tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41872379360940232592024-03-13T11:30:20.094-07:00The Time Poor SewerLike most mums and just busy women fullstop, I find it hard to fit in quality sewing time -- but I'm trying!
For me part of the fun of sewing is the whole process of finding an inspiration in terms of colour, style, texture etc. I'm always coming across beautiful inspiration on the net.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-21387265729383084112013-11-18T16:13:00.001-08:002013-11-18T16:13:50.168-08:00Tessuti Suzy Pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've been back from Hong Kong for two weeks now. I bought quite a bit of fabric while we were there so I was keen to get cracking on some sewing straight away. I had planned to make some slouchy pants and bought the pdf pattern for the <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/suzy-pant-pattern-print-at-home-or-copy-shop" target="_blank">Suzy Pants</a> from Tessuti.<br />
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I didn't make a muslin, because frankly I don't get much sewing time and I just couldn't be bothered. The pattern is pretty forgiving and has an elasticated waist so I figured not much could go wrong :) I made some alterations on the fly, extending the crotch length by about 3cm to account for my full tummy and ample derriere (sounds lovely, yes?). I also took out 3cm from the leg length as I am a bit of a shorty. This turned out to be perfect (thank goodness!). My measurements were between a medium and large so I cut the large.<br />
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The only part I probably wasn't in love with is the pockets. They are inseam pockets and I think probably add bulk to my thighs/hips which I can't afford. My husband said they definitely didn't, but what chance did he have with a question of 'Do my thighs look big in these?' Sitting duck. I also found the pocket installation confusing. Next time I make them I think I will try different pockets. And I do plan to make them again, this time cutting into some of my silk blend, also purchased from Hong Kong :)Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-48210052277482807462013-11-18T15:07:00.001-08:002013-11-18T15:08:48.938-08:00Fabric Shopping in Hong Kong<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We spent 8 days in Hong Kong and have been back for 2 weeks now. I visited the fabric store in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jordan,_Hong_Kong" target="_blank">Jordan</a> that I went to last year. He isn't the cheapest but he stocks lovely fabric, a lot from designer fashion houses last season's range. Jordan is next to <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/au/shop/where-to-shop/shopping-areas/tsim-sha-tsui.jsp" target="_blank">Tsim Sha Tsui</a> and walkable down Nathan Rd, although you can get the MTR (train). We were staying at the <a href="http://www.ymcahk.org.hk/sales/html/e_location.htm" target="_blank">YMCA</a> (we can really sing 'It's fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A -- ba boom tish!) so we just walked down Nathan Rd.<br />
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I visited <a href="http://www.discoverhongkong.com/au/shop/where-to-shop/shopping-areas/sham-shui-po.jsp" target="_blank">Sham Shui Po</a> fabric and craft area but to be honest I found it so confusing because there was SO much there. A lot of the fabric shops that have sample cards only sell wholesale or have a minimum of 10 yards and some a roll which I think was about 30 yards. You need to order the fabric and it is brought down from China, so it takes about 3-5 days. I like to get an idea of the drape and feel of fabric, so swatches is a bit difficult for me. On the streets, there are some sellers with rolls of fabric but it is pretty ad hoc and the sellers often don't speak English. Next time I'm there I hope to have time to really investigate Sham Shui Po fabric district, but with 3 children in tow and my husband working, it was difficult to do this trip.<br />
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I would estimate that the store I visit in Jordan is about half the price of similar fabrics here in Australia. It ranged from $10/yard for polyester to $20/yard for pure silk crepe. It is often 60 inches wide too. I have to think in imperial in Hong Kong instead of metric. A little confusing but I managed. I know that one yard is about 90cm. I bought 3 yards for slouchy pants and dresses, 2 yards for blouses or skirts. If I have leftover fabric, my girls are always keen for new clothes :)Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-60314740137078424992013-10-21T16:29:00.000-07:002013-10-21T16:29:00.227-07:00Cherry Half Circle Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Miss C loves looking through my stash and found some cherry patterned fabric that she loved. She asked if I could make a 'vintage looking skirt' with it. I decided to make her a circle skirt but only had one metre so it became a half circle skirt. I drafted the pattern myself using this <a href="http://www.danamadeit.com/2010/09/the-circle-skirt-tutorial.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a>.<br />
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I ended up having to cut the waist circle bigger to pull on which shortened the length but I don't think it ruined the result.<br />
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I used plain white elastic sewn straight onto the waist. Miss C doesn't like how that looks. Perhaps next time I'll dye some elastic to match.<br />
