tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-226918442024-03-13T03:47:08.133-04:00Cat Fur StudioBarbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.comBlogger185125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-60001155956250454132018-02-12T18:07:00.001-05:002018-02-12T18:07:16.874-05:00Knit Top - Vogue 1567 by Paco PeraltaI love this top! First, it's purple. Second, it's designed by the phenomenal Paco of Barcelona. Go <a href="https://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1567" target="_blank">HERE</a> to see the pattern. Third, the knit rayon/lycra fabric is perfect. It drapes well and doesn't sag, due to the lycra content.<br />
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To construct the neckline, you are told to sew in some stabilizing tape at both the back and the front. I used fusible tape and it worked well. It's applied on the facing side so an imprint of it doesn't show on the outside. I bought my tape years ago from Judy Barlup (now retired), who called it Japanese tailoring tape. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Design-Plus-Bias-Fusible-Designs/dp/B008EUGD72/ref=pd_sbs_201_5?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B008EUGD72&pd_rd_r=29R3P2N8QCS97QK3VVGQ&pd_rd_w=BMbOX&pd_rd_wg=FfNjZ&psc=1&refRID=29R3P2N8QCS97QK3VVGQ#customerReviews" target="_blank">THIS </a> product now for sale on Amazon seems to be very similar. Once applied, the fusible tape does not show on the outside, as it's fused to the facing side of the fold at the neckline, in both the front and the back. It controls the stretch, thus allowing for the 'straight across' front neckline look (without the tape, I feel that the neckline would end up draping, and therefore looking more like a cowl...not bad, but not desired here). <br />
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I thought this pattern was very well drafted - it went together easily. I used my baby lock cover stitcher to do the sleeve and waistline hems as well as the neckline in the back. <br />
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On Saturday evening, here in Alaska, we had a nice snowfall. Right after we took this picture, on Sunday morning, Nick and I did our house chores, then changed clothes to go cross country skiing at <a href="https://skimap.org/SkiAreas/view/2938" target="_blank">Beach Lake</a>, near our house. This is just one of the reasons we love living in the Anchorage, Alaska area. The outdoor quality of life here is phenomenal! <br />
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Eventually, I'll make the skirt too, to go with the top. I really like everything that Paco Peralta designs, and I'm thrilled that his designs are featured in Vogue Patterns. <br />
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Right now, in the sewing room, I've moved on to a simple T-shirt dress using some wool knit from Italy that I have left over from another project. Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-69070861238866884782018-01-07T17:56:00.000-05:002018-01-07T17:56:06.749-05:00Utility Jacket Number One... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This knit jacket from the Christine Jonson <a href="https://www.cjpatterns.com/all-patterns/travel-trio-one-1204" target="_blank">Travel Trio One pattern</a> is 'the bomb'! I have been making this pattern for years - ever since it was released eons ago. I love it for office work and for travel, where you have to fly and be 'presentable' immediately upon landing. The construction is super easy using a serger. <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-65456880489032677172017-07-25T00:49:00.001-04:002017-07-25T00:49:26.052-04:00Paco Peralta Duster Dress & Sash Here's my version of this pattern,<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/511038000/duster-dress-sash-pattern?ref=shop_home_active_16" target="_blank"> Duster Dress & Sash</a>, from my friend, Paco.<br />
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I used a blue cotton shirting. This dress is very loose fitting, and I love how the sash draws it in at the waist. I made the size 'medium'. This dress is very comfortable to wear at work today. <br />
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Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-58971761851477399162014-11-30T16:09:00.002-05:002014-11-30T16:09:31.647-05:00Striped Action I've made this top, the <a href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/categories/tops/" target="_blank">"Mighty Aphrodite" from Hot Patterns</a> five times now, and I still am not tired of it. In fact, tops I made several years ago are finally starting to wear out, but I still LOVE this pattern! It fits well, I love the look, and it's fun to make. <br />
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<br />This past August, while visiting in the East, I bought a haul of fabric from Mr. Kashi at Metro Textiles in NY. I brought it back to Alaska, and I've sewn up all but two pieces of it now. <br />
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This piece, a striped rayon, was super appealing to me, and I thought for quite some time about what it would become. I love the fabric so much that I didn't want to mess it up!<br />
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I made a matching skirt, echoing the drawstring from the top in the skirt. I used vertical stripes for the skirt, with a horizontal inset, bordered by the ties. <br />
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It snowed here in south central Alaska last night, and we're celebratingly happy because we have not gotten much snow this season... until now. This snow is going to be a nice base layer for skiing! <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-45796984214980626802014-09-03T23:35:00.001-04:002014-09-03T23:35:18.009-04:00Pink Peasant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The warmth of summer is waning here in Alaska, but it's not too late to enjoy a lightweight cotton top! <a href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/hp1169-classix-nouveau-refined-peasant-blouse/" target="_blank">This</a> is the Classix Nouveau Refined Peasant blouse from Hot Patterns. <br />
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My fabric came from Mr. Kashi at Metro Textiles. I bought this about two years ago. It's a lovely floaty cotton. I wore this all day today, so this is what it looks like after a long day at the office, partly sitting in sweaty meetings. <br />
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Speaking of Metro Textiles, I was in NY two weeks ago, and paid Kashi a visit. I got a load of lovely knits for Alaska wear! I also went to <a href="http://www.sposabellanyc.com/" target="_blank">Sposabella</a> with my niece Christine, my parents, and my sister, because I'm making Christine's wedding gown! We picked out our fabric, but I am waiting until the muslin is finished, approved and fitted before getting the fabric. It's Alencon lace and satin. The basic design is going to be a takeoff on Princess Grace's gown -and I'm using <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v2979-products-7971.php?page_id=186" target="_blank">this pattern </a>as a base. And I think it looks pretty similar to the gown worn by Princess Kate at her wedding. <br />
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Back to my current project! This top has lots of ease, but it's floaty and flattering when being worn, but it is a MUST to wear skinny pants or skirt underneath, so as to balance the look! <br />
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Nick took the photo on our front porch. Smokey and Snowy supervised. <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-89263323504607089792014-05-27T01:25:00.002-04:002014-05-27T01:39:04.633-04:00Kuspuk - an Alaskan Tunic <br />
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Since I live in Alaska, I wanted a<a href="http://tundramedicinedreams.blogspot.com/2008/05/what-is-kuspuk.html" target="_blank"> kuspuk</a>, which is kind of like a tunic traditionally worn by Yu'pik women here. I have seen Yup'iks and other Alaskans wear these, but mostly, for dress and traditional cultural celebrations. On occasion, I see women wearing them at places like the airport (and mostly, it seems, these women are on their way to places like Bethel, which is a large Yup'ik village in western Alaska).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLyvbZ4zi6Q4MvoQrpJagt14RTJYlPCsFKTA8YCnhbrvg0Od9JkoVGBFp5HKKUwAJ3cKplxW7wHgXE7895BQgKxMxGyz62xBXvGrFsLDMsdG36yJI8H_DfLTQ0SbEpXo5OgDLkg/s1600/front+view.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLyvbZ4zi6Q4MvoQrpJagt14RTJYlPCsFKTA8YCnhbrvg0Od9JkoVGBFp5HKKUwAJ3cKplxW7wHgXE7895BQgKxMxGyz62xBXvGrFsLDMsdG36yJI8H_DfLTQ0SbEpXo5OgDLkg/s1600/front+view.jpg" height="320" width="182" /></a></div>
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I made mine using fabric and trim inherited from Nick's mom, Carol. She
was an artist and a quilter, and when she died, I got some of her
cottons. Most of these are now used up - I made a lot of aprons a
while back and gave them as gifts. But I have a few pieces, still, and
the print on this dress is traditional for a Kuspuk - usually they're
made of printed cotton with rick rack trim, or similar other trim.<br />
