My coat project continues to progress nicely. That is the good news. The bad news is that the pictures of the shoulder adjustments were lost in the computer crash of November. I did bring the shoulder line in 1.25 inches and the set both sleeve into the lining. I did not line the sleeves with flannel. That was a hard decision to make. I toyed with the idea of lining them down to the elbow but decided that it was just to much bulk. The idea, I keep reminding myself, is a light weight jacket. I am happy with this adjustment and the sleeves fit better lenghtwise as well. I pinned the wool and have cut the pattern pieces out. That was quite the process! The fabric has a very dark plaid to it so I traced registration marks onto each piece. In every project before, I usually succeeded in alining the plaid through sheer dumb luck to quote a great phrase. This time I didn't want to risk it. I also took the time to aline the collar with the vertical and horizontal registration marks as well. All in all it looks great, I decided to pipe the back yoke and front opening of the pocket. Subtle, but just a enough of a touch, to dress up the look. Basting and sewing next! I need to wait though, right now I'm beat (and certainly missing some grammar and spelling errors too). zzzzzzzzz zz zzz...

so... a very bad pun.

If you look at the interlining you can see that I had to hand baste it to the lining. The grains of the the flannel and the taffeta made it impossible to sew them together without bubbling and slipping. To save my family from nuclear meltdown I grabbed my needle, thread, and a large glass of red wine. I won't vouch for the accuracy of any sewing but at least the entire thing is done. I need to make a disclaimer here; I did tissue fit the pattern before I cut! Honest I did, I did! The tissue fit said to add to the bottom of the front panels. My fear of cutting to small took over and so I added the fabric. UGH....

You can see that caused the seam lines to skew out of plumb.

I also didn't need the extra "winger" this caused. Thank heavens for muslins, aka interlinings. That was marked as the first alteration. However, I was happy with the yoke and the "V" of pleats down the back. I think it looks good and will make a comfortable back.

Next, I removed the excess fabric from the pleated area. I still feel like the shoulders are a bit too wide. I marked them, but I will wait to cut them down until I have test fit a sleeve. I ripped out the sides, removed the added fabric, and restitched them for the second fitting.

You can see that the seams hang much more plumb and they don't have the twist that the excess caused.

I have to keep in mind that this is an outer coat. Each fitting is done over at least two layers. I think this fitting is better and I am almost happy with the drape of the front. I like the way the lapel lays open and is well placed for my frame.

I am counting on the weight of the wool to eliminate some of the "poof" that these fabrics create around the tummy. All in all, I like it so far, not "loving it" yet. But, it is a work in progress. I will post sleeve fitting next and cutting the wool. Opinions gang... I think it needs some piping along the back yoke and would like some feedback. Oh, FYI the button holes will be bound. When you think about the piping that might help. Comments anyone?

Well the first set of the pictures are ready to upload. This is a new skill so hopefully it will work!

This is the fabric, lining, and a very blurry picture of the pattern. I am trying to figure out distance with my camera. I wanted to make the left hand jacket. It's a pleated back from a yoke. I was hoping to make a barn jacket. Something easy to slip on and run to the grocery store with. The fabric is a dark plaid that doesn't jump out at you as much as the lining will. I thrifted all the fabric and bought the pattern on a $.99 sale. I am hoping it will not be a total wadder. That, by the way, is a new term that I learned from all the sewing boards I have been reading lately. Truthfully, it's kinda nice to know the proper term for a piece of sewing that goes so wrong, you wad it up and toss it. LOL! After all these years, now I know. I am not alone! So another shot of the fabric, which is not much better than the first one... hum.

and just so everyone knows... sewing is very messy work. This is a shot of my guest room being consumed by fabric, pattern, and assorted reference books.

yikes! Next step, basting the interlining to the lining. Keep fingers crossed.

It's been forever! I haven't blogged about my adventures in ages so this time I am going to try and document the evolution of my new winter coat. I hope pictures are easy to upload because this will need some visual support. Being of short stature and unique shape I have decided to create my own coat this winter. An adventure in of itself but the fabric begged for a new home. I found over 6 yards of a lovely 100% wool fabric and some wild and fun lining at the local thrift store. So, being the adventuress I bought self same fabric hauled it to the dry cleaners and then home to begin. Ideas abounded, but reticence prevailed. First"s" should be successful. So I went with a jacket that is simple but highly useable and included jusst enough stretching to be worth the fabric and skill "de-rusting". More to follow shortly!

So many fun ideas

One of the hardest things I do is edit. I have dozens of crazy fun ideas for every lesson that I teach. Keeping them organized so that I can use them, reflect on them and polish them is crazy hard! I've gone digital and thank heavens for that. I try to keep them sorted by topic and grade but even that gets wonky. Pictures help and hopefully over the years I will be able to finally find a good system.

This weeks search, find about 30 pairs of plastic glasses. I will be having my class use a rubric and wearing the glasses to "see with an editors eyes". Looking for errors and places to strengthen their writing.

Now, off to plan another week!

It's a hit!

Well teaching grid coordinates, Idaho history, and team work was a complete success with Battleship Idaho. I was delighted to see my class get so envolved with finding lakes, mountians, and natural geological features that they zipped through a 30 minute block in the blink of an eye.
One of the easiest lessons I've done so far.

Next two weeks are short ones so I'm going to do readers theater with this class. I think they really work well when they can "do" the activities. What's hard to realize is that when those two weeks are over, I will be looking at the middle of October and only have a few weeks left to share with them.

Living History

Well,
My neighboring student teacher and I did a Living History event for our students. I portrayed Eleanor Roosevelt and she was Amelia Earhart. The kiddos in my room were one tough audience. Didn't say a word, stared at us, and it was like dying on stage. ARGH. Slow, painfully slow, agonizingly slow.
Then, the next room was a total hit. They lit up like a room of light bulbs, smiled and completely got into the event. The minutes flew by and we could have kept it going for a good 30 minutes. What a difference a wall makes.

So much else to say, ah well.
Another day, another lesson.