WIPs March 2021: Scrappy quilt, Phoenix Blouse, Black Beauty Bra
Welcome to WIP Roundup! Handicrafts are just as much about the process as the end result. The projects I work on can take anywhere from days to months to years before they are finished. In 2021, I’m writing a monthly series where I take a look at three WIPs and give a quick snapshot of how things are going.
For March 2021, I'll give an update on my scrap quilt (of course). And with the start of spring, longer days, and a hope that the world will return to normal this year, I've re-started garment sewing again — so I have two new projects to report on that front.
Improv Scrap Quilt
Still plugging away at this project!
I've started work on the back. Not sure exactly where this will go, but for now, I'm thinking a scrappy color gradient. The easiest (and most mindless) way to do this is in small chunks. So I'm finding a collection of color coordinated fabric and piecing together short strips. Similar to the blocks, when I have a critical mass, I'll play around with the layout and see where things go from there.
Hey June Handmade Phoenix Blouse
I have some delightful Danish cross stitch patterns and want to embroider something functional — perhaps a peasant blouse? I already own Hey June Handmade's Phoenix Blouse pattern, and that seems like a great candidate since it has both a front and back yoke perfect for embellishment.
In my ongoing saga with shirt fit, a common problem I have with tops is that the side seams often aren't straight up and down — they sit on a diagonal, swinging forward at the bottom. I made a few alterations to the Phoenix Blouse which seemed to solve the problem... but also created/highlighted others. Fitting is such a journey and it's hard not to feel discouraged. But after some time and distance, I feel like I have another path forward, so I'm ready for muslin #2.
But first, muslin #1 — it's made entirely out of smaller scraps. I didn't have a scrap large enough for the front piece (which is cut on the fold), so it's actually pieced together from 5 smaller pieces of fabric. I'm super excited about the idea of scrappy muslins! Worst case: it doesn't work out (but I'm not using any new fabric). Best case: it fits, and I have a unique patchwork garment to wear.
Emerald Erin Black Beauty Bra
Back in 2019, I got a Black Beauty Bra kit... and I'm finally putting it to use! Unfortunately, my color choice was atrocious — definitely has Disney princesses vibes. But hey, a first attempt at a bra pattern is most likely not going to work out, so terrible color combos are the perfect choice for a muslin.
The assembly went so much more better this time than any of my past attempts at sewing with lace and duoplex. No skipped stitches! 🙌 It seems to fit reasonably well (maybe some adjustments needed with the upper cup and a re-do of the FOE along the top edge), but since there are no foam cups to provide structure, it's hard to access the fit without underwires... and the ones I ordered are too small. So next up is to get those underwires and reassess.
