Saturday, August 24, 2013

Fall Capsule Collection: How I've Been Planning

So, you know what I'm planning to finish and make anew, this autumn. At the risk of fancying things up, I decided I had to give it a name. I mean, how will I title things, categorically, without a name?

I've done my best to make the name, such as it is, entirely unprepossessing. (Now that's a word you don't hear every day!)

Brief recap: I'm going to make:
  • 2 pairs of yoga pants (KS 3115)
  • 2 t shirts (My own pattern, based on a sloper by Built By Wendy)
  • A mock wrap top (V8323 - the surplice style, with 3/4 sleeves)
  • Culottes (B5681) in denim
  • I'm also going to finish 2 outstanding - and let's hope that's how they turn out! - knitting projects - a triangle wrap and a pretty complicated, fitted jacket cardigan
For starters, my darling is back from the spa! (Scott told me, as the machine arrived, that it was the first time he'd seen me smile in days. In my defense, I've been managing a hideous headache for more than a week - at the "wrong" time of the month, just to fuck with all of my methodology - and I have no idea of what's what. Only that everything is miserable when you're in pain.)

Here's an inventory of work done:


It stands to reason, though I was unaware till I went on this journey, that vintage Vikings are amongst the most expensive to service (a few independent quotes bears this out). Apparently they take longer to look over, not all mechanics are schooled in their ways, and the parts are hard to come by, should you need them (in the scheme of things). For your info, including courier, both ways, taxes and all the things shown on the receipt, the final bill was $180.00. That's not negligible given that the machine itself, including delivery from America, cost $350.00. Mind you, if I don't have to worry about it for a couple of years, and it works beautifully, it will be money well-spent.

I have only just briefly tried the machine and I have to say it feels different - much smoother - and the stitches (with barely any tension adjustment) are lovely and even. Now, I'm not getting excited till have a chance to see things in action on a variety of fabrics. Just sayin', it's starting off well. Note: The machine is under full warranty for 3 months.

What I intend to do next, in aid of getting used to it (to return to the topic of the Fall Capsule Collection), is to practice stitches on my capsule-chosen fabric swatches, to ensure I use the best needle and settings on each.

Here are those swatches:

For the yoga pants:
Black ponte - very nice weight and gifted to me by Susan which formerly I used to make this Tiramisu...
Mystery exercise fabric in indigo, which recently resurfaced. I know it looks black but it's not.
For the wrap top, either of these fabrics may work (though they will fit completely differently given the difference in fabric properties) - in addition to the black ponte above:

This is the fabric I used to make that crazy tricky, Grecian beauty: Vogue 1287
I used this fabric, long ago, to make V8413, a really lovely and practical garment I somehow manage never to wear.
For the T shirts:
This fabric made V1027, that dress I really didn't enjoy making, but which I've worn rather a lot (even though I could have made the bodice longer and the stitching stronger where the belt-tie meets the waist.

And this fabric, which looks like nothing in the swatch, is the GORGEOUS Modal I used to make the Coppelia...
If you think you've seen them all before, that's cuz you have. Well all of them except for the dark navy exercise fabric (mystery textile). I don't even think I can tell you were that came from - and it's the only one I can say that about. I think it might have been the Spandex House, years ago. Well, it sure is gonna come in handy now!

My point: When I use these fabrics in the context of new patterns, I don't think anyone's going to be able to identify them with pre-existing garments, made in the same fabrics. I suppose we're about to find out.

I don't really care, though. These are basics. They're not there to dazzle, but to blend elegantly with other pieces. The fabrics are good so I'm not concerned. As long as they suit the pieces I make - and as long as those pieces fit properly - they will serve me very well.

Today's questions: What do you think of my machine service bill? Does it seem reasonable? And how do you feel about my chosen shipping to and fro option? What are your thoughts about my fabric choices? I know the swatch photos aren't gorgeous, but I'm curious to know which is your fave. Let's talk!

14 comments:

  1. I always baulk at servicing costs...until I run the machine and it's a joy again. Our machines are the tools with which we make our wardrobes and we deserve the best tools we can possibly have. So, money well spent I think. Likewise the shipping. If you calculate the shipping costs v. time and money spent taking the machine all the way to the shop, you actually saved money using this option, I think! And I love the fabrics. Good quality basics that will get a lot of wardrobe mileage are often overlooked when we sew, but are the things we often need the most. Happy sewing, and I hope your head is feeling better.

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    1. I know! That's just how I feel. And I'm cool with having spent the bucks on transport. Better it, than me! Head is better over last couple of days but we're now moving into the regular time of the month when headaches are known to occur. Don't know if things are inverted this month (so I won't get another headache) or whether I'm in for some chaos. Wish me luck.

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  2. I had 300+ bill on an embroidery machine combo. Your bill is about what they charge for a service without repair at the sewing shop I go to. Can't go anywhere else as nothing in driving distance. You probably couldn't get a really nice machine for what you have invested so I wouldn't dwell on the amount just enjoy the machine. Hope it is a good one for you.

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    1. That's a good point. And my bill is looking good compared to 300!

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  3. Machine service bill seems reasonable. My recent bill came to $115 for a computerized Viking by a Brampton Viking dealer. My viking isn't a vintage machine. I'm working on getting my vintage Elna back in action through somebody who seems to know what they are doing, and if it doesn't work out, I'll ping you through email for your sewing machine technician.

    Chosen shipping to and fro - is not expensive considering the weight of the machine. If you don't have a car, that $60 courier charge is so worth it, rather than TTC/bussing it.

    That rust color fabric and the dark blue modal are my fave.! I just looked up the rust colored dress you made with navy bias binding.. GORGEOUS!!

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    1. OK, this is a really useful comparator as we're in the same general area.

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  4. Solid plan and great basic fabrics, exactly what I need to be working on!
    IMO, your service bill is reasonable. I would send a machine off for service (nervously, albeit) if I did not have a good local option. Btw, I pay $99 to get my Babylock Seeger serviced up the street at my local Babylock dealer.

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    1. Thanks Andrea! I haven't had my serger serviced (though I've changed the moving blade and cleaned it thoroughly on a few occasions. To get that one serviced I've got to go even farther!

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  5. It costs a $150 to give my sewing machine to the service department that's before he's looked at it because it's a computerized machine. So it's reasonable to me. But if it works wonderfully, then it's worth every dime!

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    1. Great feedback C! And it is worth it. It's working so nicely.

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  6. I"m reluctant to shell out the $$$ on servicing, but I can tell it'll be time soon! I really like your wardrobe basics plan - it's a good combo of things you'll wear and home and out and about! I vote for the red wrap top - it'll be so perfect for a fall day!

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    1. Don't fear, Gillian. It's not as scary as it seems. And you forget the cost quickly!

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  7. It costs me $60 (plus a 2 hour round trip drive) to take my machine to the shop for just a cleaning, $40 if I can get it to the "machine whisperer". Same for the serger. Any repairs are extra, but I don't know what they run since it had been under warranty until recently. We live in one of those "lower cost of living areas" though, so it seems rather expensive to me to spend what I do. If it cost me $180 every time, my hubby would tell me to find a different hobby--that's about what we pay for our utilities each month!!

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    1. Ha! OK, for starters, I live in a major city - in Canada. Things are expensive here generally. Then, since I'm only going to do this every couple of years (or when the machine needs it), I think I can justify the amortization. BTW, when negotiating, always talk about amortization.

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