With the pandemic looming large over our lives, we have had to figure out new ways to connect. Maybe I'm being a little too honest here, but I just don't like Zoom meetings. I know I am not alone as a friend of mine and I were talking about this and she too just doesn't like meeting via Zoom. It takes less time, true enough, but there's just something to be said for getting up, getting dressed, going to a meeting, and having physical contact with those you enjoy being with.
Back in the late fall I returned home and found piles of fabric in my garage. At first, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It was as if a fabric fairy had snuck into my garage and left me an incredible gift. Even the tooth fairy was never this generous!!! As I stood there dumbfounded, my mind began to race as to how the fabric could have gotten there. So, whoever did this had to have a key to my garage. There's only 1 person other than my husband and I who has access to the garage. I called my friend, and sure enough, he had been the fairy!
In the pile of fabric were 3 bolts of wool, beige, pink and a light blue. The beige/camel bolt had the most yardage. I divided the bolt into 5 yard increments and washed it. I even dried it! It felted a bit, but not so much, so I knew that it wasn't 100% wool. But, it is still lovely.
I gave 5 yards to a friend of mine so that she and I can do coats. Our coats will be similar, but different. In an upcoming post I'll share her coat pattern.
Since I have quite a bit of yardage, I decided that this was my opportunity to use a vintage pattern that I have had for quite some time.
The wool did not photograph all that well. I still need to steam it.
I absolutely love this pattern!!! I plan to extend the sleeves as I will not wear a short sleeved coat.
You can see from the pattern diagram that lengthening the sleeve will not be a problem.
My friend and I are talking once a week about our projects. Some of our conversations are face time, and others are just regular telephone conversations. The project gives us a great excuse to talk, and in the end, we'll have something fun that we worked on together whether we could meet in person or not.
My friend who gave me the fabric is so excited about the project, and that I was able to find something fun to do with the wool. So, this is a win, win project all around :)
My friend with whom I am doing the project has an embroidery machine. She is making dragon flies for us to attach to our coats. The project just keeps getting better and better!!!
If you are missing having interaction with a friend, or friends, maybe you can take a little cue from us and do a project together. Like I said, just having an excuse to talk makes such a huge difference.
One of the things that I've come to enjoy the most about the blog is chatting with all of you, sharing a bit of my life and hopefully, a few bits of inspiration.
Back in May, I had an alternator failure on the airplane. A few years ago, I was on my way to Cincinnati with a dog in tow. The dog was the kind of rescue flight that I enjoy most as he was going to his new home. Before I left Chicago, I noticed a whirring sound in my headset. I adjusted the squelch, the sound went away, all of my other pre-flight checks were good, so off I went. After about an hour in flight, I once again heard the whirring sound, I once again adjusted the squelch, and it went away. Then suddenly, about 30 miles out of Cincinnati, a screaming noise came through the headset, and then...total silence. All of my electrical equipment was gone, and at that point, I had no idea what may go wrong next, so it was a 'get it on the ground now' situation. Luckily, there was a small country airport just a mile or so away. Since I had no means of communicating, I did a scan of the area, said a prayer, and began my approach. I'm still here, so you know it all went well :)
As it turned out, not only did I have an alternator fail, the battery had boiled over and fried the battery box. Just a mess of a situation. But, the mechanic was able to get me back up and running enough to get the plane back to Chicago. Before leaving, he drilled into me that I was basically flying a broken airplane and that I needed to take extreme caution. Once in flight, turn off the radios and don't turn anything on until I was where someone could easily come and get me. As I entered the Chicago airspace, I turned on my transponder, all was good. Then I turned on 1 radio, still good. I called Midway tower, got my squawk code and at that point, even if everything failed, I should be able to make it home. When the gear touched down at Midway, it was the biggest sense of relief I've ever felt! Thankfully, the recent alternator failure wasn't nearly as exciting. I realized what was happening before I ever left the ground.
This past week, my mechanic and I met at the airport to install the alternator and do the annual inspection. At one point as he was working, he said, "hmmm, not good." I've learned over the years to just take whatever it is in stride, after all, I'm on the ground, and at this point, anything can be fixed. The insulation around the throttle cable was gone and the cable was quite worn. So, what does this mean? Well, the cable could break in flight which means that you no longer have control of the throttle. He told me that he has heard of cases where when the pilot pulled back on the throttle that the entire thing came out in their hand. Well, that would make for a fun situation...NOT!!!
