I feel so great!!--My SWAP sewing is finished, and my photos emailed in to Timmel Fabrics (the sponsor). I was so pleased with how wonderful the garments felt to wear--everything is so comfortable!
I want ot give a great big THANK-YOU to my best friend Cathy Nicholls, who helped me with fitting the muslins and was so encouraging, and to my d.h. Gerald for taking the photos with his fancy digital Nikon--he knows how to get the best angles.
Here is the composite photo of the wardrobe. Unfortunately, I had to substitute a purchsed white shirt at the last minute (from my own closet).--We were allowed one purchased garment, plus had the option of including two garments sewn prior to the start date.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thursday, April 3, 2008
SWAP 2008 Description
SWAP 2008: "WISDOM AND VIRTUE"
The Title of my Swap is from a booklet of quotes I picked up from the Scrapbooking section in a craft store.
The exact quote was:
"Wisdom is knowing what to do next
Virtue is doing it"
At the same time I was fascinated by a series of vintage postcards that I "rediscovered" while cleaning out my china cabinet one day..one of which was a picture of a young girl in Ewardian dress, standing by a lake and obviously enamoured by a clean-cut young man leaning out of a canoe...and perhaps encountering a moral dilemma at the threshhold of womanhood!
SWAP CHALLENGES
My goal for this Swap was to make 2 outfits from the same pattern that would be completely different, yet complimentary. A Romance Theme in neutral linens and laces, an edgy, confidant punkish counterpart in tough strong dark denim.
The pieces are further embellished with quotes and photo images to illustrate the theme.
The second challenge is my pledge to "Wardrobe Refashion":
I will to buy only handmade and recycled clothing for a period of 6 months- starting in January.. My only purchase has been the linen from Timmel fabrics-a requirement to participate in the Swap, and which I had ordered prior to being accepted by Wardrobe Refashion.
THE PIECES
Wardrobe Pattern: Butterick B4932:--fitted lined jacket with peplum, bias -cut skirt, pants with waistband and front zipper.
1). Jacket: B4932
Constructed with recycled novelty denim in various textures and
weaves,overdyed dark green.
2). 6-gored skirt: Burda 7926 view C
Dyed recycled denim with appliques and artwork patches, raw
seams.
3). Unlined shirt-jacket: B4932
Made from Aeterna Linen, natural-from Timmel fabrics: I used
narrow facings to keep the garment light and breathable. Frog
closures.
4). Bias-cut skirt: B4932
Aeterna linen with vintage linen doily applique.
5). Pants: B4932
Patchwork and "fishscale"construction, using a variety of
recycled fabrics accented with taffeta and organza scraps.
6). Sleeveless shell #1: Self-drafted.
Thrifted cotton rib knit with crotcheted appliques.
7). Sleeveless shell #2: Self-drafted.
Thrifted cotton rib knit -two-tone with ribbon accent.
8). *Previously started before Swap 2008:
Wrap skirt: Self-drafted.
Vintage floral tablecloth from garage sale with thrifted skirt
piece added.
9). Sleeveless sheath dress: McCalls 2401 View F.
Heavy Missoni-type novelty knit-from stash.
10).Wrap blouse: Butterick B6768 (Out of Print).
I used 4 thrifted stretch cotton striped shirts and cut and
pieced the fabrics.
11).*Purchased piece:
Thrifted "L.A. Seatcovers" linen top-used to embellish with
photo transfers, lace, appliques to illustrate Swap theme.
***********************************************************
Since the Swap deadline is April 11th, I will be frantically
sewing and may not have much time to post photos untilthen.
--Good luck to all fellow Swappers--Happy sewing !!--M.
The Title of my Swap is from a booklet of quotes I picked up from the Scrapbooking section in a craft store.
The exact quote was:
"Wisdom is knowing what to do next
Virtue is doing it"
At the same time I was fascinated by a series of vintage postcards that I "rediscovered" while cleaning out my china cabinet one day..one of which was a picture of a young girl in Ewardian dress, standing by a lake and obviously enamoured by a clean-cut young man leaning out of a canoe...and perhaps encountering a moral dilemma at the threshhold of womanhood!
SWAP CHALLENGES
My goal for this Swap was to make 2 outfits from the same pattern that would be completely different, yet complimentary. A Romance Theme in neutral linens and laces, an edgy, confidant punkish counterpart in tough strong dark denim.
The pieces are further embellished with quotes and photo images to illustrate the theme.
The second challenge is my pledge to "Wardrobe Refashion":
I will to buy only handmade and recycled clothing for a period of 6 months- starting in January.. My only purchase has been the linen from Timmel fabrics-a requirement to participate in the Swap, and which I had ordered prior to being accepted by Wardrobe Refashion.
