Garden Path - Jacket - Part XXXXVI

One Label, One Insect, One Sleeve

That's been my mantra for the past two days. We have relatives visiting from out of town this week, so my time has been limited in the evenings and will be this weekend, too. I figure if I can set small, achievable goals, I will still see progress.

I have made up the labels (you know the end is near when you see the labels!!), They are printed on white silk dupioni using Bubble Jet Set and an inkjet printer. This is the one for the jacket:

I had to make smaller ones for the blouse and skirt mainly because the blouse is not lined so I can't stitch the label to the lining like I usually do. Only the neckband has a facing, so that's where the label has to go. I decided to do the same for the skirt. If I were more clever, and thought about it sooner, I could have designed a printed label to be sewn into a seam somewhere, but I'll save that idea for another garment. As it is, here is the little label for the blouse, it is clear in real life, not fuzzy!

I've also been stitching on the beaded insects, one per day. I've got them all pinned on and now have to attach them. I've also found out I need to make three more bees, but that's not a big deal, I can make those next week along with anything else I feel the garden will need. Just for a little eye candy, here's the butterfly stitched in place on the front:

Then there are the sleeves. Bascially, I've ripped out the lining sleeves, pulled the lining a little closer around the armscye, basted and trimmed off the excess. Then I stitched the lining sleeves back in place by hand. I'm happier with the result, but it was a bit time consuming to do.

Next week all I have to do is the sleeve hems and finish the embellishing! It is almost done!

Parting Shot: Bear. For my birthday my parents sent me a custom teddy bear from Vermont Teddy Bears. Notice that she has her own pin cushion, measuring tape headband and scissor embroidery on her collar. She has a place of honor in the sewing room, safe from children and cats (well, except probably Wellie!).