I'm back... let the sewing and blogging commence!

I have been away for a terrific holiday but wasn't able to blog while away as we rarely had Internet (it is the sort-of the good thing about camping!)  However I did get some fine photos taken of outfits I made for the trip so will be posting them soon.

In the meantime I came home and wasn't sure what direction to take with my sewing, so decided to let the challenge of entering the Great PR Sewing Bee help dictate what to make next.  Ta da...

I have my entry in for round one and really enjoyed the challenge of making this blouse as well as the challenge of deciding how to embellish it to move it away from being a plain Jane.

Photos here, but no details as I have detailed the making of this top in my review - here if you are interested.

Ciao kittens, more posts soon...

Making it wearable... solutions to problems

Last summer I made McCalls 6078 and loved it but had some issues with how to wear it (without flashing the bra band at the back).  This summer I decided I the needed to make it work.  First up I needed to get the bra out of the way.

I found this at Lincraft and it works.  It clips into the bra clips and the extra band wraps around your body and pulls the back band down.  It is not as comfortable or as secure as wearing a bra by itself but it does the job.

I wore it like that once, but found that the shoulders of the top kept slipping, so decided to add some lingerie keepers which I made myself.  All that is needed is ribbon and snaps....

I know you can buy theses ready-made but there were none in stock when I went to buy them.  I simply sewed a set of snaps to each end of a piece of ribbon and then sewed the ribbon onto the facing at the shoulder seam.

I stitched the ribbon down in the centre of the ribbon and also near one snap.  This is the holder closed...

With the bra strap threaded through the keeper I found the shoulders of the top stayed in place much better ... this is how I wore it when I went out to dinner last night...

and the back...

If you are interested the pants are Kwiksew 3384 made for an Endless Combinations contest.  However since then this beautiful swishy fabric shrunk (did not expect that) and looked all wrong being too short in the leg.  I decided to make them work as well, so took the hem down and re-hemmed them.  I also decided to narrow the leg a little while I had the hem down.  I did like the wide legs but feel I will probably wear them more this way. 

I felt quite comfortable in this outfit (even though I may have been a bit twitchy checking that the bra band was not visible) and am happy with my now wearable top! ... Ciao!  Birthday dress next up!

New tops.. McCalls 6078

 McCalls 6078 - a best pattern of 2011 is a great pattern and I can see why it found it's way into the top ten.  I made two views - View A which is described as "has front and back stitched pleats, front drape, lapped back and extended shoulder seams".  

These are reasonably quick tops to make, but please take my tip - when comparing your pattern pieces to the pattern instructions, make sure you have the fabric the same way up as the diagram... I ended up sewing the pleats twice and couldn't work out the first time why it didn't make any sense to me *head-smack*.  Anyway I must remember that sewing a pleat is like sewing a dart but with one end open - I really didn't get it the first time I tried it and had them sewn very strangely.  Luckily it unpicked better than I thought it would.  

The fabric is a lovely bamboo jersey from Gorgeous Fabrics - you can see how well it drapes for this top.

 

 The back also drapes beautifully...

This is how you hope the back view looks...

 But sadly, this is how it really looks...

The bra strap is green and I could nearly get away with it, but I am thinking I need to find a bra with a lower back strap.  If I can get hold of one, then I will make this top again in a fabric with a bit more spangle for a going-out-to-dinner top.  I lurve it, except for that issue.

I also made view C - "has front drape and contrast loops".  This top is a cinch to make.  I used a rayon jersey again from Gorgeous fabrics and then made the loops from some leather left over from making my Obi belt.  It is a Nappa leather - soft sheep's leather.  I have seen this idea in blogland - I wasn't original. 

I cut the loops half the width of the pattern piece (as I wasn't going to fold them over) and hand-stitched them as per the instructions.  However I realised later that they are probably 1 cm too long as I didn't leave off the seam allowance.  Not sure it matters - if you think they would look better shorter let me know - I am still undecided on that one.  The main thing making me want to leave them, is that I don't want to hand-stitch them back on again if I shorten them!

Regular tee-shirt from the back.

I love this pattern and I am sure I will be making more versions yet.

Next up I have finished but not photographed another Ottobre ruffle sleeve top and am in the process of cutting out the Maggie jacket from Style Arc... until next post... Ciao!

