Saturday: Out to Lunch and Sari Blouses

I set the alarm for 9:00 a.m. because I wanted to get started on sewing my sari blouse, but I didn't actually get up until 9:45 a.m. and even then, I spent some time having my coffee, checking emails, replying to blog comments, and watching a couple of sewing shows on TV.  Aunt T called and I had a long conversation with her (she was alone and bored and wanted to talk; I owe her a visit, too!)

Finally, around 11:00 a.m., I decided to stop procrastinating!  Even so, I gave the sari blouse that the shop had given me when I bought the sari, one last try, even though it was a different fabric than the sari (but the color was close enough).  The sleeves were too tight, and I couldn't even put it on, so I unpicked the sleeve seams to let them out.  Sari blouses are often make with the opening in the front, but this blouse had the opening at the back, which is kind of awkward when you try to fasten the hooks by yourself!  The front of the blouse seemed OK, but the back of the blouse was too small, leaving a gap of about 4 inches between the edges!  I could have done something to fix it - perhaps sewn bands of fabric between the two edges and made it look as if it was designed to have that gap - had the blouse been of the same fabric as the sari.  I might still do something like that so I could use that blouse for another sari, but that's another project for another day.

So, there was nothing else to do but sew a sari blouse.  Which wouldn't be a problem if I had a paper pattern for one.  But I don't have a paper pattern, so I made a sort of pattern, using an old sari blouse.  I say "a sort of pattern" because don't know how to draft a proper bodice pattern, with dart marks, etc.  Instead, I drew around the sari blouse and added a couple of inches here and there for darts and seams.  Then, I cut out the pieces and used them to cut out the fabric. 

I am using a gold lame (there should be an accent over the e) fabric that my mother had bought, which was in the fabric stash, but I am lining it with white broadcloth (which I also have in the stash), because the fabric is a bit see-through!  I got the pieces cut out and then, it was time to get ready to go out to lunch with friend R, since it was her birthday.

We went to a family diner type of restaurant we've been to before and like.  I treated her to lunch and we sat and chatted for a bit.  Then, I dropped her off at her apartment, put gas to the car ($3.45/gallon; I put $40 worth of gas and filled up), and came home.  It was 96F outside, at 4:30 p.m., today. 

After I came home, I changed out the dust sheets on the family room sofas and did two loads of laundry.  I thought I might take a nap, but someone else had the same idea and beat me to it:

Cat Naps!

So I went back to sewing my sari blouse.  First, I sewed the lining to the lame fabric and that went very well.  Then, I worked on the darts.  I had a bit of trouble getting them to come out evenly but, eventually, I managed to get them sewn.  My blouse has the opening in the front and things don't have to be perfect because the portion of the sari that goes over the shoulder will cover the front of the blouse, but I do want the blouse to fit properly!  I also don't have a dressmaker's dummy, so trying on clothes and making adjustments to them is a bit challenging.  I want to adjust the neckline to make it a little wider and deeper, but, it was getting late and I was getting tired, so I stopped sewing.  I tend to make mistakes when I am tired and I don't want to mess up the whole blouse because I cut too wide or too deep!  At first, I thought I'll make a sleeveless blouse, but now, I am thinking I'll sew short sleeves, as well. 

After that, I put water to the backyard, had leftovers from lunch for dinner, and video chatted with my daughter.  Cousin P called to confirm that I was going to the prayer gathering tomorrow and we had a bit of a chat, as well.   

It is 1:00 a.m., now and finally, the house has cooled down to 80F. 

Today, I am grateful for:
- The fabric stash!
- My friend R and being able to celebrate her birthday with her
- Being able to enjoy lunch out
- Being able to sew myself a sari blouse ($50-$60 to have one custom sewn)
- Cooling off in the evenings.

How was your Saturday?  What are your plans for Sunday?