Sewing for my barbie dolls
Find the fabrics dream
Monday, September 30, 2013
The Ultimate Working Pooch - A Postcard from Buster
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| A Comfort Specialist for several years, Buster helps me to be more calm and relaxed, when I'm having dental work done. I wish there were more dogs in this line of work! |
I once read (and I wish I could remember where I read it) that the Aztecs trained and bred special hairless healing dogs to lay on ill people and do important medical tasks. I know exactly what those fortunate people felt like...
This is Buster. He is a Comfort Specialist at Dr. Lori Doran's Dental office in Palo Alto CA, a twenty minute bike ride from my home. I called ahead to make sure Buster was on duty before I went in for my appointment, and apparently I'm not the only patient who does this. About half of Dr. Doran's patients like to have Buster's help.
Yes, those are my toes down at the end of the dental chair and Buster was laying as close to my chest as I could get him. He adjusts to whatever people want him to do. Some people like him in the knee zone, others on the lap. I like him REALLY close. It's so soothing when I'm having a crown removal and cavity workup like I did that day.
Of course it's not a job just any pooch can do, but we certainly need more dogs (and perhaps other mammals) like Buster out there.
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Ench By Sew-12 Creating Dress Forms (Podcast Episode)
Co-Published with the Show Notes for Enchanted By Sewing
Hey! The latest Enchanted by Sewing Podcast has been published!
Two Ways to Listen
i)You can listen to the show right on the web by clicking on the this link
** * *
~ OR ~
ii) Click on this link to iTunes to download this and other Enchanted by Sewing shows to your mobile device (iPhone, Android, etc.) free from iTunes
Did I miss any links mentioned in the show? If so, please post here and let me know, or else email me , EnchantedBySewing AT gmail
~~~This month show is about my experiences creating and using two different types of dress forms -
a) A duct tape dress form
b) A Uniquely You dress form
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Please send your thoughts about this month or next month's topic – Jeans Sewing -in the Post a Comment section, below :-)
~ ~ ~
In this month's show
"Threads" Magazine has many articles related to dress forms
Quick and Easy Duct-Tape Dress Form
Please Note
My Uniquely You Dress Form Instructor was Judith Jackson. I referred to her as "our teacher" in the original recording, as I was waiting to ask her permission to include her name. She said 'yes' :-)
In this month's show
1) What is a dress form?
a. A mannequin who’se shaped like you. A fitting or body double, a way to fit patterns, garments, drape and design as though you’re the tailor and the dress form is you
b. Listen to Lori's Sew Forth Now Podcast for a history of dress forms
Lori not only talked about history, she also talked about the style of dress form and I’m not repeating any of that. Please listen to her wonderful show (she said it would remain there for the near future) esp interesting to me is lori’s archeologic work, uncovering the history of dress forms.
Lori uses an adjustable dress form, I worked with two different types – duct tape and a Uniquely You dress form
c.
2) Why I wanted a dress form
a. Fit
b. Trying out patterns and muslins in 3D
c. Create and play around with my own designs, and minor commercial pattern alterations and design changes
d. Because Lori made them sound so appealing!
e. Maybe for photographing in my blog….
3) Body Issues and your Team
a. Body issues are a part of our culture
b. Find helpers/team who help us feel good about ourselves
c. A dress form helps us distance ourselves from body issues – it’s just data
d. A dress form helps us notice our best features – what do I want to flatter more?
e. A dress form helps us make patterns or garments we design ourselves more flattering, so we learn to play up our best features
f. A dress form allows us to experiment with a muslin/toile – Can I make a shirtwaist that flatters my figure type?
g. Choosing our Team
4) Two types of dress forms I experienced. Basically what they are,
5) Cost
6) Materials (tools) and Resources (web stuff) - I list some Resources below
7) Safety- Working around kids, young or older goofy, fun loving kids - Two good reasons not to !
