Thursday, February 7, 2013

speaking of books… and an update

thank you for all of your comments and insights on my last post. it's given me a lot to think about and i'll be posting a follow up in a little while.

speaking of books… i Bought my first sewing book! yes, you heard that right! i've been checking out sewing and serging books from my library like crazy, but i don't actually own any. until now. yay! there is a newish book store that accepts trade-ins and has a pretty good selection (called Mr.K's if anyone reading this lives nearby, in front of the tanger outlets). i looked through all the sewing books and exclaimed in the aisle to myself "ohhh claire shaeffer!" "sewing secrets!" "i want to know!" "only $8!" "it's mine!" yes, even the terrible cover design (sorry) and dated photos didn't deter me.


but check out the insides! there are some pretty nice diagrams. i am all about diagrams because that's how i learn. this book has some good ones. (and i'm picky)


so i'm excited about trying out some of these "secrets." if you happen across a copy of this book, i'd say pick it up! esp. if it's only $8 ;)


here' are some photo updates on how my dress is progressing:


i only got one of the side seams sewn up so far, and the back is still open awaiting the zip (invisible). but i'll need to attach the skirt first. i hope i can get it lined up correctly. and here it is draped on my cheap-o dress form (which i stilllll have not reposted on craigslist. wow, that was last july. procrastinate much? he he. the dress form is too large)


well it looks like it fits from this photo, but the back is gaping open. it's much better on me. thank goodness.

sadly this will be a "no sewing weekend," as i'm going out of town tomorrow. actually out of state. hopefully i'll get back at it soon. hope you get some enjoyable sewing done over the weekend! or maybe you'll find time for some reading  =)

12 comments:

  1. That looks like it's going to be gorgeous:)
    love the material

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    1. thanks! i hope i'm still loving it by the time i'm done ;)

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  2. Your dress is coming along nicely! I love the fabric. And the bargain book - you'll be hooked now! g

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    1. yes, i'm going to be checking that book store frequently for more steals!

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  3. It looks really good so far! Look forward to seeing it on you :)

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    1. thanks! i'm hoping attaching the skirt and doing the zip don't trip me up

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  4. Oh sewing books. I own too many but I love buying them. Your dress looks fabulous. I also admired your dress form. I really want one but I don't want to pay $250 for one so I keep going on Kijiji and twice now, when I've found one near by, it was already sold...

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    1. I don't know if people just don't use Kijiji where i live, but i've looked there and never found anything local. I have more luck on craigslist. If shipping weren't so much and it was a size you could use, I'd send ya the one i have! i'll keep looking and i hope you find a good one too!

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  5. Oh my, that is fabulous fabric and looks very good so far!

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    1. thanks! i'm not sure if i'm 100% in love witht he fabric still, but it was a good price, and if it doesn't get much wear it was still a good learning experience and i can count it as a "muslin" =)

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  6. This is looking fab! The fit looks really good- well done!

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    1. thanks! i haven't made much more progress. ok none whatsoever. hopefully i'll get more sewing in soon!

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Thanks for reading! I welcome any advice, insights, witty remarks, snarky comebacks, commiserations or just a quick hello. I'd love to check out your blog as well, so let me know where you're posting. Happy sewing!