Hoping for TNT
TNT stands for Tried ‘N True. Most sewers have a handful of TNT patterns that they go back to time and time again. I have a good dress pattern, that while a very unique style, fits like a dream and I’ve made a couple this summer. I have a good shorts pattern that I made a few of this summer. I have a FABULOUS skirt pattern that I need to make in some winter fabrics. What I don’t have is a solid, well fitting button-down blouse pattern and a basic knit top pattern. This week, I’ve been working on the knit top. I’ve started with Vogue 8546, which is a current release, not vintage. This pattern has some lovely basics that could be the foundation of a good wardrobe if you’re into modern fashions. However, the top is killing me! I basted the muslin and tried it on without the sleeves. It fit perfectly with just some petite alterations for my short stature. It needed no FBA. Then I added the sleeve. Whoa, Nelly! That changed the whole look. The sleeve cap is very narrow, more like what is common on a classic woven blouse. It also has an elbow dart, which is totally unnecessary in a knit sleeve. My first change was to cut a new sleeve, using a different pattern. This helped somewhat, but it still pulls the shoulder seam off the top of the shoulder. Part of me thinks I may need to start all over with a smaller size for the upperchest/shoulder/neckline area. Here’s the problem: this pattern comes in 8-14 and 16-22. I’m already using the 16 for the upperchest area. I need a larger size for the rest. I would have to buy another copy of the pattern to get the 14, then merge the 14 with the larger pattern. It might be worth it. This top has the potential to become my TNT knit top. Vogue patterns go on sale next week, so I will put it aside to think about the issues until then.
Top without sleeve
Top with sleeve
Marian Martin 9361
I have become just a little obsessed with vintage apron patterns. I’m surprised to discover that they can go for $5-$50 on eBay. I was really happy to win this one at a reasonable price. Since I mostly wear aprons for cooking, hostess aprons aren’t really practical. BUT, I fell in love with this one. I added a bib and was suprised at how much work it took to fit it. I really should have copied it onto paper before I finished sewing this up. One of the things I like about aprons is that you can use fun or pretty fabrics that you wouldn’t normally wear in a garment or out in public. This one is a prime example. The pictures don’t do it justice. The fabric is stunning, but I am not a big flower gal. It makes the perfect apron!
McCall 5716
This is a current pattern but a good, classic style. Every gal needs a little black dress in her wardrobe. Believe it or not, I have made it to this ripe age without one. I had to do all kinds of alterations to make it fit, but it can now be used as the starting point for other dresses. My PR review can be found at http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=42467
The Dog Days of Summer
Nothing new to report. About this time every year, I lose my sewing mojo. This is because I get inspired by all the new fall/winter patterns and fabrics coming into the stores, but know that I can’t wear them for 6-8 weeks. I have a couple new patterns that should make great additions to my fall wardrobe, once I get started on it. I’ve made a muslin of the full skirted version of the dress and so far, it looks good. 
I’m still trying to find a good, basic blouse pattern to replace the one that arrived missing pieces. I think this blouse might work.
What’s fantastic about these patterns is that they are both in my size, no grading needed! So, ladies, the larger sizes are out there, you just have to be patient!
Sewing update and Mad Men photos
This week has been muslin week. I managed to grade and fit 3 different dresses and bought fabric for one. I think these 3 dresses will be the last of the summer dresses. It’s time to think about cold weather.
In Mad Men news, AMC has posted a photo gallery of Season 3. They look fantasic! There seems to be a change in look for Betty Draper. She’s wearing more slim cut dresses instead of the full skirts. I’m dying to see what this means. In previous seasons, she really dressed the part of a suburban housewife in the full-skirted shirtdresses. The sheath dresses could indicate a loss of innocence after what happened towards the end of season 2. Also, at the end of season 2, she was pregnant and there are no pics of her pregnant. I wonder if we come back to season 3 after the baby is born. I hope not. I think vintage maternity wear is sooo cute. As usual, Joan is fabulous, but the hair is not as bright but I know my monitor doesn’t show accurate colors. Peggy’s look is a little more grown-up, which we got hints of from season 2. I am so excited for the season premier!
http://blogs.amctv.com/mad-men/2009/07/photos-season-3-gallery.php
