So, remember that fabric fast for the rest of the year I announced a few weeks ago? I specifically excepted blue velveteen and lining for a planned coat, so I took advantage of that loophole post-haste. Of course, then it immediately plunged below freezing, where it has hovered for the past several weeks (ugh!!!!!), and nothing less than my Inauguration coat will do, so the intermediate (high 30s to mid-40s/about 2-8 degrees C) coat project has been back burnered.
I ordered the velveteen from Fabric.com, thinking velveteen would be a better choice than full velvet because, as I learned in my disastrous foray into a beautiful velvet, I can't have nice things. I carefully read the laundering instructions, which said it could go in the washing machine. So I pre-washed and it came out horrible and crinkled! I was so mad! But then I let it air dry and voila, the nap was restored. Velveteen is definitely a better choice for me.
I got the poly print as a lining, but decided that I don't like it for my blue coat. It will be used a lining eventually for something, so I'm not worried.
The purple knit was not permitted. The product code indicated that it was a Vera Wang poly knit. I bought 10 yards of the nude-colored VW poly knit to use as knit linings and it is wonderful. Although it was priced significantly above the $1.95/yd I paid for the nude, I threw it in. I am planning a Kate Middleton/Issa-inspired dress out of it and the serger is threaded in purple right now so I think I am still within my technicality as I did not allow purchasing for stash purposes. If it gets sewn before getting shelved (yeah, it's still hanging up from the pre-wash a couple weeks ago) it never becomes stash, right?
And why is the serger threaded in purple? Well, it's my mom's favorite color and the holidays are coming up... Stay tuned.
=======================
As I mentioned in my frenzy of sewing and posting the last couple weeks, I was working on an entry for the PR Endless Combinations contest. Each item had to match with one of the other items in the set, and there could be no isolated pairs. I am very proud of myself for sticking with a sewing plan for 4 garments in a row (the pink knit print top and dress were bonuses I didn't have in the plan). Seriously, this is sewing willpower that is seldom seen on my end. It was a monthlong contest but I lost two weekends with Thanksgiving travel and cookie baking, so I was glad to have six pieces. I have since finished another top to go with the skirt, but it might not get blogged until next year.
Voting is now open in the contest gallery, which I recommend you check out. There were some truly prolific participants!
.jpg)
16 comments:
Your wardrobe turned out really nice! And congrats on being able to stick with your plan for that long-- I have trouble sewing that many coordinating things in a row!
Great set of fun clothes! You've inspired me to consider another PR challenge for next year. Your fabric embargo sounds like mine: I get very clever at working the gray area between "it's for a project" and "stash" to my advantage.
Your pieces coordinate so well. I love the colourway-vibrant yet cozy. Great job as always.
Angela
I agree-velvet is mean and scary, velveteen is soft and lovely :)
Nice job on your wardrobe! I'm eager to see your Middleton dress; it's a style I think could look good on a whole range of people, and could be a great LBD (in any color!).
Your wardrobe is terrific. I love how you have used happy colours without looking super casual. I am also in awe of your combination photo with all the line drawings. It makes it so easy to see which patterns you have used.
Love your endless combinations.
Wonderful color selections.
Sticking with a plan for an entire month is admirable indeed :-). I don't think I'd be capable of it. And the results are very good!
So do you feel enough work-winter-topped yet? It is frustrating when you sew for normal conditions and you get snow upside the head to such an unreasonable degree. If you give in to the urge and sew enough to last through a Finnish winter, you'd be so over-prepared in following years as to look like you never planned at all. Sigh.
As to 2 weeks hanging, that's short-term stash. But if you buy it, it's stash, I regret to say. Not that anyone will be casting any stones about it, don't worry.
I love your wardrobe - well done! I am incapable of sticking to a plan, having sewing attention deficit disorder. I love your color choices.
Velveteen is much easier to sew than velvet. Let's hope it warms up a little :)
Love your wardrobe! My New Years resolution is to make more of my own every day clothes. Jean, t-shirts & sweatshirts are o.k... but it would be nice to have better every day wear.
You've inspired me! Now I just need the time...
Merry Christmas!
In the middle of Christmas shopping this week I somehow found myself clicking "purchase" to a cart of fabric at FabricMart. So, IMHO, I think you should consider your fabric purchase a holiday gift to yourself and therefore exempt from any vows. (This is what I am doing, and it seems to be the perfect remedy to any guilt.)
The mix n match wardrobe came out great!
I was thinking of buying velveteen in place of velvet too. Glad it worked for you!
Hi Trena.- Only wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. My best wishes for another year full of happy sewing ...!!!
Merry Christmas Trena. Wonderful set you made.
Kudos to you for adhering to a cool pan and creating a new wardrobe that is full of pizazz!
I love those Burda patterns, that wrap top looks a lot like a Donna Karan jacket in her spring 2010 collection. Great job.
Post a Comment