… you haven’t even read a sewing blog in a week, much less updated your own.
I’ve been in my sewing room once or twice, but mostly to hunt for something or pick up whatever toys Owen has dragged in there. How sad, huh? I’m hoping reclaim my sewing mojo soon. There’s been quite a bit going on that has kept me preoccupied!
I haven’t had much time lately so there been much progress from my sewing room. I have the top from s3634 far enough along to see that it is going to need some changes, but is a pretty good fit. And my brown slacks are close to done, but I’m waiting to finish them up.
Work has actually been pretty busy lately, and the weather has been crazy! Yesterday my town was hit by tornadoes, but my family and friends are all fine. In fact when I got home, my mother and Owen had both fallen asleep on the couch while watching the weather.
And? Owen now likes to make the sound that thunder makes. Super-cute.
Yup. I finally typed a little bio blurb on my “about” page. I guess this means that I’m once again an official blogger.
(Ugh. I still hate that word… “Blog” sounds like the name of a rather ugly troll. Or perhaps that’s the sound one makes when reguritating. Either way, it is easier to type than “online journal”, so I have given up my resistance.)
Last night I cut the pattern for this knit top, Simplicity 3634. I like the cardigan too, and might make the pants someday if I need pants in a hurry. The skirt is very similar to S5914, which I adore, so I have no interest in using this one. I figure I’ll still get plenty of use out of this pattern though, and besides, I’m such a sucker for cowl necks.
I’m also using it for a bit of an experiment. I’ve already cut and made a muslin of Vogue 8323, and have several fitting issues with it to be worked out. I have a RTW long sleeved tee that fit well that I cut up and made a pattern from. And I also have a download of Sadie from Burdastyle that has yet to be assembled. (Thank goodness I downloaded that when it was free! Can you believe they are charging $3 for a very basic pattern you have to print and assemble yourself?!)
I’ve noticed with the Vogue that I have already started, one major problem is that the armscyes are too long. When you combine that with a full bust and thick upper arms, you might as well tie my elbows to my waist. I feel like I have no comfortable range of motion in my arms!
I plan to compare the flat patterns of each of these pattern companies and then compare the difference in fit once I have them sewn. I’ll use the one with the best fit as a starting point for any pattern alterations necesary and then keep it as a basic block for future designs. How exciting!
I know that the new year is well underway and many people have already made (and probably broken) their resolutions, but I would like to go on the record here. I have some sewing goals for this coming year.
1. Take a better photographic record. I make lovely stuff, and then take ugly photos. If I’m going to spend days making a perfect garment, why do I only spend a few minutes to snap a quick, poorly-lit picture?
2. Develop a Tried-N-True woven shirt pattern. I have TNT patterns for skirts and now pants. I have a couple great patterns for knit tops. But I am never happy with my woven shirts and that’s a lot of work for a disappointing result.
3. Complete an eleven piece wardrobe. I’m basing this on the SWAP (Sewing With A Plan) format… 4 bottoms, 6 tops, and 1 jacket or coat that all coordinate and can be worn in any combination.
4. Make the insides pretty too. I’ve been working on this a little at a time, but I really have no excuse other than laziness or impatience. I don’t have a serger to finish seams and have been known to depend a little too much on my pinking shears to finish raw edges. It’s time to get more comfortable with hong kong finishes, french seams, and full linings.
5. Mumble mumble, new techniques, mumble. This is where I’m mumbling something about welt pockets and invisible zippers. Maybe something unintelligible concerning proper pressing techniques. Did something about bagging a lining get mentioned? I’m so hesitant to take on certain challenges that I don’t even want to name them.
In other news, we took the kiddo to the zoo yesterday and had a blast. It was a bit breezy but it was worth it for the up-close-and-personal attention we got from one of the young lions!