Sew?
 

Because I don't have enough unfinished projects all over the place I've taken up sewing again. Also because I can't find what I want in stores. I found a great skirt pattern but I decided I needed to adjust the pattern to fit. I researched how to do this and finally sat down and traced it out on some tissue paper, taking the waist from one size and the hips from another. Then I made a "muslin" to test the fit and decided I could go down a size in the waist so I redid my tissue pattern.

Because I could only do this in little bits of time here and there it has turned into The Project. The pyramids didn't take this much thought. But I'm having a great time figuring this all out even if it is taking much longer than I expected.

I finally started working on the actual skirt and that went pretty fast until I ran into some trouble doing the waistband. I didn't get back to it again until last week but I finally finished and decided to wear it to work today. I tried it on and it's still too big but I wore it anyway, damn it, since my sweater covered the waistline. But now I realize that I can probably just make the pattern size that fits my hips and I didn't need to do all the engineering I spent so much time on.

I already have more fabric cut out which I'll have to adjust down to the right size. I used a brown cotton fabric for the first skirt which is really too stiff but now I'm going for the one I really want to make in a pretty brocade print. And I already have fabric (red polka dot) for another skirt pattern I found: a Hollywood-waist (high waist) flared skirt.

I'm having a really good time.:)

Nicely done, lindyhop. :snap:

I recently bought myself a sewing mannequin, after wanting one for forever. The one I really wanted would have been just like on Project Runway; instead, I spent 1/2 that and got a less cool one that works just fine.

The first thing I made with it was a kimono, making but a tiny dent in my huge stash of Asian-y fabrics. There was going-out-of-business sale, see, and everything was 80 or 90% off. I could outfit an entire production of "The Mikado" with what I bought.

I decided to line the kimono with a semi-coordinating fabric. It looks great but it makes the kimono way too heavy. Live and learn

Does this mean 3894 is planning to join the Japanese expedition? :evil:

Live and learn, absolutely! I quit sewing ages ago because everything I made looked too homemade. I think part of the problem was wanting to cut corners everywhere. I didn't realize that just added to the unprofessional look. When I made a skirt to wear last Halloween I went overboard following directions and actually sewed a zipper that looked...good.

I was looking at sewing mannequins but my skills don't merit one just yet. But how great to be able to display your accomplishments on one. I will share a photo or two when I actually figure out how.

How funny, I'm working on a skirt myself right now :) Must just be "sewing time" or something, LOL.

I have mannequin envy. I keep thinking how much easier/more fun it would be if I could create garments and patterns by draping.

I made a sequinned skirt once.

Can't you just have A stand really still for a length of time?

my mom had one of those mannequin type thingies when I was growing up. damn thing used to scare the crap out of me....up until my lil bro and I decided it would make a great suit of armor.

its less frightening once you know you can drive a makeshift lance through it.

:)

I have had mannequin envy for years.... eso once I saw the ones where you can "dial out" to your own size....
since I lack the abilty to tailor with a darn.

I've heard you can make your own mannequin of your body shape using cheap BVD shirts and duct tape. Basically wear the t-shirt (and shorts, presumably) and tape all around every surface from shoulder to hip, then cut it off you and stuff it.

Oooo... Kinky!

The duct tape double did not work so well when I tried it.

That is the basic procedure for making your own bodice (no, I haven't done it myself: I have just seen it done several times.).

All I can imagine is trying that and then not being able to cut myself out of it. How to explain, how to explain...

Yes, they would enjoy that one in the ER.

It was a struggle but I finally succeeded in sewing an invisible zipper last night. I had to order the actual attachment for my sewing machine from Singer (the cheap plastic zipper foot sold alongside the zippers at Jo-Ann's didn't fit) which really did a number on my sewing momentum. I'd post a photo but, you know, it's...invisible.

:p

While waiting for the part to arrive I bought supplies for a button bracelet project I found in Craft magazine. It's so much fun to buy supplies and new tools. I need the spare bedroom cleared out for my sewing room. Today I was trying to see what crochet thread I already have and I had to check five different boxes and bins in two different rooms. And I want my dining room table back.

It seems appropriate to say that I am sitting at a table surrounded by three sewing machines. Getting new garb prepped for war.

I don't get it.

War = Potrero War. It is a weekend long event put on in association with the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism).

From the SCA web site:
Garb = the clothes ("costumes") we wear.

