tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13824670428340204102024-03-05T00:36:56.878-08:00Salvage SewingElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-24892641084228654882018-03-26T00:24:00.001-07:002018-03-26T00:24:53.969-07:00Moved<p dir="ltr">I moved to WordPress as I couldn't upload photos to blogger and WordPress also seems better managed.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Http://salvagesewing.wordpress.com</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-15641930657082374562018-03-12T20:31:00.001-07:002018-03-12T20:31:18.881-07:00Just for me<p dir="ltr">Nobody reads this so I can keep updating just for me! But the time sure went fast! Two weeks already since my last 'daily' update? Whoops!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I took a break making a tiered petticoat slash hoop skirt to make my partner a button up shirt. I decided to retry a pattern I hate over using the one I had for them (but somehow currently can't find!).</p>
<p dir="ltr">It's almost done. Just hem and buttonholes and buttons. I get to try my new machine at buttonholes! Basically that means I get to work out if my old machine would have done them if I didn't pop a spring out of it over a year ago haha.</p>
<p dir="ltr">On the bright side that spring got me handsewing. So there's that. I enjoy it now! It's funny how you enjoy things once you actually properly learn how to do it. <br>
<br>
I feel being taught really vague slash awful methods for handsewing (my mother tried go teach me but she never even replaced her own buttons so she didn't know either) really made me hate the chore.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I don't even do the knot method I was taught, (it always caused a rat's nest -my mother just told me to trim the little rat's nest! See what I mean?) I just do back stitches now to secure my work. I can get a long seam done by hand in less than an hour. It's a lovely chore in linen.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Speaking of my mourning blouse is also stalled.one day I'll finish something again!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I pulled out my coat I was making last month - the hounds tooth one. I'll be finishing that next week I think. :). I'm a lot closer to done than I realized. I already have all the interfacing sewn in and all the parts ready to go.just need to put it together. :)</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hmm. Probably while I'm working on the Red Carpet Dress I'll also start another button up for me. I've perfected my block for that so a quick machine sew will make me very happy :)</p>
<p dir="ltr">I did splurge and get four new patterns yesterday. One in the wrong size darn it all. I never remember to check and it's because I'm so skinny I think. If I was a 16 I'd be used to checking by now cause everything is marketed towards me already.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Anyway mostly basics as I do except one child's costume pattern I fit into (shut up!).</p>
<p dir="ltr">I measured my partner and they're 5'4" and I'm definitely 3" shorter than them so my solid 5'1" status is firm.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Now where are those heels...</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-52165452898750656052018-02-28T20:44:00.001-08:002018-02-28T20:55:48.090-08:00Daily Updates<p dir="ltr">Since this blog is solely for me, I can post any kind of update I want.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Little content? Tons of photos? Authors choice! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Why not use a notebook then?  No idea; I just don't find myself writing in them often. I tried. I managed a couple weeks. Which seems the samr as my online journals to be fair. maybe I'm just bad at record keeping.</p>
<p dir="ltr">ANYWAY</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have been sewing since my keyboard broke. I didn't really finish anything but I did put fourteen handsewing hours into a black linen mourning blouse. I only got the front and back yokes and lace insets in that time but it was 8 lace insets! And my first 8, mind you.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I need to share a photo as my work is quite even and pretty. I was careful which is why it took so long. I plan on beading it with black beads in the shape of lily of the valley. And lace ruffles in ever possible seam.  It's a long project. </p>
<p dir="ltr">It was meant entirely for me to remember those I lost. To work diligently through my grief. Also, as I get older, these things are happening more - I need to be prepared.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I plan on putting a fair amount of work into the buttons. I was thinking black on black embroidery or those woven Dorset (?) buttons. I need smaller rings if that's the case but I should have something lying about.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I am making a lot of accessories at the moment. Except like, garment accessories. Ruffles, flounces, sleeves, plackets - lots of pieces. All I know will fit into something since I have my blocks sorted. That's what's really great about that. Since I have now perfected my armhole and shoulder for sleeves I actually like sleeves (when sewn by me, rtw still digs) I can just make all sorts of fun sleeves and whenever I make up a shirt I can pop them in. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I have learned to stop listening to people's complaints online. Not as in ignoring but as in realizing I'm not the same. I like inserting sleeves. I like making bound buttonholes and hand buttonholes. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I like a lot of things people hate with sewing. I even love finding and tracing my size in a pile of lines! Gimme a black and white nightmare puzzle anyday! I'll find that piece you need!</p>
<p dir="ltr">No photos yet cause I can't be arsed :). Laundry is taking a surprising amount out of me today.oh drrr I forgot my meds.</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-41915155530437562142018-02-28T01:26:00.001-08:002018-02-28T01:26:18.946-08:00Whoops!<p dir="ltr">My keyboard broke and so I couldn't post! Expect daily updates once more.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Who am I even talking to?)</p>
<p dir="ltr">I got a new phone with a WAY better camera now so the photos will be plenty! And downloading new apps is easier so if sh*t breaks i can fix it!</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-61163958805505133872018-01-31T18:37:00.001-08:002018-01-31T18:37:42.646-08:00Nothing new and still no photos<p dir="ltr">But lots of work done nonetheless! Truthfully that's why I never kept a blog because it was so hard to write and upload when I was sewing! I still need a new app so I can get to the photos part.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have left my pants in a naughty corner to let them know how they hurt me and my houndstooth coat is now hanging /behind/ my multiple mannequins because I needed it for pinning. Its still there. Staring at me like 'all you need to do is a rolled collar. Wtf is wrong with you?'</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've made like idk 8 muslins of the simplicity tops. I think I have more fun designing it than actually matching any design to any fabric.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I had wanted to turn my embroidered hummingbird into a gathered neck short sleeve but now I don't like that design. The fabric is so gorgeous but its suited to a more fitted design. Grr. I don't need to start ANOTHER coat I'll leave hanging til Fall (thank goodness I stay stitch EVERYTHING when I have the energy).