tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33451236448483044802024-02-06T20:42:11.188-08:00duck bucket sewingTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-10910863312738789012021-08-26T08:47:00.001-07:002021-08-26T08:47:24.970-07:00a trip to Alabama Chanin<p> Hi there. It's been a while. Didn't mean to go on mute, but some things happened over the last year or two. Anyway!</p><p>I finally paid Alabama Chanin a visit. I've wanted to go for years, and finally reached out to them to sign up for a Studio Day and embroidery workshop while I was sitting in a high school gym in Lynn recovering from my first Covid shot. Definitely a bucket-list thing. I would have signed up for their three-day workshop in May, but it happened to coincide with the date of my second shot. :(</p><p>It was a bit nerve-wracking -- only my second trip since 2019, going to a new place and all that. I went with a friend from my stitching group, and we'd never traveled together before. </p><p>We had a great time, though. It was an amazing three days! We landed in Nashville on a Wednesday, drove straight to AC, and spent the rest of the afternoon looking around and trying stuff on. Thursday was our Studio Day, where they let you focus on whatever you want. We toured the factory and learned how to stencil (Iona, their stenciling instructor, was SO great -- she actually positioned my hand and showed me how to spray; I feel much better about using an airbrush now). Then we had a fitting session and then spent the afternoon learning couching, relief applique, ribbon embroidery, stitching on gathers and other techniques I really wanted to see in person. It was a bit of an overstuffed day (my fault; I wanted everything and the kitchen sink), but everyone there was super-helpful and kind. </p><p>We enjoyed the embroidery workshop on Friday too -- a bit of a slower vibe and a nice change of pace. We did a second factory tour with the group (fine with me -- I kept noticing new things; I could have spent all day back there!) They ordered us lunch both days and totally accommodated my request for a vegetarian meal, no problem. I'm still dreaming about the tofu. </p><p>Things that surprised me while we were there:</p><p></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>They’ll custom-fit you for kits and keep that info on file so you can order them later (I was fitted for an Ezra coat -- so glad I did that; I fell between 3 sizes -- and a Factory Dress). They’ll also custom-fit you for clothes from the Collection. </li><li>They can pull out old stencils and make kits for you. I’ve always been interested in the <a href="https://journal.alabamachanin.com/2014/02/dkny-vogue-pattern-alabama-chanin-diy-dress/" target="_blank">Check stencil</a> -- which is from 2014; they don't offer the physical version anymore -- and was able to order a Factory Dress kit with it. </li><li>The DIY section with samples made up is pretty extensive — you can find just about anything and try it on. They’ll also custom-make you the DIY clothes if you want. I ordered the <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/products/relaxed-drawstring-pant-skirt-pattern" target="_blank">Drawstring Skirt</a> (because I unexpectedly fell in love with it and will wear the crap out of it, but also so I can see how they made it up, for future versions). I also ordered the <a href="https://alabamachanin.com/products/josephine-coat" target="_blank">Josephine coat,</a> which I loooooved (it's their factory uniform and has two sets of pockets!)</li></ol><p></p><p>We stayed at the Marriott, which was great, aside from the night we went to the rotating restaurant for dinner and had to walk down 25 flights of stairs when the fire alarm went off (long story). But that pool...! Best hotel pool ever. </p><p>Anyway, you came for pictures, right? I have a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/tsomstitchalong/posts/1128890810851534" target="_blank">big post up on the FB AC Stitchalong group </a>with tons of photos, but here are a few.</p><p>The shop/Collection (I loved the lights -- they had cotton jersey ropes hanging up too):</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqAXnBnEUqBntENivImn1iYCneQSFRat83PA8xPgEEXx_wZSnmc10hHL_RCC_JJ70hQGppT_oBsyUkgxMNw9pY3nrGheNFSJiKBtuXAHGeWqnqnj89RVIwwHpibvGNoeHVs6S1Wwx7iY/s960/clotthes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyqAXnBnEUqBntENivImn1iYCneQSFRat83PA8xPgEEXx_wZSnmc10hHL_RCC_JJ70hQGppT_oBsyUkgxMNw9pY3nrGheNFSJiKBtuXAHGeWqnqnj89RVIwwHpibvGNoeHVs6S1Wwx7iY/w400-h300/clotthes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU62j7EeSZcFIU9R0ahA-4Fz8-VR8tEFm_DM6BMd_lN6jykYszRbnLZEXYj2vl5sdLBZH_sIIUvEHme5j0H_lu5bihIuGNMR5enf6upWX_uK7sDA8RCmleYDwQn6YKqFpl5idtSB3Ii8/s960/lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkU62j7EeSZcFIU9R0ahA-4Fz8-VR8tEFm_DM6BMd_lN6jykYszRbnLZEXYj2vl5sdLBZH_sIIUvEHme5j0H_lu5bihIuGNMR5enf6upWX_uK7sDA8RCmleYDwQn6YKqFpl5idtSB3Ii8/w300-h400/lights.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfyYMEAvBL_2wNi5St-H2yZs394JLQbKRjZW-RKuwFuSEcohluBxMauWgiNmJQsbshD7kRSsXn7bOTODrjkA_NF1wQcSauph4ryhEqNm9srWGfg4Ol4DrKzYuKVAWrLcQ5FJL5kFK5AE/s960/shop_necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpfyYMEAvBL_2wNi5St-H2yZs394JLQbKRjZW-RKuwFuSEcohluBxMauWgiNmJQsbshD7kRSsXn7bOTODrjkA_NF1wQcSauph4ryhEqNm9srWGfg4Ol4DrKzYuKVAWrLcQ5FJL5kFK5AE/w400-h300/shop_necklace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIesd-RtBbPrs15tXDe5-wBxgY_wyQu7xwNMkb4_VFjMjcf9gHIz5A7c9rUSkrdjn7qii3b9cbRCFaf1VVHsKq-cR5wPL3JABjQH6BHmkEs4LpYys1z3egEzYKTAi5rn5OY0RXGA6OhNw/s960/coat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIesd-RtBbPrs15tXDe5-wBxgY_wyQu7xwNMkb4_VFjMjcf9gHIz5A7c9rUSkrdjn7qii3b9cbRCFaf1VVHsKq-cR5wPL3JABjQH6BHmkEs4LpYys1z3egEzYKTAi5rn5OY0RXGA6OhNw/w300-h400/coat.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The DIY section, with kit samples made up (I loved the Car Coat):<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC75Zj35c2tE0s3un_TF4JrvT1apGVipkGfO-Z_7evVMjypY1KuJclQdhyphenhyphen_BPkQVnb_HYFm5SrjNlbSz18w40XNI6jaHNvwqKzjTnC0_VAPQGrMLp57Rcmw9JnYA9Y9AFLZaeDbOCVoD0/s960/birdponcho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC75Zj35c2tE0s3un_TF4JrvT1apGVipkGfO-Z_7evVMjypY1KuJclQdhyphenhyphen_BPkQVnb_HYFm5SrjNlbSz18w40XNI6jaHNvwqKzjTnC0_VAPQGrMLp57Rcmw9JnYA9Y9AFLZaeDbOCVoD0/w400-h300/birdponcho.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp9OWPmZustOaIqDiraEi5u0RMY5866dQpwEj6SJQ-lEAPBBh-1n1xJs7ftPCJb0u74oKMNQCRyqzgvq-EJwuyvYOddskvsuP-KNA6HApujD49kVuM3Lk4Xe7uLzIxBZGG1BX9TWROos/s960/carcoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp9OWPmZustOaIqDiraEi5u0RMY5866dQpwEj6SJQ-lEAPBBh-1n1xJs7ftPCJb0u74oKMNQCRyqzgvq-EJwuyvYOddskvsuP-KNA6HApujD49kVuM3Lk4Xe7uLzIxBZGG1BX9TWROos/w400-h300/carcoat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgm8vz-h0-VSuQf7WBkH_nGJFQ3EnXm9t6czCMdO4Q_hpY5ssISPS3R_JJ7A9zYqH5oPPG_c-hd_FvQi_rHA6aMGJ4RJzRf1V_bp0KnKRs3O4sgNoAlynB9r4m1BRf_lLU5s2RqXO81K0/s960/diy+section.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgm8vz-h0-VSuQf7WBkH_nGJFQ3EnXm9t6czCMdO4Q_hpY5ssISPS3R_JJ7A9zYqH5oPPG_c-hd_FvQi_rHA6aMGJ4RJzRf1V_bp0KnKRs3O4sgNoAlynB9r4m1BRf_lLU5s2RqXO81K0/w400-h300/diy+section.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAcWRnxDgIIjcMTA4_eergz7mIGbEsU2nWml_I9ny7OJ1Cu1Yv7siuNwu6JD9tGbd_KWxQO-iO2h_G1rHmSFmW93neA-dbF67ZHdLWY6MVF_DmtpjdG2Rzed2o17ViWT9I4Gp6PHVS4k/s960/fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTAcWRnxDgIIjcMTA4_eergz7mIGbEsU2nWml_I9ny7OJ1Cu1Yv7siuNwu6JD9tGbd_KWxQO-iO2h_G1rHmSFmW93neA-dbF67ZHdLWY6MVF_DmtpjdG2Rzed2o17ViWT9I4Gp6PHVS4k/w400-h300/fabric.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEeShR3hWxolUGV_SOZYo5dRmtZFDWhF4lLdgqKXE4pUAoz3g8h9OfCAW6Gq9RyMB3dTyqq6Cy1s9tRB7_tluy1LnG_pp2M80WtT2AFtNbc53Edp8477VJQt1F1DwKw4soYtQ-MZFdF8/s960/thread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGEeShR3hWxolUGV_SOZYo5dRmtZFDWhF4lLdgqKXE4pUAoz3g8h9OfCAW6Gq9RyMB3dTyqq6Cy1s9tRB7_tluy1LnG_pp2M80WtT2AFtNbc53Edp8477VJQt1F1DwKw4soYtQ-MZFdF8/w400-h300/thread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jePHSy1Pv08yp8PFmU_diL60jL0-hvJxRvKKmaT5ejN10FWPonlRAKq8-mdk281_RbBFgyDhV9lvHkD38AhlimI6ZYiG7W-HF3H-qSzIH5MQQoZ6EItgPLlmTqe3E59Uxs7DfwyZb1I/s960/walkingcape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2jePHSy1Pv08yp8PFmU_diL60jL0-hvJxRvKKmaT5ejN10FWPonlRAKq8-mdk281_RbBFgyDhV9lvHkD38AhlimI6ZYiG7W-HF3H-qSzIH5MQQoZ6EItgPLlmTqe3E59Uxs7DfwyZb1I/w300-h400/walkingcape.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">DIY garments to try on (just one rack out of many):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X4D5wk5DOQ9Vk58dpa-2D_Vgn3hvw1UKouSVDAxT3euamEtWS8oOicaPcub72XP8FeMoyVPkuTM7QtAq2tk_h5m19nf7l2MQrrDhtL2KATumqgR56u6PcX3l3J9fm6utO_PZKTdBF2I/s960/diysection.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8X4D5wk5DOQ9Vk58dpa-2D_Vgn3hvw1UKouSVDAxT3euamEtWS8oOicaPcub72XP8FeMoyVPkuTM7QtAq2tk_h5m19nf7l2MQrrDhtL2KATumqgR56u6PcX3l3J9fm6utO_PZKTdBF2I/w400-h300/diysection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Samples. They had tons of sample books, and I didn't have a chance to go through them all:<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkMblab02zWagwSF2PetlkrAmUIMTN2P2iJQM7Mz0VWbVt0wt9rDU9iNwVFn1czM_P88QXMBPjCw6mxc2j4I6pZ1RkO3hA7j8sWAVbhIKktu3OThkNgYrzcA7PTBLMgI46snS-dEB8Js/s960/canopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkMblab02zWagwSF2PetlkrAmUIMTN2P2iJQM7Mz0VWbVt0wt9rDU9iNwVFn1czM_P88QXMBPjCw6mxc2j4I6pZ1RkO3hA7j8sWAVbhIKktu3OThkNgYrzcA7PTBLMgI46snS-dEB8Js/w400-h300/canopy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkYSpGBRD9CxqC8vI49HiAWtFGNghfy-ZV1WzAX0DNUvI1uMSUJHg-GY0uidDYhqJUEUgjqltREK5t84uO-XiK2jHyMjEBIOJNrz5ChZId3Ss6P31vOwxh-oQB4MOfp8ug_s82UT7L1U/s960/chambray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkYSpGBRD9CxqC8vI49HiAWtFGNghfy-ZV1WzAX0DNUvI1uMSUJHg-GY0uidDYhqJUEUgjqltREK5t84uO-XiK2jHyMjEBIOJNrz5ChZId3Ss6P31vOwxh-oQB4MOfp8ug_s82UT7L1U/w300-h400/chambray.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSFAgO1YcYBaobWjrWrCFndsclaJTb1ID6xWpllNuelm5A1xnaZtNU2MC26tsV6rIHRYF24okfgCK98d65EPj3kv0kopIxg3V3RUml5LzCHwMW22Pt8hWd5MmBO3e8_1A-m6nwEhBALE/s960/favoritestripe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwSFAgO1YcYBaobWjrWrCFndsclaJTb1ID6xWpllNuelm5A1xnaZtNU2MC26tsV6rIHRYF24okfgCK98d65EPj3kv0kopIxg3V3RUml5LzCHwMW22Pt8hWd5MmBO3e8_1A-m6nwEhBALE/w300-h400/favoritestripe.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UFRG0zfMXe6svVt5Vmxuv6uJppiphiUGV3stLAwJXpesR8dmdJtoNEheLZldbD8Mlw3ndr7o60FguTWBVSl9pCOEYgTmb91Q8Cuvcm5nOzG92NS6YTN7EX7vv61KcquSD849txVHjoE/s960/gathers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5UFRG0zfMXe6svVt5Vmxuv6uJppiphiUGV3stLAwJXpesR8dmdJtoNEheLZldbD8Mlw3ndr7o60FguTWBVSl9pCOEYgTmb91Q8Cuvcm5nOzG92NS6YTN7EX7vv61KcquSD849txVHjoE/w400-h300/gathers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEiPDhqoPHPNGORUbxJzrNHcZujfAks26TnC6m6Ax3USP6dzQFsVsF3L2B3Myg1sl4zra1wiMNYzlVjQ1TBMcJzJqJ_e_ilwhfgI5tkBTovlDtlFBOzMBwPrse0sLoc6YCBL7o0Br8wA/s960/junespring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkEiPDhqoPHPNGORUbxJzrNHcZujfAks26TnC6m6Ax3USP6dzQFsVsF3L2B3Myg1sl4zra1wiMNYzlVjQ1TBMcJzJqJ_e_ilwhfgI5tkBTovlDtlFBOzMBwPrse0sLoc6YCBL7o0Br8wA/w300-h400/junespring.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF3BTywQqW454Cx5XlMM9goS-AlUkYzZzj-meO5e1QA_9ugmlOBd7XuiV3swEs3L4T3ndWKwPkz8cpF75EuT6XXnJa3SH_1mcrT8mJ4NPbT50YyBXiT3OY12k4F6j6jtEYs-plmx5U0w/s960/navy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF3BTywQqW454Cx5XlMM9goS-AlUkYzZzj-meO5e1QA_9ugmlOBd7XuiV3swEs3L4T3ndWKwPkz8cpF75EuT6XXnJa3SH_1mcrT8mJ4NPbT50YyBXiT3OY12k4F6j6jtEYs-plmx5U0w/w400-h300/navy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNtlZtvqTBzl1cUOj9QLrvXSct6FVIP7YGIKBfz313WDR02sbjKHkXnwApDEEFoqW0nl5pm2lhI_KZo7t0kf30mllgsFaSK-wGtkD8hOWZJmrvksccvKnOjI0T6aQlfUYDaYXM5T06as/s960/purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNtlZtvqTBzl1cUOj9QLrvXSct6FVIP7YGIKBfz313WDR02sbjKHkXnwApDEEFoqW0nl5pm2lhI_KZo7t0kf30mllgsFaSK-wGtkD8hOWZJmrvksccvKnOjI0T6aQlfUYDaYXM5T06as/w400-h300/purple.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSd64RwkujYz6cBcSfoxZj27sasZOUIQkfqIzN-1IgydN9OuR4ysD_OsHxYLFwRzGnNpT4QP8gGhiurz485kAPIkValmsNhClEtOj_Nxd9ZsVdIQZTCoCky9ezVTm5W526bzRBktEX-k/s960/sample1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSd64RwkujYz6cBcSfoxZj27sasZOUIQkfqIzN-1IgydN9OuR4ysD_OsHxYLFwRzGnNpT4QP8gGhiurz485kAPIkValmsNhClEtOj_Nxd9ZsVdIQZTCoCky9ezVTm5W526bzRBktEX-k/w300-h400/sample1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsev9g9AB9GrUarwS9BMsgNDiQ5DLXYqtHcIKPbVDgMrPgmr9vEQXt1YMgfvgroPvABuzrIr1ZCZWNiHEWNnir64j4AslLgsrb9GOGWyCYJoivYbxsY0RijOBntT48rnwMAFLwczLCcw/s960/stripe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsev9g9AB9GrUarwS9BMsgNDiQ5DLXYqtHcIKPbVDgMrPgmr9vEQXt1YMgfvgroPvABuzrIr1ZCZWNiHEWNnir64j4AslLgsrb9GOGWyCYJoivYbxsY0RijOBntT48rnwMAFLwczLCcw/w400-h300/stripe.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEEx4lpZQJGgIxG-j5rqmrq087e4dKuMHv4dxx5_Z6EaAiqy5jipPPu3OnRCoxyweKg-64Sl2XQjyXTs-rIyn01O0ncr0spbMD4ApxUTw6PXXYZyuPMv5fxdMhKlHyKX8EFp2BLvItHs/s960/tartan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEEx4lpZQJGgIxG-j5rqmrq087e4dKuMHv4dxx5_Z6EaAiqy5jipPPu3OnRCoxyweKg-64Sl2XQjyXTs-rIyn01O0ncr0spbMD4ApxUTw6PXXYZyuPMv5fxdMhKlHyKX8EFp2BLvItHs/w300-h400/tartan.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHEFluTyoa-6l_oAXIQl15lc4XuUVAq6kXr-CwyGP2QJn765_9uchzwvRoTF3AHXZN4kcVZcPa_kOaz26UEm8wAFFL8SJaSiR3XPDoay3KmpWPhk5eKYx5W0Q2a5GG0X96ATRuSKOqK8/s960/tweed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAHEFluTyoa-6l_oAXIQl15lc4XuUVAq6kXr-CwyGP2QJn765_9uchzwvRoTF3AHXZN4kcVZcPa_kOaz26UEm8wAFFL8SJaSiR3XPDoay3KmpWPhk5eKYx5W0Q2a5GG0X96ATRuSKOqK8/w300-h400/tweed.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>A few shots from class:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAecYRjoMlmIQwDeS3MruWxdYksP79EtIgGjLBpeDW0-Nf1TCH29XX6OneupMF6Xnl4miMMHPEysR3Hd5GWV6IdpmHQ89pnZG2p6vq3Cr4-wKyoNC2FLauZkxRG-SF0TH6CLgrKN5MzY/s960/couchingsample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAecYRjoMlmIQwDeS3MruWxdYksP79EtIgGjLBpeDW0-Nf1TCH29XX6OneupMF6Xnl4miMMHPEysR3Hd5GWV6IdpmHQ89pnZG2p6vq3Cr4-wKyoNC2FLauZkxRG-SF0TH6CLgrKN5MzY/w400-h300/couchingsample.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJq72SNt0Tu1oX6j8A2BHY9ViISAzYqmvBuuTO3Tw-8-QEENnUSvtb75YmgoPMHYk2_odRICI0BaJE8jB9eg_ktvJ6u1NKgTu_Tfuy4mlxdD4SIpZQ0OHsivw9aBntZ5RNGcsKcyWVjY/s960/parallel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijJq72SNt0Tu1oX6j8A2BHY9ViISAzYqmvBuuTO3Tw-8-QEENnUSvtb75YmgoPMHYk2_odRICI0BaJE8jB9eg_ktvJ6u1NKgTu_Tfuy4mlxdD4SIpZQ0OHsivw9aBntZ5RNGcsKcyWVjY/w400-h300/parallel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhwvRN9YR1c5RkJK7Q6UqX6qUWK92-EhRG4dXN2Ys9Xsz2rP-JWci2cRYMYJCbYV6hRGOpSCcwj7AKM23Z6leEQjGbtPZWqrNut1Es1yiiB1peyYXxjVO4f9VC0olRN13AOjPaVYi2rk/s960/ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhwvRN9YR1c5RkJK7Q6UqX6qUWK92-EhRG4dXN2Ys9Xsz2rP-JWci2cRYMYJCbYV6hRGOpSCcwj7AKM23Z6leEQjGbtPZWqrNut1Es1yiiB1peyYXxjVO4f9VC0olRN13AOjPaVYi2rk/w400-h300/ribbon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgEJx3NZwmjkoncKsKlujdQMuQToFm0MSmCc1Ru-2XwqKKH_t8t5SQxG93XnXTadSB0WQe4xzveisGNvb-74I2_dBXiUFK1phgcwxJzy6Yy4Hfub88gJA-6NBFWre7SOHtJp8cuMYvnY/s960/samples.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwgEJx3NZwmjkoncKsKlujdQMuQToFm0MSmCc1Ru-2XwqKKH_t8t5SQxG93XnXTadSB0WQe4xzveisGNvb-74I2_dBXiUFK1phgcwxJzy6Yy4Hfub88gJA-6NBFWre7SOHtJp8cuMYvnY/w400-h300/samples.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Finally, a couple of people asked me on Facebook if I had any suggestions on how to maximize time during a Studio Day. My big suggestion: Come a day early to try things on, look at swatches, and get fitted for kits, if that's something you want to do. I honestly could have spent an entire extra day just looking at swatch books.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh yeah -- we spent one day in Nashville on our way out. I have NEVER seen so many bachelorette parties in one place. My favorite photo:</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszw5gZJrA9uuDA21sMolxJCTi8vDjjF1w2EX8jiWa47CNx87XeTOvJPYugwTZkZuoYlZw_JVkJ00sMI2gWAfSTBOOsVSpGiQr9rfms7kfhjCWv1fY8RAejQkWRwEi8gx7sqTCF-1w4ZY/s2048/IMG_1027.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszw5gZJrA9uuDA21sMolxJCTi8vDjjF1w2EX8jiWa47CNx87XeTOvJPYugwTZkZuoYlZw_JVkJ00sMI2gWAfSTBOOsVSpGiQr9rfms7kfhjCWv1fY8RAejQkWRwEi8gx7sqTCF-1w4ZY/w400-h300/IMG_1027.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>That's it for now!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ODJ87az8mIOmjkHLvT2oWleTK_kxnqT5WjS861WGhIWup6FwSSvamNtP6LM0uwYEmcIrGtLC1zHZttCksDxfauUrW0LDlfTsRNYJzeikkKti-43MIBzwRRHmPH-VF8Y3YWxksUiLPdA/s960/sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ODJ87az8mIOmjkHLvT2oWleTK_kxnqT5WjS861WGhIWup6FwSSvamNtP6LM0uwYEmcIrGtLC1zHZttCksDxfauUrW0LDlfTsRNYJzeikkKti-43MIBzwRRHmPH-VF8Y3YWxksUiLPdA/w400-h300/sign.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-8787148437389841032019-07-29T14:36:00.002-07:002019-07-29T14:36:34.596-07:00complete: Nani Iro pocket dressI made a dress! With the new sewing machine! Wheee!<br />
