So you all know that I’ll be taking a garment class with Jeane deCoster of Elemental Affects fame. The first workshop is next weekend and she’s sent out the agenda and plan for the first two days. Suffice to say, there’ll be *lots* to think about. I have two, ok, THREE garments in mind for the class so I thought I’d take a moment to share those and get your feedback. Oh, and I’ve already fallen down at Webs to buy a bunch of yarn (had some money in the shop account that needed spending) for this and even if it’s not the exact thing, it should be a great place to start.
1. Sara’s Kimono
I’ll be bringing the first one with me – first of all, to share the fabric. Second, I’d like folks to help me think about what I did/didn’t do that can make the garment better. The first one was in 8/2 cotton and I think the fabric was *good*. It just might be better either in a different material, different gauge or otherwise.
I found some cute cotton fabric that I had lying about from my skirt-attempting days and that’s in the washer now in hopes of getting it cut and sewn before class. It should only take a couple hours, all-in, so we’ll see how that goes. I’d also like to get a bit of the cotton fabric woven off before class, but I’m not sure I’ll make it. Perhaps that’ll be my project while down there since we’ll be warping for A Thing as part of the weekend.
3. Burda Dress
I really, *really like this dress. I’ll save you a few clicks by putting the picture here:
Isn’t it adoreable? I think it would work well in a lightweight wool (why yes, I did fall down and buy a bunch of the 8/2 Mill Ends – darn you, Lynn!), perhaps a twill or even a log cabin and it certainly would be great in a linen or cotton. The latter would want a lining but the former might do well without. Anyway, I find this to be simple yet elegant and absolutely something I’d wear ALL.THE.TIME. Can’t you see it with a turtleneck sweater underneath, some tights and clogs? Or, in a different fabric, as a nice light-weight dress for dinner in the summertime. It can be casual, it can be formal, I think it’s just classic and great. Heck, I can split the pattern and make both a bodice *and* a pencil-skirt. I think this is going to be $10 well-spent.
So, I’ve enhanced my stash with 8/2 wool, 10/2 cotton and 20/2 cotton. Between those three, I’m likely to be able to get three fabrics that would work great with the three garments. I’m going to save the handspun for later.
Today’s activities, on the other hand, included rebuilding the online shop since all my products had mysteriously disappeared (thanks to Marcy for pointing it out) and then getting the warp for the dishtowels going. Still two scarves and 6# of fiber left to dye. I might make that 7# because one of the skeins looks a little dodgy. It’s a nice day though so my 7.5 mile run should be a treat.
How are you two doing?
Lucky duck, going to a garment class! Of course, I’m going to SPA in Maine this weekend – long fiber weekend with fiber peeps, no classes but yes to vendors, just … lounging.
And keep buying up that 2/8 wool; I’m still resisting.
Yes, that’s a wonderful dress and you’ll look stunning in it. I can also see a handwoven jacket over it for those chilly evenings on the deck.
Later, gator!
Well, one of the 2/8 colors that I wanted was out of stock so I’ll have to make do with what arrived. And OOOooo! SPA! I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time.
I’ve been up to my elbows in the dye pots (for some reason, I can no longer make red. This is A Problem.) the past few days and now I’ve at least one more to try and address the aforementioned Problem.
Have a wonderful time, say “hi” to folks for me and don’t fall down at the vendors. You need to save your money to come and visit! (or do we need to come and visit you?)
So how was the first part of the garment class?