Fabric diversions

I recently came across a quite properly tailored Pendleton jacket that I bought some time ago because (a) it was on sale, (b) a good color for me, and (c) my hubby liked it. It's a bit too small for me (4P) but see above for rationale (same thing applies to 8P -- a bit too big but see a, b, and/or c above). I have never worn it, and was almost ready to toss it in the Goodwill box. It was saved from that fate by a trip to a department store to look at way-too-expensive basic blazers. "Hmmm, thinks me. I can re-design that into something wonderful." This, of course, after watching Project Runway.


Here is the before and after -- a perfectly serviceable basic blazer, released from its collar, pocket flaps, and buttons, and with a potentially shorter hemline. I'm thinking about a ruffly collar attachment at this point, although it's not looking wonderful in muslin.

Cruising through my fabric stash, I spy a fabric that just might work to spruce things up a bit! I have a habit of being attracted to splashes of color. I get the fabric home (or open the FedEx delivery) and think "what WAS I thinking! I'd need to be twice my size to be able to wear this much color!" So, it stays in my stash until I figure something out.  In this case, the camel is a perfect match, and now I'm inspired.

Could be quite nice. I play more and come up with a nice collar proportion. I like the way it 'bunches up", so more play time is in order.  Stay tuned!

Quilting the Chanel Jacket panels

Only knowing that you're supposed to quilt the two-layer fabric panels but not knowing HOW, I made up my own method:
1. Pin lining and fashion fabric together through the center and around the edges to avoid slippage.
2. Use a walking foot (in my case, a 'multi-layer foot').
3. Start quilting at the center and then alternate stitching the quilting lines on both sides of that center line. Stitch in the same direction each time - don't go back and forth.

I'm glad that I started with the side backs. My fabric warp threads are so multi-colored  and nubby that my initial panel has significantly wandering quilting lines since I didn't mark it. So for the second panel, I ran a white basting thread through the center to follow.

This is the first panel quilted - lining side up - and my white basting thread in panel #2.  That did make a difference. It was also easier if I just kept going and watched slightly forward of where I was sewing. That seemed to keep me on track.

TOTAL TIME for first two panels -- 1 1/2 hours (including 15 minutes to figure out the walking foot!)

Wow -- I'm back!!!

So -- can you spell 'PROCRASTINATE'? Let me tell you how many ways I found to avoid working on this:
1. Did the muslin and it didn't fit. I wanted to find the perfect way to alter the muslin, so I read more books.
2. Couldn't find the right trim. Chanel jackets must have the correct trim, and first I tried pulling threads from the fabric, then I looked around for just the right color, etc. 

So...now I'm back. I think what really got me going was the awareness that this was a fall/winter jacket and I'd better get moving or it would be next spring!

Here's what I did last weekend: I finally got the muslin to fit (not too hard -- basically I undid some additions I made to the pattern and everything else just about fell into place. (Note to self -- just start with Vogue size 10 petite and leave it alone!)

Then, I cut out 'panels' for each pattern piece -- true Chanel has lining and fashion fabric cit together as one. they are 'quilted' together before cutting out, and need large seams 'just in case'. So, for my 6-inch side back I have a 10-inch panel.

I read about someone who just used selvages for trim, so I cut mine that way just in case!

Total time for this part: 2 HOURS  (we won't count the procrastination hours.....)

Crafting for charity

Hearing about the devistation in Haiti last week, I realize both how fortunate I am and also how important it is to help those in need. When I sell my crafted items, I donate 10% of sales to charity -- at this point, the recipient is the American Cancer Society. Many other crafters and DIY folks are doing the same; I recently came across a very long list of organizations who accept quilts, knitted scarves, and other hand-made items for those with various needs.  Here is one such list, I know that there are others.

We should all be sharing a portion of ourselves with those in need. If we create, we should be appreciative of the health to do the crafting, the finances to purchase the supplies, and the motivation to get up and go to the sewing machine, the easel, or the box of supplies. Consider using some of these gifts to make our world healthier, richer, or more motivated for positive change.

Welcome!

It's January 1st -- a good time for beginnings. This blog is intended to track fabric, creativity and related musings through 2010. I hope to give weekly inspiration to you and me through the year. Welcome to the journey!

CHANEL JACKET. I was inspired over the holiday break to look through my fabric stash, and came across a wonderful fabric that has probably been there over a year. It's a beautiful Chanel-type boucle, and I am going to be making up a Chanel jacket beginning soon (see the pictures -- these first ones do NOT do the fabrics justice so I'll play with lighting for the next photos.). Another blogger mentioned that it took her 70 hours to make hers, so I will count my hours until completion. So far, I did a steam-shrink of the fabric (hot iron held over the wrong side of the fabric to steam), which was about 30 minutes.

Jacket fabric -- it's much more beautiful in person!

Jacket fabric and lining -- oo la la!

MUSINGS. Fabric manipulation (sewing, crafting, etc.) is a great diversion. I have a 'day job' that can be quite intense at times, and so an opportunity to focus on something totally different is a great plus. That's probably why I have 3 looms, one high-end sewing maching and a serger, and tons of jewelry-making supplies! There is always at least one project that calls my attention after dinner and on weekends. Plus the occasional lunch-hour trip to a craft supply store! I highly recommend having a hobby that takes lots of inexpensive odds and ends. Looking for just the right under-$5 buttons can be a perfect stress reliever in the middle of the day.