Vogue 1644 Kathryn Brenne jacket

Such a delightful project with a pattern from a favorite designer.

I really enjoy Kathryn Brenne designs. There is always a bit of detail and opportunity in her patterns. I ordered V1644 as soon as I saw it online.

I’ve been thinking of doing a short jacket, something interesting for church (yes, all the women in church tend to flash their stuff, myself included. Not to mention that it is freezing in there, and a jacket or shawl is a must. I miss it terribly for many reasons and look forward to the time we can resume our church activities).

Meanwhile, I will keep on sewing!

Sewing notes:

• I sewed a straight size 12 with very few changes.
• My fabric is Bokeh cotton/linen denim from Moda, purchased at Hawthorne Fabrics. It’s 70% cotton, 30% linen, and it’s not really a canvas. I laundered it 3 times to remove sizing and allow for shrinkage before I cut the pattern. I love it!
• Having the benefit of a couple of pattern reviews, I reduced the flare in the center back seam. With a rather flat fantail, I don’t need it.
• Having a small bust, I removed the bust dart in the front princess seam. I thought about taking out some of the curve in the seam, but after basting, I was happy with no change.
• I went crazy with Hong Kong finishing on the seams, using lightweight cotton/poly broadcloth.

• The jacket has 3/4 length sleeves, to which I added a ruffle for a full length! After narrowing the bottom of the sleeve, I cut a 17″ x 5″ strip, folded it in half, gathered it, and attached it to the sleeve hemline. I really like this!

My thoughts are with everyone, and I hope you have some nicely distracting sewing projects in play. For now, Coco

Project bed frame

A much delayed project – I finally found a bedframe I really really like! Better, I ordered it on Amazon and received it in 3 days. Big box!

It’s the Zinus Adrian Wood Rustic Style Platform Bed with Headboard …beautiful hardwoods, exceptional hardware IMHO (with an included ratcheting allen wrench), and straightforward construction. Did it myself in less than 45 minutes 🙂

It has 12 wood slats, strung on velcro strips and anchored on dowels at the midpoint of the sides. Also some ‘sticky’ tape to help prevent mattress slippage. Actually I cannot imagine my mattress moving at all, as I’m small, and it is heavy. Note the metal bar and support legs down the center – it’s included on all size beds, even the twin.

I am so impressed by this bed and look forward to years of sleep. With my bear, of course. I’m assuming everyone sleeps with a bear…

Ciao! Coco

Pattern Fantastique Terra variation

OK, I’m feeling playful. And adventurous. I love the fit on the Terra pants, waist, hips, backside, frontside – so I decided to make a version with straight legs v.s. the pattern’s curved outseam.

Cute, right?

This should have been a ‘no-brainer’, but of course I had to delve deeply into the draft of the legs. I started by dropping the side seams straight down from the bottom of the pocket, and I ended up with voluminous legs. Hmmm. Slept on that, and this afternoon pulled out Butterick 5504, a great capri pattern, and used its dimensions as a guide.

I’m glad for more than just the measurements, because I’m thinking I need to make these pants again. I last sewed this pattern years ago. And I have some lovely black stretch bengaline that would be perfect.

In the end, my draft was pretty simple. Based on B5504, I dropped the outseam below the pocket for a final leg width of 24.5″ at the bottom. I made no changes to the inseam or elsewhere.

Fabric: Kaufman yarn-dyed Essex in black, Fabric.com

How is everyone doing? I’m grateful for a hobby and lifestyle that are not hugely impacted by all the restrictions in place. But I will admit I don’t sleep very well, I am concerned for my family, who are not so easily isolated, and of course I cut my hair.

Warm thoughts to all, Coco

Thoughts on self-isolation

Art: Scott Erickson

‘May I find freedom in limitation – to fully give myself to what I can do rather than worry about what I cannot’.⁣ Justin McRoberts.

It occurs to me to share my own experience during our global challenge. I know I read other stories avidly, looking for insight, understanding the issues facing others, and perhaps me.

Yes, I’m committed to self-isolation. What a harsh term. For me, it means giving up a lot that I cherish, which is poignant in this Lenten season. I ushered at church this past Sunday, continued my involvement with our Lenten soup suppers (OK, set-up,clean-up, and an awsome meal!) on Wednesday, and will be joining my church friends going forward via the YouTube live stream of my church’s services.

Well, maybe with visits to the 7 a.m. daily Lent service. The attendance is sparse, mostly folks retired as I am, and it’s lead by fellow parishoners. Will see…

Preparation: I bought a couple dozen N95 masks, two sizes, 4 weeks ago in anticipation of my son and grandson going to Utah for skiing in February, and then to England this week. My grandson’s soccer team was scheduled for a week of matches in Nottingham, his age group. Sadly, the latter is a no-go. Preston’s school would require a 14-day self-quarantine on his return, and the entire travel situation is too precarious. Yes, I’m relieved they are staying home.

More, a couple weeks ago I stocked up on household paper goods, meds, and non-perishable food. Sanitizer, hand soap, and so on. And yesterday, filled my gas tank and got cash from the bank.

Why all this? I have an immune disorder that impacts my skin, heart, and lungs, and in June 2019, I was diagnosed with an NTM lung infection: non-tubercular mycobacterial infection. While this bacteria is everywhere in the soil and water, and most people tolerate it with no issue, I succumbed, and have ground-glass nodules in my lungs, some 1/2″ in diameter. My lower lungs are functioning at 36% of normal, and on and on. Reason enough, with my age of 72, for caution.

Not to be a voice of gloom and doom, I’m just sharing my daily life and experience. My mind is more centered on others, than it is on myself. Prayers as well. Coco

Vogue 9237 flight of fantasy spring dress

Sometimes I just want to have some fun. As in ignore my age and absolutely (resolutely) run away from tourist’s polyester shorts/tops, and the ubiquitous leggings, t-shirt, and sneaks cop-out! Yes, I said that 🙂

This is not a new pattern, but it caught my eye because of the back ruffle detail.

Pattern from BMV.com, it took 15 days to arrive. Ridiculous…

I am always up for a little back sass…

I read lots of reviews, and a couple things stood out: the neckline is high and the armscye/sleeve is a bit uptight. Appreciating all that great input, I made just a few changes.

Sewing notes:

• I sewed the size Medium, just because I have a broad chest and back.
• I removed quite a bit from the ‘tent’ design lines below the armscye.
• My armscye and sleeves are drafted using the Grainline Studio Felix dress. It and the Allie Olsen Highlands dress fit me so well in this area.
• The underarm sleeve seam is finished at 4″.
• I eyeballed and redrew the back and front neckline to something more flattering and comfortable. I can pull this over my head, so no need for the back closure on the pattern.

Fabric: From Hawthorne Fabrics, Hedgehog metallic black cotton, Ombre confetti metallic black, both by Moda. Bling!

• The ruffle on the pattern is very full. I removed 7″ from the width, and, to combat a side-seamline pouf, started my gathers about 2.5″ in from the side seam.

I love the great little pockets, stitched down on the front to prevent flopping. Included in the pattern…

It’s short! but it’s comfy and fun. Following this pic session I hosed down my porch and screens (green pollen this time of year), and I’m really liking this little style departure.

Ciao! Coco