tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21325338093209624512024-02-21T02:24:48.129-05:00Clio & PhineasNow with a side of Taco!Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.comBlogger1029125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-48655987606020515612018-12-03T15:54:00.000-05:002018-12-03T15:54:06.709-05:00Metallic + Brocade = Sapporo Coat Frosting!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Oh wow how I love this coat!!<br />
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When I first laid eyes on the Sapporo Coat, my heart literally skipped a beat. So if you do not like superlatives, then you should just skip this post altogether.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://papercutpatterns.com/collections/sakura/products/sapporo-coat">Sapporo Coat by Papercut Patterns</a></i></td></tr>
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This coat is one of those patterns that has some kind of special magic to it. The shape and proportions are sublime. The front seam lines also create visual shape. I am not generally into over-sized styles, but the Sapporo Coat is not shapeless. The cocoon shaping is intensely flattering on a lot of women.<br />
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When I first saw it I had thoughts of sewing in, even though it took a while. I found this rayon and metallic brocade at MetroTextiles and later bought silver kasha to line it with. </div>
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The drafting is superb. Some of the wonderfully drafted features include a mitered hem and lining that goes together so simply and neatly that is seems like magic. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Magic!</i></td></tr>
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I did make a few changes. The coat only comes in three sizes. When I first muslined this coat, I tried a straight size S/M, which is the middle sized option and encompassed my measurements. It ended up enormous on top, but left me wanting more room in the hips. So, when sewing the actual coat, I sewed the XXS/XS above the waist, grading to the L/XL at the hips. I also trimmed away a generous inch through the underarm area - from the upper arm tapering to nothing around the waist. There was a lot of fabric under the arms. Lastly, I deepend the pocket bags by 1.5" so that my hands fit in them better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I think the proportions are great!</i></td></tr>
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The only other changes I made were little enhancements that I like doing and that add some functionality.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The <a href="https://emmalinebags.com/collections/bag-hardware/products/metal-bag-label-script-style-handmade-in-5-finishes">Handmade </a>plate doesn't have functionality. I just like it. </i></td></tr>
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I added a hanging chain between the facing and lining. I also added two large hand sewn hook-and-eyes to the inside of the front. This way, if I meet a strong gust of wind, my coat won't fly open.<br />
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Anyway, I LOOOOOOOVE this coat. I may sew another for spring in a lighter fabric. For now, I will enjoy wearing this one through the holidays.<br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-5006468993191951512018-11-03T11:22:00.000-04:002018-11-03T11:22:31.371-04:00Watson Bras: Sewing Frosting and Bra Sizing Questions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi Friends! Long time, no see. If you've been following along on Instagram you will have seen that I've been sewing, knitting and baking aplenty.<br />
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Recently, I've sewn some <a href="https://clothhabit.com/introducing-watson-bra-bikini/">Watson Bras</a>. I guess I've finally decided that my post-Taco bra size has stabilized and is here to stay. So, I'm willing to sew for it.<br />
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And what better time of year to sew some fabulous sleepwear than autumn, when the temperature is turning chilly and cuddling is in the forecast?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sorry, but this is a bare a bra photo as I am willing to go...</i></td></tr>
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I love sewing my own sleepwear. It's so comfy. I started wearing soft bras for sleep on the advice of my midwives after Taco's birth. My bust was heavy with milk and extra tissue, and having a little support at night was welcome. I still find it more comfortable to wear a soft bra to bed. And Watson is a perfect option - it is a wire-free bra that is meant to be made from stretch fabric.<br />
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I had already started working on these bras when <a href="https://closetcasepatterns.com/">Heather</a> and <a href="http://truebias.com/">Kelli</a> announced their <a href="http://truebias.com/2018/10/sew-frosting-challenge.html">#SewFrosting challenge</a>. Back in 2013, when everyone decided they needed to sew more basics - "cake" - it really bummed me out, and so I declared it my own <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-frosting-diet.html">year of the Frosting Diet</a> and set out some basic tenets for my projects. It transformed my sewing - made it more fun and purposeful. So, this challenge is a really good prompt for me to look back and take stock of where I am now. I'm planning a bit of a retrospective, but we'll see if I get to it or not.<br />
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OK, back to my Watsons, which are definitely frosting. This was a really interesting sew for a number of reasons. Here we go...<br />
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First. I want to talk a bit about figuring out <a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0435/4573/files/Cloth-Habit-1002-sizing.jpg?1012">bra sizing for this pattern</a>. I think it's important to start with the pattern's instructions since, as we all know, pattern sizing is different from RTW, and bra sizing is specific from brand to brand.<br />
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When I measured my full and high bust and calculated the difference, as the pattern instructed, it suggested a C cup. I was skeptical. Not only is my RTW size a DD (or E) (again, not a good way to determine sewing pattern size), but the pattern pieces also just looked too small for me. After some tissue fitting and a muslin, I ended up sewing a size F - one size larger than my RTW size. This actually is nearly the size I would get to if I had used my underbust measurement vs full bust.<br />
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In fact, whenever I've been directed to go by high bust vs full bust, it has not worked. Not at all. Even when I've been fit for bras by professionals, they always end up <i>tsking </i>when they measure my high vs full bust, then measuring my full bust vs underbust instead, saying something like "that's what I thought" and bringing me bras that basically fit. So my sense is that this is a way that my body may be unique, even though I don't seem to have a problem finding bras that fit. <br />
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<b>But I am curious to know: how do you generally measure for bra size?</b> RTW or sewn or both? Does the high vs full method work for you? I am so skeptical based on my own size and shape.<br />
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As for the actual bra-making, it requires lots of pieces and parts, but in small quantities. It took more time to assemble fabrics, elastics, and findings than actually sewing, even taking into consideration that both of the stretch lace trims that I used were already in my stash.<br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo441i6BB1M/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Clio (@cliophineas)</a> on <time datetime="2018-10-13T21:46:08+00:00" style="font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px;">Oct 13, 2018 at 2:46pm PDT</time></div>
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For both of my versions, I used the tutorial for using scalloped lace trim for the bra cups on the Cloth Habit blog (<a href="https://clothhabit.com/watson-sew-along-6-cutting-scalloped-lace-cup/">here</a>).<br />
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My first Watson, a black and hot pink lace version was infused with as much fail as I could pack into a project. I was sewing with a headache and did just about everything wrong. I sewed things in the wrong order, used all the elastics in the wrong places, and - for the bra band - I accidentally used an elastic that was too wide. Oy.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DWQzNG-zT-UcBs_HSUpaiz1q0O4JBQWvGo0VBIlN7G9PN-R23-5Q7vRPWsfa3n9bnEtu77wTxCFHQ2yB-1H2FxBrHeHTvZFXvPdIjCCb6WLoSkZfjPnMY3o96lbrW9K2BFPMm-QYfgYZ/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1167" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-DWQzNG-zT-UcBs_HSUpaiz1q0O4JBQWvGo0VBIlN7G9PN-R23-5Q7vRPWsfa3n9bnEtu77wTxCFHQ2yB-1H2FxBrHeHTvZFXvPdIjCCb6WLoSkZfjPnMY3o96lbrW9K2BFPMm-QYfgYZ/s400/IMG_2238.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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See that elastic? Yeah. Once it was turned to the inside, it was wider than the band. Gah.<br />
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However, it is a testament to this pattern and my <i>experience</i> with a seam ripper - a dubious trait to be sure - that I ended up with a very sweet bra nonetheless.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudfK3zHm7X4IpcPFF2d5UtrB00Bjv71O7trvUzU3WvC-EOodGt7UBYkTpdVysnavh7FFNjJ1bQxh8h2ScTXbn6DBhYT0nv6In_we0qTT57yKuzDU_fV_E7ynguD8EY5i3lOMkkBPUO9BZ/s1600/IMG_4296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiudfK3zHm7X4IpcPFF2d5UtrB00Bjv71O7trvUzU3WvC-EOodGt7UBYkTpdVysnavh7FFNjJ1bQxh8h2ScTXbn6DBhYT0nv6In_we0qTT57yKuzDU_fV_E7ynguD8EY5i3lOMkkBPUO9BZ/s400/IMG_4296.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not sure why this looks blue when it is black. </i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-ugk-4M9IP2unrUHiHNj_lKp7LZQwTGXL0uvJJ8qER-FF2DtUSPHt8Aji3XGkysBeUEtcqecAUYz8bpLEVANQVLGJ4nq3vOg7hJaLvaOITbwaqfwT_CFoB8SzNpTHrw4b5dEo6ftzJbg/s1600/IMG_4307.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><i><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr-ugk-4M9IP2unrUHiHNj_lKp7LZQwTGXL0uvJJ8qER-FF2DtUSPHt8Aji3XGkysBeUEtcqecAUYz8bpLEVANQVLGJ4nq3vOg7hJaLvaOITbwaqfwT_CFoB8SzNpTHrw4b5dEo6ftzJbg/s640/IMG_4307.jpeg" width="476" /></i></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Look at these nice details! </i></td></tr>
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The sew along on the blog really has some great info. I highly recommend it if you are new to bra making. (<a href="https://clothhabit.com/watson-sew-along/">Here</a>) If you have sewn swimwear before, it is very similar technique-wise.<br />
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My second effort went much more smoothly! This time I used a gold and black wide stretch lace trim.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVpzc_8fAhl5qRz4u6JFsAlKqhfJJ7o39JiktrLbRw_9eKJ0t2uMnjUUnE3P6sE2IXkrZoZJ7dJBrPtQz9EyNAnyJtVNVB8maBV99HIvdPdYbFna6ooIYbPM0R4aeJ4p5mwyEdAJVTSl2/s1600/Gold+Edt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVpzc_8fAhl5qRz4u6JFsAlKqhfJJ7o39JiktrLbRw_9eKJ0t2uMnjUUnE3P6sE2IXkrZoZJ7dJBrPtQz9EyNAnyJtVNVB8maBV99HIvdPdYbFna6ooIYbPM0R4aeJ4p5mwyEdAJVTSl2/s400/Gold+Edt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Look at how fabulous!!!<br />
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For this version I used the long line cradle pattern pieces and - due to fabric limitations - made this bra somewhere in between the regular and long line styles.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vM_DtcgFsS-_cQk_OUhI3KI-k-IiU8i8ZMIR6ofl_tb3-qwrL_DIHwSObYt56_nGmA7BcXG-CV8M5sVu8QHhwGJ_6bRlrBCj5HHO6vHF5LHC_7J769Kr2QdYfj2zvNW_hdgAX4dVQp2a/s1600/IMG_4354edt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5vM_DtcgFsS-_cQk_OUhI3KI-k-IiU8i8ZMIR6ofl_tb3-qwrL_DIHwSObYt56_nGmA7BcXG-CV8M5sVu8QHhwGJ_6bRlrBCj5HHO6vHF5LHC_7J769Kr2QdYfj2zvNW_hdgAX4dVQp2a/s400/IMG_4354edt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I lined the cradle with denier tricot, which you can find at B&J fabrics in the NY Garment District for about $6yd.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr2Z6LY3B0QMyqMTFvTUKtUYDVYIwxx0hm95H9JteCJRLF9ZJ79zC6H55Fd_tDxF5OW0cxz75WE_iuFRe7F2znMUJaZ61cf1FYYt-cWoIFTFmVVUJiCXdy-kWLeZqp_YXIcYle4HzvcHR/s1600/IMG_4356edt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVr2Z6LY3B0QMyqMTFvTUKtUYDVYIwxx0hm95H9JteCJRLF9ZJ79zC6H55Fd_tDxF5OW0cxz75WE_iuFRe7F2znMUJaZ61cf1FYYt-cWoIFTFmVVUJiCXdy-kWLeZqp_YXIcYle4HzvcHR/s400/IMG_4356edt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This lace is very soft and comfortable. I will be sleeping fabulously in it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3yT7vvcQ8_TY0kJQySLvFU2gGSrzHTfVfsz50GqvLEbkgkD8sxwX2r4pGfG2__eRfqiIHS0GJO7KlDWtU3xUfITC5Wv4klW9c33wQqFErXVRRK15i322PFMzOlI7G1nIoiKFTpqKcmxj/s1600/frosting+2edt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="455" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3yT7vvcQ8_TY0kJQySLvFU2gGSrzHTfVfsz50GqvLEbkgkD8sxwX2r4pGfG2__eRfqiIHS0GJO7KlDWtU3xUfITC5Wv4klW9c33wQqFErXVRRK15i322PFMzOlI7G1nIoiKFTpqKcmxj/s640/frosting+2edt.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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And I have a few scraps left over that may ultimately become matching panties the next time I am in between projects and need a quick and fun sew.<br />
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I think this is a really a great and fun pattern as long as you keep two things in mind. First, this would not ever provide enough support for me for daily wear. I think if you are busty, plan on this being loungewear. Second, plan to sew a muslin or two. It will help you sort out sizing and also play with the techniques used for sewing the elastics and using the findings.<br />
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At the moment these two sleep bras are enough, but I am definitely feeling bitten by the bra sewing bug, so there may be more bras in my future. Because bras use such a small amount of fabric - even for a sizeable cup - they are a great place to splurge on really beautiful fabrics.<br />
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So, tonight daylight savings ends in the US, and I will be enjoying that extra hour of sleep in my gold Watson and dreaming frosting covered dreams. How about you? Are you in or out for the #sewingfrosting challenge?</div>
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-7395924498608176352018-08-01T16:12:00.004-04:002018-08-01T16:12:47.534-04:00Star Bellied Sneech Romper! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Oh hi! Summer is half over, and I'm just getting around to checking in. It's been all kinds of busy fun here - the pool, the park, the zoo and backyard fun. <br />
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Rompers are simply the best mode of summer dressing for little ones, aren't they?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OaKhBYCIKhB54n9d11cJEoB14EWWp4AW3263pdYesyasom2g1hbNMv0jRMYoWYaOY5h8dmgCzltYPb2-pMhEuJSWePbk1JgssB-VG5w3RAI7bsAbTv9mDBMQ5fIv3vNDB59g0GT8P0I2/s1600/sneech.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OaKhBYCIKhB54n9d11cJEoB14EWWp4AW3263pdYesyasom2g1hbNMv0jRMYoWYaOY5h8dmgCzltYPb2-pMhEuJSWePbk1JgssB-VG5w3RAI7bsAbTv9mDBMQ5fIv3vNDB59g0GT8P0I2/s640/sneech.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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One of my dear friends has a sweet little one year old. Last summer, when he was a newborn, I bought the <a href="https://brindilletwig.com/products/tank-romper-052">Brindille & Twig Tank Romper</a> pattern with the intention of sewing up some rompers. Then Taco gave up his nap and that ended my grand sewing ambitions.<br />
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So, when summer came around again, I pulled out the pattern anew to work on some one year old rompers.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTUuYGJCbnaZ6z1LLqdLCKvkKLhGYsKOH9YOg5tyjWtau9NlKZQt0MZd2WCZGZZhJEb6Q3ZExI8prqJVwa-kzV3e-6k0YNf2eaJErD07JQOEz_pzZ_GC4PRGMdLdU1bqXZ5k2ehGQk4ev/s1600/rompers2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1104" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgTUuYGJCbnaZ6z1LLqdLCKvkKLhGYsKOH9YOg5tyjWtau9NlKZQt0MZd2WCZGZZhJEb6Q3ZExI8prqJVwa-kzV3e-6k0YNf2eaJErD07JQOEz_pzZ_GC4PRGMdLdU1bqXZ5k2ehGQk4ev/s640/rompers2.JPG" width="440" /></a></div>
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The striped version has reverse applique stars on the front and the back...<br />
