TNLBP....Shoulder Pads

So this project calls for some shoulder pads...They are actually pretty fun to make, though I haven't been following the instructions exactly. The instructions are so strange on these vintage patterns, not nearly as detailed as modern ones. The instructions for the shoulder pads don't seem to make the most sense to me, so I am improvising somewhat, but they are turning out pretty good.

I hadn't even realized I needed to make shoulder pads, or buy materials for them as there is absolutely no mention of them on the envelope anywhere! I realized I needed to make them on Monday while I was in the middle of  cutting out my underlining, which I have decided to make out of 100% cotton, voile.

I ran down to the fabric store yesterday and bought some cotton batting, since I happened to have everything else, and began. I am going to wait to complete them until the rest of the blouse is done, just in case I need to add or subtract batting so that I can achieve my desired silhouette, which is a very strong shoulder line!

3 Sections sewn together

Interfacing inserted to base section

Cotton Batting cut into 1/2" graduated triangles....Instructions called for one layer of each size, I decided to add two after seeing how little what was called for filled it out.

 Almost done.....batting inserted. Maybe I'll need to
add another layer. Once my top is complete I'll baste and see how it looks inserted into the top.






So next step on this project will be cutting my fashion fabric, I have actually cut the underlining so now tonight I will be cutting the fashion fabric.....

It's been too long....

I had a great time in Omaha but I came down with a cold and then Laryngitis followed....I have finally gotten back online and I promise plenty more posts in the immediate future.....It's good to be back!

Omaha, Nebraska....Any suggestions?

I just arrived in Omaha, NE. I'll be here for a few days, visiting my mom, so I am on a break from sewing and harping but I will be focusing full time on treasure hunting. There are some really cool vintage/retro stores close to my mom's place, on Jones Street, or so I am told. We were going to go to "Second Chance" but it started pouring rain so we are going to wait it out for a bit. I look forward to sharing my finds with my 12 followers, who I would like to thank for making my day...you are all awesome for taking the time to follow me!

If anybody has suggestions on cool places to hit up in Omaha I will be here for 4 days....

Cheers!

Pink Floyd and Planxties...

I feel like my harp is getting no play, on the web anyway, since I posted two posts concerning sewing....so I'll update the interwebs on the latest news in my harp world....

I have a recital coming up in June. I will be performing fior some of our communities more mature citizens at Pilgrim Terrace Community in Santa Barbara on June 11th at 1pm, its a Saturday. There will be other harpists playing as well. I will be playing two Planxties, Planxty George Brabazon and Planxty Irwin. Planxties are Irish or Celtic songs that are dedicated to an individual, like Irish Odes.

I have been practicing, practicing but Planxty George is kicking my butt, getting the light, lilty sound is hard for me...so I will just keep on keepin' on with it. Hopefully I will be squared away by then.

I have been working on my Pink Floyd "Wish You Were Here" for the harp, since there is no sheet music for this song made for the harp I have to transcribe (right word?) from the piano sheet music. This song actually lends itself pretty well to the harp, nothing radical has to be done but still it is taking awhile.

I had wanted to play it for this recital but it is no where near ready....like at all. I think I will focus on my planxties and after the recital in June I will focus more on "Wish You Were Here."

I got a follower!!!

This is exactly what I needed this morning.....my first follower! Thanks Aunt Sue!

Treasures.....

So, I sort of went a little crazy on eBay with the pattern buying....but i could not help myself!

Here is my latest booty:

Advance Blouse #7798, love the front button detailing....











I think I might use this fabric:

I got it at 75% off! It is an awesome voile, silky and smooth....I think I will line it in a jersey...I like how this comes together in my mind. I'll think on it.




Advance Skirt #8192

I obviously like Advance patterns...I think I was drawn to this particularly because I love the cover art...I definitely judge books by their covers! LOL

This one is not currently being designed in my head, though I want to use something heavy and durable, I need to add it to my Trade Show attire rotation. The fabric store that is closing has tons of wool maybe I can find some for a steal....I don't think I can afford suit grade wool at full price....

I have champagne fabric tastes on a water budget.

Simplicity Blouse #3700

I think that stand up collar is really fun...this one posses some serious challenges for me, so I won't be immediately tackling it. The fancy collar and stiff cuffs, as well as the yoke, double yoke on View #2, is not something I am ready to tackle yet, I'm a quick study though so I for see great things for my fall wardrobe....











Anyway, I have sewing projects lined up right through the new year it seams....get it? Ha, I'll stop at that cheesy pun.

"The New Look Blouse Project"

Check out my newest project. I am super excited to start working on it. I call it "The New Look Blouse Project" (TNLBP)

McCall #7242 ca. 1948 (UNCUT!!)

McCall #7242, ca. 1948, I got on eBay, the first one I bought off eBay actually. There was a stiff last minute bidding war for it but I ultimately prevailed at $8.50. Looking back with a bit more knowledge and understanding of the vintage pattern market it seems that this a pretty desirable pattern. In my experience McCall patterns from the 1940's are not as common as those from later decades and....drum roll please...it is UNCUT and Factory folded!!!! Those folds have been percolating for 60+ years ironing out the folds so i could trace it took forever they did not want to come out...Anyway the style is great, reminds me of "New Look" style conceived of and made popular by Dior around that time.

I plan to use this fabric for it (at right). This is a silk chiffon that I bought half price at one of the fabric stores in town that is closing....I love it. I plan to line it in a complimentary green that is drapey like Charmeuse....though I was also thinking of using something stiffer, I plan to shop around. BTW this will be the blouse w/o the collar

I have started preparing the pattern, which means I am tracing it onto tracing paper. Basically to preserve it, since it is at least 63 years old, it is pretty fragile and I don't want to subject it to the stress of excessive handling and I doubt it would withstand all the pinning, re-pinning, cutting, etc. inevitable in the layout and cutting process. More importantly, in my opinion, is that this pattern is uncut. In 63 years no one ever used it to make this awesome blouse. I want to keep it as pristine as possible as it is valuable, not necessarily monetarily but culturally...who knows in another 60 years they might want to study it or keep it in a museum and who am I to deprive future generations of it, I'm like it's custodian!

I will post further on this project as it develops!