New patterns!

While having my van oil changed, I decided to take a look at the pattern books. (The fabric department is next to the auto section of the local mega-retailer.) Imagine my surprise to find the newest Simplicity catalog!
I am happy to report that the new crop of patterns is fun, inspirational, and three of them made their way into my basket. The newest batch of Project Runway patterns is much more to my liking than the first set, with designs closer to what I was imagining for this series.
I'll post the numbers later...for now, I still have a few stitches left on the coat.

In the kitchen

Today, I'm preparing for our office party. Several guests (employees and family) will be joining us for grilled chicken and all the fixin's. This morning I made two pavlovas, 16 red velvet cupcakes, 16 key lime cupcakes, put homemade roll dough on to rise, made homemade croutons for the salad, mixed the potato casserole, and set the chicken in the marinade. I'm headed to the movies with the kids and all their friends (we're talking ALL their friends...should be a theater full), and then back home to have a terrific party with great friends.
Needless to say, the coat is on the back burner. The buttonholes turned out beautifully (bound, with leather welts). All that remains is to do the back side of the buttonholes, hem the coat, attach the hem of the lining (I'm bagging it, so that will take no time at all), sew on the buttons, and give it a final press. I'm thinking an hour, tops. Maybe I can finish it tomorrow afternoon...after my nap:)

Grrrrrr.....

A bit of a setback with the coat.
I finished the shell, put in the shoulder pads and sleeves and tried it on.
The pockets are about 4 inches too low on the seam. Even my long, orangutan arms are uncomfortable trying to make use of them.
So I have to rip out the pockets (including the leather welts) and redo them. That's good for about an hour's worth of frustration. Wonder if there's anything good in the movie cabinet?

Halfway!

I'm about halfway done with the faux fur/velvet short coat. It is going to be such fun to wear this!
In retrospect, I probably should have chosen to make a jacket rather than a coat. The fabric is drapier than expected, but that does contribute to the lay of the collar.
I had thought about using leather covered buttons for this coat, but covering the buttons was tricky and inconsistent. There were errands to be run, and one was at a knitting shop about 20 miles away. I was looking through their button collection and found the perfect choice! It's a large, teardrop shape in black, similar to the "animal-esque" spots on the fabric.
All that remains to do is set in the sleeves, put in the lining, and hem. I can't wait to wear it!

Just for fun

Next up...a short coat. No, I don't need another one....this one is just for fun.
I ran across a faux fur print velvet at Hancock's a few weeks ago, and the price was right. The fabric will become a short pea-coat, with leather trim. I'm off today to find the right buttons...the coat is cut, fused, and marked, ready to sew when I get home.
Never mind the fact that assorted teens are coming to the house tonight for a holiday party. I have a coat to sew:)

Photos don't lie....

...and these are telling me I need to repad that dress form. The shape is no longer reflective of my shape.

Apologies for the dressform aside, here is the jacket!

Fabric is upholstery faux suede in cranberry red from Hobby Lobby. Trim is home dec beaded ribbon, again from Hobby Lobby. Lining is Bemberg Rayon in cocoa brown. The pattern is Simplicity 4375.

Spiffing it up a bit

The suede jacket was finished, with the exception of buttons, and hanging on the hangar.


It was boring. Nicely made.....beautiful color.....great fabric.....no pizzazz.

So I rummaged through the stash, and found a home dec trim that has beading on a sheer ribbon backing. It has been in the collection for oh, about five years, with no home in sight, and the colors are perfect to tie the jacket to the skirt with which it will be worn.

So I am now hand-sewing this ribbon to the jacket. It's perfect. I should have it finished tonight; photos in the morning!

A little non-sewing rant

We were robbed.
My beloved Dawgs were the victim of media favoritism and hype. Nevertheless, Coach R spoke with decorum and his trademark gentlemanly manner.
Next year, oh yeah, next year!

Faux suede

It's almost done! This fabric is working out beautifully. It does require a good bit of topstitching; the dense weave renders a flat pressing difficult. But the topstitching takes care of the problem, and it is appropriate for the style.
All that remains is to bag the lining and the jacket will be done. I'm on the fence about the closures right now....found some fabulous buttons, but I'm not sure they are just right for this project. I'll think about that tomorrow:)