Monday 8 January 2018

#2018makenine and other goals

I like the concept of nominating 9 projects for the year so I've made a #2018makenine.  I've already posted it on Instagram but I thought I'd recap here and capture a couple of other goals too.


Let's start with the other goals.  Like so many others my stash is overflowing and I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by it.  As I was scrolling Instagram over Christmas I found Katrina's stash diet and decided to join in.  I have fabric piled high on an armchair in my sewing room and I won't be buying any other fabric until it's cleared (my cupboards are also overflowing but I'm trying to be realistic and set small, achievable goals).

This year I'm also saving for a coverstitch machine.  I've wanted one for a long time, Wade even told me to just go out and buy one, but I want to save for it and get the satisfaction of doing this on my own.

Finally, here's 9 projects that I really want to make this year.

True Bias Lodo dress - I already have the pattern and the fabric.

Image of LODO DRESS (PDF)
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True Bias Lander Pants I have the pattern and need to dig through my stash to see if I can find the right fabric.

Image of LANDER PANT & SHORT (PDF)
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Swim Style Chic Bandeau Bikini - Pattern purchased, fabric in the stash, just need the findings.

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Grainline Studio Cascade Duffle Coat  I have the pattern, fabric and toggles.

Cascade Duffle Coat | Grainline Studio
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Grainline Studio Archer Shirt I have the pattern and some beautiful linen and I hope to make a start this week.

Archer Button Up | Grainline Studio
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Orange Lingerie Esplanade Bra Need to buy everything for this one - will be later in the year I think.


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Cloth Habit Harriet bra  I have the pattern and I have the fabric and findings.

Harriet Bra Pattern
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Style Arc Ziggi Jacket (in leather) I have the pattern.

Ziggi Jacket Sewing Pattern By Style Arc - Fabulous fully lined biker jacket with zip features & interesting panelling
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It's a bit of a challenge and I'm keen to get started.  It will be interesting to see if the plan changes as the year progresses.  Do you have sewing plans and goals for 2018?

Tuesday 2 January 2018

Black linen Cleo

Ever have a garment that you just can't get photos of?  That's Cleo, so I'm glad that I'm finally able to get her on the blog.  I made this back in September at Sewjourn so she's waited a while for her blog debut.


I'd been wanting a dungaree/overall dress for ages, but wasn't sure if the style was for me.  In the end I decided if I wanted one then I should just make one and enjoy wearing it.  So I did and I do!

This is the Tilly and the Buttons Cleo pinafore and dungaree dress.  It's possibly the easiest thing in the world to make.  I purchased the pattern locally from Maai Design (no affiliation, just a happy customer) as she has great customer service and I like supporting Australian small businesses.


This is a size 6 made up in the midi length from a lovely black linen from Spotlight.  My only adjustments were to chop an inch or 2 off until I was happy with the length and to sew down the straps as I didn't need them to be adjustable.

I only include the front patch pocket.  I do wish that I'd added jeans style pockets on the front as I keep reaching to put my hands in them.   They're not included in the pattern but it wouldn't be difficult to add them.


I'm so glad that I just went for it and made this up as I really love it.  Looking forward to following my instincts even more in 2018!