So we all know those of us with small sewing spaces will spread out everywhere.. (surely it can't be just me lol)
And often will have to clear off the dining table, set up a heavy trestle table, or the worst of all lay our fabric out on the floor, when we go to cut out our patterns. I find it so difficult and painful, so usually get someone to help me lift a trestle table up, but it's never quite high enough.
I've seen those wonderful leafed Horn sewing cabinets, but almost $1000 here to buy one. Never in my life.
So the next best thing - Ana White (previously Knock Off Wood) has created a woodworking pattern and instructions for making a drop leaf table!
http://ana-white.com/2010/10/a-sewing-table-for-small-spaces.html
She has made it 30" high. Which just isn't quite hgih enough to use for a cutting table in my opinion, so I will be making mine at 37" high. (instead of cutting it 26 3/4", I'll be cutting it at 31" to accommodate my new height, the thickness of the MDF and the height of the wheels)
Isn't it just fabulous!
I'm debating on including the middle shelf divider. No machines will be stored in there, so what I'm thinking is not including the shelf but putting a small draw in there instead at some stage in the future.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
3/4 jeans - talk about happy!
I am so in love with these. Can't wait to make another pair or 3. LOL.
Only thing is that wee pull on the zipper cover - if anyone can tell me how to remedy that happening, I'd be very grateful!!!
Originally I was going to cut the jeans to have a a 68cm length from lower waistband, but accidentally cut them 65cm, you should've heard the language when I realised! But actually I'm pleased now, and will use that 65cm length again, it's a good length on me. I'd just been sitting down so you can see the slight creases in the mid hip region.
Man I have a funny shaped bum! LOL.
I was hitching them up a bit while the photo snapped. woops.
Only thing is that wee pull on the zipper cover - if anyone can tell me how to remedy that happening, I'd be very grateful!!!
Originally I was going to cut the jeans to have a a 68cm length from lower waistband, but accidentally cut them 65cm, you should've heard the language when I realised! But actually I'm pleased now, and will use that 65cm length again, it's a good length on me. I'd just been sitting down so you can see the slight creases in the mid hip region.
Man I have a funny shaped bum! LOL.
I was hitching them up a bit while the photo snapped. woops.
Monday, October 25, 2010
A sneak peek!
Well it took a while - 2 weeks, but the 3/4 jeans are finally done.. Am yet to get a picture of them on my body, but they fit so well and are so comfy. That Burda 7738 jean pattern is definitely my fave.
So here is a photo of the top of them. Don't they look wonderful! Made from a crosshatch denim, so have a great grain to them.
So here is a photo of the top of them. Don't they look wonderful! Made from a crosshatch denim, so have a great grain to them.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Cowls are IN!
Cowl neck seems to be so in this season, and are everywhere I look. So of course I had to have one similar to the one in my post below..
With the use of Burda 7519 - I sort of fiddled here and there to get what I wanted. I'll also be using the free Cowl neck with lower band made by Hot Patterns available from www.fabric.com to make another at some stage.
I gathered the shoulders, and also the lower side seams to give it that slightly gathered look, and I love it, plus get loads of compliments on it.
I added 2" onto the center front, as I was worried it would be too tight - but now the cowl is huge and if I wear it without a top underneath, I'm more than flaunting it!
The fabric would have to be my favourite. It took me a long time (MONTHS) to figure out what it said. It wasn't until I draped it on myself in front of the mirror one day that I figured it out. Here is a photo of me standing in the mirror.
I bought it while on my Auckland trip, from Arthur Toyes - if anyone sees any more there, I'd love a metre or 2 to make some togs!!!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Voting is open!
Woohooo - Voting on the LBD contest is open. There are such wonderful entries, I'm sure people are having a hard time to pick just the one! Mosey on over and don't forget to vote if you are a PR member :)
I picked up the overlocker the other day, it's fab! Haven't had a good chance to use it yet though. I'm getting shocking headaches if I do much sewing, or anything that requires any focus - even peeling potatoes, good excuse to get off dinner duty - except there's only me! lol
Will be off to the doctor this morning, am wondering if it is possibly my eyes, but just want to get it totally checked as they have been constant since I got my migraine.. Will see how that goes and hope that I can soon get cracking on the machine! I managed to get some 3/4 jeans cut Saturday, and the pockets attached yesterday, at this rate I should be done by summer ;o)
Monday, October 11, 2010
Quiet on the sewing front!
Wow I haven't posted in AGES!
The skirt was made - beautifully. And doesn't fit. so it's going to the wardrobe until it does.
The top worked out beautifully, havent managed to get pictures of it yet.
And ended up making a top similar to it yesterday, will try and get pictures tomorrow.
Has been very quiet around here since everyone left overseas - although there has been some Drama.. My mother had a bike accident in Cambodia, and she crushed the ball of her left Humerus, and broke her right wrist. Thank goodness for medical insurance, they flew her out to Bangkok for treatment and she was operated on last night. As long as she stays in Bangkok for 2 weeks, she will be allowed to go back to Cambodia to continue their holiday.
Now for some exciting news!
The other day I discovered a Babylock Imagine overlocker on Trademe. Starting bid of $85! Eeekk. My dream machine, that retails for around $2000 new. I hung out until last night when it was ending, and after a fierce bidding war, I came out on top! Woohooo. Had discussed with the famdamily when I first spotted it, about them buying it for birthday/xmas present, as they'd all been stuck on what to get me, so it works out perfectly.
