Saturday, August 17, 2019

Latest Sewing Projects


Wow! I haven't posted in more than a year!?! I was surprised (just now) when I realized that.

Since I am active on Facebook and Instagram, even though I haven't been sewing a lot, I don't feel disconnected from the sewing community.

So, here we go!

Contents

  • Style Arc Denim Jacket featuring Dash
  • Boobie Pajama Bottoms
  • Misc
  • Style Arc Denim Jacket

    If you have been following me, you know that I have an obsession with Dash, the stuffie I produced as the mascot for the Dart programming language. Well, Dash's popularity has taken off and she's also become beloved by folks who use the Flutter framework. (I used to document Dart, and I now document Flutter.) Dash even has an Instagram account!

    When I attended the Flutter Live event in London last December (where we launched Flutter 1.0), I got it into my head that I needed a denim jacket featuring Dash on the back. A product manager on the team further suggested that I add the text "Born to Hot Reload." (Hot reload is a Flutter feature.)

    At Flutter Live, we brought in a claw machine and filled it with Dashes.
    The machine was insanely popular with a massive line until we (sadly) ran out of Dashes.
    I wore a chiffon scarf I made featuring Dash (fabric printed by Spoonflower)

    Thus began my obsessive relationship with Spoonflower.

    I took a stab, by myself, at creating the image I wanted for the denim jacket, but I am no Photoshop expert. Enter Jeff D, a friend from my Sun/Oracle days. He manages software engineers by day, but he's a master of Photoshop and all things digital. Jeff graciously created the design that I envisioned. I gave him the hex code of the denim color that I wanted, and asked him to make the denim look textured, like an actual denim fabric. (Though I had no suggestions on how one might accomplish that.) And, of course, I asked him to include a large Dash graphic surrounded with the "Born to Hot Reload" text. Jeff's final design was perfection! I printed it on Spoonflower's Dogwood Denim fabric (a non-stretch, heavy-ish denim that begins as a white fabric).

    For the pattern, I chose Style Arc's Stevie Jean Jacket. It had the features that I wanted and wasn't overly fitted.

    I received the pattern and the fabric just before my first sewing retreat last March. On the retreat, I traced off the pattern, increasing the seam allowances to 5/8". Since the jacket is unlined, I wanted to finish the seams with a Hong Kong finish, and 3/8" is not enough seam allowance for that. I made a muslin and my sewing pals on the retreat helped me fit the jacket. I think I made 2 muslins, in the end, before transferring the changes back to the pattern.

    On my second sewing retreat, last April, I cut out and started sewing the denim. Topstitching and finishing every seam with home-made bias binding slowed the project. I can't remember ever making welt pockets in denim before—not a very forgiving fabric. Also, I devised the pockets such that there are two entrances. You can enter on the front via the welt, or on the inside, you can enter a different pocket pouch from the top. For the pocket pouches, I used a quilting cotton I had made that also features Dash.

    I really should have pressed the jacket before taking pics!

    I wanted to wear the jacket at Google I/O, the big Google developer event held this year on May 7th-9th. I sewed every evening and finally finished it the night before. Well, I sorta finished it. I used Dash lapel pins to mimic buttons, so I never made buttonholes. I still haven't, and I probably won't. :)

    I decorated the jacket with lapel pins I had been collecting representing different facets of Flutter's ecosystem. The jacket was a lot of fun to wear and I was stopped many times and asked to pose for photos.

    A colleague (hi, kevmoo!) took this photo at the end of the conference, after I'd been wearing the jacket for 5 days straight

    I was very happy with the jacket and I plan to use this pattern again!


    Boobie Pajama Bottoms

    I have fallen in love with some of the whimsical designs on Spoonflower. Case in point: I had to have some of this boobie fabric:

    I ordered two yards of this design on their cotton spandex jersey, which is quite nice. I used it to make some pajama bottoms:
    For the pattern, I used Butterick 6348, a now out-of-print See & Sew pattern. This pant has no side seams and this style is sometimes referred to as a "one seam pant." Therefore, the legs are straight, as it's hard (nay, impossible) to taper a pant that has no side seams. I added a bit of length to the longer view and omitted the casing and tie, but otherwise, I made a standard Medium.