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As soon as I started working on it, Taco decided that the striped romper was for him. He was insistent. It was adorable. So, naturally, I had to make one for him. I gave him a choice of star color and placement - he chose turquoise and on the tummy - and I was off and running.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisScCqEHxQc1HDM-reAdBnp6A-oKlb_99adhnrHx8s6T25gWPqhfb0w8itL6Be7dO7mzW6VbQLTtdk-MQ6jLIprMYmiNkhW0P7mIzWe4gSqpevdA2uoD7fpoYeN7ob2e5I_Yi5RLi7JcJx/s1600/sneechfront.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisScCqEHxQc1HDM-reAdBnp6A-oKlb_99adhnrHx8s6T25gWPqhfb0w8itL6Be7dO7mzW6VbQLTtdk-MQ6jLIprMYmiNkhW0P7mIzWe4gSqpevdA2uoD7fpoYeN7ob2e5I_Yi5RLi7JcJx/s640/sneechfront.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><i>My Star Bellied Sneech</i></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNZ9I5IYWc_Htnz0iaMWdkPtBpf4SxELD8KtLfO-4ODUv_RGj27UZq0VEVqbn9gf-iRXXcYkkLFG3YY98NyxnWgJzSR-s3k_jy8xfp7CExtgFc8Jgj30N2tX0W22GuRFN765IV2_GQpjf/s1600/sneech2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNZ9I5IYWc_Htnz0iaMWdkPtBpf4SxELD8KtLfO-4ODUv_RGj27UZq0VEVqbn9gf-iRXXcYkkLFG3YY98NyxnWgJzSR-s3k_jy8xfp7CExtgFc8Jgj30N2tX0W22GuRFN765IV2_GQpjf/s640/sneech2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Friends, when I was finished and gave it to him, he picked up the romper, kissed it several times and then insisted on wearing it immediately. This was the best thank you and compliment he could have given me. And the romper has been worn and washed and worn again several times already. I can't blame him; the fabric is so very soft and stretchy. I previously made pajamas out of it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOImsp2JjiCPVvzQjIqf5HbWRqglmzcDAmEvapONb8gGL9IFPG4uT1p5o_pgE85FB1MVRWWu6kti11ljz4vdZ1IR2c3WZDcUYXfilP-RX9eDqjMS4QavU1J5w1YHbtryIJfuYWZ9xpSEt/s1600/sneech3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOImsp2JjiCPVvzQjIqf5HbWRqglmzcDAmEvapONb8gGL9IFPG4uT1p5o_pgE85FB1MVRWWu6kti11ljz4vdZ1IR2c3WZDcUYXfilP-RX9eDqjMS4QavU1J5w1YHbtryIJfuYWZ9xpSEt/s640/sneech3.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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As for the pattern, its very cute and went together nicely. I didn't love the instructions. They are written for those sewing without a serger, and so not all the steps make sense if you are using one. I really don't like instructions for bound necklines where you don't sew the shoulder seam until after you sew the binding on. I think it makes a bump. A few other parts also were sewn in a way that creates a little bit of unnecessary bulk, IMHO. So, I just went with my own preferred methods. However, a new sewist would definitely be able to construct this romper following the instructions. The design - with the front and back each cut in one piece rather than there being a center seam - is very easy. It makes for a little bit of gathering/bunching at the crotch, which is not perfect, but for such a quick and easy sew is acceptable. One thing I like is that the pattern comes in sizes from newborn to 6T. I sewed the 2-3T for Taco. So, it is entirely possible that I will make this again for him next year. </div>
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Lastly, I had the snaps installed by Star Snaps on 39th Street in the Garment District. I don't understand why you would go anywhere else for you snap, grommet and rivet needs. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOL32tLqkbhp205P0jglFHDSciwlorMFbBJ1Dysa-DJWbFrviMiSZadyEKNMZxKKClMh1MLi2lErLbG4uqey-IWWVlPDN_S-Dd5-jWus8J46VDyvqPXvakz-NFX2kkuy1L-3FJZ2S8819/s1600/snaps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOL32tLqkbhp205P0jglFHDSciwlorMFbBJ1Dysa-DJWbFrviMiSZadyEKNMZxKKClMh1MLi2lErLbG4uqey-IWWVlPDN_S-Dd5-jWus8J46VDyvqPXvakz-NFX2kkuy1L-3FJZ2S8819/s400/snaps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Nice work by Star Snaps</i></td></tr>
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Since Taco is potty trained, I omitted the crotch snaps on his and instead made one of the shoulders a velcro closure so he could dress and undress himself. Snaps would have worked, too.The only problem with the romper is that the fabric - a rayon jersey knit - is exceedingly stretchy and not really holding its shape at the armscyes.<br />
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Anyway, this pattern makes a really cute little romper and is easy to sew, which is exactly what I want in children's clothes. I would definitely sew it again if I had an occasion to sew for little ones.<br />
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I hope you are having an equally fun and relaxing summer! I make no promises, but I hope to update you on all the other sewing I've done in the last many months.</div>
Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-19730531657877239082018-05-21T16:00:00.000-04:002018-05-21T16:00:01.913-04:00Great Easy Jacket! Why do I Overlook New Look? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqau55KeKUNbCRYIHzsiPF9OfDvo2ZZAJLPfZ6BExPlAyEvWYcspkeY2gLIrS78nxRyqboIU6ewZWw82_5rOof6dJ2gaaNSyuQipBNSnA6rLyf1Rw-7juB2Lybz0dXitvuEgtaS2ksm5Q/s1600/jacket+fulllength.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQqau55KeKUNbCRYIHzsiPF9OfDvo2ZZAJLPfZ6BExPlAyEvWYcspkeY2gLIrS78nxRyqboIU6ewZWw82_5rOof6dJ2gaaNSyuQipBNSnA6rLyf1Rw-7juB2Lybz0dXitvuEgtaS2ksm5Q/s640/jacket+fulllength.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
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I have never had anything but success with New Look patterns. So you would think that I would sew more of them, and yet I often overlook New Look.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5S9VL2DDI6i-2-tADygCUmMzeiSKQYFTZ4VPf41JBi3iBI-5y0T_I2vTOYYBND3baM5_c5J81e49QVHRzbJ0ojI2Spz1GhKXQ_TRehRzEk-75csYgFZ7zfUwtIkkbcpJdfXezi-enhKOx/s1600/newlook-sportswear-pattern-6013-envelope-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="502" data-original-width="347" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5S9VL2DDI6i-2-tADygCUmMzeiSKQYFTZ4VPf41JBi3iBI-5y0T_I2vTOYYBND3baM5_c5J81e49QVHRzbJ0ojI2Spz1GhKXQ_TRehRzEk-75csYgFZ7zfUwtIkkbcpJdfXezi-enhKOx/s400/newlook-sportswear-pattern-6013-envelope-front.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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So I decided on a whim to sew the jacket from New Look 6013 with a remnant of fabric left after sewing a yet-to-be-blogged dress. The shawl collar jacket has princess seams, a "puffed" (pleated) shoulder and single button closure. Plus it is unlined. I was not particularly sold on the shoulder, but I was open to giving it a try since the pattern and fabric was on hand and with it's princess seams and no lining seemed easy enough to fit and sew.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3HQaGMnlJz06WdibWkIqZIdIe6VjahohoqDw0n4mVXLxnekzeqkcLRzs6uZy0yupWweJQm906kwtTKBa4hyocpK3-cgJo5dZCc6SyQjUo9NFATcd3fefWZrTIn2ckwlWmmEProS05iSw/s1600/new+look+line+art.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="94" data-original-width="236" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3HQaGMnlJz06WdibWkIqZIdIe6VjahohoqDw0n4mVXLxnekzeqkcLRzs6uZy0yupWweJQm906kwtTKBa4hyocpK3-cgJo5dZCc6SyQjUo9NFATcd3fefWZrTIn2ckwlWmmEProS05iSw/s400/new+look+line+art.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I cut a size 12 with very few changes; I added 2" of length to the hem and sleeve and was just able to eeek all the pieces out of my fabric. As I sewed I made a few more, albeit minor, changes. I took in the back at the princess seams and let the front out a bit at the bust. Honestly. I should have probably cut a smaller size for the back, done an FBA on the front, moving the apex down just a little (3/8" maybe), and lengthening above the waist in addition to at the hem.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyVuBowRR5n88UNoNhlhyHUia3m6rghWMggF6E9MIyNLIJLWPS0OGaIBA2Ig3u1ZH9XmZeuzSFi7zUysSkiPvTVyebp4oHR4X_LuuBqyPQ82H91yzbN2BeuLJtJOkHlGHNZojgX60iMLw/s1600/Jacket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1141" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyyVuBowRR5n88UNoNhlhyHUia3m6rghWMggF6E9MIyNLIJLWPS0OGaIBA2Ig3u1ZH9XmZeuzSFi7zUysSkiPvTVyebp4oHR4X_LuuBqyPQ82H91yzbN2BeuLJtJOkHlGHNZojgX60iMLw/s640/Jacket.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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What I didn't change at all was the sleeve/shoulder/armscye! It fit perfectly right out of the envelope. I'm not sure that's ever happened before. So, YAY for New Look.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCE9VfupPvgejtD3CpElt8-yvIUyyUr3ctEm-xlFkSNBU2LlKTGiUd30CO9bqESH_vwBkaIyDgH7F2ntYDWbhUdZOKcfoilMEoLHYdik5HBU5F65kNXH54eN-MQf1-_V3Xq7V3nlkUXIN/s1600/jacketsleeve.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwCE9VfupPvgejtD3CpElt8-yvIUyyUr3ctEm-xlFkSNBU2LlKTGiUd30CO9bqESH_vwBkaIyDgH7F2ntYDWbhUdZOKcfoilMEoLHYdik5HBU5F65kNXH54eN-MQf1-_V3Xq7V3nlkUXIN/s640/jacketsleeve.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lightened so you can see detail</i></td></tr>
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Since the jacket is unlined, I finishing the seams by serging the seam allowances and topstitching them down, a simple and neat finish. I finished the hem by using grosgrain ribbon from my stash as a binding and then hand stitching the hems invisibly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLUde9YG526lowUCmdK8wrrhyphenhypheniliXJh9a9UGczlPZPoVCRrR7J9Nueqm7zjPMO53qal1eiOGSOvdRIMzwKiI9Y1bN4GnrgSgGyM4Zhfr9wRPfrLuorYyKVo-azswgt6ip0CEHQ3nHJxg8/s1600/jacketinsides1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFLUde9YG526lowUCmdK8wrrhyphenhypheniliXJh9a9UGczlPZPoVCRrR7J9Nueqm7zjPMO53qal1eiOGSOvdRIMzwKiI9Y1bN4GnrgSgGyM4Zhfr9wRPfrLuorYyKVo-azswgt6ip0CEHQ3nHJxg8/s640/jacketinsides1.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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The fabric is a brushed cotton suiting from Fabric Mart. It has a sueded sort of look and feel.<br />
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Since I finished sewing this jacket, I've worn it with it's matching dress as a suit, with trousers as an ensemble for work and, surprisingly often with jeans and a cami to go to the park, run errands or pick up Taco at school. Really, I'm finding it incredibly versatile. And - surprising to me - I really like the shoulders. I think it creates a lovely feminine silhouette.<br />
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I feel like I might need another one or two in my wardrobe once I refine the fit just a bit. Wouldn't it be great in a colored denim as a casual lightweight jacket? And, if you lined it, it would be perfect in a suiting. Or unlined in a cotton sateen. Really, this pattern is a hidden gem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjnbYErtiA3qfcV4igt85LCFfPWVgK_pm7UEhyphenhyphenUjnCorb57UrFwa57NRzcofwuVEyEgcjtcOx8GBEORu70gF-5f93O7yeZef8oOtpfmt3l1XXlUUnkpzioFQWTM-avstTAZ8IGoZ125_o/s1600/jacket+fulllength2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1140" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtjnbYErtiA3qfcV4igt85LCFfPWVgK_pm7UEhyphenhyphenUjnCorb57UrFwa57NRzcofwuVEyEgcjtcOx8GBEORu70gF-5f93O7yeZef8oOtpfmt3l1XXlUUnkpzioFQWTM-avstTAZ8IGoZ125_o/s640/jacket+fulllength2.JPG" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My school pick up uniform</i></td></tr>
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Next up: the matching dress to this jacket and some new trousers and waistcoats for work. <br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-18278698959728521792018-05-16T11:39:00.000-04:002018-05-16T15:04:18.005-04:00Raspberry Trench Coat! Lekala Review <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukEwOaJ2UW-jdGIA7xdgoUn6UvgqkJJypZE-YACIUMDKku1u989yZS65hPiYSWFy8OWAfFGaWU-ot8QwCux5LQNBi6R434SWUYDoHNIcJY86Dm2zk4FFCC5xOYBgRMec_E_0PObKjjBww/s1600/trenchlapelzoom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukEwOaJ2UW-jdGIA7xdgoUn6UvgqkJJypZE-YACIUMDKku1u989yZS65hPiYSWFy8OWAfFGaWU-ot8QwCux5LQNBi6R434SWUYDoHNIcJY86Dm2zk4FFCC5xOYBgRMec_E_0PObKjjBww/s400/trenchlapelzoom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally a few pictures of my trench coat!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6LTRptLQ6KNYmdxjXTlgtQ6Ze4NGZwKTkEqhAtQQ6y6aXLkOzIzntmITjCxC-1EhrthV6_xaB1Ukf_KALXVoQYhrRo16TAOjOFL6Mf4INvs5is0W6dQJEXsjRT2v8hgzVqQse_b50LZ6/s1600/Trench2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1146" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6LTRptLQ6KNYmdxjXTlgtQ6Ze4NGZwKTkEqhAtQQ6y6aXLkOzIzntmITjCxC-1EhrthV6_xaB1Ukf_KALXVoQYhrRo16TAOjOFL6Mf4INvs5is0W6dQJEXsjRT2v8hgzVqQse_b50LZ6/s640/Trench2.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-aagH5wy13LLnPrAebh13ruKghn93uBh3mj1TZ1nkfyx4bob1IRr5zkgYM3eK9rGVkn1_nbyyaImV-8FFc1HHeAyKqQeiQi2YBspS6-Jm224CR4OzdzJivGOJEWdpNhjoPdX5U9dATIj/s1600/trenchside.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1137" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-aagH5wy13LLnPrAebh13ruKghn93uBh3mj1TZ1nkfyx4bob1IRr5zkgYM3eK9rGVkn1_nbyyaImV-8FFc1HHeAyKqQeiQi2YBspS6-Jm224CR4OzdzJivGOJEWdpNhjoPdX5U9dATIj/s640/trenchside.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
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I began this trench waaaaay back around Thanksgiving. For some unknown reason, I always start a major project at Thanksgiving thinking that I will be finished by Christmas. It never happens. I finished the final touches around mid-February and have been wearing this coat non-stop since the weather turned warmer and rainier.<br />
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The pattern for this cute trench is <a href="https://www.lekala.co/catalog/search?model_part=4176">Lekala #4176</a>, descriptively named "Raincoat." It has the features of a typical trench coat, but with a fun little extra at the back.<br />
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In this fabric - raspberry colored cotton/nylon water resistant sateen that I picked up at the Paron Fabric closing sale - there would be no mistaking this for menswear. However, I love feminine details added to more traditional, staid menswear styles, like the trench coat.<br />
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This was my first time sewing a <a href="https://www.lekala.co/">Lekala</a> pattern. If you are not familiar with the brand, they use software to create a custom pdf pattern using your measurements and any of their hundreds of designs. At less than $3 (seam allowances $.50 extra) trying Lekala was a low risk proposition. And I was curious to know how well a pattern made to my measurements would fit vs the usual number of changes that I would expect to make to a standard coat pattern (ie.: FBA, lengthening above and below the waist, narrow back, narrow neck, grading out at the hip, changes to the armscye and sleeve, and lengthening the sleeve).<br />
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The answer: the fit was pretty darned good "out of the envelope." The only changes that I made to my muslin was that I needed to raise the waist by about 1", narrow the back slightly at the princess seams and take in the waist at the side seams by maybe 1/4". Other than that, the fit was pretty spot on. The shoulder, armscye and sleeve, which are normally challenging areas for me all fit well with no changes. The bust, too, fits my figure well and it was great to not have to do all my usual changes which add time onto my projects. In the past I've been guilty of over fitting coats and jackets, which I think I avoided here by getting a pretty good fit out of the gate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG11eAa6VZREOGFkCzRlVN-K4rn9XwY9ox1KZoLyv59eMrHTU-oY6SMzFG8jMfF6ifGLgYVOCVGYMF0JwkV9a1AarqvZojhdaWNVsHETQUWq01aCPHAII6ggucau16zB5Woq3vmJNNz1kG/s1600/trenchcropfront.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG11eAa6VZREOGFkCzRlVN-K4rn9XwY9ox1KZoLyv59eMrHTU-oY6SMzFG8jMfF6ifGLgYVOCVGYMF0JwkV9a1AarqvZojhdaWNVsHETQUWq01aCPHAII6ggucau16zB5Woq3vmJNNz1kG/s640/trenchcropfront.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Now, I don't mean to imply that everything was perfect. There were a few issues with the pattern and instructions.<br />
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First, the instructions. I would give the Lekala instructions a solid rating of "if you sew BurdaStyle patterns, then you'll be ok." Better yet, if you regard them as a suggested order of construction rather than actual instructions, you'll be just fine. I would not, for example, try to sew the welt pockets using the instructions provided, but would use the ones that I am comfortable with from other projects or tutorials. The same goes for doing the lining and lapels. There are no pictures and there were some translation issues such as referring to decorative/fixing stitches (ie: basting stitches) and references to the back "yolk" piece. That said, from what I understand, Lekala has improved the instructions on their newer patterns. So my comments pertain to the older pattern instructions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOaNaBX8Yeq9XxE2dYgdvfutNoQ-ndmCKFah11a2N9XTjoaoQFvq8fsLv-_IzHCYcN7J_WFWiKJTTdtkDLAWnBYH5syWL700rvvfSjvM2woPMPO4AfwAlQ24e1UJha8qLaJtpYNyTI6Gj/s1600/trenchpocket1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOaNaBX8Yeq9XxE2dYgdvfutNoQ-ndmCKFah11a2N9XTjoaoQFvq8fsLv-_IzHCYcN7J_WFWiKJTTdtkDLAWnBYH5syWL700rvvfSjvM2woPMPO4AfwAlQ24e1UJha8qLaJtpYNyTI6Gj/s640/trenchpocket1.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Smart money says use your own preferred welt instructions. </i></td></tr>
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Next, the pattern. The pattern pieces went together just fine. However, the real problem that would affect a less experienced sewist is that there were missing (undrafted?) or slightly off pattern pieces. For example, there <b>were </b>facing pieces for the back neck and button/buttonhole bands down the front. However, there <b>were not</b> lining pieces that matched up with them. The back lining was drafted as all one piece from hem to collar rather than it being drafted to join with the facing. So, I had to alter that piece. And I had to draft a center front lining piece by using the main fabric center front piece and subtracting out the button band/facing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfc2u5PAr4ev1JWcPkq3st6b433agsVvZdVh9u0PqT15AnxS2qbBHnOznu5kFocSepklgxx6xAx6BjhZvv9mgGYTKFLFQUlUnRb_UwIBTVLHNM4HPfPOyWAnddrGFwIYxRtSO5AqHfR3Il/s1600/trenchlining1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfc2u5PAr4ev1JWcPkq3st6b433agsVvZdVh9u0PqT15AnxS2qbBHnOznu5kFocSepklgxx6xAx6BjhZvv9mgGYTKFLFQUlUnRb_UwIBTVLHNM4HPfPOyWAnddrGFwIYxRtSO5AqHfR3Il/s640/trenchlining1.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Silk charmeuse for the lining from Chic Fabrics</i></td></tr>
