Greetings! My name is Peggy and I love to sew (and write, read, go for walks, cook, entertain, etc.) The launch of this blog signifies several new beginnings for me, including my recent relocation to Bend, Oregon, after 34 years in Marin County, California. I love a fresh start; anything is possible.
My primary focus for this blog will be the apparel I make for my adult daughter, Mehetabel (not her real name) and for me. I occasionally sew for others as well--and I'll be making the bridesmaids' dresses for Mehetabel's upcoming wedding. Home dec sewing happens sometimes, too, although it is not my favorite.
What am I working on now? Well, Mehetabel--a high school special education teacher who also team-teaches algebra and English--has requested some outfits to wear with her new brown suede boots. No problem, I thought. Then I looked at my stash. Nary a brown item amongst the stacks. What's a gal to do? Orders were quickly placed to a variety of online fabric stores as well as quick trips to Hancock's and Joann's. To make a long story slightly shorter, I did my bit for the economy.
Mehetabel left it up to me (pretty much) to select styles for her new brown wardrobe, but she did mention that she loves the fit and design of New Look 6150's bateau neckline top with 3/4 length sleeves. She looks fantastic in a pencil skirt, and that would be great if only she stood still all day! She's always on the go: parent/student/administrator meetings, changing classrooms, etc. After some discussion, she decided that mid-calf length A-line skirts would work best with the NL 6150. With those details settled, I got to work.
My first skirt was View B from Vogue 7444 (oop). I've used this pattern for years, and I've lost count of the number of skirts I've made either for me or for Mehetabel.
For the fabric, I used this faux suede from Hancock:
The skirt has an ivory lining, invisible zipper, and hand sewn blind hem. Here's the skirt awaiting a final press:
I chose this fabric for the first project because Mehetabel already has a New Look 6150 in tarragon double knit that will work beautifully with the paisley.
I don't have a photo of the outfit on her yet, but I will post one soon.
Next up: a teal/brown print 6150 with a brown double knit straight skirt (I figure she'll like this straight skirt because there's plenty of stretch).
Thanks for joining me on my sewing journey. ~ Peggy
I found your blog yesterday looking for reviews for M6886 on pattern review and have now read the entire thing! How wonderful that you sew so much for your daughter (who is quite beautiful) I love that you return to tried and true patterns, it doesn't seem that there are all that many who do that in the blog world.
ReplyDeleteI have a sister in law named Marin :-) after your homeplace...
Can you share why it is you prefer to use batiste for underlining?
Welcome to blogging (a year and a half later... ;-)
Tracy
Thank you so much for your kind words, Tracy! I'm delighted that you've enjoyed my little blog.
DeleteSo, the main reason I prefer to underline with batiste is that it is lightweight. When I've underlined with broadcloth, it makes the dress just a little too heavy--especially for a summer dress. I also like to use a poly/cotton blend for the batiste. I think the poly helps the fashion fabric keep from getting too wrinkled (especially if the fashion fabric is all cotton). My preferred batiste is from Hancock--and now they're going out of business!
ahhhh ~ gotcha. Interesting that the poly in the underlining helps w wrinkling in the fashion fabric. There is always so much to learn....
DeleteGuess you'll be buying up bolts of batiste the, huh? ;-)