Another satisfying wee project

A friends sister recently escaped from Christchurch after the quake, pregnant with only a couple of weeks to go. Her husband, son and herself came up here to get away while she had the baby and be in a good environment with running water, sewerage systems etc. She bought lots of wee newborn girly clothes with her to be prepared.

And then finally, out came the most gorgeous 11lb 8oz baby! Far too big for newborn clothes!

So I whipped up a wee Aline dress with a pattern from Scientific Seamstress. I love her patterns, and also have her Sis Boom Carly Bubble Romper, it's a wonderful pattern, and ultra cute. It's such a quick and easy pattern, can sew it up in under an hour. Makes a great gift for baby showers etc. 

Unfortunately I didn't grab a photo of the wee dress before I took it round, but she's going to get a photo and send it to me at some stage, so hopefully I can post a photo on here for you all to see.
With it being totally reversible, I used a minky dimple dot on one side, and a wee cotton pink retro print on the other.


I've made it before though, and have a picture of a previous one. Shame about the lining being thin, didn't think of that first did I ;)

So there is another quick project from me. I'm loving them at the moment!

Slouchy Saturday Sewing

There's nothing like a quick easy project to make on a dull saturday afternoon.

Coming into winter here, and I'm sorely lacking long sleeved tops. On my trip to Auckland last year, I bought the most scrumptious Black merino blend from Designer textiles for $5/m which has been sitting uncut just taunting me. I like it more than my full merino, strange!

So here is Burda 7456.


Pattern Description:
Cowl Neck tops with waistband and differing sleeve lengths

Pattern Sizing:
18-28.
I did a size 24 everywhere, except the front side seams where I used a size 26. First time I've ever morphed sizes, I've always been afraid to for some reason.

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
EASY! This would have to be one of the easiest things I've made. Will make more just because it is so easy. You can whip it up in a couple of hours. Great if you've got nothing to wear that night!
The front and back waistband (as called on the guide sheets) were actually named "ankle band" on the pattern pieces. Thought it was rather strange, but it gave me a good laugh!

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Love the cowl neck, love the raglan sleeves, love the slouchiness.
Only thing I didn't like, was after attaching the cowl, the instructions say to use a twin needle to stitch the seam allowance down. I thought it was a bit of a waste, considering you never see it, so just edge stitched.

Fabric Used:
The most scrumptious merino knit blend. Bought for $5/m, and I love it so much more than my 100% merino.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
No changes at all, aside from the size 26 instead of 24 on the side front seams. I measured across the front of the pattern, and wanted just that bit of extra room across my stomach and bust as usual, am pleased I did use that one size up.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
Absolutely. It's a whip up in an afternoon pattern, very versatile. Anyone could make this, it's such an easy pattern.

Conclusion:
I love it. I like my slouchy winter tops, and this is just perfect. Its comfortable, not restricting, and you feel like you could wear it out to dinner, as well as just blob in front of the fire with it on. Plus it's yummy merino.


Apologies for the bad hanger pic, as my father always says "it looks nothing on a coathanger"

Divine Inspiration.

You know how you just stumble across something, that you weren't even looking for, and fall in love?
That happened to me this morning.

I was looking at Colette Patterns blog, with her post about Elizabeth Hawes.
And then, all of a sudden, this dress caught my eye and it quite seriously took my breath away.

Diamond Horseshoe 1936

How utterly incredible is that. The front is quite plain, except for the few panels coming up to the front. Probably because the back is the main feature of the dress!

But it's the back that grabs me. The panelling, the way that fabric just drapes, it was a real wow moment.

Followed very quickly by an - "I have to make that" moment.

So whether it's going to one day be a wedding day dress, or just a "wow, look at that, I made it" dress, or a dress for when I finally drop all this weight, I don't know! I just have to make it.

Somehow.