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<a href="http://www.northernthreads.net/p-16434-ladies-kuspuk-pattern.aspx" target="_blank"> This is the pattern I used. </a> Being that I'm in Alaska, I was able to pick it up easily at a local quilting store. I don't think they're easily found outside Alaska, except by webstore/mail order. At least, I never saw one of these before I came to Alaska a year and a half ago. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB21GI3vyDZizFo-u1Ximgtw-wsnF8Tc7uIPvggk6HjUXtv9ACbEjaD24tyJROKT1PGBqmwz0GcPNTSRVzu1-qd7LDAwxE3dlp9OWFzIjEJBe-8eWcSOk5H0XLQJKdZ7f1pacJw/s1600/side+with+hood+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIB21GI3vyDZizFo-u1Ximgtw-wsnF8Tc7uIPvggk6HjUXtv9ACbEjaD24tyJROKT1PGBqmwz0GcPNTSRVzu1-qd7LDAwxE3dlp9OWFzIjEJBe-8eWcSOk5H0XLQJKdZ7f1pacJw/s1600/side+with+hood+up.jpg" height="320" width="173" /></a></div>
The pattern is pretty basic and not fitted, but I found the instructions are a little obtuse. Since the design is not complicated, I just did what I knew would work. I changed the directions around so that I sewed the zipper in on the flat, and made a few other construction order changes, such as hemming the skirt before it was gathered and attached to the body of the tunic. This made it easier. Also, I made the pocket much smaller than the version on the pattern. The version on the pattern spanned the width of the front, which seemed wierd, so I made the pocket smaller. There is a lot of variation in Kuspuk design, so anything would work, I suppose. I do know from talking to Alaskans, that with Kuspuks, depending on who makes them, each maker might have variation on on hood shape, pocket placement, and trim placement, depending on where the wearer is from (that is, if the wearer is Yupik). Being that I wanted to honor the Alaskan tradition of Kuspuk, but I am not affiliated with any one town or village, I felt I could use creative license, as long as I honored the integrity of the garment overall.<br />
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<a href="http://kuspuks.com/" target="_blank">Here is a great website from a lady who makes and sells Kuspuks. </a> You can see here some different design variations. <br />
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The hood is traditionally used to keep out bugs - and it is nice to have when the day gets a little chilly. Mostly, I'm planning on wearing this inside, or in warmer temperatures. But this evening (the first time I wore the Kuspuk), it got a bit cold outside, so the hood came in handy.<br />
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I think I will be making a second Kuspuk, but the second one will not be of traditional printed cotton. I'm thinking a lightweight silk might be interesting. <br />
<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-43331145980487108042014-01-20T16:53:00.001-05:002014-01-20T16:55:11.826-05:00Purple Stripey <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpxzGfz8RWrFaTlYZAvHwmoOwDZTo1WhOWJSQeS4phD2XbhBl9RMfrRtfbgjh5AcZzLSl9r72jZeWPx4BxyWeEdvhX77yDQ7gSsGztVpsWoi8sLYTO5uQL9PHqTcW2yJzhgRDsA/s1600/P1030204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpxzGfz8RWrFaTlYZAvHwmoOwDZTo1WhOWJSQeS4phD2XbhBl9RMfrRtfbgjh5AcZzLSl9r72jZeWPx4BxyWeEdvhX77yDQ7gSsGztVpsWoi8sLYTO5uQL9PHqTcW2yJzhgRDsA/s1600/P1030204.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
I like to study how different designers create simple designs different ways, and in my constant quest for something different, even when it's a 'simple' t shirt, I purchased <a href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/hp-1163-mimi-g-love-2-love-you-t/" target="_blank">this t-shirt pattern</a>. It's the "Guest Designer" Mimi G series from Hot Patterns. I used a striped lightweight knit from my friend Catherine. She gave this to me a while ago...maybe years ago? Anyway, I love the colors, I love the fiber content (wool and rayon), and it's soft and elegant looking, I think. <br />
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Here are some things that make this t shirt pattern a bit different from others I've used:<br />
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1. The 'hi lo' hem. I've seen this look featured in some fashion magazines recently. The front of the hem is high, and then curves to lower in the back.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmyFnVAL3PuKfsngukvotyCBAYSBpXfvt5jaUC_mffMChQR5GdVIb1IxH7ActvfYTwSrItCt8zMLtHUeIOy4ZLIXypqg8v_O7_gFwLY0NsD7773RfOGqS24DYj4g5Q-hPQudoeQ/s1600/P1030205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRmyFnVAL3PuKfsngukvotyCBAYSBpXfvt5jaUC_mffMChQR5GdVIb1IxH7ActvfYTwSrItCt8zMLtHUeIOy4ZLIXypqg8v_O7_gFwLY0NsD7773RfOGqS24DYj4g5Q-hPQudoeQ/s1600/P1030205.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
2. The back seam is curved in at the lower back curve. I sometimes put this in myself when using other patterns, and it was a nice feature to have built in to the pattern. This of course is a bit more flattering, as the shirt narrows in where I do.<br />
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3. The little insert at the upper shoulder. This gives an additional design opportunity. To make it without the little insert is easy...just overlap seam allowances at the join. In this case, I used the insert feature to add some design interest using the stripes.<br />
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Stripes can be challenging to match. I hand baste like this to create stability of the seam and then when I machine-serge the seam, it doesn't slip. In this fabric, one of the stripes zig-zagged. Matching was impossible, so I just went with it. Notice I put the zig zag at the waistline, so as to break up the stripe visually. Thus, it is hoped, not 'widening' me when I wear this. Horizontal stripes are widening, visually, but I believe the zig zag breaks this up. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpxzGfz8RWrFaTlYZAvHwmoOwDZTo1WhOWJSQeS4phD2XbhBl9RMfrRtfbgjh5AcZzLSl9r72jZeWPx4BxyWeEdvhX77yDQ7gSsGztVpsWoi8sLYTO5uQL9PHqTcW2yJzhgRDsA/s1600/P1030204.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpxzGfz8RWrFaTlYZAvHwmoOwDZTo1WhOWJSQeS4phD2XbhBl9RMfrRtfbgjh5AcZzLSl9r72jZeWPx4BxyWeEdvhX77yDQ7gSsGztVpsWoi8sLYTO5uQL9PHqTcW2yJzhgRDsA/s1600/P1030204.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4_jbcG0e_WfP3WJ-eICK3Bjczb67mTAt4SLbBS9FPk4MH5uxCrSL1_ZsOPV_JCkHPZ2G7aKGH2g8hhUy9kqYUQuFyBOlcTDGf5vyiMkj2_a-wBP25E-rTW77KeBCCsyVpxSEnw/s1600/P1030146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfo2VtGfruJFsW4cF9dLkFgC23Nm4VOU_IFmrp6UBPoiMmVUQQ6Sup7mJ_fOFRIMOasKO07-q15JWZYYw4vqc-Gsd1pZE2O-0ux9zyJD6334a8MsLEesIKNbqWBPplG0x00fIfA/s1600/P1030151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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Basting is a pain, and I hate to do it, but it is worth the trouble. If I ever get lazy, don't baste, and use what I would call the "Hail Mary" approach, which means "just wing it and hope for the best", I always regret the lazy choice. In this case, I hand basted, then straight stitch basted, THEN serged. The straight stitching first provided an extra bit of stability so that the serger would not push the seam alignment out of whack. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7zRdPFCcBlDOTjXmLXyqeAiLmpuckS_69IOMNr7E8q2MKaL3jKuvZkuJLvjIsum8_R_12eWlkWnQotRO067J4Zt4vYTy842mZOarYE5Ars1FEH_Ra8aFabP3Ny3sNoQrw4dqgA/s1600/P1030206.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7zRdPFCcBlDOTjXmLXyqeAiLmpuckS_69IOMNr7E8q2MKaL3jKuvZkuJLvjIsum8_R_12eWlkWnQotRO067J4Zt4vYTy842mZOarYE5Ars1FEH_Ra8aFabP3Ny3sNoQrw4dqgA/s1600/P1030206.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
The neckline was easy. I cut the fabric so that it was with a stripe on the straight of the fabric , joined the ends, folded it over, then applied it to the neckline with the serger. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4_jbcG0e_WfP3WJ-eICK3Bjczb67mTAt4SLbBS9FPk4MH5uxCrSL1_ZsOPV_JCkHPZ2G7aKGH2g8hhUy9kqYUQuFyBOlcTDGf5vyiMkj2_a-wBP25E-rTW77KeBCCsyVpxSEnw/s1600/P1030146.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4_jbcG0e_WfP3WJ-eICK3Bjczb67mTAt4SLbBS9FPk4MH5uxCrSL1_ZsOPV_JCkHPZ2G7aKGH2g8hhUy9kqYUQuFyBOlcTDGf5vyiMkj2_a-wBP25E-rTW77KeBCCsyVpxSEnw/s1600/P1030146.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuH3ksffgaIJKkhCGyuk5szbtcAqwKyQidFQVZImFw9V6mXCvqNbMZ5GPyeJHyXPVja6FvO_DgFoY269IQgGuq4fw-Iudk7rdsmZ-osZXWrg0n3Ha5Z5rDVp6eJ6nglMCm34zRg/s1600/P1030149.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUuH3ksffgaIJKkhCGyuk5szbtcAqwKyQidFQVZImFw9V6mXCvqNbMZ5GPyeJHyXPVja6FvO_DgFoY269IQgGuq4fw-Iudk7rdsmZ-osZXWrg0n3Ha5Z5rDVp6eJ6nglMCm34zRg/s1600/P1030149.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snowy likes to help. </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="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ5UPnOckj8SJGX5mNCUiXUVbszPAQx6NdENOpai_sd4F6iDx5AhsyLZtiPIZU3AF2sHCYdkJv2aS2XpTUzbGIIJO72sEdpNqjoPWi8FM1fSl1q1hzlcgZDBgffqTzAAmczV1bg/s1600/P1030148.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmZ5UPnOckj8SJGX5mNCUiXUVbszPAQx6NdENOpai_sd4F6iDx5AhsyLZtiPIZU3AF2sHCYdkJv2aS2XpTUzbGIIJO72sEdpNqjoPWi8FM1fSl1q1hzlcgZDBgffqTzAAmczV1bg/s1600/P1030148.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes I have to stop sewing and pet him. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjb011mTfDsSIE5dnuCr8n2Lpni-dE3I7SUcIsEucx6HzFDyo1whtMw-nYc_rB_r8KMrMSFGg_smSsIpD24XgRyGAAzFDnxbMi-YA1Y6DUwXJ0h0S8AbK7L-v8Ce59AvhZ58HCQ/s1600/P1030150.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYjb011mTfDsSIE5dnuCr8n2Lpni-dE3I7SUcIsEucx6HzFDyo1whtMw-nYc_rB_r8KMrMSFGg_smSsIpD24XgRyGAAzFDnxbMi-YA1Y6DUwXJ0h0S8AbK7L-v8Ce59AvhZ58HCQ/s1600/P1030150.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's that neckline again, sans Snowy. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpxzGfz8RWrFaTlYZAvHwmoOwDZTo1WhOWJSQeS4phD2XbhBl9RMfrRtfbgjh5AcZzLSl9r72jZeWPx4BxyWeEdvhX77yDQ7gSsGztVpsWoi8sLYTO5uQL9PHqTcW2yJzhgRDsA/s1600/P1030204.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLpxzGfz8RWrFaTlYZAvHwmoOwDZTo1WhOWJSQeS4phD2XbhBl9RMfrRtfbgjh5AcZzLSl9r72jZeWPx4BxyWeEdvhX77yDQ7gSsGztVpsWoi8sLYTO5uQL9PHqTcW2yJzhgRDsA/s1600/P1030204.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished! Time to go hiking...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-79527106821936940232013-12-19T16:39:00.001-05:002013-12-19T16:39:49.703-05:00Holiday Happiness -Diana Ross Style <br />
