So, my weekend trousers fitting course at the end of April was very interesting. Lots of great info., and a knowledgeable, enthusiastic tutor helped make the 2 days enjoyable. I'll do a proper review of the course - along with some tips for getting the most from their time for anyone thinking of attending.
Here's a peek at a photo of one of the alterations I had to make to my first toile - effectively lengthening the CB (centre-back) seam close to the crotch-curve.
Putting it all behind me - à la derrière LOL! |
I've been adding to my self-made sewing tools, with a DIY effort a couple of weeks ago to make myself a Pressing Board (sometimes called an Ironing Board Topper). I bought the plywood, calico, fashion-fabric, batting (wadding) , and twill-tape for it months ago - and had been waiting until the recent spate of fair weather in order to venture forth into the garden for a session with my staple-gun.
I got inspired by some posts on blogs and around the web such as:
• Wild Onion's: How to make and ironing board topper,
• Instructables: How To Convert A Regular Ironing Board Into a Quilter's Ironing Board,
Unfortunately for me, all that stapling totally screwed-up my wrist, and caused a nasty flare-up of the tendonitis I occasionally come down with - making typing, using scissors, brushing my teeth etc. a right 'ol fiddle :(
So, I've still got to make the removable fashion-fabric cover from my already pre-washed IKEA Gunilla Fabric. I also plan to make an extra removable fabric cover in Calico (Muslin) to use when pressing/ fusing iron-on interfacing pieces.
Anyway, I've been wearing the above wrist support 24/7 and it's getting better (I always have a support in my handbag in case of random flare-ups) - hopefully I might even use my sewing machine this weekend! Funnily enough all the scraps of cotton wadding from the pressing board project came in handy for my wrist; the neoprene it's made from is very sweaty - and the soft cotton helps make it far more comfortable to live with.
In the meantime, (as per usual for me when not actively sewing ;)!) I've been added to the sewing stash - courtesty of BMV pattern sales (oops!).
Things I planned to do in May, but have still to achieve:
Things I planned to do in May, but have still to achieve:
• Type up post from my copious handwritten notes on my Scout Woven T-Shirt.
• Take photos and write tutorial for Pressing Ham + Seam Roll.
• Ditto... re: Ham Holder!
• Sew the red-blouse I was planning from a Vintage Pattern (borrowed from a friend!)
• Complete the alterations to the pattern from my trouser fitting course and make my 2nd toile (maybe even a 3rd!).
Here's hoping June is more productive (and healthy too)! :)