And a day to (finally) catch up on my blogging. A little.
First up is the wadder that was to become my next pair of "Marlene" pants. I really loved this fabric, it's soft and warm. But I just couldn't get the zipper in right. I told you I was stupid stuck. Well, now I'm stupid done: 
This was the 3rd complete install and had at least 4 corrections. And it's still wrong. I didn't realize it was still wrong until I'd taken out all the basting and finished the waist band - again. **sigh** And I cannot CANNOT get buttonholes in this. I've taken out 3 and that's not fun. I used 2 different machines, both did okay on samples but not on the real thing. ARRRGGGGHHHH! I really wanted these.
This was the 3rd complete install and had at least 4 corrections. And it's still wrong. I didn't realize it was still wrong until I'd taken out all the basting and finished the waist band - again. **sigh** And I cannot CANNOT get buttonholes in this. I've taken out 3 and that's not fun. I used 2 different machines, both did okay on samples but not on the real thing. ARRRGGGGHHHH! I really wanted these. Also disappointing is my Burda skirt from the Vogue fabric. I just missed the match. I thought I got it, but didn't. Obviously. I'm going to hem and wear it anyway. I've bought RTW that's worse, but I'm not pleased.
More fun is the stuff I found at my MIL's. The best are these scissors:
My BFF scored a pair of these from her aunt, who would have been a contemporary of MIL, so these must have fairly common in the 50's-ish. If you don't know, they are buttonhole scissors. You can set the screw to limit the length of the cut, start the cut toward the handle and you get a clean button hole. I was hoping to use them on the grey pants. **sigh** I think these are just way the heck cool all over.
My BFF scored a pair of these from her aunt, who would have been a contemporary of MIL, so these must have fairly common in the 50's-ish. If you don't know, they are buttonhole scissors. You can set the screw to limit the length of the cut, start the cut toward the handle and you get a clean button hole. I was hoping to use them on the grey pants. **sigh** I think these are just way the heck cool all over.I also scored a box of buttons 
from the dark ages. I really like the purple ones and the red ones on the far right. And a pathetic stash of patterns, but I do like the apron and will make the one 
top right without the ruffles. Not pictured is a box of Griest hemming feet and tucker. Also pretty cool and I will use with my Singer 201.
from the dark ages. I really like the purple ones and the red ones on the far right. And a pathetic stash of patterns, but I do like the apron and will make the one 
top right without the ruffles. Not pictured is a box of Griest hemming feet and tucker. Also pretty cool and I will use with my Singer 201. My grandniece has been very wary of my son. I think she doesn't understand the chair, but she seemed to get over her fear of the chair over Christmas. 
Who needs Disney World? We had dinner for 16 on Christmas night. It was pretty much chaos and I'm really glad to be home and more than happy to spend New Year's vegging in front of the TV.
Sometime in mid December my re-admittance into sewing occurred. I guess I could dig out my sewing machine receipt for the actual date, but it doesn't really matter. I have progressed reasonably, I think. Though I really stalled out in November and December. But I started the year with the hounds tooth skirt:
and finished the wadder pants. Come to think of it, that doesn't sound much like progress..... I participated and finished the June Capsule, made a couple of Burda patterns, thumbed my nose at my mother's "No Vogue" rule, went to NYC to shop, wore items I made, and organized a friend's sewing space. It's been fun, and I'm glad I started this blog to track my trials, tribulations and successes.
Who needs Disney World? We had dinner for 16 on Christmas night. It was pretty much chaos and I'm really glad to be home and more than happy to spend New Year's vegging in front of the TV.Sometime in mid December my re-admittance into sewing occurred. I guess I could dig out my sewing machine receipt for the actual date, but it doesn't really matter. I have progressed reasonably, I think. Though I really stalled out in November and December. But I started the year with the hounds tooth skirt:
and finished the wadder pants. Come to think of it, that doesn't sound much like progress..... I participated and finished the June Capsule, made a couple of Burda patterns, thumbed my nose at my mother's "No Vogue" rule, went to NYC to shop, wore items I made, and organized a friend's sewing space. It's been fun, and I'm glad I started this blog to track my trials, tribulations and successes. For 2009 some plans are to go back to NYC, likely with a stop in the Baltimore area to meet up with some sewing friends from SG. Make more Burda, thinking about a subscription. Not take out every seam I sew. Make a blouse - collar, cuffs, buttons, that kind. Finish up my dad's estate. Move. Again. Maybe Paris in the fall. Brush up on my French.
So thanks for reading, and hoping 2009 is happy, prosperous and healthy.
bonne année ! i hope you get a chance to come back up to NYC again. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeth waistbands can be the dickens to work with. Here's an obvious question - did you remember to grade the seam area well? The press with steam and a clapper? Sometimes you have to beat it into submission (grin)! Seriously though, there's lots of layers in that small area, that may not necessarily be there in your sample. Personally, I'd finish them, and wear them with an overblouse. The only people likely to get that close are your DH or an EMT!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melodye. I still may finish them. I haven't tossed them yet. I just hate to. Maybe hooks & eyes to close them and, like you said, a sweater over the band. And better luck next time.
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