Let's Try Again

After considering all the advice and realizing it was all the same, I've decided to rip out the pink lining on the jacket.  The new lining is crepe-back satin in winter white and it's almost completely attached.  Back on the road again with just one more bump...

The Jalie top is almost done but my coverstitch machine attempted to consume the fabric.   Being new to this machine, I didn't realize it might need some reinforcement.  So, I hemmed the sleeves and it was for lack of a better term, a disaster!  The sleeves will be slightly shorter now.

Here are some photos of the parts that worked out on the blouse.  No need to show you the failures since I've had my share and have learned much from them.

This is the photo of the collar- I didn't have matching serger thread (my little inside secret) so you can see it is light gray.  I added a band 1 inch in width (2.5 in total) to the neck edge.  It could have used some fusible interfacing because this jersey is lightweight- 11oz to be exact.  This photo shows the color much better.

I used clear elastic to help keep it from gapping.  It was added via serging.

I don't have any photos of me wearing it yet.  This weekend I'll catch up on all of that.  (Since my last day at my current company is Friday, I'll have more time to finish these things.)

Tomorrow, topper tales...

Help! Should I rip this out and change the lining?

Ok, I'm working on the jacket for the wardrobe contest and it's going together fantastically but when I starting sewing in the lining I noticed something odd. It looks like the fabric is a little too see-thru and the pale pink lining is showing through. Darn, I love that lining!!! Well, here are the photos. I need an honest opinion fast since time is of the essence. What do you think- rip it out and add white or stay with the pink. BTW, the jacket has been interlined with silk organza and interfacing where necessary so you're seeing the fabric at it's thickest and least translucent. I do have some white flannel I could add to the body of the jacket but probably not the sleeves so the pink will show no matter what. Please help me decide FAST!

Jacket Shell Done

Another item is on the way to being done. The BWOF topper is 1/2 done. I've finished the outside and all that is left is the lining. I think it's really better than 1/2 done. One thing I wished is that the interfacing wasn't so heavy. It was lightweight but doesn't allow the collar to drape like I want. I may try to remove a layer of it so it's only on one side of the facing. We'll see.

So, progress is as follows:

Tops- 1 sewn
Bottoms- 1 sewn
Topper- 1/2 done

That leaves sewing the 4 tops and 3 bottoms. I think once the topper is done this will come together quickly. Everything is cut out so I'm on my way. I'll post pictures of the jacket progress later. It's bedtime.

I Killed My Iron

Yes, today I killed my iron. It was less than a year old. I had replaced another iron that didn't generate enough steam. Now I'm considering a gravity feed iron but am afraid of the heat generated and the burns I could self induce. My mother always told me I was apt to get burned around the stove and irons aren't any safer for me. But since I'm in this wardrobe contest and my jacket needs to be finished, I don't have time to shop around. Hopefully the iron police don't come and get me. I'm buying a cheap one to get me by until the iron decides to commit suicide. Sunbeam RIP.

First Photo of Skirt

Here is the BWOF skirt. I wore it to work today and looked kind of tired so cropped my head off;) I'll get better pics later when I finish other pieces. Honestly, I wish I'd made it even smaller since I have a little more ease than I usually like. Now on to the blouses...
 

I've almost finished the 1st top as well. Time to go out and buy some more thread to cover stitch the sleeves. That makes 2 outfits almost completely, totally finished and only 8 more to go.

BTW, it looks like I won't have any time off to sew like I was planning. I am going to start a new position on the 5th of October so no vacation for me. Not that I'm complaining but I really want some ME time for a little while (sigh).

BWOF Double Knit Skirt

Burda Skirt 1/09- 111
Here are photos of the waistband on this skirt.  I elected to sew down the pleats since I plan on wearing this with tops that are untucked and didn't want the extra bulk.

This photo shows how the waistband is attached after the pleats are formed.  Basically, you stop at the pleated section when adding the waistband.

Then, you take the pleated section and pull it through the opening at the waistband.

Edgestitch the waistband at the top. You'll see I opted to stitch the pleats down. The instructions have you stitch it underside so it's only partially closed at the fold-down sections of the side pleats (do I sound like Burda instructions?).

Fold over the waistband and here's what you have. I stitched in the ditch to attach the waistband to the skirt. Easy as pie:)



I made the skirt shorter to make me look taller... that's what happens right? Short skirt, long legs or has someone been lying to me???

