Thank you everyone for you kind comments!

I'm going to be busy today but I had to stop and write a sincere thank you to everyone who stopped by my blog to check out my skirt, JCC & coat plans. Thank you very much Alicat, Adrienne, Gwen, Vicki, Bonnie D, Kim, Claire S, Isabelle, Paco, Kbenco & Lorrwill for the kind compliments. The comments mean a lot to me and I appreciate you taking the time to leave a note.

Up on deck for today is my fitting muslin for my class that is technically over. I lost a lot of ground while my computer was on the fritz and then Paul was working a lot of hours so I didn't have a picuture taker.

I'm also going to start one of my JCC items. I'm not sure if the skirt or dress will be first up. Then I need to London Shrink my coat fabric. Let's not talk about the state of my house while I holed up in my sewingroom. ;o)

And I'm off..................

Simplicity 4188 Skirt Review

Well, well there truly are miracles even in this cynical age no matter what anyone thinks. And don't let anyone tell you there isn't a Santa Claus either. ;o) The sky has not fallen in although the "thunk" you may have heard was Paul (DH) passing out.

I finished a UFO (unfinished object) from about 2 years ago and posted (attempted to post) a review at PatternReview. Here's a copy of what I wrote. (actually this is a completely new write up...rant below) I'll be adding a picture of me actually wearing the skirt when my picture-taker (Paul) is home.

It appears that I won't be copying my review into this space as there is some glitch in PatternReview and my review, that I spent 1/2 the night writing disappeared into cyberspace. Annoyed...oh let me count the ways. I should make this a "I hate computers" rant. Ok, temper tantrum over, back to the review of my skirt.

Ok, no promises on this rewrite being as detailed as the one I lost, but here goes........

Pattern Description:

Simplicity 4188 - Claire's description: 8 godet skirt can be made either ankle length (if you are 5'5" like me) or knee length. Simplicity's not too helpful description: Misses' skirts with length variations and belt. Well, then tells you a lot huh?

Pattern Sizing:

8,10,12,14,16 - I sewed a 14. This is a caveat for anyone who does not sew. A 14 is not an indication that I need to lose 40 pounds, although I could stand to take off 10. ;o) Pattern sizing runs completely different from RTW (ready to wear). When I weighted 110-115 lbs I sewed a straight 12 and wore a 4-6 in RTW. Now, back to our review of the pattern.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes, it did. In fact I like my skirt even better. The picture on the envelope was of a rayon skirt and although it was very pretty I think my medium weight, very drapey linen beat the rayon hands down. I already had the longer version cut out. If I were to make this today, I would cut the shorter version, but I have to say the linen really works in the longer version.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

Surprisingly, they were. I didn't have any "huh?" moments. I will add that although this is a very easy skirt to sew one should not attempt it if one is a rank beginner. That is unless you are armed with a good sewing book, and a better ability to learn using only a book than I have. Also, even though the directions are good, there are places they could have been more detailed, but then the expert sewers would complain about "unnecessary wordiness". So, just like at work, you can't please everyone all of the time.

ETA: The reason a beginner should not make this a first attempt is there is a side zipper and all those godets. Again, they are not difficult, but you need some practice.
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I very much liked the pattern. You will go through a lot of thread as there are more seams than I care to count. There are 8 panels, then 8 godets. You do the math since it's late and my brain has shut down. Even if you don't want to do the math, just remember you need at least 2 spools of thread.

• I stay stitched the top of the yoke and the panels (not the godets) to keep them from stretching. I also added stay tape to the top of the yoke to create more stability around my waist and to ensure it didn't stretch out of shape.
• I did end up hand sewing the yoke facing to the skirt as I was not tempting the gods into cooporating if I decided to stitch in the ditch. I knew what would happen and besides a bit of handsewing never hurt anyone. In fact handsewing was suprisingly relaxing, especially when compared to the alternative of ripping out a "stitch in the ditch" attempt. ;o)
• When it came to the hem I did not turn it up twice and stitch. My fabric is fairly heavy and I didn't want the bottom of my skirt to stick out so I turned the hem up once, stitched, and trimmed close to the stitching line.
• Something else I loved, since my fabric molds beautifully, and since my hem was only about 5/8" (give or take an 1/8") I didn't need to run an ease stitch. I cannot begin to tell you how estatic that made me. I've hemmed acres of skirt in the past and it wasn't fun.

