Everything old is new again

Vintage Butterick 1973 circle jacket and 2009 Circle Vest
Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews

Everything old is new again.

So cliche.

But oh so true.

When I arrived home yesterday afternoon, the latest issue of Threads was waiting for me. (Folded in half with a rubber binder wrapped around it - which drives me nuts because the magazine will always have a slight crease in it. It's such a minor thing that it annoys me that I'm annoyed by it...)

Eagerly, I plopped myself down at the kitchen table and began flipping through the pages. Usually I just flip through and set the magazine aside for a more in-depth reading later. However, I found myself pulled into many of these articles from the start. (I especially liked the designer denim Vogue 1052 photograph. Honestly, sometimes I amaze myself at how uncreative I can be as I would *never* have thought this jacket was sewn from that pattern...)

Anyway, when I got to the Quick to Make section I saw this great circular vest. And was thrilled. You see, in one of my vintage pattern catalogs - Butterick Fall 1973 to be exact - I had come across a photograph of a circular reversible jacket that I always had the intention of recreating. Not out of the faux fur mind you, but something sleeker, with less bulk, more up-to-date.

And voila! There it is, right in the pages of Threads, complete with full instructions and photographs.

Just goes to show...everything old is new again. Pin It

Mmmmmm - Coconut Pumpkin Nut Bread

Aprons equal baking in my book. What better way to break in the Halloween apron than to bake some coconut pumpkin nut bread?

Won't you have a seat and join me? A mini loaf for me and one for you.


My recipe came from a coupon book my natural foods coop distributes monthly, but a quick Google search revealed the recipe can also be found at AllRecipes.com.

Ingredients:
3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 cups dark brown sugar
2/3 cups white sugar
1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup coconut milk
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
2/3 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease two 8" x 4" loaf pans. (I used one large loaf pan and four small ones.)

Combine all ingredients - except the coconut and nuts - and mix until well blended. Fold in the coconut and nuts. Pour the batter into the prepared pans.

Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean. (The smaller loafs took 1 hour, the larger 1 hour 15 minutes.) Remove from oven, cover tightly with foil and allow to steam for 10 minutes. Remove foil and cool on baking rack. OR carefully slice a piece so you can savor the tastes while the bread is still warm


Disclaimer: The apron, which you'll remember I sewed as a gift, was not actually worn during the preparation of this bread. Cuz that'd be a bit tacky don't you think? Instead, I wore the black and yellow apron received from the June '08 apron swap. Pin It

Zing! Went the strings of my heart

When I opened my mailbox and saw the November issue of Burda Style and the December/January issue of Vogue Patterns.

Just look at the red dress on the cover of Burda! Oh, be still my beating heart! I must find someplace to wear this lovely creation so I have an excuse to sew it.


And look who's photo is on page 3 in the Mailbox section. Non other than beautiful Trudy (from Sewing with Trudy) wearing her lovely pink vintage Vogue dress.



**********************************************************************************
And just for fun...

Pin It

Candy corn and black cats

Halloween. Mmmmm, candy corn. You know how Superman's weakness is krypotnite? Well, mine's candy corn. Yep, I'd even choose those pieces of solid sugar over a bar of chocolate. Unlike Superman I won't die after a 2 hour exposure, but I'm pretty certain I'd be in a sugar induced coma, so I stay away from the stuff.

Unless it's this Halloween print with adorable black cats wearing candy corn shaped hats that is.

When I was visiting Stacey last week (yes! my first face-to-face visit with a blog friend!) I remembered I had this fabric in my stash after seeing the Halloween themed placemats she had on her table were sewn from the same fabric.

I originally purchased it for an apron, so an apron it became.

The pattern is Simplicity 2492, which includes this apron, a half apron as well as "kitchen accessories" (aka a potholder and sachet) and felt food.

All sizes, small through large, are included in the pattern and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that there are different pattern pieces for each size.

This one is a medium (14-16) and I found that the sizing to be very generous. However, as it was sewn as a gift, I'd rather err on the side of too large rather than too small.

This cute retro-inspired apron and rather simple to sew. However if, like me, bias binding is not your friend put the pattern down and back away. That's because every edge - with the exception of the tie - is finished with bias binding.

