Thursday 29 December 2011

Repeat Love

I think my new year resolution should be that I won't sew as many repeats!

I saw this outfit on Pinterest and loved it, particularly the colours.


Then I realised that with a couple of the fabrics in my stash I could put together my own version.  I made the pants (Simplicity 3686) a while back, but only just got a chance to make this top.  It's another (my third) from the Balloon dress pattern, this time made up in a medium weight cotton knit.  I just love the neckline and the drapey style, but this version doesn't hang as nicely as my other two. 


Simplicity 2865 got another run too.  Caitlyn picked this animal print for a top a while back.  I'd put off doing anything with it because I wasn't sure what style I wanted or how my machine would react to the burn out poly knit.  In the end I decided that a tank top for layering would be the best way to use it.  I took these photos before I hemmed it but you can see that it's much higher in the front than at the back - a requested design feature. 



We're both really pleased with how our tops turned out.  Sometimes simple really is best.  I've got a really basic dress cut out and ready to go so I might manage to squeeze it in before the new year.

Monday 26 December 2011

Happy Boxing Day

Boxing Day is a day for relaxing, all the stress and hard work is over and you can put your feet up.  We've just returned from my sister's house where we ate, drank and had a great time.  I'm kicking back with a coffee and a bucket of peanut M&M's (healthier diets begin in the new year right?).


I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all the best for the holiday period.  Thank you for reading, for commenting and, for my fellow bloggers, thanks for sharing your own sewing adventures.

Thursday 15 December 2011

The Graduate

My first baby graduated from primary school last night.

I was stoked when she asked me to make her a dress for graduation, I think I'm the only grade 6 mum that sews so the kids think it's pretty cool when I make things.


This is Simplicity 2443.  Again.  According to the pattern measurements Caitlyn is smaller than the size 6.  So I took a little off the side seams, the centre front and from the strap length.  Turns out I probably could have made a straight size 6 because it's reasonably tight.  Cait really wanted the wide elastic waistband and the ruffle fabric that we used for the skirt.  I think the ruffle fabric is supposed to run the other way so that the ruffles sit flat, but Cait preferred it with the ruffles draping down.  I self lined the top and used the same cotton knit to line the skirt so that everything was nice and opaque. 


We got a lovely surprise when Caitlyn received the academic excellence and behaviour award.  We're so proud of her!

Thursday 8 December 2011

Lady in Grey - McCall's 6319

I love this dress.


This is view b of McCall's 6319 made up in a ponte knit.  I'm really loving the ponte knits lately, they're so easy to sew.  I've been waiting for it to warm up enough to wear this.  I got up early to hem it this morning and then realised once I got in to work that I forgot to remove the water soluble fabric marker!


The only change I made was to lengthen the bodice by an inch.  Unfortunately I forgot to lengthen the lining pieces which I think is why you can see the lining peaking out at the neckline, even though it has been understitched, tacked to the side seams and pressed.  I used the recommended tricot lining because two layers of ponte would have been too warm for a summer dress, but if I make it again I'd probably self line the top.


I really love the pleats and the asymmetrical neckline.  This dress feels very feminine and fun and is really comfy to wear.

My daughter has been begging me to make her graduation dress, she graduates primary school next week, so that's what's up next.  I know it sounds cliche, but I just can't believe how quickly she has grown up.  I can remember walking her in on her first day of prep.  Pretty sure I won't be allowed to walk her in for her first day of high school!