Weihnachtskleid Sew-Along/Christmas Dress Sew-Along

(Scroll down for English...)

Liebe Leser, ich habe mich ganz mutig, vielleicht etwas voreilig und bestimmt ein wenig blauäugig zum Weihnachtskleid Sew-Along angemeldet, das Katharina auf dem Me Made Mittwoch-Blog organisiert (Danke!).

Brauche ich ein Kleid? Nö. Habe ich Langeweile? Nö. Habe ich letztes Jahr festgestellt, wie gut mir die ruhige Handarbeit im Jahresendstress tut? Genau. Und deshalb probiere ich es dieses Jahr wieder.

Letztes Jahr hatte ich meiner Tochter ein Kleid genäht, das wird wohl dieses Jahr noch passen.

Deshalb habe ich mir eins für mich ganz allein ausgesucht. Und vielleicht... füllt es ja sogar eine Lücke im Schrank. Schicke Kleider? Hab ich. Festliche Kleider? Hab ich. Gemütliche Kleider... Hmmm... Da geht noch was!

Wer beim WKSA den Glamour sucht, muss jetzt vielleicht weglesen. Sorry!

(Burdastyle 9-2013-107)

Ausgeguckt habe ich mir dieses Modell von Burdastyle, das mir wegen meines lange verschütteten Sternenticks besonders gut gefällt. Es ist nie zu spät, zum Stil einer 16-jährigen zurückzukehren. Oder so.

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Sorry for always beginning in German these days!

I'm trying to be a better member of the German sewing community. German sewing bloggers were few and far between when I started blogging, so my blogging idols were all in English-speaking countries. Now there are hundreds in Germany and they are very active, organizing me-made days and sewalongs.

The current sewalong is for a Christmas dress, and I joined the same sewalong last year to make DD a festive dress.

The dress will still fit her this Christmas, so I'm enjoying a selfish sewing moment! I had to think for a bit what kind of dress makes sense to me. I'm not the type to collect festive robes only to wear them once. I have a few festive and elegant dresses but I'm decidedly lacking in the chic-but-casual department.

(Burdastyle 9-2013-107)

So a knit dress is in order! I immediately thought of this Burdastyle pattern which especially tickled my fancy because I had a full-blown star obsession when I was 14. And 15. And 16. And... It's never to late for a little sweet sixteen style, right (leave me my illusions!)?

Happy sewing!

Weihnachtskleid/Christmas Dress Sew-Along

(scroll down for English)

Halli, Hallo, Hallöchen,

heute fange ich mal auf Deutsch an, da ich mich (quasi als blinder Passagier, dazu später) einem Sew-Along angeschlossen habe. Genauer, dem Weihnachtskleid-Sew-Along bei sewing addicted. Vielleicht wird das ja doch noch was mit mir und der Gruppendynamik?

Herzlichen Dank an Katharina, die mir die Teilnahme am Sew-Along "erlaubt" hat denn, Leser dieses Blogs ahnen es, es geht nicht um mein Weihnachtskleid (ich rotiere seit Jahren fröhlich dieselben drei Outfits), sondern um eines für's Töchterlein. Das entspricht nicht so ganz dem unausgesprochenen Regeln des Sew-Alongs, bei dem es eigentlich um das eigene Outfit des Nähers/der Näherin geht. Aber kann und soll ich meine Sechsjährige mit vier Metern Tüll alleine lassen? Nein, nein, nein.

Ich habe ein paar Ottobres gewälzt und nach Inspiration geschaut, werde am Ende aber wahrscheinlich etwas sehr Ähnliches nähen wie vor zwei Jahren:

(Hier ist der Blogeintrag zum Kleid.)

Ein ganz klassisches Festkleid mit schlichtem Oberteil, viel Rock und noch mehr Stoff untendrunter. Zum einen hat sie das Kleid wirklich viel und gerne getragen (sofern der Anlass es zuließ oder einfach so zu Hause). Zum anderen ist das, was anderswo unter "festlich" läuft bei ihr schon im Alltag abgefrühstückt - Röcke, Blusen, Tuniken, Trägerkleider, langärmelige Kleider werden alle Tage getragen.

Da müssen zu Weihnachten (und ihrem Geburtstag gleich danach) eben andere Geschütze aufgefahren werden!*

*Okay, die Wahrheit und nichts als die...? Ich finde nichts schöner als in Seide und Satin zu schwelgen, und da mir kein Opernball winkt, lässt mich Töchterlein gewähren. Wer mehr von dem Deal hat ist zur Zeit noch nicht raus. Sollte sie später einmal Therapie gegen ausgeprägtes Prinzessinnen-Syndrom benötigen, war ich es wohl schuld.