$395 in the end! What an absolute bargain! I'm chuffed to bits.
I have to go to pick it up this week, but haven't heard from the seller yet - I'm so impatient!
The skirt was made - beautifully. And doesn't fit. so it's going to the wardrobe until it does.
The top worked out beautifully, havent managed to get pictures of it yet.
And ended up making a top similar to it yesterday, will try and get pictures tomorrow.
Has been very quiet around here since everyone left overseas - although there has been some Drama.. My mother had a bike accident in Cambodia, and she crushed the ball of her left Humerus, and broke her right wrist. Thank goodness for medical insurance, they flew her out to Bangkok for treatment and she was operated on last night. As long as she stays in Bangkok for 2 weeks, she will be allowed to go back to Cambodia to continue their holiday.
Now for some exciting news!
The other day I discovered a Babylock Imagine overlocker on Trademe. Starting bid of $85! Eeekk. My dream machine, that retails for around $2000 new. I hung out until last night when it was ending, and after a fierce bidding war, I came out on top! Woohooo. Had discussed with the famdamily when I first spotted it, about them buying it for birthday/xmas present, as they'd all been stuck on what to get me, so it works out perfectly.
$395 in the end! What an absolute bargain! I'm chuffed to bits.
I have to go to pick it up this week, but haven't heard from the seller yet - I'm so impatient!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Inspiration!
Don't you just love going inspiration shopping. I admit I did buy a couple of things though. One was a wee shrug to go over my dress on cooler summer nights, and another was a summer top, it looked nice on, was nice fabric and gave in and bought it, after an argument with myself.
But while I was there, I saw this skirt it just shouted out to me
gorgeous right? So it should be for $80.
And then I saw this fabulous tunic, cowl neck, funky print and looked fab on, gorgeous once again, so it should for $65!
So I decided to go to the sewing store to check out patterns for a cowl similar as I've got the perfect fabric for it.
What did I find instead? The fabric from the skirt!!!!! I could've jumped for joy - but instead I bought the fabric and an invisible zip!!! It was the first time that I've ever found fabric from a fashion garment, in our wee sewing store, so I was pretty excited.
This top called out to me too. $100 it could stay on the damn rack!
It was pretty cool though, had a matching skirt. I wish I'd paid more attention to how it was made. By the looks of it, each of these wee white tulle like strips was sewn into a seam, one by one. As it moved, the tulle kind of floated about giving peaks to the black, it was so pretty.
I couldn't really find a cowl pattern suitable for the top at the store, I did get talking to a lady though, she was so cool, I wish I'd asked for her number or something now!
There's a free pattern over at Burda for a cowl neck top, only in size 36, but I'm sure I can add on where it needs it, since it's a simple pattern.
But while I was there, I saw this skirt it just shouted out to me
gorgeous right? So it should be for $80.
And then I saw this fabulous tunic, cowl neck, funky print and looked fab on, gorgeous once again, so it should for $65!
So I decided to go to the sewing store to check out patterns for a cowl similar as I've got the perfect fabric for it.
What did I find instead? The fabric from the skirt!!!!! I could've jumped for joy - but instead I bought the fabric and an invisible zip!!! It was the first time that I've ever found fabric from a fashion garment, in our wee sewing store, so I was pretty excited.
This top called out to me too. $100 it could stay on the damn rack!
It was pretty cool though, had a matching skirt. I wish I'd paid more attention to how it was made. By the looks of it, each of these wee white tulle like strips was sewn into a seam, one by one. As it moved, the tulle kind of floated about giving peaks to the black, it was so pretty.
I couldn't really find a cowl pattern suitable for the top at the store, I did get talking to a lady though, she was so cool, I wish I'd asked for her number or something now!
There's a free pattern over at Burda for a cowl neck top, only in size 36, but I'm sure I can add on where it needs it, since it's a simple pattern.
So there we have it, now I'm off to have lunch since it's almost 4pm! It's been a fairly busy day, and slightly emotional too. I had to meet the lady who is renting my late grandmas house, let her in and show her round. At least she loves the place and will look after it well. Just a funny feeling.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Beautiful Blogger
Thanks to Heather of Sewing on Pins for nominating me for a beautiful blogger award.
I thought I'd stop my current Bejewelled Blitz addiction on Facebook for a bit to write the 10 things out about myself. Hmm this could be hard. (both writing about myself, AND stopping BB for a bit hehe)
1. I still live at home! Yes folks, thats right. At the age of 23, I still live at home with my darling parents.
I did move out when I was younger, but unfortunately with my health getting worse, having to give up work due to that yada yada yada, I had to move back home. I'm lucky that my mother is as much an avid sewer as myself, and loves having a sewing room that we can both work in, and leave all our stuff there for another day when my body has given up. Although for the next 3 months - I am alone! Just me, and the cat. My parents are off to Cambodia. They leave Tuesday. *grins and thinks of all the sewing bits they can bring home*
2. I've never had many clothes. Yes really! For years, I've only ever had a couple of pairs of pants, and a couple of tops. Now, every morning I get up, look in my wardrobe which is now laden with clothes, and think hmm what am I going to wear today. And every time I think about that, it really excites me.
3. A year ago, I sucked at sewing. I could sew, but the results were less than satisfactory, they were only useful for rags. I never took pride in my work, hated cutting patterns out so cut corners, never followed SA guides, never knew about fitting issues, and lets just say my zipper insertion left a lot to be desired. We won't even discuss the total fissy hits that occurred regularly with each project.
