tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15855971987969464412024-03-13T08:14:14.707-07:00La Couturiere Dimanche Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.comBlogger102125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-48513006300058377442016-09-04T00:00:00.000-07:002016-09-04T00:00:28.077-07:00Little knits<div>
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I've found since having children, that while sewing time is much more limited, it's still fairly easy to fit in knitting projects. I've gotten pretty good at knitting around sleeping babies on my lap, I used to sit and knit during playgroups, and frankly, most nights I'm just too tired to go work at the sewing machine, but I can absolutely muster the energy to sit on the couch and watch TV while I knit. Consequently I have gotten much more knitting projects finished in the last year or two than has been normal for me in the past. I've finished at least five sweaters of varying sizes, two pairs of socks, two hats, a few diaper soakers, and started three other adult sized sweaters since the last knitting projects I shared. I don't have good pictures of all of them, but two of my favorites (ok mostly because my kid is cute) are this little letterman style cardigan and cabled hat for my oldest.<br />
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The pattern I used was <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/denise-or-denephew" target="_blank">Denise or Denephew?</a> with only a slight mod for length, as I wanted this to fit him for a couple of years. I used Berroco Ultra Alpaca Chunky in the tiger's eye color way, and this stuff is SUPER soft. The contrast is actually some Rowan Renew left from my husband's <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2015/01/mason-just-in-time-for-cold.html" target="_blank">pullover</a>. The S is embroidered in duplicate stitch. </div>
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The hat is made from the Cascade 220 I had left from the rollneck pullover I made myself last year (and still have yet to photograph). This hat has since been <strike>chewed on</strike> loved by a friend's dog, and I need to make some new pompoms for it, but I still have just enough of the yarn left to at least make a new one for the top, if not the ties also. The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/i-heart-cables" target="_blank">I Heart Cables</a>, which is available for free on Ravelry as well. It's a really quick knit, and the pattern is really stretchy, so the three sizes will easily accommodate infant through adult sized heads. This is the toddler size (and my boys have huge noggins) and it still fits him perfectly this year, too. </div>
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I also made my husband a version of this hat (the child size from the pattern) in a light grey Cascade 220 super wash, which he nearly lost the day I finished it. He loves his also, though, and I think I'm going to make my youngest one this year so all three boys can have matching hats. I still need to dig through my stash and see if I have anything soft enough for a baby head in the right weight. </div>
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Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-14114774915970987762016-08-28T05:43:00.000-07:002016-08-28T05:43:00.179-07:00A cozy interlude: Christmas dressing gownAs you will begin to notice, there is no particular order in which I'll be posting my backlog of projects. They're all old, some are really old, some are completely seasonally inappropriate for the current weather, but there you go. Case in point:<br />
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The project I have to share today is one from WAY back in December. It's one of the few things I actually got finished in the latter half of 2015, as dealing with a 2 year old, newborn, moving, finding tenants for our old (now rental) property, and keeping managing to keep myself fed, etc took up a ridiculous amount of time. Go figure. I did finally set myself with a couple of goals towards the end of the year, however. My husband has had this wretched, threadbare, stolen from a theater department, too small, satin smoking jacket for eons, and he loved it. For three years I'd been telling him I'd make him a new one. This past year I did. That is, however, for another post. The point is, when I got to work on his new smoking jacket, I started to feel a little bit left out. Of course, I needed to make myself a warm dressing gown as well. I couldn't have him looking all fashionable in a new lounge jacket and not even own a robe myself, let along a fabulous one. So, I dug through my patterns and found one that was pretty close to perfect. </div>
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I really didn't make any changes to it, other than lengthening it from tea to floor length, and I also changed the construction a tad, as mine is fully lined, where the pattern only calls for facings. </div>
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The pattern is Simplicity 4056, for which I do not have the actual envelope, just the pieces; and I can't seem to find a picture of the pattern on the internet for the life of me, so you'll just have to take my word for it. It's a street length brunch coat pattern with two views. The first has a scalloped neckline, and the second (the one I used) has faced lapels and large pockets.<br />
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I used a checked rayon suiting for the outer, and it's lined in a buttery soft Kaffe Fassett cotton flannel that feels like heaven. It's also super warm, which is nice, because our living room is the furthest room from the furnace, and as the fireplace is not in working order it gets pretty chilly in there when I'm hanging out after the boys have gone to bed. The most difficult thing about it was cutting it out, as there is really not anywhere in my house that's very conducive to cutting such large pieces. I wound up doing it in the hallway. Assembly was pretty quick and easy. It's heavy, but it feels SO amazing and snuggly on, and it makes me feel really glamorous at the same time. You just can't beat comfy glamour. </div>
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You'll have to pardon the mess, as these were taken in the midst of our Christmas mess, which gets pretty out of control when you've got small children. </div>
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It buttons all the way down the front, has a tie tie belt, a BIG patch pockets. I'm pretty proud of how well I managed to get the plaid to match at my center front/back, too, since cutting it was such a massive pain.<br />
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I must admit, I'm really looking forward to being able to futz around the house in this all of the time again once it cools down. I'm not looking forward to inevitably getting stuck in the house because of the weather, but if you're going to be stuck, you should at least have a fab dressing gown to sit around in. </div>
Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-27752349185386532272016-08-19T10:00:00.000-07:002016-08-21T05:35:04.774-07:00Anne Adams 4811 Redux<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I didn't set out to make myself an Easter dress, but that's just how this one ended up. I finished it about two days before Easter, so the first time I wore it was to Easter brunch with some my mom's extended family. This is the second version of Anne Adams 4811 that I've made. The <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-might-have-new-favorite.html" target="_blank">first version</a> I made is one of my absolute favorite dresses, so springy and colorful, not to mention super light and comfortable in our sweltering Ohio Valley summers. A second one (and maybe eventually a third) was definitely in order, and in my book it's really hard to go wrong with a floral print challis, so floral challis it is...again.<br />
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Now, about half way through construction, I started thinking about the neckline. I wasn't sure I wanted two absolutely identical dresses, and I was kind of liking how the v-neckline was looking at this point. I decided to leave off the collar on this version, just to make it a little bit different, and faced the neckline edge with self bias tape. The buttons that I used for this dress are also vintage buttons that came from the big stash I inherited. It's been fun digging through and finding matching sets of buttons, interesting buckles, and other odds and ends, although it's such a huge box it takes ages to find things, and I'm never quite sure I have all of one kind. I've been very slowly trying to sort things out into color families at least, to make my searches a little simpler. I'm no where near having them organized though. </div>
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I made the same alterations to this that I made on the first version, shifting the bust gathers up about 1.5 inches, grading in at the waist, and taking in the bust seams ever so slightly. It fits a bit differently now, since my son has weaned, but if anything it's improved the fit in the bust, which was what I had planned for. These pictures were rushed after we got home from brunch, I was tired and the sun was in my eyes, and therefore not in the mood for my husband playing photog. You get the idea though. </div>
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Both of these dresses are on regular rotation for me this summer, and it's been nice having something super comfortable to throw on that looks like I put in some effort. It goes a long way to making you feel a little bit more human when you're stuck in the house with small children all of the time. It goes perfectly with my ReMix Sydneys, too, which are some of my favorite shoes. Always a plus. </div>
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Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-51212151830653376102016-08-13T09:11:00.000-07:002016-08-13T09:11:02.308-07:00Well, hello again!I can't believe it's been a year since I wrote a post! I've been sewing and knitting plenty, but just haven't had time, with two wild little boys, for more than the occasional quickie Facebook post of projects. I've been thinking about trying to post some of the backlog of projects from the past year, but just haven't quite had the push I needed. After suddenly being reminded my <a href="http://www.myhappysewingplace.com/" target="_blank">Debi</a> of how absent I've been on here, I am working on getting some of these things posted. Now, you'll have to bear with the iPhone photos and the occasional toddler/baby photo bomb and mess, as taking nice pictures just takes too much time and effort these days, but maybe one of these days I'll be able to find the time again. Haha!<br />
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Now, without further ado, the first project I'd like to share with you is the completed McCall 3610 that I had cut out a little over a year ago, just before we moved into the new house.<br />
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I used a rayon challis that I got from Denver Fabrics, and the drape was perfect for this. The print obscures some of the bodice detailing, but that was alright for a first go around with this pattern (as I was bad and didn't muslin first). The dress came out nearly perfect, however. I graded up one size, and the fit is spot on. I didn't have much chance to wear it before the weather got too warm, as I was still nursing when I finished it and was never without a hungry baby, but I'm really looking forward to wearing this fall. I think it's definitely going to be a go-to dress for me. The sleeves feel SO good, too! I adore bishop sleeves anyway, but in this soft, drapey challis they just feel so light and decadent. I would really love to make this dress again, perhaps in a solid crepe, so that the detailing will really show up. I don't have many cooler weather dresses, so it would fill a wardrobe gap for me as well. </div>
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The self fabric belt is backed in black cotton and finished with hand stitched eyelets and a vintage shell buckle. The buttons I used at the neckline and cuffs are also vintage, and came from a HUGE stash of vintage buttons and things that I was given by a friend of ours. He also gifted me with his aunt's 1947 Singer 66-16, which I've just gotten back from my mechanic and am starting to play around with some. </div>
