A Work In Progress and a Recent Completion

Thanks everybody--I appreciate all the lovely comments on the Fail. I got back on the horse today, so to speak, and started another garment I traced and cut out at Material Girls last Sunday.

This one is another Sewing Workshop pattern called the Stella Top, the one on the left below.

I believe it's the newest of the printed patterns in this line, and it's a re-do of one of a circa 80s pattern. It's been resized and there's another cowl pattern in the envelope as well called the Luna Top, the yellow one on the right.

Another stash project because I used some stretch velvet that I've had for about a decade. The base fabric is black, then it was embellished with what appears to be gold spray paint. I got pretty far with it this morning. All that's left to do in the Sewing Cave is attach the sleeves, sew the side seams, and hem. Then I'm planning a wash in Synthrapol to (hopefully) pull off the excess dye. It's been staining my fingers as I work with the fabric but washes off easily. No crocking onto anything else, a good sign (I think). I just pinned the sides to the dress form to give some idea of what Stella looks like. So don't judge the final fit by this.

I also wanted to share a recently completed project. Yes, it's the Smudge Vest! This one I made of some white faux fur that I got for free from an ASG giveaway.

The pattern I used was Butterick 3257, circa 2001. I made View C:

This pattern is out of print, but I think it's one of those BMV patterns that returns from time to time with different envelope art, company, and number. I know there was a Vogue version of this as well.

The lining came from Gorgeous Fabrics, a really pretty poly charmeuse.

I love the colors and print; the tropical design is a perfect counterpoint to the faux fur. I couldn't get a really good picture of it even without flash, as the charmeuse is very shiny.  I used a gray zipper mostly because of the gray markings on Smudge's head; also, it just looked better than cream or white.

Busy Sunday

I hope you'll indulge me with a catch-up post. Weekdays are busy and weekends can be, too. That being said, I've got a little bit of a breather to talk about last Sunday's activities.

I dropped of the vestments at church, which also happened to be a farewell to the associate rector, who took a rector's position at another church. Fortunately, it's also in Albuquerque so I'll be seeing him soon. The church was very full, as you might expect, and I could do little more than drop off the bag with one of the acolytes before I had to leave for my next activity...

...an ASG class. It was out of my comfort zone, since I'm not much of a hand sewer nor do I make or wear a lot of frou frou. Here I am, working away. Obviously, this was a candid shot!

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the ribbonwork class and had the project 90% complete at the end of the class. Just a little more finishing work on it while watching TV in the evening, and it was done.

It's a pin, so it can go on a garment, bag or hat. Still debating what, so it may just end up as a sample piece. However, I did see this cardigan in a catalog recently, and it's a different way of looking at the technique:

I like the tone on tone embellishment and it would be a nice way to dress up a plain cardigan. I'd probably make the flowers as pins so they could be removed for laundering. I'd hate to see my efforts ruined by washing or dry cleaning. This example came from Soft Surroundings.

So anyway, I went shopping after class since I was already in a part of town with two liquidation sales I wanted to check out. One of the local JoAnn's stores is closing, it's smaller than their newer stores and the strip mall where it's located has become run-down so not worth an expansion. I picked up some tools for the sewing room, some supplies, and some patterns. They had BMV on sale 4 for a dollar, so how could I resist?

Vogue 1250: yes, late to the party for this one. But it's been very popular on the blogosphere so I had to nab it.

Vogue 1244: you know, I like Koos in concept but I often find the execution bizarre. I can't say I'm wild about the envelope styling but the basic "bones" of the pattern are good. Love the cowl shell. I think it could be quite elegant in a different fabric. Same with the skirt--not loving the piecing but the shape could be nice.  We'll see. For a quarter, it was worth taking a chance.

McCall's 6112: a simple little knit dress that might work for an upcoming event.

Vogue 8722: is a belt pattern. I can never seem to find RTW belts that I like so I might try my hand at custom.

Butterick 5144: a classic vintage style jacket. I love the draping in the back.

Vogue 8486: a basic little dress with pleat details.

The pattern area was busy, so excuse me for a little ranting here. When at a liquidation sale, do not linger, grab what you're interested and go. You can always put back later. Yes, I got behind one of "those" people, and it was annoying. She lingered over each drawer and positioned herself so no one else could look with her--on each of 4 drawers in the cabinet. Some people.

I went to Borders' liquidation after that, but it was depressing. I didn't have the heart to seriously pick the bones. I ended up with a few magazines, a couple of candle jars, and a 2012 calendar. And checkout person, you don't have to tell me 4 times that all sales are final. Your employer's troubles have been all over the news, and there are big LIQUIDATION--ALL SALES FINAL signs all over the store. It's obvious, ok?

I had more plans after leaving Borders but it was so hot that I headed home. What a runaround day! I'm glad I don't over-schedule like that on a regular basis.