Shannon Sews

My favorite quote from the sewing expo....

2009-03-09T10:19:00.001-07:00

"Fabric is born fabric. It won't be the end of the world if it dies fabric." Mary Ray

At the top of the list of things that should never come back in style....

2009-03-07T12:53:00.001-08:00

Hammer pants. Nuff said.

An aside

2009-03-01T06:32:00.000-08:00

There are certain things which bring moments to memory. The smell of bacon, the sound of a train whistle, or the first robin all have specific sensory triggers in my life. One of the most profound and cherished sensory memories in my life came from a radio voice that said.....

"Stand by for NEWS!"
"And now, page 2"

Paul Harvey was my father's favorite. We listened to his broadcast daily, stopping whatever conversation was taking place to hear what Mr. Harvey had to say. This man afforded us a window into the world through his plain, unadorned broadcast and his masterful use of the vocal pause. I can measure my life in Paul Harvey broadcasts. As a youth, I listened because he was there. As I grew older, I listened because I found value in his honest portrayal of American thought.

I own two of his books, guarding them from borrowers (I loaned out an earlier copy of one, and it was not returned....).

No, you may not have agreed with his conservative bent. And you may have found his voice slightly shrill. Or you may have found his homespun humor and coined phrases trite and unsophisticated. But you simply cannot ignore the influence this simple, generous gentleman had on several generations of Americans. There will be no other to take his place.

RIP Mr. Harvey. And thank you for bringing us the rest of all the stories.

Sigh....still no rings

2009-02-06T11:17:00.000-08:00

I have searched high and low for a set of rings for this handle. No luck anywhere. I did find a set of oversized d-rings, and brought them home to try. Well, ds #1, with his strong arms, offered to help me attach them to the handle. We now have one d-ring stuck in the inside of the handle.

I think, once we get this thing out, that I'm going to go with the creative option. The handle has a detail that looks like wrapped cord. I'm going to find some similar cord, and make a wrapped something-or-other and see how that looks. There is too much time and anticipation invested in this purse to give up now!

And for your Friday weather update, we are now enjoying a balmy 51 degrees. This is quite a change from yesterday's high of 21! Why, it's almost spring-like:) Seriously, I'm LONGING for spring, and tulips, and lots of sunshine. I'm a Southern girl all the way to my toe-tips, and I do love warm weather!

Wouldn't you know it?

2009-01-30T16:09:00.000-08:00

The bag is finished.....except.....
There is a reason things are put on clearance, even with online purveyors. The horn handle I had purchased (on sale) and saved for the right moment has no rings with which to attach it to the purse. I have searched locally, in vain, for the proper connections.
Options:

Look around online for something that will work.
Try the hardware store.
Look for a thrift store purse with rings that might be used.
Come up with something creative.

Stay tuned. I haven't made up my mind as to which option will be used.

Bag in progress

2009-01-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

About five years ago, when Hot Patterns first introduced themselves, they made available a free bag pattern. The Nairobi bag pattern was inspired by a classic YSL bag, the Mombassa, and several who sew have made variations of this gorgeous piece.

My first version was made shortly after the pattern was released. I was inspired to adapt the beaded and embroidered version of the Mobassa for my own use; I was even able to purchase a comparable horn handle. That bag has received a lot of attention. I love, love, love carrying it, as the shape and size are perfect for me, and the horn handle sits perfectly on my shoulder.

But five years is a long life for any bag, even a custom-made version. So it was time to make a new version of the bag. I have tons of black bags in my collection, and I need something that can work with the browns and eggplants in my closet. There was already another horn handle in my stash, this one in ivory with a wrapped cord detail.

Yesterday, at a local thrift shop, I found exactly the right mix of materials. I found a pair of khaki green leather jeans and a suede skirt in the same exact color! These came home to be cannibalized for my new bag.

Here are the carcasses:

The only possibly usable piece of leather remaining is the patch pockets from the jeans. I used every square inch, even cutting off the belt loops to use along the edge of the purse.