And it should come as no surprise that I wasn't paying attention to the instructions. When I added binding around the outer bodice and neck edges I neglected to add an additional 20" for the tie. So I added a button and buttonhole instead. By looking closely at this photo, you'll discover why I don't like bias binding - to this day I struggle getting the ends nice and neat. *sigh*

It's interesting to note that the designer has an Etsy shop offering these aprons and the neck is not finished with a tie end as per the instructions. Click on one of the photos showing the back of the apron.

The next version I make I'm modifying the pattern so that the neck edge is one piece that is pulled over the head.

I was pleased to discover the instructions included a finishing detail for hiding the bias binding edge behind the tie.

Simply extend the bias binding 3/4" beyond the apron edge.

Turn it 3/4" under between the apron and tie and press.

Top stitch in place.

My apron has rick rack trim along the pocket edge as well as the neck edge where the bodice joins the straps. Just another little touch giving it that retro look.

There you have it. Another instant gratification sewing project. I even kept with the animal print theme (well kind of).

Now I really must get back to finishing the Vogue coat.

Pin It

Wear the wild things are - Butterick 5394 review

Butterick 5394
Originally uploaded by Sharon Sews

Now you know I just couldn't wait to get started on something sewn from the fabric purchased yesterday at SR Harris. So I did what most of you would do - choose the quickest and easiest project for some instant gratification.

My version of Butterick 5394, sewn using the one-yard of novelty knit. It's rather light weight, black and brown, with lots of fuzzy eyelashes scattered throughout. Makes for an interesting texture, but leaves quite a mess in the sewing studio. I suspect it will also leave behind remnants in my contacts when I wear the thing.

The pattern is a Fashion Express design, and was cut out and sewn in approximately two hours. There really isn't much to say about the construction as it's simply two side seams, four raglan sleeve seams, a collar, machine stitched hems and two buttonholes and buttons.

I was a bit concerned that wearing a tight collar over a turtleneck would be too warm, so I'm happy that the collar actually sits wider on the neckline than the pattern illustration would lead you to believe,

It's a bit reminiscent of a wild animal, but then again, I do like those animal prints (see dress and fleece as proof.) The plan is to pair this with a black turtleneck and jeans (and boots of course) for a bit of added warmth this winter season. Pin It

How to increase your fabric stash in 45 minutes or less

We just got back in town from a little road trip to Branson, Lee's Summit and Kansas City, MO - the reason for the self-imposed blog/email/facebook break. (By the way, not only was it refreshing to be unconnected, it forced me to not do any work while on vacation.)

With today still an official vacation day I decided it was time for my annual visit my favorite fabric warehouse, SR Harris. It's located in a business district in a non-descript building. From the outside it doesn't look too promising does it? But wait until you enter the doors.

That's where you'll find rows of fabric and trims stacked on industrial strength shelving units. Here's the view from the end of one row.

Here's the view moving back a few rows. You get giddy just wandering through the aisles, touching the fabrics and dreaming of the possibilities.

With my husband sitting in the car waiting for me, I was on a time crunch. I headed straight for the apparel fabrics - in particular the wool suitings - and managed to add another 25 yards to my fabric stash in less than 45 minutes. With more time I couldn't have added quite a bit more - like silks and ultra suede - but for now that purchase will keep me plenty busy.

So what came home with me?

Top to bottom:

• black lightweight wool,
  
• black with white pinstripe wool blend,
  
• deep purple wool crepe,
  
• red wool lycra blend,
  
• orange lightweight wool,
  
• brown animal print novelty knit,
  
• white cotton lycra shirting (sure which I had purchased more of this as it's the perfect shirt weight fabric),
  
• blue stripe wool jersey,
  
• grey poly/rayon stretch woven (Tahari),
  
• multi color poly knit,
  
• vibrant berry slinky knit,
  
• black and white stretch woven

Investigating the pile is the little nosey white Maltese, Sophia. I'm sure she was just checking to see if there was a new toy for her somewhere in that pile.

Of course now that I'm looking at the purchases, I just realized I forgot to look for faux fur. Looks like another trip coming up.

The first half is already in the dryer. Now my only dilema is to decide which to sew first. Pin It

Will I survive? Going offline for a week...

