Fitting and sewing (already blogged)
Wrap-a-mouse torso model was a really good learning experience. Even though my sewn sample turned out slightly too tight, it has really clarified thinking about my own shape, where and how much I differ from the standard mannequin.
I used a lot of what I learned when having another go at a shell top. The starting point was Simplicity K8849, suitable say for a presentation followed by canapés. The prototype was short sleeved and in damaged fabric. After adding ease to the sleeves as well as reshaping, I achieved a reasonable fit in sheeting weight. A short test wear was OK doing late evening household tasks.
A long sleeved K8849 descendant wasn't quite as straightforward as I'd hoped. The drapier mystery fabric was less forgiving of my lumps and bumps and asymmetry. After moving the back neck darts, the other tweaks were ⅛" here, ¼" there. On September 2nd, after a daytime test wear, I declared it a wearable toile. Then wore it to an evening event, sitting still for a couple of hours. Ah, it feels slightly tight when spine curves, but hooray no red marks. I've already added ⅛" to the flat pattern, to let me tie shoelaces for instance, and will probably steal from seam allowances at underarm for comfort.
Knitting:
Another hat for a homeless man done. A member of our group was given some cream chunky yarn, much more than she planned to use. Some of our group chose to knit something warm to donate. I calculated 58sts on 9mm needles, so will increase to 64sts, do the usual two
short rows to keep ears and neck warm. Ribbed on 8mm needles. The first just needs sewing up. Crown done on a second hat and am part way down the stand. I don't have dpns or circulars for this weight yarn, and rarely choose to carry straights, so this isn't a take-with-me project.
Repairs and rejigs.
I've been working on the Hermia cardi adjustments during the summer brass band concerts. The project has been sitting in a bag in between times. Button band reknitted by September 2nd, though still have to resew buttons on, and sew in ends.
Refitted new-to-me batwing top, Swiss cheese print viscose. Added shoulder darts and eased front to match. Shortened sleeves just above friction point at elbow crease, which also fixed the 'too tight' problem which I suspect is why it got donated. I may remove the tie at a later date, because it emphasises my tum. Unfortunately, the weather changed mid month, and I only wore it once.
Replaced button on DH's cream trousers
For longevity, stitched in serger tails on newly acquired cloth shopping bag.
Household:
We had a professional in to do some household maintenance. After that I touched up paintwork in some of the other rooms. We continue to slowly declutter.
Chose not to do:
Didn't discard too-small favourite trousers. A side effect of new meds is that I'm enjoying slightly smaller helpings. Scales and tape measure don't show much change, however the storage areas are getting squishier.
New arrivals:
Two posh bras, a size bigger.
Discards
Too small me-made bras. The posh ones are more breathable than retail chain ones, so I'm now happy to let the ones with cotton bands go.