THE PIECES
Wardrobe Pattern: Butterick B4932:--fitted lined jacket with peplum, bias -cut skirt, pants with waistband and front zipper.
1). Jacket: B4932
Constructed with recycled novelty denim in various textures and
weaves,overdyed dark green.
2). 6-gored skirt: Burda 7926 view C
Dyed recycled denim with appliques and artwork patches, raw
seams.
3). Unlined shirt-jacket: B4932
Made from Aeterna Linen, natural-from Timmel fabrics: I used
narrow facings to keep the garment light and breathable. Frog
closures.
4). Bias-cut skirt: B4932
Aeterna linen with vintage linen doily applique.
5). Pants: B4932
Patchwork and "fishscale"construction, using a variety of
recycled fabrics accented with taffeta and organza scraps.
6). Sleeveless shell #1: Self-drafted.
Thrifted cotton rib knit with crotcheted appliques.
7). Sleeveless shell #2: Self-drafted.
Thrifted cotton rib knit -two-tone with ribbon accent.
8). *Previously started before Swap 2008:
Wrap skirt: Self-drafted.
Vintage floral tablecloth from garage sale with thrifted skirt
piece added.
9). Sleeveless sheath dress: McCalls 2401 View F.
Heavy Missoni-type novelty knit-from stash.
10).Wrap blouse: Butterick B6768 (Out of Print).
I used 4 thrifted stretch cotton striped shirts and cut and
pieced the fabrics.
11).*Purchased piece:
Thrifted "L.A. Seatcovers" linen top-used to embellish with
photo transfers, lace, appliques to illustrate Swap theme.
***********************************************************
Since the Swap deadline is April 11th, I will be frantically
sewing and may not have much time to post photos untilthen.
--Good luck to all fellow Swappers--Happy sewing !!--M.
Monday, March 31, 2008
ROMANCE Linen and lace outfit
Hi again! I am posting the results of my last two weeks of sewing...I was despairing of finishing the Swap by the deadline (April 11th)..but now I think I may actually make it! I have almost finished a bias-cut linen skirt with appliques from a vintage linen and crotcheted doily. Since I cut the jacket from the same linen-and had only purchased 3m-I had to make a join in the skirt diagonally across the front (quite tricky!). The doily pieces are sewn on diagonally, but are not symmentrical. The join and the hem seams have beeen left frayed and raw. The skirt has an interesting texture. By contrast, the shirt-jacket is very simple and clean finished. I did not put in the full facings because I thought it would make the linen too stiff, so I cut simple narrow facings for the top of the jacket and the peplum. Although my original plan was to make the jacket with heavy lace embellishment, I somehow don't want to spoil the pristine look-plus, I can't argue with my friend, it is more versatile this way.
--I'm also working on my textured dyed denim jacket and skirt--getting inspired and excited!--Too bad I have to go to work tomorrow---I'm really on a roll!!---M.
--I'm also working on my textured dyed denim jacket and skirt--getting inspired and excited!--Too bad I have to go to work tomorrow---I'm really on a roll!!---M.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
SWAP SEWING FINALLY
--Back again after a weekend of making muslins and starting my second garment: McCalls 2401 is a classic sheath dress with variations in neckline. I chose View F' the sleeveless version to make up in the Missoni-like highly textured knit from my stash. I decided that since it has a very wide stripe, I would use the fabric horizontally (I know, I know... horizontal stripes add width..but in this case I think it will be balanced out by the lower hemline!).--First: a confession: in cutting out I laid out my fabric carefully and ensured the stripes matched on the sideseams...only to doscover I HAD FORGOTTEN TO FOLD THE DART ON THE FRONT FIRST !! OH, Ugh !!--So I had to take extra time to slide up the Back to match the stripes, then carefully slit and take up a narrow seam in the top back ( the green stripe)to match the side seams and compensate for the bust darts. Then I had to re-mark the long back darts proportionately...luckily the fabric is heavily textured, so the seams look more "decorative" than strange..but what a lesson to learn!!
The companion piece to the dress will be a simple cardigan made of a shell-pink cotton rib knit, using leftover scraps of the novelty knit for the front bands. I purchased Butterick 4740 for this simple garment. Itt has loads of potential for wovens.
--I also have a working muslin ready for my Wrap Front Blouse..
---At this point I would like to thank my very good friend/ fellow seamstress Cathy for all her help with pinning and fitting--Cathy without you I would have real problems getting a good fit on my "tops". I will pay it back by cleaning out goat pens!!!