Bestellt und schon erhalten habe ich einen Anna Maria Horner-Druck (und dieses Mal sogar die geringe Breite bedacht, kaum zu glauben!). Der ist wunderschön und auch sehr weich; da daraus der Rock werden soll muss ich wohl mit Unterfütterung arbeiten, zusätzlich zu dem geplanten Tüll-Unterrock (fest als Futter installiert). Fotos folgen!

Für das Oberteil habe ich einen Polyester-Duchessesatin (keine echte Seide für Sechsjährige) in dunklem Violett bestellt. Derzeit sitzt stoffe.de noch auf meinem Stoff, angeblich kommt er aber "bald". In meinem Fundus ist hoffentlich noch ein Baumwollstoff, der für's Futter taugt.

Wie letztes Mal soll das Oberteil schlicht werden. Ich habe in einer alten Burda einen Schnitt von "Roma e Toska" gefunden, der mit ein paar Modifikationen geeignet sein dürfte. Den Rock will ich wieder vermaßt (eingereihtes Rechtecht) nähen. Der Unter"rock" soll dieses Mal Stufen bekommen und evtl. ein bisschen unten hervorgucken. Auch anders: es soll keine Schärpe zum Binden geben, sondern die Taille wird mit einem dunkelblauen Samtband abgesetzt (mit kleiner festgenähter Schleife vorne). Soweit der Plan.

Und Ihr? Was machen die Weihnachtspläne? Näht schön!

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I've joined a Sew-Along, wo-hoo (fingers crossed I'll finish it, too). German blogger "sewing addicted§ is hosting a Christmas Dress Sew-Along, and I have joined to have a bit of company when I sew DD's Christmas/Birthday (same week) dress.

She loved this dress I made her two years ago, so I'll basically repeat myself only in different materials/colors.

(Here's my original post on the dress.)

Is a festive dress like this over-the-top for quiet home celebrations? It probably is, but she enjoys wearing it and I hugely enjoy making it, so I hope she doesn't develop a neurosis thinking she's a real life princess :-) and all's well.

(Also, I had a look around what's considered festive and it's all stuff she already wears in everyday life - skirts and blouses and tunics and corduroy dresses... Such are the pitfalls of having a DD spoiled by mom's sewing ;-) )

I have ordered an Anna Maria Horner butterfly print (that will need to be underlined, but soooo pretty!), dark purple satin and a couple of yards of tulle. I hope it gets here soon so I can get started!

What are your Christmas/holiday sewing plans?

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Carolyn had a hilarious post today featuring Spam comments. Most readers were in agreement that Google translator has to have something to do with the puzzling/funny language. For a lark, I translated the German portion of my last post on mending. Enjoy!


The Improvise-and-Fix Challenge contained funny enough, no repair. Maybe because it's out?

Although I have learned as a child stuffing socks, but I'm long gone any clothing repair widely out of the way. Why mend, if you can sew again? (I only have photos of a patchwork, finished this blouse purchased from very thin Baumwollstöffchen.)

Where this is patched?

My children have taught me a lesson, namely, the two love their stuff, the more each oller. As yet, a hole in the leggings or a tear in the pants not be the end? Even stuffed nylon leggings are proudly carried on.

Well, where?

I then found that patch is as meditative gimmicks very well, for example if you somewhere waiting for the children. Knitters know that too, I think.

Oh, there!

How's that, you also sews and stuffs or does your rather just in the fabric stash?

Make Do and Mend/Improvisiere und Repariere

Shelley of New Vintage Lady has started a Make Do And Mend sew-along. When I read the details of her challenge I immediately had a few ideas. I don't know if I'll follow through to the end (real life and all that, you know...), but here are my thoughts for what it's worth:

1. Make two crafts from scrap fabric, (hat, pot holders, table runner, etc.). I've been meaning to make a small envelope bag for a friend, like this (not blogged). She gave me an old pair of shorts „for scraps“, so I might use that. Need to get cracking! Also, I still have lots of scraps from my advent calendar making days. I could make a cute Christmassy table runner or something.
2. Rework one garment. When I re-started ballet classes I bought myself a cute ballet print t-shirt that was of the worst quality. I mean, I buy a lot at H&M and that stuff lives for years, but this was shrunken and misshaped after a few months. I still wear it (that's how I roll!) and decided because I wouldn't get rid of it otherwise to re-work it into a tee for my DD. She also has a beloved print tee that's too small; I've been meaning to save the print and appliqué it to a new shirt.
3. Make two wearable items not meant for day wear (i.e. : jim jams, robe, slip, etc.). Um. Yeah. Need to think about that.
4. Embellish one item (i.e. faggoting, pin tucking, embroidery, etc). (My embellish-along-tag is rolling in its grave, so to say...) My son who hasn't received a me-made garment in a long time loved the fox appliqué shirt that was on the Ottobre cover a couple of years ago. That's quite work-intensive so I'll see whether I get around to it.
5. Make one item (in addition or one of the items above) for someone else. See above; these are mostly for others!

