About Me

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Los Olivos, California, United States
You can reach me at fool4fabric (at) gmail (dot) com

Sunday, March 20, 2016

BUSY, BUSY...

I've spent A LOT of time in my studio lately...I'm listening to "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara, short-listed for both the Man Booker and National Book Award for Fiction. It is a long, long, sad and dark book...but the writing is so
luminous, and I love the characters so much that I am hooked. I have come to love listening to Audible Books while I'm sewing; it encourages me to do a lot more hand sewing (good). When I come to a tricky bit in my sewing, I turn the book off, then start up again when I am ready. (I don't multi-task very well)

My first item was part of an ongoing attempt to find a very high scrunch turtleneck that doesn't collapse. I'll post about that later (it's pretty, and I'll wear it, but the neck isn't what I'm looking for).

Then, I made long OOP V8192, as a vest; I learned why there are only two reviews of this pattern on Pattern Review, both somewhat negative.



So, I was well-warned. I love the collar and decided to try it anyway. The main problem is that, in order to hang properly, I needed to add SIX sets of snaps to the interior. The top is essentially a double breasted vest without the necessary "buttons".


Here it is in my studio, as I figure out where to place the double-welt pockets.






And here it is, on me (with background of emerging wisteria) The fabric is a 
wonderful rayon-blend two-sided crinkle woven from Marcy Tilton which I love.



I like it, although I'm not sure it was worth all the bother...it's lightweight and drapey, perfect for my climate.


 




Next, as I was rummaging around in my studio, I found an almost completed knit top which I had totally forgotten about. It's B5954, adjusted somewhat to take advantage of a paneled knit with a border from Emma One Sock. So I added a neck finish, hemmed the sleeves and bottom, and voila!



A women's group I've belonged to for more than 30 years had a meeting this month in the studio of Seyburn Zorthian. We have two paintings of hers which I've written about before.


I've known Seyburn for a long time, but I was still fascinated by her telling us of the history of her painting...

and I found a new painting to love...



As a parting shot, check out my new polka-dot cat eye specs!



I'm heading over to Patti's site, Not Dead Yet Style, to join the Visible Women. Come  see what we've been up to!

TTYL

19 comments:

  1. Love your new creations, Mama, but I absolutely ADORE your new specs!

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  2. OK those glasses are perfection! I can see why the vest was a pain but I'm glad you stuck it out - I really like the look of it! xo

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  3. Gorgeous new creations, Margy. I also love to listen to books, while I jog or do housechores. And I often have to back them up when my mind wanders! Love those sunglasses, xox

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  4. Those specs are just too much fun!!! I really love that vest - before hearing about the challenges, I ordered my own copy. I'm glad to be forewarned. I especially love your panel top! That's really pretty!

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  5. Both pieces are wonderful ~ I like the detail on the vest and how you made it work but I LOVE the panel print top! So glad you got it finished and can wear it now.

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  6. Wow! Your creativity and passion for design are so inspirational. I certainly love your fantastic choices for the two tops. You look sensational!! Your wisteria is a lovely background for your pictures.

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  7. Love that paisley top. And the paintings! Gorgeous.

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  8. I came over from Patti's linkup. Wow you are really talented!

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  9. Unique vest and well executed. Karen

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  10. Cute vest and tunic! Couldn't finish A Little Life...lovely writing but such a sad story...poor Jude

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  11. Oh, that book, A Little Life. Harrowing and sublime at the same time. Reading it is an experience unto itself.

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  12. I always listening to Audible Books while i'm sewing . I love your new creations!
    Have a good time.
    Christine

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  13. You have such a zest for life - inspiring, not just your style and clothes but attitude. Thank you

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  14. I love all your makes, but I do think that the vest suits you particularly well. The collar is so nice. Sorry to hear it was such a pain to make. TS

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  15. Another two lovely garments. And your wisteria is looking wonderful.

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  16. Love those specs! I have a similar pair in tortoise shell. I listen to Audible too while I sew. I can't fathom trying to watch TV. This book is in my library and next on the list. Your vest turned out wonderfully in spite of a lousy pattern draft. Thanks for your update!

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  17. Awesome vest and top. Love the sunglasses. Those boxes in the background in your studio photo...is that an organizational system for your patterns or fabric? I love it.

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  18. I've run across the double breasted without extra buttons too-but I do love the look and your top is beautiful. I love your extra edition of fine art.

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  19. While you aren't as happy with the vest as you might loke, the lines and the fabric are so cool...I love both it and the re-found tee. Some sewing here in the desert but mostly doing some other hobbies lately.

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