The companion piece to the dress will be a simple cardigan made of a shell-pink cotton rib knit, using leftover scraps of the novelty knit for the front bands. I purchased Butterick 4740 for this simple garment. Itt has loads of potential for wovens.
--I also have a working muslin ready for my Wrap Front Blouse..
---At this point I would like to thank my very good friend/ fellow seamstress Cathy for all her help with pinning and fitting--Cathy without you I would have real problems getting a good fit on my "tops". I will pay it back by cleaning out goat pens!!!
Sunday, February 10, 2008
WARDROBE REFASHION/ SWEATER TO SKIRT
Here's my latest project, inspired by reading my great books...a Sweater Refashion.
Here's what I did yesterday. I was amazed how quickly the project went, and I'm sure next time I will
be more sure of myself..I was hoping I wouldn't wreck the sweater because I love it so much..on the other hand, I bought it at the V.V. for $5.98., so it wouldn't have been the end of the world if I had ruined it--and you know, with ReFashioning, there's always another creative use for failed projects!
Here are the steps...
. In this technique, the sweater basically gets turned upside-down, so the neckline becomes the hemline, and the ribbed bottom edge becomes the waistband---clever, hey--I wish I'd been the creative soul who thought of this!
1. I pinned a rough line from the bottom of the neckband to each shoulder, front and back (note: I kept the back line higher than the front, because I wanted the skirt to hang a bit lower at the back.
2.--then machine-sewed with a small running stitch to prevent fraying.....
3. I cut BELOW this line from shoulder to shoulder in a slight curve (this is the hemline).
4. Then hung the sweater upside down to see how much sleeve lenth to leave on--the sleeve becomes a ruffle on the sides of the hem..--then chopped off the sleeve.
5. Then cut from shoulder down the top of the sleeve, opening it right up (this is where it got a bit
scarey!).
6. I thought about the best way to stabilise the hem, since my knit was rather stretchy, and decided to use some red lace hem binding along the inside edge. I sewed both edges to the inside of the hem using a small running stitch, and mitred the corners when necessary...since I managed to fing a pretty good match for thread, the seamlines blend in quite well.
7. Now for the waistband. I tried on the skirt inside out and pinned the sides in fron the waistband, tapering down the side seams like a dart. I basted this before sewing the final seam.
8. It was still a bit baggy. My sweater has an eyelet pattern, so I snipped into the eyelet and threaded a ribbon tie through.--looks pretty good!
9. I may add godets to the side openings because the edges look a bit rough..probably some pieces of red lining or red lace I have in my scrap bin....
--Tomorrow I will try it on and post a pic of the finished project.
---TTFN----Marg.l
Here's what I did yesterday. I was amazed how quickly the project went, and I'm sure next time I will
be more sure of myself..I was hoping I wouldn't wreck the sweater because I love it so much..on the other hand, I bought it at the V.V. for $5.98., so it wouldn't have been the end of the world if I had ruined it--and you know, with ReFashioning, there's always another creative use for failed projects!
Here are the steps...
. In this technique, the sweater basically gets turned upside-down, so the neckline becomes the hemline, and the ribbed bottom edge becomes the waistband---clever, hey--I wish I'd been the creative soul who thought of this!
1. I pinned a rough line from the bottom of the neckband to each shoulder, front and back (note: I kept the back line higher than the front, because I wanted the skirt to hang a bit lower at the back.
2.--then machine-sewed with a small running stitch to prevent fraying.....
3. I cut BELOW this line from shoulder to shoulder in a slight curve (this is the hemline).
4. Then hung the sweater upside down to see how much sleeve lenth to leave on--the sleeve becomes a ruffle on the sides of the hem..--then chopped off the sleeve.
5. Then cut from shoulder down the top of the sleeve, opening it right up (this is where it got a bit
scarey!).
6. I thought about the best way to stabilise the hem, since my knit was rather stretchy, and decided to use some red lace hem binding along the inside edge. I sewed both edges to the inside of the hem using a small running stitch, and mitred the corners when necessary...since I managed to fing a pretty good match for thread, the seamlines blend in quite well.
7. Now for the waistband. I tried on the skirt inside out and pinned the sides in fron the waistband, tapering down the side seams like a dart. I basted this before sewing the final seam.
8. It was still a bit baggy. My sweater has an eyelet pattern, so I snipped into the eyelet and threaded a ribbon tie through.--looks pretty good!
9. I may add godets to the side openings because the edges look a bit rough..probably some pieces of red lining or red lace I have in my scrap bin....
--Tomorrow I will try it on and post a pic of the finished project.
