Sewing Day Part Two

Sewing Day Part Two

So this morning I finished slashing & spreading the pattern to approximately fit my body. Now for the “muslin” which I’m hoping will fit well enough to wear.  I chose a nice green & cream gingham from my pattern stash, but decided to cut the...
Sewing Day Part One

Sewing Day Part One

It’s March First and it’s still snowing. I’d like to be as every other New Englander and complain about it, but I’m just done. Maybe we’re all done. It’s time to adjust to the “new normal” of cold, bitter snow and...
Slash & Spread (Part Two)

Slash & Spread (Part Two)

I am so glad I tried this. Grading the pattern was fairly easy math, and I ended up developing a method that I really like. First I slashed the pattern in 3 parts, then held it together with some scotch tape. Then I used very wide masking tape to join the two pieces...
Slash & Spread (Part One)

Slash & Spread (Part One)

It sounds more revolting than it is. I bought a lovely pattern book a few days ago. It is filled with beautiful, simple, feminine style. And why wouldn’t it be? It’s Japanese! Super great, right? Except all the patterns are drawn for Japanese women, which,...
Second Shirtwaist

Second Shirtwaist

Sun, Feb 16, 2014, 1:30p: All pieces cut out, matching thread wound.  I did not have enough fabric for this project, so I had to make some very advanced decisions. I decided to contrast some elements with white. Bodice, skirt, sleeves & 1 yoke: Orange with...
Gertie’s Shirtwaist Dress

Gertie’s Shirtwaist Dress

So I’ve had Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing since it came out, and I’ve made some really cute things from its patterns. I LOVE shirtwaist dresses, and Gertie’s is especially dorbz, but I was afraid to try it because it looked difficult. I...