January 26, 2013

NOTHING TO FEAR...


...

I've joined in on Victoria's (TenThousandSewingHours) Fearless February Sew-A-Long.  It challenges sewers to step outside their regular comfort zones.  I must admit that I sometimes get caught up in a sewing comfort zone.  So I joined the sew-a-long:
  • to honor Victoria's very first sew-a-long - congratulations Victoria!,
  • because she's a home Georgia Girl, and
  • because it's high time I shook things up a bit in the sewing room.

My project will exercise (and hopefully expand) my existing tailoring skills. As far as tailoring is concerned,  I've actually not done any since my Lady Grey jacket back in 2010.  I've  used a few techniques on projects here and there,  but it's been far too long since I've made a structured jacket.

The sew-a-long doesn't actually start for 5 more days, but I thought I'd better get a little head start since February is a short month.  Last week I prepared my fabric, traced the pattern, and started fitting a muslin.  It's been an emotional roller coaster already because I really thought I wouldn't need to do much fitting.  Is being able to make up a pattern straight out of the envelope too much to ask???  I guess it is!  I actually considered dumping the whole project at one point, but have since decided to press onward.

I woke up early this morning and after 5 hours of diligent work,
  • was able to finalize my muslin (or at least get to a point that I thought was workable/wearable).

  • layout and cut my fabric

  •  and now I'm actually involved with thread tracing.  Yep, that's right, thread tracing 16 pattern pieces.  Thought I'd finish this part tonight, but mmmmmmm I don't know about that since I've got 10 more pieces to go.
 
Its gonna be one of those labor of love projects that I hope won't take as long to finish as that Lady Grey jacket did.  Maybe it's a good thing that I'm getting an early start...

22 comments:

  1. Your jacket is going to be awesome! the colour is very pretty, and you are so tidy marking your fabric... I can´t wait!
    Shame on me I´m not yet one of Victoria´s blog followers!

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  2. Thank you for the vote of confidence Merche!

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  3. Great timing Faye. The jacket will be a great piece in you collection.

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  4. I think the timing is good also Velosewer. We're sure to have at least a month and a half of off and on cold weather left here. I think I'll be able to get some wear out of it this season.

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  5. Oh, I love the color! I am so excited to see it!!

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  6. The fabric color is pretty and perfect for that coat. Will stay tuned.

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    1. Yes Sheila, stay tuned cause I need a cheering squad.

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  7. Indeed, a labor of love! But the results will be so nice. Love the color.

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    1. Bunny I'm loving your dress form re-do. Can you come and do mine???

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  8. Go fearless Faye!! What a great sew along to join... looking forward to seeing you progress through this one and seeing you wearing it. I'm loving the colour as well :)

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    1. Thanks Chris. I think I suffer from a bit of colorblindness though. I actually thought this fabric was purple until I tried to match up lining.

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  9. I'm impressed! Looking forward to your finalized creation!

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    1. Thanks Linda. I'm looking forward to the creation being finalized also!

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  10. Kudos to you for signing on to the challenge. I can't wait to see your finished garment.

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  11. I know your coat will be a winner. I'll be joining this Victoria's challenge also. Georgia girls unite!

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  12. Thanks for the vote of confidence. Glad you joined!

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  13. That's a lot of pieces! I hope you enjoy the process as well as the finished coat.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for sewing well wishes Marjie. It was past time for me to stretch a little in the sewing arena.

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  14. This is awesome! I love the color and can't wait to see the finished garment. A head start=s.m.a.r.t. LOL

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  15. I think it's going to be a fabulous jacket....Watching your progress, Faye!

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