</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've told myself not to feel guilty about unfinished projects - I do seem to take them back out eventually!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Maybe I should actually pick a fabric and adjust my pattern so I can make an actual thing. Seems logical.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Oh well at least the majority of my fabric and supplies were free and nothing cost more than $7.</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-82984731247605327852018-01-29T21:34:00.001-08:002018-01-29T21:34:05.614-08:00Simplicity 8523<p dir="ltr">I'm in LOVE with this pattern and o haven't even technically made anything from it. I have made like 4 muslins. Trust me, it's purple dolphin sheets - its not a wearable muslin lol.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But it fits so well! I suspect slightly the 14 and 12 would have the same shoulder but either way the fit is basically what I wanted anyway. I can always trim it half an inch all around if I want it tighter.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This pattern LENDS itself to be altered. The only thing that would be nicer is seam allowance marks (the seam allowance is 5/8 BTW it is hard to find).</p>
<p dir="ltr">But the basic tshirt-in-woven-with-dart is perfect for making aaaanything. It has multiple neckline options and if its big enough the back can br cut on a fold.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But if you want something close to the neck (or lined) you can keep the seam. The sides and darts provide shaping. The darts are basic bust from side seam so they're easy to rotate, move and alter. The neckline options are four even though it didn't need them its handy! Scoop, about 1" away from neck, square and V. I haven't used V yet but it does seem low I'll get back to you. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The sleeves work so you can use the sleeve in the sleeveless armhole. Its a good size for the combo and the size of my arms (which are thick). The sleeves do have enough ease that even the line drawings show them looking almost pleated but I can fix that. It would really be a perfect pattern with no sleeve cap ease. I'm so used to it from Lekala (no movement problems ever) that I forgot big 4 had sleeve cap ease. However the sleeve is the perfect length and shape for altering.</p>
<p dir="ltr"> <br>
The ease in the waist for me is like 13.5 ease but I don't mind that. The suggestion is 11. The extra feels nice on the 14 and the 12 would be half an inch off suggestion anyway.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Its nice that's written on there! </p>
<p dir="ltr">All my alterations have come out exactly as I want. I just need to apply these changes to fashion fabrics and all my wovens ever will finally be able to be tops!!!</p>
<p dir="ltr">There will be v necks. Bias fronts! Linens! Cottons! Silks! Ruffles! Sleeves! </p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-58887882204670929892018-01-28T12:51:00.001-08:002018-01-28T12:51:24.060-08:00Still no photos!<p dir="ltr">I still haven't changed apps. This blog is for me anyway so who needs them just yet!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I still haven't finished any of my coats but there's not quite a need just yet. To be honest the gray and burgundy look so nice on the mannequin half made.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I made a couple more undies for my partner, this time sizing up. Kwik Sew 2723, the bicycle shorts but done in cotton and viscose knits with boxer elastic (I also found that in it's packaging while salvaging!). This time a size medium, which will fit a lot better. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I am working on my zip pants but holy hell they like to streeeetch. The elastic in this is ridiculous. It goes like 6x its width when stretched, so I've twisted a leg seam. Great.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I wanted to embroider the pockets to match the shoes but I lost the shoes!! Genius work! Not that I could hem it anyway. I prepared the zips with little gold seahorses. </p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-68240427566016087222018-01-27T13:27:00.001-08:002018-01-27T13:32:45.980-08:00Stashes<p dir="ltr">I was reading other blogs about stashes and I know mine is  bit much. Put it this way, the only person who's stash makes me feel better is Carolyn from <a href="http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com.au/?m=1">Diary of a Sewing Fanatic</a>. You should really check her out; there's always more to read each week.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have collected so much. I don't have any need to purchase anything more than yet again more black knit. My shop is sold out and its a gamble what they get in (they're the Queens of overstocked random stuff for cheap). I traded for it when I was only salvaging and lately I've been using old black shirts friends gave me. I'm still running out though. I like my bright prints but there's always 1 or 2 metres and nothing matches anything else. I have found black cottons, linens and knits to be my most used item.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have roughly 1000m of fabric by guess. I know there's at least ten lengths of 8m alone in the bottom quarter of a box I have. I have eight boxes. Plus two double sized with less than 1m scraps. Then I<i> </i><i>still</i><i> </i><i>have</i><i> </i><i>the</i><i> </i>shelves. Even estimating the boxes 'only' have 100m in each (more likely 150-200 and 500 for the slippery fabrics) its still over 1000 metres.  </p>
<p dir="ltr">I set aside a box of about 40m of fabric and 25 of my top patterns to set aside a 'project box' of things I want to work on sooner. All my fabrics as still visible and sorted by type: two boxes of bottom weight, 1 1 1/2 boxes sheers, one box linens one box tissue knits one thick etc and on and on... </p>
<p dir="ltr">I forot to mention the six boxes under my bed of 'favourites' and my bin of muslin fabrics. (!!!!!)</p>
<p dir="ltr">Which by the way I make muslins now? Who knew right?? But the second I went wait, I can alter this directly then KEEP THE PERFECT DRAFT --AS-- MY PATTERN??</p>
<p dir="ltr">I know. I'm slow. I now just make a muslin of the closest thing I want, pin out/sew in what I want, add seam allowances, test it out, tweak tweak, BAM your muslin just became your pattern for every iteration you make. They fold well and you can put them on different fabrics to make them easily findable. Plus they don't slide around? And pin well? Sign me up for muslin making!</p>
<p dir="ltr">So you may not be as surprised to now know I made two muslins of my zipper ankle skinny jeans (I'd say they're skinny, not cigarette)</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm already super excited about the fit. No questioning. They'll look ace. I already use the top half regularly for all my other pants.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I knew inba stretch front pockets not to the zip would add bulk so all I did was make them out of a soft silk like probably poly fabric I found somewhere once. It was purple in the light but installed in the pants it has this dusty pink appearance much like 'I bought this in a boutique' which is weird for my normal style.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I haven't even checked the contest rules. Should I not even have started? Is it already over. Oh I'm good. I might have to make an entire new thing for that if I goofed!</p>
