Let the Weekend Sewing Begin!

Thank God for a long weekend. I need to de-stress!  That means that with the exception of church and any errands I run afterward, I plan to be a hermit for three straight days.

So what's on the agenda? As usual, sewing and cleaning. I need to work on the next muslin for HP1133 and I want a quick project. The quick project was going to be a top, but on second thought ...

Anyhoo.  Here's the latest HP1133 muslin.  This is my second-ever neckband and boy, do I need practice. I've been doing some research on Craftsy. I will sew it in flat next time.

Alterations thus far include raising the neckline at CB 5/8" and getting the shoulder seams in the right place. I had to raise the front shoulder seam and lower the back shoulder seam 1"

I guess I need some armhole and sleeve shaping. The great thing about HotPatterns is that Trudy hosts a group on Facebook for pattern help and advice.

This is the right side, where Big Sis lives. Sorry about the blurry image.

From the left, with Little Sis. Am I the only person with different sized girls? I feel like my bras are too small for one and too big for the other. (I'll deal with the pool of fabric over my rear later. I'm working my way down the garment.)

High Hopes

Today would be so awesome if:

• I sew the HP1133 muslin and post it on FB for comments and fitting tips
• I figure out and make some progress on a quick-win project. Kinda thinking about V8723. 

It has been 80+ degrees in Chicago for two days in a row. Maxi dresses appeared like blooming flowers all over downtown. I'm trying to fight the urge to start one because I want something I can wear to client meetings. Just checked the weather and the high is 56 today, so now I'm all confused. 

I'm gonna have another cup of tea and fool around on Craftsy before making any commitments :-)

Pieces and Parts

Slow progress. Everything is cut and staystitched. I just need to assemble ;-) My hope for this muslin is that I finally got the shoulder seams in the right place and neckline in order. Then, I can move on to bust this weekend.

I did put a good tip into practice -- sewing with paper to keep the fabric from shifting. Worked like a dream. I know folks cut bias project out on paper, I wonder if that would help with knits too. My only concern is cutting through paper with my good scissors.

Love and Hate

I am on my fourth round of changes and third muslin for HP1133. As frustrating as it is to go through the fitting process, I enjoy this necessary evil. I like the detective work involved with diagnosing the issue and the finding a solution. I love making alterations to the paper pattern.

What I don't like is layout, cutting and especially marking. If I had a more sophisticated sewing space with a real cutting table, I MIGHT like it more.  I've done the best I can to outfit my dining table, but it still feels makeshift and uninspiring.  So much so that I will always take a nap before I cut fabric!  How sad is that? No matter how good the tea, Netflix or sewing videos, I can't charge right into cutting. If I'm working with a jersey, forget it. I think it's because no matter how hard I try to prevent it, one of the layers shifts during the process.

Once I get into my sewing room, life at the sewing machine is okay. I love choosing the right presser foot, but I'm not as proficient as I'd like to be at running the machine. I know I'll get better with time.

What I love, love, love is pressing! Other than hoarding fabric and patterns, it's the best part of sewing. I am such a geek about all of the tools. I get so excited when I watch the power of steam.

All of of this leads to euphoria until I try the muslin on and realize there's more work to do. Then it's time for a second nap!

Well,  I've procrastinated enough. Time to start cutting.