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.

T-shirt skirt

Lynne is going to a Rocket Summer concert.  She had an old RS T-shirt, but didn't want to wear it as a shirt as there were bleach spots, stains, etc.  She decided I should make a T-shirt skirt.  Now, making things out of knit and with no pattern is definitely out of my comfort zone, but Abigail didn't really want to take it on.  So off I went.

I even did a toile from an even more unwanted T-shirt!  I needed to taper it even more- the waist is still a bit too big, while being pretty tight around the hips (the tightness is okay, and she covered up the looseness by wearing a belt).

I used a stretch smocking stitch to attach the design from the old T-shirt to the new skirt.  It only took me a few hours and I think it turned out pretty cute.

Here is the front view.

This is the black separating zipper - which I just happened to have in my fastenings drawer!

Here is the design from the original T-shirt.

Folkwear 106 - Part 1

Starting on the Turkish Coat Pattern.

Have Heather's final (expensive) fashion fabric.

After reading the pattern directions themselves, looking at the pattern pieces and reading the two pattern reviews I found online, decided that I definitely need to make a toile.  Just not that confident about fitting non-traditional pieces together.

Found some fabric at the Value Village 50% off sale.  Also hit up Jo-Ann's Memorial Day sale for some plain cotton at 2.29/yard.

Have read pattern warnings, guidelines and instructions numerous times.  Finally unfolded and examined all pattern pieces and cut to separate. I am pretty sure that the pattern is going to need to be sized up for a correct fit.  Apparently this should all come in the main pattern pieces - the side panels, gussets (which one review said were impossible to fit - oh joy) and side borders are NOT supposed to be adjusted.

So my plan at this point is to get the side assemblies made - side panel, gusset, sleeve (which I will cut to the pattern, but may have to adjust the final length).  Then attach the front extension (which are really supposed to go on the front) but I want the 'known' size done, and then I can adjust front and back as necessary to meet the side assemblies.

Heather is coming on Thursday. Here's what needs to happen.
Cut out pattern pieces. (done)
Cut out side assembly pieces (gusset, sleeve, side panel) from exterior fabric.
Cut out side extension piece from exterior fabric.
Sew side assembly together (one or both?)
Sew on side extensions (one or both)

My other question is - do I need to practice putting in the lining?

I think the coat is going to look a little strange without any quilting or trapunto but she says she doesn't want any. 

When is enough enough?

When I start sewing, it is hard for me to know when I have done 'enough' for the day.  It's always so satisfying to get another seam done and another step completed, I want to just keep going.  Today I started on Barb's second Pioneer dress.  I did the collar/interfacing/facing, the yoke, and sewed the collar to the yoke and sewed on the yoke interfacing.  I think that has to be enough for today. 

Pioneer dress - part 1

My friend, Barb, is going on a wagon train trip with her 6 (or 7) year old grandson.  It is for a week in North Dakota, at the end of June.  Everyone has to wear appropriate clothing so I volunteered to make her a couple of dresses. 


I am using McCall's Pattern 9423 for the dresses and bonnet.

 We both think the apron will be very warm and will be getting a simpler apron pattern to use.  Here is the first dress, with matching bonnet.