My Next Big Sewing Plan

Well, PR's mini-wardrobe contest is over and I've finished it. Time for a new sewing plan: Tim Gunn's 10 Essentials.

A number of sewers are working on a similar project right now, and quite frankly, it just makes sense. I have the fabrics to create these pieces, so why not go for it. Here's his list and my takes on it. You'll notice, I've some of the pieces already!

1. Basic Black Dress -I just finished 1 in my big wardrobe and a very dark chocolate brown (which I love more than black) in my mini-wardrobe.
2. Trench Coat - This one has been cut and ready to sew for 3 years now. Maybe it's time to finish this UFO!
3. Classic Dress Pants - My goal for the summer is the perfect fitting pair of trousers. I haven't decided which piece to use from my stash: the navy, the brown tweed, the brown plaid, the black...
4. White Shirt - I think I look better in ivory. And, I've just finished one button up and one pull-over in ivory. That's done. Check.
5. Jeans - Well, I've mastered the jean skirt, so how hard can a pair of jeans be...
6. Cashmere Sweater - I'm buying this one! It'll be my treat to me when I finish the other 9 pieces! I'm think V-neck and maybe royal blue or orange. Something striking.
7. Skirt - A-line, I think, and maybe in a dark grey or brown suede or a cute plaid?
8. Day Dress - I just bought a shirt dress (Vogue 8021) and I have got a beautiful pink cotton that is screaming to be a summer dress. I think I will take out the front and back pleats and just gather the skirt.
9. Blazer - Would my mini-wardrobe jacket count?
10. Sweat Suit Alternative - Can I just remind you how much I love my TNT pants pattern? I think my new khaki pants from the mini-wardrobe count here. Oh, and then there are the black pants and the jean skirt from the big wardrobe contest. I think we can count this done.

Bonus: 1 trendy item. Hum? Gotta think on this one.

I post a storyboard of sorts later. Let me know what you think...

Book Review: New Complete Guide to Sewing

New Complete Guide to Sewing:

Step-by-step techniques for making clothes and home accessories

Published 2002 by Reader's Digest

ISBN:0-7621-0420-1

Some Chapter Headings:

• Sewing equipment and fabrics
• Neckline finishes and collars
• Fastenings
• Tailoring

I liked:

• The format! It is very easy to open this book to the contents and quickly identify the chapter I need.
• The great fitting section. There were lots of photos showing how and where to measure for 16 useful measurements.
• The great diagrams showing fit alternations on pattern tissue.
• The diagrams showing common "wrinkles" and how to adjust fit for each.
• 14 pages of hand stitches!

My dislikes:

• Only one-The extensive list and descriptions of fabric has pictures, but they aren't complete or labeled.

Conclusion:

I refer to this book at least once a month. It has more information than I could ever list. In fact, it would be easier to list what's not included than to tell you everything that is! So far, every time I've need information, I've found it here! I use the fitting chapters more than anything else!

This book has 20 projects throughout that use the techniques covered in each chapter. It also has a quilting chapter, but you should note that it consists of only 2 projects and no additional diagrams or explanations. The book also contains a 4 page glossary.

Would I buy it for myself? It's the most used book on my shelf!
Would I buy it for a beginner sewer? Absolutely.

My swimmer...

Yeah! Our BG took 5th in her very first 25m freestyle this past Wednesday! Here's a look.

Here's her backstroke (lane 4). She placed 8th in this one.