    Misc

    What have I been up to in the last year? Well...
    • Last month, I turned 60! (I never thought I'd live that long...)
    • I've developed an unhealthy obsession with Spoonflower, which started with the Dash project. I don't wear many prints, so what the heck is up with that? I have spent hours pouring over designs, creating collections, and chatting with some of the designers, asking them to tweak their designs to my specifications.
    • Less travel: I decided to cut back on travel in 2019. I am only taking work-related trips and I'm even passing on some of those opportunities.
    • Health related stuff, including two colonoscopies within 3 months since the first one found a 3cm polyp with cancerous cells that (thankfully) hadn't migrated yet. Lots of other health stuff, too, and I'm not done yet. I've acquired many new specialist doctors and all the pharmacy technicians know me by name at CVS (where I've been told that I'm an "interesting dresser"). Oh, and I unexpectedly spent 3 days in the hospital last January getting a blood transfusion, after a couple weeks of heavy nose bleeds. Fun times.
    • Continued focus on work. It's still (mostly) fun, and my team is (entirely) awesome. This summer, I've been training up an intern and (with another colleague), a new-ish full time writer. I love my team.
    • Trying not to sink into a full-on depression (with varying success). It's a grim time to be alive. I read that, in the U.S., the suicide rate is up by 30%, and that does not surprise me one bit.
    • Decluttering. I have more to do on this front, but I've been #kondoized. (I've never read her books, but I've watched her series on Netflix and the concept is pretty basic.)
    I have already finished another project but don't have photos yet. I am *so* out of practice taking project photos! I had to buy a new device to upload my photos, as the old device didn't work on my new-ish laptop. Also, I couldn't find my camera remote and had to order more. (I got spares...) And I'm still sewing *slowly*. :D


    I don't know who to attribute for this image, but it amuses me!

    61 comments:

    1. Wow! Thank you for this! We are leading same-ish lives! Early onset colon cancer for me - did chemo (which sucked!) Will do radiation next. A year of significantly less sewing, hardly any blogging, but full of ideas! I have multiple obsessions now! Gotta get my daughter off to college, and get creative again!

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      1. Mimi, I am so sorry to hear that! But your spirits sound amazing! Your daughter seems completely talented and amazing. I'm wishing you great health!

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    2. Sorry to hear about your health issues. Hope you are all back to good soon. Congratulations on reaching 60. I did that last year and can say I'm still going strong. Have missed your posts and creativity. Cute jacket and the boobie pjs are so funny.

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      1. I am working through it and I'l be fine. Congrats to you on the over 60 club!

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    3. Glad to see your update! Love all your makes. I'm DYING at the boobie fabric, and am ready to order a Born to Hot Reload t-shirt.

      Take care!

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      1. Thanks, Tracy! That is a GREAT idea for a tee!!

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    4. I identify with your despair at the state of the world. For me, I look for examples of good people doing good things, at scientists making important discoveries. There are still people of dignity, grace, kindness and compassion, who do not insult others, who do not lie, who are not focused on padding their own fortunes at the expense of others. We have had social and political challenges in the past and have moved toward better values from that state and must do it again.

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      1. You are so right, Carol. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the negative, but there is far more to the story.

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    5. Oh heavens, I laughed out loud at the mammo-grams. I just turned 65. Love the jacket and the booby pajamas.
      Theresa in Tucson

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      1. Hee hee. I thought those were so clever! And thanks!

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    6. Oh my dear Shams - it's so good to hear from you again. Sorry to hear about the cancer situation. I had my tussle with cancer 11 years ago when they found mine in the colon. I'm pleased to say that after all the stuff, I'm still cancer free for the last 10 of those 11 years. I wish you the same and will be praying for your recovery. Love those mammo-grams, I laughed out loud!
      I've got to get some of that boobie material - I've got some friends that need some boobie pjs! I might even make me some.
      And 60 - wait until 65 darling - I'll be there in November, I'm getting mail daily, seriously daily, about medicare, medical devices I didn't know existed, medigap, even planning for my demise (cremation? cemetary plot?) good gravy - do you think they know something I haven't been told yet?? It's gotten to be crazy.
      Thanks again for blogging about what you've been up to, I know we've all missed you!

