and the dragon some grass! He LOOOVES the dragon! His goal is to teach the dragon to fly. I didn't know they would be such a hit!....but it's worth it! In case you can't tell, in his right hand is the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/118317174858834856996/Dragon?authkey=Gv1sRgCP-xwpPc9pz6Qw#5700553135220635266" target="_blank">dragon</a>, and in his left hand is the <a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/118317174858834856996/Mouse?authkey=Gv1sRgCKiPlNG24-jjtgE" target="_blank">mouse</a>. </div>
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This little boy is the lucky one who received one of each stuffed animal....the other mouse went to my middle grandson and the latest dragon to his young brother whose middle name is Drake...a derivation of dragon (so my son has told me), now four months old and cuter than ever.</div>
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Yes....now I have made two of each of these stuffed animals, and I sleep at night swearing the light of their smiles brighten the stars above me. Those of you who pray to a higher power, include me as I leave this place and arrive safely at my new home. I will certainly be back in touch as soon as my new laptop is reconnected.<br />
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<i>'Til then....keep taking it one stitch at a time!......</i><br />
<br /></div>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-42833842903844878562012-05-07T16:05:00.001-04:002012-09-22T20:43:22.525-04:00Waiting for Vogue Patterns to Answer....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Y</span>ou haven't heard from me in a while, but that doesn't mean I haven't been sewing. <br />
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Let's see....<br />
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A new grandson arrived about 8 weeks ago, so I've been putting together little things for him. His middle name is Drake, so his Dad has asked that I make him <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaaPCkG4LSOom2byioYRbR3Vlmyvd6I3XYDRVlqgnJvp-dw-j3JiRZEPwooEYtHQEsZEfh1Msvfm06uwy9HJl2JMB74UVDdCZTux55_vCZsNWamJqoIZ885gx12tn_BcRRMJrPyTY-I3P/s1600/dragon2.jpg" target="_blank">his own dragon</a> (which is a derivation of 'Drake'). So, of course, it is in process. (Isn't he a cutie-pie?)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandson #2</td></tr>
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I am also in the midst of preparing for the upcoming June family birthdays (my only sister and my eldest niece). I usually make gifts and stay away from trying to finance what I would really love to purchase for them. So, that pressure is on, too.<br />
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Since my last post I have also completed a king-size quilt and have decided to send it off to be quilted by someone with a longarm quilting machine. The quilt is to be raffled off by a social club I belong to. Initially, the club members agreed to participate in its construction, but in the end no one pitched in <i>(should I be surprised?)</i>. I managed to get through it with the help of one member, and will now send it off to be professionally quilted before I put the binding around it. I'll let you know how this new experience turns out.<br />
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The <a href="http://www.amybradleydesigns.com/funnybabies.html" target="_blank">baby quilt</a> for my eldest niece's baby is also completed, but I am still deciding whether to purchase a <a href="http://flynnquilt.danemcoweb.com/" target="_blank">Flynn Multi-Frame</a> quilter and suffer through the learning curve to finish the small quilt myself. <br />
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I have finished the <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1129-products-10463.php?page_id=265" target="_blank">Vogue coat</a> I mentioned in my last post, but will show you pictures on the my dress form on my next post. I really just wanted to post this entry to ask you a question....<br />
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I recently looked at the new Vogue patterns and fell in love with the white Lialia dress pattern by Julia Alarcon <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1305-products-22879.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">(Vogue 1305)</a>. I was so excited about making the dress, I purchased the pattern at the very end of the previous pattern sale. I have since purchased the fabric for the pattern and begun to cut it out. This is only a problem because I have noticed an error (?) in the layout for the dresses <u>lining</u>. <br />
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This pattern has extra-long pieces that must be joined prior to cutting <i>(in addition to requiring each piece be cut on single-layer fabric--but <u>that's</u> another topic)</i>. The dress' lining layout shows different piece numbers joined together than the cutting layout for the fashion fabric. Has anyone else run into a problem where the layout (or sewing instructions) have an error? What did you do/what would you suggest I do?<br />
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I have sent an email to Vogue regarding this matter, but am unsure if I should wait to hear from them. Has anyone else made this dress already or have a solution for my question? If you have already purchased this pattern, would you take a look at the instructions and tell me if I am wrong? The <u>lining layout</u> shows piece 1 (top) joined with piece 3A and piece 3 (top) joined with piece 1A. Is there ever a logical reason for the pattern pieces to switch like this?<br />
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I certainly have a lot to do while I wait to hear from them. In the meantime, I would certainly like to hear from you!<br />
