tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16321487707451112242024-03-14T08:37:59.721+10:00Simple SewistKelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-85144552083071329642017-12-24T13:10:00.000+10:002017-12-24T13:10:59.062+10:002018: A Revival of Sorts<div>
Hi there! Long time, no see!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's not that I haven't been sewing, it's that I haven't been keeping up with this place. On the upside, I have kept a paper sewing journal of sorts, so I have some idea of what I've created over the past 18 months since I was last here. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk3tWaxET87XtHO860vC42zLK3zi8F2OzkcsIla2_Y1rdW4GXdwOAocjChkgvAUtyBIDe2C8xAjZPSQQRmUM9bPJlyZbCwt9hLK5JFga8WfpOc8aevSxt9LrIyc4Ct9ITwzXBqLBQI6Q/s1600/20171224_013223408_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk3tWaxET87XtHO860vC42zLK3zi8F2OzkcsIla2_Y1rdW4GXdwOAocjChkgvAUtyBIDe2C8xAjZPSQQRmUM9bPJlyZbCwt9hLK5JFga8WfpOc8aevSxt9LrIyc4Ct9ITwzXBqLBQI6Q/s1600/20171224_013223408_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: #0066cc; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnk3tWaxET87XtHO860vC42zLK3zi8F2OzkcsIla2_Y1rdW4GXdwOAocjChkgvAUtyBIDe2C8xAjZPSQQRmUM9bPJlyZbCwt9hLK5JFga8WfpOc8aevSxt9LrIyc4Ct9ITwzXBqLBQI6Q/s320/20171224_013223408_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, what's new? </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've faced a few fitting challenges over the last year and a bit; first I lost a great deal of weight, so was sewing for a new size, then I've put most of it back on, so I'm back in my original size. That is hard to deal with mentally, but I'm determined to dress the body I have now - for the climate I'm in (which is HOT and HUMID!). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So, at the moment, I'm sewing all the summer things! I've bought a few new patterns to try, and the stash is still robust, so I'm all set to make a few things. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have 2 resolutions for 2018:</div>
<ol>
<li>Tackle only ONE sewing project at a time</li>
<li>Get WAY better at photographing my projects - I'd really like to have a more complete record of my sewing next year. </li>
</ol>
<div>
So, the current project on my sewing table is a StyleArc Marilyn dress in black crepe, with animal print charmeuse for the sleeve lining. I've made several Marilyns before and I love the style. I'm going to be so sad when the cold shoulder/split sleeve thing falls out of fashion. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't have any progress photos to show at the moment, but I will share one of my previous makes: </div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 88.61px; margin-right: 88.62px; orphans: 2; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wHTGPwssoekFLUy9Ln0PtZJwoPZOkqsxCTZkFGG41qwO7TDnYM0FcYrV6YCh-vHe3g8os65gq8HWWYIpod0w2uwfJq-03SZJDSwmdXepRaut7GRC9c1WEyNRMMnXoqz4L9FEDy0MXvk/s1600/20161216_054900742_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1281" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wHTGPwssoekFLUy9Ln0PtZJwoPZOkqsxCTZkFGG41qwO7TDnYM0FcYrV6YCh-vHe3g8os65gq8HWWYIpod0w2uwfJq-03SZJDSwmdXepRaut7GRC9c1WEyNRMMnXoqz4L9FEDy0MXvk/s320/20161216_054900742_iOS.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 0px;">
Unfortunately, I'm not sewing this size anymore, but the style still suits my general shape. </div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
I've made 3 others - with 2 of them still in rotation - but don't have photos of any of the others. </div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-7219072469608118202016-05-01T07:58:00.000+10:002016-05-01T08:02:12.175+10:00May Sewing GoalsReview of April's goals: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>2 activewear pieces -<i> I made one which I haven't worn yet. I'm starting to fit back into my old pieces, so I'm thinking I might wait until I have a greater need again.</i> </li>
<li>2 pieces for work capsule - <i>I had intended to make a top and bottom, but I got hung up on the HP Shirt Tail T pattern and made 4 of those, all suitable for work.</i> </li>
<li>Knit 4 more tiers on entrelac scarf - <i>Didn't even look at this one</i></li>
<li>Finish fixing Erin's summer uniforms - <i>Mended one, the others are still waiting. She's now in the winter uniform so I have a few extra months to get back around to this one</i></li>
<li>Fix Marcus' pants -<i> DONE! :-)</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
May's Goals: <br />
<ul>
<li>A wrap dress (Use up some stashed printed knits) </li>
<li>A long sleeved t-shirt (Again designed to use up some stashed knits)</li>
<li>Fit a pattern for slim leg pants (Sabrina Slims and/or HP Tummy Taming Trousers)</li>
<li>2 pairs of winter pants (I don't have any pants that fit ATM)</li>
<li>A skirt to wear with boots</li>
<li>If time, the Jalie or Style Arc pull on jeans</li>
<li>Need to get back into the habit of knitting again, too</li>
</ul>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-86146232939603300682016-01-20T12:30:00.001+10:002016-01-20T12:30:07.369+10:00Keeping Busy in JanuaryThere have been a number of things underway in the sewing room this month.<br />
<br />
<h4>
1: Some general clean up and decluttering: </h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_hXdPDcTjejSO0iiGA6Ts9r56dGYl_5P_apKoX6mRaM7A2Wbg2IQ2DnlKJotD2J88q0ChPsvgFo5EElMlNGVfE1CxyGchTsReEzOIcV0pXYbAoUmKJ8_ofd_X99VXKl2_4fwU1xWTRk/s1600/20160119_192158014_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA_hXdPDcTjejSO0iiGA6Ts9r56dGYl_5P_apKoX6mRaM7A2Wbg2IQ2DnlKJotD2J88q0ChPsvgFo5EElMlNGVfE1CxyGchTsReEzOIcV0pXYbAoUmKJ8_ofd_X99VXKl2_4fwU1xWTRk/s320/20160119_192158014_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I still haven't finished (I'm about 70% of the way through my fabric), but after reading 'The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up' on the holidays, I've been inspired to have a big clean out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAS4WN0QNXzTdB0Beqphfu6o6wJm4PBggOaMQmLU2SKCixg0wq3oNR0A6XE9CbRJZw7QP6GsJJCKQry6DyKF4IuchBUR5r-xpAQu_93MlaJNeaFMz0mL0WQb9t1lq_ihBgWmMazt-DoY/s1600/20160119_192240526_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAS4WN0QNXzTdB0Beqphfu6o6wJm4PBggOaMQmLU2SKCixg0wq3oNR0A6XE9CbRJZw7QP6GsJJCKQry6DyKF4IuchBUR5r-xpAQu_93MlaJNeaFMz0mL0WQb9t1lq_ihBgWmMazt-DoY/s320/20160119_192240526_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've released some fabric into the wild that I just wasn't feeling the love for anymore, and did a big inventory of what was left. I also took the time to store my fabric neatly, so that I could access it more easily. I love opening the cupboard doors in my sewing room now!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmaNJfUNE80rXr-t6nyK1EXYbGhhraVHlIX_AO58yIeTlTqgnqM24qiqHaAQgHDFVT7zrZumVvKc81-GoGgUj_6vs-Ww13svyI36a-ng67VKU5QspQ5wPVzieLAMlFxLtLeUe4QQzrQY/s1600/20160119_192008772_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHmaNJfUNE80rXr-t6nyK1EXYbGhhraVHlIX_AO58yIeTlTqgnqM24qiqHaAQgHDFVT7zrZumVvKc81-GoGgUj_6vs-Ww13svyI36a-ng67VKU5QspQ5wPVzieLAMlFxLtLeUe4QQzrQY/s320/20160119_192008772_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the overflow - lots of denim and some pretty colourful wovens that I want to tackle this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My goal is to have all my fabric fit into the two cupboards. It's an ambitious goal, since that means I'll probably have to reduce the stash by 50%, but what have I got to lose? I realise it's going to take me longer than a year.<br />
<br />
<h4>
2: I made some Boxy Bags for Christmas gifts. </h4>
<br />
This decision was initially spurred on by my inability to toss out the pink spotty corduroy. I had originally bought this piece of fabric to make a coat for my daughter - several years ago. Inevitably, as children do, she has grown and I no longer have enough fabric to make the coat. It's too small a piece to make anything for me, but I just love it and couldn't pass it on. So, I'm going to turn it into a series of bags - some for gifts, and a couple to store my knitting projects in.<br />
<br />
I used the 'No Guts Boxie Pouch' tutorial from So Chick. It was very clear. The only change I made was to the tabs. There was no way my clumsy fingers were going to be able to make those tiny tabs work, so I cut 2 pieces 3 inches x 2 inches instead. I then made sure to position them correctly when stitching down that part of the bag. It just gave me something a bit easier to hang on to in the previous steps.<br />
<br />
<b>Version #1: </b>Pink Spotty Corduroy (lined with blue/pink poly cotton); Clasp from Spotlight<br />
<br />
I used a lightweight fusible interfacing for this bag, thinking that the corduroy would have sufficient body to support the boxy shape. It kind of does, but I wanted something with a bit more oomph for the next one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUVI_o6SSodyviTla7iB2L1-5jkpMTgZfRYyylCzTrR3-0PlLKt4yWQLrG8t96ABUw1mJIM5z2OjhTYf_Xyai2PY9Jpeb7C3Feb3nX_3LIjsD2RfXkouYIhRZSZXJCwd1PgfRbgJlp84/s1600/20160116_195812999_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijUVI_o6SSodyviTla7iB2L1-5jkpMTgZfRYyylCzTrR3-0PlLKt4yWQLrG8t96ABUw1mJIM5z2OjhTYf_Xyai2PY9Jpeb7C3Feb3nX_3LIjsD2RfXkouYIhRZSZXJCwd1PgfRbgJlp84/s320/20160116_195812999_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyaXHr_7X7c6q_aPPAyAMMigS2DlWjarQsQR8_MIeeYs6aLUw1J2JU2_Bb_qahnl8MmuzogK9TIlu4dEvs_saXjsi0jKxd4ZwGR2q_aJfwKDeSLbNZSxNb7dCLtxr5ZCWvwZeagDUmbM/s1600/20160116_195836747_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyaXHr_7X7c6q_aPPAyAMMigS2DlWjarQsQR8_MIeeYs6aLUw1J2JU2_Bb_qahnl8MmuzogK9TIlu4dEvs_saXjsi0jKxd4ZwGR2q_aJfwKDeSLbNZSxNb7dCLtxr5ZCWvwZeagDUmbM/s320/20160116_195836747_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>Version #2:</b> Heavyweight denim (a remnant) lined with Spiderman cotton (not stash, specially purchased for this project!); Clasp from Spotlight<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLfFIIf5ZefIsdtYUisMAHynWB-56_MrFiKUZ7_9Tk4w_oOxeC1EJlzSm70rOboO61vTWjV4qaXgu_q8m6nuL5AwWd_X0PZO_pbzvleObdSf45EajeiH_gaX5suP-v7SUXP1IwbyYuWk/s1600/20160116_200248477_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLfFIIf5ZefIsdtYUisMAHynWB-56_MrFiKUZ7_9Tk4w_oOxeC1EJlzSm70rOboO61vTWjV4qaXgu_q8m6nuL5AwWd_X0PZO_pbzvleObdSf45EajeiH_gaX5suP-v7SUXP1IwbyYuWk/s320/20160116_200248477_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIui-PSMPN6fxpya658eDuTsaDA_5ySSBErdJQO_DbgN89eOU8fyq1-RAc7EBx1UkhA98WWu__Qmxj8T6g2SEztiq9sB91gkmHTIlVVbCQy3ydFpCmg0BY9gCCnctBf5I7AKzfzpPbLFY/s1600/20160116_200024260_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIui-PSMPN6fxpya658eDuTsaDA_5ySSBErdJQO_DbgN89eOU8fyq1-RAc7EBx1UkhA98WWu__Qmxj8T6g2SEztiq9sB91gkmHTIlVVbCQy3ydFpCmg0BY9gCCnctBf5I7AKzfzpPbLFY/s320/20160116_200024260_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used a much heavier weight interfacing for this one which made it almost impossible to sew. I won't be doing that again, and am looking for a medium weight fusible interfacing to make the rest.<br />
<br />
<h4>
3: My new dress form<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">I have been working on getting my new dress form into (or out of, depending on your perspective) shape. </span></h4>
I have followed the steps outlined in the Craftsy class: Customise your Dress Form. My husband has been such a great helper, and so has my daughter. Neither of them sew, but they both happily support all my crazy endeavours.<br />
<br />