Thanks, Shelley, for starting the sew-along, and happy sewing everybody!

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Zur Zeit sind im Netz einige Sew-Alongs unterwegs; eins der wohl weniger bekannten ist das „Make Do and Mend“ (würde ich mit „Improvisiere und Repariere“ übersetzen) von Shelley. Es lehnt sich an die Kleider-Rationierung zu Kriegszeiten in England an, soweit ich weiß, das Thema wird aber auch gerne im Zusammenhang mit nachhaltigerem Nähen/Leben aufgegriffen.


Spontan fühlte ich mich angesprochen, u.a. weil die Latte nicht zu hoch liegt (kleine Aufgaben statt Mäntel-nähen!) und sich ein paar bereits geschmiedete Nähpläne gut unterbringen lassen. Das Sew-along läuft noch bis Ende Oktober; mal sehen, was ich in der Zeit fertig bekomme!

Die Aufgaben lauten:

1. Zwei Sachen aus Stoffresten nähen Hut, Topflappen, Tischläufer etc.) Ich möchte noch ein Täschchen in Umschlagform wie dieses hier nähen (bisher nicht gebloggt, ist aber ein ganz gutes Format, für Strümpfe oder Schmuck oder...). Weihnachtsstoffschnipsel habe ich auch reichlich von meinen Adventskalendern, da sollte noch etwas drin sein.
   
2. Ein Kleidungsstück umnähen. Ich habe da ein T-Shirt mit Ballettprint, bodenlose Qualität, das ich für's Töchterchen umnähen möchte (und sei es nur, damit ich das geschrumpfte, verzogene Teil nicht immer weiter anziehe, das ist nämlich meine Schwäche, Unansehnliches nicht loszulassen...) Falls das nicht gibt, hat sie ein zu kleines Shirt mit Frontdruck, das sie gerne behalten möchte; ich würde versuchen, den Print auf ein neues Shirt zu applizieren.
   
3. Zwei Teile nähen, die nicht Oberbekleidung sind (Schlafanzug, Morgenmantel, Unterwäsche etc.) Hm. Ideen?
   
4. Ein Teil verzieren. Ha! Ich höre meinen ungenutzten Embellish-Along-Tag rotieren. Oder kichern. Egal. Vor zwei (?) Jahren hatte Ottobre mal ein tolles Fuchs-Appliqué auf dem Titel, das meinem Sohn gefiel, aber ob er es heute noch mag? Ist auch ziemlich arbeitsintensiv.
   
5. Eine Sache für jemand anderen machen. Siehe oben, mehrfach!
   

Wer näht noch irgendwo „along“? Viel Spaß und näht schön!  

Sewing Ballet Clothes (?)

... or: Creating a wardrobe hole, then sewing to fill it.

I'm terrible with exercise, too boring, too sweaty, too... I'd rather sew. The only exercise I ever really enjoyed were ballet classes, but I stopped 20 years ago. I'm turning 40 now, so I thought now or never and took my first class on Tuesday. I'm satisfyingly sore and think I'll stick with it.

Now what? You know the answer. Here's the pattern:

I planned to make it up in navy blue with white accents, but now I'm thinking b-o-r-i-n-g, and have been eyeing the pretty muted colors on the Sewy website.

Also, I've been surfing the dance wear manufacturers' sites, and oohing and aahing. It would be very possible to buy something pretty. And it's not like all my fall sewing will get done, take or leave a ballet outfit on top of it.

What do you think? Have you sewn exercise wear? Any feedback on the pattern? Your remedy when you think you have to make it all yourself (but know you can't)?

Happy sewing!

Scrap Busting and Swimsuit Sewing

I made DD another sun hat from the same pattern I've used before. Didn't retrace, although her head has grown; I just cut the pieces a bit bigger and it's fine.

If you're looking for a pattern I really recommend this one (BWOF 4/2009/142). It can be worn brim up or brim down, and when it's down provides good shade for the eyes, which can get important when children are too little to wear (or keep on) sunglasses. Besides, it's cute! And, as the title says, perfect for using up scraps.

