Sewing Schedule

Since I am currently working part-time, there has been ample opportunity for sewing. I have fallen into quite the routine and it usually goes a little something like this:

7AM: Wake up.
7:15: Coffee!
7:30: Pattern alteration/modification/cutting.
8:00: Dr Katz/Fabric cutting.
8:30: Dr Katz/Sew!!! - More Coffee!
10:00: Chat with Sister.
12PM: Lunch Break
1:00: Finishing.
1:30: Clean up.

I find this routine very relaxing and since it's just me and Truffles the dog here, there is plenty of time to sit down, figure things out, and sew them up correctly. I do look forward to the day that I join the full-time work force, but at the moment I am having some very therapeutic alone-time with the Featherweight 221-1.

My vintage pillow case top turned out great! I rushed a little at the bias tape making phase of the construction and I was concerned that it would be uneven - and it is - but it isn't noticeable and the finished result is lovely! I wore it at a family grill-out last night and it fit the part perfectly. Overall, love it!
There will be one small modification though, I turned the hem up 1/4' then stitched, then turned it up 1/4' and stitched again to enclose the raw edge. I think a double row of top stitching is in order to keep the hem nice and flat since I stitched very close to the edge.

I am not sewing today - well, that's not true I am going to topstitch my pillow case top - because I think it's important not to get burned out (also, there are chores to be done). I took some time to think about it this morning and my next logical step is to complete yet another top using a more difficult fabric. I have a hideous thrifted floral polyester/sheer fabric that is just asking for an inverted pleat and since I'm pretty comfortable with cotton Sorbetto Tops at this point the poly/sheer has taken it's place at the top of the list. I doubt I will EVER wear this one (except for photo taking) because the print is a mid-life-crisis but I am occasionally surprised by a drab fabric's transformation into a stunning garment so hopefully this will be one of those instances. Regardless it's all about the learning!

I have been putting off the Madeline Bloomers because I don't currently have any tape to assemble the pattern, and because the bloomers are less wearable, and because - lets face it - I'm all about some tops right now and because I am uncertain about the button holes.... I'm anticipating construction of a muslin sometime next week.

Stitch&Bitch

Money is tight right now and I am feeling discouraged. I've just perused some of my favorite sewing blogs and it seems that the best seamstresses have the most enviable resources. Where do they find the money/time?
As a sort of consolation, I printed the Colette Patterns Sorbetto Top and Madeline Bloomers. $Free.99.
I have to frequently remind myself that the purpose of this blog/sewing-experience is to become an excellent seamstress and not to create my ideal wardrobe. Sigh...the 1950's floral day dresses and 70's 'strangle collars' will have to wait.
I like the Sorbetto top quite a bit and have attempted to make it before but the fit isn't quite right on my body type. The bloomers, though lovely, are not my style at all.
Since financially I have to work with what I have, I've decided to use the ill-fitted Sorbetto as an exercise in pattern alteration and fit. The bloomers will be an exercise in elasticity, buttonholing and vintage french lingerie. I fully expect that the first several bloomer attempts will leave something to be desired. Luckily, the new and improved seamstress will be making a muslin or 2 before graduating to silk and lace.
There is no shortage of sewing work to be done at the moment. I am still in the middle of the Spartan Curtain Project but curtains, though good practice, are so damn boring. No matter how meticulous I am with the measurements and stitches, you just cannot wear them.

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Here is some bloomer inspiration. I particularly like Figure 2 white silk dupioni and lace.