More tracing

While I wait for my machine to return I'm continuing with tracing patterns. I finished the knit pants from Burda and Paco's lovely jacket pattern. Even though his pattern comes ready to cut I went ahead and traced the pieces that I think might need alterations. For example, the maximum hip size is 38 and I'm a 40. I also usually have to add length to the bodice so I added 1 inch to the bodice length. I wanted to preserve the pattern for another muslin if the first one is not perfect.


Next I'm working on Butterick 5523. I'm going up a size in the bodice since the pattern has no ease there. I'm using a ponte knit and I don't want this dress tight across my chest.

Separation anxiety

Yesterday I traced the above pattern from Burda Style August. I have wanted knit pants that looked stylish but had the comfort of knit to wear with boots this winter; after seeing this pattern made by Tany I decided to give it a try so I bought from Fabric.com a cut of their Sophia double-knit in black. I'm hoping that the fabric has a nice recovery so that the pants won't bag out at the knees.

If you are wondering at the title...today I left my sewing machine for overdue maintenance. I had to drive 35 min to get to a certified Bernina technician and it will be gone for 7-10 days. I will use my time for doing all the prepwork for the knit pants and Paco's pattern. I keep going back and forth on what fabric to use for the jacket...I'll let you know

I wanted to share

This week I received the books you see above. They are beautifully illustrated with enchanting words thought of by Elisa Gallego Picard, published in Spain in English and Spanish. Why am I bringing them to your attention? Well I wrote the English translation!!

Take a look at her website to enjoy her art. I am very proud to have collaborated with her.



Esta semana recibí los libros que ven en la foto. Las ilustraciones son bellas y las palabras encantadoras, todo creado por Elisa Gallego Picard. Los libros están publicados en España en Español e Inglés. ¿Por qué se lo digo a mis lectores? Porque yo escribí la traducción al Inglés!!

Visiten su sitio web para que disfruten de su bello arte. Estoy muy orgullosa de haber colaborado con ella.

***********************************
Just in case, I do not receive any compensation by letting you know or directing you to her site; my only compensation is sharing (and bragging a little!) with you

A Burda skirt

Oops! I neglected to say that this is Burda Style 11-2009 #120

Like most of us I buy RTW to fill certain holes in my wardrobe but one item I refuse to buy is a skirt. Skirts are so easy to make plus I can make them fit my waist AND my hips. Right now I have an olive cotton pencil Patrones skirt that I reach for all the time so I thought I needed to add at least another "go with almost everything skirt".



I love the above skirt, I think it will look fantastic with boots. I have the wool tweed in the hot dryer with towels, trying Pam's method for pre-shrinking that everyone raves about.

Later I will let you see the wool, it is really gorgeous. I bought it at PA Fabric Outlet before it closed in Catonsville, MD.

Hope you have a sewing weekend!

Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket

I have been writing about this jacket for a while, so I wanted to give you a short summary of my experience.

This is an OOP Hot Patterns design, I think it was one of their first. There were errors in the notches and I think what made it worse is that there isn't a good description of the jacket's design and not an accurate illustration. Having said that I received excellent customer service from the owners, who quickly responded to my email and helped me understand how certain pieces were supposed to fit.



I used a very nice cotton twill from Michael's fabrics, part of a bundle. The lining is a very lightweight cotton. The buttons came from my stash and I don't remember where I bought them. For the topstitching I used embroidery floss, using 4 strands together. I did not add shoulder pads, I wanted the jacket to have a soft look. I did add some light tailoring to the collar for a better shape around the neck.




click to enlarge and see machine stitching added for shaping

My jacket is meant to be worn over a tank top or other lightweight tops. The sleeves even though I added extra ease, are still pretty fitted. After the jacket was completed I added some more topstitching, this time around the fronts and all around the hems.



Am I happy with this jacket? I'm thrilled!, the downside? the days are getting cold so this jacket will have to wait until spring to see more action. Yesterday was a beautiful day here so I had the opportunity to have my son take outdoor shots.



If you missed my previous posts and want to know more details I listed the links below.

Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket firs post
Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket second post
Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket third post
Hot Patterns Wrapture Jacket fourth post

So what is next? I found that I need a mid-weight jacket for the cold days that still don't require a winter coat but are too cold for denim jackets and the jacket I just made (ha!). However I think I'll first tackle a simpler project like a dress or skirt. You'll be the first to know!

Last update on jacket, before completion

I am hopefully going to attach the lining and finish the jacket today, depending on how I feel. But I thought I show you that I finished the bound buttonholes, attached the cuffs and collar and constructed the lining.





Next up I'll show you the finished jacket!

A Beautiful Fall Day

The picture of a happy (blurry)dog

I have been feeling cold symptoms for the past couple of days, but on the weekend I was fine and we got to do a beautiful walk. Not much to say just enjoy the colors of the season.