<p dir="ltr">But I have a huuuuge stash and a lot of patterns and soon, pinstripe skinny stretch suit pants with silk pockets (cuz if its made of suiting it's no longer jeans is it?)</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-20749707778039971232018-01-26T23:53:00.001-08:002018-01-26T23:53:52.637-08:00Basics<p dir="ltr">I think I prefer sewing basics, because that's what I've really noticed I got joy out of.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Sometimes I let group mentality get to me and comments like 'more frosting than cake' and comments on people hating basics became engrained in me.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So did pants making!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Turns out I love both. I adore the concept of taking an hour tops (haha tops) to make a basic you'll wear twice a week. In one afternoon I was able to make a weeks worth of undies in 3 different styles! (I still prefer the panties that come with the Watson. I just prefer a third piece for my gusset which a lot of patterns skip.)</p>
<p dir="ltr">I made four pairs of undies for my partner as well. A Kwik Sew pattern for bicycle shorts that had the seamlines they wanted. I should have gone up a size but these fit for now. I can always make more in another afternoon.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I want to make more simple basic tank tops. They're easy, they fit well, I can have all different colours and types and they take like twenty minutes plus or minus cutting time. I even switch around between folding and sewing, FOE, lingerie elastic. And ribbing depending on my mood.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I'm hoping to increase the front a wee bit and make a top with a knit back and woven front. The burda tiny pocket is just too flappy for me.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I entered a sewing comp which is to match a clothing item to your shoes and I have these gorgeous embroidered black leather bootie heels that I could use some black pinstripe ankle zip cigarette pants to go with. I have the fabric. I have the pattern... I just need to adjust it.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Hmm.</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-13309227489600260882018-01-23T13:11:00.001-08:002018-01-23T13:11:59.013-08:00A few things done, but none of them a cardigan.<p dir="ltr">I got most of my cardigan done but when I got go blind pad stitching the collar roll I decided to make a few fun things. </p>
<p dir="ltr">I finished four pairs of undies. I tried a new (to me) Ooh Lala pattern for a golden front brief but it just came out looking like a frilly pink diaper. I suppose I stick to certain patterns for a reason! Though if I'm going to be using the Watson undies I need to go up a size or two. But I like the shape. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Although since undies are basically 'trim all the edges in frilly sh*t' you can basically make them any shape once you have the base size down.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I don't really need the cardigan just yet its still ridiculously hot. Though for some reason I also started a burdastyle pullover. The pleated low sleeved one from last years workout/ALLTHEKNITS issue.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I thought the tiny pocket tee from Burdastyle would be a t&t but it just looks like a misshaped cape from the back and I don't like it. I also ALWAYS manage to screw up the neckline. I hate ribbed necklines. I always get them near perfect, go to fix that one last little wibble and BAM overlocker eats the whole thing.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So I have a few undies finished for like sixteen hours of sewing off and on. But I have half a jacket, most of bra (forgot go mention that! I'm trying out an Ooh Lala bra as a swimsuit to match some undies and tank top I made from someone's scrapped and donated skirt - these two panels are going FAR!), four undies, two more cut out and an unfinished jumper.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I wonder if I'll actually finish any of these.<br>
</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-4173446190556782862018-01-23T00:51:00.001-08:002018-01-23T00:51:00.851-08:00Phew<p dir="ltr">I'm continuing with the cardigan but I'm kidding myself if this is The One. Its easy for a jacket. But for a cardigan? Unlined? To have a hand tailored rolled neckline? And interfacing?</p>
<p dir="ltr">Luckily I have a gorgeous drapey interfacing and this is a solid knit not meant to stretch much anyway. I did interface both sides of the collar.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've basically worked non stop on it for six hours minus time go eat pancakes.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I was thinking of taking a break...by making denim shorts.</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-74543648918214153372018-01-22T21:26:00.001-08:002018-01-22T21:26:46.863-08:00Vogue cont<p dir="ltr">I did start making that cardigan. I decided on maroon collar facing and sleeve so it looks faaaabulous with the gray houndstooth. I could tell when I unfolded it that it would fit me nicely and as I put it together it still seems the case!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have it all cut out and the entire back done and the darts on the front threadtraced </p>
<p dir="ltr">The houndstooth was a salvage but the maroon I bought YEARS ago now.</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-77863560365408912252018-01-22T17:43:00.001-08:002018-01-22T17:43:43.690-08:00Oop Very Easy Vogue 8547<p dir="ltr">I haven't started Vogue 8547 yet but its a gorgeous seventies jacket pattern. It says suitable for knits which we all know is a bit of a joke for the 70s but I think it'll make a suitable base for the cardigan TNT I've been after.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have a fairly stable gray hounds tooth knit that's dying to be this coat.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Bonus: I never need shoulder pads!</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-85288610534579849412018-01-22T09:17:00.001-08:002018-01-22T09:17:19.747-08:00Grape Jam<p dir="ltr">The grape vine is ripening so I did manage five jars of grape jam and a few pairs of undies out of old shirts for the day. I'll call that a win.</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-5719637606034206092018-01-21T21:22:00.001-08:002018-01-21T21:23:29.403-08:00Fabric Shop<p dir="ltr">I did decide to go to the fabric shop. I got two metres of black linen, a cheap 2m wide striped cotton knit. My 'lady' is still out of black cotton knit after her last sale.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So summary</p>
<p dir="ltr">2m black linen $18<br>
2m white stripe $10<br>
Rotary cutter blades $9<br>
10m bright aqua speckled trim - $4.40<br>
4.9m of light blue striped linen piping - $4.20<br>
1m stretch lace (the kind for undies) $6<br>
5m bra plush elastic in black - $2.50</p>
<p dir="ltr">One of my most expensive visits in two years honestly.</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-82044323321616174012018-01-21T18:32:00.001-08:002018-01-21T18:32:46.844-08:00The Truth<p dir="ltr">The truth seems to be I can't post any articles with photos if I use the Blogger app! I'll have to get a better app. I did hear of these issues from others.</p>
