Bombs Away!

Last winter I compiled what I thought would be an achieveable wish-list - there were a total of three projects, only one of which was actually completed. Due to school commitments, I knew I wouldn't have much time to complete more than one project this winter, so decided to make the Vogue jacket from the 2012 wish-list.

Vogue 7146

I've loved this 1950s bomber jacket for years but have never had the courage to start it. So many bound buttonholes to line up, not to mention the welted pockets and slashed sleeve openings - it was a little advanced for me at the time. These days, bound buttonholes are pretty much the norm and I've perfected the slashed sleeve so it was time to crack on.

 

 

 

This is actually one of my first serious projects using 100% wool fabric. More often than not, I sew with cheap, blended fabrics for the simple reason that I rarely bother to make a muslin. I figure, if it ends up a disaster my financial loss is minimal. But what a difference good quality fabric makes! The wool was so smooth to sew - my machine barely made a sound - and it held the ironed in creases beautifully. If only I could afford to sew with good fabric all the time. Sigh.
 

 

 

As you can see, I've rocked the slashed sleeve opening - turns out all I needed was a really sharp pair of scissors. Previously, I'd been too afraid to cut the slash right down to the stitching line and could never get the ends to sit right. Now that I'm cutting it right down to the wire - seriously, there only needs to be a couple of threads of fabric left - the facing folds in neatly and are then topstitched into place.

The welted pockets and bound buttonholes use basically the same technique, but with a Y shaped cut at each end of the slashes. The Y shape folds in to create a nice, neat edge for the buttonholes.

Sadly, the bottonholes aren't as pretty on the inside, but at least you get to see a small splash of the teal green fabric I choose for the lining. Oooh, pretty.

I can't tell you how much I love this jacket! It had quite a few outings this winter and with plans for a few more pants/skirt options, it's likely to be popular next winter too.

- Tamara

First Day of Summer Sun

With this Sunday being the first day of summer and the forecast for sunshine, we took a trip to Eastern Beach, Geelong, for the running of the second Geelong Revival Motoring Festival.

The Geelong Speed Trials first ran in 1956. The event was conceived by Murray Rainey, a prominent member of the Western District Car Club and Geelong’s automotive industry, as a means for promoting Geelong. It also offered the local community a chance to see some of Australia’s top motor sport identities competing in the most powerful and exotic sports and sports/racing cars of the day.

By all accounts, the original Speed Trials continued to run up until 2003. Many were greatly saddened that the event seemed resigned to history, but in 2010, a new group of enthusiasts, in conjunction with the City of Greater Geelong council, set about reviving the event.

 

 

 

The re branded Geelong Revival Motoring Festival was launched in 2012 and saw more than 35,000 people attend the two day event. This year's Festival saw its theme broadened to include all things vintage and retro. Their new direction is based on the Goodwood Festival of Speed - a motor sport garden party if you will.

Cars aside, there was also the 2nd Annual Fashions on the Field which had a good 30+ entries. There were prizes in both Men's & Women's categories and entrants were judged on uniqueness and authenticity. I didn't stick around for the announcement of the winners but I did snap a few pics before the parade.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The judges.

 

The Revival's 'Garage Girls'

The Revival was a great day out with plenty of activities for families and non-car enthusiasts and has the potential to become a really great event in the future.

 

Did anyone else get the chance to enjoy our short burst of summer?

 

 

- Tamara