Doobee's Creations

Add the ribbon...

2012-01-24T00:19:00.000-08:00

After procrastinating (don't we all???) about whether to add ribbon to the last top I made, I bit the bullet and went ahead to add it. It actually now looks great...

This photo is taken indoors, just on dusk so not true to colour thanks to the flash. But, the ribbon is actually the same colour as in the stripe, so in 'real-life' blends in nicely. To attach it I used a twin needle and it was just the perfect size of the ribbon. At the top of the front I added 3 very small buttons, and 1 at the top on the back. They are actually a denim-blue colouring, but have photographed black!!!

Next on my agenda for sewing are some skirts. With all the tops and shirts I have been making I feel a little 'under-dressed' on the lower parts.So starting Friday night off with Burda 8407.

An old pattern that I have never managed to get around to. So time to prowl around PR to see what others thought about it...

Striped Sorbetto (melting)...

2012-01-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Another Sorbetto! Some fellow bloggers love these tops, others are well and truly sick to death of them. Me, I am in the mood for some quick little tops, that whip up in a matter of hours. 2 pattern pieces plus whatever else you personally wish to add and that is it. No zippers, invisible or otherwise, no buttons, buttonholes or interfacing. No extra trips back to the shops to pick up forgotten accessories. Just you, 2 pattern pieces (which are free) and a small amount of fabric. Sometimes you just need the basics...

This top is made from a striped shirting fabric, in chambray, white and cream. Very cool to touch and versatile with a few of my current skirts. To the basic Sorbetto pattern (which I love at the moment) I added a pleated section down the front, cut across the grain of the fabric. But I think the pleating detail is lost amongst the stripe of the fabric. This wider pleated detail extends down below the hemline, similar to a top Shams made a few weeks back.

Then from under this front strip I added another pleated strip up and over the right shoulder, which extends partway down the back.

To match in the front I added a small placket at the top of the back, from which another pleated strip comes from that extends over the left shoulder to hang down the front.

So that is it in a nutshell, another easy top for the week. My only delima on this top is whether or not to use a thin strip of ribbon over the top of the stitching which holds the pleated details on!!!! It actually looks worse in the photos (yes, I did go and check). If not ribbon then maybe a few buttons...

Off for a dip in the pool, before a late Sunday BBQ ...

So, did I make any changes the next day to this top???? Look here...

Security to Section Three...

2012-01-17T00:10:00.000-08:00

'Security to Section Three'... the voice loomed over the loudspeaker at David Jones, just as I was sneaking a quick picci on my phone.

I had just seen a shirt with great collar detail, priced at $149 (and that was reduced!!!) and had to copy it. Surely the rest of the loudspeaker message would say...'Crazy Lady in Women's Wear'...

So here is the guilty photo - not a great shot as I was a tad on the worried side of being whisked off by security ...

A neat pleated attachment had been added to the collar, cute detail that I could 'copy' on my next shirt.

Enter SAM#2 -

Again, I have turned to Butterick 5365, but as I have nailed the fit on this I can now concentrate on jazzing it up with a few details.

Firstly, the collar. After gaining the photo I at least had to use it. So I pleated a folded shaped length of fabric and attached it to the main collar piece before constructing the actual collar. It is attached by the buttons and a few hidden stitches, with the band section being loose. Being white on white it isn't as obvious, but I think this would be a great feature in a contrasting fabric.

Second detail to jazz up this shirt was to add a pleat detail across the top yoke section of the back. And I thought the pleat theme would join the front of the shirt to the back.

And the last jazzy bit I added was the single pleat vent down the back. Simply by cutting the back piece and adding on 8cm to allow for the pleat, and placing on the fold, it created an open pleat down the back.

So, fess up, who else is guilty of picking up details in the shops and recreating their own designs??? Please, someone, surely I am not the only 'feature thief' amongst us...

Ice Cream Season...

2012-01-16T22:49:00.000-08:00

Well it is right in the middle of ice cream weather here ...

... and when I think of ice cream, I think of Sorbetto, and then naturally the sewing brain kicks in and translates it all to a Sorbetto top ...

Around the blogs there has been numerous versions of this little top since its arrival on the 'free' market back in May last year. Finally I have printed the pattern and given it a try. So many variations on this top - from buttons, to pleats, to folds, tucks and lace.

My first version is fairly basic, just a few buttons added down the front. But my second version I went to town on. It is now dubbed the 'Wonky Sorbetto', asymmetrical in design with a double frilly piece added to the front and taken to mid-way along the back neckline. Also, the front pleat is opened out and left loose.

The frill pieces and the front pleat have had the hems rolled, and then caught up under the binding around the neck edge.

And the back is plain, just with the frill finishing into the middle of the neckline...

This is a brilliant fitting little top, and I will be making several more based on the pattern. Such an easy little to to 'quirk-up' and make your own.

Just like ice cream, if you have eaten home-made ice cream you will never go back to store brought, and similarly, once you have made a Sorbetto top you won't go back to RTW purchases...

Something is following me...

2012-01-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

One of the latest 'trends' is the high-low look with a shirt tail hemline. It is constructed with a longer length back and a shorten front and often has a asymmetrical hemline, sexy and elegant, to trail around after you.

In a dress style it does seem to (somewhat) work. But this is just a modern version of the classic 18th century cutaway coat which started originally as a riding coat. It quickly became one of the most sophisticated items of clothing for men. Just think of Mr. Darcy and you will see what I mean...

Well, Butterick has tried to emulate this trend in a tunic...

Like a lot of other sewing/bloggers around I feel in love with the look of this one. It appears to have a modern twist to the top, a few creative plays with pleats and gives the look of a long, lean body (without the exercise).

My finished version...

...and the back...

My fabric has a self fringe woven into it, so I decided to make up the plain View A so that I didn't detract from the fabric...

Whilst I will be wearing this top a lot, for a simple straight forward top it certainly needed tweaking.

The main let down on this pattern is the front facing. Butterick has it designed as two single layers of fabric with no interfacing. They recommend fabric such as chiffon, georgette, lightweight linen as being best to make this out of, but imagine trying to pop 5 buttonholes in thin chiffon??? No, I couldn't either. So instead, I used the main fabric on the outside of the placket (the one that actually covers the buttons) and used a doubled layer of matching cotton for the inner piece.

This then gave my buttonholes something solid to work into. Same as the buttons.

So following this colouring, I also used this fabric for the armhole facing...

A very quick top to put together - 2 front pieces, 2 back pieces and the facings. Ideally this top is only suited to wear with pants, jeans or leggings - it just doesn't work with a skirt. Though, maybe a short tight skirt might work...

It is a very summery top, cool and modern. Just watch those facings and you will have a great trendy little top to wear for summer. Will definitely be trying another version, with pleats...

Here are the only other sewers who have tried this pattern...

1. Myra from Simple Inspirations

2. Ann

3. Diana from Sew Passionista

Wonder who else will pick this one up and give it a go...

14 in One Blow!!!

2012-01-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

14 buttonholes and buttons on one shirt - not one of my smarter ideas that one!!! How I fitted 14 buttons down the front of a shirt is beyond me, but apparently it can be done...after completing all 14 I felt I needed to embroider "14 in One Blow" like the old Brother's Grimm tale. So just like in the tale, I sat in my sewing room one evening, stitching away busily, whistling and singing gaily...or if the truth be known, I sat cursing and kicking myself for attempting 14 buttonholes in slippery fabric, followed by sewing on 14 little tiny shiny slippery button...

Back to reality...My second take on Butterick 5365 and this one worked brilliantly. Love it...I whipped up View A, but with View B's pleats. The front facing was omitted and an interfaced placket put in, and I used double the amount of buttons - 2 for each closing. On this shirt I lengthened the sleeves as well (personal preference).