<p dir="ltr">But I said I'd update at least for me and I will dammit.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have my partners pants pattern traced on my recycled plastic. I'll be transferring it to cloth later today.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've been using a large roll of recycled plastic packaging I got from Reverse Garbage back before I did my own salvaging. Although it has a lot of benefits one drawback was storage. If they wrinkled they were useless.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So now I transfer a great deal of my t&t patterns to fabric, usually old sheets or muslin, with notes directly on the fabric. For things I make often this is extremely helpful. I keep my altered muslin with all its new edits ready to slap on fabric and cut out more. The thickness of the cloth means pins and weights are nearly (but not entirely!) unnecessary. Just a few on the curves or on particularly slippy fabric and were good to go!</p>
<p dir="ltr">I also found this last year I MUCH prefer cutting on a single layer. I will use extra muslin I have from salvaging (there's a lot - like 300m worth of different fabrics perfect for muslins including actual muslin of varying weights) and cut out both sides of an 'on the fold' piece. </p>
<p dir="ltr">Laying out one length of fabric is much easier to preserve fabric and line up...well..everything. Pattern. Grain. I just HATE lining up two sides of grain perfectly. I often am one or two threads off and that's enough to bug me.</p>
<p dir="ltr">So I bought men's and women's jeans kwik sew patterns (the real basic ones) for my partner and I but it seems the female one was fine for both of us.</p>
<p dir="ltr">It's a good thing it has finished measurements on the pattern pieces because I don't get this ease sh*t with pattern companies. And usually KS isn't so bad.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The women's STRETCH jeans have 10cm (roughly four inches) of ease but the men's non stretch ones have half an inch. What? Shouldn't stretch denim have negative ease? Annnnyway. I have it set to my EXACT measurements so I can use whatever I want.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have been buying fabric again but its been really picky. I only want cheap and good since I can find anything now. Ha!</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-9773246667860949502018-01-21T01:24:00.001-08:002018-01-21T01:24:46.003-08:00Updates<p dir="ltr">I finally downloaded the Blogger app so I can update this thing regularly. I plan on at least posting a few updates a week even if its without photos just to have a documentation of my projects.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've been sewing a lot, actually, and salvaging all my fabric like I promised I would. I even salvaged all my threads and trims.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have found no difference in quality when it came to thread. In fact I found my previously purchased ones to be weaker than even wooden spooled (vintage) ones I'd found.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I've gone through over 20 spools of thread and two over locker cones! I was light on the over locker this year but plan on putting it back in force next year.</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have gotten my T&Ts sorted this year for a button up (Lekala), my fave pants and shorts (a Kwik Sew pattern I will share later this week), my racerback tank tops I always wear (from a New Look PJ pattern mixed with a vintage simplicity) and my fave underthings (Cloth Habit, Burda, Ooh Lala and a sewing book I checked out from the library I'll need to find again).</p>
<p dir="ltr">I have gone from trying to make fancy things or be anything I'm not to actually making stuff I wear. Which is shorts, tank tops, gym clothes, and boots most days.</p>
<p dir="ltr">However because of this I found I want to go out more. Now I have cute clothes my size I actually wear (and yes, still salvaged!) so I want to make nicer clothes again soon.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Now I have to go unpick the sleeves of my next blouse because no matter how many times I make the same pattern, I can't stop making mistakes! (This one involved an unfortunate accident with a missed dart)</p>
<p dir="ltr">(And now blogger won't let me add a photo...)</p>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-29810494599338066942017-03-02T22:00:00.001-08:002017-03-02T22:00:13.553-08:00Lekala 6026 - Classic NonBinary's Shirt - Free Pattern!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lekala 6026 - Classic Shirt - Free Pattern</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My partner is adorable.</td></tr>
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Lekala has this shirt listed under 'men's' but neither my partner nor I are men, so these labels are ridiculous. Note to the public: a beard does not a man make!!!<br />
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This was simple to sew and went together nicely, but as usual Lekalas instructions were a bit hard to grasp. Luckily I've made dress shirts before so it wasn't a problem. Standard burrito method yoke and flat felled seams (which was not suggested by Lekala).<br />
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I chose to remove the long sleeves and make it short sleeved. I had intended the epaulette bits to clip to the sleeve itself but during construction my partner really wanted them to snap to their shoulders, which is why the epaulette is not quite on the right fold or is the right length. Next time!<br />
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This pattern was a test make through and through. First, to test lekalas fit. Second, to test my partner's style and preferences in handmade things. They tend to wear anything I make them, loose threads and all, so I don't know if I can trust them to give me good feedback. They love everything I do too much! DAMNIT PARTNER BE MORE NEGATIVE. </div>
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I screwed up while making it and tore the front during button construction (also, bound buttonholes from here on out. Am I the only one who finds welts easy and sewn buttonholes hard?!?!). So there's a wee little diamond shape patch in plaid covering that up.<br />
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Also I chose to just use the collar stand as a collar. <br />
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Fabric: a black sheet salvaged from the Salvation Army rubbish bin. Accents: Purchased two years ago for around $7/3m these were scraps. I guess I could say total cost to make was about $.50? The buttons were salvaged from a dress shirt that was thrown in the same bin. It was super lacy and weird so we just took it apart for the lace and buttons.<br />
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Total cost: $.50 if you count scraps from past projects as a cost.<br />
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Notes: Fix sleeve, use thinner collar stand for this style collar, size is good, height of partner needs shortened by 2cm in Lekala. Partner has narrow shoulders and needs adjustment. Sew on grain next time. <br />
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Aside: I am getting REALLY ticked with gendered patterns. It's not like the same exact companies couldn't just include all the measurements they already have and LET PEOPLE DECIDE WHAT THEY WANT TO WEAR. "Misses Dress". Like WHY do we need to hammer in that dress is misses? Socially speaking we all fricken already know who the majority wearing this stuff is. It just seems like a way to say WOMEN ONLY WEAR THIS DRESS OKAY WOMEN ONLY NOT YOU. Just fricken say "dress", shove the patterns in men's and women's and let people pick what they want to wear based on THAT. <br />
