tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48015633558433059202024-03-14T20:39:42.826+09:00yoshimi the flying squirrelyoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.comBlogger210125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-11164968158846488112016-06-25T08:55:00.000+09:002016-06-25T08:55:54.407+09:00Vogue 2900, June 2016.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hi, if there is anyone. This is something like a photo-only post for my new vogue 2900, version 2016. I hope you're doing great. I've been doing OK-ish, in case you wonder. I haven't been spending time in front of my sewing machines as much as I used to have. I haven't bought any clothes for a longer while either, so it may be fair to say that sewing hasn't left me anywhere but it's just "no new clothes" phase of my life. I think it's kinda cute. Life needs ups and downs (^^)<br />
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Have a great weekend!<br />
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Hugs and kisses,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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pattern: <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2900-products-4891.php?page_id=313" target="_blank">V2900</a>, style A (straight grain version) from <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/" target="_blank">Vogue Patterns</a>. Lengthened by 10cm for a fuller skirt. I tried pattern matching of the pieces and it was a light nightmare.<br />
fabric: Summer wool, plain woven, thin and smooth, dry, slightly stretch-y and lovely.<br />
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<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com48tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-88500239438622182752015-11-14T20:51:00.000+09:002015-11-14T20:56:20.807+09:00How do I?How do I start a blog post after this long silence?<br />
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It's been long since the last post. I wouldn't apologize about it, because this is a tiny space that is existing solely for my silly sewing and it would sound even sillier if I apologize about my lack of exhibitionism as if I have to have it all the time. Too much self-importance is prowling around the world, so you really don't need mine in addition to that, I guess...<br />
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Basically I haven't sewn much these days. Instead, I've been either busy or tired with all things that happened to our little family and to myself for the last several months. In short, we decided that I could lessen my scientific work drastically to the level of almost zero, that we could move in some other cozier house in the same area, and that the daughter could stay with us again and go to College from home. It took some time but we managed to make all things happen nicely and now everything around us seems better and settled. Now, all of us are happier than ever. That said, I have to confess that I unnecessarily made the fuss even bigger during the transitional period, by getting sick or injured from time to time. I courageously joined in this year's Pattern Review Sewing Bee contest this fall and it helped me a lot (to have a thermal runaway in my brain) too. Well, life is so eventful.<br />
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In fewer words, this post is a report of the projects which I sewed for the sewing bee contest.<br />
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As for the contest result, I luckily got through to the final round, which was the 4th round of the entire contest. That means, I made four sets of garments/outfits with certain themes given by the contest committee for each round. I tried my best, but I think the daughter should be acknowledged as a great help to my success in the contest. She helped me a lot about the lovely photographs very much :)<br />
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If you are interested in detail of the projects, please visit my reviews in PR site from the links.<br />
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<b>Sewing Bee Round 1 - Fitted Blouse: </b> <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/115735" target="_blank">Review</a><br />
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<b><b>Sewing Bee Round 2 - </b>Make the Fabric Your Own: </b><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/116266" target="_blank">Review</a><br />
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<b><b>Sewing Bee Round 3 - </b></b><b><b>Lined Jacket:</b></b> <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/116653" target="_blank">Review</a><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wbqbacfUEE/VkcNDOND2pI/AAAAAAAAEwU/jlSnq6qkdaI/s1600/PRSBround3-jeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8wbqbacfUEE/VkcNDOND2pI/AAAAAAAAEwU/jlSnq6qkdaI/s1600/PRSBround3-jeans.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Sewing Bee Round 3 - </b><b>Design and Sew an Olympics Outfit:</b> <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/review/pattern/117086" target="_blank">Review</a><br />
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Lastly, I put a picture of my room below. This is the current status of my new sewing space. It is a very small corner of a room, and I started liking it very much. By the way, I knitted the pink hat on the dress form yesterday. I have just started expanding my creativity at my new space, so I will see what kind of sewing happens here in the very near future.<br />
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I hope you are having a great time, I will try to have a good one too!<br />
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Keep you safe and warm. Love each other. <br />
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Love and hugs<br />
yoshimi<br />
<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-50465106512285637162015-08-15T11:40:00.002+09:002015-08-15T14:13:00.988+09:00 wide pants, culotte pants, gaucho pants, or whatever how you call them,I made them in lace fabric.<br />
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I got this lace on my holiday in Kochi, in June. I bought three or three and half meters of it at my favorite store, along with some pieces of other fabric. I almost sewed all of them already, but it's not today's story :)<br />
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In this lace, I made a simple sack dress for me and then made a pair of these wide and skirt-like pants. The latter turned out very pretty pants for my daughter who looks lovely in romantically chic(if you can imagine that) outfit.<br />
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The pattern I used is a japanese pattern which is called "<a href="https://www.polkadrops.com/products/detail.php?product_id=247" target="_blank">simple wide pants with an elastic waist band that are easy to make</a>" from Polkadrops. The name says it all!<br />
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I lined them with a light cotton lawn and made the elastic band casting with a heavy silk shantung. I'm pretty happy with the result, so is the daughter. She was kind enough to volunteer to pose in the blog photos again. Thank you, my girl.<br />
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Now I think I finished my high summer sewing with these.<br />
How's <i>your</i> sewing going?<br />
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Talk to you soon!<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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<b>pattern:</b> "<a href="https://www.polkadrops.com/products/detail.php?product_id=247" target="_blank">simple wide pants with an elastic waist band that are easy to make</a>" from <a href="https://www.polkadrops.com/" target="_blank"> Polkadrops</a><br />
Free size (however, the size was much adjusted for the wearer when printing out in this case), lengthened, lined.<br />
<b>fabric:</b> lace fabric, mysterious composition<br />
=====yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-24641676401048289112015-08-01T21:56:00.000+09:002015-08-01T21:56:05.987+09:00Vogue 2900, version 2015.Hello!<br />
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I made another <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2900-products-4891.php?page_id=313" target="_blank">vogue 2900</a> in a beautiful wax printed cotton. I really love this pattern, and I can't stop making one in every summer. As all parts of this dress are cut in bias grain (style B), it fits great around the waist without clinging to the body too much when it is sewn in dry and stiff fabric like this wax printed cotton.<br />
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As for sewing, I don't have many things to tell about this dress, as I made it with same alterations as former V2900s. I've made two V2900s in similar fabrics before this dress, and here are the links to the posts <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2010/07/vogue-2900.html" target="_blank">(1)</a> <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2013/06/v2900-dress.html" target="_blank">(2)</a> if you would like to read about them. This time, I lengthened the skirt by 5cm(2") to add some fullness in the skirt, but there is nothing more.<br />
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Hope you are having a good time!<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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pattern: <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2900-products-4891.php?page_id=313" target="_blank">V2900</a>, style B from <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/" target="_blank">Vogue Patterns</a><br />
fabric: Wax printed cotton from Vlisco, stiff. dry.<br />
=====yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com55tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-81763570159111240072015-07-27T19:34:00.000+09:002015-07-28T13:05:56.452+09:00summer navy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4X2GMPjVzM/VbYDZl8gKfI/AAAAAAAAEsY/JlhPFnF4WfE/s1600/150726-DSC_8383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4X2GMPjVzM/VbYDZl8gKfI/AAAAAAAAEsY/JlhPFnF4WfE/s1600/150726-DSC_8383.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Here are some pics of the navy shrug that I made last Friday. It was made for me in the first place, but it became my daughter's in the exact moment that I asked her if she liked it. It's Okay and I'm happy with it, well, it looks better on her anyway.<br />
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This is my second 'SAKI's Shrug' and I made it without any special pattern. I cut the fabric for getting some certain sizes of rectangles, and jointed them to make a simple shrug. Please have a look at <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2009/09/going-flat.html" target="_blank">my fist version in this old blog post</a> if you're interested in making your own version. There are some pictures that might be useful in the post. Saki gave me the dimensions of rectangles and I found them perfect, so I can recommend them to anyone who would like to try it. Regarding the fabrics to use, I can tell you that softer knit fabrics tend to give better results.<br />
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Talk to you soon!<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru4IjIb27fs/Vbb_aCmvWnI/AAAAAAAAEtA/JsHVYEwl-z4/s1600/Saki%2527s-shrug1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ru4IjIb27fs/Vbb_aCmvWnI/AAAAAAAAEtA/JsHVYEwl-z4/s320/Saki%2527s-shrug1.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vwBsjJTMAI/VbYDaoQg7iI/AAAAAAAAEso/D221Luj7dFo/s1600/Saki%2527s-shrug2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1vwBsjJTMAI/VbYDaoQg7iI/AAAAAAAAEso/D221Luj7dFo/s320/Saki%2527s-shrug2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<b>Navy Linen Shrug</b><br />
<b>pattern:</b> SAKI's shrug, sewn with overlocker, see dimensions in this blog post and <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2009/09/going-flat.html" target="_blank">in the old blog post</a>.<br />
<b>fabric:</b> Linen knit, soft, loose, very stretchy, little recovery, navy blue, a bit shiny.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgJsY_Hxc0w/VbYDY0wqP7I/AAAAAAAAEr4/rRYYMgkCo1U/s1600/150726-DSC_8368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pgJsY_Hxc0w/VbYDY0wqP7I/AAAAAAAAEr4/rRYYMgkCo1U/s1600/150726-DSC_8368.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1T7JqVBJMgc/VbYDY4KDmfI/AAAAAAAAEr0/u7-mJNmmJDo/s1600/150726-DSC_8370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1T7JqVBJMgc/VbYDY4KDmfI/AAAAAAAAEr0/u7-mJNmmJDo/s1600/150726-DSC_8370.jpg" /></a></div>yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-44676421797200398452015-07-22T21:37:00.000+09:002015-07-23T14:06:24.373+09:00Simple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I sewed another shirt using <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/collections/dresses/products/alder-shirtdress-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Alder</a> shirt dress pattern from <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/" target="_blank">Grainline Studio</a>. This time it was made as a simple sleeveless shirt. I chopped off the lower half of the pattern and used the rest of it practically without modification. If I say something special about it, it would be that it is missing one of the pockets and the collar due to the fabric shortage but it has got a small embroidery in the chest as if it is compensating the missing parts.<br />
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Ah, you have to be informed that I was a teen when I embroidered the
last time. I find that all my humble skill in embroidery has been lost
by now. Now I can do it only humorously.<br />
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The shirt is pretty, and comfortable in the hot weather too.<br />
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This year in Japan, the rainy season was suddenly taken over by hot days and the summer started without delay. At this moment I'm struggling with this hotness more than usual (I'm a snowman, in case you don't know me), as we didn't have enough time for adapting to the heat.<br />
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**<br />
By the way, on this coming weekend, I will attend a casual one-hour workshop for tie <strike>dying </strike>dyeing. I'm going to attend it with one of my sewing good friends and we will learn how to tie and dye, as beginners. I'm so excited! Hopefully I will come home with something good enough to show you in the blog post. Wish me luck, please :)<br />
<br />
Hope you're having a beautiful day!<br />
<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
<br />
<br />
=====<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Simple sleeveless shirt</b></span><br />
<b>pattern:</b> <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/collections/dresses/products/alder-shirtdress-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Alder</a> from <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/" target="_blank">Grainline Studio</a>, with size adjustments (raised armhole base and shortened shoulder width). <br />
<b>fabric:</b> Lightweight linen woven fabric, pale pink brown, with off white pinstripes. Slightly sheer but can be worn as a single layer. Crisp and casual. Not too coarse. Typical linen plain woven. Same fabric was used in <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2015/07/two-small-things.html" target="_blank">this shirt</a>.<br />
=====yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-11629485733055991752015-07-14T13:00:00.000+09:002015-07-16T14:16:43.980+09:00two small thingsHello!<br />