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And not to bury the lede, but: We went to Japan for two weeks, and I completely fell in love with the clothing—especially Nani IRO and their amazing fabrics. I'm hooked.<br />
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We tracked down the atelier in Osaka. (<a href="https://sewing.patternreview.com/review/store/3068">Here's my review on PR</a>.) They wouldn't let me take photos of the shop but said it was OK to take pictures of the fabrics. Lots of linen, cotton gauze and sateen in bright colors, as well as buttons and notions, an archive (I wasn't sure if it was possible to buy any of the archived fabrics), and jewelry.<br />
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I bought some lovely blue linen with an asymmetrical print:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM13lThB4fBRiaDX6q78LWp80LUPnAhjQuYlswVV8MauPGqsHzqXJu2NEe7Dyr89OV0SlFEDp_myT4mpN0ag_UzNrWk8Bh9Yo6WQq4B71LqG4cPmo49oegQUWzvO-CVsX8CTo0ZGw1PhE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2019-07-29+at+5.21.59+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="746" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM13lThB4fBRiaDX6q78LWp80LUPnAhjQuYlswVV8MauPGqsHzqXJu2NEe7Dyr89OV0SlFEDp_myT4mpN0ag_UzNrWk8Bh9Yo6WQq4B71LqG4cPmo49oegQUWzvO-CVsX8CTo0ZGw1PhE/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-07-29+at+5.21.59+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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And the book—the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Nani-Iros-Sewing-Studio-Dressmakers/dp/1940552397/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=nani+iro&qid=1564434097&s=gateway&sr=8-1">English translation</a> had just been released. And it was signed! (I have a picture, can't seem to post it, sry.)<br />
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So anyway. I couldn't stop reading the book—you know when you get really really obsessed with a pattern book? Like that. As soon as I got home, I decided to try out the pocket dress.<br />
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Here's the line drawing:<br />
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It's pretty ingenious—just front and back pieces, and the front piece is pleated and topstitched in 3 places to form pockets. Here's the dress photo from the book.<br />
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It's pretty oversized (lots of Japanese dresses are, I found), but you can add optional buttonholes to the back to take out some of the ease.<br />
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I'm not sure if the finished dress works for my body type. This is a size XS-S, believe it or not.<br />
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Hand in pocket:<br />
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I don't smile:<br />
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I wore it to the <a href="https://willowsarcade.com/">Willows</a> the other night, and it sure felt good in the 92-degree heat wave.<br />
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Not sure I quite have the hang of construction yet, and in the next version, I might shorten it even more (I shortened it by 1 inch here, and moved the slits up) and add those buttonholes. A couple of things I should mention:<br />
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1) Tracing is tricky, because the bottom pieces for both the front and back pattern pieces are nested within the top pieces, if that makes any sense. Just make sure the circles line up.<br />
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2) It's a pretty simple-looking pattern, but lining everything up (pleats, topstitching, pockets) is HARD. You know that saying: Measure twice, cut once? I measured, and measured, and measured again, and then measured a couple more times, and I feel like some sections are still off a bit. It didn't help that the linen was super-shifty and frayed a lot, and that the shoulder pleats and pocket pleats don't quite line up with each other. I had to redo the topstitching above the pockets after the dress was assembled, because for some reason, I got this weird 3D gap. I pulled them out, pressed everything flat, and then restitched.<br />
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When I make this up again, I'm going to tweak the order of construction on the front piece. The instructions in the book say to pleat and sew the pockets first, but I'm wondering if it would make more sense to sew the shoulder pleats, then the top of the pockets, then press to make sure you have an even line, and then sew the pocket bottoms.<br />
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So, in conclusion: I'm not totally 100% on board with this version, but the pattern is so, so cool and I want to give it another shot. Looking forward to making up more patterns from the book too.<br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-27296497530385267922019-05-28T07:35:00.004-07:002019-05-28T10:25:48.971-07:00finished: Alabama Chanin Classic JacketHi!<br />
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Lots going on around here lately. Thing One: I bought a new sewing machine!<br />
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This is my new <a href="https://www.bernina.com/en-US/Machines-US/Series-Overview/BERNINA-4-Series/BERNINA-480?gclid=Cj0KCQjwuLPnBRDjARIsACDzGL0MkAUVN3nbLCwcKSvYN8wSj-2ZnwlLfmeknrAwMVZl8mBva-e1Y1AaAlxmEALw_wcB" target="_blank">Bernina 480</a>, purchased from Sew Creative in Beverly, which recently closed. Sorry I don't have a better picture.<br />
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I love this thing—it's fancy! I'm still learning my way around it.<br />
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Thing Two: I was supposed to have another article in Vogue Patterns Magazine, but it folded! Bummer. It's on lighting for sewists, and if you want a copy, feel free to <a href="https://www.tracymajka.com/contact.html" target="_blank">contact me on le social</a> and I'll send it to you. I interviewed the gadget person from the Carroll Center for the Blind, and he recommended a lot of great stuff.<br />
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(Really going to miss Vogue Patterns—it was my favorite sewing magazine! RIP.)<br />
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And finally, Thing Three: I completed an Alabama Chanin Classic Jacket, from their <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alabama-Studio-Sewing-Patterns-Hand-Stitched/dp/1617691364/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=sewing+patterns+alabama+chanin&qid=1559052873&s=gateway&sr=8-1" target="_blank">Sewing Patterns </a>book. The backstory is that I really wanted a nice reversible travel jacket in nice AC organic cotton for an upcoming trip to Japan. (This is after ordering an expensive travel hoodie from a Fancy Outdoor Company and having the thing pill on me after 2 washes. Argh, POLYESTER.)<br />
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I put wrong sides together and treated each piece as one, flat-felled the seams and added interior and exterior pocks. I went with a straight size large and shortened the sleeves a bit. They could still stand to be shortened a bit more, but I'll probably roll them up most of the time anyway. I used a Cretan stitch for the binding.<br />
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My stitching isn't perfect, but I'm going to wear it anyway—it's SO comfortable. I'll bring a backup RTW piece just in case.<br />
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Here I am wearing it with my <a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2018/03/alabama-chanin-fitted-dress-2.html" target="_blank">AC fitted dress</a> from last year:<br />
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Finished:<br />
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In progress:<br />
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And yes, it's boring—I know that—but I wanted something laundry machines would be less likely to chew up. I kept having to fight the urge to embellish it somehow. "Maybe just the pocke--" "No!" Someday I'll make a funky one.<br />
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In the meantime, I'm stalking <a href="http://handmadebycarolyn.com.au/2019/04/fabric-and-yarn-shopping-in-japan-a-guide.html" target="_blank">Handmade by Carolyn's Japan shopping guides</a> (I am bound and determined to find that needle shop!) and obsessing over the <a href="https://www.isseymiyake.com/men/en/making/" target="_blank">Issey Miyake rouketsu video</a>, which I stumbled across on the Issey Miyake men's site. We signed up for a rouketsu dyeing class in Kyoto after watching it. I can't wait.<br />
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Till later!<br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-50449834644972611662019-01-04T11:16:00.002-08:002019-01-04T11:16:40.840-08:00happy new year, y'allIt's been a while, I know. Wish I had an epic things-I-sewed-this-year post, but honestly, I didn't do that much. Here's the list:<br />
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1. <a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2018/08/alabama-chanin-factory-dress-and-update.html" target="_blank">Plain red Alabama Chanin Factory Dress</a><br />
2. <a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2018/03/alabama-chanin-fitted-dress-2.html" target="_blank">Reverse applique Alabama Chanin fitted dress</a><br />
3. Rachel Comey Vogue Patterns 1585 popcorn dress (not finished; posted on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/potpiesforever/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>)<br />
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I don't love it, but still really like the design and would like to try again, maybe not in mixed fabrics this time.<br />
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4. Fixing and finishing of t-shirts using AC fabric:<br />
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I found out that Eloflex works great for constructing knit seams. Will definitely be using that again!<br />
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It's been a tough year, but two bright spots were 1) finding a great group of sewists to hang out with (hi, New England Stitchers!), and 2) stitching with my niece. I got her a sewing machine for Christmas, and she's already cranking out bags. Awesome.<br />
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I don't have a huge list of resewlutions for 2019—I actually wound up buying RTW clothes this year for various reasons, so my closet is pretty well stocked. But I'd like to tackle a DP Studio pattern this year, just for the experience. And I'm mulling over whether to buy Alabama Chanin's Build a Wardrobe. I really like the patterns.<br />
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That's all for now. Happy New Year!<br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-45585847191166789262018-08-22T13:03:00.000-07:002018-08-25T22:03:15.667-07:00Alabama Chanin Factory Dress, and an updateRight! So I've been thinking lately about making three "uniform dresses" with pockets in Alabama Chanin cotton jersey that can be worn by themselves or over t-shirts and leggings, under cardigans, etc.<br />
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And then I got this new "accessory" in May (which I'll explain in a sec) and couldn't get a red dress out of my head. To match, sort of—even though I hate it—but also, I love red and for some reason have none of it in my closet.<br />
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So anyway, here's the first Factory Dress!<br />
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It's single-layer medium-weight cotton jersey in Carmine, in a straight size medium, with hand-stitched seams (although I machine-stitched Eloflex within the SA afterward for extra stability). I used the punch cards from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Geometry-Hand-Sewing-Romance-Stitches-Embroidery/dp/1419726633/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1534965335&sr=8-1&keywords=the+geometry+of+hand+sewing" target="_blank">The Geometry of Hand-Sewing</a> for the Cretan stitch around the neckline and armholes, which worked out great. </div>
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Bad closeup of neckline:</div>
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This was a really enjoyable make—I had fun with the combination of machine and hand-stitching. I might keep going on it, just to add some scattered armor beads around the hemline.</div>
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For the next two dresses, in Blue Slate and Black, I'm going to shorten it by a couple of inches, add pockets, and maybe frankenpattern on the armholes from the Fitted Dress, which I think fit better—the big complaint about the Factory Dress pattern seems to be the wonky armholes.</div>
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And now, the news:</div>
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(argh.)</div>
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(this is so bizarre.)</div>
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(I feel so weird saying this. It's so melodramatic, like that scene in A Christmas Story. SOAP POISONING!)</div>
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I'm now registered as legally blind.</div>
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Most people know, but if I haven't mentioned it, I have <a href="https://www.blindness.org/retinitis-pigmentosa" target="_blank">retinitis pigmentosa</a>, a genetic disorder that affects the rods and later the cones of the eyes. It causes night blindness, flashes and spots, diminished peripheral vision and, later, diminished central vision. (This is over, like, decades.) My central vision is still good, I'm still working and all that, but in January I visited a low-vision optometrist who said I'm just over the threshold for legal blindness. </div>
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So! I'm now registered with the state, getting services, mobility training and all that good stuff. And that glamorous new accessory, which helps, even though it's really strange to identify myself that way to everyone, especially strangers. It's by far the weirdest shit I've ever gone through.</div>