Here is the purse in progress:

And the lining, in progress as well:

I made a couple of changes to the pattern, as you can see. A strip of leather is stitched to the top of the lining to act as a facing. This will also provide some strength for the closure I'm planning, a magnetic snap to be positioned in the point of the facing. I'm also planning a key hook, which I'll stitch to the inside of the side of the purse.

And wouldn't you know it? I have findings in gold and in bronze, but no silver. The opening in the horn handl is silver...so I need to get a magnetic snap, large O-rings from the hobby store, and some punched fleece or batting for the interior of the purse. Ah, well....off to the store I go:)

Happy anniversary, to the love of my life!

2008-12-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

Twenty-nine years, and counting:)

Plans thwarted

2008-12-23T05:45:00.000-08:00

Sometimes you make great plans, and then nature throws a curve ball.

The stomach flu is no fun.

Shannon

Ladies, your help is needed

2008-12-22T15:58:00.000-08:00

If you have been reading many of the sewing and craft blogs and websites, you may already be aware of a new law to be enacted in February of next year. This law will require that anything used in production of a product to be used by children under the age of 12 MUST be tested for safety, and bear a label stating that it has passed these tests.
This law will effectively put small manufacturers out of business, as the testing is cost-prohibitive. What you may not realize is that grandmas and home sewers who make items as GIFTS will also be liable to comply with the law.
This legislation could have a negative effect on the sewing industry as a whole. Fabric suppliers, threads suppliers, notions suppliers and sewing machine vendors will all be held liable for testing. The law will also have an effect on any business or entity that deals with any children under the age of 12: schools, daycare institutions, churches, even children's gymnasiums or after-school activity classes such as recreational sports.
Please read Kathleen Fassanella's excellent blog, www.fashion-incubator.com , for further updates and information. And please, contact your congressman and let them know of our concerns.

On my cutting board today

2008-12-20T06:35:00.000-08:00

A HUGE pile of things to cut is waiting for me to join the fun.
First, I have a custom draft to complete.
Then, I'll choose one of the following....more, if there is time.
HotPatterns CN Great White Shirt, sans collar and cuffs, to be made from a baby-wale cord and faced with silk velvet. I saw something like this at JJill, and am adapting the idea for my own use.
A dress for an upcoming wedding. I'm torn between using a pattern from the December Burda WOF, or using a Neue Mode OOP. Still no decision on the fabric. I had considered a cocoa brown silk velvet, but the temperature will be hovering around freezing Saturday night. Maybe something more substantial is in order. Yes, you read right. Saturday night.
A gorgeous piece of knit from EOS that has been staring at me for a month, begging to be addressed. I'm thinking about either a wrap dress or a twin set. In either case, the print will need to be broken up with a solid to be more restful to the eye. I keep telling myself that choosing the contrast piece is what has kept me from cutting into the fabric. In reality, I just like looking at it! It's beautiful.
There are still nine animals to be embroidered for the gs. DS#2 and I are making the Noah's Ark from www.embroiderylibrary.com for gs as a gift. We're plugging along nicely. DS loves working the emb machine, and I don't mind the company while I work on other things.
I'd like to finish all of these this week. In fact, before Wednesday, if possible....think it will happen?

something fun

2008-12-19T05:06:00.001-08:00

This has become a minor tradition at our house. We watch each new episode at the beginning of the day. Be sure to start at the 1st day, and work your way through!

http://www.garfield.com/fungames/12Days/12Days.html

Just had to say....

2008-12-10T13:47:00.000-08:00

Yes, I am a sporadic blogger. No, this is not my first priority.

But I had to report this one....
I was at Joann's the other day to purchase some machine needles. As I was walking through the notions aisle, I noticed a rotary cutter on the endcap. The cutter was decorated with a floral design, quite pretty, and looked interesting. I picked up the box to take a look..........

SEVENTY FIVE dollars.

Now, my question is this: Where is the platinum blade that should be attached?
Shannon

New patterns!

2008-07-08T14:48:00.000-07:00

The newest crop of Vogue patterns was just added to the site, and I already have five favorites.