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Great stitching....keep going....one stitch at a time!...<br />
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Cynthia</div>
greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-50636491689659960352012-03-21T15:22:00.000-04:002012-03-21T23:49:39.915-04:00My Final Four<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
For those that wondered what had become of me, I wanted to let you know I am still alive....reading and sewing to my hearts content. I discovered how much the horrible mattress at my mother's had contributed to my back issues only after moving and sleeping on a really good mattress. I have also discovered how much the dust (and possibly the mold) had contributed to my persistent allergies following the move, as well. <br />
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My mind has rested and I have made a concerted effort to complete all the sewing projects I organized into plastic bags during my days of preparation. Some are simple toys for my great nephew, others are projects for my (very) soon-to-arrive third grandson. Others are the patterns to be altered for new dresses, skirts and tops for myself. <br />
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First up?....the simple hand puppets for my great nephew. These were made from <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b4209-products-1426.php?page_id=391" target="_blank">Butterick 4209</a><br />
using fleece left over from previous pajama and robe projects. I made four of them: the monkey, the kitty, and two bears. They all came out so cute...nothing you would see in real life! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spotted Monkey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpDAuzd6DjBw_6xj7r3Dan7ecutph6xXEZsN35BR8dK6w1kMoN2RORdbFF2d0w2VktFqtEeevW3wuHonStGwwAI7r8axJlJHdVRbzAYc7vee9EXTkBI7IoDDaIgzajwnzl_RY9-JqPQWi/s1600/DSC00118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpDAuzd6DjBw_6xj7r3Dan7ecutph6xXEZsN35BR8dK6w1kMoN2RORdbFF2d0w2VktFqtEeevW3wuHonStGwwAI7r8axJlJHdVRbzAYc7vee9EXTkBI7IoDDaIgzajwnzl_RY9-JqPQWi/s320/DSC00118.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiery Kitty with a gigantic bow tie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bear with a self-drafted tie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYl6BTST6w2ehZLswvi7mTCPMn2rNrxr3dlfkzdLHXe2OoEDC8euliucQhZqIlbzKxQFFLtfVmHA6mMrioCemxowk3N5fscSPnF9xEjsW7ORSr49j29S5PGu65M0Ldm7LiDSoFFvFc4qw/s1600/DSC00128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUYl6BTST6w2ehZLswvi7mTCPMn2rNrxr3dlfkzdLHXe2OoEDC8euliucQhZqIlbzKxQFFLtfVmHA6mMrioCemxowk3N5fscSPnF9xEjsW7ORSr49j29S5PGu65M0Ldm7LiDSoFFvFc4qw/s320/DSC00128.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camouflage Bear with self-drafted fringed scarf</td></tr>
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My favorite is the unusual-patterned monkey. I put pipe cleaners inside the tails of both the cat and the monkey, and this small step added so much character to both puppets. I hope he enjoys them! <br />
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Now...don't worry that I have suddenly shifted away from sewing clothing...I haven't. The past year or so has been difficult because of my move. These are the final quick projects I organized for completion in-between my 'serious' sewing. I made this great-nephew the same mouse I made for my second grandson, and it will go in the same box these puppets are shipped in. These are my final four projects for him, and now I will move forward with more classic clothing sewing projects.<br />
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Now, I am off to begin the Hong Kong seams on my next project: <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1129-products-10463.php?page_id=265" target="_blank">Vogue 1129</a>. Most sewists know how long this pattern has been available, and since I am a fan of anything that has something draped over the shoulder, it has been cut out for a loooong time waiting to find the right fabric to turn into the bias tape required to complete an interesting feature on the seaming (the coat is unlined).<br />
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Stay tuned...and thanks for stopping by!....<br />
Keep sewing....one stitch at a time!....<br />
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<i>PS: My third grandson arrived in the world yesterday (March 19), and I have come to grips with the fact that I won't be sewing any pretty little dainty dresses or christening gowns for a little granddaughter. {{{sigh....}}} </i>:)<br />
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<i>Welcome, Simon!!!! Grandma loves you madly and am already planning things to create especially for you!</i></div>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-45400678841678245432012-02-14T05:20:00.000-05:002012-02-18T22:11:39.975-05:00As I Back Out the Door....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he last few weeks of clearing the belongings left in my childhood home have been really, really stressful. The circumstances under which the ol' homestead is being sold brings to the surface all the childhood memories from 1961, the year our Buick deposited our clan from the Nebraska flatlands to grow up in the middle of a growing area soon to be identified as Silicon Valley. I will be sad to leave, even though I have always felt 'mid-western' and have shed the 'California-girl' mindset and beach goddess figure pressures I felt as an adolescent transplant. Why did we come? My sister's fragile health issues and the better California school system (at that time) was what they told us kids. It was hard leaving our neighborhood and childhood friends and grandparents. Sorting through papers left behind, there were also other skeletons rattling the leaves of the family tree that clarify why that dramatic decision was made. Secrets were buried when my father suddenly died within 3 years of our arrival. My mother never moved from the house my Dad bought for us, and amassed an amazing pile of what I can only refer to as 'stuff' in the 50+ years she lived here in a further attempt to bury family secrets. </div>