And as an added bonus....it does up!!!! Now, what more could I want???

Here are a few of the details...

All seams are French seams -

Collar worn open...and you can see the buttons, sewn in two's all the way down the front...also the pleats can be seen

I lengthened the sleeve to sit just about 3cm above my elbow...

Here you can see the pleat detail coming out from under the collar area...

Can be worn under my black jacket...

...under my coral jacket...

...or under my sage jacket...

This is a great basic shirt pattern that can be jazzed up easily, with a bit of imagination.

Next version is going to be in white with a bit of a twist to the placket and sleeves. And a zipper, might use a zipper instead of buttons...

A Quickie!!!

2012-01-05T15:42:00.000-08:00

Just a quick top to keep me on track for my TAM (Top-A-Month).
McCalls 8405, so old it isn't even worthy of being classified as OOP. I've had this since 1996...

But I also have Butterick 4683 which is extremely similar...

Anyway, quick top means a quick review...

...and the back...

...and a close-up of the motley fabric...

This is such a comfortable top, with the Princess Seams and button up back for a change. Very easy to wear by itself or with a jacket over the top...
Not much else to say on this one.

Breath in!!!

2012-01-03T21:57:00.000-08:00

So I jumped straight into my SAM challenge on the first day of the New Year. Not to waste any time, I chose a pattern I already had - Butterick 5365 by Connie Crawford.

Challenge on this will be the two-piece banded collar...time to Google how others have tackled this area of a shirt. I won't go into any details as the wheel has already been invented on this many times.

My fabric choice is a khaki burnout which is very sheer in the burnout areas. To this end I am planning on wearing a little cami under the shirt. First major decision is whether to interface the collar and front in black, or white. The black brings out the pattern and the white blends....OK, so a no-brainer...black it is.Then instead of interfacing I am going to use a very fine voile. The pattern is designed for fluid, drapey fabric and the voile should (fingers crossed) move with the fabric.

My major change is to change the front to a placket with a fold-out to the front, with the voile sandwiched inbetween. Somewhere to showcase the buttons, and also to provide support to the buttonholes. Planning on doing double buttons, very small, down the front.

Time to go and whip this little number up...

Oh, dear!!! What have I done??? Somewhere along the line my calculations on the front placket have been lost and my dear little shirt is just that...a dear LITTLE shirt...it bearly fits me across the booby area!!! Never have had this problem in my life - big boobs - maybe this shirt isn't such a mistake after all!!!

But no, on reflection it isn't my calculations as after construction my version of the placket using measurements to the nth degree, the whole front and back still fitted exactly into the collar area. So in reality, the shirt is just running small for me. I'll just have to move it from my SAM file (Shirt A Month) to my O-SAM file (Open-Shirt A Month).

Not to be deterred, as I will still be wearing this shirt (just not as planned) I am going to make this up again. It is a great shirt pattern to work with, very easy and great style. I will definitely refine the fit on this and be making up a few more (yes, not just one but a few...)

Details...

Sleeve

Pleats

Back - One major point to note on this shirt, I added 6cm to the length of this shirt at the 'lengthen here' mark on the pattern - wouldn't want it any shorter than it turned out!!!

Will let you know how the next 'improved' version goes...

Shirt A Month! Is it possible SAM I AM???

2011-12-30T00:18:00.000-08:00

What have I gone and done now??? Signed myself up to make a Shirt a Month in the coming year. blue mooney from Unzipped has started everyone off on this challenge and lots are joining in quickly. Probably the popularity on this one is that blue mooney has stated:

I think we should be inclusive rather than restrictive. We have to be able to go wherever the shirt muse takes us!

So, when is a shirt not a shirt???? When it is a SAM, of course!!! Time for you to pop over to the Stitches Guild and sign up for this - don't wait until this time next year to discover you are short on shirts...

This really will be a fun, tricky challenge. Imagine having this problem in 12 months time - which shirt will I choose today???

My first thoughts are to divide the shirt making up into seasons ... break the 12 down into smaller more manageable sized chunks of sewing. Give me the illusion that really, this is an achievable goal. Also, it will make me look at what is needed in my wardrobe that can be worn now.

So, Down Under we are in the midst of our Summer. Read hot, humid, sticky, tropical, steamy...will stop there!! Starting this challenge in January 2012 will see me needing summer shirts, same as for February. My first two shirts will (fingers crossed) reflect my need for short sleeved shirts using light-wieght fabrics. Simple!!!

Using my trusty Shirt Worm I will be able to track along at how 'on target' I am, month to month. At this stage the little worm is on a big fat ZERO ...

But, it is still 2011 and I have but 2 quick days to get my act together. The New Years Eve fireworks in Brisbane will signal my start...

How many of these hangers do you think will be filled with shirts in exactly 12 months from now???

Anyone else going to join in on this one??? Go on, we all need at least one new little white classic shirt in our repertoire - the versatility factor is with the shirt...

Just Take A Moment...

2011-12-29T01:49:00.000-08:00

Take a few moments to have a look at this. Not our era, per-say, but the same meaning can be given to our friends and family who are OS at this moment, fighting so that we can safely pop down to the sewing store tomorrow...

Bob Hope Christmas

Many Aussie soldiers (and our Allies) stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq will have come home for Christmas, but equally, many are not that lucky. Time to think of them, just for a moment...

Scared to say...Cynthia Rowley 2250

2011-12-18T16:34:00.000-08:00

Well I am nearly too scared to say that I have finished hemming Cynthia Rowley 2250. Yes, it did make the Top 20 at PatternReview, amongst much controversy. But I did begin it long before it was elected into the Hall of Hallabaloo.

I have already blogged about it here, but this is my final wrap-up on this dress. Daughter returned home and stood still long enough for me to hem and photograph the dress.

and as a dressier look using black.

In hindsight (aahhh!!!) probably not the wisest fabric choice for her pale skin, but a well fitted dress never-the-less. Just soooo incredibly hard to find RTW dresses that are long enough to hide her never regions from public display. No wonder the poor girl prefers pants and shorts.

Best Patterns 2011 - Can you pick them???

2011-12-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

PatternReview have just started their voting for Best Pattern of 2011.

Pop over and check out what patterns came in the Top 20 for 2011. A couple of surprises, and not everyone is happy.

Out of the 20 choices I have 4 -

Number 3 - Vogue 2497 - have made this up twice and love it.

Number 4 - Simplicity 2443 - cut out and waiting it's turn in line!!!

Number 11 - Simplicity 2250 - hanging around waiting to be hemmed!!!

Number 20 - Collete Patterns 3 Sorbetto - sitting around with pins holding her together!!!

Have a read of the comments flowing in - not one positive comment among them. Many are electing to not vote due to the obvious absence of pants and jackets. There are 14 dresses and 6 tops, with a few variations amongst this lot.

Was 2011 the year of the dresses and tops for you??? I did tend to make up quite a few dresses and tops this past year, but equally so skirts and jackets. And no pants!!! Am I fitting the PatternReview trend of the distinct lack of pants (trousers, britches, strides)...

How disappointing for PatternReview not to have the support of their friends. Feedback is one thing, but as Deepika (who is very bummed out by the feedback) points out these patterns are chosen based on the number of reviews members wrote in 2011.

To try and appease everyone, Deepika has now added in 2 extra categories ...

Member's Favourite of the Big 4 and

Member's Favourite of the Independent patterns

... so you can suggest your favourite pattern from one of the Big 4 companies as well as one from the many great Independent pattern companies. How is this for trying to pacify the masses???