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      1. Thanks, Kathleen! I avoided the cancer diagnosis, thank goodness, though it was sheer luck. I am working through several issues but I'll be fine. And congrats on almost reaching 65. :D

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    7. Welcome back, Shams!! I've missed your posts. So sorry to hear of your health issues and hope you are feeling great again soon. Love the jacket and the pjs. Happy birthday!

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    8. WELCOME BACK! I love that jacket pattern too- I got round the seam finish game by just sewing the seams with a piece of binding layered in, then folded it over and felled it down. Works well and only takes two passes! Good luck with the health issues- I turn 60 next year and for me, it's all arthritic hands and crumbling hips. Sigh.

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      1. That's an interesting solution! So you kept the 1cm seam allowance? Sorry to hear about your avoid arthritis and bad hips! In my case, it's neuropathy, retinopathy, cataracts, tachycardia. So much to navigate. :)

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    9. So happy to see you here, Shams, and especially love the jacket. Wishing you health and happiness - trite, I know, but heartfelt.

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    10. So good to hear your voice again in the Blog World. 30+ yr. cancer survivor/sister. How’s Margi?

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      1. Thanks, Sally! Margy is doing well! I spoke to her this morning and talk to her at least once a week. She hasn't felt like sewing or blogging, but she's doing well.

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    11. Oh, Shams, it's so good to hear what you've been up to this past year! I've thought about you often. The jacket is adorable. I'm not surprised at your attention to detail as your readers have come to expect. Hope your health issues resolve and you are able to make more memorable garments. Karen

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      1. Thanks so much for your support, Karen, now and always!

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    12. I forgot to ask about your friend Margy of 'A Fool For Fabric'. I know she's had major problems with her foot. Like you, she has great style and made lovely garments and I miss her posts. Karen

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      1. Margy is great! I spoke to her this morning and talk to her about once a week. She hasn't been sewing much and isn't sure if she'll blog again, but she is well.

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    13. So good to hear from you! Love the jacket and the boobie pants.

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    14. I also missed your posts and now understand that your focus was needed elsewhere. Sorry to read about the health issues and hope for the best outcome and speedy recovery. Love the finish on the inside of the jean jacket.

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      1. Thanks so much, Graca! Yeah, lots of things vying for my attention, but I hope to be sewing more soon.

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    15. I have been thinking about how I've missed hearing from Shams...and there you are! I'm not on FB or IG, so your blog posts are precious to me, with such incredible creative vision and realization. Good luck with the health stuff. My sewing studio is respite from those worries and the world situation!

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      1. Thanks, SilverMom! I must have heard your psychic call!

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    16. that jacket is great and it sounds like it was fun to wear. hope things improve on the health front! I'm always happy to read what you've been up to!

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      1. Thanks, Beth! Gee, it's been ages since I've seen you in person!! But I see you on IG and it looks like things are good with you!

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    17. It's great to hear from you again! And I love the mammo-grahams! I am 4 weeks post op from a preventative bilateral mastectomy. BRCA2 positive, and my mom and sister both died of breast cancer. I had immediate reconstruction, using my own belly fat (tummy tuck and no cancer risk, win/win!) These cookies are great...I might have to make some in October.

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      1. OMG, bdejong, it sounds like you made a wise, but probably difficult, decision! Congrats on avoiding the same fate as your mother and sister. And, YES, you should make some of those mammo-grahams!!! :)

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    18. First thanks for checking in. I've seen you here and there on IG but nothing as full of info as this. I recently turned 60 too so I know how you're feeling especially with the health related bits. It seems like our bodies are slowing down no matter how well we took care of them.

      Love, love, love the Dash jacket! The spoonflower obsession is interesting and hopefully it won't take you more than a year to do another blog post. I've missed your creativity and your voice!

