tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56893512108237723552024-02-18T21:35:56.740-07:00California StitchingWelcome to California Stitching, which chronicles my sewing and embroidery activities.Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.comBlogger395125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-36786136971503651382018-02-25T14:23:00.002-07:002018-02-25T14:23:44.585-07:00Some Thoughts on the Morgan JeansToday I'm adding several thoughts about the construction of the Morgan Jeans. I rarely even looked at the instructions for the jeans, preferring to construct the jeans according to Kenneth D King's and Angela Wolf's methods, as shown in their Craftsy classes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyMFdvLsxiFmMBnRNGDDMKJ_Ky8ARsc_a6RClDUEaFIpY3Yn2RzlCB14uoVdMxaTXuMZLVX3-K-XviqE6eXPJe6C8agCYo-7IZIXZb3tRNVpo-VrDt5sVSFIJ9Xq_mJ7sK-TNJJ3zIW0/s1600/CslLHQ4DTASgRUhSaHGTYg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyMFdvLsxiFmMBnRNGDDMKJ_Ky8ARsc_a6RClDUEaFIpY3Yn2RzlCB14uoVdMxaTXuMZLVX3-K-XviqE6eXPJe6C8agCYo-7IZIXZb3tRNVpo-VrDt5sVSFIJ9Xq_mJ7sK-TNJJ3zIW0/s400/CslLHQ4DTASgRUhSaHGTYg.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even with topstiching, the curve can stretch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These jeans are constructed with non stretch denim, however, the front pocket is on the bias, as you can see in the photo above.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZBrrK2BdsK9c54i3dmN59glk_KlwISuSqUS1YIPAKbw-tEWw-HBeb6SMWC6b5kmiAuC_U0tupFtcTM3inYXkmt1uTdf39MLThjoaxmkl91z8rl1DZ_sVf6-6AhwtTKVNalg-6l9XIj8/s1600/obe8gKRlTQmaNc%252BSIg8CpA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZBrrK2BdsK9c54i3dmN59glk_KlwISuSqUS1YIPAKbw-tEWw-HBeb6SMWC6b5kmiAuC_U0tupFtcTM3inYXkmt1uTdf39MLThjoaxmkl91z8rl1DZ_sVf6-6AhwtTKVNalg-6l9XIj8/s400/obe8gKRlTQmaNc%252BSIg8CpA.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steaming muslin strip into a curve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Prof King suggests cutting a 3/4 inch (2 cm) strip of muslin on the crosswise grain just a bit longer than the arch, and steam it into a curve. Then baste the muslin into the seam allowance of the pocket on the wrong side. He also recommends grading the seam alternately, that is clip the denim, then the facing/muslin, and so on, so you get a smooth curve. Now the pocket will never stretch out of shape. Do this also on stretch denim, this is one area that you don't want stretch.<br />
<br />
I don't have a photo of this, but the Morgan pattern says to sew the front and back crotch seams separately, then sew the inseam in one continuous seam. That is the only time I have ever seen this. Everyone, but everyone, say to sew the leg seams first, then the crotch seam in one continuous seam. Why do the instructions say this? I can't figure it out.<br />
<br />
Topstitching: the Morgan pattern has you do the conventional double topstitching. I went with single topstitching with two threads in the needle, except for the hem, on which I've used the triple stitch. I also did not double turn the hem, as it just adds bulk and is not necessary in casual jeans.<br />
<br />
Another big change I made was in the fly. The Morgan jeans have the fly as an extension of the center front seam, but this is now on a slight bias. Especially if the jeans were made in a stretch denim, the fly could stretch out over time. So I cut the center front fly off leaving the seam allowance, and cut a new fly on the straight of grain, then inserted the zipper on the new fly.<br />
<br />
These changes make just a small difference in each section of the jeans, but overall you have a much higher quality product, which should last much longer than conventional RTW jeans. Over the years as my skills have been growing, I've been much more obsessive about those little things. They are fun to do and you know you are building quality into the garment.<br />
<br />
Happy stitching!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-90976901395524054352018-02-23T15:18:00.000-07:002018-02-23T15:18:24.311-07:00Morgan Jeans in Black Denim<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qxub5lVYdBuhMtYCM9ITak23QgY5Zh56x6D99AY25p377miTgcbGwb_rSnQ0xY7_EXMH0qMKUEdj13D4e_OFQXxdfJyKi8cK2rFlYX2Xr70p7uaLdy7hqa8Q2cVo3r0ZWDOv_FtcxNM/s1600/2QewqH%252BIQdCqPSWB3jLUFg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Qxub5lVYdBuhMtYCM9ITak23QgY5Zh56x6D99AY25p377miTgcbGwb_rSnQ0xY7_EXMH0qMKUEdj13D4e_OFQXxdfJyKi8cK2rFlYX2Xr70p7uaLdy7hqa8Q2cVo3r0ZWDOv_FtcxNM/s400/2QewqH%252BIQdCqPSWB3jLUFg.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyfriend Jeans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I just finished a pair of Morgan Boyfriend jeans by Closet Case patterns, in black non stretch denim. I bought the fabric from Mood about a year and a half ago when I was in Southern California for my nephew's wedding. What are boyfriend jeans, you say? I had to look that up, they jeans cut in a more boyish way and resemble the jeans we used to steal from our boyfriends when we were in college. They are not stretch and do not hug the figure the way the Closet Case Ginger jeans or the Jalie 2908 jeans do.<br />
<br />
I have three Craftsy classes on Jeans, Jean-ius by Kenneth D King, Sewing Designer Jeans by Angela Wolf, and The Perfect Jeans by Jennifer Stern-Haseman. The Jean-ius class focuses on copying a pair of jeans that already fit well and contains only nominal fitting information, but has a lot of nice techniques. Well, you would expect that from Professor King. The Sewing Designer Jeans focuses more on stretch denim jeans from a pattern, but Angela has some nice ideas. She advocates using fun fabrics for the pocket bags and colorful thread in the serger. Not that anyone would see these details, but they do make you smile when you get dressed. She does offer some fitting, which I found helpful. The Perfect Jeans class focuses only on fitting, which was very excellent.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBKKmSfpZKlZ1XXQ4nSs8x9NV4s-dMCiWh54M-AXGtipdKu_T45vgY6tPpLj9Mt9hBJYAjQNypqbhMeTTWWOxY3v_zyd6vTI43ItLVcjwpozzCTUSY-A-6jprKUJl3na8Nf3RYUAG-3I/s1600/fullsizeoutput_100d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBKKmSfpZKlZ1XXQ4nSs8x9NV4s-dMCiWh54M-AXGtipdKu_T45vgY6tPpLj9Mt9hBJYAjQNypqbhMeTTWWOxY3v_zyd6vTI43ItLVcjwpozzCTUSY-A-6jprKUJl3na8Nf3RYUAG-3I/s400/fullsizeoutput_100d.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silk pocket bags! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since I had some red silk charmeuse left over from a red silk top (that I never blogged about), I decided to use it for the pocket bags in the photo above.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-DTGui5ThmdUcjzYvW52r-Ghz03JvpRCfg-xFeyRhal3lGzhi1-Bs8KPji-SuxjIrfSXRfMpFa0OZV0wKhOHEqGJQ7QKONZ8_7_NOI2sqLfFWEiR5Q4DXWG72l6e2pDT0u0vpKnzOfk/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1012.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-DTGui5ThmdUcjzYvW52r-Ghz03JvpRCfg-xFeyRhal3lGzhi1-Bs8KPji-SuxjIrfSXRfMpFa0OZV0wKhOHEqGJQ7QKONZ8_7_NOI2sqLfFWEiR5Q4DXWG72l6e2pDT0u0vpKnzOfk/s400/fullsizeoutput_1012.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Lined" yoke</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I thought well, why not on the yokes? I basted to the top seam and turned the bottoms under and hand sewed the lining to the seam allowance.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFQwxZimR32vuCfCxpDYxDUEeWX4g8fR65ci1q84smiLcLMZJh-3T5bz0OubTy-zUjpZY3Jx7sXJLraLYl8Y-AWVKGPCNJb51jCmbxell0U6hSnMywtiM-4AknsUPCSb-x6994N4EbC8/s1600/fullsizeoutput_100b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXFQwxZimR32vuCfCxpDYxDUEeWX4g8fR65ci1q84smiLcLMZJh-3T5bz0OubTy-zUjpZY3Jx7sXJLraLYl8Y-AWVKGPCNJb51jCmbxell0U6hSnMywtiM-4AknsUPCSb-x6994N4EbC8/s400/fullsizeoutput_100b.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And even the waistband facing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before I cut out the yokes I made sure that there was enough for the waistband facing. I have to admit, it feels very good against the skin but I'm not sure how practical the silk will prove to be. I did hand wash the silk first and boy, does that red bleed. I'll have to remember to add a dye catcher when I wash these. The silk left so much lint all over the jeans I had to go over them very carefully with a pet sponge.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-a6CL0efnMWsnGTtRbvbr2kccKK6254tai8NZoMHe2JnCmw7xGQVz-MebDvVxgz2xu_qT3mtz_Ktgt3_rdNS3FHR6U6L9pGibhdU722OO4PoUavMcK4d-uWH5ClbWMB7foRXukIHAYQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1007.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-a6CL0efnMWsnGTtRbvbr2kccKK6254tai8NZoMHe2JnCmw7xGQVz-MebDvVxgz2xu_qT3mtz_Ktgt3_rdNS3FHR6U6L9pGibhdU722OO4PoUavMcK4d-uWH5ClbWMB7foRXukIHAYQ/s400/fullsizeoutput_1007.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belt loop and watch pocket detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see, I had way too much fun with these jeans. I found the scroll stitch on my machine and decided to add it to the pockets. All topstiching is done with two threads. I had three machines set up, my Husqvarna Viking Designer Diamond Royal for the seams, my serger for the seam finishes, and an old HV Designer I for the topstitching.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2trko_fFv3_BPa9sTXM59j1Zp6gzLNyg_36Sd7eKYvT2SFi0sgdFbL_BNCj97SdJ7okALemiyXUnHHFLdjU80xBE-vfJD1_k_FZXTjnUV-7GfxV8DN0BhC98l60qsGkQ51bd3Ypvn48/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1009.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1600" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2trko_fFv3_BPa9sTXM59j1Zp6gzLNyg_36Sd7eKYvT2SFi0sgdFbL_BNCj97SdJ7okALemiyXUnHHFLdjU80xBE-vfJD1_k_FZXTjnUV-7GfxV8DN0BhC98l60qsGkQ51bd3Ypvn48/s400/fullsizeoutput_1009.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back pockets and belt loops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Angela Wolf suggests adding a fun touch to the belt loops, so I added the scroll stitch used on the pockets to them. I cut one long strip of fabric, then stitched the scrolls, six scrolls for the sides and front loops, seven scrolls for the back ones which are crossed and therefore a bit longer. The scrolls had about 1 1/2 inches between each group to allow for the turn under of the loops.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8AfsQ-y6hApHHGyTr8RY-BkZRkqBbFcZzVrWiaJ0NYQT4Go5lVhLBd6DcenjGaXFjmlWQ10jUQhA3Q9NUxRwyQ7JqfBdHUAvDBEnXjeschLrh4o4MtAvYD75p3VRbISiXQ-XCRhFusw/s1600/H%252BAmA0PBR6Wxv5Qx3GTUUw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8AfsQ-y6hApHHGyTr8RY-BkZRkqBbFcZzVrWiaJ0NYQT4Go5lVhLBd6DcenjGaXFjmlWQ10jUQhA3Q9NUxRwyQ7JqfBdHUAvDBEnXjeschLrh4o4MtAvYD75p3VRbISiXQ-XCRhFusw/s400/H%252BAmA0PBR6Wxv5Qx3GTUUw.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you see the difference between the hem and side seam topstitching?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then at the very end I had taken the grey thread out of the D-1 topstitching machine, and thought I had used up all the thread on the bobbin (for the second topstitch thread), so I decided to use the triple stitch for the hem. I can see the difference, but if anyone else can while I'm wearing them, then that person is way too close. As I was cleaning up after finishing, I found the bobbin with the grey thread, of course.<br />
<br />
I love the jeans but still have to tweak the fit a bit on the next pair. But first up, a pair of pink jeans for my granddaughter. I will post as I make these using the tips in the classes and comparing the pattern instruction against the techniques I'll be using. Those will be fun.<br />
<br />
Now, for a bit of wildlife biology: did you know bisons eat raspberries?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nuppHC6tkfyzrfZ6wGvYpMj0JjOUrpaqrI-1IocQ2wzgj7rL7Odp4L11WAaX-Cu5nDe3OsN4_bmc8FlujubW3WCZN4Wiz5t-vYCZSt1baLJKu3hrKirwrfxDRWI3ixN73Kb0FIS7gLc/s1600/OjgE1S2JRaiMxcTJIVCwAw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-nuppHC6tkfyzrfZ6wGvYpMj0JjOUrpaqrI-1IocQ2wzgj7rL7Odp4L11WAaX-Cu5nDe3OsN4_bmc8FlujubW3WCZN4Wiz5t-vYCZSt1baLJKu3hrKirwrfxDRWI3ixN73Kb0FIS7gLc/s400/OjgE1S2JRaiMxcTJIVCwAw.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yum yum!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
They love them!<br />
<br />
Happy Stitching!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-61209220501408074712018-02-04T12:18:00.002-07:002018-02-04T12:18:23.459-07:00 Maker's Tote Bag<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9JI3WAnObSfXbGw8k2mYvCjghaZVGO18N4Dl3ENhg2FoPyLzoWS9-DahmysoCPHjf_0P2RJQlqff2Iv6_008B6uY9r_IcCzEn_6B58FyGHwRHxlCtEpCUN9K1X4_HYj_mt0fmEISFmM/s1600/P1100169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX9JI3WAnObSfXbGw8k2mYvCjghaZVGO18N4Dl3ENhg2FoPyLzoWS9-DahmysoCPHjf_0P2RJQlqff2Iv6_008B6uY9r_IcCzEn_6B58FyGHwRHxlCtEpCUN9K1X4_HYj_mt0fmEISFmM/s400/P1100169.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Binding my new tote</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My latest project is a Maker's Tote Bag by Noodlehead, made during a class in the newest quilt shop here in Loveland, called Stitches. I recently upgraded my embroidery software so I just had to add a design to the out pocket.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvFG_0TGoL6hbnzylcMvKHHZiwrUqMrA25Ok74P_GRfprJmxHJNKl2PYjEx7WXQWaXMwbTRNIG_YbrSjfgjM6UfplZhUEW9Zd0wY_uCCgmuX64TOvxrc3ZuxSuX4VUpPGZ395Km1tnBU/s1600/6baxlxtKQXGcaixwV39t7A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSvFG_0TGoL6hbnzylcMvKHHZiwrUqMrA25Ok74P_GRfprJmxHJNKl2PYjEx7WXQWaXMwbTRNIG_YbrSjfgjM6UfplZhUEW9Zd0wY_uCCgmuX64TOvxrc3ZuxSuX4VUpPGZ395Km1tnBU/s400/6baxlxtKQXGcaixwV39t7A.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made the large size</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I saw this pattern and the sample bag I knew I had to make it. This bag has so many pockets it will be so useful.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYi-s9JVgQzjTpoGofuL1ONwhk6Oig5LdyvMXuWb5kOVsL_Lu_VKenwJkPWAxwag3UEN7ppY-rDEvfKR_5NAsYkj1ZrLY0han7xXSf4lAzqFIfQ0ngaI5vyz-RMRJa_m7gQ3DWKKwa6s/s1600/P1100172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjYi-s9JVgQzjTpoGofuL1ONwhk6Oig5LdyvMXuWb5kOVsL_Lu_VKenwJkPWAxwag3UEN7ppY-rDEvfKR_5NAsYkj1ZrLY0han7xXSf4lAzqFIfQ0ngaI5vyz-RMRJa_m7gQ3DWKKwa6s/s400/P1100172.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gusseted inside pocket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It has a gusseted inside pocket, interfaced and edge stitched to form a nice clean gusset. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHM29F_yoyIMV41Q5GQhApmO7zbdV3PidSeGWaLs5DQz2pW8d7qNEP7Ma10DUfyZxFDLLzF1xBHj4mPj4hUBiQ0zL8B8w_bOXn_UfN9qtdaSd4xQqQERVCD0pYXoHpHuIjjDUuiBQbLbI/s1600/P1100171.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHM29F_yoyIMV41Q5GQhApmO7zbdV3PidSeGWaLs5DQz2pW8d7qNEP7Ma10DUfyZxFDLLzF1xBHj4mPj4hUBiQ0zL8B8w_bOXn_UfN9qtdaSd4xQqQERVCD0pYXoHpHuIjjDUuiBQbLbI/s400/P1100171.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside slip pocket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The is also an inside slip pocket. Our teacher had us mark each piece with a label, so we wouldn't mix pieces up, but I did anyway. I had to take out the pocket and put the correct one in. And that was after I reinforced the top edges with bar tacks.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0sv_yIyWq-rCTFc4IKlhVgQVWRmZtZTFg9wpe9rTvnCoNEgm0P_-ZJ72ygna0KEplWiVcj7EY9GPKPTRa08OZ2A8zs6RkOmN3HkFl8eYfpaLz872JLgDRzDg3ksIT_LrVppU4WMaq2k/s1600/P1100173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ0sv_yIyWq-rCTFc4IKlhVgQVWRmZtZTFg9wpe9rTvnCoNEgm0P_-ZJ72ygna0KEplWiVcj7EY9GPKPTRa08OZ2A8zs6RkOmN3HkFl8eYfpaLz872JLgDRzDg3ksIT_LrVppU4WMaq2k/s400/P1100173.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside pocket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is the outside pocket, the one with the monogram. I sewed the right side of the inside layer to the wrong side of the pocket, so you can see the interfacing instead of the peachy pink fabric. Oh well, I'm not about to redo it. I can live with this mistake.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuLvCEU5uLQ4l8DNsV9HWHUp8-8XDCIVrKXYNF-Om5-FkwJLEW1Nw4zvpouRBK9nkOZc3_XdDsKs-jqh-7LS6fc0BXRdydcgRYK_9_Ety4rITQtzFXVogBE25qOJGLfluv2-xDmwBeyM/s1600/P1100170.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOuLvCEU5uLQ4l8DNsV9HWHUp8-8XDCIVrKXYNF-Om5-FkwJLEW1Nw4zvpouRBK9nkOZc3_XdDsKs-jqh-7LS6fc0BXRdydcgRYK_9_Ety4rITQtzFXVogBE25qOJGLfluv2-xDmwBeyM/s400/P1100170.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside zippered pocket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The outside zippered pocket was a challenge to get sewn in as I didn't trim the interfacing from the seams around the zipper as I should have. One of the other students decided to under stitch the lining to seam allowance before installing the zipper, just like you would on a garment facing. Brilliant idea! It looked very nice.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl4PHk4jPX1wzMuetQQuHoHbMMzZimJHfvaAsER-N25uZe5xEYgJ2QGq4WwLRhrdG0Qc6oWd7u-LvNb-9t2SKv5-RY5n1CJ_ebwEEVAorCGBtHN-c6LJzo3pDJZ-hQgxbtub5PnWxza8/s1600/P1100174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBl4PHk4jPX1wzMuetQQuHoHbMMzZimJHfvaAsER-N25uZe5xEYgJ2QGq4WwLRhrdG0Qc6oWd7u-LvNb-9t2SKv5-RY5n1CJ_ebwEEVAorCGBtHN-c6LJzo3pDJZ-hQgxbtub5PnWxza8/s400/P1100174.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clipping the binding in place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not only did I have to clip the binding in place (those wonder clip are marvelous, aren't they?) I had to baste the binding to the bag just to get it sewn properly.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShk6BBJ3J99a_Fg95B1L7nfgQOI3E_OoM6gjW7AzSeOEQx_1keNg_WgGayETvMkKy-NeY7mq_R6OwvSzqexuTMOVZP3L4wZu4m0I7gLmWoxOKL4idpIc-UDdc1COwQaZOtnjYdBYS9s8/s1600/P1100175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShk6BBJ3J99a_Fg95B1L7nfgQOI3E_OoM6gjW7AzSeOEQx_1keNg_WgGayETvMkKy-NeY7mq_R6OwvSzqexuTMOVZP3L4wZu4m0I7gLmWoxOKL4idpIc-UDdc1COwQaZOtnjYdBYS9s8/s400/P1100175.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magnet closures instead of a zipper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pattern calls for a large separating zipper, but I decided to use three sets of strong magnets. They hold the two sides in place nicely.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ_y0P0fzoXzWrj1qu-Me2C17NcyGKJ-nlD346Qz2cj3l9gpAFeDUYRBtT3NWaffqAjTi20JuDiNkcoOZtX1Wz_3N6FjzVBv8BE8974v-qczGPMqOlUarqIo_aLY0lHfZo9triR1-WRM/s1600/W4zHVis%252BQkCdMK4awNJuAQ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZ_y0P0fzoXzWrj1qu-Me2C17NcyGKJ-nlD346Qz2cj3l9gpAFeDUYRBtT3NWaffqAjTi20JuDiNkcoOZtX1Wz_3N6FjzVBv8BE8974v-qczGPMqOlUarqIo_aLY0lHfZo9triR1-WRM/s400/W4zHVis%252BQkCdMK4awNJuAQ.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished bag!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here it is! I've already brought it to a stitcher's lunch yesterday and it received rave reviews. The bag is constructed with lots of interfacing to give it strength and stability. Soft and Stable is used for the outer portion, Decor Bond for the side gussets, and Pellon SF 101 for all the pockets and the straps. It is really well designed and I plan to get a lot of use out of it. The only thing I would do differently is to use a darker color for the two C's in the monogram. This shade is just a bit hard to see. After it was finished I took it outside and sprayed the outside thoroughly with Scotch Guard. I hope to keep it clean for a long time then I'll have it dry cleaned.<br />