So are you voting, or not? Happy with the selection, or disappointed? I am sure PatternReview will continue to have a great debate over the Year That Was...

Change of Pace!!!

2011-12-12T15:29:00.000-08:00

Just how easy is it to be influenced by others??? It doesn't take much at all...

For me, it all started by way of DidYouMakeThat and her Snuggly Snood...

She made the mistake of linking to a free pattern over at The Guardian and that literally set the ball rolling in Snood-land...

Then SuzySewing swapped her fabric for the knitting needles to whip up a winner to wear with her summer dresses...

Barbara from Sewing on the Edge used 5 needles at once to create a cardigan for her lucky son...

And even Gertie (cheated) and sewed up a sweater...

BUT, the final killer (in the nicest way) -
How Knitting Can Improve Your Sewing from the clever Sewaholic Tasia...

She asks the almighty questions...Can it??? Can knitting improve your sewing??? Is it realllyyyyy that simple???

So call me crazy, or just one to try anything. But although it is the middle of an Aussie Summer I too have now pulled out and dusted of my old trusty needles and have started on a scarf. You know what the feeling is like in the fabric stores, feeling the fabric, wanting it all - well the same can apply to wool. Who can resist just buying a few balls of wool to tuck away into a cupboard, just to wait for a rainy day project. Mind you, knitting projects do tend to go a bit over the top time wise.
But not this one. This scarf is one of those 'make-it-in-minute' type things...

Not great photos, will have to wait until it is finished (this evening???) Lovely colouring to this scarf, so I will be looking forward to wearing it next winter.

Now I am of the era (yes, sadly, the years are ticking by) when knitting was dependent on your ability to transcribe a pattern, and not the ability of the wool.

Source

Mind you, these little numbers use to keep many a Nana knitting for months on end 'back in the time'. Might just dig deep to the back of my wardrobe and pull out the ones I knitted up back in my hay-day. Just how much did the models get paid back in the 80's????

So check out the above sites and see if those of you 'Over the Pond' who are in their cooler months of the year can also be influenced to knit one, purl one, for a quick change to sewing...

Ooohhhh!!! Just had to edit this and add in Handmade by Carolyn... knitting in Summer...crazy...

Do not start anything NEW!!!

2011-12-10T22:29:00.000-08:00

OK, my first goal of my summer holidays (5 1/2 long luxury weeks) is to finish up all the bits and pieces I have started during the year. Time to either finish, fix or dispose of. No longer will they be sitting staring at me each time I start a new project.

First off is a summery dress for my daughter.

What a fun little number this dress was to make! With the strangely shaped bodice piece and the other multiple pattern pieces that would somehow make up the bodice it was certainly going to be one of the more unusual patterns I have worked with. The pattern envelope really doesn't do it any justice. On the photographed model it is just way too difficult to see the pleats and darts that are intrinsic to the design of the bodice. For the amount of work that goes into the bodice alone, you do want the details to be noticed.

Now like most garments sewn, I started off prowling around at PR researching how others had tackled this dress. I read all of the reviews in detail and everyone said the same thing; the bodice lining was short. And this was the best thing I could have done. Basically there are a few little tweaks that need to be seen to in this pattern.

First major tweak is to lengthen the bodice lining pieces - they are definitely too short. This has been noted by nearly every maker of the dress to date.

I will write a full review of this pattern once it is finished. So, what is left to do???? Well, I added on a fair bit of length to this dress, as daughter is a fairly tall girl, so it needs to be hemmed yet. And the straps need to be sewn into place at the last try on. So, can I finish it today???? Sadly, no. Daughter is down in Bendigo for a week, so this poor little dress can't be hung with its friends in the wardrobe just yet - back to the unfinished hanger for it!!!

OK, project number 2 to attack. Yet another dress for daughter (lucky thing). This time it is a recreation project and not a pattern. Ashlee found a pretty little singlet top that was fairly unusual in its design, but naturally it was a tad tooo short for her. So turn it into a dress was the solution...

Basically just added extra wide elastic around the waistline, attached 3 buttons to break it up a bit, and attached a gathered skirt. Then there is a wearable dress. So why is this one not finished??? Yes, that hemline yet again.

And to the last unfinished hanging project. Can you guess??? Yes, a third dress. And another one that started with a singlet top that someone 'just loved'...

Now this one started life off as a plain fronted grey racer back singlet with a lace insert at the top. Fairly plain as a top from the front, but the back is a little different. To this I added a gathered waist skirt, using the selvedge along the gathering line for a little effect. Then the back was cut to insert the zipper. The dark grey zipper was chosen as there is a dark grey thread running through the skirt fabric, and up close it actually looks OK. And by looking at the threads hanging from the bottom, no, it isn't hemmed yet either. We certainly are going to have a long hemming day ahead of us on her return.

Common theme to all these dresses are the exposed zipper - easy to do but not my favourite style. This look is quite in with the 18 year olds at the moment. All 3 are cool and summery, and ideal for our long hot summer ahead. But back to the unfinished hangers they go...

So that leaves me with no unfinished projects in my books. I tried, but can't finish any of them. Time to move onto the first holiday project for me...

Last work outfits for 2011!!!

2011-12-05T22:05:00.000-08:00

It is that time ... the last week of work for the year!!!

2011 Work Year virtually ticked off.

One more week and then 6 glorious weeks of rest and relaxation -

read sewing, sewing, sewing

Usually at this time of year I am ultra busy at school - testing, writing reports, tidying up loose ends, but for some reason this year school life is well and truly under control. So under control I actually had plenty of time this weekend to sew.

Even though I have more than enough mix and match outfits to see me out for 1 more week, I naturally want to wear something 'new' to the class party, and also for the last day of school. Mind you it is a bit silly to be wearing something new on the last day - clean-up day - so will probably wear it on the second last day. Last day is typically 'daggy old day', filled with scrubbing desks and tidy trays.

Back to the latest outfits. Have had 2 beautiful pieces of fabric watching me for most of the year, just enough in each to make a couple of quick skirts. Nothing exciting or creative, but just good solid skirts that will see me through for a few years to come. And small bonus that the same pattern will serve both pieces of fabric - different styles, different fabrics.

Pattern is an oldie pushed to the back of the pattern boxes...Butterick 4686, six sew easy skirts in one packet. Must have picked this one up back in the 2005/ 06/ 07 era. 13 reviews on PR all seem to put this one in the 'easy & great for beginners' and 'great wardrobe builder' categories so it should be ideal for my needs this time.

First skirt off the rack - I followed View B, a pleated skirt with side zipper. No rocket science moments to report in the making of this one. No muslin needed as with all the pleats it is super easy to tweak it to your shape.

The sewing of the pleats around the yoke certainly have a slimming effect on the flabby mid-drift area. EveS from PR noted in her brilliant rendition of this skirt that the pleats all faced the same way, and I agree with her totally on this. Though decided after pinning that with my fabric this didn't show up, so I left the pleats as per the pattern. But I think this needs to be considered depending on your fabric choice.

Only two minor changes to the pattern...

I used an invisible zipper so that the left hip area lay as flat as the right hip area - purely for aesthetic reasons.

Lengthened the skirt to fall just below my calves. Not much else to bore you with over this skirt - quite simply a great easy to wear skirt!!!

Second whip-up of this pattern was using View E - flared below mid-knee skirt, back zipper and trim.

The wind blew and made the hemline wonky!!!

A few little tweeks to this version as well -

First off I used the selvedge of the fabric for the trim between yoke and skirt. It had a lovely woolly look and feel to it and I just couldn't throw it away.

Next I fully interlined my skirt in white to give it a little more body.

