11.01.2018

Francine and Heroine


We just returned from a week in the Hudson River Valley, where every time you turn around there is a more magnificent view than the last!  It's not hard to see why the rich and famous of the "Gilded Age" built their mansions there!  It certainly made me wish I were a better photographer!  The week was filled with history and amazing architecture and absolutely gorgeous scenery...everywhere!  The only regret is that I arrived in Rhinebeck the day AFTER the Rhinebeck Wool and Sheep Festival! (missed it by that much!) I will just have to go back.

When I wandered into my sewing room all my Merchant and Mills patterns and fabrics were waiting patiently.  It was so much fun to have them there, ready to go....


I decided to start with the Francine sailor top and the Heroine jeans.  Because I had tried them on at the shop I had a bit of a head start, but I wasn't ready to commit "real fabric" before sending up a few trial balloons to test the fit.

       


















I have a box of fabric that has been designated for donation.  This means that basically it is not 'real' anymore, at least to me.  I have effectively let it go and so using pieces from this box for trial balloons makes it easy to just cut with abandon.  No emotional attachments.  The beauty is if they work out I can actually wear them...bonus!

My first whack at francine ended up being the dress version.  The pattern piece fit exactly on the length of fabric so I went with it.  The only change I made was to lengthen the sleeves, of course.  What I learned is that I have broader shoulders than the Merchant and Mills models.  The dress is wearable as long as I don't want to raise my arms!  Once I added an inch or so across the chest, I was ready for trial balloon number 2.

This time I picked a scrap of ottoman wool that was the weight of the fabric that I would like to use for the 'real' version.  I spent WAY too much time monkeying around with little leather button tabs for a mock up garment...but hey, it's all fun!  And I think I'll wear this one...



I didn't have enough of my scrap to make the facing so I used a piece of cotton jersey, which actually worked out well and reduced the weight around the neck.  I used the reverse side of the ottoman for the collar.  Why not!?  I think Francine is ready for the real world.

Next I moved on to Heroine.  (that sounds kind of weird....) ...the jeans pattern.  I had a piece of advise that makes a lot of sense.  I was told that you should never wear the same style more than once in a lifetime.  This pattern flies directly in the face of that sound counsel.  It is right out of my high school yearbook...high waist, full legged jeans!  Can I pull it off? (Please don't tell me if it's "no," I have already worn them in public! 😳)

I actually had some leftover denim so that was the choice for the first round. I had tried on the shop pair and they weren't bad so I knew what size to start with.  I made my standard pants adjustments...move the lower legs toward the inseam, make an 'L' shaped crotch curve and lengthen the heck out of them.  I have to say that I love these pants!  The instructions are really great, particularly for the zipper.  And they make me feel like a teenager, even if I don't look like one!





So far I am really enjoying the Merchant and Mills patterns.  I will be moving on to the jackets and parkas next and then climbing the learning curve for working with waxed canvas!  Should be fun!

Stay tuned.....

13 comments:

  1. Pretty great trial run I’d say! But that red tree behind you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know!!!! And next week the Ginko tree next to it is going to be brilliant yellow. My favorite time of year.

      Delete
  2. I didn't get to Rye to visit Merchant and Mills but I did buy a few things at the V&A when I visited for the Frida Kahlo show which was eerie, depressing and extremely beautiful. Your Francine in the ottoman wool is very handsome (so is the other version) and your jeans look terrific. Love the pocket detail. Don't agree with the advice though, especially if it's a style that really suits you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Really wanted to see the Kahlo exhibit, but couldn't manage tickets on the days we were in London. I think I'm OK with the jeans...I was seeing biggo shoulder pads in London and that one I will have to think long and hard about. ;)

      Delete
  3. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Both garments look fabulous on you especially the jeans. Wearing same style twice clearly not something to worry about in your case. Have to agree with the comment about the tree the colour is truly wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the style support. I wasn't sure how comfortable they would be because I am so used to lower waists, but they really feel great. ...I am lovin' the tree this season...hate to see it end.

      Delete
  5. Ok sewing daughter, I am trying to add a comment. Your writing is as if I am in the room with you. Love it, and of course love you. The email address here is not one I use, couldn't figure how to change that. Love you much

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bingo! Whatever you did worked! Thanks for popping in...I love knowing you are there.

      Delete
  6. These jeans are very flattering. One of my goals this year is to tackle jeans and I had planned to make the Morgan jeans from Closet Case. I think I like these better!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I really like this style and they work for my dimensions. Be aware that they are very high waisted. Think 1980's jeans. For a more traditional jean fit I also like the Jalie Jeans pattern. With both patterns I like the way the instructions take you through the construction process. Getting 'jean' details has a lot to do with the order that you put them together...kind of different than 'regular' pants. Jeans in 2019 sounds like a fun goal...enjoy!

      Delete