The real deal

The lazy days of summer are over, life has kicked back into full swing and just like that my sewing time has vanished!

I'm hoping I can find 20 minutes a day just so I feel like I'm making progress.  So far I've managed an hour in the last two weeks so I've got some work to do!

But this post isn't about my lack of sewing time, it's a short and sweet update about the 'real' versions of Jalie 2564.

I've made three matching singlets and ladyshorts using Art Gallery cotton/elastin and I've got to say that this fabric feels fabulous, it's soft with great stretch and recovery.  The designs aren't ones that I'd wear as outerwear but I love them for pyjamas.

I made a couple of minor tweaks to these versions.  I added an inch to the length at the hem and shaved about a quarter of an inch off the side seams at the bust only.  I'm really happy with the way these have turned out.  Unfortunately the hot pink fold over elastic I used on one version is really poor quality and doesn't stretch and support the way it should.  I really need to replace it but...I'd much rather make something new!

I feel like I have sewing ADD at the moment - I keep starting projects and then moving on to the next thing.  Time to finish them off so that I can actually wear them.

Trial run - Jalie 2564

Why is it that everything feels like it wears out at exactly the same time?  My sleepwear of choice is a singlet top/camisole with built in shelf bra and a pair of boyleg shorts.  When I went to replace my well worn PJs I discovered that a single tank top was over $30 which felt like a ridiculous amount for what it is.  You know the feeling - you know you could make it for less than it costs and choose whatever colours/patterns you like (irrespective of whether you actually have the time or energy to do it).

Being the great procrastinator that I am I put off doing anything for another 12 months and my pjs were disgusting - the elastic had completely gone, they were all stretched out of shape and you could see through the fabric.  So. Bad.

Enter Jalie 2564 (I couldn't find it listed on Jalie's website) which I bought years ago in anticipation of making my own singlet tops.  For my trial run I used a foil print stretch cotton from Spotlight and fold over elastic from Etsy.  I was tossing up what colour elastic to use but in the end I figured anything Mickey Mouse needed a touch of red.

I wasn't happy with my initial application of the fold over elastic - it made the neckline look really baggy so I ripped it out and followed this tutorial from Emerald Erin and it worked a charm.

To finish the set I sewed up a pair of the Cloth Habit Rosy Ladyshorts.  Couldn't be happier with them and I'm so glad that I fussy cut Mickey.  One of my girls even asked for a pair so I must have done something right!

After sleep testing these my only adjustment would be to add about another inch in length to the singlet top/camisole.  I bought some beautiful cotton/elastin Art Gallery Fabrics  for the real deal, hopefully I get a chance to post about them later this week.

Trying the trend - Style Arc Adeline dress

Despite it's popularity I'd stayed away from the Style Arc Adeline dress fearing that the cocoon shape wouldn't be very flattering on me.

While I'm not convinced this is my best look I do really like this dress.  So many of the versions I have seen have been made from a beautiful linen and I chose to make this from a lovely rayon crepe that I bought online from The Fabric Store.  It was so nice to work with and is a dream to wear, especially on really hot days.  It gives the dress a lot of movement and it kind of feels like it's just floating around me.

I made a straight size 14 and I'm pretty happy with the way it fits.  I'm 6 foot tall (183cm) so keep that in mind when considering the length on you.  I forgot to remove the centre back seam but it's really not necessary.

I really like the V neck - it's not too low and the facing finishes it beautifully.  I also really like the slightly shaped high/low hem, which was something that I was unsure about when I was cutting it out.  I'm glad I left it as is.

The only complaint I have with this dress is that, on me, it tends to slip backwards on my shoulders so the front rides up and the neck sits too high.

I haven't heard anyone else have the same problem so it might be the fabric I've used or maybe it's just the shape of my shoulders!  Either way it's not a deal breaker and I'm sure that this dress will get plenty of wear.  This is a great dress that comes together really quickly and I have to say that I really like the construction methods that Style Arc use.

#2017makenine

I'm not on Instagram but love the idea of nominating nine items that you want to make in 2017 so I'm playing along here.

All photos used in the collage above are via the individual pattern companies.

