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Getting Cranking, Chas II Style
Jul. 13th, 2009 07:50 amLast week, I rough fit my Chas II bodice. I'm using the Reconstructing History pattern, fwiw.
It took a bit of fiddling, several nights of cutting out cardboard, but I think it's close, which will do (though I'm still a bit concerned about it being too l ong waisted). Finally, Saturday night, I made it to my cutting table. I used random bits of fabric, marked it at will, since these layers are going to be completely encased when it's done. I then took a break from the instructions and sewed boning channels in each piece separately, then basted the pieces together (I like doing stays that way better, because it's easier to alter). It looks pretty good, but I don't know if I'll have this done by the end of the month.
I have a couple of issues generating my uncertainty about finishing--first, I'm not visualizing how the sleeves will turn out, though I'm pretty sure I could resolve that with a mockup. Also, I am waiting for trim to arrive...so go figure there. Finally, I am having sewing machine issues.
Once again, the tension is out of whack on my sewing machine. My results are ok for boning channels, but not acceptable for the rest of the garment. I will see tonight if my backup machine--a featherlight--is up to the job. I'll take my machine to the shop this week.
After sewing, I sat down with DH and explained my dilemma. He agreed that after resolving some debts, I could start shopping for a new one. I told him it would be expensive and he said OK. I'm not sure he understood how expensive. I'm leaning towards the Bernina Auroroa 430--a mid-line workhorse that can be expanded to embroidery capabilities. I also like Elna, for it's built-in walking foot and tight edge sewing foot--but their line doesn't seem to have a modular expansion capability. I think the sewing machine salespeople expect me to want to "trade up," just like with cars. Little do they know we tend to drive (or sew) both our cars and sewing machines until they die.
It took a bit of fiddling, several nights of cutting out cardboard, but I think it's close, which will do (though I'm still a bit concerned about it being too l ong waisted). Finally, Saturday night, I made it to my cutting table. I used random bits of fabric, marked it at will, since these layers are going to be completely encased when it's done. I then took a break from the instructions and sewed boning channels in each piece separately, then basted the pieces together (I like doing stays that way better, because it's easier to alter). It looks pretty good, but I don't know if I'll have this done by the end of the month.
Once again, the tension is out of whack on my sewing machine. My results are ok for boning channels, but not acceptable for the rest of the garment. I will see tonight if my backup machine--a featherlight--is up to the job. I'll take my machine to the shop this week.
After sewing, I sat down with DH and explained my dilemma. He agreed that after resolving some debts, I could start shopping for a new one. I told him it would be expensive and he said OK. I'm not sure he understood how expensive. I'm leaning towards the Bernina Auroroa 430--a mid-line workhorse that can be expanded to embroidery capabilities. I also like Elna, for it's built-in walking foot and tight edge sewing foot--but their line doesn't seem to have a modular expansion capability. I think the sewing machine salespeople expect me to want to "trade up," just like with cars. Little do they know we tend to drive (or sew) both our cars and sewing machines until they die.
But right now, that's kind of moot. Well, gotta get off to work!