Yet again, another invisible zipper popped in - think I should look at taking out market shares in the invisible zipper company. I certainly am supporting this niche in the sewing industry big time!!!

So that is all there is to this pattern - so quick and easy it is embarrassing. At least I know, as usual, that what I won't see the same thing in the staffroom at lunchtime. And yes, it has happened several times this year to others. Two people in the same dresses on the same day - and neither will ever wear their dresses again. So not only have they spent money on a store purchased dress, it now sits in their wardrobes in shame. Who said sewing was a waste of money???

Did someone say "TRIPLE GIVEAWAY???"

2011-11-28T16:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, you read correctly

"TRIPLE GIVEAWAY".

How is that for a pre-Christmas treat???

What is inside each give-away pressie I hear you ask. Well to find out you need to pop on over to . . .

House of Pinheiro

were you can enter this fantastic and generous give-away, and at the same time have a peek into a very creative site.
House of Pinheiro's 1st pressie under the tree...
Molda Moldes Magazine

House of Pinheiro's 2nd pressie under the tree...

Vintage Magazine

House of Pinheiro's 3rd pressie under the tree...

Butterick 4837

So pop over to House of Pinheiro and enter now...

Vintage Bookmarks

2011-11-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

If you're tired of bookmarks featuring cats or pretty flowers, these Vintage Bookmarks will be a welcome change.

marci from over at the Vintage Lemon has created a Handmade Holiday Project to whip up these cute and fast to make bookmarks in time for Christmas giving.

And the generous person that she is, marci is giving away 2 of her creations as a give-away gift.

So pop on over to The Vintage Lemon to see for yourself just how quick, easy and gorgeous they are.

marci asked for a comment telling her who you would gift the second bookmark to, and why.

Thanks to the amazing powers of the Internet, several years ago I met a wonderful lady in Florida. Chatting to her daily has opened up a whole new world to me and we seem to be like kindred spirits, only as e-friends. Chats range from sewing, to crafts, to ancestry, to food, politics, religion and family. Never a dull moment in e-land with the two of us, even with our 20-odd year age difference and living on different sides of 'The Pond'.

Lila has kindly sent my two teenage children gifts for Christmas and birthdays that were special to her - books that belonged to her mother. How treasured these books must have been to Lila to hold onto all of these years herself, but to gift them to my children is beyond words. Now in her 70's Lila wanted to see her treasured belongings of life go to others who would care for and equally enjoy them. So now her beautiful treasured books sit in pride of place on the other side of the world. Entrusted to a family she has never met. So to me, Lila would be the natural recipient of the second bookmark if I won!!! My small 'thank-you' ...

Lazy Summer "Brunch" by the Pool!!!

2011-11-26T17:05:00.000-08:00

Nothing suits the thoughts of summer in Brisbane better than a long, lazy brunch. Taking advantage of our brilliant weather and gorgeous summer mornings enjoying brunch outside. A meditative way to say "hello" to the day...

So, naturally first thoughts are 'What to wear???' Since it is a time to relax, feelings tend to be towards a summer bathrobe. But what do you envisage when you hear the word 'bathrobe'? They do have a 'Granny' tendency behind them.

Boring!!! Not a great range of style options or colours. They are a little on the dated 'Grandma' side, or the 'don't look at me I'm married with kids' look. And we all try to avoid that rut in life. A little to 'housy' for my likings.

So, what is a sewer to do??? Quite naturally, make her own. Enter McCalls 5248 - an Easy Endless Options range of a robe and summer PJ's.

I fell in love with this summery fabric from Spotlight and could just picture starting my days off with it wrapped around me. It is cool, crisp cotton that is lightweight - ideal for summery (read hot and humid!!!) mornings.

As for the pattern itself, well it wasn't rocket science. Very straight forward and easy to whip up. Changes I made included adding an inner tie to keep the front under-lap in place (don't want to scare the early morning birds off with a stray flash of leg), and I did shorten it to just above knee height. Oh, and I didn't interface the collar sections. Won't bore you to death with a zillion and one photos of a dressing gown...

Font and Back Views, just excuse the slight breeze...

So all I need do now is have the butler (read hubby) whip up a yummy Aussie BBQ brunch while I lazy back on the deck lounge, sipping on some champagne and orange juice...

Sad, down-to-earth thought at the end of this dream is that today is a work day. Will have to put the Brunch-by-the-Pool off until the weekend.

Maybe the Prada trend of housecoats on the catwalk might jut take off...

For Spring Summer 2012 Miuccia Prada has excelled herself with a clever combination of lady like shapes, vintage influences and feminine yet unconventional colour combinations! Our absolute key shape of the season has to be the statement coat, which came in the form of the 1950′s style house coat, in floral prints, broderie anglaise, applique, lace and satin floral jacquards. A little bit Betty Draper meets Marilyn Monroe – in the Beverly Hills Hotel.

What do you think - housecoats to work fashion???

Whoo!! Award Winner!!!

2011-11-10T03:09:00.000-08:00

Well, fancy that!!! My first ever blog award. I am still a new-be in this blogging business, but I would like to give a big Aussie 'Thank-you' to an awesome fellow blogger and sewer over at Pretty Grievances for the award. Please pop over to her blog and check out her fun, intelligent and humorous view of things...

Must admit, prior to this I never knew these awards existed. It seems that in our blogger community there is an ongoing award entitled Versatile Blogger. It is an informal award that is passed from one blogger to another, following some basic rules. The theory behind it is actually quite smart. Kind of reminds me of the old chain mail letters.

Ooops, sorry, wrong chain 'male'!!! Such a pity...

Maybe no-one but me remembers those, but the idea was that when you received a letter (yes, good old snail mail)...

...you had to pass it onto several of your friends. If you didn't pass on the letter something 'bad' would happen to you.

But way back some lovely sole out there in 'blogger-land' decided to award 7 of her favourite bloggers with an award. This award was to show appreciation to readers and bloggers who have been tagged as being 'kindred spirits'. And it doesn't stop at just being a mere creative person in the world. Just google Versatile Blogger and you will see what I mean. 498 000 hits just on Versatile Bloggers in the sewing world alone...and so the chain reaction has started. And no, not our famous Aussie Johnnie Farnham!!!

The rules

for receiving this award seem to be fairly straight forward if you choose to accept the award. And naturally I accept it with arms wide open. I will quickly outline them in case you don't know (or in case I nominate you!!!)-

1. Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them in your post (tick)

2. Share 7 things about yourself on your blog (difficult task!!!)

3. Pass this award onto recently discovered blogs

So here it goes with 7 things to share about myself...

I get cranky when I am hungry, and am not pleasant to be near (first and only warning).
My 4th Great Grandparents were convicts, convicted of receiving stolen goods and larceny, and sentenced to 7 years transportation to Australia back in 1827. And there I still live, carrying on the legacy...
I'm a wife to a wonderful husband (married 27 years) and two terrific teenagers (well 'terrific' when they're not hassling me, or worrying me, or wanting something).
Figuring out this blogging business, or anything technological in general takes me a whole lot longer than I care to admit.
I have a hard time choosing between all the things I want to do, and all the things I should be doing.
I am tone-deaf, and really enjoy singing. Have a feeling in another life I was on stage...
I surprise myself by how much time I can actually spend alone doing the things I love.

So now its time for me to pass the torch, and in following the tradition already set for this award, I would like to honour bloggers that I not only enjoy following, but who truly are all-rounders in the sewing world, who have a variety of knowledge, issues and opinions. They are all inspiring people...

Debbie over at Stitches and Seams has done amazing things, and is gradually disappearing as she sews. Well done, Debbie!!!

