by Connie on July 27, 2010
I envy people who get to take summer holidays! I ache when I hear someone say that in France, things basically shut down in August because everyone is on vacation.
I know I shouldn’t complain, and I’m not- not really. I have a pretty amazing life- my home to work commute is 2 minutes, and I GET to work with my husband every day- but to be able to spend more than a day without having to work , or being able to spend a few lazy days canoeing or hiking, or -gasp- even sitting on the porch reading a book, would be so nice.
It’s hard around here when MyMike is away. So far I have invited the electrician, the feed system repair guy, the semen guy (don’t ask!) and the feed mill deliveryman over for a “visit” and it looks like the plumber is next. Don’t worry- I’ve invited them over to fix things- not for a beer!
To top it off, it is the middle of wheat harvest. Actually it should be the end of wheat harvest, but with rain and breakdowns, we are still hard at it. I only have a minute to type here, so I will leave you with a bit of photo journalism of my days in the field.
Glorious wheat! The variety is “soft red winter wheat” and is ground into things like cake and pastry flour. 
We sell the straw to a friend who uses it on his strawberry crops.
Lord, I look a mess! See those shorts- the ONLY sewing I’ve done this week is to cut off the legs of those pants to make them into those shorts!
by Connie on July 21, 2010
It’s fun to open your mailbox and find a surprise!! Today I recieved a lovely package in the mail from my friend (and kindred spirit) Annette. In it was a copy of a Marfy coat that she has made. She wore it at the Philadelphia Pattern Review Weekend, and I loved it!
I thought it would be fun, and a good excercise as well, to make the coat as a sew-along for myself. I don’t often chronicle the step by step process of my sewing, but I thought it might be a good idea for this one. If it is easy, then maybe I can convince more of you to try Marfy’s. If it is difficult- um – then you get to suffer right along with me!!
This is what a Marfy Pattern looks like when it arrives in your mailbox.
No photo.
No description.
No instructions.
Only one size.
So why the heck would anyone want to make one? Well in my sometimes humble opinion they are very fashion forward. Check out the website and see for yourself if you don’t believe me. Count how many of them you absolutely crave…..see what I mean?!
The pattern I will be using is Marfy 1974. 
It is a hip length swing jacket with an otional hood. I will be using the size 46, which looks like it is between a 14 and a 16.
When you decide to make up a Marfy pattern, remember to-
- 1. Print out the photo AND save it online somewhere.
2. Look for details that might catch you up- this one for instance has some interesting seaming and welt pockets. And should it be lined? How do I attach the hood?
3. Try to figure out construction order.
4. Double check your sizing.
5. Suitable fabrics- It will say that on the site, as long as your pattern is still available! So save that information too. Print it out and keep it with the pattern.
Here is what this pattern has to say on the Marfy site. Mt. 3.20 alt. 1.40. – Available in sizes 42, 44, 46, 48. This jacket has broad kimono sleeves, a shirt collar closed with three buttons, yoke cut at the back and deep, un-ironed pleat, Can also be made with hood. Suggested fabric: casentino cloth or rubberized fabric.
It also states that the markings are for a size 46, so I will be okay there. I will be using a black raincoating fabric that I have kicking around for this one. Unless Fabricland just happens to have some grey metallic meterage….
This is what the darts, notches and interestingly translated pattern indicators look like.
Next time, I’ll show you how I cut it out and marked all the pieces.
An important Public Service Announcement…
Remember that when you are serging something important- something that can’t be stopped in the middle of- to check your thread or you might end up with…
this….