<br />
While I was going through my stash to find fabrics for this bag that actually coordinated, I came upon an interesting discovery. I could not find four fabrics for this bag, only three. That means my stash is slowly depleting down to manageable levels. I'm actually quite proud of myself.<br />
<br />
Happy Stitching!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-14788950726546609062018-01-28T11:33:00.000-07:002018-01-28T12:06:02.674-07:00Marcy Tilton Skirt Vogue 9283<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklJk1izl9Xt1Vs2ISPrbSvjCGAGMEn0teQiahK-SmP4E3XPuw45JE3TMwbmfbVjiqiZaLOBuZmDpZ7qfGVukN3_PldubOjYyxx2Wn3dyyuvK1rcjBKGQ7j2_sg4i_Qa3zGey4GjEmuH8/s1600/2018-01-02+16.18.19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiklJk1izl9Xt1Vs2ISPrbSvjCGAGMEn0teQiahK-SmP4E3XPuw45JE3TMwbmfbVjiqiZaLOBuZmDpZ7qfGVukN3_PldubOjYyxx2Wn3dyyuvK1rcjBKGQ7j2_sg4i_Qa3zGey4GjEmuH8/s320/2018-01-02+16.18.19.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Finish for 2018!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here it is, my first finish for 2018, Marcy Tilton for Vogue 9283. I sometimes refer to this skirt as the one from you-know-where, but I can't blame it all on the pattern. This past year I've sewn a few Marcy Tilton patterns, as they often have very interesting details.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitG2LxS3_6KCJ1wUsZTaBb4o1QaOzvmkAWSt8eQAqiUffiJ-04Wb0BM2c_0TyfM0oaZsuBV2s_rHkTqm-lSrW23DCEr2uHFivoBxiev_WyyR_t_Xe92Co5eDoEUWJ-v18pm5cjDo2Ctc/s1600/XUIA6EdxQKWRb0VRljGpQw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitG2LxS3_6KCJ1wUsZTaBb4o1QaOzvmkAWSt8eQAqiUffiJ-04Wb0BM2c_0TyfM0oaZsuBV2s_rHkTqm-lSrW23DCEr2uHFivoBxiev_WyyR_t_Xe92Co5eDoEUWJ-v18pm5cjDo2Ctc/s320/XUIA6EdxQKWRb0VRljGpQw.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry I cut off the pattern number</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The pattern calls for moderate stretch knits (35% cross grain) such as Ponte, Jersey, Knit Jacquard. I chose two bamboo fabrics from Elfriede's Fine Fabrics in Boulder, Colorado. The store is an hour's drive away, and is the closest fabric store other than the big chain store. The fabric is a four way stretch, which just about drove me crazy, as I'm not used to sewing with knits.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbFpJDiHw0SIdwGlhYf9I7dmnYzfTb5BnG9vXLizheVYiw-e3uiHSmd1SORYhX59wuImnqlJWd7AzGp2r3e4I_ucO9eVMGrz2e6Xlx8r5wVpEOqOUc15nhggHG-d85_8crT0J7vY3i7E/s1600/fullsizeoutput_1002.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbFpJDiHw0SIdwGlhYf9I7dmnYzfTb5BnG9vXLizheVYiw-e3uiHSmd1SORYhX59wuImnqlJWd7AzGp2r3e4I_ucO9eVMGrz2e6Xlx8r5wVpEOqOUc15nhggHG-d85_8crT0J7vY3i7E/s320/fullsizeoutput_1002.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Non matching pattern pieces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This pattern has seven pattern pieces, but I used only six. Pattern piece 1 is for two pockets that are positioned inside the skirt at the front waist towards the side. As there was no way I would grope inside the front of the skirt while out in public, I omitted the pockets. What an odd design.<br />
<br />
Here's the other thing that was very frustrating. All the seams were labeled with letters, see the two "G" seams on the pattern pieces above. However, there is no way in the world that the notches match up. Assuming the large squares on the right need to match, the notches are way off as you look to the left of the square. The "I" seams didn't match either. Luckily I encountered this fairly early on in the construction, and then I started basting the seams together. I also had to mark the seams with a piece of paper with the letter marked on it. I had been sewing the seams using the wobble stitch on my sewing machine, and saved all the overlocking for the end. I wanted to make sure the skirt went together properly before committing myself with the overlocker.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CmYIa9dcFUff3DqjSOvE5oqSqfe0ZZVL6Yl6NneiOoC1XCgH84gKqDlhSdqhfXPHVEjFOKCmX2yf_oc2pvADuWDfuaAcu0xQ4GFdNY0nzj6BTBieJlUvCfqCyLkgGBS2NEuilTJqAQg/s1600/P1100164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4CmYIa9dcFUff3DqjSOvE5oqSqfe0ZZVL6Yl6NneiOoC1XCgH84gKqDlhSdqhfXPHVEjFOKCmX2yf_oc2pvADuWDfuaAcu0xQ4GFdNY0nzj6BTBieJlUvCfqCyLkgGBS2NEuilTJqAQg/s320/P1100164.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonky corner seam (top left)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With six pattern pieces this pattern has some odd seaming. On the top left corner of this photo, there is a corner seam, and another on the opposite side of the skirt.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9utAm8T6U7xpavQAw_EGXOHAKmO8SATzNXd3mJqA8TTqeRZYJJgrHE501IKa0erpFkVGYL20sLjBJNhenpHvanfH5q1CXWz1XnzTwhlhOKXoEnLVsMiV-WYeXshx8c1j0pSJpdLXCU-0/s1600/P1100165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9utAm8T6U7xpavQAw_EGXOHAKmO8SATzNXd3mJqA8TTqeRZYJJgrHE501IKa0erpFkVGYL20sLjBJNhenpHvanfH5q1CXWz1XnzTwhlhOKXoEnLVsMiV-WYeXshx8c1j0pSJpdLXCU-0/s320/P1100165.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Y-seam on the front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The front of the skirt has a Y seam, which is actually pretty easy. Look at all the colors in the print! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2SgUuQSWEDYhMDckuKbUjTD6BhhAL6lMgbnejdf6surH-MfY5nPr5q4_LTjnj78zb9QtBU5HM5Z7-sG32jLX73vD1agaRLNKWayEdUBkLdGYH0lZT0draut1LfdS3CptMLi64-_qUjA/s1600/P1100167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO2SgUuQSWEDYhMDckuKbUjTD6BhhAL6lMgbnejdf6surH-MfY5nPr5q4_LTjnj78zb9QtBU5HM5Z7-sG32jLX73vD1agaRLNKWayEdUBkLdGYH0lZT0draut1LfdS3CptMLi64-_qUjA/s320/P1100167.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typical odd seam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is another odd seam, somewhere down in the back of the skirt.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IPzyx1Bf4j2jqe5ss2K22E7lQ0AuSRnOD5LVMmxAXkxiw6ZkYoOhicD3Hb90cnlAI5iyJAds7rwXZB7xUYtUKLqAMyXmAy5skBW30MtawUSAZzZ8ssi2A-o05bWAfZWw0s2_XGOW5sc/s1600/P1100166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0IPzyx1Bf4j2jqe5ss2K22E7lQ0AuSRnOD5LVMmxAXkxiw6ZkYoOhicD3Hb90cnlAI5iyJAds7rwXZB7xUYtUKLqAMyXmAy5skBW30MtawUSAZzZ8ssi2A-o05bWAfZWw0s2_XGOW5sc/s320/P1100166.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My not so perfect overlocking</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the skirt was finished, I tried it on and it fit! Only then did I take it to the overlocker to completely sew the skirt together and finish the seams. With practice I should get better.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR3r5ZhAuF8chWewQQgO5aWNoSwn2kdYSMx9B9mPIgMkPjkwAsBe6HZZjkcc8BbyaQgfi5i0lEfhIzH9vNYs_jDbDqHnCOYVK0JQ3U0c8YpF5Z2H8442NSW9E3pAqD3czeLcDC7AZIZA/s1600/P1100168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbR3r5ZhAuF8chWewQQgO5aWNoSwn2kdYSMx9B9mPIgMkPjkwAsBe6HZZjkcc8BbyaQgfi5i0lEfhIzH9vNYs_jDbDqHnCOYVK0JQ3U0c8YpF5Z2H8442NSW9E3pAqD3czeLcDC7AZIZA/s320/P1100168.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonderful Japanese elastic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The nice thing about going to a really good fabric store is that the owner and employees understand garment construction and look for and stock good products. This is an extremely soft and lovely elastic from Japan that sews in beautifully. I measured the elastic to fit, pinned it to the top of the skirt, and used the overlocker to sew it to the top seam. I then turned the elastic to the inside and topstitched it in place with a zig zag stitch. This is by far the best way to insert elastic that I've found, but it does need to be the right size and you can't adjust it after sewing it in.<br />
<br />
I bought some orange knit fabric to match the orange in the skirt, but have yet to make it. The nice thing about the skirt is that there are many opportunities for coordinating tops and jackets. I haven't worn this yet as it is fairly light in weight and it is January here in Colorado with snow on the ground.<br />
<br />
See my review on Pattern Review!<br />
<br />
Happy Stitching!<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-10077275703545520742018-01-11T12:47:00.000-07:002018-01-11T12:47:01.100-07:00Welcome 2018!Hello everyone! It's been a whole year since I've blogged, and I'm really ashamed of myself for falling down on the job. I have no excuse, except that we watch our grandson all day and granddaughter after school, so we are pretty busy. We also get them up and the older one off to school so we have fairly long days. Plus, having a two year old around means that not much gets done.<br />
<br />
I have sewn quite a bit over the last year, and hope to sew even more in 2018. There is a wonderful blog called <a href="http://goodbyevalentino.com/" target="_blank">Goodbye Valentino</a> that is hosting a ready to wear fast for the whole year. I've signed up, so no clothes buying for me this year. I don't have serious plans, other than the following.<br />
<ol>
<li>Charity sewing: Tote bags for a women's shelter, I hope to make six over the next few days.</li>
<li>At least one knit top to coordinate with an awful-to-make skirt I just finished and will blog about soon. </li>
<li>Finish two quilts, and maybe start (and finish) another. Mr CS and I have decided that we just don't have enough quilts around here. </li>
<li>A wardrobe for a short cruise to come in May-June. </li>
<li>A nice dress for the SAGA convention in September. I'm now on the Board of Directors so that gives me an extra incentive to look nice. </li>
</ol>
<div>
Back in 2016 I purchased a Pfaff 4.0 Coverlock during a Black Friday sale, and have spent quite a bit of time learning its capabilities. Last October I took a three day "Serger Boot Camp" which gave me so much confidence in threading and using it. During the class we used Babylock 8 thread sergers, quite a bit more advanced than my 5 thread Pfaff, but the class was still valuable. We learned a great deal about which stitches to use for different applications. Of course Babylocks are a breeze to thread with the air threading system, and now the newest model even threads the needles. But at a price tag of over $10,000, I think I can thread my own serger. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I plan to document some of the clothes I made last year, along with my new items. Stay tuned and Happy Stitching!<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-62766234142556647612017-01-10T17:48:00.001-07:002017-01-10T17:48:43.868-07:00First Finish for 2017<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WpUHd0xXQV2eHJV-u1LTjtPsRF4jmoRa1Uy3wbpepYJ8CUKUI6AVcTxgrudJ9CFBQw7CAwYSxN67P0n7srhzSF5BalncFsHASDf2GAOhepo3C9YOJZAecnmWwkYgS3dx7wRzkfewiZU/s1600/P1070938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WpUHd0xXQV2eHJV-u1LTjtPsRF4jmoRa1Uy3wbpepYJ8CUKUI6AVcTxgrudJ9CFBQw7CAwYSxN67P0n7srhzSF5BalncFsHASDf2GAOhepo3C9YOJZAecnmWwkYgS3dx7wRzkfewiZU/s400/P1070938.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brand new PJ's</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The first project for 2017 is finished, two pair of PJ's for my granddaughter. These are the only photos, as my granddaughter took them home yesterday and wore the pink pair to bed. I put piping on the pink, but not the blue.<br />
<br />
You can tell I forgot to bring the fabric with me when I picked out buttons. If I had remembered, they just might match the fabric. Oh well, she loves them.<br />
<br />
This fabric is from Chadwick Heirlooms and is absolutely lovely to sew on. For her first two pair I used Joann's fabric and I can really see the difference. The Joann's fabric is thicker and ravels more easily but the Chadwick is softer and finer, and presses beautifully.<br />
<br />
Next project: pants! I've lost enough weight (25 lbs now) that nothing I own fits me. I have a big pile for Goodwill and am literally down to one pair of jeans, one old pair of brown slacks, and some baggy sweats and yoga pants.<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-16894450037343482842017-01-01T15:37:00.000-07:002017-01-01T15:37:47.843-07:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLwvSZQoIANIMyCjgyt3bj0hLzSD6RhmklQIqK6Ny2s-YZI-j-JtSyWXS2biu77jOooCDOxJif6IhfyllqV5Daca5dM_4GEisuKDpcinJ0U-Vs2TQvBvyNB7xxn1VdHjNqNZg_M7Yw_o/s1600/P1070931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLwvSZQoIANIMyCjgyt3bj0hLzSD6RhmklQIqK6Ny2s-YZI-j-JtSyWXS2biu77jOooCDOxJif6IhfyllqV5Daca5dM_4GEisuKDpcinJ0U-Vs2TQvBvyNB7xxn1VdHjNqNZg_M7Yw_o/s400/P1070931.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new toy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas and are having a Happy New Year. I'm recovering from last night's celebrations (ironing fabric while watching Twilight Zone) by watching the episode "Once Upon a Time" with Buster Keaton. It's hilarious.<br />
<br />
I got a wonderful Christmas present this year, a Pfaff Coverlock 4.0. Actually, I got it during the Black Friday sales, so I've been using it for a month now, and already have had to empty the fabric catcher. Once I took the Jean-ius Craftsy class I realized that it would be a real help to my sewing efforts.<br />
<br />