McCall's 6347... bubbles, bubbles, bubbles dress

McCall's 6347 view A makes a lovely cool, summery, casual dress.  This is a snap to make - two pieces for the main dress plus the tie piece.  Sew the seams, finish the neck and armhole edges, hem, make tie - so simple.  I need to make another one of these.

The fabric used is from Gorgeous Fabrics.  I bought this fabric in November 2010 and so this dress is my first entry in the fabric stash contest.   It is a polyester and was called Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles.  Loved it when I saw it, but didn't know what I was going to make from it when it arrived.  I think it works perfectly in this dress.

The photo above shows the back tied as per the pattern and below without the tie.  I plan to wear it with the tie - I think it is cute.

  One more shot of the front- spot the cat...

And for a laugh I had to show my muscles off for the photographer - he said I was scary!

I have another half finished project for the stash contest but was waiting for elastic to finish it.  In the meantime I got busy finishing a UFO.  A strippy quilt-as-you-go started many years ago.

Until next time... Ciao kittens!

2012... when did that start?

My blogging has been more and more infrequent lately, so I thank you readers who have stuck with me through these breaks.  I don't think I will be doing a 2011 recap as I still have some 2011 sewing to show you.  

These are some shots of my finished McCalls 6116, which I showed you last post.

McCalls 6116

Photos were taken in December when we went to Brisbane for a night away and entertained ourselves by visiting the Matisse exhibition in the Art Gallery.

On the Brisbane River

The dress made in linen wore very well on a warm summer day and I am extremely pleased with the fit.  I had hoped to show you a back shot to show my broad back alteration, but the photographer did not quite understand my request and the photo is mainly of the back of my head and shoulders - not exactly what I wanted - you will just have to take my word for it that it worked really well.

Other sewing from last year I have not blogged about is the Strawberry bag from the Burdastyle website.I made these as some little gifts for some of the women in my family.  I recommend this pattern if you you are looking for something like this.  The best thing is I used all fabrics I had in my stash.  Quilting cottons for the strawberry and a poly-cotton for the main bag  (not shown open - sorry!)  The only thing I had to purchase was the toggles.  They have been very attractively photographed here by my photographer in our strawberry patch.

Strawberry bag

Also in 2011, I crocheted an amineko cat.  I bought the pattern in Lincraft but the pattern is available for free on Ravelry.  Don't know why I crocheted this cat - but I love it!

Animeko

I also love my Lulubelle - pictured here, stalking the garden on Xmas Day.

Lulubelle

I have one more dress to show you that I made in 2011.  Hope to get back to you soon... Ciao!

The Perfect Shirtdress - McCall's 6116

McCall's 6116  the Perfect Shirtdress is, well, pretty close to perfect.  I love this so much I had to rush these pictures to show you.  When I get it washed and pressed I will get some better shots for you, but in the mean time I couldn't wait for that to show and tell my latest and, I think, one of the best things I have sewn!  Well at least lately!

It is made from linen (linda linen from Kerryn's Fabric world for the aussies reading this).  I took the end of the roll in this colour so I was limited as to which options I could make.  I did not want the self-tie and planned to wear it with a purchased belt, but really prefer it worn without a belt.

 

The pattern runs through tissue-fitting the pattern and options to adjust it.  The only adjustment I made was a broad back adjustment.  I am soooo happy with the result.  It looks too big on Diana, but believe me it fits my back beautifully!  Very happy about that!

 I was planning to add the top pockets with flaps, but got cold feet after trialling them by pinning them on.  they looked a bit too bulky and as I wanted to use contrasting buttons, I wasn't comfortable with how they were going to look.  I think in a lighter fabric I would try this pocket option again.

This is the detail of the button - lovely brass-look with a green sheen.  I was really pleased with the ones chosen after much trialling of every button option in the shop.   I had great service and the shop assistant was very patient sorting through all the options - all for 70c buttons!

My only negative is that I marked the buttonhole placement in blue chaco liner (you can probably see it in the photo above) and it is not coming off as easily as the white one has in the past.  I am hoping that washing it will remove it (keep your fingers crossed for me). 

I will post better photos soon that should show you how pleased I am with my alteration and the fit of this pattern.

By the way, for those who asked in the comments from my last post - I find the Tanga panties are comfortable to wear  and I like that there is no VPL.  

