Vogue 8944 - a quick sew

In desperate need of a summer work dress I pulled out Vogue 8944.

I'm still struggling with my ankle and am limited to short periods of time on my feet - although I am on the mend.  At the moment I'm sticking to very simple projects and you can't get more simple than this pattern.

This pattern provides great colour blocking options but I decided to use some scraps and kept mine very simple.  Before cutting out double check your sizing.  I checked pattern review and the finished pattern measurements and thought I would be fine.

In the end I removed 6 inches of excess fabric from the side seams starting at the bust and tapering to nothing at the waist.  I also trimmed 3/8 inch from the sleeves before turning under and hemming with a 5/8 hem.  Basically, despite being an option featured on the pattern cover, this dress wasn't drafted to be sleeveless.  I also had to put darts in the back neckline to reduce the gaping (you can see one in the photo below - it needs a better press) - also I could easily go down a couple of sizes in the back - you can see how baggy it is in the photo below.  I also omitted the back zipper and, as per usual, I lengthened the pattern this time adding an extra inch to the skirt length.

If you look at Vogue's photo you can see a lot of excess fabric on the sides there too, although it's nowhere near as baggy in the back.

I had high hopes for this pattern but I'm not sure that I'll use it again.  This dress will help me see out the rest of our warm weather.  The ankle injury, coming on top of the festive period, has lead to some weight gain and none of my clothes feel particularly comfortable or flattering.  While I work at getting a bit healthier, I feel better in this dress because it doesn't cling to my lumpy bits!

Planning and reflecting

Thanks for all your well wishes, I'm still out of action with a very nasty sprained ankle, so I haven't been able to do any sewing.  I have been doing a lot of planning and reflecting though.

The silk below is sitting waiting to be made into a top and I'm planning some basics to go with it.  These pants need to be replaced and I have a black pencil skirt cut and ready to be sewn up.  I also need some more casual tees and I'm thinking about using Tessuti's Lola tee.  I've also got a piece of hot pink cotton/linen which is just begging to be made into a pair of shorts and I think I'm going to give it a try, even if it's quite different to what I normally wear.

On to the reflection.  

I'm at the end of my first month of the RTW fast and so far I'm really enjoying it.  I thought January would be really hard with all the sales, but it has just made me want to sew more.  I'm really interested to see if this continues for the rest of the year, maybe 2014 will be really productive :) 

Strangely I haven't bought much fabric this month either.  Generally when I can't clothes shop and I can't sew, I shop online.  Please tell me I'm not the only one who does this!  There is, of course, a beautiful piece of silk on the Tessuti website which is very loudly calling my name... I think it's time to go and have another look.  I hope you're sewing up a storm.

The best laid plans...

So this Australia Day long weekend I was planning to sew up a storm.

Now, not so much!  That ankle is nearly twice its normal size.  Hopefully I can work the presser foot with my left foot.  I hope you're all having better luck than me :)

Casual - StyleArc and Tessuti

 I love summer, but you wouldn't know it from the clothes in my wardrobe.

When I cleaned it out the other day I realised my summer wardrobe, both work and casual, is severely lacking.  I didn't own a single white t-shirt.  To make things a little bit more interesting I thought I'd try StyleArc's Rowe's tunic which I've loved since I first saw it.

It's an easy pattern with some nice design lines.  The instructions for the v-neck would be a bit sparse for a beginner, but otherwise it's a really simple make.  This is a straight size 12 with no changes and I'm pretty happy with the outcome.  The neckband seam is just slightly off at the front which is a bit annoying, but this was really just a test made up in some leftovers so I'm not too fussed.  I'll be making this one again in a fabric with more drape.

Melbourne had a bit of a cool spell recently so I decided to try Tessuti's Mandy Boat Neck Tee too (bonus - it's free) in their lime line fabric.  This is a great pattern and I really like the way the neckline is finished.  This is a one sized pattern and I made it up without any changes, but the arms feel just a little too tight.  It's wearable but if I make it again (and I probably will) I'd use a stretchier fabric or a 1/4 seam allowance.

I had a bit of a moment earlier today and wasn't going to post these items - I just felt like they were too basic or too boring to blog.  I kind of feel like I should blog about amazing items or pieces with tricky construction techniques (and if I could take a good photo that would help too).  In the end I decided I was being silly.  This is me.  This is what I wear.  This is my little corner of the internet and I'm going to blog what ever makes me feel happy :)

Fasting and goals

Happy New Year to you all.

This year I am joining in Goodbye Valentino's RTW fast.

In 2014 I won't be purchasing any RTW clothing.  I've been debating whether or not to sign up since I first saw the invitation and I've decided that sometimes you just need to jump and work out the details later!  I kept trying to work out why I wanted to do it and the answer came to me when I was getting dressed for work.  I couldn't find anything to wear (yes, yes I know, we all say that as we stand in front of a full wardrobe).  In all honesty I have kept so many clothes that I don't wear because they don't fit me/aren't my style that it's a real struggle when I get dressed.  I end up donating a lot of what I buy.  I need more clothes that fit me.  So today I'm sorting through everything that doesn't fit or feel good, donating it and then writing a big sewing list!!

My sewing goals for 2014 are pretty simple.  