This girls' top wasn't made from leftover scraps, but all the same used so little fabric that there's a couple of tops left in those fabrics for me. I didn't use a pattern, just cut around an existing top. DD started giving me that "Where's the pink and violet, and where's my glitter??" look, so I hastened to add a yoyo. Now I want the same top for myself. Too bad I'm not four anymore.

(Seeing this I realize I also made DS a sleeveless tee but forgot to take a picture. Oh well. Not half as cute. Poor, poor boys.)

Speaking of age, I must be this town's oldest H & M shopper (other than in the kiddie department), but I'm always very lucky (although I'm not buying a lot these days) and their stuff fits me. The same used to be true for their swimsuits. Well, not anymore. All of a sudden I loathe all their designs and colors. What ...? The same thing happened a couple of years ago with popular music radio stations. A sign that middle age is encroaching, I guess. What's a sewer to do?

Right, spend several hours of beautiful summer weather that will never return, staring at the screen researching swimsuit patterns and supplies. I ordered from no less than three sources and spent 50 € which doesn't sound so bad unless you consider that I got two suits for 10 € each at H&M last year. This had better become the suit of suits, so to speak. (FYI, I'm making the more covered view A. Yes, DH would also be very happy with the others. I'm saying I'll make those for DD in a couple of years!)

Let's hope I didn't jinx the project by making a public announcement beforehand... But I'd love to hear your input and tips if you've sewn a swimsuit before. Other than that, please wish me luck!

Me-Made-May and Girl's Pants Ottobre 1/2008 no. 11

I mentioned in passing that I joined Me-Made-May, as created by the, well, creative Zoe. I loved following her adventures in homesewn garments during Me-Made-March, probably because I could relate to her - while she may have (had) more self-made garments than I did, she hadn't been one of those sewers, admirable as they are, who have sewn the bulk of their wardrobes for many years already. She challenged herself to wear only me-made clothing for a whole month, which meant wearing homemade garments that hadn't made it out of the closet (often), sewing hard to fill the holes in her self-made wardrobe, and combining creatively. She also managed to look gorgeous throughout the process, which may be a reason why so many sewers have signed up for Me-Made-May! (Don't we all want to be irresistible in, Oh, this old thing I made myself (twinkle in eye)?)


I couldn't realistically clothe myself in all-me-made garments for more than a weekend (full of parties preferably, given my weakness for sewing dresses). So I signed up for Me-Made-March-Lite, meaning to wear one home-sewn garment per day (someone mentioned pajamas; well, I'm not going there anytime soon!). Zoe clarified today that the point about Me-Made-March is for it to be a challenge, not to set up strict rules that apply to everyone. Excellent concept! As it is, the (original) idea of MMM-Lite of one garment per day is enough of challenge for me, so I'm sticking with it.



Actually, it is quite the challenge! As you know me, I've been planning and revising, but of course, since signing up for the challenge, I haven't sewn a single piece for myself. A pair of girl's dungarees/overalls, yes, but I'm not fitting into them, and aren't we glad for that...

- Interrupting the regularly scheduled sewing for this kiddie clothing message:

Pattern: "Iguana Dungarees no. 11 from Ottobre 1/2008"

Alterations: many.

Re-Alterations: countless.

Relief factor on being done: v. high! -

What I'm hoping to gain from Me-Made-May:

• Fun! I'm not usually the playful type or one to run with the masses (unless in blogging, ha!), but this seems a wonderful way to enjoy our craft, dress creatively, and all in the company of fellow sewers who inspire!



• Wearing my (already) made garments more often and, as follows, more creatively.



• Making up some more garments under the pressure, erm, challenge, of MMM, and thus upping both my wardrobe size and sewing skills.
  

In true Zoe spirit, I'm hoping to make some progress on my blue SWALP before and during May, adding a few vaguely nautical pieces to my wardrobe. I always loved this style, and Zoe showed some great navy blue and striped styles. So this time around, instead of sewing nautical dresses for DD and pirate jeans for DS, I'm joining the navy myself!


If you haven't already, head on over to Zoe's blog and get inspired!

SWALP Considerations

First of all, thank you so much for the nice comments on my coat and dress, and the kids' pants. It's so motivating to get compliments from people who know what it means to sew. So thank you!

I'm contemplating where to go next. (Other than some kiddie pieces that will most probably get thrown in in between!) Some considerations:

1. I'd like to branch out in color.

Yes, it's spring and I love pulling out the bright greens, soft pinks, buttery yellows that reflect the spirit of the season. But I already have quite a bit of these colors in my wardrobe, and I don't necessarily like them in jackets and pants, which I need more of - in spring weights - in my wardrobe.

