Baby clothes

Observations from the new Granny here...

When watching Cole last night - he seemed very uncomfortable - at 8 weeks, an outfit - though soft knit - had a large applique on the front - it was just stiff, and ended up scrunched up around his neck. We were both relieved when we changed out of that outfit!
So - beware, and remember the child's comfort and don't get carried away with just what looks 'cute' to us big people!

Likewise, when this little 8 week old guy was here on his Daddy's birthday over the weekend, the elastic of jeans didn't look very comfy either.

I suppose I'm just struck with how much we probably dress our babies to please us - and NOT them!

Also - I agree fullheartedly with another's observation I recently read - that babies are aoo tush (diaper) and belly - and it just doesn't 'work' with the majority of clothing that seems to be all leg and arm.

Any comments???

Interesting Miscellaneous fr Londa

Back from that wedding (it was great!) - and some observations from my reading and shopping...

1. Saw a great scarf - 3 straight long pieces of a sheer - say 1 1/2" wide - with a bias cut ruffle stuck into the 3 long seams. IN thinking how to do this, I decided one would just take that measurement of length - say 50" or so, and measure on a string. Form the string into a circle and draw it. Add a 1/4" seam inside - so you have a new cutting line. Draw 3" out from the circle all the way around. At one place, curve into the original for beginning and end of the 'ruffle'. This will create, when cut out - a long, bias-type of circular flounce. Make 3 of these - serging the curved edge with a rolled hem to finish. Stick one of these flounces into each of the seams of the long pieces. Leave ends of the long pieces open - to turn it all. That's it!
I can't wait to make one - will give you a pic soon.

2. Great Collar on a T-Shirt. On a fairly wide neck opening - take a bias separate piece of fabric - say about 4-5" wide and maybe 15" or so longer than the circumference of the neckline and offsetting the long edges a few inches, stitch into a tube. Turn right side out. Press flat - it will look scrunched. Stitch one pressed long edge to wrong side of the neckline , startingand ending at a shoulder seam - leaving the extra length loose there to 'tie'. Serge to finish, then let that 'collar' flip out to the right side of the T shirt - finish edges as you desire (or not - as a knit, it won't ravel). Tie the loose ends. That's it!

3. Simple, Simple, Simple finish for a T-Shirt. At Anthropoligie, I saw a T finish for the neckline and armscyes as simply a narrow - like 3/4" wide cross grain strip of fabric just stitched onto the back of the neck and armscye edges, so that one edge of this piece just stuck up a bit from the garment's edges. You could twin needle on - - or even zig zag... That was IT! I think often we make things TOO difficult!

4. Detail on a T-Shirt Simply twin needle (or cover hem) the turned under edges - then with a contrasting thread - a loose, wide zig zag with contrasting thread stitched over top of the twin needle work. Again - at Anthropologie. You might want to check out the clothes there - www.anthropologie.com I think.

And - read the entire THREADS Magazine #119 - July 2005 issue on the plane....
Some Comments
1. I LOVE that scarf on the front! Can't wait to try that one either!!! Dyed with Colorhue Fabric Dyes - I carry these dyes at my website and LOVE them too! Just dilute with water as you are led in a container (I save pickle jars), and dip in wet silk. Over-dyeing is fun too.. Shown on page 32 - the end of the article.
2. Great stitches per inch metric conversion chart... just facts, and shared by Kay Lancaster - a
gal with endless knowledge...

20 stitces per inch (spi) = 1.3 mm
15 spi = 1.7 mm
12 spi = 2.1 mm
10 spi = 2.5 mm
8 spi - 3.1 mm
6 spi - 4.2 mm
5 spi = 5.1 mm
4 spi = 6.3 mm

3. Loved that 'duh - why didn't I think of that' tip of when you leave an opening to turn something - like on a pillow - to pivot and stitch to cut edge of seam on both ends of the opening - keeps stitches from popping when you stuff the pillow! From Shirley Schoen, San Fransisco. Great picture on page 12.

4. Fitting Pants from the waist down - article page 35. I found interesting - but almost exact opposite I've done for year - following basically the Palmer/Pletsch technique. I want to give it a try. Thoughts of yours??? Top photo page 37 though - looks taken with camera slanted upwards which scews it all. I think it depends on the body as to whether the waistband is level with the floor or not. Some I've seen dip much more than 1/4" to 1/2" in the front. GREAT idea for adjusting the hem on page 39! Another 'duh-why didn't I think of that' moment.

5. Invisible Zipper article - page 46. I've always pressed that 'roll' of the zipper coil out to begin with as the directions with the invisible zipper foot say to do. Comments? GREAT idea for matching on page 49!