1. Be realistic.  I work a full time job and have three kids who each play a whole lot of sport.  I don't have many spare hours to sew.  I shouldn't expect the same type of output as someone who sews for a living!! (Comparison is the thief of joy, right?!)
2. Use the lingerie kits.  I now have five beautiful lingerie kits, another two on the way and several patterns in my stash and I haven't sewn one bra.  I will remedy that this year.
3. Sew BWOF #105 9/2008.  It has been on my 'to sew' list since it came out.  I have the fabric and the buttons, and I even started it in 2012 but stopped when I realised it was way too big.  Time to get it done.
4. Make a versatile, really warm winter coat.  With all the kids sport there is going to be plenty of weekends and nights spent outdoors and I'm not going to shiver because I don't have a warm coat.  I have the fabric, I have the pattern. 
5. Get off the couch and into the sewing room.  There are too many times when I flop on the couch at the end of a long day and blog surf.  Then I complain to Wade that I have no time to sew.  I need to use my time better.

That's it.  Short and simple but I'm sure it won't be easy, especially number 5.  Do you make resolutions/goals?  If you do, how do you keep on track?

Christmas Saltspring

My final finished item for 2013 is a Sewaholic Saltspring dress.

I had grand plans to do a fancy Vogue dress for Christmas Day, but time was against me.  When I called into Spotlight on the 21st and saw this spotty printed rayon I knew it would be perfect for a Christmas Saltspring dress.  I did overhear one of the attendants at the cutting table remark that everyone would have finished their Christmas sewing so she couldn't understand why the shop was so busy.  Clearly everyone else was doing a last minute dash like me!

I cut a straight size 10 and cut the back on the fold, omitting the back zip.  I haven't sewn many Sewaholic patterns and couldn't decide whether I'd need to add extra length through the body.  I spent way too much time dithering over this, I checked pattern review and there were no mentions of extra length needed and in the end I decided that I add additional length to pretty much every pattern so I would for this one too.

For the record, if you're tall you might want to add length through the body.  I added an extra inch and would probably increase that to 1.5 inches next time I make this.  I also added 3 inches to the length of the skirt.  Overall a really simple enjoyable project.  I love the pockets and the clever blousing, I even love the ties although they need trimming.  This was the best photo I could find of the two of us together!

Goodbye 2013, bring on 2014!  Thank you so much for all your comments and encouragement this year, it means a lot.  I hope 2014 is a happy, healthy and successful one for you all.  Happy sewing :)

Christmas Shirt - Negroni 1014

I've been thinking about making Wade a shirt for a while, but have always put it off.  My sewing time has been too precious to sew for others!!

Then I found this check/plaid fabric and the colours just seemed like a good match for Wade.  I decided I'd start with the Colette Patterns Negroni shirt.  This is a nice pattern with good instructions and Wade loves the fit.

I used the size large and the only change I made to the pattern was to remove two inches of length from the sleeve.  I also left off the pockets and used a different method to hem the shirt.  This is my first time check/plaid matching and I used this tip from Jen at Grainline Studio and I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out.  I got the picture below when I asked him to raise his arms to show you the matching at the sides!

The drafting for this is wonderful.  There is very little ease in the sleeve cap and it just makes it so easy to put together.  I was running really short on time (I might have sewn the buttons and button holes on Christmas morning) so I didn't use flat felled seams for the sleeves and side seams, but I will try it next time.

I did change the way the top was hemmed.  The instructions have you fold the hem up once, fold again and then stitch.  This shirt has a front facing and I just thought that it would be bulky and messy trying to do it the way the instructions suggest.  I turned the facing to the outside (front shirt and facing are right sides together) and stitched where I wanted my finished length to be.  I then trimmed the facing to reduce bulk as shown below.

Then I turned the facing back to the inside and pressed, which gives a really neat finish to the front.  Then you finish the rest of the hem as you prefer, either overlock/serge and stitch or double fold and stitch. Hopefully this makes sense.

I'm classing this as a winner.  The fabric didn't sit in the stash for long, I really enjoyed the sewing and Wade loves the finished shirt.  Hopefully I can post my Christmas outfit tomorrow to finish the year on a sewing high.  I'm really enjoying everyone's end of year posts, but I'm not joining in because I can't seem to find the energy :)

Merry Christmas

via

Just wanted to drop in and wish you all a Merry Christmas.  I still need to put the finishing touches on a couple of Christmas outfits, wrap a few presents and make up some beds!

I hope you and your families have a great day and that there is something special under the tree for all of you.

Almost instant gratification - StyleArc Ursula

I may have a new love.  The Ursula knit pencil skirt from StyleArc is pretty awesome.

It's the perfect shape, and because it's made from ponte, it's so comfortable!  I wore this all day at work, came home changed my shoes and went out and did all the Christmas shopping.

This is almost instant gratification, with only 5 pieces it goes together really quickly. This is a size 14 with absolutely no changes - not even additional length!  Fabric bought on a Saturday, sewn on the Sunday and worn on the Monday. Can't ask for better than that.  Now I just need some tops to wear with it.

I'm on a bit of a white kick at the moment.  I have three items in various states of completion which I hope to be able to show you soon.  All these simple garments are so good for the sewing mojo.

Splattered Scout - Grainline 31002

Thanks everyone for your well wishes on my last post - I found out yesterday that I have passed all modules!

I feel so much more relaxed and I'm really enjoying time in my sewing room.  I've even managed to sew three (basic) items, the first one being the Scout tee from Grainline Studios.

I think everyone else has said everything there is to say about this top - mine's a size 12 with an extra inch in length through the body.  I even cut into my much loved and patted Liberty fabric.

I've always admired Liberty fabric on others, but the floral prints just don't feel like me, so when I saw this splatter print tana lawn (Melly) I snapped it up. It was such a pleasure to sew.  The fabric was beautiful and the pattern went together perfectly - even the bias strips behaved themselves.  Because it was Liberty I felt like I should use french seams instead of the over locker, and I was incredibly proud of myself for using them on the set-in sleeves too.  Not something I've ever done before, but it was actually pretty easy and now my top looks beautiful on the inside too.

I'm getting my sewing mojo back and I love it.