Monday, May 28, 2012

New Project - Treadle anyone?

Yes, Dear Readers,

A new project.  Like I'm not busy enough, right
(ok, enough of the Southern California colloquialism).
What do you think?


J. won't allow it in the house.  It needs some, let's say, refinishing.
The treadle and existing machine do, seemingly stitch.


I'm thinking of sanding and either staying with a light stain, natural or maple, if I can.  The veneer is rather thin - but on top about 1/4".  Or, perhaps a lighter paint.  I'm not sure yet.  My father thinks a cabinetmaker might be in order, obviously he knows my woodworking skills (and my dad is a general contractor).

I also plan to convert this 1957 Singer 201K below  - which has a fabulous stitch - into the treadle machine.  My only concern is that it is a wonderful electric machine - and I have never previously treadled, as it were.



Any thoughts? Stain or Paint?  What about switching the machine?

P.S.  I'm getting on a knit shirt kick I believe (although I may quickly sew some summer skirts). . . my work schedule is full BUT I am taking a sew-cation in August and September!

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Simplicity 1806 View E Top with Japanese Fabric

Dear Readers,

I finally finished, after two weeks, Simplicity 1806, View E with sleeves.  Although I must remark - I think you could potentially make this top in a day or less.  I spent a few hours total on the production. . . but did do some pattern drafting - which took me longer.

Side note:  It's still a bit chilly here in Ventura, the heater was on this morning, and certainly not white linen pants weather (or style, for that matter) but it does show a great contrast with the top.  I plan to wear this blouse with jeans (and probably only, jeans). . . 


 Well, I am a bit down on patterns.  First, I have a bodice sloper that fits perfectly - so any commercial pattern I use - I must adjust - and I certainly tried, with mixed results.  It is, I think, more difficult to re-draft an existing pattern to conform to my sloper (or basic block) than to draft from scratch.  That said, I did get a palatable result.  Not perfect.

The pattern:
Here was my inspiration.  My mother made me wear the blouse in the second grade - and I resisted (as usual)- Here's to my mother for her day - a top reproduced in colors, according to her, "that photograph well."  I toyed with making a lace collar.
It's still a smidge too large in the bodice.  I recommend checking the final measurements (which I did not do because after I redrafted I simply continued on).  Below, tools I used in re-drafting the pattern. . .


I did not use the pattern directions - I simply continued under my own direction after step 3.  I drafted my own collar too - another smaller Peter Pan (yes, readers, seemingly, this is my "go-to" collar) - see below.  I previously made a blouse with the collar suggested in View E and the fabric did not lay correctly once attached.
The final garment below:
The fabric I am using is a Japanese fabric that is a medium weight linen.

I did, however, use the strange "Flange" sleeve pattern suggested by Simplicity - which is a stretched oval, much like a football, folded in half - and each half forms the sleeve to be sewn into armhole.

I also attached the facing using a sloppy fell stitch to the seams. . .If anyone has any suggestions - I'm happy to take them.

Thank goodness for my serger.

I also bought a new pattern making book, used - with great ideas to transform the sloper.  It is shown on the left - I used all three books below re-drafting and sewing this pattern . .


I've spread out some fabrics I wish to sew this spring and summer. . . .
Happy Mother's Day to all Moms out there!

Update:  6/30/2012:  I wear this blouse almost every week - it's perfect!  I hardly remember the trials and tribulations in making this garment!