Contenders

for the Vintage Sewalong 2011;

McCalls 3027:  Copyright 1971.  I like the two toned dress and its unique bodice set in.  Wondering if I can get those curves even on each side.

Simplicity 7845:  Copyright 1968.  I like the dart treatments in front (angled) and I'm liking the ruffle right now.  Reminds me a bit of the Cynthia Rowley dress that is out now with the ruffled neckline.

Simplicity 8381: Copyright 1969.  I made this dress when I was in high school.  I remember it well.  I made view 2 (the two colors) without a belt.  I used a camel tan soft knit as the main color and a lighter beige for the princess insets and long sleeves.  I remember loving that dress.

Du Barry 5766:  Copyright 1943.  Right now I'm leaning toward this one.  I love the half-diamond inserts on the front waist.  Not sure if I would prefer the long sleeve or short sleeve at this point.

I have plenty more patterns to look over.  So far, these four have filtered to the top as preferences.

Burda 8905 - Jean Jacket - finished

I do love this pattern!  I still need to cut the buttonholes open, but with that done, it's finished.  I actually finished it on Chrismas Eve.  I thought about wearing it to the family gathering, but my black jeans, while lycra, are a bit tight at the waist.  I wanted to be able to breathe after I ate, so I opted to go with my blues and a red T.  We are very relaxed at our holiday gatherings.

I once again used the straight size 42 and it worked well.  This pattern goes together very easily.  The only minor problem I had was due to the percentage of lycra (at least I think that the problem).  I had to be very careful as to not stretch the fabric when topstitching.  I almost had a "wavey bottom band."  Bah humbug.  By going more slowly and consciously watching/feeling for stretch, I was able to get the final band done pretty well.  I, then, heavily steamed it,  and I think it will wear fine.

The buttons are from the stash (from Pursley's in Duncanville) and seemed perfect for this fabric.  They are red with a bit of black marbled into the plastic.

I really like how this turned out.  Yes, it is a bit "bright," but some days I feel like "BRIGHT."

Now to decide what's up next.  I am still working on my gray sweater.  One sleeve is about ready to begin the ribbed cuff.  I could have it completed (the entire sweater) easily by the end of the week if I just would set my mind to it, but I'm not rushing myself.  If it happens, it happens.

Burda 8905 - Jean Jacket -Red and black Part 1

I think I'm going to like this one.  I got a couple of hours in the sewing room this afternoon.  I enjoy sewing this pattern; it's coming together.

Regarding the Vintage Sewalong, I started browsing patterns today--oh so many from which to choose.  I'm narrowing down, I think.

Count me in on this one

Miss Muslin is sponsoring The Great Vintage Sewalong.  Rules are here if you want to join.  I think this will be fun, and I love sewing vintage dresses although I don't need that many dresses.  Maybe I'll pick something that will pass as an Easter Dress.  Now I just need to go through all those vintage patterns I've collected and stashed!

And completely NOT sewing  related......It was 85 degrees here today.  I'm thinking it was a record for Dec. 21, but not sure as I didn't watch the news this evening to hear the weather guy say if it was or not.  Anyway, it was HOT for Dec. 21.  I needed to do some mowing around my burn piles that I had neglected in the early fall, so............I put on shorts, hopped on the tractor and got started on my 2011 tan.  I think that's a first for me on a Dec. 21.

Christmas Music and Charity Sewing

I'm still not 100% from whatever this "crud" that took over my body a couple of weeks ago.  Last night, we had what ultimately turned out to be a "minor" (thankgoodness) emergency with two of the dogs that amounted to a vet visit and an overnight stay for them at the clinic.  All is OK there and I'm breathing again. 