First, Sandra Betzina really got it right this time. Some of her designs are a bit contrived for my own personal style, but the three newest selections are all winners.

1058 is the type of twinset that lends itself to a variety of options. The tank has darts (!), helpful for precise fit. The cardigan has shape, and an interesting tie.

Second on my list is 1060, a fabulous coat. I love the waist detail.

The third Betzina offering is an interesting tunic/hoodie with pants. Take a look at the back detail....eye-catching!

My next favorite is a Miyake coat. For some reason, coats always catch my eye, and I like to have several in the closet. This one is screaming for cashmere....

By far my favorite is the Tom and Linda Platt dress. The twist top is seen in many variations lately, but most require some sort of neckline alteration for my personal modesty requirements. This is a gorgeous version of the twist top, with a neckline that needs no alteration. The lines of the skirt are flattering, and I even like the color!

Most of the new crop of patterns are quite nice, and well suited to a variety of figures and tastes. Other than a couple of Vogue Woman pieces that look a bit like cocoons, I have no real complaints. Well, except for the fact that we have been teased with two incredible Rucci patterns....and no new ones in this collection. Perhaps in the fall!

Rethinking the way we do things

2008-06-27T05:37:00.000-07:00

When I was a beginning sewist, fabric was available in brick and mortar stores. Not only were there several dedicated fabric stores in my home town, but there was also a selection of yard goods in major department stores. When Dad would buy tools at Sears, Mom and my sister and I would look through the pattern books. When it was time to make a dress for graduation, or a new summer outfit, or a costume, we'd tramp to the several stores and make our selections, purchasing all the notions and fabric needed.
Our beginning sewists today do not have such a luxury.......or do they? The younger, newer set of enthusiasts does not often have a local fabric store from which to choose supplies. There is no fabric department at JC Penney or Sears or Belk. Those of us who have been at this awhile look at the dearth of local supplies and wonder how the new sewist will ever survive.
Do not fret. Although the local is no longer the norm, the world has much to offer. Our new sewing friends are from a generation that knows the internet as its primary source. They are more likely to look for resources away from home, and seek information on the web with voracious appetites.
The savvy fabric vendor, notions purveyor, or pattern company knows this very well. A sewing-related supplier who does not have a marketable web presence will likely decline in this web-driven age. We may see even more brick and mortar closures (and not only in the sewing industry) in favor of web-only business. This is a sound market strategy, as the overhead costs will be much lower for a web business than for a walk-in store. More goods can be offered, and better goods, at a lower price.
I am saddened that the new sewist will never know the joys of walking into Cy Rudnick's, or Fabric Collections, or Sears fabric department. Imprinted in my memory is the excitement of looking through the newest pattern books. But with a modern, world-wide fabric and notions society, we can experience so much more! We are not bound to the whims of a local buyer. We can purchase any style of fabric. We have a wider range of quality available to us. We can purchase fabric at any price point, from nearly any location. Patterns are available from other continents; notions are wide in variety.
So while I lament the loss of the local purveyor, I am delighted with the wide range of sewing opportunity. And if you will excuse me, I'm off to see which pattern company has updated their website with new patterns today............

One of the many reasons

2008-05-11T18:32:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday, dh brings me a selection of roses from which to choose. His rose garden is amazing, and he says they are for my benefit.

They are all beautiful, but this one is particularly lovely today.

He has arrived!

2008-04-01T13:13:00.001-07:00

My family and I have just returned from our extended trip to celebrate the birth of the first grandchild. All is well with him and with all of us.

Grandchildren are a wonderful invention.

Complete state of ickyness

2008-02-27T18:49:00.001-08:00

The flu is no fun. No energy. No interest in anything other than the pillow.
Get your flu shot, please....

Slowly converting

2008-02-16T06:09:00.000-08:00

For years, I've avoided anything with a high waistline. I felt it made me look pregnant, which is not a good look for a person of my, ahem, age.

Well, I'm slowly becoming a convert, and Butterick 5079 is the reason.

A wearable muslin is in process right now, from a very cheap and cheesy fabric off the dollar table. While the fabric is awful, the print is great; this might actually be worn at some point.

