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And while I have you distracted, I will sneak in some recent fabric acquisitions. Although, I have to say, I am proud of my sustained restraint when it comes to fabric buying this year! Maybe I really have turned over a new leaf. But I shouldn't get self-congratulatory yet; I have historically had good restraint the first half of the year and then go nuts the second half. But my new technique of needing to be able to visualize a specific project for the fabric helps.
This fabric was a gift from a dear friend who is working in Africa this year. It's a wax print that I know is genuine because it still has the wax in it! I'm going to have to figure out how to launder that out. She has become the expat expert on Monrovia's fabric market and has had so many gorgeous outfits made while there. I can't wait to see them all when she finally returns home! The fabric is sold in 3 yard cuts, so I have plenty here. Any pattern ideas?
For this fabric, I must take full responsibility. When Cidell and I visited Michael's/A Fabric Place in February, he had just put out a whole table of gorgeous silk jerseys. They were priced around $24/yd and I just couldn't pull the trigger. But when I heard through the grapevine that he had recently put the silk jerseys on sale on his website, my ears perked up. Alas, the butterfly print I'd fallen in love with was long gone, but Cidell picked up this beautiful print for me at half price. It's probably just as well, as this print is more professional (to the extent that a bright print is ever professional!). It will become a fabulous wrap dress in the luxurious style of DVF, using Butterick 5454. I will try to figure out how to get a bigger underlap, though.Now I really can't buy any more fabric until I do some sewing! I have made one dress and a helmet cover since I got back from the Netherlands, that's it! I have been so busy every weekend. I haven't spent a Saturday night at home in 6 weeks and it shows in my sewing. I cut out a nightgown two weeks ago and haven't even started constructing it. Well, that is going to change this weekend. It is a weekend of me and sewing! Or at least a weekend of sewing up the freaking nightgown already.
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23 comments:
Just finished listening to the pod cast on Podbean and I wanted to let you know it was a great discussion. So enjoyed hearing you and Cidell talk about Burda/sewing. What I really enjoyed was hearing why you chose what styles of garments to sew. this is my first year of being a Burda subscriber (before this is was just randon copies purchased at the book seller) and eventhough I agree with what the two of you said about Burda (poor english website, difficult tracing, rehashing of some patterns) I still 'love' what they are offering evne if I do't sew anything from an edition I do find the magazine inspirational to motivate me to keep sewing. Anyway, great podcast - looking forward to 'hearing' you and Cidell in the future. Thank you.
I thoroughly enjoy your blog and all the cute, colorful dresses you sew. We redheads look best in clear colors. Also appreciate your details of problem solving construction and fitting issues. Keep 'em coming.
Karen in Houston
I always enjoyed your podcasts! Some fabric dreaming to do while in the barn doncha know. Hope you get some sewing time this weekend, even if it is only a nightgown!
I know how to get the wax out! A warm iron + a brown paper bag works like MAGIC. Just keep moving the paper as it soaks up the wax (which happens instantly) until you don't pick up any more. This also works on carpet and even wood (ask me how I know! I'm a clumsy candle burner).
I second Allison's iron and brown paper technique. I think that fabric would make a great tunic or shift dress. I am off to listen to your podcast. :-)
That was fun to listen to! I followed along with my magazines :)
I'm a recent subscriber to Burda and I was wondering why the pattern sheets were so difficult. Glad to know it's not just me.
I don't think fabric that people buy you should count. (That's how I justify it...)
I second the tunic idea for the pretty blue and white fabric...or a tunicky dress like that Simplcity Cynthia Rowley pattern. I love that silk jersey too. Also loved your podcast - don't wait two years for your next one!
That wax print would be great for the "Prison Matron Chic" pattern you posted a week or two back - especially with that red obi belt! Don't know if the drape would be right or not. Or a cute little jacket with a tiny red print as contrast binding or trim. Or a classic shirtdress ... or a fun little sundress like V8723. Dang, now I want to sew something!
My theory is that if you don't keep buying pretty fabric when you see it, the what-was-i-thinking fabric multiplies and takes over the stash.
I love that silk print. I wonder if there is any left......
I loved the podcast....
I listened to the podcast tonight, it was over way too soon, please do more!
That silk jersey is absolutely fabulous, BTW. Little jealous over here.
Love,love,love your podcast. One a year is definitely not enough. I even renewed my subscription to Burda because of it. I too have been dissatisfied with Burda in the last year,I'll give it one more try. Please consider doing more podcasts.It could be the adventures of Cidell and Trena,biking, sewing, Burda etc!!!
Loved the podcast! It was like being in the room with you two.
I've only been subscribing to Burda the last 6 months, but have been buying the older ones on Ebay. I have to say that I do like the one feature about the new Burda where they show a little drawing of the item to sew next to the description info. That does make it easier to find what part of the outfit that there's a pattern for... Other than that, I've only made two things from them so far. I hope to do more soon.
Hello,
I'm a fairly recent reader of your blog (it's awesome, by the way), and I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your podcast. It was great to listen to while sewing, and just as much fun as reading your blog. I don't subscribe to Burda, but I looked up all the styles you talked about. I must say, I agree completely about the giant sacks!
Sweet wax print! It'll be interesting to see how it ages.
Grrr I will not subscribe to Burda. This reminded me of the NPR skit on SNL. You two are hilarious keep up the good work!
LOVED the podcast - I don't think I had found your blog yet the last time you did one. Oh, and the top looks WAY better without all kinds of stuff hanging off it.
Thanks for doing another podcast! Such fun looking at the patterns together.
For myself, I have to say - I really prefer downloading specific patterns, over tracing from the mag. So...I think that's a major step in the right direction for Burda. I agree, the implementation of the change could be better tho.
sheri
I love the podcast! Even though I don't subscribe to Burda and probably won't anytime in the near future, I love listening to you and Cidell talk about sewing. It sounds like you two have a good time, and it's infectious!
-catherine
Are you kidding? of course I want to hear more !!! so much fun to listen to you two talk sewing (while I am silently cutting out fabric).
Yes - more podcasts. How about discussing other patterns companies? do you ever sew Vogue - I have lots of opinions so if you ever want a guest - call me :)
Also, your friendship comes through on the podcast, very nice.
I just listened to the podcast. And the older ones. Yes! Make it more! I'm sewing from Burda more than from other magazines, so I really enjoy listening to other people's opinions about what they want to make!
And yes, I am overseas (Russia)! So, you are officially an international podcast! And put it on iTunes please, so we can download it and hear it on iPods!
How much is the subscribtion on Burda in US? I buy it in the stores, it costs me $4-5. I don't like to subscribe because even though it is cheaper, it comes 3 weeks later than in stores. I'm impatient!
And why you don't subscribe to Patrones or La Mia Boutique?
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