Monthly Archives: July 2013

More odds and ends, and the center of controversy

More Google Reader followup

I have included some buttons along the right-hand side to subscribe to Line of Selvage through various blog readers.  I had included The Old Reader based on some reader feedback, but it seems The Old Reader is getting too many users and doesn’t want all the attention.  So, since they don’t want people to use their service, I’ve pulled the link.

Sewing for Men and Boys

One thing I forgot to mention in my first “odds and ends” post is that my copy of “Sewing for Men and Boys” arrived from Alibris.

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A new pattern from Vogue, and other odds and ends

It’s been a while since my last blog post!

My professional life has turned into a serious drama, and it basically has cut into my free time for sewing.  So, until my work situation clears up a bit, updates to this blog might be a little less regular than they normally are.

But, here’s a recap on things going on here at the Line of Selvage studio:

New Gadgets and Goodies

My new coverstitch machine has arrived from Ken’s Sewing Center.  This is a replacement Brother 2340CV for the one that arrived damaged from Amazon.  I didn’t want to risk getting another damaged/defective item from Amazon, and I’m no longer trustful of the way they ship large-ish machinery.

The good news is that the new machine seems to work fine; the bad news is I haven’t had much time to play with it other than do some test stitching.  More on this as it develops.

Also, after watching the new Craftsy class “Sew Better, Sew Faster” (see below) I’ve gone ahead and purchased the extension table accessory for my Brother PC-210 conventional machine.  I’m looking forward to using it on my next project.

PR Men’s Sewing Challenge

I’m going to try to enter the PatternReview Men’s Sewing Challenge, from August 1-15.  Two weeks isn’t a lot for me at the speed I complete projects, but I’m going to give it a try.

A week or so ago, I went shopping at the Fabric Outlet 40% Off sale and got a cut of denim-color chambray with a floral print that I thought would make a nice button-down shirt for the boyfriend. He likes the idea too.

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Jeans Part 10: The Finished Product!

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Finally, my jeans are complete!

You might recall these jeans were originally intended to be a muslin, for a followup made with sangria (or “hot strawberry”) denim.  Being made with stretch denim, and having never made the pattern before, I had no idea how well they would fit.

The answer: much better than I expected, and good enough that these jeans certainly earn the title “wearable muslin”.  In fact, aside from one or two fit issues, they can be considered “finished product”. Continue reading →

Jeans Part 9: Buttons and Rivets

Goodness, the Jeans project (well, my “muslin” at least) is almost complete!

Today we’ll look at getting the buttons and rivets installed.

Early on while making the jeans, I decided to skip the pattern instructions to bartack the pocket openings, in favor of rivets – to try to look more like the “famous maker” jeans we’re all familiar with.  Plus, installing the rivets is something new to learn.

Tutorials

I found some some excellent tutorials on the internet to help me install my rivets.

  • BrianSews! has a three-part YouTube video tutorial which shows how to install the rivets as well the “tack button” which closes the waistband.
  • TaylorTailor also has a nice rivets tutorial.  Be sure to check out the comments in this article for more tips and troubleshooting suggestions.  It’s worth noting Taylor runs a small supply shop from his website that sells supplies for jeans making, including professional-quality rivets.

Supplies

Based on the recommendation in the BrianSews video, I ordered a batch of copper rivets and matching tack buttons from Grommet Mart.

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Jeans Part 8: Belt Loops and Buttonholes

Administrivia

Before we get started: If you used the “Follow on Feedly” button (over there to the right) before today, please try it again.  The earlier version of the button would subscribe you to the comments, rather than the actual articles.  I caught that error and fixed it yesterday.

A Quick Fix

After finishing the waistband and hems, I threw the jeans in the washer.  Trying them on afterwards, I discovered the pocketing developed a hole – I didn’t close the pocket bags carefully enough, even going over them with both serger and conventional machine.

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This was easy to fix by re-stitching with some white thread on the conventional machine. Continue reading →