This afternoon, I needed some "down time" in the sewing room.  I put Aaron Neville's "Soulful Christmas" into the CD player and got a head start on some charity sewing. I love this CD and, in particular, his versions of "O Holy Night" and "Louisiana Christmas Day." Our ASG neighborhood group loves making fun pillowcases for the Dallas children's hospitals.  I went through some of the stash quilting cottons and found some spiderman, snowmen, and vintage telephones prints.  These don't take long to sew up; I had fun and cleared my mind of my stuffy nose and life's emergencies. :)

Then, I pulled out this red rose fabric to cut out this burda jacket pattern.  I had been wanting to make this patttern again and couldn't decide on a piece of stash fabric.  Today, while sipping on my Diet Dr. Pepper, I remembered this fabic that I'd purchased at least 5 years ago (maybe more years than that).  It has a denim feel to it; it's cotton/lycra and as I remember, I washed it numerous times to hopefully get most of the shrinkage taken care of.  I bought it having no idea what I would use it for, but knew it would be perfect for something someday.  Anywho, it's all cut and ready to sew when I have a clearer head (from fewer antihistamines in my system).  It may get done for Christmas Day and it may not--I'm going to be easy on myself!

Off the Track

Sometimes life just gets in the way, doesn't it?

The Chanel jacket pattern arrived the day after my last post, but my mojo for the jacket was lacking. 

Word came that the wife of a close cousin was seriously ill.  My Sis and I made some trips (about 80 miles one way) to see her and be with him.  I'm sorry to say that she passed away about a week ago.  They were college sweethearts together over 40 years.  She was definitely part of our family. 

At the memorial service, I was in the process of coming down with a viral bug that has been going around here.  It lasts about two weeks, and I'm till trying to shake it.  I'm trying to do what HAS TO BE DONE and vegging on the couch the rest of the time.

So,  it may be the first of the year before I resurface in the sewing room.  In the meantime, I'm knitting a bit on a top down sweater (while on the couch). 

It's Aways Something...........

You will recall that I was excited to begin a "Chanel" jacket project.  Well.........things don't always go as planned.........I ordered the Burda pattern from an Etsy seller on Halloween.  I kept waiting for mail delivery, and waiting, and waiting.  On November 15, I received the following message:

Hello, you ordered a pattern from me last month. You have not received it yet because I was just made aware that there was an issue some of my recent past orders. There person that I was using to do my packing and shipping did not mail out some of the patterns or the wrong pattern was put in envelopes. I really apologize for this. I have your pattern here and am wondering if you would still like to have it, or would you like to cancel the transaction. I am prepared to reimburse you the shipping costs. Please let me know as I will personally take care of shipping from here on out.

Oh bummer!!!  I still want the pattern, so I reply, "Yes, please send; I'm anxiously awaiting the pattern."

I'm hopeful it will arrived this week, PLEEAAZZEEE.  Maybe I'll be surprised today? I hope, I hope.

Right now, it's PJs

While I'm waiting for my "Chanel" jacket pattern to arrive, I've pulled out some muslin to make my "fitting" jacket.

Went to my ASG neighborhood group meeting on Tuesday.  Our leader told us that the local children's shelter is in great need of PJs.  So many of the children arrive with NOTHING but the clothes on their backs...so very sad.  Such a heartbreak.  Our group strives to meet as many of the local community "sewing" needs as we can. 

I was away from home most of yesterday, so today I went stash diving for flannel to make PJ bottoms and some soft knit to make coordinating long sleeved T's.  I found some plaid flannel that will work for little boys and some red that will work for either boys or girls.  I got four pair of bottoms cut this afternoon and one pair sewn only awaiting the elastic at the waist.  I got only one top cut from a fairly beefy cotton interlock.  Hope to get the other 3 tops cut tomorrow.

Until later...............

Better late than never to the Chanel party

For a while I have toyed with the idea of sewing a Chanel type jacket.  There have been various sew alongs and probably contests that just didn't correspond to my time frame or frame of  mind at the time.

The idea has been resurfacing and now that the weather is finally getting cooler here, I can imagine sewing a jacket.  Long sleeves, wool, linings, etc. just don't appeal to me in hot weather--what can I say.

I dug out Threads magazine #121 (November 2005).  It has the article "Inside Secrets of a Chanel Jacket" by Susan Khalje.  After re-reading this article, I found some sewing inspiration and a twinge of MOJO for such a project.  I think I have some appropriate fabric in the stash; I haven't dug through the bins yet.  I think I have some black/white and some in shades of pink.  I will have to purchase the appropriate silk lining.

Her article suggests 6 patterns she considered a good place to start: 2 Simplicity, 1 Vogue, 1 Butterick, 1 McCall's and 1 Burda.  I think I have the McCall's in the pattern stash, BUT.........Burda usually fits me best with fewer alterations.  It is Burda 8414.  Of course, it is out of print.....Naturally my luck.

Off to Google for a search of the pattern.  WOW!  One listed on Etsy and it was only $4 + change.  Yippee, I clicked on order, and it should be on it's way to me shortly.

I do hope I don't lose interest in this before it gets started.  I often get a bee in my bonnet to start something and then my attention gets headed in another direction.  I call it my ADD sewing.  That's one reason why I've never tried to sew a "wardrobe."  I just don't think I could stick to the plan.  I wish I could, but..........like Popeye, I am what I am.

Anyhow, right now the process that Susan sets forth in her article seem soothing to me.  A slower pace of sewing for me.  I'll keep you posted on my process and any sudden turns off this path should they happen.

P.S. Tonight while I type, the World Series is on.  I'm not and never have been a big baseball fan, BUT I've learned to appreciate the game more now that our Texas Rangers are there for the first time in history.  Being an avid football fan, baseball has always seemed 'too slow' for me (I guess my ADD resurfacing again).

As you know if you follow football, we Cowboy fans are living a nightmare (wake me up when it's over).  I do have my adopted teams that I follow that will make this season worthwhile.  Actually, I love any good game on any given Sunday afternoon or Sunday night or Monday night. ;-)

(Photo from Foxsports website)
BUT, back to the world series, I loved the opening pitch - two former Presidents with one making the first pitch to our local, much loved hero Nolan Ryan (now part ower of the team).  So I close this post with GO RANGERS!

The missing skinny pant photos:

Picked up camera batteries today so I'm back in business.

This is the Sandra Betzina book and pattern that was published a number of years ago.



Here is the photo (I lightened some so I hope you can see) of the newest Sandra Vogue pattern. You can see the diagonal wrinkles and the funky butt wrinkle that I feel is just the result of the cut of this pattern (major tapering with no side seam). I will wear these pants with a butt covering tunic.



Below you see the results of the masking tape pattern of the QVC Denim and Co. leggings. The back will be much better with a flat seat adjustment.






As a P.S. The Morning Glories are loving our cooler mornings (in the 50's) and warm afternoons in the 80's. All these came from a seed packet that I think was 10 cents at the Dollar Store. I planted them in the late spring and they have just into their prime now that our 100+ degree temps have finally subsided!

More on Skinny Pants

Well, my camera battery just died and I had 3 or 4 more photos to load........bah humbug.........and, of course, I have no more batteries on hand. So, I'll go with what I have for now.

Here is a Slim pant pattern comparison of the Sandra Betzina pattern from her "No Time to Sew" book with patterns. That pattern was sized in Sm/Med/Lg with hip measurements of: Sm = 32.5 - 36"; Med = 36.5 - 40.5"; and Lg = 41 - 46" and waist measurments of Sm = 23-27"; Med = 27.5 - 31" and Lg = 31.5 - 36. She gives various instructions for enlarging/altering the pattern for one's actual measurements. It is the the pattern on top in the photo.

The white pattern is her new Today's Fit Pattern, Vogue 1197, the pattern I used in my previous post. You can see, the newer pattern offers more size options, sizes A-J.

The obvious difference I noted right off the bat was the old pattern has a tilted waist; the new one does not. I had to make a tilted waist adjustment with the Vogue pattern. Also, the older pattern used a separate waist band (pattern not shown in this photo) and the newer one has the waist band included as the pant pattern (i.e. fold over waistband).




I had some "throw away polyester knit" so I decided to make up the old pattern. I cut a Lg at the waist and a Med at the hip for my measurements of W of 32.5 and H of 39. Here they are: well, the back view. The front view is still in my dead battery camera. There were some diagonal folds in the back as noted with the new pattern (in my previous post), but all, in all, looked OK. I didn't finish as I HATE the feel of this fabric and it's HOT to wear.


And here are the final pair of the black RPL ponte knit you saw in my last post. Sorry, the photo of the back of this pair is still in the camera. Still some vertical folds, but they are definitely better after they had been steamed. If I made this pattern again, I need to lengthen the legs, I think. I do think I'll be able to wear them with a tunic (cover the bum and some of the diagonal folds) and ballet flats.