It's amazing how much can change in a year. When I look at what I am able to create now, it truly amazes me. Especially when I can now do it with ease.
4. I have a younger brother (17 almost 18, he's also off to Cambodia with my parents) and a sister. My sister isn't a biological sister.
She came to us as an exchange student from China when I was 13, she was 17? She lived with us for 18 months, and really did become one of us. I think of her as my sister, and her gorgeous son as my nephew, what else could they be, they are family even if not by blood.
My brother and I get on like a house on fire - flames everywhere and a lot of breaking glass, needing someone to step in and stop us! LOL. We fight like cat and dog, for that reason, you won't find us in the same room a lot.
5. I've always been a crafty person. At the age of 4 I remember my late grandma (affectionately known as Sugar - not nana, granny etc) teaching me to paint. She was a very talented artist, unfortunately I didn't pick that skill up and the best I can paint, is a wall. It's a block color that requires no design lol.
Just being crafty is so much fun. I thoroughly enjoy machine embroidery. And I also up until recently made Reborn Dolls - not everyones cup of tea, but I got a great deal of joy seeing the transformation.
Sewing has now taken over, so my doll making has been packed away for a bit. I find sewing is a lot easier on my body, and easier to leave in the middle of a project if my health isn't the best.
I think I can pick most crafts up really, I know the basics of knitting, can do a small amount of crochet, know how to do tapestries and the likes, but I choose not to! hehe
6. (hey this is actually quite fun) I have a delightful tabby cat, called Sox. We liken her to a newborn baby. She's very demanding, sleeps a lot of the day, loves her cuddles and has her own routine with every one of us.
I love it when I'm sewing during the day, she will come up and have a wee chat with me. Often she will sit and just watch the machine, especially the embroidery machine. It's like a tv for her I'm sure.
7. I'm a fairly decent cook. Actually you may be able to tell that from the size of me, never trust a skinny cook, right?!
My favourite ingredient to use would be Karata pepper, from Cambodia. It's been likened to be the best in the world, and I put it on and use it in just about everything! What's funny is, I hate pepper! This is divine though, and food doesn't taste the same without it. I still hate normal black pepper though.
I also love to bake, but hate to eat anything I've baked, it gets a bit boring after you've been slaving over a cake mixer and then the oven. My raspberry and white chocolate muffins are pretty scrumptious though!
8. My cell phone is never far from me. It is on the bed beside my pillow each night as it's my alarm, my diary, my newspaper etc and I feel very lost if I don't have it.
9. I went on my first overseas trip last year, to Australia. I loved it and got the travel bug!
My ultimate travel dream is to go to New York, stay in the Garment District, and go shopping. One day it'll happen, bring it on!
10. (can you tell I'm running out of things to say?) I drive a Manual (stick shift) car! My car is my baby, and I had a hard time finding it in manual.
Nothing like changing gears, especially with some of the curly wurly roads we have over here in NZ! (oh yes, some of you may not know, I live in New Zealand!)
So there we have it, I hope you've had fun learning a little bit about me.
The nominations I'm going to have to think about overnight. How about I just say all the ones to the right, on my fave blogs list can be nominated? good? great! LOL
It's the first day of daylight savings here, so while it's 830, really it's only 730. I'm shattered so am not far off bed, after a few addicting games of Bejewelled Blitz ;o)
I thought I'd stop my current Bejewelled Blitz addiction on Facebook for a bit to write the 10 things out about myself. Hmm this could be hard. (both writing about myself, AND stopping BB for a bit hehe)
1. I still live at home! Yes folks, thats right. At the age of 23, I still live at home with my darling parents.
I did move out when I was younger, but unfortunately with my health getting worse, having to give up work due to that yada yada yada, I had to move back home. I'm lucky that my mother is as much an avid sewer as myself, and loves having a sewing room that we can both work in, and leave all our stuff there for another day when my body has given up. Although for the next 3 months - I am alone! Just me, and the cat. My parents are off to Cambodia. They leave Tuesday. *grins and thinks of all the sewing bits they can bring home*
2. I've never had many clothes. Yes really! For years, I've only ever had a couple of pairs of pants, and a couple of tops. Now, every morning I get up, look in my wardrobe which is now laden with clothes, and think hmm what am I going to wear today. And every time I think about that, it really excites me.
3. A year ago, I sucked at sewing. I could sew, but the results were less than satisfactory, they were only useful for rags. I never took pride in my work, hated cutting patterns out so cut corners, never followed SA guides, never knew about fitting issues, and lets just say my zipper insertion left a lot to be desired. We won't even discuss the total fissy hits that occurred regularly with each project.
It's amazing how much can change in a year. When I look at what I am able to create now, it truly amazes me. Especially when I can now do it with ease.
4. I have a younger brother (17 almost 18, he's also off to Cambodia with my parents) and a sister. My sister isn't a biological sister.
She came to us as an exchange student from China when I was 13, she was 17? She lived with us for 18 months, and really did become one of us. I think of her as my sister, and her gorgeous son as my nephew, what else could they be, they are family even if not by blood.
My brother and I get on like a house on fire - flames everywhere and a lot of breaking glass, needing someone to step in and stop us! LOL. We fight like cat and dog, for that reason, you won't find us in the same room a lot.
5. I've always been a crafty person. At the age of 4 I remember my late grandma (affectionately known as Sugar - not nana, granny etc) teaching me to paint. She was a very talented artist, unfortunately I didn't pick that skill up and the best I can paint, is a wall. It's a block color that requires no design lol.
