Some This and That Sewing

I finally got to spend a little time in the sewing room.  The brown skirt is this New Look Pattern made from some lovely rayon/lycra.  It was mailed to DGD this week.  She asked if I would make a few skirts for her as she is in grad school and working two jobs and doesn't want to pay (as she put it) $30 - $50 for a skirt. Plus she said so many of them are just too short; she's 5'10" (or very close).  I made this a straight size 10 and waiting to hear if it fits like she wants.  Simple, simple--two side seams, fold the band over 1.5" elastic (I couldn't lay hands on the 2"  elastic) and serge on.  I just rolled hemmed it.

Next up was the "muslin" of this pattern.  My SIL asked last year if I would consider making her a hooded cape.  She's not really into winter coats (and we have so few "winter" days here) she feels she would get more use of a cape.  I had made her a short swing jacket for her B-day several years, ago and she has worn it to death.  It's time for something else--so I agreed.

I watched for cape patterns on e-bay and we both thought this would be appropriate.  I think its an early 70s pattern.

She's asked for black.  I suggested a royal blue or wine color, but she really wanted black, so black it will be.  I'm watching the online fabric sites for an appropriate wool for wool/blend.  I've got time.  We ususally don't need wraps here until November (and sometimes not until January).  I'd like to have it completed by the end of October.  I'll have her try on this muslin when I see her tomorrow.  Capes are great - no real fitting!

You may remember that I mentioned in this post that I had a problem with the sleeveless Butterick top. I think it was probably due to the fabric.  I don't this it was "drapey" enough OR I may have stretched it some when sewing tghe band on.  I really like the pattern so I'm sure I'll try this one again, but it may be next spring before it resurfaces.  Can you see the "pooching?"  It is more dramatic in person than in these photos.

Today I worked on the Style Arc Cargo pant.  I think it's going to be good.  I have to complete the casing, the drawstrings (I'm adding elastic in the middle of two pieces of drawstring so I can breathe), and the hems.  this is really a "trial pair," but I think they will get worn alot.  Time will tell.  Style Arc seems to have much of the fit and many of the styles NAILED.  I'm sure I'll be sending off another order fairly soon.  I just need to be able to get more sewing room time.