PR Wardrobe contest - Piece 2 of 10 - New Look 6212

I have finally finished my second item for the wardrobe contest.  New Look 6212.  I have made this one before - here. 

This one took some time to get sewn.  The things that took time were - 

...playing pattern tetris to layout it out on my fabric, 

... those pleats!

...and the beautiful Liberty fabric is really unforgiving so putting in the sleeves meant the quick unpick came out a few times.

I am not going to outline all the details here but you can read more in my review here, if you are interested to know.

Ciao for now, kittens!

Stylearc Cleo base + New Look 4220 topper - Winter Resort

My blogging of this new wardrobe will not be in the same order as the sewing, but I will try and show as many of the pieces I make in different combinations.  I am back today to show again the first piece I made, which was the Stylearc Cleo dress in combination with a more wintery top.

I spotted Kwik Sew 4220 pattern while I was browsing the Knitwit on-line store and really liked all the pieces in it.  One of the main pieces I liked in it was the ponte pants.  I have been trying to buy some but either the colour was not what I was after or the style was too narrow legged for me.  Most at the moment in the shops seem to be more like leggings in styling and when you have wide, short legs I don't think it is the best look and not what I am after right now.  So I figured the pattern would be a good one to have.

This was my first iteration of the pants in a Spotties ponte.  The top is a Burdastyle pattern - blogged here.  

While I was at Spotlight buying the pattern, I came across some fabrics that I decided would be good to try the pattern out.  The stone coloured ponte above and an eggplant coloured rayon knit.  It is a lovely colour, but the knit is very loose so needs something under it for modesty and warmth.  This light weight fabric is actually quite warm when layered.  I can imagine wearing it over a long sleeve when it is really cold.

I adored the feathery fringe on the selvage and decided to use it in the top so I added it to the edge of the cowl collar.  This is the fun part of making your own clothes. 

I wanted to show you the Cleo dress without a topper, so actually remembered to get a photo this time!  I really like this pattern and can see myself making many more iterations.  I think a sleeved one and maybe make the front v-neckline more of a curve may be the next one I want to make.

 A see a bit of my Grandma in me in that photo and that does make me smile.  A Finn truly in build I think!

I love my new purple top and have plans for a second one which in a different fabric will look quite different I think.

Well Ciao for now kittens, heaps more pieces to come yet!

Winter Resort

Well my blogging has been non-existent but part of that is because I really haven't been sewing clothes much at all.  I have been sewing for my little Etsy shop but not sure that is of interest to most people so my posting has died.

The reason I wasn't sewing much was I have put on a stack of weight (hello menopause and giving up trying!)  I couldn't really work out what to wear and everything I made looked, well, pretty ordinary.  I bought a few RTW items to plug in the gaps but was still not happy with how I looked.

I realised I needed some help and I will discuss that in a later post, but basically it came to light that I was really missing the boat in what I was making and buying.  Swathing myself in volumes of fabric was not making me look smaller!  In fact quite the opposite.

So a new tack has been taken.  I have gone back to basics and have started building my new wardrobe, at this stage titled "Winter Resort".   I have also come to realise that I was getting a long way from my best colour palette.  I was incorporating a lot of black and I did it because it was easy.  It was only making me look worse and it is interesting that I did it, as now when I try to put black near my face I can see what bad things it was doing for my complexion and in turn it was also making me feel very meh! about myself.

The first instalment in my wardrobe was a new basic dress in a "good" colour and a shirt that I just felt I had to make.

I chose to make Stylearc Cleo for the frock, which is a straight through style with optional darts for a bit of fitting.   I basted the darts, thinking they would not work for my overblown figure, but I had to give it to Stylearc, they know what they are doing.  The darts stayed and I am amazed at how much slimmer I look.  The tummy and all the bits are still there but it looks so much better in this frock!  I used a dark brown soft double knit that I had in the stash and to simplify the sew, I finished the armholes and neckline with fold over elastic (FOE).  