Fabric Used:A wonderful medium weight red & offish-white linen. From what I remember this fabric was fairly stiff, but washing and drying 3 times beat it into submission and I ended up with a wonderful piece of yardage that was perfect for this skirt.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't alter anything. I sewed a straight 14. I would recommend a flat pattern measurement of the pieces if you are contemplating this skirt. My linen had some "give" and I wouldn't be surprised if it grew a bit, helping me to get into the smaller size. (I should have cut a 16) Remember my lesson from above, this does not mean I now need to lose 50 lbs. ;o)

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I would sew it again, and yes I'd recommend it to others. If you want a yummy, swishy, girly (but not over the top girly) skirt go for it. You will not be disappointed.

Conclusion:

This was an easy and fun project, albeit a very time-consuming one due to the number of seams and seam finishing. Of course, it would be helpful if I would break out the serger and learn how to use it. This would speed up the construction considerably. Oh well, at least I didn't have to worry about cutting a hole in my skirt with the serger blades. Yup, I'll just keep telling myself that until I get around to firing up the serger. ;o)

I do need a red top to match this skirt. The white one I pulled out to wear with the skirt was way too white and made the skirt look dirty. I couldn't "make it work" or even pretend it worked. Then I pulled out a couple of off-white tops which weren't right either. I ended up wearing a black sweater, untucked, with a white belt. This was "OK" but not great. At least I could pretend this combo worked. ;o)

I did figure out which top I want to make, unless I find a RTW that I can wear with the skirt for now. New Look 6808, View C, which is the pink top with the bow. What!? Did you really think I'd pick a different view without a bow????? ;o) Come on...you know me better than that. At least it won't be pink.......... ;oP

Great Coat Sew-along Timeline

This is the planned timeline for the coat sew-along. Marji spread this out over several months so we can all enjoy the summer and have a life while building our coat. Start May and finish by the end of September.

A Guided Sew-Along
for those who want to construct a winter coat.Construction will begin July 2008, but be incrementally slow enough that you can work on other projects and have a life besides.

Timeline:
May -
Gather materials
June -
Muslin for fit and style, prep fabrics
July -
Begin cutting/mounting/interfacing
Mid July-
Pockets and buttonholes
August -
finish construction of shell, sleeves
Mid to late August -
Construct lining
Sept -
Lining into coat
Goal -
Finish by end of September

I've been tagged for a Meme.......

Bonnie at http://tresbonbabble.blogspot.com/tagged me for the following meme. Now I'm beginning to really feel a part of the sewers blogging community. ;o) The best part is that I get to tag others....hehehe!!!

1) What was I doing 10 years ago?
Working at a bank as the operations manager in the back office of the brokerage department. There were only 4 of us in the backoffice and there were 7 brokers in the field.

Since DH and I don't have kids we gave back to the community by becoming Youth Group Ministers. Yes, indeed...working with 30-40 teenagers, and with 2 other groups in addition to our group. You haven't lived until you've had this many teens thrust upon you at once. ;o) Actually, we loved them dearly.

2.) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today (not in any particular order):
Since my day is just about over, here's tomorrows list:
Have a meeting with one of my direct reports.
Get out of bed and go to work. That's always a challenge. LOL!!!
Get some sewing done
Clean my kitchen
Spend time with DH

3) Snacks I enjoy:
If the snack has sugar in it, then I enjoy it...candy, cookies, cake, and so on...and so on....
Chips
Crackers & cheese
Fruit
Veggies with dip

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Quit my job, but not leave until there is a replacement.
Travel to Europe
Buy a house/condo in Italy and maybe Paris for good measure.
Work with Catholic Relief Services donating money and time to the needs of others.
Pay of the mortgages and student loans of immediate family members and take them traveling with us or send them on a trip.
I would buy my dreamhouse, but it wouldn't be ridiculous in size. 5,000 square feet is a bit ridiculous, but still doable.
Get a maid!!!! and pay her/him well.