Just being crafty is so much fun. I thoroughly enjoy machine embroidery. And I also up until recently made Reborn Dolls - not everyones cup of tea, but I got a great deal of joy seeing the transformation.
Sewing has now taken over, so my doll making has been packed away for a bit. I find sewing is a lot easier on my body, and easier to leave in the middle of a project if my health isn't the best.
I think I can pick most crafts up really, I know the basics of knitting, can do a small amount of crochet, know how to do tapestries and the likes, but I choose not to! hehe
6. (hey this is actually quite fun) I have a delightful tabby cat, called Sox. We liken her to a newborn baby. She's very demanding, sleeps a lot of the day, loves her cuddles and has her own routine with every one of us.
I love it when I'm sewing during the day, she will come up and have a wee chat with me. Often she will sit and just watch the machine, especially the embroidery machine. It's like a tv for her I'm sure.
7. I'm a fairly decent cook. Actually you may be able to tell that from the size of me, never trust a skinny cook, right?!
My favourite ingredient to use would be Karata pepper, from Cambodia. It's been likened to be the best in the world, and I put it on and use it in just about everything! What's funny is, I hate pepper! This is divine though, and food doesn't taste the same without it. I still hate normal black pepper though.
I also love to bake, but hate to eat anything I've baked, it gets a bit boring after you've been slaving over a cake mixer and then the oven. My raspberry and white chocolate muffins are pretty scrumptious though!
8. My cell phone is never far from me. It is on the bed beside my pillow each night as it's my alarm, my diary, my newspaper etc and I feel very lost if I don't have it.
9. I went on my first overseas trip last year, to Australia. I loved it and got the travel bug!
My ultimate travel dream is to go to New York, stay in the Garment District, and go shopping. One day it'll happen, bring it on!
10. (can you tell I'm running out of things to say?) I drive a Manual (stick shift) car! My car is my baby, and I had a hard time finding it in manual.
Nothing like changing gears, especially with some of the curly wurly roads we have over here in NZ! (oh yes, some of you may not know, I live in New Zealand!)
So there we have it, I hope you've had fun learning a little bit about me.
The nominations I'm going to have to think about overnight. How about I just say all the ones to the right, on my fave blogs list can be nominated? good? great! LOL
It's the first day of daylight savings here, so while it's 830, really it's only 730. I'm shattered so am not far off bed, after a few addicting games of Bejewelled Blitz ;o)
Saturday, September 25, 2010
I miss sewing!
It has been a week, and a busy one at that! Have a friend here staying, (in the sewing room! argh) and his toddler comes every couple of days for a night, so it's been a no sewing week, I've missed it like crazy! Lastnight I had a friends 4 week old for the night, scrumptious baby cuddles - there's nothing like them. Even at that age the snuffling snorting at 2am is cute and worth the yawning I'm doing now! LOL.
As of tuesday, I have the house totally to myself, for 3 whole months. Not a single soul around! Woohooo! The sewing area is going to be moved to the living area so I can sit, sew and watch movies! Perfect I think.
But what am I going to sew?
I've got the most gorgeous Karen Walker fabric here, that my sister purchased for me, that I've been wondering what to use it for, it's designer fabric, so needs something funky! So I browse my patterns, then the Burda mags. I've found a great pattern in the 06-2010(*!) of which I cannot find a picture online, so I'll just have to surprise everyone and hope for the best.
It's a skirt, coming into summer I need some more light weight items, so might make a wee wardrobe plan up.
*=So we are coming up to October, the 10th month. Why is it, that we here are only up to Burda 06-2010 that I bought here mid last month! None of the mag shops can tell me when the next one will be out, nor can the sewing place I purchased my latest one. We can't be that far behind the rest of the world, surely!
As of tuesday, I have the house totally to myself, for 3 whole months. Not a single soul around! Woohooo! The sewing area is going to be moved to the living area so I can sit, sew and watch movies! Perfect I think.
But what am I going to sew?
I've got the most gorgeous Karen Walker fabric here, that my sister purchased for me, that I've been wondering what to use it for, it's designer fabric, so needs something funky! So I browse my patterns, then the Burda mags. I've found a great pattern in the 06-2010(*!) of which I cannot find a picture online, so I'll just have to surprise everyone and hope for the best.
It's a skirt, coming into summer I need some more light weight items, so might make a wee wardrobe plan up.
*=So we are coming up to October, the 10th month. Why is it, that we here are only up to Burda 06-2010 that I bought here mid last month! None of the mag shops can tell me when the next one will be out, nor can the sewing place I purchased my latest one. We can't be that far behind the rest of the world, surely!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Imelda's new shoes.
I totally forgot to show the shoes finished.
I've also loaded my review of my dress up on PR, and have included the links to tutorials I used.
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=55608
I've also loaded my review of my dress up on PR, and have included the links to tutorials I used.
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=55608
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
The LBD is here...
Well I'm not ultra happy after seeing these pics. There seems to be bunching from the hip area down in some pics? I think it's the way my hands are pushing on the fabric though, it doesn't seem to be there in pictures that I'm not!
So here we go!
I've cropped my face out of most of them, I seem to be making the most hideous faces today! I've also cropped out my lovely bruised arms! Especially from the back view, that was a real goodie! LOL
These are the more "evening" shots. Nice necklace, clutch purse(made by yours truly of course!) and my stunningly fabulous modge podged shoes!