<br />
<br />
I sewed two easy garments for hot weather over this weekend. I used two pieces of <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2015/07/sheer-libby-skirt.html" target="_blank">my recent holiday fabric consequence</a> already! They're both very simple but they are one and only kind of things that were made especially for me. Can I still count it as luxury? :)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6ybomMB80Y/VaRDrxtUaoI/AAAAAAAAEoE/aun62RWCzPY/s1600/150712-DSC_8059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-n6ybomMB80Y/VaRDrxtUaoI/AAAAAAAAEoE/aun62RWCzPY/s1600/150712-DSC_8059.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Batwing top</b><br />
I love batwing tops but it is sometimes annoying that their hems are creeping up above the waist when I raise my arm(s) up. For this top, I lengthened the side seam by slash-open method, by 3cm, to give it a little extra margin to accommodate my action. <br />
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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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhJpeCSbdGM/VaRQ8Q7RSOI/AAAAAAAAEps/9aSgaVLXouc/s1600/150713-IMG_8985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rhJpeCSbdGM/VaRQ8Q7RSOI/AAAAAAAAEps/9aSgaVLXouc/s320/150713-IMG_8985.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's a small addition to the pattern and I think more logical fitting alterations will be needed if the side seam is lengthened heavily. I mean, I avoided it and took an easy way. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The shoulder lines in the garment sit OK after modification. I got more range of motion for reaching to high shelves too. This simple batwing tee pattern is my old and trusty pattern (no longer available) from the blog "Love Sewing!".<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnV4duXChjc/VaRDtAiUgaI/AAAAAAAAEoM/hkpXR8-3XvQ/s1600/150713-DSC_8087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nnV4duXChjc/VaRDtAiUgaI/AAAAAAAAEoM/hkpXR8-3XvQ/s1600/150713-DSC_8087.jpg" /></a></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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGpExy2q92g/VaRkQabSpCI/AAAAAAAAEp8/q9tVa3sbom0/s1600/igDSC_8094.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lGpExy2q92g/VaRkQabSpCI/AAAAAAAAEp8/q9tVa3sbom0/s1600/igDSC_8094.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite necklace. Summer tops need to go well with it.</td></tr>
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<b>2. Cache-cœur sleeveless shirt</b><br />
Using Alder pattern from Grainline Studio, I sewed a crossover shirt in a light brown/pink linen fabric. I put some extra width to it at the hem, so that the both ends of plackets can be buttoned on at sides to make a crossover.<span class="st"><br />
</span><br />
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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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHxG8DtBi8/VaRFDjgbRgI/AAAAAAAAEpM/Mp_ekzaGpk8/s1600/150713-IMG_90302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2PHxG8DtBi8/VaRFDjgbRgI/AAAAAAAAEpM/Mp_ekzaGpk8/s1600/150713-IMG_90302.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ah, yes, too much smiling </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I am not sure whether I was successful about my version of this crossover, however, I am very much likely to wear it often because I love this linen on my complexion. I'm trying to think that this shirt has an unusual shape from the beginning and no one would notice anything extra strange.<br />
<br />
... Maybe I should have tried one Alder without modification first in this fabric (it is really likely so as it seems a very good pattern), or maybe I should have bought one of those commercial crossover shirt patterns. Said that, I think I'd try Alder without weird modifications before long and everything will be under control, hehehe. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEdwbSXOgss/VaRDwwfTX7I/AAAAAAAAEoY/gx8nsqQHJCE/s1600/150713-IMG_9044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KEdwbSXOgss/VaRDwwfTX7I/AAAAAAAAEoY/gx8nsqQHJCE/s1600/150713-IMG_9044.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meALXt-319M/VaRDr8haZEI/AAAAAAAAEoA/g_Bva834A7M/s1600/150713-DSC_8067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-meALXt-319M/VaRDr8haZEI/AAAAAAAAEoA/g_Bva834A7M/s1600/150713-DSC_8067.jpg" /></a></div>
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Did you sew something over the weekend? Just checking! (^_^)<br />
<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
=====<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Batwing top</b></span><br />
<b>pattern:</b> Batwing tunic PDF download (no longer available) from <a href="http://lovesewing.blog74.fc2.com/" target="_blank">Love Sewing!</a><br />
<b>fabric:</b> Lightweight cotton jersey, probably polyester blend. Stretches mildly. Slightly stiff and springy. Smooth. Not sheer.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Cache-cœur sleeveless shirt</b></span><br />
<b>pattern:</b> <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/collections/dresses/products/alder-shirtdress-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">Alder</a> from <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/" target="_blank">Grainline Studio</a>, heavily modified. Size and shape adjusted for my body type too (raised armhole base, shortened shoulder width and some minor adjustments) . <br />
<b>fabric:</b> Lightweight linen woven fabric, pale pink brown, with off white pinstripes. Slightly sheer but can be worn as a single layer. Crisp and casual. Not too coarse. Typical linen plain woven.<br />
<br />
<b> </b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>White baggy pants </b></span><br />
<b>pattern:</b> <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/PantsShorts-c-331/Joker--2-Types-Waistband,-Semi-Baggy-Pants-p-8901.html" target="_blank">Joker</a> from <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/language/en" target="_blank">Tamanegi-kobo</a>. The pattern is one of my best favorites of all sewing patterns. I chose one larger size than usual to get loose fitting.<br />
<b>fabric:</b> Cotton linen white stretch, bottom weight. Casual.<br />
=====<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3gl5z5mBgM/VaR4zzQVWBI/AAAAAAAAEqY/GVvoEnaLscY/s1600/150712-DSC_80452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3gl5z5mBgM/VaR4zzQVWBI/AAAAAAAAEqY/GVvoEnaLscY/s1600/150712-DSC_80452.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">additional pic (2015/July/16)</span></b><br />
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yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-14593634351730056452015-07-07T08:47:00.000+09:002015-07-07T08:47:01.146+09:00Sheer Libby Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaHoPeb87r0/VZpnLxNJ6SI/AAAAAAAAElw/4JddsvgYAbQ/s1600/150706-DSC_6639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WaHoPeb87r0/VZpnLxNJ6SI/AAAAAAAAElw/4JddsvgYAbQ/s1600/150706-DSC_6639.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Hello!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">I really like <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/digital-download-pattern-skirts/products/libby-a-line-skirt-pattern" target="_blank">Libby A-line skirt</a> pattern from Tessuti, especially the long version. In April, I made this Libby and since then it has become one of my staples. It is easy to wear and something pretty. As the fabric was sheer light polyester, I lined it with an anti-transparency cupro but made the lining much shorter than usual to give some fun effect.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLrztnIo-z8/VZpnNk0TkOI/AAAAAAAAEl8/HZbHuafwwOE/s1600/150706-IMG_4496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sLrztnIo-z8/VZpnNk0TkOI/AAAAAAAAEl8/HZbHuafwwOE/s400/150706-IMG_4496.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSDcZNJr_uI/VZpnL6aHN8I/AAAAAAAAElI/CCLIO5Vpz84/s1600/150706-DSC_6644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kSDcZNJr_uI/VZpnL6aHN8I/AAAAAAAAElI/CCLIO5Vpz84/s1600/150706-DSC_6644.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3qjiQKWNrU/VZpnLxuMrpI/AAAAAAAAElM/3UidVwFX-FI/s1600/150706-DSC_6673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3qjiQKWNrU/VZpnLxuMrpI/AAAAAAAAElM/3UidVwFX-FI/s1600/150706-DSC_6673.jpg" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There is not much to tell about this skirt because it hasn't got many alterations. That is fine by me, because I don't require complications when they are already alright.</span><br />
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***<br />
By the way, I had a short trip to Shikoku with my sewing girlfriends a week ago. Shikoku is the smallest island of the four main islands of Japan and is located in southern part of our country. The weather was spotlessly fine while we were there, and we had the most happy and fun short holiday by the Pacific Ocean.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">There we stopped by (I'm writing as if it wasn't the main subject of this holiday, but it was of course) a fabric store at which we normally purchase fabrics on line. The owner lady of the shop is one of my favorite people in the world and I was really happy to see her again after the last couple of years.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
I think there is no need to explain to you that I bought quite a few pieces of fabrics... I'm so looking forward to sewing with them before long.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
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</span> <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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7At8eLJ-LuQ/VZpnMmFNaKI/AAAAAAAAElU/X_JJKEvfNRw/s1600/150706-DSC_7915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7At8eLJ-LuQ/VZpnMmFNaKI/AAAAAAAAElU/X_JJKEvfNRw/s400/150706-DSC_7915.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friends were having fun with a photo session on the beach.</span></span></span></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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCeq8G2kir0/VZpnOcwF0oI/AAAAAAAAEmA/8IJec9ErxIc/s1600/150706-IMG_8870.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hCeq8G2kir0/VZpnOcwF0oI/AAAAAAAAEmA/8IJec9ErxIc/s1600/150706-IMG_8870.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From behind someone photographed me who was photographing those who were having a photo session on the foreshore. Very 21st century.</span></span></span></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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aM3H9YKQVCs/VZpnObPq-RI/AAAAAAAAEl4/GaF7PKO8dX4/s1600/150706-IMG_8672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aM3H9YKQVCs/VZpnObPq-RI/AAAAAAAAEl4/GaF7PKO8dX4/s1600/150706-IMG_8672.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">We visited many sightseeing places.</span></span></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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNBARtCwx9Q/VZsK8xWvvyI/AAAAAAAAEm4/iow3QekD_l4/s1600/150706-IMG_8383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNBARtCwx9Q/VZsK8xWvvyI/AAAAAAAAEm4/iow3QekD_l4/s1600/150706-IMG_8383.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">Udon noodles :)</span></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zf49q3TMqM/VZsPNR43f3I/AAAAAAAAEnY/etXjJKzNYQY/s1600/150706-IMG_8387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Zf49q3TMqM/VZsPNR43f3I/AAAAAAAAEnY/etXjJKzNYQY/s1600/150706-IMG_8387.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">lot of Ice creams</span></span></td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kBMK6T8rtY/VZsRnPo6bcI/AAAAAAAAEns/nHPyw_QUQoU/s1600/150706-IMG_8902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--kBMK6T8rtY/VZsRnPo6bcI/AAAAAAAAEns/nHPyw_QUQoU/s1600/150706-IMG_8902.jpg" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbNEL1sEmzM/VZsQwlxECxI/AAAAAAAAEnk/w7hsudkPE_A/s1600/150706-IMG_8842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kbNEL1sEmzM/VZsQwlxECxI/AAAAAAAAEnk/w7hsudkPE_A/s1600/150706-IMG_8842.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>(actually this one was Chigu's, not mine)</i></span></span></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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_ZT7gQysN0/VZsPNQuR9_I/AAAAAAAAEnU/2rPDXTD4SH8/s1600/150706-IMG_8718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d_ZT7gQysN0/VZsPNQuR9_I/AAAAAAAAEnU/2rPDXTD4SH8/s1600/150706-IMG_8718.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-size: small;">And a mountain of my fabric, yeah</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">==========</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/digital-download-pattern-skirts/products/libby-a-line-skirt-pattern" target="_blank">Libby A-line skirt</a> </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">(PDF free download) from Tessuti fabrics. Lined.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Fabrics</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Shell:</b> polyester light fabric, sheer, colorful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b>Lining:</b> Cupro, light gray, anti-transparency. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">==========</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
I wish you're having a very lovely week, I squeak :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">XOXO</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">yoshimi </span>yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com35tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-31874924930117154282015-06-22T19:57:00.003+09:002015-06-23T09:13:00.089+09:00DIY parasols (2)<span style="color: #783f04;">(edited on 2015/July/23)</span><br />
<br />
Hello! <br />
<br />
As I mentioned in <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2009/05/i-made-parasols.html" target="_blank">the last post</a>, here I'm going to share the pics that I took while I made two parasols. If technically said, I just reinstalled the canopies twice, though, I hope they will help you a bit when you wish to get yourself new parasols.<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #990000;">*As I made a pink version first and decided that I didn't like it, I made another in other fabric that I dyed in two shades of blue. I'm sorry for having too many pictures here, and also for the mixed version of pictures in order to complement my bad explanations. I believe having many pictures is better than relying on imagination, however.</span></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19035249632" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (1) by yoshimi, on
Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation
(1)" height="533" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/409/19035249632_e31b27145d_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took the canopy off my old parasol and installed new ones (plural, as I did it twice).<br />
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What is most important is that taking notes along with pictures during disassembling to get the idea of the construction order. Constructing a new one is achieved by assembling it in the counter order to disassembling, basically.<br />
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<b>Before dismounting the old canopy</b><br />
_Take notes about where and how exactly the canopy is sewn on the frame.<br />
_Check the parasol top whether it is tightened by screw or it is bonded by glue. If it is bonded by glue or if it cannot be disassembled easily, the frame is technically not suitable for refurbishing.<br />
