Wednesday, January 6, 2010

A slow (sewing) start to the new year.

I joined the Month of Pants sewalong at the end of last year, and am yet to produce a pair. However, I produced a muslin for the pattern below. After an awesome day getting fitting help from Sherrill Miller, we determined what alterations I would need to get this to fit better. A 7/8 inch wedge alteration to be precise. Yes, that was it - these fit quite well straight out of the envelope! I plan to also add 1/2 inch to the top just for my comfort.

On to my first pair - which will be shorts. I had made the crotch on the muslin according to the instructions included in the pattern. This is my sloppy result

Not so pretty, right? So I pulled out my "Power Sewing..." book by Sandra Betzina and used her instructions to create a sample fly front zipper. I'll switch the opening side on my shorts, but here is the resulting sample.
Much much better...


I did manage to complete one thing I've been procrastinating on. I came back from my visit home with some sand art - something I've always loved but never bothered to purchase while I was there previously. My parents actually purchased these for me. The artist only had a few, so had to create more, and he mounted them on/in a black border. They needed framing, and I finally used a Joann gift card I got from my bro. and fam. for Christmas (thanks gigis!) to get these. Project completed.

And of course, my nails got some love from me too. FingerPaints "Natural Talent" is a color I love because it gives me that straight-from-the-nail-salon look. I took these pics before cleaning up my cuticles, but I hope you can see what I mean. I got this at Sally Beauty Supply.


Sally Hansen's "Berry Pretty" beckoned to me from a display in CVS, and I don't regret the purchase - especially at half price.


I plan to have finished shots of the shorts this weekend!

11 comments:

  1. I can't wait to see your pants. I'm not ready to tackle pants yet but I've got the rest of the year.

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  2. I LOVE Sandra Betzina's fly front instructions. I never use any other. Your sample looks great. I can't wait to see your pants!

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  3. Thank's for the wedge tip. I'm looking forward to seeing them when they're done.

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  4. You're such a tease! I thought I was going to get to see shorts. The zip looks great, BTW.

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  5. Way to go girl.....that fly is neatly done., I am sure the pants will be stunning too..Can't wait to see them

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  6. I started using the Sandra Betzina instructions for flies lately and I am very pleased with the results..they are much improved. And I must get that simplicity pant pattern!

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  7. Hey girlfriend, I'm still waiting to see those shorts.

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  8. It's good to see you attacking pants now!! I have yet to sew another pair since our jeans.

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  9. Can't wait to see the pants, and I should take a cue from you and sew up a pair myself.

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  10. Just checking back in to see if you have made up the blue lotus flower fabric or the olive green squiggle fabric that you brought back from Nigeria. Do you have any patterns in mind? As always...love the nails :-D

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  11. Love the "Natural Talent" on you. Looks fantastic.

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