My new throttle cable arrived yesterday. It's so pretty. My husband laughed about how excited I was about a throttle cable. I reminded him that a throttle cable is a lifeline. He no longer thought it to be so funny.
At long last, I finally have the video together for the burrito neckline finishing method. If you haven't already figured it out, I think you are going to love learning this new technique. In the picture below, you see the back neckline of the dress that I made using the Islander Easy V Express Top pattern. Very nicely finished.
Now a view from the inside.
And because the back is finished so well, the front neckline also lays beautifully against the garment.
In the video, you'll hear how I made this video. It's a little funny :/ Oh, and I want to apologize as I have been dealing with allergies the last few days, so my voice is a little weak. But all in all, I think the video will give you a good idea of how to execute the burrito method and beautifully finish the neckline of your garment.
With anything in life, knowledge is king. Be it dealing with a mechanical failure in an airplane, or knowing how to make what we do even better. I came across this quote and I thought it would be a nice way to end the post;
Real knowledge like everything else of value is not to be obtained easily.
It must be worked for, studied for, thought for, and even more,
This is the week of best laid plans going awry. Little did I know that the roofers were planning to arrive yesterday. So things were just a bit too noisy to try and get much done. But...better later than never, at least I hope :) I just love getting new things to wear, but then, don't we all?!!! So I am so very excited about doing this sew along with the Islander Patterns Easy V Express Top. I get new things to wear, and you get to see a few things explained. The video isn't my best. I didn't sleep all that well last night, and I am just a little off my game, but I think it will shed a little light on the neckline pleat and give you some good pointers as you begin.
For this top, I only used a yard of fabric. I measured it out just to make sure and it was exactly 37". I cut an XS size and the pattern calls for 1 1/2 yards. So if you have a yard of fabric that will fit the bill, by all means, give it a try.
In this video, I talk about fabric choice, the pattern, and constructing the pleat at the neckline.
In our next video, we'll talk a little more about construction, especially the great neckline finish. We'll also talk about fitting, and what I did to get a nice fit on my dress.
Have fun, and if you have any questions, be sure to ask. I'll do my best to answer. Remember, Janet is offering the pattern to anyone who comes by the blog at a 20% discount. Just use RHONDA in the promo code box. You can find the paper pattern HERE, and the downloadable pattern HERE.
If only Little Red Riding Hood had used the Cape Super Express pattern, she would have finished her cape in record time, and the wolf would have missed her!!!
The final post for the Islander Sewing Systems Cape Super Express is up on the Sew News blog and you can find it HERE. If you look at the tab section at the top of this blog, you will see a page with links to all of the sew alongs that I've done for Sew News. The Cape Super Express has been updated, so if at any point you decide that you would like to give the cape a try, you can easily refer back to the posts. Remember, the posts remain on the Sew News blog, so no expiration!
I thought that you might like to see me in the capes that I made.
First up is the denim cape that I made for the sew along.
You can see how nicely the hood lays on the back.
And it's perfect for when you need a little extra protection from the elements.
And finally, a flash of the lining.
Now the faux fur and velvet cape. This cape was made for the magazine. It's actually lighter in weight than the denim cape. But, for an evening out, it's perfect for throwing over your shoulders and looks great with a pair of opera length gloves.
Due to the nature of the faux fur, the hood has a little more drape to it which I really like.
A little flash of my lining. For the lining I used a wonderful piece of silk that has dragons embroidered throughout. If by chance you would like to give the pattern a try, you can find it HERE.
I have had so much fun doing the sew alongs, and I am very grateful to Sew News for giving me the opportunity to sew with all of you. In the February/March issue of Sew News, you'll find 2 sew alongs, the Clare Coat from Closet Case Files, and the Appleton Dress from Cashmerette. Both sew alongs will be conducted by the designers of the pattern. So be sure to check out the patterns and the sew alongs. I'm sure they'll be fun and informative. And I can't sign off without saying a great big thank you to all of you who have followed along and made the patterns over the past 3 years. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!!!!!!