I'm almost there - the measurements are nearly spot on, but the proportion is just a little off. I had to put this project to one side while I knocked out a couple of the boxy bags above, but will return to this on the weekend.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Sewing Stats: </h4>
Fabric In: 0.5m<br />
Fabric Out: 5.4m<br />
Stash Used 5.2m<br />
<br />Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-76884316511759568052016-01-08T15:58:00.003+10:002016-01-08T15:58:54.554+10:00Simplicity 1358: Knit Maxi Dress<br />
<i>Seems like January is the month for blogging for me! Ha. If I post one more time this year, I'll have doubled my posting rate from 2015. #lameblogger </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE5vuardxnLau8uPunk2vc32708KRo5ZmLpTe9BD1CmJRz1Q_H_Gkzp-3Po6DwZ1fdwuGSWXSgQ5l8XQgl-3rD-M7qX4nDgCIHVxYC4_wxDFPp3QHJ8O1HDnSMLVSi0aPsYkOO4oqHXE/s1600/20160103_235541000_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE5vuardxnLau8uPunk2vc32708KRo5ZmLpTe9BD1CmJRz1Q_H_Gkzp-3Po6DwZ1fdwuGSWXSgQ5l8XQgl-3rD-M7qX4nDgCIHVxYC4_wxDFPp3QHJ8O1HDnSMLVSi0aPsYkOO4oqHXE/s320/20160103_235541000_iOS.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>
First make of 2016!</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br /><b></b>
<b>View</b>: A<br />
<b>Fabric</b>: Poly Knit from East Coast Fabrics - Teal Peacock Print<br />
<b>Size</b>: XL<br />
<b>Modifications</b>: None<br />
<br />
I bought this pattern because Spotlight didn't have the McCalls 6559 that I was really after in my size when I went shopping the other day. This looked close enough and had a few more options as well, although no bolero patterns.<br />
<h4>
Initial Assessment:</h4>
<div>
Disclaimer: The dress looks VERY different on the dress form as I haven't had a chance to adjust it to my shape/size just yet. She's very new (to me). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8HWh9LcYl047Gi5QRNF6hU5XzAi6LwoR3iEjpWOaz7_TD55TovObsJPmWWG4xvx-6sRp0ED5NJtkRJauTniOZYKLyIaCLsRHwWyfKCK3Aqx-Cggl0AidTjAsOiWaU70rBohLqlLacSU/s1600/20160108_020512847_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8HWh9LcYl047Gi5QRNF6hU5XzAi6LwoR3iEjpWOaz7_TD55TovObsJPmWWG4xvx-6sRp0ED5NJtkRJauTniOZYKLyIaCLsRHwWyfKCK3Aqx-Cggl0AidTjAsOiWaU70rBohLqlLacSU/s400/20160108_020512847_iOS.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Fits pretty well straight out of the envelope. </li>
<li>Weight of fabric is dragging it down further than anticipated, resulting in more bra showing than I'd like (which is none!). </li>
<li>VERY EASY to sew! Would love to have a couple more of these in the wardrobe. </li>
<li>Shoulder is slightly wider than I'd like</li>
<li>I really don't like attaching bands that have been pre-sewn into a circle. </li>
</ul>
<b>Changes for Next Time:</b> <br />
<ul>
<li>Raise underarm by 1.5"</li>
<li>Shave 0.5" off shoulder width</li>
<li>Shorten dress before cutting (by 4.5")</li>
<li>Take in by 1" at bust, narrowing to 0" by waist</li>
<li>Attach bands before sewing second shoulder, side seams, etc. </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhUMsiFQT2u9aUxgwOi7TlaCcx-3kARK8vBZ0P1Z9H8uxzz8GRumdE3VYF6PSeRxG2LOV1DaO92YDU6hFIRPuRGzEavjDWgzA8uw9sCAs0It4ysMAYBEFSPLFClbYQPFmGlhNRKtUYKs/s1600/20160108_020607884_iOS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhUMsiFQT2u9aUxgwOi7TlaCcx-3kARK8vBZ0P1Z9H8uxzz8GRumdE3VYF6PSeRxG2LOV1DaO92YDU6hFIRPuRGzEavjDWgzA8uw9sCAs0It4ysMAYBEFSPLFClbYQPFmGlhNRKtUYKs/s320/20160108_020607884_iOS.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h4>
Ideas for future makes: </h4>
<ul>
<li>Maybe try to add an elastic waist?</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Finished</b>: 8/1/2016<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />
<br />
<h4>
Sewing Stats: <span style="font-weight: normal;">Stash used - 3.0m</span></h4>
<br />
I'm hoping that the recent acquisition of a dress form will increase the likelihood of photos being taken (and, therefore, blog posts written). Next step is to pad it out so that it really looks like my shape. I've just finished watching the Craftsy class 'Customise your Dress Form' and am itching to get going. I've got my husband lined up this weekend for a measuring and adjusting marathon, so hopefully I'll be able to move forward soon.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><br /></i>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-4246467010864625312015-01-13T06:24:00.000+10:002015-01-13T06:24:13.150+10:00Sewing Goals for 2015<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the spirit of all things blogland, I'm going to make a list of goals related to my sewing that I'd like to achieve this year: </span><br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fabric: </span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Track usage</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">More out than in</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use up large scraps, throw out the rest</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Work more with wovens than in previous years (This will be an instinctual measure as I don't have any data on which to gauge my success.) </span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Patterns:</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use my Sure Fit Designs kits - at least once each</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use at least 10 stash patterns that have never seen the light of day</span></li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2300/41513/products/35/images/242/COMHP_1116_CLASSIX_NOUVEAU_SCARF_SHIRT_env_f__27133.1405368220.1280.1280.jpg?c=2" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn1.bigcommerce.com/server2300/41513/products/35/images/242/COMHP_1116_CLASSIX_NOUVEAU_SCARF_SHIRT_env_f__27133.1405368220.1280.1280.jpg?c=2" height="320" width="240" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One pattern of many that I have wanted to make for a long time.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Craftsy:</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Watch all unwatched Craftsy classes (and sew the associated projects!). <i>Sewing with Silks</i> is the next one on my list. I love Craftsy and find the video lessons interesting and useful, for the most part. </span></li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="http://cdn.craftsy.com/course/171/titleCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.craftsy.com/course/171/titleCard.jpg" height="181" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Budget:</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't really have a budget for sewing, so I'd like to track my spending to see exactly how much I do spend on my hobby</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Habits:</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is my really lofty goal - to do something each day that moves an active project forward. Ideally, I'd like to spend around 30 minutes a day on my sewing, but that's probably a bit too unrealistic.</span></li>
</ul>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Other:</span></h4>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to sew 4 things per month: a dress for me, finish a UFO, another garment for me and something for someone else (typically my daughter or husband).</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd like to document my sewing a little better this year. Getting photos for the blog is difficult (mainly because I'm too lazy to do my hair), so I'm not going to go there, but I am going to try really hard to keep my Sewing Notebook up to date.</span></li>
</ul>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-67567075163306090342014-11-08T07:47:00.001+10:002014-11-08T16:15:52.557+10:00The Endless Summer SWAP Living in Queensland means I have an almost constant need for hot weather clothing. I thought I might have a crack at next year's <a href="http://artisanssquare.com/sg/index.php/topic,24283.0.html" target="_blank">SWAP</a>, but I'm keen to start adding pieces to my wardrobe right now. The weather is heating up quickly and I don't have anything to wear! So, I'm going to make a start now and see where the plan takes me. Maybe I'll be able to make something work for the time constraints, maybe not. But at least I'll have some clothes to wear this summer!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is my plan. I'm going to start on the tops first as I have the greatest need for those. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q05ymFaGVBX3j-O_zJnVXYM_9-Skh73ZHR0N06uD0dqhaX9NTWxlo63N7MR_u3Al-9kcli_tmm4RLRONtGqgcN6gWl46T7MGYRfpWzwqazPyvoiz_0ttR3WzDS17_i3AwziX5ATeY74/s1600/SWAP+2015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8q05ymFaGVBX3j-O_zJnVXYM_9-Skh73ZHR0N06uD0dqhaX9NTWxlo63N7MR_u3Al-9kcli_tmm4RLRONtGqgcN6gWl46T7MGYRfpWzwqazPyvoiz_0ttR3WzDS17_i3AwziX5ATeY74/s1600/SWAP+2015.JPG" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The colour scheme I'd like to try to work with is navy, green and off-white. I'm going to sew from stash as much as possible, so that might mean a few things aren't as perfectly co-ordinated as they could be. I'm OK with that. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJHvcwEMc1Q_h5jidZ0k1fWvVax7xfzsRRHsI92rpbpVN9ciLPntIRicTmrNfvzynD92w5wJsh_4NHxU1pNxcj6cHYvmR3W2VF42Cy4F98FdlGcf7pO7uVSYXoqCgz0ySv-ZBYAVxhRo/s1600/SWAP+2015+in+colour.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxJHvcwEMc1Q_h5jidZ0k1fWvVax7xfzsRRHsI92rpbpVN9ciLPntIRicTmrNfvzynD92w5wJsh_4NHxU1pNxcj6cHYvmR3W2VF42Cy4F98FdlGcf7pO7uVSYXoqCgz0ySv-ZBYAVxhRo/s1600/SWAP+2015+in+colour.JPG" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my 'vision' for the SWAP - as close as I could get anyway. ☺</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
I've already made the grey/white top and have purchased the navy shorts. I'm going to start on the navy top next (after a quick project for my daughter).<br />
<br /></div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-28072012940767222892014-10-08T14:38:00.000+10:002014-10-08T14:38:03.099+10:0030 Minutes a Day for October - Part 1<b>Main focus this week</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li><strike>Muslin for Pocahontas costume (purple nightie)</strike></li>
<li><strike>Style Arc Susan Skirt </strike></li>
<li><strike>Pocahontas costume</strike></li>
<li>Honey Cowl</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Tracking Tasks</b>:<br />
<br />
1st - 30 minutes sewing, 20 minutes knitting<br />
<ul>
<li>Made alterations to Pocahontas pattern</li>
<li>Cut muslin </li>
<li>Fused stabilizer to back shoulder seams </li>
<li>Changed machine to OL and rethreaded </li>
<li>Pressed bias strip to stop curling (didn't work!) </li>
<li>Worked on Honey cowl - 2 rows</li>
</ul>
<br />
2nd - 45 minutes sewing, 40 minutes knitting<br />
<ul>
<li>Stitched and topstitched left shoulder seam</li>
<li>Applied bias strip to neckline and pressed</li>
<li>Overlocked to control curling (worked!)</li>
<li>Pinned and topstitched neck binding</li>
<li>Stitched and topstitched right shoulder seam</li>
<li>Stitched in sleeves</li>
<li>Stitched side seams</li>
<li>Worked on Honey cowl - 6 rows</li>
</ul>
<br />
3rd - 60 minutes sewing, 15 minutes knitting<br />
<ul>
<li>Finished stitching Honey Cowl - blocked</li>
<li>Nightie: Pinned hem and sleeve hem</li>
<li>Susan Skirt: Stitched front side panels to front centre panel</li>
<li>Susan Skirt: Stitched back to back yoke</li>
<li>Susan Skirt: Stitched side seams</li>
<li>Nightie: Coverstitched hem and sleeve hems, pressed and trimmed excess hem allowance</li>
<li>Susan Skirt: Cut and inserted elastic</li>
<li>Susan Skirt: Turned down and topstitched elastic</li>
