Saying thanks

Thank you to the Red Cross Volunteer who took the time to knit this little bear.


Stripes, as he has been named, helped calm Paige and keep her company when she was unexpectedly admitted to hospital on Saturday.

I'm not the type of person to rush to the doctors and it's incredibly rare for me to go to the emergency department, so it never crossed my mind that the stomach pain Paige was experiencing could be an appendicitis.  She played netball and then came home and did her chores!  The poor girl looked so awful I finally Googled the symptoms of an appendicitis, then I quickly bundled her in the car and took off.  I knew I was right when the triage nurse had us in with a doctor within 10 minutes.

She had surgery within 24 hours, everything went really well and she's now recuperating at home.  The public hospital system gets a lot of criticism, but I have nothing but praise.  The surgeon, doctors, nurses and all the other staff were just amazing.

So thank you to the Red Cross Volunteer and a huge thank you to all the staff at the Monash Medical Centre.

There was quite a bit of pinterest planning done while we were in hospital so there should be some sewing to share soon.

Kombi love - Butterick 5786

Caitlyn has a thing for beat up old VW Kombi vans so when I saw this fabric on the Tessuti website I couldn't resist.
 

Source: tessuti-shop.com via Robyn on Pinterest

I wasn't sure what I was going to make and at $40 a meter I could only afford to purchase a single meter.  I don't usually spend a lot of money on fabric for the kids clothes because there's no guarantee they'll wear it, even when they've asked for it.  After a bit of discussion Caitlyn chose view A of Butterick 5786, a button through shirt with hem detailing.  I was just happy that I'd bought the smaller size range so I didn't have to do any grading.

I made a straight size 8 and cut 18.5cm off the back length of the shirt.  I had planned on smoothing the side seams to retain the rounded look but Caitlyn liked the squared corners so we left it that way.  Of course once it was finished she tried to tell me she actually wanted it to have a collar and stand, but there was no way I was unpicking and adding in a collar.  By the time I did that this wouldn't have fit her at all.

As it is I'm not sure how much wear she's going to get out of it, the weather is starting to cool down in Melbourne and it won't be long before winter hits.  At the rate she's growing I doubt it will be long enough next summer!

Ladylike - Vogue 1027

I'm always late to the party when it comes to popular patterns and this time is no different.

The incredibly popular Vogue 1027 is one of my last summer sewing projects.  I'm a bit skeptical when people say that a pattern runs big - too many times I've been left feeling enormous (because I've had to make my usual size) or with a garment that is too small. I usually make a 14 in Vogue patterns, but due to the stretchy nature of my ITY jersey I had planned on going down to a 12.  Of course I'd bought the larger pattern range which started at 14.  How big could it be?   

I'm willing to admit I was wrong.  This sucker has an enormous amount of ease.  I took out over an inch from each side seam just to get a relatively close fit.  It's only due to the weight of the skirt pulling the dress down that it looks as fitted as it does.  I could easily have cut a 10, maybe even an 8.

I've started looking at pattern pieces to see if there's anything I can simplify.  This time I cut the tie as one piece and sewed it in half angling the ends.  I was very concerned about the neckline gaping or the shoulders stretching out, so I used seam tape on the shoulder seams and the front neckline edges which worked really well. 

Mid length dresses and skirts look great on some people, but I'm not one of them, so I lopped 4 inches off the skirt hem.  I usually like to eliminate facings generally top stitching with a twin needle instead.  This time that didn't work - it just made the fabric look terrible - so I've used the sleeve facings and left the skirt un-hemmed (sorry Mum).

So how do I feel about this dress?  It's nice, but it's not my favourite.  It's a very feminine, swishy dress and I certainly feel very ladylike wearing it.. Maybe if I'd made it in the smaller size and used a less stretchy knit I would like it more. I think I'd give it a 7 out of 10.  Maybe I'll like it more next summer...

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)?

Happy Easter

I just wanted to quickly stop by and wish you all a happy Easter, this long weekend has been just what the doctor ordered.  I've stayed up late sewing, slept in, eaten way too much chocolate and just enjoyed some quiet time at home with the family.

Thank you all for your kind words on my bathers.  I'm still ridiculously pleased with the way they've turned out.  In other sewing news I've been clearing the decks - finishing up all those half done projects.  I'm not a fast sewer at the best of times so seeing a variety of projects at various stages of completion makes me feel vaguely stressed, as though I'll never get anything finished.  Thankfully I now have several finished projects to show you and I'd like your advice on a couple of the less successful ones.

