I've got a weekend sewing retreat later this month, and I need to make sure I have a plan for my sewing time. I'm going to take more than I can physically sew - after all I do this for each Sewing Guild day. The smart thing is to also take things already cut out, so that it's all jam on the toast.
I thought I might as well start with some UFOs that I can use now.
- brown wool Burda WOF skirt, partly sewn
- aqua knit top - cut out
- 2 cotton shirts cut out.
I'm also going to cut out the khaki twill in my fave decades of style skirt pattern #3004, and the olive green in Butterick Retro 6257. I'm thinking of cutting out another knit top, to see if the SBCC T is a good fit for me - short & plus size sounds like me!
I may also take a corset with me - Sydney Supanova approaches and I'd like to make a new costume for it, but that requires an functional undergarment version of the 1890s, page 71 one from Corsets
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Monday, 12 May 2014
a viral vector loose at work; and stash busting options for winter
I've been feeling less than ideal last week, which was my excuse for not making further posts about JAFA & Ironfest. I've lacked the enthusiasm needed, which is a little sad but a sign of a busy immune system.
I have been preshrinking my stashbusting selection of wool fabrics, a length at a time hung over my shower rail. Here below is a pic of what I raided from my winter cupboard. There's a piece of black superfine wool that needs to be included. The print is a cotton lawn I bought a couple of weeks ago at Spotlight. There's rarely a geometric lawn, let alone in colours that suit me so I had to buy a shirt length.
I'm still dithering over what patterns to use, and perhaps my forced look at my pattern collection as I emptied the drawers (for repair) has already inspired one choice. The skirt from the Butterick 6257 a retro re-issue of a 1948 suit. I've not quite decided what fabric to use but there's a khaki twill that would be fine. Though a stripe would enhance the 3 panels on the back, there's only one stripe fabric (a navy wool-rayon).
Back to the pattern cull - as my cutting table rests on top of the pattern drawers, it's currently covered in patterns and I need to bag them up while the PVA glue cures. Otherwise the cutting table isn't available and I need to cut out 3 to 4 skirts for a weekend of binge sewing.
Erm, in the interests of honesty today I discovered that 3 fabrics bought online hadn't been added to my spreadsheets, and they total 10.2 metres. Which takes my current stash total to 835.8m - which makes my target of 750m by year end seem very unlikely. I may need to aim for 775m instead.
I have been preshrinking my stashbusting selection of wool fabrics, a length at a time hung over my shower rail. Here below is a pic of what I raided from my winter cupboard. There's a piece of black superfine wool that needs to be included. The print is a cotton lawn I bought a couple of weeks ago at Spotlight. There's rarely a geometric lawn, let alone in colours that suit me so I had to buy a shirt length.
I'm still dithering over what patterns to use, and perhaps my forced look at my pattern collection as I emptied the drawers (for repair) has already inspired one choice. The skirt from the Butterick 6257 a retro re-issue of a 1948 suit. I've not quite decided what fabric to use but there's a khaki twill that would be fine. Though a stripe would enhance the 3 panels on the back, there's only one stripe fabric (a navy wool-rayon).
Back to the pattern cull - as my cutting table rests on top of the pattern drawers, it's currently covered in patterns and I need to bag them up while the PVA glue cures. Otherwise the cutting table isn't available and I need to cut out 3 to 4 skirts for a weekend of binge sewing.
Erm, in the interests of honesty today I discovered that 3 fabrics bought online hadn't been added to my spreadsheets, and they total 10.2 metres. Which takes my current stash total to 835.8m - which makes my target of 750m by year end seem very unlikely. I may need to aim for 775m instead.
backfilling - JAFA Friday night dinner
Friday evening was a re-wear event, wearing my green silk evening gown from a couple of years ago with the green silk toque hat I made for a friends formal dinner later in 2012.