From here are the more day time shots. More comfy shoes, carrybag (for while out shopping with a girlfriend of course!), flower to jazz it up a bit and a woollen cardi.
A couple of retaken pictures, eliminates the bunching at the front.
Now the rear shot.
And finally a terrible shot of the dress on a coat hanger. I'll get one of it lying flat on the ground I think for the PR review.
So here we go!
I've cropped my face out of most of them, I seem to be making the most hideous faces today! I've also cropped out my lovely bruised arms! Especially from the back view, that was a real goodie! LOL
These are the more "evening" shots. Nice necklace, clutch purse(made by yours truly of course!) and my stunningly fabulous modge podged shoes!
From here are the more day time shots. More comfy shoes, carrybag (for while out shopping with a girlfriend of course!), flower to jazz it up a bit and a woollen cardi.
A couple of retaken pictures, eliminates the bunching at the front.
Now the rear shot.
And finally a terrible shot of the dress on a coat hanger. I'll get one of it lying flat on the ground I think for the PR review.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Ta Da!
Ta da!
Well after a hell of a lot of hand sewing, I am done.
I haven't got full pictures yet. After spending the evening in the hospital with a mirgaine being jabbed all over trying to get a lure in, my arms are black and blue with bruises, not the best look for contest photos :-p
I had a slight fit issue as you can see in the below picture. After sewing the dress and lining together, I had wrinkles on the bust curves, that I didn't have on the muslin.
I ended up re sewing the bust curve. In the below picture, the breast curve on the right of the screen was not reshaped, the one on the right was almost finished being reshaped.
The original bust curve is closer to the seam allowance, the redrawn is on the inside.Well after a hell of a lot of hand sewing, I am done.
I haven't got full pictures yet. After spending the evening in the hospital with a mirgaine being jabbed all over trying to get a lure in, my arms are black and blue with bruises, not the best look for contest photos :-p
I had a slight fit issue as you can see in the below picture. After sewing the dress and lining together, I had wrinkles on the bust curves, that I didn't have on the muslin.
I ended up re sewing the bust curve. In the below picture, the breast curve on the right of the screen was not reshaped, the one on the right was almost finished being reshaped.
This is the inside of the dress.
Including the gorgeous lining, it's such a stunning color.
I had a bit of a hiccup with the original lining - with there not being enough fabric! WOOPS!
Fully lined, the zip is all enclosed etc. It's so lovely.
My truly invisible zip! Second time ever sewing one(first one was a disaster), and man it's come out just so well.
I'm really happy with how it's turned out.
There was a lot of new techniques I tried on this dress.
A CB vent, the invisible zip, my first sleeveless dress that's lined, and an invisible handstitched hem (4hours later! lol)
But the finish is just so wonderful, that it was worth it!
Can't wait to show the full pics, once my arms aren't looking like I've been in a fight!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
I've been fiddling.
Well the LBD contest starts tomorrow, and now I'm finally getting over this headache/nausea virus, I thought I better actually make a start on any wee changes I want to make to the dress (the original version from the black sheet lol).
First change - Lower the back neckline.
As it was, it was sitting high up almost even to ear line. I guess that was due to my shortness, but also due to the fact the dress originally was supposed to have the collar.
Second change - Take out the excess in the back shoulders. It was too wide for me, and I seemed to be having a lot of gaping once the neckline was lowered.
I've created a dart about 3cm wide on each side of the CB, and when I cut the dress out, the dart will already be folded out, so there will be no actual dart on the dress itself. It now flows smoothly over my upper back.
Third change - Remove the gaping around the armhole/bust area.
I created a bust dart where the extra fabric was, and once again will be folding this out before it's cut, so there will be no dart on the dress.
Fourth change - I lowered the front neckline, about 3-4cm. Hey - if you've got em, flaunt em baby! LOL.
I am debating on whether I will do the gathered part around the bust now, I really like how it is sitting without it (although I will need to dart out the excess in the tip of the neckline CF now)
I think that is about all the changes I've made, and will need to make. I will add a smidge onto the front armscye, with the 1.5cm taken off it when the lining is attached, it will be just a bit too open for my liking, so will probably add on 1.5cm, so it sits as it is now. (As the lining currently isnt attached)
The waist/hip area I'm still unhappy with. With my podgey tummy, I need the extra room in the front for sitting, BREATHING and all those other things that we just unfortunately have to do lol. But it looks terrible side on. I'm off to see if I can find a suck me in-hold me tight-lift me up-hide the fat thingy this afternoon. Preferably the slip style, so I'm not having to get totally undressed to go to the bathroom! LOL
UPDATE: I found a suck me in hold me tight lift me up hid the fat thingy! Man it's great. It's a singlet, but it's long enough to go right down to mid thigh if I want it too. And it's comfortable. I'm now 100% happy with my dress. Woohoo
Otherwise, I'm good to go!
Watch this space!!!
First change - Lower the back neckline.
As it was, it was sitting high up almost even to ear line. I guess that was due to my shortness, but also due to the fact the dress originally was supposed to have the collar.
Second change - Take out the excess in the back shoulders. It was too wide for me, and I seemed to be having a lot of gaping once the neckline was lowered.
I've created a dart about 3cm wide on each side of the CB, and when I cut the dress out, the dart will already be folded out, so there will be no actual dart on the dress itself. It now flows smoothly over my upper back.
Third change - Remove the gaping around the armhole/bust area.
I created a bust dart where the extra fabric was, and once again will be folding this out before it's cut, so there will be no dart on the dress.