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Most important, the way that the center back piece is drafted, the fashion fabric does not extend underneath the storm flap (yoke), which is not attached to the back piece except at the shoulders and armscye - either it hangs free or you are supposed to stitch the yoke facing to the back piece, which just is not the best idea, I think. If you sewed the pattern as drafted but with the yoke hanging free, there would be nothing but the wrong side of the lining beneath the storm flap. So, I used the back lining piece to extend the back piece up to the collar. Again, this was easy for an experienced sewist, but it might present obstacles for someone less familiar with linings and coat/jacket construction.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iAP816fe_ESaa69oDPLhraxCh9aXzfJdnSatp3QGvegIFRTbg60qV6rBZMBeJvQ70ODNDii2Arf2fJRltddw6ww-98jhK2P1AyMe5WjNaoQTOIbtIjZ5a_tmM6m6r2rflA9GSsMFoYNI/s1600/trenchback1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5iAP816fe_ESaa69oDPLhraxCh9aXzfJdnSatp3QGvegIFRTbg60qV6rBZMBeJvQ70ODNDii2Arf2fJRltddw6ww-98jhK2P1AyMe5WjNaoQTOIbtIjZ5a_tmM6m6r2rflA9GSsMFoYNI/s640/trenchback1.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I extended the center back pieces so that they would go up to the <br />collar instead of stopping at the storm flap</i></td></tr>
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The only other sewing related things to say are:<br />
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<li>I left off the straps and buckles on the sleeves. I didn't think the coat needed that detail </li>
<li>In the future I would add a buckle or other hardware to the belt</li>
<li>Almost all of the seams have two rows of topstiching, done with two strands of regular thread (I loathe top stitching thread) in the top and one in the bobbin set to a longer stitch length</li>
<li>I added a pleat to the center back lining and a jump pleat to the lining at the hem</li>
<li>I outsourced the buttonholes to Johnathan Embroidery. </li>
<li>I did not add a button and button hole to the stormflap</li>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZkfcd12aoUdMgzWmL_NmQI0qQJh9595IQRJiAqjwzZKozYDQFskgbMy3pOqyPpHmZkAcG2CPAnCKLvXMrT17qWTN7hfk7aOf7AOGoMeCzpWBmCJkeWrcPfTJod9gvGW1lRr5Jqk4IsdY/s1600/trench+pleat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZkfcd12aoUdMgzWmL_NmQI0qQJh9595IQRJiAqjwzZKozYDQFskgbMy3pOqyPpHmZkAcG2CPAnCKLvXMrT17qWTN7hfk7aOf7AOGoMeCzpWBmCJkeWrcPfTJod9gvGW1lRr5Jqk4IsdY/s400/trench+pleat.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Pleat</i></td></tr>
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I took my time sewing this coat little by little as I had so many colds and distractions over the winter. That said, I wasn't angling for perfection (read: please don't examine the aforementioned topstitching too closely).<br />
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My thoughts on Lekala are that I would and will sew from their patterns again. In fact, I've purchased a few more patterns to test, this time for dresses and blouses. I don't expect for the fit of any pattern - even one drafted to my measurements - to be perfect from the outset, but if I get a head start on some of my normal changes, it will be a big plus given that my sewing time is limited. So, I'm eager to see if the fit holds up with their more fitted garments. And by the way, Lekala has a large catalog of patterns for women - particularly dresses, shirts, skirts and jackets/coats, and seem to add new ones regularly with updated details that reflect current trends. I also like that you can create an account to save your custom measurements and add patterns to your wish list. I found their check out easy, the processing time very quick and the price of their patterns was rock bottom.<br />
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The shortcomings with my one experience with Lekala so far were as I mentioned above. So, my assessment is that Lekala is for those who have a good understanding of garment construction and don't solely rely on pattern instructions.<br />
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Anyway, I'm still really thrilled with my new trench and it's color, which I think suits me. I don't like tan and taupe shades on me, and a bright coat is the perfect antidote to a rainy day. This coat could be seen as emblematic of my sewing philosophy. A trench coat is a wardrobe need, but why would I sew a basic when I could truly make it fabulous. Frosting! Truly, I am not into sewing cake.<br />
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Here are some final pics.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E46GTLSY3wM3U-kO7j9jtcDeMYJ-sf74SxbA0zqb5PhgLOhrlOHvAwa5E0xx9XhLTFlPulvSTTmcKIBVAkUK-JsHhRaUP1LrP_gsY0i2Od0tRHBMG5zrRvgmDx8FCo8muP7FFtvn42Jp/s1600/trench3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1E46GTLSY3wM3U-kO7j9jtcDeMYJ-sf74SxbA0zqb5PhgLOhrlOHvAwa5E0xx9XhLTFlPulvSTTmcKIBVAkUK-JsHhRaUP1LrP_gsY0i2Od0tRHBMG5zrRvgmDx8FCo8muP7FFtvn42Jp/s640/trench3.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgVO-tn57ZHrE8qDd6p6ypTOhjPcR4iHybShIz802anbm0u-lwh4yluhKhj3FuLIwD_mB5em8GHCwcZzjaCFXWtSEjBeL1H4-To8ZrvbUdXOWygSL9Hfz0OIb42swXRTof9PhPvetsVBH/s1600/trenchcropfront2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgVO-tn57ZHrE8qDd6p6ypTOhjPcR4iHybShIz802anbm0u-lwh4yluhKhj3FuLIwD_mB5em8GHCwcZzjaCFXWtSEjBeL1H4-To8ZrvbUdXOWygSL9Hfz0OIb42swXRTof9PhPvetsVBH/s640/trenchcropfront2.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-41401971308847936732018-04-11T11:08:00.000-04:002018-04-11T11:08:01.554-04:00Sheepish Little Sweater: Baaah-humbug, I Give Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I think we are finally healthy and getting back on track. I have tons to show you if only I could take a few pictures. So, if you are hanging in there with me, please keep on hanging. And if you aren't following me on IG, you can find me there as cliophineas.<br />
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I suppose I have no one to blame but myself. Apparently, I didn't learn my lesson last spring when I knit Taco a beautiful rainbow sweater and he refused to wear it for weeks and weeks. To date, he has only worn it a handful of times.<br />
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I knit this uber adorable sheep sweater in the misplaced hopes that he would wear it as a holiday outfit. I reasoned that he is in a phase where he wants animals, dinos and other characters on his clothing.<br />
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But now that spring is here - even if the weather is not cooperating - I give up. I think this sweater will just not be worn. <i>Sigh</i>. So you will have to content yourself with photos <i><b>not </b></i>on Taco.<br />
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The pattern is <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sheepish-little-sweater">Sheepish Little Sweater</a> by Melissa Kemmerer. It is knit up in Knit Pick's Mighty Stitch, which is a worsted weight, superwash acrylic/wool blend. It is a very soft yarn that feels lovely to the touch, and the colors are as bright and happy as could be. I have been using it for baby gifts recently.<br />
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This sweater was a good project for working on my stranded colorwork skills. You are never knitting with more than two colors at a time, which makes it pretty straight-forward. I'm still not 100% proficient, but I've made great strides. Look at these cute little sheep....<br />
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One of the nice little details is that the sheep pattern is continued on the sleeves. Super duper cute.<br />
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And here are my floats on the back.<br />
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The sweater is knit top down, in the round which makes it easy to knit. No seaming required. The only change I made was to make it a bit longer than the size I picked suggested, since Taco is slim for his height. He tends to grow out of clothing length-wise before they fit width-wise.<br />
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Anyway, here are a few last shots. I highly recommend<br />
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All that is left to say is<i> Baaah!</i></div>
Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-66851671601076256162018-04-03T11:02:00.001-04:002018-04-03T11:06:24.669-04:00A Little Kitchen Cuteness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wow, I think this is the longest gap I've ever had in blogging. It's been a brutal winter. Thank goodness spring is here or at least here-ish.<br />
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This is a little project that I did for Christmas, when I was in between bouts of kiddie germ illness and wanting a fun and easy sewing project.<br />
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If you follow me on IG (cliophineas), you will know that Taco and I like to bake together. It's a messy hobby and I haven't been able to find an apron small enough for him that I thought was also cute available commercially. So, I sewed this apron for Taco as a Christmas gift to go with a tiny chef set.<br />
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I drafted the pattern using a tutorial on Craftsy (<a href="https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/12/how-to-sew-a-childrens-apron/">here</a>), but made it shorter and narrower than the instructions called for. Also, I modeled the straps after grown up aprons that we own using D-rings rather than an elasticized strap as the tutorial instructs.<br />
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Also, I disregarded the sewing instructions so that I could make the apron reversible. The side that Taco seems to favor has animals, and the opposite side is orange with a zebra pocket.<br />
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These cotton fabrics have been in my stash for so long that I really can't tell you when or where I got them. I know that the faux-applique look animal print was purchased long before Taco was a consideration. So, I'm happy to finally sew something with it.<br />
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Overall, this was the perfect project right when I was wanting to sew during the plague-ridden, exhausted winter holidays but didn't feel up to fitting or complicated projects. And, I was so happy with how this came out that I immediately sewed a second one for Taco's cousin who is eight months younger.<br />
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Ok, enough me. Here is Taco, helping Phin make pizza on a Friday evening.<br />
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And here are a few from Saturday, when we dyed Easter eggs.<br />
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He seems to like his new apron and insists on wearing it whenever Phin or I put on aprons, ourselves.<br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-27935587387584125802018-01-29T13:13:00.001-05:002018-01-29T13:13:07.800-05:00Greetings from the Plague Ward: Project Potpourri<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I mentioned in my New Years Eve post, Taco has been bringing home every germ he encounters, and so we've endured wave after wave of colds, the vomiting virus, the dastardly plague and a cold yet again. Miraculously, we had about 3 days when everyone was healthy at Christmas.<br />
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That said, I haven't been completely idle. Knitting has continued apace and, although I pushed pause on the raspberry colored trench coat I am sewing so as not to make any major mistakes while I was not at my best - I made time here and there for a little bit of low pressure sewing.<br />
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I sewed 50 pussy hats - some pink and some purple - for my local resistance group to give to members for the Women's March. What fun it was to see people that I didn't know wearing the hats I'd sewn.<br />
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I also knit two hats which took as much time as sewing all 50.<br />
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I also knit a fun colorwork Star Wars hat for my nephew. This is <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-force-awakens-hat">The Force Awakens hat</a> pattern by Mrs Luedeke. </div>
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Right now, what I have in the works is a scarf from the <a href="https://homerowfiber.co/product/mattock-cowl/">Mattock Cowl</a> pattern by Home Row Fiber Co. in Madeleine Tosh Vintage yarn in worsted weight. This scarf is meant to match a hat I knit last winter. The stitch definition is beautiful, and I'll be happy to finally have a scarf and hat that matches, instead of the hodgepodge of mismatched hats and scarfs I wear now. It's been a goal for a few years.</div>
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I have one little sewing project to post from Christmas and one from before then, as well as the finished sheep sweater that I knit for Taco to post about. But I'll end here today saying that - finally - this weekend life returned to normal enough that I was able to get back to work on my trench coat. It felt really good to immerse myself in a project. </div>
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There's still a lot to do, but it is coming along very well. Next up: setting in the sleeves, sewing on the belt carriers, deciding on buttons and buttonholes, and then lining/hemming. Also, I need to decide what I want to do with the lapels - to topstitch or not. I've done two rows of top stitching on all the major seams. Decisions, decisions.<br />
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Now, fingers crossed and knocking on wood that no one gets sick for the immediate future. </div>
Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-45116689734412326202017-12-31T12:28:00.000-05:002017-12-31T12:28:13.134-05:00Happy Ah-choo Year!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hi, friends.<br />
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I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and best wishes for a bright 2018!<br />
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This is just a quick note to say we've apparently reached that point in parenthood where Taco brings home every germ he encounters. I've just managed to pry myself out of bed this morning after a run in with the <i>Dastardly Plague</i>. It seems like we all just get better for a three day window before the next cold makes it's way thru our family. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cinnamon Star Bread for Christmas Breakfast.</i></td></tr>
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Anyway, we did manage to have a lovely Christmas, which fell on a healthy day. It was the perfect Christmas morning - Taco played with his new trains while Phin and I read our new cookbooks and nibbled at madelines and coffee.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Perfect Christmas morning.</i></td></tr>
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I hope to get back to blogging soon - I do have lots to show and tell. But for now, tea, knitting and extra doses of vitamin C are on the agenda.<br />
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I hope that you ring in a happy and healthy 2018! Best wishes from my gang to yours!</div>
Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-19876256026577009522017-11-29T11:25:00.002-05:002017-11-29T11:25:17.841-05:00Sock Knitting Ennui<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Back in July I finished a pair of socks destined not to be worn until the weather turned cool again. Now that it has, I have to say that I am really pleased with these new socks, despite a few flaws.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEWRdA8eFjzZQ7Cy6XmGStm3mO1oyW6biz-Ob0thvmJzjCJ-2c-sgetbUYmE41q9AltzjaOXeIGA2XM1YKEdMIO4AjY2ap63nhCO_D-sl0e1n94eC2szHyAi2lqCDx4XxJB8idnKsz9Ya/s1600/socks+edt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1096" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvEWRdA8eFjzZQ7Cy6XmGStm3mO1oyW6biz-Ob0thvmJzjCJ-2c-sgetbUYmE41q9AltzjaOXeIGA2XM1YKEdMIO4AjY2ap63nhCO_D-sl0e1n94eC2szHyAi2lqCDx4XxJB8idnKsz9Ya/s400/socks+edt.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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They are knit up basically according to my <i><a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2014/01/two-socks-one-week-um-yeah.html">Socks a la Clio</a></i> recipe, which is a basic toe-up sock. However, I've made some new improvements. (<i>Note to self: go back and update the recipe</i>.) The stitch pattern - a very simple knit and purl design - is borrowed from the <i><a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2015/08/summer-socks.html">Tennarisukka</a></i> anklets I knit in 2015. Now for the good stuff!<br />
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Since knitting the <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/03/fauxgyle-socks-business-casual-socks.html">Fish Lips Kiss Heel</a> back in March, I have entirely replaced my short row wrap and turn sitches (w&t) with the Sox Therapist's twin stitch (<a href="https://youtu.be/CF_p5QE614Y">tsk</a> and <a href="https://youtu.be/33v2Fry-s08">tsp</a> - tutes on YouTube). I find these stitches better and easier in every way since they don't leave any little holes as short rows often do.<br />