Sarah from Goodbye Valentino is sewing her clothes for an entire year, and avoiding shopping. How she does this with 2 teenage daughters is a credit to her. Read on to find out her results.

Tassi who has Sewaholic has a blog well worth visiting. Such a talented young lady.

Pauline at P'thrifty is always up to something interesting and not just sewing.

Suzannah from Adventures in Dressmaking just doesn't stop. An other amazing young talented female.

Must include a couple of fellow Aussies. Kitty and Moggy from I wanna frock and roll all night will entertain you completely.

The inspiring Shams over at Communing With Fabric will regularly give you a sewing treat.

And lucky last, Suzy at Suzy Bee Sews, a fellow Aussie and with a sewing obsession.

On and on I could list many other fantastic sites to pass this award onto....but to the few above I now hand this award over to you to do with what you wish.

But not everyone feels the love that goes hand-in-hand with this award. Take Spectrum Women, for example. Obviously not a sewer or crafter, but her way of thinking out this award really deserves an award in itself. Funny read if you have the time.

Now time to get back to the old sewing machine. Several things going on at once, but not an end in sight for any of them.

Dropped Sleeve Wadder Burda 7521

2011-10-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

This is the last ever dropped shoulder garment I will ever ever ever make. They are just 'not me'. Several years ago I had my Personal Style Solutions done up by Kerryn at Kerryn's Fabric World and when it came to Sleeve Styles for me, a dropped shoulder seam was listed as being 'great'. Well, great no longer for me. And by eliminating this style from my wardrobe really narrows down my choices (as raglan, saddle, cap and open shoulders have already been ditched). From now on I am only going to stick with either sleeveless or set in sleeves. A classic sleeve style appears to be 'more me'. I love the look of a classic sleeve and now hate the dropped shoulder stuff. Pity it took making up my two latest tops to come to this conclusion.

First off was Burda 7521. I should have been forewarned when only one other person on PatternReview has tried this pattern, and she made 6 alterations to her top!!! Now, was that a red flag waving or what???

Not to worry, a loose fitting top with the little gathered detail at the front would be a pleasant change for the coming hot summer. NOT!!!
This top is so loose in fit that loose fitting doesn't do the top justice. Voluminous and shapeless could also be used as a description. I really don't think I have been this disappointed in a pattern for many a year.
So here is my version of Burda 7521. The fabric is fantastic and has a beautiful drape to it...

So, the shoulders. As can be seen from the line drawing they are a drop-shoulder style. But not the traditional box style drop sleeve, as an armscye shape can seen, for which a small amount of shaping can become evident. But when made up it just looks a vision of being way oversized and sloppy on the shoulder, as if the shoulder seam is twice the necessary length and not a dropped shoulder style at all. Particularly as the sleeve is fairly fitted. The drop is way longer than the normal 5cm dropped shoulder that I am use to seeing. The overall shoulder seam on this is 19cm (finished). And this is on a size 10 top...and I rest my case!!!

Next complaint would be the facings. The back in particular. What can't be seen from the line-drawing is that the back gathers at the neckline actually are formed in the seam between the back and the back facing, and the facing needs to be tacked down to the gathers to avoid the gathers sticking out. It does feel a bit strange having gathers on the back neckline when wearing.

...and from the inside showing the facing...

I do like the front gathers, though, and think that this in itself is a great feature of the top. An easy enough feature to sneak into other garments. The gathers here are actually formed on the inside of the top and this gives a nice roll to the gathers on the front.

So my verdict on this top is that I probably won't make another. For anyone else wanting to give it ago, be prepared for a huge top to be made. My suggestion to others would be to eliminate the back gathers as they really are an unnecessary 'extra' chunk of fabric in what is already an ample sized top. I would also advise against the version with sleeves and suggest the sleeveless version, which still has a fair drop/cap look to it. The pattern itself is easy as to sew, each section matched up and the instructions were fine. It is just me and the issue of the dropped sleeve that turns me off this pattern.

Will I wear it...yes, but with a splash of colour from a camisole underneath and matching splash in a bracelet to take the eye away from the shoulder area.

PatternReview

And my second dropped shoulder disaster is a work in progress. Another Burda (now, is that telling me something???) 8478. More on this top, and my fixing to suit me when it is completed...

An update on this dropped sleeve wadder - it can be saved!!! I have actually cut out the back gathers altogether, which resulted in having to sew in a back seam. But the bonus is I now have a great fitting top to wear, and only I know that it shouldn't have a back seam. So again I will reiterate, this top shouldn't be sewn up with the back gathers. They are overkill in adding in extra ease.

MPB Men's Boxer Sew-Along...

2011-10-10T22:04:00.000-07:00

My first ever sew-along. Wow!!! Just how excited can one person really get over a pair of maIe boxer shorts I don’t know. But excited I am...

From the start I really wanted to work on this little project at the same rate as everyone else. But life had a different road for me to take...the road of work, family and other pleasures. So this means that I am running a few days late on Day 1 of the sew-along. Not to worry, it’s not as if these boxer’s are for me!!!

So, from...

Pattern is Kwik Sew 1672. Several reviews already on PatternReview that tick this pattern as being a good one.

And the fabric is a black and tan geometric patterned cotton. A more 'male' looking fabric that I had in my stash. Originally I had picked it up to use as a lining for a jacket.

And the finished boxer's...

These boxer's are for my son, who had a few 'requirements' that needed to be considered. First off was that they had to be longer than RTW boxer's. Son is 196cm tall, which converts to 6'4". A very tall 15 year old. And also he didn't want the fly open, but sewn together. Two easy enough requests.

And my own 'personal' changes included flat-felling the seams for comfort, and using matching bias tape on the hem.

So for about 1 hours work from start to finish is one made to measure pair of boxer shorts. Don't think I will get a photo of these being modelled!!! Just don't think he will stand like the models on the pattern envelope...

Only problem I can see with these finished boxers is that I will be sewing them for the rest of my life. No way will my son go back to wearing RTW boxers again. And hubby has jumped on the bandwagon asking for a few pairs as well. Well, at least they can nearly be made with my eyes closed, no invisible zipper, no French Seams, no darts or gathering. Just plain simple sewing at its best...

'Just a work skirt' (not)...

2011-09-30T03:34:00.000-07:00

So my darling daughter asks if I could whip her up a new skirt for work. Her request was for a skirt, just above knee length, in black. Nothing fancy – ‘it’s just for work’ she informs me. Naturally I jump at the chance - a valid excuse to sew!!!

Within 5 minutes I am holed up in my sewing room rummaging through the pattern stash. Finally found a pattern I had been meaning to try myself. Simplicity 2451 – 2 skirts in 2 lengths. Great excuse now to give it a go.

Within the hour I had flown down to the local fabric store to grab the required fabric and bits and pieces needed. Already I am picturing my (OK her) skirt completed, with button detail and a trendy exposed zipper at the back.

First thing was to lengthen the skirt pattern and for this I added on an extra 12cm throughout the bottom section of the skirt. My daughter is 188cm tall so has never really been able to pop into a shop and pick up a massed produced skirt at a suitable length. So this skirt will be at the exact length she wants/needs.

Other than that nothing exciting to report about this pattern that many, many others haven’t written about on PR. But I will just add that it was a breeze to sew and did indeed just fall into place. What a pity it was relegated to the ‘just for work’ label before it was even created.

So details. First I added an extra ribbon layer to the pocket edge. This was to provide extra support ‘at work’ for when pens, paperclips, keys etc are always stored in the pocket. The edge won’t stretch out of shape now.

Jazzed up the waistband area with 2 tabs on the front with pretty buttons, and also on the back waistband, above the zipper. Deliberately didn’t take the zipper right up to the top of the waistband, but choose buttons for extra strength for ‘at work’.

