Vogue 8480 - Tan twill jacket

Here's my jacket for January. In case you don't recall, I'm attempting to make at least one jacket each month. I lost my sewing mojo earlier in January, but it seems to finally have returned.

I've adored this pattern since it came out 2 years ago. I love the interesting front and back vents, side buttoning closure, bell sleeves, and loads of topstitching. It was cut out in December of 2008, but then I got stuck thinking about the inside finishes. I wanted something unlined and washable since it's such a light color and casual wear. But the front pieces have some difficult angles, and I couldn't figure out how to apply the bias tape with clean results. Then I thought to line it but couldn't grasp how to cut the front lining to accommodate the pleats below the pockets. So the whole thing got put aside, something I rarely do.

This pattern is very well drafted. The back collar has a curved integrated collar stand, my first time sewing something like that. The back topstitched sleeve seams match up perfectly with the back princess seams of the body.

I used heavy duty polyester thread for the topstitching. This heavier thread really pops out against fabric.

The only thing I changed about this pattern was the button placement. They have you install the bottom button below the pocket topstitching. This is too low on a jacket IMO, and creates a somewhat ballooned midsection with too much space in between the buttons and the extra fabric from the pockets; especially with this medium weight cotton twill that I chose. I left off the top button and button hole and the inside hidden button because they were unnecessary.

Here's the inside finished with three packages of bias tape. I'm a little sick of bias tape at the moment, believe it or not. But it did make a very nice finish and I can now throw this in the washer if it gets soiled.

And just in case anyone wants to make this with bias tape, I've included a picture of how I finished the front sections.

Next up I'm planning a billowy chiffon top to wear with this jacket and peek out from underneath. I know it seems like I've moved on to spring sewing but I honestly haven't. There's still loads of winter sewing begging to be made up.

For Rachel:

Looks like flowers with green stamens or leaves to me. Hope this helps.

February Burda Picks

No, I did not finish my Vogue 8480 jacket by the end of January, unfortunately. But I got it mostly done in January and will make another jacket for February, so I think I'm still on track with my goal. Since I have nothing new to show you, how about some Burda picks from this month's magazine?

I really like the collar from this first design, jacket 101. That and the cute bell sleeves. I have the perfect thinnish faux leopard fur in my stash for this. Theirs was made from matelasse (???) and I can't tell from the picture if that's a thin or thick fabric. However, fur jackets are frequently rather bulky looking, so I think I'll be safe with what I've got.

Jacket 109 is a cute denim-styled design. It's a petite/half size pattern so I'll have to figure out how to un-petite it. Which will probably involve making a muslin. Don't look for this in the very near future. (I do make muslins on occasion, they're just few and far between.)

This is top 118. This would make a really great date-night blouse.

The little knit tops from Burda are always made in abundance, and I expect no less from this next design, 122. Although it's a bit off the shoulders for me. That should be an easy fix, though.

That's pretty much it. Pants 102 caught my eye if every I'm in need of a super simple pants pattern. What patterns did you like from this month?

More acquired sewing paraphernalia

Yesterday morning I bustled around the house in somewhat of a panic. It was already almost 9 and I hadn't gotten the kids in the van yet. We were suppose to leave at 8:45 to make Jo-Ann's opening time of 9 for the first day of $3.99 Vogues. When I drove into the parking lot, I scrutinized the other people parking and walking into the shopping area. I hurried the kids inside - well, it was raining, in my defense - and headed straight to the pattern drawers. There was no one remotely close by, and probably only 3 or 4 other customers in the store. I felt a little sheepish but got every pattern on my list. Hey, I really love these designs!

Hunting through the stash I pulled this red embroidered silk shantung for V1157. I'm trying to picture it made up and am hoping it won't be overly dressy looking.

Then I pulled these two stripes for V1158. I don't know if I have enough of the silk on the left, and am thinking the stripes might be a little too wide. Then I'd have to find the perfect color to match for the bias bands, and it almost certainly couldn't be found in silk. The white linen blend on the right might work better. I'd do the bias binding in yellow or some other bright color. Hmm, still thinking about that one.

The other patterns I have no current plans for. But check out my new fabrics from Denverfabrics.com. Recently I wrote that I've been stalking their website, waiting for new knits. They finally got some in and were immediately put on sale for $3.95/yard. There were a few other fabrics on sale that I purchased at the same time, mostly wool.

On the left is a gorgeous wool double knit in turquoise. It is incredibly soft and just the perfect weight. I'm kicking myself for not buying a few other colors since it is now completely sold out. Next to it is a royal blue matte jersey. I'm currently in love with that color blue. The next three are ITY knits that I liked the colors and patterns of. The blue matte jersey is the only one I have concrete plans for.

These other two didn't even make it out of the box. The blue is a wool jersey that is so thin I can see my hand through it. The color is beautiful, but I just can't warrant spending $12.50/yard for thin T-shirt material. The other is a burgundy wool knit, the same type Lindsay T just did a post about. She described it as French Terry, and I've got to agree. Blah! It is being sent back. I usually have really great luck with Denverfabrics. This is only the second time I've had to send something back.

Anyway, still plugging away at Vogue 8480, and I'm actually enjoying myself. Hopefully my sewing slump has passed.

NewLook 6164 - White embroidered spaghetti-strap top

This pattern is OOP, and our scanner is on the fritz, so I've had to take a picture of the envelope. It's not a very old pattern - although I can't find the copywrite year - but I guess not extremely popular. Although I think it's super cute. I made view B with straight grain, but it can also be cut on the bias. The fabric is a recent purchase from Gorgeousfabrics.com. It's a thin white on white embroidered cotton.