Follow-up on the Wardrobe

PR Wardrobe Contest Checklist:
Prepare the fabric
Pick out the patterns
Assemble the supplies
Trace the patterns
Cut each top 1/2/3/4/5
Cut each bottom 1/2/3/4
Cut out the topper
Sew each piece found above- Top 1/2/3/4/5
Sew each piece found above- Bottom 1/2/3/4
Sew topper
Post a review of each (skirt done)

Ok, the gray skirt is done and I love it!!! I've started the preliminary review but will be posting photos soon. It needs a quick pressing and then I'll take more of the final product. EOS has the best double knit and it's soft as can be. I'll be trying this with my gray boots. This is when I wish is was cool enough outside to wear them. I know this is a fleeting thought and after I wear the skirt once I'll hope for warm weather again.

Progress as of today 9/12/09

PR Wardrobe Contest Checklist:
Prepare the fabric
Pick out the patterns
Assemble the supplies
Trace the patterns
Cut each top 1/2/3/4/5
Cut each bottom 1/2/3/4
Cut out the topper
Sew each piece found above- Top 1/2/3/4/5
Sew each piece found above- Bottom 1/2/3/4
Sew topper
Post a review of each

I've muslined all of the new patterns and cut them out. The supplies have been assembled, interfacing washed, bags readied and machines loaded with thread. What takes me the longest time is to cut each item out. I feel really good about the progress and knowing I have 3 items to cut out makes it much more doable. Did I mention all the linings are cut for their corresponding garments? This is a HUGE undertaking... How have all these people finished?

I'm holding off on the last few items to cut out, mainly because I'm not sure about the last top. Time to start sewing and get me away from the cutting table. Maybe this way I can start wearing some of these items. (Maybe)

Other than sewing, my husband reminded me that I have 12 more working days left at my current location. This is kind of weird for me- surreal. Another reason to hurry on the sewing is I'm really optimistic that I won't be unemployed for long...

Tracking the Progress on the PR Wardrobe

To track my progress I have decided to make a checklist:
Prepare the fabric
Pick out the patterns
Assemble the supplies
Trace the patterns
Cut each top 1/2/3/4/5
Cut each bottom 1/2/3/4
Cut out the topper
Sew each piece found above- Top 1/2/3/4/5
Sew each piece found above- Bottom 1/2/3/4
Sew topper
Post a review of each

I didn't include the muslins... so, I'm making the topper and the pants muslin today (check). I started a WIP review but it's private right now because it's essentially empty.

As you may know, I will be taking some time off of work while I reassess what I'm going to be doing professionally. My options are: 1. Work for someone else, 2. Go full-time at the school, 3. Buy-out someone else; or, 4. Start my own.

In the meantime, I plan to keep teaching and locum tenum (sub) for other doctors to keep the cash coming in. Not being a big fan of not having money in the bank, I may not really have much time to finish my summer to-do list.

Summer To-Do List:
Take tennis lessons (they were a gift from Christmas)
Volunteer my 40 hrs at Wayside Waifs (animal shelter)
Finish my Junior League requirements
Make my zebra print jacket
Organize my sewing space
Organize my basement
Finished all my UFOs
Take continuing education to fulfill my requirements for the year

I've started a lot of them but finished none of them. I guess I'm one of those people who likes to have action around them. Although, I do feel like this last week has been super productive (i.e.- quit my job, traced and cut out a lot of the wardrobe, lost a few pounds, etc).

Anyone good at picking out colors? If I go it alone and build my office I'm going to need some help. Not everyone has the minimalist taste I do...

Scary Changes

Ok, I officially gave my 30 day notice yesterday. So, that makes 29 days left to work for my current company. Is this the best timing? Nope, I'm definitely into security and don't like the idea of this kind of change. So, I'm looking for the silver lining...

I will have lots of time to get my office going. Time to find what I want to do and where I want to do it. Next, I'll have more time to spend with my family, friends, dog and sewing:) Good thing my stash is stocked.

Everyone I know has wondered why I haven't gone on my own before. Now it's time to see what I'm made of- scary. If you pray then please keep me in yours, if you don't, then keep me in your mind as I take a big step into "adulthood".

Thanks for listening.