8) Social Comfort/Body Issues – You need a work group, at least one other person. Find someone who supports your best interests and helps you feel good about yourself9) How I’ve used my dress forms , what other things I or others might do w/ them
- Fitting, altering, trying out new patterns, hand sewing/deconstructed neckbands - helps me conform neckline to lay well on me
- A Wedding in your future? Formal/Special Occasion Wear I would guess that if you’re doing a formal dress for someone with beading or close fitting - and maybe they aren't available at the drop of a hat, might be worth making a duct tape (or other type ) dress form for them
10) Technicos: In-depth details about how I made these two different styles of dress forms. What I actually did to create them
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Resources
Listen to the Podcast on web - no need to download to a mobile device
http://traffic.libsyn.com/enchantedbysewing/draft5_dress_formENCHANTEDbySewingFINAL.mp3
There are so many fun things about dress forms - making them, draping on them, displaying historic, artistic and other garments on them, and enjoying them as an art form - whether full sized, half size, miniature or doll size. There are even topiary forms inspired by dress forms. Whenever I see a good dress form that fits any of these categories, I pin it on one of my virtual bulletin boards http://www.pinterest.com/lrshimer/dress-forms/
Lori recorded a Sew Forth Now podcast episode on dress forms. I tried not to duplicate anything she already talked about in this great show
Listen to the Podcast on web - no need to download to a mobile device
http://traffic.libsyn.com/enchantedbysewing/draft5_dress_formENCHANTEDbySewingFINAL.mp3
There are so many fun things about dress forms - making them, draping on them, displaying historic, artistic and other garments on them, and enjoying them as an art form - whether full sized, half size, miniature or doll size. There are even topiary forms inspired by dress forms. Whenever I see a good dress form that fits any of these categories, I pin it on one of my virtual bulletin boards http://www.pinterest.com/lrshimer/dress-forms/
Lori recorded a Sew Forth Now podcast episode on dress forms. I tried not to duplicate anything she already talked about in this great show
Dress forms are a popular theme with sewing bloggers
"Threads" Magazine has many articles related to dress forms
Quick and Easy Duct-Tape Dress Form
Some people think Paper Tape works better than duct tape. Haven't tried it myself, but I'd be game!
http://www.threadsmagazine.com/item/3633/paper-tape-dress-form Paper Tape Dress Form
Kenneth King make an extra body to use for two people in Threads issue 161
June/July 2012
I looked in the Threads Magazine Archive to find different articles. You can find that at...
http://www.tauntonstore.com/threads-magazine-issues.html You can buy individual Threads back issues, if you or your public library doesn't have them on the shelf.
1) "Fit for Everyone" by Kenneth D. King in issue #161. This describes how to sew removable covers to make your dress form work for multiple figures.
A. "Tip: Meet Madeline" by Sandy Moeckel in issue #153. This tip describes how Sandy inexpensively made her dress form suitable for herself as well as her daughter.
1) "Tip: Identical Body Double" by Anne K. Brenz in issue #144. This tip describes the way Anne made her dress form fit her every curve.
• "The Dress Form–A Sewer's Best Friend" by Carol Fresia in issue #123. Described below.
• "Make An Arm for Your Dress Form" by Shirley Botsford in issue #90.
• "Clone Yourself a Fitting Assistant" by David Page Coffin in issue #75. This article explains how to make a dress form from scratch.
~ ~ ~
Things I might try out for arty fun and practice with my dress form
Making a newspaper dress on a dress form. Fun way to learn draping?
A tutu might also be a fun way to experiment with draping on a dress form too "How to make a tutu out of paper" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp6nKpzd0eI
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Dress Form Haiku
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| She's my fitting friend My dress form - separate - but me :-) Foam core, woman spirit |
L.R. Shimer
Yes, I am working on the Enchanted by Sewing Podcast for the month of September tonight.
How did you guess?
Saturday, September 14, 2013
La Biblioteca de Redwood City/Redwood City Library
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| Constructed in 1921, the main branch of Redwood City Library was once a firehouse |
I meet up with my IOS study buddy on the second floor once a week in one of the second floor study rooms. I often feel that the spacious, relaxed surroundings contribute to our study success. The second floor is dedicated to independent and small group study. Project Read has a lot of dedicated space on that floor. New readers of all ages are a special focus of programs at this beautiful library. I've noticed a lot of the middle school students developing their reading skills with graphic novels.
The library is a part of the county-wide Peninsula Libraries. I often log onto the county library web site, and search for books from all over the Peninsula, that I can then ask to be sent to a library within walking distance of my own home, for just 75 cents. I can also return materials from any library in the system to a local library.Wouldn't the development of the internet have been worth it, just to be able to do that?
