tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52032193558695701792024-03-12T19:29:37.944-05:00When Ladies DressedWhen Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-16267408761610041122011-05-03T15:05:00.000-05:002011-05-03T15:05:19.255-05:00Anne Adams Dress - "Easy, Interesting"Anne Adams 4713 Mail Order Postmarked 1959... I've had this pattern for two years; it was part of an auction haul. What is fun is that the original owner, Marcie, included the newspaper clipping from which she saw and ordered it! (This is what makes vintage collectiing fun.) The ad states the pattern is "Easy, Interesting".<br />
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Good thing because I want to make it for PR Weekend and have less than two weeks! For the life of me, I cannot make up my mind on fabric. Marcie indicated in pencil that she was going to use green crepe...<br />
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I'm using a linen/rayon blend. It has a pretty brown/beige/cream hibiscus floral pattern with splashes of sky blue. Stay tuned for progress pics!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rJNpbpJcHCFj8snM9SQVgo-Hfl6OpyTtWU0lF2SXjfJ31aYr6nvTWbHY69UKw7fcBQFjRQTrKWgmgNrgsW5501tep3PnWG22kYrcmSce_G0G6jwVtgCC9ymCQzRkhhKt1Qpn16fRcto/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rJNpbpJcHCFj8snM9SQVgo-Hfl6OpyTtWU0lF2SXjfJ31aYr6nvTWbHY69UKw7fcBQFjRQTrKWgmgNrgsW5501tep3PnWG22kYrcmSce_G0G6jwVtgCC9ymCQzRkhhKt1Qpn16fRcto/s400/006.JPG" /></a></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-53522379963221696552011-04-07T12:52:00.002-05:002011-04-07T12:55:35.129-05:00Finished Dress - Weird Pictures!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcI4VJjrPR0oU3A2lhKvzWul1odQhdvjsyRD-2VJdETW80X-2eRLpYc-cf-S5cIisN0Vo9P7CCwtuUKcuncTqlwh7_gi1ZuZJpRqaiJFijf9Z7qgAfdxyK8fSAt18DsXBEDVjiMTU-7U/s1600/478.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwcI4VJjrPR0oU3A2lhKvzWul1odQhdvjsyRD-2VJdETW80X-2eRLpYc-cf-S5cIisN0Vo9P7CCwtuUKcuncTqlwh7_gi1ZuZJpRqaiJFijf9Z7qgAfdxyK8fSAt18DsXBEDVjiMTU-7U/s400/478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592901744400718514" /></a><br />The "good" camera was used for the pics I took of the finished dress!!!! BUT, it created a very distinct and distracting shadow on each and every pic!!! Gah!<br /><br />I will re-take pics again, but for now, here is a pic - try to look past the shadow on the wall!When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-31436418956076728182011-04-03T18:52:00.026-05:002011-04-03T20:05:25.624-05:00Back to the Business of Dresses (Capris are now a UFO)I made good progress on my capris, then I lost interest and they officially transcended into UFO status. <br /><br />THEN, I picked up a different UFO that was cut over a year ago, a 1940's house dress in a vintage floral fabric. I tried so hard to love this project. It was one of those projects that seemed like a good idea at the time, but didn't work when it came down to the sewing part. I tried to not give up on it, giving it "one more step" before declaring it a wadder. I finally reached that point when a friend pointed out that the fabric looked like an old sheet!!! I had that "OMG" moment, because did (even though the fabric was not a recycled sheet). <br /><br />At this point, the time was ripe for a project in which I'd hit my zone again. I'm happy to report I FOUND IT! I've had this fantastic pattern, McCall's 4417 from 1957, for a couple of years and have had the urge to get it out of my system. With warmer weather around the corner (I hope), a sun dress called. My world is happy when I'm sewing a vintage sun dress. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 285px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591517359419263618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUgizPdr-KWFino4QmU_qw3G2rUQrO-sXz3-LdRf653ushObsg_K6WXgTgYzT2GT-3FReNu9CQIBkcgi6-LoCQvvqYMxTR0F5b26CIFqV3DT89NDKFzw1CW9BPjxZBiM8lVaX_Yoc_srI/s400/McCalls+4417.jpg" /> I'm using a lovely tissue weight 100% linen, a taupe with dark brown pinstripes on it. This fabric was used two years ago on a different dress that didn't quite work out (not because of fabric, but not a good style on me). I had just the right amount to do the slim version. I used a medium weight linen blend in solid brown for the neck band and belt.<br /> <br /><div></div>The pattern calls for an optional lining. It's a vintage lining, which is not the full length of the skirt. I found a tissue weight linen/cotton blend to use for the lining and decided to underline the bodice since the linen fabric is semi transparent (like when the light is behind you and you can see through).<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591514910484601074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQQ_d0XrbhYGNHzG6E_uOJevtFawWQk4Ljm5RSpTB_rJmWx2q8uJSmWUuRmvrMZ-Ft5r5_8FqGQu2w7qsMN_7NbIuyPbGTNk9FTXQdQ1gpSppAyWwLCV0Wr-JxQK2HHiMF1MZ3EbAUN_A/s400/002.JPG" /> These two fabrics have been a dream to sew. And I love how linen shapes. Yes, it wrinkles, but it's linen! And the lining/underlining should alleviate the wrinkling a teeny bit. These are the back bodice pieces after the underlining was basted and darts sewn:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591514912837691506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaLyV_xf8jfsCi4QcXOuRPzLoPhUM34AbelEJIlZFKkbibK4edtAgWf0kBq4uSCoSLmgWWZTk-QA_3Zfma3ywSuEcq6-yHSHoB5HDI2SgVycu3HRltHN95fTfvoqh1A9TuJTfEz17YVg/s400/004.JPG" /> The neckline on this appears fiddly and difficult at first glance. BUT, once you start working it and doing the pleats, step by step it really makes sense! Just mark well and you won't be disappointed. In this pic, you can see where the neckband is pinned and then sewn about an inch and a half (orange arrow shows the other side prior to pinning). <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591514919323294146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_zEde30AtpLleBrE1-N7bCWchqUGChnpqbznkqyFqwy4eFC64kCwQ2mCkqdqnwhzx8qbuKaRvGT_nKvLfFASgQ58FIgpbUfjIaDawiuN83blWbz0oFDPaVdwmbq0D0yKrJLxFlIzrUes/s400/006.JPG" /> This picture shows pleats formed AFTER the neck band is sewn as just stated. It's a bit "floppy", but after the pleats are made, it lines up perfectly. Baste across top edge of neckband after pleats are stitched.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591514930813201874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP45Uh0YANynWZ7A-518vUE6RPCdpvNid8X4-5H8rKbveqeOoLlRpp51kc_GZ5P705hr9i2Zj4yrCbM5VWFzJLeXi0wb5RtgaOFxmnIIrHqBuJgesSC-WX6z8QKByzzHjcQLflMPZvU90/s400/002.JPG" /> This pic shows the neck band facing in place. It is sewn across the top edge of the neck band (after the back neck band is seamed at shoulders), then hand slip stitched down on the inside. <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5591514923065952626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KNJ5_gEe8QpGpZAkWVsByUL9xpNO_cbf97KNI5Omixvd0hb2u9YdixOrvQzwLtSM5_5reZZ7gveZCYYxvZHDlfY8askOhKzqtYMOb21Irk9usosPGtf8XciOE9avj-0HBbwI8y67juo/s400/003.JPG" /> I cracked away at this project last week, had my cousin's son for the weekend so work stopped for a couple of days.... and just attached the bodice to skirt this evening. All that is left now is inserting the zipper and hemming! Hopefully I'll have finished pics tomorrow or Tuesday at latest! <br /><br />Of course, no project of mine would be complete without a token mishap. This project's involved the iron and my box of threads... I ran out of a spool and while pulling out various other spools from my plastic box, placing upon the fabric and contemplating/comparing to get the best match, I suddenly smelled something odd, like burning plastic! To my horror, I looked up and it WAS plastic!!! I'd flipped the lid of the box open and it was leaning against the plate on my iron. The whole corner and latch melted and was dripping/stuck to the iron. The good news is after completely cooling, I was able to pull off the plastic in about three pieces. :)When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-10363277616876627332011-01-19T11:17:00.006-06:002011-01-19T11:33:32.273-06:00First Fitting of the CaprisI basted the inner, outer and crotch seams for the first fitting. Overall, it's better than I anticipated. I expected them to be "tighter" rather than "looser".<br /><br /><div><div><div></div><div>The waistband is not on nor are the gathered insets, so I'm kind of holding them in place while taking pics in the mirror!!! Good think I'm a mom and used to tackling tasks requiring eight arms instead of two.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>It seems good through the waist and the sides, but baggy at the back, just below my seat. The pattern is described as "semi-fitted". Now, I admit that when I wear pants, it's usually "skinny" styled jeans so I'm not certain how much room these are supposed to have back there. Based on the illustration, it doesn't look like a "loose" style. However, I don't want these to fit like skinny jeans.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div>I don't think they're too far off. Time to consult my fitting books and sewing friends. Comments and suggestions about anything are most welcome!! i.e. style, fit, etc. </div><div></div><div>Yay, I'm on my way!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563949310114028610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidc16o1p08lKIoM8XUQgS_5j8nbim3USHdn1B1U5Hna_r6UvsFd3wQcgx17AiIfJ0cHPEZVmDm9xKWFLYvDGJlF-5AKk_vSSslIC1A_XHbgOopWgcApK6pJcBuJk66J7V38i9va8H_WEc/s400/001.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563949316451075010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhImcpvod-NBb0g8DEb2hDPK2-PleXDgFM3Wpc6HBly9cgGpBkcnw5pudrdIQ9oX7oiiVZjuZLaEqAUcbnji7olDVAPUbzNE4sK-o0kutifTwUZzK8TBIDQid-7nzrTJVo2w_hhCxf70/s400/004.