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Sure, testosterone and hormones cause different body shapes but raise your hand if you haven't had to adjust a pattern....thought so. <br />
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My partner is not a man and it makes them feel awful to have to look through patterns labeled as "mens" just to get a nicely fitted dress shirt that doesn't accomodate boobs. Come on, some women don't have boobs and some men do, so this kind of gendering is just ridiculous.<br />
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#transrantofthedayElizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-86579594677111574392017-03-02T21:30:00.001-08:002017-03-02T21:39:33.348-08:00Donna Karan Wide Legged Pants for Vogue 1993 - #1186 ReviewI suppose I actually need to blog my sewing in order to, you know, blog about it. Gee, novel concept right?<br />
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I have a ton of garments in dire need of being photographed and catalogued.<br />
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Let me start with something I made in about four hours while my partner was at work. From deciding to cutting to wearing, I had this baby whipped out between the time they left and the time they got home - with breaks and TV!<br />
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I started this garment early in the morning, before the sun had risen. I wanted a new pair of pants but was actually wanting a fly-front zip. I thought, gee, I'd love to have a pair of red pants. Do I even have red? If I didn't have enough red, I was totally going to make harlequin pants in black and red.<br />
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So I went through my stash and found - a nice bright red! And there was enough!<br />
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....except as the sun rose I noticed something about my fabric.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange. Very orange.</td></tr>
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This was not red!! I am tempted ton post a photo of the thread I chose so you can see how badly I thought this was red fabric.<br />
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It's a salvaged piece from the Salvation Army rubbish bin (not slang, actual rubbish) and the selvege said Cashmilon - which is an acrylic/cotton blend designed to mimic wool but be cheaper/easiuer to wash/ less scratchy.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My face isn't showing but my facing is.</td></tr>
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I gave poor Donna Karan a bit of a grilling over on <a href="https://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&ID=132831">Pattern Review</a> for the simplicity of these pants, but the truth is I love them! Yes they are a VERY simple faced four-piece pair of bellbottoms (listed as wide leg...come on! That's a bell if I ever saw one.) but they have the classic Donna Karan drape below the knee. Donna really knows how to make a swoosh! And /that's/ the part of this pattern that stands out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Donna Karan for Vogue 1186</td></tr>
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I found this pattern in the rubbish bin as well (sorry Donna) and was immediately drawn to that giant pointed collar in the drawing. WHICH IS NOT INCLUDED. You have GOT to be kidding. Would you buy a $25 pattern that's so black you can't see any details for bellbottoms, an elastic waisted skirt and an unlined vest?<br />
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That would have to be my top complaint about this pattern, which in retrospect is actually a really minor complaint.<br />
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It's too simple.<br />
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It's even too easy.<br />
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When you pick up a Designer Vogue pattern you kind of have...expectations. Usually a couture method or a complicated shaped piece or something... but no. This really is an unlined vest, an elastic waisted skirt (in a knit?! What?) and a pair of waistband-less bell bottoms.<br />
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Of course the actual drafting is classic Donna and classic smooth sleek Vogue, so I don't really know what I'm whining about. I noticed these pants fit my hips ridiculously well. If I forgot to zip it all the way and it dropped even a quarter inch you could see the billow from the hip space. Meaning it follows my leg shape /perfectly/.<br />
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One thing the pattern had that DID stand out was the double lines for petiting the pattern. Only - I think the pattern may have already been petite. The cover says normal/talle but the description says petite.<br />
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For reference, I am standing on a chair and am actually 5'1". I measured the length of my waist to the floor and thought the fabric would pool too much. I also decided I wanted to make this the length for flats as I rarely wear heels (and the proceeded to wear heels for the photos. and a sports top. Who actually wears that? The things we do to show off pants!).<br />
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I -REALLY- loved how part of the petite aspect was in the crotch. I really did need that as I seem to have a short crotch depth, something I have noticed in previous home sewn garments.<br />
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I should not have petite'd the legs. That 2" meant that my FIVE FOOT ONE self only had half an inch to hem with instead of the 2" she recommends. I chose to do a wide rolled hem. I've been practising narrow hems but WOW am I bad at those so I figured I'd practice it on 1/4" instead of "fuck you this is one thread thick, enjoy on your mistimed machine!".<br />
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So apparently Donna Karan makes petite pants for people who are 4'11". SO IF YOURE REALLY REALLY SHORT AND WANT TO LOOK TALL IN BELLBOTTOMS THIS PATTERN IS PERFECT.<br />
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Which to be honest MUST be a drafting genius thing only Donna could really pull off. I'm 5'1". I know I've said that three times now but LOOK HOW TALL I LOOK.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Okay but let's all be honest my ass looks great in these.</td></tr>
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The zip was stolen from a handbag we also found in a bin. So once more, I have made a 100% FREE garment of 100% salvaged materials. Reminder EVEN MY SEWING MACHINE WAS SALVAGED. Once I buy a machine, if I do, or get mine serviced, I will be including my costs for the year.<br />
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As it is my total costs for the last three months of sewing supplies has been $42. I bought: two jeans patterns, one wheelchair accessory pattern, two dress patterns (which in retrospect was probably silly, but I had a friend in mind when I got them), two seam rippers, five packets of machine needles, one packet of sewing needles, a thimble and a packet of 600 pins. Since there's FIVE patterns in that $42 I'm pretty pleased. If I used only salvaged patterns my total for supplies $17. Wow! That's some ACTUAL clothing saving.<br />