A war is a weekend long event where we remain in period clothes, eat (semi) period food, etc. Some people are a little more hard-core about the accuracy issue; we call them "seam checkers" (they think that if you have machine-sewn hems, you are not "authentic"). We use the 10' rule: if it looks authentic from 10 feet, it is okay.

A war is just that: a war. Guys (and some girls) put on full battle armor and re-create battles based on set scenarios (bridge capture, capture the flag, fortress protection, etc.). It is basically an excuse to get your aggressions out by beating the heck out of someone without getting into trouble. I don't participate in the battles as I prefer to just be lazy and sit around.

I have some pictures from the last two that we attended here and here.

sounds freakin cool. might have to drop by and check it out if the general public is invited

It is open to the public - you can come on a day pass. However, unlike the Ren Faire, you should come in garb (though I am not sure if it is mandatory).

I think Ponine is bringing her son one day - although we need to confirm. Also, FWIW, cell phone coverage is spotty to non-existent down there.

hmm...not sure I have anything that would or could be considered period. I'll see what I can do none the less.

Can we see your garb, Kevy? Where'd you get the pattern?

This is fact, she is trying to drag her child out one of the days.
I do want you to know Kev you will NOT be required to entertain us. In theroy there should be folks around from my days with B Talanque, or that I know from the old Rittenwald (sp?).

we would have this plan even if you were not going to be there.
however youself and your lovely wife were a bonus.

Not garb for me: Susan and Kathye were making skirts and stuff (I don't know exactly what though). I don't sew - all of my garb is purchased.

I am not sure where they got the patterns, though I recall seeing a McCall's (or something like it) pattern sitting around. To be honest, I really don't pay attention to these kind of things.

I just checked the two pages above, and other than one picture of me where you can only see my face, all the pic are of others. There are a couple of Susan from 2006 though:



Also, the 2006 pictures include more of our encampment

Sounds cool, Kevy. Thanks for the explanation.

I loved looking at your photos, Kevy and Susan. Nice threads. :cool:

I've got a sewing project going right now. My oldest is graduating from high school this weekend. I'm making her an anthropologie knockoff. The pattern is here.


When it's done, I'll post a photo.

Maybe I should focus on taking pictures of US this weekend :blush:

I have a dining room chair piled high with unfinished sewing/mending projects.

I should do something about that, shouldn't I?

Absolutely! Move the pile to the treadmill.

At least it sounds like it's all in one pile. My sewing supplies have taken over the dining room table again but I don't have time to sew until later this week. Various crochet projects have exploded all over the living room.

I have no attention span.:rolleyes:

I've taught him well!!

Oh, no. It may sound that way, but it's not so. That pile is just the most obvious, and what's worse, is that I've gotten to the point where I don't even really see it anymore. It's time to make some decisions and get to work.

We're having our annual clean-up days at work so I spent the day throwing out paperwork that was beyond the retention date (accounting departments love that paper!). All that clearing out inspired me to clean up my craft debris here at home. So the sewing supplies are put away but still close to the sewing machine (which I barely notice any more on the dining room table) and three different crochet projects are in a basket.

I may have only made room for new unfinished projects.:eek:

Do you have any idea how much fabric I'll be moving?! And then there's the yarn....

Oh well, since youre moving it, you jsut want to add mine to your pile?
And my yarn.

OMG... yarn... does that mean when you settle and stuff that you can help poor suffering knitters?!?!?!
Can we have a stitch and bitch?!?!
Maybe I can bring the purse pattern for GusGus, and my poor sad knitting needles... and and and............................

OOOOHHHHHHH! A knitting expert in our midst!

So, we need knitting classes and a quilting class taught by Susan. I'm all over both of these projects.

No kidding!

And I cannot figure out how to post a pic, but I saw this pattern the other day, and the versitality just slays me.
I need Susan to help me with this one.

I would LOVE to see what our group can do with this

Miranda Day Bag

There are some really CUTE patterns on that site! I think one of the smaller bags would be very useful to me when working. I have been looking for a bag that is light but will carry treats, poop bags, pepper spray and keys. Oh, and it has to be cute. ;)

No zippers!!

I'm in!!!

And NO WIRE HANGERS

Oh, Susan, are you up for a M&L visit sometime soon? I need to make some pillows for my redecorated front porch (and maybe curtains as well).

M&L M&L M&L M&L.......

you have a redecorated front porch????

No, she's not. Stop asking. She doesn't need any more fabric.

Oh yeah - you're ALL getting knitting lessons. Guaranteed!