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Next, you can see how I've shifted the position of the gusset increase stitches from their usual place where the instep and sole meet to the bottom of the foot. I first tried this with my <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/06/super-in-my-socks.html">Wonder Woman socks</a> and I think it will be a standard feature for me moving forward. It creates a heel that hugs the foot a bit better than the gussets running up the side of the foot. .<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl55eWbP9fZKKdW1o8FFvvYCUF16reD0eiGai9mJbGnFu3EGI4wg_H7cJqEscUrKdsowMx-j8Zxuz0w6busbvs0zBbsMgjQXA9ShEDYfMM164j75-D0otVnNoMZVq1UDLNz6IdLzo6-uSd/s1600/socksheel3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl55eWbP9fZKKdW1o8FFvvYCUF16reD0eiGai9mJbGnFu3EGI4wg_H7cJqEscUrKdsowMx-j8Zxuz0w6busbvs0zBbsMgjQXA9ShEDYfMM164j75-D0otVnNoMZVq1UDLNz6IdLzo6-uSd/s400/socksheel3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The yarn I used for these socks is Dream in Color's Smooshy sock yarn in the colorway "Into the Mystic." It is a 100% merino wool superwash yarn. I'm really not at all sold on 100% wool for socks. In my experience they pill and wear at a faster rate than the sock yarns I've used that incorporate nylon/polyamide into the mix. You can already see a few little puffs of yarn debris fluffing off of the soles in the pictures above. The upside is that the yarn is softer, which is nice to knit and wear. In the end, like everything, there is a tradeoff. </div>
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So I've been enjoying my new socks now that it is cool enough for them. And I've been trying to knit more socks, but I am having this massive moment of sock knitting ennui. I've cast on and started knitting two different socks that I thought I was excited about, but soon turned listless. </div>
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The first is a fairly plain sock with a heart motif running up one side.</div>
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<span id="goog_600241584"></span><span id="goog_600241585"></span>It looks cute in this view, but once I tried it on my foot, you can't see the hearts at all. They just disappear. It was very deflating. Why bother the extra work of knitting them in the first place? </div>
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The next was meant to be a bright colored sock with contrast toe, heel and cuff. But I'm just not thoroughly sold on the color combination. So, I stalled on this sock, too. </div>
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Socks are not large, but they are a big investment of time. If I don't love them at the toe, I'm certainly not going to feel like sticking with them to the cuff and then doing it all again. </div>
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Neither of these sock fails are frogged yet, and so far there has not been another sock pattern that has captured my attention. So, I'm not sure what I want to do next with regard to socks. Any suggestions? </div>
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In the interim, I'm working on this cute little sheep sweater for Taco. I'm delighted with how it is coming out, and I'm really enjoying knitting the colorwork. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9UzV7Uk6Q4ykFVNtqPQ2veyM6jge941DLenet7gUqUfLvgUGo-WinKmmtpIx8J-bEoqMTpVgNAQgHcVJfmOPVGMqFTpVl11G2oExK_XaPBu16NaoyLKGQxc9tFCeNGVi9JFO_EJeZ045/s1600/IMG_1722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz9UzV7Uk6Q4ykFVNtqPQ2veyM6jge941DLenet7gUqUfLvgUGo-WinKmmtpIx8J-bEoqMTpVgNAQgHcVJfmOPVGMqFTpVl11G2oExK_XaPBu16NaoyLKGQxc9tFCeNGVi9JFO_EJeZ045/s400/IMG_1722.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/projects/Cliobklyn/sheepish-little-sweater">Sheepish Little Sweater</a></i> by Melissa Kemmerer</td></tr>
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With any luck, this will end up being Taco's holiday outfit. IF he wears it. (Big if. <i>Toddlers</i>.)</div>
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Anywaaaaay, what are you knitting? </div>
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-10003277273446668062017-11-16T07:00:00.000-05:002017-11-16T07:00:10.931-05:00Toddler Pants Overload!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is the story of how one missing pair of pants mushroomed into six newly sewn pants for Taco. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oo_6Yl9t2yl_XuHWkkphfGELR6KGCrCC9A51GW4ETZ5fkZGFHo5GPl_efL8vp3bwRZmTleCBFZVxXG8BWxFOIyP2vTf7nx4nteM7V875Kqr7dAgf0NecR1GI3UrI-VhWXdc3ERuOGp8k/s1600/tacopants2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3oo_6Yl9t2yl_XuHWkkphfGELR6KGCrCC9A51GW4ETZ5fkZGFHo5GPl_efL8vp3bwRZmTleCBFZVxXG8BWxFOIyP2vTf7nx4nteM7V875Kqr7dAgf0NecR1GI3UrI-VhWXdc3ERuOGp8k/s400/tacopants2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This all started when the <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/06/monkey-pants.html">Monkey pants</a> that I sewed for Taco in June mysteriously vanished. </div>
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They got very dirty one day at the playground and so were set aside to be soaked before washing. That is the last that anyone has seen of them. Truly. There have been search parties and rescue attempts, but to no avail. They have vanished. </div>
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But since I had the pattern sorted out, I simply sewed up two more pairs. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6kOs_huOhnFGJEhl9oK65m2K04odTDNAGMUozlS1554a56LIREKFdkEP4gDunvp-TiyE4YfVsOzlOoOO2VDnhAWwk3pyT91YuBcVEierd1zfJcKE7N72x0p13wtohiXApsUNoWz28mex/s1600/IMG_1097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM6kOs_huOhnFGJEhl9oK65m2K04odTDNAGMUozlS1554a56LIREKFdkEP4gDunvp-TiyE4YfVsOzlOoOO2VDnhAWwk3pyT91YuBcVEierd1zfJcKE7N72x0p13wtohiXApsUNoWz28mex/s320/IMG_1097.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One in a safari print and one ninjas. Here is where the mushrooming began. You see, Taco refused to wear the safari pants. They are a cotton jersey, but the fabric, which I bought on-line, is stiff. Thanks to somes suggestions from IG friends, I tried a few methods of softening them, but none really made them more appealing to their little owner.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz2Xm08HhoPS4B1hOlY51Ku0DTQLw6lgPwlkMt3oZ3FH-CVOsjJqCFJJUUOEHzyx3EkvQVmxKNqxysE9iwGh_dJiG7hvrueilh0BkVS6HkThm61p6AnnbzRhhUgkCTlCABA-g7BWZdfn0/s1600/IMG_1343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpz2Xm08HhoPS4B1hOlY51Ku0DTQLw6lgPwlkMt3oZ3FH-CVOsjJqCFJJUUOEHzyx3EkvQVmxKNqxysE9iwGh_dJiG7hvrueilh0BkVS6HkThm61p6AnnbzRhhUgkCTlCABA-g7BWZdfn0/s400/IMG_1343.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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One thing I have noticed since Taco moved from 24month to 2T sizing is that baby clothing is made with very soft fabrics; toddler clothing not so much, especially in bottoms. But Taco clearly prefers wearing soft fabrics. So, learning from these safari pants, I decided to sew more pants, but this time in oh-so-soft fabrics only.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEGBEOv21V85etYrCFVKFLsIsoSN5GAseBfhFU1hkcYe5XLeVlP4OZV6PuKhQ3tGYlKGvaElXpjNWJoMC6K31yRDbrf159xn2khYoLAUt12q9cL4qDwqtdfFkq2TkRu0ev0Oa0MyAMfNC/s1600/IMG_1202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEGBEOv21V85etYrCFVKFLsIsoSN5GAseBfhFU1hkcYe5XLeVlP4OZV6PuKhQ3tGYlKGvaElXpjNWJoMC6K31yRDbrf159xn2khYoLAUt12q9cL4qDwqtdfFkq2TkRu0ev0Oa0MyAMfNC/s400/IMG_1202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This time I used exceedingly soft rayon jersey that I had bought to make pj's for myself. The fabric is so soft and cosy that these pants really fall halfway between pj and pant. Mostly they are worn for days when we are hanging around primarily at home. Also, I got fancy with pockets, which I think help them look a bit less pj-like. </div>
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Um, I confess: turning on Disney Jr was the only way to get Taco to be a compliant model. <i>Sigh</i>. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uR5QmQEk57io9CC1lqM6uw18LyuxLs64_Q8BR7TUbKXRlj5p2__nX367BAXlKkLhtM2pP4M7uNNAiB6bOFzpMSAjF8ZsVWcX5fNSvtcwvlddxH9Lo3rf5ZetKimgFfeO0xVcsCmx9Afx/s1600/IMG_1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uR5QmQEk57io9CC1lqM6uw18LyuxLs64_Q8BR7TUbKXRlj5p2__nX367BAXlKkLhtM2pP4M7uNNAiB6bOFzpMSAjF8ZsVWcX5fNSvtcwvlddxH9Lo3rf5ZetKimgFfeO0xVcsCmx9Afx/s640/IMG_1323.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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That we had a shirt that matched perfectly was a happy coincidence.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Toddlers</i></td></tr>
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While utterly adorable, these pants are also fairly lightweight. So, I started thinking about the chilly days when we are outside but still want soft pants. Simultaneously, I realized that Taco now fits the smallest size <a href="http://shop.truebias.com/product/mini-hudson-pant">Mini Hudson</a> pants. And I had leftover sweatshirt fabric from the two pairs of Men's Hudson Pants<a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2016/03/mens-hudson-pants-for-phin.html"> I had made for Phineas</a> and which get worn regularly all winter.</div>
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Before I knew it, I was putting finishing touches on Mini Hudsons. I'm very pleased with them. The 2T fit is comparable to 2T fit in ready-to-wear garments, which generally fits Taco length-wise and are somewhat wide on him. I made the elastic a bit more snug so that they wouldn't slide down. Also, the drawstring helps. </div>
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Mini Hudsons are exactly like the larger version. So, I hope they become a staple in Taco's wardrobe the way they have been one in Phin's. </div>
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I've found that an I-phone is also an effective method of encouraging a toddler to be a somewhat compliant model.<br />
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And there you have it: one missing Monkey pants have been replaced with six new pants. And we are <i>very serious </i>about our pants...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Serious Taco face</i></td></tr>
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And now, it's time to sew for myself!<br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-61006851742597351762017-11-14T09:30:00.001-05:002017-11-14T09:30:15.950-05:00Hat Knitting Spree<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The last few months have found me knitting up a slew of quick and easy projects and somehow not blogging about any of them. Really none was quite worthy of it's own post, but together I think they are an interesting round up of hats. </div>
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This all started with the <a href="https://www.knitpicks.com/kits/Rainbow_Mighty_Stitch_Sampler__D42242.html">Rainbow Sampler of Mighty Stitch</a> yarn from Knit Picks that I used to knit Taco's <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/05/mom-says-wear-your-sweater.html">rainbow sweater</a> along with the addition of black yarn. </div>
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I had loads of yarn left over which opened the door for all kinds of multi-colored knits. So, I knit...<br />
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One <i><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/roar-a-dinosaur-hat">Roar, a Dinosaur Hat</a></i> for Taco by <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/designers/kate-oates">Kate Oates</a>, who has designed a ton of cute baby and child knitting patterns.<br />
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Naturally, I knit it in green and purple like Dragon the Hippo's dragon cape.<br />
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For Halloween, I knit this adorable <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/minion-hat">Minion Hat</a> by Maura Houston. It was meant to be part of Taco's costume, but he steadfastly continues to not want to wear a costume at all. <i>Toddlers</i>.<br />
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I knit one purple cat hat for my 12 year old nephew who wants to resist but hates the color pink. <i>Sigh</i>. The pattern I used is the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kitkat-hat">KitKat Hat </a>by Andre Sue Knits.<br />
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I was enjoying hat knitting so much that I ordered some Bulky Mighty Stitch and knit up this sweet little apple hat for <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlegreenorchids/">Little Green Orchid</a>'s baby-to-be.<br />
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Bulky yarn projects knit up so quickly, and babies are always a cause to celebrate. The pattern is the <a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sweet-sprout?set=&_rfoff=1">Sweet Sprout</a> hat by Tranquil Cottage Knits. You are meant to turn the brim up for a newborn and then flip it down for a toddler. I decided not to add the periodic purl stitches in the pattern.<br />
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<i>Ahhh</i>. And there you go. Fun and easy hats for kiddos. A few thoughts:<br />
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For all of these hats I used the Old Norwegian - aka German Twisted - cast on. In my hands, it is as stretchy as 1x1 rib, which is what you want for a hat or any other knit garment that needs an edge that stretches as much as the body.<br />
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On the two hats that I knit for Taco, I had to go up a size. He has a completely average size head for his age and my gauge was fine, but the brims of the hats seemed snug. So, I wonder if toddler sizing really is for the 1-2 year olds and not 2-3 year olds.<br />
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My hat knitting is far from done. I've started a few projects - hats and more - where I am specifically working on my stranded colorwork technique. The Rainbow Sampler really has taken my knitting in a new, fun and somewhat unexpected direction. So, more - and more complicated - will follow. Stay tuned. </div>
Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-34645412969723744102017-11-09T13:35:00.000-05:002017-11-09T13:35:48.897-05:00Pajamamania! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Pajamas. Jammies. PJ's. Who doesn't like to be comfy and cosy for bed?<br />
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I've sewn plenty of pj's for Phin, but none for me aside from a robe, which I have worn non-stop since it was completed. I've spent many, many hours in pajamas during the first year or two of Taco's life - so many hours that by the end of this summer all of my pajamas were simultaneously showing signs of wear and tear. It was high time for some me-made jammies for myself.<br />
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I had bought several pairs of the same DKNY knit modal pajama bottoms post-partum because I found them so comfy in every way. They are hands down my favorites. So, I dismantled one of the more worn bottoms and carefully traced off a pattern, transferring all the important info to a paper pattern and then truing up the front and back. </div>
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For the top, I used my trusty rusty True Bias Ogden Cami with a few modifications. I sized down since I was sewing this woven pattern in a knit fabric. I also eliminated the facings and instead used picot trim elastic to finish the neckline.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Test version</i></td></tr>
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I sewed my first, test version of the pjs in a black modal jersey from my stash. I didn't have quite enough fabric for the top, so I had to economize by shortening the cami by about two to three inches and adding a center seam on the back. I am giddy about how the neckline came out with the picot trim elastic.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ls7mng-CKZlm7KTgEyPt26p0lSJ4CD80ooWiaBgEHjoar8ZqwUm_Z3TrbAPJA_Sh_q8eexQibGv9eZGkvZC3kVGzbCxZpTS-C2EwBndbYP1B9jXpMvLhNBRtUk-mnFD4grTval-oqe40/s1600/pj+neck.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ls7mng-CKZlm7KTgEyPt26p0lSJ4CD80ooWiaBgEHjoar8ZqwUm_Z3TrbAPJA_Sh_q8eexQibGv9eZGkvZC3kVGzbCxZpTS-C2EwBndbYP1B9jXpMvLhNBRtUk-mnFD4grTval-oqe40/s400/pj+neck.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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For this first version of the bottoms, I didn't worry about making button holes and adding a drawstring. I just made a simple elastic waist. The fit and comfort was spot on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoidIGT73SREPa8ESYBvT5ZilbcKt2c_z8nIpz2qDPFGPV4Yty1YylqNfYrnFY8ZNj6zGUdfDI8ZXVW88kjgLhBs46ImAVP0Cpo8ITn4r6M5Rbr6QD3j6E-0TxLQ3441_Bece9J69Et8c/s1600/pj+bottoms.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1135" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuoidIGT73SREPa8ESYBvT5ZilbcKt2c_z8nIpz2qDPFGPV4Yty1YylqNfYrnFY8ZNj6zGUdfDI8ZXVW88kjgLhBs46ImAVP0Cpo8ITn4r6M5Rbr6QD3j6E-0TxLQ3441_Bece9J69Et8c/s640/pj+bottoms.JPG" width="452" /></a></div>