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I learnt a new skill as well -- using my rolled hem foot. It was really ingenious! When I saw it working I made little nerdy squeaks of excitement! It made hemming a curve very simple and I only had to fold under the one fold then the foot did the rest!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rolled hem foot in action!</td></tr>
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I'm going to call this a wearable muslin as I had to fiddle with the pattern, the elastic isn't ideal and the rolled hem was my first attempt ever and has a couple of flaws. I'll definitely make more!Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-10742615206378152542013-10-15T16:16:00.000-07:002013-10-15T16:32:39.908-07:00Summer Sailors by Brownie Goose <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My eldest daughter has just turned 8 and she is wearing a size 10 in clothes. This means she has outgrown most of the children's ranges of ready-made clothes and is into the teen clothes. I have had an awful time finding shorts that cover her butt. Most sewing patterns for children end at size 8 as well. Miss C also has my bodyshape and as she gets older it is kicking well into gear. She has a rounded bum, curvy thighs and legs, and a sway back. Unless pants are adjustable, they just don't fit her. I had the same problem as a kid and still do!! I wanted to get her some shorts that were dressy and after having no luck I found this pattern for <a href="http://browniegoose.blogspot.com.au/search/label/pattern%20list" target="_blank">Summer Sailors shorts from Brownie Goose</a>.<br />
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I'm not very good at 'shopping' from my stash but this time EVERYTHING came from my supplies including the elastic.<br />
Fabric: navy and white spotted poplin from my stash (bought a couple of years ago on sale at Spotlight)<br />
Buttons: 6 white buttons from my mum's button jar (probably buttons from my dad's PJs years ago!!)<br />
Bias binding: White single fold bias binding from my stash for the faux pocket detail and navy bias binding from my stash to bind the waist seam.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bound waist seam</td></tr>
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I am insanely happy with these shorts. The pattern was very simple but the instructions for the little details including making a flat front elasticised waistband, making the cuff loops etc were described very clearly in the instructions. And the pattern was a pdf so it was instant gratification!<br />
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I'm definitely going to make more of these. I saw a <a href="http://www.welcometothemousehouse.com/2013/06/brownie-goose-sailor-shorts-redo.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> for using the same pattern to make a different look.<br />
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The pattern is sized from 3 months to 12 years which is brilliant!<br />
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Best of all, my daughter loves them :)Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-46992469155869648152013-10-14T23:28:00.000-07:002013-10-14T23:28:00.082-07:00The sewing algorithmPerfect pattern + perfect fabric + careful cutting & sewing = FABULOUS finished garment.<br />
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I'm improving on the last one but the first two I am not so good at. I've now developed a block at matching up fabric and a pattern which has brought me to a stand-still.<br />
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Case in point. Beautiful Liberty of London fabric procured by my darling husband on a buying trip to London. I agonised over the pattern to use for it. And I FAILED. The lawn was way too crisp and the pattern needed better drape. I used <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5008-misses-dresses-cynthia-rowley-collection.aspx" target="_blank">this pattern</a> and got very sad results due to my fabric choice.<br />
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I was bitten and now I am freaked out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sad dress :(</td></tr>
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Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-5718867302097118302013-10-08T23:15:00.000-07:002013-10-08T23:17:40.768-07:00$5 Patterns at Spotlight Australia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If there is something I'm really good at it's adding to my pattern and fabric stash. Not so good at the finishing projects bit...<br />
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Paper patterns are $5 until Oct 30 2013 at Spotlight Australia, so I went in...twice. The second time I went I took Miss Eight who has never perused pattern books before. You also need to select the pattern yourself from the drawer these days. She thought it was all particularly awesome. Her quote: 'I never knew looking at patterns could be so EXCITING!' Sweet little nerd.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-14364573968000726532013-06-22T21:52:00.000-07:002013-06-22T21:52:52.067-07:00Crikey! More than a year since I last blogged. What on earth happened?<br />
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Firstly, I have done no sewing (making a dirndl skirt for my daughter's bookweek outfit doesn't really count). Secondly we have moved house twice and I didn't unpack my machine in the house-sit we had for 5 months. Thirdly, I was pregnant and suffered from<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> hyperemesis gravidarum -- severe morning sickness; I threw up until literally the day I delivered. And, as I've seen other pregnant women comment, my creative juices dry up when I'm pregnant. I have no motivation to sew.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, now I have 3 girls and my baby is nearly 6 months. We're slowly unpacking boxes and trying to find storage solutions to reduce our clutter. </span><br />
