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‘New’ wool ensemble

purduemom | Posted in Photo Gallery on

I always enjoy reading about and seeing all the amazing projects everyone here has completed.  More than once I have searched Gatherings for technical advice and never come away without some new idea and a giggle or two.  Thanks to the urging of Ocrafty1, I figured I should post pics of my wool contest outfit. 13 years ago I entered our state fair wool contest for the first time.  Feeling good about my suit (I still have it and wear the skirt), I was immediately humbled as I looked around at the other contestant’s garments.  From that point, I was hooked on wool and decided it was time to take my sewing skills to the next level. I was allowed the privilege of representing our state in the national wool contest and am quite proud of my 2nd place finish.  While traveling to the national contest at the end of this month would have been a great experience, I am glad I can finally wear my outfit!!! 

http://picasaweb.google.com/triplejmom/Wool?feat=directlink

Replies

  1. jatman | | #1

    Wow!  Very nice.  I hope to be up to that level of skill some day...!

    Thank you for sharing!

    JT

  2. User avater
    ThreadKoe | | #2

    Oh, WOW! Superb workmanship, stylish, and all the little touches are just out of this world. Loved the choice of colour. Congrats, and a job well done. Yes, you should be proud. Cathy

  3. katina | | #3

    How absolutely beautiful - well done indeed. You should be immensely proud. And thanks for the inspiration

    Katina

  4. Ocrafty1 | | #4

    Hurray!!!!!   I am so thrilled that you put up your pix.  You did an absolutly wonderful job on this, and I know how hard you worked!  You deserved the honor.

    I'm gonna post the pix of the wedding gown I did this summer.  Threadco has finally convinced me...But I think you should print out the form and send it in to Threads Reader's Closet...I think it merits being in the magazine! How 'bout the rest of you.....think she should send it???!! 

    Deb

    1. User avater
      ThreadKoe | | #5

      I will second the motion! All in favour say Aye....I am glad you have decided to post in Readers Closet Ocrafty1. Cathy

      1. kbalinski | | #6

        Great coat! The fabric colors and pattern really suit the design...  and those buttons are awesome!

        Job well done!

        Kristine

    2. User avater
      purduemom | | #10

      I didn't even think about posting in the websites 'Readers Closet' section .  I usually head directly to Gatherings - still trying to get used to the new layout.  I know there used to be a section in the magazine, but I didn't think it was still part of the printed issue.  What form are you talking about and where is it located?

      Sue

      1. Ocrafty1 | | #14

        I did a search after Threadkoe suggested that I enter.  I went to this link, then linked to the entry form.  It is in PDF format, so should print out easily.  You really should enter your ensemble.  The pix are great quality.  The first link also has a link that has hints for taking pix and sending them.

        http://www.taunton.com/threads/pages/t00197.asp

        Deb

  5. User avater
    JunkQueen | | #7

    Most of the superlatives have been used, but they bear repeating. Your coat is outstanding. I love the details and the pattern/color choices. I hope you continue entering this and other competitions. Thanks for giving the rest of us inspiration. Well done.

  6. Josefly | | #8

    So many beautiful touches. I especially like the way you finished the inside waistband - nice to do those extra things that only you know about. Congratulations.

  7. GailAnn | | #9

    What an excellent job!  Gail

    1. User avater
      purduemom | | #11

      I can't figure out how to reply to All.  So, this goes to you GailAnn as well as all of the others who had such nice things to say to me.   When you enjoy doing something, the challenges and tiny details help fuel the fire.  This is so evident in all the creations posted here.  Kind words from such a talented group of peers are deeply appreciated. Thank you.  Sue

      Edited 1/16/2009 11:16 pm ET by purduemom

      1. joyfulneedles | | #12

        While I was looking at the pictures of your beautiful suit, I just kept saying 'Wow'.  I wasn't alone.  I, too, hope you post on the reader's closet web-site.  You have done a great job of choosing your fabric, great technic and a wonderful photo layout with equally great captions.  Have a great time at the contest.

        1. KharminJ | | #13

          Here's another set of "wow! Wow!! WOW!!!"

          ...And congratulations on being recognized for your effort and talent!Well Done! Kharmin

  8. sewelegant | | #15

    It is easy to see why the judges picked your suit for a winner.  It is beautiful.  I am especially intrigued by the inside work on your pants.  You didn't mention them as part of your suit, just a skirt, but I love the two fabrics together.  What did you make the skirt out of?  I think you should send it to Reader's Closet, especially with the history of the contest.

