Meeting Joann - Da Joann

I realize this will make me look very silly…How can I take time out on my vacation to the USA to just go to a Joann?
Well, the reason is simple…first I was very curious…and if you are as curious as I am and never been there…here are a couple of pictures.

Mi rendo conto di sembrare un po’ fuori di testa…Come posso passare parte della mia vacanza negli USA per andare da Joann? Molto semplice…per prima cosa ero curiosissima… e se siete come me e non ci siete mai andate…ecco un paio di foto.

Inside Joann - cutting tools / da Joann - accessori da taglio

But the second sewing-related reason is that I could easily get products that you can’t find in Europe or just way more expensive.
Ma il secondo motivo ha a che fare con il cucito. Ho trovato prodotti difficili da trovare in Europa o semplicemente piu’ cari

Inside Joann - fabrics / da Joann - stoffa

They had a Daffodil sale going until today…notions 50% off and McCall’s patterns 0.99c …plus I had a 20% off coupon (Thanks Wendy for your advice!). So, there I went with my shopping list: cutting mat, rotary cutter, clear ruler, fray check, tape measure, wax paper, tracing weel and boning.

Fino ad oggi c’era una promozione con tutti gli articoli di merceria scontati al 50% e i modelli della McCall’s a 70 centesimi di euro…e in piu’ avevo un buono sconto per un altro 20% (Grazie a Wendy per il consiglio). Quindi ho comprato le cose sulla lista della spesa: rotella da taglio, piano da taglio, righello, fray check, un centimetro, carta copiativa, una rotella e stecche per bustini.

Unfortunately I couldn’t get a larger cutting mat nor the famous Dritz superboard as they wouldn’t fit in my suitcase, but I am really happy with my little trip and the nice experience.
I am also quite proud of myself since I didn’t buy anything that was not on my list…not even any of the 0.99c patterns. Temptation was high, but I hate overshopping.

Purtroppo non ho potuto comprare un piano da taglio più grande né il famoso Dritz superboard, un piano quadrettato in cartone, perché non sarebbero entrati nella valigia. Però sono davvero contenta del mio giretto e dell’esperienza.
E poi sono contenta di non aver comprato niente che non fosse sulla lista…neanche i modelli nonostante fossero così economici. La tentazione è stata molta, ma non mi piace comprare troppe cose.

Stay tuned for more sewing-related visits in the coming days.

Nei prossimi giorni cercherò di andare a visitare altre mecche del cucito…quindi tornate a scoprirle con me.

I’m curious…are there larger and smaller Joann? how can I tell? Shall I also go to Micheals?

What you see is the inside underlined in silk organza…all those seam allowances were catch stitched by hand

Quello che vedete e´ l’interno rivestito in organza di seta… tutte le cuciture sono state fermate a mano

The zipper was sewn by machine…I didn´t follow Susan Khalje‘s instructions that called for prick stitches. I had already bought the zipper so I thought it was ok.

La lampo e’ cucita a macchina anche se Susan Khalje diceva di farlo a mano. Ma avevo gia´ comprato la lampo invisibile cosi’ ho pensato fosse lo stesso.

Now the bulk of the work is done…adding the lining by hand will be easy peasy in comparison.

Ora la maggior parte del lavoro e´ fatta…aggiungere la fodera a mano sara’ una bazzeccola a confronto.

Oh, and the dress actually fits after so much work it would be a pity if it didn´t

Ah, e il vestito mi entra dopo tanto lavoro sarebbe davvero un peccato se non fosse andato bene.

Are you already gearing up for the Me-Made-May 2012?
I won’t be able to join but I will be looking at all your pretty outfits.

Vi state preparando per il Me-Made-May 2012? Purtroppo non potro’ partecipare ma guardero’ sicuramente i vostri bei abiti.

In the past couple of weeks two very kind ladies honored me with an Award. Andrea of Stitch Parade and Evie of Pendle Stitches. If you don’t follow their blogs already, hop over there. I am impressed by their sewing, knitting and quilting skills. Not to mention that I believe they are very sweet persons…despite not having met them I feel personalities come across from pictures and writing.

So, the story goes that I have to share some facts about me and then tag a few more people. Here we go then… I thought I’d do it with pictures

Today I celebrated my birthday…and took a walk outside…the day was gorgeous and I really wanted to sit down and admire the view from higher up.

I get very happy when something so simple appears before your eyes. Beauty is in small things

I dream about having a cocktail party right at this place…Just need to find a good enough excuse to rent it all out!

My daily route to work involves taking a ferry. Nothing fancy but the view is very relaxing.