It's 0 degrees in Chicago!!! Just in case you think that's an "O", it's not, it's zero :) Now, I really don't mind the cold, in fact I rather enjoy it. But as I drank my first cup of tea this morning and watched the morning news, I had to laugh a bit about the idea of zero degrees. Zero implies nothing, like a size 0, how can one be a size 0? Do they not exist? Does a temperature reading of zero mean that the thermometer has given up, there's no longer a temperature? Of course I'm not being serious, just laughing a little about the frigid weather :) As I type out this post, I'm looking out at the river, steam rising off of the water. There are a few blocks where the water doesn't freeze due to the warm water from the filtration plant being pumped back into the river. So on cold days, the steam rising up off of the water makes for a rather beautiful sight, especially when it gets super cold and the ice crystals from the water begin to freeze in the trees. For me it's a reminder that there's always beauty if we just choose to look for it. Well, enough about the weather! The new post for the Islander Sewing System Cape Super Express sew along is up on the Sew News blog, and you can find it HERE. I decided to use a piece of denim for this cape. You can see the shape of the cape better in the denim than you can in the faux fur and velvet that I used for the other cape. It really is a pretty shape. Although it's a cape that's roomy and loose fitting, it does have shape. There are darts in the front that accent the bust, and there are darts in the back neckline that help to give the cape fit across the back. I think the pattern has been well designed.
If you look closely at the hood below, you'll see quite a bit of top stitching. I was determined to use the fabric that I had, but I was a little short. So the hood was cut into a number of pieces and then stitched back together. To tie it all together, I will be top stitching the cape as well. It's a little tricky, but doable. Below you also see the lining that I will be using for my cape. I always enjoy using something a little fun!
This post is basic construction. In our next post, I will show you the method I used to attach the lining to the cape at the arm slots. It's a different method than what is used in the pattern instructions, so you can see my method, and the method in the pattern, and then determine which you would like to use. If you have not purchased a pattern, but would like to do so, you can find it HERE at Shop Sew It All. Have a wonderful day, and if you are pretty much anywhere in the U.S. today, bundle up and stay warm!!! Rhonda
For the past 3 years, I have been doing the sew along posts for Sew News Magazine. It has been a wonderful opportunity. Along the way, I have made new friends, and discovered some wonderful independent pattern companies. The upcoming sew along will be my last...at least for Sew News :)
Although the last, this is a great one, the Super Express Cape from Islander Sewing Systems.
Depending on your fabric choice, this cape is perfect for cold weather, rainy weather, or just a cool day. The arm slots have been strategically placed so that you are still free to move, drive a car, and carry packages, especially important at this time of year :)
The design of the cape also lends itself to lots of options. I decided to accent the top of the cape by using a faux fur. The bottom is a panne velvet.
The back of the cape does not have a seam as you see with mine below, but the pattern can easily be customized. There are 2 versions of the cape, one features a generous hood, the other a stand collar. I LOVE the hood!
The arm slots are quite easy to sew, and are placed so that the hands can easily slide into the in-seam pockets. The pockets are deep and generous, so a great place to hide a pair of gloves, or anything that you may need to quickly grab.
When down, the hood lays beautifully around the neck.
What I especially like about this pattern is that it can be made by any sewist at any level.There are no sleeves to insert, and if you are a little intimidated by buttonholes, snaps will make a wonderful alternative.
With my cape, I decided to go all out and use this fabulous silk lining.
The sew along will begin next week, and to kick this one off, Janet Pray, the designer and master mind behind Islander Sewing Systems is offering 3...yes, 3 free patterns!!!How exciting!!!!!!
I will draw the winning names on Monday, December 5, 2016.
If you would like an opportunity to win one of these fabulous patterns, just leave a message here on the blog by midnight CDT Sunday, December 4th.
As I said, the cape goes together quickly, so it would make great gifts, perfect for this time of year!
A big, big thank you to Janet for this very generous giveaway.
A very Happy Tuesday to everyone who drops by today. I don't think there's a soul in the world who doesn't know that it's election day here in United States. I was out early this morning to vote. Like everyone, I have my views and opinions, but I find it's better to just keep them to myself. But, if you do live here in United States, and you are registered to vote, please cast your vote. Just remember, it's not a right that everyone in this world has. I'm off to Texas today for a little rest and relaxation. With all of the events of this past spring, summer, and fall, I'm looking forward to doing a little shopping, eating some good food, and hopefully enjoying a little rest. I almost canceled my trip as I'm having a hard time with leaving my husband and Gracie behind, but I think this trip is just what I need to revive a bit, so I stuck to my decision and in a few hours I'll be off :) I am planning to check in, share some of what I'm doing, maybe a few outfits of the day, and possibly a story or two. I mentioned last week that I had updated my Sew News Sew Along Links page. You can find it HERE, or on the bar at the top of the blog. Over the past 3 years, I've tested a lot of patterns and I've had a lot of fun with giving you just a little something extra with some of the pieces. The first year we made; The Amy Butler Beautiful Belle Handbag.