On the embedded demo videos, the designer refers to the various purses as "she". :snap:

Of course, I'll only be going to support my friend in her fabric choices!

late next week?

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

This makes me tres happy!!!!

Yes! and it is looking really good. It's sort of Moroccan-Buddhist-Raj a la Anthropologie and Cost Plus.

Yippie kai yay!

Yes, of course, I've seen you walk out of there without buying anything.....once.

Can you do early next week at all (Monday or Tuesday?)

You could always just mail me your sock yarn. I wouldn't mind at all, I promise!

What about something like this? You could add in as many pockets (for dog treats and things) as you like. And you get to go shopping for one fantastic button. I made one, and it was really easy. If I make it again, I'll make it a bit deeper and not quite as wide.

Oooh, that one is cute too!

I'd recommend making it deeper and using thicker/stiffer fabric. I used cotton for the outside, and broadcloth for the lining, and mine's pretty floppy (which is OK since I put hardly anything in it, but I'm guessing you'd worry more that you'd lose stuff out of it). It's awfully cute, though.

:D I can't wait. I need more unfinished projects!

If you put it on webcam, I'll do it too! :)

I was *this* close to going to the fabric district yesterday...

zomg! Fabric district! I will need a tour shortly after arrival....

Dude, call me. Seriously, I'm dying to go to the fabric district. I need a few things for my Bats Day outfit and if I'm ever going to get around to making it, I have to start early.

There's a whole district for fabric? Is there a yarn suburb?

I'm going to be working on a Bats Day outfit as well, since I'll actually be able to go and all. So - bustle or no bustle? That's my current dilemma.

That would be amazing!

Should you find such a place, I'm ready for a field trip.

I believe there is no such thing as too much sock yarn.

Here's one of the skirts I made

And this is my Hollywood waist skirt that gave me so much trouble with the invisible zipper. I wore it on Saturday night and it didn't fall apart :) and I got quite a few compliments.:D

And these are otedama, Japanese juggling toys. You can't tell from the photo but they're only a little more than an inch on each side and filled with rice. It's also traditional to make them look like fruit or animals but I haven't had time to try that yet.

Great skirts LH! I also really love the fabrics used on the juggling balls. Very cool!

I have to admit that no pics of our garb was taken this weekend (for various reasons). Pisser.

including me forgetting my camera

I went shopping for this but they were out of stock so I decided to make my own.

I think it turned out really well.
Rolled up in my purse I can get at my stuff!

Love that fabric! I made a purse out of it once.

At this point, I'm thinking after Camp Swank (unless you really need to go before)

Curse you, Marni. I saw your duster coat in Nordstroms. Now I can think of little else.

Except how to make a knock-off. No way am I paying that for a cloth coat. Now to search for a pattern...

Why not? It's only...

HOLY CRUD!

I'm going with the full regalia: bustle, drape apron, the works. Oh, and it's going to match that new ridiculously big Jack top hat you may have seen around the park.

But I need to find my stripey fabric. You know the red and white stripey "pirate" fabric? I need that in b&w.

Oooh - now I'm tempted to join you in bustle-land. If I do, we'll have to ride something together so we can be all skirts and wire and such.

Pillow bustle, dear, pillow bustle. One has to get around, after all :)

Besides, I'll have to keep it to a low roar to make it through the gate ;)

I have come to terms with the fact that I will never own anything Marni, unless I buy it 25 years from now at the Goodwill.

sigh.

Pru: FWIW, I've found out that Christine Daae's "Wishing Dress" uses a pillow bustle. So obviously one can get one hell of a bustle effect with it. AND sit. Sort of. On the edge of a chair ;)

If I go bustle, I'm going for the full-on wired deal. Although I may have to figure out how to get it into the park....

go for an inflatable :D

I'm sorry but did you just fart of was that your bustle deflating?

Did you say "Duct Tape" ???

...I shall have to add "Making a Tailor's Dumby" to the many uses of this ubiquitous item. And to remind you of one of my avatars:

Add "make (nearly) any shoes into dance shoes" to your list. Duct tape on the soles of my Keds makes them appropriately slidey.:snap:

By the sewing machine, two half-finished bags mock me. I was going to whip them up in a day, maybe two, tops.

One month later ...

There is a huge quilt show going on in Long Beach this weekend (the International Quilt Festival). Susan and her friend are spending three days there as it supposedly that big.

With thanks for NA and €uroMeinke for allowing them to stay a their place tonight and tomorrow night (I am assuming €uroMeinke knows - I wouldn't think NA would keep this a secret).