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563949323513454914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUXJdaa85fQ6cqPF936LkuUKO9-Oll5YB9NyATs72JN6o-5apfqc_jDd3Zl3I1FViVuclQAhjjFHZHP5jOw2oRJBoKy8582Fdbx5anWhUdBZig3JcBud2WEw6UlPMA1B6hr6948_TM-o/s400/005.JPG" /></div><div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-79833442169018602312011-01-18T09:34:00.004-06:002011-01-18T09:47:05.743-06:00Expanding My HorizonsFor a long time, I've wanted to make pants but I've been chicken. There, I said it. One of the reasons I've loved dresses and skirts so much is that they are easier to fit and camoflage BTS: Big Thigh Syndrome. Making your own is the obvious solution to having good fitting and flattering pants.<br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div>However, herein lies the oxymoron with BTS and good fitting pants you make yourself: you have to figure out how to actually get them to fit. It's likely more than just "adding a little extra" to the outside seam... </div><br /><div></div><div>So hop aboard and join me on my journey of my first pair of pants. They are not from a vintage pattern, but I hope you agree that they are cute. I really wanted to do View B with the ruffle but I don't have the right fabric on hand (how this can be with a stash to exceed life expectancy is beyond me). So I'm doing View C with the gathering. I think it's a great detail that adds some punch to a simple (and hopefully easy) design.</div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563551967262572434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGi0gv2M9E-XsRvKwbFUuiNGOsbBD2NVQefsgbeUevHCWV3Cf8ppop-Vfz4EOJONdoi_QT5GCqAxZjY_rd08sb7lw3Fh_MDHOkH9DmTul-u7HSb1oB7Jq6OxGAxzxRPz6Pmb0v7M6N_U/s400/001.JPG" /><br /><div></div><div>I'm using a cotton/linen blend with a chevron stripe design that's woven in. I envision the completed and PERFECTLY fitted capris matched with a simple tshirt and these cute Eric Micheal slings that are dupioni silk.</div><br /><div></div><div>Cutting the fabric begins now! </div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-55639422950562178982011-01-07T13:13:00.005-06:002011-01-07T14:42:44.061-06:00Jacket is FinishedI finished the jacket!<br /><br />I'm sorry that I've not blogged as I've gone along. I managed to catch a bug (I think a mild case of flu) while on the cruise and was under the weather for three weeks, and subsequently run down going into Christmas.<br /><br />Nevertheless, I've thrown myself into sewing. Overall, I'm very pleased with the jacket. I love the wool, from Emma One Stock and the construction was pretty straightforward.<br /><br />There are a couple of things worth mentioning about the pattern. First, the collar/shoulder sections match really well. Just be sure to take your time cutting and marking accurately and you WILL be rewarded. Do NOT mistake the front facing "stitch-and-slash" for a dart!!! Ask me how I know that you should NOT make this error... I spent over an hour scratching my head wondering why the collar facing didn't match up to the facing.<br /><br />Also, the lining is short and the top of the jacket hem shows. This irks me because I was very careful cutting. My advice is to cut the lining longer; you can always trim excess rather than being left short.<br /><br />I love everything else about this jacket. It's not hard-core winter wear but perfect for autumn, mild winter and early spring days!<br /><br /><br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559525197189888514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4AZQK-lq8oHUTQ3-ioOdZuz_D1OPATjg7nd0ylLaAnKgV7snrJ2V-lbW5BaED8LoA6KdjEKHHVZFwrMAgfLMgSnoGFTeJ3Zu0tlrtNT4B4bcRAuFUPwPKK1HEVbk0tt4LOvOv2jf_5s/s400/029.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559525201322279714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbpyaKrAjYdrAAU5VLj250T0pKj7YYfhwgT5n_HUJfzl3FeeUTs6QmyBVqCZMJkKoTq_YjlK95q4EGSBnyEzlB3LU4yotjjyVho5wW8OHnDyznlA3JSWlbY_L1-0E6H8sD0mCKBGs6QLY/s400/041.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559525209808160978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilUAJ99o3e3zFE-YXMG5tYY-gXYpRLhgALUl91AuI-HsfteicYaVFNfsT_nijKi7ryKrtA18Dc23MPTd5LkcrGovv9JlXZwbS2DGKuORdx4mF_jL7uR7wMOoHfjncIiNtxM1R9NLT5AhQ/s400/045.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559525219961501330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC2f6ARrCG-VEQTwdJHdxueTH31ITLwdxGDLv8E4E3jcM5EUq_OmPoH7IB4f2yvRlUy5EWVA0qlFCHIHLWGJT69ybenJNrDdKWml06E9Qu4qMPijbGP5eZHI7B0WPDtCb3wNfsZ6M1s04/s400/004.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559525636346539282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXV7sUvDA_AF0p-uTv3OPc2Aa4aXXFliqdiD615TPf7HGzQAqv9NKNppmlPCZMDwaWqHSjrh7SJD1_T8h64Kk297I7A78cYA0SeZX5ecQp4VPG4bol4HcpTFZxgDseG0TVUm_bDIpd5zg/s400/005.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559525227976227410" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNaH4MJdePStemEuvNMhfyyGhMjiiUdD45moCPaeFvLkYXKposqcy8OGiBNB3hyphenhyphen_rMjC_leoJnPkMnV7mI2ow358-bfkzCT7lI3evm5qPU7XxzVGUhBTxu7RNvVan4oomYaG5DAhWYAhk/s400/003.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559525641026072578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqj8cdcc_3zjlsALflk_CN1v3mHt4wuG3NQZYf-ui-Iid8dVQBGkqAtZUb1S98k2HoWSfTHfZ_yMxk90L-LEXew7GpD3YtqkteeJGWPeI5N4eV1cvgDetTn0XvXW8IgNvnaayuOoo_4c/s400/007.JPG" /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPbn1qxbEaLUo2A0VbO0nRGsuT9XMDZ_xseqAQytl8KBBG22kl4IWvyZiWTk4GuVGsYlnHa7miSgodoz8cgas51FwSad3YDU8lG93hfE2gr6j8pWyjKO38RXRKtMQirL-ToXCk3gfx4w/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5559525627517754802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPbn1qxbEaLUo2A0VbO0nRGsuT9XMDZ_xseqAQytl8KBBG22kl4IWvyZiWTk4GuVGsYlnHa7miSgodoz8cgas51FwSad3YDU8lG93hfE2gr6j8pWyjKO38RXRKtMQirL-ToXCk3gfx4w/s400/006.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div>..</div></div></div></div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-55082778467677727422010-12-12T11:56:00.004-06:002010-12-12T20:35:30.425-06:00White Christmas - Yes, the Bing Crosby Classic!I've been sick with a nasty cold for nearly two weeks; sewing has been slow... so I thought I'd write about my Love-Hate relationship with the movie "White Christmas" after watching it last night!<br /><br />I can hear the gasps: <em>"What? Blasphemy! How can tanybody hate even a little bit that movie!!!" </em>Trust me, it's not all hate; I promise there really is a lot of love! Every year I am compelled to watch it for all the reasons it makes people feel warm and fuzzy. So stick with me and here it goes!! (I am not a movie critic, just a middle aged, vintage loving person!)<br /><br />This movie is loaded with schmaltz and iconic imagery of Christmas. There is no movie in Hollywood history with more schmaltz and nostalgia than White Christmas! From the opening scene with the soldiers listening to Bing Crosby sing with tears in their eyes, to the look on General Waverly's face when he walks into the converted barn with everybody there to honor him and save the inn (of course Bing Crosby's uniform still fits HIM perfectly), one cannot help but me moved. And that's the core of what the movie, good ole General Waverly!<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 242px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549867354935731874" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLr82yYVJxt5lLU04-eg1lBb_plW_WoKGBR9ZV086mj9Al7y7P3QWT4BOxpDLSxSdZn0WFHPpy_Tih0zG2EP-eunQXC4idtsMGk5XJg-gp7s0_ssOkuArvzksHGK2PLd79Gm4Md-9V-3g/s400/Bing+Crosby+Danny+Kaye+White-Christmas.jpg" /><br /><div><div><div><br /><div>I love and adore Vera-Ellen. She was an enormous talent and glides elegantly and effortlessly in every scene in which she appears. You simply cannot take your eyes off of her with her angelic face, 21" waist and legs that I would ransom my children for! In real life this poor woman struggled with anorexia, ill health and her only child died from SIDS. She deserved so much more fame and recognition... In particular, and this is just speculation on my part... BUT has anybody else ever thought that Barbie Millicent Roberts (yes, the Barbie Doll) was modelled specifically after Vera-Ellen??? <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 316px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549867364555361026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRJLcvP1ZTxttGrzBq-mF7bquT6YBYsHaa9lbmf1v-ZDh5V24_RSjuFeUy5LL8asSY8qYW_OEGN_qI9L5uRL9cO-XS8T_jXisbuBd6l1LwhtA09K5M2w30dD7nJ269TLJIb1xsEanoerI/s400/Vera-Ellen+White+Christmas.jpg" /></div><br /><div>And here we go, but Rosemary Clooney bugs me. I apologize to all of the Rosemary Clooney fans who read this. Apart from her role in the scene on the train to Vermont singing "Snow" and the nightclub scene sitting at the table with Bing Crosby in that FANTASTIC blue dress, I think there are scores of others actresses who could have played her role better... like Doris Day. (Disclaimer: I love Doris Day and my dressform, Doris, is named after her).<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 259px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 194px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549867368088730802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLSNtNp3ko_atnXj2dm3KEHto9ua4JRhysbcJzCzhA5sLW4arEP6QP_8uFj9Gfooffrps2mIqdxfa6DMfJzshAOorTchjBJWrZwQ_5mgK98UyYR-6YFeyFP3JtK28GkXUWfirpu343iA4/s400/Rosemary+Clooney+Blue+Dress+White+Christmas.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549867364179075730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnMcTWMzAjyMd0jKsSg_2sQK_r3XyHDhnmyPShTLgTog2KcmCAaquGwkO44s_8vyP5kUcNcE74dkngnEOZtvwoL7cVPtdobReQ9YGzbG455bajxiz6kfkdKmy4aTZYRriEJZLa2KZRRQ/s400/Snow+White+Christmas.jpg" /></div><br /><div>Thank goodness Mary Wicke was cast as The General's housekeeper to off-set Clooney's boring role. Nobody does wisecracking like she does it! She is another Hollywood classic who appeared regularly throughout her career! And while we're at General Waverly's inn, does anybody else wonder where the rest of his family is besides the granddaughter? It can be assumed that perhaps his wife passed... but Waverly had at least a daughter or son who produced said granddaughter... did I miss the part that establishes who the granddaughter's parents are? Does this even really matter?