Getting back to it

I've wanted to step back into this space for a while but felt like I needed to wait for the right moment.  I have no idea what I thought the right moment would look like, so I kept waiting.  Time to just jump straight back in.  

I have a massive list of all the things I want to sew, more than I will ever have time for, and then when I do have time to sew I get distracted by all the projects.  I've spent a bit of time thinking about what I need and what I'd like to make and this is where I landed:

Image via Something Delightful

A black slip.  I'm going to use Butterick 6031. I ended up throwing away my last slip once it had patches in it that had worn through.  Also, my shape had changed (or the slip shrank) as it no longer covered my bum and that's pretty important.  I bought two of Gertie's kits to make these years ago so I have everything I need.  There's several items in my wardrobe I can't wear without a slip so this will be enormously helpful.

Image via Simplicity.com

Camel trousers.  I have some beautiful camel wool that I bought from Clear It several years ago with the intention of making trousers.  I think I'll use Simplicity 8056.  I have practically lived in an old, worn out pair of black pants for the last 12 months so these will be a very welcome change.  Also, they should work really nicely with my predominantly black, white, grey and navy wardrobe.

image via Friday Pattern Company

Cambria Duster.  I bought the fabric and pattern for this thinking it would be great for spring.  It never got done (are you sensing a theme!)  Anyway, I think it will work just as well as a light layer for autumn.  I'm planning on using this Harley fabric from Tessuti.

image via @truebias

Square neck Nikko top.  I've made the Nikko top from True Bias multiple times over the years.  I loved the square neck version that Kelli did using the hack from What Bella Made.  I'm planning on making it in black depending on what fabric is in the stash.

This is a really good jumping off point for me but I know that there'll be other projects that sneak into the queue.  I think this will help keep me on track when I don't know where to start,

April Plans

Well what a month March was!  I started the month with a night out in the city moving from roof top bar to roof top bar and finished the month in isolation.  Along the way I also successfully applied for a new job and handed in my resignation at an organisation that I've worked for for over 15 years.  I've felt all the emotions this month!

There was very little sewing in March.  My black ginger jeans are 90% done - just need to sew the buttonhole and hems and bang in the button.  The wrap top and the bra are not even close, but I still want them and hope to be able to get it done in April.

Images via Tessuti Fabrics, Orange Lingerie and David Jones

So for April I'm planning to make:

• Tessuti Berlin Jacket in black boiled wool from The Cloth Shop Ivanhoe
• Tessuti Many Boat Tee x 2 in green and ivory merino from The Fabric Store
• Orange Lingerie Devonshire Bra
• Trousers/jeans - pattern/s to be determined

I finish up at work on Thursday and have two weeks off before I start in my new role so I'm hopeful that I'll be able to achieve everything on my list this month.

These are all really practical items that will work well during this isolation period as well as filling current gaps in my wardrobe.

A mighty sports bra to start the new year

Happy New Year!  2019 was quite the year: some amazing highs including a family trip to the USA and some awful lows with my gorgeous sister battling breast cancer and lots of other ups and downs in between. 

Through 2019 I started to focus more on my health and fitness and I've set myself some challenging goals for 2020.  Which leads me to one of my favourite makes of 2019, the mighty sports bra.

I knew I wanted to make the version with the mesh overlays and I prefer a back closure as it makes it easier to get on and off.  My measurements put me in a large, which is what I made.  I wear a 12D/34D in RTW bras.

The fabrics all came from Pitt Trading, the closure and fold over elastic from Evie La Luve and the wide band elastic from Tailor Made Shop.

I really enjoyed sewing this up.  It came together quickly and the instructions give a nice clean finish on the inside.  I self lined the top and found that, combined with the mesh overlay, there was enough support for me to feel comfortable running at a moderate pace on the treadmill.  I did manage to sew the closure on backwards so it's not perfect but I've already cut out a second.  If/when I make a third I will probably add a half inch extra length.
 

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. 

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.

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A post shared by Robyn Borley (@robynborley) on Sep 9, 2018 at 1:16am PDT

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.  

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A post shared by Robyn Borley (@robynborley) on Oct 12, 2018 at 4:10pm PDT

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.

#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 via

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 via

Swim Style Chic Bandeau Bikini - Pattern purchased, fabric in the stash, just need the findings.

image via

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

image via

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

image via

Orange Lingerie Esplanade Bra Need to buy everything for this one - will be later in the year I think.

image via

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

image via

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

image via

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?

Simplicity 8228 bralette and bonus knickers

So I finally took my first step into the world of bra making and it's pretty fun.

I decided to start with a relatively easy project and chose Simplicity 8228, partly because it was a soft cup bra so no fiddling with underwires and partly because I love just about everything about Madalynne's aesthetic.

This is view A with a 36 band and a DD cup and I used a lovely kit from Tailor Made Shop so I didn't need to worry about finding all the bits and pieces.  My standard RTW size is a 34D but I went with the sizing indicated by the pattern.  I also noted that on Maddie's website she mentions that some people find the halter straps too short so I added around 3 inches in length.

This was so much fun to make - it's by no means perfect but it was a great starter project.  If you'd like to see a modeled shot take a look at this instagram post (scroll to second photo).

In the end I removed 2.5 inches of the extra length that I added to the straps, I also added elastic to the bottom of the band.  This wasn't included in the instructions but I noted that Ying had done that on her versions and had included enough elastic in the kit.  It certainly makes the bra feel more secure.  Unfortunately, my cup runneth over!  Despite making the DD, there's still not enough volume in the cups (conveniently, what you can't see in the insta photo is what doesn't fit in the cup!)

