We're in resting mode today at MPB Industries. A skeleton crew is keeping the machinery running but we aren't answering phones, so please don't call.
Cathy is also lying low so that she'll look her best for tomorrow's photo shoot. Luckily Lindsay Lohan is out of the country or didn't you know. She's such a bad influence on Cathy but I did enjoy her in "Freaky Friday."
I am applying the finishing touches to TED today.
I've started hand-finishing the hem and still need to do the sleeves.
Look how much ease I took out of the top of the sleeve, which is NOT supposed to be a capped or padded. (The wider seam allowance is the sleeve.)
Do you ever have this problem, readers? I nearly always find there's too much ease in sleeves unless they're gathered, in which case it doesn't matter.
OK, so I have decided that since there's no consensus on whether Elaine's intentions were good or evil in sending me Simplicity 6672 as a "gift," the best way to reciprocate is with a "pay it forward" giveaway.
And here it is: Vogue 6934!
As you can see, this pattern is a vintage size 16, dating from the mid-Sixties (before a 36" bust became a size 14). To me it is oh-so-very Elizabeth Montgomery with those long kimono sleeves. I also love the black version, which looks completely contemporary to me.
Recommended fabrics include silk, crepe, synthetics (yeah!), cotton, or wool jersey -- even brocade (I wouldn't go with polyester, however). I'd picked up this pattern for Cathy but she claims she doesn't have the bust for it.
Not only is this pattern complete and uncut, it also comes with this AMAZING mail-in coupon! Luckily, there's no expiration date.
If you're interested, just leave word in a comment below. You can make it for yourself, for a friend, maybe your husband. But please: don't send it to the Selfish Seamstress -- we want to expand the positive energy in the universe, not stamp it into oblivion.
The decision will be made by random drawing on Sunday night, so you have till then.
I do hope your sewing projects are going well and that whatever you're doing today, you're sufficiently hydrated. Cathy assures me water is critical to a good complexion and she's living proof.
Have a wonderful day, everybody!
P.S. - Look who sews! (Spoiler Alert: mini fashion show at 4:20.)
Posts
Love that pattern and it's my size!!
ReplyDeleteI had that problem recently, Peter. I made pajamas for Evie last week, and to be frank, the pattern stunk for sleeve insertion. They were a whole inch bigger than the sleeve opening, and obviously they weren't meant to be gathered! And it wasn't operator error, because I had the same problem with the short set. I daresay that I will have the same problem yet again when I make a set for my nephew as my sister has asked me to. They're supposed to be identical to Evie's and I'm lucky in that I have just enough fabric for it, considering that I've owned that particular yardage for over five years!
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm never one to shy away from a giveaway, especially when the pattern is just MY size!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see the TED dress on Cathy. I think it will look fabulous on her with all the gathers.
I want that patern! I already have the fabric and the notions!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your choice to share the love. I also LOVE the pattern and would love to make that black version up for the summer here in Nashville, TN!
ReplyDeleteIt's delicious! I especially like the way the two ladies on the front of the pattern are completely disregarding each other. As though the blonde stole the redhead's man, and then to top top it off, she's wearing the same dress pattern! The long sleeves don't hide the stolen style... the nerve!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new reader of both your and Elaine's blog (and a size 16)! I am new to sewing, but happen to work in New York's Garment District and am starting to be unable to think about much else besides fabric and notions on my lunch hour. It's a disease!
Oh my goodness! I HEART that pattern big time. Have been looking for a pattern like this to make a dress (already have the fabric) for my HS reunion in June. My fabric is a print and the weather here is not hot in June so would make the long sleeved version. Not going to admit what anniversary this is, but let's just say I could have made that dress the first time around for that pattern.
ReplyDeleteEven if I don't win, good on ya for sharing! ;-)
Love the pattern! ;D
ReplyDeleteAnyway, if I was Samantha I would wink up a wolf dressform, a serger, and maybe some couture fabrics from Chanel's private stash.
This pattern is so adorable! I would totally make that and wear it. Loving your blog, though I don't think I've ever commented before. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteI love it, too. I think it was used in an issue of Threads about 2 years ago for a story on making a LBD.
ReplyDeleteOf course toss me in the random-izer. I'd love to luck into one of Cathy's castoffs!
ReplyDeleteI too find that sleeve heads often have more fabric than is really needed. (Poly is harder to ease that other fibers anyway!) You can draft out some of the ease to get a smoother cap and eliminate puckers if you're getting any when you start another project and god forbid think you want to try a *gasp* muslin!!!
Ooo, pick me, pick me! It's also my size!
