I bought some new summer bottoms a few weeks ago because my non-jeans drawer was a bit empty except for shorts I don't like wearing to work. (It has been about 10 years since I've needed anything but jeans at work because I have been working inside where others set the ac to meat locker temperatures.) Of course, everything I bought seems to need some sort of alteration.
This pair of capris (actually more of a toreador length, but everything that isn't shorts or full length pants is always labeled capris these days) was 7.5" too long and just pulled everything down visually. I prefer more pedal-pushers length just below my knee - keeps me from looking squatty.
I've held on to a favorite old pair that no longer fits (someday I plan to make a pattern from them) and I decided to copy the hem detail with a twill draw-string. It's a nice detail that keeps a straight leg from looking too big because it can be drawn up slightly.
I chopped off my new pair leaving an inch and a half for turning. Then I turned & pressed, stitched some buttonholes for the drawstrings, and inserted the drawstrings before stitching the final hem. Then I pulled the drawstrings as tightly as I could before spreading it back out to where I wanted it and tied bows. So much better!
It was 108°F today and felt like 115° - August-temps are early and brutal this year. (Last summer was wonderfully cool compared to normal.) I need to hurry up and alter the other summer pants I bought!
#alterations
I spent the day priming things for paint and then I remembered to shoot a quick video. #SewingStudioBuild
I started cutting all the edges while Janet was away yesterday morning. When she got back after lunch, she pulled out a roller and started filling in. I'll put a pic below in the comments. #SewingStudioBuild
We broke for lunch and then came back with a portal ac unit plugged in to an extention cord from the house. Can't wait until they finished hooking up all the electrical and we have the mini split cooling the room for us - it was stupid humid today! #SewingStudioBuild
Not bad for a first attempt at English paper piecing. I deliberately used a contrast thread so I could see if I needed to do anything differently.
I have a crazy idea in mind and this was just a test sample. It's going to take forever, but this should be the perfect mindless project to keep my hands busy when I'm listening to podcasts with my husband at night.
Triangle is 4" equilateral.
#epp
My husband sent me a "funny clothes" compilation video, and I actually kind of like this one, lol! I'm trying to wrap my head around exactly how to construct this so you could still turn everything! It looks simple but it's actually really complex!
I don't think it has any seams - looks like one giant circle. But to clean finish those holes, you'd have to sew them in steps with some burrito action. Definitely have to sew one and then the other.
I might have to make a half scale version to see if I can.
I made a patriotic 18th Century style skirt for and indie film maker to wear to her documentary premiere. Unfortunately, it has been delayed (she and her husband are still working on the final edit) and won't be out today as originally planned, but she'll have a skirt whenever it comes out later this year!
In true historical style, the skirt back ties around the waist and then the front ties around the back. This creates side openings that allow access to any pockets worn underneath. Modern women are always complaining about small or no pockets - they used to be separate accessories and as big as you wanted! (Example photos of me modeling it over my jeans at work because my coworkers wanted to see it.)
I couldn't help myself and matched the stars on the seams and even managed to hide horizontal tucks on the bottom layer that don't interrupt the stars (it's two layers of skirt). It can be worn with or without a petticoat, and the top layer can be draped with loops of red ribbon I stitched ...