---TTFN----Marg.l
Saturday, February 9, 2008
WARDROBE REFASHION...........
I have started posting on the Wardrobe Refashion site..I signed up for SIX MONTHS....i.e. I pledged to not buy any clothing from retail for six months..to thrift and refashion as much as possible..quite tough I think but I have been "in training" since early December! The more I research and read up on ReFashion..the more inspired and excited I get. Excellent books on ReFashion I have picked up....
1. RECONSTRUCTING CLOTHES FOR DUMMIES---Miranda Caroligne Burns:
Took me from trepidation to tearing into sweaters to refashion into skirts..so easy and so fab!
2.ALTER NATION----Shannon Okey and Alexandra Underhill:'
carries the theme into altering wovens..on with learning to slash and be fearless!
3. SUBVERSIVE SEAMSTER----Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng, Melissa Rannels:
Lots of great tips and techniques like adding shirt collars onto knit tops...thing I would never have thought possible....
My first Refashion happened before Christmas..I was DETERMINED to not buy anything new/retail for the annual dance...so I went to my local S.A. and found 1. a teen girls red plaid kilt, and 2. a homemade black crushed velour skirt--obviosly a project "gone wrong"--the total was $6.50.....I took them home and started fiddling around with the kilt. I'm obviously Not the same size as a Teen 14..so I unbuckled the kilt, swung it round so the opening was centre front, and took off the side buckle and moved the strap to the front. I then took asome cheapie black ruffled lace and sewed it from the centre of the waist down in a cascade on eother side. I wore the crushed velour skirt under it. I added a thrifted and altered black velour v-necked top, fishnet hose, and black suede shoes with gold buckles..and a punky/Goth chain necklace...At the dance I received many compliments on my "outfit"--proving you really don't have to spend big bucks to look and feel great!!
1. RECONSTRUCTING CLOTHES FOR DUMMIES---Miranda Caroligne Burns:
Took me from trepidation to tearing into sweaters to refashion into skirts..so easy and so fab!
2.ALTER NATION----Shannon Okey and Alexandra Underhill:'
carries the theme into altering wovens..on with learning to slash and be fearless!
3. SUBVERSIVE SEAMSTER----Melissa Alvarado, Hope Meng, Melissa Rannels:
Lots of great tips and techniques like adding shirt collars onto knit tops...thing I would never have thought possible....
My first Refashion happened before Christmas..I was DETERMINED to not buy anything new/retail for the annual dance...so I went to my local S.A. and found 1. a teen girls red plaid kilt, and 2. a homemade black crushed velour skirt--obviosly a project "gone wrong"--the total was $6.50.....I took them home and started fiddling around with the kilt. I'm obviously Not the same size as a Teen 14..so I unbuckled the kilt, swung it round so the opening was centre front, and took off the side buckle and moved the strap to the front. I then took asome cheapie black ruffled lace and sewed it from the centre of the waist down in a cascade on eother side. I wore the crushed velour skirt under it. I added a thrifted and altered black velour v-necked top, fishnet hose, and black suede shoes with gold buckles..and a punky/Goth chain necklace...At the dance I received many compliments on my "outfit"--proving you really don't have to spend big bucks to look and feel great!!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
SWAP EVOLUTION FEBRUARY
Still not happy with actual patterns for my Swap.. but a clear concept emerging. I am actually pretty excited already. The theme will be Punky Romantic Vintage. The green overdyed denim will be raw finished with a boudoir look. The linen I have ordered from Julie will be made into a delicate blouse, the matching skirt will incorporate the linen with pieces of a pretty vintage tablecloth with red and pink flowers. The zigzag sweater knit will be a cardi-type jacket with a matching flared skirt. I am making a ruffled cami top out of white striped shirting, and a crossover shirt out of a variety of pastel striped shirts from my thrifting. I also have a dolman sleeved kimono top in sage green rib knit and a couple of feminine tanks from a variety of pink knits. I plan to make a pair of capris out of some decorating fabric.---I am proud to announce that MOST of the fabric came out of my stash!!
--When I first started out I thought I had nothing really to use! IN fact, the only stuff so far purchased "new" is the linen from Julie!--So, anything is possible with a bit of imagination!
--When I first started out I thought I had nothing really to use! IN fact, the only stuff so far purchased "new" is the linen from Julie!--So, anything is possible with a bit of imagination!
Sunday, January 6, 2008
NEW PROJECTS/ GREAT THRIFTING/ SWAP
What a wonderful sunny Sunday today !!----Sky so blue, snow melting......In Saskatchewan, we count every warm day as a blessing because it could plunge to -35F at any time!