I admit, the title's a bit dramatic.

But I gotta tell you that when I decided to go offline for a week I had second thoughts about it. *LOL*

Good grief, it's only a week.

We have too much going on right now for me to spend time on the computer so you won't see any blog posts, or Twitter and Facebook updates from me until next week.

That also means I won't be reading all your wonderful blog posts and Twitter and Facebook updates.

See you in a week! Pin It

Flashback Friday - Vintage 1950s "Make it with Towels"

Have fun looking through the pages of this vintage Make it with Towels booklet published by the educational department of Cannon Mills, Inc. There's no copyright date on it, so I was guessing 1950s based on the hair styles of the drawings. If you know the actual date leave a comment for us.

Click on the photos to go to my Flickr account for larger views.

Front cover

Page 1


Page 2


Page 3


Page 4


Page 5


Page 6


Back cover

Hey, sorry for the watermark on these scans. I don't care if you use these - that's why I'm posting them, I want you to use the ideas - but I've found some of my previous tutorial and project photos on some sites with my copyright info cropped off of them.

Pin It

Best Buy doesn't want my money

"I can't sell that to you until next week."

As the sales associate uttered those words my husband and I looked at each other in disbelief.

"You're kidding, right?"

Alas, no.

Let me return to the beginning of the story.

We've been contemplating the purchase of a laptop for quite some time now. Actually for about six months - ever since our previous one died. Our home computer was beginning to act up and we could put a mobile computer to good use at an upcoming event, so we decided last night was the night. The night a laptop was coming home with us.

Best Buy was the logical choice as they're a retail outlet conveniently located near to us. You know, the kind of store where you walk in, find what you want, pay for it and leave with merchandise in hand and a big smile on your face.

As we entered the store, the door guard - er - greeter, cheerfully acknowledged us. Since we've been in the store numerous times we knew exactly where we were going and quickly made our way to the aisle where the laptops were located.

Except the display shelves were empty.

"That's weird" I muttered to my husband. "Where are all the laptops?"

"They must have moved them" he replied.

After wandering through a few aisles we discovered that they did indeed move the laptops - to the back storage room! Which we found out after my husband asked the nice young sales associate about the mysterious lack of laptops.

Imagine our surprise when we were informed that they had plenty of laptops in the back, but they could not sell them until Windows 7 was released next week.

"Ummm, that doesn't work for us. Why can't we purchase a computer and have the upgrade later?"

Apparently they already loaded Windows 7 on the laptops and since it's not officially released yet they can not sell us the product. Good grief, who thought up that crazy idea?

The sales associate - who we do not fault in anyway as they were only doing their job - was more than apologetic and agreed that it is hard to tell customers that even though they have money to buy a computer he/she is unable to sell them one.

Amazed we left the store shaking our heads wondering if we could locate one elsewhere in the needed time frame.

Basically Best Buy said "“yep, we know you want to spend your money here, but we won’t sell you what you want until next week. Yep, we know you wanted it tonight, but you can come back on the 22nd and we can sell it to you then."

But there is good news. Since I was unable to purchase the laptop in the timeframe I wanted, I now have time to investigate other purchasing options.

And its highly likely it won’t be Best Buy.
Pin It

Vogue 1128 coat progress

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm trying to whip this coat up quickly so I'll be able to wear it a few times before this year's snow and cold set in for good.

So in between the usual weekend fun - (you know the fun I'm talking about - laundry, grocery shopping, cleaning) - I managed to spend a couple hours working on the coat. Both the coat and the lining are sewn. All that's needed to complete the coat is to sew in the lining, add a large button, and sew the hems.

As I was sewing I was listening to Lori's latest podcast. One thing that struck me was her comment regarding the need to really get back into the rhythm of sewing after having been away from it for a while.

I can really relate to that. When I don't sew on a regular basis I find that it takes me longer to do things, I make more errors, and I need to refer to sewing instructions more often. Is that true for you also?

Case in point. As I was working on the coat I managed to sew the pocket welts on incorrectly. Not just once mind you. But twice. You see I removed the welt stitches and proceeded to pin and sew the welt on in the exact same place as I had sewed it previously! Which meant I needed to rip it out and begin again.