I've loved the Sophie Swimsuit pattern since it was released and wanted to have a pair made up for our recent trip to Byron Bay - I ran out of time but hope to get these made up soon.

I don't know if flares will be popular again this winter but I still love them and plan to make the Birkin Flares from Baste and Gather.  In winter I live in denim so being able to play with a different silhouette will be great.

The Cascade Duffle Coat has been on my to sew list since it was released.  I have all my supplies but I bought the PDF pattern and I just can't bring myself to stick that many pages together!  I've just bought the paper pattern so hopefully this gets made before winter rolls around again.

The Ruby top/dress is another pattern that has been on my radar for ages.  I really want to make both the top and dress variations - I think they'll be really versatile additions to my wardrobe.

The Blaire shirt from Style Arc is a departure from I normally wear but it has been calling my name since it was released.  I'm going to make this in white linen but I love the version my sister just made in a gorgeous rayon.

Number 6 isn't a pattern, it's a gorgeous pieces of fabric.  I couldn't resist the beautiful city lights silk crepe de chine from Tessuti Fabrics but I've been too scared to cut into it in case I stuff it up.  Time to get over it - there's always more beautiful fabric!

Everybody wants beautiful undies and I want to add the Montgomery briefs from Orange Lingerie and the Bella and Esme undies from Evie la Luve to my collection.

I feel like this is a really achievable selection.  There's a nice mix of quick makes and more detailed projects and I know I'll feel pretty awesome if I manage to get all these made up.

So do you Instagram?  I'm tempted to sign up but all the comments about the new algorithms have made me wary.  Are you on Instagram and do you like it?

Style Arc duo - Charlie and Ginger

Happy New Year!  I'm looking forward to doing more of what I love in 2017 and hopefully getting back to this space a little more often.  So many of the clothes I made in 2016 didn't made it to the blog but I really wanted to post this duo because I like them so much.

This is the Style Arc Charlie skirt in a stretch denim and the Style Arc Ginger top in a bamboo knit.

The skirt is straight size 14 and sews up pretty easily.  Style Arc are known for their sparse instructions (the great drafting makes up for it) but the instructions for completing the waistband on this skirt will make you scratch your head.

I chose to do my own thing and left out the elastic.  I sewed the front skirt as instructed and then folded down the back casing and top stitched before sewing the side seams.  It produced a nice neat finish and there is no danger of this skirt falling down.  In fact I have to pull this over my head as the denim doesn't have enough stretch to pull this up over my hips!  I've put a picture below, hopefully you can see how I've completed the waistband.

I really like this skirt and can see it getting lots of wear.  If I was sewing this again I'd probably sew the front split down another inch.  It just feels a little bit too high, especially when I sit down.

I am absolutely in love with this top.  The construction is really simple, but clever.  It's comfortable, the bamboo feels amazing and I think it's quite an elegant top.  Again no alterations needed, this is a straight size 12.

I'm on a bit of a Style Arc bender at the moment with several items half finished.  I seem to have acquired sewing ADD and keep starting the next project before I finish the last one. There are just so many things that I want to make!

Thank you to everyone who visited and left comments this year.  Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2017, may you create many happy memories throughout the year.  

Tessuti Tuesday - Frankie love

I realised as I was writing this post that everything is from Tessuti - so Tessuti Tuesday it is!

I'd been on the lookout for a pattern just like the Frankie dress for over 12 months, I even had vague plans to create one myself using the Scout tee as a base.  I'm glad I never got that far because this pattern is perfection.  It's a really simple design with a couple of clever construction techniques that create a fitted, yet swingy, dress.

I've made this up in Tessuti's hashtag black.  It's a size M, knee length version with an additional 2 inches in length which I think I took off again when I hemmed it.  I feel like it looks much shorter in these photos than it does in real life!

The wind was wracking havoc when we took these photos so I've added an inside shot so you can see how nicely it hands.

I also think it works well paired with the Megan longline cardigan - the one below was made up in a merino jersey (yep, from Tessuti).

I think you'll be seeing Frankie again in the future.  