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...And I'm moving the 'stuff' left in her wake. I am now <i>so</i> removed from considering the value of these tangible 'things' I feel quite free to donate and trash the stuff I previously planned to sell for a king's ransom. At this late date I'm literally giving everything away and not giving it another thought. That's a good thing, right? I did decide to repair and store my grandmother's Domestic (converted) treadle machine, the family picture albums and documents to further investigate and document my family tree.</div>
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Because this house is where I began (machine) sewing, I suddenly felt I wanted to consciously <b>complete one more garment</b> before I left the familiar walls, sounds and lighting of this house. Of course, my way of releasing tension is to immerse myself in some mind-numbing stitching, so I dug out Vogue 1199 and the fabric had cut out a while ago. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vogue 1199 rear view (untucked)</i><br />
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Since no one has previously reviewed this blouse on patternreview.com, I will attempt to post <i>my first review</i> of this garment there later this week. Someone did complete and review the skirt included in the pattern (with positive comments), so I will add it to my list to complete from a yet-to-be-found wool gabardine. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vogue 1199 front (untucked)<br />Photo courtesy of McCalls.com</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Vogue 1199 front</i><br />
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So, here follows some visual views of my version....</div>
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If you don't look closely, you could miss the pintucks on the front and back of the top. I think there are approximately 20 on the front and a similar number on the back. These tucks were my meditative touchstone for a couple of hours each night. The most difficult part of the process was marking them. This particular garment <b>demands</b> proper marking. The sleeve swirl (what I call the ruffles within the sleeve), collar ruffles and sleeve hem are finished with fabric strips cut on the straight grain and frayed 1/4" at the edges. </div>
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Be sure to pull the single thread cross grain <u>to ensure this pattern piece is perfectly straight on grain</u> (pattern piece #9). <i>There is a reason I know what can go wrong here...lol.</i> Using 60" fabric, you would only need to purchase another 1/8th yard. Using fabric 45" wide, this helpful hint will not help you...devising how to invisibly join the end will need to be created. The shirt tail hem is a simple edgestitch. A single button closes with a fabric loop at the neckline. I moved the loop higher than it appears in the photograph. I haven't picked the button yet (here I come <a href="http://www.stonemountainfabric.com/index.html">Stone Mountain & Daughter</a>!). The fabric was on sale for $1 yard at a JoAnn's sale and is a shrimp-colored lightweight polyester crepe.</div>
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Beside taking the time to complete each step to the best of your ability, I only have two construction suggestions: </div>
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<b>One</b>.....cut the pattern piece for the ruffles at least 7"-8" longer in order to avoid piecing the strips. None of the strips were long enough to completely cover the required edge without piecing them. </div>
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<b>Two</b>...As you complete each tuck, take the time to tie off and trim the threads of each one at the top and bottom. I didn't do this <i>(sigh...)</i> and now have to devote an evening to tying off these threads. </div>
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I had a great time doing this blouse and plan to do another one. I have a similar weight crepe in white and will dig it out of one of the bins I have packed and sew it for this spring/summer. This blouse requires a lot of marking and basting. If basting is not your thing, this may not be the project for you. The next one will have an FBA adjustment and I won't be moving!...lol</div>
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Thanks for dropping by and reading about my latest sewing project! In preparation for my move I have many projects cut, marked and ready to sew. I hope you continue to stop by to see what I'm doing and share your thoughts in the coming months. Please excuse the picture quality....for some reason some of them are so fuzzy I had to resort to including cell phone photos as replacements.</div>
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I will be seeking out new notions at a nearby quilt show next weekend (free!) with a sewing buddy of mine. I hope to test run some new sewing machines, overlocks and blind stitchers. The sewing blogosphere has shown me my beloved Singer 401 is not the only girl on the block....lol <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Happy Valentine's Day!</span></i></b></div>
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What do you do to relieve stress? Do you take it one stitch at a time or use another activity?