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On the other hand, I'm tired of hiding it, and if the cane keeps people from yelling at me, good.</div>
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It's all been more earth-shattering and life-changing than I thought—adjusting is definitely a process. And it's affecting my sewing plans too. </div>
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Last fall, I went to a tech fair at the Carroll Center for the Blind in Newton, where they demonstrated a voice labeling system. Basically, you use a recorder and stickers to label and scan things, whether it's clothing or kitchen gadgets. So if you have three pairs of jeans, light wash, medium wash and dark wash, you can label and scan them and the device will tell you which is which. The downside is, there's a limit to the number of things you can label. (In the hundreds, maybe?)</div>
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I have to admit, it got me thinking about how to organize stuff—and downsize my wardrobe. At some point, I'm going to have to pare things down, although I'm no Marie Kondo fan and will never be (that's a post for another time, I guess). I won't need anything like the voice labeler for a long time, but when the time comes, it'd be nice to be able to pull one of three dresses out of the closet (in AWESOME fabric that I LOVE), throw on a pair of leggings and go.</div>
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I don't know if it'll happen (I love clothes and fabric!), but that's the goal.</div>
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In other (good) news, we have a new foster:</div>
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Her name is Dottie and she's a sassy senior. Likes: Rolling, snuggling, petting. Hates: Moisturizer and/or funny smells of any kind. I'm enjoying having her as a work-from-home buddy.</div>
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That's all for now!</div>
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-59798582982811061292018-08-17T11:15:00.002-07:002018-08-17T11:24:22.618-07:00MPB Day 2018I had the best time at MPB Day—as always! The weather was slightly terrifying (lightning in the morning, sudden showers throughout the day), but I powered through and was glad I did. Here's <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2018/08/mpb-day-2018-wet-wild-and-wonderful.html" target="_blank">Peter's roundup</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/peterlappin/" target="_blank">here's his Instagram</a> with more pictures, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/potpiesforever/" target="_blank">here's mine</a>.<br />
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We met in the morning at the museum at FIT as usual. The exhibit was something along the lines of "deconstructed and unfinished," showing pieces in progress and upcycled and mended garments. I loved it. Especially Betsey Johnson's jumpsuit made out of John Cale's old rugby shirts.<br />
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And this dress, made from a pair of pants with the lining as the sleeves:<br />
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Then it was off to Panera for lunch and catching up and a whole lot of pattern-swapping.<br />
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I've always wanted to go to <a href="http://www.aroundtheworldnyc.com/" target="_blank">Around the World books</a> and prioritized it this time. It was AMAZING. They had back issues of Marfy (with patterns) for $29, and a ton of back issues of really nice fashion-industry magazines for just $5. I also picked up a magazine "curated" by Eckhaus Latta (I don't quite know what that means, but the content looked good.) And they shipped!<br />
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JackJack approved.<br />
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I had to run back to Panera to look for my sunglasses (which I found!) and along the way, met the famous Testosterone from MPB, and his friend whose name I can't quite remember.<br />
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Then I popped into Metro Textiles and paid Kashi a visit—immediately after everyone else had left, I think. But I met Scott from Toronto.<br />
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He bought some shirting, and I picked up this black embroidered lace (which Kashi said was popular—apparently tons of people in our group bought it), a blue floral something, and a glittery black knit.<br />
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Afterward we walked over to Kinokuniya, where we (having run into more MPBers along the way) all browsed the pattern books. I was kind of bummed because we had several men in our group, and Kinokuniya usually has a lot of men's sewing pattern books, but this time they only had one or two.<br />
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I got this one. According to Google Translate, it's called Pleasant Outfit: Be Good for Handmade Clothes. (Google Translate isn't perfect.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Om2_c4Eh0z8fsGPWGT591sY1FkEvb5sn9Zv0_51v9_G53oZSj-M7WCf26MiT-2cV6Icak0dsLua9JS5jtBm-imm1Gq8D3mWAjYNYtWuherlA4mF04DQRZOqysyFks_CXE7LAxroo8n4/s1600/book.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Om2_c4Eh0z8fsGPWGT591sY1FkEvb5sn9Zv0_51v9_G53oZSj-M7WCf26MiT-2cV6Icak0dsLua9JS5jtBm-imm1Gq8D3mWAjYNYtWuherlA4mF04DQRZOqysyFks_CXE7LAxroo8n4/s400/book.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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It has tons of interesting linen dresses. I love the wavy pintucks on this one.<br />
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Tom came with me (but spent most of Saturday museum-hopping). We also managed to sneak in a field trip to our old neighborhood in Brooklyn.<br />
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It was REALLY weird. Our old 420-square-foot apartment is now worth $1 million, and there are jillions of shiny new condo buildings everywhere that don't quite fit in with the neighborhood. This is our old bodega, with a shiny new condo building tacked on to the back.<br />
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Here's our old front door.<br />
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So yeah, that's it. Fun trip! Looking forward to next year. Thanks again for hosting, Peter!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-35476921695629399662018-05-24T09:12:00.000-07:002018-05-24T09:12:35.585-07:00my Vogue Patterns article on Anna HeylenMy article on <a href="http://www.annaheylen.be/" target="_blank">Maison Anna Heylen</a> is in this month's issue of <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/current-issue" target="_blank">Vogue Patterns Magazine</a>.<br />
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It's not online anywhere, only print. Here's a preview:<br />
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I'm totally stoked about this because I've been a fan of Anna's work for a long time, and I visit the atelier whenever I'm in Antwerp. (<a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2016/07/antwerp.html" target="_blank">Pics thisaway!</a>) And because I looove love love Vogue Patterns; I read every issue cover to cover and keep them all. So I'm really happy to have the opportunity to write for them.<br />
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This took about a year to put together, between interviewing Anna (who is lovely), writing, editing, gathering photos and pattern-testing, because it also includes instructions for making one of her accordion-pleat puff sleeve. I'm dying to put one on a jacket at some point, after I practice some more.<br />
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It's out! I can't believe it's out! Yay.<br />
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In other news, we had a foster failure and wound up adopting this guy:<br />
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His name is Jack-Jack and his hobbies are stealing food and lounging on the seersucker I'm using for my Rachel Comey dress. He's cute.<br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-9316118888217697802018-04-13T11:42:00.000-07:002018-04-13T11:42:03.486-07:00spring VoguesConfession: I like 'em.<br />
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Still can't do any ruffles or maxis or cold shoulders or open backs. (Saw my dermatologist yesterday! She yelled at me—again!) But I really love some of them and am intrigued by some of the others.<br />
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Such as!<br />
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1584" target="_blank">Tracy Reese, V1584</a><br />
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I love this very hard. You had me at asymmetrical neckline with pleats. And that fabric is amazing.<br />
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1586" target="_blank">Tracy Reese, V1586</a><br />
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There's a theme here, I know, but Tracy Reese always has really great patterns. Love the fabric in this one too.<br />
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(Don't worry, dermatologist, I'll finagle some kind of solution for the shoulders.)<br />
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1585" target="_blank">Rachel Comey, V1585</a><br />
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I am...really intrigued by this, and might get it just to see how it makes up, even if the shape isn't right for my petite apple-shaped self. I love that it's not the usual seersucker dress.<br />
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9317" target="_blank">Marcy Tilton, V9317</a><br />
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I like this but not sure if I can pull it off.<br />
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1591" target="_blank">Rebecca Vallance, V1591</a><br />
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I love this, but again with the open back. Cannot do.<br />
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v9313" target="_blank">Vogue Easy Options, V9313</a><br />
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Digging view F here. And look, sleeves!<br />
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As someone said on <a href="https://lladybird.com/2018/04/12/vogue-spring-2018/" target="_blank">Lladybird's roundup</a>, I kind of like it when designers mess around. It's why I love Vogue over most of the other pattern companies. Even if it doesn't work, at least it's interesting.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-88619718160574014862018-03-31T19:58:00.000-07:002018-03-31T19:58:11.450-07:00Alabama Chanin fitted dress #2Way back, in, oh, 2012, or so, I picked up <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Alabama-Studio-Sewing-Design-Hand-Sewing/dp/158479920X/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522549067&sr=8-3&keywords=alabama+chanin" target="_blank">Alabama Studio Sewing + Design,</a> fell in love with the eye candy, and fell <i>hard</i> for the dress on p. 153:<br />
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I kept returning to that page, and looking at it, and looking some more, and eventually I went, okay, I need to learn how to do this. And I took a deep breath and went and made my first purchase -- AC fabric in black and blue slate.<br />
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Eight years later, it is done. I finished it two days ago and debuted it today at a mini-Pattern Review meetup at the Peabody Essex Museum. (Hi Deepika!)<br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />(It didn't take eight years. I started in June 2017.)<br />
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This time around, I raised the neckline, shortened the shoulders, and pulled in the bust area a bit at the center seam. I like the fit much better and might go unpick <a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2016/08/completed-alabama-chanin-fitted-dress.html" target="_blank">the first dress</a> to make the same changes. </div>
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(Also, you know your second dress is better than the first when your husband says, "Looks good. The first one was a bit...chaotic.")</div>
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Technique notes this time around:</div>
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1) I used spray adhesive on the back of the stencil, which worked GREAT. I worried that the adhesive would affect the fabric somehow, or it would be hard to pull the stencil off, which was not the case at all. It was fine.</div>
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2) I used Tulip black fabric paint at full strength, which covered really nicely -- although it was thick and a little hard to work with, and I kept having to stop to clean the nozzle.</div>
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3) Like last time, I did reverse applique with a running stitch around the shapes, and a Cretan stitch to bind the neckline and armholes. I feel like the Cretan stitch is getting easier, but I'm still not 100% thrilled with my work.</div>
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But. I'm SO happy to finally have The Dress. It's super-comfortable and I like it.</div>
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Side note: We saw the <a href="https://www.pem.org/events/georgia-okeeffe-art-image-style-1" target="_blank">Georgia O'Keeffe exhibit,</a> which was amazing, because Georgia O'Keeffe designed and/or hand-made a lot of her own clothes. (The pintucks! OMG, the lady knew her pintucks.) Natalie Chanin spoke there a few weeks ago -- she's a big O'Keeffe fan and came to give a talk and a workshop.<br />
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AND ALSO if you like Alabama Chanin at all and are interested, you should check out the new <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/tsomstitchalong/" target="_blank">School of Making Stitchalong Facebook group</a>. It's great and very inspirational and people are making some really beautiful and cool things. That is all.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-14783193556518068422018-01-04T10:40:00.001-08:002018-01-04T10:40:18.686-08:002017 recap and Paris and stuffHello from Massachusetts, where the cats are hunkered down on every heating vent and I'm living in sweatshirts and flannel pants and vats of moisturizer.
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I'm enjoying reading everyone's sewing recaps. I wasn't all that productive this year -- just a couple of Renfrews for the office and two mostly finished dresses that need some unpicking and fixing. And I'm on the last panel of the blue-and-black Alabama Chanin dress, yay.</div>
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In work-life stuff, my contract ended in November (all good! the person I was covering for came back from maternity leave. I really liked them, actually, and I'm hoping something else opens up there), and a week after it did, I went to Paris!</div>
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(But Duck! you're saying. You're unemployed. How can you possibly afford Paris?)</div>
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(To which I say: Paris is dead cheap in December, and also I used airline miles and stayed in a hostel, which was fine except for the night someone projectile-vomited from the top bunk, which is a story for another time.)</div>
