Q&A, Sewing Products and Christmas Nails

While so many are rushing around doing last-minute shopping or baking or whatever for the holiday, I am happily engaged in sewing, watching seriously sappy Christmas movies.  No stress.   Only fun.

In my last post, I showed a jacket, with diagonal basting on the edges of the CF and sleeves.

Q:  Carolyn asked what the purpose of the basting is. 
A:  The seam is slightly rolled to the wrong side.  The diagonal basting holds it in place until the edge
      is pressed, or topstitched.

Here's the wrong side:

Using silk or rayon thread for basting will prevent getting an imprint from the iron when pressing over the thread.  I don't mind hand basting, and in fact,  it has saved me a lot of grief. 

I'm making the Inset Jacket from CJPatterns.

I've made it before, but I am changing the sleeve this time.  I love this easy, casual jacket.  I'm making it in a black poly shot with silver metallic threads.  This fabric has been in my stash for years.  It's a good trial fabric to test the sleeve.  If it works out, fine.  If not, no great loss.  This jacket has pleats, front and back, under a square inset.  Here's the top of the front bodice.  I am happy that the square corner actually turned out to be square!

The next project in the Q is this OOP McCall jacket pattern.  Isn't this cute?

This jacket has a lot of detail.  There is a dart in the front, extending from the bust to the hem with a pocket flap inserted into that dart (view B).   View B also has 3/4 length sleeves with a band on the sleeve.  There' a back yoke, pleated lower back bodice with a band there also. The armsythe is squared, and the dropped sleeve has a pleat.   I love the collar.

I ordered a mustard yellow wool crepe from GorgeousFabrics, and a lining for this jacket.  My version will be a suit-type jacket, rather than outerwear.  I'll follow Carolyn's method of steam-shrinking the wool.  I need a day and a couple of good movies lined up because it's a long process.  I would love to join in the "12 Jackets in a Year" at Stitchers Guild.  I can't wait to seee all the awesome jackets that you make.

I got a fancy paint job on my nails yesterday.  Very festive, with red glitter polish and a gold swirly, twirly design.  Rhinestones, even.

----and to all a good night!