Anne Whalley has a great video tip on using FOE and you can find many more about too, to help you with this really RTW look sewing short cut.

While I was planning this dress, I visited East Coast Fabrics and picked up a piece of Georgette which I feel in love with and happened to be reduced in price.  I also noticed a New Look pattern while I was waiting to to be served and picked that up too, thinking it was perfect for the fabric.  I enjoyed making the top, but it wasn't a quick sew and put me back a bit in my plans to get my wardrobe started, but I am still happy I spent the time on it.  Sometimes you just need a certain piece and this was it this time.

So enough of the chatter, this is my first outfit in the new wardrobe...

and another shot,

I wore this outfit at the start of autumn and even though it was sleeveless, it was warm enough for the office considering the top is layered over the dress,

On the week-end I paired the shirt with a RTW top and some ugly as sin pants I made (that filled a need, but I don't like)  and wore this outfit to a local food and wine fair.  

Not the most flattering photo, but it was taken at the end of the day and I think on the whole it worked. (I could go on about how I should have fixed my look for this photo, but I do like the mustard top and sand coloured pants with this top.)

So many more instalments to come in this wardrobe... I will be back soon,  ciao kittens!

Another piece in the chain - New Look 6150 View D top

I have made View A of New Look 6150 twice now as I love how it emulates a RTW top I used to own (first version blogged here and second one here.)  However when I was going to put the pattern away I had another look at all the versions and noted that version D is a boat neck and this is a style I love.  

I have made a few boat neck tees from Burdastyle 02-2009-108, but if I were to make it again I would probably have to trace a size up as those tops were made back in 2012/2013 and now I need at least one size larger.  I figured as I love the fit of New Look 6150 I really should give view D a try.  

I ordered fabric from Knitwit.  It is a viscose spandex blend from Italy called Ravenna.  I must say I am super impressed with this fabric.  A beefier viscose than I have used lately with great recovery and presses well.  Does not seem to crush either.  *Fabric love*

So with no alterations to the pattern, I made view D and once again I am very impressed with the fit.   

The only changes I made to it were the order of construction.  I sewed the shoulder seams first (with a strip of fusible interfacing on the back shoulder seams for stability), then finished the neckline, then sewed the sleeves in flat and then side/sleeve seams and hemmed.  This is a simple enough tee that this order made the most sense to me. 

Excuse the wrinkles - it does fit well, but I was a bit rushed to get the pic.

I think this pattern is going to replace my Burdastyle as my go-to boat neck tee.

I wore it to the office the other day which is where I got the photos but also took some photos of how I wore it out in the cold.  It is shown here with my Mabel skirt, Vogue jacket and crocheted cowl.  Don't you love when all your me-mades come together. 

And for a bit of fun last week-end my hubby and I competed in an in-house pairs competition at our local Crossfit box.  We were supposed to dress alike.  So we went as hippies which allowed me to have some fun revisiting my tie dye skills from the 70's!

My head band is also me-made - sweatband made from supplex.

We did not win any prizes for costume or for placing in the comp, but were super stoked that two old hippies managed to finish 3 WODs (workouts) at a reasonable pace.

Ciao kittens - one burdastyle top and stylearc skirt to be blogged soon....

Endless combinations ... piece 2... New Look 6325 coat

Next up piece 2 - sorry about the lack of order in presenting the pieces... this however is my favorite piece of this 4 piece set.  New Look 6325 coat.

The pattern was purchased over a year ago and the fabric was bought over a year ago too, but I didn't get it made last winter.  I was determined to have it ready for this winter season, so this contest gave me the deadline I needed to get it done. 

I love the colour, love the collar, love the simplicity but stylishness.  Love that it is warm and squishy but not too heavy to wear... 

When I was buying the fabric in Tamworth at the PR week-end get-together, one of the girls (Hi Sandra!)  suggested I partially line it.  So I did line it.  I fully lined it as I decided it would make it so much nicer to wear.  I used the Connie Long guide to sewing linings, and it worked a treat.  