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My sewing table is set up and my machine and overlocker are headed off for a grease and oil change. I hope this is a fresh start for me and sewing.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-86197404789397851972012-04-28T20:52:00.001-07:002012-04-28T20:53:41.671-07:00Very exciting news: Gertie's book is available for pre-order. I discovered Gertie's blog <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/">Blogforbettersewing</a> a while back and she has just avalanched as every sewing girl's muse, girl crush, teacher, confidante...Go order it!! Go on!<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=bipmum-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=1584799919" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-31676487212710162312012-04-04T21:02:00.000-07:002012-04-04T21:02:40.022-07:00It's actually pretty funny that my last post was about my grand plans for sewing and then the wheels completely fell off of my life and rolled down the hill!<br />
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The other funny thing about my lack of sewing productivity is that despite not completing any projects recently, I have still added to my fabric stash and lined up future projects at the rate I would if I was prolific!<br />
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Currently nearing completion though is a dress made from some Liberty Lawn my husband procured for me while in London in January. I asked him to pick me up so Liberty fabric, thinking he might pop into a fabric store and buy some but he went all out and went to the main store, took photos and brought me home two 2 yard pieces.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923804424/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://media-cache2.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923804424_HIkFHog6_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/ALL-FABRICS/Strawberry-Thief-G-Liberty-Fabric/539" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">liberty.co.uk</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923804430/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923804430_KGBWcaJJ_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/NEW-SEASON-FABRICS/Boxford-D-Tana-Lawn-Liberty-Art-Fabrics/71018" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">liberty.co.uk</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
He does very well picking fabric for me although he tends to choose colours in the purple, blue, brown, gold colourways whereas I would gravitate towards greens, reds, pinks...But I don't complain!!<br />
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Do you have 'cutting-into-nice-fabric-phobia'? I do -- badly. I sweat over the choosing just the right pattern and preparing the fabric and cutting into it...Often I end up sewing with my crappy sale fabrics and leaving the good fabrics languishing in the stash! I decided I needed to bite the bullet and get stuck into sewing with some Liberty Lawn straightaway.<br />
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I chose this pattern to use the Strawberry Thief fabric:<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923804365/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="381" src="http://media-cache7.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923804365_96ysVags_c.jpg" width="265" /></a><br />
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</div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-5008-misses-dresses-cynthia-rowley-collection.aspx" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">simplicity.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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I am just sewing in the sleeves and you know...I don't think it was the best pattern to use the Liberty Lawn for. FRACK IT. The lawn is too crisp and the sleeves kind of stick out. I think this dress needed a fabric with a softer drape. But it's ok I guess. I just knew this would happen if I used some of my good fabric!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzsPDInoWWc/T30ZIombD7I/AAAAAAAAAgk/bNOwkOG1OQk/s1600/Liberty2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzsPDInoWWc/T30ZIombD7I/AAAAAAAAAgk/bNOwkOG1OQk/s320/Liberty2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sp9bJmo7hvs/T30ZJ4EC7QI/AAAAAAAAAgs/pXaPBcc0KQE/s1600/Liberty3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sp9bJmo7hvs/T30ZJ4EC7QI/AAAAAAAAAgs/pXaPBcc0KQE/s320/Liberty3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XoRsZ_r14U/T30ZLCgr6tI/AAAAAAAAAgw/el930WzMKoE/s1600/Liberty4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XoRsZ_r14U/T30ZLCgr6tI/AAAAAAAAAgw/el930WzMKoE/s320/Liberty4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-7072017763845073992012-01-14T20:47:00.000-08:002012-01-14T20:47:09.457-08:002012 - PlansIt's easy to make plans for sewing, but even easier to be distracted by whims and spur-of-moment inspirations along the way. But it is nice to start out with some sort of plan. My goals for sewing since 2009 have been to improve my skills and to work on fitting. So my sewing goals are not always driven by what I need in my wardrobe but also by what I want to learn or improve on.<br />
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<b>Jackets:</b><br />