Review - Simplicity 2311 - Lined Jacket

Well the jacket is done, the review is done (took almost as long as the jacket, I swear)

Pattern Description:
Womens coats - two different versions

Pattern Sizing:
14-22
I used size 22

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

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes and No. while the steps them selves were simple, the organising of the instructions was ridiculously stupid. Going from page 4, doing 1 step, then back to page two where you do 7 steps, back to page 4 where you do a couple of steps, then back to page 2, then page 4, then page 3, then page 4, then page 3. It was like this the whole way through, and made it all extremely complicated.
I got very frustrated with it.
Simplicity - yea right

And the notches on the shoulder didn't match up, while everything fit, the notches were a mystery to me, as they were over 1cm out, if I'd matched them up, the armscye was 1cm uneven. Maybe it was a misprint, or my error, I don't know. but it worked without the notches matching.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
Love the style. Disliked the way the back and front was attached, it took a lot of working, and I think it could've been easier, the graphics weren't wonderful. Maybe I was so spoilt with my first coat - a vogue, that everything else pales in comparison?

Fabric Used:
The most gorgeous soft polyester of some sort. It feels so lovely to touch, as it's so soft. The lining is just an opshop find, $2 for 5 metres. It has a textured effect to it, which my ring is forever catching as I put my arm in.
I think people have realised by now, I am one that loves a bright fun lining!
Close up view of fabric


Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I did my first every FBA!
By 6 entire inches! Gulp! I did end up with PBS afterwards though - puffy bust syndrome. I also had this when I did my Little Black Dress last year, and just pinned the bust curve close to my body, and restitched.
I slashed and spread the front and front facing. To give me more ease across my stomach, it's too big!

I handstitched the hem, I handstitched all the linings on. The instructions didn't call for it, but I just decided to.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?
It's one I'd like to sew again, but truthfully, it was so much mucking around with the instructions, that I don't think I will.
Seems a shame after I did the FBA, slash and spread etc, took me hours to do those! But I didn't enjoy the back and forwards with the instructions.


Conclusion:
Love the jacket, there are a few wee pulls across the front, but I am ok with that, first FBA and slash and spread, I have to accept it's not perfect and I can't expect it to be on my first time around.

The pattern is a lovely pattern, it feels very comfortable on. And I feel happy in it - to me, that's the main thing.
It was an experience doing this coat, I did learn a few new things. But I really don't think I'll make it again.

Gettin ready to flash!

Bet you're all mighty pleased I'm wearin clothes under that! 

 

So there we have it. My jacket. Finished.

I said to a girlfriend before, "I'm just happy it's done, I know I won't get anywhere in the competition, but I'll enter anyway."

She replied "you've won your own contest for just completing it". And she's so right. 

It was a bit of a mission near the end, she heard the most moaning about it. 

I packed a wobbly, gave up twice. LOL. 

But in the end, it's done! And I couldn't be any more happier that I don't have to do another thing on it!

Sneak Peak at the jacket.

Ok so the jacket is DONE.
Here are a few pictures, I haven't had it steam pressed, so am going to take it in this morning and get that done, change the button on the top button so it sits a bit better, and then retake the photos.
But for now, here we have photos!

I just like this below photo because of the sun streaming through.

Sewing in my Jammies!

Gotta love getting up in the morning, and sewing in your PJs!!! Surely I can't be the only one to do it?

Here's a progress pic of the jacket so far - yes, I'm in my jammies with hair undone, it's saturday - who cares!!!
The fashion fabric shell is done, except for the hem of the sleeves and tacking the shoulder pads in. I am totally in love with it. Just did my set in sleeves, they worked out really well, I'm feeling rather chuffed with myself for making them work first time round!

Now it's onto the lining! It should come together pretty quick now I've figure out the instructions.

I'm a happy chappy!

After being up until 130 am last night hunting for a pattern, I found one I like, what a shame there's not a 24/7 sewing store open! Imagine the custom they'd get from us who run out of thread in the middle of the night while working on a project! lol

I decided on Simplicity 2311 - project runway coats
Off I went at 9am to get the pattern. I plan to make the short view B, most likely with just the wrap belt (there you go Heather, great minds must think alike!)