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It rained just about every day, but I had the Paris museum pass, which turned out to be the best thing ever, because you can just pop into any museum you want anytime. I saw a bunch of the ones on my list, including the Louvre, the Cluny, Ars et Metiers, and the Arc de Triomphe (I climbed it!), and a bunch I hadn't planned to just because I had the pass, including the Centre Pompidou, the Picasso museum, and the Orsay. I'm not a huge fan of the Impressionists, but I sure did love the building.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWytL37BWUCk3uU6M7pQJw5eBioFJkuqA6gkP_kgUO62rYImmL6JQ9yKSef7Cx0kEljhhX9Xx5Nfr8542yIPjJoMb5ZMpB7MKjrSjJ43YeWQ8AH0GKyFGGfJF_nkJiZgNi9VZZaHVbAs/s1600/cluny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtWytL37BWUCk3uU6M7pQJw5eBioFJkuqA6gkP_kgUO62rYImmL6JQ9yKSef7Cx0kEljhhX9Xx5Nfr8542yIPjJoMb5ZMpB7MKjrSjJ43YeWQ8AH0GKyFGGfJF_nkJiZgNi9VZZaHVbAs/s400/cluny.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stained-glass awesomeness at the Cluny</td></tr>
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I did a bunch of Christmas shopping too. I know it's super-touristy, but I looooooved loved loved Galeries Lafayette. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEBhHSjPeeCjiCBWCZeB7BZ4MvpO4c6rQRU8a5NEycIxdOWMFKwf8ysxU6zOzXQhBX17nat-r0dLibG3hw3rC1R1Nw2yfzDTsBhMwvRdbpJLaBlGkES6BvDOsAD93JHWChR_dKlU-i_Y/s1600/galeries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEBhHSjPeeCjiCBWCZeB7BZ4MvpO4c6rQRU8a5NEycIxdOWMFKwf8ysxU6zOzXQhBX17nat-r0dLibG3hw3rC1R1Nw2yfzDTsBhMwvRdbpJLaBlGkES6BvDOsAD93JHWChR_dKlU-i_Y/s400/galeries.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also I found the world's creepiest Abercrombie & Fitch in an old mansion on the Champs-Elysees. It looks like it's run by vampires.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R-aT3t-tVdbvKqWelSAi4eFPXM8uReow9JfxX-WR1TjX_7KwP2niQTA_BLShsZ54m492CO_9aD28HDlkLqZesXDnK6RFrsBAodxDRKon7Wo25pDayL-AeOVWTmHis7FIt9z8Nt-aulY/s1600/aber.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2R-aT3t-tVdbvKqWelSAi4eFPXM8uReow9JfxX-WR1TjX_7KwP2niQTA_BLShsZ54m492CO_9aD28HDlkLqZesXDnK6RFrsBAodxDRKon7Wo25pDayL-AeOVWTmHis7FIt9z8Nt-aulY/s400/aber.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK3M1BS9RaztcWwXwlKTf8rFTx5RxNeIAG9GlH6gEdVEnqOioTwtcGDTj6-D_LlE2Zhkhoq3HbCczTYKYyJu23hRNS1RRgA1Cm9kp8zcr0Ux_WtzyT1QFoRN3QOht3cOx5G4VQFzS9AU/s1600/aberpeople.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZK3M1BS9RaztcWwXwlKTf8rFTx5RxNeIAG9GlH6gEdVEnqOioTwtcGDTj6-D_LlE2Zhkhoq3HbCczTYKYyJu23hRNS1RRgA1Cm9kp8zcr0Ux_WtzyT1QFoRN3QOht3cOx5G4VQFzS9AU/s400/aberpeople.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mdpDDKaXcsqm0YQREhHrJibPrEkyAuueCQYfRaLkORx9kFB5LFfES9nLnh0vC54jNJPhShg8bhXd-tg4kYZWJoCOv0GsIBBqJ1y5sFfK8E9kayfSJfCGzdVlslsiNcAudNt3n8XDB3A/s1600/abermansion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-mdpDDKaXcsqm0YQREhHrJibPrEkyAuueCQYfRaLkORx9kFB5LFfES9nLnh0vC54jNJPhShg8bhXd-tg4kYZWJoCOv0GsIBBqJ1y5sFfK8E9kayfSJfCGzdVlslsiNcAudNt3n8XDB3A/s400/abermansion.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The road to hell is paved with polyester fleece</td></tr>
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I didn't do a ton of fabric shopping, but I did track down Malhia Kent, where they weave fabrics for Chanel and some of the other couture houses. I watched them weave for awhile, which was pretty amazing. They wouldn't let me take pictures inside, but here's what it looks like. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfEfKECZiWZvGs79bMauTqTtRKEVVNwOTjR-b139gaBaTNXZuCAxn1W6VRdNpzV6ZsFwikhzibqqS03hJeRasYgzoeR-_-Zp3WlU2s5oUZLS8VfiguESXotfSvzTEBsJDu9afUKkNLwA/s1600/malhia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfEfKECZiWZvGs79bMauTqTtRKEVVNwOTjR-b139gaBaTNXZuCAxn1W6VRdNpzV6ZsFwikhzibqqS03hJeRasYgzoeR-_-Zp3WlU2s5oUZLS8VfiguESXotfSvzTEBsJDu9afUKkNLwA/s400/malhia.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Also: They. Have. One. Euro. Remnants. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbvjOyYqBVDsQlwkmfDlGyBLzczfVY0P0cRNwZ1P2pqaJBosLK74PB2OU5R4mboq18usRails1AGo8KwoGD9ylC2XH00NOLjgLjx-811TcajoO_YTSrGP4IF4Wc4yzbz_shqN4tCd2EM/s1600/malhia2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDbvjOyYqBVDsQlwkmfDlGyBLzczfVY0P0cRNwZ1P2pqaJBosLK74PB2OU5R4mboq18usRails1AGo8KwoGD9ylC2XH00NOLjgLjx-811TcajoO_YTSrGP4IF4Wc4yzbz_shqN4tCd2EM/s400/malhia2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still sorry I didn't snag that blue one on the bottom.</td></tr>
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Also, I popped over to Antwerp for a super-quick day trip, mostly to see the Olivier Theyskens exhibit at the MoMu.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL39GTecGfVVKVFb_TYsIGUOXv2EUWmvmdG7Mf3nG2Y_zgh424r365PcKY5p5tJknMjajLnJdqFT1Rhu7B6Ip5l38KTHwkr1P6ca4Ci8d7eIBafJLbCBS8m4wNyhjQhN4Bkj2i_WIaYw/s1600/theyskens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL39GTecGfVVKVFb_TYsIGUOXv2EUWmvmdG7Mf3nG2Y_zgh424r365PcKY5p5tJknMjajLnJdqFT1Rhu7B6Ip5l38KTHwkr1P6ca4Ci8d7eIBafJLbCBS8m4wNyhjQhN4Bkj2i_WIaYw/s400/theyskens.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKmavgi6wtfdzSWbn0uMjV0ASOyuH1au4Jra425yTxNupB4WB5dEaDj8XAWvouzpts0AgzBPIJAK6bYKNj914X0p65nKK50rKkdznj_xr2hJ4GtJCzI18T-HG0O9huaYyAvs-i7XygsQ/s1600/olivier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYKmavgi6wtfdzSWbn0uMjV0ASOyuH1au4Jra425yTxNupB4WB5dEaDj8XAWvouzpts0AgzBPIJAK6bYKNj914X0p65nKK50rKkdznj_xr2hJ4GtJCzI18T-HG0O9huaYyAvs-i7XygsQ/s400/olivier.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I loved seeing his sketches next to the finished garments.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp175AQdwyLWW-j2Xp8nVu8mAnA2Vj4IzhoDmMLIYPMD5w6KG5lEeZ7XWJ7bfyNu59CwtkiMR5KKempa6ED_S-Q48W938BgPC2OH60N4WzXoSm8fEMJPn-XrgMV5P0pIVbadGTNHTpFj4/s1600/osketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp175AQdwyLWW-j2Xp8nVu8mAnA2Vj4IzhoDmMLIYPMD5w6KG5lEeZ7XWJ7bfyNu59CwtkiMR5KKempa6ED_S-Q48W938BgPC2OH60N4WzXoSm8fEMJPn-XrgMV5P0pIVbadGTNHTpFj4/s400/osketch.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoch7KaSwPF8WOSWT7A9E6Y0Su1FL0YQko8wkG_ASawPhIWj9V1Kd65aP62F_WC53C9SRmf5veBPARp6su_Dtswvj7CQhlbMfWPo7q0DOrJLjppCu5sOy_KE6EMpj2_bwoUTx03dDSYhk/s1600/odress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoch7KaSwPF8WOSWT7A9E6Y0Su1FL0YQko8wkG_ASawPhIWj9V1Kd65aP62F_WC53C9SRmf5veBPARp6su_Dtswvj7CQhlbMfWPo7q0DOrJLjppCu5sOy_KE6EMpj2_bwoUTx03dDSYhk/s400/odress.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Antwerp was really pretty, all lit up for the holidays. Still one of my all-time favorite cities.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zxpf7D3wLMJzAsa3SPntog1ACqkL-11aTe0riOXDlnsUDrhTF_NwOt4i2mf7ou-vFJtpYytKmr2fJQyDTy6iaaWumafTwhdQLh7UftCZTDqLKtj_praPLkYXPQ9cFC7mF41NW7ksKdA/s1600/antwerp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zxpf7D3wLMJzAsa3SPntog1ACqkL-11aTe0riOXDlnsUDrhTF_NwOt4i2mf7ou-vFJtpYytKmr2fJQyDTy6iaaWumafTwhdQLh7UftCZTDqLKtj_praPLkYXPQ9cFC7mF41NW7ksKdA/s400/antwerp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Finally, while I was in Paris, I found out that Gary Graham is closing forever and f/w '17 is his last collection. AUUUUGGGGHHHH.<br />
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So after I got back and recuperated for a few days, I hopped on a bus to NYC.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW3y9FdLo5YyOyRtXrUVinRhDGs3JBj4bNtyFmto-CR-i9aYTE1xoaLrrCWDFlHwPz2VjjhvBC3CneJxByIFQfEti2XK31ywQzUAIVBWng8LHaUYqSkbl08E9gDMcCoG8dh4vZ6olrpI/s1600/grahamsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpW3y9FdLo5YyOyRtXrUVinRhDGs3JBj4bNtyFmto-CR-i9aYTE1xoaLrrCWDFlHwPz2VjjhvBC3CneJxByIFQfEti2XK31ywQzUAIVBWng8LHaUYqSkbl08E9gDMcCoG8dh4vZ6olrpI/s400/grahamsign.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhwi6uXwM3fLyjmDbTCIGWUM3KSyAikVhja7PJgIglFrHN7_MzkIRi7mQb87V_DCLlYHVQKsRNyj6-gP3uJxGZOOjHfsHTq2gwGeh-EexECsbqjPNa3r0AuLASI7LyDvE4QMFR_cuSEg/s1600/graham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikhwi6uXwM3fLyjmDbTCIGWUM3KSyAikVhja7PJgIglFrHN7_MzkIRi7mQb87V_DCLlYHVQKsRNyj6-gP3uJxGZOOjHfsHTq2gwGeh-EexECsbqjPNa3r0AuLASI7LyDvE4QMFR_cuSEg/s400/graham.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilKs9eqiKYxR34PL3Fn59X4GLElycbEmSbK_3Qg7SbI7KQ6dV84GEvDrEfL089Dx5OEP-4GYCfe75rP7AguxKc42oOO35HvvCjjvrqqA9CaQQM-EloTvesIYqcEiH2YMYMm_XrmqH6BQ/s1600/grahamstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjilKs9eqiKYxR34PL3Fn59X4GLElycbEmSbK_3Qg7SbI7KQ6dV84GEvDrEfL089Dx5OEP-4GYCfe75rP7AguxKc42oOO35HvvCjjvrqqA9CaQQM-EloTvesIYqcEiH2YMYMm_XrmqH6BQ/s400/grahamstore.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I spent a lot of time wandering around and appreciating things. I love the whole steampunk-meets-Laura-Ingalls-Wilder vibe (as Tom said, "Put me on the airship, Pa"). And his color palette, and mix of fabrics, and the prints. Basically everything.<br />
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I finally bit the bullet and sprung for the linen duster I've been gawking at since MPB Day:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wvtjMZUy6jAuX0iF24qDIErfmmK3uU2LB3jhuCrRsaGDQgW81zYNy_edl5y7EmHt2SdDbuouQavFplQ73haG81w2o_8tOj9de7OsQdlmgYtEVwLXGj3a9QMuoLragTxKP_Nfy2doCYA/s1600/Screen+Shot+2018-01-04+at+1.15.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="572" data-original-width="381" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7wvtjMZUy6jAuX0iF24qDIErfmmK3uU2LB3jhuCrRsaGDQgW81zYNy_edl5y7EmHt2SdDbuouQavFplQ73haG81w2o_8tOj9de7OsQdlmgYtEVwLXGj3a9QMuoLragTxKP_Nfy2doCYA/s400/Screen+Shot+2018-01-04+at+1.15.24+PM.png" width="266" /></a></div>
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Here it is on the hanger:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5P2OZ0_hmjHy9jWXk99JYWvJG4RDpLELljLL2VaSCG-f6RuaUqtFzK-kjSu_ZetKGahN0G1MbckZn1v_cDKvKYC4-dJIibu7cpRwxeryTrRirKwQHMyEzISmrQNnv8LQEWnSTXtA-IY/s1600/grahamdress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1196" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5P2OZ0_hmjHy9jWXk99JYWvJG4RDpLELljLL2VaSCG-f6RuaUqtFzK-kjSu_ZetKGahN0G1MbckZn1v_cDKvKYC4-dJIibu7cpRwxeryTrRirKwQHMyEzISmrQNnv8LQEWnSTXtA-IY/s400/grahamdress.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Here's the inside:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCzWF7BfeI4dHxcTc9_M-Ipd2UgIhl1uu3rCyCKBUryv2EqnDsykpQDfXAJ0DaoEh1rC3GD7_U_ZMfQBTPveo2lCBV5NXc77vbY1VZETxDM4EuE_lC1Lgivg1FJ8EzaRxFnofhNknuQI/s1600/grahamjacket2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDCzWF7BfeI4dHxcTc9_M-Ipd2UgIhl1uu3rCyCKBUryv2EqnDsykpQDfXAJ0DaoEh1rC3GD7_U_ZMfQBTPveo2lCBV5NXc77vbY1VZETxDM4EuE_lC1Lgivg1FJ8EzaRxFnofhNknuQI/s400/grahamjacket2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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That lining is everything. I can't wait to wear it when the weather warms up. Whenever that is.<br />
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Anyway, that's the update for now -- Happy New Year and happy sewing!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-60050649390750811732017-10-11T09:08:00.000-07:002017-10-11T09:11:21.592-07:00holding pattern (and new Vogues)I know I'm way overdue for an update here...sorry. New job and all that.
It's over in mid-November. I like it there and I'll miss the people, but not the four-hour commute.<br />
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I've been posting pictures over on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/potpiesforever/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>...everything from Male Pattern Boldness Day (very fun) to progress on the Alabama Chanin dress (I'm on panel 3 now!) to dyeing with avocado pits. (Semi-disappointing, but still interesting...apparently you don't need to use a mordant because of the tannins in the pits. I got a light peachy-pink on cotton jersey.) Also a gathered-dress fail, which I still need to unpick and redo.<br />
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Here are the 2 complete Alabama Chanin panels, btw:<br />
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I like it so far. I'm not completely thrilled about the line across the middle (it's really hard to get the stencil to repeat evenly), but also I'm not really going to worry about it.<br />
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I also bought a few patterns from <a href="https://dpstudio-fashion.com/fr/" target="_blank">DP Studio</a> (yes, I paid the shipping...overall it wasn't that expensive). Looking forward to trying them out once I have some machine-sewing time again.<br />
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Finally, DID YOU GUYS SEE THE NEW VOGUES. Holyshit. !!!!!!!!<br />
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I love lots of them (like, it's really going to be hard to decide which ones to get when the time comes), but especially the <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1569" target="_blank">tabard</a> by Sandra Betzina.<br />
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I can see making it up in sweatshirt fabric or fleece for the winter, some kind of fancy fabric for parties, wool for the office. I like the shorter version too:<br />
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I really want to know how she proposed this to Vogue. Sandra Betzina: "Hey Vogue, how about a medieval men's coat for your holiday patterns?" Vogue: "Okay!"<br />
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I love how non-trendy it is too. Honestly, if I see one more cold shoulder...<br />
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I'm also digging this other <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1568" target="_blank">Sandra Betzina</a> top:<br />
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In the right fabric, it's very Salem-around-Halloween. (So is the tabard, actually.)<br />
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I like also the front cutout on the <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1570" target="_blank">Tom & Linda Platt</a> top:<br />
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And I'm intrigued by the <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1567" target="_blank">Paco Peralta pattern</a>, although once again, I'm not sure the skirt is short-person friendly:<br />
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Can I say that I'm also happy that so many of these are separates? Party dresses are great and all, but I only need one.<br />
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Anyway, looking forward to having some machine-sewing time in a month or so! <br />
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Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-75767322615716686262017-08-04T12:55:00.000-07:002017-08-04T12:55:10.233-07:00Vogue fall picksNew Vogues! Yay!<br />
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I like this release. A few patterns I'm eyeing:<br />
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V1563, Rachel Comey jacket. This is so way, way out of my league, but I love the sleeve insets and the mix of fabrics.<br />
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V9267. Really hard to see it in this fabric, but I seriously love the lines. <br />
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Best short-person dress ever!
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V9272, Marcy Tilton top with godets. Can I have it in that exact color?<br /><br/>
And finally, this Vogue Wardrobe was a surprise:<br />
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I saw this on the front and thought, "oh, standard Vogue Wardrobe businesswear." But no, it's activewear. I like the sweatshirt:<br />
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So I think those...maybe? I don't know, I probably won't have time work on them! Until I stop commuting, it's all hand-sweing on the train for now.
