I rarely go to malls. Most of my shopping hours are spent at fabric stores. As a result, when I feel I need a new garment, I must either take away precious time from said fabric stores or simply purchase extra yardage while on a fabric shopping spree.

Last week I bought a few yards of nylon boucle suiting, intending to whip up a jacket (you know, one of those stylish numbers with raggedy edges). Well, you’ve heard it said that bias has a mind of its own. At least it has a mind. Boucle is completely mindless! Its weave is so loose it makes homespuns seem like Egyptian cotton sheets (the $300 variety).

After uneventfully cutting out the pieces, I was horrified to find the two front sides wildly different from each other, as if they were cut from completely different patterns. Turns out, one was hanging halfway off the ironing board and the sheer weight of it had pulled it out of shape. I simply pushed it back and it was fine. BONUS: Piecing curves here–no pins needed! Just mold the pieces together as you sew. Watch out though, this material frays if you look at it!

The silk crepe de chine lining was not any easier, although I expected it to be slippery and to need extra care with pins. If I’m careful, I may be able to wear it inside out, but not just anywhere. It snags like crazy!

Because I never follow the pattern directions (I don’t speak their language) now I’m at the point where I’m not quite sure what I should do next to finish it off. For now, I’m going to hang it in my studio, next to my apple green cotton pique jacket (also not quite finished) and go back to my quilting. When the inspiration strikes (or the clothes bug bites), I will add the final touches to one of them and have a new jacket in short order!

happy quilting!