Last year I had <a href="http://timepoorsewer.blogspot.com/2011/04/jackets.html">jackets</a> in my sights, but none of them became reality. So in 2012 I am determined to work on jackets in particular a navy linen blazer and a grey/blue wool short coat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyqGtOL6zGs/TaZb1FsOeLI/AAAAAAAAAas/TlKD8xURozc/s1600/fc08a0a3-4a65-4658-a52e-18a8fe7682a0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jyqGtOL6zGs/TaZb1FsOeLI/AAAAAAAAAas/TlKD8xURozc/s200/fc08a0a3-4a65-4658-a52e-18a8fe7682a0.jpg" width="189" /></a></div> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iMx5MkBdyM4/TaZctfzwUvI/AAAAAAAAAa0/qIbJCSymSuA/s1600/abeb6d2b-4197-4f65-ae7c-ff7caf1efe89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iMx5MkBdyM4/TaZctfzwUvI/AAAAAAAAAa0/qIbJCSymSuA/s200/abeb6d2b-4197-4f65-ae7c-ff7caf1efe89.jpg" width="189" /></a><br />
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Since I made my plans for jackets/coats, sewaholic (Canadian) has released a new pattern for a jacket, the minoru. I wasn't all that fussed by it as our climate doesn't really call for weather-proof, hooded jackets. But then I saw <a href="http://www.juliabobbin.com/2011/12/minoru-and-me.html" target="_blank">JuliaBobbin's version</a> and I was sold. My husband also just brought back some lovely tweed wool from Hong Kong and it is screaming to be made into a trench type coat. I certainly don't need that much outerwear so I have some decisions to make.<br />
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<b>Overlocker:</b><br />
In 2011, I learned just about every option for finishing a seam for people without an overlocker (serger). The problem is...I do own an overlocker. It sits sadly in the corner of my sewing room, unused. I believe I have it threaded properly but the tension is all out and I gave up trying to perfect it. I bought it second-hand a couple of years ago so I'm sure it needs a service. <b>One aim this year is to get my overlocker in working order.</b><br />
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</b><br />
<b>Handbag:</b><br />
I made my current nappy bag at the last minute and from stash fabric and it has served me very well! I'd like to try my hand at making a more sophisticated handbag. I'd like something that looks a bit Kate Spade-ish and I have my eye on this fabric and pattern.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923357120/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923357120_xZh0nGrK_c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/carolina-red" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">tessuti-shop.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923366302/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923366302_YY6hY5De_c.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://u-handbag.typepad.com/uhandblog/buy-pdf-download-sewing-patterns-by-uhandbag-.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">u-handbag.typepad.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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<b>Knit Fabric:</b><br />
I'd like to conquer my fear of sewing with knit fabric!<br />
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Other projects:<br />
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I have two more Burdastyle A-line skirts planned - one in a beautiful wool from Tessuti<br />
I am about to start on my Peony dress (Colette patterns) in a vibrant blue stretch sateen.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-62268191561099072012012-01-12T17:08:00.000-08:002012-01-14T01:27:29.539-08:002011 overviewI don't make New Year's Resolutions but I like to set some goals for myself particularly in sewing. Looking back over 2011 I am pretty pleased with what I achieved, sewing-wise.<br />
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<b>Firsts:</b><br />
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I worked on seam-finishing as I am always unhappy with just zig-zagging. I tried bound seams, pinked, and french seams for the first time in 2011.<br />
I spent more time making muslins and trying to get a better fit.<br />
I participated in two sewalongs both with <a href="http://sewaholic.net/">Sewaholic</a> -- the crescent skirt and the Lonsdale dress<br />
I went to <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/">Tessuti</a> for the first time!<br />
I acquired my mother's sewing machine.<br />
I tried shirring for the first time.<br />
I completed my first burdastyle pattern.<br />
I used my blind-hem foot for the first time!<br />
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My wishlist for sewing is always much bigger than time allows but I did get some of my wishlist ticked off. I set some goals for the <a href="http://timepoorsewer.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-09-14T18:29:00-07:00&max-results=7">Colette Spring Palette Challenge</a> and knew that it would be a Spring/Summer challenge. I finished 3 out of 6 -- the crescent skirt, pendrell blouse and lonsdale dress. Technically Summer is still here so I have time to still get more done! I have the peony pattern ready to go. I did actually make a muslin for the shirt dress but the fit was all wrong so I abandoned it.<br />
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Way back in May 2011 I bought a pattern and fabric to make an <a href="http://timepoorsewer.blogspot.com/2011/05/eyelet-inspiration.html">eyelet shift dress</a> and I have finally finished it! Photos to come.<br />
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I had grand plans to make <a href="http://timepoorsewer.blogspot.com/2011/04/jackets.html">a few jackets</a> but this didn't come off.<br />