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I got this book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Famous-Frocks-Instructions-Recreating-Dresses-10/dp/0811877914" target="_blank">Famous Frocks</a>", before I moved to Alaska last year, and I've made two things from it already. Here's a tunic of stretch velvet, which I wear with thick tights and boots up here in Alaska. This is a good 'going out' outfit - dressy but not over the top. And with snow and ice on the sidewalks from November through March up here, I don't wear high heels much in the winter. Too slippery! <br />
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The designs in this book seek to be reminiscent of iconic music and screen heroines. Featured stars include Madonna, Rita Hayworth, Stevie Nicks, and Diana Ross. <br />
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The designs are inspired by - but are not really copies of what these icons wore. For example, the photo above is me wearing the "Diana Ross" style tunic. Diana's stage version was made of a woven, but this version (and in fact most if not all patterns featured in this book) are meant for stretch knits. <br />
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This design was straightforward and easy to put together. I traced the pattern and went from there. The authors give several ideas on how to 'mix it up' design-wise, so I added some slits in the sleeves. <br />
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I used my serger to construct this outfit. No problems, and the pattern seemed to be drafted nicely. <br />
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The photo was taken in the Captain Cook Hotel, here in Anchorage. The painting behind me features Captain Cook's foray into Prince William Sound. I like going into the Captain Cook to look at the paintings now and then. This structure is 20 stories high, and was built in the 1970s. It was the first 'high rise' built after the 1964 earthquake devastated Anchorage. <br />
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I made the "Rita Hayworth" dress from this book also, so I'll post that here, too, once I get a photo taken. Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-24180305196397640792013-11-17T21:39:00.002-05:002013-11-17T21:39:38.043-05:00Cushion Me <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hurrah! A cushion for the arctic entry. In Alaska, an arctic entry is a room between the house and the garage in which one takes off shoes, coats, and such. Lately, when going outside here, in temps at 7 degrees above zero (fahrenheit), and headed for mountain tops 15 minutes from the house which clock winds at 50 MPH, I channel Neil Armstrong on a moon trip. Clothing wise, that is. I don't go for the 'depends' diaper or urine channeling rigamarole, of course. <br />
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The cushion is, of course, a place to sit while taking off the shoes. I made piping for the edges. The fabric came from my friend Julie, who has a business serving clients in NYC and on Long Island in home decoration. I brought some of it up with me to 'elegant-up' the last frontier, so to speak. <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-4327218661925844512013-10-15T23:22:00.002-04:002013-10-15T23:22:26.687-04:00Skirt with Swirl<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is Onion (Maria from Denmark) pattern number 3019 available <a href="http://www.shoponion.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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I bought this pattern several years ago. <br />
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I used my serger to do a rolled hem, using colored thread. My fabric is wool. <br />
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I hemmed the skirt panels (there are six) and then assembled the skirt, fabric wrong sides together. I inserted an invisible zipper at the left side (you can see it above near the waistline). <br />
<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-59564935015305534982013-09-02T00:36:00.001-04:002013-09-02T00:36:29.987-04:00Arctic Entry Board <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We have an "arctic entry" in our home - it's a vestibule area right after you leave the garage, and on the way to entering the rest of the home. So I made a little bulletin board to display stuff we want to look at as we come and go. <br />
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<a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/how-to-make-a-ribbon-bulletin-board/index.html" target="_blank">Here are directions </a>.. <br />
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Basically, you take a cork board, staple or glue batting to it, wrapping it around the edges. Then, do the same thing with fabric. Then do the ribbons. I added some buttons at the ribbon intersect. Nick helped me stretch the batting and fabric, and then I did the rest. <br />
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This is our 'happy board' so we can remind ourselves of things we like as we come and go from the house to our cars. A no sew project (except for the buttons). <br />
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I'm sewing a dress right now. But I will be doing a seat cushion to match this board later. Stay tuned! <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-42555869724187727512013-08-19T23:25:00.001-04:002013-08-19T23:26:41.054-04:00Back to Basics. Two, that is. Yesterday, it was raining pretty hard here in south-central Alaska, so I spent a few hours creating two t shirts, using <a href="http://www.pamelaspatterns.com/Store_ProductDetail.aspx?pid=A06B1B03577D64E8" target="_blank">Pamela's Patterns Perfect T Shirt pattern</a>. <br />
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I used <a href="http://www.cjpatterns.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=CJP&Category_Code=ITY" target="_blank">this fabric</a>, an ITY Poly/Rayon, from Christine Jonson. I believe Christine sells some of the best knits around, and this particular fabric is one of my go-to staples. It wears well, and holds up for years, drapes nicely, and is wash and drip dry (and I've discovered, machine dryable if I'm in a rush). <br />
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You know when you notice a hole in your wardrobe, and seek to fill it? Well, I have noticed a hole in that I needed some more black t-shirts, but just never got around to buying any. So, I was sitting in the house with Smokey, Snowy (cats) and Nick (husband) on a rainy afternoon. I considered my wardrobe hole, and that I should fill it (with black t shirts). Then I thought about fabric I have on hand, that I paid to ship up here to Alaska from Penna, from where I moved back in December. So, for me, it didn't make sense to go out and buy the shirts.<br />
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One shirt has full length sleeves (the one I'm wearing in the photo) and the other has 3/4 length sleeves with stretch velvet binding the neck. I messed up the neck binding on this shirt, so I cut it off and replaced it with the velvet. The other shirt (the one I'm wearing) I simply turned and coverstitched the neckline, which is becoming my favorite way to finish simple necklines on a knit. I set the machine to slightly stretch as it sews, which makes for a more stretchy finished project, as the machine lays more thread into the seams that way. <br />
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I'm still getting the feel of my new sewing room, and as I sew, I'm deciding where to place stuff. I still haven't committed to the placement of the gravity-feed iron. I have my three main sewing machines (conventional, serger, and coverstitch) in a row along the south side of the room, and catty-corner to that, I have my cutting table. I have tile flooring, which I love. No more hidden pins 'discovered' painfully in bare feet! <br />
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I want to sew a 'big' project next. I'm playing around with some ideas. But first up is, a small home decorating project. <br />
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Do you sew 'basics' such as these shirts, or do you save your sewing energy for bigger and more complex projects? <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-36986129239730638232013-08-12T23:31:00.001-04:002013-08-12T23:35:36.697-04:00Alaskan Summer<br />
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In Alaska, this is a summer dress. I used <a href="http://www.pamelaspatterns.com/Store_ProductDetail.aspx?pid=A06B1B03577D64E8" target="_blank">Pamela's Patterns T shirt pattern</a>, and added a funnel neck, then lengthened the pattern, and put a flare into the skirt, My fabric was shipped from Pennsylvania, when Nick and moved here to Alaska. I came here in January, and Nick arrived, after selling our Penna home, in April.<br />
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We now live in Eagle River, Alaska, which is north of Anchorage.<br />
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I set up my sewing room in a bedroom in the basement. It's still under 'construction', as I'm still deciding where to put everything. Nick set up some ceiling mounted flourescents, along with a door, put on top of file cabinets, as a cutting table.<br />
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I've been pretty busy with my paid work, and when not doing that, have been hiking and taking advantage of this rare (to me) wildness that is Alaska. The state calls itself the 'last frontier' for good reason.<br />