I lived in Brussels for 6 years…and I love going back anytime I can…I actually miss it.

I love Gothic architecture…This is Brussels St. Michel Cathedral where the royal family gets married.

I love croissants…whether French, Italian, or from any other country.

I can be a tough lady…the sign (an advertising for a Belgian beer) says: My man always gets the last word: Yes, dear. (Mon mec a toujours le dernier mot: Oui, ma chérie)… But I would do anything for him…

And now I would like to tag

Frabjous Couture for inspiring me to take the plunge into couture dresses

Fehr Trade: seeing her pinup dress made me want to go out and make one too. Great inspiration.

MCPB (Mom sews, Dad does DIY) who has a beautiful French sewing, knitting and design blog

Threads and snippets for her insights in New York crafting scene

I wish you a great day and a perfect weekend ahead!

Today I want to share with you a preview of the April issue of Sew Magazine Although it’s already issue 34, I only discovered this UK magazine last month and I was super intrigued.

The magazine is organizer around main themes: Free Pattern, Living, Learning, Desirable, Fashion, Home and Kids.

Unlike other magazines you get a free “real” sewing pattern with every issue. This month it’s 1950s style below from Simplicity and there is an article inside showing different looks and explaining ideas. I think it could make a gorgeous dress for a wedding reception I am going to in September. What do you think?

Oggi voglio farvi vedere il nuovo numero di Sew Magazine. In realta’ e’ gia’ il numero 34 della rivista ma io lo scoperta solo il mese scorso e mi sono incuriosita. Si tratta di una rivista britannica.

La rivista ha le seguenti rubirche: Modello gratuito, Imparare, Cucito quotidiano, Idee, Alla moda, Casa, Bambini

Diversamente da altre riviste ogni mese viene incluso un modello vero con la rivista. Questo mese e’ un vestito anni ’50 di Simplicity e c’e’ un articolo con diversi stili. Sarebbe perfetto per andare ad un matrimonio a settembre. Che ne dite?

April issue is all about the Home. So there are several articles on curtains, tips and ideas on how to make the most out of your home.

How cool is the sofa on this page and the matching lamp?

Il numero di aprile e’ dedicato a progetti per la casa. Ci sono quindi articoli sulle tende, consigli ed idee da realizzare.
Guardate che bello questo divano e la lampada coordinata.

A specific article is dedicated to sewing machine where features, prices and details are compared. Though I don’t need one I find it interesting to read the details. I am geeky like that.

C’e’ un articolo dedicato alle macchine da cucire. Vengono paragonati diversi modelli e i prezzi. Anche se non devo comprare una macchina mi incuriosisce leggere qualche dettaglio in piu’.

One project I like is the oilcloth tote bag. There are several more in the magazine (even cross-stitching projects). What I liked about the approach is that they include information on where to find the materials you need and sometimes even a coupon code.

Un progetto carino e’ la borsa di stoffa ‘oleata’. Ce ne sono degli altri nella rivista (anche dei progetti con punto croce). Mi piace che nella rivista vengono indicati negozi per comprare i prodotti usati per realizzare gli oggetti e a volte anche un codice sconto.

There is some advertising in the magazine: fabric, notions, pattern suppliers, etc. I found this quite useful as they are UK based and it’s easier (read cheaper) for me to buy in Europe as there are no additional import duties and it’s a great way to find new suppliers I didn’t know before.

Other sections I didn’t share are: sewing sos where techniques are tackled, babies with specific projects, information on making a career in interior décor.

In case you are curious, this is what we can expect in May issue…there’s even a floral charm pack included!

Nella rivista ci sono inserzioni pubblicitarie relative a stoffe, merceria, modelli, ecc. spesso in vendita presso piccoli negozi. Questo mi e’ molto utile perche’ per me e’ piu’facile acquistare in negozi europei visto che non ci sono problemi e costi di sdoganamento. E poi e’ bello scoprire negozi che non conoscevo.

Nella rivista ci sono anche sezioni con consigli tecnici di cucito, progetti per bambini, informazioni su come diventare interior designer

E se vi siete incuriosite ecco quello che e’ previsto nel numero di maggio…compreso nel prezzo c’e’ della stoffa floreale per patchwork!

All in all I think this is a nice magazine, especially if you don’t want just a series of patterns but also some related sewing reading and info about fairs. The only drawback is that unless you live in the UK you can’t buy a single issue but need to subscribe…which is why I kindly asked to receive a copy for evaluation and offered to share my findings with you.

