tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19747863484727084822024-02-19T18:35:22.368-08:00Skycarl's SkyblogCarlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-62812282078126026972011-02-26T06:19:00.000-08:002011-02-26T06:19:36.417-08:00Some FebruaryI don't know about some of you, but February seemed to be a tough month. Bad weather, lousy health, unexpected surprises all contributed to not getting anything done on my machines.<br />
I like to sew because I find it fun and lets me unwind and get creative. Man that just didn't happen this last month. One project to finish and one I really want to start so I hope March is looking better.<br />
I think it will be. Gonna make something to wear for this spring time coming up. And I'm going to have fun doing it. February can pass and I won't shed a tear Just smiling as March comes down the track.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-25513447894896520092011-01-20T03:55:00.000-08:002011-01-20T03:55:17.589-08:00Sew AlongStill working on finishing up my pants project. No rush and I have been in slow mode lately. I think I am going to <br />
try to join Peter's (from PR)shirt sew along starting in Feb. I've never participated in one of these but it sounds like fun so thought I'd give it a try. I plan on using my own draft pattern that I put together. Maybe pick out a collar from David Coffin's shirt book and do it in flannel with 3/4 sleeves. I got that idea from TGM kittys and it sounds like something that would work for me.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-45762770884931437112011-01-02T08:33:00.000-08:002011-01-02T08:33:02.649-08:00Its a new what?Another year again? Geez, what happened to the last one? Well I think the first project for 2011 will be put a cheap pair of pants together from my pattern that I drafted. The sloper thing fits okay so I'll give it a try on some of my messing around fabric first. If that goes like I want it to, then I've got some nice brown linen I want to make some trousers with.<br />
<br />
I hope everyone has a great start in this year and it continues right on through to the next one. Stay warm and safe.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-81769808614143091762010-12-18T15:35:00.000-08:002010-12-18T15:35:50.708-08:00More info pleaseI love books. Especially technical books. Got some good sewing books and I've been reading them.<br />
Why? Right now working on perfect pockets. Those holding bags on pants and jackets. Gotta be smooth<br />
and clean and functional. So I read those books. And I've been doing some samples to test what I've read.<br />
Because somewhere down the road, I'm gonna design and sew up a suit. And it has to be right.<br />
Wrong suits don't do anyone any good. So everything has to be right.<br />
That's why I'm reading about pockets right now. Good pockets. Perfect pockets.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-46839401273027767582010-11-28T15:36:00.000-08:002010-11-28T15:36:43.836-08:00New block on my new machineI decided to put a pants block together so I can have a stable pattern that I know will fit everytime.<br />
Did it from scratch using my measurements and drafting them to a muslin. Darn if it looks like a<br />
good fit. I think I will put a pair together with some less expensive fabric and see what they look like.<br />
And I got to use my new to me Singer 201. That is one nice machine, period. Just a real joy to use.<br />
Looking forward to sewing some projects on it this winter. I see flannel stuff in my future.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-23343169633419894392010-11-21T13:40:00.000-08:002010-11-21T13:40:08.870-08:00Confident fitting eh?Just bought Nancy Z's book " Confidence in fitting patterns". It features her pivot technique for making adjustments in patterns. Haven't tried it yet but it does make sense. I still want to get away from relying on manufactured patterns and have the ability to draft and design my own blocks or patterns.<br />
<br />
I think the answer is to use a little of all ideas to come up with something you want to make. For a man that has some weight to him expects to have a good selection of patterns to choose from, he will be on the hunt for a long time. I prefer to have more control over my hobby.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-20625766936990946622010-11-15T03:39:00.000-08:002010-11-15T03:39:04.055-08:00A little off trackWell, got side tracked a little. Had to do some repair work on my winter stuff and other things happened so I haven't had time to work on my jacket. Hopefully this week. I need to get some more muslin material so I can make the blocks I need.<br />
<br />