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Since my first set of pj's came out so well, I immediately made a second pair. This time I used a black and white striped rayon jersey that I picked up when Craftsy had a big fabric sale. The fabric is luxuriously soft.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ObJ7MtVHimYQX_PpvZrccpigBPeEefGr_CK9YLJFw61Ku0t1qe0L0gOOAHw_TEJqBIX1Cb1O8Mk-ACqa0ufr_xzmkZKiGGbzRRuYC9OpOcjrOrspnkr6xmdNBrd4jDK2sNSl_HTgndzD/s1600/stripedpj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8ObJ7MtVHimYQX_PpvZrccpigBPeEefGr_CK9YLJFw61Ku0t1qe0L0gOOAHw_TEJqBIX1Cb1O8Mk-ACqa0ufr_xzmkZKiGGbzRRuYC9OpOcjrOrspnkr6xmdNBrd4jDK2sNSl_HTgndzD/s640/stripedpj.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Still smitten for the picot elastic, I decided to finish the striped tip with it too. It's a great finish for a knit top since it is decorative, functional and easy to sew. Simply pin your picot trim to the neckline with the right sides facing. The elastic should be in the seam allowance and the picot part should be on the other side of the seam line. Sew along the seam line.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfllcCOAqHXAxZmzinj9F0pEFWiltUj-K7gBEgtYEwvVr3ynvj07s31lfpRp0Mkv0gwwJkSQmwjkaiwETLW-P7qSZkzLsXtLrjYR69lrOsMudtfAUy35lz9MM0AD2mrokXj_EM6UT56uc/s1600/picot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfllcCOAqHXAxZmzinj9F0pEFWiltUj-K7gBEgtYEwvVr3ynvj07s31lfpRp0Mkv0gwwJkSQmwjkaiwETLW-P7qSZkzLsXtLrjYR69lrOsMudtfAUy35lz9MM0AD2mrokXj_EM6UT56uc/s400/picot.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Trim back the seam allowance of the fabric. Then turn the elastic to the inside and press. Finally, add a row of top stitching, making sure to catch the elastic. I used orange thread for fun because that's how I roll.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaJTUl1Tz0c1wKvhhLUM5yq8-kO1VEaX7fNkoWUFe7_CdOfOUanqBcElqMqjAijsa5SzYI84Vlr6xnRSm_BQXirKbKCV-ox00A7QaTYu5Q1wtmn-fmMg_74_72urSLcLsXozX-i8ZiTXQ/s1600/striped+picot2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1143" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaJTUl1Tz0c1wKvhhLUM5yq8-kO1VEaX7fNkoWUFe7_CdOfOUanqBcElqMqjAijsa5SzYI84Vlr6xnRSm_BQXirKbKCV-ox00A7QaTYu5Q1wtmn-fmMg_74_72urSLcLsXozX-i8ZiTXQ/s640/striped+picot2.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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Voila! Neckline done. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhds5-NokrLX95y7uwGrn5fEqMscpkxwowIng_Rrr0ZyWbFE0Kqz2iYq8fA-QMfOtuZrUC5Qkf5ItP5bbYbnNyXjI6_CoGAPV6kICoyA9TD_3LCA_hEQDRZ-7Uf5U_vujFCRLTv-wjiM9zz/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="1174" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhds5-NokrLX95y7uwGrn5fEqMscpkxwowIng_Rrr0ZyWbFE0Kqz2iYq8fA-QMfOtuZrUC5Qkf5ItP5bbYbnNyXjI6_CoGAPV6kICoyA9TD_3LCA_hEQDRZ-7Uf5U_vujFCRLTv-wjiM9zz/s400/IMG_1645.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I added a few little details to this version like looped straps...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUVO7WvaizLgAMW2qVbgtvwNcoDxEzNSCNDvEFfMo648KqzrxYog-VnSoPA_CiwmzmYvHfGFhY9xRO5EU7T5CoZm_17gU53f-nSoz6ugN9SrI0Bzkq-rCQVS-AGcu63rVC-Vd4B_PZpoa/s1600/pjstraps+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUVO7WvaizLgAMW2qVbgtvwNcoDxEzNSCNDvEFfMo648KqzrxYog-VnSoPA_CiwmzmYvHfGFhY9xRO5EU7T5CoZm_17gU53f-nSoz6ugN9SrI0Bzkq-rCQVS-AGcu63rVC-Vd4B_PZpoa/s400/pjstraps+2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And I finished the waist with button holes and a drawstring.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiF-2X99x5W8zzBjsKguj3ZLnwIz8eAHdJ4u6JH9cGwzFLE02iuXE52ebj5jYGvT-xfFObbSUwJLjOSxA-YJQdfooKmqFv_tHY4-ljyAcLgzcp08PgJG3VE8zwLsVPaC2HJ7zcdHuTjPu/s1600/striped+pj+waist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmiF-2X99x5W8zzBjsKguj3ZLnwIz8eAHdJ4u6JH9cGwzFLE02iuXE52ebj5jYGvT-xfFObbSUwJLjOSxA-YJQdfooKmqFv_tHY4-ljyAcLgzcp08PgJG3VE8zwLsVPaC2HJ7zcdHuTjPu/s400/striped+pj+waist.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've been wearing these two pj sets non-stop since finishing them. And I am so pleased with how comfy they are that I think it would be safe to say that it will be some time before I buy RTW pajamas again, if ever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptxtikBb7sUE8wR9iy-EDsZ8FyRLYS3NyCIHlhd010LZikvr8JKvbNWQBMCW3iFQ3M7fjrUpF_sY_sKi1LZm6RxlNCkS5XDJPXRtBEe6PwBtgWdJlxImoB_-0WxJpJU2g4vDDm5-tYsFx/s1600/stripedpj2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptxtikBb7sUE8wR9iy-EDsZ8FyRLYS3NyCIHlhd010LZikvr8JKvbNWQBMCW3iFQ3M7fjrUpF_sY_sKi1LZm6RxlNCkS5XDJPXRtBEe6PwBtgWdJlxImoB_-0WxJpJU2g4vDDm5-tYsFx/s640/stripedpj2.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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Also, this was the perfect project for the end of summer when I wasn't really ready to start sewing autumn projects, but also didn't want to keep on sewing summer clothes. I generally have a few weeks of not knowing what to sew when the seasons change; my mojo deserts me. But my happiness with this project makes me think I've hit on something. The next time I feel my mojo slipping into a between seasons rut, I will sew more pjs and the other projects - like bras and panties - that I never prioritize because I'm too busy trying to sew for the current season. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBUsGHvDTbzU9oZpKi4scEXxm1uOv05nE9tEs3vWvHa1_ddJwZvwssyIn5YlAB3ux4Q-p8eEOD7GuIWiAHUACHbPF6xndQvxKcgmxjoRGI4J1Ad_tR5pu9kae9RseG8t2h8_cWSTtAbdu/s1600/Striped+pj.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBUsGHvDTbzU9oZpKi4scEXxm1uOv05nE9tEs3vWvHa1_ddJwZvwssyIn5YlAB3ux4Q-p8eEOD7GuIWiAHUACHbPF6xndQvxKcgmxjoRGI4J1Ad_tR5pu9kae9RseG8t2h8_cWSTtAbdu/s640/Striped+pj.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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I really do learn new things about myself all the time as a sewist. That is half the fun. For today, though, the lesson is custom pj's are the best.<br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-52544799700709468762017-11-06T10:18:00.000-05:002017-11-06T13:02:06.438-05:00Using my TNT Trouser Pattern Again Or You Know How I Love a Jumpsuit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
September and October were a blur of long hours and work travel, Taco giving up his nap and fun projects like judging the Pattern Review Sewing Bee that kept me off the blog. So, it seems like a good moment to catch up on summer projects and reflect on what I've been up to, especially what I've been doing with my TNT trousers.<br />
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What good is a TNT pattern if you don't really work it? Since I first sewed what became my TNT trousers just about a year ago, I've used the pattern seven times to make a variety of trousers or make pattern changes to other trouser patterns.<br />
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One version that you haven't seen is this jumpsuit. You know that I love a good jumpsuit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOwLbXJejRK9s8LObQobgmn-lcyp_I18X3MktRk5p0cHZTORQ3TgTZ35MEf_wQB1KD8Uag_KP2H74w_pHnBqVYzMw8399sK96iBkZ-OQzF41e1TzEkqkiIUh6ZKEH8vm3-DuaipTUYQaw/s1600/Jumpsuit2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1137" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHOwLbXJejRK9s8LObQobgmn-lcyp_I18X3MktRk5p0cHZTORQ3TgTZ35MEf_wQB1KD8Uag_KP2H74w_pHnBqVYzMw8399sK96iBkZ-OQzF41e1TzEkqkiIUh6ZKEH8vm3-DuaipTUYQaw/s640/Jumpsuit2.JPG" width="454" /></a></div>
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To make this rayon challis jumpsuit, I eliminated the waist darts of my trouser pattern, like I had done in my <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/09/someone-elses-pants-little-lace-little.html">easy summer pants version</a>.<br />
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For the top, I used <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9116">Vogue 9116</a>. I had sewn up <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/07/i-love-good-jumpsuit.html">the other view</a> earlier in the summer and was pretty happy with it. So I decided to give the strapless version a try. Since I was sewing this jumpsuit up in a woven fabric and the pattern is designed for a knit, I was careful to make sure that the smallest part of the top was still large enough to fit over my hips. Happily, this also made the top and the bottom match up just about perfectly at the waist, saving me from having to do any sort of frankenpattern fixing.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9eWWYEbDcqF36i-Ie0utdcCLy5SEld0ZdWEWFHcLsm3AHGrgtqDJbbAB7mmt3M6TtjDKPdeRueL9CrU-mK51qydXUEVE_p6h730I9vjI2floQ152XgXd8hSiNhl-RRkJrmAWBbULSW3f/s1600/Jumpsuit+3+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1146" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy9eWWYEbDcqF36i-Ie0utdcCLy5SEld0ZdWEWFHcLsm3AHGrgtqDJbbAB7mmt3M6TtjDKPdeRueL9CrU-mK51qydXUEVE_p6h730I9vjI2floQ152XgXd8hSiNhl-RRkJrmAWBbULSW3f/s640/Jumpsuit+3+side.JPG" width="458" /></a></div>
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The only other sewing details worth mentioning is that I did a little bit of print matching between the top and bottom pieces. Aside from that, this was a tremendously easy to sew all-in-one outfit. I wore it styled like this for brunches, MPB day and relaxed occasions, and dressed it up with heels and bold jewelry for evening. This was definitely my most worn outfit for social occasions this summer because of how versatile it is.<br />
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The only other version of my TNT trousers that you haven't seen yet is one I sewed up this summer in off-white pinstriped linen and failed to photograph. It was part of my epic fabric cutting spree.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCdSJ6R0ps9PClnlGAjvOndWwDxHujQLu1euXmGRF2eP0-friQEZJ5VWnleI6vmdTBks_afxyqrJBQ6ITL1_GXxk7eTpJ8r88UwA4891IM3P-aDfp5H2UexLWMtqnvDBFY2XNPHtvv0Sn/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkCdSJ6R0ps9PClnlGAjvOndWwDxHujQLu1euXmGRF2eP0-friQEZJ5VWnleI6vmdTBks_afxyqrJBQ6ITL1_GXxk7eTpJ8r88UwA4891IM3P-aDfp5H2UexLWMtqnvDBFY2XNPHtvv0Sn/s640/IMG_0291.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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On that version I moved the zipper to the side seam, extended the front and back rise in order to eliminate the need for a separate waistband, and instead faced the waist with grosgrain ribbon. I also eliminated the hip pockets. They are packed away for the winter now.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9cZ_7hI-nAi1lCnnUs7_0XU9YrCLgefkUdofON6kkUHbAD2xSsajb9ffc5Z3OSgETgt-lkAhvqODEe_I3MbqT-u7QldYF9nhz_NgDHuLQPrG8bScvWZpJ0Dg8A0ZAUrrkiV0Pr8RevZG/s1600/tech_115_pants_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji9cZ_7hI-nAi1lCnnUs7_0XU9YrCLgefkUdofON6kkUHbAD2xSsajb9ffc5Z3OSgETgt-lkAhvqODEe_I3MbqT-u7QldYF9nhz_NgDHuLQPrG8bScvWZpJ0Dg8A0ZAUrrkiV0Pr8RevZG/s320/tech_115_pants_large.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>BurdaStyle 9/2010 #115</i></td></tr>
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I'd add some final thoughts on my TNT here, but I'm very far from finished working with this pattern. So what I will say for now is that having a really great fitting trouser pattern has made sewing pants a sure thing rather than a fitting crucible. Dare I say that a well fitting crotch is a thing of beauty? There. I said it. Anyway, I've barely scratched the surface with all the things I can do with my TNT trousers, so do expect to see more of it in the future.<br />
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In closing, here are the five versions you have already seen.... Three sewn basically according to the pattern, one as a summer pull on pant and one jumpsuit, where I used my TNT to alter the crotch of the jumpsuit pattern. So, seven uses so far for my TNT.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBpsNsdzWjEmVMAfyt-P1Hze40LQJduqHxKxGKYzKoDp8T247cEb-5JqziCm6cQZVz0fKSa5er9M7ho9BsoJGzZHcVByDthKFhm3q_zvFP9GhdwcunS3ZWfibaB72lzRr5JD0AyPf-kxh/s1600/collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBpsNsdzWjEmVMAfyt-P1Hze40LQJduqHxKxGKYzKoDp8T247cEb-5JqziCm6cQZVz0fKSa5er9M7ho9BsoJGzZHcVByDthKFhm3q_zvFP9GhdwcunS3ZWfibaB72lzRr5JD0AyPf-kxh/s400/collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Links for details are: <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/04/mini-wardrobe-pieces-1-and-2-trousers.html">Black TNT Trousers</a><br />
<a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/03/luck-of-irish-gold-wool-trousers-and.html">Gold Wool Trousers</a><br />
<a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/07/i-love-good-jumpsuit.html">Crazy Jumpsuit</a><br />
<a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/08/romping-around.html">Moms Wear White </a>Trousers<br />
<a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/09/someone-elses-pants-little-lace-little.html">Pull on Summer Pants</a><br />
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PS - Yaaaaaaay Jumpsuits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-13408331606882424812017-09-18T10:39:00.002-04:002017-09-18T10:39:40.878-04:00Someone Else's Pants: A Little Lace, A Little Shirring<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
As I think back about all the sewing and all the fun of this summer I have a confession to make: I wore someone else's pants all summer long.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazIUGi7Qe-1So6TMqHQB6uycXvyMXG81edpoitEP-K9zx77sjXXMlx3Hdx5zqKwvu0hVBS4O6qc9W0_dVGnM7Z11TvldcyCUwSllS6wiiszpNlrp6gfRo1wRcALVGEMF8zdLjb53EXE7Y/s1600/IMG_4396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiazIUGi7Qe-1So6TMqHQB6uycXvyMXG81edpoitEP-K9zx77sjXXMlx3Hdx5zqKwvu0hVBS4O6qc9W0_dVGnM7Z11TvldcyCUwSllS6wiiszpNlrp6gfRo1wRcALVGEMF8zdLjb53EXE7Y/s640/IMG_4396.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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You see, years ago, my very excellent friend Magenta had this pair of awesome summer pants - they fit her perfectly, were light and airy and had some fun details. As they started to wear out, we had plans to recreate them for her. This was so long ago that there weren't any tutorials or info about doing a rub-off floating around the blogosphere, and I was a much less experienced sewist. Between not finding suitable fabric and not knowing how to create a pattern, our plans fizzled.<br />
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Fast forward to early in the summer when I realized that I needed more pool and patio clothing. Life at that moment involved long weekends full of fun at our town's wonderful community pool, shopping at the farmers marked and grilling in the backyard. Sewing something fun to wear around town, at the pool and in the yard was a must. A rummage thru my stash yielded some black gauze. I also found some black crocheted lace and elastic thread. <i>Perfect,</i> I thought to myself.<br />
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I was about half way through this project when I realized that I was finally sewing <i>those </i>pants; the ones we had talked about so long ago. But for me. <i>Oops! Sorry Magenta.</i><br />
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And they were one of the easiest things I've sewn recently. They are my TNT trouser pattern sewn up as a pull on pant in an airy gauze. They look as different as could be from my other trousers from this pattern, which makes me love them even more. As a reminder, my TNT pattern is <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/slacks-with-notched-waistband-092010">BurdaStyle 9/2010 #115</a> - Slacks with Notched Waistband - which is a talls sized pattern.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFvWZH259dRqeAaqb2vVzq4STYuT7Ovr_4s1igE8-Q4sSKPLOdZL6Jpe0ZZ-s-NNYj5KThFOMt5jgE5gEfUKy0y8CznuVGFkWLAL-vuXAKwBJOkdyJfrvb2DLbj2WnEVQlehyxuXh7M6Q/s1600/tech_115_pants_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="475" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqFvWZH259dRqeAaqb2vVzq4STYuT7Ovr_4s1igE8-Q4sSKPLOdZL6Jpe0ZZ-s-NNYj5KThFOMt5jgE5gEfUKy0y8CznuVGFkWLAL-vuXAKwBJOkdyJfrvb2DLbj2WnEVQlehyxuXh7M6Q/s320/tech_115_pants_large.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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To make them a pull on style, I simply left the darts open, eliminated the pockets and straightened out from the hip to the waist a bit, so they would fit over my hips. I also added a few inches to the rise so that they would sit at the waist without a waistband.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBLGmZ9l8mktFhWEDbv5RdQ_-KvKQnSM69zOFTkkr3BC0GIrgxY-WMganfi-Ez_ZT8PtJR3KOWfNdKptZO8imltYHNXWTJr6PcZpbuvhYkmxVJV3YykE7uAgh_DN0BoNEDdwvZ3-gH6Sd/s1600/IMG_4409.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1197" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBLGmZ9l8mktFhWEDbv5RdQ_-KvKQnSM69zOFTkkr3BC0GIrgxY-WMganfi-Ez_ZT8PtJR3KOWfNdKptZO8imltYHNXWTJr6PcZpbuvhYkmxVJV3YykE7uAgh_DN0BoNEDdwvZ3-gH6Sd/s640/IMG_4409.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I've had elastic thread in my stash for years. So, it seemed like a good time to experiment with a shirred waist. It's far from perfect and somehow I neglected to take photos of it, but I feel like I know what I'm doing with shirring now, and may use it again in the future as a design detail. It's fun and summery.<br />
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The last detail is the two rows of crocheted lace I added to the calf and hem. It was a feature of the original pants and I think is the thing that makes this a fun summer make.<br />
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Anyway, I couldn't let summer end without mentioning these pants, which I wore non-stop.<br />
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Next spring, Magenta, we will have to have a pants making party and make one in every color for us both. These are not the last pair of these pants that I will own, and I already have some enhancements in mind like a simple pocket, slightly different placement of the lace and a waistband with a drawstring, among other things. Anyway, until next summer... </div>
Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-10915400676988994192017-08-22T08:00:00.000-04:002017-08-22T08:00:18.772-04:00Swimwear: Part Mermaid on my Mom's Side<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
