Well, I never even got around to putting on my new dress yesterday, let alone take any pictures. To tell the truth, I was a little disappointed - I was really looking forward to wearing it! But my friend had come over for some help on a project, and it ended up taking us about 6 hours, rather than the 2 we'd thought it would take. We finished up so late that I didn't even have time to make all the different dishes I wanted for dinner! But our boys seemed pretty happy with what we did serve, and everyone managed to get full.
I had planned to have a sewing day today, and that plan did come through. I spent quite a while figuring out the narrow rolled hem function on my serger, so that I could make a scarf out of the remainder of the fabric from the dress. Check it out!
It took me quite a while: two rethreadings of the machine and a lot of playing around with the tension. One of the things I love about the Brother 1034D is that the threading is so easy - the path of each thread is labeled right on the machine, so you don't even have to look at the book!
I haven't quite perfected my rolled hem technique, but I'm pretty happy with today's result:
The other thing I had on my agenda for today was (wait for it!) . . . my red Clover pants! (Finally!!)
The first thing I had to do was lengthen the legs on the pattern - when I made my muslin I accidentally cut the version one (crop pants) rather than the ankle length I wanted. I gave myself an extra 5" so I'd have plenty of wiggle room.
After I cut out my pieces, I marked a separate, deeper seam line for my less-full right hip - I'm so happy I've learned that I need this adjustment! I think it makes a huge difference in the fit.
And then I finished all the seams that need finishing on my serger before beginning to construct the pants. I managed to almost finish them - all I have left to do is insert the zipper and the waistband facing, and then hem them! I'm really proud that I made myself stop though, once I realized I was getting tired. I've learned that I usually end up with a mess if I push through!
So here's where they are right now:
Isn't that a funny picture? It makes the pants look like they will accomodate enormous thighs! I have already tried them on though, and I think they're actually pretty slimming. Hoping to finish them tomorrow!
I couldn't have accomplished what you did in six days...I think you are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteAw shucks!
DeleteOh wow, I can't wait to see your Clovers!! I really want a pair, but I think I'll agonize over the fit too much. :( I just don't know what I'm doing when it comes to pants!
ReplyDeleteI did too, but it really wasn't that bad! I just made the muslin and then pin-fitted it to my body. Then I took it apart again and transferred the changes to my pattern. I generally wouldn't go to that amount of trouble, but I think all that work may make this into a TNT for me.
DeleteCool! I love your idea for the scarf! And those pants! Good work!!! Looking forward to seeing them :)
ReplyDeleteNow I'm thinking of all the gorgeous silks I see at the fabric store, and what great scarves they would make!
DeleteLove the rolled hem - I haven't figured this out on my overlocker yet and have a skirt in the works that I want a rolled hem on... practicing on a scarf is a great idea :)
ReplyDeleteAnd before I practiced it on the scarf, I practiced it on a LOT of scraps of fabric! Apparently you have to mess with the tension for each different weight of fabric - kind of a bummer!
DeleteSeems you're enjoying your serger, Gail.
ReplyDeleteI'm still on the fence about whether to buy or not.
I run hot and cold.
I'm way behind reading blog posts.
hugs
I wanted one for yeeeears before I finally took the plunge, and I'm so glad I did! Wish I'd done it sooner!
DeleteLovely!! What tension settings did you use for the scarf? I've been trying figure out which settings to use for days. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteLovely!! What tension settings did you use for the scarf? I've been trying figure out which settings to use for days. Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is a 3-needle narrow rolled hem with the following tension settings: right needle 4, upper looper 4, lower looper 5.
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