Mood

You could say I’ve been pretty quiet around here lately, but honestly, I’ve just been too busy DOING! Quilting projects, projects for the grandsons, projects for the husband. Perhaps I’ll blog those one day. For now, I wanted to share something fun.

McCall’s Pattern Company recently issued a challenge to create what I consider to be a Fall sewing plan. Because I SO need a plan, I found myself neck deep in no time at all. You can read the details of the challenge here. I’ve created my Pinterest board and started some idea boards on Photoshop that I’ve pinned as well. One thing that is confusing me is the requirement not to “show trademarked images and other brand logos”. I’ve removed some Pendleton vintage plaid jackets I’ve had posted. Hopefully everything else is safe. Since posting inspirations are encouraged, there are some garments by brand names. Hopefully that’s safe.

I’ll show you a few of my favorites….

Don’t you love this version with the pencil skirt?? Or maybe it’s just me?

Love the taupe/khaki pencil skirt and green plaid!

And this vintage pattern I purchased recently. Great jacket and skirt!

I’ve promised (and promised!) myself to adapt a blouse that REALLY fits. It’s past time that happens. And I want a shirt dress as well. No reason those can’t happen together. Love the vintage Vogue pattern below and think the McCall 6696 below will work nicely. I’m seriously thinking of moving those darts to mock the vintage pattern. I’m looking at some lovely Italian cotton for both the blouses and the dress.

Shown below are fabrics from Mood and Emma One Sock. That floral is seriously Gorgeous online!

In my search, I’ve stumbled across Farmhouse Fabrics in South Carolina. They seem to have one of the widest ranges of Italian cotton that I’ve seen. Yes, I did break down and make a purchase(s)! I’ll let you know what the fabric actually looks like when I get it. :-))

Here’s a shot of one piece that I purchased. They have some nice bundles at great prices. I bought a 3 yd bundle of a fine check (not shown) for $18. Fantastic price per yard.

Of course, I’ve chosen current patterns as well. Some T-shirts are on the list. That floral fabric pattern may be too large, but I just love it! Fabrics shown are from Marcy Tilton.

Shopping for projects is so much easier than actually getting a project done. I recently took a week off and barely made a dent in my sewing list. It was very disheartening. I need a better plan for sewing during the week (around a full time job!)

Do you have any suggestions?? I hope you’re being more productive than I am. Have fun!

Ramona

Inna and Leisa have completed The Little French Jacket Sew Along, but I’m still plugging away at my jacket. For personal reasons I put this jacket on hold for almost a month, but I have gone back to work on it this past week.

Last week was all about basting the lining to the jacket pieces and sleeves. Today, I pin basted, thread basted, then sewed the jacket seams together. I also used the selvage edge from silk organza to stabilize the neck and front edges and provide support for the buttons and buttonholes.

You can see here (hopefully), how marking the seam lines with thread comes together as the pieces are basted together. At the left you should see the thread marks come together and at right you should see where I have pin basted the pieces.

It’s difficult to see in these photos, but I’m much happier with the fit than I thought I would be. It appears to gape open here, but buttoned the jacket will be fitted and sits well. The arm holes at the shoulders may still be a bit wide, but I can check that when fitting the sleeves. Looking at the back photo makes me worried the back shoulder is too wide. I may have to take another look at that.