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</div>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com7Silicon Valley, CA, USA37.362517 -122.0347635.747527 -124.5616155 38.977506999999996 -119.50790450000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-7146600630119814292012-01-24T17:39:00.000-05:002012-02-11T05:44:49.023-05:00A Dragon and a Giveaway!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span>had hoped to blog more during December, but I've come to understand how time gets away from you and before you know it.....you're paying another mortgage payment. I'd like to thank all those who have hung in with my erratic posting and continue to follow me. I would love to hear from more of you, and hope to provide the environment where you will feel free to tell me more than how 'wonderful' my talent is or how 'wonderful' I look wearing my clothes. I want it to be more than that when you drop by here to tell me something or see what I'm doing.<br />
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I managed to move through the 2011 holiday season while showing my childhood home to the many realtors and buyers making appointments. It sold really quickly and I have been busy in the interim packing and selling the multitude of things my mother hoarded and stuffed in any open area available during her 55-year residence here. I am exhausted and will be glad to pack the few things I brought with me while caring for her. I am shocked how much I'll be dragging back to re-establish my own household, once more. There are a lot of books, a <i>lot</i> of fabric, and a dog. Much more than I thought I'd have at the end of a stay I thought would be a <i>maximum</i> of 6 months. <br />
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Anyway, I discovered sewing blogs about 2 years into my stay here, and I thank each and every one of you who labored over words and pictures communicating your love for something I love, as well. In celebration of your efforts, I am hosting my first GIVEAWAY! The pattern below is only one of the many finds uncovered while I sorted through dusty trunks and bins of long-forgotten sewing patterns, thread and fabric. These patterns will be part of an ongoing list of what are now called 'vintage patterns' will be giving away. <br />
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This one is from the 70s <i>(not at <u>all</u> a vintage year to me), </i>nevertheless, not a pattern I will use or wear <i>(been there--did that), </i>so this wardrobe pattern will be offered first. It is unused and uncut, size 14 (bust 36") Simplicity 7813. <i>(Looks a little 'Tracey Reese,' no?)</i> I'm sure the pattern number has been used before, but this was back when <u>patterns cost 75 cents</u>! <br />
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Were you alive then? Leave me a comment telling me what you were sewing in the '70s and you will qualify for one entry in the giveaway <i>(one per person, please)</i>. I would love to meet you and find out how alike/different our sewing experiences are!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway Pattern: <br />Simplicity 7813 - size 14</i></td></tr>
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This pattern is a lined, mini-coat with empire waistline, a collar, front button closing, back pleats, long set-in sleeves, optional top-stitching, flaps and pockets. The pants and A-line skirt have side zipper and waistband. <span style="color: red;"><b>The random drawing for this giveaway will take place February 10, 2012 at 6pm PST. I will open the giveaway up to everyone....including international reader/bloggers.</b></span> Let's get to know one another! I love conversation, so my comment section is already set to begin threaded conversations. As my grandsons say, "Hit me up!"<br />
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I will leave now, but not before showing you what I made for my grand-nephew last week. I have packed most of my big clothing projects away, so I was ready for a quick crafty project to calm my mind and fill a need for a birthday present for a 2-year old. It was so much fun to make and went together with no problems (for an immediate sewers). I hope he likes it, too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Yoki wishing to meet his little boy today...</i></td></tr>
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The dragon is named "Yoki the Fat Dragon" and was purchased from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62731379/yoki-the-fat-dragon-sewing-pattern-pdf">a shop on Etsy.</a> It was the first time I've used a pattern that was from a downloaded .pdf file. The download went well and any intermediate sewer should be able to sew it together using the instructions. I think I spent about 3 hours start-to-finish. He turned out really cute, didn't he? I filled him with buckwheat hulls, so he has some heft like a beanbag. I wish I had stuffed his neck more because his head should stand up straighter. I sewed everything closed, so putting more in now is out of the question. <br />
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I traced the pattern onto the white packing paper I had lying around, then glued it to freezer paper for a bit more stability. It worked so well, I may try it again when I make <a href="http://oneattatime.blogspot.com/2011/10/i-sew-other-stuff-too.html">another mouse</a>. The pattern pieces and extra fabric (single pieces cut out automatically on doubled fabric) are what you see in front of Yoki in the zip-lock baggie. Making him was really fun, and I'm glad I bought enough fleece to make another! The embroidery thread used to shape his big belly (and underbelly) is what gives him his round shape and the ability to stand flat footed. My only hint is to pull these threads tight around him to give him real form.<br />
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His arms are not hinged, nor are his wings. I wish the pattern had some marking that shows where the arms and wings should be placed. I eye-balled their position based on the rear view of the finished dragon on the instruction coversheet. You will need to do this, as well. On my second version, I may consider changing how both wings and arms are attached. I also think I will embroider his eyes. I've got a new grandson arriving early March, so I need do the second version soon....!<br />
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Gotta run...! Posting takes me sooooo much time, and I've got so much more to complete here before the big move! Thank you everyone for continuing to check in on me. Consider trying for the giveaway! <i>It's FREE!!!!!!! </i>All you need to do is leave me a comment.<br />
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Keep it going...one stitch at a time!</div>