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I'll post more later. Thanks for still being there! More, I promise..more! Will come. <br />
<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-84103099241255448422013-01-21T01:35:00.001-05:002013-01-21T01:35:16.276-05:00Alaska Snowshoeing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No sewing at all here in Alaska (yet). All my sewing gear is packed and still in Pennsylvania, where Nick is working at selling our home. My arrival in Alaska went well, except that on day 6 after my arrival, I suffered a severe wrist fracture while ice skating. <br />
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It needed immediate surgery, which went well, It is on my right wrist,
my dominant hand, which is putting a real cramp in my style. I can not
write well and my typing is tedious. I won't even begin to list all
the other inconveniences. I will recover fully, despite a
spatula-sized plate and 7 pins (or is it 9) installed in my lower arm
and wrist. The orthopedic surgeon I was lucky enough to get is
fantastic. <br />
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I took up snowshoeing today. If I fall it will be at low velocity and on a relatively soft surface!<br />
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So, I'm busy with my new job (love it!) and looking for a house to buy. No skating for me, for quite some while. I am enjoying meeting many Alaskans. It is a beautiful place. Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-27348869129492668762012-12-22T09:46:00.001-05:002012-12-22T09:46:04.639-05:00North to Alaska! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nick and I have had the goal of moving to the american west for quite some time now. We thought we'd do it in five or ten years, but the time has come now. A bit further north than originally planned, but we are SO excited. Alaska, here we come! <br />
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Around here, I'm busier 'n a grizzly bear eating salmon at Copper River Falls. <br />
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I am excited that <a href="http://www.alaskageographic.org/blog/post/alaska-geographic-welcomes-a-new-executive-director" target="_blank">I'll be joining Alaska Geographic as of the first of this year</a>. This job is my dream job, and I can't wait to get up there, though of course I'll miss Nick, my family, and Snowy and Smokey. Nick and I will celebrate Christmas together with my family, and I fly on the 30th of December. Nick is staying here for a while to sell our home. My aunt Teri, uncle Tom, and cousin Erika and her family are in Anchorage, so I'm really happy I'll be able to see them more often! <br />
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Nick and I went to Anchorage for my interview in early November, and since then, we've been prepping for our move. We shipped my car out two weeks ago. The car has to go cross country, then from Seattle it'll go on a boat. By now, I hope it's leaving Seattle to go up the coast. <br />
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So, back to sewing...it's fitting that my last Pennsylvania sewing project (completed yesterday, while I was supposed to be packing my sewing room) is this: <br />
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Using <a href="http://www.polartec.com/shelter/polartec-wind-pro/" target="_blank">Polartec WindPro</a>, I used an old faithful<a href="http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=26l&sa=X&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1366&bih=598&tbm=isch&tbnid=gE0zHienVCzB2M:&imgrefurl=http://www.voguefabricsstore.com/Kwik-Sew-3115-Misses-Pants-and-Tops.html&docid=UrNPHjEy-mjX9M&imgurl=http://www.voguefabricsstore.com/images/P/3115.jpg&w=380&h=288&ei=NMTVUKCpGceP0QGC7YCIAw&zoom=1&iact=hc&vpx=165&vpy=125&dur=3820&hovh=195&hovw=258&tx=25&ty=212&sig=110164704727959813779&page=1&tbnh=136&tbnw=150&start=0&ndsp=29&ved=1t:429,r:2,s:0,i:94" target="_blank"> KwikSew pattern, 3115</a>. I've made at least ten versions of this pattern, usually using cotton lycra. It's a great yoga pant. Since the polartec windpro has about 25 percent stretch, I decided I'd go with this pattern. I didn't make tights as originally planned, as the fabric is not really stretchy at all lengthwise. The 'bell bottom' should be good for going over boots. I'm a downhill skiier but am really eager to learn cross country skiiing. So that'll be one of the first things I do in my off time once I get to Alaska. <br />
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I got the fabric on super sale, directly from Malden Mills a while ago, and although the color is not that great in my opinion, for pants (I prefer a darker more retiring color), they'll work! I was inspired to make these pants, after spending almost $100 on a simple pair of cool weather tights at Athleta. I'm not enamored with the color of these (really, I believe it would be a better color for a jacket) but for sure these will be warm. <br />
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Nick and I will be living in <a href="http://www.muni.org/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">Anchorage</a>. It's relatively warm there in the winter, due to the proximity of the ocean. It's an absolutely stunningly beautiful place, and I'm thrilled about the new job I'll be taking soon. <br />
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So, I'll leave you now, with wishes for a beautiful holiday season. I'm off to celebrate Christmas. But first, a few last-minute gifts to buy this morning, and then, finishing packing up the sewing room. <br />
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I'll see you 'on the other side' !!! <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-37553512588680740572012-09-24T20:00:00.002-04:002012-09-24T20:00:20.174-04:00Comically Draped <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVHPrTNO1bk-PweWNFgJu5ABSbIZhnxS5-wv84o3ZA6VD-R0KlhvT6NpFkUvrBwOPPh_foyTb554zmHethXJOzmrkfsFwv5-HIrtE_9GZmAhjAN5AGRTvGdl19tmikTriF94Juw/s1600/Draped+Orange+Top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwVHPrTNO1bk-PweWNFgJu5ABSbIZhnxS5-wv84o3ZA6VD-R0KlhvT6NpFkUvrBwOPPh_foyTb554zmHethXJOzmrkfsFwv5-HIrtE_9GZmAhjAN5AGRTvGdl19tmikTriF94Juw/s640/Draped+Orange+Top.jpg" width="342" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87575748/draped-top-pattern" target="_blank">Paco Peralta's draped top</a>. I used polyester knit in a silly print, purchased from Vogue Fabrics near Chicago three (or was it four?) years ago. Perfect under a black suit jacket at work. Gives that little pop of color. <br />
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I changed the design somewhat. I added bands at the armhole and at the bottom,and lengthened the top 2 inches total. The bands are simple to create. At the arms, simply cut 2 inch wide lengths, and then make their length approximately 1/6 to 1/7 smaller than the opening. Stitch, then turn around the raw edge and secure. I did the same thing at the waist, but used a 3.5 inch wide length.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhM6ifQLD9L_4qJvaQBnpET3_8d4WuYZETsf3r_JLQpyPJl2IUTkyYCcIbas9M_IB1cFjlgUOb-sMqUQ9A0FISNga3tPiA8gFMmtrljdIdN_YSjxoWeqyRB87KDR1h2OGIsDLZQ/s1600/Draped+Orange+Top+Detail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXhM6ifQLD9L_4qJvaQBnpET3_8d4WuYZETsf3r_JLQpyPJl2IUTkyYCcIbas9M_IB1cFjlgUOb-sMqUQ9A0FISNga3tPiA8gFMmtrljdIdN_YSjxoWeqyRB87KDR1h2OGIsDLZQ/s640/Draped+Orange+Top+Detail.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I'm making another version. The next one will be a silk woven, and in a smaller size. This size is just a bit large. The new version will be made just as the designer intended. It will not have bands added at the waist and armhole. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m8ItXLqpf5nT_tiHRcrYbTmXPlYqbin61m_Z14tXL1bLXZ7g9gpRgc6Imnu6fIovAS25UuyUrcQV8j8xq7yylytKWZn_Xc_Q6xi8TZslqBmX6BE0N6EzGxe7VmbVyX3n8g1aJA/s1600/Draped+Orange+Top+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-m8ItXLqpf5nT_tiHRcrYbTmXPlYqbin61m_Z14tXL1bLXZ7g9gpRgc6Imnu6fIovAS25UuyUrcQV8j8xq7yylytKWZn_Xc_Q6xi8TZslqBmX6BE0N6EzGxe7VmbVyX3n8g1aJA/s640/Draped+Orange+Top+2.jpg" width="584" /></a>Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-59727857633334839492012-07-07T21:26:00.003-04:002012-07-07T21:26:44.551-04:00Shape, Shape, Shape...Shape, shape, shape... Shape that booty...shape that booty.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJttNjMziXHxLVhbDkALj_V6FkJcFb7Omq30og-0FrAms_TUC_a3-zDa1YCWNtwdF2pm9MBNASniaRORBYME3IZGlzaRp1rd7yn7IU2IqjGnuCdj5Ye2CIMrRSA2N85WJOa9_gVg/s1600/Shaper+Shorts+July+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJttNjMziXHxLVhbDkALj_V6FkJcFb7Omq30og-0FrAms_TUC_a3-zDa1YCWNtwdF2pm9MBNASniaRORBYME3IZGlzaRp1rd7yn7IU2IqjGnuCdj5Ye2CIMrRSA2N85WJOa9_gVg/s320/Shaper+Shorts+July+2012.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
I guess 'shapers' have come back into fashion, but when I was growing
up, in the 60s and 70s, no one except grammas wore 'girdles'. As a young teen, I used to go to
the department stores to oogle the latest Jessica McClintock offerings, and inevitably, on the way to somewhere else more exciting, I'd pass through the 'intimates' section.
The girdles were called foundation garments and they were displayed along with these big wide-elastic strapped, batten-down-the-hatches cross your heart bras. How I and my friends would giggle and gape in horror! <br />
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Back then, it seemed
that most women's underwear of two polar opposite choices. Either you wore ethereal little nothings (for the young) or you wore pasty white or beige rubber