_Disassemble all accessories neatly and keep them for future use, or as a template of new canopy etc.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19040793355" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (2) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (2)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/294/19040793355_ff8e689156_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19014565386" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (3) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (3)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/364/19014565386_f6e7cddb5a_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19014572456" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (5) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (5)" height="320" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3840/19014572456_5dc0fa9df7_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/18854632859" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (7) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (7)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/408/18854632859_31dea91498_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>After dismounting the canopy</b><br />
_Cut out one triangle from old canopy and use it as a pattern after making it flat. Check if the length of side seam of your pattern is shorter but nearly same as the length of the rib. They shouldn't be too different from each other. Said that, it's all dependent on the fabric. Some loosely woven fabrics or others with stretchy fibers may require to be cut much smaller. <br />
_Don't forget adding seam allowances when cutting. I find ~2cm(4/5inch) for side seam allowance is easy to handle in the later steps. <br />
_Other fabric parts have to be examined and recreated if necessary. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/18420151403" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (8) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (8)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/281/18420151403_9e6896cfd4_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19014580706" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (9) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (9)" height="320" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3813/19014580706_9aca28bbb1_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Sewing canopy</b><br />
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<b></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #783f04;">(additional note) </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="color: #783f04;">_I cut my canopy pieces in cross grain with the purpose for avoiding the whole canopy stretched out horizontally.</span> </span><br />
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<b> </b>_My canopy pieces were cut with 2cm(4/5inch) seam allowance on all side seams. Hem allowance is up to the fabric. My one for pink version was 1cm.<br />
_Hem has to be done before jointing the canopy pieces.<br />
_Firstly make 4 pairs of pieces and sew them as follows.<br />
_Sew <span style="color: #783f04;">one of side seams</span> with right sides facing, starting outer end(=edge) and ending inner end, stopping 0.1cm(>1/10inch) before the top of the triangle with secure back stitching. <br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/18854665919" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (10) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (10)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/409/18854665919_0f6b78962b_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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_Trim one of seam allowances leaving 0.4-0.5cm(1/6~1/5inch) to the seam.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/18854664389" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (11) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (11)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/388/18854664389_14d6005aca_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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_Enwrap the trimmed seam allowance with the untrimmed one, like making a hong kong finish, and sew at a tiny bit outer side of the first stitch to close the trimmed seam allowance.<br />
_Trim the wrapping seam allowance leaving 0.2-0.3cm(1/10inch) on the canopy.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19035287492" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (12) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (12)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/414/19035287492_25fb7c926c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19040832105" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (13) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (13)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/501/19040832105_6ce145a097_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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_Sew 2 pairs of jointed pieces likewise, and repeat until all canopy parts are jointed.<br />
_Sew the closure ribbon on the canopy, probably you would like to do it exactly as the old one was attached.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19035281922" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (17) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (17)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/331/19035281922_d21e662f7d_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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_Turn the flopping top seam allowances inside and press them neatly.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/18420166273" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (16) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (16)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/418/18420166273_ff8b271fff_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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_Place the inner round fabric part on top of the frame.<br />
_Place the canopy on the frame on top of the inner round part, secure it by threading some rounds by hand stitching<br />
_Put the top round fabric part, and put the screw top on top of the parasol.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19040826955" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/392/19040826955_2acb24a5ce_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19035290832" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/329/19035290832_2433537249_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19014600066" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (20) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (20)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/256/19014600066_34ac6dc7ff_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/19035288522" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (21) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (21)" height="320" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3899/19035288522_7983dcf2b6_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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_Attach the canopy to the frame by sewing at all points where the old canopy was attached in the old parasol. Usually it is easier when tips were done first, and then to the ribs.<br />
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/18420211983" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (31) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (31)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/348/18420211983_bb3047c0b2_n.jpg" width="320" /></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://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/18399452123" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="150621-DSC_7805 by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621-DSC_7805" height="212" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/437/18399452123_8e99fbd418_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colors totally howl "Handmade" and I am kinda proud of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I think experiences tell you everything when thinking of making parasol. After trying one, you will know how easy it is. You will be getting the tricks and tips<i> </i>only after trying some of them by yourself, too. I hope you know what I mean. Good luck!<br />
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<i><span style="color: #990000;">*Here is a link to <a href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/26368476@N04/6z0Cb5" target="_blank">the album</a> that contains these pics and also some other ones to complete a set of this topic for those who would like to see them all.</span></i><br />
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<br />
Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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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://www.flickr.com/photos/26368476@N04/18853115940" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (23) by yoshimi, on Flickr"><img alt="150621 parasol canopy reinstallation (23)" height="320" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/457/18853115940_9daa356a0c_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this canopy was too tight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-55295334840612271192015-06-19T21:32:00.001+09:002015-06-19T21:32:15.012+09:00DIY parasols<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmX9Bg42DUY/VYP3mPPVZ7I/AAAAAAAAEj4/ri_aw505IoE/s1600/150613-1DSC_7754.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PmX9Bg42DUY/VYP3mPPVZ7I/AAAAAAAAEj4/ri_aw505IoE/s1600/150613-1DSC_7754.jpg" /></a></div>
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I made parasols recently.<br />
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It was in 2009 that I made <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2009/05/i-made-parasols.html" target="_blank">my first DIY parasols</a>, when I wanted to make a birthday present for my sister. I made two parasols in Marimekko fabrics, one for practicing and one for my sister. Since then, I hadn't felt that I needed any more new one. However this summer, time is up. I think it is happening twice a decade that I need new parasols. It's a bit less frequent than I need new clothes.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMzxFoqn9DY/VYP3mA2pObI/AAAAAAAAEj0/dq2cyUpbGz8/s1600/150613-3DSC_7676.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UMzxFoqn9DY/VYP3mA2pObI/AAAAAAAAEj0/dq2cyUpbGz8/s1600/150613-3DSC_7676.jpg" /></a></div>
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By the way, very many Japanese people, especially grownup women, use parasols to avoid UV ray in summer. We use sunscreen cream too. And we walk only on the sunshade-side of sidewalks. Mmmm, maybe it's only me to love the shady side, but I do so. I mean, I'm mentally sensitive to the sun. I am a fern, if not an UV sensitive bacterium. Only family and friends can drag me out to the sunny place, otherwise I'm a house plant.<br />
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Confessing that I am a plant, let's go back to the new parasols. When I felt blinding sunshine for the first time this year, I had three parasols. Sadly to me though, they were heavy, not pretty, or too old like a giant used Band-aid. I started thinking about new parasols, and after some research I concluded that it was better to make one or two using my sewing machine than buying something from the shop. All very pretty parasols that caught my eye were astonishingly expensive. No way...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRF6lIJHbeM/VYP3mJnNOVI/AAAAAAAAEj8/-5LWbmr0kyg/s1600/150613-2DSC_7752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pRF6lIJHbeM/VYP3mJnNOVI/AAAAAAAAEj8/-5LWbmr0kyg/s1600/150613-2DSC_7752.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMwHwdzUCuA/VYP3wlSoYYI/AAAAAAAAEkU/FymGvAQiXaE/s1600/150613-6DSC_7733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UMwHwdzUCuA/VYP3wlSoYYI/AAAAAAAAEkU/FymGvAQiXaE/s1600/150613-6DSC_7733.jpg" /></a></div>
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I used a DIY kit and my I-don't-know-why-I-bought-but-I-agree-it-is-pretty Amy Butler cotton to make this parasol. I'm ready for the sunshine!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-daic_f4Pn1E/VYQHlblgafI/AAAAAAAAEks/FE2AoQiobvg/s1600/150613-82DSC_7721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-daic_f4Pn1E/VYQHlblgafI/AAAAAAAAEks/FE2AoQiobvg/s1600/150613-82DSC_7721.jpg" /></a></div>
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The thing is, I ventured to move on further a bit. I mean, I tried refurbishing of my old parasol after this. I installed a new canopy (sewn by me, of course) on the old frame and I felt it was easy. That means I wouldn't need any more kit for my new parasols! I'd like to write about it in the next post, if not in the post following the next one. It won't be a tutorial, but I'm going to upload some photos to show my process so that you can see how it went. Please come back sometime later if you're interested.<br />
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Have a happy weekend!<br />
<br />
xoxo<br />
yoshimiyoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-30244909608404039002015-06-13T13:54:00.002+09:002015-06-13T13:54:33.421+09:00Eva summer dressHello everyone!<br />
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I hope you all are doing great. I've sewn a few easy garments since the last post in April, but I have been too lazy to blog about them here, too. I think I'm going to write some mini-notes about what I made recently spreading in some coming posts. Please be warned if you look for something special technically in sewingwise, because they all happened after simple sewing (as always).<br />
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Here we go the first one:<br />
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<b>Eva summer dress</b><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUGkXZ7M138/VXqeLoGxgmI/AAAAAAAAEjo/Vn1stuCIEIY/s1600/150611-*17DSC_7582.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iUGkXZ7M138/VXqeLoGxgmI/AAAAAAAAEjo/Vn1stuCIEIY/s1600/150611-*17DSC_7582.jpg" /></a></div>
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I finally sewed the dress pattern <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/eva-dress-pattern-print-at-home-or-copy-shop-pdf" target="_blank">Eva</a> from <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/" target="_blank">Tessuti Fabrics</a> as a dress. I used it once for <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2014/05/eva-skirt.html" target="_blank">this skirt</a>, and I'm really in love with the cute silhouette of its skirt part. This time I used a very light fabric with irregular stripes and made it into a dress. I followed the pattern and instructions except those alterations:<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Bodice was lengthened by about 5cm at hem.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Shallow bust darts were added to give some room in front.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Pockets were omitted.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Lower skirt was shortened by 5cm.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I chose size XS while my bust measurement corresponds to size M.</span></span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afvJOn94-Mw/VXpa9JOjxfI/AAAAAAAAEic/PFb6DyVenwU/s1600/150611-04DSC_7635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afvJOn94-Mw/VXpa9JOjxfI/AAAAAAAAEic/PFb6DyVenwU/s1600/150611-04DSC_7635.jpg" /></a></div>