Here at the side you can see the button and loop closure at the waistband. There are tucks on the side front and side back to give it a bit of volume through the mid-section. I find this style deceptively flattering, especially if you want to camouflage some tummy rolls or want to wear it to a big dinner.

I did make the top edge very fitted so that I can lean over without any cleavage peek-a-boos. This is a must for me since I have small boys and bend over frequently to get to their level.

This top was made to wear under my various jackets. Here I am wearing it with this jacket which I made last May. All my other white tops had collars or higher necklines that didn't go so well with a collared jacket.

Here's the button-and-loop closure at the waistband. The side seams were sewn with French seams.

I'm currently working on an unlined jacket that I cut out in December of 2008. It's going well, and I'm hoping to have it done by the end of the week so I can keep my one-jacket-a-month goal on track.

Now, I must brag on our weather. The high today was 70 degrees. It was truly a gorgeous day. Plus we bought a new-to-us car and drove it home tonight so now I have my freedom back. Hurray! This next picture is of my youngest climbing a Crepe Myrtle in our front yard. He must take after me - I never met a tree I didn't want to climb when I was a little girl.

Vogue's spring patterns and website overhaul

First, thanks to everyone for their concern over my recent trials. One comment from June really stuck with me. She wrote, "... my mom says that problems that can be fixed with money are not serious problems, and she's right (assuming you have the funds to fix everything)." This is so true. We feel extremely blessed to have all that we do.

I kind of set the goal of not writing any more posts until I had some new sewing to show you. But I just can't help myself.

Excitement!!! Have you seen Vogue's new website overhaul? It is awesome! You can click on all the small pictures on the envelope fronts to enlarge. Almost all the new patterns have detail pictures and back views. Additionally, the new spring lineup is fantastic! Lots of garments with interesting construction lines and complex details. LOVE IT!

Up first is this Tracy Reese dress, 1157. Love the faux wrap front, front & back peplum, high back neckline and princess seamed skirt. I'll probably leave off the ruffly cap sleeves - those never look good on my non-spaghetti arms.

Here's another Tracy Reese design, 1158, that I'm totally smitten with. You can't tell from the garment very well, but it has bias bands all around the neckline, armholes and sewn on front tying belt. I like it in the stripe to show off the cute bias skirt. Perhaps I'll use a contrasting color to set off the bias bands. This dress has a gorgeous neckline, especially at the back.

Dress 1161 is another favorite. Love the extended shoulders, interesting seaming details, keyhole back opening and flouncey back skirt. Awesome. I wouldn't change a thing on this one.

WOW! That just about sums up this next design, dress 1162. Not that I have anywhere to wear it, but it is Beaut-I-Ful! I heart those rose sleeves, pleated neckline ruffle, self-fabric piping along the front neckline and front waist pleating. I might have to buy tickets to some fancy-smancy event just to make the dress.

What do you think of this next fabulous offering, suit 1169 by Rebecca Taylor? It has some beautiful detailing with piping and hand-picked stitching galore. What a special suit. The neckline looks too low for me, but I don't think raising it would be a problem. I'd also eliminate the back gathered flounce on the skirt. The back pleats of the jacket peplum combined with the back skirt flounce are a little too much for me.

This is another Rachel Comey design, 1170. Who I've personally never heard of, but I live under a rock when it comes to designers. I sure love her stuff, though. The blouse buttons up the back with an interesting knotted neckline and sleeve ties. WHAT a cute skirt. It reminds me of dress 1161 with the interesting seaming and back flounce. The wide waistband is a nice touch as well.

I'm loving this little top, 8635. It's a wrap top out of knit. What's not to love? The cap sleeve version without contrasting bands in my pick.

Augh!!! These are almost all dresses! Do I need more dress patterns? NO! I do not! I actually liked a few more of the new designs, but am telling myself to be super picky. What are your favorites? And what do you think of this new Vogue website?

A hard week

Wondering what I've been up to lately? Here's what happened to my husband on his way to work last Thursday when a teenager ran her stop sign and pulled into oncoming traffic:

By God's grace nobody was injured. However, our 2001 paid off Honda was totaled. We are not have-to-have-a-new-car-every-year type of people. It was in perfect shape and would have run for 10 more years. When we get our insurance check at the end of the week, we will start looking for a replacement. Car shopping is not a favorite activity of mine, to say the least.

Then on Sunday, thanks to the keen ears of my husband, a leak was discovered in the ceiling of our kitchen. He turned off the water to the house and the plumber was called the next morning. After several holes in the ceiling were made, the leaking pipe was discovered. These types of leaks are usually found after more damage is caused, and we feel blessed to not have had a ceiling cave in. The leak was fixed, and after everything dries out for a week, we will have the holes repaired.

Oh, and something else was discovered as well. The toilet was never properly installed after we had our bathroom tiled in 2005, and there was a slow leak of sewer water around it. No wonder that area was always a little stinky! It has to dry out, also for a week, and then the plumber will come back and re-attach the toilet to the floor.

In between these two events the food disposal under our kitchen sink developed a hole and splattered food and water all over the bottom cabinet. No picture of that, though. My handy hubby has already put a new one in it's place.

Unsurprisingly, I've been a little down lately. Last night Justin came home with a pint of Bluebell icecream and these beauties to cheer me up. Isn't that so sweet?

So, I actually have been doing a wee bit of sewing. I put the plum wool jacket aside for now and am making a simple little white top. Hopefully it will be completed this week with pictures taken next weekend. In between car shopping excursions. Ug. Pray for us to find something nice in our price range.