From here I pulled out a pair of Denim and Co. (QVC brand) pair of denim leggins that I purchased at least 5 years ago. They keep shinking up as I wash them. I bought them in 2 colors, black and indigo. Although the same size, the blue ones were always baggy, but the black fit nice. Both said they were 96 cotton/4 lycra. Go figure...........

Anyhow, I gave the blue ones away long ago, but still have the black ones, so I copied them via masking tape and cut and sewed a test pair (photo also still in the dead camera). I lengthed them as they needed and they came out pretty darn good. They do need a small flat seat adjustment if the pattern gets used again, and it will likely. Based on these having a leg side seam vs. the Betzina's having no side seam, I do think the diagonal folds in the back legs are from the nature of the cut. I didn't have diagonals on the denim (just the wrinkle indicating the need for a flat seat adjustment).

Someone asked for more info on Sister's blue dress. The fabric is a knit - rayon I think. It was not a border print. The verticals on the fabric run the lenth of the fabric so I had to do some "fussy cutting" to get the verticals where I wanted. I think the fabric came from C&C Fabrics in Dallas.

Speaking of fabrics, someone also asked about fabric places. I buy most of my fabric from C&C Fabrics and Super Textiles on Perth Street in Dallas and Pursley's discount Fabrics in Duncanville. Of course, I haunt and buy from Fabric.com and Fabricmart.com.

Vogue 1197 - Skinny pants

There has been some discussion about this Sandra Betzina pattern on Stitchers Guild. It's one of those pants patterns with the "skinny-er" leg and yet, not a "legging." Sorta reminded me of the Laura Petri pants from the old Dick Van Dyke show.

I decided to try it. Here is my first "go" at it. I traced the pattern using the size D waist and then tracing in between the the size C and D at the hip. After measuring my side length, I folded out 4" of total length at two different places. I used some ponte knit from the stash in a color that is not really my color.







The front didn't look right, actually, it looked wonky somehow. I went back to my tracing, and instead of tracing the tummy/hip between the C and D sizes, I had traced between the D and E sizes. I also realized that I needed more overall leg length, so I added 1" back into the pattern, and I needed more length at the back waist (basically, a tilted waist adjustment).

Here's what I did for the back waist. I slit the pattern at the back crotch to the side seam line and rotated up to add in 1", I just folded out the "dart" that formed at the side seam waist. NOTE: this pattern has no side seam. I knew from my first draft that I had enough room around the waist to fold out this amount at the waist area.




Version #2 of said pattern"



Second pair from black ponte. I've lighted the photos so that you can better see the fit. They look pretty good in the mirror. Some of the wrinkles you see in the photos are wrinkles from the fabric being folded in the stash closet. I plan to steam them and try them on again before I decide if I want to make any other adjustments.







After this Version #2 was complete, I did scoop out the back crotch about 1/4" and took a 3/8" back crotch seam rather than the 5/8" seam from the back waist to the spot where I scooped the back crotch. Sorry, I didn't get a photo of that change yet. I'll hold off on any more changes until I can determine which wrinkles are from the fabric being stashed and which are from the fit.

I notice in the photos that the legs hems look uneven. I just have them basted now, so I'll double check that before final cover hem. These will be wearable since I'll be wearing a tunic length top which as yet to be made.

And as a P.S. to my last post, here is the 2nd dress I've almost finished for Sis.

I found the sleeves..........

This post which was over a year ago told of my plight of the "lost sleeves."

Well, I found them. I've been going through some of my stash bins (and come up with 3 bags of fabric to take to the next ASG meeting--in hopes that most of it will find new homes). There they were.....between fabric....two sleeves.

I have worn this dress many times, and I love it. Now trying to decide whether to add the sleeves at this point and wearing it through the fall here (which often lasts thru mid-December).

Decisions, decisions................

Simplicity 4074 Dress

I think I mentioned in my previous post that I was sewing a couple of things for my sister. I hadn't made anything for her in a while, and I'm sad to admit that these two dresses still aren't finished, BUT they are close.

Simplicity 4074 is now out of print. I found out when I looked for it on the Simplicity website. I had made myself a couple of knit tops from this pattern and liked the neckline.

I went stash hunting and found this rayon/lycra knit. I think it came from the Dallas "garment district" on Harry Hines. Don't remember, but probably paid $3 or $4 per yard. This is a very nice quality and soft hand and drape - a bit of a midweight.



Shown here on my dressform which is a bit smaller that Sis. I made as per the pattern using View D (the non-wrap version - see green dress upper left on the pattern envelope). Only change was to shorten the sleeve to 3/4 as we both generally prefer that length. I also shortened the pattern, but right now, I don't remember if it was 2" or 3". She's about 5'3".

After the first "try on," I raised the front center seam about 1" making the depth of the neckline shorter. I took in the sleeves about 3/4 tapering from underarm to hem. I want her to try it on again before I hem both the sleeves and the overall hem.

The second dress is also from a rayon/lycra that's been in the stash for a few years. Actually, this dress has been cut out for more than a year and got buried in the cut stack. I could have sworn I took a photo on my dress form, but can't find it on my computer now, so will have to take another to post.

I used a pattern from 1971, Simplicity 9381:



I made a muslin of this last summer. Before I cut the muslin I did lower the bust point per her measurements taken earlier. The finished muslin indicated that I needed to narrow the shoulders about 1/2" as the shoulder seams were too wide. Otherwise, I made according to the pattern. This is a half-size pattern - 20 1/2. It worked pretty well straight out of the envelope. This pattern calls for a woven, but I used a knit. When she tried on the knit, I did have to take in the side seams about 5/8"--no big deal. I won't be using the collar as shown on the pattern. I will bind the neckline with self fabric.

I will take another picture and edit this post, but that will likely be tomorrow.

Why the Bag?

Shams and Ruthie asked in their comments of my last post as to why I was so interested in this pattern.

Well, I've wanted to make it since I saw it made up at The Sewing Divas blog. It seemed like the perfect bag for those of us that seem to carry everything (including the kitchen sink sometimes) in our bags.

There was more interest and information about the bag at Kathleen's blog at Fashion Incubator.

And Gigi shared some of her experiences with making the bag here on her blog.

Apparently all that "publicity" sent the prices of the pattern on E-bay sky high. I don't remember the exact winning bids for the pattern was at the time, but if my memory is correct, I think one went for $75 - $80. Wow.

I've always just loved the look, shape, and size.

Bobby Breslau Bag Pattern

I have wanted this pattern for a very long time. I've done various searches over time and watched all the yard/estate sales where sewing patterns were part of the sale. When I would bid on E-bay, either the price would be out of the range I was willing to pay OR someone would snipe (or whatever the word is) me at the last. Oh well, I said to myself.

Well, not long ago one popped up on E-bay again. It resided in Canada, so the postage was really more than "my limit" I had set for myself....but what the hey, I'll put in my highest bid and expect to be outbid. Some of these would go for way over $50 (way over my budget for such luxuries).

I put in my 20 something dollar amount and forgot about it. When the auction ended, I got my e-mail saying that I had not won. Yep, that was the e-mail I was expecting. Well, a few days later, I got a "second chance offer." I corresponded with the seller and decided to go for it even tho the postage was $7+ coming the long journey to Texas from Canada.

The pattern arrived today. It is still factory folded. How cool is that?

Now, will I make up the purse? Don't know. When I wanted it so badly, I would have cut leather or fabric the day it arrived..........now? the urgency is not there. But, who knows? maybe the urgency will stike again sometime and now I have that little baby nesting in the pattern stash.

It's fun to get something that you given up on ever getting into your hot little hands. (especially when it's sewing related)

Burda 8/2005 #119

About one year ago I showed you fabric and the pattern I planned to use for a white blouse. It's done!



On more than a dozen occasions, I would think, I'll work on that blouse today, but something always got in the way. I guess I just wasn't ready, who knows? I finished it last week and am just know getting to this post.

I loved the collar/neck treatment of this blouse since the magazine arrived. At first, I thought it might be difficult, but when I got into it, it wasn't hard at all.

I used interfacing for the collar, front band, and cuff from Pam at Fashion Sewing Supply and it worked so well with this fabric.

I cut a size 42, but probably could have cut a 40. A year or so ago, the size 42 fit almost without any alteration, but I've may have lost some inches from exercise, as my weight is about the same as a year ago. Anyhow, I did take in the side seams about .25", took an additional .25" at the shoulder seam and cut about .25" off the shoulder as the sleeve seemed to be a tad "dropped" at the shoulder (which was not as the pattern intended). I also had to cut about 2" off the length of the sleeve. I'm sure I'll use this pattern again so I was careful to mark all the changes on the current traced pattern.