I know I haven't posted in quite a while and I do have a good reason. My daughter started a new job shortly before Thanksgiving and commutes to Denver each day. So we go to her house each morning, get the kids up and the older one off to school, then bring the toddler home, pick the older one up from school, monitor homework, feed them dinner and keep entertained. Her parents don't pick them up until after 6:30, so we are pretty exhausted by the end of the day. At least she can drive with her husband, who also works in Denver.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2tkzd8ciF2wHlP1HDAEhUEB4j1Jwowz3Z4rb5CqBTeVJIKJpCF44y2JZ7W8rEU169jxk3QhLjenx0BG6k1ip3Y-wPzoT9sP_Zjy-nRU8EmnR4zxVrdHS8FCYr6gugkB9iOACy41e0Cc/s1600/P1070928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF2tkzd8ciF2wHlP1HDAEhUEB4j1Jwowz3Z4rb5CqBTeVJIKJpCF44y2JZ7W8rEU169jxk3QhLjenx0BG6k1ip3Y-wPzoT9sP_Zjy-nRU8EmnR4zxVrdHS8FCYr6gugkB9iOACy41e0Cc/s400/P1070928.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great PJ pattern, I might make some for myself</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've done some sewing lately, and will post about it as I can. Right now, I'm working on two pair of PJ's for my granddaughter, as the ones I made in <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/2015/04/purple-and-pink-butterfly-pjs.html" target="_blank">2014</a> and <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/2014/01/pink-pjs-in-action.html" target="_blank">2013</a> are half way to her knees. I used the same pattern, Simplicity 2771, and even the same size. I just added 5 inches (13 cm) to the legs, and 2 inches (5 cm) to the bodice and sleeves.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsL2gU-kZ_97wo-XamSlwV1jNQtV9qxCLT4WdW6tuqaHaA1HUgysOOHz5oWpqKQzwHB8RIYshCj_VydqqdKMZ8bG1OmOkG3zPGyFpVVEcZUmUncCarVvdy0V6qHYbYfz4uLO4y2AD95Q/s1600/P1070933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwsL2gU-kZ_97wo-XamSlwV1jNQtV9qxCLT4WdW6tuqaHaA1HUgysOOHz5oWpqKQzwHB8RIYshCj_VydqqdKMZ8bG1OmOkG3zPGyFpVVEcZUmUncCarVvdy0V6qHYbYfz4uLO4y2AD95Q/s400/P1070933.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Serged seam allowances</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've stitched the seams on the sewing machine, serged the edges, then topstitched the seams. I'm not ready to sew the entire garment on the serger.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOB5G0IMfqjhr9Hie5jp3tm4zZVuZUYuQtkshLW23K4nbLylmQRgcwNocKzkrA6RfObh_E_dscniN9I4lJcBqp45ZQQmhUpT3juLfozEmYnd-vPQKt-lctrgjiqDSkZL3lszk06vabhY/s1600/P1070934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOB5G0IMfqjhr9Hie5jp3tm4zZVuZUYuQtkshLW23K4nbLylmQRgcwNocKzkrA6RfObh_E_dscniN9I4lJcBqp45ZQQmhUpT3juLfozEmYnd-vPQKt-lctrgjiqDSkZL3lszk06vabhY/s400/P1070934.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful topstitched seam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My serger lessons begin on January 27, and run for three sessions. I was able to thread it on the third try, so I'm pretty happy about that. I was originally a bit nervous about the difficulty of threading it, but I finally realized that I've written more complicated procedures in past jobs. So I figured that I could handle it, and I have. Of course, I've only threaded it once, and only used the four thread overlock stitch. But I'm looking forward to trying the other stitches.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to formulate plans for 2017, and will publish them later in the week. In the meantime, Happy Stitching in this New Year!Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-10754663478205945412016-10-22T09:42:00.002-06:002016-10-22T09:42:10.646-06:00Jean-ius Craftsy ClassDear Readers, I'm finally winding down from a flurry of sewing and traveling. After the SAGA convention I went to Boise for a weekend, then to Los Angeles for a wedding. Now I'm home and can catch my breath.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh8KmXomSy1WpI1oHNKffwQ_90idndc6s8N8nwoUpGKg7sYvnoIpDDZfQVpzts7GKnfUYJiI6VtcHP3E6w6Bq0tzQDzRT2-wtlGwtZmRSuafVjaF7oMbUh0T-OpdouzhYxwoXYDj5U1M/s1600/P1070911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDh8KmXomSy1WpI1oHNKffwQ_90idndc6s8N8nwoUpGKg7sYvnoIpDDZfQVpzts7GKnfUYJiI6VtcHP3E6w6Bq0tzQDzRT2-wtlGwtZmRSuafVjaF7oMbUh0T-OpdouzhYxwoXYDj5U1M/s400/P1070911.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very old Ralph Lauren jeans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I just finished sewing my first pair of jeans, from taking the Jean-ius class on Craftsy. The class, taught by Kenneth D King, focuses on copying your favorite pair of well fitting jeans. In the class, Prof King has you draft a pattern from existing jeans by marking grain lines and seams, tracing onto silk organza, then again onto paper. After making a muslin, you transfer corrections to the paper and make the jeans from the corrected pattern. He assumes you are using a well loved and fitted pair, but mine were so old and stretched out, I had trouble with the grain lines. As a result, they are slightly off grain, but more about that later.<br />
<br />
I fitted the muslin by taking many photos of myself, making the changes, then taking more photos. This isn't ideal, but as I don't have a fitting partner, it's all I can do. Also, I used cotton twill for the muslin, and a heathery grey stretch denim for the jeans. So I fitted the muslin a bit snug and hoped for the best.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFximWrLSPUxNyoV1PEAVJGqiKEHs-t319Pf2MsEhDkuMvTpP0SonKMXM_yhp6LZeaNvwvC94uZ8tXS0Tr_gYSeSvcGokqlaA2f7GLcAA0HR48h4qXWLQ_i51TvEsGLm_u5sv-L0qX1Y/s1600/P1070906.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKFximWrLSPUxNyoV1PEAVJGqiKEHs-t319Pf2MsEhDkuMvTpP0SonKMXM_yhp6LZeaNvwvC94uZ8tXS0Tr_gYSeSvcGokqlaA2f7GLcAA0HR48h4qXWLQ_i51TvEsGLm_u5sv-L0qX1Y/s400/P1070906.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pocket placement could be just a bit better</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't figure out how I managed to place these pockets a bit off, as I did use one pattern piece for the back and marked the placement at the same time. But no one will be examining my rear end closely so it's not too bad. The construction details that Prof King uses are nicely detailed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1YXRU7Vxd6tzbJOA3H7e9a_4qycoc0A3hbvR8pd8rfGsW7BaBDDUopnRho9HQhXiyQ8WFOR2X23d1NNwG1813sSQkSGn7ecx8aeR1KxL2uDCtM-qwzgjjmawF4XNh07hg2kFZeyNYVs/s1600/P1070912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1YXRU7Vxd6tzbJOA3H7e9a_4qycoc0A3hbvR8pd8rfGsW7BaBDDUopnRho9HQhXiyQ8WFOR2X23d1NNwG1813sSQkSGn7ecx8aeR1KxL2uDCtM-qwzgjjmawF4XNh07hg2kFZeyNYVs/s400/P1070912.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Self faced pockets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Instead of folding the top edge of the pocket over twice and stitching, as on most jeans, Prof King has you finish the edge, fold one, and topstitch. This give a smoother pocket and looks great. In the class, he demonstrates two finishes, a zig zag and trim, and a serged edge. Several times he assures the viewers that a zig zag edge is a perfectly acceptable finish. Which is good, as I don't have a serger. Here I used one of the edge finish stitches available on my machine.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-5I5M78P1bHS3aSwwwV0RhR4PiZsYDTakX2tctpLo0JgZAA2ecVfEQ3-P0woGkxQAklH0QyI1o4jAYxK0YQKpcr0y40bqKTtxphymAWX9Y7MFifSECy68B_Nb0A3wqi92ABtxm0bGy0/s1600/P1070907.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-5I5M78P1bHS3aSwwwV0RhR4PiZsYDTakX2tctpLo0JgZAA2ecVfEQ3-P0woGkxQAklH0QyI1o4jAYxK0YQKpcr0y40bqKTtxphymAWX9Y7MFifSECy68B_Nb0A3wqi92ABtxm0bGy0/s400/P1070907.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front closeup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
No belt loops or rivets on these. I don't intend to ever wear them with a top tucked in, so I didn't bother. I'm pleased with the zipper placket, it was so gratifying to make it and have it come out correctly. I did put the watch pocket in, just for fun. I'm sure I won't ever use it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgru2Ae-jcFdjjFW0NNAGP2Gz3Q74lDHVlLmlCc0BPFvVsVpXPgUdZytBlfLYdTwFw00l8c9owcRtFMmvsFo3hVrZ5tLx1L1GpVsqL_k917x8UW28V7u9ohxfxgNh4JqP0BjqrcuDcL5Q/s1600/P1070908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgru2Ae-jcFdjjFW0NNAGP2Gz3Q74lDHVlLmlCc0BPFvVsVpXPgUdZytBlfLYdTwFw00l8c9owcRtFMmvsFo3hVrZ5tLx1L1GpVsqL_k917x8UW28V7u9ohxfxgNh4JqP0BjqrcuDcL5Q/s400/P1070908.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quilting cotton pocket bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I used a scrap of quilting cotton for the pocket bag. The class comes with a pdf of instructions to drafting a pocket bag and I wish I would have used it instead of copying the too small bag on the jeans. Lesson learned.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BBHrlDzUhPli3XAYwgouDFtYz1B08Dx0SFZF7MLeDPxIydA6pB-5FgPtCaBsP_aMGYznE-tsykzvHHaSn8zPdq4on0p3QSH3qvdrKqr0TvAeTcNigk9_I_dReoRrSTpgF-ZDWXv43B4/s1600/P1070909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BBHrlDzUhPli3XAYwgouDFtYz1B08Dx0SFZF7MLeDPxIydA6pB-5FgPtCaBsP_aMGYznE-tsykzvHHaSn8zPdq4on0p3QSH3qvdrKqr0TvAeTcNigk9_I_dReoRrSTpgF-ZDWXv43B4/s400/P1070909.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back seam finishes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On the back center seam and yoke seams, I used the plain zig zag for the finish. And you know what? I think it looks fine.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRbt0S9ObYOAbjWup0-goCH6wsdQOmuR8uWkWJhu-sMQlU-ruCr1Rb0LJ4R1N1MTf9IVawIlMmpkoU6vhGKe16joMDii6LA-89MUwXqOM6kIVeE1CMOl4CQbA1ceRi9WCI7TbA6TyXtM/s1600/P1070910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIRbt0S9ObYOAbjWup0-goCH6wsdQOmuR8uWkWJhu-sMQlU-ruCr1Rb0LJ4R1N1MTf9IVawIlMmpkoU6vhGKe16joMDii6LA-89MUwXqOM6kIVeE1CMOl4CQbA1ceRi9WCI7TbA6TyXtM/s400/P1070910.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice, tidy hem finish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love his hem finish, similar to the back pocket. Mark the hem, trim and finish to 1/2 inch (15 cm), then topstitch 3/8 inch (10 cm) from the bottom. Nice and smooth. I love it. This is another of the edge finishes available on my machine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPezz27nbOzanm7G6pVHAlu-lEDdhf0dqmZ0NBcfCv6oT92AHBzXvlMHcyTamaUW9WTdC7ijpOBn7O7fGwLZYyTwMuiElM1DhdX3g3XJSEYxKcrztQzw5s3hOe9aQIp7guYUSa4sxbHek/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8eb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPezz27nbOzanm7G6pVHAlu-lEDdhf0dqmZ0NBcfCv6oT92AHBzXvlMHcyTamaUW9WTdC7ijpOBn7O7fGwLZYyTwMuiElM1DhdX3g3XJSEYxKcrztQzw5s3hOe9aQIp7guYUSa4sxbHek/s400/fullsizeoutput_8eb.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hmm, should have pulled them up a bit and stopped moving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's the front view. Sorry for the blur in the photo. I had it on a 3 second timer instead of 10 seconds. On the left front pocket you can see a tiny line of the pocket bag, I'll have to do a better job of turning. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe5m-ri5FFNlX8JFs1LP8ljleRex-fU_MFAbAN10HRUUaqR-asDEagS8Eqy8hbbatr2JY2_rjh5yRqo723k5537M1Y_CUiwScLISDQ-VPOUddNF4FS9zpfCgGDFBW5GYdnN3T9ekeoOQ/s1600/fullsizeoutput_8ea.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQe5m-ri5FFNlX8JFs1LP8ljleRex-fU_MFAbAN10HRUUaqR-asDEagS8Eqy8hbbatr2JY2_rjh5yRqo723k5537M1Y_CUiwScLISDQ-VPOUddNF4FS9zpfCgGDFBW5GYdnN3T9ekeoOQ/s400/fullsizeoutput_8ea.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little baggy, but so comfortable!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here is the rear view. There are a couple of bubbles around the yoke that I hope to fix in the next pair. I'll also have to work on the drag lines lower down. These actually fit better than the original jeans, and are more comfortable than the sweat pants I'm wearing now. All in all, I'm very happy with this class and recommend it to anyone who wants to copy a pair of jeans. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A couple of things to note: Don't use an old stretched out pair as I did. It's impossible to get the graininess straight. The side seams on this pair rotate a bit to the front, a sure sign of being off grain. But I think I will transfer the fit details to a commercial pattern I have and see if that works. Prof King assumes you know how to hem the jeans and put in button holes, so this isn't a class for a complete newbie. But it is pretty detailed. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I definitely recommend trying to find some inexpensive stretch fabric if you are making stretch jeans. I have some black stretch and blue non stretch denim to make two more pair, so I'll consider these my wearable muslin for the stretch fabric. If you take a Craftsy class, be sure to read all the questions and answers before sewing. And do this for the entire class. I didn't and missed a great tip about staying the waistband of stretch denim so it doesn't stretch out further with wear. If I lose more weight and have to replace the waistband, I'll definitely stay it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I have a lot more to share with you about other projects and hope to post more in the coming weeks. </div>
Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-55706876189765806302016-09-25T15:31:00.006-06:002016-09-25T15:46:29.914-06:00Post Convention Blues<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjHQZyh44auxqVQBdo2JGqvR0g5sybptUnIeA3IVhm_007PMFiH8zOQPG0-djy4JvBq8ifRM9nqimxap3SKXDMWO93jhEG4IOm9cTQ09ebfdeEMCL0a0FIeIgebap30P0sAcRk0LXSYE/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbjHQZyh44auxqVQBdo2JGqvR0g5sybptUnIeA3IVhm_007PMFiH8zOQPG0-djy4JvBq8ifRM9nqimxap3SKXDMWO93jhEG4IOm9cTQ09ebfdeEMCL0a0FIeIgebap30P0sAcRk0LXSYE/s400/IMG_0107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Needle holder, needle, and little clamps</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The SAGA Convention in Hampton, Virginia, is over, and most attendees have packed and are off to home. I am staying over tonight as my flight to Denver is Monday morning. I had a wonderful time, meeting old friends and making new ones. Being in Northern Colorado, I'm a bit isolated from all of my stitching friends back in California, so it was nice to reconnect with them and those that I only see at Conventions. Several of the local chapters provide table favors with the meals, so this post will be show you what useful things we received. The theme for this Convention was "Anchored in SAGA" as it was held in Hampton, Virginia, on the East Coast. One of the chapters digitized the logo and embroidered it on felt to create needle books. There were also quilt clamps and a very large needle for making very large bullions. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKhfeVTQpFkCwzu9xPphDs_gZvgzDIkTQg7ypwaFBEHUC_qraXMoi1paudV144135kDojgTH2CmB3SEG25FqVuqp-AZZRwoWvTEolow17emWsxPst6rEyktJzVvjCZoGqOTVvQXdD4UE/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvKhfeVTQpFkCwzu9xPphDs_gZvgzDIkTQg7ypwaFBEHUC_qraXMoi1paudV144135kDojgTH2CmB3SEG25FqVuqp-AZZRwoWvTEolow17emWsxPst6rEyktJzVvjCZoGqOTVvQXdD4UE/s400/IMG_0108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smocking Plates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We were given smocking plates at three meals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeV5rw8lH8FKet_cLrgbqQVKvffnbaQMZiPizd7o8M0z0DrwGMmIq3G6E-Faa_0YU-qDJVgvh94GvFbEi_oDyR48AowwCwgVVBoBO0nu19JgTH5CBZidE1LyDZ_Ibhzo0iPlhATY83nM/s1600/IMG_0109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVeV5rw8lH8FKet_cLrgbqQVKvffnbaQMZiPizd7o8M0z0DrwGMmIq3G6E-Faa_0YU-qDJVgvh94GvFbEi_oDyR48AowwCwgVVBoBO0nu19JgTH5CBZidE1LyDZ_Ibhzo0iPlhATY83nM/s400/IMG_0109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luggage handle cushion, coaster, visor tissue holder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Little sewn items: a luggage handle cushion with room for address information inside an acrylic window, a coaster in nautical theme fabric, and a tissue holder with elastic so it can be stretched over a car visor.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7EWMqSN1bj5VbT564CTsNB0ZaIXuEdC5tO000WwveQPvLINC9PwljAlEQz9Zn_ouhkj63LH-rw6h2YCxEcyPKGxW5s-wJLglBSaTqnGx6yoaxb0sc0-UlX41jyyKnazGFra_JT8lqqk/s1600/IMG_0110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD7EWMqSN1bj5VbT564CTsNB0ZaIXuEdC5tO000WwveQPvLINC9PwljAlEQz9Zn_ouhkj63LH-rw6h2YCxEcyPKGxW5s-wJLglBSaTqnGx6yoaxb0sc0-UlX41jyyKnazGFra_JT8lqqk/s400/IMG_0110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Organza pressing cloth, pleat counter, wax</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The organza pressing cloth was actually a door prize I won (the only thing, alas), a very handy pleat counter and wax for sewing threads. I use a lot of wax so this will be handy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hEd0HhQpV-BIMF8zCHlF0KNhrIgTBvWPizEiHay1dNcdvWAHn-rGsNlJolhX1zZcnLnpqrB4aM42k6DrNcV_Op2FRSAHFJGqEG1Q4IJ3KPofdeuclwTdBh2WvM1GKkk2Bp_OqvMSSVY/s1600/IMG_0112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7hEd0HhQpV-BIMF8zCHlF0KNhrIgTBvWPizEiHay1dNcdvWAHn-rGsNlJolhX1zZcnLnpqrB4aM42k6DrNcV_Op2FRSAHFJGqEG1Q4IJ3KPofdeuclwTdBh2WvM1GKkk2Bp_OqvMSSVY/s400/IMG_0112.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't forget the beer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
No, this wasn't a table favor. One of the ladies didn't manage to drink the beer she bought, so I'm bringing it home for Mr CS. I'm sure he will love it. He's been babysitting since I left on Monday so will be glad to get a bit of relief. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I took four different classes all on embroidery, and I will blog separately about each one, which I hope will make me complete them. So, more to come!<br />
<br />