<li>Susan Skirt: Measured and cut hem</li>
<li>Susan Skirt: Pinned and coverstitched hem, pressed</li>
<li>Wove in ends on Baby Lucy hat</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
4th - 30 minutes sewing <i>(went away for the weekend)</i><br />
<ul>
<li>Cut Pocahontas costume out</li>
<li>Changed machine to OL, rethreaded all machines in brown</li>
<li>Fused stabiliser to shoulder seams</li>
<li>Tidied up in sewing room</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
5th - 30 minutes sewing <i>(went away for the weekend)</i></div>
<ul>
<li>Sewed shoulder seam</li>
<li>Cut binding and applied to neckline</li>
<li>Sewed second shoulder seam</li>
<li>Sewed in sleeves</li>
</ul>
<br />
6th - 60 minutes sewing, 30 minutes 'knitting'<br />
<ul>
<li>Overlocked sleeve seams</li>
<li>Stitched one side seam</li>
<li>Stabilised hem</li>
<li>Use Vliesofix to attach trim along hem</li>
<li>Stitched trim along hem</li>
<li>Stitched second side seam</li>
<li>Tried on Erin and marked where remaining trim is to go</li>
<li>Used Vliesofix to attach trim along marked lines</li>
<li>Stitched trim to dress, pressed</li>
<li>Made headband from plaited trim (rejected trim from dress)</li>
<li>Made and attached pompom for Baby Lucy hat</li>
</ul>
<br />
7th - 30 minutes of sewing (<i>Work Day</i>)<br />
<ul>
<li>Tried on UFO tank and assessed for alterations</li>
<li>Tried on Navy tennis skort (rarely worn) and assessed for alterations</li>
<li>Unpicked the elastic from the legs of my Navy tennis skort</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Review: </b><br />
Did pretty well to fit in at least 30 minutes of sewing each day, given that we went away for the weekend and I had to go to work one day. Typically, I don't do ANYTHING crafty on a work day, but because I was tracking, I didn't want to ruin my streak, so I forced myself to do something very low key. Still, it counts!<br />
<br />
I think this method has been a success this week as I have three completed garments and have made progress on another. It's been a long time since I've felt this productive!<br />
<br />
<b>Next week: </b><br />
Need to tackle that Honey Cowl, and get those ends woven in. I've also set my sights on getting that tennis outfit finished and tidying up the loose ends of the Halloween costumes so I don't need to think about them again. Unfortunately, that requires a shopping trip, and I really don't like shopping.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-5672274977144938732014-09-30T17:10:00.000+10:002014-10-01T15:40:28.612+10:0030 Minutes a Day for SeptemberThis month, I have been trying to ensure that I spend 30 minutes a day in the sewing room actually doing something to move projects forward. I found that I would head into the sewing room but get distracted by the computer and leave an hour later having accomplished nothing. It's only been the last few days that I have kept track of the actual tasks that I accomplished, but I have found that it's keeping me on track so I'll probably keep doing that through October.<br />
<br />
If anyone's interested, here's what I managed to get done over the last 5 days:<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>26th:</b> Cut out Lady Macbeth costume, fused interfacing to back shoulder seam, started to lay out skirt pattern<br />
<br />
<b>27th:</b> Cut out Style Arc skirt pattern from LM costume leftovers, worked on LM costume: stitched centre back seam and one shoulder seam, pinned down trim around neckline<br />
<br />
<b>28th:</b> Worked on LM costume: stitched down trim around neckline, closed other shoulder seam, sewed in sleeves, sewed side seams and tried on!<br />
<br />
<b>29th:</b> Worked on LM costume: eased top edge of trim, turned and stitched neckline, pinned trim to sleeves; Chose pattern for Pocahontas costume<br />
<br />
<b>30th:</b> Finished Lady Macbeth costume: stitched down trim on sleeves, trimmed hem to right length. Worked on Pocahontas costume: prepped fabric, traced and altered pattern.<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Goals for October: </b><br />
<br />
Continue to spend 30 minutes a day working on actual projects<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Pocahontas costume</li>
<li>Buy some gold cord to use as a 'waist' tie for my Lady Macbeth costume </li>
<li>Take photos of the costumes! </li>
<li>Style Arc Susan Skirt</li>
<li>Tennis Outfit</li>
<li>White Long shorts for me</li>
<li>(Yarn-related) Honey Cowl - Nearly done</li>
<li>(Yarn-related) Marigold Cardigan - Half done</li>
<li>White Burda Plus Top </li>
<li>Navy HP Blouse Back Tee</li>
</ol>
<div>
I know it looks ridiculous, but most of the stuff is half done already - or dead simple. Anyway, we'll see how far I get through my list.</div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-86331106522662694322014-09-20T05:59:00.001+10:002014-09-20T06:16:15.385+10:00Wrap Dress Muslin<div style="text-align: left;">
I've been working on this wrap dress muslin for a while now. I find that when I run into significant fit issues it can make my mojo dry up faster than the speed of light. I've been consciously 'forcing' myself to sew for a minimum of 30 minutes a day, so that I can push past this point. Once I have these issues worked out, then I know I'll be fine. I have a number of knit pieces that would work beautifully in a dress like this, so it's worth it to me to get the pattern adjusted properly.<br />
<br />
Initially I was inspired by dresses like this Diane Von Furstenberg dress (which I know is sewn from a woven):</div>
<small><br /></small>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/diane_von_furstenberg_starred_clouds/thing.outbound?.embedder=2545279&.svc=blogger&id=113128500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Starred Clouds Coral Silk Valencia Dress" border="0" src="http://embed.polyvoreimg.com/cgi/img-thing/size/x/tid/113128500.jpg" force="1" height="320" title="DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Starred Clouds Coral Silk Valencia Dress" width="320" /></a></div>
<small><br /></small>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/diane_von_furstenberg_starred_clouds/thing?.embedder=2545279&.svc=blogger&id=113128500" target="_blank">DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Starred Clouds Coral Silk Valencia Dress</a> </small></div>
<br />
<small><br /></small>
<small><br /></small>
<small><br /></small>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pattern: Ottobre 05/2013 #17</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Size: 52 (although I may need to be sewing a smaller size in future)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Muslin made from Peacock poly-knit</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Be_Lw-axIUJ937i2cBAklbuUbmfLauKGVR4OjbYtXiOiGUAYLgGz1TAsmS0ZVw2Fg0rKtRXiy93xV0Dm63WARRWYL63rdhPcfqNsc0U4Uwpo1x3_6GNm2tiy5JQZzdrfkwF0EHKvXtw/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Be_Lw-axIUJ937i2cBAklbuUbmfLauKGVR4OjbYtXiOiGUAYLgGz1TAsmS0ZVw2Fg0rKtRXiy93xV0Dm63WARRWYL63rdhPcfqNsc0U4Uwpo1x3_6GNm2tiy5JQZzdrfkwF0EHKvXtw/s1600/17.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Alterations made BEFORE cutting muslin: </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Added 1" to sleeve width at bicep</li>
<li>Extended front to be a full width piece (faux wrap) and cropped the under layer</li>
<li>Added 1.25" to back side seam at butt level</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Observations: </b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Dress is far too wide at neckline, bra straps are showing. </li>
<li>Dress is FAR too low at neckline - entire front of bra is showing</li>
<li>It just feels too big overall - especially around the neck and shoulder area</li>
<li>When I pulled the front crossover tighter, it pulled the side seams to the front, so I can't just do that...there is a chance that I pulled too much across. Perhaps I could do this if I only shaved off a little. </li>
<li>It almost feels as though I want to make a honking great dart on the underlayer to pull it in tighter. </li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>Alterations which still need to be made: </b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Raise neckline (ie. insertion point at side seam) by about 3 - 4"</li>
<li>Bring in shoulders (reduce neck width)</li>
<li>Remove length from skirt - not too much, but it is currently at granny level for me</li>
<li>Bring in side seams, particularly at bust level</li>
<li>Perhaps sew a smaller size, especially around the neck/shoulder area?</li>
<li>For summer, sew a short sleeve, perhaps flare the skirt and the sleeve?</li>
</ul>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<small><br /></small></div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-54791485680588891392014-09-15T11:45:00.001+10:002014-09-29T12:58:57.370+10:00Achievable Plans for SeptemberApparently, goals are meant to be achievable...so I've pruned my original list and have settled on these items I'd like to get done by the end of this month.<br />
<br />
I'm kind of cheating a little, because I'm fairly certain I'm going to buy the shorts, at least I HOPE I can buy the shorts. My DD is firmly in that stage where she's being very picky about her clothing, and the rules seem to be arbitrary.<br />
<br />
The rest is all simple sewing (as you'd expect from me). I do want to tackle some more complex projects next month, but these garments are more urgently required.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Garment Sewing: </b><br />
1. Knit Wrap Dress - Muslin UNDERWAY - AND THROWN IN BIN. Will start this one again next month with some further modifications.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0SZZMsFm_b130OfLJ9oOCOoH7lMp7TW3S8f0oTyaprQMK6XtCnAtA35rBI622REWmSuQpLioL6HB26-rve8t3puXMso2isEpUVzelrPe2Fzfx2p-v-jgKRLHtrYyDshJmo4UjjBpAOw/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG0SZZMsFm_b130OfLJ9oOCOoH7lMp7TW3S8f0oTyaprQMK6XtCnAtA35rBI622REWmSuQpLioL6HB26-rve8t3puXMso2isEpUVzelrPe2Fzfx2p-v-jgKRLHtrYyDshJmo4UjjBpAOw/s1600/17.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the pattern I'm using - Ottobre 5/2013 - with some modifications to ensure modesty for work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
2. <strike> Long shorts for DD</strike> <i>(3 pairs - CHEATER ALERT - DID END UP BUYING THESE)</i><br />
3. Halloween costume for me - NEARLY DONE<br />
4. Halloween costume for DD - HAVE BOUGHT THE SUPPLIES<br />
5. Tennis skirt for me<br />
<br />
<b>Goals: </b><br />
Incorporate a minimum of 30 minutes of sewing each day<br />
<br />
<b>Shopping list: </b><br />
Seam tapeKelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-33035114884252183792014-07-26T18:08:00.000+10:002014-07-26T18:08:43.020+10:00Another Basic T-Shirt - Inspired by fabric...and what to sew next?So, I picked up this gorgeous printed knit at Spotlight not that long ago. It was perfect for another 'Tilton Tee'...or so I thought. In my excitement over the colours and design, I neglected to think about the stretch.<br />
<br />
For the most part it was OK; I've fitted my pattern to need minimal stretch in the knit. But when combining different fabrics, some with obviously more stretch than others, sewing in the sleeve becomes problematic. It took me several attempts to get it halfway decent, and so I left it and moved on.<br />
<br />