As far as the instructions...........well, you know. For the collar, the instructions (if I read them correctly) called for clipping the seam and folding the seam allowance into the collar. I decided instead to simply serge the seam and then topstitch it toward the body of the blouse.

See?





I think it looks nice this way, and it seamed easier to me. Afterall, when we make something, WE ARE THE DESIGNERS, right?

I'm still taken with this pattern and have a red silk dupioni that I may use for #2 in the near future. I've washed the silk once, but I may distress it a bit more before I cut.

In the meantime, I've sewn two knit dresses for my Sis. She has one that I sent home with her today so that she can try on and see how it fits, before I serge the sideseams. Also, she needs to mark the hem. I finished a second knit dress this afternoon for her (well, finished to that same point) for her to try on. I'll probably take it to her tomorrow. For the first, I used a vintage pattern, the second a Simplicity that has been in the stash for about a year. I will blog the details about them soon.

On the exercise front, I think we (Sis and I) have decided to transfer our Curves membership to a center about 13 miles from us. There is one about 10 miles away, but it is not as big and roomy. We visited the one that's just a bit further and we liked it better, so we'll give it a try. The one that is closing that we have been going to for about 3.5 years is only about 5 miles from home -- it was so convenient........sigh............

Texas Proud

My sister’s birthday is August 22. Last year she asked me to make her a new purse—one to replace the one she was currently using (which I had made for her several years ago). She liked the size and the type of pockets it had. As she said, “all my stuff fits in it just right, and it’s somewhat organized.”

I had the best of intentions of making that “replacement” purse for her special day last year, BUT….it never got made.

This year, on August 1, I made myself a promise to get her a new bag finished by her birthday. The one she was using was made from tapestry with different breeds of dogs as the design. I went tapestry (from my former purse and tote bag making days) stash shopping. There was one floral, but she’s not really a floral gal IMO. There were some cats, and she does like cats, but the Texas design won out.

She was very happy, and it was a surprise!

Side 1 - the big map of Texas:



Side 2 - Southfork Ranch entrance (from the J R Ewing days), Dallas skyline; Texas Flag, west Texas desert; the Alamo:



I'm thinking of making her a leather one as I have a couple of skins that came from Fabric Mart several years ago. I'll let her use this on a while, however.

Many Thanks

Thank you to those who took time to stop and leave a comforting comment on my recent loss. I'm sure it will be months before I get out of the habit (a 20+ year habit) of looking toward the pasture everytime I go outside to see "where Neerer is grazing." I'm doing better each day.

I know we all have "issues" to deal with - that's life. Several other bloggers I *stalk* are dealing with their own "life changing" issues. Shannon and Nan have recently lost beloved pets, and Debbie is dealing with a son leaving for the Marine Corps. I'm sure there are others, but these are three that come to mind as I sit here and write.

One of my "new" challenges to to find a new place to exercise. Found out this morning that our Curves is closing its doors at the end of the month. I've been a member there since I retired in January of 2007, so I've made some great friends there. It's a sign of the depressed times even though Texas in general has one of the better enconomies as states go. You see from my sidebar that I am a politcal conservative, and I have my own opinions as to how all this has come about, but won't go into here. As far as exercise, I do have a couple of options in the area so will begin checking into them probably next week. I want to keep up my exercise program and I will somehow--if it hairlips every cow on the ranch! (old saying my Granny used).

I did make my Sis a purse for her birthday, and I have photos in the camera. I'll try to get those posted soon. I got into the sewing room yesterday, but just piddled and picked up. Nothing "moved" me yesterday to get me motivated. Oh wait, I did trace off a Burda T from the 2/2009 issue. I did decide to renew Burda WOF this morning, but only for 6 months this time. This afternoon, the dentist.....maybe tomorrow will be some sewing.

It's Hard to Say Goodbye

This past Thursday I had to say goodbye to my first Equine love. I didn't own him all his life, but I knew him all his life. He belonged to dear friends of ours, and she showed him in Western and English Pleasure. And he was a winner. In his early teens he had some leg problems which required surgery, but his show performance declined. She asked me to "adopt" him because she knew he would have a "cushy" life with me.