Monday, September 9, 2013
Matters Millinery - Making My Own Hats
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| I created this fabric covered buckram hat from black silk dupioni in Wayne Wichern's class. The pink silk band and bow makes a nice looking trim, but so far I've only worn it plain. |
It didn't pan out.
I'd love to think that my larger than normal head means I have an extra measure of brains. But according to Gould, that's not the case. About the only thing my 24.5 inch head size does for me is make it impossible to find a woman's hat that fits. Gals are supposed to have 22.5 inch head circumferences. Hence the Minnie Mouse look whenever I try on a cute hat. Over the counter hats perch up on top of my curls, making me a perfect cartoon model.
But of course, being a sewist, I can make my own hats and leave Minnie's at Disneyland.
~ ~ ~
You may have read a posting I wrote last fall called "Chewing a Bun with Tuppence" (http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2012/06/caps-off-chewing-bun-with-tuppence.html ) about the first fabric cap I made. I also wrote about another cap I made, using the same pattern a month or so later. I wear one or the other of these caps every single day. They protect my skin better than a regular baseball cap and are a lot cuter too!
But I wanted to know how to make more than caps. I wanted to be able to make a structured hat.
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| I like my black silk duping hat plain |
Most of our time in class was devoted to making fabric-covered buckram hats. I made a simple style in black silk dupioni. I played around with trims for this hat, but mostly I like it plain. It will be easy enough to add trims anytime in the future. I bought the fabric at Thai Silks in Los Altos. If you stop by their shop, ask about special discounts for fashion students and Cañada fashion students. It's a really nice store. They've been there a long time and have a good reputation in the area. They sell online too.
We also learned about the process of making straw hats. We didn't have the resources and room to block our own, but we gave Wayne our measurements, choose colors and styles and he blocked them for us. We did the really hard part - we trimmed them with ribbons, lace and anything else we could come up with :-) So now I have a straw hat that fits, in addition to my black silk hat!
In addition we made fascinators or cocktail hats. I gave mine to Holly the Dolly to use as a regular doll's hat. I'll put up a picture of that in a future posting.
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| We loved showing off our creations at the reunion in Wayne Wichern's Burlingame studio |
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Whenever I see an appealing hat, cocktail hat or fascinator on the web, I pin it to http://www.pinterest.com/lrshimer/hats-and-other-millinary/
Whenever I see an appealing hat, cocktail hat or fascinator on the web, I pin it to http://www.pinterest.com/lrshimer/hats-and-other-millinary/
Wayne Wichern Millinery http://www.waynewichernmillinery.com
Wayne's Workshop Schedule - Burlingame CA (San Mateo County, San Francisco Bay Area)
http://www.waynewichernmillinery.com/MillineryWorkshops2012.htm
Thai Silks
252 State Street, Lost Altos, CA
http://www.thaisilks.com
Some People Get the Fun Jobs
Hey Chico Aboard!
Uncle's truck is your playground.
Glad you stopped by.
Friday, September 6, 2013
Draping With a New Retro Friend
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| Eventually I'll be draping on my own Uniquely You dress form, but for the first few assignments we use the school's forms. I fee very lucky to be matched up with this lovely lady, created in 1965. |
I learned so much getting started with these dress forms, that my September Enchanted by Sewing Podcast show, will be about what I've learned creating and using these dress forms.
Still, there's more to come.
This fall I'm taking the Draping class at Cañada college. There I'll be learning the art of draping, and I can see that it truly is an art. I'm just beginning to develop my eye, use my fingers to smooth the fabric as I drape, and starting to learn where the material is telling those fingers it should go. It's pretty exciting to think that by the end of the semester, I should know enough to draft some of my own patterns - patterns that are made just for me, by me!
We're using the Connie Crawford Art of Draping book. I've listened several times to the Sew Forth Now podcast, where Lori interviewed Ms. Crawford (Sew Forth Now #35: The Industry) and enjoyed the story of how this very experienced woman came to create this book.
The dress form I'm currently using in class (I'll be using my own Uniquely You dress form later on in the semester) is a 1965 model. Just think how many students have learned to drape and sew with her! I compared her with some of the newer forms, and noticed that she is, as our teacher says "perkier". That is, her bust is more enhanced than other more modern dress forms. Yup, shapely chests were popular in the middle of that decade.
