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,

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.

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?

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!

Day Dreaming

I've had such high hopes for my sewing but I haven't been able to turn those dreams into reality.

You know how it goes - there's a party so you think you'll make something awesome to wear, there's a job interview so you need a new outfit to give you that extra boost of confidence, there are important meetings where you want to be at your absolute best and you can't find anything in your wardrobe that feels right.  Surely I'm not the only one!  All these events have come and gone without a stitch of new clothing in sight and I've survived (I even got the job!).

But I'm itching to sew.  I bought some gorgeous new fabrics on a trip to Sydney, I've indulged in online shopping and even Wade has suggested that I'm going to struggle to make up all the patterns that are arriving in the mail.

It's time to put my foot to the pedal.

We have a public holiday on Monday which means a long weekend and for the first time in months I don't have to be out all weekend at kids sport.  Given that I'm the worlds slowest sewer I figure I can get through three simple garments, anything else is a total bonus.


So here's my Queen's Birthday long weekend sewing list:

The Morris Blazer - just need to pre-wash my fabrics and I'm ready to go.

Image via

Simplicity 1366 - So many versions of this top out there, but I just think it would be a great winter layering piece.

Papercut Patterns Anima pants - I have a beautiful bamboo/tencel french terry set aside for these and I can't wait to wear them.

image via

Hopefully having a dedicated list will stop me from becoming overwhelmed by everything that I want to sew - I've been going into my sewing room and looking at all the lovely fabrics and patterns and not quite knowing where to start.

Do you have any weekend sewing plans?  Do you ever get overwhelmed by the long list of things you want to sew?  How do pick what you're going to make next?

Simplicity 2584 - Linen LBD

In a last hurrah for summer I decided I needed a sleeveless LBD.  I wanted something that I could wear to work or casually, that I could layer for winter, and it had to be quick to make. 

I've found myself pinning this neckline a lot recently, so using Simplicity 2584 was an easy choice.  I've also made it before so I knew I could leave out the zip and still slip the dress on easily.  The only change I made this time was to raise the neckline split 2 inches.

The great thing about this dress is that everything came from stash.  I've used a heavy metro linen from Spotlight (bought to make Wade some shorts) and lined it with a silk habotai.  I love the lining, it's colour that I'm drawn to but it doesn't look good on me, this way I get my colour fix and it feels very luxe.

I thought this was a great fit until I saw the photos with the drag lines everywhere!  It looks like that back seam could use another press too.  Oh well, it was just beautiful to wear on the last hot day of summer and it got the thumbs up from all three of my daughters. I think I also went a little too short for the office, but I figure it'll be fine over tights in winter :)

With the cool autumn weather hitting Melbourne I've started thinking about winter sewing - I have big plans but I know that I need to pare them down because I just can't sew everything I want to!  Do you have sewing plans for the new season?

White for summer - Simplicity 2250

As I put this jacket on again this morning I realised that I still hadn't blogged it.

As I was making this up I didn't think I was going to like it.  The sleeves are wider than I was expecting and a lot shorter (despite adding additional length) and I was worried that it wouldn't work very well with either my figure or my existing wardrobe.  It was miserable on the day we took these photos hence the dark, slightly blurry indoor shots taken by my totally disinterested 11 year old.

Turns out I shouldn't have worried - it's incredibly versatile and very comfy and I'm surprised how often i'm wearing it!

This is Simplicity 2250 in a size 14.  I added 1.5 inches in extra length to the sleeves and through the body.
I couldn't find an exact match for the bias binding, and I didn't want a contrast so I finished the edges with a narrow band (below).

This was made using leftovers from another project so I had to piece the band, but I think it has worked pretty well.  I've also left off the shoulder pads and front self lining.  This is possibly the most basic jacket anyone could make - it would be a great beginner project.