Tessuti Megan Longline Cardigan

I'm loving the Tessuti Megan Longline Cardigan at the moment.  It's such a simple and satisfying make.

This is my third version made up in a wide ribbed knit poly/rayon/spandex blend from Spotlight which has a beautiful hand.

This is a large with an additional two inches added through the body just above the waist.  The only other alteration I made was to remove the centre back seam.

I absolutely love the movement when you walk - it has a really nice swish to it!  My other two versions have been made up in merino wool and are lovely and warm.  I've been on a little bit of a Tessuti streak lately having made up the Sydney jacket, 3 Megan cardis and a Frankie dress.  I love them all and the Frankie dress will be coming to the blog soon.

McCalls 6886 T-shirt dress

My girls rarely ask me to sew for them, so when Georgia found this fabric in Spotlight and asked if I'd make her a t-shirt dress I was only too happy to oblige.

I was up against a deadline (we were flying to Fiji) so I decided to use a pattern rather than trace off a t-shirt and make my own.  In my opinion, when it comes to sewing Erica Bunker can do no wrong, so when she had great results with McCalls 6886 I was happy to go with it.

This is view A in a size 8 with the deeper neckline of view C.  I removed 4.5 inches from the length and added a neckband to finish the neckline.  I could easily have used the size 6 but Georgia requested a slim, but not tight, fit.  I think we got it just right.

This was a pleasure to sew, it was so simple and the shape is great.  I can see several more of these in the future both for the girls and for me.  Georgia's only request was for the skirt to be pegged next time.  

We only got back last night and we're already missing the sunshine, warmth and slower pace of the Islands!  On the bright side it's time to start planning and sewing my winter wardrobe - first cab off the rank will be some new jeans.

StyleArc Ricki top

The cross over back of the Style Arc Ricki top really appealed to me and I figured if I left off the sleeves it would make a great summer top.  

I actually had a long sleeve version cut out in a beautiful Tessuti ponti, so I basted that together to check the fit.  Turns out I wasted that lovey fabric because it needed quite a bit of work to fit me.

This is a size 12 and I found that the bust darts were too high for me, the weight of overlay at the back pulled the shoulder seams back too far, made the neck ride up very high and I had significant gaping at the front and back neck.

I dropped the bust darts by 1 inch (and they're still not quite right). I added 1 inch to the shoulder seams at the back and removed 1 inch from the front so that the seam sat correctly on my shoulders.  I also lowered the front neckline by 3.5 inches and lowered the armholes by 3/4 inch.

I also took 2cm (yes, I mix imperial and metric) from the front neckline and about 1 inch from the back neckline to stop the gaping.  The final alternation I made was to add some gentle shaping to the side seams as this is a very boxy style.

The photos show that I should have done an FBA and the cross over back doesn't sit as neatly as I would like, BUT I really like this top.  It's a great little summer top and has been worn more than I expected.  I have a big stack of Style Arc patterns and I'm really keen to start sewing them up.

Getting started in 2016

Happy New Year!

My first finished item of  2016 is the Grainline Studio Moss Mini and I'm pretty happy with the outcome.  I made view A using a coated twill from Joy's Fabric Warehouse which gives it a bit of a leather look (it also shows every wrinkle).  I cut this out over six months ago but I think I made a size 14 with several inches extra length.  I'm not sure of the exact amount because it was so long ago.  At a guess I'd say I added at least four inches and then removed two when I hemmed it.

I'm pretty excited to be back sewing.  I had a fantastic day in the city on Saturday with Mum and my sister - we hit up Darn Cheap Fabric, The Fabric Store and Tessuti, had lunch at Chin Chins and then saw Fiddler on the Roof.  Talk about kick starting the mojo!  I had such a great day and I can't wait to sew up the fabrics that I bought.

My only issue with this pattern is the instructions for the fly - they're just nuts. I'm tempted to make this again and if I do, I'll use the method from the Ginger Jeans.  It gives a much nicer finish.

I think I need to invest in a tripod and remote. When I asked Wade to take my photos he told me to spin slowly like a rotisserie chicken!  Ah well - at least I'm back sewing and blogging again.