I didn't get many, if any, "nice" photos of me as I may have become rather silly that evening. Starting with wedgie shots - my friends went along with the pose though they hadn't heard of the Regency Ladies Wedgie Society.
and then and I may have commenced shennanigans of the Godzilla re-enactment variety
and then a zombie outbreak afflicted proceedings. The carnage was dreadful to behold, while only metres away a formal night's entertainment continued blithely and carelessly.
I didn't get many, if any, "nice" photos of me as I may have become rather silly that evening. Starting with wedgie shots - my friends went along with the pose though they hadn't heard of the Regency Ladies Wedgie Society.
and then
and then a zombie outbreak afflicted proceedings. The carnage was dreadful to behold, while only metres away a formal night's entertainment continued blithely and carelessly.
flashback to daytime Friday at JAFA
We started the day with a delicious breakfast, in costume to the bemusement of other cafe patrons who weren't aware of what was happening at the University conference facilities that weekend. Not that we were the only ones in costume.
Here we are in our day gowns
Now I'm not the first person to see the 'wedgie' regency fashion plates and think it was a brilliant thing to emulate, but Jen has done her part to make it 'the' action shot of 2014
In the morning I went to a workshop on an 1814 walking bonnet. Just in case you don't know my thoughts on hand sewing, this photo may clue you in.
See, I'm wearing a chemisette! I cared so much about having one compared to finishing my shortgown (MAGAM March project) and looked at many portraits which featured them. Online collections of extant garments don't have many to see at all, and almost all have a high neckline, but in portraits there's more variety. Mine's inspired by this one on pinterest, but I didn't pleat the ruffle - though I did go to a class on mushroom pleated frills. I used the edge of the cotton organdy as it's crisp and clean.
Contrasting back to our suite where I spent happier time sewing that & the next day.
The grounds were lovely, so I wasn't the only one trying for photos of the fish and counting how many dinner sized there were ... we had an equipped kitchen!
Here we are in our day gowns
Now I'm not the first person to see the 'wedgie' regency fashion plates and think it was a brilliant thing to emulate, but Jen has done her part to make it 'the' action shot of 2014
In the morning I went to a workshop on an 1814 walking bonnet. Just in case you don't know my thoughts on hand sewing, this photo may clue you in.
See, I'm wearing a chemisette! I cared so much about having one compared to finishing my shortgown (MAGAM March project) and looked at many portraits which featured them. Online collections of extant garments don't have many to see at all, and almost all have a high neckline, but in portraits there's more variety. Mine's inspired by this one on pinterest, but I didn't pleat the ruffle - though I did go to a class on mushroom pleated frills. I used the edge of the cotton organdy as it's crisp and clean.
Contrasting back to our suite where I spent happier time sewing that & the next day.
The grounds were lovely, so I wasn't the only one trying for photos of the fish and counting how many dinner sized there were ... we had an equipped kitchen!
Sunday, 4 May 2014
catch up post, JAFA Thursday arvo/eve
I went down the day before, as the train is much more comfortable than a bus. However there's only 3 trains per day, and the midday suited me best. Plus I'd get an evening with my friends in Canberra. Bonus!
On the train, I told myself that I had to finish the floral diadem before I could get wine, cheese & crackers from the dining car. If I hadn't sufficient motivation, I'd never have started it. It wasn't too hideous sewing the pink silk onto the wired buckram base. I can't believe I'm admitting that. I may deny it in the future when in a bonnet workshop.
Thankfully, my friends were able to drop me at University House not long before my roomies arrived from the airport.
Our 2 bedroom suite at University House was bigger than some flats I've lived in, and we had so much room that I'm not alone in hoping it's the venue again. There was a shop very close that we stocked up on nibbles and wine, and checked to see what we could get for the night of the ball (only a supper not a meal provided which is much easier). This didn't take too long to happen.
Thursday is only a registration night, with a meal provided. I wore my cotton print open robe and terracotta gown, along with the blue silk toque I made for the heritage dance in Brisbane last July.
