Dress for a Windy Day

Until a dress form is mine, the only way to show this is to photograph it on the body. (For a shy person that's scary.) There are gathers at the shoulder and at the base of the bodice. The skirt wraps, with a generous overlap. The day was mighty windy--potentially embarrassing weather for a wrapped dress-- Fortunately, the dress is designed with gusts considered.

(Wrap-around dress, cotton/lycra , 2009)

Orchid Wool

Fall covering; Wool jersey.

1920's Romper; Cotton/lycra., 2009)

On a hanger this sweater was difficult to photograph. Here the front draping is more obvious. The material is a cashmere-like, delicate wool knit. After making the first version in black (below), the sleeve pattern was altered to create more fitted sleeves. When it was chilly a couple nights ago layering the two sweaters worked well, providing warmth.

The dress underneath was sewn a month ago. Both the dress and sweater use knitted fabric. To some degree it is a different process to sew knits than to work with woven fabrics. I use zigzag stitches a lot for knits, trying out variations for different materials.

Fall Covering; Wool knit, 2009

Update: A year later, the possibility of placing the sweater on a dress form! 

Corduroy Mystery

Made a jacket in corduroy. The two pieces of cloth from which it was assembled looked identical before pre-washing then turned slightly different shades of beige and rose when laundered. Solved the issue by using one piece for the sleeves, the other for the body of the garment. Will draft a pattern for longer sleeves (although the 3/4 length is nice....hum). Making a covered button was a first and for some reason very happy-making.

(Three-quarter length jacket with covered button, cotton, 2009)

Slow Clothes

There's a slow food movement; I will call the project to make the majority of clothing I wear slow clothes.

Mass-produced clothing, like fast food fills a hunger and need, yet is non-durable and wasteful. Home sewn garments, similar to home cooked foods are made with care and sustenance. In a sense clothing can be nourishing.

Newly made for cooler weather. Been wearing this daily. Planning to make another. Layers!

(Knee length cover:  wool, 2009)