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I like lower waistline, generally, so I lengthened the bodice. I wouldn't have shortened the skirt if I had enough fabric, though, I had no choice as there was a resource shortage of fabric. I have put some bust adjustment as I often do, but maybe it wasn't necessary.<br />
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Side seam pockets were omitted because the fabric seemed too sheer to have anything extra hanging inside of the dress. I now think it was a wrong idea. And I regret it. (I practically need pockets in all dresses!)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87rcDlT6_ig/VXpa9wYSGBI/AAAAAAAAEis/ydvCwvprw0M/s1600/150611-06DSC_7646.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-87rcDlT6_ig/VXpa9wYSGBI/AAAAAAAAEis/ydvCwvprw0M/s1600/150611-06DSC_7646.jpg" /></a></div>
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The size I cut was much smaller size than my measurement size, and I like the way it
fits me. I need a wiggle to get in the dress, but it is easier than threading a needle.<br />
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The fabric is light, slightly sheer generally, and very sheer at some particular rows of stripes. I'm wearing my handmade silk/linen short underdress in the pics.<br />
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Sewing was quicker than stripe placement, as you may suspect. I was worried about stripe placement in this dress, especially in the skirt, but I now think the oblique line effect in the skirt isn't that bad after all.<br />
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I really like the whole package of this dress. It is a comfortable summer dress, and I wore it several times already. Despite the fact that it's not summer yet.<br />
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Happy sewing to you all!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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Pattern: <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/eva-dress-pattern-print-at-home-or-copy-shop-pdf" target="_blank">Eva</a> from <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/" target="_blank">Tessuti Fabrics</a> <br />
Fabric: 150cm wide x 200cm long, rayon, polyester, linen and nylon stripes, sheer and light. Not so drapey.<br />
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yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com38tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-79546984187956488622015-04-09T20:15:00.002+09:002015-04-09T20:15:33.503+09:00Spring has come.Hello!<br />
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I have been quiet and it was probably the longest silence of this blog. I hope you've been having great days in sewing-wise and otherwise!<br />
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As for me, I hadn't sewn much for months because my motivation was like a well that went dried a hundred years ago. It was sad, but it was a naturally occurred silence of my sewing. Anyway, the last couple of months was for the time to confirm that I technically had more than enough handmade clothes to live my life too (shame). There was, and is, no need to make new clothes for me.<br />
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Having prefaced with some mutter, the warmer season has come finally. It came to my family as well as others in the neighborhood, rather promptly. Our daughter entered the college in this spring and she needed some new clothes and new fabric equipments, such as curtains and a pretty laptop PC sleeve, and she asked me to sew them in the fabrics of her choice. How can I NOT be excited to be asked to sew for the person who I thought was the last human being to ask me such things? I recently restarted sewing a bit upon her request, and I find <i>I love sewing</i> (yahoo!)</div>
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<b>PC sleeve:</b> lined, interfaced, and heavily padded for protection</div>
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<b>Daughter in Spring shirt:</b> pattern <a href="http://shop.grainlinestudio.com/collections/archer" target="_blank">Archer from Grainline Studio </a></div>
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Though I have only few rambling pictures of my recent results to show you in this post, I hope you see that I'm sewing and doing very fine. I hope that I will have a chunk of time for sewing my clothes very soon. I hope I'll be able to blog something a little bit interesting here too. I think I hope everything that I can hope this moment. Haha:)<br />
And above all, I hope you all are having a great day.<br />
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Archer has butterflies all over (the fabric is pretty, isn't it?)</div>
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<b>Cloud-like cardigan:</b> pattern <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/for-Knit-Fabrics-c-326/Pris--Raglan-V-Neck-Cardigan-p-8808.html" target="_blank">Pris from Tamanegi-kobo</a><b></b><br />
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<b>Skirt for a breeze:</b> pattern <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/Skirts-c-330/Snowdrop--Tuck-Front-Skirt-p-8885.html" target="_blank">Snowdrop from Tamanegi-kobo</a></div>
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XOXO<br />
yoshimi<br />
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<b>P. S.</b> These photos are almost the same ones as I posted to Instagram sometime before. I'm occasionally posting photos of my sewing projects to Instagram at the moment. Many of my regular pictures are not very sewing-related, though, please check <a href="https://instagram.com/yoshimitheflyingsquirrel/" target="_blank">my account</a> if you are interested. I hope to see you there too!<br />
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<b>Something extra:</b> my mother in her Sashiko jacket, presenting her new Sashiko fabric in progress.</div>
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<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-18836579103555933732015-01-17T17:38:00.000+09:002015-01-17T17:48:26.427+09:00wordyThis is a post about my disarraied idea on faux fur and a postponed retreat.<br />
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Please be warned, the first half of the post is muttering and it ends without clear conclusion. The latter half is an apology. I just couldn't avoid this post. I hope you will have a brighter day!<br />
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* <br />
<i>Faux Fur</i><br />
It was a very cold night in December. When we were living in England many years ago, we often went out at night for various musical concerts in London. It was at Royal Albert Hall, or maybe it was at Royal Festival Hall, I'm not too sure but that night was very cold. We enjoyed the music in the choir seats (tickets for the choir seats were much cheaper and it was so much fun to share the moment facing to the conductor and other part of audience beyond playing orchestra. We loved those seats.) and then some memorable thing happened to me after the concert.<br />
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When the program was over, everybody stood up and tried to exit the hall as usual as in every concert. People were slowly heading to the exits, like being a flow in a complicated shaped river. It was crowded around me, as usual. And then I felt someone grabbed my purse that was hugged with my both arms. In the moment I turned my head back to see the person who was vigorously kneading my purse, the woman behind me barked<br />
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"Bowwow, wowwowwoow!!!"<br />
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with her hand still on my purse. She had a very evil grin (I'm sorry to say so but this is my polite expression) in her face as if she demanded me to reply back to her kneading or barking.<br />
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I didn't know what happened at first, and my initial guess was that she was too much affected by the moon or alcohol. She was wearing a colorful long knit cardigan over a Boho long dress. She seemed a civilized person rather than a growling wolf, although her lifestyle seemed slightly hippie side at the same time. Then I noticed that she accused me of having too much hair on my belonging. I was carrying a clutch-type small purse made of faux fur. I think I bought it at TOPSHOP because it was before my sewing era.<br />
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Yes.<br />
I realized that she was trying to criticize me on animal abuse. She didn't have paint to spread over me, so she barked at me instead.<br />
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In a second after realizing, I reflexively replied to her saying "Excuse me, this is faux."<br />
She loudly said "Reeaally??"<br />
I said "Of course."<br />
A 5-second silence.<br />
And, she stormed off bumping everyone else to make her way. That was all about the incident. Nobody got injured, technically nothing happened.<br />
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However, it kept raising some questions in my head since that day after all. Although she promptly gave up accusing me falsely, it influenced me later. I keep asking myself the questions that I can't find right answers for. Probably she's done an amazing job in a different way without knowing it.<br />
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I personally don't think that production of animal fur for fashion purpose is any good or gorgeous at all. I think we should be intolerant of unnecessary animal abuses in the present day. We have plenty other options now especially for garments. I have no doubt in this part. However, hey, is it really OK when the subject is faux fur? Especially when it is purposefully similar to the real one? What's the point of faking it while I don't appreciate the real ones?<br />
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I wonder other questions too.<br />
Will there be people who'd attack me or say bad at me because they wrongly think my items are real, again? And is there nothing I can do about it? Do I always have to make excuses that my items are not real? Why don't I give up entire idea of fur material rather than appreciating fauxness of faux fur fabric? Is faux fur pretty by the way? Doesn't it lose the glory even a bit even if no one uses real fur any more? Is real fur pretty, in the first place? If I think faux fur cute, why? Why on earth do I love those hairy synthetic fabrics while I don't approve them if they're real? Doesn't this mean I am indirectly supporting real fur?<br />
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Of course those questions are rather pointless (maybe you don't know what I am saying at all. I'm sorry if this post is utterly unreadable) and I don't know the right answers at this moment. What I understand so far is that I feel that faux fur is mostly cute but I have no legitimate reason for it.<br />
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I made a casual jacket in a long haired faux fur fabric. I think it is pretty. And wearing it is fun. It's like cos-playing. But I don't know whether I'm doing right or not because I don't know the answers yet. I'm not feeling guilty too much but it is possible that I'll be feeling differently in 10 years. At this moment, I think, it's OK. I hope it's OK.<br />
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Sewing-wise, it was one of the least precise sewing garments in my entire life. Too much hair and too much self-propelled movement in the fabric! I'd say I was cleaning the floor rather than I was sewing a jacket. It was fun though. Of course it's always fun when things get messy.<br />
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**<br />
<i>Sewing Retreat</i><br />
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As I wrote in <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2014/06/summer-blouse-and-boyfriend-pants.html" target="_blank">this post</a>, with helps of my friends, I was planning a "sewing retreat" which I wanted to carry out in this coming May at a beautiful lakeside near Mt. Fuji. We visited candidate sites and discussed schedules and other things in the last Summer. I was really hoping to throw a great event in 2015.<br />
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However, regrettably, I have to say that it has to be postponed for a while because of my private situation.<br />
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At this moment I have several private issues that need my strong commitment quite hugely and urgently, and I find that I literally have no time (or energy) for preparing well for this event to make it successful. One year ago I didn't know that these things were coming to occupy me... Thus it shall be postponed for a year or two.<br />
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I imagine that not many of you would be disappointed by this news as only few of you can actually come to Japan to attend it anyway. However, please accept my sincere apology if you were considering to attend the retreat in this May and if you were disappointed by this postponement. I hope your 2015 will be full of excitement and joy of sewing.<br />
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Happy sewing to you, everyone!<br />
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xoxo<br />
yoshimi<br />
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=====<b><span style="color: purple;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: purple;">Faux fur jacket</span></b><br />
A cardigan-type jacket without lining. The only feature of the jacket is a pair of side pockets. Giant snap buttons for closure.<br />
<b>Pattern:</b> <a href="http://annee-patterns.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=63_66&product_id=515" target="_blank">Jennifer</a> from <a href="http://annee-patterns.com/index.php?route=common/home" target="_blank">Annee-patterns</a> (PDF)<b> </b><br />
<b>Fabric:</b> Acrylic fur fabric with polyester knitted base, lighter than it looks, very furry. Brown and off-white.<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b>Coco sweater</b></span><br />
I knitted a close fitted turtle neck sweater.<br />
<b>Pattern:</b> Coco from Jo Sharp<br />
<b>Yarn:</b> Cashmere yarn, pink and white.<br />
More info about the sweater <a href="http://ravel.me/yoshimit/1htos" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-42013294722741702082015-01-03T21:45:00.000+09:002015-01-03T22:00:12.595+09:00Giveaway Winners!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Happy New Year! I hope your 2015 will be a brilliant year, and I also hope we will have a more peaceful year ahead everywhere on the earth.<br />
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I have picked three winners of the giveaway at <a href="http://random.org/">RANDOM.org</a>, by generating a set of three numbers between 1 to 51. The numbers are 16, 30 and 47<br />
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and the winners are <b>Lynn</b>(the first Lynn), <b>Sharon</b>, and <b>Melanie Y</b>, who have left comments in the respective orders(excluding my reply in the comment section). Please contact me at yoshicomo(at)gmail(dot)com with your mailing address if your have won the prize. Congratulations to the winners, and a very big THANK-YOU to all of you who entered the giveaway!<br />