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</div>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-36537855475761309162011-12-07T22:00:00.001-05:002011-12-07T23:31:19.300-05:00Ask Santa for Something You Really Want<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> love books. I have collected far too many of them, but I do love them and can't seem to be comfortable without them being around me wherever I am. The only thing I love more than books are <i>books about sewing</i>. <br />
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For the past several years we have benefited from the existence of a place in northern California dedicated to patternmaking and the study of style. Have you heard of <a href="http://www.centerforpatterndesign.com/pages/About-Us.html">The Center for Pattern Design</a>? If that special someone still has no clue what to buy you for the upcoming holiday, direct them to the <a href="http://www.centerforpatterndesign.com/categories/-All-Books/">book section</a> of the CFPD website. There are many rare book reprints and patternmaking books (for both men and women), software and DVDs ranging in cost $9.99 and up. While you're there, check out their upcoming classes, tools and supplies, and sign up for their newsletter. So many good things are happening there! <br />
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And, when you have a moment, read the newsletter archives. They have so many knowledgeable teachers planning to lead seminars and classes during the upcoming year (2012). (Sato taught a class there last year; so don't forget to peek at the photos section to get an idea of what it was like in class.) What could be more inspiring than taking a patternmaking class in northern California?! <i>(I know, I know...taking one in Paris..! lol)</i> </div>
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I'm saving my money to get Harriet Pepin's <a href="http://www.centerforpatterndesign.com/products/MODERN-PATTERN-DESIGN-By-Harriet-Pepin.html">Modern Pattern Design</a>, a <strong>really hard-to-find</strong> authorized reprint. I'd love to hear what books you placed on your wishlist, so leave me a note! </div>
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Domino and I wish you a great Holiday Season and hope you get to squeeze in some needle time! </div>
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Just remember, take it one stitch at a time!...</div>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-58022662396724764432011-11-25T14:13:00.000-05:002011-11-25T14:13:30.482-05:00Pattern Placement is Critical<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>kay,...I'm putting this out there as a work-in-progress because I need an excuse to post <strong>Thanksgiving Greetings</strong> to everyone reading a blog on this holiday. Perhaps you're up early, have had a cuppa coffee and let the dog out....like me. Special greetings to you. Make sure you hug someone today...make it a good long hug where you are the last one to let go. And, think of a good family memory. </div>
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This also has a therapeutic purpose also. If you've been following along for a while, you would have read how I am packing up my mother's home and preparing it for sale. I will then collect my belongings from storage in the suburbs of Atlanta, and begin another phase of my life. At this particular time, my creative time for sewing is extremely limited. This blog is about one project that needs about two 4-hour blocks of time to bring to completion. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Vogue 2960 (back)</em><br />
<em>Please ignore the floor...I know it clashes badly!</em></td></tr>
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The dress is <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2960-products-8312.php?page_id=850"">Vogue 2960</a> one of my absolute favorite vintage pattern reproductions. The picture on the right is of the back of the dress. I love the cabbage rose fabric I bought from Repo Depot a few years ago. They offered the fabric with dark green, blue and (my selection) beige backgrounds. I gravitated toward this fabric because I have memories of my paternal grandmother's living room drapes that had the dark green background. She was the grandmother whose sewing machine <em>(a Singer 401) </em>I use to this day. The construction process included serging all the inside seams, and (just prior to) completing the grosgrain ribbon waistline stay, I decided to include a petticoat. The only steps remaining are completing and attaching the petticoat and creating the buttonholes. The pattern instructs you to make bound buttonholes on the bodice front. I didn't think the dress requires them. Now, I understand why they selected this design feature. One buttonhole is positioned so that the opening sits in the waistline seam. I'm contemplating opening the seam instead of trying to work a machine buttonhole at that position. It may be easier to make the bound buttonholes! <em>lol</em> I also could forget the button at that place and add a hook and eye. I plan to wear the dress with a self-fabric 2" covered belt and buckle. I also think I want to add one pocket large enough for keys or hankerchief. There will be red heels, that I know...And dark green suede heels in the winter...! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Vogue 2960 front </em><br />
<em>shows importance of pattern placement</em></td></tr>
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Only after taking these pictures did I realize the importance of stepping back from your work, I don't know if I will be able to get over the <em>terrible</em> pattern placement on the bodice. If I had more fabric, I would certainly re-do it. <a href="http://www.reprodepot.com/">Repot Depot</a> no longer does retail business, and I've nothing but scraps after making the petticoat bias binding. </div>
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I had not yet discovered the <a href="http://behindtheseams.wordpress.com/2011/02/06/pattern-matching-tutorial/">great tutorial </a>from Gigi Sews <em>(miss you, Gigi)! </em>I wonder how much more fabric should be bought to accomodate possible fabric pattern matching? Aha!...perhaps the answer is in the fabric and how often that particular pattern repeats. Anywhere, there is noneof this fabric left in the universe, and I am torn between finishing it and investing in a shawl or calling it an official UFO.</div>
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So, the picture that follows is the last of the gathered notions and fabric required to complete this project. The red grosgrain will be used between the petticoat tiers. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Skirt and lower ruffle of petticoat plus notions</em></td></tr>
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Depending on how long it takes to sell the old homestead may leave more time than I think. You will see it finished, I just can't tell you exactly when. There are quite a few of these project bags sitting around me right now. Makes me really anxious to work like this....I'm more of a one-project-a-time sewist. Are you? </div>