You may remember that I sewed a <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2014/08/bombshell-part-2-where-we-actually-talk.html">hacked Bombshell</a> when I was pregnant. At the time I predicted that the top would probably fit post-pregnancy but that I would need to sew new bottoms. Turns out I was right.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzBmO0xgxL5t7dascZgMSO7jco0bwCz1xku7HAmp8klRV9o9Ekp_TnBRK-2Y9Zhv1_IrxJtfoXXfdyrucoGlnvLNC0n-qwzR8wNqnKDiydWj0vdTTduHvMbc3jjbTQrAfJpvERZAvE5E8/s1600/bombshell+fix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1064" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzBmO0xgxL5t7dascZgMSO7jco0bwCz1xku7HAmp8klRV9o9Ekp_TnBRK-2Y9Zhv1_IrxJtfoXXfdyrucoGlnvLNC0n-qwzR8wNqnKDiydWj0vdTTduHvMbc3jjbTQrAfJpvERZAvE5E8/s640/bombshell+fix.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Original version with prego belly included</i></td></tr>
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At the time, I must have had the forethought to buy enough of the fabric to make more pieces after pregnancy because I found two yards of the stuff when I was rummaging in my stash this summer hoping for a scrap of swimsuit fabric. <i>Clever past me. </i><br />
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As this project was completely unplanned, I somehow forgot I was going to make a Bombshell bottom and pulled out <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9192">Vogue 9192</a> instead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNBQbE5amwte5HBdd6UKBuKfLqt-TXrwTZFJyKnwSNy2lYkS1razNLmdgZlKA3dCejGuoV9Zj0I6m0rP2u4RAPZo2UstXLDPSoLKy53GCZ62QPhKetFlOvvP3YMj3q5BkIn6-pJW0y-3a/s1600/v9192-a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1164" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNBQbE5amwte5HBdd6UKBuKfLqt-TXrwTZFJyKnwSNy2lYkS1razNLmdgZlKA3dCejGuoV9Zj0I6m0rP2u4RAPZo2UstXLDPSoLKy53GCZ62QPhKetFlOvvP3YMj3q5BkIn6-pJW0y-3a/s400/v9192-a.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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I ended up sewing the bikini bottom (View D) and the cover up skirt (View F). There is not much to tell except that I learned that rubber swimsuit elastic is firmer and less stretchy than other elastics and - more important - you should avoid any un-sewing of the stuff.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvoyx-I1rXXfZn9FFSCmqqjJFG8vk-29R8Vn5WFOEFNmNbQVAGfEWHLPRpjFamdlVpTFU6LCvx5CSzXbR_b6NlRB8MrMT92GZC-duMXvbiFyvV9RuwWoBfVJslb6pc6voKC9kL04AxmuF/s1600/oops+elastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvvoyx-I1rXXfZn9FFSCmqqjJFG8vk-29R8Vn5WFOEFNmNbQVAGfEWHLPRpjFamdlVpTFU6LCvx5CSzXbR_b6NlRB8MrMT92GZC-duMXvbiFyvV9RuwWoBfVJslb6pc6voKC9kL04AxmuF/s400/oops+elastic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Oops. </i></td></tr>
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I didn't make any changes to either the bottom or skirt except that I added a little bit of length (2") to the skirt. It probably wasn't necessary. They both fit very well out of the envelope. The only change I'd make in the future is perhaps taking the waist in a bit and using slightly wider elastic.<br />
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The skirt is a win I think; I love the style. This is a piece that I have been wearing as a cover up and for splashy days. Really, you could take a dip in it, but I think I would reserve it for wading rather than swimming. I'm very happy with it paired with my bombshell hacked top.<br />
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I like that the length is adjustable. The construction was really simple - you press the seam allowances open and sew them down to create a casing for the pull ties. <br />
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The bottoms - sorry for the lack of picture of me wearing them, but I just didn't feel up to taking pictures of my bum and thighs - is a very modest cut. It's exactly what I would pick out for my mom, who is a modest lady. For myself, I would choose something with a lower rise and perhaps cut a little higher on the sides. That said, I'm happy for the full bum coverage. One thing that I will add is that when I sewed swimwear in the past I just self-lined anything that needed lining. This time I used swimsuit lining fabric and the difference is worth it. It's thinner, lighter and very soft and comfy against the skin. The sandwich method of sewing the bottoms made for a really cleanly finished inside.<br />
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There's not really anything else to say because both pieces were easy to sew, are well drafted and fit the bill. Sometimes there is just no need to over-complicate things.</div>
Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-48184987497143256842017-08-15T08:00:00.000-04:002017-08-15T08:00:13.816-04:00Swimwear: For My Little Fish<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In the Craft Lounge, I'm already transitioning to autumn by putting away the light fabrics and plotting out my projects for the cooler weather ahead. However, I'm still trying to catch up on posting all of the summer clothing that I sewed. And I've had a very productive summer. Instead of taking a big vacation, I decided this summer to make every weekend a long weekend by taking Mondays off.<br />
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So today it's more swimwear. This time for Taco.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At his cousin's pool party</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XImBjRcGdEVnrs0z_L3AN6rg1SzSg5dOBkxA33qkpSnWCKNbOT1_b31VWRzk6vQiL_hPbD2D-Ay3H8lLdFJ4Jyx72c7sRZTZ-KYWyUy_6MpPqXy2G9PGezbdmvhngk0hkTX0U71uQ1Wa/s1600/IMG_0928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7XImBjRcGdEVnrs0z_L3AN6rg1SzSg5dOBkxA33qkpSnWCKNbOT1_b31VWRzk6vQiL_hPbD2D-Ay3H8lLdFJ4Jyx72c7sRZTZ-KYWyUy_6MpPqXy2G9PGezbdmvhngk0hkTX0U71uQ1Wa/s640/IMG_0928.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the snack bar at our community pool (with ice cream)</i></td></tr>
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Two of my favorite makes for Taco that have been getting non-stop use are these little, one piece rash guard swimmies. The pattern is an altered version of KwikSew 3730, which I sewed last summer (<a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2016/08/taco-style-boxtop.html">here</a>) in seersucker. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4aZF6Xn0ImRyutQbzvytmgB8YB9u1WWtFvlaSlAhGLaMWLFGvHGHq3X15Y85NVceC-XFeq9aWsfCs3LejNdL1ddxrMHKI3adSzpIA3Wl2xbvOy7_xR5MFNhYog2WXREetscgV3LEU1WE/s1600/rashie+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl4aZF6Xn0ImRyutQbzvytmgB8YB9u1WWtFvlaSlAhGLaMWLFGvHGHq3X15Y85NVceC-XFeq9aWsfCs3LejNdL1ddxrMHKI3adSzpIA3Wl2xbvOy7_xR5MFNhYog2WXREetscgV3LEU1WE/s640/rashie+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The pattern is designed for woven fabrics. Sewing it in a knit and getting the more trim fit of a rash guard required slimming the whole thing down - side seams, armscyes and sleeves.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJMC1lhBNar8bdrzrBKLdg2-BhKC4De6gIb_I3Oa-T7HRjM14G2VVhT4MemVQOG5KysksHFWDhPMO8dEu7-7Tlqf8xRnpiJljEktcILU7kcFQEiKzsZIF3EzIOPyDfbZ-4y-wY4s1j2fQ/s1600/Rashie+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1203" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYJMC1lhBNar8bdrzrBKLdg2-BhKC4De6gIb_I3Oa-T7HRjM14G2VVhT4MemVQOG5KysksHFWDhPMO8dEu7-7Tlqf8xRnpiJljEktcILU7kcFQEiKzsZIF3EzIOPyDfbZ-4y-wY4s1j2fQ/s400/Rashie+5.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Wow, washed out color in this shot.</i></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsx72a5Z2dheoSkTLHqjmQhUM5h7sK_k3uORN5TA0hYgyXCXVWRuyqvj-sEkaFuSiQq2yytzyMJZcKDmmWwLqeeWmZ4TOeetqRXpBRwaQESuBWPLUB24YgxFmYT6QedZjkfCmcphUcFig/s1600/IMG_0921edt.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOsx72a5Z2dheoSkTLHqjmQhUM5h7sK_k3uORN5TA0hYgyXCXVWRuyqvj-sEkaFuSiQq2yytzyMJZcKDmmWwLqeeWmZ4TOeetqRXpBRwaQESuBWPLUB24YgxFmYT6QedZjkfCmcphUcFig/s400/IMG_0921edt.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>And in swimsuit fabric</i></td></tr>
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To give the pattern a more rash guard/wet suit-like look, I altered the center front from a button closure to an exposed zipper and altered the collar to a rounded mandarin-style. <br />
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The proto-type - the blue version - was sewn with a poly knit remnant that I had in my stash. You probably don't remember waaaaaaay back when I sewed a top in this fabric for myself (<a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2011/06/blue-top-photo-shoot.html">here</a>). It's not 100% perfect as swimwear, but Taco likes it. The zipper is a closed-end, plastic tooth number I picked up at Panda Zippers, a store I often overlook. Closed end plastic zippers are somewhat challenging to come by, even in the NY Garment District.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66V3Dc4w9MxlvjnKbefrzhWelQI-T7dcWij82ucDJCe6fWHgwBR1w7_RbaL-cGPki1vEsGt49ZlhBBNG6KTqbs_0BZxk-hzqbzesK1rNVprtFuw8n6TYnSsIhR-w1sR6nTMgZvc5DQf3E/s1600/Rashie+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66V3Dc4w9MxlvjnKbefrzhWelQI-T7dcWij82ucDJCe6fWHgwBR1w7_RbaL-cGPki1vEsGt49ZlhBBNG6KTqbs_0BZxk-hzqbzesK1rNVprtFuw8n6TYnSsIhR-w1sR6nTMgZvc5DQf3E/s640/Rashie+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I futzed around with the pattern a bit more based on the changes I had to make as I sewed the proto-type version. This second version is in actual swimwear fabric. It's a bit of an eye popping fabric.<br />
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It's a bit of a bummer that photography is not allowed at our community pool. Taco has taken to the water with such delight. You'll have to make do with snack bar photos.<br />
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We are planning on starting swim lessons in the fall. Taco really discovered his inner little fish. So, our need for swimwear will outlast the summer.<br />
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Two and a half is a charming little age; our days are punctuated by squeals of delight, peels of laughter, and moments of surprise. Not that there aren't struggles, but there are far more happy moments and there is much to be grateful for when I think of life in Clio-and-Phinland these days. More time at home was a great call for this summer!<br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-48313900580280754482017-08-10T10:25:00.001-04:002017-08-10T10:25:55.445-04:00Swimwear: For Those Splashy Days<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had no plans to sew any swimwear this summer.<br />
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That's the funny thing about sewing plans, isn't it? They can change on a whim or for a need. In this case, both. Inspired by whim and need I ended up sewing five items of swimwear this summer.<br />
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Here's the first. It's a not-a-swimsuit.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuSlkOA-CtlAogozzxp8I7i2kwcG0G7y3dlirU3IcZmQG8uqhrANQr-xX813hbZvDbYHuacogHw7nzaUW9axfwA-wLhN7U1ynLgU2X8L7A7tfFv_RoArmckybGrhZjBo7I69sVGKePyCx/s1600/Dress.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYuSlkOA-CtlAogozzxp8I7i2kwcG0G7y3dlirU3IcZmQG8uqhrANQr-xX813hbZvDbYHuacogHw7nzaUW9axfwA-wLhN7U1ynLgU2X8L7A7tfFv_RoArmckybGrhZjBo7I69sVGKePyCx/s640/Dress.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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You see, when you spend time at the community pool with a toddler, you don't actually get to do much actual swimming. Most days I don't get deeper into the water than my knees, which is as deep as the toddler pool gets. But I still get wet from Taco running over to me for a big wet hug or from playing with him in the fountains or at the water's edge or just sitting on the wet ledge with my feet in the pool watching him play. The same is true for days we play at home in the sprinkler. I always end up running thru the sprinkler at least once.<br />
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Parenting a little kid means that some days are just <b><i>splashy</i></b>. And I don't always have the will to slather us both from horn to tail in sunscreen nor do I always feel like prancing around in a swimsuit in the yard or at the pool when I'm not going to actually swim. What's a gal to do?<br />
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Chalk this up as another <i>why sewing is awesome </i>moment<i>. </i>This is a sundress sewn up in swimsuit fabric. So, it's quick drying, comfy and appropriate for poolside and sprinkler, but isn't a bathing suit. Really I could wear it anywhere - to the beach bar, on a boat or for water-sports like paddle boarding. Now I'm sort of wondering how I ever got along without something like this in my wardrobe.<br />
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Anyway, when I wear it to the pool, I do wear bikini bottoms underneath. Wet underwear feels gross. <i>Ewwwwwwww</i><br />
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The fabric is from Spandex World and the pattern is OOP Simplicity 3503, which I sewed once before in 2009 (<a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2009/07/to-maxi.html">here</a>).<br />
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I made a few changes and enhancements. As drafted, the skirt is gathered at the center front and back. I trimmed down the skirt so that it wouldn't have the gathers, thinking that less fabric to get wet would probably be a good thing. Also, since I planned to wear it without a bra, I sewed bra cups in between the fabric and lining at the bust. If I had thought of it I would have sewn an elastic band into the seam at the underbust to create a built in shelf bra. Next time. This is enough for poolside.<br />
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Photo taking is still a challenge. I've been trying to just get Phin to snap a few pictures whenever we can fit it in when I am actually wearing whatever it is we're photographing, rather than trying for a photo shoot.<br />
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These were taken on our way out to the pool. After a minute or two, Taco got bored of waiting with his bucket of trains (which goes with him everywhere, btw.) <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYlAjfbO88J87X-lW_5741hClxua-9M7Q9xtPp4jQkzJIUASOMqU2JSTLofxUVZ2Wk53oyh95tXuNeBRgI04dtXVIqawdmVxisrqmjuCxGY3fSoO789lKHncOhV5FL62BkInlD7Rk1ldA/s1600/meanwhile.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiYlAjfbO88J87X-lW_5741hClxua-9M7Q9xtPp4jQkzJIUASOMqU2JSTLofxUVZ2Wk53oyh95tXuNeBRgI04dtXVIqawdmVxisrqmjuCxGY3fSoO789lKHncOhV5FL62BkInlD7Rk1ldA/s640/meanwhile.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Halloween pail repurposed as a train carrier</i></td></tr>
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So we actually got a few unanticipated "action shots."<br />
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And with that we were off to the pool for splashy fun!<br />
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Two more swimwear posts to follow! Stay tuned!<br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-7981269803431747952017-08-03T10:14:00.000-04:002017-08-03T10:14:29.569-04:00Romping Around!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It seems like the list is endless, but another thing that irks me about RTW clothing for tots is that retailers seem to have collectively decided that 2 years is the age/size when little ones stop wearing rompers. For a slim tot like Taco, whose shorts/pants are always sliding down, rompers are the ideal summer outfit. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taco with my sister's beagle</i></td></tr>
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I'm not going to rehash this pattern - Butterick <a href="https://butterick.mccall.com/b5625">B5625 </a>- since I sewed and reviewed it last summer (<a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2016/08/taco-style-madras-summer-romper.html">here</a>). At the time I commented that it was so quick and easy that I would sew many more versions if summer was longer. This year I got to execute that plan. The only change I've made besides adding a little length at the lengthen/shorten line is that I've eliminated the snaps at the crotch/inseam. Phin and I found it just as easy to undo the shoulder buttons for diaper changes. So, snaps became irrelevant.<br />
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An additional nice thing about this pattern is that it doesn't take very much fabric. All three of these rompers were sewn from remnants that were hanging around in my stash and that I cut during my epic May <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2017/05/big-batch-cutting-method-to-madness-or.html">cut-a-thon</a>. Sewing for toddlers has some distinct benefits that way.<br />
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The red is linen left over from <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2013/05/red-linen-pants-reveal.html">trousers </a>I made for myself a few years ago. The seersucker was left over from <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2016/08/taco-style-boxtop.html">a different romper</a> I made for Taco last summer. And the off white pinstriped linen blend, well, that was from a large cut of fabric that you will see the rest of at some future point, since it has been sewn but not photographed. I'm really delighted with the buttons I chose for it.<br />
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I haven't been able to snap any photos of the red and white, but they're getting a lot of wear. I really would put Taco in a romper every day all summer long if I had sewn even more of them.<br />
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Anyway, I shall leave you with this picture of Taco enjoying the blue frosting off a cupcake at his cousin's Minion themed birthday party. The blue seersucker actually hid the evidence of the frosting that ended up everywhere later on. </div>