I finished the front last night, and gave it a glance in the mirror....okay, this isn't so bad. In fact, it makes me look like I have a semi-waistline...it skims in all the right places, and shapes in all the right places.

If all goes well, I might even try the latest version of the Duro, Butterick 5173.

Live and learn:)

VOTE!

2008-02-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

Vote! 'Nuff said:)

(Advance voting is fabulous! I highly recommend it:))

Of sewing and other things

2008-02-01T05:52:00.000-08:00

1. Making a new shaped cover for the dressform takes a bit of time. And patience. And precision. Version one had a back waist length that was entirely too long. A check of the measurements indicated that yes, the draft was correct, but my measurement was off by 2 inches. No more late night measuring for me:)
2. Plumbing is something I never want to learn to repair. Plumbers are worth their weight in gold. So are septic tank repair people.
3. Because of #2, not much sewing going on around here. Backed up sinks and showers with bilgewater that has to be pumped out require my leaving the house in the capable hands of #2, while I escape the aroma:)

I have managed to almost finish the Burda WOF cape. There is a problem with the facing, which will have to be creatively adjusted. It's a cute piece, and I'll probably wear it this year. I'm glad there isn't a huge investment of dollars, because I doubt it will be on trend for much longer.

Off to the sewing room:)
Shannon

New patterns!

2007-12-27T08:56:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-22T07:50:00.000-08:00

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.....

2007-12-19T09:35:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-12-18T12:53:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-15T05:09:00.001-08:00

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....

2007-12-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

...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

2007-12-10T07:52:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-03T08:07:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

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:)

Pulling from the stash

2007-11-30T20:01:00.000-08:00

You'd think with the holidays approaching, I'd be making gifts. Not so. I'm selfishly making things for self! With the physician imposed weight loss, I'm finding that things just don't fit like they did a few months ago, and it's time to update some things in the wardrobe.

Not only the weight loss, but also the problem of dividing sewing into "I need to make this" and "this has to be done yesterday" keeps me from getting as much personal sewing done as I'd like. However, the sports sewing is done for another season, so I can be selfish:)

First on the docket were a couple of jackets. I've had Simplicity 4375 in the stash forever. The pattern is now out of print, but the jacket is one of those styles that will be around for at least a few more years. I've had a piece of burnt orange lightweight faux suede in the stash for awhile, and thought the pattern would work well in this fabric. I also had a great piece of corduroy with terrific silly-string-like yarns applied all over the fabric. This was destined to be the first of the two jackets.

I made the standard alterations, and found that I needed to lengthen the sleeves a half inch. The muslin looked good, so I made the first jacket from the corduroy, with the zipper front as the pattern indicated.

Looking at the pattern envelope was deceptive; I thought the jacket would hit me at the high hip area. It's almost at my waistline. Granted, I have a long back waist measurement, but this is really short! Version number two, the suede, will be at least three inches longer to have the proportion that is envisioned by the pattern envelope.

So I now have a jacket that is a bit short for my taste, but otherwise, I love it. It has just that spirit of fun that I like in clothing, without being over the top. The suede version is about 75 percent done, and it looks like it will be one of those staple wardrobe pieces. Photos to follow in a day or so when the suede jacket is finished.

Next up will be things to go with the two jackets. Those black pants that are seven years old.....well, it's time to retire them:)

Umm.....I expected a bit more....

2007-11-13T09:32:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, I took a look at the new Simplicity "Project Runway" patterns. I had very high hopes for these, thinking that they would be fashion-forward, perhaps a bit edgy, and reflective of the creativity that comes to mind with such a title.
Sigh.
These patterns are okay, but they look like repackaged versions of the same patterns that the Simplicity line already offers. I expected more.
Granted, I have not looked at the instruction sheets...yet. Perhaps there is something inside the envelope that does not translate to the cover. I hope so. A good showing of these patterns could be a shot in the arm for the sewing industry.

Wouldn't you know it?

2007-11-04T19:07:00.000-08:00

Now that football season is over....it's time to move to basketball. And, as you may have guessed, the guys need jerseys.
These will be easy-peasy.