It's not perfect, but I was over it by this stage, and couldn't see how I could get it any better. It feels nice to wear and I'm pretty happy with the fabric combination, too.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7a7dorCWRyo8xqzm9jx2rULdDDL0-qnSZebmqNrr7O-XT3Ptq-B3lJdwDim5dfS1TxvJACiydpl0RUr5eKLNKNpEcuAoz7EFGmOWUrgdpNr_0ZKx2I66-KAwqcxoq4_AGkS6MFO7XWA/s1600/IMG_6131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw7a7dorCWRyo8xqzm9jx2rULdDDL0-qnSZebmqNrr7O-XT3Ptq-B3lJdwDim5dfS1TxvJACiydpl0RUr5eKLNKNpEcuAoz7EFGmOWUrgdpNr_0ZKx2I66-KAwqcxoq4_AGkS6MFO7XWA/s1600/IMG_6131.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hsQgqn_MFR99TefKV1Apa33LkP0NuKoZSa11gUgtS7RV_XHfTgtjWESkkVLzbKJn0b_RdKfVQR1MMoDqDGVO_OT7wMTrfAX3oYLLVv-makBNCYDuuIvR9PJrssjlSiWDoMiG-rG_AWI/s1600/IMG_6133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hsQgqn_MFR99TefKV1Apa33LkP0NuKoZSa11gUgtS7RV_XHfTgtjWESkkVLzbKJn0b_RdKfVQR1MMoDqDGVO_OT7wMTrfAX3oYLLVv-makBNCYDuuIvR9PJrssjlSiWDoMiG-rG_AWI/s1600/IMG_6133.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've got nothing further to say...same pattern as the previous 2 versions, used techniques learnt in the Tilton sisters' class on Craftsy, yada yada...<br />
<br />
Up next is a wrap dress made from (appropriately stretchy) knit. I'm currently deciding between this pattern (Ottobre 05/2013/07)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I-B46Q3JyL2midSoSkXbqYBa1_a8yybPLl4Uq15SbHwVF7TmKU942hIhNPKsayL7T6BlIWZn-2m3OwY3X8WWWFWx4LBKspyjebIOw8mB5cRTw4XJIblTEKmDzILy4_9L2IEIG28Le44/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9I-B46Q3JyL2midSoSkXbqYBa1_a8yybPLl4Uq15SbHwVF7TmKU942hIhNPKsayL7T6BlIWZn-2m3OwY3X8WWWFWx4LBKspyjebIOw8mB5cRTw4XJIblTEKmDzILy4_9L2IEIG28Le44/s1600/17.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
and this pattern (Petite Plus Easy Wrap Dress) - with a 3/4 sleeve<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzx4yrHr6HlVFMVXI_kc-E36ImmG2x0LBDPFKqzpohJADTDPb4JIgYKp9sigVCQAALKKiBsYB9pIlvGZkc7r3RnnpMh1ecXooLZzdkH3D9fnIn94pMilVCHJiSx1eU1-NHl_W3ea-M_jc/s1600/304-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzx4yrHr6HlVFMVXI_kc-E36ImmG2x0LBDPFKqzpohJADTDPb4JIgYKp9sigVCQAALKKiBsYB9pIlvGZkc7r3RnnpMh1ecXooLZzdkH3D9fnIn94pMilVCHJiSx1eU1-NHl_W3ea-M_jc/s1600/304-front.jpg" height="320" width="206" /></a></div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-19220520958333713852014-06-19T10:48:00.001+10:002014-06-19T10:48:41.299+10:00A Basic T-Shirt: Version 2 - Inspired by RTWI've had a piece of white floral (almost) burnout knit in my stash since my daughter was quite young. Initially, I thought I'd make a knit top for her, but those plans obviously never got off the ground. By the time she started to voice an opinion on fabric choice, she gave it the thumbs down. I still really liked it but it always seemed too small for a project for me. Enter the wonderous world of Marcy and Katherine Tilton...and THIS t-shirt.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1SkQuaHQEXIfodxgXw2qtsBXKftSuxf-N2-eUy8DxHy_-UcTRbW8FYYVkXdnQKZyw4N9A7IFAv3-xNT4ln-3K68tagNXC83qSBPqY5M6YxHkM00t22UadZy10NwTiMpJ0HX7r3xxpV0P/s1600/Anthropologie+Lace+T-Shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1SkQuaHQEXIfodxgXw2qtsBXKftSuxf-N2-eUy8DxHy_-UcTRbW8FYYVkXdnQKZyw4N9A7IFAv3-xNT4ln-3K68tagNXC83qSBPqY5M6YxHkM00t22UadZy10NwTiMpJ0HX7r3xxpV0P/s1600/Anthropologie+Lace+T-Shirt.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The link on Pinterest is broken now, but it did take me to the Tees and Tanks section of the Anthropologie website...where I promptly pinned a few others for t-shirt inspiration. :-)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
And this is what I came up with.<br />
<br />
Obviously, I'm not using a raglan sleeve pattern (it's on my list), but I think I got pretty close with the vibe of the top. And, while I've still got some fiddling to do with the pattern for the next version, I'm happy with the fit of this top. It's certainly not a TIGHT t-shirt fit, but it IS one I'm comfortable wearing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBP78FXg1XqcEa0cvzbfhwpNDdvVpOO1aMg3oCFoR5hvDZ24npsJo0SgMF1Qm-7wqRRA06P4WQCQ0bjd3oYhWNyXREF951pAxsz7874FcqTC1q5Q8KYMU9Z2sjQ-h46tFDvXeVe7I5zX_/s1600/IMG_5598.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyBP78FXg1XqcEa0cvzbfhwpNDdvVpOO1aMg3oCFoR5hvDZ24npsJo0SgMF1Qm-7wqRRA06P4WQCQ0bjd3oYhWNyXREF951pAxsz7874FcqTC1q5Q8KYMU9Z2sjQ-h46tFDvXeVe7I5zX_/s1600/IMG_5598.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Changes I made for this version:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Performed a 1" FBA (following the 'Fit for Real People' method) - this added about 1" to the length at centre front, too. That has brought the hemline level. </li>
<li>Added 1" to the length of the hem - now I'm wondering if it's too much. I need to see it in a full length photo. Unfortunately, the battery in my camera remote died as I took the photo below. I'm just grateful that I got the photos I did. </li>
<li>Sewed the side seams a little deeper (mayne 1/2" max) through the bust area and top of the sleeve.</li>
<li>Again, I didn't need the 1" fit insurance so trimmed it away after trying on. I do like the confidence it gives me, but I may trim it away from the pattern if I don't need it on the next few versions.</li>
</ul>
<br />
For next time:<br />
<br />
The main issue I have with the fit is the sleeves. The drag lines that I'm experiencing are causing me a little consternation, so I've looked into that. Apparently, they can be caused by the sleeve head not being high enough. When I pull up the sleeve a little at the underarm seam (perpendicular to the seam line), the drag lines decrease noticeably, so I think I'm on to something there. For Version 3, I've dropped down the armhole seam at the sides by 1/2" on each side, blending to nothing by the (non-existent) notches. Effectively, this is raising the height of the sleeve head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNhgBRgmFgrB0g7lT0gw6bI8axr-627lJ5JTdb2FicHxFEtOOAiu6UjgCfbQt8i4x5NIqkkaGolJWyOhbjcR6Ks3fYa0bbXwF3BYcLuBcoFWuBhcHOGxsBTL682IBT3BMOw9OnCTZOn3G/s1600/IMG_5609_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNhgBRgmFgrB0g7lT0gw6bI8axr-627lJ5JTdb2FicHxFEtOOAiu6UjgCfbQt8i4x5NIqkkaGolJWyOhbjcR6Ks3fYa0bbXwF3BYcLuBcoFWuBhcHOGxsBTL682IBT3BMOw9OnCTZOn3G/s1600/IMG_5609_2.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></div>
<br />
Looking at the photos of the back of this garment, I'm also wondering if I made it a little too tight through the back at the bust level. I did take in the garment there about 1/2" at the side seams. I'll have to be a little more observant at the basting stage next time.<br />
<br />
I've already got the fabrics selected for Version 3, with a couple more in the wash. So, I'll be able to test out this pattern alteration very soon.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-71116571075994009812014-06-19T10:47:00.000+10:002014-06-19T10:48:57.128+10:00A Basic T-Shirt: Version 1 - My Attempt at Colour BlockingFor the first version of the new t-shirt pattern, I chose a knit I've had in the stash for a while. It's not my favourite print, but it actually turned out a lot better than I had anticipated. So I decided, at the last moment, that I would try to lift it a little by throwing in some grey/white stripe to make it a bit more interesting. It was a difficult print to try to match with - it's not a black in there, it's a dark brown.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_0ybLM4Uf_KXKJHKsGulX2BByHGSe6zeNiQqoRBSlQT3RPjZJoTpTrGP09rXA0EgSbWS5bV1h3oCypptRQ_5BWM4SxfR52rMrKk0wva9Nf8_ww-93fpMcwJiKmP-yTRbTsEZ9Sz7l7Oj/s1600/14061302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe_0ybLM4Uf_KXKJHKsGulX2BByHGSe6zeNiQqoRBSlQT3RPjZJoTpTrGP09rXA0EgSbWS5bV1h3oCypptRQ_5BWM4SxfR52rMrKk0wva9Nf8_ww-93fpMcwJiKmP-yTRbTsEZ9Sz7l7Oj/s1600/14061302.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Anyway, as far as the fit goes, I'm pretty happy with it in the lower section. It's pulling a bit around my bust although there's certainly enough room to go around. It appears as though the fabric is in the wrong place - more off to the sides, rather than in the front. So, an FBA will be done for the next one. And it's a bit too short. I'll be adding 1" to the hem.<br />
<br />
I'm getting diagonal drag lines on the sleeves so will look into what's potentially causing that and see if I can address that on the next t-shirt, too.<br />
<br />
I'm super happy with how the neckband has worked out - it's SO flat. And the construction method (using a straight stitch on the sewing machine - basting - a million try ons) seems to have worked really well, too. I'll definitely be sticking with that for a while.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-81097832978638471152014-06-19T10:45:00.000+10:002014-06-19T10:45:42.721+10:00In Search of a TNT T-Shirt PatternI really like the style of t-shirt that Marcy and Katherine Tilton design and sew. I've had my eye on their Craftsy class for a long time and, when it was half price last weekend, I bit the bullet. Unlike any other Craftsy class I've bought, I binge watched all episodes and had the whole thing finished by the end of the weekend.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/the-ultimate-t-shirt-fitting-and-construction/190" target="_blank">The Ultimate T-Shirt Craftsy Class</a><br />
<br />
Some facts about knits and me:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I'm not scared of knits.</li>
<li>I've sewn with many different types over the course of 20+ years.</li>
<li>I have the appropriate equipment to construct knit garments with a professional finish.</li>
<li>I love to wear knits.</li>
</ul>
<br />
BUT, I don't currently have a reliable TNT pattern for a basic t-shirt.<br />
<br />
That is going to change.<br />
<br />
The class comes with a pattern, but I just couldn't wait for it to arrive. I was too excited to get started. I'm using Ottobre 02-2007-02 in Size 52 to perfect a basic pattern which I can then use to make all kinds of variations.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP73t08Ry7N-rdH9Wa99ZDzKFDzVtDN-I12xRtDk7u9SaPcXohzs6oxNldKa842kBh3tXnUekn2rsIn3yJr0azmdORMuGSFAq8KaONUCRrOzjI1LrUNamcTebAFKpThSNeNC36G_rokIC-/s1600/2_2007_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP73t08Ry7N-rdH9Wa99ZDzKFDzVtDN-I12xRtDk7u9SaPcXohzs6oxNldKa842kBh3tXnUekn2rsIn3yJr0azmdORMuGSFAq8KaONUCRrOzjI1LrUNamcTebAFKpThSNeNC36G_rokIC-/s1600/2_2007_2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3>
Preparing the Pattern</h3>
In <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/the-ultimate-t-shirt-fitting-and-construction/190" target="_blank">The Ultimate T-Shirt</a> class on Craftsy, Marcy Tilton recommends pin-fitting the pattern tissue. While this may seem a bit ridiculous, given that a t-shirt often has negative ease, I figured I hated tight t-shirts anyway so I was prepared to give it a go.<br />
<br />
After pin-fitting the tissue, I ended up making a few alterations to the pattern (all in line with the information presented in the Craftsy class):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>adding about 1" (at the bust) - 1 3/8" (at the hips) to the side seams of both the front and back body, and about 5/8" to the side seams of the sleeves. I'm pretty sure the t-shirt would have 'fit' without this, but it would have been a firm fit - with zero ease. Not a look I like for me. </li>
<li>The Tilton sisters also sew their t-shirts largely on the sewing machine with a 5/8" seam allowance. I've always constructed mine on the overlocker with a 3/8" seam allowance, but I thought, since I had paid for this class I may as well follow their instructions at least once. So I added 5/8" seam allowances to my pattern. </li>
<li>1/2" was added to the length of the front to allow for the front of the body being larger than the back.</li>
