Started: The Perfect Jacket, McCalls 6172

McCalls 6172 is what I'm working on now.  I didn't realize till I read the fine print that every piece of this pattern calls for interfacing.  This thing is going to be heavy and a warm winter-time garment.  And, the first steps have to do with making the welt pockets. 

There's LOTS of work to be done on this project so, I better get crackalackin!

I will let you know how I'm progressing in a couple of days.

Skirting The Issue

I've not gone back to work on the McCall's 6172 jacket because I worked on the skirt from Vogue 8543 instead and, thank God, it turned out okay.  I had another skirt (view D) from Vogue 8363 cut out so, I went on and sewed that up.  Another success!

I've got fabric for 2 more skirts but they're not cut out yet.  Now I'm going back and forth as to whether I should continue on making skirts (while I'm on a successful role with them) or, go back to the McCalls 6172 jacket, which is already cut out and waiting.  Decisions, decisions???

Another thing I need to do is buy buttons and zippers.  I have no stash of sewing supplies so, it makes it most annoying to have to let my projects languish in UFO land for want of buttons, zippers, fasteners thread, etc.

Oh, how I wish I had money enough to buy a few of these things, and a vehicle to go shop for them.  That would take a God-sized MIRACLE though.  But, we are praying!!! 

All in good time I will complete my projects and, little by little, my wardrobe will become a thing of beauty -- just you wait and see.

I Can Sew a Notched Collar Jacket!!! YES!!!

I completed the Simplicity 2446 jacket and, it turned out GREAT!  What a relief to get a notched collar to actually look like its supposed to.  I feel so much better knowing that I can do this now.

Next, I'm going on to McCalls 6172.  I hope its not as HUGE as the Simplicity 2446.  I'm going to give away the Simplicty 2446 jacket and the pants I made out of the same fabric because they are both MUCH too big for me.  This is NOT a bad thing.  I am thrilled to put something on and find that its too big!!!

After the McCalls 6172 jacket, I am going to give the Kwik Sew 3715 jacket a go.  I am so anxious to get a tried and true jacket pattern.

Also, I've got the skirt part of Vogue 8543 cut out and, I'm thinking I may make that before the McCalls 6172 jacket.

So many patterns, so little time!  (It feels so much better to complete something that looks good.)

A Successful Jacket? It could happen!

While I am not done yet, so far, the work I've done on Simplicity 2446 has turned out okay.  What I have done differently on this project is --- hand basting.  Normally, I just pin baste and sew because it is SO much faster but, after a goodly number of wadders, I realized that hand basting is necessary for me.  It has taken me all week long to work on this jacket because I have resolved to sew slowly and really be careful with every step.

Prayerfully, all this "carefulness" will pay off and a successful garment will result.

I'll let you know!  Back to work now...

Long Sleeved Tees -- LOVE 'EM!

I have been T-shirting all week using Kwik Sew Pattern No. 2900, its definitely a tried and true favorite.  I selected the round neck and use the long sleeves.

Now, I have 4 new long-sleeved T-shirts: peach, blue, yellow and orange.  And, since I can get the knit fabric for $2.79 at my local Jenny's Fabric Store, there will be several more to come in the near future.  The only concern is shrinkage.  I am sure this is why the fabric is so inexpensive but, knowing that up front,  I simply make the T-shirts and the sleeves EXTRA long.  When they've been washed and gone through the dryer, they are perfect.

Its great to be thrifty and productive. Also, I like seeing those new tops in my sweater drawer which are nice for every day and, can be styled with the appropriate accessories to dress up for church.

Now, I'm fortified to tackle my next challenge, cutting into that expensive fabric I got from The Cloth Merchants -- can I do it?  I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

Donna Karan for Fall

This is STYLE and you can call it old fashioned Grace Kelly if you want but, I think these clothes say: "This is a lady." 



I hope that we will see some great patterns published from these designs SOON!

Wadders and Self-Esteem

Two wadders in a row is not helping me get back into sewing with a smile on my face.  But, getting the wadders out of my house and GONE helps immensely!  How about you?  I love to get rid of the wadders and the UFOs as well.  With the UFOs, if they have languished more than a month, out they go.  When I open my closet door, I only want to see the successful results of my sewing adventures -- NO FAILURES! 

Next up is a simple long sleeved T-shirt in a thick cotton knit. I am praying that I don't ruin this garment. 

I received all the fabric from the Cloth Merchants that I need to complete the two jackets and a skirt I have planned.  That fabric was really expensive, I am actually a little bit afraid to start those projects. 

After all these years of sewing, you would think I would get good at it somewhere along the way!  Is it possible to have two left hands (like two left feet in dancing) with sewing?