Sewed the front pleats down 4cm and 3cm respectively to give a little more shape to the front tummy area. They did tend to poke out a bit.

Added an exposed zipper to the back instead of my favourite invisible zipper as I felt it had a younger, more trendy look for her age.

Verdict: A winner!!! Yah, and it is ‘just a work’ skirt, so I won’t get any more excited over it. Just a work skirt, indeed.

And just for a laugh, I started taking these photo's outside in the beautiful Queensland outdoors - but then came along the wind just as I had it all set up ready to go.

Daughter will return home tomorrow and hopefully I can grab a photo of her in the skirt on the way to work...
Some people asked about the exposed zipper I used, here is a link to the tutorial that I followed

Burda 7508

2011-09-25T20:28:00.000-07:00

I had this linen fabric in my stash for a year or so now, with the original intention of making a dress. But instead, plans change, and I have whipped up two tops instead, which I need much more for work at the moment.

First use of the fabric went to...Burda 7508 View A

and here is my version of the top...

Ok, doesn't suit jeans, but my intention is to have it as a work top. And with this neckline I don't have to worry about a necklace as the feature is built in. Just have to add a few chunky bracelets and away I go!!!
The front button and neck details...

My full review can be seen at PatternReview. All in all this is a quick and easy top with a few interesting design features. It suits this soft linen and will certainly be worn this coming school term.

Sewing Room Brain Blitz...

2011-09-25T14:58:00.000-07:00

Recently the sewing room had a mini-makeover. Brilliant, but a few minor hiccups have resulted, one being a major problem. The new doors are beautiful staggered doors to open up the room...

Downside is that I have lost the door handle and hooks on the back of the old door which always had been in full use with 'under construction' garments hanging in readiness.

Solution...a trip to IKEA and the purchase of a bathroom towel rail...

Now I have soooo much hanging space!!! Room for not just my current garments, but also for a few accessories (new fabric, necklaces, scarves) to motivate my next projects...The four arms are movable to accommodate a huge amount of hangers, and also it is high enough on the wall to hang long dresses or pants as needed.

How is that for thinking outside the box??? And those unfinished garments are in full view to make me guilty for not finishing them before starting the next one - where the fun is in that I don't know!!!

Oh, and one other idea was to re-use the old coffee mug holder from the kitchen for my new scissor holder. So now the family knows, finally, that if the scissors are on my stand they are not for use by others...such a hard mother, I know, but sewing scissors are taboo to others...

Ok, now that my room is gradually getting to be 'more me' I need to make an effort on those unfinished projects...

Marcy Tilton Skirt Vogue 8561

2011-09-21T01:33:00.000-07:00

I am still on holidays and sewing strongly. Another skirt, must be something in the 'Spring-air' that is setting me off on a skirt tangent at the moment. But I am noticing a strange use of 'boring beige' of late in my sewing. Will have to watch the old colour palette closely.
Here is the cover version of Vogue 8561 by Marcy Tilton...

And here is my version...

(Not the best light for the photos, but this isn't a photo blog!!!)
Not bad, good fit and a slender line to the drape of the skirt.

As usual I tweaked the pattern a tad to suit me. The major change I made was to reduce the pocket size down by 75%. Easy enough to scan the pattern and reduce it. Originally the pocket made me feel/look very hippy and lopsided - the proportions just weren't there. But once I adjusted the pocket it did seem to look as if it belonged on my hip. And also with the pocket I sewed the button through all layers to secure the pocket down. Don't think it will ever be used as a pocket for storing anything. If you are inclined to omit the pocket altogether it would give a slimming elongated look to the front side piece - always a design feature to lookout for...

Since my fabric was a touch on the 'see-through' side I decided to save the public an unpleasant view of my silhouette and underline the skirt. After making up both the front and back sections (joining pieces as needed) I traced off one main front and back piece in a batiste fabric and basted this to the main sections. From here on I treated it all as one piece, attaching to the side and back seams as per the instructions.

As usual of late I used an invisible zipper as opposed to the stated lapped zipper. The smooth line of the back is enhanced by the invisible zipper and is also less bulky. Mind you, now that I can sew these little beasts in without any issues I am reluctant to return to the 'old' style zipper. My best investment has been my invisible zipper foot. Not a hybrid all-purpose multi-machine suitable foot (that was my first purchase that didn't work well), but the actual Janome recommended concealed zipper foot. Amazing the difference in quality.

For the topstitching I used two threads to give a bolder look, though if you can pick up the right coloured topstitching thread it would also work.

On completion of the skirt, but prior to hemming, I did hang the skirt for 48 hours to ensure all the drop that was going to happen did so. This also gave me time to cut out and start my next skirt...

Not much else for this skirt. Another easy one to accessorise to enhance the design. I found the ease and drape of the skirt from the hip area down made for a modern stylish skirt which was easy to move in. This is due to the slight excess of fabric in the front right-hand piece. So whilst the back has the flattering A-line look there is plenty of wearing/walking ease drafted into the front. Unusual in thinking, but brilliant in use!!!

McCall's 5586

2011-09-17T03:33:00.000-07:00

Ashlee is after some new summer 'easy' tops for Uni. How funny is it when after 12 years at school, wearing the same school uniform, they now realise just how lucky they had it??? 12 years of not having to look 'in-fashion'. So quick-sew tops are top of the list.

This was at her Graduation from highschool...

I have whipped these up tonight, though Ashlee is not home. Hopefully they will be a neat little surprise in the morning. Here she is just leaving with her best friend late this afternoon, heading out to an 'Art's Academy' function. Didn't they have fun dressing up for their night out...(mind you, the lining for her dress was only sewn in mid-afternoon. Who said we wouldn't have the dress ready in time???)...

Here is McCall's 5586 in an interlock fabric, modern with cute little sunglasses strewn across the design. It really whipped up in no time...and with just 1 metre of fabric - who could complain about that..

Hopefully after a few washes the bias trim will 'mess-up' in a modern sense...

And here is the same top again, but this time in a cotton batik print. This print is just beautiful, and the photos don't do it enough credit...

This time for the feature I used the selvedge as a trim around the yoke piece. Simple but effective...

So that is it from me for tonight. Today was the first day of my 2 week holidays and the sewing is obviously well underway. This is the time I am thankful for my stash of fabulous fabric...

Vogue 7880

2011-09-17T01:27:00.000-07:00

Ok, that time of the year to update the wardrobe in the skirt department. 'Down Under' we are coming out of our so-called Winter season and quickly heading into spring. Where does the year go??? So winter pants can be hung away, and the skirts can take over.

First new skirt of the season is Vogue 7880. An interesting design with a shaped overskirt.

My fabric choice is a very light, well draped 76% wool/21% nylon/ 3% pu blend. Now even the shop assistant was stumped at the 3%pu component of the fabric, but it is related to the stretch of the fabric. It has a very slight 'give' to it. The fabric is of Japanese origin, and of a very well produced standard. The colour is great with it not being a true dark grey, but light enough to wear the new Spring colours with. This shade of green suits it, as does the apricot colourings.

I am wondering after looking at these pictures if the skirt is a little 'high-waisted' or not. It felt perfect when wearing, but maybe it just needs a top worn out instead of tucked in. Will try that out when I next wear it.
Anyway, moving on....the back...

...and the back drape...

...and a close-up of the front...

All in all a most comfortable skirt for the mid Winter-to-Spring (early) transition time of year. Being the length that it is will make it unsuitable for most of Spring.
Next I am planning on making the same skirt (fingers crossed for this weekend) in a light weight pattern fabric ready for Spring-Summer wearing.