</div><br /><div>I cringe watching the two women perform the number "Sisters". Give me Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe donning top hats and red dresses any day: THAT's how you bring down the house with a dynamic female duo!... The rendition of "Sisters" was far more entertaining when performed by Danny Kaye and Bing Crosby than the two ladies.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 216px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 144px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549867358419187954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9UwQdyHI5KcFX_XHgakA-axig7S9mxA8towscEKMbrzYLZcvlv7tQTYih3DzUhAX8f5vKBWzgnbnwgnMcPWCK1DbjETZKnxJGz7-4FmdpW3g9tCrY43Ey9dNGcwiXGKvl6q4gV9RRjOo/s400/Danny+Kaye+Bing+Crosby+White+Christmas.jpg" /></div><br /><div>Which of course brings me to Danny Kaye. It's hard to imagine this film WITHOUT him, yet he was not first choice!!! Word has it that this was intended to be a Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire reunion, which yes, would have been lovely! But Danny Kaye's comedic expertise is just perfect for that role and is pivitol in establishing the relationship between Wallace and Davis that began as war buddies... poignant from Kaye saving Crosby's life in the war, but adding a lighthearted punch and sense of loyalty. I only wish they didn't include that horrid number of Kaye's where he looks like a mime and the girls have the ponytails! It's so out of sync with the rest of the movie!</div><div><br />Danny Kaye was such a household name, he was involved in so much on the big screen, tv and behind the scenes. He was one of the classic stars born in the era where an entertainer was all encompassing: sing, dance, act and be comedic (shameless plug again for Doris Day)...</div><br /><div>And as much as I love Danny Kaye and Vera-Ellen, I really DO NOT want to hear them all sing White Christmas together at the end of the movie! Leave that to Bing Crosby and his wonderfully smooth voice that melts my heart. NOBODY should mess with that!!!</div><br /><div>So if you can get past the bad cuts, the mime number (sorry, to call it that but it's what springs to mind for me), Rosemary Clooney (sorry again), some voids in plot and the fact that all those people in the final scene were able to just get themselves ready for a formal dress event on Christmas Eve at the drop of a hat (well, it was for General Waverly), you have a real, heart-warming classic that I JUST HAVE TO WATCH every year!!!</div><div><br />Hmmm.... I suddenly feel like a glass of mulled wine while listening to Bing sing White Christmas!</div><div></div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-51223991423004771192010-12-09T14:21:00.005-06:002010-12-09T14:34:27.315-06:003 Christmas Gifts, 2 Wool Coats and iPhone in a Pear TreeThanks so much for the responses on "which project next" dilemma...<br /><div></div><div> </div><div>...I've decided that I will make the coat. I brought the wool in for dry cleaning and picked it up yesterday. It also has me thinking of another wool coat dress combo I'd like to make for a Vogue Paris Original pattern. But the current coat is now ready to start cutting.</div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 312px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548783326784428882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGNwcfTQmoqzo0UcAUXGF0M7FEvwZOLhiMZPcxaRPKThyphenhyphenKxRLoWw86p9W_0h0MY45zMK6lrOnu_GO0GpYWZCe0g5kHRyov7xNO4LfxYGsfox0bS73qpQB3WvvBetWhlRStFCiAWGRXX_A/s400/VogueParisOriginal+1271.jpg" /><br /><div></div><div>In the meantime, I used the waiting time (while wool was at the cleaners) and started work on a few hand-sewn Christmas gifts... aprons! As a result of my sewing kick in September and October, several of the ladies in my life made comments about them so I thought an apron would make a good gift.</div><br /><div></div><div>The other thing that has had me slightly preoccupied is that I got a new iphone4!!! I've officially moved into the 21st century and boy is it a lot of fun! Just a while ago, I installed the "Fabric Stash" app for tracking and planning all of your stash, fabric and supplies alike. Has anybody used this? If so, I'd love to hear your review!!</div><br /><div></div><div>Stay tuned for progress on the coat!</div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-77831417361671867992010-12-01T14:37:00.005-06:002010-12-01T15:05:29.981-06:00Next Project - Undecided About What to MakeYou know how it is after finishing a big and successful project: there's a feeling of accomplishment and elation... and if you're anything like me, your sewing room/space looks like a tornado went through it. <div><div><div><br /><div>While up in my room starting the tidying up process, I was of course distracted by the unstoppable lure of What-to-Make-Next. Patterns, fabric, creative juices flowing....Does this happen to you? (but the room still isn't tidied up!)<br /></div><div>I've got it narrowed down to four options:</div><br /><div>1) A 60's dress in a lightweight, black wool. This is already cut and ready to sew (intended for a specific pair of shoes!). The fabric and style is perfect for this time of year and will see me all the way through until most of spring.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545818457740558514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWLH9KQ4ECmSVEzEjl9023kEj7UgqlFxy_GRvMUnALEkfQTJAeTOwiTx3vLuB6Mfv2ODmgr0xa0p3WROgI3iJUC11o9GAl3-MRxVG7fPUGSa_GB2x1OUCLRZWmZ6sJvTXgsjI3qK3USQ/s400/001.JPG" /></div><br /><div>2) A 40's dress that I call my "Farmer's Housewife" dress, in a very lightweight and breezy vintage cotton-blend floral. This also is already cut and ready to sew. It is a quick and cheerful project that is always a nice follow-up after a big project like the gown.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545818468806416162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTo2s1fg_sUdDDhKAoFXSv3b_YOzGSXmYwvmFj0mdOqsc2HDmY0ve0lz4hpYCsQJIORi23za9uVAFQhP59rbmRG9yLmtYKDnsQa8hRKLuz_I8XIQoeiII30pizn9tUAcjQWVRUMUm_kk/s400/002.JPG" /></div><br /><div>3) A Simplicty re-issue topper/coat. I bought a gorgeous wool coating last year specifically for making this coat. It's a brown/green/turquoise houndstooth from Emma One Stock. This is not yet cut like the first two options, but that's not a reason to not start it! Tis the right time of year for a new coat and if I don't make it soon, there is the danger another winter could slip by with it not made.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545818478424589922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyxCRNXkPiH1NJvNvVv2skrb7wJ3Hb8pGWch1UisyeS-vohoMuOvXzoj3gbbuG9hWwW3Vpa8WRD6RK29syM0f8Tz4XlNplj9UMUxNfC5wJzUh6lIRsmxe84btWKE-tSEfU0IqHjO9I5aQ/s400/003.JPG" /></div><br /><div>4) A siren dress from the early/mid-50's for a business Christmas function at the Embassy Suites. I LOVE the pattern, and it's the right occasion, BUT I'm admittedly the least enthusiastic for this possibility, and I don't have a fabric picked out for it. I just feel the function presents the right timing.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545818485564842050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikb9a1UclTxHmvh3giphED9tEnjMqFro3hoU4UkV0AFtapNRcSxXqhVICE0rGKwY9fXcmIaxbQhnIsEP7UCi_Lc9WxskIdTXO4HnKdUtakqen3Fkwlj9k9oUXpAqS-QDlt7Hn6U3S3GyI/s400/004.JPG" /><br />So, what do all of you ladies think? What gets your vote? </div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-77838409771211394962010-11-29T10:31:00.005-06:002010-12-17T18:55:04.365-06:00Updated Gown Pics from Cruise - McCalls 3101<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545011054288787442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXokFhDj9o2QfftpZjYWZ4gP9yuinhZH6KM39kD5NzTaZsb7wMsbSyxsO4fFdZRNKQqBDT1Uw6zmcghbHSYvjnbqbZZAwMrtN2vCikA_Hv0_P4EqZG1LZezvr883xPnIhUyZuJWA26vf4/s400/039.JPG" /><br /><div>As promised!!!<br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545011034051431586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDu3flq8EVSMjB5UgTFKJk0lpW5TrXv_e_2hemrVd-n9FS6_icvWAW5Iv_Nj1osY5iSlPFAw8JjoSLGRENHjLrv2DM6IV6s5Q_Q8DqJBHJIkVa29IjEsGDReV8FlUusxN34dP_kbiypI/s400/122.jpg" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545011045067389026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEsQ-7BFMH4K2SBcJVcrrTA4YJkW7bVA4lbEJ5qkP67eFth6MLcyR5kBoYy7A8IXTQ2DSHo5cW2qgENlPaK0iqIoRMOFyNJpfdp1HTt4GHn6DavU_JP04FP_Ajum7c2gDZgYuaUUHOpg/s400/036.JPG" /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 291px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545011031569113234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rVhLhsmT78oAqhjBPmGAAcTCLNdVifvKwj1j6T1SxLmdWh2jrL0j3qz0NKdVOAUogkUzxqCkx_ASIzjgTmwy8iWobRaMtj7cKSRdgPCdNBvtsneNS2kgmfE78tx8TvvVYUI2bbcJtIE/s400/121.jpg" /><br /><div><div>Next up, I'll be finishing several projects that are CUT, but not sewn! But first, I need to unpack and resume my regular, healthy eating!</div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-81538677697904509342010-11-17T15:34:00.003-06:002010-11-17T15:48:20.998-06:00The Gown!Here it is!!! The stole is almost done, but I wanted to get the gown documented... I spent today slipstitching the bodice lining into place. <div><div><div><div><div> </div><div>I am thoroughly AMAZED that there were no major disasters making this! I will say one thing regarding fit: the waistline is a true 50's wasp waist. This is a 32B-26 1/2 W. My waist is 27" and there is NO ease whatsover. </div><div> </div><div>Having said that, with all of the ruching, the waist NEEDS to be pulled taught otherwise it would look like a sack of gathering and the curves would be completely lost. Just keep that in mind if you ever decide to make this.