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-47963412123799519482017-08-01T13:28:00.002-07:002017-08-08T17:23:23.242-07:00Alabama Chanin updatesFitted dress #2 is progressing. The first panel is done!<br />
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Here it is next to panel #2, which is stenciled and ready to go:<br />
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So here's the weird thing: 1) the completed panel definitely shrinks/contracts a little bit along the way, and 2) the blues look so different! Exact same fabric, though. I guess increasing the contrast by cutting out the shapes causes that?<br />
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Here's what I'm going for eventually:<br />
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I'm planning to make the underskirt too -- I ordered this <a href="https://organiccottonplus.com/collections/hemp-knits/products/light-jersey-hemp-oc-blend-black-27-wide" target="_blank">hemp/organic cotton lightweight jersey</a> from Organic Cotton Plus, which I'm hoping will work. Figuring out the beading should be fun. Also, seeing how long the "mid-length" skirt falls on someone who's 5'0".<br />
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And pockets! Pockets this time, if I can figure those out too.<br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-6032598590416196592017-06-14T09:41:00.000-07:002017-06-14T09:41:02.508-07:00MMM fail, the Azores, and the next Alabama Chanin projectHi!<br />
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I failed MMM—mostly because some unexpected things came up for which I didn't have MMM pieces. (I really need to learn to make a suit one of these days.) And I'm starting a new job on Monday in a formal work environment, and the only formal anything I have is that suit, so I had to spring for some RTW dresses and stuff. Double fail.<br />
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But! I got the dresses from Nau—in linen and hemp and Tencel, yay!—and also sprung for the <a href="http://alabamachanin.com/annelise-dress" target="_blank">Annelise dress</a> from Alabama Chanin with cap sleeves, which I'm hoping will be dressy enough with a cardigan and flats. Hooray for NO MORE BLACK POLYESTER PANTS, EVER.<br />
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We also went to the Azores for a week (just Sao Miguel; we're definitely going back to see the other islands at some point!) Embroidery, knitting/crocheting and cross-stitching are big there, and I stumbled across at least four fabric/sewing stores. Some pics:<br />
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That newsstand had a kajillion issues of Burda and other pattern magazines, and a TON of cross-stitching magazines. I kind of busted my budget there.</div>
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Aside from that, I'm trying to get as much planting done as I can before the job starts—tomatoes, cukes, anise hyssop, hardy hibiscus, amaranth, and purple basil so far. I'm also trying to make progress on the next Alabama Chanin fitted dress:</div>
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I have to admit, every time I start a reverse applique project, I start to question whether I should just leave it stenciled. Sticking with the original plan for now, though.</div>
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That's all for now!</div>
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<span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 204px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2017px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #bd081c; background-image: url(data:image/svg+xml; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 204px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2017px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-21027415967227034742017-05-02T07:27:00.000-07:002017-05-02T07:27:15.141-07:00Me-Made MayI'm doing it this year for the first time now that I finally have enough me-made things to wear -- but won't be doing daily outfits or photos or anything like that.<br />
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Will most likely wear a lot of tees (I have a ton!) So far, I've worn:<br />
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<a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2016/03/completed-vogue-8877-top.html">Vogue 8877</a>, which turned out to be super-comfortable; I wear it a lot more than I thought I would:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dVlvFmHIny9sWsT_reA3iUzNOJf9m9VoqDzETtM4lJOiYAMUZL_OO6a1t4ezqizb7bAZ946PhL89hUVC1aon3IOw1pR0GIxQtcyTjE4WJHivUMoW7TN5GW3DM747qxMxjm7LFhhSab0/s1600/v8877_shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2dVlvFmHIny9sWsT_reA3iUzNOJf9m9VoqDzETtM4lJOiYAMUZL_OO6a1t4ezqizb7bAZ946PhL89hUVC1aon3IOw1pR0GIxQtcyTjE4WJHivUMoW7TN5GW3DM747qxMxjm7LFhhSab0/s400/v8877_shirt.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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And blurrily stenciled <a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2015/03/almost-alabama-chaninrenfrew-experiment.html">Alabama Chanin/Renfrew mashup</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GA9gdghEbAk67AQ9CBGFx7e2jEC-a9cN4B5S5bRen_ejFotqNmFPu3bi5PhbDzmyp152yk_a6drwXwLb9z9OHD99We3FV3-zlufeX8rx-X7g2vISw1pwnXV_WsFFRDFSMeSuqoRaU7k/s1600/IMG_1245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7GA9gdghEbAk67AQ9CBGFx7e2jEC-a9cN4B5S5bRen_ejFotqNmFPu3bi5PhbDzmyp152yk_a6drwXwLb9z9OHD99We3FV3-zlufeX8rx-X7g2vISw1pwnXV_WsFFRDFSMeSuqoRaU7k/s400/IMG_1245.JPG" width="299" /></a></div>
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Weirdly, I get compliments on this when I wear it out. Blurry stenciling: the wave of the future!<br />
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In other news, foster kitty is doing well. We named her Kiki, after the cat in Kiki's Delivery Service. (Yes, I know the cat is a boy named Jiji; she just looks so much like a Kiki.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg_y9fn4Vf5tMqbvYr9JpOvhmODgWHs9WHC0doiFI5mqSVjCu-8AejFWRtqtUTXf8C0JCur47DKET1fOQDsSFObGCBGNXQtkfI4WIu5IN1_Hp85GqatgWWY-FdKP5KlRm7pfomU88qeI/s1600/kiki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPg_y9fn4Vf5tMqbvYr9JpOvhmODgWHs9WHC0doiFI5mqSVjCu-8AejFWRtqtUTXf8C0JCur47DKET1fOQDsSFObGCBGNXQtkfI4WIu5IN1_Hp85GqatgWWY-FdKP5KlRm7pfomU88qeI/s400/kiki.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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She's gained weight (she's a super-picky eater, but we finally figured out that she only seems to like Purina Cat Chow; she doesn't even like treats!), passed all her tests, and will be going to the shelter for adoption on Sunday. I'll miss her! It's nice to have a lap-sitter around the house.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-81597480199208941732017-04-07T09:21:00.001-07:002017-04-07T09:21:30.442-07:00Vogue summer pattern updateI bought the <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1548" target="_blank">Guy Laroche</a>, the <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1543" target="_blank">Anne Klein</a>, and the <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1542" target="_blank">Patricia Keay</a>. <br />
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I can't stop thinking about the Laroche; it's such an interesting design. How do you even put that together? Metal or covered buttons? How does the overlay work? Why those sleeves? Etc. I kind of want the pattern just for the instructions.<br />
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Then, on the <a href="https://sewing.patternreview.com/blog?s=2285444" target="_blank">PatternReview roundup</a>, I saw the amazing original version:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1G-vTpzjr2smi6iUqKOgBrDkR52XddpQuKpnzqrxIvia2ufInRxFLGJIiaemez_xx38RXisVQ6PI4hmrYEXJ68ddMuvafAv34wLKlN-wVSAKAJWmMNQ26cKEIQL6bokJ2KVYlCaU_dA/s1600/guylaroche.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1G-vTpzjr2smi6iUqKOgBrDkR52XddpQuKpnzqrxIvia2ufInRxFLGJIiaemez_xx38RXisVQ6PI4hmrYEXJ68ddMuvafAv34wLKlN-wVSAKAJWmMNQ26cKEIQL6bokJ2KVYlCaU_dA/s640/guylaroche.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
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THAT MAKES TOTAL SENSE. Much better than the all-white version:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC-JV-dXmjniCYO3jXilqamNii7_a7Ou8kSY04OtMKw6VGNuR2dFtjXnPfR2g5M_UhT2AjvaUe7a5GZ8J70_umZg5NjSR2t_SVP8KZrY65EZDbJCUdpEGTKBeYtTzCyhbU0RYlF0A9EI/s1600/V1548_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC-JV-dXmjniCYO3jXilqamNii7_a7Ou8kSY04OtMKw6VGNuR2dFtjXnPfR2g5M_UhT2AjvaUe7a5GZ8J70_umZg5NjSR2t_SVP8KZrY65EZDbJCUdpEGTKBeYtTzCyhbU0RYlF0A9EI/s640/V1548_1.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
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I fell in insta-love with the original version and am now trying to figure out how to rent or borrow an embroidery machine to make it happen (either that, or learn hand embroidery, which is a whole new world and something I was thinking about trying anyway).<br />
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Oh, SEWING.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-1262708258058315992017-03-30T08:34:00.001-07:002017-03-30T08:34:43.413-07:00new summer Vogue patternsI love Vogue, but there's not a lot I can do this time around (long, ruffly dresses do not work on short people, and open backs and cold shoulders are not my jam). But I'm looking at these:<br />
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1543" target="_blank">V1543, Anne Klein</a><br />
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Dig the pleats in the front. Wondering if it would work in linen? Really wish they'd used plain fabric for the photo.<br />
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<a 1em="" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcb81l8x9J6TKq4bGyNswggQt_wKTvaDHhO1D8Caf-EVCfdt2Z_O7-IOLTfyXwRq32QPq2cHvyqBMQtXgutJJ9ge3A6VntCNcmvntBuuJUTxnrd5omTh5QN7fDwK0DTqmcOM-S5Mtr4k/s1600/v1543_01.jpg"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcb81l8x9J6TKq4bGyNswggQt_wKTvaDHhO1D8Caf-EVCfdt2Z_O7-IOLTfyXwRq32QPq2cHvyqBMQtXgutJJ9ge3A6VntCNcmvntBuuJUTxnrd5omTh5QN7fDwK0DTqmcOM-S5Mtr4k/s400/v1543_01.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1550" target="_blank">V1550, Paco Peralta</a><br />
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Not sure if this would work in short-personville, but I really like the shorter top and pants together. I like the <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1526" target="_blank">Paco Peralta jacket</a>, too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIU-CBscodpacg9wf0fRresa9xkbWbTANO19W3b4q8OyKjagypLxuwKbwq9XOxWWiTe81SYOxZMjYxsrjUvb21dwdJ4A1P0dYHAhJolKvz2xnZFnm8cPZ0sUO3HZkdG39NKNp_ohMFQQ/s1600/V1550_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIU-CBscodpacg9wf0fRresa9xkbWbTANO19W3b4q8OyKjagypLxuwKbwq9XOxWWiTe81SYOxZMjYxsrjUvb21dwdJ4A1P0dYHAhJolKvz2xnZFnm8cPZ0sUO3HZkdG39NKNp_ohMFQQ/s400/V1550_1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Unsure about:<br />
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1549" target="_blank">V1549, Sandra Betzina</a><br />
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That's some excellent fabric, but again, you can't really see the lines in the photo. It looks boxier in the line drawing?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDm5rNBSaHRgewaRHZjnp_KgO4Qh6cl71W8lJlsWWn5kaJyFEjr6SK4bhIAxi333P5sObFk-fv0T6iMUVqTRNvSvrOeiPiX6pRdmmeK0lBDMyZEbeJe71_Rhd24AoI5XJm6cV5xUX9OQ/s1600/V1549_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCDm5rNBSaHRgewaRHZjnp_KgO4Qh6cl71W8lJlsWWn5kaJyFEjr6SK4bhIAxi333P5sObFk-fv0T6iMUVqTRNvSvrOeiPiX6pRdmmeK0lBDMyZEbeJe71_Rhd24AoI5XJm6cV5xUX9OQ/s400/V1549_1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1548" target="_blank">V1548, Guy Laroche</a><br />
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Appropriate short-person dress, but not sure about the overlay (is it totally detachable?) Could be good, could go so, so wrong.<br />
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Those sleeves are amazing, though. I almost want to just get it and Frankenpattern them onto other things. I like the back seams too.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rB6RL3Sv3ZWFkMDaqGhg9gMYCJ93if8c2qFzNF5auNyxlkrlJDklag2nj-Sji3jxl9B5suVYp2ouRiRb7WW7JwMc1rUvAq-su0P0MjM-8RpVrP9infocdQHdIxmGokaKN8AtxjFxSOs/s1600/V1548_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3rB6RL3Sv3ZWFkMDaqGhg9gMYCJ93if8c2qFzNF5auNyxlkrlJDklag2nj-Sji3jxl9B5suVYp2ouRiRb7WW7JwMc1rUvAq-su0P0MjM-8RpVrP9infocdQHdIxmGokaKN8AtxjFxSOs/s400/V1548_1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1542" target="_blank">V1542, Patricia Jeanne Keay</a><br />
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Except I don't really need a party dress. (Unless I do. Just in case, right?)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs2jK8-LvUyp_mguqkQV95N8m1OJHLQySPSSm80RvoIgljx7cFBx2onEruRPHJXnWYa7PmnmXNdYCbQGrysQreQYVGn-dTTPRsLVLsaIzDhPM1FOiFORc1sxRRSyIdNx1ZY13P3_xRD0/s1600/V1542_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKs2jK8-LvUyp_mguqkQV95N8m1OJHLQySPSSm80RvoIgljx7cFBx2onEruRPHJXnWYa7PmnmXNdYCbQGrysQreQYVGn-dTTPRsLVLsaIzDhPM1FOiFORc1sxRRSyIdNx1ZY13P3_xRD0/s400/V1542_1.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
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Gah, I just looked over this post and it's "not sure" about everything, isn't it?<br />
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Sewing news: Not much happening in that department lately, mostly because of life insanity, but I'm hoping to get back to it soon. I get sad every time I look at my stash. Soon!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-83992629525437851622017-03-12T08:33:00.003-07:002017-03-12T08:33:58.228-07:00oh hi!It's been a while. I haven't really been sewing as much, although that Sandra Betzina dress is still in progress and I'm thinking about a couple of projects.<br />
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But a couple of things!<br />
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First thing: I went to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/455622808160492/" target="_blank">Women & Textiles Expo</a> in Lowell yesterday and met up with Deepika and a few others from PatternReview.<br />
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It was really fun! I think it's the first year for the expo, and I hope they do it again next year. There were lectures, a makers' table (we made scarves out of cotton and fleece strips), vendors, and a fashion show.<br />
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Here's Deepika trying on a jacket from <a href="http://www.bfelt.com/" target="_blank">B. Felt:</a><br />
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She bought the blue scarf from them:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">B. Felt! #goals</td></tr>
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The fashion show was pretty amazing. Here's what won Best in Show:<br />
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Why yes, that is a reversible coat with a map of Amsterdam made out of felted organic merino wool, no big.<br />
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I bought an amazing red woven scarf (you can just see it in the top photo) from Elizabeth Springett:<br />
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Her friend, who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair, made it. She uses just one finger to move the shuttle. Gorgeous work.<br />
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So yeah, fun day. It's filling the Worcester Sew Expo-shaped void in my heart. (But I'll still miss you, Cynthia Guffey.)<br />
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Second thing! We adopted this little dude.<br />
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The shelter named him Rensselaer, and we've been calling him Ren or Rennie or Captain Rensselaer Sassypants or (suggested by Facebook) Snake Plissken or Nick Furry. The non-working tiny eye on the left is a birth defect, but he sees pretty well out of the right. He's super-pouncy and snuggly and fun, and he likes pizza, vegan yogurt, and hemp milk a lot. (Ask me how I know.)<br />
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That's the news for now!<br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-2197304552308497402016-10-24T10:55:00.003-07:002016-10-24T10:55:56.018-07:00HarleyWe said goodbye to him this weekend.<br />
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I miss him a lot. Hunkered down in the window, snoozing in the sewing room, stalking heating vents, chasing his tail... the house feels weird and empty without him.<br />
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Our other cat, Cinders, knows something's up, and she seems pretty unsettled. So am I.<br />
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I'm setting up a memorial space in his sleeping spot in the sewing room, with his blankets and a toy and the ridiculous baby t-shirt the vet asked us to make him wear (which he hated). It had some patriotic baseball thing on the front, and I wish I could have snapped a picture of his expression when we first put it on him. What the hell, person?<br />
