Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Commencing a few more projects...

I finished a muslin for Petite Plus 104, the Shapely Shirt.It is a very well drafted pattern that fits almost without a problem. The sleeves are wonky though. I did alter the pattern with my usual shoulder alterations, and then I had to do three renditions of a muslin sleeve before I got it right. I have to select fabric and cut this out and sew it now. The thing about this pattern is that it is supposed to be for knits, but looks like a great woven top, so I am making it out of a woven material and even making the armholes a bit larger because of that. The ease in the pattern works for me, and I think it should work. We'll see. I added ease because the pattern illustration on the package looks like it is too small for the model. There is a terrific review of this pattern here. The review is by Debbie Cook, and her blog Stitches and Seams has even more! The only other news is that I am doing a few top secret projects for the holidays, or trying to get them together anyway! More to follow on that effort...OH, and I did acquire a new baby. Here she is, my new Elna 2100.She isn't really little, but she's the bottom line. Vertical bobbin, several nice stitches, and pink! And yes, the 2100 is the newer cosmetics and new number version of the 2110 I bought in Seattle last May. I couldn't resist when I saw this one on Sewing In USA online. Very well made stitches as well. I have purchased several front loading feet for her from Sew Vac Direct since then. She will take the front loading Janome feet. There is nowhere to get Elna feet around here, and since Elna is made by Janome, I purchased Janome. She came with an adjustable zipper foot (which was not listed as an accessory for this machine, only for the 2300 but came anyway!, a blind hem foot and a buttonhole foot for her very nice four-step buttonhole. So far I have a 1/4" foot, an adjustable buttonhole foot (new and sort of cool), a satin stitch foot and a teflon foot and have ordered a walking foot and a darning or quilting foot and an overedge foot. I am going to let her virgin run be on some of the projects for the holidays and I need that walking foot! I could use my Pfaff with IDT, but that machine hasn't got the stitch I need! My goodness, but the multi-machined home has that advantage!

9 comments:

Elaray said...

I really like the blouse pattern. I can't use a petite, though. I'd have to do some major pattern changes to get it to fit me, but I really like it!

Debbie Cook said...

One of my fav patterns, as you know. But I thought I'd mention ... it's not for knits. It's for stretch wovens. ;-) Good luck with yours. Can't wait to see it.

catspec said...

OH thanks for the comments! Elaray, I think it could be adjusted easily! And Debbie, thanks for pointing that out - it helps! :)

becki-c said...

That is really cute! I think it would look very flattering in a basic white. Peggy L has made this shirt, I will have to houd her about her reivew.

catspec said...

I too think white would be good, but I didn't want to be able to see through it, and a fabric heavy enough wouldn't be that comfy I think - maybe a cotton poplin with a touch of Lycra though...:)

Susan said...

Found you on PR since you're the featured member today. I moved to San Diego from VT 3 years ago. Nice to read your blog.

I like that blouse patterns. I might have to add this one to my stash....

catspec said...

HI Susan! Thanks...I love the look of the beach behind you in that avatar...:)

julia said...

I just found your blog and decided to follow it. I have daughters in the NE.

catspec said...

Thanks Julia! :) I don't post often, so it won't be too much to read. :) I sew slow and then write in a spurt.