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I am invited out to dinner with old family friends and neighbors. They moved into their house in 1957 on thiss block and have lived here every since. Our family drove moved from Nebraska to California a couple of years later. I grew up with their children, and their gatherings are legendary. Real neighborhood celebrities and a great couple <em>(see the June 2011 issue of Jet Magazine, wedding/anniversary section).</em> The food should be gooood!</div>
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I'll talk to you again, soon...</div>
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Remember, take it one stitch at a time....</div>
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And you'll be just fine...</div>
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I love comments and conversation...so if you feel so inclined....please do!<em> </em></div>
</div>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-40658660880705107982011-11-09T22:08:00.000-05:002011-11-11T00:38:14.650-05:00Hidden Treasures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> listed the ad locally with the headline "Estate Sale of Hoarder 7am-2pm" and had moved tabled items and boxes around the driveway the day before. It rained overnight<em>--hard.</em> A very good friend was driving about 150 miles early that morning to help me. She was late. The first customers arrived at 4:30am....yes, that's right...<strong><em>four thirty in the morning</em></strong>. They hovered at the end of the driveway like zombies, their black profiles moving closer to the garage in misty shadows. I was a little un-nerved. Finally, I yelled out the door and asked them to please sit in their cars until the opening time. Seven o'clock came....I had no change...no posterboard signs had been scattered in the surrounding neighborhood hotspots. The sun was barely up before the swarm started digging through the soggy cardboard boxes for treasures. <br />
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One man bought all the costume jewelry in bulk. A bunch of women started digging in the numerous hat boxes (my mother was a church-lady with far too many outlandish hats). One women took all the tablecloths, napkins, and doilies. Shoes, bags, unopened Fingerhut boxes, QVC boxes, HSN boxes and knicknacks <em>(hate them...endless dustcatchers)</em> were assaulted. A set of leather luggage including the ladies' train case sat waiting their turn to be chosen among...pots....dishes...cut glass...handkerchiefs, gloves.....sigh. It was endless. And, I haven't mentioned the vintage lingerie she kept....you don't wanna know.<br />
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I will never do this again <em>(<span style="font-size: x-small;">if I can help it, I pray...)</span>.</em> My shoulders ache and my back is stiff. It was three days of dust and standing for hours on cement. Not enjoyable...But, many dealers are very happy...and $o am I. I am packing up the homestead and readying it for sale. My mother was a hoarder,...need I say more? I had to sleep in the living room for the first 9 months after I arrived while I cleared out two bedrooms of 'stuff.' This has been a true test...(required if you have a testimony, right?)<br />
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What was interesting from the sewing standpoint was to discover five trunks filled with my mothers sewing projects, finished and unfinished. These are the type of trunks college students drag from home to house their belongings in dorm rooms during their college stay. The trunks hadn't been opened in a long time, but the contents of all were in perfect condition. The paper bags protecting all this polyester fabric <em>(remember, the 70s ushered in the leisure suit era)</em> reminded me of the many fine fabric stores that were part of my young sewing experience. Their names and logos I had long forgotten, and I quickly realized we had access to multiple fine fabric stores--not like our meager selection today. I'm thankful for the Internet. My mother had a lot of vintage patterns...not the 40s and 50s I love, but quite a few in the 70s. I cringed as the best diggers pulled out some thread, trim or pattern I had missed. None of the remaining patterns are my size, but I plan to use them as giveaways after I confirm their condition, <em>so stay tuned!</em><br />
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Needless to say, not much sewing is being done here. I had hoped to complete more projects before I must pack my machines and projects away. What you may see is more of my handwork or travelling projects. Who knows, I may have more time than I think. After all, the economy being what it is, the house may be on the market for a while.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>They come in multiple colors, too!</em></td></tr>
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I don't want you to leave until I pass along one of my sewing favorite things. Take a hard look at the picture. What are they? If you've ever purchased a balloon at a party store, these are the optional weights that can be attached to the balloons to prevent them from floating away. I use them as pattern weights. I just love the colorsplash they bring as I cut out my patterns. <br />
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The conical weight <em>(see the grey unwrapped weight lying on its side)</em> can be removed from the Mylar and wrapped in ribbon or embellished with anything that makes you smile. Let the hot glue gun be your friend. Be sure to glue felt to the bottom to prevent the rough stone from snagging your fabric, and cover sides of the weight with anything your heart desires. The set I use fits neatly in a custom decorated box or at times, have been lined them up a shelf like well-dressed sewing room soldiers. The pouf on the top has its advantages, and makes it easy to grab and re-position them. I've been collecting them from miscellaneous birthday parties or anniversary celebrations for a few years. If you must purchase them, they are approximately $1 each. <br />
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As part of my garage sale preparation, I opened a box containing a pattern system I had never heard of. Has anyone heard of this company or used this system? The back of the book in the picture below says it was The Perfect Fit Publishing Company 1971 (revised 1975 - 530 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10038). <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Front Cover of book, touting the "Exclusive Over Lay and Trans-Dart Method</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Like the Lutterloh system, this has a special ruler and miniature patterns to follow.</em></td></tr>
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It seems to be no longer in business, but if anyone can provide more information on this company or system, I would be interested in hearing about it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Domino asks little from me....as long as I am continually touching him.</em><br />