Oops, one last thing. Follow this <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1554532568114047/" target="_blank">link</a> to the SAGA Smock Along FB page. The mayor of Hampton showed up to visit the Convention. He actually knew what pleating was and posed in front of the Wee Care gowns. What a guy! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-16444425855644627512016-09-21T11:25:00.002-06:002016-09-21T11:27:22.702-06:00SAGA Convention - Pre Day Tour of Williamsburg<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh62lW7k-0qQod338-HY4CpifJCpNZjD5q0YirnVgEawqN3W1j278ZjUX_93ZyuoMBvs8lsA028BMTgT-FG4_CWQngEFvaILhs53X55lYBrGtxmObKwnwdem1ZA4eSXUGBEPMhcKnuvk/s1600/IMG_1550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPh62lW7k-0qQod338-HY4CpifJCpNZjD5q0YirnVgEawqN3W1j278ZjUX_93ZyuoMBvs8lsA028BMTgT-FG4_CWQngEFvaILhs53X55lYBrGtxmObKwnwdem1ZA4eSXUGBEPMhcKnuvk/s400/IMG_1550.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He did his own embroidery!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our pre day tour yesterday of Williamsburg focused on textiles, of course, with some behind the scenes tours. This gentleman was wearing a completely hand made outfit, complete with embroidery on the waistcoat and buttons that he did himself. I appreciate that they stay in character as much as possible, even to the extent of growing their hair long as appropriate to the period.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpiBJLIgAFf1_Ym8MH18WK1kfR4-HLru-U_XFIxWIe-satrm6zcP3l7dd4js-i3zwwnSkg-59jltgfHpQWn_ZQJPRLdsZ3qa-1MPoxLncAZNFULZRDAHR3lhghaifjFR4hxH3oicbrm0/s1600/IMG_0075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNpiBJLIgAFf1_Ym8MH18WK1kfR4-HLru-U_XFIxWIe-satrm6zcP3l7dd4js-i3zwwnSkg-59jltgfHpQWn_ZQJPRLdsZ3qa-1MPoxLncAZNFULZRDAHR3lhghaifjFR4hxH3oicbrm0/s400/IMG_0075.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tuft Weaving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When Mr California Stitching and I visited Williamsburg a few years ago, we could only see the looms standing idle with no one to explain how they were used. This time there were ladies who were actually weaving articles to be used in the compound. This lady is "tuft weaving" in which the warp threads are tied around the weft to make a fuzzy rug, similar to latch hooking. This rug will adorn a bed in one of the homes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8ExAxpm8q5TQdNOQpgZoYtNfV9G8RJII2XPG6kNOowhmIvswItX664x_l67oHT4hLYPNRTxjkcwa6UCCS6xGW70EjRY_TCEQz8LmY-I2cf0Cu_6SWcSlWDYqI6V6E3sFSpPu2m7nCII/s1600/IMG_0071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja8ExAxpm8q5TQdNOQpgZoYtNfV9G8RJII2XPG6kNOowhmIvswItX664x_l67oHT4hLYPNRTxjkcwa6UCCS6xGW70EjRY_TCEQz8LmY-I2cf0Cu_6SWcSlWDYqI6V6E3sFSpPu2m7nCII/s400/IMG_0071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hemstitching a Horse Blanket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This weaver is working on a horse blanket to keep one of the many horses warm during the winter. She is finished with one length, and is hemstitching the blanket prior to taking it off the loom. She will then weave another and join the two to make it double wide. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitNNFlwFKvZNjOzhC6CRPJPigt36TnaMUePYWeCPdn_CYABeqCXCdjZ6lvQIoILw6kU7lwDuuDwuKZfn7qiTDz12TmuKieJn2k_HqDdtbcXjFrqUUzdQGHcf8puQKKWpTRU0aArlfeBQ/s1600/IMG_0073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiitNNFlwFKvZNjOzhC6CRPJPigt36TnaMUePYWeCPdn_CYABeqCXCdjZ6lvQIoILw6kU7lwDuuDwuKZfn7qiTDz12TmuKieJn2k_HqDdtbcXjFrqUUzdQGHcf8puQKKWpTRU0aArlfeBQ/s400/IMG_0073.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All Natural Colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some examples of the dyed threads used in weaving. All are dyed using plant or insect material that was found in nature during the mid to late 18th century. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>To my non American readers:</i> Williamsburg is a working 18th century compound in Virginia to show people what life was like for the first colonists. Well, maybe not the first, but subsequent generations. Not many of the first colonists survived.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJH3rK44jfUKiiiMVCuXwt_Y71Vyj0fiGaPFKcL00mzebpgeaY3KNXGduPHR2Hv5Yg-6Sw8fqU0cJ7lKEyXdTJ-ZkYiS-bgHTr2iqBl3Dsw2-eUsaG93b41rgDSOhdnYKPRV7wDU2zw4/s1600/IMG_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivJH3rK44jfUKiiiMVCuXwt_Y71Vyj0fiGaPFKcL00mzebpgeaY3KNXGduPHR2Hv5Yg-6Sw8fqU0cJ7lKEyXdTJ-ZkYiS-bgHTr2iqBl3Dsw2-eUsaG93b41rgDSOhdnYKPRV7wDU2zw4/s400/IMG_0082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carding Lambswool</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This lady is carding lambswool to get it nice and untangled so she can spin it into yarn. She explained that carding was mainly a job for children, to keep them occupied during inclement weather. This particular wheel is a treadle spinning wheel, which represents a three fold productivity increase over the older walking wheel. To operate the walking wheel, the spinner has to walk back and forth to get the yarn wound onto the shuttle. The treadle operator only has to pump the treadle while sitting, much easier!<br />
<br />
All of these photos were taken with the cell phone, as I stupidly took the camera connection wire out of my bag and placed it on the bed at home before leaving. I have to get back to my class now, and will take some photos with the cell phone this afternoon to share with you.Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-48015109908974972682016-09-16T17:07:00.001-06:002016-09-16T17:07:27.841-06:00McCall's 7352 is Finished! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AjC_9Ftb7Ove-7kEHTi_hI8ttSUP7uqD6YbF19i8vvjwQxWOwGe3ja1xzQXBG762XYgWenuzxcXkzvei7t9dsAw9Wh3fRmJNDk7A0O_gvwD2VDCxnw8GoUWGWd8yRGpAobwWkx3vTXA/s1600/P1070814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8AjC_9Ftb7Ove-7kEHTi_hI8ttSUP7uqD6YbF19i8vvjwQxWOwGe3ja1xzQXBG762XYgWenuzxcXkzvei7t9dsAw9Wh3fRmJNDk7A0O_gvwD2VDCxnw8GoUWGWd8yRGpAobwWkx3vTXA/s400/P1070814.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pick stitching the zipper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The silk top is finished, thank goodness! As I mentioned in the last <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.mx/2016/09/new-project-silk-top.html" target="_blank">post</a>, I'm making this using couture techniques, so there are lots and lots of hand sewing. I have made one <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/2013/07/some-garment-sewing.html" target="_blank">dress</a> using some of these techniques, but this is the first time I made a garment start to finish using couture methods. I really like inserting the zipper by hand, it gives you such great control. The pick stitch is amazingly secure. I practiced on a sample and I had to cut each and every stitch to be able to remove the zipper. I was very surprised at this, it is much more secure than machine stitching.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw473mHPwtFdwJNFWLN2lHvrR_w3HfIDG9TqvFbxbYigcJY1w9wfg41Wgp7SsfXxhhjMk1UVlPcuBxCFNUPJwd9IH1v86SyLwfUG9b0qk6P5kHDeu4eB2sIq4mTGrtoMIuhB3OP14vziw/s1600/P1070815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw473mHPwtFdwJNFWLN2lHvrR_w3HfIDG9TqvFbxbYigcJY1w9wfg41Wgp7SsfXxhhjMk1UVlPcuBxCFNUPJwd9IH1v86SyLwfUG9b0qk6P5kHDeu4eB2sIq4mTGrtoMIuhB3OP14vziw/s400/P1070815.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basting in the sleeve lining</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I lined the top with this lovely silk charmeuse. This stuff is amazingly slipper and hard to control. Here I'm basting the sleeve lining in before sewing by machine. It took a few tries to get it right.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-Pp3RqJnD9GEw13Yc6VYi8sfAjSmSeaiNCDWIVUS25eVVSOpEydyEZmT6MhVoWHQENARIxTFdvqFWx9eSREe7wNJfNsg68QJ_78nkmHY8U3KFxiU8w72kCUuEZBVeR2u1jT18yDTNNs/s1600/P1070817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-Pp3RqJnD9GEw13Yc6VYi8sfAjSmSeaiNCDWIVUS25eVVSOpEydyEZmT6MhVoWHQENARIxTFdvqFWx9eSREe7wNJfNsg68QJ_78nkmHY8U3KFxiU8w72kCUuEZBVeR2u1jT18yDTNNs/s400/P1070817.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Under stitching the lining at the neckline</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The lining was inserted completely by hand, and using the pick stitch I under stitched the entire neckline lining.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzphMuSUSwYvpedZPq43xlYpIUQUp7dBRWyV8p46VRFgaG4rKIPKa213yhyphenhyphenMUt5muqTnIQDOj9bfcoR9BEnDjZO_GifP-Y7s2uJ6lbtJKBT-XlxbFNwKTNWzgIY6lNHcPoMcgQ2duds9o/s1600/P1070818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzphMuSUSwYvpedZPq43xlYpIUQUp7dBRWyV8p46VRFgaG4rKIPKa213yhyphenhyphenMUt5muqTnIQDOj9bfcoR9BEnDjZO_GifP-Y7s2uJ6lbtJKBT-XlxbFNwKTNWzgIY6lNHcPoMcgQ2duds9o/s400/P1070818.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hemming with a jump pleat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Susan Khaljie Craftsy class was for a dress, and emphasized the need for a jump pleat at the hem (for a sheath dress only). I decided to try this with the top, but too many times I sewed the entire fold to the hem of the dupioni. So that needs to be redone if I want it to be right.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lVA28taY0_eg36ETQvegxNkgnGKSbV7uslp3OK9Lrg3a3fF7oLvAorkfgw9xPirNTJkvE3gidKAP1D4yGxJ-eu7VYPt-cE_m1r0nRzd0jGAbqRM7esF5Bdn4AyfvHQbkAtcTPO0bgo4/s1600/P1070820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lVA28taY0_eg36ETQvegxNkgnGKSbV7uslp3OK9Lrg3a3fF7oLvAorkfgw9xPirNTJkvE3gidKAP1D4yGxJ-eu7VYPt-cE_m1r0nRzd0jGAbqRM7esF5Bdn4AyfvHQbkAtcTPO0bgo4/s400/P1070820.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit snug on Phil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And here it is finished. It's a bit snug on Phil, as I've lost some weight since I made the cover. I'll modify the cover at a later date. Now I'm rushing to get a skirt done before I leave for the SAGA Convention on Monday. I still need to pack and arrange all my sewing supplies. Also, we've been babysitting the grandson during the day. Too much to do!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-41136525779120168762016-09-07T14:10:00.000-06:002016-09-07T16:53:12.343-06:00New Project - A Silk Top<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGglSt-6VO4GVgTaD3Fxx9BNBsaatgPvvty58lwLPqmUBgO5rQMFkSQBWz9k2wuqxYpq53KYRzQJEAFluFi2vQnd1oWq_3TwGo2DCtAl1BNkzQJo1EVuyjKh9jliuYCNWIETxg7ZDRko/s1600/P1070810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGglSt-6VO4GVgTaD3Fxx9BNBsaatgPvvty58lwLPqmUBgO5rQMFkSQBWz9k2wuqxYpq53KYRzQJEAFluFi2vQnd1oWq_3TwGo2DCtAl1BNkzQJo1EVuyjKh9jliuYCNWIETxg7ZDRko/s400/P1070810.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely red silks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I'm going to the SAGA Convention later this month, in less than two weeks in fact, and I decided to make a top and skirt for the annual banquet. I had the red dupioni on the right in the photo in my stash, purchased a few years ago during a shopping trip to the Los Angeles fashion district. The silk charmeuse for the lining came from Elfriede's Fabric Store in Boulder just last week. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I purchased a Craftsy class, The Couture Dress by Susan Khalje and is it ever an amazing class! Susan has so much great experience and she explains why she does each step all along the way. Instead of a dress, I decided to try it out on a simple top. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1gyq79X7mrL6sq_2xAMZQWoyxlTbtmGQgAJKA-Jji7lsf6rV_D8pCkYjembWt8FT6xgoHMY7sPSsoP9Yg4McObZYWibv_hKIYbBMwJKESprn6FvV-lo15tiVk4NOFbP1HJOmI8nHH1w/s1600/P1070731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy1gyq79X7mrL6sq_2xAMZQWoyxlTbtmGQgAJKA-Jji7lsf6rV_D8pCkYjembWt8FT6xgoHMY7sPSsoP9Yg4McObZYWibv_hKIYbBMwJKESprn6FvV-lo15tiVk4NOFbP1HJOmI8nHH1w/s400/P1070731.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Awesome pattern</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm using <a href="https://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m7352" target="_blank">McCall's 7352</a>, which is a princess seamed fit and flare dress. In this particular pattern, the princess seams go right up to the shoulder seam, instead of the ending at the armscye like most princess seamed patterns. If you remember, back in July I made a <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/2016/07/new-project-dress-form-cover_14.html" target="_blank">dress form cover</a> using this same pattern, so I knew I had most of the fitting solved. </div>
<br />
In Susan's class, you first make a muslin, which I did all over again, ensuring that it fits properly, then use it for your pattern. I didn't take photos of the process, so I'll jump ahead to the construction. All the pattern markings are made on a silk organza underlining, rather than the red dupioni. Then the silk organza is hand basted along the stitching lines with silk basting thread.<br />
<br />
Silk dupioni can be rather difficult to work with and wear. It wrinkles easily and ravels ferociously! The silk organza underlining gives it great body and is supposed to keep it from wrinkling so much. The very large seam allowances, along with catch stitching the SAs to the underlining, keep it from raveling.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4vUj7BSv5D-V0RLj1WCeEw87_U9W17ZTPq_aI4qDhqOeChhqaHFUgFiBTBTTrMHLyugCPFB4hyu0gu3ouiXMDg5ogqwFqdNUDOBzvx2lLehkvDCR7dtOgYjmHGY4iuC2uRMk7T4pUgs/s1600/P1070812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4vUj7BSv5D-V0RLj1WCeEw87_U9W17ZTPq_aI4qDhqOeChhqaHFUgFiBTBTTrMHLyugCPFB4hyu0gu3ouiXMDg5ogqwFqdNUDOBzvx2lLehkvDCR7dtOgYjmHGY4iuC2uRMk7T4pUgs/s400/P1070812.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corticelli silk thread</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This thread is rather difficult to find, especially as it's not made any longer but I managed to score three small spools at a flea market in Fallbrook, Southern California. There is also a Japanese thread that Susan recommends, which is also difficult to find. The thread I have is very soft and so easy to stitch with. The best part, however, is when you remove the stitching, there are no holes left in the dupioni. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jGywlWSfi5UoYRoZ3wGnzD5Yl-elBk4_J3Kc3NePMkNp2N2pMPjnNtM_IzozxD0KGOWdNFy30seyaaMWSCiqSFLvZjglskz1LXFZxXx3oP3Wm8eabwDizAmWEOqAE6mfQIim0kx6Bn8/s1600/P1070811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jGywlWSfi5UoYRoZ3wGnzD5Yl-elBk4_J3Kc3NePMkNp2N2pMPjnNtM_IzozxD0KGOWdNFy30seyaaMWSCiqSFLvZjglskz1LXFZxXx3oP3Wm8eabwDizAmWEOqAE6mfQIim0kx6Bn8/s400/P1070811.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thread tracing the seam lines</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here I'm basting the organza to the dupioni along the seam lines. After that is done, the pieces are basted together to make absolutely certain the fit is correct before machine sewing the top.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5gNwNlCO2CSQsExiYCaTouFtVB_gm5H7t4Pb5_PgiUnU9c_Cdcjf-8S4z32GatB4CHvMJuH3FxEWDooNm3jLf_NB5ko2-eqL3et1qWokWEXcUuoMnWJ_rJ5Y0H9Xu9fVAdSrN01phWU/s1600/P1070809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_5gNwNlCO2CSQsExiYCaTouFtVB_gm5H7t4Pb5_PgiUnU9c_Cdcjf-8S4z32GatB4CHvMJuH3FxEWDooNm3jLf_NB5ko2-eqL3et1qWokWEXcUuoMnWJ_rJ5Y0H9Xu9fVAdSrN01phWU/s400/P1070809.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The basted shell on Phil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is the basted top, with no sleeves, on my dress form, Phil (after my sewing grandmother). This is quite a time consuming process, but by focusing on the stitching lines rather than the cut edges, it's much easier to get a great fit. Well, that assumes I can fit myself, which is rather a challenge. The top is somewhat snug on Phil, because I fit it to myself, and now I'm one size smaller than I was in July when I made the dress form cover.<br />
<br />
