More ATCS and some other stuff

I finished some ATCs yesterday. These are for the Metal theme of the bimonthly (is that the right term for every second month?) swap for the Aus-NZ Art Quilters list on the internet. I am running a bit late because they were due at the end of September, but I was assured that it would still be OK. I forgot to take any photos, so I will have to wait until I get my swapped cards.

I have been unpicking some trouser waistbands to try and shorten the elastic so I can still wear them. Having lost close to 25 kilograms and approximately 20 cm from my waist since November, everything literally falls off me. I have donated a couple of bags of clothes to the Good Sammies, but I am hesitant to pass on some, because I like the fabric so much. I will see how it goes on one pair before tackling any more. I have fabric to make some more, but I lack the energy to cut them out as yet.

A bit of sewing

Not so long ago, before everything turned upside down, I cut out some new trousers that I intended to take on the cruise, which of course is now cancelled.

Today I tackled the construction. There was a slight hiccup when the machine I was using refused to feed through the fabric. I was about to use the other one, but I was short of matching thread and unwilling to make a special trip to Spotlight. Each machine has a different bobbin. I let the machine have a rest while I googled recipes for turkey leftovers - guess what we're having for dinner tonight?

After a good clean around the bobbin area the machine decided to play nicely again, so the pants are nearly finished. Just some topstitching, elastic insertion and hemming to go. I think I might be able to finish them on Wednesday.

Tomorrow I am having a PICC line inserted in my arm which will be used to deliver the chemotherapy for the next 6 months. We are due at the hospital at 8.30 and I suspect it will be 4pm or so before we leave. The chemo treatment itself takes 3 hours, and then I am attached to a portable pump to deliver more over the next 46 hours. The pump will be disconnected on Thursday, but we have to see the oncologist, so that will probably take most of that day.

Vintage Pattern Library

I have just discovered a great site. Access is free until the 25th August, but will cost heaps thereafter. Thousands of vintage sewing patterns on a searchable data base. I have just spent a happy hour browsing. Nothing downloaded as yet, but give me time!

Thanks are due to Kathleen at Fashion Incubator for mentioning it on her blog. Great fun. Do go and have a look.

Birthday

I had a very pleasant day. Dorothy invited us to come for lunch. Before we went I had two hours in the sewing room and have finished the basic construction of the new top. Just needs the neck facing, hemming and some top stitching. I hope to finish it tomorrow.

Lunch was great. A beautiful sunny day so we ate outside. Prawns and some yummy salads and lots of lovely bubbly. Thank you, Dorothy. And a very big thank you for the beads and earrings which you made. They will go really well with my new top.

Dressmaking again

I decided that I can see well enough to do some dressmaking, so today I cut out a tunic top from a Vogue pattern (the simple range!). I bought the fabric prior to the cruise, so it is really a summer top, but I think that it will be able to be layered.

So this evening I have the top cut out, the interfacing fused, the threads on the overlocker changed, a bobbin wound, the machine threaded and the correct foot installed. Pity it is dark - I think sewing now would be a recipe for disaster.

But tomorrow is another day.

Been so busy

Blogging has fallen by the wayside.

I have almost finished the dressmaking I planned for the cruise we are taking at the end of the month - pity I keep thinking of more pieces to make. I will have to be very selective in packing. So far the tally is 3 slacks and 5 tops. One top to go - though I just bought some more fabric for slacks . . .

I have nearly completed the commission I was given just after Christmas. While working on it I was struck by an idea - what if? I have made a sample which I will post to the blog after I have delivered the pieces which inspired it. Doesn't make much sense at the moment, does it?

2009 Predictors

I read on one of the blogs I follow with Google Reader that whatever you do on New Year's Day will be an indicator of that year's activities.

In that case I can look forward to a year filled with textile activities.

I finished off two of the new garments I am making. I used the 4D software to modify and combine designs for a white on black embroidery I am planning to use to embellish a purchased Tshirt. I played with some images in Photoshop, cropping and enhancing in preparation for printing on fabric for a commission. And I tidied up the laundry after a painting session a couple of days ago.

Dressmaking

I used to make all my clothes, especially in the days when knit fabrics were all the go. Now I usually only make slacks - I can never buy any that fit properly and I have tweaked two patterns that work really well.

However, I have a pile of patterns (quite a few never used) and somehow I keep on buying dress fabric.

Boxing Day I went through my dressmaking stash. We are going on a cruise in February and I feel the need for some new clothes. I found so much that could be used that I doubt I will have time to make it all - OR the luggage allowance to get it to Sydney from where the cruise leaves.

Today I have cut out 3 lots of trousers using both my old faithful patterns and pinned the pattern for a top on a silk sarong I bought in Bali about 6 years ago. Everything fits - phew!

Tomorrow I plan to cut out a silk chiffon big shirt, a black devore velvet jacket and a black silk camisole to go under it.

I think I should sew these before I undertake any other garments. Wish me luck!