A blog to read by Gentleman Jim

Gentleman Jim

My skirt and Pants weekend

This is my Ankara skirt that I made earlier this month. I went out for a surprise weekend and it felt great to be in the sun on a gorgeous day. I also made the pants from Burda Pattern.

The pants:

Sure it Fits

Yes, yes, yes. Well, all my years of sewing I've never had a slipper actually fit my chest area. Well today, I finished making the bodice of my Sure Fit Designs and it's a hit. I just need to bring the front dart back a little as it's not suppose to be right at the apex. it's suppose to be 1 to ½ inches from the apex. But hey, that is not a problem. I can do that. The arms were excellent. I had to try to get a few measurements myself so I was off a few. The sleeves were at least 1" too short. the dart on the sleeve looks like it could do down a bit toward my elbow more. Otherwise, I have no complaints. It fits. It fits so well I could put buttons on it and lower the sleeves and fix the dart and hey, it's better then the craftsy class, just saying. This one did not frustrate me at all. Just took it slow. Did a little at a time. Listen to the DVDs before proceeding and it came together for me. With doing this yourself, you know where to fix what. If it was done by someone else you would not understand it. Doing is learning for me. Now also to work on easing in that shoulder caps. don't like those.

Sure Fits Designs

Measure, Mark, Make

Well today, had a good day in that I got to finish all the measurements for the Sure Fitss design patterns. It really is nice and easy. I didn't get board. Will take it slow so it sinks in. It's amazing how much you can do with this one pattern. Tomorrow I will cut out the fabric and possibly start sewing up my Body Blueprint. Next I cut out an amazing skirt Pattern Simplicity 1166. This will rock out great in my Love4Ankara Fabric. Washed and iron and cut out. Ready to be sewn up:)

Sure Fit Designs

Got my Sure Fit Designs and took my measurements. Bought the special fabric to make a tester of the bodice. Joanns had a good sale today and will the rest of the week at 50% off. Bought a lot of thread now .. I need more hooks to hold the thread.. :( any way. Ray bought me a lamp for the ironing area. Got some great fabric, Ankara from Love4Ankara and it's the original wax print from Holland. If you don't know about Ankara fabrics read some about it here. and The Origin of Ankara Beautiful fabrics, just beautiful. Looking forward to sewing it up this week. Namaste.

Box Pleated Skirt

Burda Style

Made two pairs of comfy casual pants. The first ones I had a time with the pleats because I was not paying attention but the second pair, were the lucky charm. I love them I'm highlighting how to use a pressing board in areas that are hard to press. Like the top of the seam on a waistband. the points on a pointed accent piece. All in all it's a great pattern I highly recommend.. Fabric from Lorrains in Pawtucket, Rhoad Island.

Pleats it is

I wanted to make another Ankara print skirt so, I found a store in Pawtucket Rhoad Island of which I was directed to called Lorraines. Nice store but please note: GO UP STAIRS. There is more fabric to behold and great prices. Everyone is 2.99 and its mostly cottons. they do have some Ankara fashion prints same as online but, thing is, you don't have to buy 6 yards of the fabric. I cam away with at least 4 outfits to wear. I have to meet my goal of wearing more dresses this summer and being more comfortable in my own skin.. Dressing does that for you also. I also finished up a pair of custom Scrundies, as they call them, and they will be heading for Singapore. Yes, you read that right Singapore. As soon as she has her funds, we will do the transaction. She wanted the rainbow with turquoise lace and her order was fulfilled. Learn more about making the pleases fit my measurement after installing them and pulling them out twice, but finally, it came together. So here is my new skirt, and Scrundies for a customer.

Petticoat britches

Do you remember Petticoat Junction and Beverly Hillbillies when they talked about their petticoats. Well that was the stuff they were under those big dresses. They were more comfortable then because they were bigger. More air circulation if you ask me.. :) Well, this new pattern I have been working on and enjoying is called Boxers. But you call them what you want and i'll know what you are talking about. I made two more. Both Large and both different. One with Lower waist and band and one with longer legs and bands. Hope the bands are more comfortable. What I'm learning is it's good to do different kinds and see which one is optimal.. So here we go.. More Lady Boxers.. Bloomers...

For my sick Neighbor

Made these for my sick neighbor to cheer her. Glad to hear she liked them. Briefs:)

Know your needles

Stretch needles

Boxers or Brief

Well Michael Jordan made it famous and now I get to ask. Boxers or Briefs... but... for the ladies. I can make boxers for ladies and briefs. What I like about the Boxers, I swear there was another name for them back in the day and if you know what that was please do tell me. But I got the pattern this evening April 6 and had to sew them up. They are very comfortable. I mainly like them for when I wear a dress and in the summer your thighs get hot. This will fix that whole, I don't want to wear a dress or do I have to put on a dress??>. No excuse now. Except, I need more dresses.. :) Always something. Well here are my new Lady Boxers, I put lace on the legs and the waist band so, you know, we can tell who's is whose? lol I may even start a club. Get something once a month. with a subscription so you can get your briefs on.

Loving these

Fantastic stretch soft lace on waist band. Fold Over elastic on legs for comfort. Supurb knits body and Bambo cotton lining. All hand cut and hand made by SACHE!!!!!!

If you would like to see and feel the difference custom made panties feel, please leave me a note. You can have elastic waist band, regular knit bands or lace bands. I make it your way.. and with spirit.

Custom Order

Did you say, you want what? what size,? what color? yes, I can do that. Sure you can have them by Sunday.. Thank you very much.. And here is my first pair custom order::)

Felt good making this. I know she will be very happy and surprised to see that custom made is great. Happy Easter.