Quadruple Vintage Pattern Giveaway!

I missed my 100th post so am going all out for #110.  Help me celebrate by entering to win one of four vintage sewing patterns.  This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada (sorry everyone else).

To enter leave a comment saying which pattern you'd like, before April 7th.  You don't need to follow my blog to enter.  If you do follow my blog or mention this giveaway on your blog you'll be entered twice (please leave a comment so I know).

Simplicity 1942, size 20.5 B39 wrap dress.

A 1940s wrap dress with gathered waist and shoulders, and triple darted 3/4 sleeves.  The pattern pieces are printed and include the pocket embroidery transfer shown in the lower right corner.

Simplicity 8140, sz 14 B36 "step-in" dress ©1969

This fun double breasted dress has a bias collar and midriff.  I'd love to see this dress sewn up!

Vogue 9029, sz 12 B34 

"Loose-fitting dress or tunic has shaped partially standing side buttoned collar and buttoned side front inset band."

This dress is missing the instructions, maybe a brave sewist is willing to take on the challenge?

Butterick 3709, 14-16-18 (37.5-41.5" finished bust)

Lastly, an 80s wrap blouse for 30% stretch knits, in factory folds.  This could work with a woven with a few adjustments.  I especially like the sleeveless version.

Thank you for reading, and thank you for entering!

Job Offer

Waiting for the bus yesterday I saw a woman from the local utility connecting the electric and gas for a new business.  She had a great big wrench and put her leg against the wall for leverage to tighten a fitting.  We started talking about tools and the even larger wrenches she has.  Then she said, "you should come work for me."  In my head I said Absolutely! while knowing it's impossible.

I've had three or four experiences recently of realizing a job would suit me well, then I stopped myself.  I haven't been able to work for years, and then only part time from home.  Maybe there is something in my future, a reason for these thoughts.  At least they don't make me sad anymore.  I would love my body to heal but have no faith that this will happen.  If I could just have enough energy for daily life plus a little extra for fun that would be amazing!

Almost Sewing

I did get some jumper fitting done (yay!) and think I've nailed the problems.  Except that I was all set up to resew the bust dart, removed the pins, and the machine jammed.  Then the bobbin was out of thread.  So by the time I basted it by hand the seam came out wrong.  At that point I was done for the day.

Maybe tomorrow I can pin myself into the beast (I really should put a zip up the center!) and pin the dart correctly.  It's looking good, the parts I can see, so hopefully it's even better in photos :)   Meanwhile I'm in pain so spending the evening in with the cute Ella cat.

ETA: I just realized that this is my 108th post!  I'd like to do a pattern giveaway to thank my readers.  Please let me know if there's a type of pattern you'd prefer (vintage, dresses, men's, etc).  I have some 41" bust Mail Order 1950s patterns if anyone likes them.

Android 2.2 Wifi and Bluetooth Issue

We interrupt this crafty blog for boring software crap.

My phone's speaker broke.  I sent it to the manufacturer and the speaker was replaced along with a factory reset and 2.2 upgrade.  Now the Wifi and Bluetooth features won't work!  It says it's turning on Bluetooth but never does.  Wifi has an error message when it tries to connect and does nothing when I push Add Wi-Fi network.  Apparently this is a known issue but there's not app or whatever to fix it that I can find.  It worked fine before the upgrade.

I thought I'd throw this out there, in case anyone has some software knowledge.  Next step is harassing Google and calling the idiots at Samsung technical help.  Oh boy.

Update 3/27/11: Went to the AT&T store and they gave me a new phone :)  Now my problems are solved and I'm back to liking the phone.  Still need Captivate Keep Alive app.

Jumper Fitting 2

Since yesterday's jumper fitting I pinned some adjustments to the mockup and took more photos.  The main changes were adjusting the back torso for excess length and reading the wrinkles.

Yesterday

Today

The initial fit on left, today's fit on right.

The back darts need to be closer to the center, especially below the waist, so they point to the fullest area.  The left dart is further from the center and creates more drag lines.  (I really slapped this mockup together and it shows).

I like how the armhole hits at the shoulder line on right and am planning to gently scoop out the back neckline. 

I'm pretty happy with the fit above the waist, at least in this stiff fabric.  There's enough room to move but it doesn't look baggy.

Diagonal drag line :/

I don't know what to make of the diagonal drag line below the waist.  Maybe it's a symptom of the other problems. 

The front still has some problems as well, but nothing major.  Resewing the side seams from upper hip to armhole, with the fabric evenly distributed, should get rid of the drag lines from dart to side seams.  I think.

The hip adjustment has been pinned but not sewn.

Now to: adjust the back darts and side seams and check the fit.  Also rotate one bust dart so it's horizontal, leaving the other side as a control.  

I'll try the jumper on with a blouse to see how the armhole fits.  My initial idea was for the dress to be wearable on its own or with a top, then realized that sleeveless velveteen rarely makes sense ;)