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I also finally have something that I can wear my Irish lace jabot with! I love it, and am pretty proud of it (as it was my first, and as of this point only attempt at crocheted lace), but I just don't have anything with an appropriate neckline for it. It really looks fabulous with this, though, and I think completes the look perfectly; especially with a little black hat. Maybe I'll finally make the lace cuffs that match the jabot, too. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend!</div>
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<br />Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-34621794462930217222015-08-30T19:11:00.004-07:002015-08-30T19:11:37.498-07:00Vintage Pattern Pledge V. 2.0It's almost unbelievable, but I FINALLY finished another project! We're finally moved into the new house, and while I still have some organizing and things to do, I've gotten things settled enough that I actually have some space to sew again. I'd satisfied myself initially with a few quick, immediate gratification projects (in this case some bento bags for knitting projects and keeping the kids stuff better organized in the diaper bag), but I have actually finished a garment, too! This blouse is the same pattern that I used for the <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2014/06/playsuit-sew-along-part-2.html" target="_blank">Vintage Playsuit Sew-Along </a>, New York 1292. It wasn't in my original Pattern Pledge lineup, but when it came down to it, I needed a simple project that was going to be good for the summer, sew up quickly, and be nursing friendly. This was it. I already had the fabric in my queue. I pulled it out of my mom's stash when I grabbed the linen I used for my circle skirt, as they went so well together.<br />
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So without further ado, here are some hastily taken photos, in between trying to organize/clean/unpack and picking up the boys from my parents' house, hence the wrinkled linen and the shiny face. But hey! Actual pictures of me!<br />
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It's a super easy pattern, and even with two small kids, dishes and laundry to deal with I managed to get the whole thing finished in about three evenings (less than a day's work essentially). There are only three pattern pieces, front (with attached facings), back and collar. I did have to piece the undercollar, since I didn't have enough to cut them both on the fold, but if anything it just gives the back of the collar a little more structure. The armholes and back neck are finished with bias tape. I used a contrasting fabric for the back neck finishing, since I still have some of the green left from my <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2014/08/stormy-weather.html" target="_blank">Robson Trench</a>. The little bit of color helps break up the floral some, and gives it a little more polish in my opinion. </div>
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I wanted some fairly neutral buttons, but since the background is such a weird shade of peach it was nearly impossible to find something that really matched, so I went with some plain, pale pink ones. I did add a fourth button, since these are a little smaller than the ones I used on the first blouse, and the three the pattern calls for just wasn't going to cut it this time. That's the only change I made though. </div>
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I've got another blouse about half finished, and my next two Vintage Pattern Pledge projects cut, but haven't marked them yet. I've almost got my sewing room all set up; just a few more things missing, and then I'll get pictures taken to share with you all. It's SO nice finally having a dedicated workspace now. Hope everyone had a good weekend!</div>
Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-63486235176328049942015-07-24T15:41:00.000-07:002015-07-24T15:41:44.745-07:00Moving right along<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lots of stuff going on around here (por fin)! The new house is officially ours, and we're busy, busy, busy getting things painted, moved and organized. The first room on the painting docket is my new.....SEWING ROOM! The downstairs bedroom is going to belong to me for a while, until the boys are much older, and it's probably going to be the only way I manage to preserve my sanity for the next several years. It's been super fun planning out decor, furniture arrangement, and so forth, and I'm so excited to have space for all of my machines, my fabric stash, ironing board, and everything all in one room. No more sewing on the dining room table for me! I've yet to find a desk for in there, to double as a sewing table and a storage space for home-office related stuff, but I'll make do in the meantime. </div>
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We've been busy painting this week so we can get things moved in, and my sewing room was up first on the list (partly because a lot of the big stuff we need to move will be going in there, and also because it's clearly the most important room in the house). The color looks a little pinkish in photos, but it's actually a really lovely, pale lilac. </div>
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Our bedroom is next, and I'm about half finished with the first coat, but OH LORD is it difficult to paint when you're also wrangling an infant. Having to stop every 15 minutes to change diapers or nurse makes it unbelievably inefficient and it's taking like twice as long as it should. He is pretty cute, though.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking a break for a sling nap and some lunch, since he was getting really cranky about sitting in his little bouncy seat.</td></tr>
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Our room is going to be a bright, minty aqua color, and the boys' room is going to be a bright blue (so that dark grey will be gone). This is taking a frustratingly long time with little R.H. in tow, but I'm really hoping that with a little extra assistance from the mister on Sunday (maybe) I'll be able to get all the painting in the new house finished by the end of the weekend. We'll see.</div>
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While we were still waiting around to be able to close and get started moving I found some more time to work on getting projects cut out, so once we're settled in I can get right back to sewing. Three of them are part of my Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge, and the fourth is another Hawthorn blouse/stash busting project. New York 1292 and Anne Adams 4811 are a couple of warm weather patterns I hope to get finished before the end of the summer if I can. </div>
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McCall 3610 is a long-sleeved, late 1930s pattern I chose to help flesh out my cooler weather dress options. It's not nursing friendly, so probably won't get much wear this winter, but I think it will become a staple next year. The skirt should even be pretty cycling-friendly. I'm making the bishop-sleeved version, but without the detachable, contrast collar. </div>
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Since I finished my first two <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-pair-of-hawthorns.html" target="_blank">Hawthorns</a> I've been wanting to make more. I had this blue and yellow floral cotton in my scrap bin, left from a dress I made a few years ago and ended up giving away. There was <i>just</i> enough left to cut out a sleeveless version of the blouse. I've also got some upholstery weight yellow gingham in my scrap bin that I'm going to use to make a coordinating belt, and I'm thinking about trimming the blouse with blue piping (the collar at least). </div>
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I really can't wait until we're settled in and I can sew again (even if it's just a little bit every now and then).Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-46556044024022604332015-06-30T17:42:00.000-07:002015-06-30T17:42:16.455-07:00Summer florals: Finally fulfilling my fabric needsIt's been a rough several days around with the jealous toddler, and not having my normal stress relief outlet available (i.e. ALL of my sewing stuff) has been extra difficult. While knitting helps, there's really not anything like cutting into new fabric and listening to the whir of my sewing machine. I finally decided that enough was enough, so I shoved all the hefty boxes of books aside and dug out a piece of floral cotton from the bottom of another pile of boxes. While this wasn't originally in my plan for Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge, I decided it was going to be a quicker and more user friendly pattern than the dress patterns I had on my docket at the get go. It's great for the sweltering Ohio Valley summer, and it's also nursing friendly, on top of being a super quick and easy project.<br />
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The fabric is a piece that came from the stash at my mom's, and I pulled it out to go with the linen I used for my grey-green circle skirt (which I will hopefully be able to fit into in the next few weeks). The piece was tiny, so I knew that it was destined to be a sleeveless blouse of some sort, and I really liked New York 1292 after I finished my <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2014/06/playsuit-sew-along-part-2.html" target="_blank">first version</a>. It was actually barely enough for this pattern even. I had to piece the under collar and there wasn't room for the sleeve facings, so I'm going to finish the armholes with bias strips instead.<br />
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I can't really get my machines back out, so I doubt any actual sewing will be accomplished anytime soon, but I think I'll try and get one of my dresses cut out (or maybe two, but I'm not going to hold my breath) in the next couple of weeks. I'm going to be making myself another version of <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2013/04/i-have-question-for-all-of-you.html" target="_blank">Anne Adams 4811</a>, since it's such a ridiculously comfortable dress. This is the first version I made:<br />
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I've got another rayon challis print I'm going to use for it. I bought a bunch of challis on sale a while ago, because I just can't resist it, and while I originally bought a pink floral to make another of these, I decided that print was better suited to another pattern I've been wanting to make, so I'll be using this instead:<br />
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It will definitely require a slip, but I think it's going to be really pretty sewn up. I figure if I can get a couple of projects at least cut out, once we're finally moved and settled I'll have all the annoying cutting done and can dive straight back into sewing (between diaper changes and trips to the grocery).<br />
Despite having to work around the child dumping my pins everywhere, and the baby crying because his brother wouldn't leave him alone, it felt really nice to have my scissors in my hand again, even if it was only for 5 minutes.<br />
<br />Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-61474529024751694692015-06-24T19:07:00.000-07:002015-06-24T19:07:53.439-07:00"Turtle" to some..."Rough" to others... - Project ProgressWell, since we're STILL waiting on the stupid mortgage lenders to give us an actual closing date, practically everything I own is still packed up in boxes, so despite the incredible urge to sew that I've been having lately I haven't been able to. I've moved on to yet another one of my knitting WIPs, so I'll at least have some new stuff to wear this fall/winter even if I can't get any more of my Vintage Pattern Pledge summer projects (or any modern patterns for that matter) finished for the warmer weather. <div>
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This project is sort of part of my own personal Vintage Pattern Pledge, although it's knitting and not sewing, so I'm at least in keeping with the spirit of my original summer plans. It's a pullover pattern from a knitting magazine that a friend gave me a couple of years ago. The magazine is from 1940, and there are a few really nice sweater patterns in it, as well as patterns for four different skirts, intended to be combined with any of the sweaters to make either a two-piece outfit or a dress. I'd really like to make a couple of the skirts as well, since I've always admired the vintage, knitted suits and dresses that are so popular but so difficult to find.</div>