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As for myself, I still have one more day before I get back to my work from our new year holiday. I've been knitting a pullover (I'm a 100% seasonal knitter) for some days and would like to finish it in a week or so... sewing not much, but I will post about <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JFqVKgCEyO0/VJq40KVgL8I/AAAAAAAAEbc/wQGNWGEG3EA/s1600/141224-5.jpg" target="_blank">the faux fur jacket </a>very soon. It is pretty much funny thing when worn. It can be amusing to look at, I think. Said that, I'm having a problem with writing about it to tell the truth, because it is made of faux fur. I had a very memorable incident about this material maybe 10 years ago in London in December at Royal Albert Hall after the concert when all of us audiences were slowly moving towards the exits pushing each other slightly politely but hoping crowd's faster flow. Well... the story makes my writing even slower. I hope I will manage to write it up.<br />
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Happy sewing to you!<br />
Talk to you soon,<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-72484644426282721862014-12-24T22:49:00.000+09:002015-01-01T21:50:49.108+09:00Season's Greetings!Hello, I hope you're doing super fine!<br />
I know it's all kind of sudden, but this is <b>a giveaway post</b>!<br />
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I have got some of these pink capsules recently. As you might be able to guess from the picture above, each capsule contains a miniature toy that is handcraft-themed. I love these cute miniatures, and guessed that you might like them too. So I decided to have my annual mini giveaway event now instead of having it in February. Please join this event if you don't mind to take your time to leave a comment!<br />
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In Japan, we have small toy-dispensing machines that sell these kind of capsuled toys everywhere. It's obviously a way of purchasing toys, but it's a kind of game too. It's called "<b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gashapon" target="_blank">gachapon</a></b>" game. You can choose which series of toys you pay for, but you can't really choose which specific toy you get. It seems a silly way of spending money, but all children (and many mature people) love this game. If you are not too sure about them with my written expression, please have a look at <b><a href="http://waoryu.jp/funinteresting/only-in-japan/gachapon.html" target="_blank">this video</a></b> which explains "gachapon" very well (a bit long, but still interesting, I think).<br />
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So, of course, we have handcraft-themed gachapon too. I have got a sewing machine, a skein of knitting yarn, and a card of button thread for myself. All these are so cute, aren't they? I would like to send each capsule of unopened gachapons to three giveaway winners. Only the winners will know what's inside (because the prize capsules haven't been opened ). The series has 5 types of gadgets with some color variations and each winner will get one of those in the pictures below. Do you fancy? I bet they will bring you better sewing skill in <strike>2016</strike> 2015 too ;-)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/838837369470829/photos/a.838850712802828.1073741827.838837369470829/838850649469501/?type=3&permPage=1" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/1932254_838850649469501_5745161255231716580_n.png?oh=ca55c46af0043730593672a81ea2300b&oe=54FF7054" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/838837369470829/photos/a.838850712802828.1073741827.838837369470829/838850649469501/?type=3&permPage=1">courtesy of http://syugei-hobby.com/</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/838837369470829/photos/a.838850712802828.1073741827.838837369470829/842388549115711/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://scontent-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t31.0-8/s720x720/10631053_842389409115625_838375773639679797_o.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/838837369470829/photos/a.838850712802828.1073741827.838837369470829/842388549115711/">courtesy of http://syugei-hobby.com/</a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #660000;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: #660000;">== please read ==</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">If you would like to join this giveaway and get one of those gachapon toys, please leave a comment in this post with your name. Leave your comment (no need of contacting address) before new year 2015 of your standard time. Comment section will be closed after deadline. Anyone can participate. Three winners will be picked by me, randomly. The winners will be announced in the next blog post. Be one of the lucky winners!</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">==============</span><br />
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By the way, I've finished my faux fur jacket lately. I hope I'll have a chance for photos very soon!<br />
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Have a really good time, everyone. <br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com52tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-20610148804491841202014-11-26T00:12:00.001+09:002014-11-26T00:12:10.976+09:00a basic setIt's getting much colder here in Japan. This year, tree leaves seem turning red and yellow particularly beautifully, probably because of the huge and sudden temperature shift during recent seasonal transition. We went out to a park in the nearby mountain for hunting red leaves yesterday. Trees were so beautiful and we thoroughly enjoyed a walk in the woods in the early morning. (Even our teenage daughter admitted it was great, from this you must be able to guess how much it was beautiful. Modern age teenagers are the last creatures that would enjoy walking in the woods without selfish reasons.)<br />
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As I have finished two warm garments recently, I took the chance to wear them yesterday for these pictures.<br />
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I sewed a pair of pants and simple V-neck pullover. They're pretty much basic and I think I have nothing particular to say about them except the fabric I used for the pants. It was a stretch cotton velveteen (something like stretch cotton corduroy without cords) that I used for garments for the first time. Ah, velveteens are warm, I didn't know that! I love this fabric for wintry pants and have placed another order for some other colors of the same fabric, already.<br />
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The only setback of this particular fabric is that it causes puckering and wrinkles where uneven stretch tensions are put, because the fabric is rather clinging but isn't enough stiff to hold its shape by itself. There are many horizontal pulling lines particularly in the back of this pants. I have noticed them quite much, but when I asked my husband and daughter about the lines, they insisted that they weren't looking bad at all in real life and that they showed up prominently only when I stand straight like a statue (oh yeah thank you).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the cotton velveteen and wrinkles</td></tr>
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I'd guess that less lines would be seen in the pants if they had more ease in the legs or if they had more 4-way negative ease all over the pants, though, I decided to have them as they were, because I preferred not-very-skinny-but-comfortably-snug pants of this kind. Sewing own basic garments is fun. I can do whatever I prefer and get some useful garments that fulfill my needs much better than retail ones. Before sewing, I didn't know my clothes could have been more comfortable, could have fit me better, and could have made me look slightly happier if those sleeves were an inch (or two inches) longer. I thought that long sleeves primitively meant something slightly short and that was the reason why winter was cold. I'm not joking. A human could be this silly.<br />
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I really love my self sewn basics. That may sound boring for some of you, but that's rebellious and strong statement for me (probably).<br />
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Anyways. Please enjoy your season wherever you live!<br />
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For the pants I used <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2009/08/pair-of-jeans.html" target="_blank">my five-year-old skinny pant pattern</a>. For the pullover, I used the pattern <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/for-Knit-Fabrics-c-326/Edelweiss--V-neck-Sweater-p-8813.html" target="_blank">Edelweiss</a>, which is definitely one of my staple patterns from <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/language/en" target="_blank">Tamanegi-kobo</a>. This pullover fits me like a glove (I find this expression funny), generously covering my arm without unwanted sag at shoulder seam. BTW, Tamanegi-kobo is going to have a winter sale and it will start on 27th Nov 2014. I'm a fan of this shop but unfortunately I don't think I can make any purchase this time because I already have all what I have to have from them, so I write the news here as a compensation of my sorrow.<br />
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Lastly, I have started IG finally. Some time ago Sveta suggested me to use IG in her comment on a past post in which I mentioned about my photo diary. I couldn't say "Yes" to her suggestion because I wasn't quite ready for square iphone pictures at that time. However, I have persuaded myself and am now wishing to connect with other sewists through the platform too. Thank you for suggesting IG and sorry for being this late to start, Sveta.<br />
Please give me a shout at IG if you have an account that I can follow. My IG account is <a href="http://instagram.com/yoshimitheflyingsquirrel" target="_blank">yoshimitheflyingsquirrel</a>. Many of my pictures are sewing-related but I have a few pictures that are other than sewing too. I have some pictures of red leaves, of course. Sorry for that...<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com44tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-12062257782245534002014-11-03T19:33:00.002+09:002014-11-03T19:33:13.440+09:00Vogue 8930I sewed a coat. It is a simple single layer coat. The pattern was Vogue 8930. I made it reversible too.<br />
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For almost a month, what I wrote in <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2014/10/blog-hop.html" target="_blank">my blog hop</a> has kept me thinking about malaise kind of conflict between my standpoint on sewing written in the post and the rest of my self. I've been particularly trapped in one subject (it is so silly to be trapped in what oneself wrote, I wouldn't be able to stop laughing cynically if I am cheerful enough now...) it is about the thought on my sewing skill. I had noticed that I had some inconsistency within myself on this issue for several years. After all, writing blog hop post broke my balloon of concealed problems and I couldn't restore as it was before.<br />
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This coat was born after my introspection on the issue. This following long muttering is completely personal and contains nothing useful as a sewing reference. Please scroll down to the second three stars(***) if you simply like to check the link to the pattern and some other small info about the coat. That would help you!<br />
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***<br />
In the blog hop post, I wrote "If my stitches are straighter than ZARA's, I pass the test", and it was not a lie. By the sentence, it must have seemed to the readers that I didn't care about immaculate sewing at all, but I have to say it was not the case either. Actually I always do care to sew 'well' a lot. Not completely, but I have been a bit dishonest about it in public for years. I wrote it in that way presumably because I wanted to avoid making the readers think that I was one of those who would believe in the predominance of neatest stitches when evaluating garments. I didn't make further explanations in the post though. I had a mixed emotion on having neat seams in my garments, as you will hopefully know below.<br />
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There are some people who are fascinated by the garments with neatest stitches, most complicated constructions and most sophisticated techniques. I completely agree with them that beautiful executions give garments a class and the best garments will never be accomplished without them. But unfortunately I've regularly witnessed that there are people who believe in neat stitch supremacy and they tend to look down on other garments because of wonky stitches, boring constructions and other unsatisfactory sewing elements to their standard, too. There I feel unnecessary assumptions of superiority of something, and it makes me uncomfortable. My opinion is that making own garments is not a competition. Everything can be successful including imperfect projects as long as talking about hobby sewing. Better technique is nice but trying to master neat stitches doesn't include shaming others' stitches. I think comparing excellence of executions is too easy, or too simple, to appreciate/depreciate any garment. I don't know how much high level we have to reach before feeling 100% proud of our techniques and who drew the standard line between bad and good, anyway.<br />
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Feeling weirdly sensitive to this issue for so long, I became pretending to have no problem with zero improvement in my sewing as if I wished to prove that garments that were made by a less skilled person could be reasonably fine and she could live in them without embarrassed too much. As if I wished to prove there could be many more factors to make garments lovely other than swing techniques. It is difficult for me to explain this silly logic even in my mother tongue, and I'm sorry if you get confused, it's all my fault to have buttons buttoned up incorrectly. I'd say I kinda wished to stay amateur to defend imperfectly stitched self-made beloved garments from being ridiculed by imaginary someone, by setting my personal example, if I was possible. Ah, and finally, the blog hop gave me a chance to understand my logic was way too silly and I had to reconsider. I have unconsciously wished neatness in my sewing but couldn't admit it. I guess it was a little period of rebelliousness in my sewing life. It was childish to feel too uncomfortable with other's opinion. It was silly to be dishonest about motivation to learn.<br />
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So I grew a bit, and regretted my laziness and sins about being pretentious on this matter. I reconsidered many things, became a new human, and decided to make a fresh start with sincerer attitude to my hobby. I will try hard to improve my sewing skill openly, like everybody else does. I will try to choose projects that would be particularly good for mastering skills too. I won't laugh at others' stitches but I will do at mine when they're wonky and also when they look brilliant. In the end (or maybe in the first place), skills and experiences are very important factors to make a lovely garment, that's for sure. I still don't believe in supremacy of stitches too much, but I think it's OK as much as everybody else thinks differently.<br />
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***<br />
So I made Vogue 8930 in a double-faced plain wool fabric. For the first step as a reborn hobby sewist, I deliberately chose it to learn how to sew double-faced fabrics that was one of completely new techniques to me. I have to say it was so hard to get cleaner seams! I confirmed that I needed many more experiences and practices to be better at sewing, and I felt that it was exciting. And I felt I was honest about it, finally.<br />
