Instant Gratification

My husband and I were once serial remodelers.  Before we were married, we took turns remodeling my condo and his townhouse.  Within the first year of our marriage, we rented out those properties and bought an older single family home that was rather run-down, but in a great neighborhood.  After long, drawn-out, exhausting projects, such as ripping out carpet and refinishing the hardwood floors, we spent a few hours one weekend on a quick project: cleaning a fireplace surround and tiling the hearth.  It was straightforward, simple and very quick.  We were surprised at how gratifying a weekend project could be. We were so happy with it, we even took our Christmas card picture in front of the fireplace that year.

My new place mats remind me of that fireplace project.  Although I was looking forward to starting a field jacket for myself, we really needed some place mats.  My husband had complained about the old ones so often, that I felt guilty starting anything else before place mats.

I ordered some fabric on the internet (Fat Quarter Shop), not expecting them to be so "bright."  Some wine may have been consumed during my online shopping, so it should be no surprise that I was a little surprised when the fabric arrived.  I pictured a little girl's quilt, not elegant place mats for my table.  But I moved forward with my plan, nonetheless.

Lily Ashbury "High Street"

They were a simple, straightforward project and despite the bright colors, I really like the outcome.  Orange on one side, Green on the other, with a coordinating yellow bias binding tying the two fabrics together. The floral pattern has a diagonal line, which gave me an easy pattern to quilt.

They don't perfectly match my decor, but I they add a refreshing burst of color in a room that is mostly muted earth tones. They also coordinate nicely with my white porcelain.  The table in our "breakfast nook" is a small round table, and this size and shape work perfectly for it.

The only thing I wasn't happy with, was the fusible batting.  It was a great help during the construction and quilting, but I swear it shrunk.  The manufacturer's website stated that it didn't need to be pre-washed because polyester batting doesn't shrink, but it seems otherwise to me.  Not a huge deal, but they do require a quick press after laundering to lay flat.

I had so much fun with this project, I decided that place mats would make a great Christmas gift, so I made another set right away.  What a refreshing change from multiple pattern pieces, fitting, and what not.  I was also reminded how nice it is to sew with quilter's cotton.  In addition to the instant gratification, I get continued daily gratification, as we use them for every meal.  And they are so cheery!

Simplicity 2153 - a "wearable muslin"

After the endless sewing of "The Couture Dress", I longed for a quick and easy project for me.  I really wanted a casual field jacket.  And lucky me -- Simplicity patterns were on sale.  I bought some cheap cotton/poly twill at Hancock to make a wearable muslin for myself.  I wasn't in the mood for any fussy fitting, I just cut a 14 and started sewing. According to the measurements, it may be a little on the small side for my waist and hips, but with the extra ease for a drawstring waist, I told myself that it should be fine as-is.

Simplicity 2153

What I had in mind for this project was a field jacket -- more safari, less M65 -- but I bought green fabric.  I have a hard time walking away from green.  It's not an olive drab, but it's still got a military vibe.  I tried to distress it with bleach, but I really don't think it changed a thing  -- it's still dark green.  Never mind that I already have a green rain coat and two green fleece jackets.

The look I was trying to achieve. [Who carries a purse in the jungle?]

As the jacket came together, it became more and more military to me.  Once the epaulettes were on, I started thinking "Colonel Klink", imagining myself shouting about the fuhrer or the luftwaffe and wearing a monocle.  I had a hard time getting that image out of my head.



It also seemed SO BAGGY.  It took me forever to finish sewing, partly because I was busy with other projects, but also because I wasn't too excited to see it finished.  I regretted not fitting the pattern better at all. When I looked at it hanging on the dress form, it reminded me of my dad's Marine uniform (in his size).  Not the look I was going for.

Not baggy, but almost exactly the same green of my jacket.

My daughter poked her head in a few times and told me how much she liked it.  "Ooooh, I like your jacket. I need one like it for my trip to Ireland.  Maybe in red."  "This is mine."  I snapped, although it did occur to me that the dark green would complement her coloring much better than mine.

Even though I called this a muslin, I flat-felled all the seams, added trim and flaps to the pockets - and added zippered pockets - and bought nice buttons and zippers for it.  Most of it was experimentation, so I suppose it can still be called a muslin.  However, I was disappointed that if I wanted to alter any of the seams, I would have to pick out part of those flat-felled seams.  Not impossible, just more work.

Zipper pocket & pocket flaps added

Convinced that I would probably not wear the jacket as-is, the next time my daughter stopped in to tell me how much she liked it, and lobby for a red one, I told her "It's too baggy for me.  You can have it."  "REALLY? I love it!" She was thrilled, and I was just happy someone would wear it.

The waist loosened

That was before the waist casing was in and I saw how darn cute it became when the waist was gathered.  And before the antique brass buttons were on, that complemented the green fabric and matched the zippers. It was very cute, and I'd given it away!  When I told Stephanie that I may want it after all, she got a bit defensive.  "No takesies-backsies."  And desperately tried to make me think it was too big for me:  "Besides, it looks dumpy on you."  I knew she was lying about the dumpy part.  It was really cute.

What a difference a waist makes!

But that's okay.  This was just a muslin.  Mine will be even better.  It will have:

• higher armscyes, with narrower sleeves
• a slightly wider waist casing
• a narrower back or maybe an inverted back pleat
• some length taken out of the upper back
• lining, maybe...not sure yet
• maybe cuffs for the sleeves

Besides, I already have three green jackets.  Maybe I need one in red.

She's worn it to school twice in one week -- I guess it's a winner.