At the end of September I drew myself up a sewing plan for October - I was more than a little ambitious and have barely had time to get to my machines.  I'm considering taking patterns and fabric in to work and using the boardroom table on my lunch break - does anyone else do this? 

The Matrix Dress - Simplicity 1873

Operation 'Clear the decks in September' is off to a great start.  I had a bit of sewing time last weekend and managed to complete three items and I'm feeling pretty good about them too!  Excuse the wrinkles in the photos - I'd just finished work.

This dress is Simplicity 1873, previously made here.  I loved this dress and knew that I'd be making it again.  I fixed the back issues I had last time but looking at these photos, particularly the one below, I think that the back also needs a little bit of length taken out.  It's probably also a smidgen tight, but how good is that invisible zipper!

I know I'm often pretty down on Spotlight fabrics but I really like their printed cotton sateens. This one was labelled Matrix green and it kind of stuck in my head, hence the Matrix dress.

When I went to cut this out I realised that it had light and dark stripes running through the pattern.  So while I didn't worry about pattern matching, I did make sure that I kept the light and dark stripes consistent.

When I purchased the fabric I forgot what a fabric hog this skirt is.  Like last time I ended up folding out several of the pleats just so that I could fit all the pattern pieces on.  I've still got a lovely full skirt, but I've removed the pleats which would have sat on my hips.  I should have added a couple inches to the skirt length, but completely forgot.  It's a little shorter than I usually prefer to wear to work, but I think I can get away with it.  

I love my Matrix dress and I received several compliments from people who don't usually comment on my clothes, which just made my day.  I had planned to wear this with a Nettie bodysuit underneath - I have the pattern and the fabric but decided against starting another new project :)  I'm really glad this dress is finished and in my wardrobe.

Skirt bonanza - StyleArc and Simplicity

Getting dressed for work each day has become something of a challenge.  In previous years my go to winter outfit was a ponte dress; they're comfy, it's quick to get dressed in the morning and they sew up quickly too.  But I think I've had too much of a good thing because this year I'm only reaching for my ponte dresses as a last resort.  Time for a few separates.

These latest makes are all pattern repeats.  First up is StyleArc's Ursula knit pencil skirt.  This time around I left off the side panels - they don't add any additional shaping and I didn't want to break up the awesome fabric from Tessuti.  I've included a close up of the fabric to show you the texture - it's amazing and as soon as I saw it I had visions of the Ursula pattern running through my head.  I'd love to make a raglan sleeve top to use up the leftover fabric.

I've also reused Simplicity 6107, this time to make a basic black pencil skirt in a wool blend and an animal print brocade.  Excuse the wrinkles - photos were taken after a long day of work.  No changes from last time, but I've found a great tutorial on Maria Denmark which addresses the tummy issue so I'll try that in the future.

Very utilitarian sewing, but much needed and I've already worn all three skirts several times.  Now I just need to sew myself some interesting new tops because my good old RTW merino ones look and feel a bit boring!

Replica - Simplicity 3686

These pants bit the dust earlier this year. Made all the way back in 2012 they were completely worn out and looked pretty sad.  Going back through my archives to find the original post I was surprised to see how often I chose to wear these pants when I wanted to share a newly sewn top.  Truly a sign of a well loved make.

I've lost count of the number of times I've used Simplicity 3686 - it's my go to pattern for pants and shorts.  With more experience under my belt I can see that the fit at the back of these pants needs work, but that's a challenge for another day.  This time around I cropped the hems just a little bit more and added stay tape to the waistband so it didn't grow when worn. 

I used a stretch drill from Spotlight again and the photos above and below demonstrate how much the fabric relaxes with wear.  The shot above is from my original post on the first day I wore them.  In the photo below I'm wearing them for the second time in a week (don't judge!).  It's a big difference (and an awful photo!) but thankfully they snap back into shape after being washed.

I've been fairly productive recently so I'll be back later in the week to show off some things I've made for Paige.