On a positive note, I've increased my library a bit and made arrangements to buy a Singer 201. They are a workhorse and although I love my little 99, it doesn't do heavy duty. This one will. The gal I got it from gave me a very good deal and it is much appreciated. The hunt for a Necchi BU will go on the back burner for now.<br />
That's okay because it is more of a whim than a need. Hope to report jacket progress this week.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-25312482178479451842010-10-24T03:12:00.000-07:002010-10-24T03:12:10.774-07:00Practice makes betterWell, still working on the jacket. Dialing in the muslin for it. Looking forward to working with the liner as it is something that I haven't tackled yet.<br />
Also, I've been practicing with the 1/8th hemmer foot on my 99. That can be tricky to keep it on track.<br />
<br />
I now have a monogrammer and a buttonholer for the 503. Need a plate for the monogrammer to work and I will make one since none seem to be found. Thanks to my good friend Mary and her husband, I now have a manual for the buttonholer. Although you can make a decent button hole with out it on the 503, it should make it easier and being able to do a keyhole button hole on the machine instead of by hand is a definite plus.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-64254726598053847602010-10-18T03:06:00.000-07:002010-10-18T03:06:09.719-07:00Tough DecisionsI was wanting to work on a pair of pants but that little voice<br />
keeps bugging me to make a sport jacket. I cut the pattern of<br />
a jacket I have and I'm thinking of making a denim sport.<br />
I'll start with a muslin and see how that goes.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-23992711053341804432010-10-10T02:38:00.000-07:002010-10-10T02:38:16.944-07:00Tripping to the Fabric StoreScored pretty big Saturday at JA's. Had some good sales so I grabbed some denim, linen and they had<br />
muslin on sale for .99c a yard. I want to try using muslin for my interfacing so this was great.<br />
My lighting for both my stations has been poor so I lucked out with their sale on lamps.<br />
Picked up one of those flip HD recharge lamps normally listed for 89$ was down to 29$. <b>SCORE</b>.<br />
<br />
Besides grabbing some needles and thread, I picked up a belt for a machine I am fixing for my<br />
ex DIL. I gave her a Diplomat Deluxe some years ago. This is a finned 50's looking Japanese<br />
machine that is truly heavy duty. All metal and will sew through anything. I will post some pics of it<br />
before I send it back to her. It really is a beauty.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-41278122871989889092010-10-01T04:46:00.000-07:002010-10-01T04:46:10.953-07:00Monogram attachmentWell, I got a monogrammer for the 503 from Goodwill's auction site. Too bad the bottom plate is missing so<br />
I can't sew with it until I find one. If I have to, I will make one out of plastic but I'd rather have the one it's<br />
suppose to have.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I sewed on a Harley eagle patch on the back of my leather jacket. The 503 didn't blink. Sewed<br />
it smooth as could be. Gotta love it.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-85703617231278313102010-09-28T02:57:00.000-07:002010-09-28T02:57:37.629-07:00That JA couponWell Jo-Ann sent out their 50% off coupon. I got mine by email.<br />
Think I'll take advantage and grab some fabric for some up<br />
coming projects. Going to try the muslin as interfacing for<br />
what ever I decide to make.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-83005219651226282012010-09-18T03:57:00.001-07:002010-09-18T03:57:36.385-07:00Runs goodWell I used the 503 to do some topstitching and it worked great. I love this machine.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-49520035096565449462010-09-11T14:41:00.000-07:002010-09-11T14:41:59.286-07:00The 503A is homeIt's a great day. My Singer 503A arrived via FedEx this afternoon. Wasn't expecting it until next week.<br />
It is so nice. Paint is like new. No nicks or wear marks. Rolls smooth as glass and I can't believe I got it.<br />
<br />
I'm finishing up my shirt. Need to get some buttons for it. I'm thinking black glass.<br />
Not sure what I'm going to break in the 503 with. Maybe a pair of pants.<br />
I'll post some pictures soon.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-7933432773239078622010-09-08T19:05:00.000-07:002010-09-08T19:05:41.070-07:00An addition to the familySometimes you do things you probably shouldn't do. Say things you shouldn't say, go places you shouldn't go.<br />
Should I have gone to Ebay? Man that place can get you in trouble. But most of my life I've been a trouble boy,<br />
so, I went.<br />
Seems I found a nice 503 Singer that was calling me. So I started to bid. And bid. And bid. Somebody else<br />
