Buttons for Burda

I managed to get over to Pursleys for buttons this week. I came home with all these:



I looked and looked for the turquoise, but no luck--all gone. I couldn't find the same shade in a different button either. But while I was there, I stocked up on some bright colors. At Pursleys the prices are so good. Average price of these you see were .05 cents each. So ten for .50--not bad, eh? Compared to Joanns and Hancocks--a real deal!

So, I went with these:



(I also picked up 2 yds fabric while there for a top for DGD.)

I'll still be on the look-out for turquoise, and if I find some, I'll replace these.

So, here's the wearable dress:



Later yesterday, I cut out a pair of black linen One Seams longer capri length. That pattern is a TNT now for me, therefore, it sews up really fast. They would be DONE except that my bobbin thread ran out as I was getting ready to fold under and sew the waist elastic down. Since it was time to feed the critters, I decided not to take time to wind the bobbin, so those will get finished (I hope) today. These will go with my Vogue B/W blouse and the Louise cutting loose jacket I finished sometime back.

So, today I get to update my fabric tracking with some sewn and 2 yds bought. Not sure whats up next for me.

Ouch!

This could have been finished late yesterday if I hadn't sliced the side of my thumb with my surgical seam ripper. I'm still not quite sure how it happened, but it did. I didn't want to handle the fabric while bleeding. I tried holding a tissue on it and keep working, but I do too much holding/twisting, etc. with my right thumb, so I gave up for the evening.

I was able to get into the sewing room about mid-morning and get it finished. I do like the way it looks, but we'll have to see how much wear it gets. I've always restled with wrap skirts. Although this is not a true wrap, I'm afraid it still will not hang correctly. We'll see.



The pattern called for a large hook that I replaced with a button. For one reason, I could only find half of a silver hook and I HATE sewing on those hooks. I'd much prefer sewing a button and buttonhole. Since the top cover is an overblouse, whose to notice (or know the difference)?



The top went together easily. I really wish now that I had added about 1" to the length. I held the pattern piece up to me and thought it would be fine, but I think I'm going to wish it were a tad longer. Time will tell.

I love the neckline and will likely use it again sometime. The buttons were in the stash (thankgoodness). At first, I thought they might be too dark, but I really like how they look.



I don't remember how much I paid for this linen or linen blend, but it must have been a good price as I still have about 4 yards of it left. So, if this outfit ends up in the donation pile, I can make another top (longer) and a different (non wrap) skirt.

As far my thumb, it's sore--you know how those cuts can be. And as I was chopping dill pickles for the potato salad, it really talked to me! Hope everyone has had a nice holiday weekend!

Memorial Day 2008

(Photo: Ft. Sam Houston, Texas)

"Any nation that does not honor its Heros will not long endure."

President Abraham Lincoln

Button Bust!

Well, it looks like a 40+ mile oneway trip to Pursleys will be in order next week.

After my work at the Animal Hospital, I headed for Hancocks/Joanns (they are within a few blocks of each other and are only about 20 miles away). I was going to pick up a few of the Vogue's on sale (if my size was available) at Hancocks, AND I was hoping to find some bright buttons for the Burda dress.

I knew the selection(s) at both places would be limited, but I had hopes. But nothing that I was happy with--NOTHING. Shucks!

I did come home with 4 Vogues from Hancocks and nothing, nada, from Joanns. I did make a couple of non-sewing related stops, so I maximized the gasoline for the trip.

I was able to work on the KS skirt yesterday, and it's well on its way to completion. I'll take a photo tomorrow, and, maybe I'll even finish it.

It's only buttons

Claire had idea I should have thought about. Duh! Pin on some buttons and see if anything seems perfect. Here are some colors pinned on (minus a black one). Of course, I don't have enough of all of them. I do have enough of the 2nd one down, but it's not one I want to use. I do, however, think I want a bright colored one rather than black. I really like the turquoise color. Now I just need to find some. And, Nancy's comment reminded me of myself--sometimes I stress over the buttons, but, hey, they can always be changed if the first set doesn't work out!