5) Places I have lived
That's easy....Connecticut

6.) Jobs I have had:
Since turning 16, Ive only worked for 5 companies. The only reason the number isn't at 3 is one bank was bought out by another and I went to work for them. Then recently our department was eliminated and I ended up in insurance.
Grocery store
Bradlees dept store
Clerk in several positions in a bank: loan servicing, audit, marketing, insurance, brokerage
Manager in a bank brokerage and now in an insurance company

7.) 6 peeps I wanna know more about
I really would like to know something about anyone who stops by here, but for now I'll tag some I've been in contact with lately.
Elle at http://elledechene.blogspot.com/
Gwen at http://afterthedress.blogspot.com/
Carolyn at http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com/
Lorrwill at http://lorrwill.blogspot.com/
Vicki at: http://hongkongshopper.blogspot.com/
Melissa at http://susie-homemaker.blogspot.com/
I'm adding a 7th blog: Kim at http://streamingegans.blogspot.com/

This was fun! Anyone stopping by can consider yourself tagged and please play along.

Thank you for the comments on my coat fabric

Bonnie, Gwen and Lindsay...thank you for stopping by to comment on the coat sew-along and thank you for the compliments on my fabric. I just wish the picture could do it justice. Lindsay, you are so right about cutting into the fabric...just go for it. I do remember reading Ann's post in her blog about cutting into expensive fabric rather than leaving it unused, so I will "go for it" You know, the fabric really is only a waste of money if it goes unused. If I mess it up, at least I attempted to make something.

Bonnie, thank you also for the comment on the fabric I chose for the JCC. I still think I'm crazy to be trying to get all this sewing/fitting/classes all done at once, but hey we only live once, we might as well fly by the seat of our pants from time-to-time. ;o) If you like you can still join us at the SG site. I know you said work got in the way, but maybe you could do one piece?

I'm so happy that there are 70 participants, although I suspect that many will either drop out or just read. There will be quite a few brains to pick and go to for advice. Those of you who already turn out awesome garments I cannot wait to see what you do with this sew-along.

My lining came in today and the heavy-weight muslin has been shipped. I'm sure I'll need interfacing since I'm thinking about using a sew-in instead of a fusible.

Great Coat Sew-along

I will start by thanking Marji for organizing this coat sew-along, which is now closed to anyone new as there are 70 participants. I'll be updating my progress here in my blog since anyone reading, but not participating, will not have access to the coat sew-along blog.

I have made my decision on the fabric and pattern I will be using.
The stars of the show are:

OOP Simplicity pattern # 4403
View C- belted, wrap style


The fabric is a stunning, yummy Michael Kors mohair/angora mix boucle that I bought from a couple of years ago (December 2005 to be exact) from http://www.emmaonesock.com/ . I found the receipt with the fabric and now I'm afraid to cut into the yardage...gasp $45 per yard. I'm eyeing the fabric and trying to convince myself to just "go for it" and forget the price. Carolyn, I might be making a trip to see you if I get stuck. ;o) I do have a beautiful lambs wool in a light camel color, but I really want a red coat.

I ordered a Kasha lining, in black, from Vogue Fabrics and heavy-weight muslin to work out the fitting. I pulled out white flannel yardage to underline the coat. I think I'll need it to keep the fabric from stretching out. I also would like a really warm coat and underlining the mohair will make it more than warm.

Memorial Day Tribute to our Great Country and our Troops

I simply cannot allow this beautiful weekend to pass without a tribute to our troops and our country. Our recessional hymn at Church today was "America the Beautiful" I think this beautiful song sums up our country in a nutshell. Yes, we have our problems...lots of them, but remember what we stand for and yes, in my household that includes God and a belief that we won't resolve our differences without him. (I will rarely (if at all) get political in my blog, but I reserve the right to be religious) ;o)

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America! God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet

Whose stern impassion'd stress

A thoroughfare for freedom beat

Across the wilderness.

America! America!God mend thine ev'ry flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law.

O beautiful for heroes prov'd

In liberating strife,

Who more than self their country loved,

And mercy more than life.

America! America!

May God thy gold refine

Till all success be nobleness,

And ev'ry gain divine.

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears.

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee,

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea.

May God Bless our country and God Bless our troops, both those fighting today and those who fought in every war beginning with the Revolutionary War and every war that followed to ensure our freedom was not compromised. And may God forgive our country its transgressions, stupidity and prejudices while leading us down the path of righteousness.

Now back to sewing....................... ;o)