Purple Wool Dress

So about a year ago when we decided to switch to cloth diapers, I discovered that I am not totally allergic to wool :) Very exciting for me because I was pretty much limited to cotton, silk or cashmere for sweaters. Now I have added some love wool items to my closet, as well use wool covers for the boys. (oh right and knit with wool) I had bought some wool jersey to make covers for the boys, but after making some shorties decided I liked interlock and blend wool better. So I had 2 lightly felted yards of jersey to do 'something' with. I decided to try out dip dying and make something for me out of it.

I modified a pattern I had on hand and used a knit dress in my closet for inspiration. I am pretty happy with how it turned out. It's definitely unique!


It's slightly see through, so it will be an over other clothes type dress.


I overlapped the straps in the back and added a pleat to help it fit better.


Annmarie

Orange Coats Part 3

Finally, Orange Coats Part 3, my coat. I think it should be subtitled 'I surrender!!!' This coat was challenging from the get go. Had a hard time finding lining material and buttons, ran out of thread twice, machine and fabric didn't get along. So finally, last night I just decided I needed to stop sewing on it. LOL At any rate, it's as done as it's going to be, it fits (oddly that was never a problem!) and will be warm.




I used a classic peacoat shape, mid length with a vent in the back and slit seam pockets. The pattern is McCall's 5525, I ended up cutting a size 12 as McCall's tend to fit very tight in the shoulders for me and it's easier to take in than add fabric! I decided to leave off the belt as I never like having a belt on a coat. I lined it with dupioni silk in a lovely warm brown, I think the color was called gingerbread. I ended up using fabric covered buttons (note: wool suiting is thick for a covered button!) as i didn't find coordinating buttons in the size I needed. The buttonholes...well let's just say the buttonhole feature on my machine is not my favorite feature and I would rather sew 2o zippers any day!!


The hem is even i swear! I think i got it crooked on the hanger when I flipped it to show the back.

Quick run outside for some more self timer shots, coat was warm even in the wind, but my ears were cold!


Phew! Glad this project is finished :)



The trilogy, all ready for our next outing.

Annmarie

Orange Coats: Part 1

So it seems that fall has descended upon us in the second week of September; last week I was sewing shorts and this week it's wool coats. I found some wonderful orange wool suiting at the local Joann's and decided that it would be perfect for a coat. or three. I didn't really care for any of the other colors so we will be matching this year!


One week ago: shorts and playing in the water! eta: this is NOT our backyard! :) it's a limestone slab in the middle of a creek.

This week, bundled up and enjoying hot 'totolate' (little i's pronunciation of chocolate).


Baby n was first up as he didn't have a coat that he could squeeze into. Eta: I forgot to put what pattern I used! It's Burda 9828 :D


Sleeves are a bit long but better to show off the lining!


Really Mom, I have things to do can you put that away?


Okay, okay if you must...


and since we are talking wool... Little i's craft project for the week. Dyeing wool yarn with food dye. Lovely non toxic, semi easy way for him to play with dye like mommy does.
He choose blue, green, yellow and black (he just learned what color black is). Black dye is interesting because you really never know what you are going to get! The dried yarn has some pink and purple in it. and of course i can't find the yarn to take a picture.


Next up Orange Coats: Part 2 indecisive child ends up with two different lining materials. (dun dun dunnnn....)

Love
Annmarie