We had moved to our place "in the country" about a year before he arrived. My "free" horse required a barn, a horse trailer, and riding lessons for me (yes, he could still be ridden for pleasure). I had to take lessons to be able to communicate to him what he already knew how to do! I was so happy, and I think he was too once he got used to the fact that 24 acres belonged to him! He had horse neighbors on one adjoining property, and it wasn't long before a buddy came to join him, yes another free horse, a miniature. Over the years, 2 more horses would join his herd.




Did I mention he was a character? I call this his "Mr. Ed immitation."



He loved to rest while "guarding" his barn.



He was always the "King" of his pasture. Three other horses shared that pasture with him and he was always the General of his herd. Over his years, one by one, they went on to the Rainbow Bridge. He outlived all of them even though he was the oldest. He now rests in peace with his other brothers in HIS pasture.


El Visto Nino (aka fondly known to me as Neener)
April 25, 1977 - August 26, 2010
33 yrs, 4 mo., 1 day

Sewing Magazines

I don't often get a chance to pick up this magazine (and I'm not accustomed to the name change from Australian Stitches--and WHAT is it about magazines changing names--it will always be BWOF to me). The only place I have found it in the metroplex is the big Joann store in Dallas. In the past I have ordered some issues from Erica's. I was in Dallas at a doctor appointment this morning so I took the opportunity to visit the store on my way home. This is Volume 18 #5.

I find the articles in this magazine very thorough, the photos and diagrams very helpful, and the magazine overall to be very well done. It was interesting to me to read in the Editors' Letter that a few of the articles have been revised from very, very old issues because they felt if they could not better the information, 'why fix it if it isn't broke.' They noted that since they have many new readers, it made sense to share this type of information even if it wasn't completely "new." Even though this was recycled information, I found the articles well done.

Of particular interest to me was their detailed article on "Having Good Jeans."

I let my sub to "Threads" expire back in the fall. I had found that many of their articles were not meeting my "wants." I now purchase the issues I want individually with my J's 40% off coupon. It's not that the magazine is "bad," perhaps I just needed a break from it. I got my renewal notice for BWOF--still trying to decide what to do.

This has been a busy week for me, and I've haven't been able to spend any real time in the sewing room. I think I'll have some time tomorrow, but I have no idea what I will work on.

Oh, and the weather folks tell us a cool front is coming next week, and the high will only be 98. Not as cool as I'd like, but better than 105-107 that we've been having here. (wiping sweat from brow...........)

One Top - winner, 2nd Top - eh.....

I really ordered The Sewing Workshop Liberty Shirt pattern to make a knit top. I did, however, make a muslin of the "jacket" which I blogged about in an earlier post.

Seeing Sham's versions really got my attention. As she did, I did a "muslin" from cotton interlock knit. Gee, how I don't like the feel of interlock knit since I have gotten so used to knits with a bit of lycra. But I have to say, I'm very happy with the result--so much that I may even wear it until it stretches out.

I used the size I had used in my original (woven) version. I shortened the sleeves and did take bigger seam allowances, but I like the loose fit. For my "real" version (whenever that may be) I will likely either go down a size or somehow cut a bit smaller. See what you think...........







My next knit top mulsin was Vogue 8636, one of Marcy Tilton's tops. I have most of her knit top patterns, but I'm just now getting around to making one up. As in my previous endeavor, I used cotton interlock (because I had some and it's time to get rid of it). As you can see, I changed the sleeve by making it 3/4 and using a contrast band to finish the sleeve hem. When I first tried it on, I thought it felt too tight, but after I let in sit for a day, it feels ok. I have yet to hem it.

I'm not crazy about the sleeves. They seem uncomfortable at the underarm, and the fabric seems to bunch up funny there. I'll probably give this one away without wearing it. I do like the neck treatment and will probably use it on another top with regular set in sleeves.

As you can see, I've gotten a bit "artsy" with these last two tops--trying to channel Marcy, I suppose.




I like sewing knits, and I LOVE wearing knit tops. I will find some rayon lyca in the stash to make another Liberty.

Easy, Ageless, Cool

Louise Cutting's new pattern is a keeper for me.