<li>I also, at the advice of the Tilton sisters, added a 1" insurance seam allowance at the front and back body, and the sides of the sleeves. I didn't end up needing those in the first fabric I chose, but they'll stay for the next few versions...just in case! </li>
<li>(Not in the class) In anticipation of problems with the sleeve cap depth, I added a 1/2" to the height of the sleeve cap, blending to nothing by the end of the curve. I still am having issues with the sleeve/armhole, so maybe this wasn't the right thing to do. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxYhZQ_KiI4gqI0t9wQwk9JknwwcRm4mm4_mFxTp7paee6xI0ZOM0e4dquxO2JpKys2bATnLGBHY6zxURLWEw4T-O2EUmpjg-nDi-BLGrLt_8uOmxpwdso7LdThALSxCBAeonyJkrR3di/s1600/IMG_5592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpxYhZQ_KiI4gqI0t9wQwk9JknwwcRm4mm4_mFxTp7paee6xI0ZOM0e4dquxO2JpKys2bATnLGBHY6zxURLWEw4T-O2EUmpjg-nDi-BLGrLt_8uOmxpwdso7LdThALSxCBAeonyJkrR3di/s1600/IMG_5592.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjYUH2aFY1g90Ur2qpX3VBVZ3wL-NdbHumwD-iIUPZ8R8Oehgnp1s0yZbx2EIPh99bxUIaBFBMVRtfIOz5BpGnBlZOmnDuB2DQmoF3jLSiV6NZCivKyZViO4Obttx37rY4NfGSppyxoRx/s1600/IMG_5593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjYUH2aFY1g90Ur2qpX3VBVZ3wL-NdbHumwD-iIUPZ8R8Oehgnp1s0yZbx2EIPh99bxUIaBFBMVRtfIOz5BpGnBlZOmnDuB2DQmoF3jLSiV6NZCivKyZViO4Obttx37rY4NfGSppyxoRx/s1600/IMG_5593.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip46IuYuNyy55QKFoMTpxFPsibM-UPCAWrAiquwShOD5huOt1nGestBUkrou2rlVnzKruyPnXPC2-3Pgfs34SwgmeXrCu8OAZpJi1f3fP5giUGNU4GxoPgwoeAuOA4K8epwG8yxmkzkmuR/s1600/IMG_5594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip46IuYuNyy55QKFoMTpxFPsibM-UPCAWrAiquwShOD5huOt1nGestBUkrou2rlVnzKruyPnXPC2-3Pgfs34SwgmeXrCu8OAZpJi1f3fP5giUGNU4GxoPgwoeAuOA4K8epwG8yxmkzkmuR/s1600/IMG_5594.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The reason there are two different outlines is because my measurements put me in a size 50, but when I compared the flat pattern measurements to my own, I realised I wasn't going to like the fit of the size 50.<br />
<h3>
Constructing the Garment</h3>
I'd committed, in my mind, to following all the advice given in <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/class/the-ultimate-t-shirt-fitting-and-construction/190" target="_blank">The Ultimate T-Shirt</a> class I'd taken on Craftsy. In this case, this meant sewing my t-shirt largely on the sewing machine. With 5/8" seam allowance.<br />
<br />
There were lots of little tips that I picked up...like<br />
<ul>
<li>Staystitching the neckline of the t-shirt. I'd never bothered with that before - on a knit garment. </li>
<li>Staystitch Plus on the sleeve cap helped to prepare the sleeve for easing it in to the armhole. </li>
<li>Preparing the hem BEFORE sewing up the side seams</li>
</ul>
I typed up a list of the construction order...as I plan to make many of these. I'd love for it to become automatic - and it nearly is, but there are a few extra steps that the Tilton sisters suggest, that I'd like to trial for a while.<br />
<br />
The biggest difference, I believe, is the number of times they had you try on the garment before the finish. I think, even though fit is of paramount importance to me, I'd become lazy with this aspect of knit sewing.<br />
<br />
<b>Hemming Tip!</b> Use a piece of tearaway stabilizer under the seams as you are hemming on the coverstitch machine. Finally, I'm able to maintain a straight stitching line in this bulky area without snipping (and weakening) seams.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-59577285239651809102014-03-07T18:03:00.000+10:002014-03-07T18:03:11.947+10:00I AM alive and I have been sewing...Nothing flash, but wanted to keep a bit of a visual record of what I've been sewing lately...<br />
<br />
First up is a series of tops I made based on a RTW top I bought from Autograph last year. I loved the style, but unfortunately, the original top developed little holes all over it after only a month or two. It really just confirmed why I sew.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I've actually made 4 tops but one of them was a wadder due to poor fabric choice. It was a mystery cotton blend that just grew widthways until the neckline would have fit over my hips! Yikes!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVo2HoZ8EOQ13XulCxK2HnBx2j_ZSlitK0ciP7kERIcITMvILjgJ8gbRG7JsbJjsw4-HAWir9UWGaJKISgPrJUo19Uvbd42n47c8_lPYws35aB2pRhokMHMEKFhNtNkZj8zk_Wee9WNI/s1600/14030709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVo2HoZ8EOQ13XulCxK2HnBx2j_ZSlitK0ciP7kERIcITMvILjgJ8gbRG7JsbJjsw4-HAWir9UWGaJKISgPrJUo19Uvbd42n47c8_lPYws35aB2pRhokMHMEKFhNtNkZj8zk_Wee9WNI/s1600/14030709.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I look REALLY cranky here, don't I? I'm not that unhappy, my 'photographer' took the shot before I was ready. There's a reason I usually use a tripod and timer! LOL.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4m10eBIfDUNpHYDjvjwNGtOHETdkMFPkEN_SkXKkaljm0ItcZvsBtgHkcQoEwf4iaLGJ4rhjmQn2RaBVg1goJlM0K6J3bDfhSTcg97cafzbrbAPqEwYpGHKUM_1SvI_C-TlKHfOfLIk/s1600/14030710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC4m10eBIfDUNpHYDjvjwNGtOHETdkMFPkEN_SkXKkaljm0ItcZvsBtgHkcQoEwf4iaLGJ4rhjmQn2RaBVg1goJlM0K6J3bDfhSTcg97cafzbrbAPqEwYpGHKUM_1SvI_C-TlKHfOfLIk/s1600/14030710.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF4UGDLjH-ULW44lP5sl2SgFPfnZq0wez6J4FsDPFGbM9ibQZoWkVXq4Bk-Er8CqRIydtw8dTvFvpzBF8g8QsdBF-gnVcPgyhXVzJFOF5ev8joCqDbRXGkI9oADYKDHfhEP4yBsT2RMA/s1600/14030711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSF4UGDLjH-ULW44lP5sl2SgFPfnZq0wez6J4FsDPFGbM9ibQZoWkVXq4Bk-Er8CqRIydtw8dTvFvpzBF8g8QsdBF-gnVcPgyhXVzJFOF5ev8joCqDbRXGkI9oADYKDHfhEP4yBsT2RMA/s1600/14030711.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I love this version best of all. It's made from a slightly stretchy mesh fabric I bought at Spotlight late last year. Obviously it's very transparent and, rather than waiting until I had the motivation to sew a cream tank to wear under it, I just bought one. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik33yHgau1GhiKMKLTudkaeJcsbtZOldmBZhBmsfCAHR_ITefdiGEMLUt8avOpn4_P7w6QBBnFTFWW4KD6NaSQkcIrmH1JW1fTFlpQk_tGfmB8RdbVG5vuLaB_eSxJqNRSz4c2G84DzJo/s1600/14030707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik33yHgau1GhiKMKLTudkaeJcsbtZOldmBZhBmsfCAHR_ITefdiGEMLUt8avOpn4_P7w6QBBnFTFWW4KD6NaSQkcIrmH1JW1fTFlpQk_tGfmB8RdbVG5vuLaB_eSxJqNRSz4c2G84DzJo/s1600/14030707.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvJ4py8AeDhxVchYh32PSVkmPyHl0Ri9TSpnFGRUTtBEU4O6h4RbBVK1UTiPht4fBFyX-Q9ZxZ1V_3hptiNH7NDnvt3eHn8DNHzY_7DRSA1_Hevf4LkTNfVdngxlR5BQ29EnJN5_hQbU/s1600/14030705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhvJ4py8AeDhxVchYh32PSVkmPyHl0Ri9TSpnFGRUTtBEU4O6h4RbBVK1UTiPht4fBFyX-Q9ZxZ1V_3hptiNH7NDnvt3eHn8DNHzY_7DRSA1_Hevf4LkTNfVdngxlR5BQ29EnJN5_hQbU/s1600/14030705.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVtSBGRhRjNJhmZBcdAWqt7OhhwbUBFvLl4KziMDdJ7H3sjruRQoR8o7VKVM7xTmLxNKcSGYuWSxerTVAOT28FHTBVKQI_bK9zOyBBmOk6AX0qsPLUcBUMr_7pejmDIl9TAwaLPQyQmM/s1600/14030713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVtSBGRhRjNJhmZBcdAWqt7OhhwbUBFvLl4KziMDdJ7H3sjruRQoR8o7VKVM7xTmLxNKcSGYuWSxerTVAOT28FHTBVKQI_bK9zOyBBmOk6AX0qsPLUcBUMr_7pejmDIl9TAwaLPQyQmM/s1600/14030713.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
It's not been ALL selfish sewing - I've been working on a very involved patchwork floor cushion for my daughter (I'm NOT a quilter and have the lack of skills to show for it!). When I hit a roadblock in that project (lack of black continuous zipper), I decided to dig through the UFO bin and found these PJ shorts that I'd cut out in December 2012. Time clearly wasn't on my side, but I just sewed them up with tiny seam allowances and they fit fine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVixKKSUPlVtIsvTjHyIiD2CrLX6BwOsn7iO1mq7BFBASlhnzU6S8O8-VY1oIOBMbbfqbjoxfiRXBjkeawShl6iLKkwlB4yL9hGSNWmJI1MFC_982yK32WIvOFLdKZDsyZaP1t81KVsA/s1600/14030708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtVixKKSUPlVtIsvTjHyIiD2CrLX6BwOsn7iO1mq7BFBASlhnzU6S8O8-VY1oIOBMbbfqbjoxfiRXBjkeawShl6iLKkwlB4yL9hGSNWmJI1MFC_982yK32WIvOFLdKZDsyZaP1t81KVsA/s1600/14030708.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Then I quickly traced off an Ottobre pattern (04-2013-33 - 'Ruler' raglan t-shirt) and made a matching top from some scraps I had lying around. I really was using this as a wearable muslin for this year's winter t-shirts. She has nothing to wear for winter! Nothing! And I'm too tight to pay for plain t-shirts when, with a good pattern, they can be made so quickly and with a much higher quality. I loathe twisted seams and that's all it seems you get with store bought t-shirts these days. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMfgps62ue65Gz8tvnG3aNFjp3th0v0k6eXN8anycbW9zy-JSz4Ar8MzWwgRRrfJqTeXBngwYBRYMc41_PELxeqRXIuiFkHjY_18bNfb05AeYTEgIj9RjML2Rj2vf4z-T7FM1RCaq2kc/s1600/14030701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMfgps62ue65Gz8tvnG3aNFjp3th0v0k6eXN8anycbW9zy-JSz4Ar8MzWwgRRrfJqTeXBngwYBRYMc41_PELxeqRXIuiFkHjY_18bNfb05AeYTEgIj9RjML2Rj2vf4z-T7FM1RCaq2kc/s1600/14030701.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm fairly sure there's been other sewing, but I can't remember right at the moment. I may update once it comes back to me. Until then, I'm back to work on the Minecraft cushion.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-85701457334376104322013-09-11T14:10:00.001+10:002013-09-21T05:43:27.906+10:00Another one...but not for meIt's my turn to shine my halo, I think, after a rash of sewing and knitting for others. <br />
<br />
First up is another Crafty Mama's Lovely Layers Top. This time, it's not for me, but a birthday gift for my mum. It's in the size L and made from a gorgeously soft Metallicus knit picked up from The Fabric Store in Brisbane. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCM0QJ2tsDZ2tEshlzHz5QQoui1VN0rhxx78HcAKk2nyDI_REw7RA-FYO6nR8jEedQJIW5-4dXJDWV-WsGCGxg1TigY_auP4t7D_dFXgZxxDG3BW_HrozHA6i7-NGMWND0XoBOO6H9KSM/s1600/IMG_4768.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCM0QJ2tsDZ2tEshlzHz5QQoui1VN0rhxx78HcAKk2nyDI_REw7RA-FYO6nR8jEedQJIW5-4dXJDWV-WsGCGxg1TigY_auP4t7D_dFXgZxxDG3BW_HrozHA6i7-NGMWND0XoBOO6H9KSM/s320/IMG_4768.JPG" width="213" /></a> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis3FNZ2qd2mGiLqSuIy8-EXCWkziXnrtf7klNu6lwtFjWsfiISB96bg7gI5iWnWTpS7D0S9asn4KVxOJgiGMHgxWiZQM8k172tgNc_nTQkBZc2Fie2V2Cm1IVxHlAU2EIonooeEUwtFg/s1600/IMG_4770.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgis3FNZ2qd2mGiLqSuIy8-EXCWkziXnrtf7klNu6lwtFjWsfiISB96bg7gI5iWnWTpS7D0S9asn4KVxOJgiGMHgxWiZQM8k172tgNc_nTQkBZc2Fie2V2Cm1IVxHlAU2EIonooeEUwtFg/s320/IMG_4770.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I just added a simple neckband, same as I have for all the other tunics, and turned and stitched the armhole hem with my coverstitch machine. You can't see it very well in these photos, but I did a rolled hem for the bottom.<br />
<br />
Next, encouraged by my cousin to put more effort in to a fancy dress party that my daughter was attending, I sewed her a skirt. Now that might not seem like much, but this was a box-pleated, LINED skirt, complete with a waistband and invisible zip. The only reason I acquiesed to her request was that it looked like a fairly good wardrobe staple that she would wear more than once. <br />
<br />
It was an Alice in Wonderland party and she went as the White Rabbit.<br />
<br />
