What I’ve been up to!
I have been MIA around here and I have to say I’ve been doing a little bit of everything. Sewing, coding, pattern testing, finally figuring out the cricut, buying a new sewing machine and also fitting pants. Y’all know fitting pants its like torture highway and that’s usually after a good dose of patience pills.
But it’s honest to God the truth. Really trying SUPER Duper hard not to buy fabric which you know it’s hard with the sales or Mood Fabrics sending you subliminal messages on Instagram on that Viscose that you’ve been eyeballing but that thankfully is out of stock.
Anyhow, I did do some pattern testing for the wonderful Gabriela at Chalk and Notch. I worked on The Den Jacket which I have to say I highly HIGHLY recommend it. I did a toile which I always do for pattern testing and discovered that I needed to go a size up as the pattern suggested. But other than that, there were NO modifications to this pattern. It was perfect as is, which is usually shocking to me that I don’t have to make one or five adjustments. So needless to say I highly recommend it.
The Den Jacket - Chalk and Notch
I did do pattern testing for another company and the pattern was great it is just not my style with the dropped shoulders. I have just learned that style is not for me and my juicy arms.
I also mentioned I have been coding and I told you I started that journey in April of 2023 learning the Swift Coding language which is what Apple Computers uses for their devices so I’ve been doing that quite a bit. I code for at least one to three hours a day, and that takes a good portion of my day. AND keep in mind that I’m self taught so there are some things that come pretty easily and others that I struggle. From what I’ve been told that is normal when coding so I have to say it’s no different than when you are learning something new or having to figure out something on your own. Kinda like figuring out the difference between and upper collar and an under collar if you have just started sewing. My goal is to release an app and I’m currently working on it. I have no date but I do have a goal to get it released as soon as possible.
I also went on the hunt for another sewing machine, and I’m the proud owner of a Juki TL-18 QVP Haruka sewing machine! I wanted something that can go thru denim, thicker twill and faux suede. I’ve been meaning to do some garments with heavier fabric and I just knew my little Bernette was just not quite up to the task. I will not be retiring it (at least not just yet!). The Juki is a straight stitch machine, that’s all it does but it is made of metal and quite powerful! So happy about that.
Lastly I have been fitting pants. I worked on the Isle Jeans from Chalk and Notch, great pattern. But I took two inches off the rise and it was an inch too much! I also don’t love the front pockets so I will be doing something different there which means I have to re-draft that and perhaps use pork chop pockets (is that what those are called?!) yes will be doing that. I already got fabric and perhaps while I’m trying that try to tackle the Ginger Flare jeans from Closet Core.
Talking about Closet Core I bought the Onyx pants (nobody come at me judging me!) I said one of the goals was not to buy patterns. I’m trying but that one had a countdown clock on it since it’s sold only for that one month (and this girl is not going to sign up for the one year membership any time soon). Anyhow, it is stretch pants and I desperately need those. So I have to say I’m glad I got it, I made a pair and I’m in love with these pants. I used a ponte fabric for them. I will be making another pair soon.
Onyx Pants - Closet Core Patterns
One thing I miss is doing the sew alongs. This was usually the time of the year that I did these sew alongs for Minerva and I didn’t realize how much I would miss it. They are not something that people watch right away but people do watch them quite a bit over time when they are trying to make something and they need a little extra help. But I wanted to ask… what sew along would you like to see first. Let me show you the choices….
V1966 - Vintage Vogue Pattern
Burda Coat Pattern - Burda 5869
Isle Jeans - Chalk and Notch
So taking votes what would you like to see first. So tell me what sew along would you like to see and also… what have you been up to?!