On the train, I told myself that I had to finish the floral diadem before I could get wine, cheese & crackers from the dining car. If I hadn't sufficient motivation, I'd never have started it. It wasn't too hideous sewing the pink silk onto the wired buckram base. I can't believe I'm admitting that. I may deny it in the future when in a bonnet workshop.
Thankfully, my friends were able to drop me at University House not long before my roomies arrived from the airport.
Our 2 bedroom suite at University House was bigger than some flats I've lived in, and we had so much room that I'm not alone in hoping it's the venue again. There was a shop very close that we stocked up on nibbles and wine, and checked to see what we could get for the night of the ball (only a supper not a meal provided which is much easier). This didn't take too long to happen.
Thursday is only a registration night, with a meal provided. I wore my cotton print open robe and terracotta gown, along with the blue silk toque I made for the heritage dance in Brisbane last July.
Tuesday, 29 April 2014
sifting through a couple of hundred (or more) photos before posting
I actually made my MAGAM garment for April - need to post about it once I've got the photo ready to upload.
I also have lots of photos from JAFA and Ironfest, and I bought an extra 1gb of internet data so that I can to it while I remember to.
On the everyday garment sewing side of things, I'm reviewing my stash spreadsheets and selecting fabric for winter skirts and some trans-seasonal blouses. I'd very much like to use the Hot Patterns 1063, Deco Vibe Flippy Skirt. I've had the pattern a number of years - deliberately forgetting exactly how many. However it'll take 3 metres of 150cm wide, which is a bit hungry of it. Fairly sure that my already stashed, drapable yardage is all around 2m. I don't particularly want to buy another piece of fabric. What I ought to do first is mock it up and see if it suits me or not. Cos if it doesn't, everything else is moot.
Later this month I've got a weekend sewing retreat - so I need to have planned & cut out projects suitable for 2 nights & 2 days of sewing. I'm taking my UFO blouses, and my UFO brown wool skirt (presuming I don't finish it before then). Plus I'm thinking of taking my 1970's knit wrap dress pattern. I have the monkeys on green to use as mockup and the viscose lycra knit for the real thing.
Are my eyes bigger than my stomach when it comes to achievable projects??
Maybe I should also take my UFO early 1800s open robe. It's pretty close to finishable. But, BUT ... I need a decent working wardrobe for this winter. A much higher priority.
I also have lots of photos from JAFA and Ironfest, and I bought an extra 1gb of internet data so that I can to it while I remember to.
On the everyday garment sewing side of things, I'm reviewing my stash spreadsheets and selecting fabric for winter skirts and some trans-seasonal blouses. I'd very much like to use the Hot Patterns 1063, Deco Vibe Flippy Skirt. I've had the pattern a number of years - deliberately forgetting exactly how many. However it'll take 3 metres of 150cm wide, which is a bit hungry of it. Fairly sure that my already stashed, drapable yardage is all around 2m. I don't particularly want to buy another piece of fabric. What I ought to do first is mock it up and see if it suits me or not. Cos if it doesn't, everything else is moot.
Later this month I've got a weekend sewing retreat - so I need to have planned & cut out projects suitable for 2 nights & 2 days of sewing. I'm taking my UFO blouses, and my UFO brown wool skirt (presuming I don't finish it before then). Plus I'm thinking of taking my 1970's knit wrap dress pattern. I have the monkeys on green to use as mockup and the viscose lycra knit for the real thing.
Are my eyes bigger than my stomach when it comes to achievable projects??
Maybe I should also take my UFO early 1800s open robe. It's pretty close to finishable. But, BUT ... I need a decent working wardrobe for this winter. A much higher priority.
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
I've not disappeared entirely
I was especting to post again much earlier than this, but I got lured into the time-sucking-pit of JAFA sewing ... the weekend before Easter I was at the aussie Jane Austen Festival in Canberra, and somehow ended up with half made and unmade costumes to sew while I was there.
I haven't even looked at all my photos yet - but I've seen my friend's photos and will be doing a couple of posts once I've got myself sorted out.
I took my netbook with me but didn't even turn it on once! It was really nice to have a proper break from real life.