Next up, machine stitching, removing the basting, pressing and catch stitching all the seam allowances. Then on to the sleeves.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-80912516107191094842016-08-25T22:52:00.005-06:002016-08-25T22:52:51.899-06:00Construction and Finishing<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzu_JCZjJBQYXAuDORYZHmbNidb3j4LjpJRPFDTJEaqXkJ3_0bAFGcNuEoshyphenhyphen5JogQrtCDyTLiblRsEtDRpHLF5ONAI7k0BHHvvA1gda32XljtokKNOfiTX1nJp0KArZoh6hsw92FomI/s1600/P1070790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWzu_JCZjJBQYXAuDORYZHmbNidb3j4LjpJRPFDTJEaqXkJ3_0bAFGcNuEoshyphenhyphen5JogQrtCDyTLiblRsEtDRpHLF5ONAI7k0BHHvvA1gda32XljtokKNOfiTX1nJp0KArZoh6hsw92FomI/s400/P1070790.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing the bag to the frame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The title of this post is a bit of a misnomer, as I forgot to take photos of the construction. Which is no big deal, as it was very simple, just the lining sewn to the silk embroidered piece and turned right side out. The tricky part was sewing the bag top to the purse frame. I ruined at least two needles doing this.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2_bmUzKjyDuLE4gBy64tWiRKFAoISW34EMEpea3o3NwGttZss82mgQ_DF7zeD9OYnTZ9IwCtINfPk_8xuOEIpBEluFtr0SEksfqLDDO8CGaBOQkwzT7pafFSrw0lUDukZqOHDlEVg7g/s1600/P1070798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_2_bmUzKjyDuLE4gBy64tWiRKFAoISW34EMEpea3o3NwGttZss82mgQ_DF7zeD9OYnTZ9IwCtINfPk_8xuOEIpBEluFtr0SEksfqLDDO8CGaBOQkwzT7pafFSrw0lUDukZqOHDlEVg7g/s400/P1070798.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carefully stuffing the bag into the frame corners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I keep a package of manicure sticks on hand for pushing fabric into tight spots without puncturing the fabric. The sticks are perfect for this.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DADgFd5Sxgp0wJpmw9yYerIFDT0G-NLinqomHcXPkzklFIOCsLurTg8tA5l_wyXiCG_fEeNb9V0a6LD2lZUmO-obVOsmzsfC-Um279wD88yUR6UOOZSkw7vJp1ewl-Dq_MKwdqpnZ5I/s1600/P1070801.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DADgFd5Sxgp0wJpmw9yYerIFDT0G-NLinqomHcXPkzklFIOCsLurTg8tA5l_wyXiCG_fEeNb9V0a6LD2lZUmO-obVOsmzsfC-Um279wD88yUR6UOOZSkw7vJp1ewl-Dq_MKwdqpnZ5I/s400/P1070801.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berries made from pebble beads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For a long time now, I've been of the opinion that beads make any embroidery, whether smocking, surface embroidery, or counted work, much better and more exciting. I love to add a little bling to the pieces I work on. Evidently, the designer, Susan O'Connor, must feel the sam way, as she uses beads quite extravagantly in this purse. First of all, the yellow berries are made of pebble beads wrapped with thread and secured with a red seed bead on top. The large pink flower looks like it sneezed a few beads.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrpbnSToNrhVx0nSAYHpBV4ECP5l-YpD4HZ6Mc87XzL8TmZp5ti0aAcPzYz2CAu352ubswNHGyS2tjFV4GlcnaPDVjngmO4kr4S1C4Hn8-MMg_Hvy0heKUeCaCzHqFDH6JKTUk5MBrSE/s1600/P1070803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrpbnSToNrhVx0nSAYHpBV4ECP5l-YpD4HZ6Mc87XzL8TmZp5ti0aAcPzYz2CAu352ubswNHGyS2tjFV4GlcnaPDVjngmO4kr4S1C4Hn8-MMg_Hvy0heKUeCaCzHqFDH6JKTUk5MBrSE/s400/P1070803.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the blackberries have beads</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The blackberries are adorned with little blue seed beads to give them a bit of dimension and light. <div>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y6tIgW3jpmGmC_eatgem-9Mui4Tf-0XTDHbEp3GRTuSG8zau3I16JrxD2NyfhXwU_qFYERoCKHqbNbxNmRX5Z_GSaKy0hXRUnYQ200t7qh2tYOb4OK_dzhnHaQ9kRrhSCAOEXHTEN0o/s1600/P1070806.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Y6tIgW3jpmGmC_eatgem-9Mui4Tf-0XTDHbEp3GRTuSG8zau3I16JrxD2NyfhXwU_qFYERoCKHqbNbxNmRX5Z_GSaKy0hXRUnYQ200t7qh2tYOb4OK_dzhnHaQ9kRrhSCAOEXHTEN0o/s400/P1070806.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More beads on the blue flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The blue flowers (what they are, I haven't a clue) have lots of gold beads surrounding them. There are more than the pattern specified, so I had to raid my stash to finish the somewhat dense bead pattern that I made.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZuPl3bbYbuYxBz2is7bvwxX3QI4xsDSwY24ixvVO1L2hM_9mm3UOQQezatvV5AvW6_P_oMW1y8Mw_LDqXLpnUW_q0GmMI0uTlvD8eavWEMSt0_5eB-PQz9jcUZT31_s4qoL5AgFMK9U/s1600/P1070805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZuPl3bbYbuYxBz2is7bvwxX3QI4xsDSwY24ixvVO1L2hM_9mm3UOQQezatvV5AvW6_P_oMW1y8Mw_LDqXLpnUW_q0GmMI0uTlvD8eavWEMSt0_5eB-PQz9jcUZT31_s4qoL5AgFMK9U/s400/P1070805.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spangles and beads on the back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Even the back of the bag has spangles attached with beads.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JdsQFj7_7ioo7aQ6HWalQCju_mzczidav1QmuPcqaq-sY-lbnxjk1MPsWsg4z8zwIKReSCjU-pF5N3JjmJj4mQhhUm3RVG98OrnoLMTZzIsUXUbDrOlmeZdwpw_QqY3QcMR-st3FLQU/s1600/P1070800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JdsQFj7_7ioo7aQ6HWalQCju_mzczidav1QmuPcqaq-sY-lbnxjk1MPsWsg4z8zwIKReSCjU-pF5N3JjmJj4mQhhUm3RVG98OrnoLMTZzIsUXUbDrOlmeZdwpw_QqY3QcMR-st3FLQU/s400/P1070800.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished bag</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are a few spangles with beads on the front of the bag as well. And look at the big pink flower on the right, the center is surrounded by beads.<br />
<br />
The bag is lined with burgundy satin, but all of my photos had too much light reflecting off the hardware, so you will have to take my word for it. I just couldn't get a good picture. If you look closely at the frame, there are two little triangles for a strap to be attached. They are too small for a fabric strap, as the instructions state, and besides, I think I prefer a clutch. Maybe if I find a nice, delicate chain, I might buy one and attach it, but I will decide that later.<br />
<br />
All in all, I'm pretty pleased with it. It's big enough for a phone, some cash and a lipstick, which is all I need. Now to find a dress to go with it for the <a href="http://www.smocking.org/saga_national_events.php" target="_blank">Convention</a> banquet!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-28501611769280808852016-08-12T10:03:00.003-06:002016-08-12T10:15:17.328-06:00Embroidery Finished! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4khPuzwDz6tArsrb6_dX7ZPIJrWBbyI0KHnSClNXwn4dY0MKBvhYFHp37Iu92yjGBOQ-ylwWxfNjj5s6cEexOZSY7Jx4QfW_zK568N2qd2TaQ5prpA9CZ50YooqIpkGV6zBHrtIc6ECM/s1600/P1070762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4khPuzwDz6tArsrb6_dX7ZPIJrWBbyI0KHnSClNXwn4dY0MKBvhYFHp37Iu92yjGBOQ-ylwWxfNjj5s6cEexOZSY7Jx4QfW_zK568N2qd2TaQ5prpA9CZ50YooqIpkGV6zBHrtIc6ECM/s400/P1070762.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odd looking leaves for the blackberry bunches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are just a few finishing touches on the embroidery for the Embroidered Silk Evening Bag. As I was looking at the photo of the finished bag, I noticed that I had completely forgot the leaves and sepals for the blackberries. The chalk markings had completely rubbed off the silk fabric. So I carefully drew them in by hand with a chalk pencil. Then I realized that the center thread is supposed to be Au Ver au Soie, Soie d'Alger No 516, a dark green that you can see in the centers of the other leaves above. Unfortunately, I am completely out of it. I looked through my stash and decided No 514 is close enough, so that's what I used. With the lighter green outlining the leaves I think it looks fine. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38DxU46xvjN8zxq2fYkQ-r3f0wckPuGHIkfMjHmyHqCF4CeaacDvT4HuBCVock7pUH97jG4LHYwd8grAaKqxD-vG9cNoe3rtwY3P5Cio0T2-YkHM0vwt0HxdCpGn0bqiG7PWO6ry6TvM/s1600/P1070763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj38DxU46xvjN8zxq2fYkQ-r3f0wckPuGHIkfMjHmyHqCF4CeaacDvT4HuBCVock7pUH97jG4LHYwd8grAaKqxD-vG9cNoe3rtwY3P5Cio0T2-YkHM0vwt0HxdCpGn0bqiG7PWO6ry6TvM/s400/P1070763.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do the beads represent, pollen?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I placed little gold beads around the blue flower spray. I used many more than the directions specified, so had to raid my stash for a few more. Luckily, I have plenty of the same color. I also filled in the center of the large pink flower with yellow Ghiordes knots and encircled it with beads.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDskSrKFGj0yj3qwCiEfXNexrqPHN2sIfsmliOXifrGNuNwIan-cqJaqNbb82BLQBeoDV6oBNiILbV7ipN4FRJRiGrOo3a-MjnI_2kJYcP8J7Dk_QQPf74PHbO-XCt28ScuXuGjpO32A/s1600/P1070782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKDskSrKFGj0yj3qwCiEfXNexrqPHN2sIfsmliOXifrGNuNwIan-cqJaqNbb82BLQBeoDV6oBNiILbV7ipN4FRJRiGrOo3a-MjnI_2kJYcP8J7Dk_QQPf74PHbO-XCt28ScuXuGjpO32A/s400/P1070782.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue buds added to the blue flower </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In the last post I mentioned that I couldn't figure out what the flower spray below the blue flower is supposed to look like, so I rubbed the chalk away and drew in new markings. Then I added the blue buds with pink accents and a brown branch.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeZnEvjaaEVh5ySTkttYl3IKc1ZDpWVqbDtn1m-B1M0yddT7WoD-brIYsZSBcKAEK-aPmPCPEc-VTGM0eqJhyqUFFi0GrCQNXMPN8XX3pldBDy0_RuAKBXs1Mz0qnhaTStSNz7o14N9E/s1600/P1070781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzeZnEvjaaEVh5ySTkttYl3IKc1ZDpWVqbDtn1m-B1M0yddT7WoD-brIYsZSBcKAEK-aPmPCPEc-VTGM0eqJhyqUFFi0GrCQNXMPN8XX3pldBDy0_RuAKBXs1Mz0qnhaTStSNz7o14N9E/s400/P1070781.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally finished! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Here is the entire embroidery, all complete. Now I just have to make it into a bag. The directions include a fabric handle, but the joins on the purse hardware are just too tiny to make it work. I'll head over to Joann's to see if I can find a small chain that will fit, otherwise I'll have to look online. Can't wait to get this done.<br />
<br />
If you would like to see all of the posts for this project, this <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/Embroidered%20Silk%20Evening%20Bag" target="_blank">link</a> will take you to them.<br />
<br />
A quick PSA (Public Service Announcement for those who read in other languages): I am now starting to answer comments in the blog directly below each comment, so please check back a while after you leave a comment. Thanks for all your lovely remarks, I do appreciate them. Now I'm off to do some grocery shopping. We just got a freezer for the new house and it's time to fill it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-910819955140725432016-08-03T11:11:00.002-06:002016-08-03T11:11:49.266-06:00Embroidered Bag Progress<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvDMWVgPOggrXhRgFkCTCFs4TZAymW0-lHKk0M2nJ6RPU-iDaVv3CkuWAjc3UfEZ-8pcsCPRIGEY0FbpVGRFmGbtBcdvhR2WLC9jxXvAXY0wFuJ9l3a4oKRifpMan9BDfSjHTrntoKw8/s1600/P1070739.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihvDMWVgPOggrXhRgFkCTCFs4TZAymW0-lHKk0M2nJ6RPU-iDaVv3CkuWAjc3UfEZ-8pcsCPRIGEY0FbpVGRFmGbtBcdvhR2WLC9jxXvAXY0wFuJ9l3a4oKRifpMan9BDfSjHTrntoKw8/s400/P1070739.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty needle minder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope those of you in the Northern Hemisphere are managing to stay cool. It's been pretty hot here, getting to 101 ℉ (38℃) on Monday. Tomorrow we may get some cooler weather, and I must say I am looking forward to it. It's been over a year since I posted on the <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/Embroidered%20Silk%20Evening%20Bag" target="_blank">Embroidered Evening Bag</a>, but I've been working hard lately to finish it. Above right, you can see that I've finished the blue/purple flowers. Since this project is worked entirely in Soie d'Alger silks, it's pretty expensive. I had run out of the light blue, but ordered more from <a href="http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/index.php" target="_blank">Hedgehog Handworks</a>. To save the silk for surface stitching, I made the padding of the blue flowers from a corresponding color of DMC floss. As the silk is upwards of $4.90 per skein vs $0.39 for the floss, this is quite a savings, especially if you do a lot of padding.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tjD04ZMyyDYLMsxKcEw7hbZKBGPoNJ-uitivxg_iDwltmoLEXn_rwa_O4tPsFhMu2sFrCP5y6EMsxsGAE7-mf_YlgDJ8cLtliZ8WZ08F5bsIHPdUqfSTKEOvVep3tyNmqCuXj7ynIqs/s1600/P1070740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5tjD04ZMyyDYLMsxKcEw7hbZKBGPoNJ-uitivxg_iDwltmoLEXn_rwa_O4tPsFhMu2sFrCP5y6EMsxsGAE7-mf_YlgDJ8cLtliZ8WZ08F5bsIHPdUqfSTKEOvVep3tyNmqCuXj7ynIqs/s400/P1070740.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pink buds almost finished</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here I only have the tips of the pink buds to finish, along with the center of the large flower. Since the center will be Ghiordes knots surrounded by beads, I'm saving it for last. This will help to avoid any snagging.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwdSKC6Lmg-qipERKcFI427UHNylzOsNK3q70k7SxzM0jE_GGRb3xcpDWyqFVmDj32FgXYccGpLGYvmIbxZ1kROUdPk_A5Kon5C_cv_BHVMQDIERDWzoAicKPKRZiSG__EtXPbif6z_I/s1600/P1070741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPwdSKC6Lmg-qipERKcFI427UHNylzOsNK3q70k7SxzM0jE_GGRb3xcpDWyqFVmDj32FgXYccGpLGYvmIbxZ1kROUdPk_A5Kon5C_cv_BHVMQDIERDWzoAicKPKRZiSG__EtXPbif6z_I/s400/P1070741.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grapes are a bit more grape-like</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you look at the link to the previous <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/2015/07/embroidering-large-pink-bud.html" target="_blank">post</a> (over a year ago!) the grapes sort of flowed together in a mash up. I seriously considered taking them all out, but after thinking about this for maybe five minutes, I added a few strategically placed French knots which seemed to make them rounder and more grape-like.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwCxwePEx_skMynA-vQ7bQVJ38atsbikuuLlxvbukiqHlLRsSIZg8SgIzWVsvlDSSeeqPeUe6gr35ddfpMdpmAdKwFaQIzs9-eEjxyhWnkauZpoZEiVOqDDpPtuL0WHejQSGoCOSrVg0/s1600/P1070742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEwCxwePEx_skMynA-vQ7bQVJ38atsbikuuLlxvbukiqHlLRsSIZg8SgIzWVsvlDSSeeqPeUe6gr35ddfpMdpmAdKwFaQIzs9-eEjxyhWnkauZpoZEiVOqDDpPtuL0WHejQSGoCOSrVg0/s400/P1070742.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What is the mystery bud below the blue flower?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I finished the little blue flower, again padding the petals with DMC floss. There are some sketchy lines just below the blue flower that don't seem to correspond with the original drawing. I'll have to figure out just what to do with it. Besides the mystery bud(s), I only have to finish the centers of the blue and pink flowers, the pink flower buds, a few tendrils and stems here and there, and add a lot of spangles overall. Then comes the construction, which looks pretty easy.<br />
<br />
One aggravation that creeped in a few days ago is that I broke the broke the post of this embroidery hoop. It is a large sit upon hoop so now I have to hold it in my hands to work on the project until I can find a replacement.<br />
<br />
I'm sure you are all wondering why I have picked this particular project to finish now. Well, there is a very good reason for it. In September, I will be attending the <a href="http://www.hedgehoghandworks.com/catalog/index.php" target="_blank">SAGA Convention</a> in Hampton, Virginia. This particular project is from a class my SAGA chapter in California held back in November, 2013, almost three years ago by the talented Susan O'Connor from Australia. Besides wanting to have a nice bag for the annual banquet, I will be taking three days of classes from Susan. I will definitely want to show this evening bag off!Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-58359735748235964882016-07-14T14:58:00.003-06:002016-07-14T16:00:36.289-06:00New Project - Dress Form Cover <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMZF9uiCUgxzo50hl4DioEnQr3pchRRoIxKL3CmyQ7XH61PCz1gwNUP0rRLhaVRrW3kX_vRjRy-nyTf6POjOoRdIN9oVHfUdI-8V_V61Y9VvwCQdOBfc2S9T-KB9DZnOFvxikPwhoVsc/s1600/P1070721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMZF9uiCUgxzo50hl4DioEnQr3pchRRoIxKL3CmyQ7XH61PCz1gwNUP0rRLhaVRrW3kX_vRjRy-nyTf6POjOoRdIN9oVHfUdI-8V_V61Y9VvwCQdOBfc2S9T-KB9DZnOFvxikPwhoVsc/s400/P1070721.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very sad dress form on the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I bought the dress form you see in the above photo while still in California, and for a while, it worked pretty well. I had it pretty close to my measurements. But sadly, neglect set in and I've gained weight. In this <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/2016/07/starting-to-sew-again.html" target="_blank">post</a>, you can see how loosely the dress hangs on the form. It fits on me a whole lot better, but it's not perfect. Since I paid good money to have it stored for nine months and then shipped to the new house, I thought I had better make use of it.<br />
<br />