Thank you both for taking time to comment!



I like to purchase buttons from Pursleys in Duncanville, but I don't want to make a special trip for buttons as the drive is about 40 miles. So, I will check out Joann's and Hancock's over the weekend.

After I played with buttons this morning, I cut out Kwik Sew 2946, the shorter version. If the skirt is a keeper, I'll make the top from View A. I'm using a linen blend (lavender if the color is not coming through well) that has been in the stash for a while.



After that, it was a bite of lunch and out to hop on the tractor to begin mowing the pasture. Mowing will take me several days, and the weather was cooperative today, so I decided to take advantage. It was only 90 today, and there was a nice breeze.

Burda Dress Almost Done

I was able to spend most of this morning in the sewing room. All that's left to do is buttons, buttonholes and hemming. I think it came out pretty cute.

I cut a size 42 and the only "alterations" I made (so far): I raised the neckline about 1/2" in the front, and I took in the side seams an additional 3/8" under the arms only. I *may* yet take in the area at the hips--not sure yet. It almost seams "too baggy" there when I'm wearing it (and you know how I like "not too tight," but this may really be a bit too loose). The photo doesn't really show the "baggy" part well. I'll decide before I hem it.

I'm not sure about buttons. In the photo you can't really tell that it bottons all the way down the front. I'm wondering if I should go with some bright colored buttons or stay with plain black. Any of you have suggestions?

I think I will really enjoy this one this summer. It's comfy, colorful and cool!

Sewing this rayon was a challenge even though I spray starched the fabric before cutting. That helped some with adding body, but it was still rather slippery. My walking foot helped me alot. I LOVE that foot. I use it alot for topstitching and I used it for that purpose today when I topstitched each of the front edges where the self-facing turned back.

I wanted the facing to be secured at it's edge, but didn't want topstitching there. I knew the buttons and buttonholes would secure it some, but not all the way to the edge. So, I fused the facing down with steam-a-seam. That stuff really comes in handy. It may not stay secure forever, but for now it will be fine.

In this photo you see that I'm doing the initial press with the paper side still in tact. Once I completed the length of the facing, I peeled off the paper and pressed down to the wrong side of the front of the dress.



I'm really liking this pattern. I think I'll make one from one of the linen blends that I have in the stash. Don't know if that will be next up on the cutting table or not.

Jalie with short sleeves

It's not as comfy as the first one, but......I took this out of the stash this morning. It is rayon/lycra, but not as fluid (jersey soft) as the first one. I did cut 1" side seams due to the difference in the stretch and it was a really good thing. Had I not done that, it would have had to go to the donation pile. As it is, it is tighter than I prefer around the belly/hip area. (I think I have put on a few pounds since I stuffed Saphroni.)

I raised the neckline abouy 3/4". It could stand to be taken in a bit at the waist to give it more shaping, so I'll try to do that tomorrow. I think I'll wear it, but not as much as if it were fabric more like the first try. As far as the short sleeves, they work for me. I need to dig out some of the softer knit for "one more try." That, however, will be later. I've refolded the pattern and put it back in its nice plastic bag.

I was browsing E-bay a couple of weeks ago, and found this pattern. I'm guessing it is an OOP one. It looks like it will be a comfy summer dress for shopping, erands, etc.



I pulled this out of the stash. It is rayon crepe and a fun print. If I remember correctly, this was some of the $1/yd fabric I got last year.



After I finished the Jalie, I traced the pattern and cut out the dress. Then it was time to begin dinner and begin feeding the critters. So, it will be ready to sew tomorrow. I hope my plans don't get interrupted!

High temp hit a record today at 99 degrees. So if tomorrow is as hot, it will be a good day to stay in the sewing room under the A/C!