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Anyway, I bought this yarn (Cascade 220 in Irelande) ages ago, with the intention of making a cabled sweater of some sort, but then decided I wanted to do something different. Initially, I thought I'd use it for a pattern in <a href="http://www.kimhargreaves.co.uk/view-books/north/" target="_blank">North</a>, but the neckline would prohibit wearing a camisole or anything under it, and the yarn isn't quite soft enough to wear against my skin. So, after much pondering and sifting through all of my knitting patterns and the Ravelry library, I decided on this pullover pattern. It'll be great for winter bundling, because I'll be able to wear a long sleeved shirt or long underwear under it, which will be nice. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCGbyLaBpI8/VYtdoMXknXI/AAAAAAAACps/EVHSsTNm0Fo/s1600/IMG_6955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="1940 turtleneck pullover sweater" border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PCGbyLaBpI8/VYtdoMXknXI/AAAAAAAACps/EVHSsTNm0Fo/s640/IMG_6955.JPG" title="Roll Neck" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My project bag was made by <a href="http://luckylucille.com/" target="_blank">Rochelle</a>. The colors are so cheery, it makes knitting even more fun to carry my projects around in this. (Way better than the medical supply company tote I used to drag them around in.)</td></tr>
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It's a raglan sweater, as you can see, knitted top-down in the round, so I don't have to mess with all that tedious seaming once I've got the pieces finished. I'm seriously loving that aspect of this pattern, especially after seaming together all those pieces for my mohair cardigan a few weeks ago. I've got a fair amount of this finished already, as the straight stockinette goes extremely quickly. I did go back and knit the collar before finishing the rest of the sweater just so I could really see how it was going to work. I just didn't have the patience to wait. I've got about 8 inches to go before starting the waist ribbing I think. I think I've gotten more knitting done in the past 6 months than I've gotten done in the last couple of years (partially because my machines are packed up), but I'm really looking forward to having some new knitwear this winter. Once I've got this finished, I have a 1940s fair isle vest from <a href="http://www.susancrawfordvintage.com/A_Stitch_in_Time_Volume_2.html" target="_blank">A Stitch in Time V.2</a> up next in my queue, along with another pair of socks, this time with a little color work. </div>
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Finally, although we are still waiting around on house stuff, our second little boy made his debut in this world just about two weeks ago. He's a sweetheart, and we're all pretty fond of him (even the two year old, although he's having a hard time adjusting to sharing the attention). </div>
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Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-71467067368006911052015-06-04T11:26:00.001-07:002015-06-04T11:26:17.447-07:00Honesty: a 1950s inspired cardiganWell, not much else has been happening around here. Boxing things up and trying to bounce this baby into being born. I've been using the <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056262/synopsis" target="_blank">think system</a> on him, but it doesn't seem to be working. We're still waiting on a closing date, too. No luck with the think system there, either. All this waiting around and having all of my fabric packed up has left me with the time to finish up my latest knitting project though, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. You all saw a little <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2015/04/project-progress-hazy-mohair.html" target="_blank">preview</a> of this cardigan in a previous post, but now it's here in all it's fuzzy, mohair glory!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8f8dGWO7zGQ/VXCG879JzjI/AAAAAAAACnE/K6hBuekwUrE/s1600/IMG_6905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Kim Hargreaves Honesty Cardigan" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8f8dGWO7zGQ/VXCG879JzjI/AAAAAAAACnE/K6hBuekwUrE/s640/IMG_6905.jpg" title="1950s inspired mohair cardigan" width="426" /></a></div>
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It still needs a last steaming/blocking now that it's assembled, but I don't have the space to do that right now since so much of my stuff is packed up so it'll have to wait. It's going to be far too warm to wear it for a little while anyway.<br />
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I found a few different buttons that matched the yarn color really well, some a little dressier looking than others, but really couldn't decide which ones I liked, so after a quick poll in a knitting group I decided to go with these sort of two-tone 1/2 inch buttons that really matched the color exquisitely well.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skirt is pinned up to fit Tabitha's waist, hence the funny bustle effect.</td></tr>
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The very center back of the neckband could use a bit of improvement (although it's really something that only I will ever know about), but it is laying alright, and once it's been pressed again I think it will be just fine. It was the first time I'd done kitchener stitch, so I wasn't super confident in the execution of it.<br />
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I have a blue 3/4 sleeve cardigan that my mom made me from an original 1954 (I think) pattern she's had for ages, and it's a wonderful sweater. The waist length on it is just perfect, it's super warm, nice and simple, but it's a crew neck, which is not generally my go to neckline (Now don't get me wrong, I still wear the heck out of that sweater every fall/winter. I love it.) The neckline on this one is really lovely though, and much more akin to my standard styles. It'll be perfect over t-shirts and button downs, and will show off necklaces, scarves, and my <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2014/10/irish-lace.html" target="_blank">lace jabot</a> to perfection. It was a complete accident, but it actually looks really gorgeous with the linen circle skirt I just made (pictured) and the addition of that Irish lace jabot is amazing. The perfect combination of classic shapes, chic palette, and Miss Marple frill :)<br />
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Iv'e really been dying to get some more work done on my coat project, but can't do that until we move, so I'm stuck daydreaming about sewing for some time. I've also been thinking I may swap out one of my Vintage Pattern Pledge dress patterns for a blouse pattern I'll be able to wear sooner, since it's undoubtedly going to be a scorcher this summer. I may pull out my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/eviecat/roll-neck-pullover" target="_blank">1940 Roll Neck Pullover</a> project to get back to work on in the meantime, since it's still easily accessible, unless this baby decides to show up (hopefully) in the next couple of days. I have to say, I'm glad that the next few things I've got in my knitting queue are worked in the round because GOOD LORD seaming is the worst. It really didn't take me all that long to do last night, but it's just so tedious. Seamless knitting all the way for me for a while at least.<br />
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I haven't actually gotten to try this sweater on yet, being massively pregnant and all, but it fits Tabitha pretty well, so I have high hopes for it on me. The sleeves appear to have ended up just a hair on the long side, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. I like to be able to pull sleeves down over my hands some during the cold weather, and it may also be something that rectifies itself slightly when worn over other sleeves, or once I've gotten it properly blocked.<br />
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It's not quite Friday yet (at least not in this hemisphere), but have a good weekend! It's back to cleaning and boxing for me now.Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-72401722785075835762015-05-18T14:39:00.000-07:002015-05-18T14:39:02.128-07:00LimboI thought I'd have more to share with you all at this point, but we are currently playing the waiting game....with everything. I'm four weeks from my due date and we are in the process of a buying a new house (as we have currently busting our 1.5 bedroom house at the seams). We were NOT intending to move for another year or so, giving ourselves plenty of time to adjust to two small children, but we ran into one of those "too good to pass up" situations and jumped on it as fast as we could. Now that we're in the paperwork stage though, everything has slowed down to a glacial speed. So, we're waiting on getting a closing date set, waiting for this baby to get here, waiting until we can actually start moving/painting, waiting to get our house ready to rent, and waiting until we can get any of the baby stuff set up since we don't know what's going to happen first; baby or house. I'm trying to keep my activity level down so this kid doesn't decide to show up too early, but I've been plugging away at my mohair cardigan, FINALLY cleaning out my fabric scrap bin(s), slowly packing our life into boxes and waiting for someone to tell me it's finally ok to start moving forward with something. I was actually tempted to cut out a blouse for myself this weekend (and get another Vintage Pattern Pledge worthy project knocked out), but then remembered I'd already boxed up my fabric stash, with the exception of the wool I've got cut for my new coat. I may try and get a little thread tracing done on that in the next couple of weeks if I can squeeze the time in somewhere, but I'm not holding out too much hope for that. I did go ahead and opt for potting a few pepper and cherry tomato plants so I can move them easily without hurting them, and it's been killing me not being able to get my other tomato vines in the ground yet. So that's that. Hopefully in another couple of weeks I'll have some more entertaining/interesting things to share...be it a baby or the new sewing machine set-up I'll be working out in the new house. For now I'll leave you with a pretty dose of spring from a friend's yard. They've cheered up the dining room table a bit, since it's surrounded by boxes and bags of stuff on nearly every side.<br />
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Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-56308650028532257772015-04-20T17:56:00.003-07:002015-04-20T17:56:49.002-07:00Palette cleansersAfter the failed experiment that was my <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2015/03/knowing-when-to-quit.html" target="_blank">1950s maternity shorts</a>, and the busy prints and fussy bits involved in the previous <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2015/02/first-sewing-project-of-2015-simplicity.html" target="_blank">two</a> <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2015/03/simplicity-2475-thinking-of-spring.html" target="_blank">projects</a>, I decided it was time for something quick, easy, brainless and rewarding. I dove into the stash and pulled out this odd shade of silvery green linen that I'd been planning to use for a skirt. The drape is gorgeous, and I knew it would be perfect for a comfortable, breezy circle skirt. Now, this is clearly a post-baby project, so I have a few months before I'll be able to get myself into it, but it's exciting to know you have new clothes to wear in upcoming months/seasons as well, and it was nice to sew a real waistband, too.<br />
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I used to have a few full-circle skirts in my wardrobe, but over time because of weight fluctuations, aesthetic changes, and overall massive size of wardrobe, I ended up getting rid of all but one. The one I kept was originally a dress that my mom bought at a thrift store in 1973 or '74 and then I wore it until the bodice disintegrated and then made it into a skirt. Judging from the overall shape/style it's probably from around 1950, but the best part about it is the CRAZY print on the fabric. Organ grinders, fisherman, farmers and gypsies. Need I say more? But I digress. I love circle skirts. They're so comfortable and chic, and all that swishy fabric makes you feel kind of glamorous without a whole lot of effort. Since I cleared out my closet I've been wanting more of them, and when I found this yardage in the infamous "communal stash" I knew exactly what it wanted to be. While I wanted to get a jump on another project for the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge, this was going to be a much simpler endeavor, and it kinda sorta counts since it's essentially a 1950s skirt despite being self drafted. I cut the back in two separate panels because of yardage limitations, so there is a center back seam where I put the zipper; my first invisible zipper I might add. It was the only zipper in my stash that was the right color, and it meant I got to try out my new invisible zipper foot as well. Not the worst thing in the world I have to say.<br />