<em>In this case, my feet will do just fine.</em></td></tr>
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Like CBSs "Sunday Morning," I'd like to leave you with a funny, nature moment. My dog wore himself out imagining all our garage sale visitors came specifically to see him. He performed his " Ain't I adorable" antics for each and every one who visited. They allowed him to jump up on them (muddy, wet paws and all) and encouraged him to lick them in the mouth and he took advantage of stepping beyond the hours and hours of training he has endured to break these horrible habits. lol <br />
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At the end of the day he was so exhausted he didn't think about eating dinner! Neither did I!....It has taken us both a couple of days to recover, and my excuse is my age. He's only three so I don't know what his issue is...you'll have to ask him..:)<br />
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I’ll talk to you again, soon….<br />
Thank you for visiting! <br />
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<em>Stitch on…</em><br />
<em>you’ll get there…just make progress taking each</em><br />
<em>One at a time….</em></div>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-65823321543689863382011-10-22T22:51:00.001-04:002020-11-21T09:33:59.526-05:00I Sew Other Stuff, Too....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">F</span>rom time to time, my sewing projects are things other than garments worn by me or my family. I am happy to share a sewing project that should take an hour or two of your day and allow you to let off a little steam after a lengthy and complicated project. With the recent release of the new <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/new-sewing-patterns-pages-96.php?list=0">McCalls Holiday Collection patterns</a> the blogosphere was all abuzz. I had also received my McCalls e-newsletter, and wanted to stop a moment to share what new things I noticed when I clicked on the link. <br />
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I drooled over the new pattern for <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6480-products-15250.php?page_id=96">18" doll clothes</a> (aka <a href="http://store.americangirl.com/agshop/static/character.jsp">the American Girl Dolls line</a></span>)! Those clothes looked so cute and up-to-date, I wished my niece was young enough to still play with the American Girl doll I bought her when she was 7 or 8 years old. She is older now, just out of graduate school, yet she remembers getting that doll as a present. I might have to find some naked 18" doll to sew for!....lol<br />
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I liked a few of the new Misses party dresses I saw in the collection, but I grinned when I saw that McCall's added a new pattern by one of my <u>favorite</u> patternmakers. At the very end of the new pattern group was the cute little photo below.... This hippo and elephant pattern are examples of the animals from Carol's Zoo! I met Carol as a vendor at a quilt show many years ago. I am delighted to recommend her fun, unique and superbly-drafted patterns to you. This lady has found a way to draft these animals with as few pattern pieces as humanly possible. After taking the patternmaking class at the local college, I was amazed at their construction! You will be, too!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">McCalls 6484<br />
<em>Photo courtesy of McCalls.com</em></td></tr>
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I was so excited to see Carol getting the recognition she deserves! I have made the hippo from a tapestry fabric and used a coordinating tassel for his tail. He is soo cute, and made from 3 pattern pieces!<br />
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Last year, I made her mouse pattern (only 2 pieces!) in 90 minutes and was so pleased with how little time it took and how ingenious her pattern was. She has designed an <a href="http://www.carolszoo.com/patterns/index.htm">entire zoo</a> of different animals, most of which have less than 4 pieces, and I encourage you to visit her shop while she is offering a <a href="http://www.carolszoo.com/index.htm">25% discount</a> for any of her specially identified "pink" fur in honor of October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. <br />
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Carol is a cancer survivor, and is such a nice woman, I would love to have her meet all of you and introduce you to her as a great source of beautiful and unique faux furs, excellently-drafted animal patterns, and lots of safety-designed eyes and noses for your stuffed creations. She sells the patterns alone, but also has kits with everything you need to make a mother and child of each animal. Don't forget to give her a look-see!<br />
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Look at the mouse pattern below for the mouse I made last Xmas: <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Mama Mouse and Baby Mouse</em><br />
<em>photo courtesy of Carolszoo.com</em></td></tr>
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And, below is a picture of my grandson, the happy recipient of a new friend. What did I do differently? I put pipecleaners in his tail and filled his body and head with buckwheat shells from an old pillow I had. He has enough heft in his bottom to sit, hold up his head and not fall over. His whiskers are extra-long lengths of overwaxed black carpet thread. I believe he has been named Eek, and I am more than delighted to see my grandson still has him (and his camouflage ribbon) when I requested a picture of them! I loved making it! Only one hour to create such delight. Grandmas live for these moments!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Baby Mouse in Dining Room Early in the Morning</em></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><em>Baby Mouse Named Eek and my Grandson</em></td></tr>
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Thanks for stopping by...! <br />
<em>and keep stitching....<strong>one stitch at a time!</strong></em></div>
greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1676216456043293674.post-14444650434585828682011-10-11T00:46:00.000-04:002012-01-24T18:46:11.175-05:00Fabric Selection is Key....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></strong>he journey toward the completion of this project went awry due to my inattentiveness to the "suggested fabrics" printed on the back of the pattern envelope. This garment stalled because the weight of the fabric I chose affected the garment's final finishing touches. Let me first confirm what the suggested fabrics for the top were: <em>charmeuse and crepe de chine</em>. I knew what both fabrics were, having worked parttime in fashion fabric stores (and sewn) for many years. I bought a beautiful piece of yardage from <a href="http://www.gorgeousfabrics.com/shop/index.php">Gorgeous Fabrics</a> I thought would be great and began the project. <a href="http://blog.gorgeousfabrics.com/"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Thank you, Ann!)</span></em></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vogue 1039</td></tr>
