Sewing Cafe

Patterns, Tutorials and Works in Progress from the Sewing Studio of Lynne Williams

Monday, February 16, 2009

Fridays Progress

Here we are already half way thru our February Friday session and the progress is amazing! Elizabeth has completed her red silk bolero jacket after having successfully set in her first pair of sleeves! And a lovely job she did! I promise to post pictures soon.

Liz completed her zippered tote, where she learned all about the wonders of "wonder tape" by Dritz. Wonder tape allows you to tape, instead of pin your zipper in. Much easier! I really like the decorative stitching she used on the front of the tote to jazz it up a bit.

Our new member Lotus is in the process of assembling a heathered grey jersey dress. A very cute pattern I will be sure to post the info. soon.On the first Friday she learned how to select the correct pattern size by using her above bust measurement and comparing that to the bust measurement on the pattern. After comparing the ease amounts we decided she could proceed without any pattern alterations( its good to be young)She got her dress all cut out and marked and began sewing her dress bodice this week. I suspect she will have it done this month, and look forward to seeing what her next project will be.

Thea began work on a "Western" shirt with a twist. Everything Thea does has a bit of a twist to it. Which is what I love about her. She took a very basic shirt pattern and made her own yoke design, we then altered the sleeve pattern a bit to make it have some gathers, by using a technique called "slash and spread" Her pattern had a shawl collar on it, which we are modifying to a very high flared collar and as her final touch she is adding ruffles along the hemlines. Stay posted for the final pictures.

Another new member Marilyn a long time seamstress is wanting to get back into garment sewing, A endeavor I always applaud. She brought a few different projects along, not being sure where she wanted to begin, but decided on some waterproof gaiters for snowshoeing. We welcome you to our growing group of enthusiasts Marilyn.

And last but certainly not least Paula is working on a pair of slacks. On the first Friday she learned how to take a pattern off of an existing pair of pants using "true grid" and some patience. Then she was onto what Elizabeth lovingly refers to as a "mock frock" a first sample to make sure we got our pattern right. At the end of her second Friday she had made some minor alterations to her pattern based on her mock frock and had cut out and marked her slacks from a gorgeous piece of wool pinstriped she picked up in Hollywood Calif. This week she will begin her sewing with a simple technique to achieve a perfect zippered fly front. We are all looking forward to it, as we learn sew much from each other.

Thursday, February 5, 2009

Glamour Girl



In a Herculean attempt to deny the realities of winter I made a dress for spring, an excercise I can recommend to all.

This dress was made from FolkWear pattern #233 "Glamour Girl Dress" which states it is "a stunning example of early 1940's styling, designed to emphasize feminine curves, drape elegantly, and give the wearer an aura of discreet sexiness."

I am very pleased with the results and even received a standing ovation from my husband!

The fabric came from Sawyer Brook and was really lovely to work with, a beautiful weight and hand for a viscose rayon. I did not need to modify the pattern at all, as it has a very easy fit due to the front cinch at the waist. The pattern calls for the front yoke detail to tie at the waist but I found a vintage buckle in my stash and thought it complimented the dress perfectly. Notice the ruching detail on the sleeve.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Jonah is here

This isn't really sewing news, but I wanted you all to know that my new grandchild is here. Jonah was born Monday, 2/2/09 at 9:07, weighing in at 9 lbs. 3.9 oz. and 21 inches long. Mom and baby are doing well and GrammiChelle is tired and happy.
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