Trying something different - Simplicity 1873

Last weekend was a long weekend in Victoria and with no kids sport I was able to clear a few UFOs out of the sewing room.

Simplicity 1873 is probably the second oldest UFO in the cupboard (the other is a Vogue coat which was cut out two years ago!).  It's not my usual style but I decided that it would be just the thing to wear to my cousins (April 2013) wedding.  It was 99% finished when it got thrown in the back of the cupboard.

On the morning of the wedding I tried it on to finish the hem and - finally - noticed that the back was ridiculously big.  I tried a few different darts but I just didn't have the time to keep messing with it before the wedding. Then it turned cold and this got put aside.  To fix the back I took a two inch dart starting at the back neckline and running it down parallel to the dart at the base of the bodice.  That's a whopping four inches removed from the back neckline.  After such a long break from the dress it only took me about 15 minutes to finish it.

Aside from the back fitting issues the dress went together really easily.  I cut a 14 adding an extra inch of length through the body and an extra 2.5 inches to the skirt hem.  I also cut the skirt front and side as one continuous piece and I removed some of the skirt fullness by folding out one of the pleats from the side skirt panel and from the skirt back.  This is one very full skirt.

The fabric is a navy spotted cotton sateen from Spotlight several years ago.  I love the finished dress.  I think the fitted waist is very flattering and the full skirt is very fun.  I've just purchased the Flora pattern and some more cotton sateen so I think they'll be more dresses like this in the future :)

A little bit of summer - Simplicity 6107

Mum rang this afternoon and said that she was going to stop checking my blog because it never changes - so Mum, this one's for you :)

Despite my love for pencil skirts I have exactly none in my wardrobe and every time I try to make one the results are less than flattering.  Every other sewing blogger talks about how simple pencil skirts are so I feel like a bit of a failure for having so much trouble getting one to fit me properly.

I can't say I'm overwhelmingly in love with this skirt either, but the photos are convincing me it looks better than I thought it did.  This is Simplicity 6107 , view d made up in a stretch cotton sateen I picked up at Spotlight.

Like every other pencil skirt I've made I ended up with a very 'poofy' front - the fabric just folds in on itself in a very unattractive way.  I tend to look like I'm wearing a skirt designed for the male anatomy.  I blame my 'mummy tummy' and have tried all sorts of combinations of darts and nothing seems to work particularly well.

I've since read that someone else just folded that excess fabric out of their pattern (sorry can't remember where).  A simple solution and one my study addled brain didn't think of!  Instead I extended the front darts by 2.5 inches which has helped, but not completely eliminated the problem.

I'm not a huge fan of people being able to see the outline of my pelvis so  I was incredibly conscious of not making the skirt too tight.  After wearing the skirt all day I could probably have taken the waist in a little more as it didn't feel particularly secure.

Well I now have one pencil skirt in my wardrobe and next time I'm going to try folding the excess out of the pattern.  I made my first fabric.com order recently and received my fabrics on Monday.  I've been madly studying all day so that I can finish my assignment and spend a totally guilt free, self indulgent day in my sewing room tomorrow.

Time to get back to the books.

And so it begins...

It's the first day of Me Made May 2013!

Despite being completely shocked that it's actually May (how did that happen?) I'm really excited to be taking part in MMM again.

I often find it a struggle towards the end of the month so we'll see how it goes this time.  May looks like it's going to be slightly less hectic than January - April, so I should be able to eke out a little more time in my sewing room.  In fact I have a little project on the go and I love the way it's shaping up.

Here's my pledge:

I, Robyn of Sew Love Red sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear a minimum of two handmade garments each day for the duration of May 2013.

And today's me-made items are Simplicity 3686 pants (blogged here) and McCall's 6519 top (blogged here).  Not sure what's going on with the angle of the photo, but that's what happens when your 13 year old snaps a quick photo as you're rushing out the door and you're running late.