My March MAGAM short gown project didn't get finished. I took the pragmatic approach that there was less work involved in finishing my UFO bib front gown, that's about 4 years old. I also realised that I really really cared about having a chemisette (a false blouse for filling in necklines during for daywear). I cared more about that than getting the short gown finished - as I had daywear clothing that fit.
When I got back I discovered that somehow I'd used up my entire months data allowance in 4 days - I think something in the background was constantly refreshing and as I was home sick my netbook was on and byebye data.
I'll get myself organised to top it up this week so that I can post photos from JAFA, and also this weekend's Ironfest in Lithgow (www.ironfest.net).
I do have an April MAGAM plan, but as I don't have a photo of the fabric I can't yet post it ... but Winter is Coming!
I haven't even looked at all my photos yet - but I've seen my friend's photos and will be doing a couple of posts once I've got myself sorted out.
I took my netbook with me but didn't even turn it on once! It was really nice to have a proper break from real life.
My March MAGAM short gown project didn't get finished. I took the pragmatic approach that there was less work involved in finishing my UFO bib front gown, that's about 4 years old. I also realised that I really really cared about having a chemisette (a false blouse for filling in necklines during for daywear). I cared more about that than getting the short gown finished - as I had daywear clothing that fit.
When I got back I discovered that somehow I'd used up my entire months data allowance in 4 days - I think something in the background was constantly refreshing and as I was home sick my netbook was on and byebye data.
I'll get myself organised to top it up this week so that I can post photos from JAFA, and also this weekend's Ironfest in Lithgow (www.ironfest.net).
I do have an April MAGAM plan, but as I don't have a photo of the fabric I can't yet post it ... but Winter is Coming!
Wednesday, 2 April 2014
a delay in finishing my short gown ensemble
I'm having to take a delay in finishing the shortgown set - about which I'm not happy.
The reason is that the stays I wear under it don't fit, so I'm having to make a larger, quick & dirty version of them to wear at JAFA which is just over a week away. So yes, very not happy.
Until the stay are on, I can't tell if the bodice will fit. And if the bodice doesn't fit I will have to unpick the waist seam at the sides, unpick the sleeves which are inserted and insert a gusset at underarm.
Until the stays are finished I can't tell if any of the other clothes I already have for it will fit either. I may go from being well dressed to being shabbily dressed.
My desire for a new red wook cloak will be put on hold I think, as I need other things more. boooo Hisssss to the genetic lottery that makes me fat. (If you think I'm deluding myself about it being endocrine related and not diet/exercise, well I can give you the names of both my specialists who've empathised while they told me this. Mind you, you can pay the hundreds the apppointments with them will cost. For some things there is no cure, and for others there's not even a best practise treatment).
So a cotton drill machine sewn stays, is almost complete. I'm adding the metal grommets tonight, so long as I remember to get white cable ties (to use as flexible boning at the centre back) from Officeworks on my way home.
The reason is that the stays I wear under it don't fit, so I'm having to make a larger, quick & dirty version of them to wear at JAFA which is just over a week away. So yes, very not happy.
Until the stay are on, I can't tell if the bodice will fit. And if the bodice doesn't fit I will have to unpick the waist seam at the sides, unpick the sleeves which are inserted and insert a gusset at underarm.
Until the stays are finished I can't tell if any of the other clothes I already have for it will fit either. I may go from being well dressed to being shabbily dressed.
My desire for a new red wook cloak will be put on hold I think, as I need other things more. boooo Hisssss to the genetic lottery that makes me fat. (If you think I'm deluding myself about it being endocrine related and not diet/exercise, well I can give you the names of both my specialists who've empathised while they told me this. Mind you, you can pay the hundreds the apppointments with them will cost. For some things there is no cure, and for others there's not even a best practise treatment).
So a cotton drill machine sewn stays, is almost complete. I'm adding the metal grommets tonight, so long as I remember to get white cable ties (to use as flexible boning at the centre back) from Officeworks on my way home.
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