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He was so funny -- the type of cat that took everything extremely seriously, until he didn't.<br />
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Going through my photos, it's amazing how many of them are sewing-related. He was always there! He loved sitting on fabric and paper patterns (especially PDFs, as I was trying to tape them up), and watching me thread needles. (String, person. STRING.)<br />
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The ridiculous baby t-shirt:</div>
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And my all-time favorite picture of him:</div>
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I'll miss you, buddy.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-20199618397705482492016-10-02T12:43:00.004-07:002016-10-06T13:58:05.782-07:00V1510 progress, dyeing with purple basil, and other stuffUpdates!<br />
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1. I'm making slow progress on view A of <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1510" target="_blank">V1510</a>. Slow because Harley the cat is still sick (his cancer is progressing, unfortunately), and this keeps happening:<br />
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<b>Me:</b> Hey Harley, want to go work on the dress?<br />
<b>Harley: </b>I have a better idea. How about I curl up on your chest and go to sleep?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlw65CPrBgn69PkxecnD_guHIbQ3gtTGpmtldILWM_oKogLVVzD7MVdummwLeKenzKjYgVZkND6QBDAsnNdfiQxY90a5tJ5jf-mIYVqxZ0y6ynYZOmEiA-JvT6X6npseBLBHWKVd5UFw/s1600/image_1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvlw65CPrBgn69PkxecnD_guHIbQ3gtTGpmtldILWM_oKogLVVzD7MVdummwLeKenzKjYgVZkND6QBDAsnNdfiQxY90a5tJ5jf-mIYVqxZ0y6ynYZOmEiA-JvT6X6npseBLBHWKVd5UFw/s400/image_1.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...or this?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I like the dress so far, though. (I'm doing the tunic version, but it's long enough to be a dress on me.) And how did I not know that Sandra Betzina's instructions are fantastic?<br />
<br />
2. I'm totally drooling over <a href="https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/fashion-show-review/at-dries-van-noten-time-in-beautiful-suspense-spring-summer-2017" target="_blank">Dries van Noten spring 2017</a>, especially this coat:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbeFciZuY6Xyhuv1VSak12CEH9W0QRdbEFxDuVCzVs4ZsyRYrp2S7UPL2LgeRWyl6_jkadJNYFMBE2MYQYMMYmSN6Ioe5pj1qe5RJGWDGdnhsfZ3kQvb-v_FsTb3Lj0hHPkNEdK3CP24/s1600/dries_van_noten_look_54_2017_ss.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDbeFciZuY6Xyhuv1VSak12CEH9W0QRdbEFxDuVCzVs4ZsyRYrp2S7UPL2LgeRWyl6_jkadJNYFMBE2MYQYMMYmSN6Ioe5pj1qe5RJGWDGdnhsfZ3kQvb-v_FsTb3Lj0hHPkNEdK3CP24/s400/dries_van_noten_look_54_2017_ss.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
I need this! Where can I find a giant floral print?<br />
<br />
3. I dyed some fabric with purple basil. Did some cotton (including an overdye on a tansy/iron mix I wasn't crazy about), and then threw some wool and silk into the exhaust dyebath. I simmered each batch for several hours, then let it sit for 1 or 2 days.<br />
<br />
Result: two totally different colors. Plants, you are so weird.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZAtEjbtb-2dRcY0GV-H_Bon5vfkQoL_ukVZRlnkedDlxwIc1R45S_CMqQeSxA8F4k6Jcno8Ou_ge1v9-G47DCzSJWTbApGzi7MM1Ci80O8PLNFHW8DJeEDGI05YcvP5SmZqITS_QCGY/s1600/image_5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCZAtEjbtb-2dRcY0GV-H_Bon5vfkQoL_ukVZRlnkedDlxwIc1R45S_CMqQeSxA8F4k6Jcno8Ou_ge1v9-G47DCzSJWTbApGzi7MM1Ci80O8PLNFHW8DJeEDGI05YcvP5SmZqITS_QCGY/s400/image_5.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple basil, you smell SO GOOD</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdHjVGmP8q9dnBiS97Jp4Hv619f9YTFhLyLBsD_hsHm1YNdD75UANJmarU3OT4yAhafiwMjIDKka5RpxwArQfVJdDXCUx56GmrOQj34y0oG4sw_mYAUDE7TTPvqGswN_dWKuF6iVyr7s/s1600/image_6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPdHjVGmP8q9dnBiS97Jp4Hv619f9YTFhLyLBsD_hsHm1YNdD75UANJmarU3OT4yAhafiwMjIDKka5RpxwArQfVJdDXCUx56GmrOQj34y0oG4sw_mYAUDE7TTPvqGswN_dWKuF6iVyr7s/s400/image_6.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soaking cotton</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv54kHsyOT_jG13exOnNFwJ9B-qyNXwu5UenEda2vdJr-H6hVTq5CW0_5n3kQQlTsNKjzaM-kEuBH9ZYpYqybiS7jCLZSuByKrw5T2pj93DdyoWm9F_IoIuIioifhrZ94mcIogS1H4W8/s1600/image_7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRv54kHsyOT_jG13exOnNFwJ9B-qyNXwu5UenEda2vdJr-H6hVTq5CW0_5n3kQQlTsNKjzaM-kEuBH9ZYpYqybiS7jCLZSuByKrw5T2pj93DdyoWm9F_IoIuIioifhrZ94mcIogS1H4W8/s400/image_7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Final results</td></tr>
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<br />
<b>Left:</b> Cotton, definitely purple. The bottom is the overdyed Alabama Chanin fabric. I might redye the cotton on the top to try and get a deeper color.<br />
<b>Right:</b> Wool and silk in bright yellow bordering on chartreuse. WHAT.<br />
<br />
4. We went to the <a href="http://www.thebige.com/" target="_blank">Big E</a> last weekend — New England's epic multi-state fair. It's so big that it takes two full days to see everything. My favorite building (well, aside from Vermont) is the New England Center, which has the the competition quilts, fiber projects and crafts. Some of my favorites this year:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt3F1ZpVeStvqTouWgEDeAdnHHFLwMmx3EmHEE4pIdp_kKQeHHxMsAIsOeCJ9a5A4aaIdm-ieJF-XGae4NwUf0qAlNC3lONIm4-3D2AveysMfi5w2iOIqhwh40xAnhmFUfwffAQLz11g/s1600/cecil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTt3F1ZpVeStvqTouWgEDeAdnHHFLwMmx3EmHEE4pIdp_kKQeHHxMsAIsOeCJ9a5A4aaIdm-ieJF-XGae4NwUf0qAlNC3lONIm4-3D2AveysMfi5w2iOIqhwh40xAnhmFUfwffAQLz11g/s400/cecil.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RIP, Cecil</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgPCKL2nbEgfqz9GTQQVrl4m7F5nx9Am5WTVhGWGobPAD-6RKaboYOzoIN_H_gJ9I9T5IOT9qn5EdnTXzYErEOrxKVh8_eqeZhm97S8RN5OkwPL3HXj-pgsg9EYwM6ZsuB9p0ih2ft4U/s1600/deathstar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgPCKL2nbEgfqz9GTQQVrl4m7F5nx9Am5WTVhGWGobPAD-6RKaboYOzoIN_H_gJ9I9T5IOT9qn5EdnTXzYErEOrxKVh8_eqeZhm97S8RN5OkwPL3HXj-pgsg9EYwM6ZsuB9p0ih2ft4U/s400/deathstar.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Death Star quilt was really amazing up close.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbZq4chcbw7sl7DgmC7yZBjuDxOQnDeinY7gfTghYJDuIE7XXpthK49CVGEoxMQCkeKZA29PDSz2kg0TBnGsQx0QlCzz0KCGtRW2bAT6qxxLWNJp997DV9QmJ2hXWcst9NXtctEVYWqo/s1600/knittedguitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbZq4chcbw7sl7DgmC7yZBjuDxOQnDeinY7gfTghYJDuIE7XXpthK49CVGEoxMQCkeKZA29PDSz2kg0TBnGsQx0QlCzz0KCGtRW2bAT6qxxLWNJp997DV9QmJ2hXWcst9NXtctEVYWqo/s400/knittedguitar.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A knitted electric guitar!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_iDlFxtvekryYEOPVZZ8KxfhscOgoFSJ0UaHYOsz0EJqaSg09eAEJ9RzS71a3u6vH-8064r-0rykYBTU76unPpwBQGeA7Z33eX1lFGWtO7T_DMHH29Ojkgov79SaLt8fCcYbsHjTIIA/s1600/amelia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv_iDlFxtvekryYEOPVZZ8KxfhscOgoFSJ0UaHYOsz0EJqaSg09eAEJ9RzS71a3u6vH-8064r-0rykYBTU76unPpwBQGeA7Z33eX1lFGWtO7T_DMHH29Ojkgov79SaLt8fCcYbsHjTIIA/s400/amelia.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hi, Amelia.</td></tr>
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I had a fun conversation there with a woman who was hand-quilting some pieces from her brother-in-law's mother's (?) stash -- mostly pieces from the '40s and '50s. (I didn't get a picture; wish I would have asked.)<br />
<br />
We were chatting about hand-sewing, and she said, "You know, those embroidery machines do a fabulous job, but why should the machine have all the fun?" My thoughts exactly.<br />
<br />
Also, we saw someone making silk from cocoons — ! She had a little crockpot set up, and walked us through the process from beginning to end. She also had a shawl that she'd spun, dyed, and knitted herself. I really should have taken photos.<br />
<br />
On Sunday, we went to one of my favorite fabric stores, <a href="http://www.osgoodtextile.com/" target="_blank">Osgood Textile</a> in West Springfield. I love Osgood -- it's enormous and I always find something interesting there.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtUOTDBbf8q-Ex8l9qOWtmsCRF6gebpJHFZ_OVTjfCz_88ehKxEKkXyRYS94wQ2jsz3BUFRLeVH_4KtVeqBNlmkYLdGzpLEVzmeKomO0ZYReSSUuYI7tlVj49mxVtQ0ry4lH3wbJ-NPc/s1600/image_3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZtUOTDBbf8q-Ex8l9qOWtmsCRF6gebpJHFZ_OVTjfCz_88ehKxEKkXyRYS94wQ2jsz3BUFRLeVH_4KtVeqBNlmkYLdGzpLEVzmeKomO0ZYReSSUuYI7tlVj49mxVtQ0ry4lH3wbJ-NPc/s400/image_3.jpeg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When it's home dec, but you absolutely, positively must make a dress out of it.</td></tr>
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That's about it for now. Time to go check on the cat!<br />
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 204px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 5174px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 204px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 5174px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-82694894922573503822016-09-12T11:07:00.001-07:002016-09-12T16:08:32.472-07:00I don't get itTwo things are kind of ticking me off this week:<br />
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1. <a href="http://jezebel.com/gwyneth-paltrows-pretty-boring-goop-clothing-line-laun-1786509534" target="_blank">Gwyneth Paltrow's extremely expensive GOOP "basics."</a> Made in Italy, and she says they're "luxurious ready-to-wear at a direct-to-consumer price." The tagline is Buy Now, Wear Now, Keep Forever. Hahahahahaha. Let's take a quick look at the fabric content of that <a href="http://shop.goop.com/collections/goop-label/products/pattner-peak-lapel-blazer" target="_blank">affordable $695 blazer</a>:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwyQgPsKMn2dH-Ydvh9cyrUwXjnw8raA5TZa4e2VQEebaLeczrv7p38TShfJxLItuE0FoILtz8tBFqzxBTaGXoIOMnB73h9-22TcvyWTqQIbRUqN94UA50wLQZESRjxtV3ew3mu8qXNQ/s1600/blazer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwyQgPsKMn2dH-Ydvh9cyrUwXjnw8raA5TZa4e2VQEebaLeczrv7p38TShfJxLItuE0FoILtz8tBFqzxBTaGXoIOMnB73h9-22TcvyWTqQIbRUqN94UA50wLQZESRjxtV3ew3mu8qXNQ/s320/blazer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
37% wool, 29% acrylic, 22% polyester, 6% nylon, 5% silk, 1% elastane. I'm guessing that acrylic/poly/nylon isn't all in the lining. Which means it's going to pill like crazy, no?<br />
<br />
(FWIW, I have a similar blazer from the Gap. It's ~10 years old (wait, no, it's around 20! holy shit, I am old), 100% wool, and still holding up great. It was also less than $695, I'm pretty sure.<br />
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2. <a href="http://europe.newsweek.com/old-clothes-fashion-waste-crisis-494824?utm_campaign=coschedule&utm_source=facebook_page&utm_medium=Alabama%20Chanin" target="_blank">This story's</a> been making the rounds over the past few days, and the comments are driving me up the wall. I'm really tired of (presumably) well-off women instructing each other to buy less, by which they mean saving up and buying high-end designer clothes, because they last longer.<br />
<br />
Hmm.<br />
<br />
And steam comes out of my ears every time these same clueless people declare that those on a limited budget should "just save up and buy better clothes." I just don't even know what to say about that. (Wait, I do, but I'm not posting it here).<br />
<br />
I'd sure love to know how many of those $695 blazers are going to be around in 5 years. (Answer: All of them, in a bale somewhere, because polyester takes decades to decompose!)<br />
<br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-16522770650575018262016-09-01T03:55:00.001-07:002016-10-08T16:05:47.230-07:00fabric shopping in Amsterdam<a href="https://www.seamwork.com/issues/2016/09/the-seamworkers-guide-to-amsterdam" target="_blank">The Seamworker's Guide to Amsterdam</a> is up!<br />
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I found out that Amsterdam — like <a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2016/07/antwerp.html" target="_blank">Antwerp</a> — is a really great source for knits. Especially sweatshirt fabric. (I'm really regretting not buying some as I get ready for fall sewing!)<br />
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I loved <a href="http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/what-to-do/shopping/amsterdam-markets/noordermarkt-on-saturday" target="_blank">Noordermarkt</a> — it was like an open-air Mood, just stalls and stalls of every fabric you can imagine, lots of them organized by type: gingham, lace, etc.<br />
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<a href="http://albertcuyp-markt.amsterdam/" target="_blank">Albert Cuypstraat</a> was like a New York street fair, with off-brand socks and makeup, food trucks, and — unlike most New York street fairs — fabric stalls (and permanent fabric shops behind them).<br />
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Also, I stumbled onto a hippie restaurant with no set prices — at the end, the cashier told me to "pay what you feel or pay what you think."<br />
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I laughed, but the food was very good. And they had cucumber-lemon-orange infused water.<br />
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On the way back, I stumbled across an amazing shop called <a href="http://shop.sprmrkt.nl/" target="_blank">Sprmrkt</a>. The entrance was filled with trees, so it felt like you were walking through a forest.<br />
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They carried men's and women's Vetements, Damir Doma, Rick Owens...OF COURSE I stumbled across this place at the end of our trip, when I was out of spending money. OF COURSE.<br />
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Still fun to browse, though.<br />
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<br />
But I think <a href="http://www.tinctoria.nl/en" target="_blank">Tinctoria</a> was my favorite place. The owner's been naturally dyeing fabrics for 25 years. I was completely gobmacked by the colors — they were rich and deep and changed with the light. It kind of spoiled me for all other fabric shopping, and made me want to use naturally dyed, sustainably produced fabrics from now on, whenever possible.<br />
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She knew so much about dyeing — especially chemistry and working with hard-to-use dyes — and I was kicking myself after I left because I really should have asked more questions. At one point, she said, "So of course I pretreated it with soy milk..." and I nodded and went "uh huh" as if I totally knew what she was talking about, and of course I totally didn't. I have so much to learn.<br />
<br />
She also recommended Dominique Cardon's books and mentioned a conference that takes place every few years in France (I think). So there's my rabbit hole.<br />
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SO. Here's my final haul:<br />
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Top to bottom:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Ikat remnant from <a href="http://www.capsicum.nl/" target="_blank">Capscium Natuurstoffen</a> — destined for a skirt or maybe a fancy bag</li>
<li>Polka-dot oilcloth from Maastricht (oilcloth is all over the Netherlands too!)</li>
<li>My favorite piece: Madder-dyed orangey-red hemp from Tinctoria (or, as Leentje politely called it, "your brick.") Haven't quite decided what to do with it yet. Was thinking about a jacket; wish I knew how to make sneakers.</li>
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Additional bits and bobs from the remnant bin:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKeI9nsR4FFRP-9l5AFENekDc9Djf9dLOojP7Vk6R5JJvl-8QrsJ2EtLal_wkEyrx11ccNcEK9XZtgZbAXJ-8orPhvFuZ4vbHHEWZHO75ApTQStbZYRGKpbAvh_pSaHk50Fsw1kRZ5NI/s1600/velvet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKeI9nsR4FFRP-9l5AFENekDc9Djf9dLOojP7Vk6R5JJvl-8QrsJ2EtLal_wkEyrx11ccNcEK9XZtgZbAXJ-8orPhvFuZ4vbHHEWZHO75ApTQStbZYRGKpbAvh_pSaHk50Fsw1kRZ5NI/s400/velvet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkBUiGKWGfogtaL_ndeHO288zip1V8q-7AjybGF8XwMLFCnN1W0WP5X4KntNjU4wYyDXem78FKpYFL9CAQ3i6lIYbLuaL-cVg1BM6Cs48ssOats2k_GcOY4W6zDsBEQDxN5d5A5T5nG8/s1600/linen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkBUiGKWGfogtaL_ndeHO288zip1V8q-7AjybGF8XwMLFCnN1W0WP5X4KntNjU4wYyDXem78FKpYFL9CAQ3i6lIYbLuaL-cVg1BM6Cs48ssOats2k_GcOY4W6zDsBEQDxN5d5A5T5nG8/s400/linen.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Two pieces of velvet (the one on the right was dyed with weld, I think), two pieces of hand-printed linen. She'd written her dyeing recipe on the blue one.<br />
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I could post more pictures (so, so many more pictures, you guys), but I'll stop here for now. :)<br />
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Thanks for reading!</div>