A color I've been wearing very little of, unless it's denim or leisurewear, is blue. Since I have so little of it, I've been wary of sewing blue things, thinking they won't go with anything in my wardrobe. I will need to sew a few pieces/a SWALP, which gives me a bit of apprehension, but after the sewing successes of the last year, I'm half convinced I can make a go of it!

Exhibit A: These fabrics from the stash.

All bought at different times, they would go together very well I think! The blue (in the navy colorway, but not very dark) fabric is a lightweight wool if I remember right, enough for a suit. The red-white-and-blue print is a cotton voile, and the light blue polka dot is a lightweight poplin. I also have a white-on-white embroidered eyelet cotton that would fit in here.

2. I need to get into sewing blouses.

First, because I wear them a lot. Second, because I've never sewn them so far. Third, because the voile and poplin above are shouting "Sew me up already!" (Can't you hear it?)

And fourth, because dedicated sewer and refashioner Zoe, who impressed by dressing all-handmade in all of March, has just announced Me-Made-May, and I want to take part in it. If only in the "lite"version, meaning one of the garments I wear on any given day will be made by me. At least, that is the plan!

(I'm trying to convince myself Zoe with her lovely navy wardrobe in Me-Made-March isn't the reason I'm getting into blue. No no. I can't be imitating another sewer every second garment I make, right?)

3. Chanel style jacket anyone?

Prominently featured in my sewing hall of shame is the Chanel-type jacket I never finished (so far). All that handsewing overwhelmed me, and I appreciated having more than one finished garment at the end of the year, even though that meant leaving the jacket for someday.

Although I don't feel up to the task of completing said jacket, I have another Chanel-style bouclé fabric in my stash (in spring-y yellow too!) and I may have thought of a method to get a bit of Chanel style into a machine sewn jacket: by adding an organza underlining and quilting this to the fashion fabric, then sewing and lining it like a regular jacket. Tell me it can be done!

Exhibit B: Bouclé fabric, silk organza and lining (the lining is less brown and lighter, although not the exact orange of the bouclé):

This jacket would possibly provide more immediate gratification than the blue SWALP, but it would also need a few more pieces for company, and other than a pair of white pants I'm out of ideas. I don't want too garish a color combination, but most neutrals don't go with the bouclé either... Must go contemplate some more.

Happy sewing!

Flap pockets and delusions of grandeur

I. The pockets

Considering that I don't even know the correct translation ("Pattentaschen" in German), I am extremely pleased with my pockets. Here is one, someone please tell me the correct term (dictionary says flap pockets, but the flap is stitched down on the short ends/open on one side only).

I consulted my Burda book on techniques (same wording as the Burda magazine instructions, but with pictures!), and fearlessly sewed/cut away. I'm still not 100 % sure I did the right thing with the itty bitty triangles, but it looks like it should.

Irrelevant story: About a dozen or so years ago, I sewed an anorak jacket for my now-husband. Which had the same pockets. Being 99 % self-taught, and only going by Burda magazine instructions at the time (I didn't even own a book on sewing techniques), I had no idea that these pockets were hard or difficult to do. Heck, I had no idea Burda instructions were hard to understand sometimes; if I got it wrong, I just figured it was my fault.

Well, long story short, I finished the anorak, it looked wearable but nowhere near as good as this, and I renamed the "Pattentasche" "Fluchtasche". Cursing pocket. Because that's what I did, a lot. I asked DH whether he remembered the jacket. He said, of course, the one with the "Fluchtaschen". He was duly impressed.

II. The collar

This success may have gone to my head, since I am now considering drafting a different collar than what the pattern has.

The pattern is Burda 9/2007 no. 105 that I made this jacket from (there's a coat with basically the same pattern pieces; it's pattern no. 104). I put it on and took a picture to determine whether I'd like it in a coat. And I did not find the collar as bad when I had it on as expected. (The collar is fine; it's just my construction that was lacking.) Hmm.

The collar as you see is Peter Pan-like, and it might be a bit juvenile/playful for the embroidered fabric. After my last jacket went together alright, I would expect the collar to work out this time as well, but still. Here's the coat as it is now:

I'm considering adding a strip of fabric around the neck, like a facing, that does not stand up but just gives a nice edge. The shape would basically be a collarless coat. I think I could figure out the construction (I hope).

What do you think? Is it a good idea? Or am I losing touch with reality?

Happy sewing!

Fickle mojo

My mojo is fickle. My sewing ADD has something to do with that. Does anybody else have this problem?

I love planning a garment. What fabric, what pattern, what else to make that goes with it.

