Sunday, March 19, 2006
A dress for Mother, & advice.
Here are a few pictures of a dress I made for the "Mother" in "All My Sons".
Not really a step by step, Bree took them for me because I was so involved I completely forgot.
Thanks Bree!
Eyelet for the outside of the collar.
Eyelet for the cuffs as well.
"period" style pockets... I thought they were rather nifty with their one free edge. I used a serged thread for the belt carrier.
Plain white fabric for the front interfacing... Did I mention that we were a bit shy of the amount of fabric that was needed for this dress?
Finished dress with matching belt and fabric covered buttons that you really can't see, but I guess that is the point. This photo does not do it justice. But you can see it on the actress if you follow the link to Hans' photo site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansef/107288443/
This dress had thirteen pieces, eleven of which I had to alter to fit our lovely actress, who like all normal persons is not made to fit the so called size standard on the back of the pattern envelope.
Get yourself a good book on fitting. If one method does not work for you .... Get another book or DVD. Find what will work for you. Because very few of us are like the cardboard cut-out so -called standard.
The pattern maker, whom I will not name, but it begins with a Mc -----, made two errors in drafting this pattern. The fold over cuffs were TWO inches shorter width wise than the sleeve width and the front interfacing, IF cut on the "cut here" line would have been FOUR inches shorter that the dress. Hummmmm? Also, if there was a way to "vague up" the Thirty-six! Step directions... They would of read something like.... Here are the pieces, go sew them up. The steps for the collar if followed would of left you with unfinished edges and a collar that was not attached to the front of the dress...GRRRRRrrrr
Yah... Okay... I could go on. My point in including this small tirade is... IF you have tried sewing, and had less than hoped for results. It may not be you! Even if you did pay $15.00 for the darned pattern. The directions on most patterns are a bit vague. Especially if you have never sewn before. Or if you have never sewn that type of item before.
Start small. I know those pattern books make you want to sew it all. But pay attention: How many pieces does that pattern have? How many seams? Does this need to be fit perfectly in order to look right? What kind of fabric do I need and is it hard to work with?
You could start with a "Sewing for Dummies" project to get the feel of what you are doing. Look for more detailed information on the type of item you are wanting to sew. The web is full of information. You can get sewing books... New... Or used or on loan from the Library.
You can take a class or ask a sewing friend to help you. Don't give up!
When you find a pattern you like and have altered it to fit you the way you like. Do NOT just make one of that item and then put the pattern away. Try different prints. Different fabrics. Add trims, lace, fringe, pockets, beads, or buttons~ go for it and embellish!
Adjusting a pattern to fit, is too much invested time to just shove back into the envelope.
Keep in mind you are worth the extra effort!
Not really a step by step, Bree took them for me because I was so involved I completely forgot.
Thanks Bree!
Eyelet for the outside of the collar.
Eyelet for the cuffs as well.
"period" style pockets... I thought they were rather nifty with their one free edge. I used a serged thread for the belt carrier.
Plain white fabric for the front interfacing... Did I mention that we were a bit shy of the amount of fabric that was needed for this dress?
Finished dress with matching belt and fabric covered buttons that you really can't see, but I guess that is the point. This photo does not do it justice. But you can see it on the actress if you follow the link to Hans' photo site. http://www.flickr.com/photos/hansef/107288443/
This dress had thirteen pieces, eleven of which I had to alter to fit our lovely actress, who like all normal persons is not made to fit the so called size standard on the back of the pattern envelope.
Get yourself a good book on fitting. If one method does not work for you .... Get another book or DVD. Find what will work for you. Because very few of us are like the cardboard cut-out so -called standard.
The pattern maker, whom I will not name, but it begins with a Mc -----, made two errors in drafting this pattern. The fold over cuffs were TWO inches shorter width wise than the sleeve width and the front interfacing, IF cut on the "cut here" line would have been FOUR inches shorter that the dress. Hummmmm? Also, if there was a way to "vague up" the Thirty-six! Step directions... They would of read something like.... Here are the pieces, go sew them up. The steps for the collar if followed would of left you with unfinished edges and a collar that was not attached to the front of the dress...GRRRRRrrrr
Yah... Okay... I could go on. My point in including this small tirade is... IF you have tried sewing, and had less than hoped for results. It may not be you! Even if you did pay $15.00 for the darned pattern. The directions on most patterns are a bit vague. Especially if you have never sewn before. Or if you have never sewn that type of item before.
Start small. I know those pattern books make you want to sew it all. But pay attention: How many pieces does that pattern have? How many seams? Does this need to be fit perfectly in order to look right? What kind of fabric do I need and is it hard to work with?
You could start with a "Sewing for Dummies" project to get the feel of what you are doing. Look for more detailed information on the type of item you are wanting to sew. The web is full of information. You can get sewing books... New... Or used or on loan from the Library.
You can take a class or ask a sewing friend to help you. Don't give up!
When you find a pattern you like and have altered it to fit you the way you like. Do NOT just make one of that item and then put the pattern away. Try different prints. Different fabrics. Add trims, lace, fringe, pockets, beads, or buttons~ go for it and embellish!
Adjusting a pattern to fit, is too much invested time to just shove back into the envelope.
Keep in mind you are worth the extra effort!
Spring is Coming!
Spring is almost here.
It is not quite time to start planting outside, but you do not have to sit idly by waiting for that last frost to finally pass...
You could get a head start by looking around to see if you have a few not so pretty or not so interesting boxes or other items that could be used as a planter.
Break out that glue gun and gather up some stuff !
( Stuff ? What kind of stuff?)