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I did a little sewing for kids -- I made a skirt and jacket for Miss Six and I made a skirt for two of my nieces for Christmas.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfXwEf7w5H4/TnSBksEiaII/AAAAAAAAAeM/P903rj4VpwU/s1600/DSC_0502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YfXwEf7w5H4/TnSBksEiaII/AAAAAAAAAeM/P903rj4VpwU/s320/DSC_0502.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJGpbhf4YHI/TpppvB19fVI/AAAAAAAAAf8/oiwP6OLhy7A/s1600/crescent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DJGpbhf4YHI/TpppvB19fVI/AAAAAAAAAf8/oiwP6OLhy7A/s320/crescent2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvWX8cRygrs/Tppt8hTHRHI/AAAAAAAAAgA/J4drf5WNSA8/s1600/pendrell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvWX8cRygrs/Tppt8hTHRHI/AAAAAAAAAgA/J4drf5WNSA8/s320/pendrell.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-81948473166769587632012-01-05T19:50:00.000-08:002012-01-05T19:51:58.488-08:00Tessuti Sale<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-US40KjduU2E/TwZvVnm8b-I/AAAAAAAAAgU/hgTpXr7KN8E/s1600/tessuti+sale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-US40KjduU2E/TwZvVnm8b-I/AAAAAAAAAgU/hgTpXr7KN8E/s320/tessuti+sale.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>I had the immense pleasure to be spoiled with a trip to <a href="http://www.tessuti.com.au/">Tessuti</a> on the first day of its sale. They have 10%-50% off most fabrics. I usually can't afford to shop at Tessuti but the fabrics are so worth the money, if you have it. I managed to pick up one metre of black with a white flecked dot wool for 30% off. I'm going to make a Winter weight <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/102011-natt%C3%A9-knee-length-a-line-skirt?image=233814">A-line skirt</a>. I only needed one metre which cost me $40. I have the pattern. So I will get a pure wool skirt for under $50. That's not bad huh. I bought a couple of other more basic fabrics -- one was 30% off and the other 10%. It was REALLY hard to narrow down my choices.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-68621767425147212222011-12-29T19:35:00.000-08:002013-10-16T17:53:36.133-07:00Finished Project: Patternless Boho Maxi Dress - and when I went shirringFabric: A tribal print voile from Spotlight<br />
Cost: 2m @ $5 per metre (on sale) plus some shirring elastic<br />
Pattern: None<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkQ2-MypScg/Tv0vTGBlvzI/AAAAAAAAAgI/C8_hru7ng9Q/s1600/photo-18.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkQ2-MypScg/Tv0vTGBlvzI/AAAAAAAAAgI/C8_hru7ng9Q/s640/photo-18.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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I have seen a few people getting around in soft, flowy maxi dresses like this one and it made me think of walking on the beach in Thailand with a cocktail.<br />
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I wanted to have a go at <a href="http://pretty-ditty.blogspot.com/2009/04/smockingshirring-tutorial.html">shirring</a> and this looked like a good opportunity. I bought a wide voile and before I sewed it up I shirred the top and the middle. Very, very easy. Once I had finished the shirring, I sewed up the centre back seam which is the only seam. As I had used the whole width of the fabric I didn't finish the seams but just left the selvedge intact.<br />
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The only extra piece is the band over the bodice which I sewed wrong side to right side of the bodice so when I folded it over the right side was showing. I top stitched the two layers together to stop it rolling in or out.<br />
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I'm a size 12 and this has lots of room in it so I would imagine a 150cm wide fabric would do a 12-16. Smaller sizes could get away with a 112cm wide fabric. The shirring reduces it by about half but the elastic has a lot of give so it is almost one size fits all.<br />
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Shirring<br />
Shirring is very easy. You just buy some shirring elastic - mine was $2 from Spotlight - and wind it by hand onto your bobbin. Use regular thread in the machine. Everything then is as usual. You just sew parallel lines until you have an area that suits your purpose. I did four lines for the top and four for the middle.<br />
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Tips:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Play around with a scrap to adjust your tension and stitch length. I just used a slighter wider stitch length, about 2.5 whereas I would usually use about 1.5-2. Each machine will probably be different. </li>
<li>Sew on the right side so your regular cotton is on the outside and the elastic on the inside.</li>
<li>Line up your presser foot with the edge of your fabric for the first line of shirring and then line up your presser foot with the previous line of sewing.</li>
<li>Don't pull the fabric through the machine just use your hands to keep the fabric flat - you may need to pull gently from the front to keep the elastic flat.</li>
<li>To secure the beginning and end of each line just reverse a stitch or two as usual or you can tie it off.</li>
</ul>
Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-87537265326948538932011-12-18T17:51:00.000-08:002011-12-18T17:51:16.919-08:00Burdastyle 12/2011<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923343432/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923343432_5OUmVCvS_c.jpg" width="554" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/blog/winter-romance-stylish-staples-to-keep-you-warm" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">burdastyle.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