Of course, I do have to make myself some new things to wear. A few weeks ago, I found some facile/ultrasuede in ice blue, and fell in love with the color. I'm anxious to get started on the jacket that is in my mind, made from that piece of fabric. There is a big luncheon coming up, for which I am the hostess, and it would be great to have that jacket for the occasion.

Also, a young-ish friend approached me this morning and asked if I'd like to take a small bag of antique lace off her hands. The small bag turned out to be the size of a large garbage bag, and is packed to the rim with interesting things. Among them is a Dritz bound buttonhole maker! There is also an old pattern marking tool, a box of belt buckles, and some silk-covered tiny snaps. The lace is pretty, too:)

A little home dec, a little personal stuff

2007-09-26T07:42:00.000-07:00

With the move into a new house came the need to change a few things. One glaring change was with the chairs in the breakfast room. The wallpaper has ivory, green and poppy red; the chairs are oak, but had really ugly taupe seat covers. I've disliked them ever since we bought the furniture, but we've been in "moving limbo" for the last six months, not knowing what we would be buying or what the rooms would need. Now that we're officially in the new digs, I decided to use up some darker red geometric and cover the chair cushions. It looks LOTS better....photos to follow:)
I've also been in need of some new personal clothing. I'm in the process of what will be a significant weight loss (doctor's orders, so I know this will happen), and I'm leery of making too many things that will require future alteration. Here is the plan as it stands right now:
Two pair of one-seam pants, in khaki and black. These will last through about 30 pounds. I use a draw-cord elastic instead of the recommended sport elastic; as I lose weight, I can pull up the cord. The drape of the pants will be fine if I use a softer fabric.
Several colorful long-sleeve tees, in patterns if possible. I'll fit these fairly snug right now, and they'll be more comfortable as the pounds are shed. Prints hide the picky fit issues for awhile. Besides, tees are easy to run up on the machine; you get a lot of bang for the buck.
A few really beautiful shirts, which can later be used as 'shirt jackets'. This will pull things together and make things look like outfits. I don't want to invest time in fitted jackets until I'm within 15 pounds of the goal. I do not like to alter jackets.
Two skirts. I'm using a four-gore elastic waist pattern for both. I can use the drawcord elastic for these, too. One is complete; it's black "peachskin crepe", which is an inexpensive but very drapey fabric. The second fabric is still up for decision.
There are about half a dozen really nice sweaters in the closet that will work with all of this, and by spring, I'll be ready for a whole new wardrobe:)

Farewell

2007-09-06T04:38:00.000-07:00

To the man who wanted opera to be for the masses....

The glorious high c...

The ebullience, the energy, and the presence.

Farewell.

Jerseys are done!

2007-08-17T05:33:00.000-07:00

All 58 jerseys are done! Yippee!
Now I can do some "me" sewing!

Streamlining

2007-07-22T18:52:00.000-07:00

The jersey work has begun in earnest. It took awhile to redraft the pattern for these to meet the needs of the players. Then I had to do a good bit of math to adjust the draft to streamline the production of the jerseys, from cut to finish.
My first step was to analyze the pattern, and see what could be done to make it easier to cut. The yoke piece and the side panel were tesselated so that I could make one cut instead of two. The front and back panels were adjusted so that they could be cut from one length of fabric (conserving fabric in the process.)
I did a mockup and tried it on ds, who happens to have a set of football shoulder pads in his room.
The sleeves were too long. WAY too long. We decided to cut about half of the current sleeve length off, so that the end of the sleeve would fall just beyond the shoulder pad end. This is a safety issue as well as comfort; long sleeves can be pulled by opposing players to accomplish a tackle. We also determined that the neckline needed to be drafted slightly smaller for the same reason; a loose neckline can be grabbed by the opposition! This needed to be balanced with the need to fit over our largest head size; therefore, instead of making the opening smaller, we chose to make the ribbing in the neckline tighter.
So, after making all the jersey design changes, I set out to cut. By making the tesselating pieces, I was able to cut my cutting time almost in half! Careful planning of pieces, and a redesign of the larger fronts and backs, cut the amount of fabric needed by 25 percent.
The final step in the equation was to create a detailed stitching outline and instructions for the next time I have to do this (next year).
Then, to sew. I have finished 1/4 of the necessary sewing work, a total of 15 jerseys, in two days. 15 more jerseys are about halfway finished, and the remaining 30 have three of the seven pattern pieces cut. I should be finished by the weekend!
And then......
The big news is a new house, with a big, we're talking huge, sewing room! Moving day should be August 3.