had heard it call also. But baby, I was calling back. Probably didn't need another machine.<br />
But those slants are soooo cool. And if you let them they will sew like no tomorrow. So, sew,,,,<br />
I got it.<br />
Hey, I'm happy.<br />
Now the wait for it's arrival. tic tockCarlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-83940758848504953392010-09-06T07:18:00.000-07:002010-09-06T07:18:42.781-07:00Holiday progressWell I got my placards on and they're looking okay. Everything is draping nice so far. Hope to have the<br />
collar on tonight. Who knows, this thing may be done this week. But I ain't a rushin nuttin.<br />
<br />
ps. I didn't melt the mystery fabric when pressing so that is always good.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-52735845477729721072010-09-03T08:04:00.000-07:002010-09-03T08:04:35.433-07:00It's a startWell, I put a form together. Not as elaborate as I envisioned but it's workable for the moment. The plaster thing<br />
outside or inside or whatever will have to wait till form #2. This one I just stuffed like a sausage and it's holding<br />
form good enough to use. Funny how those curves you don't want to think about kind of stick out on one of<br />
these things. I know it's all necessary but a little depressing to look at. Tried on several shirts that fit me and it<br />
wore them well. So now, no excuse. Get busy Carl. Do something for goodness sake. Those machines are<br />
crying "use me, use me". So now I've given myself enough thread to hang myself,,, here we go gang.<br />
<br />
ps. if nothing else, I'm having a good laugh with this. After I got the darn thing stuffed, I laughed so hard I almost<br />
wet myself. I gotta watch that.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-9258454983924651242010-09-02T03:32:00.000-07:002010-09-02T03:32:01.754-07:00Waiting for the weekendStarted cutting my fabric. Hoping to get a start on my shirt this weekend. I really want to have the form ready<br />
before I start on the bodice. I've been having a tough time getting someone to help me with that darn form.<br />
Once I get the initial wrap done, I can do the rest.<br />
My plan;<br />
Go with the original idea of wrapping with duct tape. But then I'm going to use some of my dental plaster and<br />
reinforce the inside so there is no give. I'll wire a pvc tube inside so the base can slip into it. Then I'll fill it with<br />
expanding foam to keep it light. A tight fitted T-shirt over it will give me a good pin-able surface.<br />
All the great techniques posted at <a href="http://www.patternreview.com/">PR</a> gave me the idea for my final way of trying this. That is a great site.<br />
Hope I have a good report on this for the weekend.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/53404">Here's</a> the link for the thread on forms at PR.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-28525358421077050512010-08-29T15:14:00.000-07:002010-08-29T15:14:12.545-07:00Finally, I hope.Okay, good news. Finished up part 4 of my download pattern and I think I have all the parts for my shirt.<br />
Had to wait for the last puzzle to get my collar and front band. The stocky boy parts are just that, still in parts.<br />
So anyone who thought I was gonna make their stocky boy a shirt. Sorry but fagedabodit. He ain't gettin no<br />
shirt. This one is about the stocky old man.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-57230213828160769092010-08-26T17:43:00.000-07:002010-08-26T17:43:14.059-07:00The puzzle patternsNow right out of the gate I want to say I'm not gripping, cause I kind of knew what I was getting into.<br />
Bought a online pattern. Thought maybe fifty pages, put em together, cut out what I need and get to sewing.<br />
Well,,,,, my four part pattern, pt 1 and 2, 41 pages each. Part 3 and 4 thirty something each.<br />
Oh man,, got through one. Most everything lines up, good. Part two,,, some are not lining up like they should,,<br />
oh man oh man. Part three is a little out of whack too. I'm getting worried about number 4.<br />
I got this because it was a great looking big mans ( and stout boy ) shirt. Might be easier to go on a diet. For a<br />
long time. Okay, I'm going to get this thing together but I think I'm liking my project and trace idea a whole lot<br />
better. The computer generated patterns are put together like this also. Man oh man, project me a pattern<br />
please cause I'm a little burnt on puzzles.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-76934858194756461782010-08-24T04:02:00.000-07:002010-08-24T04:02:55.396-07:00more ideasWell, along with the projector idea, I've decided<br />
that having a form to help fit what I'm making<br />
would be an excellent addition to my stuff.<br />
