Everything is on hold

Well any sewing and frivolous pursuits have been temporarily put on hold.  My Grandmother is ill and is in the hospital, I have been spending my extra time with her there.  I am hoping for a speedy recovery and rapid return home. 

The designer in me

The designer in me has been speaking in a louder voice as of late.  The pattern originally called for eyelet lace and beading around the neckline.  I was unable to locate any eyelet that looked appropriate - time for a design change.  I opted to make create a row of chiffon puffing in a blush/champagne color in place of the beading as well as replacing the eyelet lace with the delicate edge of chantilly lace in the same blush color.  It seems to coordinate well with the ivory silk and if anyone was to wear the slip the skin color would further blend the puffing and chantilly with the silk.  I have also been tweaking the design around the arm scythe, again the pattern called for a wider lace in eyelet to go around.  I am going to opt for a soft gathered cap sleeve using the chiffon and chantilly border.  Another design upgrade I have been toying with is to line the lace insert with more of the chiffon bringing the second color throught the design and add a bit of modesty to the sheer lace I have used.                

Oooh so embarrassed

Looking at the pictures I posted this morning.  I forgot to pack away a few Christmas decorations, guess I need to get the ladder out and clean of the china hutch - suppose I could decorate for spring.  

In production

Looks like I am about one-third of the way done with the slip.  I decided to make it as printed to work out any design  or sizing issues.  I have already had requests to turn it into a nightgown...  I will have to relocate the insertion lace a bit too daring for day to day wear. 

 As you can see by the close up the lace was designed to run along the princess seams down the center and bust apex.  Possible solutions into making this an everyday item would be swap out the lace for Swiss insertion with an all-over embroidered design.  Additionally the center panel did appear  proportionally wider than the original design sketch using given design elements.  To correct this visually I used one and one-half inch wide insertion centering down the front but, on the sides I placed three quarters of the insertion on the front panel.  Original sketch below.         

I got one!

Opted in for what they are calling the challenge pattern.  It is a lovely full length slip with insertion lace throughout.  I have printed the pages off and thanks to my older model printer the pages did not come out in order.  Challenge number 1 put the pages back in order..  accomplished.  Challenge number 2 to come up with an acceptable substitute for the 12 yards of  1 inch wide insertion lace the pattern calls for.  Quality insertion runs about $6.00 per yard, for a trial I need to substitute.  Found my answer at work; the fabric department has on clearance "lace" on a spool pre-cut 6inch wide basic lace in a 10 yard length for $2.39 can I argue with that?  I plan on cutting it in half and backing it with tulle or organza in a coordinating color.  Number 2 challenge overcome  this weekend I hope to get some sewing in - after I paint my closet and wallpaper the ceiling.      

It's February..

Well still waiting for my 1912 pattern, I understand the logistics and hassle in getting everything together.  I am still organizing my stash.  I never realized that in 10+ years of theatre costuming and custom orders I would amass such "wealth " in fabrics and trims.  I finally found the back of my storage closet now the fun part.. He he! I am going to paint and install floor to ceiling shelving in my walk in and clean up the mess I created.

Sewing vintage clothing offers a unique challenge and I am hoping to gain a lot of knowledge through this entire project.  Not only self realizations but also the combined knowledge of the 400 or so volunteers that are participating.  I plan on posting a few pictures of my work room as it progresses.  Thank goodness I live in Wisconsin - not too much to do this winter except work indoors.