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540636982567875266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjfmRnQlvhI89z3Y2iHNvCEJehxNDlff_sn_AfT1YA24Y84cUV5-FZS78Bo5Ch2WZNjay_XlEz_OSC7bMcASSEC0vCvfrJUaB3MbNMrlo1Znpv2LBr7CtBU04pTjEoYksh7huiG98ySMk/s400/125.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540637030383933122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGUItRRT1D25d6iKUi05OW9iAD9eJdOZaOQGQlgFaCZZElWRkoRVAgOoyTtlTSGMcahU5w_8Iq7hA293WwfATJWgxAK6QjkzjZpS8I5RTfFKHZmkcEcxGSVSYVn3lOXVGaldOcxR5FJ5M/s400/136.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540637022282985314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgELq-9YB2Vv-l76MUNGX2hQWLeKv4_d69iiYmn6oMbc70rODxqqLvvyC641gagxuVWS9UL46XywC4e5BnEVqenwTwMx1llPqcOSXamsCN-jVkIWSqg3RUqLkGYjbqdsORZ0CCt8l0TyoQ/s400/134.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540637001695260578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 266px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMid_p40-ElUD5NcHmkYPjo44vRRUJXubchqWtwb-t3UvdRi65nmBLiVYRfkNx9XPi1NOkPuoVsNGhtEqw9igJsdM17tcj6KT4FevDZG1aaP8cqWGs0gEqsA3k_T7a-Y3ueGkVRWfz-gg/s400/131.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>I will get more pictures from the cruise and promise to post them so that everybody can see the final, finished look!</div><br /><div>Thank you all for following me on this project!</div></div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-23898612465001631632010-11-16T14:23:00.004-06:002010-11-16T16:33:54.852-06:00Gown is Coming TogetherI've been working flat out on the gown for several days now. The plants haven't been fed and the children haven't been watered. I apologize in advance for any typos or non-sensical statements! <div><div><div><div> </div><div>I've got it all put together: lining facing to skirt lining; skirt lining to skirt; skirt to bodice, the zipper is in. The hemline has the hem tape sewed and is turned up ready to sew. Then the bodice lining will need to be slip stitched into place.</div><div> </div><div>Skirt Facing - dupioni underlined with organza:</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540258798189048530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgnZE-TSuMDLOkGpHdMGWgu9o-82BWHsWuAERJ0FxMJaWCiTukOHsyvpBOLFvMqP0-wAFq3XmbYclnvx9sWcr_GwsC7izi-Nszr8TXxItPnkpAzBYbEVYLalBmcD2d7dQcmE49wS9zCw/s400/001.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Skirt Facing sewn to skirt lining (18mm silk crepe). Understitiching - you can see how it prevent rolling. It also provides shape and control of fabrics:<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540258793603670594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvUgbtliahmXN34KmcEI3cekaWxT2tyK0JDhnsNWWj7id3IwCNJAPqdgSMFsl_xGYbVQSAHna6VanA9Rpo1ZD8y78sr1r-jm5TyktN6DJBV1NJOriqhK8MBp-MH9r9qfwNEgkUPlX5XGw/s400/003.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Skirt Facing attached to Skirt Lining:"<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540258754786040354" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE88ia3KdeMJvcT_WerOSqojMr60-Not4PLj6aUfcRjEZJjKQMsay34tkZc8b2z4PqVHZ3Q8Qs8QhZEn-ugff4dO2TEg_yo4nmtt31BNwJfsQ3Eb4QjxdIvDQkFlZO6J5Z3yopItBzkuY/s400/005.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>Close up of zig-zag for sewing top of skirt facing to the lining:</div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540258741807261922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEzdhN_BLUHXkFK-lVe6FYtAd_aVArBX20K_BSUOPTqHKvmWuMD7fNcuZ_GipTugAxrryn85oABwr47pm85HyTBhX6QAL6Df0hfepQLexmy-1qZ5XfGUdZwnkUflnru-QFdzzP5NYeyk/s400/009.JPG" /></div><div> </div><div>There have been very few REAL problems. The zipper went in with one shot which one can only hope for when ruching is involved. Admitedly, I took time and hand basted in place first. And admitedly #2, it's a bit wonky in one spot, but the ruching disguises it <em>so I left it</em>! Ssshhh!</div><div> </div><div>The one problem I did have was last night while trying the gown on, the ruching popped on the right seam. This was entirely my fault because earlier in the day, I was feeling cocky and clever and thought I'd try something... I seamed the zipper side from the notch side up to the top which made it too small to get over my head and even my very small bust... while wriggling and worming out, I heard a "pop". It seemed OK at the time when I inspected, but alas, it came to roost a bit later.</div><div> </div><div>Ideally, I should have put binding strips to back the ruching on the inside and I'm surprised the pattern doesn't say to that. Fortunately, the fix was quick. The ruching popped at the very top so I took the stitching down 1 1/2", tied off the ends, and re-sewing the three lines of ruching stitching in that top 1 1/2".</div><div> </div><div>So off to hem I go. With any luck, I'll be able to knock out the stole and pics tomorrow!</div><div> </div><div> </div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-83061281291657328802010-11-12T16:59:00.006-06:002010-11-12T17:34:54.189-06:00The SkirtIn the world of dresses, there are skirts... and then there are skirts. <div><br /><div>This gown has one helluva skirt!! </div><br /><div>It's not complicated really. It's eight gores with ruching at the top several inches. While the bodice is ruched in four places (front and back centers and both sides) the skirt is ruched at every seam, giving a swag effect.</div><br /><div>It's simplicity makes it elegant. The elegant swags pick up the lustre and body of the shot dupioni. I know when walking in it, the movement will make it dance under the light.</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538808752618387026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwgqZquCKeRNzpwiiQvNg8y_PWa8UZNROUIMcBCbhT1C0Mbtot5apm137mV9tJU0s9w6wOlMOKS3LBhZ_9Bny-ryebhoKOx7Hq771zE_Amcw7Cf3GpBv4XD0aAwNjGwQFsPkTA47G-2bk/s400/001.JPG" /><br /><div>I quickly pulled up the ruching and before fastening off at the top, the gathering needs to be lengthened a bit. They are a bit too tight and poofy in the pic and need to be elongated to swag. But that's just a little minor adjustment.</div><br /><div>Next up is cutting and sewing the skirt lining from the silk crepe. I'm going to try to make headway on that this evening so that it can be sewn together tomorrow.</div><br /><div>Finally, these are the shoes that I'll be wearing the gown! I found them earlier this year when I decided on the fabric and pattern and instantly KNEW they were perfect. They are Ellen Tracy strappy heels encrusted with coppery glitter. They'll peep out from beneath the skirt giving off a flash and sparkle!!!<br /></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538808294361206130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1MOm0bcJAjT1UnUxUyKKphmthSSSTfVwC5yjeSKqDhCtTRAqjtU5ulvU4xCfXqnD67AAylkSB6vttNGLwnDuqBf3-3Uc7vyxlsk2RzAhCUbYNM9jvNrhFUIwvtzKx9CEme0898l7fzw/s400/004.JPG" /></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-54983543888241650752010-11-11T09:54:00.005-06:002010-11-11T10:30:29.903-06:00Work on Gown Has Resumed!*Pics at end of post! ;)<br /><br />Leave it to me to start a project seven months in advance, then pick it back up two weeks before it is actually needed!!!<br /><br />But that's the work-under-pressure in me. I work better under pressure; my brain snaps into gear and I get ultra focussed! Of course, now that I'm totally into this project and into the zone, everything else is being neglected. Who said I'm supposed to feed the kids?<br /><br />Thankfully, when I last worked on the gown, I did make good progress. Here's what WAS done:<br /><br />- All dupioni pieces cut and underlined with silk organza (excepting the two side back skirt pieces)<br />- Bodice constructed with gathering<br />- Bodice interlining constructed (made from silk/cotton batiste)<br />- Bodice lining cut (from 18mm silk crepe)<br /><br />The first task at hand was making a correction on the bodice. The front and pieces were not lined up well at the seam. I do not know what I was thinking at the time, but rather than ripping it then and there, I proceeded to sew the three lines of gathering on that seam for the ruching. D'uh! The bottom, waistline seam was nearling an inch off between the two pieces. I guess I was thinking that I could just "lose" the differences in the seams... upon thinking more, doing that could make the waistline sit way too high...<br /><br />...SO, I bucked up and decided to do it right and ripped the seam, three lines of gathering and re sewed all of it. I'm glad I did!<br /><br />After that was done I felt like I was progressing forward. I sewed the bodice lining. It has lots of darts for a very fitted shape: two angled side bust darts, two waistline darts and a center bust dart that is clipped at the center. *Note, remember when sewing large, curved darts like the center one to start from the center and sew OUTWARDS to the point. ;)<br /><br />I hemmed and hawed about sewing in cups instead of wearing a bra. I fiddled and fussed with the placement of them and the silk crepe shifted around frustratingly. So I admit it, I said "sod it" and started on the channels for the boning.<br /><br />I used plastic featherweight boning, not the industrial strength metal stuff. The pattern calls for sewing the casings directly onto the lining, but I chose to make the interlining and sew channels. There are four channels two just to the outside of the bust/inside the side seams and two at the back waistline darts.<br /><br />When sewing channels, I always start at the top and sewn down to the waist, then repeat at the other side. This prevents the fabric from twisting/pulling because the stitching is going in the same direction.