Sew many projects, so little time.<br />
BTW, anyone have a Singer 500 or 401 they don't<br />
want anymore? Okay, just thought I'd ask lol.<br />
The weather has cooled a bit, so I hope to<br />
get more things done. That heat just puts<br />
the brakes on life sometime.<br />
<br />
ps. I need a giant table to lay out things.<br />
The dining room table comes up just a<br />
little short sometimes.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-87859248270366961762010-08-21T02:28:00.000-07:002010-08-21T02:28:58.664-07:00The weekend alreadyWell, I found a spot for my new sm and now it's time to get back to finishing my projector pattern.<br />
Down side of the projector, you have to use it in a relatively dark room. So early morning or evening<br />
is the time to wall trace.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-75014624066504958092010-08-17T19:12:00.000-07:002010-08-18T14:30:37.226-07:00A Singer 99 just found a new homeWell, I got a deal on a Singer 99 with cabinet off of CL and I went and picked it up tonight.<br />
Little oil and it runs great. I know I didn't really need one but I've been wanting a 99 for a while<br />
and this one was calling me.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JLsvDruASY4PmzJ8PWz7w5Sn0jtUaJqjalarg1iVeefQrMDg7YaXly2InF0Am4j4pyPhMyIBR-obMb4hnaVP14X4CrPpZ77XZzF28G5tupdsyZW7LPntCtH5mnFRZ3_aGB0MuzUSKOw/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JLsvDruASY4PmzJ8PWz7w5Sn0jtUaJqjalarg1iVeefQrMDg7YaXly2InF0Am4j4pyPhMyIBR-obMb4hnaVP14X4CrPpZ77XZzF28G5tupdsyZW7LPntCtH5mnFRZ3_aGB0MuzUSKOw/s320/IMG_0202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJYeDq-NlBYdPU0TpJGC1qn3cjOhIRq29uapdyLrV8p6R1TrOk7L0BpaTrfd07DkNvcaPCK0F8As-ROmhl5OM-KH45Zuip7Yvi4OLixBRwqot95-R3J7xU6CInJ0MxFk3L1aJqc4uwrg/s1600/IMG_0203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLJYeDq-NlBYdPU0TpJGC1qn3cjOhIRq29uapdyLrV8p6R1TrOk7L0BpaTrfd07DkNvcaPCK0F8As-ROmhl5OM-KH45Zuip7Yvi4OLixBRwqot95-R3J7xU6CInJ0MxFk3L1aJqc4uwrg/s320/IMG_0203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-59364445915777043782010-08-16T14:00:00.000-07:002010-08-16T14:00:01.875-07:00Pattern project cont.Well, last night I set up the projector, got the image close and then started to measure. It took a few times but<br />
eventually I got it dialed in. I started by measuring the neck to shoulder length. I finally got it and then I checked<br />
the side seam, it was right on the money, next, the center line and it too was right where it should be.<br />
<br />
Next I took my pattern paper ( I used packing paper from when you get packages sent to you with all that<br />
light brown paper tucked in there ) and ironed it smooth. I then taped it to the wall where the image was<br />
and got it nice and tight. I then took my straight edge and sharpie and started tracing. It worked like a charm.<br />
I got the one front done but it was so hot last night, I had to stop. Hope to get more done this evening.<br />
<br />
I think this crazy idea is going to work.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1974786348472708482.post-61361515680440817482010-08-15T03:47:00.000-07:002010-08-15T03:47:59.526-07:00My idea for pattern makingI talked about this on a couple of forums. Since I have lost my youthful shape, buying clothes can be a real<br />
challenge. So I decided to dig out my old sewing skills learned from dear gramma and make some clothes<br />
for myself. Well, naturally the pattern industry decided that being a big guy is two strikes against me.<br />
So now what?<br />
Well, as usual I came up with a crazy idea. I have a small portable projector that you can project pictures on<br />
the wall. Nice for murals. I thought what if you had a pattern that wasn't your size but if you had a way to<br />
enlarge it, it may work for you. Then I found a computer program that lets you put your measurements in and<br />
it adjusts and creates a pattern for you. The downside is that it is expensive and you have to print out the<br />
pattern and glue it together like the patterns you can buy and download online. The good thing is the program<br />
has a demo you can get for free ( you can not print or save with it ) and it gives you a picture of the completed<br />
pattern on the screen. So what I am trying at the moment is to save the picture and copy the measurements<br />
for all the lines, print the picture and then project it on the wall. Adjust the projector so the projected image<br />
matches the dimensions you need and then trace onto a paper.<br />
<br />
I plan on working on this during the week, hopefully I can get a muslin made for a shirt and see if it fits.<br />
I will post my progress.Carlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12782256881209747390noreply@blogger.com1