Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Holey Moley - My jacket from the Bergman Blouse pattern

I've sewn up several cardigan jackets using this pattern.   The first thing I did with the pattern was to make it into a cardigan in 2008.    I sent photos of what I did to Casual Elegance but never got an acknowledgment.    For almost a year,  in periodic newsletters,  CE and LH have been tempting women with new jackets and changes to existing patterns.    Lyn of Lyn's Stuff blogged about a Princess Jacket she sewed up last fall at one of the Loes Hinse seminars.   After I commented, she confirmed that it was "derived" from the Bergman pattern.    Then in the last newsletter, Loes provided a "tweak" of the Bergman blouse as a cardigan jacket with a deeper front and a 6" tucked hem.

While I was in Charlotte recently, the Neiman Marcus Chanel Manager showed me the Spring/Summer 2011 Look book and details of the garments and fabrics.    The first three ensembles and the jacket in the show are made of a fabric with laser cut holes backed with a mesh.    He told me he was getting advance orders, even at the $8,000 and up prices.   I'm going to the trunk show next week and thought --  I can make my own holey jacket.   I had a piece of holey mesh fabric from Marcy Tilton that I only got a yard of  -- turns out there was 38" and voila, I had enough for a Bergman jacket that I already had fitted and ready to go.   I sewed and closely serge finished all the seams, then I got out some mesh fabric I bought just for trims and played with the edge finishes with the jacket on this mannequin that I can pin to.    I used a piece with several rows for the hem and tucked it up.   I'll apply that and then stitch one row of the trim along the front and neckline.    I've played with a single row of trim on the sleeve or a wider one of two rows.   You can see larger photos and details on the Bergman Flickr set.   I think it looks amazing.   Stay tuned for the finished version and more of what I'm sewing for spring!











 Update on my condition and this blog:

I'm still not doing so well with my feet and hands but I make an effort to go upstairs and sew and plan every day now.    I can't feel anything with my feet so I tripped on the iron cord today, but got right back up and finished what I was doing.    I am having difficulty with my feet because the nerves have been gone for six months now, so the muscles controlling the toes have no nerves and don't work.   The feet are the first to go and the last to come back.    My husband says that everything he has read says the soonest people start getting better is 8 months and much longer for everything to be back to normal since nerves grow back so slowly.   It may be up to two years before I'm back to normal.   I have to wear a support on each foot/leg at night to keep the calf muscles from tightening up while I sleep.   There is a custom graphite foot/calf brace on order that should be here next week that I have to wear inside my shoe to keep my right foot up.     I have to be really careful not to fall again because the pain and swelling kept me from doing the physical therapy that I have to do.   I am working very hard to strengthen the leg and ankle muscles that can be strengthened so I can stand up without falling over.    It's like a stroke patient re-learning to do things.    My toes drag ( don't stay up by themselves) and that causes me to fall if I'm not very careful to tell them to stay up, and lift my feet while walking.    I got some compression socks that help the swelling in my right foot/ankle from the falls.    Even the swelling and sprains heal slower in my case.     I use a walker in the house.

My hands are also affected so I can't type one word without making mistakes.   You don't see this since I correct the mistakes.   It's also hard to use pins and sew/control the foot pedals,  so all this has been very hard on me, and I try not to get depressed.   I still can't believe the cruel and ignorant behavior of some women toward me, even those who took advantage of my hospitality and generosity.  Because of the continued hatred and ugliness (bullies never give up) in comments left here that I did not post,  I am considering making access to my blog by invitation only.    It's pretty sad that in my condition I would have to do this because of people like that.

21 comments:

  1. Hi Terri:
    Glad to see you are designing and sewing despite the challenges of your illness. I hope you are soon feeling better.
    maggie

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  2. The holey jacket/cardigan is really looking good, Terri!

    Thanks for the update on your progress. I was thinking of you this weekend when we went to Denise's for dinner.

    I am very sorry to hear you're still putting up with hateful comments.