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-74744810557424611292017-07-30T08:00:00.000-04:002017-11-06T13:03:33.901-05:00Ease into Motherhood: Yes, I Wear White<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I had already been drafting this post when Seamstress Erin put out an open invitation to share experiences of sewing and motherhood in a series called "<a href="http://seamstresserin.com/ease-into-motherhood/">Ease into Motherhood</a>." Becoming a parent is one of the most normal, yet profound, things that most of us will do at some point in our lives. But how do you ease into something that is like being hit by a 30 foot wall of water? A tsunami of normal.<br />
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These days, when a woman has a child, everything she does gets the word "mom" added to it. Think "mom jeans," "mom (hair) do," "mom style" and the like. A woman with a child no longer meets friends for a drink; instead it's "momtinis." She can't have social plans sans child without it being "Mom's Day/Night Out." She can't disagree or do things her own way without it being "mommy wars" or being labeled as <i>that </i>type of mom (seriously, just google <i>types of moms</i> to see the degree of labeling.) Other people - coaches, teachers, anyone who interacts with her in her role as a parent - will even call her "Mom" rather than bothering to learn her name.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>I used to be called Clio.</b></span></div>
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Is it any wonder that many new mothers suffer from a loss of identity?<br />
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<b><i>What's in a name? </i></b>We're sold this bill of goods that says we should be MOM before anything else. In our pasts, we may have had hobbies and activities, pursued goals and aspirations, and led rich and interesting lives. But once we are mom, we are supposed to be happy and grateful for our selves to be subsumed by motherhood, everything else about us a distant second. <b><i>I'm a mom first</i></b> - the mantra of mothers who work - silently adds <i>lest you think I don't truly and deeply love my child because I need things in my life outside of motherhood. </i>It's not healthy to see ourselves as one dimensional.<br />
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Mom is also a name that has a strong attachment to gender norms. So is Dad. And it starts early. From the moment I was pregnant, people in our lives assumed that it was me who wanted to have a child and Phin was along for the ride. Phin even had other men <i>commiserate </i>with him that <i>now </i>he would have to help out at home. Phin and I already had a marriage in which I commuted and went on business trips while he worked from home, which meant he had more time to cook meals, shop and run errands. We eat really well, btw.<br />
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<b>The Tsunami</b>. Pregnancy was one of the happiest and healthiest periods of my life. I loved being pregnant. And Taco was an easy newborn. Knowing it would be a tsunami, I gave myself a lot of room to recover and adjust to caring for him, while Phin, who gave himself a generous paternity leave (perks of being your own boss), cared for me. Our home was full of love. It was the second three months that were a struggle. I was ready to get back to doing the things I loved doing, and I was tired of being at home all the time. That's when sleep became a challenge and Taco became more demanding - he was desperate to sit and later stand, but hated the bouncy chair, the swing, or anything other than my lap or arms. I felt like I was drowning; constantly busy yet accomplishing nothing.<br />
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It was such a relief when Taco was big enough for the jumparoo, which he was happy to go in at least for a few minutes at a time.<br />
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To this day, Taco's motor skills are well above average and his sleep needs are at the low end of normal for his age group. (Read: he's incredibly active and doesn't sleep much.) It was exhausting. Still is. To boot, as we ventured out more as winter was ending and Taco was older, the assumptions and associations of being a mom felt awkward and uncomfortable to me and simply didn't jive with my self image.<br />
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<i style="font-weight: bold;">I'll never sew again. </i>Sewing, in my mind, was THE THING that could help me feel like me again - a changed me, to be sure - but me at heart. Around this time, another mom in the otherwise wonderful support group I joined at a local lactation center was unsympathetic when I expressed my frustrations. She told me that she <i>used to </i>sew, too, before her first child was born four years prior. Her meaning was clear - sewing is not something that moms have time for and I should get used to it. Get used to giving up my things... my <b><i>me</i></b>. I remember emailing a few sewing friends to say "OMG I have a mom-nemesis who says I will never have time for sewing again!"<br />
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I later learned that my nemesis was suffering deeply from postpartum depression. My heart softened toward her; I wondered how many other pieces of herself she had given up. But the encounter also convinced me that I needed to prioritize the things that make me feel like me. Sewing. Baking. Knitting. Even work. When I announced <a href="https://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2014/08/two-bombshells-one-post.html">on this blog</a> that I was pregnant, I had said "<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">We've built such a wonderful life together and feel like we have so much to give to a child." For that to remain true, I needed to be true to myself and not give up those things that most define me. </span><br />
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Getting back to sewing helped me feel like my days were not just a blur of nursing, napping and trying to amuse and help my tiny child grow up. Baking, too. In the beginning it was slow going. I remember telling my moms group it took me three days to bake anything: one day to take out the ingredients, one to bake, one to clean up. Sometimes it took 4 days. Sometimes it took weeks to sew something - one seam at a time, one task at a time. But I was sewing. And life got easier when Taco started taking fewer but longer naps.<br />
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I cannot overstate how important finding a new mom's group run by a social worker was to my experience of new motherhood. It was not a group to talk about parenting tips or our babies; it was a place to talk about ourselves and how we were doing, without judgement. Being told that it was ok to feel how I actually felt and be who I am as opposed to some notion of how mothers are <i>supposed</i> to feel and supposed to be was powerfully validating. I don't have to conform to gender normative ideas about motherhood to be a great mom to Taco. Most of all, the group taught me that my child deserves a mother who is a whole, multi-faceted person and that I don't need to justify or explain or feel guilt for my life outside of motherhood or the times that I need to step away to care for my own needs.<br />
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And so I decided to just be me and chart my own course through motherhood. Being a mom has changed me, but it is not the sum total <i>of</i> me. And while I don't have all the answers, being me means:<br />
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<b>I like my career. </b>I didn't feel conflicted when I went back to work when Taco was 6 1/2 months, and I don't feel constantly torn between work and home. Part of this, to be sure, is that I have an incredibly family friendly employer that allows for a great work-life balance; I work a 4-day week - 3 in office, 1 at home. Plus, the commute that used to be a drudge is now time for me to knit. It's the perfect transition between work and home. When I get home I'm ready to give Taco my full attention until bedtime.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Trying on my knitting</i></td></tr>
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<b>When Taco naps, I sew.</b> I do not pick up a toy, clean a thing, shop online, go on FB or do anything else mundane or that is a time trap during naptime. On the days that I am home, that is my time for me and I keep it like an appointment. Having that reliable, but limited, block of time has made me such a better planner and a more productive sewist. My sewing has also changed. I'm a much less selfish sewist. I sew more for Phin and Taco than I ever thought I would and for the first time I've sewn things for work. I focus more now on developing and then using TNT patterns, which helps me be more productive and have more wins. Also, sewing connects me with friends and gives me something to talk about besides Taco.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taco Plays with My Orange Serger Thread</i></td></tr>
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<b>I'm messy and I don't care. </b>Truly. Taco and I bake together. I have just taught him how to crack an egg (he still needs coaching) and it is our favorite thing ever. I also let him play with flour, cupcake liners and non-sharp baking utensils. I am convinced that involving him in the kitchen now is going to pay big dividends someday - already he is generally happy when I ask him if we should bake together and will go to the pantry and start pulling out ingredients whether they are needed or not. If this becomes a shared hobby, so much the better. But in the meantime, I get to bake.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Playing in the Pantry</i></td></tr>
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<b>I wear white. </b>These are my new white trousers sewn with my TNT trouser pattern. Ta-da!! I love them and wear them all the time, which is why they are so wrinkled in these pics. I was sewing these trousers at the same time I was admiring a white sweater knit by another sewist/knitter. There was a comment about her clearly not being a mom. Apparently, <i>moms don't wear white</i>. Something about messes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>With a new seersucker Ogden Cami</i></td></tr>
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I refuse to dress <i>like a mom</i>, whatever that means. I wear silk, I wear white, I wear leather. I wear what I want. If it gets ruined, c'est la vie. I enjoyed wearing it and can sew another. Why limit myself.<br />
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<b>I prefer being called a parent. </b>This post aside, I generally don't refer to myself as a mom or working mom or talk about motherhood. I prefer parent. It is a more equal word than mom and not loaded with gendered ideas or norms. And to be clear, I could not do any of the above without having an equal partner in Phineas.<br />
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When I went back to work, he rearranged and scaled back his work to be at home with Taco on the days I'm not. Doing all the childcare ourselves, while both having careers, has been a huge commitment. Parents. The two of us working together as equals. And the best advice I can give about getting thru early childhood with a partner is to forget about keeping score of who is working harder, doing more or getting less sleep, and instead focus on sharing what little free time there is as equally as possible. That is really what fights about who is doing what and whose life is harder are about - the stress caused by lack of free time to pursue an interest, exercise, see friends or just be quiet. Making sure we both get what we need in terms of caring for <span style="font-family: inherit;">our selves enables us to be whole people for Taco. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me at 40; Taco at 10 months. In Venice.</i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am Clio. </span></div>
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I am a sewer of frosting, baker of brownies, knitter of socks, world traveler, resister, sometimes scuba diver, very slow runner, maker of friends, drinker of wine, eater of pizza, proud aunt, admirer of strong women, reader of books, best friend of Phineas, fabric lover, sister to four amazing women, career woman, daughter, and Taco's Ma-ma.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Me being me, Taco being Taco, both happy. </i></td></tr>
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-57177579956232563322017-07-24T08:00:00.000-04:002017-11-06T13:03:33.896-05:00I Love a Good Jumpsuit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm happy that jumpsuits still seem to be going strong as a trend. I've been thinking about sewing a fun and colorful jumpsuit for summer for the last few months, and now that the dog days have arrived in the NY area it moved to the top of the priority list.<br />
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This is <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9116">Very Easy Vogue V9116</a> sewn up in knit that I bought at Metro Textiles during Pattern Review Weekend last month. The pattern definitely delivers on being very easy to sew. <br />
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I love how fun this jumpsuit is, even though I think there are some distinct improvements that could be made both to the pattern and to this awful camera angle.<br />
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First, I should tell you that when I compared the crotch curve of this pattern to my TNT trousers, they were very differently shaped. I'm not making a judgement about one or the other, but simply saying that my TNT pattern is "me shaped" and I was skeptical that this pattern would fit as well, given the degree of difference in the two crotches. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4agJvg5Q-4WBYb8cOqOkXDrSJEOTFJTwzeXVlA6rRPrpqbl-_0gJ4WbXUgyxe9g-mBEjwtZMMiw8GvTKkG8Tc4H24px1-pCT4pLhQd6nUpBE1aQ8jyEkxaBjLVAisuerJAv2iTXSgmlj/s1600/jumpsuit+side.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4agJvg5Q-4WBYb8cOqOkXDrSJEOTFJTwzeXVlA6rRPrpqbl-_0gJ4WbXUgyxe9g-mBEjwtZMMiw8GvTKkG8Tc4H24px1-pCT4pLhQd6nUpBE1aQ8jyEkxaBjLVAisuerJAv2iTXSgmlj/s640/jumpsuit+side.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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So, I melded the two patterns together, using the upper portion of my TNT pattern and the leg of the jumpsuit. Luckily, by simply not marking and sewing the darts of my TNT trousers, the two had very similar waist and hip shapes and measurements. I added additional seam allowance at the waist (where the waistband would attach) to accommodate the higher waistline of the jumpsuit.<br />
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What I didn't change was any part of the top of the jumpsuit. This is straight out of the envelope. <br />
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The changes that I would make for next time are relatively few and definitely easy to achieve. In looking at the photos and line drawings, I thought there was going to be enough blous-i-ness that I would be able to get the look I wanted from the pattern (slightly less blousy than drafted) without adding length to the top, which is a normal alteration for my 5'9", long-torsoed frame. I was wrong. The jumpsuit fits a bit high on the waist on me. Next time I will probably add an additional 1-2 inches to the top. Additionally, what I didn't notice in the photos is that the trousers are definitely NOT too long in the crotch. I should have added an additional inch of length above the crotch at the waist. Overall the jumpsuit just fits thru the torso length. <br />
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You can see that the top is low cut on both my front and back. I think this is also why you can just see a slight peek of the black strapless bra I am wearing, despite a strategic safety pin. I plan to sew a snap to keep things better in place on this version, but in the future I think extra length would help bring things up and let the crossed front sit a bit better. It seems well drafted.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gxO0qoz19owMbSVAIeaLLDGDne4MVgpfsjMKJR3Kt1dH5VzEtAT2Rk8BEY2z7hSkB-8JQrFhyBJif1zbdjz2uVSolt06QnZnDsJdSiguwBwseMkLGH_Mu0yA84ofgMIzoyawZxb1Er8v/s1600/jumpsuit+back.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3gxO0qoz19owMbSVAIeaLLDGDne4MVgpfsjMKJR3Kt1dH5VzEtAT2Rk8BEY2z7hSkB-8JQrFhyBJif1zbdjz2uVSolt06QnZnDsJdSiguwBwseMkLGH_Mu0yA84ofgMIzoyawZxb1Er8v/s640/jumpsuit+back.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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My only quibble with the pattern is how the waist is constructed. Here are the instructions: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIWd8gVQ25do9RNHOJDq8J8h8rXZl1FSCa41ZnI0H_u8xhTVBm6jGlssUnOozuPx3w75HajqjLJij3An2Whq2PloE5_hRvNxZ0hlpnzbswImctxhwPx0pq-TpSSmoDo8jUSOLlQJZK61c/s1600/instructions.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1142" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIWd8gVQ25do9RNHOJDq8J8h8rXZl1FSCa41ZnI0H_u8xhTVBm6jGlssUnOozuPx3w75HajqjLJij3An2Whq2PloE5_hRvNxZ0hlpnzbswImctxhwPx0pq-TpSSmoDo8jUSOLlQJZK61c/s400/instructions.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