Fourth change - I lowered the front neckline, about 3-4cm. Hey - if you've got em, flaunt em baby! LOL.
I am debating on whether I will do the gathered part around the bust now, I really like how it is sitting without it (although I will need to dart out the excess in the tip of the neckline CF now)
I think that is about all the changes I've made, and will need to make. I will add a smidge onto the front armscye, with the 1.5cm taken off it when the lining is attached, it will be just a bit too open for my liking, so will probably add on 1.5cm, so it sits as it is now. (As the lining currently isnt attached)
The waist/hip area I'm still unhappy with. With my podgey tummy, I need the extra room in the front for sitting, BREATHING and all those other things that we just unfortunately have to do lol. But it looks terrible side on. I'm off to see if I can find a suck me in-hold me tight-lift me up-hide the fat thingy this afternoon. Preferably the slip style, so I'm not having to get totally undressed to go to the bathroom! LOL
UPDATE: I found a suck me in hold me tight lift me up hid the fat thingy! Man it's great. It's a singlet, but it's long enough to go right down to mid thigh if I want it too. And it's comfortable. I'm now 100% happy with my dress. Woohoo
Otherwise, I'm good to go!
Watch this space!!!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Not long to go now!
It's not long until the LBD contest starts, and I'm contemplating changing my dress! Really? Am I insane? (Don't answer that guys LOL)
I LOVE the dress that Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffanys, and apparently Simon Henry's Little Black Dress book has instructions for that.
Maybe I'll just do two LBDs! Now there's an idea ;)
The undercoat has been purchased for the sewing room, it has been slightly rearranged, and today the top coat is being purchased. Fantastic. I'm going to have lots to do over the next few months.
I've been laid up with a charming migraine the past 3 days, so have done no sewing at all. The painkillers don't last long, and this last dose has given me nausea, even with anti nausea meds. Ugh.
But I'm still keeping up with SSS! 1-2 items every day. I love it.
If anyone has the Simon Henry LBD book, I'd be interested on hearing the opinion about the Audrey Hepburn dress, before I buy the book.
I LOVE the dress that Audrey Hepburn wore in Breakfast at Tiffanys, and apparently Simon Henry's Little Black Dress book has instructions for that.
Maybe I'll just do two LBDs! Now there's an idea ;)
The undercoat has been purchased for the sewing room, it has been slightly rearranged, and today the top coat is being purchased. Fantastic. I'm going to have lots to do over the next few months.
I've been laid up with a charming migraine the past 3 days, so have done no sewing at all. The painkillers don't last long, and this last dose has given me nausea, even with anti nausea meds. Ugh.
But I'm still keeping up with SSS! 1-2 items every day. I love it.
If anyone has the Simon Henry LBD book, I'd be interested on hearing the opinion about the Audrey Hepburn dress, before I buy the book.
Monday, September 6, 2010
6 days in!
Phhhooarrr, what a hot on here today. Almost at 20degrees, the warmest we've had in a very long time!
It's been a long few days here. We finally had the garage sale to rid my late grandmas house of all the extra stuff, what a biggie that was. Then helped my mother and aunty clear the house totally, and today cleaned it top to bottom. I'm in agony pain wise now, hate to think how bad I'm going to be when these painkillers wear off.
Thanks for the emails and comments about whether I am doing ok in the earthquake. It was a biggie but centered a few hours drive away from here, so no damage here thankfully. It did wake me up though.
It was centered basically right under my aunty and uncles place, amazingly it's standing with no damage, a bit bizarre really when other places on farms next door have lost chimneys or more.
No one was hurt, and the prized family hand painted china SOMEHOW managed to stay perched on the wall unit. Wonders never cease.
6 days in to SSS, and I'm loving it. Have worn an item or two every day, whether it's been jeans, underwear, coats etc. Hope to get some sewing done this week, even if its just something small.
So once again, thanks for the concern re the earthquake, we are all fine :)
I'm off to go and wash the oven cleaner, wall cleaner and all the other yuckky chemicals off me! lol
It's been a long few days here. We finally had the garage sale to rid my late grandmas house of all the extra stuff, what a biggie that was. Then helped my mother and aunty clear the house totally, and today cleaned it top to bottom. I'm in agony pain wise now, hate to think how bad I'm going to be when these painkillers wear off.
Thanks for the emails and comments about whether I am doing ok in the earthquake. It was a biggie but centered a few hours drive away from here, so no damage here thankfully. It did wake me up though.
It was centered basically right under my aunty and uncles place, amazingly it's standing with no damage, a bit bizarre really when other places on farms next door have lost chimneys or more.
No one was hurt, and the prized family hand painted china SOMEHOW managed to stay perched on the wall unit. Wonders never cease.
6 days in to SSS, and I'm loving it. Have worn an item or two every day, whether it's been jeans, underwear, coats etc. Hope to get some sewing done this week, even if its just something small.
So once again, thanks for the concern re the earthquake, we are all fine :)
I'm off to go and wash the oven cleaner, wall cleaner and all the other yuckky chemicals off me! lol
Friday, September 3, 2010
Showing my crotch!
So this is once again Mccalls 5651. First Attempt
As I said with the first ones, I wasn't happy with the overall shape, as I prefer them to be more the shape of the front at the back as well if I'm going for that style of cheeky knickers.
I also was most unimpressed with the construction!
With this trial I made 4 the same, and cut size XL. This time I took a total of 8" off all the way around (2 inches at each side front and back). I used the front pattern for both front and back, and love them so much more.