6. LOVEd the fashion review starting on page 50. See - I was 'right on' with the Ultimate Broomstick Skirt of Lyl'as as mentioned on page 52.

7. I think Linda Lee is 'right on' with suggesting the 3 step zig zag for the stitch to do on a fabric to which you 'ravel' the edge up to - better than the straight stitch. See page 60.

8. Hairline Seams - article page 60. I love the Gingher Applique (duckbill) scissors for trimming as well, but they don't INSURE that you won't cut into the fabric - so beware. I use the needle down into the fabric and presser foot down on my sewing machine as the '3rd hand' to hold one end of my work firmly while I do this type of trimming...
Bottom half of page 63 - I think they have contradicted themselves in which way the seam allowance will roll - anyone else? I'm confused.

9. Capris and Croped pants lengths - page 68. I think the labvelling is wrong on the diagram. The top one should say "cropped" length and the bottom one "Capri Length - to agree with the top portion of the article. :)

10. How about Comment on the design Challenge garments - page 77. I liked Mary Ray's jacket - but that's it for me.

Wedding Runner/StoleThis stretches out straight - I've just curved it to get it all in the picture for you - it isn't done yet - needs border/backing and fringe on each end. In it are pieces of my mother's wedding gown, bride's mother's gown, my (Aunt) gown, and cousin's (my daughter's) gown. She will be able to use it as a table runner, or a shawl/stole. More specific how-to's are at my website under Gallery - Gift Ideas.
from Londa's design room

Londa (me) in my absolute favorite, wear-every-day "Comfort Jacket"! Yep - a few buttons are missing. Doesn't matter - I never button it anyway. I like: the pockets - to get tiny things from one spot in my house to another - the tight lower sleeves (though a knit, so stretches some), the shortness of the sleeves - I can do dishes without getting them wet! I don't know - it just works for me - I'm often in my basement design studio where I sew, do lots of computer work on the flat screen, etc - and it is chilly down there - so this just works for me. The best gift I think I ever received! My husband laughs at me in it. It is on my list to copy and make a pattern for so I can make myself some additional garments just like this! I learned how to do this from Marcy Tilton - not that hard!
Sew... what is YOUR favorite garment? The one you grab for every day when you just wanna veg out - or attack your work - or your hobby? Post pictures here and share it.
Londa

Great Photo Tool

Playing/exploring more with the AMAZING and FREE software called Picasa2 is what is on my list of 'fun' today!

I highly recommend that you download it and play around with it yourself as well.

www.picasa.com


This software plus the other FREE program called HELLO - developed by the BlogSpot people (all Google-related) are what will make it EZ EZ for us all to share our photos here at the Blog -

BUT
additionally, I'm confident that you will thank me many times over for bringing this picture and photo organization tool to your attention. For myself, I know I have pictures spread all over my computer in various places, and this tool promises to help me get organized in a way that I can SEE the pictures as I do it and then find them to 'use'.

Also - I've come up with an idea regarding keeping you up-to-date on the 'good stuff' that has been posted and commented on on the Blog. I am assembling all members' emails in a new group in my newsletter manager and will soon start sending out a weekly summary of posts and comments. This way, I am taking on the 'chore' of pulling out the new stuff so that you can quickly and easily come to the Blog and read what you care to - without searching through everything.
Thanks, Joan, for bringing this 'challenge' to my attention!

Londa

Londa's Fashion Review

I've been hard at work putting together my Fashion Review for Spring/Summer '05. It is quite lengthy - so I'll post it as a comment to this post.

I think this can be a fun discussion - so click on the Comments to read - then comment/add to it with your opinions on current fashion.

We're talking about real life, wearable fashion... :)

Londa's Jean Purses

Londa, you are one creative gal! I love both of your Jean Purses. Is that a man's tie being used for a handle?? I noticed you worked in Illini orange also. Did you have it available during March Madness? Keep sharing your talents with us. It is very inspiring.
Joan

Patched Leg Jeans Purse
from Londa's design room

Joan's Hinse Bolero Collar Jacket

Loes Hinse Bolero Jacket Pattern





Joan had only let herself order 1 yard of the Fusion Knit - then went to her stash when it arrived and she didn't have enough fabric...this is her result! Great, right??? Not enough fabric is almot always a GOOD thing. Causes us to dig into our stashes and BE creative. Way to go, Joan!

I'll be posting her comments and pictures of this and more at the Gallery at my website www.londas-sewing.com. Joan will get 25% off a fabric order for sending in a picture and 'story'. Offer extends to all...