My problem: If I overthink this, the garment is done. If only in my mind, but it's done. And I lose interest.

So I'm trying to trick myself/my mojo. I'm invited to a wedding. I have spring fever, but the crocuses aren't out yet, and the temperatures are freezing. I have this lovely, flowery wool fabric, and this green wool knit that makes me think of spring meadows. Perfect.

(You've seen two of the fabric pieces before. I've contemplated a coat here, and a top here.)

I'm trying to go with the mojo that says, make a coat and a dress. I set scissors to fabric almost right after the thought. The coat is cut out, pockets are sewn, I'm trying hard to sew faster than I can think. Almost.

Next up: coat pattern and pockets.

P.S. Again, I find myself emulating a fellow sewer I admire. Last week, I looked at the beautiful coat Shannon made about two years ago. Now, I find myself making a beige coat (albeit embroidered) with a rusty orange lining. True story: this was the only coat fabric in my stash (about three years old) and the only satin piece long enough for a coat lining (originally bought for a blouse).

SWALP patterns and jacket progress

My mojo has, resolutions notwithstanding, been lost for quite some time. Whether this is due to sewing in gray and navy since December, the slight seasonal blues that always strikes right after Christmas, or DD's not having been well since December... I'm dragging my (sewing machine) feet.

See this?

Looks like a finished jacket, doesn't it? And it IS finished, except for the tiniest amount of handsewing. And it fits. And I like it. So why do I have to force myself to do a little bit of hem sewing every evening, instead of rushing to get it done?

I had visions of showing the finished garment beautifully styled and shot, on me instead of the hanger one of these days. Maybe that will happen. Maybe I'll need to sew something bright pink before that, to get myself out of this funk.

(Thankfully, DS has wished for a Winnie the Pooh costume for carnival. Sewing all that bright yellow and red ought to set me right, don't you think?)

Instead of swinging the shears and needles, I have been organizing my pattern magazines by copying all the pattern overview pages in my Burda and Ottobre magazines and putting them in a ring binder. Happy hours have been (and will be) spent leafing through these while putting my feet up and nursing a hot cup of tea!

So, without actually making progress, I feel like getting on with my SWALP by circling possible patterns. The thicker olive green wool knit might become one of these:

The patterned rayon knit may become one of these:

And finally, the skirt to complement the jacket, not from the same herringbone wool, but a heathered dark gray woven:

(As a side note, I considered making up a quiz "guess the year these BURDA patterns are from". Some are quite obviously dated, but some not, I think.)

Obviously, I have my favorites, but I'm not decided yet. Which do you think would fit well with my SWALP?

SWALP Continues

I am, as always, in awe of real, grown-up SWAP sewers. As mentioned before, SWAP isn't going to happen for sewing-ADD-addled me anytime soon, but Sewing With A Little Plan continues.

To make the most my resolutions, I used today's 30 minutes of sewing (resolution no. 3) to work on the jacket lining, and to think about how to get the most use out of the jacket once it's finished. I pulled out my winter fabrics, laid them against the half-finished jacket, and chose two fabrics for matching tops, and a dark gray wool for a matching bottom (more mix-and-match garments, resolution no. 4).

Left to right:

The light green olive knit is wool. In winter I like to layer my sweater knits over classic woven shirts, so I might look for a pattern that enables this.

The green-gray patterned fabric is a thin jersey knit, rayon lycra I'd guess. I should be able to find a pattern for that. I love surplice looks, so it might be something like that.

The bottom weight will likely become a skirt. I'll have to look for a pattern/style that goes with the distinctive lines of the jacket. A pencil skirt would be a safe choice, but I'd like a bit of flare. I photocopied all my Burda pattern overviews of the last ten years or so, and will take a good long look at those!

That should be doable before winter ends, don't you think? I also pulled out the red-and-gray plaid fabric that didn't make it into a jacket (yet). A plaid dress would match the herringbone jacket very well, but how often would I wear it? And wouldn't it enforce my solitary garment sewing tendencies? So, it's on to the separates first. Once the jacket is finished. I'm optimistic.

Parting shot:


DH gave me a miniature porcelain bell with sewing motifs for Christmas. Yes, I like my kitsch. Especially sewing-related!

Resolutions

Well, I am a bit late, but since I almost never make New Year's resolutions (lots of March 20th... June 2nd... anyday resolutions, though!), this is as good as ever. No pictures, since my laptop died after Christmas (too much marzipan?), but I hope this will be rectified soon.

I read a lot of sewer's resolutions, and was equally impressed and overwhelmed. I know that if I resolved to sew more, or more complex garments, sewing would start feeling like a chore, and since I purposely took it up again to take my mind off some stressful situations, that would be counter-productive indeed .

