Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Back on track.....

Ok, the final diagnosis..........two fractured ribs, a punctured lung and a late discovery of a broken collar bone. Now I can start blogging in earnest!

I have had some serious thoughts in the interlude between my introduction and now, about ditching the whole blogging thing due to "not being good enough, and who would be interested anyway?" and of course a certain level of required eloquence, I thought I lacked. Then I remembered my son's bbm to me "Mom I was just thinking, if you're using an online blog as a creative outlet that's awesome and you must keep at it!" Says the one who had much to say as my first model........you can see the grimace on his face in the photo!
Since we are doing alterations to our house, I have had to put my hand-knitted cotton jersey on hold. The offending sleeve was reknitted, and all the pieces are complete, but to find a dust-free area at the moment to block the pieces, is like just not possible. It sounds ridiculous, but I cleaned my pug's nose wrinkle this morning, and all this red dust "surfaced", so believe me, there is nothing that isn't covered in dust.

Just to give myself a boost of confidence, I am going back to January 2011.........a sweet moment indeed. I didn't think I could do it anymore, after a back operation, but here it is.....a lined jacket for Jacques!




 
I used Burda 7690

 
Pattern Description: Unlined casual jacket with diagonal breast and almost vertical waist zippered pockets, front zipper closure with zipper band and studs. Decorative leather waist fastener tabs on the sides finish off the casual look of the jacket.

Pattern Sizing: Euro sizing 44 to 54. I made size 46(36")

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

Were the instructions easy to follow? If I dig back in the memory banks, I don't think I had any hassles. The reason for taking three months to construct the garment was more due to a confidence issue, and aching shoulders (two subsequent shoulder ops now explain my tardiness)

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked the different style lines on the shoulders and sleeves. Unfortunately the effect is mostly lost in the pile of the corduroy.

Fabric Used: An avocado green corduroy and who knows what the lining was - I bought it so long ago!

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I lined the jacket, as my son requested this. Lining a corduroy garment assists in wearing ease and gave the jacket a more structured look. I omitted the waist tabs.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Not in a hurry. I was almost commissioned to make one for a friend of my son's, but could gratefully opt out due to pending shoulder ops. I never raised the subject again! I love to sew for myself and my immediate family - anyone outside of this circle becomes an obligation to sew for, and no longer a joy! Anyway there aren't enough hours in the day to sew for extended family and friends - suits me!

So look at the promised grimace......mmmmm.
You have to notice the label. It was selvalged from an old pair of jeans, until it could rest on just the right garment.....I thought it was the perfect finishing touch.


 
My sewing room is being tiled. No more hands and knees stuff to pick up all those escaping pieces of thread. So a small interruption, but I hope that this first blog reminding me that I really can make something inspires me to keep going..........