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Best of all.....POCKETS! I debated for a while about whether I wanted to do in-seam pockets or oversized patch pockets, but after a little feedback from the ladies at <a href="http://wesewretro.com/" target="_blank">We Sew Retro</a> and considering what I actually wanted out of this project as a sewing experience, I opted for the less mentally taxing task of in-seam pockets. The patch pockets were going to require much more planning and thought than my poor little brain wanted to tackle at this juncture, plus you really can't go wrong with simple, clean lines.<br />
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I let the skirt hang for about four days before leveling it, hemming it to about 27 inches in length. This is going to be a real test, since I couldn't try it on myself to check the length and make sure I had everything level visually, but I'm hoping I got it pretty close. I hemmed it about half an inch longer in the back to account for body curvature that Tabitha doesn't have, tapering it out to the side seams.<br />
Since the fabric is so lightweight, and because I wanted to prevent further stretching on the bias, I opted for a fairly narrow hem. I was going to use a bias band or hem tape to finish it, but I didn't have enough of anything to go around all 6 or so yards of hem on this puppy, so I just turned it under. It made things a tad more fiddly as far as getting it to lay smoothly, but since it's linen everything pressed pretty nicely once I had it all stitched.<br />
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I've actually gotten started (FINALLY) on my next winter coat project, a self education in couture tailoring techniques, but so far I've just got the outer fabric cut. I also still have a couple of dresses planned for the Vintage Pattern Pledge, but am approaching a VERY busy couple of months around here (and not just a new baby, but more on that later), so I'm not sure when I'll be able to get around to those. I'm planning on doing some more detailed process posts while I work my way through this winter coat, not only so you can see a little more of how I work, but also so those of you unfamiliar with the hand tailoring process can learn a little along with me. I'm hoping to be back in a couple of weeks with more on that.<br />
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Have a good week!Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-25172000467582229302015-04-03T00:00:00.000-07:002015-04-03T00:00:06.923-07:00Project progress: Hazy mohairI've got some progress on another knitting project to share with you all today. It's a total departure from the sock knitting I've been doing for the last few months, and it feels nice to get back to what I'm more accustomed to working on....a sweater! I'm making myself a cardigan for next fall/winter so I've got something warm (and new) to wear that is still nursing friendly, unlike the last <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/eviecat/so-neat-and-sweet-in-her-simple-v-necked-jersey" target="_blank">sweater</a> I made for myself. I love it, but a cardigan is definitely going to be more user friendly for the next year. <div>
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The yarn I'm using is a GORGEOUS, un-dyed mohair yarn that I got at our new LYS, <a href="http://www.ayarncrossing.com/" target="_blank">A Yarn Crossing</a>. It's so nice to have a great LYS around again. We haven't had one within a reasonable distance for years and I'm seriously loving this one. One of the things I really love about them is that they have a consignment section for local farmers, spinners, dyers, etc to sell their wares. This yarn is from one of their consignors, <a href="http://www.handkfarms.com/" target="_blank">H & K Farms</a>. I went in for one thing and then walked around for ages trying to make up my mind once I saw this. I couldn't stop touching it, but the color was not one that I generally wear or that is particularly flattering, so I just couldn't decide. One of the owners finally helped convince me to buy it, though (although it was actually something he wanted for a project himself). It's been working up beautifully, and it feels like silk. </div>
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I wanted to make a simple, classic cardigan, and the pattern I finally decided on using is one from <a href="http://www.kimhargreaves.co.uk/view-books/north/" target="_blank">Kim Hargreaves' North</a> which was released this past season. The pattern is called Honesty, and I fell in love with it (and numerous other patterns from the book) as soon as I saw it. </div>
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The simple stockinette body, the subtle shaping, the deep v-neck and the long sleeves were absolutely perfect, and it's actually designed for a mohair yarn. I did decide that I wanted to crop it to waist length, though. While I do love everything about the design as is, I do tend to prefer waist-length sweaters as they work better with the proportions I go for in my wardrobe (my winter wardrobe in particular). Because of the simple stitch pattern it was really easy to shorten, and it's been knitting up pretty quickly. I've gotten the back and a fair amount of the left front finished at this point, although I've only gotten pictures of the back. </div>
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The color of this yarn is so difficult to capture. It's a really beautiful golden brown color with an incredible sheen to it. This goat has some seriously stunning hair, and it feels like buttah.<br />
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The original pattern calls for pressing each piece in it's entirety (ribbing included) since it's a hip length sweater, but since I want a more '50s silhouette I think I'm probably going to leave the ribbing alone and just press the rest of the body and sleeves. I've started thinking about what sort of buttons I want to use for the finished sweater, and while I'm a huge fan mother of pearl/shell buttons on just about everything. They tend to have fairly sharp edges, though, and I don't want anything too abrasive against this yarn. I've been toying with the idea of a brushed gold, or maybe a brass button. I'll have to take a look at a few options against it before I can make any sort of decision. </div>
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I've also been gearing up to start work on some post-baby sewing in the near future. I've got a couple of fabric/pattern options to decide between, and I'm leaning towards another version of my <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2014/06/i-might-have-new-favorite.html" target="_blank">favorite 1940s challis dress</a> in an orange on white floral print.....or I may make a new skirt. We'll see. Hope everyone has had a good week!</div>
Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-30891609912949408132015-03-29T14:43:00.000-07:002015-03-29T14:43:03.098-07:00Knowing when to quitOk, so I was working on another summer maternity project for the Vintage Pattern Pledge (and to give myself one more garment for the hot weather, but......things just aren't working out. I have had this 1950s pants/shorts pattern in my stash for a while and have always been intrigued about how they work, since they're designed for wovens and don't feature the gaping hole in front that many of the old skirt patterns have in order to make room for your stomach. I had enough denim left from my <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2014/09/digging-in-dirt.html" target="_blank">overalls</a> to make up the shorts, more as an experiment than anything else. I wasn't ever super invested in having them be wearable, although that would have been a bonus. I got them cut out and mostly sewn up. Then I tried them on.<br />
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The front panels that extend out in order to overlap and cover everything up are doing something hella weird. I'm not sure if it's because of stretching not he curved edges or what, but it makes them poke out all crazy, and while shifting the waistband down a couple of inches at the front edges and then tapering the adjustment out to the side seams makes that stop, then it does all kinds of weird stuff to the grain at the top edge, and yadda yadda yadda. After letting them sit around for a couple of weeks trying to decide how to fix them I've decided I'm not going to bother.<br />
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My to-do list for the next ten-ish weeks is insane, and I've got PLENTY of other stuff to occupy my time with than trying to make a pair of shorts I'll wear for three weeks fit right. I didn't spend anything on the fabric, it took all of about an hour and a half of work so far. I'm not out anything. Chalk it up to experience.<br />
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I've been working on a knitting project that I'm about 30% finished with (a mohair cardigan from GORGEOUS yarn that came from a local goat farm), and I've got a couple of other things I want to try and get finished this summer, which will require starting pretty soon since my sewing time is about to disappear almost completely. I've still got at least two patterns to get through for the Vintage Pattern Pledge, and I think I may start one of those in the near future. It's non-maternity, but I've used it before and I've got my alteration/fitting notes, so I'm pretty confident I can work on it without being able to fit it on myself as I go.<br />
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The brief cold snap we had this week finally broke and I took advantage of the sunny (although chilly) day to spend some time outside getting these puppies thinned and transferred into peat pots. I've still got a while before it's time to put summer crops in the ground, but I've got some cole crops in for the first time right now that I'm pretty excited about. We'll see how they do.<br />
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Hope everyone else is getting to enjoy some nice spring weather!Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-4311366789082006252015-03-13T03:00:00.000-07:002015-03-13T03:00:03.164-07:001901 Corset or "There's no such thing as too many bows!"This has been sitting around for ages waiting to be photographed and blogged, but since I still haven't gotten the rest of the outfit all finished I just never seemed to get around to it. It's a nice little break from posts about maternity sewing though, so we'll just run with it. This was my first real corset making venture, and I have to say I really enjoyed it. I like doing things that are super structured, and I love all the little fiddly details like flat felling seams, inserting grommets, hand stitching binding, etc. My mom thinks I'm nuts, but someone has to like that stuff, right? ;)<div>
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Anyway, it's the 1901 corset from Corsets and Crinolines. I really didn't have to make too many adjustments as far as size goes. It's been a long time, so I can't remember all of the specifics, but basically I just added seam allowances to all of the pieces and subtracted a little width from the hips so I didn't have to mess about with hip pads and things underneath. I can get a pretty good shape with a couple of petticoats and little bustle pad under the skirt. If I ever make myself another outfit of the period/another iteration of this corset I'll probably leave the hip width and go for hip pads to get that really extreme s-curve shape, but for now I'm happy with the shape I've got with this one. I hadn't originally intended on making it quite so flamboyant, but once I got started I couldn't stop with the springy, cupcake decorations. </div>
