Well, it has been a hot minute since I last posted. If you follow my Instagram or Facebook, you know that there has been a LOT going on at Gorgeous Fabrics. I just haven't had time to post about things. So here's a Reader's Digest synopsis of events and projects that I've been working on.
A Tailoring Project: Vogue V1870 Blazer
I spent the end of winter and early spring working on a classic tailoring project. I used Vogue V1870 as the base for my effort. It's a peaked lapel, single breasted classic blazer. I wanted something that I'll wear for years, and this fit the bill perfectly. For the outer fabric, I used navy blue Thom Browne cashmere (sold out, sorry). I lined it with Equestrian Grand Prix Silk Twill, which is still in stock. I used sew-in interfacing and pad stitched the collars and lapels. I also used sleeve heads to support the shoulders, along with shoulder pads. I pick-stitched the lapels and pocket flaps, and I had the buttonholes (including working sleeve vent buttonholes) done at Jonathan Embroidery in NYC. The buttons are embossed patent leather that I found at Pacific Trimming, also in New York. This was my slow sewing project. I completed it in late April, and I've worn it lots already. This will be a go-to i my closet, and it was a really fulfilling project.
Sewing Comfort Food: Simplicity 5877 Knit Pajamas
After an epic project, it's nice to do a couple of easy projects. I needed some spring PJs, so I pulled a trusty old (OOP) Simplicity that I've used for bathrobes, Simplicity 5877. I made two sets. One from a flamingo print rayon jersey that's sold out, sorry. The other is from Extra Wide Zebra Print Rayon French Terry in Pink and White. These were a very quick sew. I zipped them up using my serger and my cover stitch. I think they each took about 1 1/2 hours, from cutting the pattern to finishing the hems.
A Gamble: McCalls M8367 Joggers
I decided to try something WAY out of my comfort zone for my next project. I had had a pair of tencel joggers that I bought in Australia 6 years ago. I wore them to death and when I saw McCalls 8367 in the spring release, I decided to give it a go. I used Tencel Twill in Willow Green (sold out), which is just the right weight for these pants.This style has cargo aspects to it, and it's definitely a lot more ... "youthful" than what I normally wear, but can I just tell you? I LOVE them! And here's a fun side story. I posted the self portrait of them on my IG, and my younger son raved about them. I guess I can be a "cool mom" every once in a while!
And Classes!
I also hosted two classes at Gorgeous Fabrics' Galactic Headquarters. Both were so much fun! The first class was Susan Khalje's Couture Sewing School in April. I played hostess for Susan's group of 12 students, who worked on everything from fabulous skirts to classic blazers, dresses and skirts for work, to a mother-of-the-groom beaded beauty. It was so interesting to see all the techniques that Susan used and taught, and delightful to see the final products.
The second class was Lynda Maynard's Knit Trouser Draft class. I actually got to participate in that one! We learned SO much! Lynda took us through all steps of creating 5 (!) different knit pant drafts, from wide leg to leggings, all based on our own measurements. If you have the opportunity to take a class with Lynda, you definitely should. She is a generous, supportive teacher. Everyone walked out of the three-day class with finished pants and leggings (some students made two pairs of trousers, rather than trousers and leggings). We were all exhausted and thrilled by the end. And we had so much fun! It was a great group of students, and we all are going to stay in touch.
So that's what's been going on here. I've been listing tons, literally, of new fabrics on the site, and there are lots more coming. Stay tuned, and happy sewing!
-Ann