I actually bought a couple of kits to make this so I'm hoping that at least one of my teens would like the racer back version because I'm keen to sew it up.

Still on a lingerie bend I recently made these Evie la Luve Esme knickers.  They're a really quick sew and despite the front edges looking quite fluted in the photo below they sit flat when worn (there's no elastic on the leg edge, it's just overlocked and sewn down).

The overlap detail is really pretty and it's a great pattern for showing off a gorgeous stretch lace.  I don't think these will replace my beloved Bella's but they're a nice option to have.  I've got plans for a couple of other colour combos so there's likely to be more of these in the future.  Now I really need to go finish my work pants so that I have something to wear over these!

Miss Montgomery

Does anyone else always over estimate what they can achieve?  I knew I would have almost no sewing time in May and yet I still thought I'd get more done - not sure when I thought I'd be sewing!  I did get manage to sew up some more undies and ticked another item off my #2017makenine list so not too bad I suppose.

These are the Orange Lingerie Montgomery Briefs.  I've made up five pairs in a range of different fabrics. 

The pink lace and mesh version would be the prettiest pair, but the comfiest are the grey microfibre.  I've also made up two pairs using a beautiful soft lining fabric paired with different laces.  I only had matching lingerie/picot elastic for the black pair (and I didn't want to buy any more supplies) so I used fold over elastic instead and I'm pretty happy with the way these turned out.  I'm even happier that these were all made up using items in my stash.  How awesome is the elastic on the black microfibre pair - love it.

The design of these is really similar to my all time favourite RTW style (Elle McPherson lingerie from a few years back) and overall I'm pretty pleased with the way these turned out.  Some days you just want a bit more coverage and these don't leave a line under your clothes.

 

My underwear drawer is looking pretty gorgeous right now so I might take a break from making undies for a while.  It's only the second day of winter but I have been absolutely freezing at work so I think it's time to make up some warm pieces for work.

Lingerie love - Bella knickers

There's just something special about new knickers, they always make you feel good!

This is the Bella pattern from Evie la Luve (coincidentally all the lace and elastics used for these undies also came from Hannah's shop - great service and postage was quite quick too).

With four pattern pieces and fold over elastic for the waistband these come together so quickly, the slowest part was changing the thread over on my machines.

I actually made a test pair in a nice lace (you can see them here), wore them the next day, came home and immediately cut out these pairs.  There was only supposed to be three pairs but I accidentally cut two identical pieces instead of two opposite pieces in the lavender, so now I have a double up.

Pastel colours aren't usually my thing, but they're so pretty I'm glad I just went with it.  These are comfy and a gorgeous addition to my underwear drawer.  As a bonus I can put a big tick next to something on my #2017makenine list, my May project list and I'm living my Me Made May pledge.  I still get such a buzz from creating things that I love and wear like crazy!

May Plans and Me Made May

I'm really happy with the way my plans for April helped me make the most of my sewing time so I thought I'd do it again for May.

We have a lot of commitments in May so no weekend sewing time.  It's also the annual Me Made May challenge which I want to participate in, but don't want to feel pressured to take a photo every day or try to churn out new items just so that I have something new to share.

images via Tailor Made Shop

I'm generally wearing at least one item I've made every day, and it's just as likely that I've made my entire outfit so that's not such a challenge anymore.  Lingerie making has been on my to do list for a couple of years so I thought this was the perfect time to give it a go.  New undies can be sewn up pretty quickly and I'm told bras don't really take that long either.  I know I have a steep learning curve ahead of me but I'm excited to get started.

images via Evie la Luve

To get things started I purchased some bra kits from Tailor Made Shop (she has the most beautiful kits).  Top of my list is the Orange Lingerie Montgomery Briefs (check out Norma's Instagram feed for pure lingerie beauty).  I'm also really keen to try the Evie la Luve Esme and Bella undies.  The Watson Set is still something I'd like to sew up and I have a really lovely kit from Blackbird Fabrics that I want to use - time to stop stashing and start sewing.

So here's my pledge for Me Made May:

 'I, Robyn of Sew Love Red, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '17. I endeavour to wear at least two pieces of me made underwear each week and sew one new bra for the duration of May 2017'

I certainly won't be posting modeled photos of my pledge items but I will share the finished items.  Are you playing along?  

Megan Nielsen Rowan Bodysuit

I pulled out my credit card as soon as I saw the latest releases from Megan Nielsen, I loved them both and the new packaging is so pretty!

The Rowan bodysuit was also one of my planned projects for April so I'm really happy to be able to tick it off my list and best of all I really, really like it.

I'm not certain what height MN patterns are drafted for (I think it's 5'5") which is a long way short of my 6'.  I've made this in a size L and added an extra 3 inches through the body and 1.5 inches to the sleeve length.  I also blended out to the XL at the waist as I'm pretty straight up and down.

I'm not dropping my pants so you'll have to take my word for it when I say that it fits really well around the bum too, not too tight but still has good coverage.

I'm too self conscious about my stomach to wear the bodysuit as I've shown it in these pictures, in all likelihood I'll layer it up under other shirts and jumpers, but I love it.  I've used a beautifully soft merino that I purchased from Tessuti a year or two ago.

I'm so happy that I've used one of the lovely fabrics in my stash, tried a new pattern and ticked a project off my sewing list.  I feel like I'm winning at the moment!

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.