I am so excited by this dress, that I plan to make another shirtdress - the next one from Burdastyle magazine in a very different fabric to this one.... Ciao - see you soon with more piccies! :)

McCalls 5974 - Best Pattern 2010

McCalls 5974 was voted Best Pattern for 2010 on Patternreview.com. For very good reason... it is a fabulous pattern, easy to make and very flattering to wear. I am not sure if I will review this - see these reviews if you want to read more on the sewing of this pattern. Not that there is too much you need to know... pretty much make it (wait for the weather to warm up enough) and then wear it! ... and feel great in it!






I made this as part of my quest to make all top 10 patterns... I think I may only have 4 left to get to that goal!

Sewing odds & bobs...

My blogging is still intermittent - blame it on the renovation?

Some sewing has happened this week-end. My eldest son is attending Uni studying Contemporary Art. For an art installation he is putting on soon, he needed a flag & asked me. to sew one... no Mum can resist sewing for their boys when they ask. So a flag was made... (flags got legs!)...



This week-end I also finally got around to making up some cami's in Jalie 2564. The fabric is (I think) a merino jersey purchased last year from the Fabric Store (for this purpose). The only changes I made was to leave off the shelf bra and the bra strap sliders (for adjustable strap length). This made it a very quick & easy make and I am very happy with the result.

I made two of these and I am looking forward to having these to wear next week as the weather has turned to Winter before it is officially Winter here! The review is here

On the shopping for sewing front... these fabrics...


The first three came in the mail and were ordered at the Knitwit Roadshow. The first is Bianca - a lovely (expensive...ouch) mercerised cotton knit in a turquoise colour. The second a mesh called Italian Animal Fantasy Mesh and the third, I am not sure of the content (I think cotton, maybe rayon??) Japanese style print. The fourth fabric was purchased the same day - another mesh on a fabulous green/khaki print from the Fabric Collection. (Hi - Vanessa - I will make it up soon!)

And on that subject, some gorgeous jersey bought previously from the Fabric Collection, made up into McCalls 5974.


This is part of my goal to make all ten patterns up from the top 10 on Pattern Review for 2010.
I will get photos modelled by me, so that I can review this great pattern (soon!)

And on the renovation front, my big excitement is that this week-end I got to move my washing machine into the house into my new laundry... bliss!

Endless Combinations 2010 - McCalls 5802

I am posting photos of each of the items for my Endless Combinations entry for 2010. I will not be putting much detail about the items in these posts, but will provide a link to the review if you would like to know more about the sewing of any particular item.

First up McCalls 5802 - Hilary Duff halter neck top (think it is now OOP)






Review is here.

Still sewing....

Well it has been a while since I blogged last, but I have been sewing a little. The renovation has started and it is difficult to sew but I have managed to find a temporary spot for my machine and I have been cutting out patterns at work on the conference table (amazing the solutions you can find when sewing is involved!)

Some of the reason I got so keen to sew is that the Endless Combinations contest started on Pattern Review and I love the idea behind this contest, so thought I might sew along and see if I can manage to get an entry together.

The inspiration for my entry is clothes for cruising as we are going on a cruise next year and it is nice to daydream about it (anticipation is half the fun I think!).

Drum roll please ... well maybe not, I have three pieces done so far but have not had a chance to do a photo shoot as we are experiencing the worst weather here (one way to break a drought - start a home renovation!) We have a sea of mud outside so the 'proper' photos will be put off until it is possible to step outside without sinking up to your ankles in red mud.

The first article I made is Jalie 3024 - dress:


I am sooo happy with how this has turned out. The fabrics are from Knitwit (for any Australians reading this) and are beautiful.


I will review this pattern properly once the photos happen - my opinion on this pattern - fabulous as all the Jalies I have tried.

The second item is the long version of Kwik Sew 3384. Made in black fabric from Knitwit also - no piccie as yet.


And the third item is McCalls 5802 which may be OOP.


I was concerned it would be too young for me but I decided to try it in a cheaper fabric. I made the top in a polyester I picked up on the sale table at our local Gardams. I love this top also...


I did have to pull the top up around the neckline, so that it pulls it high enough to conceal my bra strap at the back, but haven't tried it on properly since I sewed the hooks to the neck piece and I am a bit concerned it may be a little too tight, so may still need to alter that. (Diana looks a bit lopsided in this shot, but be assured I don't think Diana or the top have any problems).

My last piece planned is the Cardigan Jalie 2919.


This will be in black also. I wish I had more of the Knitwit fabric I made the pants in, but have a dry knit from Spotlight which will have to do.

And if I have time I will make another Kwiksew 3740 also...
Sleeveless in a pretty blue print.

A girl can dream...