<br />
Have you seen previews of the new Burdastyle magazine? I must confess I stopped buying the magazine because the patterns and styling got a bit ridiculous and I couldn't trace off the patterns -- too many lines going everywhere. But I have seen some of the garments for this months magazine and I think I'll go out and buy it! I still won't trace off the patterns though. They have them available online to download and I've had success doing it that way, and they are reasonably priced.<br />
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I'm not crazy about the leather shorts but I really like these patterns!<br />
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Long jacket<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923343431/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923343431_vWd6BGDF_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/122011-white-wool-coat" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">burdastyle.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
Wool pants!<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923343426/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923343426_dIzLC5jY_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/122011-wool-pants" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">burdastyle.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Pique suit<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923343430/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923343430_dLniHTqH_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/122011-piqu%C3%A9-cropped-jacket" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">burdastyle.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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Dress with contrasting bow<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923343424/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923343424_T96r2Z1x_c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/122012-dress-with-contrasting-bow?image=241860" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">burdastyle.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div>Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-2411509274678473982011-12-17T03:23:00.000-08:002011-12-17T03:23:57.947-08:00Finished Project: Burdastyle A-line skirt with patch pockets 10/2011I finished my first Burdastyle pattern - <a href="http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/102011-natt%C3%A9-knee-length-a-line-skirt?image=233814">this A-line skirt</a>. (Sorry, no pices yet!) I love the 70s vibe with the big patch pockets and the top-stitching. I made it with a reddish/orange drill that I picked up from Spotlight's clearance table for $3/m. It's quite a heavy fabric so I didn't line it. I pinked all the seams which is the first time I've tried that. We'll see how it wears!<br />
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This should have been a really quick skirt to sew but I struck a problem with the zipper. It called for an invisible zipper to be sewn into the side seam. I don't have an invisible zipper foot but tried with my regular zipper foot which was a massive fail. I then tried put a regular zipper in and it was also a fail. FOUR attempts at putting in the zipper and I decided that sewing a zipper into a seam that has a two-layered pocket is ridiculous! By this stage I had already cut out the skirt and sewn it up. I decided to cut my losses with the side seam and I just sewed it close. Then I followed <a href="http://blog.caseybrowndesigns.com/2011/09/cssa-inserting-the-zipper/">Casey's (Elegant Musings) great tutorial</a> for putting a zipper in when there's no seam and I put the zipper down the back! I was so pleased with the results!<br />
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This is the first time I've finished a Burdastyle garment. The first one I lost a lot of weight while I was halfway through and abandoned it and the second one was supposed to be a maternity dress but I chose the fabric from hell and it was thrown in the bin! I didn't mind printing and sticking it together. The cutting instructions were vague. There were no sizes on the pattern pieces. Also it didn't tell you how many of each piece to cut on the actual pattern pieces. It does say in Step 2 but I didn't see that and only cut 2x pocket pieces and one of each waistband piece. It also only says to interface the outer waistband in the Cutting instructions but not in the construction step. So, you kind of need to know what the basic steps to putting a skirt together are.<br />
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I'd like to make this in a wool fabric for Winter. A bit like this <a href="http://www.millyny.com/Shop/All-Bottoms/DEANNA-A-LINE-MIDI-SKIRT-2594.html">Milly Wool Tweed Skirt</a>.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-91578131732446848842011-12-09T16:25:00.000-08:002011-12-09T16:25:06.489-08:00Christmas Giving and a few selfish wishesTime has not yet run out for me to make some Christmas gifts but the sand sure is running fast through that hourglass. I really want to make some gifts for my nieces and nephews but TIME, ugh. Where does it go?<br />
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Surely though I will be able to achieve some Lazy Days skirts. <br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923330599/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/63191200991099249_4gNQmj00_c.jpg" width="351" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2008/08/lazy-days-skirt-free-pattern.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">oliverands.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
