Quick update - still sewing!

 January is always a busy month for teachers in my board - writing report cards... which is a long, difficult task. As much as I am providing feedback to students, I feel as if it is a constant judgement of myself....

Mockingly near completion

So not a lot of energy for big projects, but I got a few small things done.

One interesting development is that Burda has rewritten, and republished the instructions for the Burda dress, as a result of my questions! They sent me the revised version just the other day! 

My Lekala blazer sits on the dress form, nearly done, mocking me! I am making shoulder pads. Why not the purchased pair that have been in my stash for possibly 15 - 30 years? Because I am pretending that this is a couture garment, of course! So of course this step takes concentration and energy. I have gotten the two layers of hair canvas cut out and pad-stitched. Next step is the padding (I will just use the bamboo batting that I have.) Then maybe I can get them installed, then sleeve heads THEN figure out how best to install the rest of the lining, then the buttonhole. Nearly there...

Making shoulder pads

I also finished my closet curtain, using my shibori piece from my Japan textile workshop last May, as well as a pieced strip from the bag of vintage scraps I bought in Tokyo. I wanted to wait until I had it installed for a better photo, but I am not sure when I will get the hardware for installing it, so here it is in the meantime. The pieced strip is flat felled, so all of the raw edges enclosed. 

close up

Indigo pieced curtain

I am also working on small projects to use up my off-cuts. Some for me, but some will also be for selling at a December craft sale. (That is my goal, anyway!).

For me, a new pair of Cozy Cloud slippers. I made two pairs last year. One I actually brought with my on my travels, and they were very handy! The other one has worn out on the heal. So the new pair, made with off-cuts from my wool plaid Shanorak, my black rayon knit cardigan, and leather sole. The leather sole should help this one last longer.

 cozy

leather sole

  

The other small projects, for potential sale/gifts are also models of what the sewing club kids can try making. A few have made fabric trays, but a few are working on the draw-string pouch below, and utility rolls. 

The other pouch is made from the off-cut of the tablet carrying case I had made. It is a bit sloppier than ideal, 

utility roll

utility roll open

utility roll, with flap

placemats

draw-string pouch

drawstring pouch open

   

And I have been sewing for myself.

With the remainder of the rust merino, I made an undershirt, using the self-drafted pattern from a couple of years ago. I think the straps are flimsy. 

And I am working on another pair of Waffle Azuki pants, using some beefy black wool (twill?) that I purchased on the January Montreal pilgrimage to Montreal. I want this make to be finished soon, so that I can take advantage of their warm coziness while it is still cold out! I have got the front pockets on, and next step is the fly.... should go quickly enough!

merino camisole/undershirt

  

pocket of Azuki wool pants

And maybe I will have a jacket to model by the time I do my next post!