Insomma, credo che sia una rivista molto carina soprattutto se preferite una rivista in cui oltre ai progetti ci siano articoli di cucito e informazioni interessanti su fiere. L’unico neo e’ che se non abiti nel regno unito non puoi comprare un solo numero ma devi abbonarti…e proprio per questo ho chiesto di ricevere una copia in valutazione e offerto di condividere con voi le informazioni sulla rivista.

Do you read any sewing magazines? Had you seen this one before?

Leggete riviste di cucito? Avevate gia’ visto questa rivista?

Forse avete sentito parlare di Craftsy e i loro corsi online… e forse vi siete iscritte e non potete farne a meno (come se fosse necessaria un’altra scusa per cucire)

I had been eying their classes for sometime…but when I saw the Couture Dress I just could not resist.

Avevo guardato i corsi da tempo…ma quando ho visto il corso di cucito con tecniche sartoriali non ho resistito.

I know I said I would concentrate on simpler projects after my coat, but I could not pass on this opportunity to learn something that intrigued me so much.

Lo so che mi ero ripromessa di cucire cose piu’ semplici dopo il cappotto, ma non volevo perdere l’occasione per imparare delle tecniche che mi sono sempre sembrate interessantissime.

So, forget the placemats and on to serious business…which is what I have been doing for weeks now.

Quindi basta tovagliette…e’ ora di andare sul serio…ed e’ quello che ho fatto nelle ultime settimane.

I discovered the beauty of silk organza.

Ho scoperto il fascino dell’organza di seta.

Cutting Fashion Fabric

Taking my time with three fittings to perfect the sleeve design. You will tell if they turned out ok.

Fare tre prove per perfezionare il modello delle maniche. Giudicherete voi se ci sono riuscita

Joining the fashion fabric to the organza by hand.

Cucire la stoffa all’organza a mano.

Hand-basting the pieces together.

Imbastire tutti i pezzi a mano.

Remembering I actually wanted to make a lace midriff.

Ricordarmi che in realta’ volevo aggiungere del pizzo al corpino.

Lace Midriff

Taking seams apart and back together.

Scucire e ricucire i pezzi.

And now catch stitching all the seam allowances…of course by hand

Ed ora cucire i margini con punti nascosti…ovviamente a mano

Which is why this post will be quite short…I have to make the most out of my evening and sew some more with TV in the background!

Ed e’ per questo che questo post sara’ breve… devo ottimizzare i tempi e cucire ancora un po’ con la TV di sottofondo!

What are you up to? What is your sewing background?

E voi cosa state facendo? Quale sottofondo scegliete per il cucito?

While waiting for my dress fabric to arrive, I worked on a long overdue project for our new kitchen: placemats and coasters.

It’s crazy how simple things can sometime take forever to make! We decided to have this snack area instead of a proper table to get away from the previous more traditional design…but then I could no longer use a regular tablecloth. For the past three months we have been using an improvised solution (to say the least), but it was high time for a change.

I made those placemats longer and wider than regular ones…maybe I should call them runners instead.

In attesa della stoffa per il vestito, mi sono dedicata a cucire le tovagliette e i sottobicchieri che ormai dovevo fare da moltissimo tempo.

Incredibile che cose cosi’ semplici richiedano a volte secoli! Invece del tavolo da pranzo abbiamo optato per l’isola…ma cosi’ non posso piu’ usare la tovaglia. Per tre mesi abbiamo improvvisato ma era arrivata l’ora di cambiare.

Le dimensioni delle tovagliette sono piu’ grandi del normale per avere piu’ spazio…forse sono delle strisce…

Placemats are two-sided: muslin on the bottom with my dear labels. And the other side is linen. I liked the simple and relaxing color-combination.

Le tovagliette sono double-face: cotone non trattato (mussola) con le mie etichette da una parte, e lino dall’altra. Mi piaceva scegliere una combinazione colore semplice e rilassante.

Getting cooking inspiration with La Cucina Italiana: the ultimate Italian food magazine which has been published for over thirty years.  Recipes are really mouth-watering… just need to find a cook ;o)

E intanto mi ispiro con le ricette della La cucina italiana…dov’e’ il cuoco?

Since I had extra linen I thought coasters would also be nice…so here they are.

E visto che avevo ancora del lino ho pensato di fare dei sottobicchieri.

A cultural curiosity: in Italy kitchen furniture is normally bought from scratch or the new owners reuse their previous one. Unlike in many other countries, kitchen furniture is never sold with the house. And it goes as far as having unfurnished kitchen in rental apartments! Another difference is that wooden kitchens are not the norm…so no repainting possible. Interesting, eh?