I used an Ottobre pattern (6-2012-32: "Jenkka") and made some modifications. Firstly, it's meant to be a loosely pleated skirt, but Miss10 wanted sharper pleats. That was no drama, I just topstitched down the first bit of each pleat and pressed a sharp crease. The only other change was to shorten it (dramatically from this apparently old-fashioned mother's point of view) by about 4 inches. I used a size 146, drifting out to a 150 at the hips. I tried to do a blind hem on the sewing machine, thinking that I'd be really clever, but it didn't work out so well. However, using the galloping horse test, it was good enough and the experience has motivated me to learn how to do it properly. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2X4SXu-XiYurERWqRy723P7TSUvQ3QCFIEUgm5b-H31yVSXNa57Voy5FpGCkkLgbMnzbxVcZKuzFf11vrqOH6F-xXUk10Kx-C6DurE8cKE764fkoX54_UlTb97FaA_WY-N1_lUQRdoI/s1600/IMG_4783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2X4SXu-XiYurERWqRy723P7TSUvQ3QCFIEUgm5b-H31yVSXNa57Voy5FpGCkkLgbMnzbxVcZKuzFf11vrqOH6F-xXUk10Kx-C6DurE8cKE764fkoX54_UlTb97FaA_WY-N1_lUQRdoI/s320/IMG_4783.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skirt is a little twisted in this photo, the pleats are appropriately centred. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rrHIUIXO_5NKXeYASuzU1aZeUiGQ4ftdJyBUhtTdHSeuTLzTW0q-cgIpQU_S0QJx8GmlQJ-ff-LLejdUXtbtuJhvOvDc5SuSZ5UH3qM2Te66ShM1KDCZCEtgNrpeauoLM6OjMj00kZE/s1600/IMG_4773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rrHIUIXO_5NKXeYASuzU1aZeUiGQ4ftdJyBUhtTdHSeuTLzTW0q-cgIpQU_S0QJx8GmlQJ-ff-LLejdUXtbtuJhvOvDc5SuSZ5UH3qM2Te66ShM1KDCZCEtgNrpeauoLM6OjMj00kZE/s320/IMG_4773.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We even found a tail!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Finally, a friend of mine is getting married, and she's an incredibly generous person and a lover of handmade things. I've been working on a knitted lap blanket to give her for a wedding gift. It won't be ready in time, I severely underestimated how long it was going to take me to knit this monster...but I know she won't mind. I'm using Bendigo Woollen Mills Classic Wool in 12 ply in the colour Raffia. I like the colour. I don't mind the yarn, but it's unravelling a bit as I knit with it. I'm not sure whether that's just my knitting style, or a characteristic of the yarn or ply...but it looks fine in the finished product. I just have to be really careful not to split stitches.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizrnih8E1Keo6MtzU5tTFkIdi_X_J8AsL_KdD__VUVVaPwRjClWakFs1PrMZBPIh7qDWVpN81GAtbRy0QFepQLXnADbrpVdxoyrBcLe2aREcKfQ98VgWLo5mk7Ds0dPJsWTN1aeAVxus/s1600/IMG_4787.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhizrnih8E1Keo6MtzU5tTFkIdi_X_J8AsL_KdD__VUVVaPwRjClWakFs1PrMZBPIh7qDWVpN81GAtbRy0QFepQLXnADbrpVdxoyrBcLe2aREcKfQ98VgWLo5mk7Ds0dPJsWTN1aeAVxus/s320/IMG_4787.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm still working on a dress that I am sewing for my mother-in-law, then I'll be free to focus on some sewing for ME! <br />
<br />
With that in mind, I started getting out my summer weight fabrics and putting them in my expedit shelves in my sewing room. I like to have the appropriate seasonal fabrics out on display (they don't get any direct sunlight). Mainly it's for inspiration, but it's also a means of keeping the stash somewhat under control. This time, I thought I'd try something a bit different. Typically, I organise by fabric type. This time, I'm going with colours. This pile of green fabric contains knits, cottons, linens, stretch sateen, georgette, you name it! I'm really keen to sew my way through this pile as green is my absolute favourite colour. I do have to be a bit sensible and balance it with a hefty dose of neutrals or I could end up looking a bit like Kermit!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mHyYvvXFXq3oMJfPTaVuSJmHHa5l4T4Nc5Mnll5zgkpeuuAsI24e-rxwRpA-XWZLgbcU7NM47GYQ3z9tFK4HNNswU0_4lTiuV7Xb5yUk1Rr7W44D8o4Hg1fIl7YvLzAZ1zFctFinFNs/s1600/IMG_4786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mHyYvvXFXq3oMJfPTaVuSJmHHa5l4T4Nc5Mnll5zgkpeuuAsI24e-rxwRpA-XWZLgbcU7NM47GYQ3z9tFK4HNNswU0_4lTiuV7Xb5yUk1Rr7W44D8o4Hg1fIl7YvLzAZ1zFctFinFNs/s320/IMG_4786.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-10426695896078506732013-08-28T10:26:00.000+10:002013-08-28T10:26:15.296+10:00I think I need an interventionIt's not that this is the third version of the Crafty Mama's <a href="http://www.craftymamasfabrics.com.au/products/the-lovely-layers-top-xs-xxxl" target="_blank">Lovely Layers</a> tunic that I've made in the past few months, but that I've still got plans for many more! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7ILHwPis3frZU6jV2TBvnJPrHCVTm_fKQeJnwFbbe1MxP2_kD5Y2fFu2hC6XJ9pBiInWDl9DjfGpG63m9aaoLHyn8HD8FuWEPqraM6oPcqIfW5A0_DkNnxvdPNftBwq2w48b8OhPFsE/s1600/IMG_4710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7ILHwPis3frZU6jV2TBvnJPrHCVTm_fKQeJnwFbbe1MxP2_kD5Y2fFu2hC6XJ9pBiInWDl9DjfGpG63m9aaoLHyn8HD8FuWEPqraM6oPcqIfW5A0_DkNnxvdPNftBwq2w48b8OhPFsE/s400/IMG_4710.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Quite simply, I'm loving the ease of it all - the sewing AND the wearing. <br />
<br />
This time I made the elbow length sleeves. Seeing as though I have fairly full arms, I added an inch to each side of the sleeve. It turns out that I didn't really need to add quite that much. While the loose sleeves ARE very comfortable, I will remove some of that ease for my next version. Oh yes, there will be a next version! <br />
<br />
In fact, after looking at the photos, I'm tempted to even go down a size over all for future tops/tunics. It's a very forgiving garment. I have a bust measurement of 121cm, which puts me right in the middle of the largest size. I loathe clingy garments, but I do think I could go down a size and still be comfortable in this tunic. <br />
<br />
I used a beautifully soft jersey knit which I purchased from East Coast Fabrics at Springwood - fairly recently, too, so I can't even feel justified about using up old stash. But this fabric is to die for - I'm glad I bought several metres because I'm just about to cut out a t-shirt from the remains. Black isn't supposed to be 'my' colour, but I've decided lately that I don't really care. I like it, and that's what really matters, isn't it?<br />
<br />
I made the leggings I'm wearing, too. They are made from an Ottobre pattern, 02-2008-16, graded up to my size (52). I know there's a pattern for leggings in a later edition, which comes in size 52, but I'd already established this pattern as a TNT and it didn't seem to be worth the effort to change. The fabric is a cute, soft royal blue and black animal print from The Fabric Store in Brisbane, also purchased fairly recently.<br />
<br />
After finishing the tunic, my only problem was finding appropriate accessories to wear with the outfit. As luck would have it, TS14+ were having a 50% off sale on their necklaces, so I snapped up a few, as well as a gorgeous blue scarf (which I'm wearing in the picture below). I quite liked more, but thought I should show some signs of restraint. There'll always be another sale, right? <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyl2xbKHcsoKl7BG214gEC22IT-muRZrXoTTSR07UPFWDZD-3_gbGZ-hiBotZ6BMNZFSDF5y4txGLplCiUY5O1gaZq2nNJPDydalqDLOrgzXM8B4MO5xc8KJDK2FC0NPRQemXjjK7ojo/s1600/IMG_4711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCyl2xbKHcsoKl7BG214gEC22IT-muRZrXoTTSR07UPFWDZD-3_gbGZ-hiBotZ6BMNZFSDF5y4txGLplCiUY5O1gaZq2nNJPDydalqDLOrgzXM8B4MO5xc8KJDK2FC0NPRQemXjjK7ojo/s400/IMG_4711.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-7357123463568560542013-07-12T13:27:00.001+10:002013-07-12T13:27:52.984+10:00Yarny CraftingLately, I've been working on a few yarny projects: <br />
<br />
A simple ribbed hat to keep my head warm in the snow! I plan to make a matching cowl with the leftover yarn.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LvkG2AftKtQE3dWUulHCYCVTFn1Cg2vvdP3sptAfg4QvsqA_lWWljbfCo3j4K8QxDwILM_5yaQlhaX2Qvy-BvHLmaJ_EqUelCDk2u7gBPXDjqgKnk6ThN7bThdcf9SegzAtiyONQb4w/s1600/IMG_4428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LvkG2AftKtQE3dWUulHCYCVTFn1Cg2vvdP3sptAfg4QvsqA_lWWljbfCo3j4K8QxDwILM_5yaQlhaX2Qvy-BvHLmaJ_EqUelCDk2u7gBPXDjqgKnk6ThN7bThdcf9SegzAtiyONQb4w/s320/IMG_4428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kelleyc/slouchy-bubbles" target="_blank">Slouchy Bubbles</a> hat made for a friend who's going through chemotherapy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAwEC2jrOEG6v59LywJ7C_Y6Xf0lwFqf5RecThurh9F0evM_nr3cUZhzXstC9AMOBmsWPvn3YOtiRrmSowyutE7E5TO41FkRTwEJ0IxVUlLe62zvybsLCe6JFubh2qhHmb8tqZXe5pqs/s1600/Hat+with+folded+brim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdAwEC2jrOEG6v59LywJ7C_Y6Xf0lwFqf5RecThurh9F0evM_nr3cUZhzXstC9AMOBmsWPvn3YOtiRrmSowyutE7E5TO41FkRTwEJ0IxVUlLe62zvybsLCe6JFubh2qhHmb8tqZXe5pqs/s320/Hat+with+folded+brim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kelleyc/tiny-tea-leaves-cardi-2" target="_blank">Tiny Tea Leaves</a> cardigan. This one is not quite complete. I still have to add buttons and weave in the ends. I originally made this for my daughter, but it's a bit small, so it's going to my lovely niece.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueTllZW_qsQ2BNFHmGMNL12q9gI4MmoVSev2VPAq5OF6ABRyEf8QMn6yuvruJvOaQIyLt20MjuiRmhoydXos5dsYUvBt_dRtdZs1KXHyT-ZkGoZhrg-adLSVreNKxawnhXkccJrlWfZQ/s1600/13071207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjueTllZW_qsQ2BNFHmGMNL12q9gI4MmoVSev2VPAq5OF6ABRyEf8QMn6yuvruJvOaQIyLt20MjuiRmhoydXos5dsYUvBt_dRtdZs1KXHyT-ZkGoZhrg-adLSVreNKxawnhXkccJrlWfZQ/s320/13071207.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfuAviRKBmF-4_FxTuYeJtQqngi8B1fIif_Z0DqNwiyqi3dgCYmqthLbq6uBpH0_R6vgPPjRdGYnOmlDzoS7j9lAp_8wafhTdThISQg6un3uD7idvxB-xjS4J8J9wYJEkTETc3dTX07s/s1600/13071203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNfuAviRKBmF-4_FxTuYeJtQqngi8B1fIif_Z0DqNwiyqi3dgCYmqthLbq6uBpH0_R6vgPPjRdGYnOmlDzoS7j9lAp_8wafhTdThISQg6un3uD7idvxB-xjS4J8J9wYJEkTETc3dTX07s/s320/13071203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My favourite project of the moment! A <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kelleyc/windward" target="_blank">Windward</a> shawl in lovely Noro yarn. It's quite a simple pattern (hasn't stopped me from making mistakes, though) but I LOVE seeing how the colours change. I'm about halfway through this one.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbUAH0v4nm5ebCbs2i1mhSCbFGG1i99XlU7PLolv2Q0dzfw2cVevfjtDsZ0rGvGWBkm-pwduE8DPvDHmskn1cJflNsq4Ps2XvKvOqAUGIy3QyJLw2OVZUr47zTOemLbccZyL7tN7B6Po/s1600/IMG_4419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcbUAH0v4nm5ebCbs2i1mhSCbFGG1i99XlU7PLolv2Q0dzfw2cVevfjtDsZ0rGvGWBkm-pwduE8DPvDHmskn1cJflNsq4Ps2XvKvOqAUGIy3QyJLw2OVZUr47zTOemLbccZyL7tN7B6Po/s320/IMG_4419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K6J1_2l8oUbO1iQc7dvzS7yyFp7G91-uG4tH5a3_8BrQ1C3bgKzXGzPY_K0VMjmdFafry1I6neLwu2UundeNokt69I6BORuUXaSoXbqfiNpdF19rvcLDpAuHT8JymDuoirkMKqn0Hs4/s1600/IMG_4415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K6J1_2l8oUbO1iQc7dvzS7yyFp7G91-uG4tH5a3_8BrQ1C3bgKzXGzPY_K0VMjmdFafry1I6neLwu2UundeNokt69I6BORuUXaSoXbqfiNpdF19rvcLDpAuHT8JymDuoirkMKqn0Hs4/s320/IMG_4415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My latest cast-on...another Bendigo Woollen Mills yarn, this time a 12 ply Classic (100% wool) yarn. I'm making a <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/projects/kelleyc/cable-blanket-2321---2809" target="_blank">Cable Blanket</a> for a friend for her wedding in September. I've not used a 12 ply yarn for a while and can't quite believe how quickly this is knitting up. I think I may even stand a chance of getting this project finished on time! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiRti91Bo0DkEJGrLCPzymZH5CAGjQjrnbIldgBAptJbLdqdOjCIN05fDErr13fmTZI6dJvPC7P6yhO1kkVHlnRUpGQktuYw7DF2am5MsshFRBSFE40licFt4zxpbe7brh5LpVD4eEjA/s1600/IMG_4424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihiRti91Bo0DkEJGrLCPzymZH5CAGjQjrnbIldgBAptJbLdqdOjCIN05fDErr13fmTZI6dJvPC7P6yhO1kkVHlnRUpGQktuYw7DF2am5MsshFRBSFE40licFt4zxpbe7brh5LpVD4eEjA/s320/IMG_4424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As you can see, I have a few projects that are still in progress. I just can't commit to one project at a time. I get too bored! ;)Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-9338480077057393922013-07-07T10:54:00.000+10:002013-07-07T10:54:29.557+10:00Clearly I'm not a bag lady...I've wanted to make a project bag for my knitting for some time now. Being the queen of procrastination, it was quite possible that I would never have got around to it. But I was given a push when my friend, <a href="http://quiltsewsewsue.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Sue,</a> posted about sewing one of <a href="http://ayumills.blogspot.fi/2010/08/tutorial-lunch-bag.html" target="_blank">these</a> bags:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4879303107_c89785ebb0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4879303107_c89785ebb0.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<br />