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Out of that $42 I have made: a dress shirt for my partner, three pairs of shorts, three tops, a pair of spats, a shortsuit, this pair of pants, a dress shirt for myself I am working on today, and the vest I'll be finishing in the next few weeks.<br />
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12 items, 3 months, $42. This is not including my failures, this is ONLY my worn and successful garments. I don't think anyone can get a wardrobe these days including Donna Karan for $42. Less than $4 a garment.<br />
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So HA! to all those who think you can't save money while sewing vs RTW cheapies. YOU CAN BARELY GET A TARGET TANK TOP FOR $4 ON SALE.<br />
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Hell yeah.<br />
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-Splithoof<br />
<br />Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-28928868433077591062017-02-17T13:09:00.003-08:002017-02-17T13:09:43.710-08:00Another "Not a Sewing" Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well, crap.<br />
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I already named this blog "salvage sewing" so it's definitely a sewing blog. Yet there's so much I want to talk about and do. <br />
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Especially since we salvage more than textiles and haberdashery and we are only a small start-up couple at the moment. I do think it would be nice, especially for others thinking about doing such things, to see how a beginner works out problems. I also want to acknowledge those unspoken heros who know far more than I do who probably have known the answers for decades to what I'm only about to learn.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The <i>second </i>working Nintendo DS we found.</td></tr>
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A picture of the <i>second</i> working Nintendo DS we found.</div>
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If my goal is honesty and transparency; I have to be honest I have no clue what I am doing. Which is resulting in some rather unfortunate hurdles I am facing as I continue to see where this takes me. Deep down I know I am someone who values frugality and hates waste; but application I am not certain how that translates.<br />
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About a year ago, my partner and I's only mode of transport was stolen. It was retrieved, but we have been unable to afford all the replacement parts so it's been an ongoing process. Unfortunately a stolen part was a coded electronic panel that can only be purchased new from dealership unless someone gets into a mighty horrible accident but manages to save said panel on the same exact make and model of mine. So for the last year, we haven't been able to get one. <br />
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It hasn't been an issue except it's meant our salvaging is curtailed to only what we can get to - which usually results in a single site. This hasn't always been the case. <br />
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This does not mean my salvages are few. In fact, we have <i>too much</i> and I am uncertain how to deal with it. That's also what concerns me on a larger scale. I know for a fact that there are multiple others who use the same sites I do; we come across each other in our salvages. Since we sometimes collect different things, we often set aside the stuff for the others we know will be taken by them.<br />
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There's still too much.<br />
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We know of a second site, a slightly further walk, that boasts an even more impressive haul and is used by less people. This is the one we found our vacuum in, loads of furniture, patterns (my last post the 1959 jumper shorts came from this bin) and expensive clothing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXOf9cKnA-ruKqnW9HZBRmYbqPdvaKqM_Yjqti38xSv-wsG7TsF-QjVUFh_L02ATkKXZNmodK5E3YeShY6i3N7qDXLR2nHtkcb2EhZgB6a9iCOOfRitV_CwdyudYc2V0OnRYgzw-D-oUW/s1600/20170215_021724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguXOf9cKnA-ruKqnW9HZBRmYbqPdvaKqM_Yjqti38xSv-wsG7TsF-QjVUFh_L02ATkKXZNmodK5E3YeShY6i3N7qDXLR2nHtkcb2EhZgB6a9iCOOfRitV_CwdyudYc2V0OnRYgzw-D-oUW/s320/20170215_021724.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this all in one night. I didn't even keep 1/10 of what was there.</td></tr>
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When I find hauls like the one above, it's both a fun and depressing moment. This particular one three full garbage bags of brand new with tags clothing from Asos, Abercrombie, and various other shops. Judging by size and style, we assumed the donator was in the habit of online shopping during sales and frequently found things were not their style.<br />
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Oh right, I haven't mentioned that on this blog yet.<br />
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<b><i>All of the stuff we salvage is almost exclusively from charity shop RUBBISH bins.</i></b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwabkNn0UU3GPJGTKB9Ha-XU-tOFP-TItUk5cgDIeHRj7t4I0TFAqb81FJkKOBGDS7zr3d0j3o4uP6MquiXVN25sb5sVXGTtXP30bPoo0-gqnbqIzk2ONS98_crrRynY3vzMGTIJgKPwsr/s1600/DSC_0797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwabkNn0UU3GPJGTKB9Ha-XU-tOFP-TItUk5cgDIeHRj7t4I0TFAqb81FJkKOBGDS7zr3d0j3o4uP6MquiXVN25sb5sVXGTtXP30bPoo0-gqnbqIzk2ONS98_crrRynY3vzMGTIJgKPwsr/s320/DSC_0797.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No really, the actual rubbish. All those bags? Were filled with clothes. You can see me lifting out <i>a working stroller. </i>It was one of three we found that night.</td></tr>
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Moving along. I don't know exactly how I am helping anyone by only hoarding what I find and can sell or redonate to someone who actually needs it. I wish I had more resources! Say...like that of a Charity Shop. I have more clothes than I need, more textiles than I could ever sew with before I find ten times more, enough bra findings to make over 50 bras.... I don't need this.</div>
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I want to start a sewing group where people can just rummage and learn to sew with what we have and find; but I don't think my experience really is sewing based. I can make clothes. And they're wearable. And I like them... but teaching people to use a pattern they found with a coffee stain on it and cutting up found dresses with bad styles or broken zips to turn into what they want? Well - I know I can to do it for myself; but that doesn't mean I can teach it.</div>
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It still leaves me with the problem of all I <i>do</i> have. The image I posted earlier of the outfits was only a few days ago. I had also joined a sewing group three weeks before in an attempt to sew myself a purely-salvaged sewing capsule wardrobe. Next week I know, for a fact, is textile week at my solitary bin. I know over 25 more bins in just my area alone that, should I have a car, I could get even more.</div>