And in case you’re wondering it’s a Scavolini Scenery in a lacquered finish. Stool is Glenn from Ikea.

Una curiosita’: diversamente dall’Italia, negli Stati Uniti la casa viene venduta con la cucina. Non si compra quasi mai ex novo. Spesso le cucine sono in legno e al massimo si preferisce dipingerle e cambiare il top. Per molti sarebbe assurdo comprare una nuova cucina visto che poi non si puo’ trasferire in una nuova casa. Interessante, no?

Se siete curiose la cucina e’ la Scenery di Scavolini in bianco laccato. Lo sgabello e’ Glenn di Ikea.

Do you ever sew for your home?
E voi cucite mai accessori per la casa?

Finally here is the draped top I have been working on… I finished it three weeks ago but it took me longer than expected to take pictures and finally post them here.

I am following the Pattern Review format so I can cover all the info instead of blabbing away

Pattern Description:
Draped top with cap sleeves and V inset. Zipper at the center back

Pattern Sizing:
S-L I made a size M.

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Although the pattern doesn’t include instructions, I followed the Draped Top instructions Paco posted on his blog. I highly reccomend following the sequence he suggests because the result is much better. I didn’t when I made the muslin so I can tell. And remember to sew the bias binding before sewing the side seams…someone (shame on me!) forgot and had to patch it up.
The only part I struggled with has been the yoke. I couldn’t remember the best way to assemble it to avoid its bulging up…I kept on looking for ways to sew a V neck but eventually found the answer at Sewaholic (I am sure Paco would have kindly replied to my enquiries but I didn’t want to bother him for something so trivial…and admit to a pro like him how much I still have to learn)

As for the hem finishing, Paco and his haute couture tutorial came to the rescue. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I actually so the neat hemline.

The zipper top is not perfect…although I had used the technique for my flared skirt here I simply forgot…It’s a shame since I even found a color-matching zipper!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I have been wanting to make a draped top for a couple of years and this was just the perfect pattern. I love the original V inset.

The cut is very flattering at the side seams…not those boxy tops but a more feminine top.

I loved the challenge of sewing with silk. To be honest ironing it was a pain (you can see some imperfections), however the finished product feel on the skin is great.

Fabric Used:
Silk

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
Not much. I took the side seams in by 1/2 inch. I lenghtened the hemline. The pattern includes a 2 inch hem. I basically hemmed it for a total 1/2 inch.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Yes…as the warm weather comes round I hope to find more great silk to make another top. If you ever wanted to try sewing with “slippery fabrics” this pattern is a great starting point. Paco put together a tutorial for that.

A bonus is the pattern paper used in this pattern: it’s not the brown flimsy paper but sturdy paper which to me is much better.

Conclusion:
This is my first Paco Peralta pattern and I am really happy I waited for this top to be released before buying it with the Unique Jacket Pattern. It’s a simple yet unique top.

By the way: I have just noticed the draped top pattern is 50% off this weekend…have a look if you like. What a funny coincidence.

And now back to my Couture Dress muslin! I wish you a stress-free sewing weekend.

Le mie serate dopo il lavoro sono state dedicate alle prove del vestito per il corso di tecniche sartoriali su Craftsy.com…be’ non solo, ma diciamo che il vestito mi ha occupato abbastanza la mente!

Here is my current headache…sleeve fitting. Sorry for the poor pictures taken last night.

Le maniche mi stanno dando qualche grattacapo. Scusate per la qualita’ delle foto. Le ho fatte ieri sera.

They look and fit fine when my arm is down

Calzano bene quando ho il braccio giu’

But when I raise my arm they pull a bit. I even tried not to remove the additional fullness on the bodice and fit the sleeve as is. The result is not much better. Through Frabjous Couture I read a Threads article To Get the Right Armhole, Fit the Bodice and I am now thinking I should raise the armscye.

Quando alzo il braccio il vestito tira un po´. Ho provato a non togliere la stoffa in eccesso sulla spalla e usare la manica di base. Ma il risultato non e’ il top. Ho anche letto un articolo consigliato da Frabjous Couture: Per un giromanica perfetto, sistemare il corpino. Per questo sto pensando di diminuire il giromanica.

The funny thing is that I realised all the garments I have sewn so far where never dresses and never had woven sleeves! Now you know what I will be doing in the coming days…

La cosa divertente e’ che mi sono resa conto di non aver mai cucito vestiti a maniche lunghe con tessuti non elasticizzati.  Ora sapete cosa faro’ nei prossimi giorni..