Monday 24 June 2019

Cottesloe velvet lounge set

The Megan Nielsen Cottesloe pattern was released as Australia heads into winter so it didn't seem like the right time to be making a pair of bathers but I really wanted to try the pattern.


A quick search of the stash unearthed this stretch velvet from Spotlight.  I'd actually call it velour (like the popular track pants back in the day) but Spotlight says it's stretch velvet.  Whatever you call it, I just love the colour and the feel of it.  I could not get this colour to photograph well, it's a really saturated jewel toned blue.  It looks very luxe.

I decided to make view C and cut a size 14 top and size 16 bottoms based on my measurements. 

For lounge wear, the fit is fine, but I wouldn't feel secure swimming in these.  When I make these again as bathers I would reduce the length of the under bust elastic (in fact, I'd use the top from view D) and I would either size down in the bottoms or tighten the elastic for a more secure fit.  But that's the great thing about sewing, you get to customise your projects so the fit is exactly how you like it.


I've got to say this was a really simple project, perfect for a Friday night after a long week at work. 

Tuesday 18 June 2019

Adding the Morgan Jeans to my collection

The latest addition to my jeans collection, and it's not a pair of Ginger Jeans!


I haven't strayed too far though, these are the Closet Case Patterns Morgan Jeans.  After wearing skinny jeans for so long seeing the more relaxed fit on my body feels a bit strange, but oh they're so comfy!


I made up size 16, added an extra inch to the length (not that I needed to, I ended up removing it) and used a zip fly instead of the button fly as drafted.


I don't know whether it's because I've made so many pairs of Ginger Jeans, but these came together really quickly.  There's a few drag lines so I could probably make a few tweaks to any future versions but they're super wearable so I'm not too worried.


I used a non-stretch denim from Pitt Trading and the top stitching thread left over from a previous jeans project so, with the exception of the zip, these were made entirely from stash items.  I love it when that happens!


I'm experimenting with ways to take my own photos so that I don't have to rely on the family.  These were taken using the self timer function with the camera balanced on a kitchen stool propped up with a tube of hand cream.  Not ideal, but it got the job done.  Progress over perfection right?!

Tuesday 11 June 2019

Simplicity 1059

I'm so excited to share my first post as a contributor for MaaiDesign. I really love the beautifully curated selection of fabrics that Maaike stocks and have purchased from her many times. I was beyond thrilled when Maaike chose me to be a contributor (also - go check out the other posts, they're a talented group of ladies). Head over to MaaiDesign blog to get the low down on Simplicity 1059 and my thoughts on working with tencel.

Wednesday 20 March 2019

The Jordy bralette, a surprise favourite

Have you ever made something, thought it was beautiful, but weren't sure how often you'd reach for it?  That was me with the Jordy Bralette.  Since finishing this in October last year I think I've worn it at least once a week and it was my favourite thing to wear during the really hot muggy spell that Melbourne had over summer.



I made a size 34E using a scuba and foam kit from Tailor Made Shop.  To choose your cup size the instructions tell you to subtract your under bust from your full bust measurement and round to the nearest number.  It doesn't say whether you should round up or down and with a difference of 5.5 inches I was right in the middle of two sizes.  I decided to round up and the fit is great.

Emerald Erin has done a great job with the instructions, this was a really quick and satisfying project and I plan on making a few more in the future.

I can highly recommend the kits from Tailor Made Shop.  The cuts were generous, with enough scuba and foam to make two bralettes and the findings and elastics are a really nice quality.  This little bralette feels very luxe.  


I decided I wanted a matching set and paired the leftover scuba with the Binky panties pattern from Evie la Luve.  Another quick and satisfying sew.  Basically this is the perfect comfy lingerie set for relaxing on the weekend.

Thursday 10 January 2019

Return to work sewing plans

I head back to work on Monday and I'm excited for the year ahead.  What I'm not excited about is the daily struggle of trying to find something to wear. 

For months I've been trying to stretch a handful of separates (both me made and RTW) and it's been really frustrating.  I have enough to be appropriately clothed.  I don't have enough to only wear things I feel good in or to change my mind if I don't feel like wearing a particular item.  It's a total first world problem but it's not a great way to start the day.  Clearly my sewing time has been devoted to casual sewing for too long. 



So my focus for January is sewing more work wear.  I pulled these patterns and I've already made a start, I've cut three silk camis, a white linen Inari tee and a pair of Ginger jeans in black drill (these are a total wardrobe workhorse for me).  I need to muslin the McCall's dress and hope to make a start on it soon.  The best part is that all the fabric and patterns are already in my stash!

I'm not locking myself into these patterns but I am focusing on pieces for work.  Also, if you have any work wear blogs or Instagram accounts that you love please share - I'd love some more inspiration!

Do you struggle with what to wear to work?  Do you make your work clothes?  If you do, what are some of your favourite patterns?

Tuesday 1 January 2019

Kicking off 2019

Happy New Year! 

This space was totally neglected in 2018 but I still love blogs and think they bring something different so I'll do what I can to reinvigorate it in 2019.

Like last year I've loved seeing all the #2019makenine lists popping up on Instagram, but this year I'm not going to participate.  I want to try something a little different - if I can make it work you'll see it here on Feb 1.  I may not have a list of projects but I do have three simple goals:
 

I have a large sewing room with very generous storage space and my cupboards are overflowing with beautiful fabric.  It's a great problem to have but I want to use the fabric while I still love it.  Ditto for my pattern collection. 

I tend to have a very practical approach to sewing and generally focus on making items I need.  This year I want to add a little bit more fun to my wardrobe and sew some frosting. Can't wait to make a start towards this goal!

So how did I do with my #2018makenine list?  Not very well.  I made 2 of my 9 planned garments, the Lodo dress and Archer shirt.  The Lodo dress ended up as a cropped top due to a sizing error but I do love it.  Neither item got blogged, but there is a picture of my lodo top on instagram.   I sewed my Archer in September and just had to add buttons.  I finally sewed those on yesterday so hopefully I'll get that up here soon.


I actually still love all of the items I picked last year so maybe they'll get made up in 2019.

I love being a very small part of this amazing community of makers and I'm excited to see what the new year will bring.  Do you have any sewing/creating goals or resolutions for 2019?