Model Daughter

2011-09-15T03:07:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to post a few photos of my daughter in a few of the fantastic outfits she models at various places. All I want to do is jump up on the catwalk and check out the outfits - you know, peek at the seams and the finishing. Even snapping these few photos is frowned upon. Poor daughter is always worried that one day I might just actually do it....keeps her on her toes!!!

This first one is a lovely coat creation....fantastic colours....

But I shuddered at the 'creation' underneath...

Next is a version of 'The Wedding'. Luckily it was the headgear that was being presented....

Next up is a LBD, mind you, it is very little when you are over 6 foot tall...luckily not a breeze on the catwalk....

Now this next one I liked. The pants where a beautiful cut, but the top was creative in that the seam from underarm to waist was not sewn. Technical hitch, or creative insight. Either way, trouble if you lifted your arm....

Another wedding dress. This was just breathtaking in the use of texture on the bodice...

A better view of the front...

Back view of the LBD above....

A little sporty number....

A little revamped denim...

And yes, she even wears recycled plastic bags on request...

Loved the top details on this one...

Only a mother knows this look ...

OK, a little better from the back, but still not a winner...

And she has even been asked to model a witches outfit...it really was well made

A beautiful gold dress...

And another beautiful dress...

And just plain ugly...

But this helps make up for the last lot...

So, what a life!!! Modelling all the beautiful clothes. Well, guess I will just keep on sewing along in life....

Chain weight enlightenment....

2011-09-10T17:39:00.000-07:00

After wearing the Vogue 8709 jacket a few times I had the feeling of something 'not quite right' behind me. So after a few peeks in shop windows at my reflection it was obvious - the lower panel on the jacket was sticking out a tad! Not in an unattractive way, luckily, but in a ‘it’s not meant to do that’ way. So a modification to the rear hem was needed. Something to just weight the hem and give a more becoming drape.

So out of the old memory banks came the thought of how the ever gifted Coco Chanel invented a trick of sewing chain hems into her jackets and skirts, which in turn became a traditional feature in Chanel jackets. Chanel sewed the chains into her jackets to give them weight so they wouldn’t flop all over the place.

My jacket was in need of a similar treatment, to help it hang smoothly. So my Vogue 8709 Marcy Tilton jacket now has a little

signature to it.

I used a chain with a flat oval link, 6 x 4 mm, in an antique gold colouring, and attached it by hand onto the upper hem of the jacket. It is only sewn between the side seam sections.....

A great article spelling it all out is at sewing.org for those who would like to read a little more on the process.

So after stealing a trick from Coco Chanel, my jacket now looks absolutely fantastic when I take a peek in the reflection of shop windows.....

100 Years of Style in East London

2011-09-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

This is just brilliant. Some people are soooo clever with what they can come up with!!! This shows 100 years of East London style in 100 seconds...From Sept 13th 1911 to the same date, 100 years later. And yes, that is just next week. And the fashions are not just distinct to East London, even 'Down Under' we endulged ourselves in many of these select styles.

Watch it and see how many styles you can relate to. Actually, that probably is a little sad for some of us. Though in saying that, a lot of the styles are coming back around for a second look-in. You just never know what is hiding in the dark depths of the spare room cupboard...

McCall's 5432

2011-08-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

I have had this pattern in my stash for a few years, picked up on a whim due to the bright colours used in the outfit. What was I thinking??? No way could I ever pull this off myself!!! The interest in the shoulder detail did grab my attention, as to the mandarin collar, even though I knew they were easy features to pull off. So, this was the week to give it a try. I was a bit apprehensive when only one other person on PatternReview had tried making the jacket that it was going to turn out to be a real dud...what did everyone else see that I didn’t??? Anyway, make it I did and here are my thoughts...

My finished version.....

My final verdict – not a bad little everyday jacket. I was after a jacket for work, one that wasn’t involved to make and would be easy to wear. We are coming into our Spring here ‘Down Under’ so a lined jacket is not needed. And being a teacher of little 8 year olds, a jacket that I wouldn’t cry over if paint or grubby hands touched was also needed. McCall’s 5432 seemed to fit the bill on this occasion. So simple and easy to construct, just a few hours work from start (cutting out paper pattern) to finish. An effortless jacket to add to the working wearable wardrobe. So here is a quick review of my thoughts...

The back didn’t have any yoke feature, seam with a vent, or pleat details. In other words a very plain back. Which reads to me as having no ‘give’ for movement. So instantly I decided to use a fabric with some stretch component to overcome this.

Fabric used is a cotton blend stretch in cream (so not like the pattern colours!!!), and a beautiful Japanese contrast fabric in ‘my colours’. You might be able to glimpse the gold print on top.

With 7 pages of instructions there was sure to be plenty of hints and tips to refresh my memory. Though, for such a basic jacket it was a bit on the over-kill side. But on the flip side, for a beginner these instructions would have been ideal.

Front band is quick and easy to apply, though the tedious aspect of hand sewing the inside was my first ‘yuk’ moment. Not a great fan of hand sewing, but bit my tongue and continued on. Really, some may want to use the ditch in the seam method, but I do think this would show on the outside in an unattractive way if your sewing wasn’t precise. So on with the hand sewing...

Sleeve insert detail is interesting, and actually breaks up the sleeve head. Without this feature the ‘boring’ factor of a basic jacket would have won out.
Cute little cuffs also add interest to the sleeve. As carolynw pointed out, the instructions have you inserting the split on the inside – not an attractive or comfortable choice. So as suggested by carolynw I turned this little feature to the outside.

Funny thing, while taking these photos outside, as I zoomed into the cuff area a bee flying past decided that this might be a stunning flower to land on!!!

Mandarin collar is another unusual aspect of the jacket – quick and easy to whip up, if you don’t mind another bout of hand stitching!!!

I changed the way to finish the seams from the instructions, from serging to French seams. It is my personal preference to have all inside seams on garments finished to a high level and even though this is just a quick everyday jacket it was also to receive attention to the seams. So, all seams have been finished with French seams to encase the fraying threads of the jacket. With the jacket having such few seams anyway, a few extra minutes spent on this really didn't amount to much.

Overall a great jacket for work. On completion I am keen to remember this jacket in future, to be made up in an evening organza fabric to be worn over a LBD. Maybe shorten the sleeves to ¾ for this. I can see it being very simple and elegant at a formal event as a pre/post cover-up in lieu of a wrap. So all that is needed now is to wear it to work on Monday and gauge the comments for the final verdict. Fingers crossed!!!

Vogue 8559

2011-08-14T21:45:00.000-07:00

Yet another Marcy Tilton creation. This time a real quickie! Described as a loose-fitting, unlined jacket with dropped shoulds, sleeves and fronts longer than the back. View B, my design of choice, has contrast bands.

Marcy Tilton Top Vogue 8497

2011-08-08T23:28:00.000-07:00

Moving onto my next 'Marcy' project has seen me finishing a little top for winter. I love the creative style lines on this top, simple but effective.

(excuse the glare from the floor tiles on the front)
Pattern Description:Loose-fitting, pull-over tops have neckline, sleeve, and hemline variations; I made view B.

Pattern Sizing:I made size 14, but possibly could have made a size 13 (wishfull thinking!!!)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? Yes

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, just like joining the dots, only easier!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I liked how interesting both the front and the back looked without being too unwearable

Fabric Used: A beautiful soft stretch knit with lycra. For the trim I used a similar fabric that has a little 'retro' number happening with the circles, and also a little very soft tulle to break the lines up.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:Yes, I lengthened the body length by 5 cm. This is for personal preference, not due to the pattern. Personally, I do prefer my tops just that little longer. I also used the sleeve length from view C, as my top was for winter wearing.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Again and again! Once you have made one you will come up with many other creative ways to whip up the next on. Many, many ideas available from other pattern reviewers to try.