Even without concrete resolutions/goals, last year I sewed much, much more than I ever had or than I'd expected. So, here's my first resolution:

1. Keep at about the same level of productivity.

Last year I sewed a lot for my children, and I'm starting to question whether that is the best use of my time and energy. Yes, I absolutely enjoy the creative freedom and cuteness factor in sewing kids' stuff. But, without counting, I'm pretty sure I made much more for them than for me. Which wouldn't be so bad, but they grow out of it so fast, and I don't. So here's resolution the 2nd:

2. Limit sewing children's stuff, ideally to one outfit per kid per season, or special occasion wear.

I am plodding on with the jacket, excruciatingly slow, since I haven't quite gotten into my usual daily/weekly rhythm again. Usually, I reserve at least one morning a week while the kids are in Kindergarten, about four or five hours, for sewing. At night, I'm often too tired/can't be bothered to pull out my sewing stuff/takes too long until the kids are truly asleep, so I sew only one or two nights a week. When my one morning of sewing gets eaten up by other stuff, like this week, I hardly sew at all, fall out of the rhythm, forget where I was at, get intimidated by starting up again. I hope to solve this by implementing this resolution (shamelessly stolen from Summerset, no less):

3. 30 minutes of sewing a day, on most days.

Unlike the children's stuff I sew, my garments often stand alone, either by type (dresses), or because I sewed a color/pattern I loved without looking at the rest of my wardrobe too much. Don't get me wrong, they're usually wearable, but not as mix-and-match as the rest of my wardrobe. So, to get the most out of my sewing I make this resolution (actually I made it sometime late last year, which is why I'm sewing the jacket from gray fabric!):

4. Sew more mix-and-match garments, either by sewing neutral colors, and/or simpler patterns, and/or several garments planned as a wardrobe.

So here we are. January 7th and my resolutions are complete. I wish you all a year of happy and successful sewing!

SWALP - and Jacket BWOF 9/2007 no. 105

I would, probably, rationally, not attempt a SWAP. Not as long as the children are little. Not as long as my attention span is shorter than the thread on my needle. Not as long as my inner teenager battles my inner sewing instructor.

I may, however, be in the middle of a SWALP (sewing with a little plan) right now. In this post I named a table runner, kids' pants and a jacket from my most recent fabric spree as a tentative plan.

Runner? Check. Girls' pants? Almost done. Jacket? Weeeellll...

I have a confession to make: Last year, I attempted my first jacket:

All went well. Until I got to the collar. Here's the sad story in pictures:




I tried to fix it, ended up where I started, lost heart (and fabric, since this was ravelling terribly), and finished the jacket as it was. ("Maybe it won't be so bad if I look at it next week." Right.)

There's one more year of intense sewing experience (no tailoring though) between then and now. Is it time for another jacket?

SWALP says yes. I'd really like this:

Monkey patch

When in doubt, sew kids' clothes! This monkey patch was inspired by my son's favorite soft toy, a monkey named "Charly", and is on its way to becoming part of a pair of boys' pants.

Thank you for the input on the coat. I had a good long look at all the material on The Great Coat Sew-Along (an amazing site; if you haven't seen it, go look!), and now I'm more motivated to make a coat than ever. But your comments were right; while it's a great pattern I'd love to see made up, my fabric may not be the best option for it. Or the other way around, I may need another pattern.

So I might:

a) get more fabric and make up the pattern in question,

b) search for a better pattern and make up my fabric.

While it's percolating, I'll plod on with the kids' fall/winter wardrobe!

Thoughts on coats

I bought this fabric for, oh, not pennies, but really cheap at a fabric market last year (I know, don't hate me!). It's a border print, shown folded in half; the other half is solid cream. It was intented to be a coat from the beginning, but I did not have the confidence or stamina at that point to make one.

So the fabric went into the stash, or "collection", as Carolyn calls it, which may be a better word, because a collection is enjoyed whether it is useful or not, and I certainly enjoy having beautiful fabrics even if I don't get around to sewing them for quite some time.

At this point, I have the confidence, and if I don't have the skill I know enough resources to look everything up (and then I have you, my sounding board and encyclopedia all in one!)

I'm just not sure whether I have the stamina. Now this is the first day of September, another glorious late summer day (and I'm sitting here thinking about coats - go figure!). Enough time to finish a coat at leisure and have some winter left to wear it. It's just that I'm not very good at repetitive tasks. That incudes looking at and handling the same unfinshed garment for too long. What to do?