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  3. Oh terri, I'm so sorry to read about the bullies that continue to harasse you. You have so much to share that their ugliness is even more disgusting.

    I haven't made the Bergman pattern yet so I'm eagerly reading along. So far, it looks terrific

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  4. Your work is just gorgeous. I am inspired by all you do in spite of your physical problems. So sorry you are dealing with unkind comments. Your blog is a a wonderful teaching tool---you show such detail.

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  5. Terri, the cardigan is beautiful. I am sorry to hear about your health. Believe it or not, I think I have an inkling about how your toes feel. After my foot surgery, I was exercising my foot too much and snapped a tendon in my foot. Because of that, my big toe curls downward, which sounds something like what you are going through. All I can say is that it feels creepy. I'm probably going to need surgery to fix it.

    Nerves take a long time to heal, but with each day, you get closer to the end. I hope it comes soon.

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  6. Terri... as usual, you've come up with a stunning garment. Thank you again for your generosity in sharing your observations and your thought process as you construct these delightful garments.

    I am an avid blog reader... I don't have my own blog, so I've never encountered the nastiness you have and just don't understand what would motivate someone to do that... they could just not read a blog that they don't like... right? Perhaps if you made public the identities of these miserable folks, they'd be encouraged not to continue such behavior.
    I really hope you don't find it necessary to limit the reader-ship of your postings, but certainly understand why you might be so inclined.

    I admire your determination to carry on in spite of the challenges that your recuperation is presenting to you.

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  7. That jacket is awesome. Your posts always provide inspiration and help me to see outside of the box.

    It is sad that some people never realize that sending out hate says more about them than the person that they are targeting. Don't let them get you down.

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  8. I found this blog through Stitcher's Guild. You don't know me and-fortunately-I'm so new there that I missed the nastiness you are referring to. I am sorry you do not post there; you added a lot to the conversation.

    I don't know what made you leave, or who was mean to you, but what I do know is that you sew incredibly beautiful clothes. I've read so many of your posts, looked at your photos, and read this blog. I'm newly returned to sewing, and after looking at your photos, I've decided that the Sewing Workshop/ Shapes/ Louise Cutting patterns are the way for me to go. You and i like the same patterns and fabrics. You are my favorite inspiration, and I was incredibly sorry to see this blog locked from public view yesterday. I sent you an email at SG yesterday, asking if I could join. You didn't answer, but it is probably because you have to sign in there to see your email.

    I'll understand if you want to close this blog to public view; I would probably do the same thing if I were you. But please-leave a way for those of us who are strangers to you who want to continue to learn from you and be inspired by what you sew to be able to ask permission to view your blog.

    You probably have a lot more followers than you know. I hope you can figure out a way to ignore or block the few nasty folks and continue to share all that you know to the greater cyberspace.

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  9. Terri,
    I was sorry to read about the negative comments some readers left for you. Don't let them get you down. You are doing so well with your recovery and fabulous sewing skills and fashion sense. I have learned so much from you in those areas. I'm one of those many, many readers and fans rooting for you. Hang in there. The women who bother to write you nasty grams have to be pretty messed up to do that. So why bother with them? Just look forward to all the good coming into your life, and there is a lot of that!! I always look forward to reading your blog, and I hope you keep writing it. I enjoy looking at and reading about your latest creations. I have been inspired by you to attempt some of the independent patterns you work with. I also enjoy your informative posts at the stitcher's guild.
    Wishing you all the best,
    Violet

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  10. Terry, I too enjoy reading your blog and looking at your photos. Your sewing is wonderful and I would definitely be allowed to view your blog, should you make it private.
    I am sorry that people have been mean to you, they seem to think the anonymity of the internet gives them the right to be cruel and get away with it. I hope you can dismiss their remarks and not let them get you down.

    I wish you a speedy recovery. This must be a very difficult trial for you, the immobility is probably harder than the pain for someone who is used to being active. My best wishes for your health.