Two Sleeves

The Jalie finally has two sleeves (tho not hemmed yet). I got into the sewing room for about an hour this afternoon. Still needs the hem, but I was too lazy to change the thread on the coverstitch. I also managed to do some mending on linen capris that needed attention.

I really like this fabric (rayon/lycra). It has great recovery. I have enough left do make a dress and probably a T for Sis. Since the colors are dark, I will put that off to make for fall (my thinking right now). I've got some "summer" rayon/lycra that needs to become something for this summer.

Now that I have the sizing worked out on the Jalie, I want to make another for summer. I will raise the neckline a bit. I wonder how it would look with short (I'm not into the cap sleeve) sleeves? I may give that a try.

I hope to get the full mojo working this week and get some of the stash sewn. That will make me feel better since I have more fabric coming in the mail. I must get busy as I hope at least to have an overall net balance of ZERO or less in my fabric tracking. It's not looking so good right now!

Quiet Sewing Room

Wanted to let you know I'm still here, just "other stuff" going on. Sewing room has been quiet so the Jalie Sweetheart Shirt is still "one armed."

DH's cousin whom he hadn't seen in 50 years came to visit. Their Dad's were brothers and both dentists. My FIL graduated from Vanderbilt, and Ted's Uncle graduated from USC. FIL graduated and came back to Texas to set up a practice, and Ted's uncle graduated and never left California. Uncle passed away in December just weeks shy of his 100th birthday.

Cousin came to Texas to visit relatives and the old home place in Coleman. We had a wonderful visit. I'm really glad I've finally gotten to meet him and his wife. Lovely folks.

So, as you might guess, I was cleaning house off and on this past week. In between, I filled in for a girl at the Animal Hospital on Wednesday. With that and general chores, the sewing machine had a vacation.

When the sewing machine vacations, I am dangerous with my time at the computer. I have to visit fabric sites. Yep, I purchased some yardage from FFC. Some has already arrived, some is on the way. YIKES!

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On another note, someone left a comment asking if I used a pattern for Sis's tank sleep shirt. I used the worn out one. I cut each side seam open and folded the front/back down the middle and used that as the pattern. Easy, peasy. Sis likes it so much, she has requested another. So, when I get the Jalie done, I'll probably zip out another sleep tank for her. She's worth it!

It's Monday Again

The Vogue blouse is finished. (It still needs a good pressing.) Buttons are just plain glossy black.



Last Friday, I wasn't really "in the mood" to sew. I guess my mojo was low. Then the mail came and my Jalie Sweetheart T pattern arrived. I had been meaning to order one after so many folks were so happy with it, but kept putting it off. I finally ordered it from Pattern Review and it arrived on Friday. Well, I felt I HAD to try it.

I found some rayon lycra that I've had for a few months. It fit the description of the type of fabric the pattern called for, so in I dived tracing. I traced a combination 3 different sizes based on the measurements on the pattern envelope.

I meant to raise the neckline in front based on comments I had read from other sewests who have sewn this one....and, naturally, FORGOT to do that. Mistake #1.

I still wasnt' "really" in the mood to sew, but I wanted to try this pattern so bad. I got confused about the pattern illustration on what was the right/wrong side--shaded vs. non-shaded coloring on the pattern instruction, SOOOO I sewed the front neck band on to the wrong side of the bodice piece. ARG...rip, rip, rip and resew correctly. (Mistake #2)

DARN, if I didn't do the the same thing again on the back pattern piece. (Mistake #3) Rip, rip, rip AGAIN and resew correctly. By now I'm very frustrated with myself. BUT, I want to see if the sleeve will be too tight....so I sew one in (with no mistakes) and I think it will be fine.

A that point I decided to cut my losses (not go for Mistake #4) and leave it alone for the rest of the day--and finish it later--when I WAS in the mood to sew.

Here it is with one sleeve and one side sewed and one side pinned.



And on a different subject...., I was tagged a couple of days ago by Sherill. (Hi Sherill!) Here's what I'm supposed to do:

1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Turn to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people and acknowledge who tagged you.