I'm so pleased I've been teamed with this retro 60's gal.
It's sewing companions and classes like this that keep me....
Enchanted by Sewing
* * *
You can find Lori's interview with Connie Crawford on the Sew Forth Now Podcast
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Aqui Tiene Café - Linguistics Lesson Mid-Stream
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| Click on the illustration above, por favor, To enjoy more of the beautiful details |
We do fine together. in English- the two men who are adding on 250 square feet to our house. They are totally bilingual.
But they also share a special lingo. It's one that reminds them they are both comrades and cousins. I feel honored to share it, just un poco, with them, when I fill their water jug with agua y hielo or bring out café in the morning. I've learned a new idiomatic phrase over the last few weeks - Aqui tiene cafe (Here you have coffee).
I provide the drinks, and they provide impromptu Spanish lessons.
Gracias professores!
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Jeans Sewing: Skirting the Issue - Terminado!/Done!
¡Que Bueno!
Huzzah!
Huzzah!
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| Worth the Work I created this jeans-style denim skirt in order to work on jeans sewing skills I do feel more confident about approaching my first jeans project. I'm also really looking forward to wearing this great new addition to my wardrobe! |
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| My skirt looks so official with it's jeans button I lined the waistband with a light weight cotton batiste print I interfaced it with a medium weight fusible. That was a big decision and I'm glad I did interface it now. |
I really wanted to shelve the skirt many times, because sewing that heavy weight 11-oz denim (like Levis 501's ), figuring out where to find and apply rivets, jeans button, when to do the topstitching (I wanted complete lines of stitching because it sure shows when it's not), not to mention addressing the faux flat-felled seams, was just a lot of unfamiliar-to-me work and techniques. I never managed to get the real kind of flat-felled seams to to roll around and stitch straight, though I'm good with the faux look for now. I blogged about that a couple of weeks back.
Oh and don't get me started on the curved waistband! I think the topstitching and waistband seam and top of waistband finally go straight across on either side. I sure checked those (and pinned, re-pinned, hand and machine basted and re-basted) to get those areas crisp and clean. I did have to add a snap on the inside of the fly. I think that was because I over-fitted the garment a little and the fly band gaped a little. I over-fitted because otherwise the a-line skirt didn't 'a' out. At least for me, that heavy denim is not at all easy to work with. Maybe it's simply different than what I'm used to sewing with.
I'm really proud of myself for doing something hard and new-to-me. When I get ready to sew my jeans project for the Pants Drafting class I'm currently taking at Cañada, I'll have a head start on some of those techniques. I'm sure they won't be perfect, but they will be lots better than if I hadn't sewn this skirt first.
Another thing I'm glad I thought to do. I sewed several fly-front zippers (FFZ) in trouser and shorts project over the last year or so. So, although I still don't love doing a FFZ, they don't overwhelm me. And that was important when learning to work with heavy fabric, different threads and needle-type, new-to-me techniques and hardware.
I didn't make the cute pockets or belt loops I meant to do (I know how to use a double needle to make those belt loops professional too), cuz I was just done with it. I'm planning to prep the pockets and belt loops for my jeans project first , because those are really the fun part. In this case I'd had enough and just wanted to move on with life. That's the way it goes with me, when I'm learning something new. In software application development (and probably other fields as well, I imagine), we called that MVP - minimal viable product.
Sometimes I just want to be finished/terminado!
Now I'm planning to do some fun and familiar sewing for a bit. I have another one of my favorite shirts to finish up. I last blogged about it as Kit 1 (here's a link). I'm now calling it "Lilacs and Liberty". It's a romantic fem style - lilac Robert Kaufman gingham with accents in a darker purple and green Liberty of London Tana Lawn print, (which I recently identified as the Liberty print "Mauverina") and sparkly'ish buttons. Bet it will look cute with the denim skirt too....
The challenge of acquiring new sewing skills, and the pleasure of returning to comfortable and favorite sewing projects, keeps me....
Enchanted by Sewing!
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* All the posts about this project, begin with the phrase "Jeans Sewing, Skirting the Issue"
1) I began writing about the project, fitting and pattern selection on August 9'th http://meencantacoser.blogspot.com/2013/08/jeans-sewing-skirting-issue.html
2) When Zippers Fly
3) Resources
4) WAISTing Time
5) Absolutely Riveting
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