Playing With Scissors

Ever have a day when you just don't think you're competent enough to handle a pair of scissors?? Today is one of those days. My first project (after being starved for sewing the whole time I was in school) was Katherine Tilton's Vogue jacket pattern. Definitely a 'me' jacket. I like odd shapes, interesting structure, Asian influences.

And, I wanted to have fun with the facings since they would show through at the neckline. Lastly, I wanted to construct the facings the way I was taught in school this past semester -- no folding or serging the unfinished edge. Rather, sew the edges of your facing and interfacing together and turn to the inside for a beautiful finish.

Well, several things. The right side and the left side of the jacket are different pattern pieces, so that's your first clue you have to be careful. Second, they are so oddly shaped that twice (not once, mind you, but twice!) I finished off the edge that is sewn to the jacket, rather than the unfinished edge on the inside. Third, in school we were using non fusible interfacing, in fact silk organza. So, when I made either mistake I could have taken
it apart and started again. But, no-0-0.

So, my first facing was going to be this lovely shade of green.

.

My second was this beautiful turquise.

We are now on silver!

I think I may actually have done it right this time. (By the way, your iron will thank you if you remember that in order to do this technique, the fusible side of the interfacing is facing out when you sew it to the facing so that it will face in after you turn it!) I have sworn off fusible interfacing for the time being. I just ordered many yards of different interfacings from Fashion Sewing Supply -- none of them fusible:)

Pictures to follow if I ever finish though I'm beginning to think I shouldn't be allowed to play with scissors.

On a serious note, in this issue of Threads, there is a lovely article by Patricia Keay titled Slow Sewing. She talks about taking each project as an opportunity to strive for perfection, to learn a new skill, to add an unexpected detail -- to enjoy the process and not rush through for the result. I really enjoyed it and think you will too.

Another Chapter

I miss sewing! It's been quite an adventure these last three months. I signed up for 3 classes at the School of Fashion Design in Boston -- Clothing Construction I, Pattern Drafting I and Fashion Sketching I. In addition to 6 hours of class two days a week, my commute adds an another 6 hours into my week. And, did I mention the homework! I can honestly say I've done no sewing except my home work since September. Two more weeks and I'm out. I will definitely drop down to no more than one class next semester. I'm skittish of the commute in the winter -- it's bad enough the rest of the year. And, our son and his fiance are getting married Labor Day weekend, and I'd like to work on staying sane, and maybe even making a dress!

But it has been a wonderful ride -- so many things I didn't know, or didn't know as well as I should - basic skirt slopers and their endless variations, basic bodice slopers, underlining, hand stitching, how to render fabrics in a sketch, hand pricked lapped zippers, hong kong finishes that somehow always intimidated me, but that I now love. And, the inspiration of being in an edgy fashion environment every week -- it has definitely opened my eyes and expanded my horizons. I'm grateful for it all and will continue with it.

But, for the winter, I will be very happy to be back to my sewing and to reading all of your wonderful blogs!

Happy First Candle!