As I mentioned in the last post, I purchased a Craftsy class, Customize Your Dress Form with Judy Jackson, on how to make a dress form cover to match your own body. I took inspiration from Bunny at <a href="http://lasewist.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">La Sewista</a>, who made her own cover a few years ago. Click on this <a href="http://lasewist.blogspot.com/2013/02/that-skinny-hippedflat-tummied-dummy-is.html" target="_blank">link</a> for her last post on it. I also studied the tutorial on by Laurie Nash of Sew Chic, which is very in depth. This <a href="http://sewchicpatterns.blogspot.com/2011/11/copy-your-figure-dressform-tutorial.html" target="_blank">link</a> will lead you to her first post of the tutorial.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGiDAvZesvTzMpzkEVRLBO8yq6VuqQ2ojdA01Wg3wflx0qLqONj3NAo4RLih4Jg67-YT8Ce6F8pW-4qqDVuJT4Yr3-M3NfZpo1UHOADVt3rQacT0dvC0RW8P4G-m4fQNCZngNhaN6k9Y/s1600/P1070731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGiDAvZesvTzMpzkEVRLBO8yq6VuqQ2ojdA01Wg3wflx0qLqONj3NAo4RLih4Jg67-YT8Ce6F8pW-4qqDVuJT4Yr3-M3NfZpo1UHOADVt3rQacT0dvC0RW8P4G-m4fQNCZngNhaN6k9Y/s400/P1070731.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pattern has princess seams to the shoulder</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the things that is all important is to make sure to pick a good pattern, specifically one with princess seams that run up to the shoulder, not the armscye. I used McCall's 7352 for this.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUGzKgNnDxTWxK45Iqi6Ri9tHxosYCBBZwXCLGGlteeuTAHjUC2Try1nNeI9SBqt-rOY4K9ZYSdgQSNOFIZ2eonqh9e_dUh6tny-GaxSwfS72reYmzJBhCSRSw7CtdgI2rxkECqQJYHw/s1600/P1070730.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOUGzKgNnDxTWxK45Iqi6Ri9tHxosYCBBZwXCLGGlteeuTAHjUC2Try1nNeI9SBqt-rOY4K9ZYSdgQSNOFIZ2eonqh9e_dUh6tny-GaxSwfS72reYmzJBhCSRSw7CtdgI2rxkECqQJYHw/s400/P1070730.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First attempt on the dress form cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the fabric it is important to use something not too light. I thought I had the perfect fabric, some pink drapery fabric from about 30 years ago. It was nice and stiff, but it had a distortion that no amount of ironing would remove. After washing it, the distortion came out, but now it was just a lightweight cotton fabric. So I went ahead and made the cover anyway. After about five or six fittings with only Mr CS to help, it was pretty well molded to my body.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvgvn5m4gP4kAaI_f8VxV_ikM-YLBRn6GD6mXeidnaxXW0F43NpiAvRIMGeEohCyXWtjbmznrpUxDJCzzsbTo6zyAT5kQE49DA_WZnU-PJhVbX5ONp1bwl_RO_Pm88yC9cXRX8gDqeQ4/s1600/P1070733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAvgvn5m4gP4kAaI_f8VxV_ikM-YLBRn6GD6mXeidnaxXW0F43NpiAvRIMGeEohCyXWtjbmznrpUxDJCzzsbTo6zyAT5kQE49DA_WZnU-PJhVbX5ONp1bwl_RO_Pm88yC9cXRX8gDqeQ4/s400/P1070733.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New pattern pieces in pink/grey toile fabric</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then I realized that it looks like a micro mini skirt, way too short, and the neckline isn't quite high enough. Rummaging through my stash I found a darling pink toile upholstery weight fabric that would be perfect. So I took the first attempt apart and used it to cut the toile fabric.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim38IqSdiUc2Ev_K8AdvxhcO25Em8n4mnT7uDntsOLYGNtTrVMUgHnVP3-WckRRvtl9CkG_TJln7UY5GUEMsPIymx9TDaTEw7ijKBi4CQxIKpVqYBIGkCuzJ-Q8eDLzZY1vyYTLPlAhyM/s1600/P1070732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim38IqSdiUc2Ev_K8AdvxhcO25Em8n4mnT7uDntsOLYGNtTrVMUgHnVP3-WckRRvtl9CkG_TJln7UY5GUEMsPIymx9TDaTEw7ijKBi4CQxIKpVqYBIGkCuzJ-Q8eDLzZY1vyYTLPlAhyM/s400/P1070732.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matching the thread traced seams</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I transferred all seam lines to the new fabric with a tracing wheel, but realized that I need to see the marks from both sides. So I thread traced all seam lines. What a great idea. I could match all the seam lines pretty accurately now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVgvRyiGwJa_V5VnY5XifBapyd6TFwBtnMsCbzCq36F__l_bLedi5osRF1rWsVcLIcwahr8iYJ0VZFmWzmGOL2LBld4-Uw3fofRB2ryrkHndxaWEQr-oZ4-noBDraEuLUVJb44TiI2xg/s1600/P1070735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMVgvRyiGwJa_V5VnY5XifBapyd6TFwBtnMsCbzCq36F__l_bLedi5osRF1rWsVcLIcwahr8iYJ0VZFmWzmGOL2LBld4-Uw3fofRB2ryrkHndxaWEQr-oZ4-noBDraEuLUVJb44TiI2xg/s400/P1070735.jpg" width="345" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost finished! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
The Craftsy class instructed us to pad the form with polyester batting, which I thought made it too soft. Besides, I had only a bit of batting and a lot of look fiber fill, which was impossible to place on the form and hold in place. Laurie at Sew Chic said to use cotton batting, which I have a lot of, so that's what I did. I used lots of paper tape to keep everything together. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjiO6vIIRcXLBM0bUmHKNTCZRnZnzZqFAt4NblvxTcoheykHZj9OcVoa_460MEezTS5MnZzonyAh-CcCyDa7K1ARzPjw2OMHLsd9qwVAXdTueTIZXCqdgny4ArlJLGdVrttqkBLLb2RE/s1600/P1070738.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjiO6vIIRcXLBM0bUmHKNTCZRnZnzZqFAt4NblvxTcoheykHZj9OcVoa_460MEezTS5MnZzonyAh-CcCyDa7K1ARzPjw2OMHLsd9qwVAXdTueTIZXCqdgny4ArlJLGdVrttqkBLLb2RE/s400/P1070738.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adding the neck fabric with a curved needle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I also copied Bunny's method of adding a neckband and covering the armholes. Luckily I had a set of curved needles used for tying quilts, which really helped to get the neck and armholes in. I used a 30 inch separating zipper in the back, and ran a cord around the bottom casing to gather the extra fabric in.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLohRZg_-FcOPnWEJEZ-s6zdWwjXTTLGwkG-WPNC1FFIn-tItIzuCVemSRPzxPhKvp4k7SN34uTsziHqhrlcoG6c9C4TEzWzoxN4ir-qHtBzgdusIkgBTineUkOrQf58Z_SKkmwhjjScU/s1600/P1070737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLohRZg_-FcOPnWEJEZ-s6zdWwjXTTLGwkG-WPNC1FFIn-tItIzuCVemSRPzxPhKvp4k7SN34uTsziHqhrlcoG6c9C4TEzWzoxN4ir-qHtBzgdusIkgBTineUkOrQf58Z_SKkmwhjjScU/s400/P1070737.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not quite tight enough, but it matches!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Laurie also says to spray the form with water and let dry to help smooth out the bumps. This photo is before I did that. It's now dry but doesn't look all that much smoother. But, I have a form with correct measurements and that's what matters. Since I'm not likely to make anything very form fitting, a few wrinkles in the hip area won't matter too much. I still need to mark the waist with a ribbon (it's now only chalk) and the shoulders, since mine are a bit narrower.<br />
<br />
This whole process makes you look at your figure very critically and gives you more insight into how your body looks. I discovered I have a bit of a swayback, which I never realized before. Since I've started this, I've really made sure I'm eating right and have been exercising, so I expect to lose a bit of weight. But that's OK, if I lose enough weight I can take it apart, refit, and take away some of the padding. Which would be a very good thing.<br />
<br />
I want to thank Bunny at La Sewista and Laurie at Sew Chic for kindly posting on how they made their forms. I read all the posts several times along with the Craftsy class and now feel I almost have a handle on this.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-40754275771625061382016-07-03T17:40:00.000-06:002016-07-03T17:40:09.639-06:00Starting to Sew Again<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpn4V39XQX1AmXu61MMNiZh-IWHG5-W5nYSB9KzMsm2ajHC4-2sH7heHGVagRpx6Zxi3DegUTDeNwKb4crtTdGa-DyQiafryCvuWyDMpLh3RzRAvzZJXkifh76stv2C3b97KBMYYwycY/s1600/P1070722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrpn4V39XQX1AmXu61MMNiZh-IWHG5-W5nYSB9KzMsm2ajHC4-2sH7heHGVagRpx6Zxi3DegUTDeNwKb4crtTdGa-DyQiafryCvuWyDMpLh3RzRAvzZJXkifh76stv2C3b97KBMYYwycY/s400/P1070722.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still pretty messy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The sewing room is slowly coming together, as you can see. All the boxes are removed and only a few remain to be unpacked.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfS-sg1lsuc6euEH8EX6d9PDA42GC5g2pkUoj2EDrV2n8s-uPFZHGUCxAAJ8bTYpGfk3J6LpYzj-FrX5vfeN-y2oKu_q1MpXMxMSXIIN_sLprRo6cYsECuLRGN6k1rXQq6yRUOZk7E3c/s1600/P1070723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfS-sg1lsuc6euEH8EX6d9PDA42GC5g2pkUoj2EDrV2n8s-uPFZHGUCxAAJ8bTYpGfk3J6LpYzj-FrX5vfeN-y2oKu_q1MpXMxMSXIIN_sLprRo6cYsECuLRGN6k1rXQq6yRUOZk7E3c/s400/P1070723.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely much better organization than before</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I decided that function trumps form in organization, so instead of buying cute antique furniture to store my projects, I bought large plastic tubs and organized all of the projects in them. I labeled each one with a category and number, such as "Quilt", or "SEW", and inventoried each project that went into them. It was a scary proposition. I have so many projects I don't see how on earth I'll get them done in my lifetime. So I've started a donation bag, and have put some things into it. I have also come across some fabric that I'll never use, and brought that to my tatting group. Most of them sew, and were glad to get some free fabric. My daughter is learning to crochet, so she got all the yarn and hooks, and the knitting supplies went to the Loveland Library Knitting Group.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaABnOtOJwU4IVgbRuF-N247SixZY_D7XLPgvojBI4ZhewwwijhOvrr1dqY0mD7PbFrbWBK0gII9SXEyejcKu7soV3BpDq-65qsxLfWSyl26ZkCn3yMmC7fflyXZdfVOhb00FZ6mSuFw/s1600/P1070724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaABnOtOJwU4IVgbRuF-N247SixZY_D7XLPgvojBI4ZhewwwijhOvrr1dqY0mD7PbFrbWBK0gII9SXEyejcKu7soV3BpDq-65qsxLfWSyl26ZkCn3yMmC7fflyXZdfVOhb00FZ6mSuFw/s400/P1070724.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love this old secretary/cabinet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I do have one antique piece, well, vintage really. This was in our family room in California, sitting in a nook once occupied by a wet bar long since torn out. I haven't quite decided just what to put in it, so it's mostly empty now as I figure out what to use it for. I still have to figure out pattern and thread storage, and what to put on the walls. There is a lot of space just waiting to be used.</div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1wGjP2BeorjOHuB1DQ5bw6A8gL5DPPQ56hAjUYNGcccR9CxbxyiVxPeNhJ4pKquXyjQ5KH4rYY8jujYjIOSlh0-eLkwrAdLc2rWMOviOdPZ8fCSMaTox2y-03AaUvEcW6fYshjH6LdQ/s1600/P1070727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb1wGjP2BeorjOHuB1DQ5bw6A8gL5DPPQ56hAjUYNGcccR9CxbxyiVxPeNhJ4pKquXyjQ5KH4rYY8jujYjIOSlh0-eLkwrAdLc2rWMOviOdPZ8fCSMaTox2y-03AaUvEcW6fYshjH6LdQ/s400/P1070727.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craftsy kit that I bought a year ago</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last year I bought this Craftsy kit, and it went into storage. As I was going through all of my projects I decided to put it together right now as it is so hot. The fabric is a rayon challis which was a bear to sew as it is so slippery, like silk charmeuse. The sleeves are fairly wide, and I hemmed them with self bias strips that I cut myself. Next time I'll make cotton strips which should be easier to handle. I also will use maybe a cotton voile or lawn instead of rayon.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6MpQ2_GyWO9-62zGqP_d4urK4LUTOEzbW2hyphenhyphen-7c3KQcLpSKVGEOUJSCTHcumdVHXLiLdhHxnFoBmxdOk75ZLwaV-eikekEOfMaiPndi30hOVSe_tw0x6Dbu6NbF0toL8S32njDe6ZW8/s1600/P1070726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR6MpQ2_GyWO9-62zGqP_d4urK4LUTOEzbW2hyphenhyphen-7c3KQcLpSKVGEOUJSCTHcumdVHXLiLdhHxnFoBmxdOk75ZLwaV-eikekEOfMaiPndi30hOVSe_tw0x6Dbu6NbF0toL8S32njDe6ZW8/s400/P1070726.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new dress</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But it looks fairly decent and is very comfortable to wear, except that as it is loose fitting, the shoulders tend to slip. It looks huge on the form, but that is because I bought the form about 20 pounds ago. I don't have a photo of me in it, as we went walking this morning and I don't want to put the dress on my very nasty body right now.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vu2XS5eEnoiL2q_ZpyK0NF_hyphenhyphencWF-u3J9-YKMzggSEyB6oRwmFtwdR0FluELs8U5wdTbZcWlUdiVHlaJ9nWmBPuYD4NoFk7O5fxBLcZLrXsNAEEZT-5d_uOVPTBqmZpWgLXQ8pMjQ7s/s1600/P1070728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5Vu2XS5eEnoiL2q_ZpyK0NF_hyphenhyphencWF-u3J9-YKMzggSEyB6oRwmFtwdR0FluELs8U5wdTbZcWlUdiVHlaJ9nWmBPuYD4NoFk7O5fxBLcZLrXsNAEEZT-5d_uOVPTBqmZpWgLXQ8pMjQ7s/s400/P1070728.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lingerie stays should help keep the shoulders in place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I went leafing through some of my sewing books and came across lingerie stays made with ribbon. I've seen them with crocheted thread, but this was pretty easy. I couldn't find snaps so I cut some from some baby snap tape that I had. I have since found the snaps that are not attached to fabric. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqH1igbnhPzgQPTOljXwRbE1dzKCqamPh0YkyUp8yN-xJ3B0VZa4WVN5FvX_Dh0ebxFhkTxfghoWDkNnm5JtM7FA7gZgSpwUsUf2KQryP-LlobkIuuTa_I89ODHgRXYbvJ6Lii07w-7jc/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqH1igbnhPzgQPTOljXwRbE1dzKCqamPh0YkyUp8yN-xJ3B0VZa4WVN5FvX_Dh0ebxFhkTxfghoWDkNnm5JtM7FA7gZgSpwUsUf2KQryP-LlobkIuuTa_I89ODHgRXYbvJ6Lii07w-7jc/s400/IMG_1523.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He fits beautifully in the sink</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I realized that since it was so long since I've posted, you might want to see what my little grandson looks like now. I just love those curls (and that big sink).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavjMi6AcXc1206B1Wq4R_LwfCvhGOSIOXBLhbOw09eHQ00_ZWgHoFL3WIm7KCmLMHFWsQFONaFx_6fU0PdX98uaUY0YMsbhJYXbZi9UZ01s2KotFDiZRd5gP9TCftUoLbx0FpFpjRmWI/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavjMi6AcXc1206B1Wq4R_LwfCvhGOSIOXBLhbOw09eHQ00_ZWgHoFL3WIm7KCmLMHFWsQFONaFx_6fU0PdX98uaUY0YMsbhJYXbZi9UZ01s2KotFDiZRd5gP9TCftUoLbx0FpFpjRmWI/s400/IMG_1527.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you believe he is 20 years old?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We got Oscar in mid August, 1996, and he was six weeks old at the time. So I figure his birthday is right about now, the first week in July. In human years he is 97! He has settled beautifully in the new home and goes out to sit by his catnip on the right.<br />
<br />
My next project, before I sew anything else, is to get that dress form into shape. It's not doing me a bit of good being a size too small. I've just started a Craftsy class on this subject and can't wait to get going. I have some old drapery fabric purchased about 30 years ago, so all I needed was a long zipper and the pattern. Stay tuned, I'll post my progress on it.Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-9658150383503460632016-05-14T11:01:00.001-06:002016-05-14T11:01:17.925-06:00Some Progress on the Sewing Room<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IcD7ZqXywgqUzM0wjFtfFsD6rmfXsZPRrlnmkrSeekJCFXJA1IdQoXF9vHCWPapqEuw2_Iqb6ooe6R8kCTnomCXqt8GGUcwn8XLP-rD0f87YCHcD3wQOuIORqSpLpRjbIr01KHReaB8/s1600/P1070688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2IcD7ZqXywgqUzM0wjFtfFsD6rmfXsZPRrlnmkrSeekJCFXJA1IdQoXF9vHCWPapqEuw2_Iqb6ooe6R8kCTnomCXqt8GGUcwn8XLP-rD0f87YCHcD3wQOuIORqSpLpRjbIr01KHReaB8/s400/P1070688.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few boxes unpacked</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been busy in the basement unpacking all those boxes. As you can see, I have an ironing station set up and the table in place. Yesterday I actually had the machine out to make some curtains, but now it is down under the table top. <div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgNjlTX3REyAD_a0MLdZgsxaSjdVRsNay2lz1jg1KNrP57riyy0aPafh71DLhLzC-jlMB26isgAtiKpFuKZ1ygo6RbmF4CgD2_C5LPusTcqNasj-biLcNhXMVmqDr_htb5IGXzISbKRQ/s1600/P1070689.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVgNjlTX3REyAD_a0MLdZgsxaSjdVRsNay2lz1jg1KNrP57riyy0aPafh71DLhLzC-jlMB26isgAtiKpFuKZ1ygo6RbmF4CgD2_C5LPusTcqNasj-biLcNhXMVmqDr_htb5IGXzISbKRQ/s400/P1070689.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome back, old friends</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I've appropriated a bookshelf from my son's room to store some magazines and books. He is now in Seattle and may eventually want this back, but for now, I'll use it. It is so nice to have my books back. </div>
<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJRZk-2C1NtuT_kGDnMYkwmWWRY3AZTmvDRmmeXyC744MlymMgQ4z1rkyzb9SzY4BzM6d9LblwTzkxTOHoDus2vDLYFeaGhsTqkvDXnhkJmHx2SBSHrRDC8Clg2yR1CgowRr4sqVTOyw/s1600/P1070690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKJRZk-2C1NtuT_kGDnMYkwmWWRY3AZTmvDRmmeXyC744MlymMgQ4z1rkyzb9SzY4BzM6d9LblwTzkxTOHoDus2vDLYFeaGhsTqkvDXnhkJmHx2SBSHrRDC8Clg2yR1CgowRr4sqVTOyw/s400/P1070690.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A-Z Books on the center left shelf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
All of my A-Z Country Bumpkin books are on the center left shelf, while the Italian books are in the center stack. They will have to go out someplace else. I was taking a few classes while in California, but need to get back to studying. The jeans on the top shelf are donations from Mr. California Stitching, and will be turned into a ragged edge quilt top once my new cutter from Accuquilt arrives. The sweaters below it are all wool and will be felted for some future project(s). </div>
<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8rugUZqtrd9Pbqc0N9Y-gzET7COIi-jpSg_WgRu_BAuSkCCSEi7M0IfwpJay0kdtI8LoK_JI5ZJyloJ-bfe-Xvhvp4gd9LT_neZzpzQrVYkZGfpRs3WxF6eIv4zz9d2xwRSRwunqqOI/s1600/P1070686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib8rugUZqtrd9Pbqc0N9Y-gzET7COIi-jpSg_WgRu_BAuSkCCSEi7M0IfwpJay0kdtI8LoK_JI5ZJyloJ-bfe-Xvhvp4gd9LT_neZzpzQrVYkZGfpRs3WxF6eIv4zz9d2xwRSRwunqqOI/s400/P1070686.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Project organization</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is how I organize some of my in-process work. Whenever I travel, I try to collect sturdy, preferably canvas bags. They are great for toting projects around while reminding me of all the places I've visited. The toile bag on the far left was from Lady Washington's Gift Shop at Mount Vernon (George Washington's Home, for my non American readers), which we visited during the government shutdown in October 2013. It holds current tatting supplies. The red, white and blue bag is from Yale and holds Wee Care gowns to smock. The Smithsonian bag is (obviously) from the Smithsonian museum and holds the <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/Grandmother%27s%20Flower%20Garden%20Quilt" target="_blank">Grandmother's Flower Garden</a> quilt top. The bag in the center back has titles of books on the cover, many of which are blacked out to represent banned books (such a Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. It is from the British Library (September of 2014) and holds the <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/Rambling%20Clematis" target="_blank">Rambling Clematis</a> stump work project. The red and white bag is from the Monterey Aquarium, one of my favorite places in the world, and holds some ironing equipment, such as a pressing sheet and a wooden pressing tool. The three bags in the front (SAGA Dallas 2007, Vanguard, and Boston) are empty, and awaiting projects.<br />