Just about Anything you may have collected a bunch of... Sticks, shells, rocks, thread spools, jar lids, old shoes, pieces of things that used to be whole, nuts, bolts, wire,..Etc. What if I don't have a bunch of "stuff"?
Go on a gathering mission... If you have kids ( you can borrow some) they are great for gathering bunches of stuff. You could also ask a pack-rat friend for some bunches of stuff.
This does not have to be a lifetime commitment. Just a seasonal commitment! The item does not have to set the theme for your garden or make a statement about your taste... It can be just a tid-bit of interest to tuck in the corner. Or if you end up loving what you have created you can make it the centerpiece of your garden.
Bree and I loved ours so much we bolted it to the porch railing~
Just a few things to keep in mind.... Use the high temp glue sticks if you live in a warmer climate.
More glue can be a better thing. So, buy the glue sticks in BULK.
Drain holes. You can drill these. Or if it is not drill-able.... Be sure to add good drainage material first.
Liner. If your "found" planter item is not of a plant friendly material.
Think water tolerant for your glue on stuff.
IF your item is going to end up being heavy after everything is glued on, you might want to move it there before it gets too heavy. Bet you can guess how I learned this one.... haahaahaa (Thanks guys for helping us move the planter!)
Think Spring!
It is not quite time to start planting outside, but you do not have to sit idly by waiting for that last frost to finally pass...
You could get a head start by looking around to see if you have a few not so pretty or not so interesting boxes or other items that could be used as a planter.
Break out that glue gun and gather up some stuff !
( Stuff ? What kind of stuff?)
Just about Anything you may have collected a bunch of... Sticks, shells, rocks, thread spools, jar lids, old shoes, pieces of things that used to be whole, nuts, bolts, wire,..Etc. What if I don't have a bunch of "stuff"?
Go on a gathering mission... If you have kids ( you can borrow some) they are great for gathering bunches of stuff. You could also ask a pack-rat friend for some bunches of stuff.
This does not have to be a lifetime commitment. Just a seasonal commitment! The item does not have to set the theme for your garden or make a statement about your taste... It can be just a tid-bit of interest to tuck in the corner. Or if you end up loving what you have created you can make it the centerpiece of your garden.
Bree and I loved ours so much we bolted it to the porch railing~
Just a few things to keep in mind.... Use the high temp glue sticks if you live in a warmer climate.
More glue can be a better thing. So, buy the glue sticks in BULK.
Drain holes. You can drill these. Or if it is not drill-able.... Be sure to add good drainage material first.
Liner. If your "found" planter item is not of a plant friendly material.
Think water tolerant for your glue on stuff.
IF your item is going to end up being heavy after everything is glued on, you might want to move it there before it gets too heavy. Bet you can guess how I learned this one.... haahaahaa (Thanks guys for helping us move the planter!)
Think Spring!
Fuzzy Wuzzy
Fuzzy Wuzzy was a ... Sweater?Well it will be by the end of this post.
As you may remember from the Christmas stockings, this fabric is made of polyester. What I like to think of as the New generation of polyesters... Am I in love? You bet. This stuff is soft as a kitten, it's warm, stretches almost as well as a slinky knit, Machine washable (by itself), and no ironing. But as with all love there is a draw back, or two.
Fuzz. I really mean it too. It will get everywhere and on everything. Think of shaving a fluffy cat in your sewing space. The fuzz vacuums up pretty well. And the lint roller works too. You should have both on hand when working with this stuff.
Tips
Because this fabric is no iron, ie.. You can't iron it. You need to pick a pattern or project with few pieces and simple seams. Remember to use the *with nap layout. Press to set does not apply here.
New stretch knit needle.
Straight stitch presser foot.
LARGE head pins..... The Flower type work well, but can still be lost in the deep pile of the fabric.
Try not to sew the right side of this fabric to either the feed dogs or the presser foot. IF you have no other option, choose to sew the right side up toward the presser foot. It is much easier to sew this fabric wrong sides out. You could use the between tissue method if it was really necessary, but I don't know how well the tissue would tear-away or wash out. If you try it, let me know how it works.
Test.
You really need to buy extra fabric to play around with. Test cut, test sew, test serge (overlock).
You don't get to rip out your mistakes with this fabric. So, test, test, test. And if you are worried about fit.... Baste and fit BEFORE you sew.
Here is how the Sweater went.
As you can see the pile of this fabric is DEEP.
Simple pattern with few pieces and simple seams. Three pieces total. The back is one piece cut on the fold and the front is one pattern piece cut doubled.
Fuzz 
More FuzzMaybe now is a good time for that first vacuuming.
Go slow when serging 
Okay.... Here is where I had some great close-ups that don't seem to want to load....
There are just four seams in this sweater jacket. So, it was quick to sew and serge. (And then vacuum again.) I serged all of the remaining raw edges(and vacuumed) and then just folded over and stitched for the bottom hem and the hem on the sleeves. Also, just fold over and stitch the front and neck edges. But I added a fancy trim on both front sections from the shoulder seams along the neck edge.
I used two shank buttons and a hair elastic for a closure. I used baby gold safety pins to secure the buttons as I was not sure how well these buttons would wash and dry. A few hand stitches with matching thread is holding the hair elastic in place. (One last good vacuuming!)
Here is the finished sweater jacket. The fabric is not shiny as it appears to be in the photos. Ok, it does not look spectacular in the photo. However I did receive more than a dozen compliments when I wore it and Seven women and two men actually petted me. One of the women wanted to take it home with her! That made all the vacuuming worth it.One last tip... Carry your sticky lint roller with you until your new fuzzy item, whatever it is, is all done shedding.
Happy Sewing!