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It's a single layer of coutil, with spiral and flat steel boning inserted into applied channels, so it's actually pretty lightweight. If I do make myself another one I think I may skip out on adding the seam allowances to the pieces, or at least make them smaller, because while this one fits, it's actually a tad on the large size. It laces all the way shut really comfortably with just a couple of inches reduction in the waist. It really needs to be about 2 inches smaller to get the fit spot on. I could probably make it work with the original corset measurements and some hip pads almost perfectly.<br />
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The yellow I used for the binding and the garter straps was bias that was leftover from the baby quilt I made for my son, and once I decided I wasn't going for all white, I figured it would be nice to use some stuff up as well.<br />
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The channeling on the inside is not perfect, but I'm happy with it for a first attempt. The couple of minor issues I ran into were mostly due to the fact that I wasn't marking things carefully while I worked on the two sides. I've actually got one more piece of boning to insert in the hip on one side, but I had to wait for a new bone to arrive and wanted to get the rest of it finished so I went ahead and attached the binding, leaving a little opening for inserting that piece once it got here (which I still haven't gotten around to of course). I also intended to floss the ends of the channels, but never got around to that either. At this point I don't know that I'll ever go back and finish that. I definitely want to try my hand at it on my next corset project (way down the road). The next one will probably be an 1870s style to go with the 1871 gown I have been planning on making for eons. When I'll get around to doing any of that I don't know, since I have to make ALL the underwear for it before I can start on the dress itself. I have the fabric, though, and that's what matters!<br />
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I'm hoping to be back with a couple more posts before the baby's born, but we'll see how things go. I'm going to try and squeeze in at least one more major sewing project before then, and I've got a sweater on my knitting needles right now. Have a good weekend!</div>
Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-65559686243759749022015-03-06T09:27:00.001-08:002015-03-06T09:27:55.116-08:00Simplicity 2475: Thinking of springI actually got this finished a week or so ago, but then I got sick (again) and we've had yet another snow storm since then so it's still been a little crazy around here. This is my second project of the year, and the second installment in my sewing for the <a href="http://www.astitchingodyssey.com/2015/01/join-the-2015-vintage-sewing-pattern.html" target="_blank">2015 Vintage Pattern Pledge</a>. It's Simplicity 2475, which I was given in a large pattern stash (almost all children's and maternity patterns) by a friend when I found out I was pregnant with my first.<br />
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The pattern is from 1958, and after making a version of a similar top the first time around I knew I wanted to make myself another one. They're super comfortable, and with a few more weeks of warm weather before this kiddo is born I wanted another lightweight top that wasn't skin tight. This is yet another 100% stash buster as well! The fabric is from the massive stash my mom and I accumulated (and still resides at her house), the bias binding is left from finishing all the seams in my Robson Trench last year, and the buttons were from a huge button stash that a friend of mine inherited when her husband's grandmother died. I opted for view 2, but changed the welt pockets to patch pockets since this lawn is so light. I didn't want the extra strain on the fabric and was also concerned about the pocket bags showing through badly. Forgive the weird light. With yet another 8+ inches of snow outside, the already odd lighting available in my house is even worse.<br />
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the front curves of the yoke don't match perfectly, as the fabric was kind of a pain and I was tired when I was sewing, but for something I'm going to wear for 2 months I wasn't super concerned about going back and trying to fix it. </div>
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The buttons, as I said, are some I got from a friend after she inherited a HUGE button stash. They're really pretty little pearl shirt buttons. I'm not sure how old they are. </div>
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I'm really happy I decided to do patch pockets instead of welts. Not only were they much easier, but I like the little touch of green in the bias binding at the top. It helps break up the print a little bit. I've got a black and a pink pencil skirt I plan on wearing this with that both look cute, especially with a little sweater. I'm actually working on a wearable muslin of some maternity shorts out of leftover denim, but the front sections are doing something really weird because of the some bias pulling, so they've been put on the back burner for bit, but if I do get them finished they'll look SUPER cute with this. So summery! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is the last real push of winter before spring arrives. We've got pretty good temps predicted for the coming week, which will be a relief, but if it gets super cold again after that I may have to hide under a rock. Hope everyone else is keeping warm!</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1585597198796946441%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-9cEviLvHMuw%252FUPIA_8gp5II%252FAAAAAAAABtA%252F72yKyE05mX0%252Fs1600%252FIMG_4946.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=Simplicity%202475%20" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 140px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; 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%3D1585597198796946441%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-9cEviLvHMuw%252FUPIA_8gp5II%252FAAAAAAAABtA%252F72yKyE05mX0%252Fs1600%252FIMG_4946.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=Simplicity%202475%20" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 140px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 126px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-52412192356934133632015-02-23T10:13:00.000-08:002015-02-23T10:13:28.399-08:00First sewing project of 2015: Simplicity 3345Hey there! It's been a hot minute since I had a sewing project to share with you all, but today I've got my first finished project of the year to show you! It's actually also my first finished project for the Vintage Sewing Pattern Pledge of 2015, AND as just a little icing on the cake, it's also a 100% pure stash-buster. I did not make any further financial expenditures for this project. Every single thing on it, from the fabric to the notions (and the pattern) was stuff that I already owned. While it's not "technically" true, I am telling myself that this dress was consequently a "FREE" dress, which makes it even better and totally fits in with my attempts at stash busting and project budgeting this year. All good things.<br />
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Anyway, this is the second version of Simplicity 3345, the first of which can be seen <a href="http://lacouturieredimanche.blogspot.com/2013/02/two-more-projects-finished.html" target="_blank">here.</a><br />
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I made a couple of minor changes, mostly taking the side seams in slightly, in order to get a little better fit on this one. I think by rights I probably should have done a full bust adjustment as well to get the fit really perfect, but that's more work than I wanted to put in on something I was only going to wear for a couple of months (and be changing sizes the whole time anyway). I shortened the hem (from the pattern length) by about 5 or 6 inches, so it hits me just at the bottom of my knee like the illustration. I'm not all that short, and even with a three inch hem allowance you'd have to be 5'10" for this to hit you where it does in the illustration. I intended on getting pictures of this one on myself so you could see how it looks on a legitimately pregnant human, but my husband is never up during daylight hours and the tripod is broken, so Tabitha will have to suffice yet again.<br />
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The bow is actually a pin that goes on the playsuit from which I scavenged the red fabric (it was from the skirt portion of the playsuit, which I think I maybe wore once and decided needed to be put to better use), so I can move it around, which is fun. It looks pretty cute at the neck, too. The back sash pieces don't perfectly line up with the front since I was working with the width of the previous skirt's ties, but my usually super anal retentive self was ok with it because I was doing some awesome stash busting/recycling.<br />
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You can see where I had to piece the ties to get the length I needed for this, since the skirt ties were much shorter. I hand-picked the zip like I normally do, since it's actually one of my favorite bits of hand finishing. I think they just look so much nicer, too. The zipper and waist elastic were also things I had in my stash already, which is why I went with a bright red zipper instead of a matching one, but I think bright zippers can be fun sometimes anyway. </div>
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Just so you can get an idea of what these dresses look like on a real person, here is a picture of version 1 from Derby two years ago. I was about 36 or 37 weeks. </div>
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I actually have my second project in the queue already cut, I just need to find something to use for the contrast bias binding I need. It's a smaller project and should hopefully be finished a little faster. I've also gotten a lot more done on my second pair of socks. I'm not sure which project I'll have to share with you first, but my goal is to get at least one of them finished in the next three weeks. Have a good week!Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-83082643718751210872015-01-23T00:00:00.000-08:002015-01-23T00:00:10.935-08:00Cozy, cold weather knitsI've got another knitting project to share with you all today! I haven't been doing any sewing lately since it's super hard to keep the space I need clear of toys, and even harder to keep the kid from trying to run my machine while I'm not looking, so I've consoled my idle fingers with lots and lots of knitting (a decision for which I am now paying dearly; oh the knitting pains).<br />
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This <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/eviecat/little-cable-knee-highs" target="_blank">project</a> was a first for me. I've got so many different projects in my queue that sometimes it's hard to decide what I want to make next, but after seeing <a href="http://www.tresbienensemble.com/home/so-this-is-love" target="_blank">Michelle's GORGEOUS new socks</a> I knew exactly what I wanted to pick up after I finished assembling that giant sweater. I've never made socks before (well besides the tiny pair of baby socks I made for the boy last year) so this was a fun new experience for me. I think it's safe to say I'm hooked. I will always be a sweater knitter at heart, but I see numerous pairs of socks in my future.<br />
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They are the <a href="http://www.purlbee.com/2012/11/21/whits-knits-little-cable-knee-highs/" target="_blank">Little Cable Knee Highs</a> from The Purl Bee. I wear knee socks all of the time in the winter, over tights, under jeans, around the house. That is one habit from my Catholic high school days that I don't think I'll ever lose. When I saw Michelle's version in that gorgeous pale blue, such a simple sock design with that little bit of interest at the back of the leg (I'm a sucker for a cable) I knew I was going to need multiple pairs of these. Until now I've only had one pair of hand knit socks, a bright green pair that my mom made for me a few years ago, but they are the warmest most comfortable socks I own and I'm glad to finally have another pair. I promise they're actually the same length, but my leggings kept sliding and my slight contrapposto stance makes them look a tad off at the top as well.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQUoRHGKLcQ/VLMs0NeMRQI/AAAAAAAACdE/7mTN0EuTZUA/s1600/IMG_6710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="alpaca cabled knee socks" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PQUoRHGKLcQ/VLMs0NeMRQI/AAAAAAAACdE/7mTN0EuTZUA/s1600/IMG_6710.JPG" height="426" title="little cable knee highs" width="640" /></a></div>