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I usually study a pattern before I begin to sew and I mean <strong><u>stud</u>y</strong>---not just look at. If I understand all the steps, the instructions become a guidepost to the sewing process and are referred to as a reminder of the construction sequence. My sewing improved the minute I adopted this practice. I definitely caused myself problems if I started to sew something when I didn't fully understand the instructions. Nothing is worse than looking at the instructions in Step 'x,' and not understand what on earth they are asking you to do! Hate it! </div>
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During the time I spend studying the instructions, I make notes on the instruction sheet of the places where I plan to add or change a design feature or sewing technique. I make written notes for things like label placement, where and how I plan to finish seams, how I plan to transfer the all-important dots, squares, and triangles (both large and small) from the pattern to fabric, and what colors will represent each shape. Often I use different marking mediums; choosing between the chalk, crayon, tracing paper and/or tailor tacks that could all appear in the same garment.</div>
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My goal when I sit down at my machine is to change threads between the straight-stitch and overlock as few times as possible. I sew in what I have learned are called 'units.' I begin with completing all the stay-stitching (or doing double-rows of gathers), attaching interfacing, then end by finishing all the seams. Any foundation or detail work is usually done next (thread tracing, basting, pad stitching, welt openings, bound buttonholes, etc.). Depending on the type of garment, these steps vary. When I can put all the 'units' together without having to stop to baste, interface or pre-finish anything, I really feel my sewing session has been productive and it appears as if I accomplished a lot.</div>
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<em><span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>Because of how I work, my son has always thought I was an amazingly fast sewer. He would wake up in the morning and he would have a new shirt after seeing a stack of fabric beside my sewing machine the night before. He had no idea there was a lot of 'pre-work' being accomplished before he noticed the garment in-process. I didn't think he was paying any attention!...lol. This myth was uncovered when I began sewing Halloween costumes for my grandchildren. He now knows how much time and love is invested in a Mom-made garment. I had that superwoman illusion going for a loooonnngg time, didn't I?! psssst...he'll be forty as of this Sunday!!!...((grin)) Happy birthday, son!</strong></span></em><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neckline View <br />
Bosom Toward Toes on Dressform</td></tr>
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This pattern was categorized as being "Advanced/Plus Difficile" as far as Vogue's skill level estimates go. I wouldn't say it would be more accurately described as 'tedious.' This squared-neck tunic has 10 pieces; which I should have recognized as the first indicator it was going to challenge me to carefully handle the bias edges, tiny pleats, and gathered strips that are part of the design. My disappointment has to do more with the way the neckline's pleated yoke was made unnecessarily complicated. If I were to remake this garment, I would definitely re-draft it and omit the yoke's pleats. This design has the front and yoke facing sewn together and finished with understitching at the neckline edge. The pattern then instructs you to make the three box pleats in the front. Next, the instructions say to stabilize the pleats at the front neckline <em>(the three pleats can be seen in the picture above) </em>by centering and stitching the pleats at the top neckline edge and again about 3 inches away around the yoke bottom.<em> </em> This top almost became a wadder right here. <br />
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The beautiful fabric I had selected was to lay smoothly at the neckline, and the top of the pleats were to be kept stationary by <u>topstitching through all six layers of the pleats</u> in the front and continuing on around the three other sides of the neckline. You know I complained to myself, <em>"There must be a better way!!!" </em>This was where I realized my fabric would not lay smoothly or appear as a single layer because it had much more 'body' or 'heft' than the fabric pictured on the envelope. Well,....I thought about picking the yoke, front and pleats apart, removing the yoke facing pleats entirely and encasing pleats at the neckline in a neckline seam with the unpleated inside yoke. I decided not to. I ultimately concluded I'd done enough to make this garment any more different or unique. I blame myself for not picking a <u>tissue weight</u> fabric and missing the construction of this design element while I was 'studying.' I do like the top, though. The fabric feels sooo good, and I like the added color detail because it's slimming. I have made written notes all over the pattern instructions in case I try it again to remind myself to use my alternate solution for finishing the neckline. Moving on.... Here are some final garment pictures. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back</td></tr>
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<em><strong>Time to share</strong></em>......I went to the Pacific International Quilt Festival XX at the Santa Clara Convention Center this past weekend. What fun! Now, I'm not much of a quilter, specifically....but I do admit loving to be around creative energy, and am always awed by the meticulous handwork of women (and more and more men) world-wide. This is the largest quilt festival on the west coast, and is the gathering place for enthusiasts from all over. The adjacent hotel is filled ladies dragging rolling carts flashing credit cards used exclusively for this four-day annual event. I was with a good girlfriend of mine who has similar creative interests (quilts and purses/totes) so, we were able to leisurely stroll every aisle and look for new products and notions in addition to admiring hundreds of quilts. We stayed all day...dragged our old legs home after walking that cement floor all day! .... <strong><em>Loved It</em></strong>! </div>
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...Remember, just keep sewing!</div>
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one stitch at a time....</div>
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</div>greytonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16011928850908138108noreply@blogger.com1