Pocket time!

 This work shirt has two pockets on the bodice fronts. What I do to have matching pockets is fold the hems back and then place them together right sides facing. Make sure they are the exact same size. I then stitch around the pockets, except for the top hem edge, with a  wash away thread in the bobbin and on top. The two pockets are now stitched together. Bring to the ironing board and hopefully a seam roll or wooden dowel and iron open the seams WITH a DRY IRON, NO STEAM. Turn them right side out and iron with the dry iron again, pushing out the nice curves. I use an old wooden spoon for this. Once you are happy with the shape of the pockets, use full  steam and press. Use lots of steam. It will quickly melt the thread and the two pockets will pull apart easily like this. Where the arrow points has not been pulled apart yet. Sorry for the blurs.

Now they are ready to place on the bodice and topstitch down.  I used double sided basting tape to secure them to the bodice. I think it caused an issue. The sleeves are done and all that remains of the bodice is the neck band and collar. I have topstitched and ironed all over with no problems at all, except that the pockets really show something happening near the edges. like a strong show through. Everything else on the shirt looks fine so I am going to attribute it to the wash away tape, give it a wash when completed, and call it a day. I have other topstitched enclosed seams and none look like this. The shirt has been pressed on a thick towel to prevent ridges and that worked everywhere else. Has to be the tape.

I love to try out new things all the time and thought it would be a bright idea to do the topstitching in the variegated jeans thread from Gutterman. NOT. I did samples stitching straight and they look fine but when I did the little zigzags I like to put at corners of pockets or at the top of plackets, etc., it looks really messy.  Instead of a smooth glossy little zigzag, I have what looks like a mess because of the different way the color change picks up the light. I know I'm being uber pickey here but it would have looked better with plain old thread for topstitching. No more TS-ing with variegated threads. None, nada, zilch.

All that is left is the collar and buttons. For buttons I interviewed all sorts, blues, silvers, natural beiges, wood. I am going with the simple dark beige tailored buttons unless something else brilliant comes along. They really did look the best. And with all the buttons I've inherited over the years it's hard to justify a new purchase. This should get done pretty soon and then it's on to another top or two. The wardrobe omissions are calling me.

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And this is someone's not so funny idea of springtime in the Adirondacks. High tomorrow? 4º !!!