Wednesday, September 17, 2014

A giveaway, because my son knows how to tell it like it is


But first, let's take a look at my latest woven tee:




It's the top from Simplicity 1366 (again), but this time made from one of my treasured silk scarves. The fabric was produced by the Ban Napho Weaving Group in Thailand. I cannot say enough good things about their beautiful work. I felt okay about cutting into the scarf only because I still have a second scarf from them, in even more luscious colors, and because the top took practically every inch of the fabric. It is underlined in black habotai for a little extra strength and stability. This top ranks right up there among my favorite makes ever.




This photo is closest to the actual color of the fabric, though it doesn't show the beautiful sheen very well.


So, on to the giveaway.




Several years ago I bought 3 1/4 yards of silk chiffon from Mood Fabrics. My plan was to use it for Butterick 4978, but since that dress pattern is cut on the bias, the chiffon, with its lined-up rows and columns of cherries, was not going to work. It has been sitting in my stash ever since, and every once in a while I pull it out and try to get myself to do something with it. I thought maybe I could picture something like a longish six-gore skirt with black silk lining.


Butterick 4978: flowers, not cherries

Partly because I'm dubious about wearing this particular print, though, and partly because I have found working with chiffon to be a royal pain in the past, I always put it back on the shelf. A few days ago I had it out on the table when my teenage son came into the sewing room. Though his thing is computer programming and robotics, he also has a strong artistic streak. In a kind but matter-of-fact tone, he said: Mom. Whatever you make out of that, it's not going to look right on you.

Yikes! But I think he was right. And now I am ready to let it go. If anyone thinks they can use this fabric, I will happily send it off to them, any place in the world. It will be worth it to me to get it out of my stash and into the stash of someone who can appreciate it. You can let me know in a comment or email me at pfarr at comcast dot net if you are interested.


Silk chiffon with cherries on a black background, sheer and lightweight, 56 inches wide.



A smorgasbord of notes today because I haven't posted for a while (yes, it's a Swedish word, but close enough for my purposes):

Watching: Borgen is a surprisingly enthralling Danish political drama series on TV about a woman politician. It's hard to find in the U.S. (we ordered the DVDs from Amazon), but certainly worth watching if you have the opportunity.

Reading: The Uncommon Reader, by Alan Bennett, is a short funny delight of a book that involves the Queen of England and the pleasures of reading.

Eating: Delicata squash! It's dense, rich, delicious, and easy to prepare. Cut into half-moon shapes and roast with some olive oil and salt; no need to peel. I can't provide my own picture here because we keep eating it before I remember to get a photo.


15 comments:

  1. Gorgeous top, and a an efficient use of beautiful luxe fabric. And we are watching Borgen too! such a brilliant show. I wouldn't have predicted politics could provide such dramatic and gripping subject material!

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    1. Thanks for your comment, Carolyn. I'm glad to know you're enjoying Borgen, too!

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  2. Your top is so beautiful (and looks comfortable to wear too!). I must check out this TV show, my husband is part-Danish and I'm sure would absolutely love it.

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    1. Thanks, Carrie. Maybe you'll have some time to watch TV shows, now that your wedding planning is done. Congratulations again!

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  3. That's a pretty top and fabric! Too bad that you didn't take a picture of you wearing it, I am sure you look great :)
    Enjoy your watching, reading and eating. Also, thanks for hosting a giveaway, the fabric will be great for breezy summer top :)

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    1. Thank you, Hana; it's nice to hear from you. Do you mean that you would like to have the fabric? If so, email me your address (pfarr at comcast dot net), and I'll send it off to Macau.

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  4. From the mouths of babes! I have a 13-year-old with the same take on things. That fabric's not for me, either, but what great idea moving your stash on to a better place. A lot of the 50s Pin-up vintage sewing girls like cherry fabrics. If you don't have takers I can give you the names of some of those blogs.

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    1. Yes, Julie! Thanks for your comment. And you're right, vintage-loving sewists might be more likely to go for the cherries. Do give me some names when you have a chance, or just send them my way.

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  5. I love your scarf top, it's such a wonderful link to your travels and just perfect.
    I have far too much silk chiffon in my stash - you can never have too many scarves? right? And my boys are still of an age where anything new is "you look beautiful mummy", but I do look forward to the stages ahead when they get there ;)

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    1. Thanks for the compliment, MaciNic! It is so interesting to share one's home with growing boys, isn't it?

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  6. Hmm...I don't know if my other comment will be posted or not...but here it goes again :)

    I love the fabric so if it hasn't been spoken for I will throw my hat into the ring. That top is gorgeous! I imagine you will wear that often, which is the best part about sewing, making something you adore! Thanks for the giveaway!

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    1. Yay, someone wants it! I'm out of town for a few days but will get it to you next week. Shall I drop it off at the store for you, or will something else work better? And thanks, Maggie, for the compliment on the top.

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    2. Well...I have sold the cheese shop. I am drafting a post right now to announce it on my blog, which is *really* tough to write. Why don't you email me at mrgens at mac dot com when you get back into town and we will figure something out :) Maybe we can meet up for coffee?

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    3. Oh!! That's a big change. I'd love to meet you for coffee--will email when I'm back home.

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  7. Hi Patricia I have something to ask you and was wondering if you could email me on sstoneyatmacdotcom (sstoney@mac.com)? Thanks, Sue

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