BWOF (now Burda Style)

I was interested in a light weight spring jacket, so I paged through some old BWOF that I have, not wanting to buy one more pattern to find space in the pattern file. This one was unlined, all the better (BWOF June 2008 #102). Notice the stress drag line on the right shoulder?......that is result of my alteration to accommodate my low shoulder on that side.......and the flapping, unbuttoned bottom jacket band?......Dummy's hip measurement is smidge larger than mine, so I couldn't get it buttoned.



Front Detail I was attracted to the scallops.



Another little detail on the sleeves of just 3 little tucks down the grainline.


Back View

The fabric is a cotton shirting from Michaels that was on sale last year for $5 per yd. Such a deal a spring jacket for $12 including buttons etc. One more thing, since I have rather prominent shoulder blades, I did insert a back shield for just another layer of fabric in that area. Should have photoed that too....oh well, you know what I mean. All the seams are top stitched that helps it all hang together nicely.
All in all, I like the outcome and even though it might seem to have a rather dressy look, I plan to wear it with casual bottoms.

Hot Patterns Shrug Free Download

Stitchers Guild is posting and chatting about shrugs and their simplicity and instant gratification factor for a couple of weeks. I got pulled into the whole thing and downloaded the free pattern on downloaded the free pattern for Hot Patterns on http://www.fabric.com/?cm_ven=CJ&cm_ite=88x31new&cm_pla=2203897&cm_cat=19276up92&afsrc=1.
I used Ponte Roma knit that has enough weight to not get hung /grabbed by the underneath garment, yet has nice drape. I shortened the cascade by 6" length and 6" width starting at the bottom and tapering to zero approaching the neckline. I am 5 '6" yet I think it needs even more taken off length.........easy to do, just put the rotary cutter to it.

Loes Hinse Bolero Jacket Tweak

This is the jacket that I took a break from to mull over what closure to use and how to add some color. I felt like a big beige blob, what with my light hair and skin. I had asked for ideas from SG Jacket-A-Month sew-along and I received some ideas that started me thinking
The completed jacket with the closure I finally decided on.


I began by establishing a base for the crochet trim around the collar and lapel and sleeve hem. I used wool worsted yarn.

I created the 'button' by gluing some various beads and colorful doodads on a large button. On the back of the button, I glued a smaller shank type button to use for ease of attaching to the crochet medallion that I then attached the whole thing to the jacket.

The actual closure are a couple of size 2 covered snaps.

I recently ordered these 2 patterns from Au Bonheur des petites mains. I was really interested in the hoodie, but not having any knowledge of French and knowing the instructions are very minimal, I thought perhaps to experiment with a simpler pattern first might be a good idea.
Now that I have them in hand, using 'shams' French Sewing Glossary and Yahoo Translator I plant to sew a muslin of the tunic.
After checking the flat pattern measurements, I plan to sew size 44. Wish me luck.

Nancy Erickson 1960 Cardigan

This was another 'Unfinished Garment", known around the sewing world as UFO. The fabric is an airy ravelly knit and with those characteristics, I definitely needed to line it.
I originally had used a woven silk for the front piece/collar, but it did not drape properly, so I took it apart and resewed using a wool jersey instead. With this styling it wears more as a jacket than a cardigan. I wore it to church Sunday and it was just the right weight for our rather spring like day.
Since making buttonholes in a jersey is a daunting challenge, I chose to used hidden snaps beneath the buttons,,,,,....buttons, I love to shop for button. These are antique from a button vendor at a local Designer Showcase

Fred Bloebaum Maaia Jacket

Here is a photo of the finished jacket, finished a couple of weeks ago.

Jacket A Month 2011

Well now that the holidays are behind me, I am anxious to get going on my remaining jackets. I plan to take a close look at a few of my UFO's that have been set aside for one reason or another. One is the Maaia Jacket from of Fred Bloebaum. When she passed away a few here at SG thought it would be a good idea to sew one of her patterns in her honor. I just lost my steam dealing with a ravelly fabric. I am being determined to eliminate all the unfinished stuff hanging around taking up space and make a decision to finish it or stick the wadder label on it and get it out of my sight. I will post pics when my new camera arrives.....my very old camera gave up the ghost recently.
I am energized by all the fast paced chatter and beautiful/creative completed garments so far on the SG forum for this Topic