I also changed the construction of them since I hated how they did the crotch construction.
This time I sandwiched the crotch piece between the front and back, so I had a nice seam, and then stitched the sides of each crotch piece under the picot elastic. It's a much neater finish than having zig zag stitching all over the undies in my opinion.
Picot elastic is my total favourite now! I don't even know if I'm attaching it correctly, but it seems to work for me and looks pretty.
For anyone whos never used it, I sew the elastic wrong side to garment right side, with the straight edge of elastic against the edge of the garment. I stitch this on using a 3 step zigzag.
Then I turn the elastic to the inside, and do a 3 step zigzag from the inside(bobbin thread is showing on the right side of garment). I make sure that I pull the fabric taught away from the elastic so there is no fabric covering/hiding the little scalloped edge of the elastic.
It is double work, I know, but you do seem to get a gorgeous RTW look in the end. Except where you get a wee bit of fabric poking out from under the elastic that you forgot to trim, woops! You'll see that in the crotch picture.
As I said with the first ones, I wasn't happy with the overall shape, as I prefer them to be more the shape of the front at the back as well if I'm going for that style of cheeky knickers.
I also was most unimpressed with the construction!
With this trial I made 4 the same, and cut size XL. This time I took a total of 8" off all the way around (2 inches at each side front and back). I used the front pattern for both front and back, and love them so much more.
I also changed the construction of them since I hated how they did the crotch construction.
This time I sandwiched the crotch piece between the front and back, so I had a nice seam, and then stitched the sides of each crotch piece under the picot elastic. It's a much neater finish than having zig zag stitching all over the undies in my opinion.
Picot elastic is my total favourite now! I don't even know if I'm attaching it correctly, but it seems to work for me and looks pretty.
For anyone whos never used it, I sew the elastic wrong side to garment right side, with the straight edge of elastic against the edge of the garment. I stitch this on using a 3 step zigzag.
Then I turn the elastic to the inside, and do a 3 step zigzag from the inside(bobbin thread is showing on the right side of garment). I make sure that I pull the fabric taught away from the elastic so there is no fabric covering/hiding the little scalloped edge of the elastic.
It is double work, I know, but you do seem to get a gorgeous RTW look in the end. Except where you get a wee bit of fabric poking out from under the elastic that you forgot to trim, woops! You'll see that in the crotch picture.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Self Stitched September - HERE WE GO!
Today is the first of September - So that means two things!
It's the first day of Spring.
The daffodils are out, the Xmas lily bulbs are starting to sprout, and soon I'll be able to show you my spectacular view from my sewing machine.
And, it's the first day of Self Stitched September! Woohooo
I'm vowing to wear at least one item I've made myself, every day this month.
I cut out a few pairs of knickers yesterday afternoon, to whip up today, so if I do run short of outers, at least I've got some underwear that was self stitched!! LOL.
This means another trip into the sewing store this morning - oh dear!
And being the first of September, it also means there is 27 days left, until my parents and brother leave for Cambodia for 3 whole months. They return 2 days before Christmas, imagine the silk they can bring home for my Christmas present! haha.
It's the first day of Spring.
The daffodils are out, the Xmas lily bulbs are starting to sprout, and soon I'll be able to show you my spectacular view from my sewing machine.
And, it's the first day of Self Stitched September! Woohooo
I'm vowing to wear at least one item I've made myself, every day this month.
I cut out a few pairs of knickers yesterday afternoon, to whip up today, so if I do run short of outers, at least I've got some underwear that was self stitched!! LOL.
This means another trip into the sewing store this morning - oh dear!
And being the first of September, it also means there is 27 days left, until my parents and brother leave for Cambodia for 3 whole months. They return 2 days before Christmas, imagine the silk they can bring home for my Christmas present! haha.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Imelda - eat your heart out!
Everyone in my family calls me Imelda.
Nooo, surely not! I only have what, 33 pairs now?
These are my fab ones I came across the other day, the green, while its pretty, is so henious for my wardrobe it just wouldn't do!
But the style is so gorgeous, wouldn't they look fabulous with my LBD?
Simple solution - lets craft baby!
I placed clear sticky tape all the way around the bottom, so the woodgrain wouldn't get any paint on it.
Then I stuffed the inside of the shoe with newspaper - I thought the green inside would look kind of funky.
A bit like a hidden lining I guess!
Then used double sided tape to stick newspaper onto the heel, then cut around it so that part would be green too.
Enter the spray paint!
a few simple sprays with Satin Black spray paint, and this was the result! Gorgeous eh?
It's still wet here, so looks a lot like patent leather. But it's dried to a nice satin finish.
It's still not finished yet, theres another few steps to come.
But will have to wait until tomorrow to finish them ;)
Thursday, August 26, 2010
The Nightmare on Emma Continues
Ok the nightmare isn't TOO bad now I'm wearing it.
Pattern Description:
Womens Off the Shoulder Top
Pattern Sizing:
Plus Size 44-52
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
In ways. If I had it off my shoulder, then yes it would look very similar! I also omitted the waist ties
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were really simple. Except for one part that tripped me up, but it was SO simple. "Lay allowances on neck edges of front, sleeve and back pieces(4cm) to inside, turn in to a width of 3cm and press." Now I look at it, I wonder how it even had me confused. But I probably would've worded it differently to be something like "For neck allowances, turn neck edge down 1cm, press, then turn down another 3cm". Other than that, the instructions were very simple
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There's not much I don't like about it really. I did call it the "Nightmare on Emma" top yesterday. I was having a lot of trouble with the elastic neckline. No matter how loose the elastic was, it just kept popping up to sit on my shoulders. In the end I gave up, and left it sitting on my shoulders, which I actually prefer, it hides the bra straps!
