Today's video! LOL (This is going to be a LONG post....I tried not to lol)
Things mentioned in the video:
The New Vogue Patterns are up! YAY
BLOG SPOTLIGHT
My completed items:
Simplicity 3631 Review on PR (I look crazy...my arms are just bent...the back view looks better lol)
Simplicity 3796 (The Pants) Review on Pr
Some details...
I pressed the hell out of my pleats...PRESS AS YOU GO!! Right Ann??? LOL
Hand stitched hem...so proud of this lol. Looks SO much better than machine stitched.
Fabric from Fashionista Fabrics
I did a blind hem on this, because it looks better on knits....IMHO....
Interview with Tany
How long have you been
sewing?
I’ve been seriously sewing since I was twelve (I mean using a
sewing machine to sew) but I remember sewing by hand long before that (making
clothes to my dolls); when I was twelve I learned how to thread a sewing machine
and that was the turning point towards making my own clothes.
What made you want to learn to sew?
I remember my parents not letting me choose my own clothes when going
shopping; most of the clothes they bought were too big (the excuse was that I was
growing up and they wanted the clothes to last longer). I also remember inheriting
my aunt’s old clothes (which I hated at the time) so I felt the urge to alter
these clothes so they fitted better and were more like the clothes my school colleagues
were wearing at the time. Building up to make my own garments was the step that
followed.
Who taught you to sew?
There was a next door neighbour who was a very skilled dressmaker. My
parents both had day jobs so sometimes they used to ask her to take care of me when
I was back from school. Since very young age I was used to the smell of new fabrics
and the noise of the sewing machine. I was fascinated by her work and stood by her
side observing everything she was doing. I have a very strong memory: she telling
me then the only kind of well made buttonholes where the tailored hand sewn buttonholes;
she wouldn’t make machine buttonholes ever. I also remember when I asked
her to teach me how to use the sewing machine; she had me machine stitching (I could barely
reach the large pedal underneath her mechanical sewing machine) with no thread over
a piece of plaid fabric so I could manage to sew on a straight line with no effort.
She also used to thread trace everything, like I do. From there on I was self taught
by my experience. I started with BWOF’s patterns and learned the basics from
them. Sewing is a never ending learning experience and I’m still learning!
Every day!
What are your favorite fabrics to work with?
I like woollens the most. I also love sewing with linen and cotton.
I like fabrics that behave well when ironed.
Do you have any notions that you use each time you sew?
The one notion that is common to all my sewing is the basting thread. It’s a special purpose cotton thread, loose twisted and made of short cotton fibres that breaks easily; it’s thicker than normal sewing thread but softer. I think you don’t have it in the US but it’s very common in Portugal. Its only purpose is hand basting.
Do you have a certain time of day that you sew?
Well, I consider myself a morning person but I would sew in any time of the day if I could. I prefer sewing in the morning because it’s quiet. I also prefer the natural light. During the week I sew after returning from work, in the evening. I usually sew 1-2 hours a day during the week, and I sew as much as I can during the weekend.
Where do you buy your fabrics?
I buy most of my fabrics locally and in Porto (a bigger town 60 minutes away by car). Online fabric purchasing is not available here yet. I wish the custom taxes weren’t as high as they are because I often feel temped by the fabulous fabrics you can order online in the U.S.!
What are your most favorite garments that you have made?
The Orwell coat is my favorite and I have a special feeling for this coat because it was the opening garment at my blog! It was very labour intensive and I shared all the construction process. It was my introduction to the online sewing community! Another favorite is the red organza blouse which I dedicate to Els (from The Sewing Divas Blog) because she helped me so much feeding me with sewing tips and references; I also connect this blouse to my Graduation day (I made it for wearing at the Graduation ceremony) which was very important day in my life. The third garment is the Roland Mouret’s Galaxy dress, my first Vogue! It’s my favorite dress so far!
You recently made your very first Vogue dress. How did working with
Vogue compare to BWOF?
The tracing and cutting process is very different; with BWOF’s I have to trace the pattern (copy it from the pattern sheet) and there are no SAs(seam allowance) included. I use my shears and I don’t mind cutting uneven SAs (they will be trimmed later). I also thread trace all the stitching lines, notches and relevant markings.