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      1. You are too sweet, Carolyn! I don't know HOW you've been such a consistent blogger over the, what, 15 years you've been blogging? It's so impressive! I do hope to blog a tad more often than once a year, but I don't think I can go back to a weekly post!

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    19. I am so glad to hear from you again in your new blog post. It has been a long time, but I am sorry to hear of health problems. I've been lucky on the health front so far (70 yrs). I admire your sewing and style too. I'll be sure to look for you on FB. I noticed that Dash looks a little like the Blue Meanie from the Beatles animated film from the 70's I think.

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      1. Hi Connie! Oh, that's funny! That had never occurred to me, but I do vaguely remember the Blue Meanie. And congrats on being a healthy 70!!!

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    20. Happy, happy to see a post from you. Always love seeing what you have been doing!!

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    21. Welcome Back! Missed you on the blog. Did not know you were on instagram. Now following. Where can I get those cute little buttons?

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      1. Hi Mary!! Oh, yeah, I am much more active on IG - it's just so easy to shoot out a pic. Those aren't buttons, they are lapel pins. My team ordered something like 6000 of those for Google I/O last May. I just used them as faux buttons.

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    22. So lovely to read about your sewing adventures. I did get a bit desperate for news and checked out your Instagram (not somewhere I usually visit). Wishing you a speedy return to good health and many more years of inspirational sewing.

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      1. Thanks, tpotty! Sorry I made you feel desperate! It's nice that anyone can look at my posts on IG without logging in. And thanks!

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    23. Thank you so much for writing your blog, I have missed it. I love your enthusiasm for creativity.

      How is Margy Houtz from Fool from Fabric? I haven’t heard from her in a long while either and I know you get together with her. You two would fill my mailbox with tons of inspiration. I have printed out many of yours and Margy’s creations so I can make similar outfits.

      Thanks again for writing and inspiring us,


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      1. Hi Unknown! Margy is doing well! I spoke to her this morning and she said the funniest thing. It cracked me up. She said, "Good for you to get a blog post out! Now I feel a little guilty." She hasn't been sewing or feeling like blogging, which I totally understand. But she's doing well and in good spirits.

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    24. It's very good to see a post from you again! Stay well, keep sewing, and thanks for the news of Margy.

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    25. Great photo of you with 'grabber' machine, love the jacket and pins. Most of all, glad to hear your polyp experience was the same as mine: more fiber! more enjoying life! how are the DD? very best to you. thanks for the update on Margy, i miss her, too.

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      1. Oh, the daughters are ok. The eldest is moving to NYC next spring. The youngest is living on her own in SF and carving out her life. And thanks!

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    26. Welcome back -- you have been greatly missed! It is deeply distressing to hear about your health issues -- I hope they will soon be conquered and that you will be back to feeling 100% well again. So good to see that your creativity and spirit of fun have not diminished. The jacket and PJs are excellent! Welcome to the 60s -- they aren't bad at all, and certainly beat the alternatives. Take care and keep sewing and blogging. You are a priceless member of the sewing community.

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    27. One more 'I'm so glad you are alive'; a job with health care is a blessing and I'm glad you like the job, too!

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    28. Welcome back! Instagram is great but I enjoyed the detail here. Another great read - love the jacket and the story behind it. I've sent my sister the picture of the mammo-grahams. Hilarious! I've just got 60 too and I'm loving it. Hope you are too despite having some health issues. Do you think the world could cope with us at 70?

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      1. Hi ML! I agree, the blog is a LOT more work, but it also conveys a lot more info. And a "voice." We'll see if I make it to 70. ;)

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    29. Shams, I didn't know of your recent health issues, and have missed your blogging. Hope everything improves very soon for you! xoxo

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    30. I have missed you in the blog world and your fabulous originality and creativity. It's great to have you back. Sounds like it was far from boring healthwise. Those climbing age numbers can do that to a person. Great to have you back and I look forward to more posts!

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    31. Sharon, I have missed your posts so much! I feel like I've lost my sewing peeps -- and yet here you are. ;-) I love your talent and your verve. Dash is just wonderful and especially nice on your jacket. I'm sewing and enjoying it but not reviewing too much lately.

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