Back in the saddle....

I know I have been MIA for a minute. I have been dealing with life stuff that has kept me away from blogging and sewing. I had a death in the family and was out of town for a week and just plain ol busy in general. I have a few updates to share though.

I met the ladies for tea this weekend at the Mandarin Oriental so I decided to sew me up something to for the occasion.















Fabric used: Brown and pink polka dot cotton.


Complexity of pattern: I used one of my vintage patterns. It was really easy. I think a beginner could handle it with no problem. I did have to do some research on what a placket zipper was. This is a term used on vintage patterns frequently. Basically a lapped zipper is all it is.

How long did it take to complete: 6 hours

Overall Review: I absolutely love how the dress turned out. The pattern was a size 18-36 chest, 30 waist and 39 hips. I could of made it a bit smaller in the waist and hips but it fit good. The darts and pleats in the front really make the dress look nice. It called for shoulder pads but I omitted those. I did the belt a little different as well. I think this dress would be really cute in some gingham fabric so I will put that on my list as tentative.

Mimi ROCKS!!!!

I was fortunate enough to meet one of my top sewing idols this weekend...MIMI GOODWIN!!! She is in DC visiting for the holiday weekend and we met up at G street fabrics in Falls Church. She is just how I expected her to be. Down to earth, friendly and just mad cool. Not to mention she is such a cutie. Jacqui and Nettie came out as well and it was great meeting them. Here are a few pics from out meet up.



Me, Mimi and Jacqui



Mimi checking out some fabric





Mimi's cart of fabric she purchased





Nettie and Jacqui

Oh well...hahahahahaha

I have good news and bad news. The good news is I finished my coat for the vintage pattern contest. The bad news is, I posted my review on the sewing forum ONE minute past midnight so my entry isn't valid. This is the dreaded pm I received from the lady on the contest committee:



Hi queensh,

I'm so sorry that I have disappointing news to tell you. I checked with the Contest Committe, and I'm afraid your review was posted too late to be entered into the Vintage contest. They're extremely strict about the midnight deadline. And even though your review was posted just one minute after midnight, unfortunately it will not be included.

I'm so sorry there was confusion about the deadline. This is understandable, though I did indicate several times that the contest would end at midnight of last night.

Once again, I want to let you know how badly I feel. Your white cotton coat is so chic and elegant, I'm sure it would have been a very popular choice.

Take care,

Nancy------


THAT BITES!!!! hahaha...oh well, teaches my late-doing-stuff tail a lesson I guess.

Here is my review:










Fabric used: Cotton Blend with a subtle flower pattern.


Complexity of pattern: The pattern was a little challenging constructing the collar but I figured it out. I improvised on some of the directions a bit doing the interfacing and facings. The pattern must have come out before fusible interfacing was available because the directions said to sew the facing and the interfacing on to the front of the coat separately. I could not find 2 1/2 inch belting or belt buckle so I had to get creative and I purchased some fake leather belting that was folded on each side and when opened all the way up, it was 3 inches and the silver buckle I found was 3 inches so it worked out great. I also used 3/8 seams to give a little more room because the pattern is a 12. Size 34 bust, 25.5 waist and 36 inch hip. I also did my first Hong Kong finish on the seams. It turned out well I think. I didn't really do a "cuff" for the French cuffs. I like them better the way I have them but I am considering adding the extra button holes to do the cuffs.

How long did it take to complete: 12 hours

Overall Review: I love the look of the coat. Very classy. I doubt if I will sew this one again. This is a type piece that needs to be the one and only.