New purse

I finished my first item for the JCC on Stitcher's Guild . This is the accessory (obviously), made with the same sateen as the jacket will be and with an embroidered remnant from my local Fabricland.
I used a pattern I made myself and quilted the sateen on the upper and lower edges. The lining is the same sateen and has a cell/pen/business card sized pocket. The straps have a grosgrain backing. The technique for finishing the top edge and adding the zipper was taken from a Coach portfolio bag I have and was much simpler than other things I have tried. I was trying not to purchase anything for it and so used a zipper I had. I really should have held out for a seperable or at least a longer dress weight zipper.

The white section is going to get dirty quickly. Does anyone have any advice on preventing this? I was wondering about using Varathane (polyurethane) on it.

You can see why I will need to do something to protect the white twill on this bag. I was showing it to my husband and Maisie saw it. She immediately held out her hand and claimed "My turn". Once she had it she told her dad "Go shopping" and proceeded to get a baby and a stroller. When he asked her what she was going to buy she promptly replied "Diapers, go shopping diapers". There we have it.
I have hidden it on her today.

Vogue 8480 again

I checked my pattern pieces to see what I had done to change the pattern from single breasted to double. It was hard to see what was what, but it seems I just cut of one inch from the front piece. I am going to compare the pattern to the actual coat to see if I did anything else. I see by my original lines that I had planned to cut in in further, but don't know if I did it or not. I know that I basted the collar on and altered the shape a bit by eye, but made no changes to the pattern. Sorry I am not much help here.

Literary Meme

My comments go to my SPAM folder and I miss them frequently. This is something I have missed. I will play along with the book, but I think I will otherwise end it here. I really don't know anyone to tag. It is hard being a loner sometimes.

Elaine (http://goodworks1.wordpress.com/2008/05/12/literary-meme/ )tagged me for the latest literary meme. Here are the instructions:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Turn to page 123
3. Find the fifth sentence
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five people and acknowledge who tagged you.

The nearest book is in Finnish and is a Donald Duck paperback called Paa pystyyn, AKU ANKKA. Since I do not read Finnish, it will be difficult to spell check.
A bear in a suit and Donald are speaking.

Bear: "Sain sen nipin napin kasiini."
Donald: "Suurkiitokset!"

Donald in next frame: "Hannuuuuu!"

Poor Donald seems to be in a panic here as he chases something rolling out the door. Hmm, interesting but doesn't make me want to learn Finnish.

Blue coat

A couple people have asked me, one here and others in person and through Artisan's Square, so I am going to put some pictures up of the pattern changes I made of the blue coat to change it from double breasted to single. I like the result, although it has created a much more substantial collar and lapel this way. I have to finish my oufit for the wedding still, so it might not be until Tuesday that I get to it though.

Vogue 8480

Vogue 8480 is a coat I began right after SWAP finished. I have since worn it and worn it.
I loved the pattern from the first time I saw it, but did not like the idea of a double breasted coat on me. I like to have the option of wearing my coats open. I bought the pattern during a sale and, after seeing the amazing Erica B's version, decided to take the plunge and attempt a single breasted version of it. The fabric is a teal stretch denim that works beautifully with the SWAP teals. Taking a hint from Ms. B, I lengthened it by four inches. I am happy with the results although I wonder if I should have lowered the pockets when I added the length. The construcion would allow this to still be done quite easily, so I might drop them an inch or two in the end. I have picked up some soft khaki cotton sateen that I plan to make in the same pattern. I am going to lower the pockets on that one and see if I like it before I get back to this one.

I also removed some of the flare from the sleeves, just in case I ever wear it eating soup somewhere.
On a darker note. I ordered some books from Amazon.ca for my birthday at the end of April. They have taken forever to ship and now the website is telling me they were delivered and I do not have them! I keep checking the veranda for them, but no box awaits me.

It has been a while (again).

My computer died on me in late april and I find it really difficult to use the family computer. Someone always wants me or the computer or for me not to be on the computer or something.
I have a few minutes and want to post some pictures. I hope I can get it done in time.