All this doesn't deter me from considering patterns, of course. I really like Burda 9/2009 no. 102. It fits my requirements of a short coat (covering hips but not knees), and of corse I love the folklore/vintage vibe. But it's a three-and-a-half-dots pattern. Ouch! And I'm not sure whether the hidden folds would go well with a border print such as mine. Anyone interested to weigh in?

So how about it? Should I make a coat? Is anybody else planning one? I know there was a coat sew-along last year; too bad I'm late for that!

Craving color

This is a yearly phenomenon I'm only now becoming aware of.

Finally, summer is here, I mean real summer, temperatures in the high 20s (Celsius), sunshine 16 hours a day, blue skies, kelly green grass, flowers blooming all around... And every color popping just so, with the light and the contrast, and, maybe, the serotonin-induced high mood!

So, all of a sudden, I start craving color. My wardrobe has earthy neutrals, black-gray-and-white-neutrals, with the occasional shot of color. My summer wardrobe has tomato red, kelly green, bright turquoise, red-on-pink-on-yellow, and the occasional olive/brown. I cannot even fathom putting on a gray summer top, unless it's for work, of course.

This should have told me something years ago, but I really just realized it a couple of days ago, when I came home with this year's (brightly colored) swimsuit haul (H&M, told you so!), and proceeded to rip every juicy colored fabric from the stash cupboard, resolving to sew a new summer wardrobe.

We'll see how it goes (the best laid plans and all that). I have made myself proceed as planned and started on the dress; I hope this won't curb my enthusiasm!

Oh, and sun or not, I know I'll be done for as soon as the new fall fashion spreads (and fabrics) are out. I'm a true September girl that way!

Sewing fine fabrics

I've chosen the pattern for this fabric.

I meant to choose something with little sleeves, a small collar, drawstring, maybe a peplum... Then my eye fell on Burda April/09 that I've already made the skirt and hat from.

The blouse on the title has other qualities, namely just four pattern pieces, which might work better with a busy print such as this. And, it could double as a coverup on vacation. And, its simplicity allowed me to trace and cut it in the short minutes I had free today.

But I'm a little nervous about starting to sew. The material's pretty, but very slippery - a crushed georgette I'd say, and to top it off: printed off-grain (either this has never happened to me before, or I haven't noticed). I cut it according to the print not the grain, hoping the crushed quality will be forgiving. I'm thinking of using french seams on the side seams, double hems on the bottom and cut-on sleeves, binding on the neckline, and hope I'll manage to sew a straight seam or two.

If you have any vital tips on sewing with thin, slippery fabrics, feel free to comment. Otherwise, please keep your fingers crossed!

Thank you! (and: sewing plans revisited)

The skirt may not have made me happy, but your sweet, encouraging comments sure have! I didn't think I was fishing for compliments or sympathy, but maybe I was, since it felt so good to read your nice comments. So, thank you!


On to new shores. The jacket and dress, if you hadn't already noticed, have taken a back seat. I trust that my blogging will hold me accountable so I'll return to it eventually!



Other things have come up that have commanded my time and interest. All those kids' clothes - and I don't think I'm finished with that for the summer -, and then as my diary filled up with more and more events this summer, I sat down and thought what I needed for that. I've been buying a lot less RTW these last months, and I'd like to keep that up if possible.

Coming up:

• Our annual family reunion/garden party this month. I've been thinking of a summery blouse/tunic to wear with shorts. Possibly in this fabric. I walked circles around this, since it's a poly material I don't normally buy, but I love the print so much, I had to have it (and might get over my poly aversion).

• An event that I don't even know how to translate. Translation software says "shooting match", but that doesn't hit (!) it all. It's a big celebration in a rural area that basically has the whole village in festivities, all that arranged around a shooting match. If anyone German reads this, Schützenfest. Click here, if you want pictures of such an event. I've never been to one of these before, but we've been invited by my father-in-law who won the annual shooting match 25 and 50 years ago, and now gets honored on his jubilees. I could certainly go in some decent outfit already in my closet (the long dresses you see in some of the pictures are only worn by guests of the current winner), but I think I'll use this as an excuse to sew a really summery

  

  dress out of this fabric.

• My 20 year school reunion. Since closing my eyes and plugging my ears isn't going to make the 20 years go away, I may as well go. So I will need something understated (I don't think anyone is going to dress up for this) that nevertheless dazzles and makes everyone see how much better, if not younger, I look these days... I'm sure you understand!

• Then, in early August, we're taking a vacation by the sea. If I'm not all sewn out by then, I might make myself a couple of tops and coverups. I'm not getting into swimsuit sewing, I think, not as long as H&Ms swimsuits still fit me.