Giveaway & Progress

It's only fitting that this giveaway will be the amazing MAGNIFIERS from FireMountainGems :))

First of all, several of you posted your wish for this- thank you to all who posted, and keep them coming, post your wishes for giveaway here.

Secondly, my pair- which I'm still wearing as I type- is now my best friend more than ever, guiding my tired eyes through the beading. I have also placed several additional pairs in my basket at FireMountain, so rest assured, you will have plenty of opportunity to win :))

This pair's drawing will be Friday, February 5th, so leave a comment on this post if you'd like to be included. All countries welcome :))

*And Nancy W asked a while back if you can wear your glasses with the magnifier:

Yes, absolutely!

Below are pictures of the progress. First up, the paper pattern is pinned on the shoulder and thread traced.

The shoulders traced. I changed the angle of the sides later, tracing another line, more like the chalk line you see in the picture.

Here's the outline beading, and also the two curved silver beads and some stones. It will be filled entirely with pearls and beads, but not until all the outlining is done.

I hope to get this done in time for New York, but that may well be wishful thinking... If I don't, then I'll bring it with me and sew the rest of the jacket by hand!! I'm running out of the octagon rhinestones I use for the outline, so I have to pick up another batch at Berger Beads today or tomorrow. Wish me luck :))

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And also, something I had been meaning to answer about my Etro-esque coat: Yes, I think someone could possibly wear it with black, or golden tones, but that someone is not me. It's due to the colors in the coat: Every single one of them is wrong on me, so black draws the attention to that fact in a bad way, and golden tones are another big no-no for my coloring, so that's like putting bad on bad... White is the only way I can pull it off, and believe me, I wish it wasn't so.

Heart Balmain Again!

A joyous moment was had by me just minutes ago: I tried the jacket on with the sleeves basted in and I LOVE it! If I can get all the beading done and still be as excited as I am now- with all the thread and loose ends etc, I'm going to wear the heck out of this jacket. And I'll wear it grunge style, with a long tee underneath, tight pants and clogs :))

The sleeves are cut on bias, and boy are they flattering. And comfortable. And slender :)) You can see in the picture I'm chalking the beading lines to see the right placement. The sleeves have yet to be machine stitched, which will be done only to the point of the beading. Then I will undo the underarm seam and the rest of the armhole, stabilize the beading area with hair canvas and get to work.

Below is a the lining fabric I ordered from Sawyer Brook, think its kinda cool with the unusual cross pattern, which will tie to the crosses on the front.

And keep posting your wishes for giveaway: I've already learned something new: Anne LO wants a Simflex expanding sewing gauge which looks awesome btw, I want it too :))

And yes, Lindsay T, I will try my best to get together with you when I'm in NYC, how fun!!!

Christina, your Kai's went out today :))

Kai giveaway

1. Janie said...

2. Dana said...

3. Bunny said...

4. Tamara said...

5. Cindy said...

6. Faye Lewis said...

7. Christina said...

8. Cisa said...

9. Sew4Fun said...

10. Lori said...

11. Digs said...

12. AllisonC said...

13. Brenda said...

14. Maricou said...

15. Jenny said...

16. Anne LO said...

17. Elaray said...

18. sharon said...

19. Lachlan said...

20. gwensews said...

21. The Slapdash Sewist said...

22. Daisy said...

23. okie2thfairy said...

24. Brooke said...

25. mjb said...

26. fittingtips said...

27. nlncmjd said...

28. Rose said...

29. Susan said...

30. Joyce in NC said...

31. Natalie said...

32. Ann's Fashion Studio said...

33. Mama Sewing said...

34. HeathersSphere said...

35. Me! said...

36. Kathi said...

37. jillnjosh said...

And the winner is Christina, Assorted Notions! Congratulations!

I am so happy to hear from so many new readers, and thank you everyone for your encouraging comments on the Balmain jacket.

I am going to NYC in February so I hope to have the jacket finished by then. There won't be any sewing going on during my stay of nearly 2 months, but maybe I'll write a few posts about the experience of MDQ on Broadway. If you happen to walk by the Nederlander Theater and have a camera ready, I'd love to see the outside- I heard the poster is already up :))

And there will be many more giveaways. It's a very selfish thing; I love them. It's wonderful to share with people who understand and appreciate the same things I do :)) I'd love to hear what's on top of your wish list. I'll do another Kai giveaway for sure, but what else would you just love to have?