I also copied the pattern from Vogue because I couldn’t bear the idea of cutting the original pattern but I kept the SAs. Instead of thread tracing everything I only thread traced the darts and the notches. Instead of shears I used a cutting wheel and the cutting process was much quicker.
Another thing I found very useful when working with the Vogue
pattern was that the finished garment’s main measurements (bust, waist,
hip) were marked on the pattern; Vogue also illustrates every sewing step,
making the construction process easier to the beginner. This doesn’t keep
the more advanced sewer from looking beyond the instructions and finding other
methods that work best for her/him.
What are some couture techniques that you find yourself using often?
No hesitation here: thread tracing. I had no idea this was
considered a Couture technique until I read “Couture, the Art of Fine
Sewing” by Roberta Carr. That was one of the first sewing books I ordered
from Amazon and one of my favorites, together with the Claire Shaeffer’s
books.
What books are a constant refrence for you when you sew?
I have a LOT of sewing books! The
one I refer the most is the Burda sewing book (Portuguese edition) because you
can find every BWOF’s technique well illustrated in that book. The
patterns I sew the most are from the BWOF magazine so I find myself consulting
this book very often when I try to break down the instructions on BWOF’s
patterns. When I’m working on a particular technique I pull out every
sewing book that features that technique and compare the processes. That gives
me several perspectives and helps achieving a better judgment on what works
best for me. I often use the Singer Sewing Reference books, the Claire Shaeffer’s
books, the Susan Susan Khalje’s books and the Taunton Press Easy Guides. I
also have a couple of Sandra Betzina’s books: Power Sewing and More
Fabric Savvy. These are just a few among many. My last acquisition was the Zapp
Method of Couture Sewing.
Any tips for beginning sewers?
Well, start with the easy stuff and build up from there; if you can find a good teacher go for it; it’s much easier when you learn from actually observing an expert than trying to figure out all by yourself. If you don’t have access to sewing lessons from an expert, then you can buy a few books that will help you through the basics. Practice, practice, practice! Be patient when building up your skills; you won’t be sewing professionally looking garments in a week time so enjoy your learning process and learn from your mistakes. With time your sewing will get better and better. Observe the details on good RTW and learn as much as you can from it. Test everything before you apply it.
That is it you guys!! This was a long post! I'm tired! LOL
Have a great day!
Toodles!
Great interview and new clothes! Watch out for those critters in the wild! ;)
Posted by: yaiAnn | October 10, 2007 at 12:14 AM
Come on... tell the truth! You got the kids in on the sewing! Running a sweatshop outta your house! LOL You are the bomb! I am way too unorganized to do more than one project a week. Everything is fabulous! Great interview with Tany... she is definitely a sewing goddess!
Posted by: erica b. | October 10, 2007 at 01:48 AM
LOL @ Erica and sweatshop!!
Yes I LOVE your jacket!! And the dress is very pretty! Great print!
Can't wait to see your Burda shirt in Butterscoth!
Dang it!! I really need to get up on some L&V....I have YET to listen or read their blog! :op
I had trouble with uploading to U.tube as well not sure what the deal is I thought it was my slow computer?
Okay love the lighting but next time stay away from the critters! Haha!
Posted by: Stacey_CrimsonPurl | October 10, 2007 at 05:20 AM
Great interview!
Wow you did a great job on your sewing projects!!They all look wonderful!!You have been doing a lot of sewing.
Posted by: gold | October 10, 2007 at 06:02 AM
Adrienne, your sewing work is getting better and better!!! I LOVE ALL the garments you've made! The jacket, OMG, I love it! The trousers look perfect on you and that dress is simply stunning! Thank you so much for the interview! I feel so honored!
Posted by: Tany | October 10, 2007 at 06:25 AM
PS- I'll watch the video when I get home later today... Video content is blocked here at work
Posted by: Tany | October 10, 2007 at 06:26 AM
Wow...I love the denim piece and the dress is to die for!
You and Erica B. should really think about opening a boutique together.
