Burda Coat & Aussie Fascinators

Well, I've made progress on The Coat.  S l o w l y.  The first day of sewing was delightful--fabric wonderful to work with--then basted up the side seams…it was too big.  This  being my first try with a Burda Style pattern, I wasn't sure whether to go with the upper bust or full bust measurement.  Should have been the upper.  So…back to the L.A. freeway map original pattern

to grade the pattern pieces down a size.  Makes my head hurt.  Lots of un-sewing.

A good week later and it's coming together!  Today I hope to get the sleeves in and then on to hems and fasteners.  One time suck has been the Hong Kong seams--that wonderful satin bias tape turned out to be a bit wonkey, going from wide to narrow and back again.  I think it was the end of a roll because I went back on Saturday to get more (15 meters and counting!!! --some due to all the un-sewing) and it was off a new roll and much better to work with.

The sticky dots are the only way I can mark notches, etc. as tailor's chalk a just disappears.  

I'm still loving this Darth Vader collar

I think these clip fasteners are going to be perfect!

Now about the Aussie fascinators.  Apparently, it is Melbourne Cup tradition for ladies to wear a fascinator (headpiece) to the event, parties for the event, and even watching the event on TV.  So, our Blue Sky Quilt Club set about making our own under the tutelage of our Aussie member, Kathy.  The more bling and the more flamboyant, the better.

I really don't think this is my medium.  But it was fun and my table pumpkin enjoyed wearing the end product (until I roasted it tonight, that is--the pumpkin not the Fascinator).  Randy has plans to wear it to the office on Halloween (the Fascinator, not the pumpkin).  As he is known to say, "sometimes a guy just wants to feel pretty."  This is a man secure in his manhood.

My creation.  Think I'll stick with sewing ;)