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I referred some tutorials for executing seams and edges in this coat. You can see better explanations <a href="http://jeyco-mode.blogspot.com/2013/01/working-with-double-faced-fabric.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://mariasewing.blogspot.jp/2012/07/how-to-hem-double-faced-wool.html" target="_blank">here</a>, for instances. Please have visits at those links to get an idea for what I did, and you will know that it needs much effort and neat hand sewing to get a single garment done. It took very long for me, and it was great to have such a meditative session after the rebelliousness period.<br />
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Apart from special executions for double-faced fabric, I followed the instructions except the pockets. Since the fabric was double-faced, I wanted to check how it would look on me from both sides and check if I could use it as a reversible garment. I wanted to have pockets in it, definitely, but was yet to know which kind of pockets would be good until the garment was done. I once completed the coat without pockets, and applied them on the whole coat. It wasn't a great idea after all (of course not), because this garment was particularly huge and heavy to move under the sewing machine. But it was a laughable experience and I somehow made it done. It has four patch pockets altogether, two in each side in a completely reversible manner with least top stitches in both sides.<br />
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The coat is very warm because of the huge collar. It is also great since this can be worn over bulky sweaters and dolman sleeves without any jam-packing of sleeves. My color choice may have been a bit unusual, but I take it funky.<br />
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I reconsidered many other things as well. I wish that they will influence on my future projects and on my blog(s) in a good way, eventually.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">can be worn with smaller collar.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this way it is particularly useful to hide away. pretty much invisible.</td></tr>
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pattern: <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8930-products-47557.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">vogue 8930</a><br />
reversible garment. alterations in pockets.<br />
I sewed view B in size S (I am 166cm/5'5")<br />
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fabric: double faced wool fabric, plain, warm, slightly heavy.<br />
148cm wide x 2.6m long <br />
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Wishing you happy moments!<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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hey, it's reversible!<br />
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<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com40tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-74983564969956463442014-10-19T23:44:00.000+09:002014-10-19T23:44:56.097+09:00Vogue 1351, my new favorite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--23MvujHZUo/VEO1kZEANZI/AAAAAAAAETc/tZzbsi_fIlA/s1600/vogue1351-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--23MvujHZUo/VEO1kZEANZI/AAAAAAAAETc/tZzbsi_fIlA/s1600/vogue1351-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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As I wrote in my blog hop post, I bought two dress patterns from Vogue recently. I had this very pretty flowery fabric and wanted to choose the best pattern for it. It was the birthday gift which <a href="http://handmadebycarolyn.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Carolyn</a> sent me in this April. So I gave myself two options after a very long thought and finally chose <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1351-products-46627.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V1351</a> in the end. I was thinking <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1359-products-47536.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V1359</a> at the beginning, however, the more I looked at the fabric, the more I preferred the other option because I felt this bold print strongly called for a sleeveless dress. I decided to use V1351 thinking "Never mind, I can definitely wear it with a cardigan even though it is Autumn. Feeling prettier is better than feeling more practical especially with this print."<br />
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I really love this dress. I love the draped front neckline and I was very impressed by how it was well drafted. It sits very beautifully with being held by the lining, but the lining never peeps out even though I try to show it from outside very hard. The parts are cut in bias except the back bodice, and I think this makes the dress fit me quite well.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLWhz-ls-tk/VEO1kTaqgUI/AAAAAAAAETY/ciArLcMsfOI/s1600/vogue1351-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bLWhz-ls-tk/VEO1kTaqgUI/AAAAAAAAETY/ciArLcMsfOI/s1600/vogue1351-2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nU00TYKlJFw/VEO1kfSuckI/AAAAAAAAETU/WSmwv8YayBE/s1600/vogue1351-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nU00TYKlJFw/VEO1kfSuckI/AAAAAAAAETU/WSmwv8YayBE/s1600/vogue1351-3.jpg" /></a></div>
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Construction-wise, I love the way of assembling shoulder straps of this dress so much. The instructions are actually very great (I don't say this often)! I got clean finish and I'm very happy with the minimal slip stitches in the inside seam of straps. The only and probably very helpful advice for those who are going to try the pattern for the first time.... is executing STEP1 differently. I reinforced the shoulder edges of front bodice with small patches of fusible interfacing instead of doing it with machine stitches, and left them intact (uncut) until the exact step in which front and back shoulder straps are stitched together(STEP21). Then it is easier to make precise and clean clippings in the shoulder seams. That gives the garment impressively beautiful shoulder straps! I know you think I'm crazy but you don't know what I am trying to say. "What STEP21?" I know. Actually I'm muttering to my <i>imaginal-novice-me</i> and I want to warn her that there may be no need to snip the fabric too much in advance. Thank you for your patience and I think I'm done. Let's forget it and go ahead together.<br />
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By the way, I used a nicely draping woven for the fashion fabric as pattern suggested. For the lining, I used a knit lining. This combination of fashion fabric and lining in this dress worked brilliantly. FYI.<br />
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Last but definitely not least, I'd love to thank Carolyn so much about giving me such a nice gift. I hope that I could do the right decision and that I managed to bring a good result on the fabric.<br />
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Talk to you soon, my next plan is a coat. I hope you're enjoying sewing too.<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-717-O8pSUXk/VEO1pQBXgZI/AAAAAAAAETs/dQ2V-WUpqNM/s1600/vogue1351-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-717-O8pSUXk/VEO1pQBXgZI/AAAAAAAAETs/dQ2V-WUpqNM/s1600/vogue1351-6.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I managed to make a cardigan too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Flowery dress</b> <br />
pattern: <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1351-products-46627.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">1351</a> dress from <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/" target="_blank">Vogue Patterns</a><br />
fabric: georgette/crepe, not too sheer, fine, soft<br />
bouncy feeling when squeezed in hand.<br />
-taken some from back neckline to reduce gaping.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Snap Button Cardigan</b><br />
pattern: <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/for-Knit-Fabrics-c-326/Fujiko--Bodysuit-p-8806.html/language/en" target="_blank">Fujiko</a> from <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/" target="_blank">Tamanegi-kobo</a><br />
fabric: cotton/tencel blend, double jersy knits, soft, warm<br />
reversible, stretches very well<br />
-applied a set of plackets and made it as a cardigan.<br />
=====yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-18547405128680117282014-10-04T21:37:00.000+09:002014-10-07T10:15:09.460+09:00Blog Hop!Hello, I hope you all are doing great!<br />
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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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ft1BRrNBag/VC91gI8QrKI/AAAAAAAAEN8/AMNBaj7jogU/s1600/blog-hop-duffy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2ft1BRrNBag/VC91gI8QrKI/AAAAAAAAEN8/AMNBaj7jogU/s1600/blog-hop-duffy.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sometimes sew for my family too.</td></tr>
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As you probably expect from the title, this is my blog hop post. I've been loving reading everyone's blog hop and I'm really happy to have a chance to be involved in! Thank you, Jenny and Debbie, for passing me the batons.<br />
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I met <a href="http://rennous-oh-glennus.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Jenny</a> last year in Melbourne at <a href="http://theperfectnose.wordpress.com/2013/11/30/gratitude-2/" target="_blank">Modern Love exhibition meetup</a> when we had such an exciting and fun day together. Jenny is kind, clever and witty! When she visited Japan in April this year, I was wishing to come up to Tokyo to meet her, but I couldn't make it because of my work schedule. I hope that we will see each other very soon to catch up, either in Australia, in Japan, or actually, in any other place.<br />
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<a href="http://lilysageandco.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">Debbie</a> sent me an e-mail to ask if I could accept the baton shortly after I got one from Jenny, and I of course said yes! I visited her blog thanks to blog hop and found that she sews very pretty clothes! Jenny's blog is <a href="http://rennous-oh-glennus.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Rennous-oh-Glennus</a> and Debbie's <a href="http://lilysageandco.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">LILY SAGE & CO.</a> Check them out before you are hopping to the next blogs I pass the batons!<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>Why do you write?</b></span></h3>
I write this blog because I'd like to have chances to think things in English regularly.<br />
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I have no one who speaks in English to me around. I mean, off-line. I am hoping that my English will be maintained at least at the level of "somehow understandable" by occasional thinking and writing for this blog. I know there are a lot of funny expressions and incorrect sentences in my posts. I admit that it's not good to have incorrect sentences, however, I'm kinda enjoying that kind of imperfections in my writing at the same time, because I could think that they are my type of dialect. Maybe not. Anyway, I know I should answer that my first reason is to connect with the wonderful like-minded people through my blog, but...er I thought I'd better be honest with you.<br />
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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="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCd2hLck7YI/VC_R4Fd2zCI/AAAAAAAAEO4/SExYnCYfYDo/s1600/blog-hop-GILBERT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jCd2hLck7YI/VC_R4Fd2zCI/AAAAAAAAEO4/SExYnCYfYDo/s1600/blog-hop-GILBERT.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pants <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2014/06/summer-blouse-and-boyfriend-pants.html" target="_blank">Gilbert</a>, batwing top, <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2012/10/fringed-bag.html" target="_blank">fringed bag</a> on vacation </td></tr>
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I started this blog almost six years ago. Although I already had another sewing blog that was written in my mother tongue and it had quite a lot of (to me) Japanese readers by then, I impulsively started this because I just felt like writing a new one in English. I remember that it was when <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/" target="_blank">BurdaStyle</a> was rapidly expanding and also when PDF sewing patterns were booming. I loved being active in BurdaStyle community and shared many projects there. Eventually I got a few comments that said I should write a blog in the language that the members could understand so that they could be interested in my projects and so that we could chat more. Though I took their comments as friendly jokes and diplomatic kind compliments, the idea of writing a blog in English grew in me gradually. It seemed a good plan for me to help my decaying English to survive. So I started. I didn't know how long it would last because it was a tough job for me, and still it is, but funnily it is here even now. Maybe my answer is a bit off the point but this is why I write here.<br />
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Actually, I now recognize a blog works as a name card and it can be one of the reasons why I blog too. I am no one special, but I can be someone if you've visited my blog once. I hope you know what I mean! I can tell people that<br />
<i>"I love sewing my clothes and I have a blog about my sewing. I'm yoshimi and the blog title is blah-blah-animal."</i><br />
then I would expect... <br />
<i>"Oh you're the one who writes the nonsense, I recognize your blog title. I think I visited your blog once. By the way, I love sewing too."</i><br />
<i>"Great! make friends with me!"</i><br />
<i>"Okay! Your writing was utterly ununderstandable."</i><br />
<i>"I know! You're so sweet and honest."</i><br />
<i>"I am!"</i><br />
<i>"By the way, do you like making fly fronts? Oh, I was gonna ask you if you have ever sewn a bathing suit too." </i><br />
... conversation flows beautifully like this!<br />
How convenient (sometimes). I doubt SNS accounts do the same thing at the present moment. Social networking services are for current friends, blogs connect future friends, at least in my situation.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: blue;"><b>What are you currently working on?</b></span></h3>
I'm now in between sewing projects. (I'm those who take only one project at a time. I mean, Single Task People.)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qZB__qlxi4/VC91gSziw3I/AAAAAAAAEOE/m7TaHydhZlQ/s1600/blog-hop-patterns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qZB__qlxi4/VC91gSziw3I/AAAAAAAAEOE/m7TaHydhZlQ/s1600/blog-hop-patterns.jpg" /></a></div>
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Yesterday I received a package from Vogue patterns, which contained two dress patterns. This means my next project will be either <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1359-products-47536.php?page_id=854" target="_blank">V1359</a> or <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1351-products-46627.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">V1351</a>, I'd choose one of them after making their muslins. Because they were on sale and $5.99 per each, I got a great deal and paid $26.98 in total. By the way, I wouldn't be surprised even if you are surprised by the international shipping+handling fee. It's still much cheaper than I actually go for shopping to USA, though.<br />