I've cut out a trial version, done a FBA using Debbie Cooks tutorial at Stitches and Seams. Now, it went a lot better than the last one. I figured out the bust size I was using was a 44", and my bust is a (hangs head) 50". *faints* So that was a full 6" I needed to add - basically my boobs took all the ease! lol. So it ended up being a 3" addition to each side front. It worked better than last time, so I'm happy.
However (you all knew that was coming didn't you!), I have poofy boob syndrome again! If anyone remembers in my Little Black Dress, I had the same issue, there was a lot of extra fabric pointing out around what I shall call the "apex" area - I looked a bit like madonna! Otherwise, it's almost perfect, the back seems to fit well, and it feels comfortable, I'm going to slash and spread the front just a tiny bit too, to give me more ease around my large stomach.

Those who've done the FBA, where have I gone wrong in this part?
I can easily redraw the curve, which is what I had to do with my LBD, but I'm just curious as to what step I've mucked up.

Here's a photo of the muslin I've done - I kinda like the colors actually, they are just some cheap sheets I attacked! It's not easy to take a photo like this, as you may have guessed by the strange body position and face! LOL
Also a photo of my madonna boobs as best I can.

I'm so much happier than the McCalls pattern, this one has lovely shape to it.

And a sneak peak of the fabric I'll be using.

It's ugly!

So I fiddle and faff around making my muslin.
Muslin 1. Too tight. So I do my first ever FBA (full bust adjustment)
Muslin 2. FBA which worked, but then made it massive, even though it was for my measurements and I had big poofy boobs. They are big enough as is, I do not need to add more!

Then I have the brainwave idea, to merge the princess seam lines of my favourite jacket pattern, onto this pattern, as it fits perfectly straight out of the envelope. (The Vogue side front pattern piece in size 22, is almost a full inch bigger than the Mccall side front piece in a size 24, go figure!!!!)
I muck around, getting it all right and end result is muslin 3.
Muslin 3. UGLY!!!!! It looked hideous on, showed a few people and said it was not a nice pattern at all on me. At least they are honest.

So I'm sitting here feeling very disheartened. I need to make a coat.
Am about to browse the vogue patterns in hope I find something, as I would like to make something a bit different from last years coat.

I could change the collar to be round, and it of course will look different with being a lighter weight black fabric.
Can anyone tell I'm thinking out loud?

My Jacket!

To top off me having an entire week free to be able to dedicate it to sewing my jacket, there is a Lined Jacket contest over at Pattern Review!
It starts on Tuesday my time, so by the time I get my muslin sorted, I'll be ready to cut out on the 1st! Fantastic.
Now I'm even more motivated!

Is anyone out there?

Hi all, haven't been around for a long time.
A lot has been going on, and I haven't even managed to get near my sewing machine lately!
But it's starting to get a bit chilly here in NZ now, the mornings are getting a bit cooler, so I thought it'd be the perfect time to get started on an Autumn coat! And I have almost the entire week next week free, so why not.

I'll be using pattern Mccalls 5525 and have got a black fabric with houndstooth design woven into the fabric.

Yet to decide which style from 5525 I will be using though! I'm gravitating towards E, without all the extra crap like pocket flaps etc!
The fabric is out on the line drying now, and hopefully my headache vanishes overnight so I can get cracking tomorrow.

I just want to say as well, to any of my Christchurch followers (of which I think there was a few), I hope you and your families are all ok. We are all thinking of you.
I'm sure most of you other followers are aware of the horrible tragedy that has struck Christchurch (and in a lot of ways, the whole of New Zealand) this week. It's been very hard for everyone, even those not in Christchurch. Was a distressing time watch a boy, who had obviously passed away, be pulled from the rubble in the minutes immediately following the quake, he looked identical to my brother, and it's an image I won't be able to remove from my head for a long time.


So my Christchurch pals, we ARE thinking of you, we ARE with you all the way. And I have to come down possibly next week, so if you do need anything, don't hesitate to ask.

Happy New Year all

So another year is upon us. 28 sleeps until I'm 24 *gulp*

My lovely Christmas dress was fab on the day. Until - after playing on the newly acquired "Wii", I sat down.

rrriiiippppppp

You know that feeling when you just freeze, not sure whether you're about to burst into tears, or hysterical laughter? It was hysterical laughter! The CB seam had ripped/popped apart where the fabric had frayed due to me not overlocking.