Posted by: Erica C. | October 10, 2007 at 07:51 AM
I love the video, I'm gonna learn to do a stich yet! I have to say this though, you had me looking around my kitchen when you were looking around your yard for lizards and what not!! LOL So cute, I love it, for minute I felt like I was right there with you having to watch my back for some creepy crawlers! LOL
Posted by: Christina | October 10, 2007 at 08:02 AM
WOW! You have been quite busy. No wonder there was no post yesterday ;-) I am enjoying all of the garments. Also, good interview. I can't watch the video here at work (blocked) but I will watch it when I get home. Again, great job.
Posted by: Tracey | October 10, 2007 at 08:22 AM
I love your jacket and the dress. You did a very nice job!
Posted by: Jackie | October 10, 2007 at 08:32 AM
ok--LOVE them all...but my favorite is #3678--brown/aqua colored knit dress. LOVE IT!
Posted by: rhonda | October 10, 2007 at 09:09 AM
Okay...first off...when I first read the title I thought it said Interview with TONY!!!!!!! And I was absolutely laughing out loud here thinking how in the heck did you get Tony to do an interview on video for your blog!!! I could not stop laughing, then i laughed some more because I realized it said Tany instead. LOL!!!!
Okay, that dress you have on is GORGEOUS!! I love it!!
Posted by: cheryl | October 10, 2007 at 09:17 AM
very impressive!!!
Posted by: Carmell | October 10, 2007 at 09:34 AM
did you and erica plan to do this jacket together? you just hit us with a double whammy. very nice. also it was great to hear more about tany.
Posted by: dami | October 10, 2007 at 09:50 AM
Love the dress!!!! I am still trying to figure out how to work with knit fabric.
Posted by: Lashell | October 10, 2007 at 09:53 AM
I'm in the process of cutting out Simplicity 3678. I'm making the view on the far left with the black and red fabric. I'm using the exact same fabric...bought it this weekend from JoAnn's when it was 40% off. I'll definitely show pictures of it when I'm done.
I actually want to make all the dresses from that pattern...they're so cute.
I also bought the pattern for that jacket and will be making it soon. You look good in it, girl.
Posted by: Nik | October 10, 2007 at 09:56 AM
I love the brown dress (Simplicity 3678)!!! It's gorgeous!! And it's knit fabric too!!! I am so intimidated by knits.
The jacket looks beautiful! Congrats on the hand-sewn hem too. Those pants fit you perfectly! Great job on all of them.
Great interview with Tany. She really knows her sewing!!
Posted by: Monica | October 10, 2007 at 10:06 AM
Yay! for me....LOL
Posted by: mimi | October 10, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Well, you go little Ms. Sewing Diva. I love the jacket and it looks great in denim as well. It's good to see the jacket done in more than one fabric as it gives a person many possibilities. I was thinking about sewing this jacket, but afraid it only goes up to 22 and I am 24, but I could trace out the pattern and make the necessary alternations by going up a size (hey, a new skill to learn). I love the dress as well and it looks great. Now I know you stay up at least 20 hours a day, lol
Posted by: Sheri | October 10, 2007 at 11:55 AM
wow, amazing inspirational wednesday. i love that new purple blouse!
Posted by: anna | October 10, 2007 at 11:56 AM
You are too cute! I loved the video. I also love your jacket. You and Erica were tag teaming each other with these projects weren't you. I like it a lot. I also love the other pieces too. I tried to get in on my serger class and it was a no go. I think I will actively begin sewing in November. That's the only time open until then.
Have Fun! I can't wait to see the next video blog.
Posted by: Cassandra | October 10, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Beautifully done! Great interview!
Posted by: tiennie | October 10, 2007 at 02:16 PM
The outfits are gorgeous! Blind hems, pleats...wow! I am impressed!!
Posted by: Jeanette | October 10, 2007 at 02:31 PM
LOVE the dress!! Also the jacket. They look really good on you! Very impressive!
Posted by: Pam | October 10, 2007 at 03:57 PM
Love the videocast, and the interview! I love the brown dress, it is just to cute!
