Christine's Fishin' Hat

Christine asked for a hat like the one I have been wearing, mine is pretty goofy, but I'm getting known for them soooo...

The hat is made from a Kwik Sew pattern #2236 view B. And almost one old pair of blue jeans. I had to be creative to get the brim pieces out of the jeans, all but one of the hat panels was on the straight of grain. I didn't use a whole pair of jeans, but I used all I had left of this pair.



I made mine about 10 years ago when I knew much less about sewing than I know now and there were things I didn't really like about it, so I fixed it for Christine's.

The pattern asks you to sew all the pieces together and then finish with seam binding. Here is a pic of my old hat:


I've never liked this, so this time I left a part of the panel open on the inside to turn everything thru:


My new hat inside looks like this:


I'm very pleased with the result.

Finished side view:


Finished front view:


The hat is cute, unfortunately I can't sell this particular style hat because it is made from a copyrighted pattern. I do think that the top of the hat is a little poofy, so if I did make a pattern of my own I would fix that. I think the hardest part will be to get the brim with the correct curve. I'll have to go to the mall and look at some hats see if I can't figure it all out and draft one myself!

Vintage Windbreaker Repair

Outside Repair
Originally uploaded by Diane Slade Inc

I have this beautiful vintage windbreaker up on etsy.

When I was getting the measurements, I discovered that the side seam stitching was unraveling.

The jacket was sewn with a serger and chain stitch, if the chain stitch gets dinked at all the whole thing comes out. I don't know what caused the problem, but I went all the way down the side twice to fix the problem. And just because I'm not sure what caused the problem initially, I did the other side for safe keeping.



My thread *is* orange, but doesn't match the jacket. The repair is neat though and doesn't show on the outside.

Busy-Busy

Things have been pretty busy around here. I made 19 more garments for Christine on top of my regular stuff and I'm working hard to straighten things up. I'm going to have to write more about Christine's patterns, she is doing some really great stuff and I really learned a lot.

I'm in the process of moving my workspace from the basement to the upstairs. This is an undertaking because the upstairs has been used as storage space. I'm very suprised at how much I've collected over the years. I'm definately a pack rat.

I've been working hard at purging things, but I've still got to sort thru a bunch of sewing supplies. I'm trying to convince myself to sell some of these wonderful things in my ecrater store and on etsy. I do have to, though, there is just too much right now for me to use in the near future.

I have also cleared out a bunch of clothing that I was saving for reconstruction or refashioning. That was hard but necessary to move the workspace, I can get more later when I'm ready. I have saved all the jeans though! I have enough to keep me busy for quite a while.

I'm looking forward to having the workspace upstairs, I've been in the basement for 10 years and I'm tired of it. It is nice and cool in the summer, but I'm ready to make that sacrafice (besides there is air conditioning!) in order to have sunshine in my life!

Invisible Zippers in Sew News Magazine

Thank You Rosebud!
Originally uploaded by Diane Slade Inc

I've talked several times about my great class at the American Sewing Expo in Novi, Michigan last year. I haven't been able to give specific details about the things I have learned because obviously I didn't invent the techniques myself.

This most recent Sew News Magazine, March 2008, features Rosebud and a detailed How-To of Islander Sewing Systems Invisible Zipper Insertion on page 17. She goes thru Hand control, Preparation and Insertion, all the way to adding a Facing or a Lining.

Its a great way to get an introduction to the technique without spending the big bucks for the Easy Zippers! DVD by Janet Pray and Rosebud, though I think I should splurge. I learned 3 zippers techniques in my class, invisible, lapped and a standard, but I know that there are a few more in the DVD I could use some tips on!

The last Threads Magazine, January 2008, also featured Rosebud on pg. 65. They did the Lapped Zipper in Threads. Its another great presentation worth a look and learn.

So, I went to an Estate Sale.

Child Dressform
Originally uploaded by Diane Slade Inc

I'm not supposed to be going to Estate sales because I'm supposed to be decluttering here. BUT, my cousin called and told me that it had Dressforms! I need (want) another woman's dressform, I like to see the projects I'm working on hanging on them. And I always seem to have one less than I need.

This estate sale did not have a woman's form, but it did have this child's form. I didn't have a child's form!! So, now I do.... Hurray!

I also bought 6 vintage shirts to sell on another venue. Sigh, an addict!

I won Third Place!

Hurray! My stuff I sent to the red thread studio in Virginia won Third place!

My Entries for the Project Runway Style Challenge at the red thread studio!

Last Wednesday I sent out 3 garments, my $5.00 entry fee and return shipping for the Project Runway Style Challenge at the red thread studio in Virginia.

Angelia will have pictures of all the entries at her blog.

I sent my favorite skirt,made from 4 pair of blue jeans. I think she'll travel the world!



A skirt made from 1 pair of jeans.



And a newly reconstructed sweater.




I can't wait to see how it all turns out....