I have to a wedding to attend this weekend, so I made a lovely teal outfit for myself. The jacket is a lace over duppioni that I beaded on the flower motifs and around the neckline.
I was able to try on all three pieces together last night and when I looked at myself in the mirror my first thought was "I look like the Queen". Now I know she is a snappy dresser for a lady of her age, but I am not her age. Nor do I have a hat to match this outfit and even so it still wouldn't make it right.

Three options. The last one would also have the black jacket for the ceremony. Also, I would wear the pearls, but not the watch. Please ignore the messy hair and lack of makeup. I had to make use of my husband while I could.

SWAP

As it turns out, my husband isn't the best photographer. He just can't see the point of trying to find a flattering pose for my huge thighs or the fact that my chin is too high.
These are the only usable ones so far. I guess I will be doing a lot of floor/dressform shots.

Blouse1 and Trousers. I didn't even notice the doll clothes on the floor until too late.

SWAP blouse 2. Like my bra?

The back of jacket. None of the front pictures turned out well.

How I felt at the end-threatening him to take better pics with my enourmous muscles.
(He read this and said he thought the camera would work better.)

SWAP

I am trying to get a jump on the SWAP write up, so thought I would start here. I am so glad I could finish it. My goal is not to win, but to get some new clothes that coordinate. One more hem and resetting one sleeve and that part is done.

Jacket- B - Brown/camel/turquoise wool/cotton tweed from Vogue Fabrics

Top 1- KS 2694-Modified-Teal nylon/lycra leaf print wrap top
Top 2-Simplicity 4095 -wrap top in teal wool jersey from Wazoodle
Top 3- Simplicty 4095-wrap top in teal Rayon jersey from Timmel
Top 4-Simplicity -4095V-neck in teal rayon jersey from Timmel
Top 5-New Look -button front shirt in cotton floral print from Fabricland
Top 6- New Look -button front shirt in ctton lycra print from Gorgeous fabrics

Trousers 1- Self drafted trouser in brown weave with teal pinstripe from EOS
Trousers 2-Simplicity 4095-trouser in brown RPL from Timmel Fabrics
Trousers 3-Simplicity 4095-trouser in Camel/brown/teal cotton from EOS
Skirt 4- Simplicity 4095-skirt in teal wool jersey fro Wazoodle

Wardrobe pattern is Simplicity 4095 . Tops 2,3 and 4, trousers 2 and 3 and skirt 4 are all from it. Fours garment pieces/styles were used to make six items.

SWAP thoughts

I have found it much different working on last year's SWAP and this year's. I started ealier this year and have found it much easier to plan. Also, I have had a year to purchase coordinating fabrics.
Last year's SWAP my my first attempt to move away from black clothing. I have found it doesn't flatter me as much as it used to (or maybe I thought it used to) but I wasn't sure what colours to choose. In the end, the SWAP was comprised of several pieces I never wear. Colour and style are the big deterrants in wearing the other pieces.
From Julie's site, http://www.timmelfabrics.com/ with my notes in italics.

Last year's SWAP was based on greens and beige, with navy and aqua accents

Jacket: Loes Hinse Kimono Jacket in green rayon/linen -Never wear- not enough shape
Tops:
Butterick 6600 in lime/white striped stretch cotton/poly blend - wear occasionally in summer
Kwik Sew 2694 scoop neck tee modified in navy knit - gave away
Kwik Sew 2694 wrap top modified in aqua wool knit from Mum's stash - I do wear this one
Vogue 8322 V-neck blouse in navy silk/cotton sateen - rarely wear
Kwik Sew 2946 tank top modified - reversible in beige matalasse to charmeuse silk -never wear:fit
Kwik Sew 2694 wrap top modified in sage rayon/poly knit -never wear because of colour
Bottoms:
Taupe trousers, drafted from RTW, in cotton/lycra blend - wear
Ankle length pant, drafted from RTW, in sage cotton/lycra - never wear:colour
Camel trouser, self-drafted, in brushed cotton/lycra - wear frequently
Purchased item, RTW pant from Talbot's in sage cotton/lycra -never wear:colour