    1. User avater
      purduemom | | #16

      The skirt I mentioned was part of the very first wool suit I made and entered way back in 1997.  It is a classic, black wool flannel, knee-length pencil skirt that I paired with a royal blue jacket.  Several years ago, I decided it would be fun to add something 'unexpected' inside various garments as I made them.  Sometimes it's a favorite quote embroidered on a jacket facing, or contrasting piping/lining, maybe a little machine embroidery...a little 'secret' something that only I know is there!  Your mention of the 'history' of the contest got me thinking that I should pull out all those past entries and make a personal sewing history photo album.  Back in those years, our main focus was capturing our children's activities at the state fair. Thank you for triggering that idea!

      Sue

      1. GailAnn | | #17

        I LOVE your idea of a secret something inside the garment that only you know is there! 

        "Back in the day" I always used a bold lining, no matter how conservative the garment.  Why did I ever stop that, I wonder?  My favorite was a red "power suit" with red and white polka dot lining.

        Pure wool is the most wonderful, and satisfying fabric to sew with!  So many weaves, weights and colors, such diversity!  Even tropical weights for warmer weather, but I still don't find it suitable for over 90 degrees.

        Gail

        1. User avater
          purduemom | | #18

          Gail, I am in total agreement with you regarding wool.  I am totally loving the washable, organinc merino knit I bought this summer.  Feels soft like a cotton knit.  Absolutely wonderful!!!  As much as I think I would be happy to move somewhere with year-round warm weather, I know I would miss my wool!  And as if I don't have enough wool stockpiled in yardage form, I decided to give knitting a try.  Big mistake...yet another form of wool to hoard, at least skeins take up less room!  At least I am doing my part to keep the sheep industry flourishing!

          Sue

          1. GailAnn | | #19

            Miss Purduemom --  Just dig out your baby's old bassinette, have it refinished if necessary, fill it with yarn and place it in front of a (well curtained or light filtering) window.  That's what I did.  Now everyone THINKS I have a flair for decorating.  Gail

            Edited 1/25/2009 10:12 am ET by GailAnn

          2. User avater
            ThreadKoe | | #25

            GailAnn, you are BRILLIANT! You have just solved two problems for me! DH's father made a bassinet that is impossible to store, and I am overstocked with wonderful yarns! I have the perfect spot to store both in a corner in my living room, but was reluctant to do so. Now I can! Thank You! Cathy

          3. GailAnn | | #26

            Happy to help.  Gail

          4. Ceeayche | | #28

            Bravo! Bravo!

            Your suit is wonderful!  all the details. all flawlessly executed.  I was a feast for us yearning to ascend to your skill set!

  9. ElizaDolittle | | #20

    That is what I aspire to! You are so talented! I am so sloppy, but those pictures are the best incentive to learn how to do things right. I am so impressed. Love the coat, love the trousers.

  10. ljb2115 | | #21

    I served as a judge for the Adult division at the Indiana Make it Yourself With Wool contest, which was held during the Indiana State Fair.  This was a stunning ensemble, complete with her hand-crafted jewelry.  Purduemom has shown what can be fashioned with wool and be on the cutting edge.  No longer is the hard-tailored garment which could stand by itself in a corner a given.  Congratulations.

     

     

     

     

  11. Ocrafty1 | | #22

    OK...now we know that you make jewelry, too. Please put up some pix of what you selected to wear with the wool, so we can get the full effect.  What other talents are you hiding from us???? (giggle)

    Deb

  12. User avater
    rodezzy2 | | #23

    Very cute coat.  Love it.

  13. Lilith1951 | | #24

    Wow, I just got around to looking at your pictures and I'm in awe of your talent.  I have trouble with piping and would never have thought to add it where it wasn't called for.  It makes the inside and outside of your garments just so....so....perfect! I've been sewing for a long time (since 1965), but I have never reached the level of skill that you have.  Your work is exquisite.

  14. lynnewill | | #27

    Very impressive ensemble and inspirational.  I adore wool and am always singing its praises to my students.  I plan on sharing these photos with them this Friday.  You have incorporated so many of my favorite things....piping, bias, beautiful finishing touches.  Thanks for sharing these photos!

    Lynne

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