Addiction Equals Acquisition

Moving about in a daze describes yesterday. Even though I slept well on Monday night, I didn't have enough energy for anything too exuberant. Luckily, I'd booked Tuesday off. I've found it's a lot better to give myself an extra day before and after a trip to get ready and to recover than to go right back to work. This time, I worked the day before due to the new job. Next time, I'll make sure I book it off too.




I learned an interesting tidbit about Vogue patterns. When there is JUST a line drawing on the envelope, the pattern has NEVER been test sewn. When there is a sewn garment, ONLY the view sewn has been tested. That's another reason to appreciate the reviews at PatternReview.com.




The same may or may not be true of other pattern lines. I don't know. With KwikSew 3474, there are only line drawings on the pattern envelope however, at the website, there is also a sewn version. Kathy had a model of this garment sewn up in batik at the Snip & Stitch. I was able to try it on and while I'd prefer a softer fabric, it looked quite good.

Remember the $300.00 dress that I tried on at the dress shop in Nanaimo, the one that had possibilities even though it was too tight? The bodice was sewn with multiple seams like KwikSew 3520. This pattern would be a great starting point for recreating the look. Here's the...




... not so flattering picture of the dress on me. I wanted to see how the skirt portion looked with my hips and it was better than I'd imagined. At the bottom, the seams form a box pleat that is attached to a band. On the sides, there are straps that lift the edges. My version would have a higher neckline and sleeves. It might even be "winterized".



I happened to glance at the KwikSew catalogue while Caroline was flipping through it. She was on this page - 3781 - and all I could think was - I - Want - That - Pattern. Isn't it fabulous? The fabric suggestions are for cotton, cotton types, taffeta, linen, silk, and shantung. I have some crinkle taffeta that I could try it out with. Here's...




... the technical drawing. I think this would be a lot of fun to sew especially if you played with print fabrics - like stripes - or with edge finishes for the frill. Still thinking about it.





I probably would have skimmed right over KwikSew 3827 if it hadn't been for the...

... multiple seams on the back. Version A with it's soft collar appeals to me the most. The sleeves have elbow darts for a nicer fit. Fabric suggestions are linen, cotton types, twill, corduroy, denim, suitings, jacquard, and suede cloth. I'm debating something softer because, as you know, I don't wear jackets. I'd like mine to be more of a sweater version. Maybe I'll use that sweatshirt like fabric that I picked up at Fabricana. The seam lines would help to break up the bold print and show the colors more.



Burda 7532 seemed like a good skirt for my figure type and the new length. It's has similarities without all the pleats which would add considerable weight to my hips. I'd like to try it with one of the cotton voiles from Fabricland and perhaps with the paisley lace with exposed seams on the outside.

All the fabric is washed and dried and ready to be put away. There are fifteen new pieces. Counting them made me shake my head. Fifteen? Really? What was I thinking? I wasn't thinking. Addiction faced with fabric equals acquisition not rationalization - especially fabric on sale.

Talk soon - Myrna

Grateful - a day to sew and a daughter who reads my blog daily even though she doesn't sew. LOVE YOU Sweetie.