Tuesday, March 16, 2010

Yarn Lust

Machine embroidery threads were on sale at Spotlight, the Australian-owned craft shop. 3- and 9-packs polyesters were much cheaper than the 6-pack rayons, but Rose and I chose them pretty much by color. Rose told me that if I wet them, I can break a rayon yarn easily, but not the polyester, though Sue told me polyester can be overdyed. I got 18 spools. Rose got a bag full for Marlborough Weavers group.

We also looked at and discussed sewing patterns for the garment projects. If I were to make something for myself, or something in a standard size to sell or enter into exhibitions, one of the things I would consider are raglan-sleeved jackets. I had never heard of Kwik Sew, (Butterick was always my favorite,) but their catalog had a great number of simple patterns. Last night we were told by the more experienced garment-maker-weavers to first make a dummy garment with old sheets or muslin and make adjustments with these before planning the fabric to weave. By the same token, I'm sure I could adjust the patterns somewhat at this stage, but I have very little experience in this area.

Anyhoo, today I thought these patterns might work for my project, but I didin't buy any because I might change my mind.

Kwik Sew patterns, raglan/dolman sleeves, very easy jackets: 3564, 2829, 3459 (favorite of the day.)
Also 3292, (ummmm... maybe?) 2925 (not sure.)
Regular sleeves: 3438 (massive braiding opportunity), 3096, 3379 (braiding and tasseling options)
Nostalgic, and easy to envision these in handwoven fabric: 3679

For these, I'm thinking of light-weight merino or wool fabric with some merino in it. I don't want to line, even if it's in wool. But I may have an opportunity to buy an overlocker; my friend Nancy is moving back to Australia and doesn't want to take hers back.

Edit: Some sewing pattern websites for your convenience:
Butterick, McCall, Vogue
Simplicity (Project Runway Kit for Kids???)
Burda
Folkware
There is a Folkware Design Challenge halfway down this page.

6 comments:

  1. Love the rayon/poly yarn colours, I've never thought of using them to weave with.

    And had no idea you could see the patterns on line. I've always had to wait for visits to Tauranga and pinch or sneak 30 minutes to flick through the books.

    Grab the overlocker - mine is so old but works so hard!

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  2. With their prices so high, it's definitely safer to look at patterns on-line, at home, Dianne. Especially Vogue!

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  3. Fantastic pic Meg! Worth the (half-price) cost just to play with photos.

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  4. Rose, did we get them half-priced? They look good together, that's for sure.

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  5. You might also want to look at Indygo Junction patterns or the Sewing Workshop patterns. Some can get a bit crafty, but they hae some nice ones for showing off handwoven fabrics...
    here's a link:

    http://www.sewthankful.com/Designers.html

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  6. Oh, thank you, Theresa. I shall check it out!

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