Monday 20 January 2014

Preparing to sew

Today I have been preparing to sew a new piece of clothing for myself, a coat no less. I cut out the paper pieces in .. you guessed it April 2013 so yesterday as the sun shone thorough the window and made our very cold house feel cosy, I cut out the fabric.



It is a purple velvet, really good quality mole-like-velvet.. My dad gave it me last Friday. 8 metres of it!! He was going to throw it away and asked if I wanted last call on it. He told the story of how his crazy ex girlfriend had really wanted to buy it in France and they were on a motorbike tour so he had to strap it onto the bike and carry it all the way home. Anyway...



It's mine now. Today I bought matching thread and self-covering buttons. I haven't used this type of button for 20 years - I used to put them on the back of evening dresses when I attended lots of black tie events (when I was young, free and mostly tipsy)



Just sumptuously lovely buttons aren't they? I had an idea to machine embroider a pattern on the collar with my flower making foot but thought better of it, but it was good fun to play.


Instead I bought some trim today which I might edge the collar and cuffs with but the jury is still out on that one.


So nothing is sewn as of yet, just two days preparing to sew. I am trying to enjoy the process and not think about when it will be finished and that feels good.

I have some fab craft presents to share with you that I had for my birthday and I have our big family news for 2014 to tell you too but that will have to wait. 
(btw it's not a baby for anyone who knows me!)

Jo xxxxxx





13 comments:

  1. I used self-covering buttons many years ago as well. I agree they make a garment extra special.

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  2. Eight whole metres of delicious fabric - it was your lucky day I think! I'm looking forward to seeing what you make.

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  3. I hope that your coat will be lovely, you certainly have some lovely fabric to use! I expect that you will enjoy making an wearing it a lot. Looking forward to hearing your news - I am intrigued now! xx

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  4. Wow making a coast sound very technical to this newbie stitcher, the fabric is gorgeous I look forward to seeing it made, love those buttons
    Clare x

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  5. Purple velvet oooohhhh I can just imagine how soft and great it is going to look and wear.

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  6. Jo I adore the colour and the fabric, cannot wait to see it all finished and hear your big news too - how exciting. Thank you for your lovely comments by the way. Big hugs to you
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  7. Oh!!! You can't leave us hanging!!! HA! That fabric is rich and beautiful and it is going to make the most stunning coat Jo! I can't wait to see it all come together! And I am so glad that you landed this fabric and not your dad's girlfriend! You deserve it!!! A very happy week you! Nicole xoxo

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  8. I love the adventurous history of your fabric, and that it has sparked a creative venture for you, Jo :) And I enjoyed the post about your pretty, finished, Elsie shawl as well. Happy stitching! xx

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  9. How fun to make a coat and one with such a great story behind... I love the buttons... Enjoy the process...can't wait to see it when it's done:)

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  10. What marvellous material, I adore the colour. How lucky that your Pa saved and passed on the material to you.
    I can't wait to see the finished article.
    Hugs x

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  11. I can not imagine have the talent needed to sew a coat. It is going to be gorgeous, I love the fabric, and your covered buttons. I can not wait to see it all done.

    Hugs and good luck,
    Meredith

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  12. Oh Jo this will be some project! I'm sure you'll do a grand job and everything though :-) Looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. I am way way off coat making myself, will it be lined and all?

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    1. Ideally I wanted it to be but the pattern isn't so I will have to make it without and during the process work out how to add linings nest time (next time? listen to me...)

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