Tuesday 31 December 2013

Christmas Saltspring

My final finished item for 2013 is a Sewaholic Saltspring dress.


I had grand plans to do a fancy Vogue dress for Christmas Day, but time was against me.  When I called into Spotlight on the 21st and saw this spotty printed rayon I knew it would be perfect for a Christmas Saltspring dress.  I did overhear one of the attendants at the cutting table remark that everyone would have finished their Christmas sewing so she couldn't understand why the shop was so busy.  Clearly everyone else was doing a last minute dash like me!


I cut a straight size 10 and cut the back on the fold, omitting the back zip.  I haven't sewn many Sewaholic patterns and couldn't decide whether I'd need to add extra length through the body.  I spent way too much time dithering over this, I checked pattern review and there were no mentions of extra length needed and in the end I decided that I add additional length to pretty much every pattern so I would for this one too.

For the record, if you're tall you might want to add length through the body.  I added an extra inch and would probably increase that to 1.5 inches next time I make this.  I also added 3 inches to the length of the skirt.  Overall a really simple enjoyable project.  I love the pockets and the clever blousing, I even love the ties although they need trimming.  This was the best photo I could find of the two of us together!


Goodbye 2013, bring on 2014!  Thank you so much for all your comments and encouragement this year, it means a lot.  I hope 2014 is a happy, healthy and successful one for you all.  Happy sewing :)

Monday 30 December 2013

Christmas Shirt - Negroni 1014

I've been thinking about making Wade a shirt for a while, but have always put it off.  My sewing time has been too precious to sew for others!!

Then I found this check/plaid fabric and the colours just seemed like a good match for Wade.  I decided I'd start with the Colette Patterns Negroni shirt.  This is a nice pattern with good instructions and Wade loves the fit.


I used the size large and the only change I made to the pattern was to remove two inches of length from the sleeve.  I also left off the pockets and used a different method to hem the shirt.  This is my first time check/plaid matching and I used this tip from Jen at Grainline Studio and I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.  I got the picture below when I asked him to raise his arms to show you the matching at the sides!


The drafting for this is wonderful.  There is very little ease in the sleeve cap and it just makes it so easy to put together.  I was running really short on time (I might have sewn the buttons and button holes on Christmas morning) so I didn't use flat felled seams for the sleeves and side seams, but I will try it next time.


I did change the way the top was hemmed.  The instructions have you fold the hem up once, fold again and then stitch.  This shirt has a front facing and I just thought that it would be bulky and messy trying to do it the way the instructions suggest.  I turned the facing to the outside (front shirt and facing are right sides together) and stitched where I wanted my finished length to be.  I then trimmed the facing to reduce bulk as shown below.


Then I turned the facing back to the inside and pressed, which gives a really neat finish to the front.  Then you finish the rest of the hem as you prefer, either overlock/serge and stitch or double fold and stitch. Hopefully this makes sense.


I'm classing this as a winner.  The fabric didn't sit in the stash for long, I really enjoyed the sewing and Wade loves the finished shirt.  Hopefully I can post my Christmas outfit tomorrow to finish the year on a sewing high.  I'm really enjoying everyone's end of year posts, but I'm not joining in because I can't seem to find the energy :)

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Merry Christmas



Just wanted to drop in and wish you all a Merry Christmas.  I still need to put the finishing touches on a couple of Christmas outfits, wrap a few presents and make up some beds!

I hope you and your families have a great day and that there is something special under the tree for all of you.

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Almost instant gratification - StyleArc Ursula

I may have a new love.  The Ursula knit pencil skirt from StyleArc is pretty awesome.



It's the perfect shape, and because it's made from ponte, it's so comfortable!  I wore this all day at work, came home changed my shoes and went out and did all the Christmas shopping.

This is almost instant gratification, with only 5 pieces it goes together really quickly. This is a size 14 with absolutely no changes - not even additional length!  Fabric bought on a Saturday, sewn on the Sunday and worn on the Monday. Can't ask for better than that.  Now I just need some tops to wear with it.


I'm on a bit of a white kick at the moment.  I have three items in various states of completion which I hope to be able to show you soon.  All these simple garments are so good for the sewing mojo.

Thursday 12 December 2013

Splattered Scout - Grainline 31002

Thanks everyone for your well wishes on my last post - I found out yesterday that I have passed all modules!

I feel so much more relaxed and I'm really enjoying time in my sewing room.  I've even managed to sew three (basic) items, the first one being the Scout tee from Grainline Studios.


I think everyone else has said everything there is to say about this top - mine's a size 12 with an extra inch in length through the body.  I even cut into my much loved and patted Liberty fabric.


I've always admired Liberty fabric on others, but the floral prints just don't feel like me, so when I saw this splatter print tana lawn (Melly) I snapped it up. It was such a pleasure to sew.  The fabric was beautiful and the pattern went together perfectly - even the bias strips behaved themselves.  Because it was Liberty I felt like I should use french seams instead of the over locker, and I was incredibly proud of myself for using them on the set-in sleeves too.  Not something I've ever done before, but it was actually pretty easy and now my top looks beautiful on the inside too.


I'm getting my sewing mojo back and I love it.

Monday 2 December 2013

Happy Days

Today I handed in my last assignment!!  I'm having a glass of my favourite pink bubbly to celebrate and can't wait to get into my sewing room.  The only problem now? I can't decide what to sew :)


Happy sewing.