<br /><br />After the channels were done, I sewed the lining to the bodice at the top neckline, understitched then pinned the lining to the bodice at the sides and bottom to adjust the ruching. THEN I tried it on! I was sooo excited! It's VERY fitted but the silhouette is just stunning! AND, the edge on the neckline is just perfectly smooth with no rolling!<br /><br />After that, I started sewing the seams for the skirt. Ahhhh, nice long straight seams after the detailed work on the bodice!!! I then cut the silk organza for the last two skirt pieces and pinned them on, ready to baste!<br /><br />SO, I'm on a roll! Please send me positive nothing-major-will-go-wrong vibes so that I can get this finished in time!<br /><br />And oh yeah, it's great to work on a project like this! It's why I love sewing!<br /><br /><br />Skirt pieces underlined in silk organza:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9DLa2m_f3RPHiGNgpoA_EBOxtuc02F8gBbmllBSdnDS7z-9HRvS_GybDslXi3i4cbwgnyT7LYPpCO8qJs0nCoavPkl-9TO3T6GLzfSMq0BYiMY_ANe92US9Gbz5o9-3kZ7Q984whqDA/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 401px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 298px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538322037056780114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx9DLa2m_f3RPHiGNgpoA_EBOxtuc02F8gBbmllBSdnDS7z-9HRvS_GybDslXi3i4cbwgnyT7LYPpCO8qJs0nCoavPkl-9TO3T6GLzfSMq0BYiMY_ANe92US9Gbz5o9-3kZ7Q984whqDA/s400/011.JPG" /></a><br />Inside the bodice - lining:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zRPe3kK2jHAvmK5faW0Sw32Q2h-l9wQ5s2FUW0IU4jO1KQ-12GGw6XLQtgB3pLVh4maveLoRvSkWTMLQRRVBJUPZHANswd2HABPslpOu8jfIvQuBsjvKEbbCMwwYjusNMvv4evYLz5A/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538322030508152034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4zRPe3kK2jHAvmK5faW0Sw32Q2h-l9wQ5s2FUW0IU4jO1KQ-12GGw6XLQtgB3pLVh4maveLoRvSkWTMLQRRVBJUPZHANswd2HABPslpOu8jfIvQuBsjvKEbbCMwwYjusNMvv4evYLz5A/s400/010.JPG" /></a><br />The Bodice all ruched up:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Q_hhDQmr7kKSSlQcSLfmnxbTqBvfZLWts3lchoIp5Y11jSKSvZufYf9xgWvjeD_RcgaAw5dxs6ncp0BuiLQPtWBthW2aya8Io91UPHk3g58SKlsbW3Tias7ezBrpvQ92JuPehUkEGKk/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538322024269559282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Q_hhDQmr7kKSSlQcSLfmnxbTqBvfZLWts3lchoIp5Y11jSKSvZufYf9xgWvjeD_RcgaAw5dxs6ncp0BuiLQPtWBthW2aya8Io91UPHk3g58SKlsbW3Tias7ezBrpvQ92JuPehUkEGKk/s400/008.JPG" /></a><br /><br />Boning channels - sew both edges downwards in the same direction to prevent twisting:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHaBzHc6x7pbbLVC_zB9DQuciHGxqvGaYyamv6tOKiJmnUq0lM_9jTU05Ww6xy4wBOy25yRaNLTa9QamXiJ9Fnn6ySM0-xaRQnLJKZss8UB3wiIibNJZajUpseb_bFAYPPV69ZcREcbQ/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538322009838135106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHaBzHc6x7pbbLVC_zB9DQuciHGxqvGaYyamv6tOKiJmnUq0lM_9jTU05Ww6xy4wBOy25yRaNLTa9QamXiJ9Fnn6ySM0-xaRQnLJKZss8UB3wiIibNJZajUpseb_bFAYPPV69ZcREcbQ/s400/007.JPG" /></a> Interlining in silk/cotton batiste:<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLCFc9aLYCa8IqqGrpH32JOQ6lkgadfts8b0qL6Mq4qxJqInjBZFgM7ARgd0kBqF1_dWBpQcdFVXCY6762jdhUlgX7z-sw7wn3YoGg3sUF2rsWfVmar29uxNwH9ey9D3ZFJkjjocRJ8s/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5538322001162124274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLCFc9aLYCa8IqqGrpH32JOQ6lkgadfts8b0qL6Mq4qxJqInjBZFgM7ARgd0kBqF1_dWBpQcdFVXCY6762jdhUlgX7z-sw7wn3YoGg3sUF2rsWfVmar29uxNwH9ey9D3ZFJkjjocRJ8s/s400/003.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-1777417269338015692010-10-13T10:53:00.003-05:002010-10-13T11:08:00.601-05:00Hiatus Over the SummerI took a hiatus from sewing over the summer. In a good way. It was a wonderful, hot summer and I spent a lot of time outdoors swimming and entertaining visitors. Sewing always seemed to be on the back burner.<br /><br />Once school resumed, I jumped back in. First project up was a 1940's sundress. It's cute, and I typed up a long post here on my blog. When I hit "publish" to my horror, the internet service went out! It's true, I tell ya! It was an area wide outage (I received a refund for that day's service)... but it was enough to dislodge me from blogging pursuits!<br /><br />Then my apron kick started, documented in the pictures below.<br /><br />I've got one more apron in the works in a very cute cherry fabric. After that is finished, work will resume on my vintage ball gown, where I left of back in the spring! Happy Autumn 2010!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUPx6Mo6l2Rq_-iHRySBmcFSFyjItMQlPZt_tSHl0AFLE8QLlfbO3g1-6ufPHtZ2MPvnvPYp-BLHPNOfluFLG8OPTIan6y4W0jbav77Ak4O8F8xMXPVKHleBQU4GPcGfqwpDja_UdlFE/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527560577526906754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiUPx6Mo6l2Rq_-iHRySBmcFSFyjItMQlPZt_tSHl0AFLE8QLlfbO3g1-6ufPHtZ2MPvnvPYp-BLHPNOfluFLG8OPTIan6y4W0jbav77Ak4O8F8xMXPVKHleBQU4GPcGfqwpDja_UdlFE/s400/031.JPG" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM2Efp-3obLGJ8HNiPNHOV1chqQC3qJjjSHY3ySKYWY-uXK436kU_DmMMBPdbGDE8uj2_oWTpPiF6R_nanWIzrThQHO660TZqhTbc4npOt0I-tIfz6KuR7WJhHL8OLatIgtmwL5WpPAM/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527560573028188098" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM2Efp-3obLGJ8HNiPNHOV1chqQC3qJjjSHY3ySKYWY-uXK436kU_DmMMBPdbGDE8uj2_oWTpPiF6R_nanWIzrThQHO660TZqhTbc4npOt0I-tIfz6KuR7WJhHL8OLatIgtmwL5WpPAM/s400/010.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLDC8RVePwKP2Rwgu1gMNp_IjQK2rIwLd56eu5PlJDxw9KFuJ8AHgIdlbgovsximV0qM0Z18g1y07-SuxFz2kgEdSM0aDwg-GuDFqSODIscWP701cba4zdkl70Kgld3vqtsOxHgvYoaY/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527560564788515810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLDC8RVePwKP2Rwgu1gMNp_IjQK2rIwLd56eu5PlJDxw9KFuJ8AHgIdlbgovsximV0qM0Z18g1y07-SuxFz2kgEdSM0aDwg-GuDFqSODIscWP701cba4zdkl70Kgld3vqtsOxHgvYoaY/s400/007.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnpblliutnsn3EIkJY9CRhweX8ZFDBfnfJHJAbcn2pBLT4gGPLTi2lymbaN4v0dksmW7bhKXgEW6YZ4snrWytyoWCCeiPve3bGP8AKqqx2i5L5PHBYXjH3RzPARzwpLPrltsbaAbL-qg/s1600/apron+2.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527560560268038626" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtnpblliutnsn3EIkJY9CRhweX8ZFDBfnfJHJAbcn2pBLT4gGPLTi2lymbaN4v0dksmW7bhKXgEW6YZ4snrWytyoWCCeiPve3bGP8AKqqx2i5L5PHBYXjH3RzPARzwpLPrltsbaAbL-qg/s400/apron+2.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeDZsCP7Ig_hEaBdkTlt2OQvsB9CzMLt-eNJOurLQuc0rm8pK5k0k5gcZQNFxGUgXtgGnxx9hffggHSabgcrhK9f1WmmQ2jGu53uc_lpQMMY40jx_QOtuAT2Aizx6hSMlji-QqIzsgus/s1600/017.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527560556383697234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBeDZsCP7Ig_hEaBdkTlt2OQvsB9CzMLt-eNJOurLQuc0rm8pK5k0k5gcZQNFxGUgXtgGnxx9hffggHSabgcrhK9f1WmmQ2jGu53uc_lpQMMY40jx_QOtuAT2Aizx6hSMlji-QqIzsgus/s400/017.JPG" /></a> </div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-28666470560312860122010-04-09T19:29:00.005-05:002010-04-09T21:28:31.451-05:00Silk Vintage Gown is Underway!Before I get to what I've accomplished so far, I feel I have to address the issue of what to call this gown. The pattern description is prosaic. It only reads <em>"An evening dress in two lengths with stole."</em> What? Well, that <em>is</em> what it is.... but I mean <em>come on</em>! Was it 5:00 and time to punch out when the person who's job it was to write patten descriptions got to this one?<br /><br /><div></div><div>Whatever the reason, it deserves more: "Elegant evening dress or gown with decadent, swagged shaped gathering over the entire sweetheart bodice. Gathering extends below the waistline into the full, billowing eight gore skirt. Wear with stole for romantic evening under the stars." Doesn't that sound better?</div><div><br /></div><div>So onto the project itself!</div><div><br /></div><div>After several hours of futzing with the dupioni fabric choices over several days, I finally decided on one. It wasn't the orange-shot-with-red and rose embroidery one. I was a bit disappointed, but try as I may, there was no way I was going to get the eight gores placed properly over the swagged embroidery pattern to make it match up.<br /></div><div>I moved onto the solid dupionis and decided upon a gorgeous color described as "rust". It is in fact, a dark sandy color shot with red which gives it the all over rust shade. It is stunning. I love how it picks up the red as you/the fabric moves. This will give hopefully give the gathering great depth and show off finished gowns movement.</div><div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458310737747593298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhISpEj71iD0dv1DWgOMVBzyoF5vPzlECO38DjyHO2tJEd__HjJDfA1maoGG9lpC27tyFx2-Ez_Ka96ZwnvkfVN9kLKJhjLI7EPs926sem2t5cbpdWMw1C74fzy3sMRQN9kON4X2iEr5TI/s400/IMG_3974.JPG" border="0" /><br />Also, the rust should be outstanding for a gown on an autumn Caribbean cruise.<br /><br />I did not wash the dupioni because I didn't want it to lose the lustre and body. Because the gown won't be something that will be thrown into the washing machine, nor will it be worn frequently, this is not a problem. After pressing all of the yardage yesterday, I cut out all of the pieces for the gown and the stole. There wasn't enough for the skirt lining facings, but I will use a natural, tan dupioni for that.<br /><br /><div></div><div>Yesterday, I also ordered the other fabrics that I did not have in my stash. I'm splurging on a dyed silk crepe for the lining, a silk/rayon brocade for the stole lining and silk/cotton batiste for the foundation lining. While I had silk organza in my stash for the underlining, it wasn't enough so I ordered more of that too. </div><br /><div>Today, I cut the organza underlining (that I had) and started basting it to the dupioni pieces. Because organza shifts a lot, I was very careful keeping it on grain before and during cutting. To cut, I used a rotary cutter which is a must for slippery/shifty fabrics!!! Scissors pull and distort the fabric whereas there is no interferance with the rotary.