The first pair (green, long version) is from a rayon blend that's been in the stash for a while. I had picked up a full bolt a couple of years ago. It was either $1 or $1.50/yd. It's a loose woven fabric, but worked just fine for a "wearable muslin." I cut a straight XS in the first version. They worked fine, a smidge tighter in the hips than I prefer, but they are definitely wearable. I paired them in the photo with Louise's "Pure and Simple" shell. A nice, cool, comfy outfit.

I wanted to get right on to pair #2, making them more of a capri. I removed 6" in the length by folding out a 3" "hunk" at the shorten/lengthen line. This is fabric I picked up just recently at Pursley's Fabrics in Duncanville. It's a rayon blend lightweight pant fabric. With the mark downs and discount that day, I paid just over $1.00/yd for the fabric. It's more of a gray than it indicates in the photo.

This pair a bit more relaxed. I sewed 3/8" seams rather than the 5/8" of the size XS. I like them better. I think I will really wear this pair lots in this heat. The pockets are a nice feature and a fun look, IMO.

The last couple of days I have been working on a couple of knit "wearable muslins." Hopefully, I'll have enough "umph" to get some photos soon and share with you. One of them seems to be a real keeper; the other...........we'll see.

And speaking of heat, welcome August, in north central Texas. And this little darling is in the shade.

Butterick 5044

I'm finally getting around to showing you my version of Butterick 5044.



It's hard to see much about the pocket detail with the darker blue fabric. When I figured out that this was a "one seam" pant, I used my Louise Cutting version with the fit done already. HOWEVER, I should have put more ease into the pattern and will the next time I make this version. The Butterick pattern illustration is a bit more "blousy" than this version.

I used the pocket pattern from the B-pattern. The instructions were to cut four pieces and use two pieces for each pocket--sew right sides together leaving a space to turn, press and topstitch onto the pants. While my blue fabric was not real thick, I did think 2 layers for the pocket would be a bit stiff, so I used a rayon lining.

The second problem with not having more ease is that with the two layers of fabric in the pocket sewn on to the hip area--this further limits the "stretch/give" factor of the fabric and is tighter than I like when I sit. If I remove the pockets, I think the fabric will "give" more. I haven't decided yet. I have worn them, and I really like them while "standing." :)

My glitch that I mentioned in my earlier post is that I didn't measure correctly for the buttonholes that are sewn at the leg hems. I sewed them (and, yes, cut them open) and they were placed more toward the back of the pant than the side. Sooo, I simply zig-zagged the buttonholes closed and made new ones at the correct spot. I don't think the sewn closed buttonholes are that noticeable when the drawstring (aka, strip of selvedge with knots tied at each end) is pulled and tied.

Oh well, lessons learned and for now the pants are wearable. I plan to make another pair with the changes I've noted here.

The Duncanville Trip

First of all, thank you for the kind comments on my Sweetheart Cowl. I think I'm really going to enjoy and plan to make another with 3/4 sleeve for the fall.

I mentioned earlier that my ASG Neighborhood Group went to Pursley's in Duncanville, Texas. We generally make this shopping trip once/year as a group. It's about a 45-60 minute drive from our small town. I sometimes make the trip alone or with my bestest sewing buddy in between our yearly excursion.

Here's what I found for my one seam (Butterick knockoff (see earlier post) using my Louise Cutting pattern) capris. By the way, they are almost complete. I did hit one snag, but I'll explain when I show you photos when they are done.



The color (which isn't showing well on the monitor) is almost a denim blue. I bought all that was left - about 3+ yards. It is very wide so I have plenty of fabric for something else later on. I think this was $3.98/yd.

I also picked up some tulle type soft knits that I thought would work with some of the Marcy Tilton tee patterns. The first two: black tool with a small dot; the other is a lace with black, blues, and purples (sorry you can't see the colors here). The last one is a fuzzy stripe - black. I've washed/dried them all and they did great.




And lastly, I picked up these "jewels" that can be used on necklines. Three of them were priced at 3.98 each; and one was $4.98. Good price for sure! DGD will likely be the recipient of one or two of these on T-shirts. We'll see, but I just couldn't pass them up. Sorry the pics are blurry.




As a P.S., the horse pasture was baled this week: