More Mending and Alterations

I needed a break from pattern alterations, although I did get out this book and read through parts of it:

I like this book because it tackles complicated fitting issues on real bodies. Reading it is almost like drinking from a fire hose, but I need to remember that it is in my arsenal so I can refer to it. I’ve had the book for a couple of years but it makes more sense now that I’ve taken a class from Kenneth.

He does say that once you get a couple of basic pieces that fit well, you can add details to them to change the look of the garment. I’m still hoping to get over to Tacoma to take a day-long private class with Ryliss Bod at the Sewing and Design School this fall. I’d like to make up a couple of muslins ahead of time, then have her help me pin them out and transfer the changes to the patterns. That is going to be way more efficient and accurate than me trying to do it myself.

Also, DD#1 and DSIL are probably moving back to Washington state from Alaska in September, and I want to spend some time helping them get settled.

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The husband came home from work the other day annoyed that the button on a brand-new pair of work pants had pulled off.

I was equally annoyed. These are not inexpensive pants and this shouldn’t have happened. (That other button is for his suspenders.) I replaced the button yesterday afternoon:

I took a couple of scrap pieces of Cordura and burned the edges with a lighter so they wouldn’t fray, then sandwiched the fabric between them. The front piece of Cordura also has a piece of stiff Peltex interfacing behind it for added strength. I sewed on the patch using the Juki 1541 and set another button with my rivet press. Total time: About 20 minutes. I hope this holds. If nothing else, it looks good. 😇

One of the perks we give our employees—in addition to free eggs—is providing them use of the husband’s shop to work on their vehicles. (As he will point out if you ask him, he has a vested interest in them being able to get to work every day.) They can put their vehicles up on the lift and make use of all the tools. He only steps in to help if they get stuck; otherwise, he lets them figure it out for themselves. A couple of them were here this weekend. One of the guys who is working for us this summer just graduated from high school and is off to college in a few weeks. He “worked” for us about 10 years ago—he and his brother occasionally came to work with their dad, who was our employee at the time. The husband would keep the boys busy running and back and forth to the trucks to get tools. It’s been good having this kid back as an actual employee. He is very sharp and works hard.

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I am teaching my first sewing and embroidery Mastery class today. I’m flying a bit blind with this one only because I don’t know a) who is going to show up; b) what machines students are bringing; and c) what students are going to want to learn. I am taking all of my guides, samples, and supplies, and we’ll figure things out together if we have to.