contraptions featuring armored abdominal carapaces and garter belts for stockings attached
at the upper thigh. We young people wore bikinis and 'barely there'
training bras (if a bra at all). Old ladies (and to me, anyone over 35 was really, really old) wore the big ole white or beige panties (waistband came up
to the bra line) and white bullet bras. <br />
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Now, I am the same age as what only a few short years ago I
considered "old". Ha! At least nowadays we older adults have a
choice other than big ole' white panties, bandage bras, and carapace girdles. <br />
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This <a href="http://www.cjpatterns.com/BodyShaper-816.htm" target="_blank">"body shaper"</a> pattern from Christine Jonson is so much fun to sew! The pattern's in just two pieces, and the final garment is totally reversible. You cut two 'body ' pieces and one inner leg piece, then sandwich them together. At first, I was puzzled at how this would work, but I plunged ahead and it turned out to be amazingly quick and fun. This took me 15 minutes to cut, then another 15 to sew. The crotch and inner leg piece is one layer, and is sandwiched between the lining and inner layers. I'm normally not one for girdles or shapers, but this gives a nice smooth line under clothing. If you wanted a tighter feel, you could use a stiffer knit fabric, or sew a smaller size, I guess. <br />
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I like that this provides some modesty under a dress (and with a slip, you'd be fully and thoroughly covered!). I have this wierd paranoia thing. So I want to be assured that if I fall in the street wearing a dress, which thankfully I've not done very often...I don't want the world to see my "goods". With this little number on my booty, I'm good to go. Insurance! <br />
<br />The fabric I used here was originally destined for a shirt, but I changed my mind. The black that I used for the lining is also from Christine Jonson. It's called "your second skin" and is nice, sleek comfortable knit. I am glad I bought two yards of this, because I'll be able to make five or 6 of these shapers now! You can see more details on the fabric <a href="http://www.cjpatterns.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CJP&Product_Code=813&Category_Code=BDSF" target="_blank">here </a>. <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-63716593862784022052012-06-24T17:21:00.001-04:002012-06-24T17:26:21.338-04:00On The CloudSummer where I live (northeast coast of U.S.) calls for layers. <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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVpVb0vZAy6sJ3Tms_FwIDVLFP9xbZBy8Xea-iPRWqdxtxXcfd5-ov4f7tggtz3XWGDKKJCd9CutzYEEHO0AqsRC-cu-1i8AReJ50_DgTtnrTqlW2vI12X0ZTvHpVhaiFQnFR6A/s1600/Cloud+Jacket+June+2012+Full+Front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span><span style="background-color: white;"></span><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihVpVb0vZAy6sJ3Tms_FwIDVLFP9xbZBy8Xea-iPRWqdxtxXcfd5-ov4f7tggtz3XWGDKKJCd9CutzYEEHO0AqsRC-cu-1i8AReJ50_DgTtnrTqlW2vI12X0ZTvHpVhaiFQnFR6A/s320/Cloud+Jacket+June+2012+Full+Front.jpg" width="221" /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></a></td></tr>
<tr style="background-color: white;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><br /><span style="background-color: white;"></span></i></td></tr>
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Do you like to have something light and easy to throw on over almost anything? <br />
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I do. So, yesterday, I pulled out a recent acquisition from Christine Jonson - this white fabric is double layered and quilted together in strategic places. It looks delicate but has the virtue of being pretty hardy stuff. You can see details of the fabric which is still for sale by clicking<a href="http://www.cjpatterns.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CJP&Product_Code=SP1052&Category_Code=C12" target="_blank"> here: "Milky Way Crush". </a> <br />
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I used <a href="http://www.cjpatterns.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=CJP&Product_Code=TTC&Category_Code=" target="_blank">Christine's "Travel Trio</a> One" jacket pattern as my base, using two left sides of the front pattern (instead of a right side drape) and I cut about six inches off the center front on both sides at the front. This created an open, long vertical line. I used this pattern as my base, as I like the way the back fits me. I've made the style twice before, so it's very familiar and easy. <br />
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It's a nice, relaxed, but I think elegant summer cardigan. And it's machine washable, which in a white fabric, is a very, very good thing.<br />
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So, after wearing this today, I'm calling it my 'cloud' jacket. It floats with some weight as I walk, and is perfect for summer, when I am in and out of air conditioning and need something to throw over my arms to keep off the chill. <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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfSQyYxMDSjmwVXVf_wghJmbs2HLrXVl_Cg0e1iVXs0uYR0jW2LLttYntBSDRM2CpETdXQz9yceaKh3Qp7Z-B6_yCsAdOgeJ4oCx-i5hQ_T2wwTnLDRbOSmYd1E_Y6aweTgbdUw/s1600/Cloud+Jacket+June+2012+CloseUp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqfSQyYxMDSjmwVXVf_wghJmbs2HLrXVl_Cg0e1iVXs0uYR0jW2LLttYntBSDRM2CpETdXQz9yceaKh3Qp7Z-B6_yCsAdOgeJ4oCx-i5hQ_T2wwTnLDRbOSmYd1E_Y6aweTgbdUw/s320/Cloud+Jacket+June+2012+CloseUp.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up of the serged edge. </td></tr>
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-83234354760170462362012-06-11T11:06:00.002-04:002012-06-11T11:06:15.665-04:00A Fabulous Dress! Draped Collar Tunic.<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://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua6CidrS92i3cAWe6qHGZx2p2bAQgHMxsVv12-4mN6FIuQA62oVAi6UQl5Ggi1kEk-PqgOSeQzJ46YdbGj8ltaYfvEcb9RGCV8V-nEWhLpQPlNECYIg1UnBRTiKcbBzrI_ejqXQ/s1600/tunic+collar.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgua6CidrS92i3cAWe6qHGZx2p2bAQgHMxsVv12-4mN6FIuQA62oVAi6UQl5Ggi1kEk-PqgOSeQzJ46YdbGj8ltaYfvEcb9RGCV8V-nEWhLpQPlNECYIg1UnBRTiKcbBzrI_ejqXQ/s320/tunic+collar.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The collar is shaped beautifully and sets into the garment well. </td></tr>
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It's summer right now, where I live, and it's hot and humid. This pattern, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64236085/drape-collar-tunic-pattern" target="_blank">Paco Peralta's Draped Collar Tunic</a>, worked very well with my fine knit. The knit is drapey and therefore not "widening" to the figure when it's being worn. It is widening in still photos, especially with the stripes horizontal, but trust me, with movement in wearing it, it's not that way in real life. </div>
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This pattern is beautifully drafted. I made the size "small" and it was plenty large enough for my RTW size 8 frame. I lengthened it to make a dress instead of a tunic. </div>
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I can't wait to make up more "Paco" patterns! This one was absolutely impeccably drafted, and hand labeled and lined. And the paper is sturdy but very foldable. I would imagine all of his patterns are like this one in that way. </div>
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The only thing in any way tricky about making this style up is the way the shoulder seam interacts with the collar. So here are some photos. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww6udL04-WMaSNnmTTX46sTR8kmlareICW8oc3J8AphNztauCGlY6jdeh-uY26RgCmAI-E8wisdP1wqRF9_2_s4DYBPaUm44IkkmhNEybXoubIE9zbILV3-7EztiW3rVA9L0nEw/s1600/Tunic+Shoulder+Seam.+2+JPG.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiww6udL04-WMaSNnmTTX46sTR8kmlareICW8oc3J8AphNztauCGlY6jdeh-uY26RgCmAI-E8wisdP1wqRF9_2_s4DYBPaUm44IkkmhNEybXoubIE9zbILV3-7EztiW3rVA9L0nEw/s320/Tunic+Shoulder+Seam.+2+JPG.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoulder seam. Note that the collar piece becomes part of the front shoulder. </td></tr>
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Paco has some great photos and explanation here on <a href="http://pacoperaltarovira.blogspot.com/2010/12/patron-tunica-drape-collar-tunic.html" target="_blank">his blog</a>. To supplement these, I created some detailed sewing instructions in English, thinking they might be helpful to some of you. Look for these at the end of this post. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopn7eeMHgBJ8SdgFBID_MVWWZPBjNvsKHteXcjJoTr4k_heVf-W5fDdlZEoclwcC5ApURLXJ6EIcTD6eauVJdfzjEWQnd9wLWqZgzY7PjRrkPR78f0OqzVPY9PPy8FxcmMuExGQ/s1600/Tunic+Shoulder+Seam.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopn7eeMHgBJ8SdgFBID_MVWWZPBjNvsKHteXcjJoTr4k_heVf-W5fDdlZEoclwcC5ApURLXJ6EIcTD6eauVJdfzjEWQnd9wLWqZgzY7PjRrkPR78f0OqzVPY9PPy8FxcmMuExGQ/s320/Tunic+Shoulder+Seam.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the collar and shoulder seam. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR7E5DdBraJxVXTta_kTuBjEyNfGlEOXQnZeRQ4WO5QFNe7-EoNellcVRUZeQKpvkrTGVobSqVru3ELZUpcEZYDAymwPf10vumt3AGjSst_-aSu7b9HCAWy3t7cTBrjvPIlBNmg/s1600/tunic+front+view.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" fba="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvR7E5DdBraJxVXTta_kTuBjEyNfGlEOXQnZeRQ4WO5QFNe7-EoNellcVRUZeQKpvkrTGVobSqVru3ELZUpcEZYDAymwPf10vumt3AGjSst_-aSu7b9HCAWy3t7cTBrjvPIlBNmg/s320/tunic+front+view.JPG" width="250" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished! </td></tr>