I'll fix it at some stage and get photos, but for now, I'm sure you're all rather pleased not to have me post photos ;o)

Today is a day full of energy, I need to make the most of it, it seems to be happening less and less lately with my fibro.
So I might get some sewing done! Unsure what to make, but that's the joys of being a sewist!

Oh and you kiwis - spotlight has 1/2 price patterns until the 16th, including Vogue patterns! So it makes them around $15! Now is time to buy Vogues. I'm going to get a girlfriend to get me a couple since Spotlight is sorely lacking in this town!

The Loot from overseas!

Crikey what a couple of days. Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas.
My sister rang me on the 23rd in the morning to say she was getting a divorce, and wouldn't be coming down for Christmas. *sigh* I spent the whole day worrying, as you can imagine. She rang a couple of times to see what time mum was getting in, I thought she was going to go meet them at the International airport before they got the domestic down home.
You can only imagine my surprise when I pull into the airport carpark, and walk up to the terminal to see my sister, nephew and her husband all standing there waiting for me! I screamed! The divorce was a ruse to put me off the scent. I was pretty angry, but just so speechless they'd arrived.
So we went inside and waited for the famdamily to arrive, who were just thrilled to bits and so excited to see her there as well.

Meant there was a lovely family christmas, and we got to share my nephews first Christmas.


Now, the 150kg of luggage later, here's the sewing goodies, thread and buttons etc only. The fabric is nothing exciting, 10m of interfacing etc.
But the accessories!

One bag of jean rivets

Zips, rivets, invisible zips, jean buttons, domes

D&G Buttons! Most probably fake, but who knows! lol

She said there were packs of thousands, and she only got a few!

Dior Jean Buttons

 Levi's Zips

 A few of the thread cones. I don't imagine running out anytime soon.

More keep appearing from suitcases as they are unpacked.

Merry Christmas all

Sorry you guys, still no photo of the dress as I haven't thrown it on since, it's all ironed and took such a long time, crinkles at the slightest touch, so I don't want to have to iron it all over again LOL!!!! Will do xmas day pics.

I just wanted to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, as I am going to be extremely busy over the next few days, (aren't we all!).
The famdamily arrive home in 5hours time, with close to  110kg of luggage. Including a lot of sewing bits, can't wait to get photos of it all!


Thank you all for following my blog, and your comments throughout the last 6 or so months! I love reading the comments, and have made some wonderful friends .
I've really enjoyed blogging my sewing, and seen it progress throughout the year. If someone had told me this time last year, I'd be making my own jeans, sewing my own winter coats, and have a wardrobe compromising completely of home made garments, I would've looked at them like they were nuts.

So a Merry Christmas to you and yours. May it be safe and filled with lots of laughs, and lots of love.
For us, it includes a lot of sun! You guys in the cold part of the world are jealous right? 30deg C days. Days by the pool. Love it. Although I must confess, I'd love to have a White Christmas one year. 

I'm personally glad to see the back of this year, and am hoping 2011 will be better.

Can't wait 'til Christmas..

2 weeks today until that big fat fella comes down our chimneys and leaves us all presents..I love Christmas, it really doesn't feel like it though, normally I'm so in the spirit! Maybe when I pick up the tree next weekend it'll make it feel a bit more Christmas like.
Not even the smell of Christmas lilies are giving me that feel.

So yesterday and today I whipped up my christmas day dress.
It'll be perfect for summer, and hopefully it'll be nice weather on Xmas day..
Really made the pattern up myself, took a basic style, and added in the neckline pleats. The back has an exposed zip, with shiny silver plastic teeth and also has pleats on the back neckline too..

I nipped it in a bit more at the waist to give it a bit more shape, but I'm happy with it, it's so comfy, and it looks awesome with a belt too!


I hadn't done my hair in this pic, I got sewing and didn't want to stop!