I haven't been reading many books lately. I do well to get through my sewing magazines in between yard work. Here's one I've been working on for a while--The Greatest Generation by Tom Brokaw. Some of the chapters make me cry, some make me smile, and some remind my of my parents. They were a part of that greatest generation.

Page 123 is the story of Joe Foss. "He told me his embrace of the Lord is "the greatest decision I ever made. I made it for eternity. In every speech I give I mention the Lord.""

I tag Linda (aka Danvillegirl), Beth, Robin, gmariesews, and Debbie (who may not have time since she is sewing a working wardrobe right now--and doing a fantastic job I might add!).

Mother's Day

I don't remember who's quote this is, but I like it very much:

Being a Mother is the hardest job you'll ever love.

I miss my mom, but I'm thankful I had her as long as I did. I received beautiful cards from my girls. I requested no gifts. They honored my wish and sent lovely cards with the sweetest messages.

Happy day to all the mothers out there!

Almost Done (Some sidetracking..as usual)

She's done except for the buttons and buttonholes. I thought SURELY I'd find some appropriate black buttons in the stash, but the ones I liked were too big for this blouse. So, tomorrow I take the car in for service and I will be close to Hancocks and Joanns, so I'll stop by to see if I can find the "right" buttons.

The facing on this little jewel gave me some fits. It is basically a lining--they have you cut the two front pieces four times, thus giving you a lining rather than a facing. Once sewn to the center front, they have you hand sew to the shoulder seam and the side seam. Keeping that piece in it's 'approprate' place(s) so as to have it fit smoothly was a real chore for me. I'm sure my mouth was in all kinds of contortions while I was sewing this standing at the ironing board. I'm still not sure if it is really flat, but it will get worn just the same.

As you can see Saphroni wearing it, it needs a good press.

Before this one got to its current stage, I got sidetracked (as is not unusual for me) and made sis a sleep tank. I think I mentioned earlier that she had a favorite that was just worn out. Here's what she got:



Close-up of the picot elastic I used to finish neckline and armholes.



THEN, I got this idea to make a tote bag for the lady who owns Curves. She’s a real sweetheart and appreciates handmade gifts. So I will deliver this to her on Friday (in keeping with the Curves theme – it’s a Loralie design—one of the exercise ladies—isn’t she cute?).

Comments

THANK YOU for the recent comments that several of you have left on various posts. It's always fun to get them.

This morning it may take more than 2 cups of coffee. Yesterday afternoon I was sooo sleepy. I decided to "rest" for "just a few minutes." Yep, napped the afternoon away. SOOOO last night was a wide awake moment. I listened to the Stars game (Hockey) on the radio and heard the end of the game. They only went 4 overtimes, and I think the game ended between 1:30 and 2 a.m. this morning. I hope I make the day!

Sewing:

Still haven't worked any more on the b/w linen blouse (hope to today if I can stay awake!).

Got sidetracked Friday and made Sis a sleep shirt (pic later today).

Did some embroider over the weekend for a tote bag for our Curves owner. A Loralee design. Photos when I finish. Hope to work on that today too.

Later................

Sad

(photo from yahoonews)

I'm very sad about Eight Belles today at the Kentucky Derby. Perhaps she and Barbaro are having a derby of their own in Horse Heaven.

Making progress

Remember I told you I ran short of fabric for the Vogue blouse? When it came time to cut the front facings I pulled out some soft white cotton and thought, this will do the trick. THEN I REMEMBERED that part of the facing would show where the collar opens. HMM.....I must cut a piece of fashion fabric for the part that will turn back. Here's what I did:



Today I got as far as sewing on the collar and facings so here's what I have so far. My piecing of the facing appears to have worked!



I hope to get the sleeves in tomorrow. I also need to go through the button stash and see if I have anything that will work. I may want to go with black buttons. Think?

Stay tuned.