Fall Projects Are Looming

First I would like to thank everyone for continuing to visit my blog. Lately I've been a little slow with posting and reading blogs. But will be making my rounds to the blogs of my favorite designers/sewists soon. Last night I finished the second (fifth) robe for Min. Ross. This will probably be the last commission of the year as I plan to make most of my Christmas gifts. I also want some time to sew for myself and DD.

On the table are two mini wardrobe garments both need to be hemmed and pressed. I'm hoping to finish at least one wardrobe before Thanksgiving and maybe two dresses for myself.

More on my pending projects later.

Happy Sewing!
C

Costume Pattern Transformed Into Clergy Robe S5386

Over the past several years, I have made several garments for Minister Ross. The commissions range from formal wear to clergy robes. In August her husband asked me to make two robes for her: one using the standard pattern Butterick 6844. He allowed me to express my creativity for the second one. ;-) For it I went on a hunt to find something a little different. As I searched the pattern books at JoAnn, I stumbled upon this costume pattern S5386.

Pattern Description: Men's and Teens' Duster. I transformed this pattern into a clergy robe.

Pattern Sizing: Sizes from XS to XL

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes and No. The style lines of the duster are the same. I did make some changes using contrasting fabric and some in the construction of the garment.

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes. But again I didn't follow them exactly. All changes construction and design are below.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? Everything. It was perfect for the project. The design resembled a basic priest robe.

Fabric Used: polyester crepe and jacquard royal blue on royal blued with cross motif.

Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made:
- Underlined from the neckline to the waist.
- Used contrasting fabric for the sleeves, outer collar, gun flaps, back yoke, front and back facings.



- Sew on snaps instead of Velcro for front closure.
- Reverse the closure (right front side over the left front).
- lined the gun flaps instead of forming a narrow hem around the outer edges.




- Under stitched the upper edge of the collar and front facing instead of top stitching them.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Yes. Minister Ross would like another robe made from the pattern.

Conclusion: This costume pattern was easy to sew even with the many changes made to transform it into a clergy robe. This is a very well drafted pattern. The pieces went together easily. An advanced beginner should be able to sew it without any problems.


My Flickr set on this project.

Kreativ Blogger Award 2009

Thanks to three lovely ladies, I have been nominated three times for the Kreativ Blogger Award. Josie, Trudy, and Ivalyn all thought me worthy. Of course, I need to tell seven things about myself. Hmmm.., I think I've shared quite a bit already. Maybe some of the new bloggers will say, "Oh I didn't know that." lol Also, I have to nominate seven other bloggers. Now that will be hard. Most of the crafty ladies have already been nominated. So hear goes:


Spottedroo
Stitch and Snitch
JTS Closet
Allisonc C Sewing Gallery
Faye's Sewing Adventure
Krustallos
Kbenco


These are just a few of the creative blogs that I follow. There are so many, many that have been nominated already. So consider this my short list.

Seven things about me..., What can I say that I haven't say before; I guess I could talk about current things:

-Going on a cruise pretty soon. Didn't make anything new to take with. Decided to finish client projects to free up my time and make a little cash. I've travelled a bit, but this is my first cruise and I'm so excited.

-Started sewing DD's wardrobe.

-Making three coats for me this fall/winter.

-Seriously thinking about going back to school. Also want to take a course or two at the neighborhood tailoring school. Can't until next year. I enjoy structured learning.

-Planning to create a line of accessories to sell.

-Planning to make most of my Christmas gift this year.

-This week I will complete my certification for non-linearing editing (CanTV). I'm one of the co-producer for the media services auxiliary at my church.

That's it for now. Happy sewing!
C