Curved Seam Skirt: Almost Complete

The curved seam skirt is almost complete. I decided to use a cotton polka dot jacquard fabric, one of my "I'm buying it because I love it" purchases that I had on hand. The fabric is wonderful --- it has a substantial weight and the design is really fun. However, in hindsight, I think this skirt design would have been more attractive with a solid fabric. Or, perhaps some contrast piping along the curved seams would have helped to make those beautiful lines stand out. I really like the design and fit of this skirt, so I think a solid one --- perhaps in wool crepe --- will be in my future!



I lined the skirt with rayon Bemberg lining and inserted an invisible zipper. The waist treatment is interesting, as there is no waistband or facing, but the fit is perfect. Here is a photo of the understitching I did along the waist.



I made mitered corners for the hem vents to create a clean finish before stitching the lining in place.



All I have left to do is sew the lining along the zipper and then it will be complete!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The turkey is brining, the yams have been roasted and the veggies have been diced. We're having a simple Thanksgiving meal this year, but we have a lot to be thankful for. Have a wonderful holiday!

NYT: Balenciaga in NY

For Balenciaga fans, there's a new exhibition opening in NY this week. Called "Balenciaga: Spanish Master", the exhibition will be at the Queen Sofia Spanish Institute on Park Avenue. Even more exciting is that there are plans for a larger show at the DeYoung Museum in San Francisco in the spring!

Image from here.

Image from here.

Image from here.

Thai Silks is Having a Sale!

One of my favorite resources for silk fabrics, Thai Silks, is having a pre-holiday sale -- 25 percent off all non-sale fabrics! Even if you can't visit, they have a great on-line store and swatching service. I like to purchase their silk dupioni, silk charmeuse and silk/cotton blend fabrics (especially the silk/cotton batiste, which is great as a lightweight lining). They also have wonderful silk organza in a variety of colors, which is perfect for underlining jackets and coats. Great quality and the service is always top-notch. Here are a couple of things I've made using their fabrics.

Parka: Silk/cotton blend (main), silk dupioni (trim)



Silk Wrap Coat: Silk dupioni (main), silk organza (underlining), silk/cotton batiste (lining)

The Sewist's Version of "I Have Nothing to Wear"

I have nothing in my stash ... for the two projects I have been planning to make for the last couple of weeks. Despite numerous folds of untouched fabrics stacked in my bins, I don't seem to have the "right" fabric for that beautiful Curved Seam Skirt and coat. To make matters even more challenging, I had a spontaneous shopping moment recently and bought these two fabulous fabrics at EOM --- both of which will not work for the two projects that are top of mind right now. What was I thinking?!





I know what I was thinking. I fell in love with that plaid and those little polka dots --- and before I knew it, I ended up with two more folds of fabric that will join the others in my bins. As full disclosure, while I completed the online purchase, I convinced myself that the polka dots would be perfect for the skirt and the plaid would make a stunning coat. Yeah right. The polka dots would make a cute skirt with simple lines and the plaid would be great for a dress. Well, I may need to review and revise my sewing plan, yet again!

Happy Ninth Anniversary

Today is our ninth wedding anniversary. I can't believe how quickly the years have passed. I still remember our wedding day --- sunny and unseasonably warm for November. Just the week before, we had a rain storm, which completely stressed me out. I was on the phone all week with the wedding planners trying to assess contingency plans in case of rain. Luckily for us, our day was perfect, and it seems that every year since, on our anniversary, the weather turns out to be just beautiful. Today was no exception!

Calling All Knitters: Introducing My New Blog

After years of designing hand knits for various magazines, I've decided to branch out ... take the plunge ... stretch myself ... go for it ... by venturing into the world of self-publishing my knit patterns. It has been quite a learning experience. I've had to be a web designer, graphic artist, writer, business person, and, oh yes, knitwear designer --- all rolled into one!

I eventually launched a new blog, Jean Kaori Knits, which is focused on my knit projects. Take a look if you have an interest.

Here are two of my first Jean Kaori designs, both of which can be found on my new blog and on Ravelry.

The Chinchilla



The Pleated Zip Capelet



I'm keeping this blog for all of my sewing projects, so I'll still be sharing all of my Burda projects!