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After making the first sock I realized that the fit on the foot wasn't quite how I wanted, and the right sock is just a hair long, so the heel flap pulls up a bit on the back of my heel. I knitted the second sock a few rows shorter in the foot and it fixed that problem. You can see the slight difference in the height of the heel flap in the photo below.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqj0J0wqMBk/VLMs1jUsHMI/AAAAAAAACdM/1rVFyIXGJCo/s1600/IMG_6711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Cabled alpaca knee socks" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lqj0J0wqMBk/VLMs1jUsHMI/AAAAAAAACdM/1rVFyIXGJCo/s1600/IMG_6711.JPG" height="426" title="Little Cable Knee Highs" width="640" /></a></div>
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We just had a new local yarn shop open up in early December after a several year long fiber drought. The only other "local" option was a shop WAY the heck out (we're talking a minimum 30 minute drive and for someone who normally walks or bikes places that might as well be in another state). It's "technically" still in the metro area, but like I said, it's not really "in" the city proper. The only other yarn shop we had closed years ago and so there really haven't been any options besides JoAnn and those sorts of places (which never carry the sort of stuff I want), so I've generally ordered yarn online. I was so stoked about <a href="http://www.ayarncrossing.com/" target="_blank">A Yarn Crossing</a> opening I went on opening day specifically in search of yarn for this project. Incidentally, it's only about two blocks down from husband's restaurant/bar as well, making it a mere 3 miles from my house and FAR more convenient than driving way out in the east end. What's really great about it, in addition to being in an adorable little converted shotgun house painted lovely bright colors, is that they carry a fair amount of local fibers, too! They have yarn and roving from local farms/spinners/dyers, expanding their inventory while supporting more local businesses/artists and providing customers with really unique products. If I didn't have a toddler with me all of the time I'd seriously spend hours and hours and hours hanging out in their sitting area knitting and sipping tea. </div>
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Anyhoo, the yarn I bought is an alpaca blend sock yarn that is really comfy and was pretty easy to work with. I wanted something in a neutral color to wear over my maternity leggings and with my skirts to keep myself warm this winter since most of my standard layering pieces won't accommodate the baby belly. </div>
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These are actually not quite as long as the original pattern, although that was not intentional. I was reading the pattern on an iPad screen because my printer is currently down for the count, and since I can't really absorb things I've read on a screen instead of on paper I realized (after the fact of course) that I had accidentally skipped a total of 8 cable repeats between the increase rounds through the calf. They are still a totally functional height, but I'll definitely make sure to include that extra 3 inches or so of sock the next time around.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cuff fold over should really be wider, but because I lost length in the calf I lost a little width in the cuff fold over. </td></tr>
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Shortening the foot on the second sock helped a lot, but I still wasn't getting quite as snug a fit on my narrow foot as I would like, so for the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/eviecat/little-cable-knee-highs-2" target="_blank">next pair</a> (for which I have some butter soft, brown merino) I started the foot on size 1 needles and am switching to 2s for the calves. So far the fit is pretty spot on with those. I've had to put working on the second pair on hold for a while because I was knitting so obsessively on these I gave myself tendonitis in my right arm. It's much better, but I'm going to take it easy for a few more days before I attempt to pick them back up.<br />
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I did take a rather foolish few hours the other day to whip up some quick, scrap yarn mittens for the boy since he lost one of his, but I immediately regretted it and had to slap on a serious wrist brace afterwards. I've been trying very hard to be good since then.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vm3oEfrw96Q/VLM3bbclsZI/AAAAAAAACds/PxKIWZUeJUU/s1600/Photo%2Bon%2B1-9-15%2Bat%2B2.05%2BPM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="fair isle toddler mitts" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vm3oEfrw96Q/VLM3bbclsZI/AAAAAAAACds/PxKIWZUeJUU/s1600/Photo%2Bon%2B1-9-15%2Bat%2B2.05%2BPM.jpg" height="426" title="baby mittens" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The yarn for these was left from the sweaters that I made him last year.</td></tr>
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While I was very impatiently awaiting the opening of the yarn shop so I could get yarn for my socks, I went ahead and cast on for a sweater for myself as well. It's the pattern on the left, "Roll Neck", from a 1940 knitting magazine that a friend gave me a year or two ago. There are a few really cute sweaters in it, plus some seriously great knitted skirts that I'd love to make some day. But, back to the topic at hand. I figured I could start this now and maybe have it finished for next winter when I'd be able to wear it, but if not it would definitely be a good thing to finish for the following winter when I won't be nursing anymore. It's knitted top-down, and I'm maybe half way down the shoulders I think. I'll get back to that once I get my brown socks finished.<br />
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I'm hoping to be back to knitting by the end of the week, and should have some new socks before the month is over as long as I don't hurt myself again. It's been so hard not to be working on something.<br />
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Have a good weekend!<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1585597198796946441%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2121956157871071341%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-PQUoRHGKLcQ%252FVLMs0NeMRQI%252FAAAAAAAACdE%252F7mTN0EuTZUA%252Fs1600%252FIMG_6710.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 414px; 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%3D1585597198796946441%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2121956157871071341%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-PQUoRHGKLcQ%252FVLMs0NeMRQI%252FAAAAAAAACdE%252F7mTN0EuTZUA%252Fs1600%252FIMG_6710.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 414px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-21219561578710713412015-01-16T00:00:00.000-08:002015-01-16T00:00:04.273-08:002015 Vintage Pattern PledgeI hardly ever get a chance to participate in all of the great sew-alongs and things that people are always hosting, but this is one that I'm definitely jumping on board with this time. Marie over at <a href="http://www.astitchingodyssey.com/2015/01/join-the-2015-vintage-sewing-pattern.html" target="_blank">A Stitching Odyssey</a> is hosting another Vintage Sewing Pattern pledge this year and I'm planning on taking part. The great thing about this pledge is that it's fairly easy to tailor the challenge to your individual abilities and ideas. Marie has outlined a number of possible ways to organize your sewing plans, and I am opting to choose a few of my original vintage patterns to make over the course of the next year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.astitchingodyssey.com/2015/01/join-the-2015-vintage-sewing-pattern.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img 2015="" alt="โThe" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vd6Dx0D8EUA/VK74XcUGjrI/AAAAAAAAL8M/HPVcmv7sazc/s1600/VP15x300.jpg" height="400" pattern="" pledge="" sewing="" vintage="" width="400" /></a></div>
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I, Evie, pledge to sew up at least four of my original vintage patterns this year. This will include patterns from the late 1930s through the early 60s. If I'm able to, I'd like to extend that number to include more projects, but 2015 is shaping up to be a very busy year, so I think that four is a reasonable number for me to shoot for. The specific patterns that I am planning on using are the following:</div>
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Simplicity 3345</div>
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The pattern is from 1960, and as you can see it's a maternity pattern. I've got baby #2 due in mid-June, which is partly why my projects/posts have been somewhat few and far between the last few months. I made this pattern up last time around in the fabric you see here. The print I have intended for version 2 is a fairly busy, retro novelty print. I'll get pictures of that for you when I get around to cutting the dress out. I'm considering making the collarless version this time. </div>
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Simplicity 2475 or Simplicity 1174</div>
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2575 is the one I'm really leaning towards (the sleeveless top) but I'll need to see just how wide the neck actually sits on me, since I do need to be able to wear a regular bra and camisole with it. The fabric I'm planning on using is a fairly sheer floral lawn, so I won't be able to avoid the strap issue with whatever I have to wear under it. </div>
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If I can't make the neckline work then I'll be making 1174 again, but in the sleeveless view this time around. I LOVE that top and I'd be totally happy with having another one if I can't make the first pattern work. </div>
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Anne Adams 4811</div>
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This is another one that many of you may recognize. I have another couple of challis prints that I bought on sale and I've been itching to make another of these. It was such a great dress to have this past summer, it's nursing and cycling friendly, and it's super comfy to boot. </div>
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For the fourth pattern I'm considering McCall 3610<br />
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This is a very late 30s pattern I've had in my stash for some time and have yet to make up. I may have to put this one on hold in favor of something that buttons down the front so I can nurse in it, but we'll see.<br />
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I've been toying with the idea of trying to whip up a pair of shorts from this 1950s maternity pattern:<br />
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Advance 8512<br />
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Since I'll be pregnant further into the hot weather this year it might be nice to have a pair of shorts to wear, plus I'd kind of just like to see how these go together construction-wise, and how they fit on the body. I think I've got a couple of things in my stash/scrap bin that might work for a wearable muslin at least. They'd be nice to have for chasing a 2 year old in as opposed to the pencil skirts I wore most of the spring last time around.<br />
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I plan on getting started on the first of the maternity patterns in the next month, so hopefully I won't have any problem getting at least two of them sewn up before April so I can get a couple of months of wear out of them at least. I'll have to take a little bit of time off over the summer while we're acclimating to the new schedule/living arrangement, but I hope to get back to sewing quickly enough to finish at least two more projects before the end of the year. I'm really looking forward to seeing what all of the other participants come up with this year!</div>
Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-24122012669422740592015-01-11T15:57:00.001-08:002015-01-11T15:57:54.502-08:00Mason: Just in time for the cold. So, here's another post I started writing eons ago and have finally gotten around to finishing. It's taken me ages to get the pictures taken for it, during which time I've been busy with holidays, other projects and the start of the semester and the accompanying onslaught of student emails. I've got a couple more posts that I'm working on and should have up in the next couple of weeks as well. I hate to let this space languish for too long. Anyway, without a further ado, here we go.<br />