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Sewing Directions for Paco Peralta’s Draped Tunic Top <br />
By Barbara Bell, Cat Fur Studio<br />
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June, 2012<br />
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Sew all seams with serger unless directed otherwise. Fit as you go, and of course, adjust the pattern beforehand as you need. As for me, length was my only issue. I added length in the body and in the sleeves. <br />
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This pattern is for a top or tunic, but I chose to make a dress, so I added 2 inches at the hem (even after executing my normal length adjustments) to end up with an above-the-knee dress design. Perfect with heels on a relaxed but professional day at work. <br />
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1. For the collar piece, reinforce all four corners. Straight-stitch 5/8 inch from edge, pivoting at corners. Stitching should continue along seamline approximately 1 inch away from each pivot point. <br />
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2. Serge-finish the curved edge of the collar piece on one side only. This piece will hang free in your finished garment. If you’re using a knit fabric, this is optional, as knit does not ravel. <br />
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3. Serge together the collar piece at the center back seam. Press to one side.<br />
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4. Now, it’s time to pick up the front body piece, which you’ll attach to the public side of the front collar. Serge one side of the front collar to the front body piece at the neckline. You will be matching convex (collar piece) to concave (body piece). Match the points at CF and at each side, and sew in one seam. Press seam allowance toward collar side. <br />
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5. Now for the back body piece. At the shoulders, on each side, starting from the outer edge, and using a straight stitch, stitch the back body to the front body. The match point on the back will line up with the seam on the front (where the collar meets the front body). The front body INCLUDES some of the collar, up to the marked pivot point. Keep stitching until you get to the pivot point (where you reinforced in step one above). Stitch right over your reinforcement stitching, and STOP and back stitch at each pivot point. <br />
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6. Now, on the collar, on the side you just stitched, clip into the corners on each side. Starting at the corner on one side, and straight-stitching directly over your reinforcement stitching, sew the collar to the back neck side of the back body piece. Backstitch directly over the corner, stitch, and then be sure to end your stitching at the opposite side, stopping directly at the reinforced corner, then backstitch to secure. <br />
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7. You have one side of the collar attached to the ‘public’ side of the garment. Now, it’s time to attach the inside of the collar to the garment. Turn your tunic inside out, so that the wrong sides of the body are outside. <br />
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8. Clip the corners to the reinforcement stitching on the as yet unstitched side of the collar. Match all seams. Straight-stitch the inside back of the collar, starting at the edge of one side, all the way to the other side. Line the unstitched side up, match the raw seams, and stitch exactly on the previous stitching line. <br />
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9. You now have a nicely finished back neckline, inside and out. Leave the front part of the collar unstitched. It will hang free inside the garment. It will drape down nicely and will not be visible when wearing. You could tack it down at CF or even stitch it down all around, but this is not necessary. Relax. The hard part is done. <br />
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10. Time to sew on the sleeves. You’ll do this on the “flat”. Simply serge the sleeves onto the body making sure to match points and edges. Press seam toward the shoulder (not down into the sleeve). I think it looks nicer this way. <br />
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11. Now for the home stretch. Sew the side seams. Use the serger. Very easy! <em>Muy facil! </em><br />
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12. Hem all around. <br />
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13. <em>Y, ahora, usted tiene uno vestido fabuloso!</em> (And now, you have one fabulous dress!) <br />
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Enjoy! Barbara <br />
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<br />Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-1095634296719886582012-03-18T14:13:00.003-04:002012-03-18T14:22:14.185-04:00Everyday Dress - Purple<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0lx4V8f4dMOYD1vA42e-LIZnOke41k37miutCQ-ypXSbxwWJ12tCDUx5JOtdDKBSSJJLRvqWOc5bucQScsvnXqKr-d72BWQK9z8oYgCdcLlEGkPLFKljBPIMGYh_amN9Q8c16A/s1600/Purple+Dress+March+2012.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 195px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY0lx4V8f4dMOYD1vA42e-LIZnOke41k37miutCQ-ypXSbxwWJ12tCDUx5JOtdDKBSSJJLRvqWOc5bucQScsvnXqKr-d72BWQK9z8oYgCdcLlEGkPLFKljBPIMGYh_amN9Q8c16A/s320/Purple+Dress+March+2012.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5721303490110316658" border="0" /></a><br />Purple is my favorite color. Here's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90835081/2007-uncut-butterick-pattern-b5078-maggy">Butterick 5078</a> in an everyday dress. I used polyester lycra from <a href="http://metrotextile.blogspot.com/">Metro Textile in NYC</a>. Easy to execute. This will be an excellent work dress. Wash and dry. I can wear with a jacket or not. My matching purple pumps are in my shoe closet at work (I commute in flats or boots, normally, and change into my high heeled shoes when I get to work). So I'm showing it with boots, so you can at least see the dress!Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-24176790652551411352012-02-26T14:13:00.005-05:002012-02-26T14:59:52.196-05:00Fair Weather FriendsI'm headed to a more southerly latitude soon.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zYMYgMZIBgcWDQizU0KKEpSchA8Q5vo8wiWkXWeotOKpjwXrPVssJPn5yEIWrED2m5duu8B1QKp-Ydj9ecBW_0-g5Rzcmoq4OAQ6IsZnDyDRJxJ4Q2qzNICjXt-GtegQIPd1dA/s1600/HP+101+Cotton+Top+Front+View+2+Feb+12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zYMYgMZIBgcWDQizU0KKEpSchA8Q5vo8wiWkXWeotOKpjwXrPVssJPn5yEIWrED2m5duu8B1QKp-Ydj9ecBW_0-g5Rzcmoq4OAQ6IsZnDyDRJxJ4Q2qzNICjXt-GtegQIPd1dA/s320/HP+101+Cotton+Top+Front+View+2+Feb+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713530342503231106" border="0" /></a><br />Time to lean forward with some new warm weather tops!<br /><br />First, here's <a href="http://www.hotpatterns.com/">HotPatterns</a> 101, the now out-of-print, "No Sweat Easy Sew Bubblelicious Top and Skirt". I made the top, using some fine cotton that I had left over from a previous project. This month's Vogue Magazine has a photo spread featuring clothing with a floral print; many of the prints are pretty wild. I am a fan of large prints to begin with, I used floral cotton to create a simple 'peasant' style top. The top design has a 'bubble' hem (elasticized). But since my fabric didn't flow too well, and I am no fan of looking like a bubble, so I let my hem flow. There was so much extra fabric in the design that I removed a total of 5 inches from the sides all the way to the bottom of this shirt because my fabric is not flowy. It was so huge on me that it was not working at all. Now, I have kind of a 'trapeze' look going (not really full trapeze, just roomy I guess... ) and it will work quite comfortably. Certainly this is not a look to turn heads in the street with fabulous figure flattery, but this top will be great and airy to wear when the humid heat comes on strong. Anyway, I don't want to be the center of attention <span style="font-weight: bold;">all</span> the time! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAE-6U4aX3KnpkFAFSbkw0CLtjV8p3XK7G9wi5MJhrLfOwuDrXaYMZhrDePrNj2Ux6sqSvsjjhP47r-fc34xM2-dOENarlLBg4mupQ_0OaPc11XrsgxL6CFWlxEGAy1zqQsMuPw/s1600/Cotton+Top+HP+101+Feb+12+Front+View.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAE-6U4aX3KnpkFAFSbkw0CLtjV8p3XK7G9wi5MJhrLfOwuDrXaYMZhrDePrNj2Ux6sqSvsjjhP47r-fc34xM2-dOENarlLBg4mupQ_0OaPc11XrsgxL6CFWlxEGAy1zqQsMuPw/s320/Cotton+Top+HP+101+Feb+12+Front+View.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713530327364422706" border="0" /></a><br />I bound my sleeves with bias tape, made from 1 1/2 inch width self fabric. This was really easy. Bias just loves to hug curves. 100 percent cotton. No muss no fuss. The extra fabric adds some stiffness to the hem, too, widening the shoulder line a bit.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMQUE2uq0CrrZctF0N6DtXZmYJbVuSasi192or7zFZgiEq6nRqfSugPPkdKDg3PZtb4ygRQ1fAWekami4FX7qzwCvVxbG5sP3TUEW2dS7Q7v2wMVBebzF3ELlxj8euZgvfzHiwg/s1600/HP+101+Cotton+Top+Close+Up+of+Sleeve+Binding++Feb+12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMQUE2uq0CrrZctF0N6DtXZmYJbVuSasi192or7zFZgiEq6nRqfSugPPkdKDg3PZtb4ygRQ1fAWekami4FX7qzwCvVxbG5sP3TUEW2dS7Q7v2wMVBebzF3ELlxj8euZgvfzHiwg/s320/HP+101+Cotton+Top+Close+Up+of+Sleeve+Binding++Feb+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713530334086778498" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXi8d0wHxlPrrkcYxe8uIR4wxnI6BxE_4fcGaH_uQeoerbnZhSELqJ6z2tMuOYNdo54rJ46RFJywOf3rR4s7UbyZaJt-zK_ZQkgbdVBQ5CzVTSD0CJiNdVsm4CvyOOmYRC6ZEKyQ/s1600/a6.