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<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; line-height: 20px; opacity: 1; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-11478623405500088282016-08-23T14:33:00.000-07:002016-08-23T15:24:35.572-07:00Marcy Tilton sparkliesFirst, thank you for all the kind comments on my Alabama Chanin dress! I really appreciate it. Still mulling over whether to lengthen or shorten...I'm leaning toward shorten. Should be able to spare a couple of inches!<br />
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In next-make news: I requested some metallic linen swatches from Marcy Tilton for <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1510" target="_blank">V1510</a>. They came super-fast -- I sent the request Friday and just got them today.<br />
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I kind of love them all: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FIQ_vydrLc13O2taWkuD7lHbIttqRJu3ufBmDJQ20OtUZxUzu_i1UEU4bEGq4_GffN8kcVRym7U8-vb1Lc8pY8QBAML4Hxui5iq2IZs5MIWvYyrJcKsHpnsS0dgJOcXcoi4V9PApwmM/s1600/marcy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5FIQ_vydrLc13O2taWkuD7lHbIttqRJu3ufBmDJQ20OtUZxUzu_i1UEU4bEGq4_GffN8kcVRym7U8-vb1Lc8pY8QBAML4Hxui5iq2IZs5MIWvYyrJcKsHpnsS0dgJOcXcoi4V9PApwmM/s400/marcy.jpg" width="311" /></a></div>
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I can't decide which color to get. Leaning toward Hematite (in the middle), but I like the silver ones too.</div>
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I also asked about more metallic linen, and they sent this note:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwwbYo9fDJdMyDdG8dBMlKNIrZif8oOMWI_rbDL3dIjnilJG6UWRdQ9CnfZcx4uzQumnrifVRT1cMukf1QqmLgbnCIEe2e5hakntl-wtAG37NDGPHutwIyqtuWvUqb3uQELxd7KBsWp4/s1600/marcyletter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFwwbYo9fDJdMyDdG8dBMlKNIrZif8oOMWI_rbDL3dIjnilJG6UWRdQ9CnfZcx4uzQumnrifVRT1cMukf1QqmLgbnCIEe2e5hakntl-wtAG37NDGPHutwIyqtuWvUqb3uQELxd7KBsWp4/s400/marcyletter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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MORE SPARKLIES. They know me!</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-40316543142720068292016-08-17T18:50:00.000-07:002016-08-17T20:18:50.133-07:00completed: Alabama Chanin fitted dressYeah, I can't believe I'm saying that either! It's going to be a long post, so here we go.<br />
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<b>Design choices</b></h3>
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<ul>
<li><b>Size and alterations:</b> Straight size medium, with neckline raised a few inches and made into a scoop neck; the original v-neck is really deep</li>
<li><b>Fabric and thread:</b> <a href="http://alabamachanin.com/100-organic-medium-weight-cotton-jersey" target="_blank">Alabama Chanin medium-weight cotton jersey</a> — top layer in Sand, bottom layer in Dark Grey (only Dark Grey is currently available on their site) — and red craft/button thread</li>
<li><b>Stencil:</b> Anna's Garden</li>
<li><b>Paint: </b>Tulip fabric paint in Black, watered down and applied with an airbrush</li>
<li><b>Embellishment: </b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/542543086338212936/" target="_blank">Outside reverse applique</a> -- in which you stitch slightly outside each shape and then cut out the shape exactly on the lines</li>
<li><b>Stitch type: </b>Straight stitch for outlining and construction, Cretan stitch for binding</li>
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Here's how it looks on me:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmyjmQ6UVXLzrDqBChZoIPF_G5b2ePbsJtuiToYELL04pv4aVA0H6DrF5B_AdUyWGj5skZ6fQetE9g5sPylVBsa8H_b09byDY_R9UU3TGGPWoIzCdysX-vN_PMCiCRv-QNxu1vA4Hyqk/s1600/backyard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglmyjmQ6UVXLzrDqBChZoIPF_G5b2ePbsJtuiToYELL04pv4aVA0H6DrF5B_AdUyWGj5skZ6fQetE9g5sPylVBsa8H_b09byDY_R9UU3TGGPWoIzCdysX-vN_PMCiCRv-QNxu1vA4Hyqk/s400/backyard.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hanging up:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRTSK1EvRJ384gAE0Oc50Hzsg6PSKfiXQD8HLwSiz3mvbL-zTWptJpeb24XUD5AhvNniaoQpcbJEUiadOQokscxlIOGiO1TF1Cmxqiy1L9wXe6fCkU9zwg8B8dK8x6HGfldIECuz-cPY/s1600/tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRTSK1EvRJ384gAE0Oc50Hzsg6PSKfiXQD8HLwSiz3mvbL-zTWptJpeb24XUD5AhvNniaoQpcbJEUiadOQokscxlIOGiO1TF1Cmxqiy1L9wXe6fCkU9zwg8B8dK8x6HGfldIECuz-cPY/s640/tree.jpg" width="456" /></a></div>
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I picked the color scheme after seeing it in a sample book at the <a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2015/05/alabama-chanin-workshop.html" target="_blank">two-hour workshop in New York</a> last year. (Highly recommend either ordering the <a href="http://alabamachanin.com/organic-cotton-color-cards" target="_blank">color cards</a> or checking out their sample cards in person if you're interested in doing a big project.) Someone at the workshop pointed out that high-contrast colors tend to work really well in Alabama Chanin patterns; I tend to agree.<br />
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Once again, I need to sing the praises of Alabama Chanin's medium-weight organic cotton. It's by far the best cotton I've ever worked with — strong, stable, and extremely soft. I've bought cheaper cotton from other sources and nothing compares. Buy the cheapie stuff for muslins (or use old t-shirts) and save your hard-earned cashola for their 20% off sales.<br />
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<h3>
<b>The #1 question people ask: How long did it take?</b></h3>
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Eight months, give or take. I <a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2015/12/all-righty.html" target="_blank">started</a> back in December 2015, with a deadline of MPB Day, and worked on it pretty steadily, except for a three-week trip to the Netherlands (where I was still able to knock out a few shapes). Each panel took four to six weeks; final construction and binding took just over a week.<br />
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I'll spare you the list of stuff we binge-watched while I worked on this, but let me say that we watched all seven seasons of Buffy just about twice. (We have long, boring winters in New England.)<br />
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<b>The #2 question: Why would you hand-stitch an entire garment?</b></h3>
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As I was telling Peter at MPB Day, my first thought when I first heard about the Alabama Chanin method of hand-stitching entire garments was, "Is she crazy? We have machines!"<br />
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But I fell in love with the aesthetic — hand-sewn garments <i>look</i> really different from machine-sewn. The seams are slightly puckered; the edges are raw; you'll wind up with lots and lots of imperfections. And that's okay!<br />
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(As Natalie said during the two-hour workshop, at some point in the reverse appliqué process, you <i>will </i>screw up and<i> </i>cut through the back layer of fabric. What should you do to fix it? "I don't know," she said, "call attention to it. Sew a bead on it or something." Words to live by.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hr83C8Y3P9W6d2zIJ5DOHF7PAs4RpkAf48XaOQh95aW1Ce9q6fWNmCjWqxsM6flJX3x758uGvRk2alGF_Ieqq24BZsQ3_yQzdXO5qqq6xg2IoOHTy9lNAvAwu3RDC20mV_Zb03aaoUE/s1600/skirt_with_boots_enhance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hr83C8Y3P9W6d2zIJ5DOHF7PAs4RpkAf48XaOQh95aW1Ce9q6fWNmCjWqxsM6flJX3x758uGvRk2alGF_Ieqq24BZsQ3_yQzdXO5qqq6xg2IoOHTy9lNAvAwu3RDC20mV_Zb03aaoUE/s640/skirt_with_boots_enhance.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm gonna fix that hem, though.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, I found hand-stitching garments to be really mellow and relaxing. I missed it when I wasn't able to do it (I'm missing it now that this project is done!), and it's portable entertainment on planes/trains/buses. And when keeping an eye on convalescing cats.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<b>Process</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
If you've read the books, you know there are five steps to the process:<br />
<ul>
<li>Prepping/cutting</li>
<li>Stenciling</li>
<li>Embellishing</li>
<li>Construction</li>
<li>Binding</li>
</ul>
<div>
I found Natalie's Craftsy class to be really helpful when it came to stitching and cutting. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to be available anymore, so I've included some of her tips below.</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>Prepping/cutting</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
I made a muslin first in a size medium to check the fit. To cut the final dress pieces, I laid the top-layer piece on top of the bottom-layer piece to make sure they matched up and used my trusty magnifying glass to check the grain. I then chalked around the pattern pieces, removed them, and then cut out each fabric piece with scissors.</div>
<div>
<br />
The book recommends basting around the neckline and armholes. I suggest basting (or at least pinning) at the sides too, because the fabric tends to shift as you work your way down.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
<b>Stenciling</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Whoo, this was tough. I did some test swatches (and even a test dress), but had a really hard time keeping the paint from bleeding outside the lines. Eventually I figured out that the best ratio was half fabric paint to half water — but it still came out blotchy and uneven. Maybe real airbrush paint is the way to go.</div>
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rLB3mrGwUhT4Zxmaj_JaQ5U3sPuoJ5nFB15Sa-FMXzumpd1AL3PEl-vE6d9l9qtDBhvnDq8_nTrwstdeqzw-p-OYNh8N9SBHsUkLatjyal4_KQ8f3nNJrES1a_78uyRToffDLaJMA2s/s1600/stencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rLB3mrGwUhT4Zxmaj_JaQ5U3sPuoJ5nFB15Sa-FMXzumpd1AL3PEl-vE6d9l9qtDBhvnDq8_nTrwstdeqzw-p-OYNh8N9SBHsUkLatjyal4_KQ8f3nNJrES1a_78uyRToffDLaJMA2s/s640/stencil.jpg" width="478" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I learned:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Tape the stencil on top of the fabric with just a few pieces of painter's tape, and use something very flat (like kraft paper) underneath. That way it's easy to pull up when you're done.</li>
<li>Push down on the airbrush trigger (not up, jeez)</li>
<li>After airbrushing, blot the excess paint with a paper towel, then immediately (gently) pull the stencil up and away from the fabric. Hang it right away on a towel rack.</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<a href="http://duckbucket.blogspot.com/2016/03/stenciling-alabama-chanin-dress.html" target="_blank">More on the stenciling process</a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>Embellishment</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
In her Craftsy class, Natalie recommends using longer stitches, taking them two at a time. That saved my sanity! I also found that if the thread is twisted when you first pull it through, you can tug on the knotted end to straighten it out.<br />
<br />
I found it really difficult to stitch outside the lines of each shape without stitching really close to (or on top of) other shapes. Haven't figured out how to address this yet. Also, the top layer seemed to pucker and contract a bit as I went. (It looks this way in some pieces in the books too, though.) This could affect the sizing, I imagine.<br />
<br />
Cutting the shapes out was the most difficult part. I used a brand-new pair of Fiskars embroidery scissors and still had trouble getting really clean edges, especially on corners. I welcome any tips — I might email Alabama to see if they have any! Also, Natalie had one great tip from the Craftsy class: Don't go in with the scissor tips down. Hold the fabric horizontally and slightly pull the two layers of fabric apart before making a small snip horizontally in the top layer. You're less likely to cut through the bottom layer of fabric that way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7QmWOiEisfQ-R4L1bJBStPaAJC_ke7OeVnkJeS6LZbe72umouhHi4MnfKijaHfxWGBejP0dqAIWpfv4Rx1DPppSse6GctVJNT-o1gHQjCDHz_LHus1z36U8ApLbyEKvQvDSLHG3COJ0/s1600/pattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM7QmWOiEisfQ-R4L1bJBStPaAJC_ke7OeVnkJeS6LZbe72umouhHi4MnfKijaHfxWGBejP0dqAIWpfv4Rx1DPppSse6GctVJNT-o1gHQjCDHz_LHus1z36U8ApLbyEKvQvDSLHG3COJ0/s400/pattern.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SN-IS_AWqJrB8-SMEwkflfWk12YBKuAZqww2H7evh3k8qpk0kzMyGyIiw7qsbM3Jjchy39eO00-a9F9A6wcS-FgoOE4htxrL2BKZ5J60vSLigC5opUEAvnbAYHQ81ViVnLamr9pq3G4/s1600/reverse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SN-IS_AWqJrB8-SMEwkflfWk12YBKuAZqww2H7evh3k8qpk0kzMyGyIiw7qsbM3Jjchy39eO00-a9F9A6wcS-FgoOE4htxrL2BKZ5J60vSLigC5opUEAvnbAYHQ81ViVnLamr9pq3G4/s400/reverse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reverse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h3>
<b>Construction</b></h3>
<br />
Pretty straightforward. As with all AC projects, I did two rows of straight stitching on each seam to close up any gaps, taking as small stitches as possible.<br />
<br />
Because the top layer contracted a bit as I went, I first outlined the seam edge of the "real" top layer with pins, then used that as a guide to pin the two top layers right sides together before stitching. (I wish I had a picture so that would make more sense!)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT376t3HE_Mol-dR0QdyrGi4Kwk_va4xqH54zzrL1dkfKR67WbCIyfW5MQG4P5TKUZIvUgJh_MgFHqI4pL_1U0gHHxlQbv8t6R0oWwwRClSFd28EG-5zpeQH2fLDM4XYZJMmiNzl_dZo/s1600/flatharley2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMT376t3HE_Mol-dR0QdyrGi4Kwk_va4xqH54zzrL1dkfKR67WbCIyfW5MQG4P5TKUZIvUgJh_MgFHqI4pL_1U0gHHxlQbv8t6R0oWwwRClSFd28EG-5zpeQH2fLDM4XYZJMmiNzl_dZo/s640/flatharley2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>Binding</b></h3>
<br />
I used <a href="http://www.needlework-tips-and-techniques.com/cretan-stitch.html" target="_blank">this tutorial</a> for the Cretan stitch. Almost have the hang of it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oA4nSl5vLep7aqVCdnP5slD5JQ_5Ecf-IegdLkhkWLidgoK4DZ09YzAaiyhK8QAdFL084Ty6pDXCDCjoQkU_TsSstFbiJthdXjwPUY3oM7lDMLz7iXKNqnVmvK4Ek47LdRo-Zn2c0uo/s1600/strap_closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3oA4nSl5vLep7aqVCdnP5slD5JQ_5Ecf-IegdLkhkWLidgoK4DZ09YzAaiyhK8QAdFL084Ty6pDXCDCjoQkU_TsSstFbiJthdXjwPUY3oM7lDMLz7iXKNqnVmvK4Ek47LdRo-Zn2c0uo/s400/strap_closeup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Finishing</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
After construction, I pressed the whole thing — especially the binding — then washed it on the delicate cycle in a washbag. I don't know if the pressing did anything, but I thought I read somewhere that it "sets" the thread? Even on knit fabric? Y/N?<br />
<br />
I've washed it twice now and so far it seems to be holding up. It dries pretty much overnight!<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>What it's like to wear</b></h3>
<br />
The book suggests going with a snug fit, because over time the jersey will relax and conform to your body. I agree — at first it felt too snug, but it's already loosened up a lot. I might even need to do some restitching because it feels too loose up top!<br />
<br />
I've seen some reviewers on PR say that it's not comfortable having the knots against their skin. It doesn't really bother me, but you can feel it. I guess you could always wear a slip or a tank top underneath.<br />
<br />
I found it to be surprisingly comfortable in hot weather (even in a NY heatwave), but it's heavy enough that I think it would work for fall or winter, too.<br />
<br />
My favorite comment so far was from a guy at Mood who yelled at me halfway down the aisle, "Excuse me! Is that Alabama Chanin?" I said, "Yes," and he said, "That's what I thought! Nice work." :)<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Final thoughts</b></h3>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
I'm not totally thrilled with my paint and stitching on this first dress, but overall, I think I like it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hccc-VTYdOiqs8xGLwU12gkPRX4skgpOYsiqBHOsUSKw_2QEeA36atVonTsiab1EPYMb9D4NqDDPuUTOeBqQFkHfWXiI8yGOYmTPPKMBu5sQuZpEQL0TXEN3v0rj3XHF7rHvjVTmrx8/s1600/thumbsup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Hccc-VTYdOiqs8xGLwU12gkPRX4skgpOYsiqBHOsUSKw_2QEeA36atVonTsiab1EPYMb9D4NqDDPuUTOeBqQFkHfWXiI8yGOYmTPPKMBu5sQuZpEQL0TXEN3v0rj3XHF7rHvjVTmrx8/s640/thumbsup.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I might make a couple of additional edits (cutting or lengthening the uneven bottom, tightening the center seam a bit, and fixing the left shoulder, which is a bit loose — that means undoing and then redoing the binding, though).<br />
<br />
The finished piece feels really solid and substantial. Strong fabric + strong thread = strong dress. This is not something I'm going to need to donate in a year — it feels like it'll really hold up.<br />
<br />
I want to keep going, expand my skill set and improve my hand-stitching and cutting. Eventually I'd like to make an Alabama Chanin capsule wardrobe — I'm thinking two more dresses (one for summer, so not fully embellished), leggings, a light underskirt and a blazer. I wish they had a blazer pattern, but I've found a Vogue pattern that I think will work.<br />
