Easy-Peasy Sewing

My sewing time has been limited lately, because of my work schedule. But I refuse to let it rob me completely of my joy. I just decided to do a couple of easy projects. I choose a couple of unlined jackets. Butterick 4817 and Shapes-Nine Lives Vest
The Butterick 4817 jacket is made using 4 pattern pieces,front back,sleeves and facings. I
wanted to try a couple of techniques I learned recently,at the sewing expo. I learned about matching large prints and adding a little extra to the front of a jacket so that it doesn't gap open with every move. I haven't hemmed it yet. This fabric is a linen blend,given to me by my friend,Ebony.

The Shapes-Nine Live Vest,is a new pattern by Louise Cutting and Linda Lee. I purchased it at the sewing expo. It consist of 4 pieces,two fronts,a back and a collar. I made it right out of the package to get an idea of how it would fit. The vest has an asymmetrical cut front. I haven't found the right buttons yet. I'd like something really different. This fabric is another piece of linen blend given to me by Ebony.I have the day off tomorrow, and I plan to spend it in my sewing room. I just recieved my Speigel and Coldwater Creek catalogs and my head is swimming with ideas.

Sewing Expo Weekend

My weekend was filled with good friends,good food and a good sewing event. I went to the Original Sewing & Quilt Expo,in Atlanta Ga. It was so much fun and educational also. I think it is a great way to get inspiration and learn the new techniques and tools to take your sewing to the next level.

It get even better when you can take in the activity with friends who enjoy sewing just as much.

I spent my time with Ebony(in the purple top),Linda(in the rust jacket) and met Carla(in the white top). Here's my haul. I purchased four pieces of fabric,four patterns from Cutting Lines, a tailoring board and a box of Steam-A-Seam.I also took two classes and won a door prize from Kathy Ruddy. It is one of her instructional booklets and it is filled with wonderful fitting alternatives and style options.
The minute we got into our hotel room,Ebony went right into cutting and sewing.

Linda and I read blogs,sewing books until wee hours. We were still rested enough to enjoy a late breakfast and head out to the expo.

As I mentioned earlier,I took two classed. The first one was Kathy Ruddy's "The Fit You Need & Style You Want". The second one was Sandy Miller's "How Many Ways Can You Make A Jacket". Both classes were good. I plan to put the things I learn into action immediately. If you have not gone to a sewing expo,you should make plans to attend one. You'll be glad you did. On a different note some wonderful blog friends have nominated me for this award.

I feel totally honored. Thank you Linda, Julia ,Knit Machine Queen, Mimi Satin and Cindy. I will pass the great honor on to 10 other sweet sisters and list the rules in my next post.

Guy Laroche Jacket-Finished !

It's finally finished and I love it!This jacket gave me a hissy fit.The under arm is cut in the strangest way. If I were to sew it the way it was designed,I would not be able to move my arms enough to drink a cup of coffee,without busting a seam. To remedy this situation,I had to learn how to make a gusset. A gusset is a diamond or triangular piece of fabric that give a garment extra space,while allowing it to hang close to the body. I use a diamond shaped insert under the arm of this jacket. I had to hit the old school sewing books,to learn about gussets. My trusted guide for this operation was "The Vogue Sewing Book"copyright 1973(Thanks Mom). The instructions allowed me to make this jacket suitable for wear. Here I am wearing with my TNT pattern,Sewing Workshop's Plaza pants.I had to make my usual FBA and I think I should have shortened the sleeves.They are at an odd area,between 3/4 length and looking too short.I figure if I wear a cute bracelet, no one will notice.

Here is a picture of the gusset under the sleeve of my jacket. I'm happy with my new jacket,now that it is finally finished and I learned a new skill. I don't think I will make it again. Besides,I just bought 4 new jacket patterns this weekend.

Claire is wearing the jacket for now. It's the first thing I see when I walk into my sewing room until I make something else. This is my last winter garment. It's all spring wear from here.