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I finally finished the sweater I've been working on for my husband! It took me just under a year (and by "just under" I really mean it. I think I was about 5 days short of the one year mark.) to finish this thing. Despite being knitted in bulky weight yarn and on #11 needles, it's about twice the size of anything I usually knit. Long arms and a 44" chest make for a large project, and one that's very difficult to block when you're used to pinning things out on your ironing board. I won't go into full details about yarn, etcetera on here, but if you're interested you can see the full project notes on my <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/eviecat/mason" target="_blank">Ravelry project page</a>.<br />
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I apologize for the harsh light in these photos, but it's been super overcast, freezing, and we didn't get around to taking pictures until this evening so the light was all around atrocious. I promised Mr. S I'd crop his face out, so these may not be the most compositionally elegant photos of all time, but you can see the sweater alright.<br />
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Despite it taking me nearly a year to finish, it was actually a pretty quick knit. The heavy yarn/large needle combo makes for a very different knitting experience than what I'm generally accustomed to, since my preferred projects are fingering weight yarn on small needles. It was nice to work on something so different though.<br />
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We had some debate about whether or not he wanted me to change the collar since he usually only wears crew-neck sweaters, but he finally decided to just go with the original design and while it took a wear or two to get used to, he's been glad for the extra warmth the roll collar has provided in the single digit temps we've had the last week. It's not an extremely tight knit, but he says it's super warm, and all of the guys at work have been admiring it lately, which has made him like it even more. I think he's proven himself worthy of another hand knitted sweater or two in the future ;)<br />
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I've really been wanting to get some sew-in tags made for myself, but keep hemming and hawing over what I want them to say/look like, or whether or not I should spend the money on something fairly silly. For now I stuck with a little ribbon tag in the back since the front and back of this sweater are pretty hard to tell apart.<br />
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I hope everyone had enjoyable holidays, and I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone in the blogosphere produces in the upcoming year! Have a great week, and to those of you in the more northern climbs, stay warm!Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-31901978151427371362014-12-14T11:40:00.002-08:002015-01-09T15:32:12.153-08:00Seasonal sewing: My minoruThis post should really be back dated like 6 weeks or more, but whaddaya gonna do...<br />
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I'm not always the best at sewing in preparation for upcoming seasons. I know this is something that many of us struggle with, much preferring projects that we'll be able to wear immediately. That's not always the most practical, though, especially when it comes to cold weather sewing I think. For once, though, I've actually managed to get something finished in preparation for the cooling weather so I actually have it ready to wear when I need it.<br />
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In this first phase of my great coat replacement efforts, I've made myself a <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/minoru-jacket/" target="_blank">Minoru</a>. I made this one to replace a quilted nylon jacket that I inherited from a friend ages ago (a thrift store find originally). It was my go-to winter jacket for walking, sledding, etc, and it was grungy, worn, had splitting seams right and left, and all in all was in desperate need of retirement. Since this Minoru was intended for walking, cycling and trips to the park, I needed something water-resistant. I found a tomato red, treated cotton jacketing at Denver Fabrics for about $5 a yard that was perfect, and nearly the same color as the jacket I was replacing.<br />
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I knew I wanted a fun, printed lining ( I mean, really, what's the point of making your own clothes if you can't give yourself fabulous and entertaining linings?), but opted for a solid rayon bemberg for the sleeves for ease of wear. While lurking around the Denver Fabrics site, I happened upon this AMAZING, printed cotton twill. At around $5 a yard as well (and covered in vintage ski posters) I was going to have to have it anyway, but could there really be a more perfect lining for a jacket like this? I think not. I was going to need a lot more warmth for my purposes, so I interlined the whole jacket with cotton batting, quilting the twill for the body before cutting.<br />
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I cut an 8:6:4 to get the right proportions for my figure, and I also added in-seam pockets at the sides about an inch down from the waist elastic. I'm very glad I did. A jacket without pockets on the outside just doesn't compute in my world. I also had to get a longer zip for the hood (as many people have noted), since the opening is too long for the listed 18 inch zip. I shortened the waist elastic to about 8 inches also, to get a little more snug fit at the waist. I'm really happy with the fit. I could maybe have given myself a little more room in the shoulders since it does get a tad snug when I've got a few layers on, but in less than freezing weather it's perfectly comfortable and functional. I've tested this thing driving, walking, and cycling and it's great for all three. It's long enough to keep my rear warm on the bike seat, keeps the rain off well, and the inside pockets (on which I omitted the velcro) are the perfect size for my phone, house key and some cash for quick trips with the munchkin. <br />
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I've been trying to get pictures taken of this thing for two months, and today I finally got a break from the frigid weather and rain to get some pictures in the slightly better light on our side porch, so of course then the camera battery died on me in the middle of it. Hours later, I finally have pictures of this thing, inside and out. It's already been worn A LOT. Like, basically every day. it's been awesome for the gross, fairly wet weather we've been having. It's comfortable and looks a whole lot nicer than it's predecessor. I can fit a couple of layers under it comfortably as well, which makes it nice and toasty even on the days it's been about 18ยบ outside.<br />
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There are a couple of little tweaks I'll make if/when I make another of these; enclosing the hood seam more effectively, being a little more careful about my topstitching around the base of the collar, etc, but all in all I think it's safe to say that I LOVE THIS COAT.Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-64787134077339092822014-10-10T00:00:00.000-07:002014-10-10T00:00:10.990-07:00A pair of HawthornsI finally made a Hawthorn! Well, okay, I finally made two Hawthorns, and I made them a couple of months ago, but still. I made a Hawthorn!<br />
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I'm totally late to the Hawthorn party, but I'm so glad I've finally joined. This is seriously one of my favorite new patterns. I rarely make any pattern twice, and having now made the 3/4 sleeve dress and the blouse version, I have plans for more of each.<br />
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First up is the blouse version. I made this in a white, swiss dot that I got from <a href="http://www.lowpricefabric.com/" target="_blank">Michael Levine</a>, and I couldn't be happier with the fabric for this top. I was clearly inspired by the sample in white with black polka dots. Must have polka dots! The swiss dot was subtler, though, and will therefore be more versatile when it comes to pairing it with things in my existing wardrobe. For the blouse I cut a straight 6, and didn't really have to make any changes, other than raising the waistline seam about half in inch in center front and center back. I frequently have trouble with RTW blouses pulling at the bust, but since Hawthorn is drafted for a C cup already I didn't have to make any changes. This fabric does wrinkle as soon as you look at it, which can get a bit annoying, but It's less noticeable on than when it's on Tabitha. I swear I ironed it, really.<br />
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Hawthorn #2 is the 3/4 sleeve dress version. I used a chartreuse Italian shirting (also from Michael Levine), and as this fabric had a lot more stretch to it than I was anticipating I cut a 6:4:6 to make sure that I had a snug enough fit at the waist. The only other changes I made were the same shortening of the waistline at center fronts and backs because for some reason it was dipping quite a bit on both versions, and I also added in-seam pockets. Now, let me just say, I LOVE this fabric in that the color and pin striping are amazing and it feels really good on, but Oh. My. Lord was it a pain to sew. The amount of stretch in this stuff made stripe matching an absolute nightmare, so I eventually gave up on it for the most part. It also made stitching the sleeve plackets a total bear. As a result, they are far from impeccable, and I really would like to make another one (maybe a long sleeved blouse) to try and get the plackets really perfect. I ended up facing the hem in order to keep a little bit of length, and I think next time I'll just cut the skirt an inch or two longer, since I like my skirts a tad longer than the pattern calls for. It also makes sitting on the floor with toddlers a little more ladylike. All in all, I love this dress, and I've already worn this one a few times too. The boy and I had just gotten back from a bike ride to playgroup, hence the rolled sleeves and rosy cheeks, and this dress is totally bike friendly as well. The bike that I have the baby seat on doesn't have fenders or skirt guards, but a simple dress clip fixes any skirt catching issues, and the skirt is long enough that I don't feel like I'm flashing everyone even when it rides up a tad. I have a million other things in the queue, but I would kind of like to make another of these for the fall now that the weather really is finally cooling down.<br />
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(The lighting in our house is terrible, but it hasn't been much better for photos outside lately, so I apologize for the glare through the side door. And boy do I need a haircut.)<br />
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Happy sewing everyone!Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-7188764105045540012014-10-04T07:03:00.001-07:002014-10-04T07:03:40.628-07:00Irish laceIn what little time I have to sew and knit lately, I've managed to grab a few moments here and there to work on a new sort of project for me. A couple of years ago a good friend gifted me with a pretty massive stack of vintage and antique crochet and knitting books, ranging in age from about 1915 to the 1950s. The vast majority of them are crocheted lace patterns (plus one KILLER 1930s knitting book, which I've got plans for later this winter), and while I've never been much of a crocheter, some of these lace patterns are just too pretty for me not to try my hand at it. <div>
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I decided to try and stick with something fairly simple for my first go 'round, so I picked this fabulous Irish lace jabot pattern. There is no dat on the pattern, but I'm guessing it's from around 1940. It has taken me MONTHS (ok, honestly I have no idea when I started this thing, but if feels like eons ago) to finish this thing. Mostly since I only had little bits of time here and there to work on it, and even then I couldn't work for very long in a sitting because it started to make my hand cramp after a while. Maybe this should tell me something about my tension? </div>
