Thursday, January 19, 2012

Finally, The Cape Post!

So, for this post, I wanted to show you guys the wool cape project from start to finish. I have yet to get a really good picture of my wearing it so I'll save that for next time. But until then, here it is!
I used cotton flannel to interline the entire cape, hood and all. I love the warmth and structure it provides.
To interline, I basted all of the flannel pieces to the wool pieces so that, when I sewed each pattern piece to another pattern piece, the wool and and the flannel would be treated as one piece of fabric.



To finish the two ply seams created by the interlining...  


I used a Hong Kong Finish by using binding strips to cover the seam allowances
The instructions called for me to bind the outside of the pocket as well, which I did after serging the edges of the fabric.


Fabric covered buttons are my favorite now! They were so easy to do! Though, my thumb did hurt a bit after I had done them all.

Close up of the back pleat and belt detail.

Putting on the facing.
The outside starting to come together.

Remember that clean sewing room from the pictures before? Me neither. This is what it looks like mid-project. I always clean up after the WIP is an FP.
Watch for a picture of me wearing the finished cape next time. I am going to try to be more diligent about documenting my work. The most recent completed project: a skirt suit with matching blouse, will be up soon as well. There are no work in progress pictures for that one but I do have a few of the finished product, so I will share those. Let me know if you have any questions about the techniques I mentioned and I will do my best to fill you in!

Thursday, January 5, 2012

A Bit About My Sewing Habit

I was inspired today by the introduction posts on The Sew Weekly (for example: http://www.sewweekly.com/2012/01/the-lost-in-the-woods-dress/) this week. These are some of the questions their contributors answered which also apply to a non-contributor (one day aspiring contributor) like me.

How long have you been sewing: I started sewing in January of 2010 after getting my first sewing machine for Christmas. My mom had done some sewing when I was growing up but it didn't catch on for me until my first year of law school. I guess I was looking for a hobby but what I found was a passion.


What do you love most about sewing:
In all honesty, there is NOTHING like the feeling I get when I see the disbelief on people's faces when I tell them that I made the clothes I'm wearing. Also, the act of sewing itself is so zen. I love just losing myself in the step by step. Time just stops for me and I can lose an entire day without even noticing when I'm working on a project.

What do you hate most about sewing garments:
I think what I like the least is the silly prep work that's so important but also sometimes feels like its only there to get between you and your sewing machine. For example, ironing fabric after you've pre-washed it. So obnoxious. Also cutting and marking is somewhat tedious, though I suspect the only reason I don't like this more is that I haven't mastered a way to do this efficiently.

What do you want to accomplish this year:
This year I want to start and finish the wool suit pants that go with the 40s pattern reprint that I started just before new years. I would also like them to fit so I might make a muslin as well. I've never attempted pants before so we'll see. Also, I just recently signed up to be a pattern tester for the 1912 project and I would really like to stick to that commitment.

Your biggest non-sewing goal of 2012:
Pass the bar exam. 'Nuff said.

What are your favorite sewing/fashion blogs: There are quite a few as you can see to the right. That being said, my hands down favorite: Gertie's New Blog For Better Sewing (she is my idol. The Sew Weekly is up at the tippy top too.

Anyway, thanks for reading. I'd also love to hear from you. What is it that gets you excited about sewing and crafting?