How many different ways are there to say, “Wow, I can’t believe it’s Wednesday again already”? (And how does one properly punctuate the end of that sentence? Hmmm….)
Why should it matter? Well, that’s because it’s What’s on Your Workdesk Wednesday. You can get all the details over at Julia’s, but basically a bunch of us “deskers” travel the world via computer every Wednesday to check out each other’s creative spaces. It’s kinda fun, and often inspiring. Join us if you have a few moments.
My desk today shows I’ve gotten back to sewing after not doing any for quite some time. I bought this absolutely yummy velvet with stitched ribbon flowers months ago.
The sleeve pattern piece above looks all patched and mangled because I want the sleeve to be large enough to wear over layers. I figured out the size by measuring the sleeve of my current favorite layering jacket.
That’s really the best way to tell if you’ll like the fit of something. Don’t measure the body, measure what fits.
The plan is to make the view B jacket, the pink one with all the flounces. I’m glad this fabric sat in my sewing room for a while before I cut into it, because it occurred to me that it might be a bit much to use this fancy fabric for every part of the jacket.
I’m afraid of looking like a walking, rather overly-decorated wedding cake. Know what I mean? lol
But which sections to use the fancy stuff in? How much is too much?
Being a visual person, I came up with a visual solution. I scanned the pattern sketch into my computer, put it in Photoshop, copied it multiple times and then painstakingly pasted floral squiggles into various sections. The solid sections will be just a plain black knit.
I’m pretty sure I’m going to go with the one on the top right. I kinda like the one on the bottom right, but I spent too much on all that fancy fabric to only use it on the bodice. 🙂
Which one would you use?
Whatever you’re doing this day, I hope you find some time to be creative!
Now that’s a clever way to figure out a design element. I’m impressed, but also with the sewing, since I couldn’t sew anything I had to cut if I tried. If I can tear it, I’ll sew it. If not, it doesn’t make the cut (so to speak).
Happy WOYWW from #1.
Ah, we all have different skills, Elizabeth. I’ve been sewing garments since I was 12, so there’s just a leeeettle experience there.
Congrats on being #1, again!
Love the pattern you have chosen for your jacket. Top right visual is perfect and what a clever idea to plan before you start cutting.
Sandra @8
Thanks for the input, Sandra!
I like that jacket pattern. I hope you show pics of it when you finish. #3
Oh, I definitely will, Regina. I usually do a review of the pattern once a project is done. Thanks for stopping by!
I would have a hard time picking. Wish I could sew. Peg #13
I don’t think I would have done a good job picking without the visual.
Oooh, not gonna lie to you, I’d use that fancy fine fabric on the WHOLE thing!
Happy WOYWW to you!
:)trisha
#21 this week
with a BIG mess
I’m with you – I like the one in the upper right. I really like the fabric. It is going to be beautiful.
April #22
That’s a very clever way to visualize what you want to do with the pattern and fabric before you start cutting. My mom used to sew her dresses sometimes when I was growing up. I learned how to sew, but haven’t done any sewing in years. However, I do enjoy adding stitching to my paper crafts sometimes. Happy WOYWW and Blessings!
Thanks, Arnoldo, and thank you for stopping by. 🙂
Great pattern, and well done for the “fiddling and faffing” – I like the same as you, as I agree the whole thing may be a bit much in that gorgeous material! (think what you can do with the leftovers!!) Happy WOYWW. Helen #9
Yes, leftovers! Maybe a purse?
Good taste! Of all your samples, I liked that one too! The fabric is gorgeous – I bet it drapes beautifully. I’m afraid I’ve been away from fashion sewing so long, I would make a big ole’ mess of it. Let alone know how to alter a pattern. It would be fun to see the finished product…how’s that for a subtle hint? Lol.
Have a great week.
Sara j #45
Thanks, Sara! I promised to show it as soon as I can. 🙂
Well, I would do the whole thing in the single fabric; it’s fab and as a top layer, it will hide any other pattern going on, or you can switch to a plain bold colour top to go under it and show it off. Love that you’re altering it to work for you too, you clever stick!