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<span style="color: blue;"><b>How does it differ from other sites of its genre?</b></span></h3>
It is very rare for you to find (1)sewing tutorials (2)sewing reviews (3)sewing details or (4)sewing related trendy topics in this blog.<br />
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This is because I am not interested in being useful to others in general. (And this nature is also the main reason why my life is involved in basic science, but it is totally trivial, of course.) ...now this question makes me embarrassed to think of my blog as a sewing blog. The blog hop may be an elusive bullying, sob.<br />
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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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HqAOWh0G1nU/VC91gQWCQeI/AAAAAAAAEOA/TF1P4OjsWsg/s1600/blog-hop-upcycledjeans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HqAOWh0G1nU/VC91gQWCQeI/AAAAAAAAEOA/TF1P4OjsWsg/s1600/blog-hop-upcycledjeans.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2010/03/jean-upcycled.html" target="_blank">upcycled jeans</a> and <a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2011/03/mermaid.html" target="_blank">oversized Wilma</a> at work.</td></tr>
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<h3>
<span style="color: blue;"><b>How does your writing process work?</b></span></h3>
I don't think you can guess how long it takes for me to write a post. It is definitely long enough to make a jacket or maybe even longer.<br />
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Usually I start to write right after finishing a garment. I mainly write why I sewed it, what I wished to get and what I finally got by talking about the patterns and fabrics, because I care for them most. Of course I admire beautiful executions of other people's sewing, but somehow I'm OK without that part for mine. If my stitches are straighter than ZARA's, I pass the test. So my blog has words for motivations, materials and end products, without description for processes of actual sewing. After writing, I take photos, put them within the post, and revise the draft several times more to check. The drafts are usually entirely rewritten at this stage(!). And then there have to be spelling checks and so on. Phew...<br />
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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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzQhlicyVjs/VC_HelWUYCI/AAAAAAAAEOo/Bq82yPqRSQk/s1600/blog-hop-linencoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pzQhlicyVjs/VC_HelWUYCI/AAAAAAAAEOo/Bq82yPqRSQk/s1600/blog-hop-linencoat.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://yoshimitheflyingsquirrel.blogspot.jp/2011/02/spring-coats.html" target="_blank">Linen coat</a> at photo shoot. <i>photo by <a href="http://nyaroha4.blog118.fc2.com/" target="_blank">Chigu</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<b> </b> <span style="color: blue;"><b> </b></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: blue;"><b>Passing the baton</b></span></h3>
It was a long post! I hope you are not too tired. I am blog hopping now to Beth of <a href="http://sunnygalstudio.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">Sunny Gal Studio</a> and Carolyn of <a href="http://handmadebycarolyn.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Handmade by Carolyn</a>. Beth sews immaculate garments and one of my dreams is to visit her and take private lessons for making a well tailored jacket with her. Carolyn is one of my blogger friends whom I actually met in person. We had a photo blog project(<span id="goog_1612870835"></span><a href="http://photomaisonette.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">photo maisonette</a>) together too. I would love to read her answers very much!<br />
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Happy sewing!<br />
yoshimixoxo<br />
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P. S.<br />
Carolyn and I are posting new photographs on <a href="http://photomaisonette.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">photo maisonette</a> every day. This is a one-month project. I hope you can drop by in your spare time!yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-88944426880149530932014-09-06T22:35:00.000+09:002014-09-06T23:27:22.132+09:00Wenona shirtdress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SP576JZrlVY/VAr0qcayZLI/AAAAAAAAELY/eGTHiiv59wA/s1600/wenona7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SP576JZrlVY/VAr0qcayZLI/AAAAAAAAELY/eGTHiiv59wA/s1600/wenona7.jpg" /></a></div>
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I made a shirtdress. Actually, the fabric I used was liquid drape rayon challis and it made my dress look rather a blouse-dress than a shirtdress. Yet I'm very pleased with it! The pattern is <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/product/wenona-shirt-dress/?lang=en" target="_blank">Wenona shirtdress</a> which was recently released from <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/?lang=en" target="_blank">Named patterns</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eVK3Xm8Qps/VAr0pSY8byI/AAAAAAAAELI/QIg65uu2OCM/s1600/wenona1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1eVK3Xm8Qps/VAr0pSY8byI/AAAAAAAAELI/QIg65uu2OCM/s1600/wenona1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--t5DXKeWI6k/VAr0pZE-k7I/AAAAAAAAELQ/Yrhbv9mYBZg/s1600/wenona2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--t5DXKeWI6k/VAr0pZE-k7I/AAAAAAAAELQ/Yrhbv9mYBZg/s1600/wenona2.jpg" /></a></div>
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I think Wenona is a very modern&pretty shirt dress without being excessively(peculiarly) fashionable. I love my first Wenona... it does suit my everyday perfectly and also fulfills my wish to look special in a good way. I love the fabric itself too. I'm not too sure whether it is appropriate to wear Eucalyptus flower print in this time of year, but still, I really love it for my autumn wardrobe. The hand of the fabric is soft and fluid. The feel of its lightly nap-raized surface is smooth and warm. Gorgeous, gorgeous!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRJH445RTyY/VAr0pcv_84I/AAAAAAAAELE/TEWFHkFX6eM/s1600/wenona5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IRJH445RTyY/VAr0pcv_84I/AAAAAAAAELE/TEWFHkFX6eM/s1600/wenona5.jpg" height="263" width="400" /></a></div>
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By the way, I basically followed the original pattern and its instructions. Though there was no problem with the process of sewing this dress at all, there is one thing that I'd like to mention about the pattern here. It's about sizing. For this shirtdress I used size 34 in the end, while my measurement size is 40 in the size chart.<br />
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I started with a muslin using size 36(two size smaller than my measurements) and I'd say it was very roomy, I mean, very. I guessed the style was intended one to be like that, but I decided to use size 34 because I didn't wish my dress to be particularly loose fitting. And it was OK-ish in the end as you see in the photos.<br />
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Named has charts of finished measurements along with size chart, which is very great, and I suggest you <b><i>not</i></b> to forget to have a look at the finished measurements before guessing your size by considering the size chart and your measurements, if you happen to start your Wenona. I couldn't foresee the looseness by looking at the sample pictures of the pattern, but it was like that.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwhIEwAclxk/VAr12D9W5-I/AAAAAAAAELo/X5wxh6pAzjo/s1600/naomi-wenona1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MwhIEwAclxk/VAr12D9W5-I/AAAAAAAAELo/X5wxh6pAzjo/s1600/naomi-wenona1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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Now that I shared my dress, I have another version of <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/product/wenona-shirt/?lang=en" target="_blank">Wenona</a> here. My friend Naomi, who is a very popular quilt teacher, made her a shirt version in a crisp linen combination.<br />
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She was wearing it when we met a week ago and she was so stylish in this contrasting version! I asked her to let me use one of her photos to share it with you, as I thought that there might be some of you who are interested in different version of Wenona pattern too. Her blog post about the shirt is <a href="http://blog.livedoor.jp/petcat/archives/52074151.html" target="_blank">here</a> (in Japanese). Thank you, Naomi.<br />
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Happy sewing to you!!<br />
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Hugs,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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<b>Wenona shirtdress pattern</b><br />
<a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/product/wenona-shirt-dress/?lang=en" target="_blank">Wenona</a> (PDF) from <a href="http://www.namedclothing.com/?lang=en" target="_blank">Named</a><br />
chosen much smaller size, shortened sleeve length, added belt loops for belt. <br />
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<b>Fabric</b><br />
<a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/0348988/anna-maria-horner-pretty-potent-rayon-challis-eucalyptus-lime" target="_blank">Anna Maria Horner Pretty Potent Rayon Challis Eucalyptus Lime</a>, which is a fruit of my very first international fabric shopping. oh well.<br />
<span id="ctlProductDetail_rptFeaturesRight_ctl00_lblValueRight">57" x 2.5yds</span><br />
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yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-62874561207747497592014-08-22T18:45:00.001+09:002014-08-23T00:47:31.302+09:00Matching separatesHello!<br />
In my kind of world, the summer is officially gone. The weather is still hot, but I feel early autumn in the air. Which is nice. At least to me. I hope you are doing super well wherever you are! <br />
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A week ago, I visited <a href="http://www.fashion-press.net/news/11375" target="_blank">an exhibition that was for celebrating Japanese fashion designer Keita Maruyama's 20-year career in Tokyo</a> (an article written in Japanese followed by many photos of displayed items. I have to warn you that the photographer doesn't seem to have much interest in the garments<span style="font-size: small;">, sadly</span>). Albeit being held at a rather small space in a fashion mall , Space-O in <a href="http://www.omotesandohills.com/english/" target="_blank">Omoteasando Hills</a>, the exhibition had a well-edited series of his beautiful and cheerful fashion pieces in the last twenty years, and when I was stepping out of Space-O, I was a ball of uplifting feeling inspired by the flood of wearable beauties. Seeing pretty clothes is so effective to lift me up! (I call this "pretty clothes syndrome" and it is the most serious problem in my life.)<br />
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Expectedly, all his works were made of exquisite fabrics and I especially loved the casual prêt-à-porter in pretty silks. I've been in the mood for quality fabrics for some time, and after the visit I felt it even stronger that I so needed to wear more silks in my everyday life. I don't mean that they need to be high-end or designer fabrics, I mean, sensible quality for brighter ordinary days of a hobby sewist.<br />
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So, I made these matching separates with a lustrous silk with embroidery pronto. I know this fabric must be too colorless to say it's dramatic, but I hope that you feel some specialness in it, texture wise. I used it up for these and I have no regrets about what I did! I've already got a few kind compliments from kin and colleagues on this set too... I after all and always love all consequences of <b><i>the</i></b> problem, that is another problem of my life, ha.<br />
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I used <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/camilla-camisole-print-at-home-or-copy-shop-pdf" target="_blank">Camilla</a> camisole and <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/digital-download-pattern-skirts/products/libby-a-line-skirt-pattern" target="_blank">Libby</a> A-line skirt patterns from <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/pattern-books" target="_blank">Tessuti</a>. Thank you, Debbie, for mentioning Camilla in your comment on my last post! I really love this one too!<br />
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<a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/camilla-camisole-print-at-home-or-copy-shop-pdf" target="_blank">Camilla</a> needed much adjustments to fit my bodice probably because of the fabric I used, but there wasn't any complicated calculation or problem for fitting. Just did what I needed (I added bust darts in the side seams and redrew the neckline, took off some excess from armscyes, and shorten the total length to match the skirt) and everything was fine. I'd suggest making muslins at least once if you would try this camisole with stiffer fabrics like mine. Chiffons or other fine fabrics may not need any alteration, I can guess. To <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/digital-download-pattern-skirts/products/libby-a-line-skirt-pattern" target="_blank">Libby</a> I added some extra flare-ness to the bottom hem, by 10cm or so.<br />
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There was no problem with either of those patterns, except they needed quite a lot of pattern pages to print out. I've felt that their PDF layouts were not as much resource conscious as I wish. I hope it will be getting better in the future patterns eventually, because I really like all Tessuti's patterns that I own so far and this is my only concern about making new purchases from them at this moment.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: magenta;">Happy sewing, everyone!</span></span><br />
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from yoshimi with love<br />
xoxo<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">very <i>everyday</i>.</td></tr>
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<b>Camisole pattern</b><br />
<a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/camilla-camisole-print-at-home-or-copy-shop-pdf" target="_blank">Camilla</a> camisole (PDF) from <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/pattern-books" target="_blank">Tessuti fabrics</a><br />
Lined with white silk chiffon, shortened quite much (by about 6cm), added bust darts for FBA, took off excess from armscyes.<br />
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<b>Skirt pattern</b><br />
<a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/digital-download-pattern-skirts/products/libby-a-line-skirt-pattern" target="_blank">Libby</a> A-line skirt (PDF free download) from <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/pattern-books" target="_blank">Tessuti fabrics</a><br />
Lined with pale beige cupro fabric, long version, elongated the length of bottom hem circumference (by about 10cm) for adding a bit of extra flare in it.<br />
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<b>Fabric</b><br />