ReplyDeleteWell, me too, I would like the pattern, but also talking about too much ease in the sleeve cap - there is a solution. In Sandra Betzina's Power Sewing book, she illustrates how to remove some of the ease out of the cap. It's easy, but must be done on the pattern so when you cut the sleeve it fit into the armscye easier. I use this technique quite a bit. Looking forward to Cathy modeling her new dress. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI'm in! Love that dress!
ReplyDeleteI suggested the "pay it forward" idea and the pattern isn't even in my size. Sad. Oh well, I guess I had it coming to me.
ReplyDeletethat is a very pretty pattern...
ReplyDeleteI love the long sleeves on that pattern!I can't wait to see Cathy in her new dress!
ReplyDeleteOh, I wish I could get to Paris that easily! And, I do adore that hat Samantha is wearing. I couldn't help but think that green number would look just as delish on Cathy, as it does on the model at the couturier's...maybe you should consider that color for a future fashionable frock for her?
ReplyDeleteThat is a large amount of ease removed! I always find polyester is not that good at easing.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to go in the draw for the gorgeous 60's pattern - my favourite decade and my size too! I decided last night to start collecting 60's patterns, and this could be the first! It would mean sending it to the other side of the world though, so understand if you'd rather not (but you could keep the coupon - lol!) If you draw my name I promise I'll blog about it and show you the results!
Can't pass on this pattern... too awesome
ReplyDeleteSamantha's sewing technique makes me cringe! She's pulling the fabric through the foot instead of letting the feed dogs do the job. Also, that machine should be in the cabinet not on top. I'm not expecting a documentary of sewing on a sitcom, but jeez!
ReplyDeleteI love the vintage pattern, but I probably have too much decollatage for it. I'd accept if I win, however.
I love that pattern and your blog!
ReplyDeleteGeeze - that is a huge amount of extra ease in that sleeve! What is with these sleeves?
ReplyDeleteOh, not only do I love that pattern, but it's my size!
Daaaaah--ling, I too love the pattern AND have the bust for it. (Sorry, Cathy!) That being said, I defer to be entered (weird body type that only looks good in fitted clothes). It is lovely and can't wait to see it on someone else. Love your blog, BTW!
ReplyDeleteOMG... I have a non-sexual crush on that pattern... Looking forward as ever to seeing Cathy in her new dress. With "La Lohan" returning States-side I suspect her next outfit may be quite racy!
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me Peter... as if I would make a comment to win that beautiful dress (I'm already wearing it in my head) and then give it to the Selfish Seamstress!!! Not on your life!
ReplyDeleteI have to say I can't wait to see Cathy in more contemporary clothing .. I think the TED dress will look fabulous and will suit a glamorous dinner/dance with say .. The President or something. Does Cathy know the President or does she hang out with young starlet types only? I see her moving up now... ditching those young 'uns and swanning about with a more sophisticated crowd. She is maturing.
(like all of us!)
Sofie Brisbane, Australia (will you send it this far?)
The video is small, with low resolution, but doesn't that model in green look something like Cathy? It's the wrong era for her aunt, but could it be another relative? :)
ReplyDeleteLeaving word I want that pattern :D
ReplyDeleteWord! I love that pattern, and it's totally wearable for today.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately positive random chance has never cared for me, so I will likely settle for acting happy for whoever wins.
If you ever decide to give away something horrible (the plague, pestilence, head lice, etc.), just skip the formality of a drawing and send it straight to me. ;)
Forgot to add this to my previous post. From the incomparable Ms. Fasanella... Hope you find it interesting.
ReplyDeletewww.fashion-incubator.com/archive/sleeve_cap_ease_is_bogus
I am not sure which part of the pattern I love more, the dress or the cover art. It is my size too. So, please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOMG guys, that's totally the pattern Claire Shaeffer used to make her LBD for the couture article in Threads Magazine a while back! Okay, that was a total sewing geek moment. And yes: I want it! Thanks for being so selfLESS Peter!
ReplyDeleteOh I love this pattern and I hope I win it !
ReplyDeleteOhhh, I totally need that pattern. I just ordered some paisley type fabric with really no pattern in mind. Until I saw this one, that is!
ReplyDeleteMine! It's my size, and I'd totally make it just like the black one, 'cause I don't own a LBD that fits! Can you believe that?
ReplyDeleteGorgeous AND in my size! Perfect. :)
ReplyDeleteOkay, you can stop right here. This pattern should be MINE! Why haven't I seen this one before??!! Cathy would want you to send it to me!
ReplyDeleteI want that pattern!!! Just my size...
ReplyDelete