Thursday, April 15, 2010

Darn Burda Fabric Search

Photo courtesy Burdafashion.com
Anyone who was interested in this skirt from the BWOF March 2010 issue is out of luck, with the fabric that is.  It was out of stock either immediately or prior to release of the issue.  So, I went on the internet, sought advice from the helpful ladies on PR but came up empty, until...

Michaels Fabrics sent me an email.  They have many sequined fabrics.  I shot off another email with a link to the skirt and my requirements.  Honestly, I didn't think they'd send samples but rather digital photos of the fabrics.  Much to my joyous surprise, the fabric arrived today.

Too cute!  I am afraid to ask the cost though.

Zebra print- I love Zebra but am afraid I've got too much of it.

These pictures really don't do it justice- the top one is really pretty in person.


Another view of the top one.
Red & Orange of the same style.  The white is awfully pretty too and a colored underlay would really be nice.
I love the lime green one in the center.  It might make a more comfortable skirt but how in the world would I sew it?  Surely not all by hand?

The black and gold is so classy.  I like the black as well but a little too calm for me:)

Now, where do I go from here?  How does one sew with sequined fabric?  Any suggestions before I ask the cost/yd?

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Progress on Burda Magazine Jacket & I LOVE SNAPS!


Burda Magazine Jacket

Well, the jacket is progressing nicely.  I ordered unusual heavyweight separating zippers from Zipperstop.com.  
They were much too long so I had to alter the length.  It's not as easy as it sounds with heavy teeth.  I took a new pair of wire cutters to the teeth and then peeled them away from the binding.  From there, I added a stop with thread.  Unfortunately, I couldn't separate the stop from the top of the zipper so this was my only other option without a zipper repair kit.  
Next, I added snaps from SnapSource.com.  They are size 24, brushed silver.




This is the tool used to set the snaps.  It's so easy but don't be fooled.  Making sure the snap is centered is challenging.  Not to mention, there is a piece of plastic that can get in the way if you need to place the snap further toward the middle of the garment.  (See it rising above the tool on the left side in the photo above?)  Don't get me wrong, this makes it almost foolproof.  Love my snaps now.


This is the back of the jacket showing both ends of the snap.  I did forget to reinforce the insert portion of the snap.  Fortunately, it's only for decoration so I don't have to worry about it pulling in the future.

This is a close-up of the snap- doesn't it look great?  Do you see how the topstitching thread has pulled to the back slightly?  I'm thinking on this but am not worried about it in this garment.  Remember, this is my $1.95 fabric from Fabric.com.


Cool!



Just another view.  Can you tell I like it?



While I was at it, I got some in size 20, which are black, for my Simplicity pants.   (Image on the lower left)  I talked about them in this post.   http://okie2thfairy.blogspot.com/2010/03/organizing-for-spring-again.html

I've seen these types of pants all over the place and love the thought they're going to be a little "dressier" with a more sateen finish.  Can't wait to wear my new heels.  Believe it or not, these are super comfortable and make me look incredibly tall.  That's not a small feet (feat) for a woman of 5'4.  


These are navy blue Chie Mihara shoes.  It's my first experience with this designer.  If only I could design shoes...  Why don't we have that option here in the states?

I'm hoping to finish the jacket this weekend and then start on the muslin for the pants.  Now, what to wear for a top?  Any suggestions on fabric and style?  Remember, I think I've got big arms so no showing off of them if I can help it.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Topstitching Winner

The winner is...



I know it looks wavy but it's straight on a stretchy fabric.  I might tighten the tension but it looks good close-up.  

Thanks for all the suggestions!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

Topstitching Options

I'm working on the BWOF jacket from this post Jacket with hood and zippers.  Well, now it's time to decide on topstitching.  These are Gutermann threads for topstitching.  I'm using a size 90 needle to accommodate the size of the thread- fyi.

Top thread- dark gray
Middle thread- black
Bottom thread- light gray

These don't really look straight- I wonder if I can fix this?  Is it something I should worry about?

Let me know what you think.