<br />
I am thinking of cataloging all of my projects in hopes that it will make me finish them in a more timely manner. I've tried this before with virtually no success, as you can see on the "Ongoing Projects and Finishes Page" for my half hearted attempt two years ago. It will be a daunting task, but it is something that needs to be done. My in-process inventory is just too high and seems to be getting higher. If any of you dear readers have a good way to do this, please leave a comment below, and thanks in advance! Yes, I know, it's called discipline.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-E4osDu3P7cPKN6i_yHDMZBSb1-B4_sA0yCZirbo0xT8InVl_vRDLO0lG7yPr_-rfAps50KCNAM3ArDsYnw7Hxjs5X95Oyg-EIjEWX3wW7wuaUArGQeg6pCF0gbiSLDPI5INavauV-cM/s1600/P1070679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-E4osDu3P7cPKN6i_yHDMZBSb1-B4_sA0yCZirbo0xT8InVl_vRDLO0lG7yPr_-rfAps50KCNAM3ArDsYnw7Hxjs5X95Oyg-EIjEWX3wW7wuaUArGQeg6pCF0gbiSLDPI5INavauV-cM/s400/P1070679.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The all important tree </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In other news, we had to have this tree planted before we could get a permanent Certificate of Occupancy issued by the city of Loveland. The city is determined to have shady, tree-lined streets, and for the most part, has succeeded. </div>
<div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzY6Bf6omfwezd1iYKgeWXa343fHQgQ2RN560LKCEu3xgrCanOS4D6GejOyCnvC93OonnsUN1gb9BwW0VoavXbF4CbTR5tGNHzm1UkWu34xCWC-ICBkIeWrR0CCnEiqExXInmTzs8HCw/s1600/P1070681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzY6Bf6omfwezd1iYKgeWXa343fHQgQ2RN560LKCEu3xgrCanOS4D6GejOyCnvC93OonnsUN1gb9BwW0VoavXbF4CbTR5tGNHzm1UkWu34xCWC-ICBkIeWrR0CCnEiqExXInmTzs8HCw/s400/P1070681.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twenty-six tons of gravel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The landscapers left us with a whole lot of gravel in the street! It is now all spread around the lot. In fact, only a few plants and the lawn are missing. It is still too early to plant the seeds as the landscaper is afraid they will rot with the cools nights we've been experiencing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxIE3Tj5cJ-xwDsTNTerz1vVBnBNsr2PeMvV_A-M6EW24RYYq1bQULLpltPY0olbZDp6X_Ck1A9i4-SO4CRO3NjW_bHgRoUkPHy8TaWaon62oS2pVSG0ngZ2V-8_fUxgoMIXJqdvXQKo/s1600/IMG_0059.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpxIE3Tj5cJ-xwDsTNTerz1vVBnBNsr2PeMvV_A-M6EW24RYYq1bQULLpltPY0olbZDp6X_Ck1A9i4-SO4CRO3NjW_bHgRoUkPHy8TaWaon62oS2pVSG0ngZ2V-8_fUxgoMIXJqdvXQKo/s400/IMG_0059.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks natural, doesn't it?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love how the water feature came out. It looks just like a mountain stream. We've seen some robins bathing in the top and our grandson really wants to get right in it. I'll show more photos once everything is in.<br />
<br />
Registration for the <a href="http://www.smocking.org/saga_national_events.php" target="_blank">SAGA Convention</a> opens Monday morning, so I'll be busy this weekend figuring out which classes to take. There are so many lovely choices it will be difficult. I'm leaning towards taking all of Susan O'Connor's classes so I'll need to finish the <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/Embroidered%20Silk%20Evening%20Bag" target="_blank">Embroidered Silk Evening Bag</a> first.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-84360575004367775412016-04-28T19:45:00.003-06:002016-04-28T19:45:43.716-06:00We Finally Moved into the New House<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT2KshTTYbp5F-pAds8kEjru7Z_lHuTzZ6TfUnmrF_kP-m_PfiQ27vKzETItSLPkRCCUviEqdFGxrJhB57Rvse2hzOkeb4OLNNgge_xnGF6LtAAKdRUq8XCvkcF7PcZE06APKo81DdpQ/s1600/P1070659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkT2KshTTYbp5F-pAds8kEjru7Z_lHuTzZ6TfUnmrF_kP-m_PfiQ27vKzETItSLPkRCCUviEqdFGxrJhB57Rvse2hzOkeb4OLNNgge_xnGF6LtAAKdRUq8XCvkcF7PcZE06APKo81DdpQ/s400/P1070659.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, we did it, we moved into the new house. The move from the apartment was on Saturday, April 16, and all of the rest of our possessions arrived the following Wednesday. That's my car in the driveway.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLjb0Fj1Csj4boFKaGPPTo2gzArQ9Lm-s0mSLQReu8Qu9ZtTpnHt0WzzSTYzLK1nXSUU5DbXK-68OcmcZt_NuViaOoSYd87XJwqck-kq0PftchX6vXLEK34GFTh3I677xv7CLe_YDUYs/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnLjb0Fj1Csj4boFKaGPPTo2gzArQ9Lm-s0mSLQReu8Qu9ZtTpnHt0WzzSTYzLK1nXSUU5DbXK-68OcmcZt_NuViaOoSYd87XJwqck-kq0PftchX6vXLEK34GFTh3I677xv7CLe_YDUYs/s400/IMG_1465.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boxes, boxes, everywhere</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the kitchen island, with just a few of the boxes to unpack. I think that by now we have just over half unpacked, but not all put away. While we were packing last year, we were pretty ruthless about throwing things out we no longer needed or wanted. Actually, we gave away much of it, with a lot going to nieces/nephews or Goodwill. But now, I keep unpacking items thinking, why on earth did I pack this? We have already made one trip to Goodwill, and have given quite a few things to my daughter. I'm sure there will be more. I almost gave away my slow cooker, but my son pointed out that it still is pretty useful, especially when cooking beans. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28rOiopJjHm9z5oBB6OoMsdJO6a3RzURfYVW8To11hOmg-IC9h9AMn9YvNx2FiHg4AhI38sxoXRidbz1N6PqvpU9AD7t-SYnRO-IA5XN7urktlONflkjJ_LRmMC_D6dZLg4qJjd-WFdI/s1600/P1070661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg28rOiopJjHm9z5oBB6OoMsdJO6a3RzURfYVW8To11hOmg-IC9h9AMn9YvNx2FiHg4AhI38sxoXRidbz1N6PqvpU9AD7t-SYnRO-IA5XN7urktlONflkjJ_LRmMC_D6dZLg4qJjd-WFdI/s400/P1070661.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three cars in the garage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I can't believe it, we actually can put three cars in the garage. But only for the first night, as that is where all of the packing materials are going until we can get rid of everything.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfbCGLec9yDoYX2SWt-769iSit0b2JVed3v6KpTmjnVYQ2M8qSjbHMfVlmBPjcK5RzlbiViDpDI-TXuLcJJZB3L-XImyeu69YpjbsyyNYtIGggncgP3jKFp1PAqP8zh5FcfC7vqlDQyQ/s1600/P1070662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfbCGLec9yDoYX2SWt-769iSit0b2JVed3v6KpTmjnVYQ2M8qSjbHMfVlmBPjcK5RzlbiViDpDI-TXuLcJJZB3L-XImyeu69YpjbsyyNYtIGggncgP3jKFp1PAqP8zh5FcfC7vqlDQyQ/s400/P1070662.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the patio door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then, on our second night, we had a bit of a snow storm. Notice the house on the left, with a three car garage and three cars out in the snow. We are determined not to use the garage to store things other than a few tools and all of the cars.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcLebRiWqP8ymcRlebt3eK8UOK5FEZ7i-mJHTGRfjCfGf85ZMHdQ8gfYn54-dr35p8T1NTCuttoVRRXeOdDcFOZPVIRcUKxFcL41Q-6-iZC5W8zQgDbstQipbMvTfynf_OROGjt-lPyc/s1600/P1070663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGcLebRiWqP8ymcRlebt3eK8UOK5FEZ7i-mJHTGRfjCfGf85ZMHdQ8gfYn54-dr35p8T1NTCuttoVRRXeOdDcFOZPVIRcUKxFcL41Q-6-iZC5W8zQgDbstQipbMvTfynf_OROGjt-lPyc/s400/P1070663.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the front door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Luckily, the we had only about three inches, even though the forecast was for 5-8 inches. This late in spring the snow doesn't last for more than a day, and sure enough, it was pretty much all melted by the next day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBgbiQistHbxm3-phxS7Or918fVVcL0Q9leD-pp-RNafnfSJM5tjpWc-OwO5inrY4ASxXyr4-xX0RB4tDP8I9EkSoxa9YRAa8cBftD2UMKmx9uT9iyIcoHeNJepDrMTIG3jDB4qoIKtY/s1600/_1010674.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibBgbiQistHbxm3-phxS7Or918fVVcL0Q9leD-pp-RNafnfSJM5tjpWc-OwO5inrY4ASxXyr4-xX0RB4tDP8I9EkSoxa9YRAa8cBftD2UMKmx9uT9iyIcoHeNJepDrMTIG3jDB4qoIKtY/s400/_1010674.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We see you!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last year, we had golden eagles nesting in the natural area about half a mile from the house. This year, we have great horned owls. There always seems to be someone trying to photograph these little cuties. Mr. California Stitching must have taken about 15 photos before he got this one.<br />
<br />
Now, for the really scary photos:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExanXk9SADBgHZhI3Yz1kOyhpWJqKjMyDcodC3tWMTmPUHMrRUf37cev7KGGsJM02laHpr1a9Gw-_kd1hzS82WT-5WxyXIHZc05kqQa88-VV8Gir8ThOgqXsq_GW_abqN4xQ_VK3jzj0/s1600/P1070671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExanXk9SADBgHZhI3Yz1kOyhpWJqKjMyDcodC3tWMTmPUHMrRUf37cev7KGGsJM02laHpr1a9Gw-_kd1hzS82WT-5WxyXIHZc05kqQa88-VV8Gir8ThOgqXsq_GW_abqN4xQ_VK3jzj0/s400/P1070671.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yikes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is the view from the door of my sewing room. Don't be scared by that floor, it's actually vinyl. There was no way I was going to put wood on a concrete slab below grade. You have to get down on your knees and touch it to realize it's not wood. Everyone who sees it is fooled.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QlavX0_Jp0JRXg43BXdrtq2UYpbNI-kF0xSqN6heT8wt4yTQgrmIEHZjsB-ZgNHXdFSr-fsuuAl_IO0uzdoQpmpMpii0wHJaGaCY0nKfgJVzmEVwiHPUD9vKgAiiObjZ3Qmhm-lOzW0/s1600/P1070672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QlavX0_Jp0JRXg43BXdrtq2UYpbNI-kF0xSqN6heT8wt4yTQgrmIEHZjsB-ZgNHXdFSr-fsuuAl_IO0uzdoQpmpMpii0wHJaGaCY0nKfgJVzmEVwiHPUD9vKgAiiObjZ3Qmhm-lOzW0/s400/P1070672.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double Yikes!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I have a preliminary sketch of how I'll organize the room, but I think I really need to revisit it. I was envisioning old furniture, all painted to match, holding everything. But when I look at all the boxes and realize just how much fabric I have, that idea is so not going to work.<br />
<br />
I know this may seem that my priorities are off to many of you, by my main focus is on upstairs in the living areas. Once that is in decent shape, I'll be able to devote time to figuring out the sewing area. I'm already planning on bleeding out to the big rec room as it is. More to come...<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-28628993880008241392016-04-12T20:36:00.001-06:002016-04-12T20:39:44.969-06:00Almost There...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oq95I9_BNo3Y6L2ZrR6ftbwfdpHB4KBmlLdaodbo4CxIG-AgYQ4tPBlY3SYMBUWtHfb6MnvgU82ObS0ANVoFFPF8oKc7QVkBW79K1J72bql56fRxJ3BkwTpICszTevQ-arT7wCoo7Yc/s1600/P1070656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8oq95I9_BNo3Y6L2ZrR6ftbwfdpHB4KBmlLdaodbo4CxIG-AgYQ4tPBlY3SYMBUWtHfb6MnvgU82ObS0ANVoFFPF8oKc7QVkBW79K1J72bql56fRxJ3BkwTpICszTevQ-arT7wCoo7Yc/s400/P1070656.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost finished!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had our walk through today with the building supervisor and the owner of the building company. There was still quite a bit of work going on in the house but it was paint touch up and final wood trim staining. The darling port-a-potty will be removed tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
I did have a panic attack when the painter removed the French doors leading to the patio and painted them. I thought they were supposed to be stained. The painter was so apologetic but the supervisor, building company owner and I kept telling him that it wasn't his fault. As it turned out, the door is fiberglass, so it needs to be painted and not stained. Needless to say, we were all very relieved. <br />
<br />
We also had a problem with the closets in two of the bedrooms, but I'll explain that once they are installed and I can show you a picture. Final inspection is tomorrow with the hand over on Thursday. We can start moving boxes in right away, which will be a help, as we need to be out of the apartment in a week.<br />
<br />
I've mentioned <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20Home" target="_blank">before</a> that we had some real problems with the cabinets, and I'll explain in more detail once everything is finished. This is supposed to happen tomorrow. I'll be on site for a good part of the day, to see that it all gets done. Oh, and I didn't even mention the shower doors. The two extra bathrooms are supposed to have oil rubbed bronze frames, but the downstairs bathroom door came with a stainless steel frame. So that has to be replaced. The frameless shower door for the master showed up damaged, so that has to be replaced as well. This is all supposed to happen tomorrow. An awful lot is supposed to happen tomorrow.<br />
<br />
The cleaning crew has been working for three days and there is still a film of dust everywhere. I've already brought over cleaning sprays and microfiber cloths so I can wipe everything down myself.<br />
<br />
One of the ladies in my tatting group said she has built two houses and that it was two too many. I believe her.<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-33534834806816641142016-04-09T12:40:00.001-06:002016-04-09T12:40:27.214-06:00Grandmother's Flower Garden Top Finished!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNftdBJ0R51eO4ZRDLEE9bwQosz7xXnP2XQqfMsXgpqEwYp2DCf5xwlVcNnm3buxNLqur2MgtU-gf53vM32ATMIvvMfMTL0VZmiwp3QEETZua2mMkhR7ER3k-QSCkEDVwX-bZGXbY6CPM/s1600/P1070629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNftdBJ0R51eO4ZRDLEE9bwQosz7xXnP2XQqfMsXgpqEwYp2DCf5xwlVcNnm3buxNLqur2MgtU-gf53vM32ATMIvvMfMTL0VZmiwp3QEETZua2mMkhR7ER3k-QSCkEDVwX-bZGXbY6CPM/s400/P1070629.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entire twin sized quilt top, on a queen sized bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I finally finished something, well, sort of. The Grandmother's Flower Garden top is completely finished. Which is better than nothing, right?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD-5xChV2-F-GCeyvms7qUrGLfjUFkYShm28VBV55EwSVbamXd440pOeRw_WYYwXG7PFFA5uArT_5dO9kbSdbkHhPX7Q4gLDOW6lO9jQevBd-ntefwlyT9mZpw_rDk7IFr6OdDp2vw8o/s1600/P1070630.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeD-5xChV2-F-GCeyvms7qUrGLfjUFkYShm28VBV55EwSVbamXd440pOeRw_WYYwXG7PFFA5uArT_5dO9kbSdbkHhPX7Q4gLDOW6lO9jQevBd-ntefwlyT9mZpw_rDk7IFr6OdDp2vw8o/s400/P1070630.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the spaces between flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's an unusual layout. In most of the quilts I've seen the flowers are staggered so there aren't so many hexies between the flowers. But I've tried to make sure there are not any large areas of the background fabric by placing a few darker pieces here and there.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKk87A7UxQTho2Z-lVVrqCeTHstwsJmfQA5KWmw7F3xagbi7maaukKzPaWCQnLuNH6VACr7uFzAfbXSNPFlwyA7vETZPVUWDpSCeKULgUGAp5CjoW1dxIBG59AW1-u_VQOuQ95yK0EdM/s1600/P1070632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMKk87A7UxQTho2Z-lVVrqCeTHstwsJmfQA5KWmw7F3xagbi7maaukKzPaWCQnLuNH6VACr7uFzAfbXSNPFlwyA7vETZPVUWDpSCeKULgUGAp5CjoW1dxIBG59AW1-u_VQOuQ95yK0EdM/s400/P1070632.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rulers showing how I'll trim the hexies </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I added a dark hexie to the corners as well. One of the ladies at my EGA lunch last weekend suggested that I not cut the hexies straight as shown in the photo above but to sew around the edges. I think that might just drive me nuts, so I'll go ahead and cut them to give me a straight edge.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK2OmQkw4ioj4g9FDLFLNmVQANbl8YFg_tRjRDhRyj9_9Foht-Y_R4F-VXW_g51I0unNjfa5rH5PeAnFxmD4IJyCrHhMZxB_1eeDbc-Tzx67xZ1So4xitLCwxz9Qe8a6016FmIt9SSe8/s1600/P1070638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmK2OmQkw4ioj4g9FDLFLNmVQANbl8YFg_tRjRDhRyj9_9Foht-Y_R4F-VXW_g51I0unNjfa5rH5PeAnFxmD4IJyCrHhMZxB_1eeDbc-Tzx67xZ1So4xitLCwxz9Qe8a6016FmIt9SSe8/s400/P1070638.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looks good, Grandma!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The QA inspector likes it. Now for quilting it. I might just quilt it myself. It needs a good pressing, then I'll decide. My embroidery machine has quilting patterns built in, but I might try the fancy hand quilting look stitch that it also has. Decisions, decisions. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Things are getting pretty hectic around here now. My daughter is working lots of hours, she being a tax accountant and it's almost that time. This year taxes are due on April 18, as Washington DC has a holiday on the 15th. Also, the house is just about finished. Our walk through is Tuesday with closing on Thursday. Then it's a mad dash to get moved before we need to vacate the apartment on the 19th. As there is no school on the 18th we will have both grandchildren that day, further complicating matters. Luckily I sent in our taxes last weekend.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This afternoon we are off to U Haul to buy boxes, then to shop for bathroom mirrors. I didn't order them with the cabinets as I thought to buy some in antique stores, but that didn't happen. Speaking of cabinets, we have had quit an adventure with them, and not in a good way. More to come. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-30134391259550345172016-03-23T10:00:00.002-06:002016-03-23T10:00:54.952-06:00Lots of Stitching Today! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlaTnt2rI29AKsh505m2KqX-492m8AcTyf0djEjM29csRo83ez_7jxNaE423-Y2h4ELEW1nzQItgS3xkxUsGN7w7TpwGozoVdM3wMna95ViHc3qxvsXWBHVEuXkJDgTbrwtdg_32CduI/s1600/P1070628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdlaTnt2rI29AKsh505m2KqX-492m8AcTyf0djEjM29csRo83ez_7jxNaE423-Y2h4ELEW1nzQItgS3xkxUsGN7w7TpwGozoVdM3wMna95ViHc3qxvsXWBHVEuXkJDgTbrwtdg_32CduI/s400/P1070628.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Five inches so far, and more falling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is a view out my apartment front door today, we have a blizzard warning! So my daughter is staying home and we aren't watching the baby today. As they say, "ain't nobody goin' nowhere". We have about 5 inches (13 cm) with more coming. Winds are around 30 mph, blizzard conditions are sustained winds of 35 mph, so we are close to being an honest to gosh blizzard. Luckily the driveway for the house got poured on Monday, so it's curing nicely.<br />
<br />
I'm still down with bronchitis, as the first batch of antibiotics was completely ineffective. I saw the doctor on Monday, and the new batch he prescribed are definitely having an affect. I feel much better and the cough isn't nearly so frightful as it was last week.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mN2iokqqzNvlkNsfKB5iDzax1p8_YEpLW2tiBZ1v5zbYTKnC3-gLlWGQLqNjpRUgyk_Q8kX5AoP22xPPx5xHO70ZB2dIF47-YWG7b6YFur6QS1grTb7aeBH_YGJ8DSoWC627ZqgwY3E/s1600/P1070627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mN2iokqqzNvlkNsfKB5iDzax1p8_YEpLW2tiBZ1v5zbYTKnC3-gLlWGQLqNjpRUgyk_Q8kX5AoP22xPPx5xHO70ZB2dIF47-YWG7b6YFur6QS1grTb7aeBH_YGJ8DSoWC627ZqgwY3E/s400/P1070627.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lizbeth Size 20 Color #184 Sample</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I finally finished tatting the sample of Lizbeth tatting thread that Handy Hands sent me with an order last year. The sample was Size 20, color #184 Rainbow Splash. I tatted these items from <a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Tatting-Modern-Motifs-Projects/dp/1596687452" target="_blank">"New Tatting"</a> by Tomoko Morimoto. The large bookmark at the top was last, and should only have three motifs in it. However, as I tatted, I realized I could keep going, so managed to tat five motifs in all. I had only 1 1/2 ft of tatting thread left, so that cut it close! I used DMC Cebelia Size 30 in Ecru as the ball thread. I find I don't like Cebelia as a tatting thread, it's a bit on the soft side compared to the Lizbeth. I gave away all the other colors I had to the ladies in my tatting group, and will bring the rest of the ecru next week. Some of the other ladies love it, so they can have it. I found that it is a waste of time to try to tat (or embroider, or sew, etc) with something I really don't like. After all, this is supposed to be fun. So I have been trying to give away the things I don't like, and usually someone else is very happy to have it.<br />
<br />
I plan on working on the <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/Grandmother%27s%20Flower%20Garden%20Quilt" target="_blank">Grandmother's Flower Garden Quilt </a>today, maybe I can get another border finished. I've done two, only two more to go.<br />
<br />
One more photo to share:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKM2T7AQUpX2Bacwcc1S_P7UCjYLU_g1w6UCQD4S-oYIwpYTuPsPCWK-ccABz9460RQIr4mdNp1xdJS6-lkQkgb6mh5Iu1AA8GGhtsUhaI1Kgiy61Uq1rf0xChxn0QfvqHD7ZdmF-J3c/s1600/_1010541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEKM2T7AQUpX2Bacwcc1S_P7UCjYLU_g1w6UCQD4S-oYIwpYTuPsPCWK-ccABz9460RQIr4mdNp1xdJS6-lkQkgb6mh5Iu1AA8GGhtsUhaI1Kgiy61Uq1rf0xChxn0QfvqHD7ZdmF-J3c/s400/_1010541.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sunday was my QA inspector's first birthday. He certainly likes his birthday cake.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5689351210823772355%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Vf92dNamRhA%2FVvK3ZEL_9zI%2FAAAAAAAAD0U%2FDqZ9prpGCcIA7DwqjTFVFlKR7H5w4kEyQ%2Fs400%2FP1070628.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=AL_0raJnuCqi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5689351210823772355%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Vf92dNamRhA%2FVvK3ZEL_9zI%2FAAAAAAAAD0U%2FDqZ9prpGCcIA7DwqjTFVFlKR7H5w4kEyQ%2Fs400%2FP1070628.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=AL_0raJnuCqi&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 153px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 24px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-77243377557291282922016-03-19T10:02:00.001-06:002016-03-19T10:02:22.907-06:00Very Slowly...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CSD5VKHX37Ryb8e-3xO1xREanRmNevItvBMQETyPBGBZggIbpoPiPxGtF8YYAOzlnOxlmRFep52lKatPdTusfimzzO0imTWUwlFSyj4YAZ2gF8cQs9RodJFJr9KTJylghyphenhyphenfLYNi0Sjk/s1600/P1070623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1CSD5VKHX37Ryb8e-3xO1xREanRmNevItvBMQETyPBGBZggIbpoPiPxGtF8YYAOzlnOxlmRFep52lKatPdTusfimzzO0imTWUwlFSyj4YAZ2gF8cQs9RodJFJr9KTJylghyphenhyphenfLYNi0Sjk/s400/P1070623.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of kitchen from family room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We are making progress on the house. You can see where the refrigerator goes on the right, and the space in the base cabinets for the stove to the left. The big blank spot in the center right is where the microwave goes, right under the counter. The cabinet people measured it wrong and it has to be remade. It was supposed to be here a few days ago, but it's not here yet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM88UZVWiHj9QTR5FPjVtAk6QHbgSLBCt-DQLHoIQxY3mU24sPK1KRjgwxAROu7gTaTV_uFhScaaiMfGxnG9eJzv07oS_WYAt4b-p7au05mLIi-FNujtPwYy21OGoUhML94UYg8DKtzsE/s1600/P1070624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM88UZVWiHj9QTR5FPjVtAk6QHbgSLBCt-DQLHoIQxY3mU24sPK1KRjgwxAROu7gTaTV_uFhScaaiMfGxnG9eJzv07oS_WYAt4b-p7au05mLIi-FNujtPwYy21OGoUhML94UYg8DKtzsE/s400/P1070624.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desk area with door to master bedroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I love the way the desk area came out. There will be plenty of room for a computer and a printer. Two sets of outlets will make plugging everything in pretty easy. The center is the ethernet connection. I had them installed in about 6 places so we don't have to rely on in home wireless.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfKJs6yjbNvMXjjnpzaE0_d88Q_uDy9GtReLVeFPmoPTREzO3B4-do3BIa9t3LwNwQerapB4RtddF58InYKrfAkjEgixaJOXJdAs93ns4zNcTPWdYMF87EqlUFNl7ITsLOxAssDrAbGY/s1600/P1070625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxfKJs6yjbNvMXjjnpzaE0_d88Q_uDy9GtReLVeFPmoPTREzO3B4-do3BIa9t3LwNwQerapB4RtddF58InYKrfAkjEgixaJOXJdAs93ns4zNcTPWdYMF87EqlUFNl7ITsLOxAssDrAbGY/s400/P1070625.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinyl flooring for the sewing room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Downstairs, the workers are measuring and cutting the vinyl for the sewing room floor. I didn't want to put hardwood in what is essentially a work room, so I opted for a very nice vinyl. Safety is an issue here. I'm always looking for pins and needles that I drop, and the hard flooring is a much safer option than carpet. If I want to convert the room back into a bedroom, it will be a snap to lay carpet down right over the vinyl.<br />
<br />
We had snow yesterday, so the pouring the concrete driveway is postponed for a few days. We are supposed to close on the house on April 12, less than a month away!<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-75964638716660152062016-03-14T21:02:00.000-06:002016-03-14T21:22:24.588-06:00A Bit More Tatting, and Some Updates<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qRv4HOS9rAzOSKImIEIfXb9fOx6L-rPHKmk7-10MxPd2a2j_Rwj-o1KGvIw4blNLciWPe4St4Illb7lfIMLD9jr-2pUAjw80NQxLlIof7Haq_EC7FZY75JLEV4bx1_D4cmI8g2FTcko/s1600/P1070618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5qRv4HOS9rAzOSKImIEIfXb9fOx6L-rPHKmk7-10MxPd2a2j_Rwj-o1KGvIw4blNLciWPe4St4Illb7lfIMLD9jr-2pUAjw80NQxLlIof7Haq_EC7FZY75JLEV4bx1_D4cmI8g2FTcko/s400/P1070618.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice, lacy pattern, if I just follow the directions! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Since I finished the last hanky, I've been searching around for more edging patterns. I don't want really complicated ones, but something a bit more lacy, with plenty of picots on the rings. And ones with corner patterns. I'm not experienced enough to design my own, but with time I might be able to. I like this one, which I modified from another pattern, especially if I do it correctly. You can see the wonky ring on the cloverleaf two down from the corner.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZClkE3WtYbnzMf0hbtScEBrzBBQ9TRNfp3OUrWrUA_ZoGbRUZ8cowKkn7n02yVwzT5sdfS9GCpK1RnxJTyBBQ90ZK3vdXK_yhAQnLL2IY46LDfYE1unySfb4NZWa4FjabQHxg64oZh8U/s1600/P1070619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZClkE3WtYbnzMf0hbtScEBrzBBQ9TRNfp3OUrWrUA_ZoGbRUZ8cowKkn7n02yVwzT5sdfS9GCpK1RnxJTyBBQ90ZK3vdXK_yhAQnLL2IY46LDfYE1unySfb4NZWa4FjabQHxg64oZh8U/s400/P1070619.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely needs practice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This one is a bit harder, as I need to work on getting the slack eliminated from the rings. I'll practice a bit more and make the picots larger.<br />
<br />
I have some lovely Liberty of London fabrics that I bought during our last trip to London in September, 2014 to make the hankies from. I'm also using DMC Cordonnet size 80, real tatting thread, for these.<br />
<br />
Now for updates:<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/2016/02/new-project-hardanger.html" target="_blank">Hardanger</a> project is on hold for a bit. I had some trouble with making the picots on the sides of the needle bars, and need some instruction. Luckily, I have resources. The owner of the needlework shop we frequent in Greeley is quite good in this and is available during our Stitch and Sit sessions on Tuesdays, and several of the Tatting ladies are experienced in Hardanger. They have all offered to help. What lovely ladies!<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/Grandmother%27s%20Flower%20Garden%20Quilt" target="_blank">Grandmother's Flower Garden</a> quilt is coming along slowly. Right now I'm working on the borders, a boring job if ever there was one. I'll show it when there is something significant to show.<br />
<br />
The <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/search/label/Mystery%20Quilt" target="_blank">Mystery Quilt</a> is also on hold, as I only can work on one quilt at a time. I showed you my <a href="http://californiastitching.blogspot.com/2016/02/sewing-flowers-together.html" target="_blank">sewing space</a> in this post, and it's pretty tight.<br />
<br />
There has been quite a bit of activity on the house lately, thank goodness! We meet with a landscaper in the morning, so I should have some photos tomorrow. We are due to close on it April 12, less than a month away. I am so anxious to get into it.<br />
<br />
And last of all, I've been sick. Two weeks ago I came down with a cold, not too bad, and was recovering nicely when last Thursday I was slammed with bronchitis and terrible coughing spells. Mr California Stitching brought me to an Urgent Care clinic first thing Sunday morning and they diagnosed me with something called "cough variant asthma" along with the bronchitis. After some nebulizer therapy and a few days in bed with lots of drugs, I'm starting to feel almost human. The bad thing is, Mr CS went fishing later in the day and caught four trout, which I couldn't eat at all. So he had them for dinner and breakfast this morning. Today my poor little grandson couldn't figure out why I wouldn't hold him, and what's that funny smell? (hand sanitizer)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5X5x16jx9EPu3QO2yA1a1ZDPzidYE-7tb2hs6eVakzfcktzYpWk5JSeqJuRJppG8nJ_mnTmpUTdOyJKDXeCXOyqf694hQZ6ztiZTTUkrL8q1vtGYzo0TrfSDI4t6fUSO4di2Kggv-1Ss/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5X5x16jx9EPu3QO2yA1a1ZDPzidYE-7tb2hs6eVakzfcktzYpWk5JSeqJuRJppG8nJ_mnTmpUTdOyJKDXeCXOyqf694hQZ6ztiZTTUkrL8q1vtGYzo0TrfSDI4t6fUSO4di2Kggv-1Ss/s400/IMG_0055.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandma, why won't you hold me?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Here is is listening to old 50's rock songs on my phone. He will be a year old on Sunday. I can't wait to decorate the grandchildren's room in the house.<br />
<br />
It's almost 9 pm and I'm ready for bed and another dosage of codeine. My cough was so bad I was given the pain relief dosage, which is almost three times the normal cough suppressant dosage. So I've been under the influence and not able to do much at all.<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5689351210823772355.post-49740939656236156062016-03-07T06:30:00.000-07:002016-03-07T06:30:06.054-07:00Tatted Hanky<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3vPSYNjCJvKoj_MrvYM_EnNgn_ji_zqUsWrrC3Dv0bujpArYUXrcuQSc1V_4dxwn_kqtPQgGUh8pnNIcN4WOl-6qMxg1yCoVX-HqB4LZBN63i-X8jGWdfg0s4DuoUKmwg74GnoNcY1A/s1600/P1070475.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3vPSYNjCJvKoj_MrvYM_EnNgn_ji_zqUsWrrC3Dv0bujpArYUXrcuQSc1V_4dxwn_kqtPQgGUh8pnNIcN4WOl-6qMxg1yCoVX-HqB4LZBN63i-X8jGWdfg0s4DuoUKmwg74GnoNcY1A/s400/P1070475.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sewing the tatting to the hanky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been tatting a bit, lately and made a tatted edging for a linen hanky that I also made. The linen is very fine handkerchief linen, with a simple folded hem. The tatting pattern is a very simple one from a book that is now in storage, so I can't give you the details. I used DMC Cordonnet size 60 thread and sewed it on with Madeira Cotona size 80 thread, all materials are white.<br />
<br />
This is the first time I've used this shuttle. It has a bobbin and a crochet hook on the edge. It took me a while to get used to it, but now I love it. Sometimes I catch the hook on the tatting thread, but I've been diligently trying to train myself not to do this.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9lJhyqMsuZ3gptoqEoHIXWGLLXTXN8Lvg85a0sV72KA42betFrHw7uxB9E9qjXgIrPCKLvajEwcaspgR_47WaNmUEPqaMcL12RswiG0RDP_AjdVHp6aJcraa2pDHnNxt6oQxNH617L4/s1600/P1070604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9lJhyqMsuZ3gptoqEoHIXWGLLXTXN8Lvg85a0sV72KA42betFrHw7uxB9E9qjXgIrPCKLvajEwcaspgR_47WaNmUEPqaMcL12RswiG0RDP_AjdVHp6aJcraa2pDHnNxt6oQxNH617L4/s400/P1070604.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed hanky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I like sewing the tatting on to the hanky instead of tatting right into the edge. First, it is a bit easier to get to the corner correctly, as you can change the spacing just enough to get it right to the edge without any ruffling. This would be much harder, as least for a newbie like me, to do this while tatting into the hanky. Second, both the sewing thread and the fabric are much weaker than the tatting, so if the hanky gets stained or torn I can easily remove the tatting and put it on another hanky. I learned this from Jeannie Baumeister of Old Fashioned Baby (see the link to her site on my blog list). She always uses a very fine thread to attach lace to fabric so if there are any stresses on the garment the thread, not the very expensive lace or fabric, will break and so will be easily mended. I've never tried this to see if it works, but it makes sense!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7agJb71e2UBiPcI0gYcxgW5jL7-rWxwAB3ZNHFszqZVnGuf3NAsCYUl-YyDJGIGCopFuDBDyDTWnVK95q0E9oOdqSPPEnC5VqBwkR-pFL3O-X6l4RzgZ2aetln6TiaL25WfFLlJSJh7U/s1600/P1070605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7agJb71e2UBiPcI0gYcxgW5jL7-rWxwAB3ZNHFszqZVnGuf3NAsCYUl-YyDJGIGCopFuDBDyDTWnVK95q0E9oOdqSPPEnC5VqBwkR-pFL3O-X6l4RzgZ2aetln6TiaL25WfFLlJSJh7U/s400/P1070605.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of corner detail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now it's time to try a more complicated pattern, something with more picots and in a smaller thread. I'm comfortable with size 60 so I'd like to move on to size 80, the really tiny thread.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Cynthia Gilbrethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17124840580430749378noreply@blogger.com5