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I have posted ads to give away and I do, frequently, but its not as much as I like. I sell on Etsy, but since it can only be vintage or handmade things and salvaged doesn't always fall under that category, it can be tricky. I am not a fan of Ebay, but I may have to try that.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsi5UeHVN3ibrrAY1mwBgWCM-IpjXfosQYUwdqkC4NV18sP0ivgb77mN5IZ4ymWh8s5lsjvIeT14PlasXmcYLAjahgjIAUEo7MnhO2vqZK4YHo2COGAmYdNRNBEct4I7uo5PEAFQi9DRXS/s1600/DSC_0705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsi5UeHVN3ibrrAY1mwBgWCM-IpjXfosQYUwdqkC4NV18sP0ivgb77mN5IZ4ymWh8s5lsjvIeT14PlasXmcYLAjahgjIAUEo7MnhO2vqZK4YHo2COGAmYdNRNBEct4I7uo5PEAFQi9DRXS/s320/DSC_0705.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When we did have a car, it often looked like this after trips.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F1i2v2NtqHTrmbjQL1rKFT1WMLvsosTpnKIWJQu5EhRI2D41zSLxrDoD3-7vy0qEu41nh29ugviF9XNEtd2X2fcD-vzsqBgBRFvslABuXONWQhAYk3l5bC3kKe1aZSPzL-vxwK05I6Ax/s1600/DSC_0704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5F1i2v2NtqHTrmbjQL1rKFT1WMLvsosTpnKIWJQu5EhRI2D41zSLxrDoD3-7vy0qEu41nh29ugviF9XNEtd2X2fcD-vzsqBgBRFvslABuXONWQhAYk3l5bC3kKe1aZSPzL-vxwK05I6Ax/s320/DSC_0704.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the bin is full, the shops will just pile perfectly useable clothes outside their bin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpi3bVVGdt4x1GldtskU-H-0H3M-1lPvQuHpoBAPGaCHr0CPfnNa4GC3ajRYYm7l13JtZhYy1jCAiw1hcMCjwxm1u4yKIth2jbDZ_aOszKZCClgG3Dy3IhsPU_uCBDQqvzjiAduqt6y9rs/s1600/DSC_0812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpi3bVVGdt4x1GldtskU-H-0H3M-1lPvQuHpoBAPGaCHr0CPfnNa4GC3ajRYYm7l13JtZhYy1jCAiw1hcMCjwxm1u4yKIth2jbDZ_aOszKZCClgG3Dy3IhsPU_uCBDQqvzjiAduqt6y9rs/s320/DSC_0812.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every single TV we have found works.</td></tr>
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This isn't even the best stuff. Or a quarter of the stuff. Or a tenth of the stuff. This is simply the stuff my partner uploaded to our tablet to sell I could find on the harddrive. If this is what we find, well, I'd say this is weekly or so, then what about what we are leaving behind? </div>
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The ultimate question I think I am asking to sum up this entire post is:</div>
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What do you do when you can only do so much?</div>
Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-32743358075052190692017-02-13T20:13:00.003-08:002017-02-13T20:13:48.273-08:00Simplicity 7877 - 60s Mini Pant Jumper 100% Salvaged Materials<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV7EAKbaomq3aqZYyIdqmNOQohIbOHZN9fsV-4uBPQv9eXzjp5p6Wikk6mqFeo44wcfZxBIpbFJB85DDUPbmjlGoA_F57KwNwpdrqK9yrXOxykaDjNdXA6durI0qNJ0OjEA-3LExJy1MO/s1600/IMG_20170129_094553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV7EAKbaomq3aqZYyIdqmNOQohIbOHZN9fsV-4uBPQv9eXzjp5p6Wikk6mqFeo44wcfZxBIpbFJB85DDUPbmjlGoA_F57KwNwpdrqK9yrXOxykaDjNdXA6durI0qNJ0OjEA-3LExJy1MO/s320/IMG_20170129_094553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Hello and welcome to my first post showing off my theoretical skills. If you're here from Pattern Review, none of this should be new. Especially since I have copy/pasted my review from there over to here.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">I only made this a few weeks ago and have already worn it at least once a week. If I keep making things I like so much how will I have time to wear it all?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">This pattern was salvaged on New Years Eve. I remember because I found about two dozen of them the same night, as well as very VERY 70s fabric and proceeded to spend the New Year's sewing on a friend's kitchen table until the time count down. I didn't make this, but I made a swingy brown floral maternity top (I like the room). I never did finish hemming that; I probably should, shouldn't I?</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">In dull disclosure it's still technically summer weather here and since I live in QLD, that means HOT HOT HOT. Even inside with the aircon on I am wearing mostly shorts and tank tops. Which shows me I definitely need to make some basics up in here! Hopefully as the temperatures cool, I can start making fun things with the wools I found!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">Onto the review!!:</span></span><br />
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<b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></b>
<b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></b>
<b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pattern Description: </b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">Young Junior/Teens and Misses Jumper and Mini Pant Jumper (including tissue lesson-chart...."tips on top stitching") The sleeveless and collarless jumper v1 and pant jumper v2 with either button or buckle trimmed shoulder straps has back zipper, optional top stitching and patch pockets with optional button trim. Jumper v 1 ia regular length. Pant-jumper is above knee-length.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">I chose to make the pant jumper.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pattern Sizing:</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">Size 11/12 - one of those weird part teen part adult sizes. I'm pretending I'm not a 30 year old the same size as an 11 year right now.....</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">Sure howdy!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Were the instructions easy to follow?</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">Actually this has got to be one of the best instructions yet. It IS a "how to sew pattern" but I was impressed because this pattern has you working with zips, facings, top stitching, interfacing, hand sewing, and THREE DIFFERENT KINDS OF DARTS. fisheyes on the back, curved from waist to bust and bust dart from side. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">But the pattern directions are really casual about it and make it sound so easy. Which for an experienced sewist it really is but for a beginner I'd HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this pattern to get yourself a lovely garment with a few extra bits to teach you while still guaranteeing you'll get something wearable out of the deal. I think its actually PERFECT for beginners. Not the details of the pattern itself, but the way its laid out. Even the facings are done in a simple straight forward way AND it includes handy little boxes so you can check off the steps as you go. The pattern came with a stitching guide I didnt need but found supremely helpful had I needed it two years ago. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">Honestly truly I'd give this pattern to a brand new sewist. It LOOKS complicated for a complete beginner but it's way easier to comprehend than even those indie basic sewing patterns. Plus you get to do three different kinds of darts!! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">With this pattern you'll learn a lot while feeling calm and being able to use a stable easy to sew fabric to get something /really/ cute. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">I know I'm rambling as usual but this pattern actually did continue to surprise me as I sewed it up. I'm a MASSIVE procrastinator when it comes to finishing and I literally got out of bed at 4am just to finish this cause I couldn't sleep til it was done. Total from choosing fabric to cutting I'd say the whole thing took four hours. I'd like to add the pattern was precut but whoever did it did a HORRID job and cut off some of the pattern itself so i had to redraft some edges.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">Whelp, I did go into it above - but in regards to actual fit - its quite good! It's your stereotypical just barely pre70s (pattern is from 1968) perky bosom dart shaping; so be weary if you have danglies!!! You'll need to move your darts. Lucky me I literally have the body of an 11 year old just barely hitting nub-producing puberty so it works for me. The darts are a leeeeeetle off if I don't wear a bra, which I don't tend to, but did just for you. Aren't you happy?