Art or Craft....or both?

2007-07-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

Do you sew for art, or for craft? Perhaps for both?
This question has been on my mind lately. I have seen evidence of both in my own sewing. Sewing for "art" indicates a desire to reflect my personality in the finished product. A manifestation in fabric of my thoughts, feelings, state of mind. Art sewing, for me, will often be done with reckless abandon, foregoing all the standard rules and methods that are taught for construction. I'll throw together fabrics, slash pattern pieces, move things around, and embellish until my mood wanes.
Sewing for "craft" is when my perfectionist-side kicks in. I'm not talking about "crafty"; rather, this is when the craft of sewing as a fine skill takes over. I'll fuss over every thread, tying them off and knotting them and pulling them between the layers of fabric. Stitches will be counted, yes, counted, in specific areas so that symmetry will be precise. I've even been known to count the threads from the selvedge so that the grainline will be perfect....but only when I'm in the "craft" mood.
Most of the time, however, sewing is a combination of both. I want to reflect my personality, yes, but I want the construction to be as fine in quality as possible....within limits. If this is for every day wear, to be donned for visits to the grocery store or to take the dog for a walk, I'm not going to count threads. Precise sewing methods are generally saved for special garments. But I do want things to look good, and to last.
How do we balance art and craft in our sewing? We have to decide where we will fight our fabric battles. Is this garment worth hand stitching three rows of hemming stitches? Will I wear this more than once? Am I looking for a classic piece that will live in my closet for years? If I use fusible interfacing instead of sewn-in interfacing, will it shorten the life of my garment? Will it matter?
For me, a garment that will be worn almost daily...for instance, a pair of black pants....will be sewn with great care. Yes, three rows of hemming stitches (I'm rough on hems). The grainline must be just so....the fabric treated with care. I want to wear these and never have to worry about resewing the button, or fuss with scratchy inner seam allowance edges.
But for something that will be worn once...or twice.....such attention to detail seems superfluous. I'd rather make those one-wear pieces more artsy, with the excuse that my artistic soul needs to be fed. Yes, I'll do good work...but it won't be at a perfectionist level.
Do YOU sew for art, or for craft?

Evidence of coming things

2007-06-24T09:53:00.000-07:00

The fabric for the football jerseys has arrived.

The first order of business was to make a prototype of the desired design. Our previous jersey was fine for a beginning, but could stand some improvement in certain areas. After sketching and conferring with assorted players and coaches, we settled on a simple raglan sleeve design with elastic at the sleeve. The prototype is on the left above.

Well, even the best plans need refinement. After trying the jersey on a player while he was wearing shoulder pads, we discovered that the raglan will work fine in the back, but it tends to clog up under the pads in front.

Back to the drawing board!

And so the season ends...and another begins

2007-06-05T04:17:00.001-07:00

With two sons and a coach in my life, I spend a lot of time on bleachers. This year, baseball season has been great fun! My youngest son's team placed 2nd in the county. I'm proudest of the fact that he has learned base-running this year.

Our next phase will be football. Spring practice has already begun, and with it comes the measuring and preparing for making jerseys. I'll be working on those through the month of June. Football jerseys are not rocket science to make, and I enjoy contributing to the team in this way.

In the meantime, I have some personal sewing to complete. I finished making a long-ish jeans-jacket-coat from stretch cotton poplin with a novelty print. I also made some new jeans. Today I'm planning to work on a wrap top which is a copy of an Anthropologie top I've been admiring. Hopefully, everything will be done in time for an out of town trip this weekend...nothing like a new wardrobe to lift the spirits!

