NPRINS

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 ...

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 w...

Dear readers, Hooray - a new Japanese fabric and yarn store only a mile from my house!! I'm so happy!! Now, I have to get the word out!  The owner, Kelly is fantastic - and has run an successful Japanese fabric internet business for quite some time now (over 6 years) - check out Super Buzzy  - I'm just thrilled she has a store front on Main Street.  If fact I've bought from them online - and she has the best selection of Japanese fabrics - I've even purchased from her before. I bought some fabrics with the intention of making and posting some pictures of bright summer shirts/dresses! Extra wide cotton Soft Gauze (linen cotton) In all honesty - I'm happy our little hippy beach town of Ventura is inspiring artful entrepreneurs to start up their own shops!! This made my day!

Dear readers, I am an impatient quilter and am happy to be finished.  It was a beautiful day today (but cool) down at Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura.  Since I have the day off - I headed down to take some pictures:  The quilt is just sewn and remains unwashed.  Of course I did sew it using steam pressing (against my local quilt shop owner's wishes).  It should look even better when washed!  I could have designed some abstract design on the back - but was simply too lazy:)  If it was a bit warmer I could have stayed out all day.  Wonderful breeze.  Our little bridge connected the two beach state parks in Ventura.  Close up of the straight line stitching.  Not perfect.  But I enjoy the imperfections. The Bernina 430 is really as good as they say for quilting - a beautiful stitch.  I think the all metal insides make a big difference - especially in the bobbin. Wow!  I wish I were in the water.  I'm a bit fatigued ...

Dear readers, I am certainly in love with some of the the new Marfy designs - although I have not sewn with them yet. First - here are some of my favorites for Spring/Summer: Marfy 2540:  A wonderful coat - I'd love to make this. Marfy 2763 - Color blocking - so in this year and traditionally this style is flattering on me - I can see this in a sporty type of wicking fabric for the summer.  Marfy 2798:  I again, love the suggested color-blocking - and I am dying to make an off-the-shoulder dress such as this.  Marfy 2828:  I love the cowl top -  It just looks so comfy. Now, I use a custom flat pattern (or sloper) for my body to modify the patterns.  So, the no hem allowance, no seam allowance, pre-cut isn't seemingly a big deal.  With Marfy (as I understand it) you must also figure out how it goes together (which is fine with me) - that is to say - no directions.  They are apparently Italian high fashion patterns that are for the "experienced...

Dear readers, I've been halfway through finishing the quilt for about a week - overloaded with work concerns right now. I'm ready to finish and engage on more clothing related work (and perhaps some bicycle accessories) . . . Here are the pictures of where I'm at - as you can see I'm using the straight line quilting method to retain the modern geometry of the quilt: Hope all is well for you!  I hope to finish today or no later than the end of the week! Happy April 1st!

Dear readers, While on a quilting break - I returned to my regularly scheduled program of making clothes, in this case some panties.  I enclose the picture for muslin purposes only.  I cut out a medium - using a jersey knit for a muslin.  Result:  Ridiculously too big. Please ignore the awful execution - I sewed them for muslin purposes only to check sizing.  I made them using Kwik Sew 3881, the hipster version (middle of the column on the right).  Horrible on my hips -  so I'm headed back to the drawing board for alterations.  I will also check the stretch content.  Perhaps my jersey had a bit too much stretch (I believe this pattern calls for 25% stretch).   I cut the M but seemingly a S or XS may be appropriate.  On  positive note - these go together really fast. I am studying execution styles for undies once I get these right.   Apparently, according to Singer's guide to sewing lingerie - there are three techniques you...