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXi8d0wHxlPrrkcYxe8uIR4wxnI6BxE_4fcGaH_uQeoerbnZhSELqJ6z2tMuOYNdo54rJ46RFJywOf3rR4s7UbyZaJt-zK_ZQkgbdVBQ5CzVTSD0CJiNdVsm4CvyOOmYRC6ZEKyQ/s320/a6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713530317593784546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Always room for a new halter top here at Cat Fur Studio. Here's <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/UNCUT-Vogue-8401-Misses-Halter-Leggings-Pattern-4-10-/160559327849">Vogue 8401</a>. This is an older pattern as well. This is a very lightweight 'onionskin' knit, which was very nice for this project. This knit is a few years old. I made a shorter version of this design a few years ago in leopard rayon print. I am going to wear this one with dark blue leggings (which I have not yet made). For now, I'm showing it with black leggings so you can get some idea of how it will look. The blue leggings will be just below the knee. Not as much contrast will be a good thing. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSZJEK7c0j0HtEbTiQ6hx0g73zJGsMe76_2xXlE0dGLRs9FOEsyJKq206tw4MP6_VpDXaO3JvFj3haLldwnrOGtVd4FF7dUelXvj_Jz89lttL2j-Um7m7QsPvWcWzYoUaLAFKGQ/s1600/Vogue+8401+Halter+Front+Feb+12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSZJEK7c0j0HtEbTiQ6hx0g73zJGsMe76_2xXlE0dGLRs9FOEsyJKq206tw4MP6_VpDXaO3JvFj3haLldwnrOGtVd4FF7dUelXvj_Jz89lttL2j-Um7m7QsPvWcWzYoUaLAFKGQ/s320/Vogue+8401+Halter+Front+Feb+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713530506833884866" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw7zbCQEGv-HSOzD-P8DzOEU_DNfr1AKC6uJyud7lJqK7nRTSDy0mRU29yf-S2mx0-NnRVv0H8GjgdzU-sjnEqgPLDKHTgNCOFX4tpa4RdK9Bvl0eONCvVwCSKPa1rBJb7VGzbg/s1600/Vogue+8401+Halter+Back+View+Feb+12.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxw7zbCQEGv-HSOzD-P8DzOEU_DNfr1AKC6uJyud7lJqK7nRTSDy0mRU29yf-S2mx0-NnRVv0H8GjgdzU-sjnEqgPLDKHTgNCOFX4tpa4RdK9Bvl0eONCvVwCSKPa1rBJb7VGzbg/s320/Vogue+8401+Halter+Back+View+Feb+12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713530496557007906" border="0" /></a><br />One can not have too many black skirts, right? Here's my latest - Christine Jonson's <a href="http://www.cjpatterns.com/SlitSkirtandPencilSkirt330.htm">Pencil Skirt</a>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNr1bQmql5XSQ6a_L6bMdNBwGldiNwxhzzbkKFnzdKaWFUaXnnyC3_56j0Intb_eNvObqVL6OEaQFNEbnRlHxbnbhpiwgQaOLZxJ8eCRojwVrHlRsdh3QfMLeGxpM41X1P4w_Mg/s1600/a7.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 280px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguNr1bQmql5XSQ6a_L6bMdNBwGldiNwxhzzbkKFnzdKaWFUaXnnyC3_56j0Intb_eNvObqVL6OEaQFNEbnRlHxbnbhpiwgQaOLZxJ8eCRojwVrHlRsdh3QfMLeGxpM41X1P4w_Mg/s320/a7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5713530315310123730" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I'm selling fabric. Check out my etsy store, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/FabricTrove?ref=si_shop">FabricTrove</a>. My prices are low, low, how low can I go! But there's more. For blog readers, use discount code BLOG10 to get a 10% discount. If you see more than 1 piece that you'd like, contact me before buying. I may be able to give you a shipping discount. Oh, but I only ship within the domestic US. Sorry in advance if you're outside the US.Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-66332459357692349232012-02-12T14:51:00.007-05:002012-02-12T15:20:56.343-05:00Cat Fur Studio Celebrates Two BirthdaysSmokey and Snowy celebrated their first birthday on February 9. We made them a special dinner. Friskies (canned) stippled with real havarti cheese and special kitty cat kibbles.<br /><br />Smokey and Snowy are the first cats we've had for whom an actual birth date is known! So we had a fun time celebrating with them. They were oblivious of course, so the fun was all about us. Although they did seem to enjoy getting an extra large din-din. <br /><br />Fair warning - stop reading here if you don't want to see a series of kitty cat photos. No sewing in this post!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV3wnzlzLuLlhBtqu7KFbHHiBYCaTreq3C80D68Kir2fj_uWD_l-KjOkMcw0eGEoLbm8i5W4Cg0v3gjtwyxlKFoDicWMTYm1bxKLhAatj6WoDVSqd7q0_Ar-syxDZ8_JjIkvrMQ/s1600/closeup+snowy+birthday.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrV3wnzlzLuLlhBtqu7KFbHHiBYCaTreq3C80D68Kir2fj_uWD_l-KjOkMcw0eGEoLbm8i5W4Cg0v3gjtwyxlKFoDicWMTYm1bxKLhAatj6WoDVSqd7q0_Ar-syxDZ8_JjIkvrMQ/s320/closeup+snowy+birthday.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708341175951392018" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqR7mxN-DLrYU3ncMl1MnzuCPv76aW1IITO61LuA3iLqonKY2RHVHjzCeYGzlqTVr67g4IcWr74kxX9C9bM20paIl9Ve92sMhaGXJ0e9uY5NcMs1Dj7lECyV-R0s-qkfPQhVWIg/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG"><img style="display: block; 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margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho_e3-tfxW05NHi78QT6-qwXzyApJ-jR0Gl8Y6txlup-oUcEOfZPR6UwQVzqR2ky40ELI45O1y1J3w5U2Y7EqHLJU74IBUKQ4b1BwP4EQzjg3htrhvYMeatrvxiLcFT2cJ4stbhg/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+061.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708341138559393746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtsChXN9o9K5dww9RLTILydGpMfpMZYz0sGjZ8pacs4kD3_hcLrGMbfSNMee-GjnsHcw0PU47weXRgZw-pr0EnB2p8r9WU45z-RPkt8q6J-vDvpZIhbDxVl-nA65lEnXlrPZMCg/s1600/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+055.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtsChXN9o9K5dww9RLTILydGpMfpMZYz0sGjZ8pacs4kD3_hcLrGMbfSNMee-GjnsHcw0PU47weXRgZw-pr0EnB2p8r9WU45z-RPkt8q6J-vDvpZIhbDxVl-nA65lEnXlrPZMCg/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340742777202898" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_HJGfP4HXcdl-edMp9Vw4UJWTNUMyWFxfZem7Z_JnnCSeQK2_BruDXQudjFJ62EAdND2MwdwgTSfi62tLShvGj8f4oNVEpmvY3ktUjlTcC_0kOiwYbbkGTFwZ87TvTc1Mocuwg/s1600/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+049.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_HJGfP4HXcdl-edMp9Vw4UJWTNUMyWFxfZem7Z_JnnCSeQK2_BruDXQudjFJ62EAdND2MwdwgTSfi62tLShvGj8f4oNVEpmvY3ktUjlTcC_0kOiwYbbkGTFwZ87TvTc1Mocuwg/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340730089980882" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFvbnSIFkspFUxW0umptP_oowAYUz6s8TVIi3aMQVAWfjOqoVKRLNq2AGXNVAvb4_m-_oQGf2GYal4IFq2YtfJVWJVlx5E-CU3V4TenozxcFGO9x1UNhv0qq0rhjIkp3nbpyMkA/s1600/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+048.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJFvbnSIFkspFUxW0umptP_oowAYUz6s8TVIi3aMQVAWfjOqoVKRLNq2AGXNVAvb4_m-_oQGf2GYal4IFq2YtfJVWJVlx5E-CU3V4TenozxcFGO9x1UNhv0qq0rhjIkp3nbpyMkA/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340716368400978" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tQt_Pv4RkHHJdcfgM_pDwVp5xE7C_PAvhvpSRZJjTAiOTP1KxmkbRB4ea34rvM9GYD6m7dm1UjhVlKioP-z-QiLfxcSbl1xmf5QaP8jy51sZs-QnKFntgg7SiDBUoektW8C59A/s1600/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+046.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0tQt_Pv4RkHHJdcfgM_pDwVp5xE7C_PAvhvpSRZJjTAiOTP1KxmkbRB4ea34rvM9GYD6m7dm1UjhVlKioP-z-QiLfxcSbl1xmf5QaP8jy51sZs-QnKFntgg7SiDBUoektW8C59A/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+046.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340705744527826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DN4Dt7H_clBB_1Nf7_RJHuKSQYQS61_yb8WxueQcFbaFNLks3_oFilj2Ny1RzP2cfvBryaf6vkw7a6nMor9fxeeWXIBcjL8294bt7T4am6tTXuP-FTlTvwnqMmgGHZGuY6dLZw/s1600/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+040.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2DN4Dt7H_clBB_1Nf7_RJHuKSQYQS61_yb8WxueQcFbaFNLks3_oFilj2Ny1RzP2cfvBryaf6vkw7a6nMor9fxeeWXIBcjL8294bt7T4am6tTXuP-FTlTvwnqMmgGHZGuY6dLZw/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+040.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340695381835106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYBrI4M3Q7qhkeNV5EYR25GzzYMUAGqWtO_8vJIem1kvYynIPepKltmace-6B2pQSoNBSsyQZnGt6das8eCQ2yw_5UnTCwBRr-dezMsTuqCTdPWGnEVf6F6y0y6SaDB_s0IWPew/s1600/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCYBrI4M3Q7qhkeNV5EYR25GzzYMUAGqWtO_8vJIem1kvYynIPepKltmace-6B2pQSoNBSsyQZnGt6das8eCQ2yw_5UnTCwBRr-dezMsTuqCTdPWGnEVf6F6y0y6SaDB_s0IWPew/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340338824757794" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusqiQ3KunWizZzUmMvP1O24U5gihXecHdqT_BimCwXlyEEIlb4xEun5uyCLsWQVKShocEGJv6Bv-G4Njb8hC_5Te8i7D7YaFb3QTbXU2wk_U8dEEofHrkJilklzzO5xgOcGyiTA/s1600/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusqiQ3KunWizZzUmMvP1O24U5gihXecHdqT_BimCwXlyEEIlb4xEun5uyCLsWQVKShocEGJv6Bv-G4Njb8hC_5Te8i7D7YaFb3QTbXU2wk_U8dEEofHrkJilklzzO5xgOcGyiTA/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340323453160818" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyie0cIyqYvoEM0jNQi3LWSXJJXbUNOnKVywwUWXfdsEoMwzfbAXKLzH4Y1waesSFsVk8jDRhKViAGWXMmCILn2RG3PYty-luW_gqiAeWmq1BwdBTFnAK_QyQQKpYPWNVZBN6QCA/s1600/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+029.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyie0cIyqYvoEM0jNQi3LWSXJJXbUNOnKVywwUWXfdsEoMwzfbAXKLzH4Y1waesSFsVk8jDRhKViAGWXMmCILn2RG3PYty-luW_gqiAeWmq1BwdBTFnAK_QyQQKpYPWNVZBN6QCA/s320/Snowy+and+Smokey+First+Birthday+029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340315007706770" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OHschYePVin49kbk8fo0YzGJuh1s4Cwg15mNZqf_hDcLXhZWAZDONQccYVphp9dTpZGb6XaKsuhQHPwQ9IdmmQ37GS_d0qJXXszx2dG_epK89midamrrxqsYJr4xTOE3f7qgIw/s1600/Smokey+and+Snowy+Eating+Birthday+Dinner.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0OHschYePVin49kbk8fo0YzGJuh1s4Cwg15mNZqf_hDcLXhZWAZDONQccYVphp9dTpZGb6XaKsuhQHPwQ9IdmmQ37GS_d0qJXXszx2dG_epK89midamrrxqsYJr4xTOE3f7qgIw/s320/Smokey+and+Snowy+Eating+Birthday+Dinner.