</div><br /><div>To keep the organza and dupioni from slipping while basting together, I used a lot of pins. I'm a "pinner". I know lots of people get by without pinning or minimal pinning, but I just can't. I was pleased that the organza and dupioni matched up and sewed well. When basting underlining to fabric, according to my Vogue Sewing Book, sew all the way along one side. Stop and repeat along all sides; the stitching lines will cross at corners... i.e. do not turn the corners in one, continuous line... my pieces turned out flat with no twisting or puckering (something I worried about); I pressed when finished basting. </div><div></div><div>After the bodice pieces were underlined, I marked the darts and gathering lines. This is the wrong side, organza showing with markings:</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458310823908983506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifSAulIW7mUjDpOVyXW4WtfH9jI4W1otVeV82_vg0XIh4DOI-wZ12a7BKH-YoWo1d_R5MM8mwYr155GKaSepeLqWnQIw9du3k2lcNr3WmHgz1pIT8ZV0WxTIKhDa43dbAwfkqK69CB3ow/s400/IMG_3981.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Next, I started pinning the organza to the skirt pieces, but then it was time to start dinner! Darn! Why do people have to eat when I'm in the zone! I'm really psyched about this gown which I hope will turn out to be elegant with a fiery glow. I can't wait to work on it tomorrow!</div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-65902985053789631012010-04-06T12:09:00.007-05:002010-04-06T12:52:51.752-05:00New Project - Vintage GownI'm going to make a declaration. 2010 is starting out to be: <em>The Year I Got My Favorite Vintage Patterns Out of My System</em>. All of us vintage addicts have at least one or two or 20 patterns that we have to get out of our system, right? My recently finished red wool dress was one of them.<br /><br />My new project is also one of them. However like a lot of these drop-dead gorgeous, vintage concoctions, it's not something you'd wear every day... or even once a year. It's a 50's formal gown in all of its opulent glory.<br /><br />The good news is, I actually have occasion to wear a couple of formals this year. In the autumn, we are going on a cruise with two formal nights! Some people pooh-pooh formal evenings on cruise ships as being outdated or a chore. But oh no, <em>not I</em>. Not ever! It's an OPPORTUNITY to dress to the hilt and relish in the glamor of it all. There are so few occasions in which to dress formally that I will do my part to keep it alive.<br /><br />So I'm going to make McCall's 3101 - in the full length version.<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457076604805069442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdhPJLCXeKCHapYihvafdpkvWwviv78aKd52R3jlDq-G_AFUT2L6UJb49ysoe4KhfrZBa5GF6pSVWtst2Re69SFIjnQHOzBWeoin89DovdDLBU617GI5T1v2AbBrWMAEqOFoqNlL4hDI/s400/McCalls+3101.jpg" border="0" /> It's going to be in dupioni silk; I have about 10 or 12 in my stash, most with enough yardage, although I'm not quite sure which one I'll use. The one I'm currently favoring is embroidered, which means a nap layout....which means after it's all lined up to match the pattern, there may not be enough. I just pressed the pattern pieces and now have to lay them out to see if it will work. If not, I'll use a solid.<br /><br />A little bit of this particular pattern's history: Original Owner only used the bodice pieces. All of the skirt pieces remain uncut. The poor bodice pieces were sliced in half, probably to lengthen, then taped back together with that horrible, old fashioned Scotch Tape which is now yellowed and brittle. I'll need to take great care with these pieces. They are fragile, but thankfully, still 100% there. I'll copy these and save with the pattern.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457078058821245122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-9MIf2a6P4qP9IW6AE7TyYUEIHMJMNtPWPnhRMc0xYN2R5I-ZuUSXZFGWYXUNIqXOYUkT_BJzjmXVpllLCXtc38PQXLsUux2hC2ntAPNDbkCl6iBd62g-2AryJ9pKVLFVDAzMz2FrjRA/s400/IMG_3968.JPG" border="0" /> In the meantime, this is one of those projects that will be an adventure. It will turn out either: <strong>a)</strong> amazingly amazing, or <strong>b)</strong> an utter disaster that ends up a wadder. Feel free to take bets and stay tuned!When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-38989079410004553222010-04-04T17:29:00.028-05:002010-04-05T17:05:30.469-05:00Apron Finished.. and Auctions! - Picture Heavy!OK, I lied. I got some sewing in sooner than I was expecting. This was most likely motivation as a direct result of an auction that we attended yesterday. We picked up some stuff...<br /><div><div><br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div><div>...define "stuff" you ask? Well, I'm both excited and embarrassed at the same time. I'll explain, but first things first:</div><br /><div>The Apron!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456433846345843506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9aNVDOY62pqgVerAR_L6nW0DQwsCs95NyAb2AIXMiSthL5T4YwBxlK_UkusGIyOsVlQVDNm7dCATtvhkcv0qYT02M31BeHdO8BjBknNYRmQ2geRKgBZs0tIfM50pp407qq3L5Jwd83Fg/s400/IMG_3955.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456444557735345234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 331px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWB5wBS8zcAmpDKmKN0XhmGQzF0XSm9Z6TXrj6J3JYobzI3dQbPrUkpyI_4JusCcx4ETK9KYN77ufn0OYi-2ZUhfQwKz86CLYnhm-RdElX7MljZqENWYJDtUQ-Z_3MU-nast5wE11yks/s400/Simplicity+2592.gif" border="0" /><br /><div>It's OK. Just don't look at it closely and it's OK. It's one of those projects that started off enthusiastically enough, but as it progressed, it lost it's luster. I think it's largely due to the fabric. It's cheapo stuff. The one with the irons/butterflies/hearts/etc. is likely a cheap poly/cotton blend from the 70's. It's loosely woven and stiff which makes for unattractive stitching (that's my story and I'm sticking to it.) The solid poly/cotton weaver's cloth isn't much better although it is marginally "softer", but don't confuse it soft. Both fabrics are stiff.</div><br /><div>Because of the poly content, the fabrics didn't press nicely. This made the narrow hemming a chore (which I normally enjoy... if you already don't like this step, forget it!) The pressing popped out in several places at first so I had to redo it and pin closer together... grrrrrr.</div><br /><div>Then I used a maroon trim that I had in my stash. It's flat, not ruffled as the pattern indicated. Because I had said hemming issue with pressing (see above), instead of picking out the hem I slapped trim onto the bottom edge... but still, some of the original stitching shows (remember, I said <em>don't look closely</em>!!!) </div><br /><div>Another little bummer was when I thought I was being clever. Operative word: <em>thought</em>. I didn't like how the shoulder strap was sewn to the back side of the bib. So I <em>thought</em> I'd tuck the straps into the seam between the front bib and facing bib. I did this and woo hoo'd myself. Then I realized the reason the pattern called for sewing it on the back was because of the trim application!!! If sandwiched between the front and facing, as I did, the trim would go behind the straps. So I had to rip the straps out and sew to the back. This wasn't major, but that's what I get for thinking! grrrrrrr.<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456433918431673330" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RPYPaTmza3FCebikB8t1yL60-UcFCIWW3bFO64dwdr9qxWd2rOGY-9RQlsSaGy6MCTcIdFD6JEt4RjZQKr_sBU-ysJyiwRRbCrBDrQk-7qERx1uTAeKWukbuNvUdSVovaY3b30xIRpI/s400/IMG_3956.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456434022931650226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgenMunKBdbGZx-70D-Snx_l5S9ELCbjm3YPAYM0IYqepSiOsxQN7dmcOodVpez8pfOJztje0EUcp1MSJc-bl7G5snn0d1A6dEfPmnDUFgME10A9cQmBtIXcBGYhCbSqTDhf9av9sDRtto/s400/IMG_3959.JPG" border="0" /><br />In the end, the result isn't so bad, just don't look closely!!! This will be our secret!! Nobody but my sewing allies will know!<br /><div><strong>So, onto the auction finds that spurred my motivation</strong>:</div><br /><div>For a total of $10, these items were sold as a lot: a) Greist Buttonholer b) another Greist Buttonholer that says "Kenmore" c) Stitch Master d) Singer Deluxe Monogrammer e) Kenmore Monogrammer and Templates (the stitching foot is missing.)</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456432216037692146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu5IUKsPZkxY8NCTRYOVQRMOWsM3BLQmejf2wE2Yl6jcxHRcENB95Hb53kBdbhjsCjlW1zWMuHIgS8zn44mjjknhKDtXvc18iHl_ncNbS3wqtLz0lRCI-Ky9nSl0xX4DpjeEpmfKB4C0E/s400/IMG_3949.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456433312494306802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcVnso_5dsmIoY1WHYLnBXdOoPcxLoU2H8XNuf6JrMSOpWkMp3BJGZ1oRWi0Of8LluZhdEIuZMDK5RQ0pX1gRdAOmJGDeP7nQRTuoTVivxLNgNAQE1HcwKcdLl31JQz3iQjU0MUaVq0CQ/s400/IMG_3950.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456433561627527346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGf7HLspit5snbqaF5P_If7IzBDFvLNqwPZgWvhmubAF8FhT4_S81tbzP8eiaGM4V0qzA_bjEZP35FO66pKdZEy_DskGOWpHHZ3ZXXuusSXTgi0z7L4LxKBOk4_4JooGhZlbI7Aj1wC4/s400/IMG_3951.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456434243840267218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBgI9EuKq1bfxtS5KvZRpPoZLQjMj7baAOa91NQ930qHMfw0N4H6Z5ew0LomGv8V1nT3eh8gPoA2IQZToIAQk9eN5wClgnyO5wvuS9JWVr7nX0pTbOWixYAUHtTgWgXR0EcEj8vRD8Z0I/s400/IMG_3960.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456434313129015922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwfMyhve70dTk6VW2pWYJ7hFfvyXOxxwCzDiE0wqP88O-rsUyp4FdQGBAAmjpccL0R7iz2252WXVv05FZOBol32xoX2bCBpnJSWDJu8vodQp1s8hQ4KYGClUFJgeN137dGdi0llrNYuA/s400/IMG_3961.