What's the old axiom? Everything always
takes long than you think—yes, that's the one.
The black vest has taken shape—it's
still not finished. Lots, and lots of work has been done. Every
little detail has taken longer than planned, and the result is lots
of progress, but not there yet.
Gold rick rack got added—and removed.
I thought I wanted gold trim, but—after just a little had been
sewn on, I had a change of heart. I like the plain black better.
It's more tailored and elegant plain. The gold looked tawdry, tacky.
I'll keep it for something more casual—where it can look campy,
and fun—maybe a denim skirt—that I can tart up with some gold
rick rack, and golden zipper, and other gold trim.
There are still side seams to sew, and
button holes to make, and buttons to be sewn on, too. But lots of
work has gone into the vest.
I will continue to work on it today—and
get the skirt finished, too. Then will thread the machine with red
thread and fill a red bobbin, so that I am ready to start the next
vest first thing tomorrow morning—only I like won't have much
chance to sew tomorrow or Wednesday, for that matter. One doctor
appointment for me, and one for B—He needs to get to Manhattan, and
a car service (one way) is easily the same as 4 hours in a garage.
So I can drive him there, then park the car, and then pickup up.
Waiting time can be knitting time—which is a good thing. I haven't
knit a stitch in over a week now! (and while I have been sewing --it's just been a bit!)
I love the idea of the red vest.. so
bright and cheerful—and as always, I love bright clean colors. I
have red socks and shoes, too--So it will be a nice addition to my wardrobe--clothes to match already knit socks!
The delays won't really interfere much with it's
construction. There are always small detail that can be worked
on—interfacing to cut and iron on—or I can cut the denim version
of the vest out.. and have it in the ready. Then, when I have the time, I can get all the little pieces put together.. (Yeah, right.. see the opening paragraph again, Helen!)
I love having new clothes—It's
something I have been talking about again and again, a few years. I
did buy some tailored shirts 3 years ago, and make some quick skirts
then, too, but now I am really going to town. Sometimes I feel like
such a clothes horse—but I likely have few clothes than many—and
many of my old clothes were worn out, or too big or both--Last summer I had a major clean out of of my closets--and got rid of all my old VERY FAT clothes. So these new clothes are just filling in the gaps.
I especially like have such well made
clothes. I like a bit a luxury, and hand made, detailed clothes can
be a luxury. Some (non sewers!) still harbor the notions formed in
their childhood, or from their grandparents generation—that making
clothes at home is cheaper—thought slightly inferior to store
bought ones. But they are the same that are astounded by how well
finished and “REAL” my clothes look—and shocked that I haven't
saved huge amounts of money.
Sewing is hardly a savings—well, that
is in general. It is slightly for me, because I have a stash of
fabric and notions, (as well as of yarn)--but if you start out
buying patterns, and fabric, and thread and notions—most of the
time you'll end spending as much or more than similar items in
clothing store—especially if you shop for bargains.
But those bargains will have serger
seams, and other quick and dirty construction methods. What
more—you'll be stuck with what ever the fashion of the day is. I
like some details that are hard to find—inset, side seam pockets in
my skirts, and little pockets in vests, and full linings, too. I
like co-ordinated pieces, too, a well as mix and match. I like that
I can make clothes that fit me—Long waisted vest, and narrow
shoulders, and all the other little quirks that my body has. But I
have said all of this before, haven't I?
If I get around to posting tomorrow, it
will be late in the day—but maybe I'll have something to show!