Quick project

Found this pattern when I was organizing projects.

Lynne had purchased fabric and cut out two views - C and A.  I wanted something to do last night that didn't take too much time and effort so I sewed up view C. 

A new skirt for either Lynne or Molly, doesn't really seem to be Abigail's style.

Too much to do?

Made a list today - have 17 projects lined up.  These are projects that have both a pattern and fabric.  Pattern only or fabric only do not count.  Maybe not a good idea to know there is that much ahead of me. 

Sewing room organization

Sharing a sewing room with the other Randall sewist, Abigail, means I need to be a little more organized than I naturally would be. 

First, I organized the rolling drawer unit.

Then I needed to organize my projects so I could see what I have to do and have a place to put them away when Abigail wants to use the room.  I like the idea of boxes and I found some cool Martha Stewart chalkboard labels at Staples.  I don't have the exact boxes but since the labels are repositionable I used some Christmas gift boxes.

Up next

My next project is McCalls 3495, dating from about 1973 I believe. I am making view B, second from the left.  Lynne has picked a cute retro-y fabric, but I am making it up first is some striped material I got at Value Village at the 50% off sale.  There may be as many as six or seven yards on this bolt and I got it for $7.49, so a great price for practice fabric

 

Because the pattern we have is an 11 junior and Lynne is NOT a junior I am making my first experiment with slash and pivot pattern alteration.

 

I am making it slightly wider through bust and hips.  That and the generous design ease will be sufficient, I hope.

The other interesting wrinkle is that the written instructions are missing.  I feel fairly confident that I know what order to do things, but it is slightly out of my comfort zone. 

Pioneer dress - part 2

I finished Barb's two dresses, bonnet and apron for her wagon train adventure.

These were pretty simple and straightforward to make.  The armhole was interesting.  It was formed by the front, back and yoke.  It made an odd 3 cornered intersection. 

Vintage Pattern 2836

Since re-entering the sewing world I have discovered the wild and wonderful world of vintage patterns.  I knew my friend Jayne had made money on e-bay, buying old patterns at thrift stores and re-selling them.  I had no idea what big business it was.  Some of those vintage patterns are really expensive!!

Of course, I want to try my hand at some of these.  And we do have some of the big 4 pattern companies offering 'new' vintage patterns - bringing patterns out of the vault, so to speak and offering them to us anew.  Have one vintage Vogue under my belt, will showcase in some later blog.

Today's subject is Pattern 2836.  I can find no indication of ANY pattern company, either on the envelope or the instructions.  This was given to us by my friend, Sherie.

Some charming things about this pattern:

• The sizes are indicated by year, i.e. 12 years, 14 years, 16 years.  Though I can't imagine any 12 or 14 year old, from any era, wearing this pattern.  Looks too grown up I think.
• There are no printed markings on the pattern pieces themselves.  The notches are actual notches cut into the pattern.  A series of three small perforations indicate laying on a fold, "lines of triple small perforations" indicate laying "lengthwise of material"
• Layouts included for 39" and 54" material.
• Has gathers in  long sleeve version at the elbow.
• Seam allowances are 3/8".

And here are the complete instructions!

Folkwear 106 (Turkish Coat) - Part 2

Cut out parts of the toile and tried them on Heather today.  I will have to upsize it some and she will have to order some additional silk for the borders. 

However I had no difficulties getting the side panels,  gussets and sleeves to fit, so I have no idea what problem the other pattern reviewer was having.

It is awkward working with a pattern that only uses one layer of fabric.  I am so used to fabric being folded when I cut out.  I had the back cut out and when to cut out the front when I realized I had cut TWO backs and could use one of them for the front (as they are the same size and shape (except for the neck).  Glad I realized it before I got too far. 

Now need to completely sew together the outer layer (no lining) and try it again for fit.  Hope I have included enough ease for it to be used as a coat.