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

Sunday, September 4, 2016

SEWING, BOOKS AND PUPPY---WHAT A TRIO!

That's how I've spent my time since the last post...



This vest is Sandra Betzina's new pattern, Vogue 1510 and the fabric, which is a wool mix with shiny dots woven in it, is one from several seasons back via Marcy Tilton.



I love this fabric...but it didn't behave very well, so I learned a new-to-me technique from a tutorial written by Bunny at La Sewista, flatlining with seam finish.



It involves sewing a layer of fabric, in this case silk organza, to each pattern piece before any sewing takes place. The resulting double fabric is treated as one piece, so the unsightly parts of the interior are masked, and the hems are
encased in Hong Kong seams. It took a lot of time, but the results were worth it!

I made another iteration of the PaperCut Rise and Fall Turtleneck, using a lightweight Ponte knit, also from Marcy Tilton. Unlike my previous attempts,
the collar on this was "upright and uptight", so I removed it and recut it.



I really like this fabric, which Marcy called "Black Marble".



And here I am with Teddy, who is growing up fast! He had his final puppy shot this week, so he is safe to go "out in the world", he got microchipped, AND
he and I are signed up for 6 weeks of puppy school. We both need it!




 Here he is in the kitchen last night, trying very hard to trip Dave and me up!

And the books...The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead...I had a little trouble getting into this, but I persevered and am glad I did. Quite an insight into slavery and the attempts to end it, and very well written.

A Man Called Ove, by Fredrick Backman. Enjoyable and quite a good character study of a difficult man.

And I just started listening to Louise Penny's new book A Great Reckoning, another chapter in the life of Three Pines and Armand Gamache. I haven't tired of this series yet.

These 3 books were on Audible, which I listen to in my studio. As far as my Kindle books go, I have discovered a new mystery series by Inger Ash Wolfe which features a 63-year-old female D.I. in Port Dundas, in a Canadian county. I'm on #2 and enjoying it.

There are 7 ½ weeks till the Tilton Paris Trip. I THINK my travel wardrobe is in
good shape, except for a pair of pants I will sew in a couple of weeks. We shall see!

Other than enjoying the amazing fruits and vegetables available right now, I haven't spent much time in the kitchen. Except for this...



I adore fresh figs, and the season is so short...these are Roasted Mission Figs with Blue Cheese and Honey. AH...so delicious!

My 5-year blogging anniversary is coming up next week...first post! And, as long as I'm looking at stats (which I don't do very often), I hit over-a-million page views a little while ago!

I'm headed over to the party at Patti's Visible Monday...come join us!

TTYL


22 comments:

  1. Wonderful fabrics, and sewing. And how darling is Teddy - that grown-up puppy look is so endearing. Thanks for sharing, xo

    -Patti
    http://notdeadyetstyle.com

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  2. Good stuff - thanks for the book recommendations. Puppy school sounds fun :)

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    1. Thanks, Robin...hope puppy school is PRODUCTIVE!

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  3. 7-1/2 weeks?!?! I don't want to hear that! Your vest is really nice. Mine is almost done and I hope it looks as good. I especially love that turtleneck! The collar is fabulous and it looks great with that necklace and that puppy!

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  4. Gorgeous puppy... and the sewing is lovely too.

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  5. Know you and Shams will fit right in fashion-wise on your Paris trip. Love your vest, think I have that same fabric from Marcy, must get it out. The new puppy seems to have grown up overnight. He's beautiful and like your and your husband, I can't live without a dog. Let us know how puppy school goes. My French Bulldog flunked.

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    1. Thanks, Leslie...I've had dogs who flunked puppy school, too....

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  6. Looking very cool Margy, love Sandra Betzina's patterns, think the dog is pretty cool too, go Margy!
    Lyn

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  7. Enjoyed your post! Thanks for references to some interesting books. I am always open to reading new to me authors.

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    1. Thanks, Linda; I'm always looking for new authors, too!

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  8. Margy, I share your love of figs, adore your style and active lifestyle. You new puppy is just too cute! Enjoy Paris.

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  9. That's a dazzling flat-lining with seam finish! Hahaha. I read up on it at La Sewista. Truly a beautiful piece and I'm glad you found at way to maintain order. I'm afraid I would end up with some pretty interesting ruching if I tried it. Heh. Love your new works.

    Teddy, what a heartbreaker. Good luck at school. Make sure you bring the teacher a...bone?

    I never had a fresh fig until I was in my late 20s maybe. I thought they grew shriveled and dried out, sometimes with a cookie crust. But fresh, wow, they are a most perfect food.

    And you're a STAR - outstanding! Hahaha. Well done on your blogging anniversary. Celebration is in order.

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  10. Thanks for the book recommendation...I just took out The Calling for Kindle from one of my libraries...really enjoyed your blog

    Terry

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  11. That flat lining technique is wonderful and I have some fabric that will need it when I make a Katherine Tilton jacket later this fall. And Margy, not only do your beautiful custom made clothes coordinate with your coloring and style...but Teddy does as well. He looks to be a sweetie and you will both enjoy the school time.

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  12. Your vest is magnificent. I'm always amazed by your sewing skills and your varied interests. Congratulations on your five year blogging anniversary!

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  13. The vest is beautiful! It has been a long time since I've flat-lined anything, but I do think it is a wonderful technique. Interesting to me that I have holds on all the books you mentioned, now I just have to wait my turn...

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  14. I love the vest and your style puts me in mind of Kate. The puppy is cuddly looking and I so envy you. I am allergic and I so want a dog. Louise Penny is a great writer. I have only read two of her books but plan to read more. I think I will check out some of your other books there and see what I think. Thanks for your blog. It is very enjoyable.

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  15. I love these more wintery looks, Margy. The black marble top is certainly one I wouldn't mind duplicating, perfect for our colder clime.

    Thanks for the "flat lining" props. It's a lot of work up front but then the rest of the sewing just flies and the end results are so worth it, IMO. Great job as usual!

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