Silk, lustrous, soft but kinda stiff, eyelet, embroidery<br />
=====yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-85551573790668254762014-07-30T14:08:00.000+09:002014-07-30T14:08:02.486+09:00Salme camisoleI've kept a beautiful silk satin in my stash for long and long years. This impulsively bought fabric was about 110cm x 110cm square piece having its center (90cm x 90cm) printed with pastel color blocks. It was obviously made for a silk satin scarf, but unsewn.<br />
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Because it was so small and so square, it didn't make any garment until recently(I really didn't need more scarves at all). Every time I saw it I felt depressed, because I couldn't feel good to see my past purposeless purchases...<br />
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However, everybody, good things do happen sometimes!<br />
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I made a <a href="http://www.salmesewingpatterns.com/" target="_blank">Salmepatterns</a>' <a href="http://www.salmesewingpatterns.com/products/digital-sewing-pattern-double-layer-camisole-1" target="_blank">Double Layer Camisole</a> with this tiny fabric in the last weekend, because I had a sudden whim of a spaghetti strap cami and because I also had no other suitable fabric than this silk for the purpose. And I'm really really happy with what I got! Although my cami couldn't get two layers because of the shortage of fabric resource, I was really impressed by the good combination of this pattern and smooth silk, and I thought that it might be worth mentioning about it here to the outer space. I'd love to try the genuine double layered version in near future too.<br />
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Regarding to the sizing of the pattern, I cut size 8 with the intension for getting close fitting but I got a relatively loose garment. It seems to me that the pattern runs a bit larger side to my liking and to the measurements. I had a small gaping at the front neck and had to narrow the front neckline by 4cm too. It didn't stop me from loving this pattern at all though! I hope the info helps some of you a bit. Oh, patterns from Salmepatterns don't include seam allowances, just in case.<br />
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Ciao!<br />
yoshimi<br />
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pattern: <a href="http://www.salmesewingpatterns.com/products/digital-sewing-pattern-double-layer-camisole-1" target="_blank">Double Layer Camisole</a> from <a href="http://www.salmesewingpatterns.com/" target="_blank">Salmepatterns</a><br />
single layer, with a large self facing<br />
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fabric: silk satin <br />
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=====yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-53380198688974523502014-07-21T14:14:00.000+09:002014-07-21T14:29:39.938+09:00yukata dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello!!<br />
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First of all, thank you for the kind inquiries some of you made privately or publicly to ask if I was doing OK recently, I'm doing very fine! Actually I've been doing much better in this summer than usual but haven't been knocked out by the heat, I mean, not yet. I hope you're fine too.<br />
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I've got a Yukata fabric and made a dress from it.<br />
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Japanese <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2103.html" target="_blank">Yukata</a> is a casual summer kimono and is usually made of cotton. Yukata fabrics are narrow and long, same as traditional Kimono fabrics, and are usually sold as a roll of 12-13meters to serve one garment. I bought a roll which was sold very very cheap because of its imperfection. In other words, the fabric had a smidge of lightest sunburn at the both edges of the roll (not at the edges of the fabric surface!) from a longer storage. I couldn't see any problem with its quality as a fashion fabric.<br />
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Although I was happy to find it for an affordable price, I have to say that I also felt a bit sad because this pretty fabric was treated as a defective product even though it had only an almost unnoticeable imperfection. It was sold for about 1/5 of full price, I guess. We are sometime (maybe, often) too avaricious on newness and perfection on general merchandise, I think. Some people buy only magazines that are completely new and have never opened by any others because they believe in newness is the best commercial value of all. I wonder... But hey, I anyway got it and tried to make the most of its charm by making it into a summer dress. I love myself because I can sew and could use it! I could make it into a yukata, but I made a simple dress because I don't wear yukatas very often.<br />
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This weekend, my daughter and I visited Tokyo and stayed at a hotel which had <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinzan-so_Garden" target="_blank">a pretty garden</a> with lots of greens. We enjoyed the stay very much! DD took photographs for me and the dress in the garden promenade. See the endless row of wind bells for entertaining the guests in the garden! They sounded so charming. Sounded like tiny fairies chatting everywhere in the garden. Now I'm well spellbound and I can survive this summer by the power of tiny green fairies.<br />
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I love you all! Have a great day!<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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pattern: <a href="http://annee-patterns.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=63_64&product_id=137" target="_blank">847deux*</a> from <a href="http://annee-patterns.com/index.php?route=common/home" target="_blank">Annee-Patterns </a><br />
fabric:
yukata cotton, plain woven, flower prints over indigo shibori-dyed,
light, coarse density, smooth surface, relatively firm, 37cm wide. used
approx. 6m long.<br />
=====yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-37024434755039373922014-06-28T19:44:00.001+09:002014-06-28T19:44:40.068+09:00white sleeveless shirtHello!<br />
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It is rainy season in Japan and greens wield power everywhere. I've been feeling even busier since April, but I think this idea is one of my delusions. I am a lazy person and I could never be "busy" in the meaning you use this word for! I'm probably feeling busy because I don't want to work hard. That makes sense to me.<br />
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Meanwhile, I hope you've been doing super good!<br />
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I sewed a white sleeveless shirt from a Patrones pattern. The Patrones magazine was a surprising gift from <a href="http://aventurasdecosturas.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">Merche</a> who super generously sent me a copy to try their patterns. Thank you, Merche, so much for your kindness! I knew you were very kind even before the gift but I can't tell you how much I am thankful to you for your idea of getting extra copy for me :)<br />
If you are interested in the magazine that I'm talking about, you may like to read <a href="http://aventurasdecosturas.blogspot.jp/2013/06/patrones-costura-facil-n-29.html" target="_blank">Merche's this post</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;">**</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">By the way, I always respect you and everyone who are nice to others in the on-line sewing community, and I'm also feeling so lucky that I can be a part of it. I'm not telling you that gifts matter, but I'm telling you about the atmosphere that we are creating there. I mean, supportive attitudes and environment. Thank you for the good air we breathe, you supportive hobby sewists!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">** </span><br />
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As for the shirt, this was my first use of Patrones patterns and it was also meant to be a check for sizing/fitting. It is always good to know how different my frame is from the new-to-me company's targeted body, and I wanted to check it by using a very basic garment with narrower ease like this shirt.<br />
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I usually care height of bust line, height of narrowest point in waist, ease above bust line, ease above shoulder blades, length between neck and shoulder point, angle of shoulder lines and room for busts in a pattern for upper body. Size charts hardly tell such information, because they aren't about the sizes but they are about the frames of maker's targeted bodies. It may sound that I'm nagging about fitting detail, but I have to say that I'm rather not interested in fitting garments perfectly on a human body like pasting rubber sheets on it. I'd love to tell that I am interested in skimming some volume from critical area or adding some to it of my garment (hoping to look *delusionally* better.)<br />
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I rarely keep actual patterns (because, eh, I rarely trace) but I keep notes about what I did for adjusting the patterns to my frame, written digitally along with some photos, on every garment I make so that I can read my history whenever needed for future projects.<br />
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Anyway, Patrones patterns seem to fit similar to the retailed garments and relatively true to the size. And also I had some adjustments to the shirt pattern for my frame, and I think these will be automatically applied to my future projects with their patterns.<br />
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I love <a href="http://foursquarewalls.blogspot.jp/2014/06/archer-shirt-variation-v-neck-placket.html" target="_blank">Andrea's collarless placket shirt</a>, and I'm thinking this pattern with those plackets at this moment. It can become a pretty summer vest kind of sleeveless blouse. I'll see.<br />
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Have a very happy weekend!<br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi
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<b>white sleeveless shirt</b><br />
<b>pattern: </b>Shirt 45 from Patrones Extra, Easy Sew No.29 (Patrones Costura Facil) magazine, collar omitted.<br />
<b>fabric: </b>cotton stretch shirting fabric, soft and thick, white, seersucker-like, with most subtle silver pinstripes, 110cm x 1.2m used<br />
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<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4801563355843305920.post-53380336461623097852014-06-11T20:39:00.000+09:002014-06-11T20:39:15.353+09:00summer blouse and boyfriend pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EegDZ7tQqyA/U5bVo16sIkI/AAAAAAAAEEE/h-jUe7xkwjc/s1600/140610-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EegDZ7tQqyA/U5bVo16sIkI/AAAAAAAAEEE/h-jUe7xkwjc/s1600/140610-5.jpg" /></a></div>
Hello!<br />
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I finally made a <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1247-products-14158.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">Vogue 1247</a>
blouse after seeing so many beautiful versions from all over the world.
For my first version I used a lace cotton that was not very supple, and
the blouse was ballooned quite a lot because of the fabric. But I love it as it is! This is a summer blouse which breathes a lot. I'd love to
sew the next one with a different kind of fabric. Rayon? Linen? Don't
know yet... I'll see.<br />
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I also made my second <a href="http://republiqueduchiffon.com/store/product/15/" target="_blank">Gilbert</a> pants from <a href="http://republiqueduchiffon.com/" target="_blank">République Du Chiffon</a>. I used a very plain light beige cotton with a bit of stretch.
Though there is nothing very unusual in them as a garment, I just wanted
to let you know which pattern I used for them because some of you might
be interested in the pattern for your casual, cute, useful and
easy-going pair of "boyfriend pants".<br />
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Blouse: <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1247-products-14158.php?page_id=174" target="_blank">Vogue 1247</a><br />
Front neck line was raised by 1.5cm. Front horizontal darts were lengthened by 10cm to make the blouse slightly flattened. Raw lace trim was placed in the front neck line. Bottom hem was executed by bias strip binding.<br />
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Pants: <a href="http://republiqueduchiffon.com/store/product/15/" target="_blank">Gilbert</a> from <a href="http://republiqueduchiffon.com/" target="_blank">République Du Chiffon</a><br />
Sizes for the pattern seem true to the measurements for me. As I used a cotton with stretch, the garment looks loose on me. No alteration to the pattern.<br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b>(off) topic 1</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">After I had the last post of our one-year photo blog project with <a href="http://handmadebycarolyn.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Carolyn</a>, <a href="http://photomaisonette.blogspot.jp/" target="_blank">photo maisonette</a>, I noticed how much I had enjoyed taking photographs of my surroundings regularly. I'm not going to be a *photographer*, but I now feel that I'd better to keep learning how to press the shutter release button by this habit. I newly set up <a href="http://yoshimita.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">my own photo diary</a> on Tumblr platform. I think it's going to be updated irregularly, not daily. If you like to drop by and see my UFOs(UnFinished Objects) and other miscellaneous pictures, you're most welcome :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000;"><b><br />
(off) topic 2</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #660000;">In the last May, I had a small trip with two of my best friends, <a href="http://nyaroha4.blog118.fc2.com/" target="_blank">Chigu</a> and <a href="http://tmngkobo.onlinestores.jp/language/en" target="_blank">Miho</a>, to <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6908.html" target="_blank">Lake Yamanakako</a> that locates in the north side of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Fuji" target="_blank">Mt. Fuji</a>. We went there not only to enjoy the grand view of Mt. Fuji, but also for scouting location for our premature idea. We are wishing to organize a kind of sewing-related mini retreat, which any hobby sewists can apply to join in, at Lake Yamanakako in May 2015. Not much has been decided yet or we have no concrete schedule or program either. However, I felt the location was perfect to get together with other like-minded sewists and to spend an extraordinary time as a retreat. Very soon we will need to discuss all sorts of things for making it happen. You know, we have to plan fun workshops and to arrange cool accommodations and many sewing machines etc etc. Please wish us luck and also please do join in if you will be in Japan in 2015!</span><br />
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Love,<br />
yoshimi<br />
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<b>P.S. Thank you so much, Mariko, for this vogue pattern! I finally made it!</b><br />
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<br />yoshimihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00506313509701098651noreply@blogger.com24