So, I dutifully chose some fabrics from my stash and proceeded to put the bag together with much moaning over a couple of days. You see, not being a bag maker, I overestimated the thickness of interfacing I would need. I didn't want the thing to be flimsy, so in a complete overreaction, I used the thickest interfacing I had, effectively turning this cute little bag into a cardboard box. As I'm sure you can imagine, sewing cardboard doesn't equal easy OR fun. Oh well, lesson learned for next time. <br />
<br />
This bag certainly does NOT represent the best sewing I've ever done, but at least it's finished. I'm not happy enough to use it as a knitting project bag, but it has been put to good use storing (secret) things in the bathroom cupboard. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKGvGtBI9kBOLzeruJeXFITHZ-0tGyTcJNSJ9WZoiXQyky54p7nDwMF_PrKhZbHomk8lOayj1t2RMddDED30qJHajrl-AhQ08mZH0TpAivCtUqR-4sGnLvpSaSfazXHufVvmbpTDfAzM/s1600/13070702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKGvGtBI9kBOLzeruJeXFITHZ-0tGyTcJNSJ9WZoiXQyky54p7nDwMF_PrKhZbHomk8lOayj1t2RMddDED30qJHajrl-AhQ08mZH0TpAivCtUqR-4sGnLvpSaSfazXHufVvmbpTDfAzM/s320/13070702.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKGvGtBI9kBOLzeruJeXFITHZ-0tGyTcJNSJ9WZoiXQyky54p7nDwMF_PrKhZbHomk8lOayj1t2RMddDED30qJHajrl-AhQ08mZH0TpAivCtUqR-4sGnLvpSaSfazXHufVvmbpTDfAzM/s1600/13070702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuKGvGtBI9kBOLzeruJeXFITHZ-0tGyTcJNSJ9WZoiXQyky54p7nDwMF_PrKhZbHomk8lOayj1t2RMddDED30qJHajrl-AhQ08mZH0TpAivCtUqR-4sGnLvpSaSfazXHufVvmbpTDfAzM/s1600/13070702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn0BOqr0abSG39Hfyb31IiqrzBJUDg9s34OBXTeK2teL9aJHtHr-oFRCKePSH-f0CLe2sJdMKmSP6FahAZaCUTt1i3PUPVzDDgv_WDujRqMJXq06ByUNcoMgj0QN63kJmaprFvUoTrgI/s1600/13070701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn0BOqr0abSG39Hfyb31IiqrzBJUDg9s34OBXTeK2teL9aJHtHr-oFRCKePSH-f0CLe2sJdMKmSP6FahAZaCUTt1i3PUPVzDDgv_WDujRqMJXq06ByUNcoMgj0QN63kJmaprFvUoTrgI/s320/13070701.jpg" width="293" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm already planning my next version (using MUCH lighter interfacing) which I plan to use for my knitting. As well, I think these little lunch/project bags would make great teacher presents at the end of the year, and seeing as though I already have all the materials necessary to make them, they'd be virtually free! Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-30745092801462924182013-06-24T16:34:00.001+10:002013-06-24T16:34:31.473+10:00Thank you! I just wanted to do a quick post to thank you all for the fabulous comments on my <a href="http://simplesewist.blogspot.com.au/2013/06/lovely-layers-tunic.html" target="_blank">Lovely Layers tunic.</a> I really appreciate you all taking the time to visit and leave a comment. <br />
<br />
I also wanted to let Barb know (I couldn't find an email address, Barb) that unfortunately, the fabric was not a recent purchase. I've really been trying hard to sew from stash for a while now, and so this one would have been purchased over a year ago. I have my fingers crossed for you that they still have some in stock.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-90538351309523229582013-06-21T15:41:00.000+10:002013-06-21T15:41:13.861+10:00Lovely Layers TunicAfter trying on a stack of TS tunics a few weeks ago, and just about passing out at the price tag, I decided that I could probably make one for myself. I settled on the <a href="http://www.craftymamasfabrics.com.au/collections/pdf-patterns/products/the-lovely-layers-top-xs-xxxl" target="_blank">Lovely Layers Top/Tunic</a> from Crafty Mamas. I'd seen a few around the web, and thought they looked quite lovely indeed. <br />
<br />
Typically, I wear a size 20 in RTW, but my measurements corresponded to the XXXL, so that's the size I chose. It worked. The tunic fit well without any alterations. The only issue I had was that the width of the longer tunic in the largest size did not fit on a standard 150cm wide knit. I chose to piece the front and back, knowing that you'd never be able to tell in the crazy print I'd selected for my test tunic. And I was right!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTSxGgsHNvexAjQw1vfUowEVmCKMSF9KPqkIgOBVpKu8Xow_DHiPCQb6eZFxrWs3y52yMIDiVSKzuB-0DMjxQChAT4memkEymEyGxrPO_3zq6TDYEv8fHPOL7kvyqjPUqHXenKIBVEl0/s1600/Lovely-Layers-Tunic_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTSxGgsHNvexAjQw1vfUowEVmCKMSF9KPqkIgOBVpKu8Xow_DHiPCQb6eZFxrWs3y52yMIDiVSKzuB-0DMjxQChAT4memkEymEyGxrPO_3zq6TDYEv8fHPOL7kvyqjPUqHXenKIBVEl0/s400/Lovely-Layers-Tunic_2.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the sharpest photo I've ever taken, but it'll do for now. It was a wet and dismal old day here today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's a breeze to wear - which is a big plus in my books. I'm thinking I'm going to have to add another layer to go outside, though. It's a bit chilly here today.<br />
<br />
<strong><u>Details:</u></strong><br />
<strong>Fabric</strong>: An ITY knit from East Coast Fabric<br />
<br />
<strong>Construction Details</strong>:<br />
<br />
2 hours tops! And I'm not a fast seamstress. This is one easy top to make. Yay!<br />
<br />
It was almost exclusively stitched on the overlocker. The only time I used the sewing machine was to baste on the neckband, and to baste the second shoulder seam. I find I have real trouble getting a professional finish if I apply the neckband/binding to a shirt NOT in a circle if I don't baste that last shoulder seam before I stitch it properly. It ALWAYS shifts on me and makes this really messy looking join at the neck edge where it's really noticeable. <br />
<br />
I did a rolled edge to hem the bottom, and a simple turn-and-coverstitch for the edge of the armhole. <br />
<br />
<strong>For Future Versions (and there will be future versions!):</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Redraft the armhole <em>for sleeveless versions</em>. I just like it a bit higher and a bit narrower at the shoulder when I'm layering it over other tops. </li>
<li>Adjust the side seam so that it fits on 150cm wide fabric. </li>
</ul>
<strong>Variations I'd Like to Try:</strong><br />
<br />
So, I've got lots of ideas for different kinds colour-blocked variations that I'd like to try. The motivation to try this pattern came from a bit of window shopping in the TS department at my local Myer store, so I thought I'd start there. Here are some of their styles that use colour-blocking. I apologise in advance for the visual overload, but I couldn't narrow it down any further. I can see a goodly pile of these tunics in my wardrobe this year. Now, I'd tweak most of these designs a little, but aren't there some great ideas for modifying this pattern?<br />
<br />
All photos are linked to the relevant TS garment (as at 21 June 2013)...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3639_22608_12584.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3639_22608_12584.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3672_22923_12541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3672_22923_12541.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3667_22865_12300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3667_22865_12300.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/4163_25484_13465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/4163_25484_13465.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3239_20486_11157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3239_20486_11157.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/4169_25489_13607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/4169_25489_13607.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3782_23295_12217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3782_23295_12217.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3335_20806_11350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.ts14plus.com.au/productimages/medium/1/3335_20806_11350.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-53351828503403120432013-06-20T10:32:00.001+10:002013-06-20T10:32:24.997+10:00Finally, a finished project!Now, this is the not the garment previously discussed in the last post...BUT I'm taking it as a win anyway. Apparently yesterday, the gods were smiling, because not only was I showered, with make-up AND decent hair, I was also wearing a new, handmade dress AND I remembered to take a photo. Truly, a blessed day. Anyway, moving on...<br />
<br />
Last month I needed a new dress for work, so I dug around in my stash and came up with this number. I used View C from <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5794-products-22966.php?page_id=147" target="_blank">Butterick 5794</a> - a fairly straight forward knit dress with a cowl neck, 3/4 sleeves and a slightly hi-low hemline. I used a polyester based knit from East Coast Fabrics. I like the colours, but wouldn't have been devastated if it hadn't worked out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Add_2_Full/B5794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://butterick.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Add_2_Full/B5794.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvKctbiqpfMAQwVv8lwgszwbeSf_MTFcVt2G-D3ORPM78KXp-7XTVN2HFrifdKTmc2fMKPsp8AkW7-gUsqEOicupfGUebHqLJx_bHGu8WaqBtVxFM2lO2Lnhh5nd2Esk3bJnndHaPK3U/s1600/B5794.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzvKctbiqpfMAQwVv8lwgszwbeSf_MTFcVt2G-D3ORPM78KXp-7XTVN2HFrifdKTmc2fMKPsp8AkW7-gUsqEOicupfGUebHqLJx_bHGu8WaqBtVxFM2lO2Lnhh5nd2Esk3bJnndHaPK3U/s320/B5794.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Seeing as though I don't have the same figure shape as the model, I did have to do a bit of modification to get it to fit me, and to move that waist seamline, but nothing too major. It was a very quick and easy garment to sew. <br />
<br />
And here I submit proof that I actually can, and do, sew instead of just planning... :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXe2xTmMZ-01W-r8WLluZme6T-2rmU_pUYYSIwO0KPBaum8CwBo60wku0InK48z4yFMKumuD7RJkdfKP-dS8aklWruwnemawSC6DT7v5p0aeSsAWPX4rmuh4xOqJYrPgZn_ceMb4vVFI/s1600/Butterick-Knit-Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXe2xTmMZ-01W-r8WLluZme6T-2rmU_pUYYSIwO0KPBaum8CwBo60wku0InK48z4yFMKumuD7RJkdfKP-dS8aklWruwnemawSC6DT7v5p0aeSsAWPX4rmuh4xOqJYrPgZn_ceMb4vVFI/s320/Butterick-Knit-Dress.jpg" width="156" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong><u>Details:</u></strong><br />
