Tuesday, February 28, 2012

State of the jacket II

We have sleeves!


Tomorrow I will hem it, tack down this and that, and give it a good pressing.  Then maybe I will wear it to the Expo.

Monday, February 27, 2012

State of the jacket

Here are front and back views of the current state of the jacket (Vogue 8620).  I think it is going to be gorgeous, but it hasn't been without its problems.  Yesterday I had to soak out a small blood stain (sharp pins!), and today I found a couple for spots.  I am suffering for this jacket!



It still needs sleeves and hem, and the facing needs to be tacked down.  It should be ready to wear to the Sewing Expo in Puyallup, although it will probably be to cold to wear it.  Hope to see you all there!

Sunday, February 19, 2012

No sewing today

Instead we went for a walk in the snow, followed by a yummy President's Day buffet at the National Park Inn at Longmire.  I do love living here.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Pretty pockets

Once the pocket edges are bound it's time to attach them to the lower front.  This is what I did:  first I stitched in the ditch on the wrong side right up next to the binding, using a basting stitch and orange thread in the bobbin.


This gave me a neat line on the right side to stitch over.  It worked perfectly!  The real trick, though, is to play the 1812 Overture.  With the Marseillaise and the booming cannons you can't help but be successful, and each pocket took exactly once through the overture (i.e. 15 minutes), including pulling out the basting threads.



Finished pocket:



Friday, February 17, 2012

Hippo Update!

Happy Hippos are a delicious cream-filled biscuit! Shaped like a hippo! As will I be if I keep eating them!

Unofficial Sister Sewing Day


Hi Annie!

I've been working on the Simplicity Lisette jacket today. The fabric doesn't photograph particularly well - it's much prettier in person. I've done the welts, pockets and sewn fronts to side fronts. Don't you love princess seams? They go together so nicely. Stopping now for chores and snack, of which there is obligatory photo below!
Closeup of pocket:
Hippo Snacks! As the package says, "now crispier!" -xoxo, Sis

Marcy Tilton jacket

I'm moving slowly along with Vogue 8620.  At the moment it is just a sort of capelet.



This morning I bound the edges of the pockets.  One of the things I really like about this pattern is the bias binding template.  I know it's not hard to do, but it's nice to have it already done for me.  Anyway, here is a pair of pretty pockets.  These go on the inside and are outlined in topstitching on the outside.


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Pin cushions, old and new

My friend Pam has been busy too.  She retired her old pin cushion...


and made herself a brand new one!




It's so pretty!



Late Night Valentines



Hi Annie!
For some reason at about 11 o'clock last night, I was seized by the desire to make some Valentine's Day cards for some co-workers. So I did.
xoxo, Sis

Monday, February 13, 2012

Hi Sis!  Well, I haven't finished Silver Moon either!  Instead I'm starting what I hope will be a less troublesome project.

I'm copying your jacket!  The fabric is a fairly stiff gray cotton with a fine rib, which I bought at Nancy's some time ago.  I have it cut out, except for the bias binding to finish inside edges.  Tomorrow I'll start sewing.

Sunday, February 12, 2012


Hi Annie!
Don't tell anyone, but I STILL haven't done the button holes in the Louise Cutting top. Yay, I am the procrastination winner!
Today, however, I altered, traced and cut out the Lisette jacket, Simplicity 2209. I did a forward shoulder adjustment, took some ease out of the sleeve cap, lengthed the sleeve by 3 inches (ape arms!) and lengthened the body by 3 inches (I'm tall!). It still needs to be marked and I probably won't start sewing til later in the week. Still, it's nice to be making some progress. On that anyway... The picture doesn't show the color of the fabric particularly well - it's a black, brown and cream silk noil.
I had barely enough fabric, and since I'm not overly fond of it, I may consider this a (possibly) wearable muslin. As you know, I have my eye on that magenta wool/silk blend at Pacific Fabrics. And I'm looking forward to the fabrics at the Sewing Expo in Puyallup.
Right now, it's time for a delightful snack, and then back to marking the fabric.
I think Mme. Hattie approves of the pattern, but her fretful eyebrow marks make it hard to tell!
xoxo, Sis