Sunday, October 16, 2011

What I'm Working on And What in the World Should I Make Next?

Hello all my lovely readers! I thought that I'd give you all a peek into what I'm currently working on. I feel like I have been sewing it forever, since I have finished every single seam with a zig-zag stitch. I so want a serger! It would be such a wonderful Christmas present, mom.....

Now, let's take a peak at the pattern and my fabric, shall we?



I am making the short version of the jacket. The outer fabric is some sort of synthetic suiting that I picked up from a thrift store for about $2 and the lining is a crisp white taffeta lining acquired from fabric.com.
Let me just say, taffeta is not your friend when trying to sew. It looks nice and crisp as a lining once it's all sewn up and  is very reasonably priced, but the actual sewing process will have your cursing. You have been warned fellow seamstresses!

I hope to have this all sewn up by the weekend, but I do have a bit of hand sewing to do, so don't hold your breath. 

Now, let's move onto to what I should sew up next. Like most seamstresses, I am always ten sewing projects farther along in my head than on my actual sewing machine. So, here is your chance to play a part in what I sew up next!

First up is this modern McCall's modern jacket pattern. I have a few yards of this lovely camel colored coating, but I would have to acquire some lining fabric for this. What color would you line this with? I really really like fun, bright linings.
Pros: I would have a super cute and unique coat for winter.
Cons: I'm not 100% sure I want to take on another lined and time consuming project right away.
 Next up is this vintage Simplicity pattern, and I'd be making the dress. If you've been reading this blog for a while you know that I've, ahem, attempted to sew this dress up once already. Shoddy, and rushed, construction and an unfortunate incident with the iron led to it's eventual trip to the trash though. Enough time has passes though that I think I'm ready to tackle it again.
Pros:  A super cute and fitted dress that should sew up in a reasonable amount of time since it isn't lined.
Cons: I am almost positive I don't have a zipper that matches so I would have to make a trip to Joann's. Also has a pretty tricky back kick pleat that could cause a bit of frustration.

Next we have another modern McCall's pattern, this time for a cute fitted dress. The outer fabric would be this lovely stone colored cotton poplin and the hot pink broadcloth is for the lining. I told you I like fun linings! Plus, I still have yards of the stuff even after making a super full dress and a skirt. It might be the best $2 I've ever spent. 
Pros: I've been dreaming about this particular dress for a while and would love to be able to actually wear it soon. 
Cons: A full lining is not going to make for an instant gratification project. I could also run into some potential fitting issues since I envision this dress being quite fitted. 

Last but not least we have this Vogue skirt that I've already cut out. I cut out the one in the top right hand corner that has six button embellishments on the front.The outer fabric is a thick, synthetic, thrifted, navy blue suiting and the lining is the remaining piece of white taffeta lining from my aforementioned jacket. 
Pros: It's already cut out which saves me an almost guaranteed back ache from hovering over the table. I already have all the needed notions.
Cons: I have to put up with sewing the mean taffeta again. I don't think I have any top that will match this currently in my wardrobe so it wouldn't be immediately wearable.
I'd love to have your input dears readers! What should I tackle after I finally finish my jacket?

P.S. I've added some more patterns to my Etsy shop, so check it out! I have lots more to add soon!

4 comments:

  1. I would do the dress or the skirt, I agree lining things gets very tiring and takes more time. SOmetimes if the kick pleat is annoying, I just make a back slit instead. Lazy, but an idea!

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  2. I totally know what you mean! I made a lined coat for my sister and wanted to make something fast and easy, but I also needed a warm coat to wear to an event inside the coldest arena in the world (I am not kidding - I am making a fully lined coat to wear inside!). I am also at the stages of sewing on buttons and finishing the hems. Must get done this week. After this I want some fast projects.

    My vote is for the skirt since you have it cut already. It is almost like the project is half done!

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  3. I vote for the dress or the skirt. I have both patterns and can't wait to see them made up. Plus, I love your pink lining. :)

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  4. I have eyed that McCall jacket pattern for a while so can't wait to see yours done!

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