Motivation

2007-03-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's hard to force myself to get behind the sewing machine. There are too many books to read, too much housework to complete, and too many people around the house who demand attention (albeit in a kind manner). The surest way to motivate myself to get to work is to look at a looming deadline, and think of all the other things I'd rather be sewing! Such is the case right now. I need to be writing several pieces for a variety of uses, but I want to make summer things....white blouses, eyelet jackets, linen pants, silk dresses. Those will all be needed in the very near future, as the temperature is hovering around high amounts even this early.

What I need to do now is organize things. I know there are several white pieces in the pile, so I'll do them first. It makes sense to only thread the machines once and sew several pieces of the same color. That should put a dent in what needs to be done. White seems to be my "go to" color for summer. I have two or three white pieces that I wear constantly; a white linen jacket with a hood and pearl buttons that goes with everything. A white lace topper that pulls the simplest pieces together. A white embroidered spring coat that always lifts my spirits.

The new white pieces are as follows: eyelet, to be made into a shirt style/jacket/throwover piece that I can use as a third layer for pulling an outfit together......pique, to become a very casual 3/4 length jacket.....a tone-on-tone dotted jacquard to become a more dressy jacket....and assorted cottons and shirtings to make tops and shirts. I can also sew up a few of the jerseys and knits using cotton thread, as the primary color of these fabrics is white.

Somewhere in there I need to fit in a few pair of summer pants. Khaki......rust....navy.....I have the fabric, and I have the thread and notions and the patterns are fitted.

Time to get motivated.

Easy sewing

2007-03-17T10:20:00.000-07:00

This week has been spent finishing up some easy sewing. I had cut out several pieces to use as potential photographs for the newsletter, but the colors and styles were too similar to create an interesting photo layout. The best three were reserved and completed for newsletter use, and the rest of the fabric was placed in a file to "percolate" awhile.
Of course, when fabric is piled up, it decides to change its mind. It doesn't want to be what I originally intended, and it speaks very loudly when I try to force it into submission:)
So, what had originally been intended for a pair of silk satin pajamas has become a silk satin nightgown. The applique that was to be used on the pocket was filed away for future use, and simplicity decided to rule the day. I think I like the simpler design of the gown for this fabric, and I'm sure I'll wear it more often than I would wear pajamas.
Sleepwear, lingerie, and robes are pretty easy sewing. It's easy to run though a pile of fabric stash in no time when the pattern being used has only two or three pieces. If I had used my brain and bought similar colors, there would be very little delay between pieces. As it is, I'm trying to group things so that I go from light to dark in the shades of color.
After the pile is cleared, I have three suits to alter for a friend. He has recently lost a good bit of weight, so we're having to take in the suit jackets as well as the pants. Stay tuned; this might make a decent tutorial.
Shannon

Expo report

2007-03-10T08:07:00.000-08:00

The last two days have been a whirlwind! I left early Thursday to attend the Atlanta Sewing Expo. This is the sewing highlight of my year; I get to visit with like-minded enthusiasts, do a bit a stash improvement, and fill my brain with inspiration. This year was not a disappointment.
I ran into several of my sewing buddies, internet-based and otherwise, and even met a student from one of my online classes (Hi, Pat!). Thursday night dinner with the internet sewing circle is a tradition, and we had a nice crowd at the restaurant this year.
The fabric selections this year were varied and interesting. There were hand-dyed silks and cottons, inexpensive designer end bolts, gorgeous woolens, and interesting knits. My favorites this year were the summer weights of silk; chiffons, georgettes, and lightweight crepe. I choose a nice balance of prints and solids.
There was a small booth, tucked away in the middle of things, with European laces. I almost missed this one! The proprietor is Dutch, and he travels around the world with these bargains. The laces are not scratchy like many of the fabric store laces we normally encounter. These were very soft and supple. The colors were mostly beige and white, but I did manage to find a coffee-on-black piece, a bright orange, and a burgundy.
So....next on my project list is to find space for all the loot!
Shannon