Tuesday, November 29, 2011

A slight relapse

I can resist everything except temptation. Oscar Wilde



This weekend the local antiques mall had their semi-annual open house. Varying levels of 'sales' at each booth, and a very tasty array of food. Now, Mr. Minglingyarn cannot resist the lure of free, tasty food, and I can't resist, well, we all know what I can't resist!





It had me at turquoise.



It's a 50's era, straight-stitch only Janome -- which is a clone of the classic Singer 15 series. I'm hoping to pop this into a treadle once it's all clean and shiny and run it as a people-powered machine. The (current) wiring is just a bit suspect, and re-wiring is not one of my skills, so that seems like the safest plan. It came in a cute little table, so I suppose now I have one excess cute little table, and lack an empty treadle -- hmmmm, what to do, what to do?

It came with some non-original attachments/feet, but no owner's manual or any other clues as to its age. I've been told by someone on a vintage Japanese sewing machine list (don't act surprised -- there's an Internet list for everything!) that a similar model dates to 1958. That sounds about right for the look and feel of this one, although I suspect that it may be a year or two older. Regardless, it makes me smile to look at it, and thankfully, there seems to be room for 'just one more' (cue hysterical laughter from Mr. Minglingyarn).

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Still in Love with Style Arc

Still not tired of sewing with Style Arc patterns from Australia -- but really, what's not to like?



Description from the website:




SLIP-ON SUZIE: This is a fantastic fake wrap dress, it is easy to make and wear, just slip it on. You have the choice of a cap sleeve or a long sleeve so it’s suitable for all seasons and occasions Approx back length 106cm or 42”.

FABRIC SUGGESTION & DESCRIPTION: Jersey Knit with drape







My only needed adjustment with this one was to raise the neckline, and frankly, it could go a little higher. Next one we'll give that a try.



I know I go on about this pattern line, but I love the ready-to-wear fit/sizing, the current looks, and the well-drafted patterns that fit together so nicely. I have plenty of cheaper patterns in my stash, but when you find styles that you can make again and again, well, it takes the sting out of the purchase price for sure.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Cosy -- take two



Stats: pattern - Cosy Cardigan from Style Arc fabric - a wool blend knit from Gorgeous Fabrics (may be sold out, but you're sure to find other lovely stuff, so take a look!) changes to pattern - none, however, it's fastened with only one clear, sewn-on snap at the top, rather than snaps down the front as in version 1



There was a bit of fabric left over from the cardigan, so I seamed it together to make a narrow infinity scarf -



The pants are another version of Style Arc Linda, this time made in stretch corduroy from Fabric Mart.