I hope you're enjoying your Easter break as much as I am.  Go on - have another chocolate egg :)

A Summer Jewel

On the last day of summer I decided to sew a pair of bathers.  Maybe not the best timing but the idea had been rolling around in my mind for a while and we had a family holiday planned which included a day at a water park.  New bathers were needed.

I haven't owned a one piece in over 20 years.  I'm fairly proportionately tall (long arms, long legs and long body) which means that RTW bathers don't fit.  I'm either pulling them out of my backside or pulling them up to prevent unintended flashing.  Definitely not a good look and not very comfortable either.  RTW tankinis are no better, they always ride up exposing my stomach.

I decided to use a combination of Kwik Sew 3609 (bust detailing and straps) and Kwik Sew 3779 (lining pieces only).

I made a quick muslin of the body to check the length and then I cut into the good stuff.  I cut a medium adding 1.25 inches through the waist.  I used a matte nylon lycra for the outer fabric and fully lined the body with a lighter weight nylon lycra - both fabrics were lucky finds at Spotlight.  There seemed to differing advice over the type of elastic to use, my only choices were knitted or rubber, I used the rubber.  These were sewn entirely on my sewing machine using either a narrow zig-zag or three step zig-zag.  KS 3779 has a centre back seam which I didn't want so I had to create my own back pattern piece.  I also took my Mum's advice and stitched a piece of woven ribbon into the straps so that they didn't keep on getting longer and longer as they got wet.

I find it difficult to visualise fit if I can't see a picture, be gentle with me!

These were fantastic at Wet'n'Wild, everything stayed where it should, there were no wardrobe malfunctions and I was comfortable.  Three major wins.  That being said there are things I would change.  To me, these are cut incredibly low on the leg, next time I'd probably raise them at least an inch.  This might sound a little strange, but I think they're a little large. Generally bathers have negative ease and these don't have a lot, you can see some excess fabric in the back.  Finally, the back lining got a little baggy when it was wet.  I think that during my late night sewing session I cut the lining fabric with the greatest stretch going vertically instead of horizontally, but all the same I think that I'd cut the lining fabric slightly narrower next time around (more experienced swim wear sewers please chime in with your advice!)  

If, like me, you've never you've never sewn swimwear before I'd recommend starting with a Kwik Sew pattern, the instructions are fantastic.  These were so easy to sew that I've already started dreaming up more ideas.  Then again there are a couple of projects that need completing before they become UFOs and then there's autumn/winter sewing to plan for...

Bread and butter sewing

Sorry for the slow drip feed of posts - I'm transitioning into a new role at work and I'm working a bunch of extra hours. It's a great experience but a real blow to my sewing time :)

I love the range of Sewaholic patterns but I'm still trying to come to grips with the sizing.  I've made an Alma (not blogged) in a size 14 and it was way too big.  For this Renfrew I used a size 10 and it's OK but feels too small through the shoulders and the arms.  I am happy with the fit from the waist down though.  My only modifications were to leave off the bands and finish the hems with a twin needle, add an extra inch of length though the waist and two inches at the hem.

Overall I'm pretty happy with this pattern - it's a nice addition to my dwindling pile of everyday basics (and it was perfect for a walk on the beach).  I'm so excited about my next project and I can't wait to show you, I just need to get some photos - why does that often feel like the hardest part?

A little bit of pretty

If feels so good to sit down and sew something from start to finish, even if it is just a pair of undies :)

I've been planning on making Amy's Rosy Ladyshorts pattern for weeks and Wednesday night I decided the dishes, washing and all the other housework could wait because I was going to sew.  And it was awesome.  These are only two pattern pieces and a little bit of stretch lace.  I cut out a size 10 and used a light weight pale pink rayon jersey with a scrap of white cotton for the lining.  I thought these looked so good that I immediately wanted to get a production line going and completely restock my underwear drawer.  Thankfully I had the good sense to wear them first.  They are supremely comfortable but I could easily go down a size or 2 if I was going to use rayon jersey again.  I'm going to try the 10 again using a cotton lycra to see how different the fit is.  The great thing is that Amy covers this type of thing in her construction notes which is fantastic for people who haven't sewn much with knits.

I really do seem to have lingerie on my mind at the moment because I also finished off this shockingly bright watermelon pink slip that has been lying on my sewing table for months.  I'm not sure why I stopped - I think I had to change the thread to fix something for one of the kids and then got distracted by other things.  Anyway, it's a copy of a RTW slip that I bought when I first started my current job about 7 years ago.  That slip is still going strong, but it's incredibly short, almost tunic length (not so good when worn under a wrap dress on a windy day).

