Aeolian tee - the washed out wonder

Let's be clear up front, washed out wonder refers to the pictures, not the pattern!

The Aeolian tee has been incredibly popular for a reason - it's a great pattern that sews up really quickly and looks great.

My measurements placed me as 12-14 which falls in the medium size range.  As a first go around I decided to make this up as drafted with no additional length or other changes and I really like the way it fits.  I think one of my favourite features is the wide hems, I love the way they look.

For this version I used a viscose jersey from Tessuti Fabrics and I really like the drape it gives the top.  The only thing I would change would be to cut the neckband a little shorter, the drape of the fabric provides just a little bit too much give.

It has possibly been corrected by now but I did note that the pattern has incorrect instructions on the neck facing piece.  It says to cut one on fold, but there is no fold, you just cut one piece. 

I've also seen some great versions of this in a woven fabric and I'd been keen to try that too.  So many patterns, so little time!

Style Arc Sunny Knit Top

On new year's eve I cleaned up my sewing room and counted alllll the projects that I had in various stages of completion.  I had 30!  With another 10 projects waiting to be altered or mended.  This top was one of my WIPs, it was just waiting to be hemmed.

This is the Style Arc Sunny Knit top made up in a gorgeous lilac merino from The Fabric Store.  Total coincidence that my first two projects of 2020 are both called Sunny!  I was drawn to the style lines of this top, quick and easy but with a little bit of interest which is something that I think Style Arc do really well.

Given that I cut this out sometime last year I'm relying on what's in my notepad and on the pattern sheet and it looks like I've made up a straight size 12.  No extra length added and the sleeves and body length are perfect for me.

I really like the cocoon shape, I feel like it sits nicely and is easy to wear.  While the style lines are different I feel like this has quite a similar feel to the Tessuti Mandy boat tee.  Fitted sleeves with volume through the body.  Having made both I do prefer the Style Arc Sunny top. 

I'm really happy that I finished this one off, I'm pretty sure it's going straight into regular rotation.  Now I just need to tackle the rest of the list!

A sunny swimsuit

I have a gorgeous one piece bathing suit from Seafolly.  It's beautifully made, fully lined and includes an underwired shelf bra for extra support.  It's also a complete pain to pull back up into place once it's wet.  I wanted a lovely little bikini to wear in the backyard swimming pool which would make bathroom breaks a breeze.  Enter the Sunny Top from Sew Swimmingly and the Watson bikini pattern from Cloth Habit.

Let's start with the top.  I bought this bikini top pattern as soon as it was released thinking it would work for my daughters and for me.  According to my measurements I'm an XL, the largest size this pattern goes up to (I wear a RTW 12D/34D).  Essentially this is a pretty quick and easy sew, but there were some things with the pattern and instructions I disliked and after swimming in the top I'd make changes in the future.

 My first issue was with the pattern.  It says to cut 1 of the side cups, when it should say cut one pair or cut 2.  A pretty basic mistake that I picked up as I was laying out the pattern pieces (this may have been fixed since I bought the pattern).

I found the style of the instructions a bit odd.  It was almost like there was a summary statement and then the step by step instructions, which I found confusing rather than helpful.

Some information appears to be missing and at times the instructions don't appear to match the accompanying images.  When attaching the elastic around the straps and neckline, the photos show the elastic starting down from the top edge of the straps, but this isn't referenced in the instructions at all.  I started the elastic 3/8 inch down from the top edge and this worked well. 

I also found the images for this section confusing.  The instructions state that you place the lining fabric and outer fabric together and then attach the elastic, but the lining fabric isn't shown in the accompanying photo.

The extra wide neckline is lovely, but those straps aren't comfortable for lots of swimming.  I found that they tended to rub the under arms.  I would also prefer that the bottom edge was finished with an elastic band rather than a self binding - it didn't feel particularly secure.  Once wet, the top rode up at the back and I wonder is that's also because there's no elastic in the bottom to help it stay in place.

If I make this again I would use a self lining, as there was no way I could find to stop it peaking out when you finish the edges as instructed.  I would also reshape the neckline to move the straps further towards the center front, curve the top edge of the bust in a little bit more to make the fit more secure, add 1/2 inch extra length and finish the bottom with elastic.

I may tinker with this pattern and make it again if my daughters want it, but I'm not sure I'd make it again for me.

The bikini bottoms couldn't have been more different.  I sewed these up in a medium with a couple of simple changes.  I added 1/2 inch to the back rise graded out to nothing out the side seams, I removed the front crotch seam and fully lined these.  Totally love them.  Comfy to swim in and I love the way they look.

Such a long post for such a small pieces of clothing!  I love swimwear and I'm hoping to make up a few more patterns before summer is over.

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. 

Adding the Morgan Jeans to my collection

The latest addition to my jeans collection, and it's not a pair of Ginger Jeans!

I haven't strayed too far though, these are the Closet Case Patterns Morgan Jeans.  After wearing skinny jeans for so long seeing the more relaxed fit on my body feels a bit strange, but oh they're so comfy!

I made up size 16, added an extra inch to the length (not that I needed to, I ended up removing it) and used a zip fly instead of the button fly as drafted.

I don't know whether it's because I've made so many pairs of Ginger Jeans, but these came together really quickly.  There's a few drag lines so I could probably make a few tweaks to any future versions but they're super wearable so I'm not too worried.

I used a non-stretch denim from Pitt Trading and the top stitching thread left over from a previous jeans project so, with the exception of the zip, these were made entirely from stash items.  I love it when that happens!

I'm experimenting with ways to take my own photos so that I don't have to rely on the family.  These were taken using the self timer function with the camera balanced on a kitchen stool propped up with a tube of hand cream.  Not ideal, but it got the job done.  Progress over perfection right?!

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.

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.

View this post on Instagram

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.  

View this post on Instagram

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.

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?

Kicking off 2019

Happy New Year! 

This space was totally neglected in 2018 but I still love blogs and think they bring something different so I'll do what I can to reinvigorate it in 2019.

Like last year I've loved seeing all the #2019makenine lists popping up on Instagram, but this year I'm not going to participate.  I want to try something a little different - if I can make it work you'll see it here on Feb 1.  I may not have a list of projects but I do have three simple goals:
 

I have a large sewing room with very generous storage space and my cupboards are overflowing with beautiful fabric.  It's a great problem to have but I want to use the fabric while I still love it.  Ditto for my pattern collection. 

I tend to have a very practical approach to sewing and generally focus on making items I need.  This year I want to add a little bit more fun to my wardrobe and sew some frosting. Can't wait to make a start towards this goal!

So how did I do with my #2018makenine list?  Not very well.  I made 2 of my 9 planned garments, the Lodo dress and Archer shirt.  The Lodo dress ended up as a cropped top due to a sizing error but I do love it.  Neither item got blogged, but there is a picture of my lodo top on instagram.   I sewed my Archer in September and just had to add buttons.  I finally sewed those on yesterday so hopefully I'll get that up here soon.

I actually still love all of the items I picked last year so maybe they'll get made up in 2019.

I love being a very small part of this amazing community of makers and I'm excited to see what the new year will bring.  Do you have any sewing/creating goals or resolutions for 2019?