Joan's Hinse Shawl Collar Jacket

Loes Hinse Shawl Collar Jacket Pattern



First of all let me say Loes Hinse patterns fit my lifestyle and my preference for ‘middle of the road’ clothing styles---not so up-tight or serious, but not avant garde and trendy either. This pattern is a new release, and since Londa had reviewed it, I was anxious to try it and ordered it pronto from Londa.
I made View A, the short version and my goal for short jackets is to have the hemline fall at the fullest part of my post-menopausal tummy and to cover the ‘fluff’ at the high hip area. Londa’s 2 Cents, included with the pattern was most helpful, especially:
· The warning about the many collar pieces that saved me from spending time trying to figure that out.
· Her instructions regarding the lines for sewing the tucks on the collar
· The option for cutting the under collar with no tucks to reduce bulk in the area.
I made my normal adjustments to LH patterns—cut size Medium shoulders and taper down to Large or sometimes even XLarge to hemline. I cut a little bump out at the bust line of the front side seam and ease that in as I sew the seam to make a sight ‘full bust adjustment.’
The fabric is a weighty blend of rayon/poly and the collar is a fabulous small piece of Armani-type wool that was left over from a bias skirt 4-5 years ago.

Cat Cutie - from Londa's SIL

Since so many of us sewers seem to have cats around to 'help' us...


A cat died and went to Heaven. God met her at the gates and
said, "You have been a good cat all these years. Anything
you want is yours for the asking."

The cat thought for a mnute and then said, "All my life I
lived on a farm and slept on hard wooden floors. I would
like a real fluffy pillow to sleep on."

God said, "Say no more." Instantly the cat had a huge
fluffy pillow.

A few days later, six mice were killed in an accident and
they all went to Heaven together. God met the mice at the
gates with the same offer that He made to the cat.

The mice said, "Well, we have had to run all of our lives:
from cats, dogs and even people with brooms! If we could
just have some little roller skates, we would not have to
run again."

God answered, "It is done." All the mice had beautiful
little roller skates.

About a week later, God decided to check on the cat. He
found her sound asleep on her fluffly pillow. God gently
awakened the cat and asked, "Is everything okay? How have
you been doing? Are you happy?"

The cat replied, "Oh, it is WONDERFUL. I have never been so
happy in my life. The pillow is so fluffy, and those little
Meals on Wheels you have been sending over are delicious!"

Two Jkts. Completed

I have the LH Shawl Collar Jacket Pattern from Londa completed, and also a LH Bolero Jkt. from a heather teal knit purchased recently from Londa. I would be glad to send pictures and a little write up.....but I do not have a clue how to do it. Londa, I could send the photos directly to you via an e-mail with attachment, but I don't know whether that will help or not.
I don't know about the rest of you, but I am not finding this site user friendly for this inexperienced techie. How do we know if a post has comments posted on it??? How come hardly anyone is posting messages??? Any feedback anyone??? Or is it just me???

Monofilament thread - Londa's Favorite Brand

As I create more of my creative Sweatshirt jackets for those upcoming Art Fairs, I am trying to 'use up' some older and different monofilament threads - and in doing so, I sure see why I have a favorite: YLI Wonder Invisible Thread - 100% nylon. Comes in clear and smoke.

AND, here is a warning - since I also frequently want to use it in the bobbin - I always keep a bobbin of each 'color' wound as well. Do NOT wind fast - or a full bobbin if your bobbins are plastic!!! If you do - you probably won't get it off the spindle.... I use plastic bobbins for most sewing on my Pfaff 7550, but for this thread - I have metal bobbins. With the metal, I CAN wind them full - which is a good thing - because winding the bobbins is a pain.

It depends on what I'm doing - if I want it 'invisible' - I use the clear thread in the smallest needle that will work for the top (usually a 75 Stretch for the sweatshirt work). Generally, I have regular matching thread in the bobbin. I also then greatly reduce the upper tension (lower number) so that the bobbin thread doesn't show up in little 'hints' on the top of the work.

Occassionally though, there are times when I have the work upside down - and want the clear to end up on the top - OR don't want the bobbin showing on the wrong side - so in that case, I would use the monofilament-filled bobbin.

I hope that is clear...

Just yesterday I was using a large floral cotton sateen fabric (from my stash-those are hard to find!), over top of the sweatshirt. I dropped my feed dogs, had the monofilament in the top, darning foot on, and regular thread in the bottom. Went like wild fire all around the flowers - VERY NOT exact - it really creates a fun, trapunto, rich look. The edges of the fabric then, was stitched close and then a narrow boucle yarn couched down around all the edges with a zig zag with the clear thread in use - again.

Try it - YLI Wonder Invisible Thread. I always have it in stock... :)

For some inspiration as you sew...fr Londa

One of the people that has had the very most influence on me in my faith is Joni Earekson Tada. If you go to her website: www.joniandfriends.org and click on the Larry King Interview and listen to it - you'll know why.

May you be inspired -
Londa