Just like my RTW version this one has a round neck on one side and a v neck on the other.  I finished the hem with a dainty little scallop just because it makes me smile.

Two super simple projects but I already love both of them and can see a few more in the future.  My plan for this weekend is to finish up a couple of other things that are half made - I really don't want any UFOs dragging down my sewing mojo.  Do you have any plans for the weekend?

Sewing for boys

Early in January my girls were invited to our neighbour's birthday party.  I suck at finding boy presents and coming so soon after Christmas T couldn't think of anything that he really wanted.

He was pretty impressed with the girls' gum drop cushions and hinted pretty heavily that he'd like one.  So after a quick trip down to Spotlight to find some boy appropriate fabric I made up the larger size (same as last time), the girls stuffed it and I sewed it shut.  This one is exactly the same as my first two so if you're after the details you'll find them here.  T was pretty happy with his present and I was stoked that I got to sew a birthday present for a boy!

Thanks to Katherine for recommending Kirsty's blog Top Notch in response to my last post.  I love the Briar and Banksia combo in Kirsty's most recent post, and bonus - she's another Aussie! 

Award Season

I started this post by writing out a big list of all the things that have been keeping me busy - and then I deleted it all.  We're all busy and at the moment life's busyness is enjoyable, even though it leaves very little time for sewing :)

  

I need to say a very big thank you to Rosi who blogs over at Rosi Button, she's making some very gorgeous maternity wear at the moment, and Gabrielle from  Up Sew Late who is making me want to create my own pair of green linen shorts.  Rosi nominated me for the Liebster Award and Gabrielle passed on the Primio Primavera Award.

While it's lovely to receive an award from a fellow blogger - who doesn't love a pat on the back every now and again - for me the best part of the awards is discovering new (to me) blogs.  A little extra inspiration never goes astray.  Here's where it all went pear shaped for me.  Every blog that I was going to pass the award on to had already received either one or both of these recently - so if I may bend the rules slightly I'd like you to nominate a blog that you find inspiring/fun/addictive.  I'll list any responses at the bottom of this post and hopefully we'll all come away with something new to read.

OK I have to post 11 facts about myself and answer 11 questions - I'm going to be completely unoriginal and use Rosi's questions.  Here's more than you'll ever want to know about me!

1. When did you start sewing and what introduced you to sewing?
All the women in my family sew (even my Dad knows how to sew and he swears he can knit too).  Mum made quite a lot of my clothes growing up so there were always fabric scraps to be played with and turned into Barbie clothes, but I started garment sewing once I reached high school.

2. What other crafts do you do?
Aside from garment sewing I like to quilt and I used to do quite a bit of cross-stitch when my girls were smaller.

3. What do you look for in a sewing blog?
Someone I can relate to, someone I feel like I could have a conversation with IRL.  I love bloggers who are willing to share their failures as well as their successes, because we all know how depressing a wadder can be.  A sense of enjoyment - sewing and blogging are supposed to be fun :)

4. Who is your inspiration?
I find the whole blogging community incredibly inspiring, the little windows into other people's lives can really open up your mind to different possibilities.

5. Do you have a bizarre talent?
I wish!  My kids on the other hand...

6. What's your favourite thing to sew or create for yourself or others?
I love making leggings for my girls - they're quick, they love them and they get worn until they fall apart.

7. What have you always wanted to sew but haven't yet, and why?
Bras and bathers, they've always intimidated me but I'm tackling them this month.

8. What is your favourite thing you've ever made?
I think my favourite would have to be my bleach boys dress - love the fabric and the fit of the dress.

9. What's something you like to treat yourself with?
Books.  I love to read, but once I get started I get really grumpy if I have to put it down.

10. What was one of your favourite things growing up?
Our annual beach holiday in Torquay - loved it.

11. Where would you most want to travel in the world and why?
I have a whole list of places I'd like to visit but at the moment Hawaii is really calling my name.  It looks incredibly beautiful.

11 useless bits of information facts to finish

1. I work in Local Government but you won't find me leaning against a shovel!
2. I have four brothers and one sister.
3. I prefer solids to patterns.
4. I love action movies and rock music. 
5. I prefer bubbles to flat wine.
6. Put any sport on the TV and I can happily sew for hours.
7. I'm an introvert and I'm quite happy with my own company.
8. I'm a dog person.
9. I'm 183cm (6 foot) tall and I love to wear heels.
10. I once stayed in the bath for 4.5 hours reading a book - I looked like a prune when I got out :)
11. I smile every time I walk into my sewing room.