I have learned a lot from going over this SWAP. Sage is not my colour. It is too light and not really flattering on my skin.
I tend to wear one colour or value from neckline to hem, with a colour or value contrasting piece worn undone over top. This "column" is usually medium dark to dark and is supposed to make me look taller (and therefore not as wide). The third piece worn over and undone is to further divide the width while allowing the column effect to remain. Last year's SWAP did not give me many pieces close enough in value to provide me my coloumn.

The current SWAP has two shirts which can be worn buttoned up or over a top, three wrap tops which work for layering under a light coat and one top that can be worn on its own or under a shirt.

In the Fall I decided to make some basics and a few interesting jackets to go over top. Once made I realized that jackets don't fit so well under the heavy winter coats required for this non-driver in the cold Ontario winter. Softer cardigans make more sense. Great winter coats (which can be worn open at, say, the mall) make more sense. Spring coats are perfect for this look. Coats are what I need! A multitude of coats! Did I ever mention that our lovely old house has only TWO closets? Something's gotta give and it is NOT going to be my wardrobe.

The skirt and jacket were Loes Hinse patterns. They don't have any shaping built in and just don't work for my proportions.
The pants were fine, except for the colour choices. I needed to refine this area a bit. I tried to wear turquoises and aquas last summer. Most were too light, too bright or both. RuthieK gave me some excellent colour advice on Artisan Square about keeping to a mid tone, not too light, too dark or too bright. I really liked her SWAP last year called "Woodland Walk" and took her advice. Well, not only the advice, but the colours and tones of her SWAP from last year are very similar to what I am doing this year. Thanks Ruthie!

Trying to complete SWAP

I had one pair of trousers left to cut for SWAP. One Pair! Wouldn't you know something would happen. I cut them out incorrectly and ended up 12" (30cm) short of fabric. I was determined to get them cut anyway, so I did the easiest thing and pieced the back of the trouser leg.

New Books

These came in today. I haven't had a chance to go through them yet.

New clothes

Teal wool jersey top and skirt from Simplicity 4095 and the same outfit on me in a silly pose. I was trying to make my hips look slimmer.
My husband came home while I was trying these on and ended up photographing me, then taking me out for lunch. I think I need new clothes more often!

Since the camera was out and I already had the lipstick on I made him take more pictures of me. I am usually behind the camera, so this doesn't happen very often. Here is the same outfit with a jacket I made last year and again with my ten year coat and a handbag I made.

Tops done!

I now have eight tops done for SWAP, so I can eliminate the two worst ones. I have been wearing two of them so much that one has stretched out of shape and one has pilled.
Now onto the trousers!

Easter Dress

The dress


The dress on while a two year old shouts "No light! No light!".

SWAP Garments

Darn- this won't keep the format it was made in.
Here is my SWAP. I included a purchased garment at the beginning that I hope to replace.
So far there are five tops sewn, one skirt, one pair of trousers and others started.
I might just do this!

Fabricland Boiled wool cardigan or
Textile Centre Teal Blue denim jacket

EOS Striped wool trousers- Completed
Wazoodle wool knit skirt-Simplicity 4095-Completed
Timmel Brown RPL -Simplicity 4095-Cut
EOS Soft Teal Cotton trousersS

Talbot's Teal top -Purchased
FabricMart Teal leaf print-Completed
Wazoodle Marine knit t-neck,self drafted-Completed
Fabricland Beige/teal floral cotton,NL Completed
Gorgeous Brown knit-Simplicity 4095B-Completed
Gorgeous Teal/beige Print, NL-Completed
Timmel Teal knit-Simplicity 4095A-Completed

Wazoodle Marine Wool knit top-Simplicity 4095B-cut out
Fabricland aqua/brown poly