Friends, this is a holiday weekend here in the USA, and since I just finished a big project, I'm more or less in rest and recovery mode. But that doesn't mean all work has stopped!
Realizing that I'm going to be using my Bernina 930 regularly and therefore leaving her out permanently, I needed to make some sort of dust cover for her. As you know, I have a large bin full of fabric remnants, and I chose this quilt-weight cotton I used a year and a half ago to make that Burda dress for Leah.
I didn't use a pattern, but rather just measured the approximate height, width, and depth of the machine and cut my pieces accordingly. Then I stitched it up (on the Bernina, of course). Nothing fancy: I pinked my seam allowances and added some embroidery stitches at the bottom for fun.
I wouldn't call it gorgeous but it does the job.
Moving right along, I thought you might like to see a few details of Cathy's 40's silk dress close up: the side zipper, the front gathers, and the hem. I should have prick-stitched that zipper by hand, but (amazingly) I was able to attach it by machine; I might redo it if I feel inspired but it's not bad as-is.
Speaking of silk, at the flea market today, a vendor had a ton of gorgeous silk fabric -- taffeta, chiffon, beaded silk, georgette, you name it: he must have bought the contents of a small dressmaking business. I was overwhelmed, so I decided to purchase just one thing, well two: A plaid silk taffeta in pale yellow, gold, and, I think, black -- and a coordinating solid gold China silk. Not sure what I'll make with it all but I have roughly 3 1/2 yards of the plaid and at least that much of the solid.
Readers, I think that's it. I have a few small projects on deck I'll be sharing with you soon; otherwise I'm just lying low for the next few days.
For those of you enjoying the holiday weekend, have fun and be safe!
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I love your machine cover. I think I need to make one as well. I have some tweet liddle birdies that need a cover for their cage at night. You have inspired me.
ReplyDeleteI am a huge fan of the silk you just bought, and I can't wait to see what you make with it!
ReplyDeleteSomething on the bias I think.
DeletePerhaps a "Cathy at the Kennedy Center" full skirt, with solid sash, topped with a sweater set?
DeleteBeing a "patrician magician", she will likely get more business cards, and quite possibly a pied de terre - from a single wearing of such an outfit.
All this talk of silk is making me want to try it. Once I've sewn up some of my stash I'll have to go hunting! :-)
ReplyDeleteCathy is gorgeous in her silk dress! So amazing. Silk is so worth the effort. And I totally get the desire to cover your favourite sewing machine in something both protective and pleasing. My poor 1978 Pfaffy (I've had her since she was new!) has no nice cover unfortunately because I never leave her alone long enough to get dusty. Both she and my Pfaff CoverPro serger should be decently dressed though, don't you think? Must work on it.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is definitely for something on the bias with the plaid. I bought some check silk dupion last year and made it up in a bias top (Sandra Betzina Vogue, now out of print). Using the bias on a stiffish fabric helps with achieving a softer drape, and the checks on the bias look so much more interesting.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what you produce!