<br />
My hands are already missing this project. I need to start the next one!<br />
<br />
Please feel free to comment if you have any questions or tips!<br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3345123644848304480.post-54330792838481141902016-08-15T15:28:00.001-07:002016-08-16T05:48:03.101-07:00MPB Day 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The weather was hot and steamy, but as always it was a fantastic day.</div>
<br />
Lisa, James, Peter, Anna and I met up at the Blue Dog on Saturday morning for coffee and flea-marketing. James brought his portable hula hoop, so Peter tried it out. He's a really good hooper!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr3JmVZfJYjXXsnXFnvwyKHTNeUs2ZgMPAZD3r5Xbpj90qID9nX9_aTzldC8pH_ip2ZO47vZmG3lcsDEBmKMja-WqVbbVEYw0DyRMa-O8PrXKltuPHP8I1MnP3mcYHTC3fqucUX7U_0M/s1600/hula2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr3JmVZfJYjXXsnXFnvwyKHTNeUs2ZgMPAZD3r5Xbpj90qID9nX9_aTzldC8pH_ip2ZO47vZmG3lcsDEBmKMja-WqVbbVEYw0DyRMa-O8PrXKltuPHP8I1MnP3mcYHTC3fqucUX7U_0M/s400/hula2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
We headed over to the flea market, where I gawked at wax-print fabric and antiques, and Peter yo'ed it up:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsWR6Fz1ceECK3oROS_PAAV7t9TautNQeItLBTnERH9VliGujHHW2q8KDmb_IcKDwvbbm3pbZ7nWFjYIN0ZIR2rShyc5igK4qgo9b14fX-VLhUd0qBmNhkRsnxelQDOjCvDKn9DOMygo/s1600/wax2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqsWR6Fz1ceECK3oROS_PAAV7t9TautNQeItLBTnERH9VliGujHHW2q8KDmb_IcKDwvbbm3pbZ7nWFjYIN0ZIR2rShyc5igK4qgo9b14fX-VLhUd0qBmNhkRsnxelQDOjCvDKn9DOMygo/s400/wax2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">$45 for 2 pieces, bummer<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_d3iOOH-ZiHEVFtmR38hppZW284EkdK5r1yFRAAmlLI5qujvDlItdh9vLnJRYKdn9CgoWFByxpC0QV79v6LxTaznXyZft3DTqmVu3pGjp0HKt9bAP_SyTq6D2XCJzvHlsj5S61eT8XzE/s1600/peter_yoing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_d3iOOH-ZiHEVFtmR38hppZW284EkdK5r1yFRAAmlLI5qujvDlItdh9vLnJRYKdn9CgoWFByxpC0QV79v6LxTaznXyZft3DTqmVu3pGjp0HKt9bAP_SyTq6D2XCJzvHlsj5S61eT8XzE/s400/peter_yoing.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can't go wrong with a Duncan Imperial</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lg89Haru2aS_a3Q27jCnBLG-sLHnxImG2cbNc-6a1EII-9WSEKUHN92T3nON2IUOIrzX3HR2aq-Ya_9WJai1zTAO-f5_p0P4kheD1AOBaJCsOEDCedHP3axrMJeR7aPjlGlq2XCf2qc/s1600/mirror2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0lg89Haru2aS_a3Q27jCnBLG-sLHnxImG2cbNc-6a1EII-9WSEKUHN92T3nON2IUOIrzX3HR2aq-Ya_9WJai1zTAO-f5_p0P4kheD1AOBaJCsOEDCedHP3axrMJeR7aPjlGlq2XCf2qc/s400/mirror2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This mirror tho. I wanted to buy an extra bag and take it home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv6jhc_dp8G_jtNuRUSW_pjqxqjCVkt6br3xESSIiRP-VjoVstNL9IcgBtKXDSNGM4KHeGUCVV35Jyb9jeX_EqLHFDW_Yd097TWwRQFRvXi7-hXIvcEI6COYY0lXaTvtoT1pEW5iH2Os/s1600/candlesticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihv6jhc_dp8G_jtNuRUSW_pjqxqjCVkt6br3xESSIiRP-VjoVstNL9IcgBtKXDSNGM4KHeGUCVV35Jyb9jeX_EqLHFDW_Yd097TWwRQFRvXi7-hXIvcEI6COYY0lXaTvtoT1pEW5iH2Os/s400/candlesticks.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And also these candlesticks. Trippy modern! Come to mama!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9J7gevU-jhcMe7ctnP-1v0IU2XOPMUkIOb7OECQkoISzpXZZcYYdUcZvfmz_aPke6P8p4QpibnYTTr4rNo9sS4_TCrot5wUZ_vkvTa8IplMb_D93vikPJ17sRXGbnorKgqRlrHn4f2w/s1600/james_lisa_flea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja9J7gevU-jhcMe7ctnP-1v0IU2XOPMUkIOb7OECQkoISzpXZZcYYdUcZvfmz_aPke6P8p4QpibnYTTr4rNo9sS4_TCrot5wUZ_vkvTa8IplMb_D93vikPJ17sRXGbnorKgqRlrHn4f2w/s400/james_lisa_flea.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James and Lisa; Lisa's wearing her me-made Sorbetto and white skirt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Afterward, we swung through the antiques market across the street (hooray for A/C! ...and also, I'm so going back on the next NY trip; there's an amazing vintage lingerie stall) and made our way to FIT to see the uniform exhibit. I liked the Sacai piece on the right.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96PKOphGPLtAf4avuwMTLubVfsJkC2NQY0a2nKd8DHbNwgNxovfSbS6T45SdhpUeW7TtQuqjclKv_dPjhR00DdVvHgPXaun1Vlh7fGhLTJRYPc52BQ4KgKse_QCvwMlToYiUKMMQaEQE/s1600/sacai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96PKOphGPLtAf4avuwMTLubVfsJkC2NQY0a2nKd8DHbNwgNxovfSbS6T45SdhpUeW7TtQuqjclKv_dPjhR00DdVvHgPXaun1Vlh7fGhLTJRYPc52BQ4KgKse_QCvwMlToYiUKMMQaEQE/s400/sacai.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Then it was off to Panera for lunch, where I pattern-swapped, met Trudi and her husband, and found out there's such a thing as sewing camp (!!!!!!!!) And then we went shopping.<br />
<br />
I fell in love with Botani Trim, where you can order a custom zipper in any length, tape color, and teeth color, and with any pull you want (they have zillions), and they'll make them while you wait. I ordered three.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGev2fQWLQYZTxn8Hd9BLk8B0TZCKRrik26T4zL0neIEjHSBRaEhR0bxIQW3aB24h7Om2VHCvvBP0p_o7rBxzoTyBvl6hVG5z4ZqYTrC6ocQbIj0I3Qqo-EKJIrbirg29P1OAVHXHm3w/s1600/zippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlGev2fQWLQYZTxn8Hd9BLk8B0TZCKRrik26T4zL0neIEjHSBRaEhR0bxIQW3aB24h7Om2VHCvvBP0p_o7rBxzoTyBvl6hVG5z4ZqYTrC6ocQbIj0I3Qqo-EKJIrbirg29P1OAVHXHm3w/s400/zippers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And if your'e in the market for really enormous zippers, you're in luck:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNhbJnRN3EvSephlQ0o9eMe72vhmIuRvX7CeM1EJunC3qEwlGpAE_T1qfTsKx7kaHcDVGtZvqQjwvqE2VPUSDaMobcPOHKBlUaMvSEF-w21uNEj0WCAIZBPdLs11sOPdizSHbTZyb5p0/s1600/giantzippers2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNhbJnRN3EvSephlQ0o9eMe72vhmIuRvX7CeM1EJunC3qEwlGpAE_T1qfTsKx7kaHcDVGtZvqQjwvqE2VPUSDaMobcPOHKBlUaMvSEF-w21uNEj0WCAIZBPdLs11sOPdizSHbTZyb5p0/s400/giantzippers2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
No no really:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z4kaOTxey3kvICTUyJjZWA-tTfPU1bjbFYKcjk7bMh_MbWh0fh2tF_u3_s4P0F4XhzHle8-iopRTAMZfr8Z-FLmltTPdLCj_rE7ryEhFKn0pZjKEJzoCyWyOSNiaml1quDjhQmJcHVg/s1600/zipper3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Z4kaOTxey3kvICTUyJjZWA-tTfPU1bjbFYKcjk7bMh_MbWh0fh2tF_u3_s4P0F4XhzHle8-iopRTAMZfr8Z-FLmltTPdLCj_rE7ryEhFKn0pZjKEJzoCyWyOSNiaml1quDjhQmJcHVg/s400/zipper3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">they'll eat your head</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And the machines there were amazing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjw9SNp_9MJNasLN2a_U6aAjvqQDX7C7jEuasmUZDXlD8iHmERuCXL-bDX8gezdlncejKsGB702vpZoGbkG3gILO6pwRixAVGRzB_ZUedhfPp5eG-t6RBkhaNQyH-PVf6fEa0pL9vebI/s1600/zippermachine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisjw9SNp_9MJNasLN2a_U6aAjvqQDX7C7jEuasmUZDXlD8iHmERuCXL-bDX8gezdlncejKsGB702vpZoGbkG3gILO6pwRixAVGRzB_ZUedhfPp5eG-t6RBkhaNQyH-PVf6fEa0pL9vebI/s400/zippermachine.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't even know what you're for, but I love you</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We visited another trim store and met the official trim store kitties, named Rick and Rack. They were grumpy but cute.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOhgiqj-Y9rqBkSjx27GzWzPr2fQ2OJxfbZusJeyYuFovpbjOUHhVc95yex7Wip37e3SszRWREGM4NQprJRdyMg9pcktrGL_2lA0bK2Ci7WWHaPC00rpRPL3JA0-TL7PWlsujL_v3Nas/s1600/rick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOhgiqj-Y9rqBkSjx27GzWzPr2fQ2OJxfbZusJeyYuFovpbjOUHhVc95yex7Wip37e3SszRWREGM4NQprJRdyMg9pcktrGL_2lA0bK2Ci7WWHaPC00rpRPL3JA0-TL7PWlsujL_v3Nas/s400/rick.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I PROTECT ZIPPERS<br />
U CANNOT HAZ<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lisa and I snuck in a trip to Muji because I was overloaded with stuff at that point and needed a cheap tote bag. Then we hit Paron's (and its free bin), Mood, a bead store, and then Kinokuniya before heading over to meet up with everyone in Bryant Park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWE_DamzUk-fWYN4PIsTs2fxNu4lHeIKW_ULDM4j797rZx07KUdd_yJ4USeJDTm6JoJ8ShR1o2NiP-s9327rQNOolN090auemH6xCEvOa-oVkUuLufNYBL9cch7h91KQxLy1hgGeRWuQ/s1600/park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWE_DamzUk-fWYN4PIsTs2fxNu4lHeIKW_ULDM4j797rZx07KUdd_yJ4USeJDTm6JoJ8ShR1o2NiP-s9327rQNOolN090auemH6xCEvOa-oVkUuLufNYBL9cch7h91KQxLy1hgGeRWuQ/s400/park.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Afterward, I went back over to Kinokuniya and met up with two MPBers browsing through the Japanese pattern books. We all left with at least one. Here's mine:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN0ZIJ6h8PxlqKBWFNniD6KdJsPiudSugE21ARJCwNwxb-817cUyaz7R5IjZPShzoWQDp2PezzgAzsj_uLujuVV2eapKKFBhARNwZ9fqWupcRzokzkVb-o6byxEmUrVYo5sBsA9i73JA/s1600/shareable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSN0ZIJ6h8PxlqKBWFNniD6KdJsPiudSugE21ARJCwNwxb-817cUyaz7R5IjZPShzoWQDp2PezzgAzsj_uLujuVV2eapKKFBhARNwZ9fqWupcRzokzkVb-o6byxEmUrVYo5sBsA9i73JA/s400/shareable.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unisex patterns in interesting shapes -- lots of sweatshirts and t-shirt options. Most appear to be made from scraps and upcycled stuff. I'm looking forward to making some up.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My fabric haul:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_dtgVaI_yKj43t0zVwvZ7BHD7yBn26Oc8b3rSGCSfzTZ1PORkr64IWJAZtxPTUySEh1mfRom4WJXW7P9NenvZxzOfj8LkjrGRaslllicXzOjyCyD5b2OfS4_tUA_Cm5p9P9SaPMBVnw/s1600/fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_dtgVaI_yKj43t0zVwvZ7BHD7yBn26Oc8b3rSGCSfzTZ1PORkr64IWJAZtxPTUySEh1mfRom4WJXW7P9NenvZxzOfj8LkjrGRaslllicXzOjyCyD5b2OfS4_tUA_Cm5p9P9SaPMBVnw/s400/fabric.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L to R: Faux leather and quilted lining for V1517 from Mood, and a random piece of Dracula-themed silk jacquard from Paron's, which I picked up for a secret husband project.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This was by far my favorite find of the day, though:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuTNlqf_WCS3jOJsfh2To9dkhstShNkeahKHw-gaVzoRPPtDeS76HKYEnsLVrYIBA1sjxOB-ScaBbrskIfQH26lnN_rXDvHGnmAd1oqHS1IfYcwU_UsRYYxB2Hr2xpTJ2c9Sdc1QsYnM/s1600/dots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXuTNlqf_WCS3jOJsfh2To9dkhstShNkeahKHw-gaVzoRPPtDeS76HKYEnsLVrYIBA1sjxOB-ScaBbrskIfQH26lnN_rXDvHGnmAd1oqHS1IfYcwU_UsRYYxB2Hr2xpTJ2c9Sdc1QsYnM/s400/dots.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Connect-the-dots silk jersey. I think I'm going to make a shell for the office with the raccoon front and center:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo-agDED8P0UEn5w2y5JZS70N_y66SkUa5mr_nUU7R80rFI-Yc8zQp8PiuVEGa6V0Pg9gsmM-FtJDPsGWOSqOYd_E5Uaxz5PcRF3yn8KIuC0xEkEOa4qu4_GdYqQuIBawhXw_LUKF9mM/s1600/raccoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwo-agDED8P0UEn5w2y5JZS70N_y66SkUa5mr_nUU7R80rFI-Yc8zQp8PiuVEGa6V0Pg9gsmM-FtJDPsGWOSqOYd_E5Uaxz5PcRF3yn8KIuC0xEkEOa4qu4_GdYqQuIBawhXw_LUKF9mM/s400/raccoon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Also, the next day I went with James and Lisa down to Soho for a little retail therapy. We went to <a href="http://www.oakandfort.ca/" target="_blank">Oak + Fort</a>, my source for affordable futureclothes, and Anna Sui, my source for not-so-affordable pretty purple things.<br />
<br />
Side note: I wore the Kirsten Kimono tee in the morning and the Alabama Chanin dress in the afternoon. The AC dress was surprisingly comfortable in the heat; the left shoulder is a little loose and may need to be restitched. I'll do a longer post later this week on construction.<br />
<br />
I had such a good time! Thanks again, Peter. (BTW, his recap is <a href="http://malepatternboldness.blogspot.com/2016/08/mpb-day-2016-heat-humidity-hula-hoops.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and photos are <a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPt0JU1bDAE-aXATUn6vCLHcU3rNbqZchIyNx3owC5PKmeCcYfAZ4QUJVZRAGv8cQ?key=YThFdmVrNmRtQXl3bEluZGloNGozaF8zS0tBV3Z3" target="_blank">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
IMPORTANT KITTY UPDATE/ADDENDUM:<br />
<br />
I stayed at the Carlton Arms again (I just love that place) and visited my favorite official hotel cat/welcoming committee again. Here s/he is, in my room, playing with my socks.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWHmU0bVhyphenhyphenAUVpy79LpsvcnhgjV8eFsAPsbkXNuyEnzgt8p26Y3bpkYSsUEs1fuaUFfVVuEt_KMeYWbXS544i4JbNthfe9cXEYgnz-n1IvHtB6Zexy7bsvdiCe9hjyhtFqxoMQuWGufA/s1600/kitty1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWHmU0bVhyphenhyphenAUVpy79LpsvcnhgjV8eFsAPsbkXNuyEnzgt8p26Y3bpkYSsUEs1fuaUFfVVuEt_KMeYWbXS544i4JbNthfe9cXEYgnz-n1IvHtB6Zexy7bsvdiCe9hjyhtFqxoMQuWGufA/s400/kitty1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">BEST TOY EVER</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnzsVlwmdh6eO_sVAtzYf1si80d5-LqVxM2-H9vEgVgQkHM5FEkRymgrHI7XpMB8dWKy5dSQk5rgPRcEv0bECyc4boeR-FFVz92EweAt0qWIwVVcGpvrxAk8c_am5s4CVo7Q8El2N-uE/s1600/kitty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnzsVlwmdh6eO_sVAtzYf1si80d5-LqVxM2-H9vEgVgQkHM5FEkRymgrHI7XpMB8dWKy5dSQk5rgPRcEv0bECyc4boeR-FFVz92EweAt0qWIwVVcGpvrxAk8c_am5s4CVo7Q8El2N-uE/s400/kitty2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">YAY YOUR SOCKS</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After that, s/he decided to hang out on the bed with me while I tried to sleep (it was after midnight), and...you know how cats like to knead stuff with their paws?<br />
<br />
...She kneaded my butt. For like half an hour. Free kitty butt massage! Thanks, Carlton Arms!<br />
<br />
Also, I was going through old MPB posts and found a pic of kitty at the reception desk in 2014...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BhWGrxMW4FBKHJxtljHP1zW8C0Qc-ILrRqGDOEQd7o_jHjQlO42VakWUkQktqpm7hSHWT0erbmZzNA1pmTepIuDHi26DskaOr7AndAt-hEpHd9L6gjik5YZE9_sV2p4IVqeCOb57L-g/s1600/carlton+arms+kitty+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5BhWGrxMW4FBKHJxtljHP1zW8C0Qc-ILrRqGDOEQd7o_jHjQlO42VakWUkQktqpm7hSHWT0erbmZzNA1pmTepIuDHi26DskaOr7AndAt-hEpHd9L6gjik5YZE9_sV2p4IVqeCOb57L-g/s400/carlton+arms+kitty+2014.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">CHECK-IN CLOSED, SRY</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
....and 2013, when s/he was four months old and exploring everything.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGq2uLG8Ap5flKULctkmHB8GRIvYXp0-_axJZWrn8QJQ5El-hYoFNsTZXD6aDWQh6SuelAwba7XPSNSmT4AeOoG6v5ny4PDz-Llt2pDSZGpXho-eH3qTY4Dqi92FF175hCEQiGFLbKgg/s1600/kittyunderbed-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGq2uLG8Ap5flKULctkmHB8GRIvYXp0-_axJZWrn8QJQ5El-hYoFNsTZXD6aDWQh6SuelAwba7XPSNSmT4AeOoG6v5ny4PDz-Llt2pDSZGpXho-eH3qTY4Dqi92FF175hCEQiGFLbKgg/s1600/kittyunderbed-001.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">EXPLORE BED</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD2v5n7TJEuNKp_bq4-1U_o0AmJolvswCP_NpLRlKn4_f7aDwtwiW5nDE0EjdHTSATQRnoAIjqEeoRI8zZu6bkxzGre7nT-L8GbHvBYaA0_tkgWg6tRtTFPZWH8dj_vCCu9OqPx_-qVk/s1600/kittycamera-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnD2v5n7TJEuNKp_bq4-1U_o0AmJolvswCP_NpLRlKn4_f7aDwtwiW5nDE0EjdHTSATQRnoAIjqEeoRI8zZu6bkxzGre7nT-L8GbHvBYaA0_tkgWg6tRtTFPZWH8dj_vCCu9OqPx_-qVk/s1600/kittycamera-001.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">EXPLORE LENS CAP</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRraYXTIlv826Q-tBIS88gBtPFVR6Go-TUbwxgGbeeBZgEEcR7j7LOdwhr3wEOEIAeMET82cOr6TDjDW9CuyxtQrKgEpOp4FbeAUW_7J62YsI39vPuSvIAGReOmJyTXQLUEZJSm4K0j9w/s1600/kittyshower-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRraYXTIlv826Q-tBIS88gBtPFVR6Go-TUbwxgGbeeBZgEEcR7j7LOdwhr3wEOEIAeMET82cOr6TDjDW9CuyxtQrKgEpOp4FbeAUW_7J62YsI39vPuSvIAGReOmJyTXQLUEZJSm4K0j9w/s1600/kittyshower-001.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">ALL MUST BE EXPLORED</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I hope s/he's still around next time. Wait for me, my little butt-kneader!<br />
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 153px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 950px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 153px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 950px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 204px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2760px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 204px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2760px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 204px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2760px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span><span style="background-color: #bd081c; background-position: 3px 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: 14px; border-bottom-left-radius: 2px; border-bottom-right-radius: 2px; border-top-left-radius: 2px; border-top-right-radius: 2px; border: none; color: white; cursor: pointer; display: none; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; left: 204px; line-height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; padding: 0px 4px 0px 0px; position: absolute; text-align: center; text-indent: 20px; top: 2760px; width: auto; z-index: 8675309;">Save</span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17486825963523271562noreply@blogger.com0