Posted by: Michelle | October 10, 2007 at 04:28 PM
Hey Adrienne; thanks for peeking in on my little old blog. It's a mess now cause I have been experimenting. I really, really love your new jacket - you did such a great job and your pants fit so well too! Of course I have that jacket pattern due to my addiction, the more I looked at the pattern the more I thought I didn't like it. But now that I've seen yours in denim I really think I will have to go for it. You are all talented.
Posted by: Faye | October 10, 2007 at 05:28 PM
I've been really wanting to get the BWOF magazine too. Where did you get yours from?
Posted by: Faye | October 10, 2007 at 05:40 PM
Press as you go, baby! It's the difference between FABULOUS(your result) and Happy Hands at Home.
Great post, and great interview with Tany!
Posted by: Gorgeous Things | October 10, 2007 at 05:56 PM
You have been busy! The sewing is just great. After seeing yours and Erica's version of that Simplicity jacket, I think I might have to get that one too!
Posted by: Meg | October 10, 2007 at 06:24 PM
That was a wonderful and interesting interview with Tany. Thanks for sharing it!
Posted by: Carolyn | October 10, 2007 at 07:21 PM
What a great interview!
Posted by: Cidell | October 10, 2007 at 08:53 PM
The video is totally fun! And what a great interview with Tany, yes, she is someone who's mind I'd like to peek in to.
Posted by: christina | October 11, 2007 at 12:58 AM
Love the jacket!! Both yours and Erica's look beautiful! The dress, the pants, everything is so cute!You make me want to buy a sewing machine....especially since I have a degree in Clothing and Textiles that is going to waste....:)
Posted by: tlewis | October 11, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Love the jacket!! Both yours and Erica's look beautiful! The dress, the pants, everything is so cute!You make me want to buy a sewing machine....especially since I have a degree in Clothing and Textiles that is going to waste....:)
Posted by: tlewis | October 11, 2007 at 07:43 AM
Whatever was over there - had you talking major fast...lol. Great garments and interesting interview with Tany - Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: sheila | October 11, 2007 at 12:30 PM
Love the interview. I've told Toya how you both got me sold on making the leap to start sewing. I've played around with the idea quite often and seeing the work from you and her has me convinced that I want to try it. I'll never know if I never try, right?
Posted by: Nikki | October 11, 2007 at 02:06 PM
I love the video blogs, it takes less time it seems (especially if you blog on the way to work like I did twice this week! LOL)
YouTube takes forever, I have found that iMovie allows you to compress a file to so small that it takes just a few minutes to upload...that is the way to go!! Good thing in have access to Mac at school!
Posted by: Kristi Sauer | October 11, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Wow, I love your new sewing FOs! Very flattering - are you losing weight? You look especially great in those pics.
Great interview too!
Posted by: robin | October 11, 2007 at 04:02 PM
What an incredibly rich entry! I loved everything about it! Your sewing is wonderful, the jacket is AWESOME and I love your 3678 dress! Have my eye set on this pattern, but I'm afraid it's getting too cold in France to get to wear a dress like this... even a fall version! LOL
Wonderful interview of Tany - I love her and adore her work :)
And another fun video of you!! :D
Have a great weekend, Adrienne, and thank you for all the fun you share with us!
Posted by: Isabelle | October 12, 2007 at 07:31 AM
I love that top! The sleeves are so fun!
Posted by: Marlena | October 12, 2007 at 10:37 AM
This is WAAAAAAAAAY cool.
Love the video blogging. Now if only I could sew and stop drooling over the finished projects of others *sigh*
Posted by: Marce | October 12, 2007 at 01:22 PM
wow!! you are the bomb! i wish i had your sewing talent!
the interview was great. tany also has mad sewing skillz!
girl, i feel the same way you do about bugs and things that come out after the rain!
Posted by: eve | October 12, 2007 at 08:17 PM
Ok. If you ever catch me in your closet, I will leave quietly after I have obtained the Simplicity 3678 dress. It is seriously screaming for me. LOL!
Great interview and how lucky you were to have such a talented neighbor who was willing to teach you what she knew.
Posted by: mhutch | October 14, 2007 at 08:02 PM