The length is also far far too short. I'd add on another couple of inches! Since I didn't want to lose any length, and make the top even shorter, I just did a rolled hem edge, it looks so pretty.
Fabric Used:
a light stretch printed Satin.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
As I said, I changed where the neck sits. And got rid of the shoulder ties since the neckline is higher. I also didn't use the waist ties, it would've been too tight, and taken the length up even more.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Will definitely sew it again. It's going to be so comfortable and light in summer! But still gives that loose airy feeling.
Conclusion:
LOVE this top now, and it's no longer "Nightmare On Emma".
Will make it longer the next time, it just feels far too short. It's very comfortable to wear.
Now for the photos.
What you can't see, is the sleeves done the same way as the neckline with elastic. But I actually like how the rest of the sleeves drape down over it, so they look floaty.
Pattern Description:
Womens Off the Shoulder Top
Pattern Sizing:
Plus Size 44-52
Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
In ways. If I had it off my shoulder, then yes it would look very similar! I also omitted the waist ties
Were the instructions easy to follow?
The instructions were really simple. Except for one part that tripped me up, but it was SO simple. "Lay allowances on neck edges of front, sleeve and back pieces(4cm) to inside, turn in to a width of 3cm and press." Now I look at it, I wonder how it even had me confused. But I probably would've worded it differently to be something like "For neck allowances, turn neck edge down 1cm, press, then turn down another 3cm". Other than that, the instructions were very simple
What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
There's not much I don't like about it really. I did call it the "Nightmare on Emma" top yesterday. I was having a lot of trouble with the elastic neckline. No matter how loose the elastic was, it just kept popping up to sit on my shoulders. In the end I gave up, and left it sitting on my shoulders, which I actually prefer, it hides the bra straps!
The length is also far far too short. I'd add on another couple of inches! Since I didn't want to lose any length, and make the top even shorter, I just did a rolled hem edge, it looks so pretty.
Fabric Used:
a light stretch printed Satin.
Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
As I said, I changed where the neck sits. And got rid of the shoulder ties since the neckline is higher. I also didn't use the waist ties, it would've been too tight, and taken the length up even more.
Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Will definitely sew it again. It's going to be so comfortable and light in summer! But still gives that loose airy feeling.
Conclusion:
LOVE this top now, and it's no longer "Nightmare On Emma".
Will make it longer the next time, it just feels far too short. It's very comfortable to wear.
Now for the photos.
What you can't see, is the sleeves done the same way as the neckline with elastic. But I actually like how the rest of the sleeves drape down over it, so they look floaty.
inside seams - stitched and overlocked.
My fab rolled hew! Isn't it beautiful lol.
Phhoaarr Check those lily white legs! Bring on SUMMER!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
"The Nightmare on Emma"
I came across this fab top in the 06-2010 issue of Burda.
Can't find the line drawing - but here is the picture from the magazine.
It's an off the shoulder, elasticised at the neckline, wrist and also at the waist.
I had a lovely coffee cream fabric with some dark brown flowers on it. It's a slight stretch satin. Looks fabulous in that style!
Right from the start I should've known it'd be a nightmare top. First of all, the simple instructions confused me. No problem, I got past that! Then I thread the elastic through the neckline casing - enter the "nightmare on Emma". The top is too short for a start. But it doesn't matter how much elastic I put in the neckline casing, there is no way that the top is going to stay off my shoulders! And if I dare move my arms from my side, peowwww, up it goes to my neck! EEK! But now there is an ungathered part of the neckline, that I just cannot seem to get it to gather up.
I'veput it aside gently thrown the stupid top down and will be looking at it another day.
I'll have to just have it as a more wide neck top than off the shoulder. And I won't be adding elastic into the waistline either, it doesn't need it.
whinge whinge moan over!
It looks fabulous with my skirt though, so when it's finally done it'll be just perfect and light for summer!
I came across the most wonderful pair of shoes in this color earlier, they are hideous (well for my wardrobe anyway). But the style is gorgeous. So I shall be doing a wee something with them, all will be revealed in good time ;)
Can't find the line drawing - but here is the picture from the magazine.
It's an off the shoulder, elasticised at the neckline, wrist and also at the waist.
I had a lovely coffee cream fabric with some dark brown flowers on it. It's a slight stretch satin. Looks fabulous in that style!
Right from the start I should've known it'd be a nightmare top. First of all, the simple instructions confused me. No problem, I got past that! Then I thread the elastic through the neckline casing - enter the "nightmare on Emma". The top is too short for a start. But it doesn't matter how much elastic I put in the neckline casing, there is no way that the top is going to stay off my shoulders! And if I dare move my arms from my side, peowwww, up it goes to my neck! EEK! But now there is an ungathered part of the neckline, that I just cannot seem to get it to gather up.
I've
I'll have to just have it as a more wide neck top than off the shoulder. And I won't be adding elastic into the waistline either, it doesn't need it.
whinge whinge moan over!
It looks fabulous with my skirt though, so when it's finally done it'll be just perfect and light for summer!
I came across the most wonderful pair of shoes in this color earlier, they are hideous (well for my wardrobe anyway). But the style is gorgeous. So I shall be doing a wee something with them, all will be revealed in good time ;)
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