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Additionally, I got a Singer Sew Handy children's sewing machine, in the original box with instruction manual. The box is a bit beat up, but nonetheless, it's the box! Also, the spool spindle and seam guide are missing, but these are easily replaced. This was $22.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456433741577699810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8UQXji3ft0_PoaNlOLvrpJj1wEvZCsSBJ8C9I_-DXGkNOBsV_TPWDmqEg5jvVH0RzmR7UfD65FX7DaOHOdQh6xz6zHZ68GoqU3eDFzLkHR44kAkSsOlEGQKx1sfa9BipEerUo_OBj4KI/s400/IMG_3953.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>Next is an old Singer 66... I haven't figured out which model 66 but based on the serial number, it was released between 1953-1955. It's in rough shape, in a blonde wood cabinet (which gave me an idea to it's age anyway)... When plugged in, the motor ran and light turned on. The cabinet has the knee pedal as well as a foot pedal. However, the belt needs replacing and who knows what else. So why buy it??? Well, it came complete with foot accessories and fabulous "Singer Gripper - An extra hand for holding material". I've really wanted one of those for a while!!! Oh, and the machine, et al cost $5. No typo, $5... </div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456432138569640338" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrHqj3q8cBzYCRB9DcZ_kruRUf1QufsjJmlaT-6WSjEVdVFiitxpW2PUIW0AM03bIPCuAyUlB9LEOOqnKK7oVM5_P7gGaBvmvvlsMQqmhZx4E4xGUxJ4UcYJaLUTDGB5gEuHc9WoGZdS0/s400/IMG_3948.JPG" border="0" /></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456432040618502450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGN27d6g4nlxd7ZhW6p_ukvcFlaQcNsgky1aw3ms6YV7ioiLKKN940by2zkBey6GgLIQgLs8MPRX835KBTTuRjB5RQb2zukcM8vlQ-VkDl_ZJnz0BDDk82mTdUXdhtiBy8yvKe3Cqtjk/s400/IMG_3947.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>I do want to try to get the machine running, but if I'm not successful, the $5 was worth it for the Gripper and additional feet.</div><br /><div>And now here's the embarrassing part: there were three treadles and we came home with all three. I wasn't interested in them and had no intention on bidding. But when nobody wanted them, DH was like "What? $5? You can't even buy a beer in England for that! Get them!" So it's his fault. They are in various stages of: death, delapidation, deterioation and disrepair. And that's being kind. Neverthless, each one was $5 and I felt that they need a chance at rehab and life so we'll give it a go at repairing them. I'll get pics of these soon.</div><br /><div>We also got other non-sewing items: about a dozen Wheaton bottles (I had some as a kid), Two boxes of Berry Pink solid color marbles, shoe lasts (in eight sizes) with three stand (this was DH's purchase) and two very large bags of costume jewerly, much of it vintage. Oh, and a Sears catalog from 1975 (that was DH too). </div><br /><br /><div>I also bought two pairs of 1950's cat eye glasses! I'm going to get at least one filled with my own prescription! I've seen genuine frames sell for a lot of money and I got these for a total of $6. </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456434386076293810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK12V_-B_aGzUPfT9fYCamsO-xUlbqCpaJDGLFeMyySXWEYuSXoVfFyU8Tz-I5TCKCcdJBaM0hnaNZ-b6D11BOw2PbGvKnHo1twvme4WVUfRVk8chv3xEUDLdVSCXVew7TwiMLT3W74w0/s400/IMG_3963.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456434468086297922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidPQLiaPgk90igO98jrRQAP9vpfAYzgU0YkyNvFObYtXDmdvtjGG10hUK1MXC4wkK2_C5DEhG4kkRaYHjoqzFnm0TcCUCMTDdha7jy8Rz195DBTOGJuEcZq16bkARYVwNOBFP1ElyM1JE/s400/IMG_3964.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456434552453338434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1YHWIJ5fi7AED3dxjwbE8F8qQ8nVgR5oGxM6kBwmSspWEnt8tf3LCjCyfkk3c8GQ1tKQ_XGpbQM8jyywFI3KmbEWm6u8ARe8-kSys6enXaT6Btt0UCv64v3rrbLsFx1cTQ8oIx4R4QQ8/s400/IMG_3965.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456434632127824050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXGB0xsgx-7klFL-vJzbVbvGE8Jwevv0iyZsF2xA-lCX3K1L9Ckr3ULnwhQXNV_ajh5YRALLKgArPU-r46IBPdU-4brGqsnP0aMjV6-rw2mt0TOC00VBnK3St5nVXMGIf7VxL4Yet15Y/s400/IMG_3966.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div>So now with all of this vintage goodness, I can get on with my vintage sewing. This "old" stuff really does breathe "new" life into me!</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-1774767268945951302010-03-29T10:09:00.002-05:002010-03-29T10:14:44.946-05:00It's Spring!It actually feels like spring, too!<br /><br />I've done done any sewing the last two weeks. It seems there's always something else going on. And I'm not one of those people who can sew a little here or a little there. I become completely consumed with a project and when I'm in the zone, I really dislike having to stop for anything.<br /><br />At the moment, I'm not in any zone! DH is working on remodelling the basement. With spring, yardwork is beckoning. I have my mini greenhouse set up, waiting for me to start on the seeds for the veggie garden. Plus, the boys are smelling the end of the school year now. Spring break begins this Friday then it's the final stretch to the finish line.<br /><br />So sewing has taken the back burner. I will eventually start a new project, but it may not be for a few weeks.When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-49556415010434149052010-03-17T13:38:00.008-05:002010-03-17T13:49:03.338-05:00Red Wool Dress - Finished with PicsOK, I'm a couple of days late... but better late than never!<br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div>It was a beautiful day today and my wonderful DH came home for lunch so that he could take pictures outside on the deck! If that doesn't say love, I don't know what does! In fact, he said "Hey, this dress is actually nice!"</div><br /><div><em>Actually</em>? Meaning the others aren't nice?... I'll let that one slide since he came home to be my fashion photographer. Besides, I take as husband-speak for <em>he likes it</em>! </div></div><div> </div><div>*Black mesh shoes by Prevata.</div><div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449674710048786290" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP0chlvx_h3dwty6NbFCpupQWthDsvRbyxNWDAB2AwyPADsASgzny-MyRIV_PSEU5OyXOJyCVVKkTUk_G1b2N97PGFs4SJdbW_YnJNbtWLSZP4E6XT2wEz5T2j-luxLNV2M41Ee89hs3s/s400/IMG_3897.JPG" border="0" /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449674823589951122" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW3toBgNHV4RWdwXaughhOZwOgWj476BcHC90ydOQgOyq0gDW35frPrOg7c9_kVU3y7cJTzHf9KKUT87q4JA7JcTCRGihsn_MtqO3gkDINLRAwg8Vm6ArHCRxIOVevyp5SFbIpg1X8x7U/s400/IMG_3918.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449674953676351474" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAzUoJjBLi78A-Goy1D2na2NYosSOhJC8kdxYVaOpSaIZkjtUeIGtNQKpia5EZ0HWZiweTsPTF32FQQwfv4m6acUnaJNLBnAhAU5empsSUQ9w1aO2n1rWpAUKRj2U7JSBQFYOo6T5VEoo/s400/IMG_3914.JPG" border="0" /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449675027326356562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_TNjDqqcGxUdUbSvqccpSS8w_JIaLlg7pn0SQeY3-spS2LejvmWEp8zagDXGbXNclYgNZx8Mly88EhXuQYJkWEOXKjpXpMjzlFGGag6hT_upIGVav1Uk2N7WU0O1ZXyT6KXQ5AEZMlk/s400/IMG_3905.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449675629108146034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 341px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeb-9n3t5BLaTBHMGJ-QDJpPe9ObY8Kn3zan-2jakLILX4vPPpway_ycrDOYQJwv5nZ1bdF4eZzl31FPtoT5mKTbd6-YYFDZREKy9QTfhRLJfkRVI3I3s0vXNIbjoIBl_6csW3UEUzWU/s400/IMG_3910-cropped.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-55516049688889374902010-03-11T13:01:00.004-06:002010-03-11T13:18:24.271-06:00Red Wool Dress is Finished; Starting an ApronI finished the red wool dress on Tuesday. I'm really pleased with it overall! I promise to get pictures of me wearing it this weekend, when DH is available to play photographer (Oh lucky DH - he doesn't know this yet!)<br /><br /><div><div></div><div>In the meantime, I started a quick, fun project: a new apron! My friend is having a tamale making party at her house on Saturday. I love tamales but have never made them.</div><br /><div>So I thought I would make a new apron for the occasion, one that would be fun, festive and colorful.</div><br /><div>Louise's stash never fails (from an auction last year). There was just one yard of 35" fabric with a fabulous, colorful pattern of butterflies, vases, irons, roosters and medallions on it. It's a stiff cotton, perhaps a blend. It washed up well... there isn't enough for the entire apron so I'm using a neutral "weaver's cloth" (a cotton/poly blend) that has been in my stash. It's a similar weave and similar color (ever so slightly "greener") to Louise's fabric. If anything, the hand is a bit softer. I also have a few embellishment ideas in mind to liven up the plain fabric as well as coordinate with the fun fabric.</div><div> </div><div>I'm not really sure from when this vintage fabric dates: all guesses are welcome! It's 35" wide, stiff and maybe a blend (must do burn test... or ask my friends Michelle and Elaine!) If this fabric doesn't say "Apron!", I don't know what does.</div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447455094536346018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUdIC2fiDTNjos9dIEX9zUuS4LaZJFNkFBFLVJJ1-7QKzJTIQuQDfXcQupdfCRo3ZzKHUEFxaX2tqMY3Q372-EsW2McDFqzUQRS68U97g2wc_mQhOxsVsc-DTXt01GGK7qeEU779HPYA/s400/IMG_3879.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div>I picked the apron pattern <em>after</em> deciding on the fabric...I have several apron patterns in my stash... It's a simplicity reissue from two different vintage patterns. I'm making the version with the yellow striped fabric.