The jacket is made from boiled wool and the lining is a stretch satin (polyester).  I found a lovely big old leather button in my stash and love how it looks on this coat.  I did interface behind the button and snaps, but am wondering if I need to do more to support the button, but I shall see how it goes.

The review is here and next post I will present my 4 piece endless combinations collection... Ciao kittens!

Endless Combinations Contest ... piece 4... New Look 6150 top

Yes it is piece 4, no you haven't missed 2 & 3... I am just sewing the pieces in an order that suits the current warm autumn weather we are having.  My second piece is a boiled wool coat and it is too warm to be handling wool.  In fact my top was intended to be a merino jersey top but I decided a 3/4 sleeve top in rayon would actually got worn more quickly. 

I used New Look 6150 again.  I previously made it here.  Sadly the last top is much loved but the fabric is pilling and deteriorating at a fast rate.  When I made the blue version, I did actually buy some rayon knit for a second version, so decided that now was the time to make it up.

This pattern fits me well with no alteration.  I chose my size based on my bust size +1" ease and chose the size that corresponded with that as marked on the front bodice pattern pieces.   The pleats and gathers are a bit fiddly but the rayon takes pressing well and the fiddle is well worth the effort of the finished top.

I really need to make more of this pattern and will try the boat neck (View D) next time.

I have written a review so all the details of the making of the top is in the review - here.

Ciao kittens ... pants next (piece 3)... holding my breath to see if I can make the deadline of all 4 pieces but still holding onto some hope...

Sewing for the warm... Tessuti Suzy pant again

Even though the weather is still cold here, I am going on holiday soon and as we are going North I will need some nice casual clothes suitable for warmer weather.... yay!

So I have been looking around the webs and have been loving seeing casual drapey pants and decided it was time to pull out the Tessuti Suzy pant pattern again.  Last time I made these in a size small and in silk (posted here).  I tried these on as I know my shape has changed a bit since early last year.  Crossfit has ensured my butt is a little more rounded than it used to be!  

The pants fit but the side seam told the story - it pulls to the back at my butt and pulls forward at my thigh and back again toward my calf... so I figured I would try on my original muslin (not blogged) I made in a medium.  Well they fit much better now and fit nicely over the new, improved butt.  So I traced the medium off and made the same one alteration as last time (shortened the leg length by about 1/2") and amazingly found some gorgeous rayon at Spotties on sale.  So a new Tessuti suzy pant was born made....

In.love.with.these.pants.  

 So much so that I went back to Spotties and bought more fabric for a second pair. 

The top is New Look 6150 made in a beautiful knit rayon from The Fabric Store.  I choose my size by looking at the finished bust measurement and using the one that gave me one inch of ease. It is a bit of a fiddly make with the pleats and gathers in a rayon knit, but so worth it!   I had been looking for a top similar to a RTW one I used to own - pictured in this blog post.  I think I have found it and plan to make more of these flattering tops. 

My new fave outfit.... Ciao kittens... more warm weather makes soon...

New Look 6097... urban jungle dress

About a month ago I made another New Look 6097.  I was wearing my first version (see it here) the other day and thinking again what a great pattern this is.  It really is my go-to dress and even though I have put on a little weight the fabric and style is forgiving enough that I can still wear it and not be uncomfortable.  

I had always planned to make version A and had the perfect fabric in my cupboard.  A gorgeous jersey called urban jungle queen jersey bought from Gorgeous Fabrics a few yeas ago and waiting for the right project.

I haven't worn the dress yet as it is too warm still, but when my DH found his camera remote, we thought we should try it out and it gave me an opportunity to take photos of my dress.

I need to remember to take lots of photos as this stiff photo was one of the best.

I have been told the flash shadow is not good so it is something we need to work on, but I am hoping that learning how to use his camera by myself will help me get photos on my blog more efficiently.

Pockets too..

The cuff detail - I did have to hand sew the cuff to hold it but this is suggested in the pattern instructions if your fabric is very soft and drapey.