<strong>Size: </strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Bust 46.75", Waist 42.5" and Hips 49" - size selected 24W </li>
</ul>
<strong>Modifications/Alterations:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Added extra width through the waist area - subsequently removed. This dress runs a little large.</li>
<li>Raised waist seam (to more of an empire line) by ~ 2"</li>
<li>Narrowed sleeve towards the bottom so it would stay up when I pushed the sleeves up. </li>
</ul>
<strong>Construction:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Used serger mostly, although gathering done on sewing machine, coverstitch used on hems</li>
<li>Used seam tape on shoulder seams and a tiny spot of Fray Check on coverstitched hems as I've been having a little trouble lately with the hems coming undone.</li>
</ul>
<strong>Results:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Dress was a bit big overall, but that was easily rectified. </li>
<li>Neck/collar is a bit floppy for my liking. </li>
</ul>
<strong>For Future Versions:</strong><br />
<ul>
<li>Remove waist seam</li>
<li>Check notches on sleeves, I think they're twisting in the armhole (either I missed the notches or they weren't there. Not prepared to commit at this stage.)</li>
<li>Either use lightweight knit interfacing on collar to give it some body or reshape the pattern piece.</li>
<li>Raise front neckline by 1" (for work modesty).</li>
</ul>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-23565861811700650932013-06-16T21:15:00.000+10:002013-06-16T21:15:24.932+10:00Plans...to return to the sewing room.I'm still crafting away although it seems as though I've lapsed into radio silence on the blog. That's OK. I'm sure no-one expired because of it...<br />
<br />
While I've been all about the knitting lately, I have started to inch my way back into the sewing room. I managed to finish (but not take any photos of) a pair of summer PJ shorts for my daughter which I had cut out in November of last year. I know, right? I'm crazy fast at finishing a project! <br />
<br />
Anyway, since that extraordinarily complicated project is now gone from my sewing queue, I'm excited to start something new. I actually bought some RTW clothes the other week. I had a few gift cards that were about to expire for Myer, so I trotted on in and found myself in the TS section. I tried on quite a few garments and decided that I liked some of them enough to spend someone else's money on them! ;)<br />
<br />
To cut a long story short, I've decided to make a few garments myself that echo that style. Surely I can do for WAY less money than the ridiculous prices they were asking for relatively simple garments. <br />
<br />
So, I'm starting with the Crafty Mamas Lovely Layers tunic. I thought I'd go with the scoop neckline and no sleeves so I could wear it with a layering tee underneath.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0181/1413/files/LovelyLayersTop-withWORDS_large.png?900" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0181/1413/files/LovelyLayersTop-withWORDS_large.png?900" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I'm planning to test it out with this fabric (second from the left) for my first attempt. This will go with some black leggings and a black layering tee that I already own, so it won't even be an orphan for a millisecond. I'm liking this plan already.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKY5Rqm7uBYHoihXfIWgJ4sIXWpqDQo2lcG16q7GGNdiosQFYLAS4UzPtOaNsPXfQKOsmFHLbAGk-VA3nvXSxkvGy_PI22-z6tjrdVfWBC7HQGIo0OYykOO1_Cg_y7b2OXLq9I58NXlc/s1600/IMG_2021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXKY5Rqm7uBYHoihXfIWgJ4sIXWpqDQo2lcG16q7GGNdiosQFYLAS4UzPtOaNsPXfQKOsmFHLbAGk-VA3nvXSxkvGy_PI22-z6tjrdVfWBC7HQGIo0OYykOO1_Cg_y7b2OXLq9I58NXlc/s400/IMG_2021.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I happen to have some purple dry knit fabric from Spotlight that matches the print quite well. It's leftover from my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1632148770745111224&pli=1#editor/target=post;postID=6325829485074490884;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=9;src=postname" target="_blank">Style Arc Creative Cate top</a>. I'm going to make another layering tee to go with the tunic. <br />
<br />
A TNT pattern for a tee-shirt is one of the things I've been working on since my last post. I'm close with the 2/2007 Ottobre t-shirt, but I need to double check my alterations before I cut into my gorgeous black linen knit that I bought from The Fabric Store last month.Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-89029060120211672522013-02-28T18:00:00.002+10:002013-02-28T18:00:47.034+10:00Motivation InjectionI've definitely been finding it hard to get back into the sewing groove. Truth be told it's a combination of my new obsession with yarn crafts and a massive backlog of projects started but never finished for some reason. <br />
<br />
Yesterday I stumbled across a group on <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/" target="_blank">Ravelry</a> called <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/groups/seven-wips-in-seven-days" target="_blank">Seven Wips in Seven Days.</a> It's pure genius! Essentially, their philosophy is that if you spend a little bit of time regularly on each of your projects , eventually, they will all get finished and you won't get bored. To follow the basic system suggested, you pick 7 of your "works in progress" and assign them to a day of the week, and commit to working on each project on its assigned day. Like anything, there is as much flexibility in the system as there are people using it. There have been all kinds of variances mentioned in the discussion threads of that group, like choice days and theme days. Like I said, sheer brilliance! <br />
<br />
Now, I don't have that many knitting works in progress, but I certainly have many more sewing projects that have stagnated for whatever reason, usually boredom or falling prey to the excitement of starting a new project. Now they're stifling my desire to get behind the sewing machine, so something drastic needs to be done. <br />
<br />
Knowing that I am the Queen of Procrastination, I know that just doing one project at a time just doesn't work for me. If I run into a tough spot, I'll do anything I can to avoid working on it - even if it's meant to be fun! That's why I'm convinced this system will totally work for me. I'm only committing to sewing one seam or knitting one row of the assigned project. Of course, starting is often the biggest stumbling block and once I get going, I often want to spend more time. That's what I'm hoping for, but if it doesn't happen, then it's no big deal. It also allows me the freedom to spend the majority of my crafty time on whatever project is exciting me the most at that time, free of guilt. Win/Win, I say.<br />
<br />
Anyway, I'm not going to make a massive list of all the projects I have "in progress". That would be pointless. But I <strong>am</strong> going to pick seven and get started. Here's my plan:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><strong>Monday</strong>: Sure-Fit Designs Dress (Sew)</li>
<li><strong>Tuesday</strong>: Hey, Teach Cardigan (Knit)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8455195324_44d83d5087_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8455195324_44d83d5087_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><strong>Wednesday</strong>: DD's Colourful Cardigan (Knit)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId9z3nOBDziuFWQhrqd6vHJgeN42xDCie95RykfinK7-v0fJSP4mGRgyyDwjZHvxP4mUAY4TIAv69ewCUxME31GhyphenhyphenDSSSapX1kwY92pYVaf6G5xj2rAmQK7QyqweOWT58Jp6ttj9kmS8/s1600/13011703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjId9z3nOBDziuFWQhrqd6vHJgeN42xDCie95RykfinK7-v0fJSP4mGRgyyDwjZHvxP4mUAY4TIAv69ewCUxME31GhyphenhyphenDSSSapX1kwY92pYVaf6G5xj2rAmQK7QyqweOWT58Jp6ttj9kmS8/s320/13011703.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li><strong>Thursday</strong>: Burgundy Dress (Sew)</li>
<li><strong>Friday</strong>: Marigold Bolero (Crochet)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8514405863_bb5f887bef_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8100/8514405863_bb5f887bef_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jennykingdesigns.com/Products/Designercollection/Women/marigold-bolero-lg-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.jennykingdesigns.com/Products/Designercollection/Women/marigold-bolero-lg-1.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny King's Marigold Bolero</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><strong>Saturday</strong>: Aqua Vogue Top (Sew)</li>
<li><strong>Sunday</strong>: Embroidery on Brown Dress (Hand Sew)</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8515522388_b19441ef4b_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8098/8515522388_b19441ef4b_z.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span id="goog_1996990533"></span><span id="goog_1996990534"></span><br />
<br />
I thought I would check back in here at the end of each week, and update the list, just to keep a record of whether this system is working for me.<br />
<br />
When I finish a project from the list, I plan to fill up the 'empty' day with one of the remaining projects, until all seven are finished. Some people replace a finished project with another one, preferring to keep many projects in rotation. I'm not sure yet which approach will work for me, but I'm willing to give it a go. <br />
<br />
What do you think? Would you benefit from a system like this?<br />
<br />
<br />Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1632148770745111224.post-60931317876380498722013-01-28T11:51:00.000+10:002013-01-28T11:51:02.766+10:00Quick Update with Pics<h4>
Linen Dress Update</h4>
I know it's not very impressive, but at least there's been some progress. I had to give up yesterday. The lack of sunlight made it way too hard to see what I was doing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8422458654_e2874031f6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8354/8422458654_e2874031f6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I still feel like I'm all thumbs when I'm embroidering, but I don't think it looks terrible. I started at the back so I would have had more practice by the time I got to the front designs. I just have to remember it's at the bottom of the skirt. No-one's going to be peering at it up close. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Stash-Busting</h4>
As I mentioned yesterday, one of the stash areas I would dearly love to downsize is my collection of lingerie fabrics & laces and knit remnants. I'm posting a picture here of the piles as they currently are, so I can look back in 12 months and marvel at how far I've come (or not). <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8421362255_bcccc18d3a_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8223/8421362255_bcccc18d3a_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lingerie fabrics and laces are on the top shelf and knits leftover from other projects are on the bottom shelf.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8421360825_d13b40c31d_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8188/8421360825_d13b40c31d_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stretch lace collection.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06707012685016420405noreply@blogger.com1