</div><div> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447455205606034866" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 308px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 331px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBb8FbQTtj8UNv_HHp7c0I1CJ81PLeMr-Bp73qG2q1y98h3AQHzZkny8h8oXZ-C2RbZPjakqmEY7UUcsUTqcWEAve1XAnrFyT0hBzGU58hvKao3MtqCrKeiVPeItMlRs_iNGFt_QMjEMM/s400/Simplicity+2592.gif" border="0" /><br /><br />In the meantime, stay tuned for the dress pics this weekend, as well as a summary of my adventures in tamale making!When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-80088143006504171312010-03-08T16:32:00.005-06:002010-03-08T16:47:46.934-06:00Almost ThereThe dress is almost finished.<br /><br /><div><div>I got the zipper in. Funny how it went in perfectly the second time around! I also brought the side skirt seams in by 1/4", the part that I actually added when I cut the pieces. Finally, the bands on the dress were taken in by 1/2". I had to open up the side seam to do that...</div><br /><div>That leaves the hem and the hook/eye then the dress will be finished. I have the jacket pieces cut, so when the dress is finished, I'll start on that.</div><br /><div>I'm pretty pleased so far, despite all of the fiddling early on with the bands. </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em>Inside sleeve.</em> Catching stitching hem.<br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446396332598022754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgePKXzHLtVVEKpE208krD71BdysxBY8twTREjYBLSXbrqOhDk7wZuOmE8q-mb9CQbx-Zz1z8eQfGXStp1chWa9EH1NgdTJNVwlhULZhi-2Pw8p1mEdzFW9WmrasYA5vTz7hT8tTNeyz24/s400/IMG_3870.JPG" border="0" /></div><div> </div><div> </div><div><em>Inside skirt, front pleats.</em> If you look closely, you can see the stitching lines.<br /><br /></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446396241462513426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2fXW-qGMAyOwh_T329U3OtswG3YVo-SaaD49PGuSqXi6x53tBHd4so4onyvKatyf9caXnihucjyk7H2vCsgeYwQ-OuQDjdO-c3Qjyc3GOJ57CIHHNdq56djAh1zVCfl0p8DDftlPPrvA/s400/IMG_3868.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p><em></em> </p><p><em>Hanging for a day or so before hemming</em>. Doris is happy to wear the dress until then!</p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446396423482335890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPbG0L3aIY3T_JwtHPjs5xAaA1SX7er-A8rS50rE9uvOgZ8q0fcejHWPFThWzj9CKyz5xf8e7bqxItX4rZyH-JhpOuEUwLIjKNfT69ZlJN1wLjOBZ_vc_Qf_SCfioSTyWPvaG38-FIB8Y/s400/IMG_3871.JPG" border="0" /></p>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-43446507487120525072010-03-07T08:48:00.003-06:002010-03-07T08:57:40.785-06:00Progressing on the Red Wool DressI am moving along on the dress. Yesterday, I thought I might actually complete the dress today... however, it's not to be. After sewing the skirt and bodice together, I ran into three minor issues that need a re-do:<br /><br />1) I inserted the zipper and it's out of whack. I have to rip and do over.<br />2) When cutting the skirt, I added a little extra at my usual "saddle bag" spot. The good news is, I lost weight (been working out since Jan.) The bad news, which is actually GOOD news, is that I don't need that extra any more! So I have to re-seam and take out the extra I added.<br />3) The front bodice bands are too long/loose. I have to open up the bodice side seams and reposition the bands.<br /><br />None of these things are major. Just par for the course fitting, etc. so I'm not bothered. <br /><br />In fact, I'm stunned at how this dress fits. It's amazing how a bit of a weight loss really changes things. This pattern is 32B - 26W - 35H... The waist and hip required NO alterations. For the bodice, I had to take out an extra 1" at the center back seam where it was big and gaping (a typical alteration for me). <br /><br />When I tried it on yesterday, DH said it's a really nice dress and likes the red wool a lot. I can't wait to get this finished; I'll post pics later today!When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-78567243764899006152010-02-28T19:42:00.005-06:002010-02-28T20:08:36.331-06:00Bands... No PipingOK, I fiddled and fussed and pinned and adjusted the piping on the dress band.<br /><div><div><div> </div><div>The second attempt was worse than the first.</div><br /><div>On the third attempt, I actually DID figure out how to get the piping around the pointed tips of the band without stretching and distorting the shape... After all of the above frustrations, it was an A-HA! moment and actually, pretty obvious. I'm annoyed that I didn't "get it" sooner. </div><br /><div><em>What do you do prior turning a square neckline after stitching a facing or lining to the garment?....</em> DING DING! <strong>Clip the corners</strong>!!!!!!!!! So finally I cliped notches around the points, first on the piping before pinning in between the two band pieces prior to seaming. Worked like a charm. The only thing is, I felt the cording used for the piping should have been the thinner size. This would have given the polished result that the sleek lines required. It still looked lumpy.</div><br /><div>Not 100% happy at this point, I'd already started formulating Plan B. Plan B consisted of ditching the piping all together and using a decorative stitch along the bands' edges. So I tested a strip and really, REALLY liked it. Plus, the stitch I chose matches some really elegant black buttons that I thought were too small and froo-frooey for the sleek lines of the bands as shown. The decorative stitching to me, softens the sharp angles.</div><br /><div>The stitch I chose was not a one way design; it was the same regardless of which direction I was sewing. It had to be small and simple enough so that I could stop and/or turn at the points without the design repeat looking incomplete. I used a ruler and marked the band piece along the stitching line so that I had an absolutely straight line to follow; any wobbling would stick out like a sore thumb!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443477873124007874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9hhqD7StenFRbRcU9Zn6RFuQhY_i92O__or-vDQSQrXMam9K1KXB2IuBGzaK6Zfxk9TsUofiiUPby7YcjovzY5ZsoU8WU6pqnqE5syDqoWCRS-52TvlBQScGmOZT2jswsj1p0gCyAHSo/s400/IMG_3848.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443478879467764722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWo4yE-PzdAW6QK59XP6V2h_Ikit3rVQdQDf3MzjMCPF0zRxGBusbS2B7my8TkmCgNuqeVcwYTKRu2n7Z6PAEvOcFNkEjXuojtMkD0Wnz0zdgOOGCZmBsieQ28v0UILogt2MsBMKXsLqA/s400/IMG_3847.JPG" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443478948886341522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ihaodasRGAYnb2GVSLNJtkWT8QIIBzmzK_nk_oYrz2kvDx8oUCK6qldoPc-PsteYfD4JZ1U9Lqu7stMXh2wAqRFpEW1XoXCuWQHm6SO1vGG4lHybDuP_YCa9wX203io9Ic8hRjfwhQM/s400/IMG_3850.JPG" border="0" /><br />I'm happy with this. Hooray! This project can now MOVE forward!</div></div></div>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5203219355869570179.post-18581217176117913712010-02-21T17:16:00.006-06:002010-02-21T17:34:27.814-06:00Bands and PipingConstruction of the bands and piping come upon you pretty quickly in this pattern. I don't know about you, but I love to make piping.<br /><br />It's not difficult, it just takes a wee bit of extra time. But like most things, you get back what you put in. When you make your own, you can use any fabric you want to give the desired effect.<br /><div><div><br /><div>For this dress, I'm using black lightweight wool, the same as the red wool. To cut the strips, I use my handy dandy quilting ruler which has angles marked right onto it. I line up the bias angle to the selvage edge and cut the strips along the edge to the desired length.</div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440842141340178034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbf71fmfVAAScElKcJ1haLZnHSBzJz0SAF7ApNp0zzaErHrpfU9t915WfdYO-saf3NmuyHmTNod0LFJUBMCCnRPN5VUfh11Oydv1qjrJwQ99rXyb1yzaAXTuxI3BZg64eyBnJTXgiCQLs/s400/IMG_3836.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div>To make the bias, you don't need a special bias foot. I use a zipper foot and then move/adjust my needle position over up to the edge of the foot. Then the stitching is right up against the cording.</div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440842286175180370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnbDD6cQUt-3p2lim9uxbUpUh9_2rxDXaVnaXdxnyI4KYQD7KvbBlRuYf4EBlxQweVpHDwKWSpa_TW1AMYXYkQNirxyg07NA7gYWWGemXkCkSaQDfwlAJoxmj_9jYL7w0nhfsc_DKoqrs/s400/IMG_3839.JPG" border="0" /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440842221953417186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5wDsmKY5Mld3ykYFXJRkcTLRxz4L6rowfKdB1YJc2kuICkpIA2Xwk06bgNdwzGj29skNPBqDYPlfYXYNZhIKksYff92KoB-iZ2vSVU2RsDyMqEtQbQidBwNz41aHQYS6FpJlKcL2S28s/s400/IMG_3837.JPG" border="0" />So that's the simple part. I knew that assembling the bands with the piping and points would be challenging... I did one band and I have to go back and restitch some wobbly edges and redo the point at the top... which isn't really a point. My band came out more curved, which I actually like and prefer. The issue will be keeping ALL of the bands consistent in shape: two dress bands and the two jacket sleeves and two lower jacket bands.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440842390233723346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLVXKgJcQ3U2niBTf0Gw7ZBEoXqo6bolGGg2XLNtryBpftkciQy8IEIEVeorS4hRAFRdlOW10N-u8FRfSQUebqRTbuvRwLMLBoXKhFljySs52OFCwjPJNMQLnwLPjzru7wmC6j5mkMLc8/s400/IMG_3841.JPG" border="0" /></div></div><br /><p>So tomorrow will begin with me fiddling with the band to get the point shape the way that I want. I anticipated exactly this, but felt up to the challenge rather than taking the easy, dull option out. </p>When Ladies Dressedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13586064133956188716noreply@blogger.com1