Due to the stitching, ripping and restitching I stretched the opening for the welt pocket. The fabric I'm using is fairly light weight and can be manipulated (meaning stretched) easily. To compensate for that I planned to add interfacing to the inside of the coat along the welt stitching area to give it some stability.

But in my eagerness to begin sewing the coat I forgot. So the welts were just a wee bit too short for the opening. It's about 1/8" of inch - maybe a bit less - off. With barely enough fabric to cut all the pieces for the coat to begin with, I didn't have extra for new welts. With the busyness of the fabric it's not noticeable, however I'll always know it's there. I plan on adding a small decorative "patch" on the each end of the welt to disguise the mistake.

After the welt fiasco, all seemed to go well. That is, until I somehow caught a portion of the front lining when serging the front facing and lining together. Fortunately, it was only a small piece that was caught and, after cutting it free, I discovered most of the missing fabric was in a seam allowance.

Those sewing mistakes aside, the coat is coming along rather nicely. Take note that this is one loose fitting coat! It really reminds me of some of the loose fitting mid-80s designs. Of course, maybe that's just because I spent time yesterday flipping through Vogue sewing magazines from the 1980s.

Carolyn, you mentioned in the comments that you plan on making this coat also. I do have a few tips- not many- that I'll share when I review the coat in detail after it's completed. Pin It

Snow, snow go away, come again another day

The other day I mentioned I was putting the vest aside to begin work on the coat from Vogue 1128. My plan was to whip up a mid-weight coat that could ease the transition from autumn to early winter.

I may have begun just a bit too late as we woke up today to this:



Pretty huh? Sure it is, until you realize that it's only October 10 and the leaves on the trees are still green!.

By late morning the snow dusting had melted, however the weather forecast was talking about three to five inches on Monday.

Looks like the boots, hats and gloves as well as the winter survival kit for the car need to be pulled out of storage a lot earlier than usual this year.

In the meantime, if I can find a few hours of uninterrupted time I'm pretty sure I can make good progress on the coat. Pin It

Whatcha doing November 7?

Got plans for the afternoon of Saturday, Nov. 7?

No?

Well you do now. That is if you live near Crafty Planet.

That's because Crafty Planet will be hosting a party that day to celebrate the release of 101 One Yard Wonders. More than a dozen contributors - including yours truly - will be there.

Plan to stop by to ooh and aah over the project samples, enjoy some yummy refreshments and say hi!

Details here. Pin It

I swore I'd never it - or - Never say never

See that? Yep, it's a big ole' bolt of fleece that I purchased.

Me. The self-proclaimed fleece snob.

Me. The one who bought 3 yards of fleece back in the day when it was new and hard to find but has not yet sewn it.

Me. Who hates the static-feeling I get when I wear the stuff.

But you see it turned cold the other day. And I saw this cute zip front lounge-wear pattern (Simplicity 2482) that looked like it would be so cozy to wear on a cold winter day. And then I saw the animal print fleece and convinced myself that fleece wasn't so bad after all.

What the heck. As long as I'm buying fleece I might as well buy enough fleece to make a *gasp* snuggie! Ha! I'm still chuckling to myself about that one. Pin It

The Vogue vest comes to a screeching halt

Sewing progress on the vest was moving right along. As I began sewing I realized this was going to be a quick sewing project.

Until it came to a screeching halt due to my inability to locate the appropriate black lace for the armhole and collar time. It shouldn't be that hard right? What I want is the size of the white lace, but the color of the black. I doubt the lace can be dyed black if it's polyester. I've checked the lace selections at my local fabric stores and no luck. So until I can either locate narrow black lace or decide on another trim, the vest is on hold.

I will say it's shaping up to be a nice addition to my fall wardrobe. Notice the great dart shaping? I choose to have the small front and back waist darts on the outside of the fabric - just a subtle way of showing the design detail.

With the vest on hold I turned my attention to a different project-a lightweight coat that will be perfect for the rest of October. Vogue 1128 is the pattern of choice, chosen because I wanted a loose fitting coat that would showcase this polyester/wool/rayon fabric.

In the meantime, any ideas on where to locate narrow black lace trim? Pin It