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A lot of these patterns call for size 50 crochet cotton, but I had a hard enough time finding 30 anywhere. I'm seriously doubting whether 50 even still exists, but it seriously has to be about the size of hand-quilting thread because the 30 is pretty darn tiny. Anyhoo, this pattern was not only simple, but it was one of the few that called for 30 to begin with, so I guess it was kismet. After the foundation rows the jabot is worked back and forth in a "U" around the center, building outward in a series of simple 7-chain loops. The final three rows are done with an alternating 7-chain loop and double crochet shell. I was kind of winging it on the final rows, since I couldn't tell from the picture exactly what the edging was supposed to look like. In theory, this is right. Either way it looks pretty, so who cares, right? The entire piece is about 18 inches long, and gets folded in half when worn. I have no ideas what I'm actually going to wear it with since almost all of my clothes have "V" or scoop necks, but I'll figure something out. It's just too awesome not to wear. </div>
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I still need to hit it with a little bit of starch to get the ruffles to hold really well, but overall I'm really happy. I'd say for a first lace project it was a success. Has anyone else been trying their hand at something new lately? I'm always keen to learn new skills (because I clearly don't have enough projects already). Even if I only end up doing something once I can at least say that I have. </div>
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(You've also got a little sneak peak on Tabitha of what I've got to share with you all in my next post, however belated). </div>
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The fall weather seems to finally be here to stay in Kentucky. This weekend is supposed to be pretty chilly, and I'm loving it so far. Mr. S is off work next week so I'm hoping to get in plenty of time outdoors with my boys, plus lots of sewing time since I'll have an extra pair of hands around to help with the Tasmanian Devil who thinks he's two already. Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!</div>
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Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-77473038294991325772014-09-16T17:59:00.003-07:002014-09-17T18:07:21.171-07:00Digging in the dirtJust popping in to say a quick hello and a glimpse of one of my unblogged projects from this summer. This post also marks my own official photographic return to the blogosphere. It's really difficult to get pictures of myself unless Mr. S is home (which is not often as a small business owner), and for a while after my son was born I didn't really want to take pictures of myself anyway. But I'm back! Pictures of me may still be few and far between, but I'm going to make a concerted effort to get more photos of clothes on me and not just Tabitha. Last weekend my husband and I were doing some yard work, cleaning up the garden and planting some new shrubs, and as I already had my 1940s overalls on with the rest of my rather flamboyant gardening garb I had him snap a few quick shots (dirt, sweat and all) to show you. I used a lightweight, light blue denim, and some white ric rac from my mom's stash, along with a bit of polka dot ribbon I had lying around, just to brighten them up a bit.<br />
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These are kind of a frankenstein garment, using the bodice from a vintage playsuit pattern (I'd have to dig out my pattern index to find the number, but it's from the late 30's or very early '40s), and Simplicity 3688 with a little cuff added. The pockets were an idea I got from <a href="http://subversivelesbiananarchicknitter.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Bex</a>, and stored away until I had something to use them on. The ric rac was basted on and then sandwiched between the pockets and the pocket facings, and then I topstitched the pockets to the overalls. </div>
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I painted these wooden shoes a couple of years ago and I love them for yard work. They are so easy to slip on and off, and they're great in the mud. Plus, how can you not feel better with birds and hearts staring back at you from your bright yellow toes? I mean, really. </div>
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I've worn these numerous times since I made them and I really love them. They're super comfy, totally utilitarian, and while I have something to wear for grubbing around in the mud I still feel like myself. I've got a couple of other projects from this summer that I'm working on getting some pictures of, and will hopefully have those posted soon so I can get on to my current projects (both sewing and knitting). Since the weather this week has finally cooled down and the brisk bite of autumn has firmly (hopefully) taken hold, I've been getting geared up for some winter wardrobe building. I've got three major cold-weather sewing projects in the queue in an effort to revamp my winter wardrobe, but more on those later. For now, I hope that everyone is enjoying this shift into fall!</div>
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And because everything is better with 80s music video footage:</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 982px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/" style="background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; line-height: 0; min-height: 20px; min-width: 40px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 982px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-88721600063365741262014-08-29T18:49:00.001-07:002014-08-29T18:49:39.808-07:00Stormy WeatherI'm back! It's been a while, and this is only one of a handful of projects that I've finished and haven't managed to get photographed, but I am so excited about this one I just had to share. Stat. I've been a little late to the party, but I'm finally getting myself caught up with some of the great indie pattern companies out there, and after making myself a couple of Colette <a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/hawthorn" target="_blank">Hawthorns</a> last month (which I promise I'll show you soon), I've made my first foray into the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/sewing-patterns/" target="_blank">Sewaholic</a> library as well. I've got a Minoru jacket and some Renfrews planned, but first up is the <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/robson-coat/" target="_blank">Robson Trench Coat</a>. I cannot tell you how much I love this coat. I had a traditional, beige trench I got at a consignment shop for cheap a few years back, and it was nice in the wet weather, but it was actually a few sizes too big and I just felt I was swimming in it every time I wore it. I decided to replace it as the first project in my "Great Coat Replacement Project" of 2014. Virtually all of my winter coats and jackets desperately need to be phased out. They are all vintage (mostly 70s), and I got them second-hand from a former co-worker about ten years ago. Those ten years have done some damage to these babies. They've been well loved, but it's time to move on, and into some new coats that actually FIT me, and aren't coming apart at the seams or shedding like a malamute in Georgia. I figured that this would be a good one to start with, as it will be a nice transition piece for the (hopefully) upcoming fall weather. Lately we've been living it was feels like a sub-tropical zone, with almost constant downpours and humidity running upwards of 70% most days. All this rain has been the perfect backdrop for working on my new trench the last few nights.<br />
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While this coat has served more or less as a wearable muslin, I'm in love. There are a few things I'll do differently (like adding a lining, changing seam finishes slightly, etc) next time around, because there is DEFINITELY going to be a next time, but I think this puppy is going to get plenty of wear.<br />
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The fabric is used is an ice blue, water resistant, cotton twill. The color doesn't really translate well in photos, but it is a much bluer color than it appears here. Being cotton, it'll wrinkle, but I got a great deal on it, and I'm ok with needing to hit it with a steam iron every now and then. The buttons are some from the giant stash of buttons my mom has. I wanted a slightly larger button than the 3/4 inch that the pattern calls for. Because Tasia's patterns are drafted for a pear shape (which I am not), I had to do a little bit of grading between sizes. I cut a 10 at the shoulders/bust, and graded down to a 6 at the waist and hips. I'm really happy with the fit, but I think I could even stand to cut it at an 8:4:6 ratio for a bit more tailored fit. I might shift the pockets up about an inch as well, since they are just a hair lower than would be really comfortable on me. I opted for double rows of top-stitching on the seams to keep the seam allowances in place, and I like the more symmetrical look.<br />
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I used a sage green cotton to bind the seam allowances, and while I love the color combination, it shows through the pale fabric just a bit more than I anticipated. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(I just noticed that there is still a little bit of marking chalk at the buttons that I need to iron off.)</td></tr>
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The pattern goes together really easily and fairly quickly, despite only having little bits of time here and there to work on it. Her instructions are clear, and well illustrated, and would be very accessible for the new sewer, while the style is complex enough to be fun for the more experienced sewer as well. I'm really looking forward to trying out <a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/minoru-jacket/" target="_blank">Minoru</a>. That is the second project in line for the "Great Coat Replacement", and I have a tomato red cotton jacketing, with a vintage ski poster print for the lining. I'm really looking forward to taking this trench for a spin when the weather starts to cool down. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9migdK-LnPU" width="640"></iframe>Eviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1585597198796946441.post-33256187324551156022014-07-11T12:40:00.000-07:002014-07-11T12:40:42.221-07:00Playsuit Sew-Along Part 3I'm a few days behind on the final playsuit posts because I ran into a few technical issues (first my iron died and then my skirt was too small and had to be fixed), but I finally have all four pieces finished and photographed. I've shown you all the patterns before, so I won't go into much of that today; it's pretty much be a photo post, but I will explain a little about this skirt. The pattern illustration indicates that this is a fairly full, A-line garment. Let me tell ya. It's not. At all. The skirt actually turned out looking a whole lot more 70s than 40s. It's a super narrow A-line, and that plus the mid-calf length really make me feel like I need to part my hair in the center, go braless, and carry a macrame bag. That being said, I do still like the skirt, it's just not quite what I had originally planned on. The other issue, was that despite all the pattern measurements and everything checking out, the skirt was entirely too snug, causing pulling at the pockets and the button placket over my stomach, not to mention the lack of room in the waist. Not appropriate for pizza feasts, this one. I had already done a lot of the finishing and really wasn't looking forward to taking everything apart and recutting the waistband, etc, so what I ended up doing was adding a placket extension to the underlap in order to give myself some room to shift the buttons over. That made a huge difference. I also had to shift the buttonhole placement quite a bit so that I wasn't getting the gapping across my stomach that was happening with the original placement. Despite the issues, I'm pretty happy with the end result, and it will work well with all of my solid t-shirts/camisoles and sweaters as well. So here it is, followed by the other three pieces.<br />
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Hope everyone is having a good summer!<br />
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-EvieEviehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03019171892695902270noreply@blogger.com7