A Blog Post about other Blog Posts.

I went to the fabric store today. Because, I am planning on taking part in the January Sew-Along of the Minoru jacket. I have been shopping for some water resistant outer gear and haven't been thrilled with the fit and/or features that are available in my price range. So, I was delighted to see the pre-sale and Sew-Along notice for this pattern. I've looked at some really great vinyl coated cottons and waffled over whether I should plow ahead and make a waterproof version of this jacket right off, or make a less expensive version as a trial and save the uber unforgiving (and pricier) fabric for a second run. I've opted for the less expensive version, first. This chocolate/jade medium weight canvas was $3.95 a yard. I'd also flip-flopped over a beautiful poppy print. But, it was a little loud and since the laminated fabrics I've been eyeing are quite loud, I think I'll save the attention grabbing fabric for the rain coat version. The flannel pictured here will be the underlining.

I bought this fabric at Hancock. The sales lady was really helpful. She helped me pick out a fusible interfacing (I rarely use the stuff), and was great when it came time to select a zipper. They did not have anything that I really wanted. I need a 30" separating zipper for the size I am making and I want it to be metal. She pulled open a stock drawer and whipped out an order pad. What she handed me was an order form for a custom zipper from Custom Zips, in Norwalk, CT. So, I am going to pay a bit more. But, I will be getting two zippers that will be matched to my fabric. The front zipper will be a separating two-way. How awesome is that?

I haven't even gotten the pattern yet and I am already planning on what I am going to do to it to customize it. I've already decided that I will piece the neck/collar differently, so that the zipper is covered by a fold. If the cuffs are elasticized, I will create a seam line at the upper edge of the casing and stitch in a gathered piece to mimic the look. I will then use that seam to add in an elasticized draft guard. I like a darted elbow, but, I do not see one on the illustration. I will be inserting a micro fleece guard on the inside front and up over the top edge of the zipper and a storm flap to the outside, too. I also want to engineer a button-out hood and liner. Speaking of the linings; that is the fabric I chose, at right. It has absolutely nothing to do with the exterior of the jacket. But, it made me laugh and will likely make me smile every time I put on or take off this jacket.

I also picked up this leopard print while I was at the fabric store. I am still obsessing on  the factory wrap and want to make it a couple more times. This is a very lightweight cotton and should be very comfortable to wear. Lauren at Wearing History Patterns, was kind enough to send me the newly updated instructions for this pattern. I think she did a nice job of updating them for the modern sewer. Also, her new samples really look great. I think I am going to have to make up view 2. It looks so adorable in blue gingham, it is irresistible!

Recently, a vintage fair pin was featured over at V for Vintage. I think these pins are fascinating. Back in the 30s and 40s, it was common to find vendors at county fairs that specialized in this type of wire work. They would make up common names and sentiments to draw people to their booth and would make whatever name you wanted, on the spot while you watched. This example here belonged to my mother. It was made for her at the Vernon County Fair in the early 40s.

I've been fascinated by this pin ever since I was a kid. This year, I have begun learning to do wire work. I have been working on making pins and closures. I haven't yet attempted to do a name. But, I am going to begin working on this. I'd very much like to learn to do these. I've even found a source for the square wire.