SWAP PROJECTS
--- . Back to subject at hand..... Denim is dyed ready to cut, but I am hesitant to work with wovens due to weight fluctuation which can be blamed on Christmas celebrating..(at least the chocolates and baking are gone now)....So I am going to concentrate on working on my knit pieces in the month of January.
My first Swap piece is using sage green tubular rib knit thrifted from VV this weekend---2.5m. fabric for $3.99. I t is the kind of knit I find very confortable in the Summer. Pattern used is Simplicity 4020 View E, a Kimono style that is very flattering. I am cutting a straight size 20 and will see how much fitting I have to do. I may have to shorten the sleeves because they are very full and the knit is heavy,
I also found some white woven for skirt panels and a striped stretch cotton shirt to add to my pieces for a wrap shirt. Some crotcheted doilies will be great for embellishments.
----I had so much fun thrifting in Regina.!
WARDROBE REFASHION
I am also working on my apron project featuring the Canada geese. The bib and ties have been lined with pieces cut from a thrifted Calvin Klein gingham shirt. --I'm still very happy with this project.
Also still working out problems with the man's flannel workshirt refashioned skirt. I made the the "skirt" part by cutting up an old pair of navy knit narrow leg pants and cutting off at knee length.
I am stuck creatively on this project right now.
SWAP PROJECTS
--- . Back to subject at hand..... Denim is dyed ready to cut, but I am hesitant to work with wovens due to weight fluctuation which can be blamed on Christmas celebrating..(at least the chocolates and baking are gone now)....So I am going to concentrate on working on my knit pieces in the month of January.
My first Swap piece is using sage green tubular rib knit thrifted from VV this weekend---2.5m. fabric for $3.99. I t is the kind of knit I find very confortable in the Summer. Pattern used is Simplicity 4020 View E, a Kimono style that is very flattering. I am cutting a straight size 20 and will see how much fitting I have to do. I may have to shorten the sleeves because they are very full and the knit is heavy,
I also found some white woven for skirt panels and a striped stretch cotton shirt to add to my pieces for a wrap shirt. Some crotcheted doilies will be great for embellishments.
----I had so much fun thrifting in Regina.!
WARDROBE REFASHION
I am also working on my apron project featuring the Canada geese. The bib and ties have been lined with pieces cut from a thrifted Calvin Klein gingham shirt. --I'm still very happy with this project.
Also still working out problems with the man's flannel workshirt refashioned skirt. I made the the "skirt" part by cutting up an old pair of navy knit narrow leg pants and cutting off at knee length.
I am stuck creatively on this project right now.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
BACK TO WORK/ SWAP PROGRESS
Just a quick post before turning in for the night...Today was the first day back at work, so not much sewing done. So far resisting the tempation of Fabricland's super-duper New Years' sale! This evening I dyed some pieces of denim--some old dresses and some chunks of jeans and some textured pieces..used 2 box of Sunshine Yellow and I of Dark Green and set the washer on Hot...to my delight it has turned out the EXACT colour I was hoping for! I shall use the plainer pieces for the gored skirt and the fancier ones in different tones and textures for the intricate pieces on the top. I may even use some lace on the jacket.--I'm starting to get excited about this project now!
I am going thrifting to the Sally A in my lunch break tomorrow for more "inspiration".
Over the last 2 days I have been busy making a bibbed apron out of a cute but badly fitted cotton shirt. I am using most of the fabric ie. used the sleeves for the ties, etc. I will post a pic once it is done. I want to find a mans' shirt possibly green pinstripe-for lining the bib and the straps.
.....My DH bought me a Sony Cybershot digital camera for Christmas--I was so excitied about all the pics I can post..unfortunately my computer is having issues and I can't get the USB port to work yet...so I am having to load my pics on a disc. Hubby just installed a disc drive (I had previously told him I didn't need such a thing..but, who knew?!!) , so I have to learn how to operate it!
I am going thrifting to the Sally A in my lunch break tomorrow for more "inspiration".
Over the last 2 days I have been busy making a bibbed apron out of a cute but badly fitted cotton shirt. I am using most of the fabric ie. used the sleeves for the ties, etc. I will post a pic once it is done. I want to find a mans' shirt possibly green pinstripe-for lining the bib and the straps.
.....My DH bought me a Sony Cybershot digital camera for Christmas--I was so excitied about all the pics I can post..unfortunately my computer is having issues and I can't get the USB port to work yet...so I am having to load my pics on a disc. Hubby just installed a disc drive (I had previously told him I didn't need such a thing..but, who knew?!!) , so I have to learn how to operate it!
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SWAP COMPOSITE
all pieces minus purchased shirt
