Finishitis #1

The Yarn Harlot (funny knitting blog, amusing even for non-knitters) writes of "startitis" in which a knitter compulsively casts on for multiple projects at a time rather than calmly working on and finishing those already in process.  I'm sure there is a version for sewing, although perhaps it is a bit less common.  I think I've had the knitting version in a mild dose.

Is there an opposite condition?  Finishitis, finishista, finish-it-up-itis?  Whatever, there is nothing like the high that comes from a week during which multiple projects were finished.  To wit:  one blouse, one pair of cropped pants, and one cardigan.  Or by category:  sewing (2); knitting (1).  It doesn't sound so grand when I go by the numbers, does it - kind of disappointing.  However, I refuse to be dejected.

Because it is cool and wet here today, I am not quite up to modelling all my new pieces as they are very summery.  However, a couple of days ago I took pictures of my first-to-be-finished item, a modern take on my personal "vintage" pattern, Vogue 2281.

This pattern is from the late 1970s, really almost the 1980s, hence the very loose, fits-where-it-touches silhouette.  In those days I always bought size 8, and I made this up completely unaltered except to shorten it since there is absolutely no need for a shirt that I can sit on.

The fabric is very smooth and light (silk-cotton).  I interfaced with silk organza and I'm proud of the completely finished interior of this shirt.  To the right, you can see the encased lower seam of the pockets (built into the yoke) and the finished edge of the facing.

Except for sewing on the buttons, the shirt is entirely done by machine.  The hem is a machined baby hem.

This is the easiest possible finish, and it's very light and secure for a fine fabric.  Turn up the raw edge a small amount and run a line of machine stitching very close to the fold.  Then trim the edge close to the stitching.  Then turn it up once more, and stitch again on top of the first stitching.

All materials are from my stash, including the perfectly coloured buttons.

French seams

It has been years.  Decades perhaps.  However.

This is a yoke seam with built-in pocket, from a vintage Vogue pattern.  The pattern instructions specify French seams.  Mine are definitely not as small as Vogue wanted me to make them (1/8") but they are not too bad and the inside of this shirt is definitely as pretty as the outside.  In the end, it may be more so.  I have yet to make the buttonholes...

The last time I made it, it was the 70s and this pattern was new and fresh.  The Sewing Lawyer was yet to become a Sewing Law Student.  I am (again) making view B at top right.

I found a tiny scrap of the original fabric.  Chinese silk brocade, with tiny woven birds.  Fabulous stuff, found in (if memory serves) Fanny's Fabrics in Regina Saskatchewan.  I wish I had more of that silk.

This version is made of lightest silk and cotton blend, purchased in Montreal during PR Weekend in June, 2010.  I hauled it out of deep stash thinking it would look great with my cashmere skirt.  Now I'm aiming more squarely for summer wear.

By the way, did you notice the somewhat rumply white fabric upon which my new airy version of V2281 was resting?  It's 100% linen, 3.5 metres.  It is pretty beefy and, realizing the futility of trying to maintain its crisp smoothness, I tossed it into the washing machine and dryer to soften it up.

Some of the linen is destined to be a pair of summery cropped pants.  The rest ... perhaps a skirt?  Any suggestions as to what silhouette I should aim for?  Don't be shy - give me some ideas!