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. 

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!

April Sewing Plans

I've got a few days off over Easter and wanted to make the most of the extra time in my sewing room.

I have a massive wish list of things that I want to make but figured if I could focus on just a handful of items I'd be more likely to get them done!

 

So here's five things that I'm hoping to sew up over the rest of April:

First up is a new skirt for work.  It's Vogue 1170, a Rachel Comey pattern from a few years back.  It's no longer listed on Vogue's website but you can pick it up on Etsy or Ebay easily enough.  I'm planning on making it up in a beautiful Italian wool that I bought at Tessuti several years ago.  

The Birkin Flares are one of my #2017makenine picks and something that I've been wanting to make for a couple of years.  These will be a great addition to my weekend wardrobe and will likely make an appearance for casual Friday at work too.

I fell hard for this beautiful viscose poplin from Blackbird Fabrics and all I could think of was making the Grainline Archer shirt.  Also, I need tops for work so this seems like a winner.

Next up I'm planning to make Vogue 1460 in a gorgeous denim coloured merino jersey from The Fabric Store.  A warm, cosy winter work dress.

My last planned make is Megan Nielsen's Rowan body suit - colour and style as per the picture below.  I layer all my clothes in winter so I think this will be a winner.

Picture via

If I'm crazy productive my two bonus projects will be a Tessuti Sydney jacket in a gorgeous charcoal marle boiled wool and a pair of navy stretch cotton Ginger (jeans) pants.  I'm pretty excited by all these projects so I hope I can them all sewn up.