Jalie Pattern...vintage or not?

Earlier this week, I showed you my progress on my first Jalie pattern.  However, this wasn't the first time I planned to sew a Jalie pattern.  Back in the '90s I purchased this pattern; Jalie 926.  I've seen some bloggers referring to 1980's and even some 1990's patterns as vintage patterns.  I'm wondering at what point does a sewing pattern become a vintage pattern.  This one is circa 1992.

I still like this pattern and I'm thinking that I might sew it up in a wind resistant, water repellent technical fabric to use for walking/hiking/biking pants.  However, I'm still waiting for the right fabric in the right colour to present itself to me.

Come to think of it, this pattern junkie has several patterns waiting for the right fabric to magically appear.  How many of you are still waiting for this magic to happen?

Christiana

Jalie Faux Wrap Top Project Update

Pattern traced, cut and ready to sew!  Yeah.    After perusing the instructions, this pattern looks delightfully simple to sew.  I'm still thinking about the armhole finish; I'm making the sleeveless version  The instructions call for serging the edge and folding over and top stitching.  I'm considering either serging some clear elastic to the edge to stabilize (before folding over and top stitching) or attempting a self fabric binding.   ...thoughts?

Christiana

...where does the time go

Writers block, sewer's block...not exactly. I've been so busy reading all the great blogs out there I've been neglecting both my sewing and and writing on my own blog.

First item on my things to tell you is that Pattern review has published their first book on Kindle.  If you own a kindle or other e-reader I'm sure you're happy to hear this too.   There are tons of sewing books out there, but not too many for the Kindle.  Check out the link on the pattern review website

On the cutting table this week is Jalie 2910, Women's Faux-Wrap Top.  The fabric I've chosen is a black knit in a cotton Lycra blend.  The fabric is solid black with grey flowers embroidered on it.  I'll be sure to post photos for you.  It will be my first Jalie pattern.  I've been wanting to try out a Jalie pattern for several years now.  How long you ask....I actually purchased my first Jalie pattern in the '90s and I'm pretty sure it's buried in my pattern stash.  How do I know it's there? I'm a pattern junkie, and unless a pattern proves to be a real blooper, it remains safe and sound in my collection.   I'll be sure to scan it and post in on my blog, you never know maybe someone out in blog land can share a pattern review on the "near vintage" Jalie pattern.

Sew what's been keeping you busy these days?

Christiana

McCalls Cape Pattern Giveaway

....and the winner is

Congratulations Rosy, please email me and let me know where to send your prize.

Thanks to all who participated.

Christiana

Summer is on its way!

Summer is on its way. Even though the weather outside tells me something different, there is a sign that summer is near - the pattern companies are starting to release their summer offerings.  McCalls early summer patterns are now available on-line.  This year they are offering shoe accessories, an interesting concept; although I don't it's something I'm going to put on my list of projects.   What I do like is the lines in McCalls 6329, a simple style lined jacket that offers a number of fabric possibilities.  In print, or a solid, a bright colour or a casual khaki, this lined jacket would look great with a summer skirt or paired nicely with jeans.   Then there's M6326, summer tops.  The asymmetrical pink top is my favorite.   Summer sewing is so much fun.

An for those of you who aren't quite ready for summer sewing yet.  Be sure to enter my giveaway to win a McCalls cape pattern.  You have until February 28th to enter

Christiana

Pattern Giveaway - McCalls Cape Pattern

Well, as much as I tried to escape it, winter is still here in Canada.   Although that cute little groundhog has told us that spring is near, I'm not so sure we can count on that.   So, for my second pattern giveaway I've selected an easy McCalls Cape/Capelette Pattern.  M5985.  This front zipper cape can be made with or without the hood.  Suggested fabrics include Fleece, Gabardine, Poplin, Wool and Wool Blends.   A nice addition to keep you warm during the transition from Winter to Spring.  The pattern is multi-sized X-Small,Small and Medium (American/Canadian sizes 4 to 14) To enter just leave a comment on my blog; giveaway closes on February 28th.   Good Luck to all.

Christiana

Where does the time go?

Wow I can't believe its been over three weeks since I last posted on my blogs.  After two business trips to Ottawa, a lovely holiday in the Dominican Republic and a three hour road trip to visit family I finally find my self at home sweet home.  I had said to myself that I would find some time while on the road to connect with my fellow bloggers.  But, actions did not follow good intentions...yes, I've been a bad blogger.  

While in the Dominican Republic, my swimsuit cover up that I made in December got the wear test.   What is the wear test you ask?  Not only does a garment have to look good when you try it on, but it needs to be totally functional and wearable.   Test number one,  low maintenance after being rolled up in a suitcase for hours and hours...passed.  Survived a day at the beach...passed.  Still looks good after a few trips to the pool...passed.  Coordinates with beach towel assigned by hotel....bonus points.   Comfortable to wear all day, no pulling riding, falling off the shoulders...passed.   Survived the trip home and the first run through the washing machine, no fabric wear, pilling or seams that need reinforcing...passed.  Ahhh....success.   After going through my vacation photos, I realized that I hadn't captured a shot of me wearing the cover up.   So, instead I'm sharing a couple of beach photos.

I hoping to work on some unfinished projects this week, including the Anthropologie shirt refashion that I blogged about in August.  I'll also be posting another free pattern giveaway...so stayed tuned.

Christiana