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On this version of the pattern there is a lot of bulk at the waist. The two sides of the front bodice are self-lined and overlapped. The bodice is then sewn to the pants at the waist with two rows of stitching to make a casing for elastic. I elected to trim the overlap layers back as much as possible. Even so, the way the casing is sewn adds to the bulk. You end up with a 3/4" casing with 3/8" elastic threaded through it floating inside the jumpsuit waist area. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD3r05DUBHQERZf8bmfSFK91N6LuIsVGHffREB5msZMvAAyxHwwR2u-bbgBoSlL8QDps6ax0DYpwO_deI8XCylx1IkXJhT2VRqWpgiR1JZc348ZeoLanuzV0u0986ifeDnnAxleYYSiSo/s1600/Insides.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaD3r05DUBHQERZf8bmfSFK91N6LuIsVGHffREB5msZMvAAyxHwwR2u-bbgBoSlL8QDps6ax0DYpwO_deI8XCylx1IkXJhT2VRqWpgiR1JZc348ZeoLanuzV0u0986ifeDnnAxleYYSiSo/s400/Insides.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>I serged the 1/4" seam allowance.</i></td></tr>
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I compared this to a RTW jumpsuit that I own.<br />
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On the RTW version, the waist is serged with 1/4" elastic stitched on the waist seam line. It works just as well and I don't feel like the waist is bulky at all. Again, this is an easily fixable quibble.<br />
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Overall, I am happy with this jumpsuit and will definitely get some wear out of it this summer and beyond. I've been wearing it a lot. Fun, too-loud patterns are perfect for summer, and this print incorporates all my favorite colors - orange, hot pink and turquoise. Honestly, this outfit seems incomplete without a Mojito in my hand.<br />
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Anyway, I hope you are having a great summer. And stay tuned for when I actually blog about the 3 trousers, 1 jumpsuit, 1 shorts, 3 rompers, 1 rash guard and jacket that I've also sewn. Oy. Photography is not our forte! </div>
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-61601470642767972062017-06-22T12:49:00.001-04:002017-06-22T12:49:54.922-04:00Let's Talk: Linings<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Normally, once I blog about a finished item, you don't see it again on the blog unless it is paired with an even newer garment. But today I thought we'd do something a little different and revisit the trousers that I sewed back at Thanksgiving and finally blogged about in March. <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmnYahE47jm0_FXOlYLoYkMf97vItaNVdD1zFu5PV29GpkN8yB51pe8fUhDmxx_RW-aVXo5JI5wl0eOx2bPi2QafETD61jT0r0elvtqKpXx0F8LBq6nQCBEfVuFrbsubOejIIU2j4_ch3/s1600/pantsoutfit.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="428" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUmnYahE47jm0_FXOlYLoYkMf97vItaNVdD1zFu5PV29GpkN8yB51pe8fUhDmxx_RW-aVXo5JI5wl0eOx2bPi2QafETD61jT0r0elvtqKpXx0F8LBq6nQCBEfVuFrbsubOejIIU2j4_ch3/s640/pantsoutfit.JPG" width="428" /></a></div>
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I loved lining them in in a poly charmeuse print from Janky Store that was in my stash. I had sewn <a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2011/04/over-top-1.html">a top</a> with it way back in 2011. The top is still going strong, by the way. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2L1N2rTjziKfOaR-QBVKSldOe70PLLzV2oEPY5FJqe1CTZ9TR3iKoFcDbvAbVJ8Nk3SReRc_aFZ6a5PSWKqDoUOVKo-Jgp3ZXXCZZVu4GaFQMmSfLr7_iooYeM9W6Jq62B5OuiBnYZ5l/s1600/pants.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2L1N2rTjziKfOaR-QBVKSldOe70PLLzV2oEPY5FJqe1CTZ9TR3iKoFcDbvAbVJ8Nk3SReRc_aFZ6a5PSWKqDoUOVKo-Jgp3ZXXCZZVu4GaFQMmSfLr7_iooYeM9W6Jq62B5OuiBnYZ5l/s640/pants.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I wore these trousers yesterday. They get worn almost weekly. When I took them off, however, I noticed that there was some damage to the lining on the inseam at the high thigh area. So, I turned them inside out and this is what I found. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi428wnOJmptRtPUQl4w8vgTAGBAVRfIhYXlOWjtPmKxvE9Ziy3VIPPLTFw-Hfm7vVkGZnzC6FoASuiIeQQlezbi25zyKZ8YF-JFghqI1mYJ7kuy2FcL9YFZ9SKvBZR8owan68gCUNNy2Si/s1600/shred2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi428wnOJmptRtPUQl4w8vgTAGBAVRfIhYXlOWjtPmKxvE9Ziy3VIPPLTFw-Hfm7vVkGZnzC6FoASuiIeQQlezbi25zyKZ8YF-JFghqI1mYJ7kuy2FcL9YFZ9SKvBZR8owan68gCUNNy2Si/s640/shred2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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The seam was totally shredded. Now, I think of this as an area of high stress on my trousers. It's not the first time I've seen a lining fail in that area, albeit never one that I have sewn myself. However, my second discovery was surprising.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUw-4_czSp-NN-xYhHP2_N68zhZSHHTOU6TKNHI2zJLgaj-2ntmFfe8faasfiRbL3NAqpGs-eIna_5g8XXnSv0yqx8HYrQU6PWEkEfTWklnN3SczHcIdLbnSRHTSzlcUi-KmX1UjdRRbu/s1600/big+shred.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuUw-4_czSp-NN-xYhHP2_N68zhZSHHTOU6TKNHI2zJLgaj-2ntmFfe8faasfiRbL3NAqpGs-eIna_5g8XXnSv0yqx8HYrQU6PWEkEfTWklnN3SczHcIdLbnSRHTSzlcUi-KmX1UjdRRbu/s640/big+shred.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is the outseam. And not at a spot that you would think places any stress on the seams. It's also not on the side where I carry my purse or anything, so it's not like there would be friction. Anyway, the long and short is that this is a complete and utter fabric fail. The poly completely shredded. </div>
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So, while I re-line these trousers, let's talk about linings. This definitely was not a fabric designed to be a lining, but I thought in both weight and feel it would be a good choice. It certainly felt nice on, helped my trousers glide on and off, and smoothed over any lumps and bumps. It was also heavier than Bemberg, which has always been my go-to for bottoms, and therefore warmer on those cold winter days (it was a bit warm to be wearing yesterday.)</div>
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So, how do you choose linings and what to you generally use? </div>
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After my very first lining experience, in which the poly or rayon lining I was using was so thin and slithery that - novice that I was at the time - I found it challenging to cut and impossible to sew, I used only Bemberg linings for the longest time. I still like Bemberg, but I have branched out too. </div>
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I've used silk charmeuse for things like my leather jacket (two thumbs up)... </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9IPuFtUDxabHyRP8MJFi0pHxHrVSrvcq_FgPR-bLHvhuIBLFtVrppMb55ZaUo3rzvLzGU93sMvnVDECJQV_2Snu6qyWkqMWlyskKfzW-l6RQBjB7j3j9Ds36WEe8Vi3n5vBwXx4n-tc/s400/sneak+peek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9IPuFtUDxabHyRP8MJFi0pHxHrVSrvcq_FgPR-bLHvhuIBLFtVrppMb55ZaUo3rzvLzGU93sMvnVDECJQV_2Snu6qyWkqMWlyskKfzW-l6RQBjB7j3j9Ds36WEe8Vi3n5vBwXx4n-tc/s400/sneak+peek.jpg" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="300" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My Magnum Opus Jacket with silk lining</i></td></tr>
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And china silk to line chiffon, like this top...</div>
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Cotton batiste for summer linen and seersucker trousers...</div>
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And even cotton lawn to line a jacket, which was not my best idea, to be honest. It makes it hard to pull on over a top, lovely though the print is. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j1LZ5-ttQZlCbbSSj2YIEp_oKqjPHNDKLwH_SkgmI8gJ4MVCVlUAZKVsTTHuZPP6ooVKAvHPK9e28LbjgOo5NKXfWtqcvW7T2WAchve9HK7kPhxNZ2rlfu0uSwZM7NTzWcRd3DGiklCY/s640/Lining+piping+zoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j1LZ5-ttQZlCbbSSj2YIEp_oKqjPHNDKLwH_SkgmI8gJ4MVCVlUAZKVsTTHuZPP6ooVKAvHPK9e28LbjgOo5NKXfWtqcvW7T2WAchve9HK7kPhxNZ2rlfu0uSwZM7NTzWcRd3DGiklCY/s640/Lining+piping+zoom.jpg" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Recently, I've tried some poly linings, too, like these gold wool trousers. </div>
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And here is where the verdict is out for me. I've never had a natural fiber disintegrate the way poly has occasionally done for me. </div>
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So, what are your experiences with linings? Do you have a strong preference or a range of purpose or weather-specific preferences? Do tell. And seriously, what the heck... </div>
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-13530274838275151912017-06-15T11:44:00.000-04:002017-06-15T11:44:58.168-04:00Found! Dark Chocolate Meringue Drops<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Waaaaay back in 2009, I blogged about <a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2009/02/fluff.html">these Dark Chocolate Meringue Cookies</a>. I made them several times - they were wonderful! But as happens, I moved on to new recipes and they fell out of my regular rotation. They were not, however, forgotten. But when I tried to go back and make them some time in the last year, the website had undergone an upgrade and much of the old content disappeared, including my cookie recipe. <br />
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Fast forward to a few weeks ago when Phin was flipping through a cookbook. Out fell a copy of the recipe that I must have printed out at some point. Anyway, so as not to lose it again, here it is: </div>
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<b>Dark Chocolate Meringue Cookies</b></div>
<i>5 oz dark/bittersweet chocolate (60-75% cacao) divided<br />2 TBSP cocoa (dutch processed, sifted after measuring)<br />3 TBSP cocoa nibs (optional - I don't use)<br />1/3 c (about 3 large) egg whites at room temp<br />1/2 tsp cream of tartar<br />1/2 c sugar (minus 1 1/2 tsp if not using nibs)<br />1/2 tsp vanilla</i></blockquote>
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<i>Preheat oven to 350 degrees. </i><i>Melt 3 oz of chocolate in microwave. Set aside to cool. Chop remaining 2 oz into mini-morsel size pieces. </i><i>Add tartar to egg whites in bowl of a mixer. Beat until soft peaks start to form. Add 2 TBSP sugar and beat for 1 min. Slowly add remaining sugar one tbsp at a time, beating after each addition. </i><i>Beat in vanilla. </i><i>Keep beating until the meringue turns thick, smooth, opaque and glossy - about 2 minutes more. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat for additional 30 seconds. Turn off mixer. Fold in chocolate (melted and chopped) and cocoa, until no streaks remain. Do not overmix. Scoop onto 2 cookie sheets lined with silpat or lightly greased parchment paper by the rounded tsp. Bake for 8-12 minutes until just set, rotating pans and switching positions half way thru. Cool on pans for 1-2 minutes and then lift parchment/silpat off the pans to a cooling rack and leave until completely cool - 15 min. Cookies should have a crisp crust that shatters but be soft inside. Makes apprx 40 cookies.</i></blockquote>
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By the way, these cookies freeze really well.<br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-35088814592398254782017-06-12T09:30:00.001-04:002017-06-12T09:30:14.503-04:00Monkey Pants!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Oh look! It's Taco in monkey pants.<br />
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Taco is a slim little dude. By the time he grows into pants at the waist, they are too short. So, I suppose it was just a matter of time before I sewed some up for him. </div>
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Taco has one pair of knit pants that do fit very well. So I did a very quick rub off of them, added seam, waist and hem allowances and called it a pattern. When I went to cut fabric, I realized that the side seams of the pants were straight and on grain, so I decided to overlap the two pattern pieces and cut the pants as a one seam pant.<br />
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With only one seam and my serger, the pants sewed up in no time. I used a twin needle for the hems. But when we went to try them on, the pants were really rather large. Either I was sloppy with my tracing or I added seam allowances more than once. I'm not sure which. <br />
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So, I added what I will call a design feature for toddler-wear - a 1/2 inch fake seam (really it is a tuck) down the sides of pants where the outseams would be. Now, when Taco grows, I can simply let out these fake seams and have a wider pant.<br />
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Taco really seemed to like these pants. Throughout the day he intermittently would point at the monkeys and laugh. The fabric is a cotton jersey that I bought online at <a href="http://fabric.com/">Fabric.com</a>. Of all the things that I can find in the NY Garment District, novelty, kid-friendly knits is often not one of them. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumXgsHgV-pMM4ixY5jTwJzuRCcyQxRPTV41YPnU3YPvl-xed4rBIQBL5bmDfOghgX3Jvu17nJ5N7o4kyAYErjoLkeeH8XeXocVyT6Pons7y2zbr9I_Bl_lW2XEI53pawDcbnfRMjvdjS1/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumXgsHgV-pMM4ixY5jTwJzuRCcyQxRPTV41YPnU3YPvl-xed4rBIQBL5bmDfOghgX3Jvu17nJ5N7o4kyAYErjoLkeeH8XeXocVyT6Pons7y2zbr9I_Bl_lW2XEI53pawDcbnfRMjvdjS1/s640/IMG_0461.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Ipad - The only time he is ever still. </i></td></tr>
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An additional reason I'm happy to sew these for Taco is that little boy clothing is very gendered (girls' too). Sports, vehicles, sharks and dinosaurs are just about the only motifs available in mainstream childrenswear retailers for boys. Oh, and licenced gear (Disney, superheros, etc.) It's limiting and I can do better starting from scratch.<br />
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Anyway, Taco usually likes to put on his pajamas at bedtime, but he was reluctant to take these off. So, I'll call that a win for monkey pants.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Fini! </i></td></tr>
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132533809320962451.post-76891670775473105832017-06-06T11:46:00.005-04:002017-06-06T11:46:51.187-04:00Super in my Socks! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Look! I knit Wonder Woman socks!<br />
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Don't they look like comic book superhero boots?<br />
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I think so. I had a tough time with the color - they are more of a fire engine red than these pictures suggest. But this was the best I could do with indoor photography.<br />
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The pattern is <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/virrat">Virrat, by Tiina Kuu</a>. I understand that virrat means stream, but from the start they looked like superhero boots to me. I'm not sure why. Maybe they just look fast. <br />
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And they were fast to knit! The pattern call for sport weight yarn, and I used Cascade 220 Sport. This is more of the yarn that I bought to knit an op art baby blanket that I ended up frogging. The red was supposed to be a pop of color in an otherwise black and white blanket. I knit Taco's <a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2016/11/taco-style-teddy-sweater.html">Teddy Sweater</a> and a pair of <a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2016/01/look-i-made-duck-boots.html">Baby Duck Booties</a> with some of this little stash. This yarn just keeps on giving. <br />
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Since I was using a thicker gauge yarn for these socks, I decided it was time to practice cabling without a cable needle. There are a few methods, but I settled into a groove with the one described by <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter07/FEATwin07TT.html">Knitty here</a>. I also could have, I suppose, used right and left-twist stitches. Reader LinB reminded me of them recently, and I used them with success on <a href="http://fivemuses.blogspot.com/2013/12/finished-gift-is-for-applesauce-b-is.html">this baby blanket</a> a few years ago. But it was worth learning to cable without a needle. I think my cables will go much faster in the future.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2elTHT4yhSWu11FloJPgRzRn-BEUHhYM7WGXrSCmtuFtdijBDkdCxqItFNYz8367ni7oqq-cCjyUOLpmYuzZZNX7Io6EVdo1Oz2JcDbX2wIXS6zFAB4UeYlYvUhCUMzxMN_6rWjO6bEIH/s1600/zoom+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1144" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2elTHT4yhSWu11FloJPgRzRn-BEUHhYM7WGXrSCmtuFtdijBDkdCxqItFNYz8367ni7oqq-cCjyUOLpmYuzZZNX7Io6EVdo1Oz2JcDbX2wIXS6zFAB4UeYlYvUhCUMzxMN_6rWjO6bEIH/s400/zoom+3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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One feature that was a little different is that the heel gusset increases are done in the center of the sole rather than at the sides, creating this neat diamond shaped gusset on the heel.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVkHqp7oU4-16ajzcbKvBXZDz7Z1_JbEKzYJYuXJH0gzsfAq_rU1fq7E8PyiHVH7gbx8J7li9ziP9lSd7uFHbjjvJ6u3bILi_TPqHkL-PF_blYZKXLvVAn3d_h8hEzZk9sbEOJBnzFyTQ/s1600/heel+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1144" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhVkHqp7oU4-16ajzcbKvBXZDz7Z1_JbEKzYJYuXJH0gzsfAq_rU1fq7E8PyiHVH7gbx8J7li9ziP9lSd7uFHbjjvJ6u3bILi_TPqHkL-PF_blYZKXLvVAn3d_h8hEzZk9sbEOJBnzFyTQ/s640/heel+2.JPG" width="456" /></a></div>
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Anyway, I shall feel like Wonder Woman in her down time as I lounge in these socks. <br />
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Cliohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05552253628640209694noreply@blogger.com0