The back shot for completeness...

My original review is here and I still agree with what I said the first time.

Lulu has taken to sleeping in my sewing room - mainly on my chair but I have put a lovely woolly cushion in there for her and sometimes , by mistake, she sleeps on it... at Diana's feet/foot?...

Ciao for now!

Should I stay or should I go? New Look 6648

A few of you commented that you loved the colour of the silk jersey that I showed you in my last post.  This is the top that was made out of the fabric.  I think my face says it all...

The pattern is New Look 6648 a favorite from the top 10 of 2011 on Pattern Review.  

What is it that doesn't work?  ...the shiny fabric? ...is it too small? .... is it the unflattering gathering at the waistband?

Maybe all of the above?

I am really sorry I didn't use McCalls 6078 which I have made before - post here.  I could have tried View B, the sleeveless cowl neck with no loops.  I really think it would have been more successful...

Not sure whether to keep this top or move it straight out to someone else who it may love it... at least I have the cowl...

Ciao for now, the next post shows a much more successful outcome...

New Look Dress 6097 - SSS...Snakeskin!

I have seen a few versions of this dress in sewing internet land and have been very impressed everytime I see it.  So of course, I had to join the bandwagon.... and it was worth it - a great pattern!

I made it up in knit purchased from Bargain Box in Ipswich bought in July 2010.  This feels like what Knitwit calls a dry handle knit.  It was lovely to work with and lovely to wear.  I didn't really realise that the 'stripes' were going to go across my body until I started cutting it, so I matched side seams and pocket areas.  Perhaps too well as the pockets are hard to see!

This is a Project Runway pattern and is actually true to size.  I made a size 12 at the top and a size 14 for the skirt part.  I might have got away with a 12 but I didn't want it too tight.  

The faux wrap is brilliant with no gaping and this is a really easy to wear and like dress.  

I did make the belt using an op shop belt buckle find, but didn't like it on me.  I think the print is too busy for it and I needed a belt to help define my waist.  I am still considering it though.  It is a lot longer than the one pictured on the pattern and I am wondering if I should shorten it or just not bother as I am not sure I will wear it anyway.

I plan to make the other version in Autumn - I love the look of the sleeves with tabs and collar.

Review is here for those interested.... Ciao!

New Look 6802

This is a very popular pattern on Pattern Review.com. I can see why - it is cut well, fits well and is a pleasure to sew. However it has left me going '...myeeehhh?'

I made View D - sleeveless. The fabric is a gorgeous poly/rayon/spandex from Kerryn's Fabric World. Maybe that is the problem? This dress in this fabric is really comfy - I feel like I am wearing pyjamas!

Maybe it is the colour - I am trying to add more colour to my wardrobe and I don't mind the blue but maybe I am having trouble getting used to it.


Maybe it is the gathers over the tummy - it is a bit 'pouffy' for my taste.

Whatever it is - I am just meyehhh? *shrug shoulders* about this little frock.. but it will get worn.

New Look 6429

My latest finished creation - New Look 6429. This is made from a viscose jersey in a colour called Aubergine bought from Tessuti in Melbourne. I made no alterations but did make a size smaller than my listed size (as suggested by reviews on Pattern Review) .

I love this dress and it was easy to put together. The only dOH moment was that I have wrapped it the wrong way as I cut the fabric wrong side up instead of the right side up (there is a reason to read the pattern directions!)

My only quibble would be that the neckline is low. However it is exactly as it looks on the pattern cover so I should have realised it would be! I wanted to wear this to work so will have to use cami's with it. It is wearable without a cami and would be lovely for a night out but not for work!

I want to make anther one and try and raise the neckline as I like it so much. My biggest problem is that I would like to make it in another plain colour but they seem to be hard to come by... why are their so many patterned jerseys but hardly any plain ones?.. *sulk*... I will just have to keep looking..

photos....





This dress is a winner just like everyone raved about on Pattern Review!