Friday, 10 September 2010

The Comeback: Peter's return to sewing


I'm back and bigger than ever.  And I have a treadle.

You don't have to remind me that I haven't sewn in more than three weeks.  In my defense, I had a full week's vacation without access to a sewing machine, plus I bought the aforementioned treadle as well as a vintage iron.  That's almost sewing, right?

Anyway yesterday I decided it was time to get back to work, if only to stop the ugly online rumors that I was a washed up recluse, a has been.  People who sew can be cruel.

Hey, look what the Wells Fargo Wagon dropped off yesterday:



Ta da!



It's my new vintage, six pound General Electric iron.  Guys, I love it  and boy does it get hot -- and stay hot.  Just look at that crease.  Whoops, don't cut yourself!



And speaking of creases, I found these popular classics at the Salvation Army on Wednesday:





I want to use these books -- and this really must stay between us -- to help my cousin Cathy.  Cathy likes to lay the spackle on a little thick and I don't think it's helping her.  I tell her her photos require minimal retouching -- no lie, that -- but surely you've noticed that most shots are taken at medium distance and often with the sun shining directly on her to wash out the imperfections -- a trick I learned watching old Joan Crawford movies.

Cathy's going through a difficult period common to many models and actresses too mature to play "the girl" but not ready for the Fay Bainter roles either.  (Cameron and Julia know what I'm talking about.)  Cathy's clearly not "Younger Than Springtime" but neither is she "September Song."  What she really needs is a big producer like Ross Hunter to recharge her career like he did for Doris Day and Jane Wyman.  If only someone would re-make Magnificent Obsession.

But back to sewing...

I've begun the Burda dress and so far, so good.

Preparing the fabric for cutting, I was reminded that this was the pattern that Willy had voided his bladder on a few weeks ago.  While the odor is gone, visible water damage remains.



By day's end I had finished the front tucks and I am now ready to put this thing together.

I would love to have it finished by day's end; certainly by Saturday.



Today I'm going to have to face those button loops -- I can't let them hold me back any longer.  I think the pattern calls for eighteen (!) but I'll do ten, which is plenty.  I know what I need to do, I just have to do it.  I have a loop turner, cord (which I don't even have to use), and a few good online tutorials -- how bad could it be, right?  Virtual hand-holding would be much appreciated.

I'm so ready to put this project behind me so I can move on to Michael's you-know-what.

So friends, I have not lost my sewing mojo, I was merely recharging my batteries -- not bootleg Chinese Duracells I hope.

Oh -- before I forget: I made those tucks with my treadle!  My plan is to begin doing most of my sewing on it.  It's such a pleasure to sew with.

And now friends, I must return to work.  Would that I could while away the day blogging and commenting on a sunny patio in some warm and breezy Mediterranean country like so many of you -- or even New Zealand.  Alas, I must away.

Happy Friday, everybody!

Pass the Kleenex...(sob).
 

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