    PS, I loved looking at the photos of your garden too, but can't seem to find them anymore. Do you still have them somewhere? it is another of your many talents. God bless, Julie

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  11. Love your jacket, Terri...those holey fabrics are so much fun to work with. Thanks for the update on your physical trials, too...hang in there!

    Margy

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  12. Terri, I am one of your admirers from way back. you are my sewing inspiration. The new jacket will indeed be amazing, as all of your creations are.
    I'm so sorry to hear of your continued health problems and the nasties that try to harass you. Shame.I sure miss your posts at SG but totally understand.
    Hopefully you won't have to block access to your blog, I'd hate to miss any of your wonderful sewing talent. If you do, as some of the others have said, maybe you will provide a way for us lurkers to view it.
    Wishing you good health and happiness always,
    Lakestitcher in AL

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  13. Terri, this project is absolutely beautiful and it is going to be really fabulous when you are done. I think the fact that you are continuing to work on things you love and post despite all the difficulties you are facing is absolutely wonderful and you are an inspiration and a model for facing adversity with grace.

    I am so sorry that you have experienced so much harrassment. I don't know what to say. People can be petty and get jealous over things that they could easily change about themselves, I suppose.

    I tend to read in spurts, but if you make your blog private I would understand and hope to be welcome here. Whatever happens you need to make the best choice for you, and I support that wholeheartedly.

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  14. Hi Terri, my DH has dealt with peripherial neuopathy for about 14 years now. His is getting progressively (slowly) worse. He's been on a walker for a couple of years now. He goes through periods of falling when his days are not so good. Tough part is he is not always able to get himself up and sometimes I'm not able to get him up without additional help. It's frustrating for me and I KNOW more so for him--but we keep on keeping on. I say that to let you know I understand somewhat how frustrating this can be for you. Hang in; I understand that your condition does improve, albeit slower than everyone would wish. Your jacket is lovely. I continue to look forward to seeing all your wonderful creations.d Look forward to seeing what you do with Louise's new pattern.

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  15. I look forward to all your creations and blogs. I followed you on your last blog to this one and wouldn't want to miss it. I don't know what people have been saying, but their are people that are so small and sick they have to pick on strong people with opinions. Don't let them cut you off from the people who will support you as you use sewing to add hope and quality to your recovery.

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  16. I am sorry to learn about your health issues. I just found your blog. I think your trying to keep doing things is a good thing and thoughts/prayers for your continued recovery.

    Your holey moley jacket is lovely! Great job and glad you shared it with us.

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  17. I love your holey moley jacket! Marcy Tilton's fabrics are really gorgeous. So sorry to hear of the nastiness going on, people can be very cruel.

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  18. You have another post up, so I hope you see this. In re: using the pedal for your sewing machine, my mom's sewing machine had a knee control for her machine. I don't know if they are even available anymore, but if they are it might help. You control the speed of the machine by gentle pressure or slight lean on the lever. It was very easy to modulate your speed, and reduced fatigue. My chronic Lyme disease has left me with various neural deficits (though not as serious as it sounds like yours are) so I know a little about the kinds of compromises and work-arounds just to do everyday tasks. I truly admire your bravery and fortitude.
    Kay

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  19. Thanks for your helpful suggestions Kay. My old 1957 singer has that so maybe should consider using it. Lyme disease has been ignored by the medical profession considering the serious problems it causes. My heart goes out to you in dealing with it.

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  20. I have been a 'lurker' on your blog for a while and find all your work inspirational as I return to sewing garments again after a few years away.

    I am sorry to hear that you have been the target for nasty bullying and harrassment, particularly at a time when you have enough challenges. I am sure you can rise above their nastiness and, once you recover, you will feel more able to cope.

    Love the holey-moley jacket!

    Christine in Canada

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  21. Terri,

    I have been visiting your blog for a long, long time and enjoy it very much, so if you make it private I hope I can continue to visit here.

    I wish you better health each day.

    Sincerely,

    Deirdre

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