Style 3949 complete and going public.

Today I decided to be brave and show my face ( although after seeing the one photo my DH took perhaps I shouldn`t have ) . I have wondered if anyone doing these blogs have had any problems ( apart from those negative anonymous comments ) with going public. Lets face it having a sewing blog is something only a sewer ( that term cracks me up ) can really understand and others may find um different. Just as I can not always understand various peoples interests ( one example my husband really wants to make a methane digester) . Meanwhile I  completed the Style jumper a little while ago and it was just was the doctor ordered - quick, easy and no problems- after the angst of my Simplicity jacket. The only issue was one of juggling fabric and pattern to fit. This top has the sleeve and side front and back all in one piece making it fabric hungry .It also has a ginormous collar piece.  This fabric was given to me by my Mum who got it from her neighbour who got it from someone else who sews nightwear etc for some boutique in Melbourne ( I`ll say yes to just about any fabric !) . So this fabric was not in one piece but did have very large scraps. In the end I had to cut the collar in 2 pieces and cut the sleeve part in 2 pieces - I don`t think this is too noticeable.
This old Style pattern suggested light weight wovens but I used this plush reddish maroon knit. If  I make it again I would make it longer in the torso but otherwise it passed the fashion police ( my 3 DDs ) and I wore it today while doing the early morning Saturday netball run . For an old pattern I think it is OK as several new release patterns have similar features of the large rolled collar and gathers at the front. It was definitely warm and comfortable. Anyway Cheers for now. Janine

Phew !

Phew ! Finally finished. I love this stage when one project is complete and then you have the delicious task of figuring out what is next. I am going to muslin the Butterick pants pattern with the bright twill .
I had trouble deciding what buttons to complete this jacket with - I finally chose these recycled gold/tarnished buttons that are quite pretty but perhaps speak too much of the 90s. I didn`t want to drive to a sewing supplies shop ( nearest one at least 15kms away ) and the other buttons I had although matching were just a tad too small and didn`t look right. Perhaps I will keep my eye out for more up to date buttons on my future outings.
I did enjoy sewing this jacket though. The Style pattern is dated 1984 and there were a few notable differences from the more modern day patterns. For a start the tissue paper of this pattern is more substantial and all the seam lines were printed on this . Also I feel the instructions were a bit better - they kept on referring to when you press your garment which I don`t recall seeing for a while. I think this would be good for beginners. I will try to get one of my helpers to take a photo of me wearing this( they are all at school ) . This jacket is fortunately not big and baggy with huge shoulders  so hopefully I will get some wear out of this .
Off to cut out my next project - it is such a miserable day I am relieved of my guilt and obligations to garden - more about this soon .
Cheers Janine

Rome wasn`t built in a day.

and neither was this jacket but I am making some slow progress.( Style Jacket 3741 )   The outer shell is mostly done and I have constructed some of the lining. It seems to be going well but as always I am dreaming of my next project. This is my stress buster , my form of meditation. However I never start a new project until the last is complete right down to folding my patterns pieces and putting them away in the envelope. Until I started reading internet sewing sites I had not heard of UFOs and wadders. It seems it has always been my policy not to have a UFO since I started sewing 30+ years ago  ( although I did not consciously realise this )  and I am glad I have not gottten into this habit as it seems to cause some sewers consternation of sorts. However wadders are another story ! I do tend to wear what I sew even if  I don`t really like the garment for at least some time so I don`t think of it as a waste.I live on a farm so not quite right clothes are good for gardening, tending to the chooks, shearing sheep etc !  Sometimes garments do `grow ` on you and you can forget the imperfections. Sometimes though they go straight into the bin . Anyway I don`t think this jacket will be a wadder and hopefully I can get some wear out of this . Cheers Janine.