Sewing Vloggers

Sunday, April 14, 2013

Overdressed?

Well not in that I wore pearls and heels to weed the garden type of overdressed. No. But these pants are straight out of the book "Overdressed" by Elizabeth Cline.


For those of you who may be curvey, hour-glassey petites, Gloria Vanderbuilt makes the "Amanda" jean. It actually clings to the lower back and gives you a brief moment where you say, "am I just imagining that swayback issue I have?" They also have this actually yummy elastic used in the waist construction that would suck any smallish sewist right up to the cash register. It appears to be a design that started out as a great idea but now look what has happened.

 
View of the side seam as it lovingly caresses my ankle. Now that hangs straight down form my side waist doesn't it?

Here's the other leg. It wants to kiss my toes with it's side seam.


Then there is  trying to iron the dang things. Yes, I iron my jeans. We are allowed to wear them to work as long as we look put together, no sloppy jean look, so I iron them. Well, leaving them laying in the dryer for a couple days on end also inspires my ironing. Ironing these pants is a twist and shout dance routine. 

OK, Gloria V., we know you are extremely proud of your boy Anderson, but can we show a little pride in the cutting of your jeans? please? You've got the fit Ok. Don't spoil it with trash cutting. I really want to buy more. And that trick you do that shows a perfectly straight on grain pair of jeans when I try them on in the dressing room? I'm on to you. With each wash they twist more and more. I think they are trying to twist their way back to China. Should I write A.C. about this issue? He's always "just keeping them honest." Maybe he'll make an honest woman out of you?...............
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My next project is in the hopper. The seersucker shirt is spinning in the dryer hopefully regaining is blistery little seersuckers after having the bejeepers ironed out of them. Crossing my fingers for the moment I open the dryer looking for those tiny bubbles.  A good thing:


The buttonholes were perfection. Do you think I need a new BH attachment?  You can see where I have literally worn down the template. Duct tape holds it together as it has a crack across. There must be a place I can find after a night of googling that will mail me a new one. Got to check that out. Love this machine even if it weighs two tons and is half as old as I am. It makes the best BHs I have ever seen.
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Here is the next project. the fabric is a "quilting cotton". Ackkkk, I hear you gasp.I am still doing a bit of gasping myself but I wanted to sew a batik something for the summer and this one appealed to me. It has a nice soft hand, even after washing and drying so I think it will be fine. It will also be lined with a cotton batiste. I couldn't face a poly lining for anything outside of February, just too hot and sweaty. I think the batiste will be just right. The dress will be ANOTHER Marcy Tilton. Hey, stop throwing those tomatoes at me. I know I am a glutton for punishment but don't add to it, please. I just really love her designs. Since the big issue seems to always be the neckline upper chest area I think this one will be alright with it's mucho seams and draw string collar. I am still in the air over whether it will be sleeveless or cap sleeves. Maybe we'll mock up both ways and see what looks best. The pattern is Vogue, Marcy's home base, and number
8876. 
This just looks like a really comfy summer dress that will be great for work. Can't wait to get started...

Thanks, everyone, for all the kind wishes and congratulations about our anniversary. It was spent quietly and lovingly and your warm thoughts were taken to heart......Bunny

9 comments:

  1. Love my Amanda jeans. Just bought two pair for a song at a big box store. Stretch something. Haven't tried to iron them.

    Keep up the great work!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's the washing that will show their off-graininess. Mine started out looking pretty good.

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  2. I have that same batik- and I also bought it for a garment. Maybe a top? Great minds think alike. Though I am too quick to buy what is pretty and too slow to decide what to make when I get it home.

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  3. I just bought the book "Overdressed", I haven't read it yet, but I do understand your frustration with ready to wear and the declining quality. Recently, I found a denim skirt with a care label of dry clean only. For me it signaled a quality issue, seriously dry cleaning denim...

    Christiana
    sewamusing.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure. You will enjoy "Overdressed". It's message is one everyone should hear, not just fashionistas and sewists. It will make you so proud that you sew and know what quality is. The people shoving cheap clothing down our throats haven't got a clue.

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  4. I usually notice this twisting in the arms of long sleeved t shirts. It drives me nuts.
    I love the picture of your button hole attachment. It must be fabulous because it has certainly been well used! Nothing like a great tool that has been loved.
    I can see why you are trying a quilting cotton for the dress. The one you found has a very appealing print and will work great with the dress. Also, it's tough to find nicer cottons with just the right print. The quilting world is well catered for compared to garment sewing. I have this pattern myself and cannot find the right fabric to give it a try.

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  5. I remember my Kenmore sewing machine - it was the first machine that I owned as a young, married woman - great machine! I wore out my entire machine!!!

    I need to get that book and read it. I hate all these cheaply made clothes.

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  6. Try e bay for a new buttonholer. I just ordered fabric for that dress, though it's a ways down the list! Can't wait to see yours.

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