I plan to wear it with solid tank tops or turtleneck, depending on the season. Also, doing the flounces in a solid fabric will save a lot of aggravation in the hemming.
Oh I’m with you, the top right is just perfect! I love how you made it so visual. I wish I had the talent to make clothes, I’d save a fortune clothing my three little ones!
Thanks for sharing.
Zoe #55
Zoe, it’s not hard to learn, and is more of a skill than a talent. It’s definitely something you could pick up in a local class, and you would be amazed at how easy it is to sew kids’ clothes.
Aha! A feminine smoking jacket! I love love love it, and your photoshopped solution is very clever. I’ll be anxious to see the finished jacket.
Smoking jacket, lol. I’m anxious to see it done, too. 🙂
I like the top two. Gorgeous fabric and I don’t think you would look like a wedding cake
Famfa 4
Wow, clever pattern and design altering!! I’d have gone for top right too :-). You are brave making clothes, I haven’t got the confidence! That fabric is gorgeous btw, just my cup of tea!
Hugs, LLJ 51 xx
Thanks, Jan!
Happy WOYWW great space xx Jan (95)
Hi sandy, I’m always amazed by the clever solutions to problems crafters come up with. Yours for the design is brilliant! I’m with you for the top right too- just enough ‘flounce’ lol! Have a great week, Hugs, Shaz #35 xx
I never thought of scanning a pattern and doing what you have done, may be it’s because I didn’t have a PC and all this technology back when I did a mountain of sewing. LOL Now that really dates me!
I would probably go with the lower right, for me
Krisha #31
I love any excuse to mess around in Photoshop, so this was a fun thing to do while dh watched a football game. 🙂
WOW I am impressed I cannot sew for toffee and having a nosey around your blog you are a lady of many many talenst sewing definately being one of them.
Hayley #106
My choice would be top right like yours, Sandy. mainly, I think, ‘cos it’s velvet – and doing those lovely swirly bits at the bottom may not lie right with a velvet – It’s fabulous material – love it! Have fun!!
Looking forward to seeing the finished garment.
Have a great week.
Margaret #39
That fabric looks gorgeous and I love your inventiveness in dealing with the overall design. Have fun cutting and piecing and sewing!
To be honest I would do the whole thing in the fabric it would look really beautiful on you, but if I had to choose then the top right, hey why don’t you do both LOL One for bumming around and one for running around. I do love that material and that jacket is the same as one I have and I wear it everywhere. Love it to bits. Thanks for visiting and have a great week, can’t wait to see what you do.
Happy WOYWW & Happy Crafting
Eliza & Yoda 15
Great looking pattern and I love the way you did the design analysis! I read somewhere sometime…sounds weird huh!…that you use the fancy stuff to accept a plain design. I still don’t know which one I would use but can’t wait to see what you come up with. I wonder how that skirt would look on my short round body? hmmm….going to go check out that pattern! Thanks for sharing. Have a great week. Vickie aka Okienurse #111
What lovely fabric. I do envy you being able to dress make, a skill I’ve never been able to master. It’s going to make a lovely jacket and I agree you need to use as much as you can. I’d go with your first choice!!
Hugs Lisax #59
Just taking the opportunity whilst I can (my Internet connection is pretty patchy at the moment, sigh!) to visit. Gorgeous fabric and I like the pattern you have chosen too. And that is a great way of trying out your ideas too. I’d opt for bottom left but I think each variation has its merits. Look forward to seeing the finished garment. A belated happy WOYWW, Elizabeth x #70
I was going to say the top or the bottom right ones. Oh what a gorgeous top! My sister bought me a similar style once but it was one of those one size fits all jobs and it’s huuuuge on me. But I still keep it and get it out now and again to look at just because it’s so beautiful. Need to get better at sewing so I can be brave enough to take it in a bit 🙂
Thanks for stopping by mine already 🙂
Carmen #75