Conclusion: Easy and quick to sew, and very effective.

Simplicity 2497 Daytime Version

2011-08-06T21:00:00.000-07:00

Here is my version of Simplicity 2497, but as a daytime version. It is much more relaxed.

Living in a humid climate there is often days when you just don't want the feel of a tight fitting dress. So I decided to redesign this dress in a much more relaxed manor. By eliminating the waistband the dress now falls gracefully and doesn't cling to every little bump on the body. Though in saying that, it does still have shape.

This isn't the most ideal photo of the dress as the wind was playing havic with the draping.

This photo shows a close up of the ruffle on the back of the neckline. I decided to line the ruffle to give it a little more body. Then there was the need to join these two fabrics together, so I used a rolled hem. The effect is quite good. Probably a lot better than just hemming the two fabrics together.

This view is another of the back, with a belt worn around the waistline. You can see that even with a belt the dress still has some room in it for ease.

View of the front ruffle. I did narrow the ruffle down slightly to avoid the clownish look that it can have. The comfort feature is that the ruffle tends to sit away from the neck area - much cooler for summer!

This last view shows how I attached the white lining to the inside of the dress. Still using the facings the lining then forms a part of the dress, hanging in one piece.
The lining is attached to the side seam via the zipper, and also attached at the back vent. Yes, a vent was included in this dress. They are just so easy to do, and gives a garment a little edge. I eliminated the side slits as sometimes these look a little tacky in those over 30 or so. Its all about the age.....
Overall a very comfortable dress that can be jazzed up with a belt and heels. What more could I want?????

'Biased' Skirt

2011-08-05T19:53:00.000-07:00

How brilliant is this technique????? I was filling in time prowling through creative images when I came across a tutorial at "a big dill". The finished garment on this site is a very biased skirt for a lucky little girl...

http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-very-biased-skirt/2010/09/02/

This technique intrigued me, so I hunted out a simple skirt pattern, grabbed some khaki drill fabric and sorted out a matching group of left-over thin fabric that I had that would be suitable.

And the end result....

Where are the biased strips???? Well, instead of completing the entire skirt in the technique, I only used them as a feature panel down each side....

Really has a slimming effect when worn. Making the bias strips was a little on the 'time consuming' side, but the end result was well worth it. I ended up only using 4 feature fabrics. Any more and I think the effect would have been lost. So one pattern and three plains that suited the khaki skirt fabric did the job. And with each being cut on the bias they give a creative element when placing each piece. I attached the finished side strip onto a lining fabric to give it all some strength...

Here are a few more views...

Simplicity 2497

2011-08-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

Year 12 Formal time!!!! After months of hunting around for a dress for Ashlee, it was my turn to whip something up to wear to this event. So hard to do, as I didn't want a fabric that would distract from Ashlee's beautiful dress, but needed something that would compliment her unusual colourings. And it also had to suit me......
After much searching at fabric shops, not that this was the hard part, I decided on Simplicity 2497. A Cynthia Rowley design, it seemed to tick all the boxes that I was after.
The completed dress....

and from the back....

From the start the dress was a dream to make, though the fabric was a challenge. Being a silk dupoini it had the positive aspect of being resistant to wrinkles which helped to enhance the finished garment in looking crisp and formal. Though the downside was that the rough silk fibres woven through tended to fray a lot in the construction. The vibrant colour of the fabric is a gold base with black silk threads woven through. Another bonus is that this fabric is totally reversible which worked out well on the neckline feature.

I basically followed the instruction sheet to a T. And this was easy as the pattern itself is fairly straigh forward. Care had to be taken in the fitting of the dress as the design is fairly fitted.
Small changes I did make to the dress are simple enough. The first was in changing the waistline gathers to pleats. To me, gathers tend to 'enhance' the tummy area, while pleats seem to 'camouflage' the area. So camouflaging it was to be....

Then, to match these waistline pleats into the dress I choose to pleat the neckline ruffle. To do this I made up the neckline piece, finishing the outer edge first in a black rolled hem. Then just measured out evenly around to fit the neckline. After attaching the pleated ruffle piece to the dress I overstitched a thin (2mm) lenght of black ribbon to hide the stitching line. It gives a neater finish, and actually has the effect of a necklace from a distance.

The neckline is a beautiful fit, sitting high up around the back. I was worried that it might look a little 'clown-like', but after wearing the dress this wasn't a concern.

And the last change I made to the pattern was to fully line the dress. Being for a formal occasion I lined the dress in a black fabric, which emphasised the black threads in the fabric. I still used the neck and arm facings cut from the outer fabric, and attached the lining to this.

And my last little change was to insert a back vent for ease of wearing. The pattern allows for splits in each side seams, but for this formal dress I felt a vent would be more suitable. I attached the lining to the vent.
And this post wouldn't be complete without a few little shots of the actual event...

And no, I am not height challenged in any way. My beautifully tall daughter is 6'2", and I am average, normal, standard, ordinary, common. Obviously she inherited her height from hubby!!!

Burda 5/2010 Waistcoat 123

2011-08-02T03:04:00.000-07:00

My first Burda creation from the Burda magazine.

Marcy Tilton Jacket (Vogue) 8709

2011-07-29T23:22:00.000-07:00

Well, my first Marcy Tilton garment!!!.

And how brilliant it was to sew! An absolute delight from start to finish. Having prowled over the reviews from such talented sewers on Pattern Review in detail, I had the urge to try this jacket for myself. I am always on the look-out for clothing that is just that little bit different, creative without being bizarre. And this certainly fitted the bill. Though I must wonder why I wished to whip-up a jacket in the sub-tropics of Brisbane. Our winters definitely don’t require such a high neck jacket, but I sooooo wished to try it.

So, Vogue 8709 was to become my first item ever reviewed, and hopefully not my last. Even though my sewing skills are average, it is still daunting to have your finished garments on display to so many talented sewers around the world. Hence the photos taken on my sewing dummy (whom I must name one day), and not modeled at this stage by myself. One step at a time…

Back to the jacket.
Fabric used is a beautiful feeling cotton with a self check -

*Carolyn.S, from PatternReview suggested that the fabric may be a ripstop cotton. On further investigation I would have to agree with her. The fabric definitely has all the characteristics of ripstop – thick reinforced threads are interwoven at regular intervals in a crosshatch pattern. The intervals are typically 5 to 8mm. Ripstop fabric is thin and lightweight with a 3-dimensional structure due to the thicker threads being interwoven in the thinner cloth. So thank you, Carolyn.S, for posting this question, and giving me a little more understanding of my fabric.

After reading other reviews and taking my measurements I settled on making a size 14. There appeared to be plenty of ease still at this size and the jacket did look as if it would have ample room under the arms and across the chest area. Nothing worse than a ‘too tight’ jacket. And I am more than impressed with the look of the finished garment.
I am one to finish all parts of a garment, so I used left over fabric from a past skirt that was the same weight to do simple Hong Kong finishes to all of the seams. Nothing is more satisfying than taking off a jacket and casually laying it open over a chair, inside showing, and receiving comments about the inside effectiveness of the finishing. Nothing like praise to motivate you to keep on sewing.

The collar detail turned out to be exactly as the pattern described. I used the selvedge along one collar piece (there are four altogether) and it is a great feature. Probably not as obvious as I would have liked, you need to consider what effect your selvedge will have prior to using it.

I think it would be easy enough to use the selvedge on all four pieces to create more emphasis on the detail, as it is flattering next to the face.