To be a bit cliché, this shoemaker is a professional Web Developer and her child is this blog, but it was past time to launch what I have of a new design. All the content is still here, everything else is a work in progress (kind of like most of my sewing projects)!
After watching Superior Threads’ videos on using fusible thread for applique, I was determined to try it out for myself. In fact, I rushed to the store and bought the only fusible available: Gütermann’s polyester/nylon blended fusible. It was perfect timing, considering I was just starting the Kaleidoscope/Tula quilt, which has a lot of applique on a large scale.
Although it doesn’t have the fun alliteration of “Finished it Friday” or “Work in Progress Wednesday”, today I’m showing you unfinished, in-progress views of what I’ve been working on this week, as I’ve been rather productive.
Leah Day posted about the chemicals we use in quilting a while ago, and how those may affect the life of our projects. The researcher in me was especially interested in a scientific study on adhesives used in quilting that she linked, which ran tests on the effect certain spray bastes, fusible webs, and fusible battings have on fabric over time.
I had hoped to be further along with my dress by now (that is, started), so that this giveaway could tie into notes about making the dress. However, I want to make sure that you have time to make your own dress for the show or whatever events you wish it for. So, without further ado, this is a giveaway! Of Simplicity’s licensed Sense and Sensibility Regency Gown—perfect for 1812 Bicentennial celebrations!
Specifically, this is the size HH (6-8-10-12) pattern, so you need measurements smaller than 34-26-36 according to the package, although considering the modern ease added, you may be able to get away with using the size 12 even if you are closer to 36-28-38 (what they consider size 14), and if you’re really adventurous, you can try to scale the pattern up.
…until the show, at least—and with a bit of history to boot. I just have a small amount of work left (namely adding a hanging sleeve), then I’ll be ready to ship it off mid-February.
I wish I’d learned about this before our trip to MO, because we could have swung through Chicago, but for those of you who can get to Chicago before April 16, 2012, there is a fabulous exhibition of couture fashion by Charles James at the Chicago History Museum.
Now, while I love looking at designer clothing, gowns alone won’t usually inspire me to want to trek halfway across the country for an exhibit, but this is more than just a show of his designs. The curating team used advanced imaging techniques and intense study of the construction of three iconic dresses in order to show visitors how the gowns are structured—and James’ designs are often very complex in structure. There are also touchable displays—the team painstakingly created prototypes of different aspects of the construction.
The bi-weekly So You Want To Quilt group is starting up with a new project this month: a quilt based on the Stack-n-Whack kaleidoscope technique (there are a few books about it, like Stack-n-Whackipedia). Our teacher is designing a wall hanging that we can make, but seeing as I’m more of a quilt gal myself—and lack any restraint to keep things simple lately—I’m making my own design (more on that in coming weeks).
There must be something in the water at Carl’s company, because many of his coworkers have become or are becoming parents recently. I made one of these elephants in the craziness of the week before Christmas, but forgot to take photos.
I thought things would calm down after I finished all the Christmas presents I made, but I was mistaken. Between house renovations/organizing, freelance work, 9–5 work, and whatnot, I haven’t made any progress on the 1812 fashion pieces. What I have done is buy an extremely important part of the outfit: a shawl. From Target.
I’m convinced that my belongings grew in the move. I don’t know how, but things just weren’t fitting in the same amount of shelving as I had at the apartment. And, I’m still not completely unpacked!
A quick trip to Target last night for cabinets/shelving and a few hours this morning, and I finally have something that is starting to look like a sewing studio: