NPRINS

Dear Readers! Finally, I finished my Burda 07-2010-127 Sew-Along Pants.  Normally, it is not a style I would have chosen as it has pleats.   I am a complete rectangle and fit Vogue and Kwik-Sew out of the box (no alterations, normally) and shun pleats.  But I couldn't resist the allure of the sew-along and learning pants alterations (which I did, thanks Sunni!). By the way, I wanted to wear a different set of oxfords, but the little "P" you see in the picture there ate a strap off my Mary Jane Oxfords so I am off to see the cobbler in my saddle shoes.  These pants were tall - and had quite a bit of ease - so I did two muslins and some significant alterations - they fit almost perfect for the pattern.  I also hand-picked a back zipper (instead of a side zipper, which always irritates me for some reason).    The following pictures are over-exposed so you can see the fabric a bit more closely: Another, The waistband for me was most troublesome - I made tw...

Dear Readers, Hurray!  I figured out what I was doing wrong with the threading - user error.  I used the wrong needles (I was told that the serger could use "any" sewing machine needle.  Well, I checked the manual and it clearly specifies the needle system number (130/705 H household) and range of size of needles (70 - 90) - I was using jeans and topstitching needles...oops.  Also, I was using cotton thread - the manual specifies the types of thread (polyester, synthetic, darning, wooly nylon) and thread size - and cotton is not mentioned. . . so back to cheap serger thread that works perfectly! During my sewing downtime, I was lusting after some Hotpatterns - please see below . . . I'd love to make a sharp jacket and jeans slacks. . . I don't mind this satchel, either: Pretty sharp - don't you think.  I've got a tons of projects waiting - my next two - I need some quick and easy fixes. . .  Thanks for hanging in there with me . . . 

Dear readers, I apologize for my absence - I am waiting to finish my Burda Sew-Along pants after two muslins - here are the pictures: first, the fabric (waiting patiently on the ironing board), and second, my second Muslin. To be honest, I have been ridiculously busy at work (traveling) but the real reason for my long-awaited UFOs (now!) is that I cannot thread my serger!  Yes,  in the middle of my Pants Sew-Along - I tried to change the thread, but gasp - could not!  I am going to retry tomorrow after waiting a week and acquiring some other thread - but it is very frustrating - I was ready to run out and buy a babylock after those five precious hours of fiddlin' with my Vintage Bernette 334D.  Any suggestions are appreciated. My Janome has also been skipping stiches and I believe, need to be adjusted as well.  Of course! In the meantime I have been: (1) Visiting the 19th Academy of Motion Pictures Costume Design exhibit at FIDM!  Really fun - and pret...