Monthly Archives: April 2014

Battle of the Sewing Machines, The Musical

Posted in Great Old Finds by

battleofsewingmachines

Okay, here’s an oldie but goodie that I just randomly dug up and had to share. What the heck? There’s all kinds of amazingness happening here! I feel like it’s the sewing version of the Beatles movie Yellow Submarine. It dates to 1875 and is actually a piece of music composed by one F. Hyde.

The army of Remington sewing machines is clearly winning this battle. See all the little sewing machines being shot out of that cannon like musical notes? The assault seems to be on Elias Howe (“Howe slow we go on!!!”), Singer, and anything else old timey.

You can read the little random phrases on the Library of Congress website. And if you’re near a piano, play us this piece, why don’tcha? :)

P.S. Just wanted to note that I forgot to mention in last week’s Charmbie post that I shortened the Cambie bodice by 1/2″ so that it hits at my natural waist. I’ve updated the post to reflect that, and wanted to make you aware in case it helps you! Working on a springtime Colette Chantilly next…

The Red Hot “Charmbie” Dress

Posted in 2014 Sewing, Finished Projects by

charmbie

Another completed project to share – victory! This one is my official contribution to the Sew Sexy Sew-Along hosted by Lisette, Wanette and Clio. Here are the details…

  • Pattern: Sewaholic Cambie (bodice) and By Hand London Charlotte (skirt)
  • Size: 4 bust transitioning to 6 waist/hip
  • Fabric:  Silk dupioni shell (Mulberry Fabrics), silk organza underlining, and China silk lining (both from B & J Fabrics)
  • Notions: 20″ zipper, stay tape at hem
  • Alterations: Cambie – shortened bodice 1/2″ and went down to a size 4 bust (I went with a size 6 last time); Charlotte – changes same as last time

I decided some time ago that I wanted to combine these two patterns so I could have myself a Charmbie dress. And I absolutely love how it turned out! I had this dress in mind before the sew-along was announced, but I’m so thrilled I joined because it gave me a deadline to finish this one. Plus, it’s been great seeing what everyone else has come up with!

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“You Stay Classy, San Diego” B5005 Diaper Bag

Posted in 2014 Sewing, Finished Projects by

b5005

  • Pattern: Butterick 5005 diaper bag (also comes with a changing pad and pacifier case, which I didn’t make)
  • Fabric:  Cotton (Birch Mod Fabrics, Abacus) from Purl Soho; cotton lining from The City Quilter; hair canvas basted to all outer pattern pieces as per instructions (leftover from my A Fashionable Stitch purchase for my tailored coat last year!)
  • Notions: From Botani: 1″ white cotton webbing for the straps, gunmetal finish 20″ zipper, and magnetic snap for the outside pocket (pattern calls for Velcro); plastic canvas from Pearl Paint on Canal Street (pattern calls for cardboard) to add structure to the bottom of the bag.
  • Alterations:  None. Three cheers for one-size-fits all accessory patterns!
  • News Flash!  Step 34 seems to have an error. See below for my notes on how I fixed it.

Yay, a new-ish creation to share with you! I sent it off to my cousin in San Diego and she just received it earlier this week, so now I can come out of hiding and splash some photos of it here on the blog. Good times, indeed.

I heard about this pattern through Clio of Clio & Phineas, aka the Queen of B5005 – she’s made three already! When my cousin was expecting the first time around I made her Kwik Sew 3749, which I’ve made more times than I can count though I’ve only featured a miniature version here a couple of years ago.

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