I was all planned out yesterday, sew the darts, press, interface, overlocking, zip in, sew sides etc. I started stitching the darts and got that horrible clunky noise, I thought it was because I'd gone into reverse and hit air.  Re-threaded,  same thing happened, took the bottom out, cleaned, good blow out, re-thread paying a lot of attention managed until the last dart and started clunking again. So now I'm thinking I need another machine, which I hate because I then have to remember exactly how each one works, which is not as daft as it sounds really, different threading and bottom bits.  After three or four complete re-threads I managed to get it done.

I finished up leaving when I'd got the overlocking done, I couldn't be bothered to fight to put the zip in.  Later when I was wondering whether I might have a serious problem and  it might be new machine time I was sort of wondering why it should happen when it is such flipping steady teddy other times.  Then I had a lightbulb moment.  Looking for the thread, if I don't get a match I don't bother as I use Gutermann Mara 120, but this time I'd found a match, but it was two reels of some old Coats that I'd bought that came with a job lot of Gutermann threads.

So is this the problem?  I have had it occasionally before, solved by re-theading and that was it, soldiered on as usual. 

I wasn't sure of this from getting the fabric, seemed a bit what I call blowsy to me, I tend to go more on the demure side. Not a brilliant picture, cat stuff has got in the way of my sewing room mirror.

https://www.sewessential.co.uk/misses-skirt-and-blouse-new-look-sewing-pattern-6107?gclid=CjwKCAjw1K75BRAEEiwAd41h1Ht0TBsCYKSMpXDtYHkN8UCIr29DE0ayybmFTW3wde75esqYdmw4kxoCoEsQAvD_BwE


The pattern had loops on for buttonholes, which I did and removed, I didn't like them and mine seemed too big.  Buttonholes are easier for me. The buttons I bought for a McCalls dress, which I didn't like so used them but had to buy more and  guessed the wrong ones so similar but odd if someone gets really close and has an eagle eye.  I actually look as if I have a waist, when it's smoothed down.  I thought it was going to be a wadder but I think I might make it again.  The skirt works well as well and both easy to make.  I used french seams where I could.  It doesn't show on the pattern, or maybe a size bigger would have been better, but it parts at the bottom but that is actually the bit I like best, it makes it just that bit different from being just a blouse.  It's only buttoned on the protruding placket as well bound to fall  apart
if not tucked in.

I made a skirt earlier this year with a remnant, Lady McElroy's Stripey Palms. It was that gorgeous I even made it longer  than I usually wear to get value on the pattern.

So I've decided to make dress in the same fabric but got a query.  Would it be better with seams at the front or darts to avoid spoiling the pattern?

I'm currently using the pattern I'd picked out on a plain fabric which has four darts at the front.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/808177251/fabric-lady-mcelroy-stripey-palms?gpla=1&gao=1&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_uk_en_gb_ds-c-Supplies-craft_supplies_and_tools-other&utm_custom1=cd5f7f25-89b8-4ec0-98f8-ce4a72319562&utm_content=go_6479444538_74547372381_380917264451_aud-371913912633:pla-295462056907_c__808177251engb&utm_custom2=6479444538&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3ZX4BRDmARIsAFYh7ZKOA_OpvvqsdRfjcPEbfQg_ALG1cQoHRDjkBjxIgfjl7B-IXgPx-GAaAvplEALw_wcB

Looking at @elisep's lovely jacket reminded my that I requested some fabric samples from Linton last time I had the urge to make one.  Last time I had a clean around I came upon them in a now tatty envelope.  There are quite a few, if they are any good to someone, I shall be happy to post out.   

He passed me some  trousers yesterday for a new zip, just like it was shortening trousers (easy).  I have never done one and don't really want to.  Anyway I've ordered a zip from Jaycotts (with a few other bits that I didn't really need but seemed a shame to waste good postage). 

One side looks easy but the other side looks complicated as it's all enclosed.  They are a cream trousers, old but he likes them because they are very light weight, good for summer.

Anybody got any tips, pictures?

He would flipping hate this, I  don't dress for him but for myself but even I would draw a line with this.  Yet it seems to be so fashionable, or is it, would probably hide a multitude of sins.

 

Cruising around and saw this:


https://www.bambersew.com/bernina-1008s-sewing-machine-813-p.asp

I don't dispute, it is a nice machine but this is more like daylight robbery.  I know they are no longer making them (so I've heard) but no need to take the mick.

I had  an email from Itch to Stitch last night, and money off so couldn't resist.

https://itch-to-stitch.com/product/cerro-alto-jacket-digital-sewing-pattern-pdf/

So this morning, a hunt for fabrics.  I've got two lots of gaberdine that would be suitable but not for this, I've got some quilted fabric which I fancy but I suspect it is more for internal lining as it is a bit shiny.  I did  consider buying and quilting but although the last project worked out fine, I didn't like the fabric in the end so it sits waiting for  toggles.

Then I came across this:

 


DH will love it but not sure if it the right thing for this type of jacket.  I've got some dusky pink twill that I've been sitting on but when I saw this, I got the itch.