*Edited to add*

Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your kind thoughts and well wishes for Paige.  She's recovering beautifully and to look at her now you'd never know she'd been sick.  My biggest challenge at the moment is trying to get her slow down!

A couple more - Simplicity 3686

I think you all know how much I love Simplicity 3686, I've lost count of the number of times I've used it.  This weekend I finally managed to finish my second pair of shorts (I cut them out way back before Christmas).  I'm not even sure why I put them aside for so long I only had to finish the waistband and hem them.  No modeled shots but they're identical to these ones.

I love the pockets and the contrast facing.

I made this navy pair late in January and they're getting nearly as much wear as my black pair.  My only regret is not using better fabric.  I really wanted navy and the only navy fabric I could find was a cotton drill (with no stretch) from Spotlight.

These would have been nicer made up in a fabric with a little stretch and recovery.  After a long day at my desk they're all wrinkly and quite baggy at the knees.  Oh well, I still reach for them regularly.

I'd love to make a couple of pairs in a nice stretch wool for winter, but seeing as I don't have the budget to buy more fabric at the moment, I think I'll put this pattern away for a while and start searching my fabric and pattern stash for other autumn/winter projects.

Do you have anything planned for autumn/winter (or spring/summer)?

Tried and true - Simplicity 3686

Just before Christmas I decided that my wardrobe would benefit greatly from the addition of these Country Road shorts, especially with our casual work period.  I loved a couple of brightly coloured pairs (which they no longer have online) but couldn't get over the $70 price tag.  I figured it couldn't be too difficult to use Simplicity 3686 to make something similar. 

This pattern fits me pretty well so I knew I wouldn't need to make any fitting adjustments.  I used the narrow leg view (view E and F) but if I was going to make these shorter then I'd make the leg slightly wider, but not as full as the other views.  

I'm really happy with the look of the little details in these shorts, the silk lining for the pockets and the white waistband facing (copied from the inspiration pair) make me smile.  I was trying to only use stash fabric and notions so I had to use a white zip and pale pink thread for overlocking/serging.  Normally this would drive me crazy but I really like everything about these shorts.  The cotton sateen sewed like a dream and because I've made this pattern so many times everything went together really easily.

I've actually got another pair of shorts cut out and ready to go and a pair of slim fit navy pants just waiting for me to sew on the trouser slides.  I think Simplicity 3686 has earned the title of tried and true - these shorts bring my total up to 7 and that's excluding the two other pairs I mentioned above.  Right, time to go and sew a birthday present for one of our neighbours.

Happy New Year and a quick look back

Happy New Year!  I hope you ended 2012 on a high, we relaxed and had a few drinks and nibbles with our neighbours, it was a great way to end the year.

Currently working on a quilt for my nephew

I've always been really impressed by the year end wrap ups that other bloggers do.  It's a great way to take stock of what you've sewn for the year and take a look at the wins and the fails.  I made 57 items in 2012 which breaks down like this:
31 items for me
2 items for Wade
19 items for the girls, and
5 'other' items (predominantly home sewing)

My favourite and most worn item this year would be my slim fit black pants, they're worn at least once a week and you'll be seeing another pair soon.

My biggest fail is the mission maxi with the godet.  I took it off after taking the photos and it never even made it into the wardrobe.  I thought it would be fabulous but I don't like the way it looks on me and the godet doesn't work with my lifestyle.

My biggest surprise for 2012 was this dress.  I started off feeling very 'meh' about it and yet throughout winter I reached for it regularly and felt good wearing it.

2013 will see me sewing from my stash.  I have a list of over 20 items that I'd like to make and I have the fabric for all of them (if I get organised I'll put them on a tab at the top).  I'm also going to participate in Cloth Habit's bra sew-along.  All the fabulous bras made by other bloggers has convinced me to give it a go (that and $80 price tag on my favourite bra!).

Thank you all for your kind words and support in 2012, wishing you all a happy and healthy 2013 with plenty of awesome sewing.