Musings and another green top

I was hoping by now to show you my finished corduroy jeans. All they need is a button and button hole. I sorted out a button but then it all went caput. Well I have had a set back. To be honest it's not a new problem. When I try to sew my buttonholes my Janome just knots up. I previously just swapped to my very old Brother and did manual buttonholes but they are not as neat and in this case I think the fabric is too thick for my Brother to manage as well so it's really time I got round to fixing my machine.

The next issue is the reason this problem exists is I am unable to get a screwdriver into the gap to take off the foot plate. So I have always backed out because the machine sews straight stitch and zig zag fine. But it's getting worse and it's such a cop out because it's probably just a build up of lint/felt and in need of oiling. I also noticed the bobbin is sticking now and the whole bobbin race and unit rocks in situ so I really need to stop the sewing and do some basic maintenance. So that's what I intend to do. It might mean not actually sewing for a week or so but this poor machine has been worked hard for years and I need to just fix it. I contacted my mate who says he can lend me a socket with a screw driver so I can access the screws so that's what I am waiting on. 

In the meantime I did manage to use the fabric craps from my polo neck top to make this green puffed sleeved raglan. Its mostly overlocked with just the hem twin needle stitched and yes my Brother needs fixing because it did not like doing this hem either. 

I do like this pattern so its one I have made before a few times meaning its safe but not treally a challenge - or only in that my machine is not sewing well anyway. Its a very pretty basic raglan with just a small puffed sleeve to give it a bit of something and make it a pretty top. It also needs less than 1m of fabric so is an ideal make from offcuts. And its easy to wear. I am currently even considering this pattern as a PJ top pattern but I have not decided as yet. But it is comfy and pretty. 

Anyway more on that if it actually ever happens.

In the meantime I think maybe I shall stick a few patterns together and do some bulk cutting out. I haven't cut a big pile for about a year but I do like to have loads if garments I can just get on with sewing so that's my plans for this week. Its good to have lots cut out because it means you can just pick something up and sew when you have time and it doesn't really get in the way of any bigger projects but means you can do something fast when there is little available time.

Really sometimes I wonder if I will ever in my entire life have time to sew even a quarter of what I have on my list. And it seems to grow weekly!

I am currently exploring the concept of wide circle skirt pixie coats. I had though of crocheting one but there is the fact I am rubbish at crochet. And it seems the best patterns are for tunisian crochet which i know a bit about but have never attempted. This will impede me !

I have no idea how long such a project will take me but there is the option to sew something similar based on the amazing Catwise coats that I have had in my Pinterest for at least 10 years. I think if I used either French terry or even regular boring sweatshirting this could turn out to be a lovely summer coat. Well if you can't sew then you may as well plan for the future projects.

So that's where I am at right now. 

The trousers were made a while back and I do not wear them often I have to admit, because they are not at all work worthy and are just for fun and only really worth wearing when I am feeling confident because they do get attention. Thats fine when you want it but if I have one of those days where you want to just become invisible to everyone its not a good look. Today must be an outgoing day because I have enjoyed them. But then I am not at work today.

I also have a knitted baby Clanger to construct. I have knitted all the bits now and need to sew her together. That's looking quite complicated as well. I read through the construction last night and it's not easy but hopefully now I have spent over a month knitting it I can figure this one out. 

Have a lovely weekend,

Bracken