</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fabric Used:</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">This is some cotton thing I found in the bin. Not quilting weight but not terribly drapey either. I can't tell yet if its style or fabric but its quite cool for summer! This will get a lot of wear! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">So this time my fabric wasn't a scarf of old pair of pants - it was actually a length of found fabric!!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">The buckles came off some old handbags and the buttons were found in a box in the bin as well.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">My usual 100% salvaged material deal!! Down to the thread!!! And the sewing machine! I only paid for the electricity! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">I didn't even BOTHER to pattern match. I had enough fabric to do so, but it ate like 2/3 a metre if I did it and that doesn't seem very salvagey to me. Now I have left over fabric! I chose both the buttons AND the buckle option as I liked both. I forgot to interface the straps so I'm certain I'll regret that as they already want to twist on me.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">I do have one slight concern and that's the buttons are fake, and the instructions ask you to invisbly handsew the straps down....so your entire garment staying on above waist height is dependant entirely on the strength of your handsewing. NO PRESSURE!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?</b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">I might sew another one today! Seriously this has got to be one of my new faves. Good for my shoulders, good for my lack of sleeves, but i can layer it if I want!!! SUPER adorable fit, works with a range of fabrics. I want one in corduroy!!!!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><b style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Conclusion: </b><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, "sans serif"; font-size: 14px;">If you're a COMPLETE newbie but you're not fond of indie woowoo fistbumps and you also don't want your hand held but want to feel like YOU GOT THIS then this pattern is for you. It's 1968 so its both a bit 60s and a bit 70s. The pattern shows it being worn with knee high socks AND heels if that's anything to go by.</span>Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1382467042834020410.post-21978580443377433102017-02-13T19:50:00.002-08:002017-02-13T19:52:16.113-08:002017 The Year of Salvage SewingHello,<br />
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This is my first post and it won't contain any images. I know, not a great start to a blog, but I needed to start getting my words and thoughts down <i>now</i>. I have a lot to say, and frankly, everyone around me is sick of hearing it. Ultimately I'd like it if my theory and ideas took off and somehow this blog became something 'more' but if it ends up being just for me, I will also be happy with that. I just need a place to start saying the things I need to say.<br />
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First off, and to quickly get it out of the way, I am Splithoof and I am a Native American two spirit. My partner and I are both nonbinary and use they/them pronouns. We work together on two separate but shared salvaging businesses. They have a repurposing and building salvage business called Up Your Alley Salvage and I have SplithoofSalvage, a textile and sewing based salvaging venture. These are actually mostly a hobby, as we give away and encourage others to landfill search instead of buying from us, but in full disclosure we do sometimes make sales but I would hardly say it currently pays the hours it takes us. <br />
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Continuing on; there are a few goals I have with this blog, some logical and practical while others wistful dreams.<br />
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Firstly and mainly; I wish this blog to be a collection of my thoughts and processes as an indigenous queer artistic salvager that focuses on textiles, gender, race and class. While there will be a political bent to my postings, it will also be because it's the life I am experiencing and the effects it has on my lifestyle in this current political climate. This doesn't sound fun, but honestly, I want to have fun too!<br />
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Secondly, if others do read my blog, I'd like for those reading to consider salvaging on their own terms for their own needs. The amount of high-quality waste we find is extreme and there is no shortage of it for us to share. I wish other people could see the quality in waste and not consider it such a dirty or unnecessary. I want to show others and myself, as well as encourage both, to see how much money can actually be saved by salvaging.<br />
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I have made a pact for myself for the year of 2017 which I am belated deciding to blog here and that is: to only use salvaged materials for the entire year. I am not allowing myself to spend a single dollar on fabric. I still do custom design so clients are allowed to but fabric for their own designs, but I will not be posting them here. If I am given scraps from my clients, I may use those in my projects. I am not allowed to be given free fabric unless it was destined for a landfill; this includes people giving to me instead of donated but does not include free offers of new fabric from shops or friends who want to give me a gift. I am allowed to spend money on patterns, notions, tools and some supplies, but I am to attempt to exhaust my current stash first until there are no other options.<br />
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The goal will be to use as much salvaged fabric off of RTW or remnants thrown away. I am to use a pattern from my stash before deciding I must have a specific pattern. If I don't have enough matching buttons for a garment, I simply will have to work around it. I have /a lot/ of salvaged buttons and there's no need to match them.<br />
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Let me be upfront - this will not be a quality sewing blog. If you came here to look at fancy new hip threads and eyeball photos for perfectly turned collar points - you won't get that here. Not even close. Until you read this post you probably even wondered what the hell was wrong with me. Did I not notice that wonky hem? I sure did! However, along with my 'rubbish is good enough' theory I'm extending that to my skills as well.<br />
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I will learn a lot about sewing this year and my garments will be progressively increased in quality as I figure out what I am doing and bumble along. I want to document my learning curve. I want to be able to look back and an old attempt and go "You did well! Look how far you've come!" If I can encourage people along the way to see the benefits of salvaging, making your own clothes and being proud of mistakes, well, I will have felt the year was a definite success.<br />
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Even if I only learn more about myself, my style, sewing and manage to save two people's worth of textile waste - that will be a success in itself.Elizabethhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02103775124361012064noreply@blogger.com0