Hi all.. christmas is creeping in

Only 15 days until Christmas would you believe! 13 days until my parents are scheduled to come home, but my mother isn't doing too well with her arm so may be home early.

I've been on a go slow with sewing, but I did manage to get a pair of jeans made the other day, well 3/4s. Same as my other pair, just different colored topstitching and pocket design. I love that pattern.

This weekend is going to be my weekend to make a dress for Christmas day, so look out for that post next week.

Veering off from sewing for a momento

Seems to be coming a bit of a habit this veering away from sewing, I just haven't done much lately, have got a pair of jeans cut out though so I might whip them up tomorrow, it's coming into summer and I need more 3/4s. It's pretty cool that I can get 2 pairs out of 2m, if I find denim on special, it makes for a very economical pair of pants!!

So now to the veering part.
For years, I've had very long, very straight eyelashes. I even used to trim them when I was younger, and have always hated them. Yes it's lovely to have long lashes, but when you have no curl to them, they are a pain and just don't have that pretty look.
I'd read about eyelash perms, and finally treated myself after a long exhausting week. Never have I done something like this, so it was a real treat!
She had a lot of problems, as my lashes are quite thick, I guess it's why even when I've used those lash curlers, they've never stayed curled, no matter what I tried.

Once she'd done it, and I looked in the mirror, the tears welled up. It's absolutely amazing, for the first time in my life, I have curly lashes. And they just look so beautiful, my eyes are so different!!!

Here is the before side on.

Here is the after

My left eye looks ultra gimpy there. Strange lol.

But the difference in the lashes is amazing. For anyone who's ever considered it, do it!!! Totally painless, and only took 30mins.

Ribbon Tree Centerpiece.

How great are these.
http://justsewsassy.com/2010/11/16/tuesday-tutorial-christmas-grove-centerpiece/
I love the one with the ribbon/tule wrapped around!
They'll be great centerpieces for Chrissy day - which I'm so looking forward to.

Sewing Room - COMPELTED.

Well, after 6 days, a lot of sweat, tears, and copious amounts of pain killers, the room is finished. (pain killers + paint fumes = Happy Emma! lol)

I'm sure you remember the embarrassing before photo. Quite dark, and messy as, give me a couple of days and that will be the same lol.

Now, for the afters. walking in, it seems a lot bigger. Must be because there's no pattern on the walls?
The curtains are shockers, now I look at them against nice crisp walls. But apparently you can get curtains made for a good price over in Cambodia, so may look into getting my parents to send some back home with their friend next week.

And woops, no valance on the bed, that might be a later today job when it gets too hot and I need to go to a shop with aircon ;)

Can't believe I have to do this.. But here we go!

Have just been informed by a family member, a certain person from my past has told them about my mothers accident.
For a few reasons, we didn't tell the family member, as we were waiting until in person when parents were back so they could tell them...
The only way I can figure they found out was through stalking my blog, as I have no communication with them whatsoever.

Yes this is a public page, anyone can see and I have to take responsibility for what is being put on here. HOWEVER, that does not give any person the right to go and speak to my family members about something like that.

So - if you are reading this, and you know damn well who you are.
Leave me alone.. Leave my family alone. And don't try to act like you still know every bit in my life.
In other words - keep ya trap SHUT.

The makeover - it's finally happening!

After dreaming of painting the sewing/spare room for so long, the time has finally come.

The person who's staying here for a while, has gone away for a week, it's the perfect time to do it.
Insane me thought so anyway.
The prep was pure hell. a few years ago, my darling teen brother covered the room with posters (obvious as to why really, the decor wasn't really teen boyish). And when he removed them, every skerrik of blu-tak (poster tack?) was left behind.
After going over the walls many times washing it, and finding new bits each time, I finally cleared them. Then it was time to tape off the kickboards, door surrounds, ceiling etc.
What a nightmare, I won't do this again when friends are busy.

Finally - it was time to paint.

 Before:

After the first undercoat.

Oil paint. It stinkssssssssssss.

So now you're probably wondering what this has to do with sewing right - I promise you it does..
I need to sew new black pants  - mine are covered in oil paint..