The Clara Dress from Sew Liberated
The Hot Patterns Summer Breeze Top which I turned into a dress.
The Colette Patterns Clover Pant
The I Think Sew Emily Bag
The Sewaholic Robson Trench
In 2015 we made;
The Sew Chic Valentine Slip
The Decades of Style Arches Skirt
The Dixie DIY Movies In The Park Shorts
Then I was honored to have the Grainline Portside Travel Set that I made grace the cover :)
The Sewn Square One Jacket and Coat
And finally,
The Studio Kat Cosmo Convertible Bag
We started out 2016 with;
Waffle Patterns Pepernoot Coat
Then we made the super popular Magic Bias Dress from Fashion In Harmony
The Papercut Pattern Soma Swimsuit
Swoon Patterns Stella Weekender Bag
And currently of course;
Closet Case Files Ginger Jeans
So if at anytime you would like to make up one of the patterns, or take a look at any of the sew alongs, they are all very easy now to find. Have a wonderful day and I'll check in with you from Texas! Rhonda
I finished up my Stella Bag for the sew along last week. WooHoo!!! You're getting the first sneak peek! I think she is so pretty! Next week I'll include pictures of me carrying the bag to give you a better idea of the size. In the mean time, pop over to Swoon Patterns. If you like the Stella Weekender Bag, I bet you'll like lots of the other patterns too.
This week's post is up on the Sew News blog and you can find it HERE. We are diving head long into all the pockets.
There's a front zippered pocket. In the post I talk about reinforcing the bag prior to inserting the zipper. PLEASE do not skip this step.
We also attach the cargo pockets. This is one of those projects where you may initially feel a little intimidated, but once they are attached...nothing but pride :)
We also attach the handles as the handles should be attached prior to putting the bag all together. I did not use the stiff interfacing in my handles that the pattern calls for. I don't like anything in my hand that feels too hard. Just a quirk. So I used the fusible cotton interfacing on both sides of my handles and I feel that the handles have plenty of stability.
I took Bunny of La Sewista's direction on reinforcing the handles. Not only does it help to secure the handles, I think the "x" design looks rather pretty as well. Thanks Bunny! You can take a glimpse of Bunny's Weekender Bag HERE, HERE, and HERE.
When I was asked to put together a year of sew alongs for Sew News, I knew that they would like a bag included in the line up, so I began to search for something that I thought was special. For the life of me, I don't remember how I found Swoon Patterns, but I'm glad I did. The patterns are well thought out and the results are amazing! If you are making a weekender bag, I hope you too are enjoying the process.
I just couldn't resist the subtle reference to Marlon Brando yelling for Stella in the movie, a Street Car Named Desire :) This Stella has a much brighter, and happier story, the Stella Weekender Bag from Swoon Patterns. The bag I made for the magazine will soon have a new home. My niece was over this past weekend, loved the bag, so of course nothing will make me happier than to send it home with her. She loves anything vintage, and since this bag is made out of barkcloth, it has a bit of a vintage vibe.
The next post is up on the Sew News blog, and you can find it HERE. Bunny of La Sewista has been working on a Stella bag that she is giving as a diaper bag to a new mom. Here's a glimpse of her lovely work,
Look closely at the stitching she did on the handle. I really like the added reinforcement that she did.
When Bunny told me that she was working on the bag, I asked her if she would share some of her thoughts. You know, two heads are always better than one ;) One point that she brought up is that while the Stella bag is perfect for the addition of piping, no instructions are given in the pattern. So in this week's post, I tried to walk you step by step through the process of how to make piping and how to add it to the bag, as well as how much piping you will need.
Bunny also found a wonderful group on Facebook called, Swoon Patterns Group. It's a closed group, but all you have to do is ask to join and you'll be accepted. There's a lot of great info on the page about all the wonderful bag patterns from Swoon. In fact, the devotees call themselves "Swooners." What fun!
I added a little info on a cutting aide that Bunny shared and you can find directions on how to find it on the post I did for Sew News.
I'm excited about my new bag. I had just enough fabric. This one is going to be really bright and fun.
If you've never made piping, I encourage you to give it a try. It's fun to make, and it really adds such a nice touch to bags and clothing alike.
If you are making a bag, let me know and send a picture, I would love to see and post your work!