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708340303299415906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIV15cDTNdl2VShBvTzFrqkzpwsuiUYQCYH7eJ2pdfbeFDOFxvZrN6Q6GMPhyMO15Hou0pajyy48Dt_8aY1r_DDR8ECVPZbVXuQb6yVGQEx1vzYYxazSzBqAAf5eYOaBVdZLefHQ/s1600/closeup+snowy+birthday.jpg"><br /></a>Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-20600568827682431262012-02-07T09:12:00.007-05:002012-02-07T09:26:51.981-05:00Cozicardi<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMp51NM92ZsxZY4CcIVPdnQCCGhq6zB7CP8-SIyylaUt4CO9s_FsZeNzxiGqmuZSUmgTFIRbHa7rMKxprqUDxUjClmZGQ_JaVGzrYFpZGCsvzhlyHItP3wJ1HUX9WtAIoxYp2dw/s1600/Sewing+and+Hiking+and+Cats+2012+115.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706396999303768818" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisMp51NM92ZsxZY4CcIVPdnQCCGhq6zB7CP8-SIyylaUt4CO9s_FsZeNzxiGqmuZSUmgTFIRbHa7rMKxprqUDxUjClmZGQ_JaVGzrYFpZGCsvzhlyHItP3wJ1HUX9WtAIoxYp2dw/s320/Sewing+and+Hiking+and+Cats+2012+115.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV5px45D5fv-qPUMhx_5U2amI_QtSrZFGDxH1pN1GKvshV6Be2iLLPbsmQBPrQZBbm_BbTlpskUE5voWHi51typPcRRBE6lwN2rYC2yyr47_rfYCr2b-TgOFLlIeDgTNCWrqcwQ/s1600/Sewing+and+Hiking+and+Cats+2012+114.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706396987655052722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkV5px45D5fv-qPUMhx_5U2amI_QtSrZFGDxH1pN1GKvshV6Be2iLLPbsmQBPrQZBbm_BbTlpskUE5voWHi51typPcRRBE6lwN2rYC2yyr47_rfYCr2b-TgOFLlIeDgTNCWrqcwQ/s320/Sewing+and+Hiking+and+Cats+2012+114.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4eq4NmiszgpUQZoy_HkDyuV1eXtTh-LX5TqcYjVtXwQ-CJKFqoIA131f5w6CpLk54xrfv6QVy-mMdEHOg6gsC_c5MHVF3rdYL0dummaaq7sekxzg2hKLHwXrsHnJRp-TpZR6dg/s1600/Sewing+and+Hiking+and+Cats+2012+112.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706396976669357474" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4eq4NmiszgpUQZoy_HkDyuV1eXtTh-LX5TqcYjVtXwQ-CJKFqoIA131f5w6CpLk54xrfv6QVy-mMdEHOg6gsC_c5MHVF3rdYL0dummaaq7sekxzg2hKLHwXrsHnJRp-TpZR6dg/s320/Sewing+and+Hiking+and+Cats+2012+112.jpg" /></a><br />This is the cardigan portion of <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/patterns/sewingpatterns.pl?patternid=13423">Vogue 8305</a>. I used a very lightweight wool lycra jersey from Metro Textiles (Mr. Kashi) of NY. I bought this fabric about two years ago, knowing I'd find something fabulous to do with it. This fabric is perfect for this design because it drapes beautifully despite it's being lightweight.<br /><br />The skirt I'm wearing is <a href="http://http//cjpatterns.com/SlitSkirtandPencilSkirt330.htm">Christine Jonson's Pencil Skirt</a>. I made this over 6 years ago and it's still going strong.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-67283420468894380672012-01-29T15:51:00.004-05:002012-01-29T16:03:10.460-05:00Celebration Time!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWJkL0kLOxBByTNAhOpaRgHCBhmqkiXehCc5TZX_m4ENpQocTi6WsGaaJGoMxiK4lUa6DqC7pn8B6PePyIfvkgX3tzIAg-LU1mhf1ifi5pAEm0rGaLyKjDgcCbss3HHVobzNsdg/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KA8OoVvWDkIQ3n64GI8ltAZsob-9bEVl196BA-2aFpg8airZCJCGLXPh3DLohvKQIJABNVfkpEl4b2wUsKNqAxCXXVscRGRPeE1lLBziBHfzuWeD3wI-DrCgWB8jPCC9woyAgA/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEQpILt7d3FH8zex9YIeK0pr3TwTdja0yPRIKG8f9J_3XbeC1a1iJ6TxqJ49jAXt2q0vR2Ix4iyDrU1StYYdg-u2VJwYbzHJC9iQW5KH8EzVlqINcstmNqxV3jzvvasLqLD7wfA/s1600/IMG_0969.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBEQpILt7d3FH8zex9YIeK0pr3TwTdja0yPRIKG8f9J_3XbeC1a1iJ6TxqJ49jAXt2q0vR2Ix4iyDrU1StYYdg-u2VJwYbzHJC9iQW5KH8EzVlqINcstmNqxV3jzvvasLqLD7wfA/s320/IMG_0969.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703162061687314162" border="0" /></a><br />F-i-n-a-l-l-y it's finished! The blue jacket is complete. I was held up a bit due to illness, but am thrilled to be clearing the decks to start a new project. Ya HOO!<br /><br />I used a hand prickstitch to keep the lining from migrating outside the jacket during wear. I think I might use this technique more often from now on, as it doesn't take much more time than doing the same thing by machine, plus it is not a bulky as machine stitching (less thread, you know).<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KA8OoVvWDkIQ3n64GI8ltAZsob-9bEVl196BA-2aFpg8airZCJCGLXPh3DLohvKQIJABNVfkpEl4b2wUsKNqAxCXXVscRGRPeE1lLBziBHfzuWeD3wI-DrCgWB8jPCC9woyAgA/s1600/IMG_0964.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KA8OoVvWDkIQ3n64GI8ltAZsob-9bEVl196BA-2aFpg8airZCJCGLXPh3DLohvKQIJABNVfkpEl4b2wUsKNqAxCXXVscRGRPeE1lLBziBHfzuWeD3wI-DrCgWB8jPCC9woyAgA/s320/IMG_0964.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703162078084020514" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I love this fabric, but I am a bit tired of looking at this jacket because it's been my 'ongoing ' project for quite some time. So I will not be wearing this for at least one week. It will stay in my closet for a little while. On this jacket, I know there are a few imperfections (the casual observer will be oblivious to these I think), and I know from experience that if I wait some time to wear the jacket, I will have largely forgotten about my little errors and will enjoy wearing the jacket more. Are you like me in that when you purchase a jacket, you don't examine it as closely as you do your own work? I'm not talking about the obvious, such as puckered seams, tears, etc. More the little niggly things like a button not sitting just right, or a facing just a wee bit off grain. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85KdcPAUkKK3jK61BNEpzUBoxVVKCaHZiKp12UZWCqylgKZoTF111NJC3-iK9ZBmSZa3kjezQzqMI5cn5CnqeWEv313L_QhI9yzd-jaLkCX3G_zrEYH6UjG6Bx2N_O-apW4UvFg/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85KdcPAUkKK3jK61BNEpzUBoxVVKCaHZiKp12UZWCqylgKZoTF111NJC3-iK9ZBmSZa3kjezQzqMI5cn5CnqeWEv313L_QhI9yzd-jaLkCX3G_zrEYH6UjG6Bx2N_O-apW4UvFg/s320/IMG_0965.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703162069461671554" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, if I don't wear this for a while I will forgive its small imperfections and enjoy wearing it more in the long run.<br /><br />Here's a closeup of Smokey. Isn't he turning into a handsome gentleman kitty? Smokey and Snowy turn one year old on February 9!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWJkL0kLOxBByTNAhOpaRgHCBhmqkiXehCc5TZX_m4ENpQocTi6WsGaaJGoMxiK4lUa6DqC7pn8B6PePyIfvkgX3tzIAg-LU1mhf1ifi5pAEm0rGaLyKjDgcCbss3HHVobzNsdg/s1600/IMG_0961.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheWJkL0kLOxBByTNAhOpaRgHCBhmqkiXehCc5TZX_m4ENpQocTi6WsGaaJGoMxiK4lUa6DqC7pn8B6PePyIfvkgX3tzIAg-LU1mhf1ifi5pAEm0rGaLyKjDgcCbss3HHVobzNsdg/s320/IMG_0961.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5703162095048324578" border="0" /></a>Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22691844.post-50264757171067702832012-01-22T19:18:00.003-05:002012-01-22T19:29:17.630-05:00Land Ho!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA434C-wIEENpFPbvTNgj3_ZJiuYscuUWfVj6BDwejVj68P-jvq1U5Yoh3TE7ok5kybji4Wai-wvT_qefHpMSuI1zUrHewrmxtCHC_DfNWyzKcG8srHpSnRNFYi6xq-JaBmrFew/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYfi3qkM69x7HZuNLQxfC2pgvHLXBerWtErpik61SwM46Va99QIe9Jd_7MQZ_NoIuBtUh_yQcyJBO-FrPQTmdrTpjBip0AdVmCYxjbNJ5xw81G0SuLlJjUkP5iTCbXQIYy9cgEw/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYfi3qkM69x7HZuNLQxfC2pgvHLXBerWtErpik61SwM46Va99QIe9Jd_7MQZ_NoIuBtUh_yQcyJBO-FrPQTmdrTpjBip0AdVmCYxjbNJ5xw81G0SuLlJjUkP5iTCbXQIYy9cgEw/s320/IMG_0958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700616696986803570" border="0" /></a><br />The project that keeps on going and going is almost done. Christopher Columbus crossed the Atlantic faster than I will have completed this project. <br /><br />A few hours and it is finished. I think. All that has to be done is finish pressing the neckline, hand stitch the lining under (understitch) -- and I want to do it by hand not machine so as to keep a flexible soft look. Then I need to hem the jacket and the sleeves, also these are lined to the edge, so I will do a hand stitched understitch to the lining.<br /><br />The loops for the buttons are a braided yarn and ribbon. The jacket meets at center front.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA434C-wIEENpFPbvTNgj3_ZJiuYscuUWfVj6BDwejVj68P-jvq1U5Yoh3TE7ok5kybji4Wai-wvT_qefHpMSuI1zUrHewrmxtCHC_DfNWyzKcG8srHpSnRNFYi6xq-JaBmrFew/s1600/IMG_0956.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguA434C-wIEENpFPbvTNgj3_ZJiuYscuUWfVj6BDwejVj68P-jvq1U5Yoh3TE7ok5kybji4Wai-wvT_qefHpMSuI1zUrHewrmxtCHC_DfNWyzKcG8srHpSnRNFYi6xq-JaBmrFew/s320/IMG_0956.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700616703388180082" border="0" /></a><br />You can see here the on the left side the lining presses in very nicely to the neckline. Be You Ti Ful! All I need to do is the same on the right side. I use a ham to press this curve. Crucial if you want it to lie nicely against the body while wearing. Of course this is the highest quality wool tweed, a gift from my dear friend Patti; the wool melds wonderfully. <br /><br /> I tweaked the fit just a bit at the upper chest, using the princess seam to take in about a half inch from shoulder to bust point. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYfi3qkM69x7HZuNLQxfC2pgvHLXBerWtErpik61SwM46Va99QIe9Jd_7MQZ_NoIuBtUh_yQcyJBO-FrPQTmdrTpjBip0AdVmCYxjbNJ5xw81G0SuLlJjUkP5iTCbXQIYy9cgEw/s1600/IMG_0958.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZYfi3qkM69x7HZuNLQxfC2pgvHLXBerWtErpik61SwM46Va99QIe9Jd_7MQZ_NoIuBtUh_yQcyJBO-FrPQTmdrTpjBip0AdVmCYxjbNJ5xw81G0SuLlJjUkP5iTCbXQIYy9cgEw/s320/IMG_0958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5700616696986803570" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Goal - to wear this at work during the coming work week! Can she do it? Vamos a ver (let's see).Barbara at Cat Fur Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01450325608055716499noreply@blogger.com6