Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Ren Faire Costume - Easy Puffy Shirt? Hah!


So remember the other day when I said the shirt would go fast because it's easy? Yeah, about that. Well …

… it is simple but it's also fiddly and has stupid instructions, skinny ties to turn, and lots of gathering. Which means it's taking longer than I thought it would. (Don't you hate that?) Plus I had to redo the collar stand because using self-fabric as interfacing was useless and it just did not want to cooperate. Or maybe I was just too impatient the first time. I plead the Fifth. But look at the fabric shreds at the bottom of the pic to see what a PITA this fabric is.I suppose technically it's my fault for buying cheap Joann's linen.

After dinner tonight, I pulled out Ye Olde Fusibleth, recut the stand pieces, picked the lace out of the first version, and had another go at it. Much better. And that's where I quit for today.

The sleeves have yet more gathering top and bottom, lace, and a buttoned cuff.I will have to pay attention for those too, darn it.

ETA: I don't know how I forgot to complain about this during the first edit, but my freakin' iron died today. No warning signs. It just won't power up and get hot. Yes, I tried different outlets. It's the iron. So I've had to use a back-up iron and I hate it. It's brand new (bought for the Marine who promptly left it behind) and it leaks water like nobody's business. Right out of the hole you add water to. It actually splashes out when you stand it back upright. What a piece of crap. Which means it's actually a good thing my son left it here. Well, good for him. So, it's either Walmart or Target for a non-Rowenta or Joann's for another over-priced Rowenta. I don't want to have to deal with this right now, but I definitely miss the weight of my Rowenta compared to the back-up and I'm ready to throw the back-up out the window.

15 comments:

  1. that shirt would make me nuts. ;)

    Do you have Tuesday Morning there? I bought a good heavy iron there for a decent price last year, and I still like it. I always find good deals on stuff like that. I bought a huge table sized cutting mat there, too, last year for $17. yep. $17. that's right!
    Sorry about your iron.

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  2. we just had to replace our iron, and TARGET has the cheapest Rowenta's. It was at least 20 dollars cheaper than Jo Anns for the same model. My hubs irons way more than I do, I limit my ironing mostly to sewing construction, and he irons every week. good luck with the shirt, I hate when costumes seem to require more than they should.. I'm currently working on tutu and its time intensive before you even actually start attaching the pieces.

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  3. I bought a new Rowenta at Costco. Best price around. I've been using two week and am cautiously optimist that we are forming a real relationship. It is spitting and I am not swearing.

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  4. I meant the iron is NOT spitting. Now I am swearing at my editing skills.

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  5. Sorry about the iron but the shirt is shaping up very nicely. I'm very impressed that you're using linen; I'd have used an old bedsheet probably. Can't wait to see the finished costume!

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  6. Target carries Rowenta irons now.

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  7. I'm impressed you kept going! I probably would have needed a day off to cool down. :)

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  8. I'm loving the shirt. Like others, I can't wait to see everything together!

    What's your favorite iron? I'm in the market for a new one and would love your opinion!

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  9. I got tired of replacing irons so a little more than a year ago my husband purchased a Reliable i300 ironing system from Allbrands for me. Here is the link to what we bought: http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp12340-0675.html

    As you can see, I have the vacuum board too, but one can buy just the i300 iron. Here is a link to all the Reliable products: http://www.allbrands.com/products/abc0675.html

    I love it and I believe Claire Kennedy http://clairekennedydesign.typepad.com/the_atelier_of_claire_ken/ uses this iron also.

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  10. I think the shirt looks great! I hate ravel-y bits though. Do you have Tuesday Morning near you? I always see Rowenta's at TM for a discount. Sort of like a mini-TJ Maxx or Marshalls.

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  11. Reko is going to be SO stylin'; you better watch out 'cause you'll have ren faire playtrons knocking down your door!
    Also I feel your pain re: irons. I had my second rowenta die a few months ago, but replaced it this time with a reliable V100, which is doing me pretty right so far. I saw a refurbished rowenta dz9080 (the one I've had 2 of die on me) at a local big lots for $50, tho, and seriously thought about it.

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  12. My primary iron until about 3 years ago was a pink early 1960s garage sale find that has been with me since 1974. My boys bought me a Rowenta 3 years ago, and it's almost as heavy as my pink iron, so I use it. They are thrilled that they found it for me. I'm pleased that at least it's heavy. Good luck with the iron woes.

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  13. You know, even tho Joann's coupons say they don't apply to irons, a few weeks ago I went online and ordered a Reliable Velocity iron from them, and they took my 50% off coupon, no problem.

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  14. @sewsister - I'm probably no help. I chose my Rowenta because (1) it has an extra long cord and (2) it has a stainless steel sole plate. The auto-off doesn't bother me as it does other sewers because it heats up very quickly so I'm not really waiting on it much. I also love the weight of it. Too light of an iron and you are doing more work than necessary to press. Other than that, it's got all the usual iron-y features.

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  15. Thanks for your reply Debbie & others, I ordered the Reliable V100, it should arrive this week and will post a review on PR after I've had it awhile, can't wait!

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Thank you for each and every comment. I appreciate them all, but I have to be honest and let you know that I'm usually bad about answering questions. I hope you understand that there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.

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