And for my teenage nieces a make-up purse each. <br />
<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923177388/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923177388_Bsbwi5h7_c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.noodle-head.com/2010/04/gathered-clutch-tutorial.html" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">noodle-head.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
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We don't do a lot of presents for adults in our families which I think is good. It's much nicer to see the excitement on the children's faces as they unwrap their gifts. And as adults, I think we need to be setting an example of giving rather than receiving. I think Christmastime is a great time to get involved in charities like <a href="http://www.operationchristmaschild.org.au/">Samaritan's purse</a> - Miss Six and I had a great time choosing gifts for a shoebox. Miss Six chose the age bracket of 10-14 yrs, I think because it meant she could choose gifts I usually say are not 'appropriate' for her. But I also found out that this age group is the one that has the least boxes given so it felt good to be meeting a need.<br />
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For my siblings, we are giving something to eat and/or drink - because we all drink and eat so there's no danger of giving a gift that won't be used! And we are also giving a charity gift from either Samaritan's purse, <a href="http://www.compassion.com.au/content/gifts-of-compassion-home/gk3rp4">Compassion</a> or <a href="http://www.usefulgifts.org/">TEAR</a>. We're going to do a lucky dip to see what our gift is and where from.<br />
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But in amongst all my charitable sentiments I have some secret hopes for some little gifts for myself. And not surprisingly, they are sewing related. I'm hoping one of the following books will make their way to me: <br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1440215456/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sewing07c-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1440215456">Colette Sewing Handbook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sewing07c-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1440215456" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/030758674X/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sewing07c-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=030758674X">The Burdastyle Sewing Handbook</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sewing07c-20&l=as2&o=1&a=030758674X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1584799102/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=sewing07c-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1584799102">Oliver + S Little Things to Sew</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=sewing07c-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1584799102" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><br />
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And maybe, just maybe, a gift voucher for <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/">Tessuti</a>...Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-9158184477224363222011-11-30T17:39:00.000-08:002011-11-30T17:39:00.188-08:00Latest Pattern Aquisition<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923311507/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923311507_7WHJQuPu_c.jpg' border='0' width='553' height ='847'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.etsy.com/listing/81927530/1970s-childs-romper-playsuit-or-jumpsuit?ref=em'>etsy.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/janeelise/' target='_blank'>Jane</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br><br>Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-28435672987244891062011-11-29T17:38:00.000-08:002011-11-29T17:38:50.223-08:00Oliver+S digital patterns<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923311498/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923311498_p6L4GQHY_c.jpg' border='0' width='400' height ='265'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.oliverands.com/blog/2011/10/puppet-show-our-first-digital-pattern.html'>oliverands.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/janeelise/' target='_blank'>Jane</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br><br>Oliver+S make the cutest patterns for kids and the instructions make any seamstress look like a pro. I've <a href="http://timepoorsewer.blogspot.com/2011/04/pattern-review-olivers-jump-rope-dress.html">made three garments</a> for Miss Six and now I'm hoping to make some for Miss One Tomorrow.<br />
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The sad thing about Oliver+S patterns is that they go out-of-print but they have just started reissuing the op ones as digital downloads. How cool is that? I'm pretty partial to a downloadable pattern because they are usually cheaper and they are instantly attainable.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-18031525805435261592011-11-16T15:20:00.000-08:002011-11-17T00:12:50.485-08:00Rip it off: Anthro Tea-And-Crumpets Kid's ApronI might have to rip-off this Anthro children's apron. Cute, no?<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923290986/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="615" src="http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923290986_PgtrM4wL_c.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=18321893&catId=THERES_ALSO&pushId=HOME-KIDS&popId=HOME&navCount=18&color=070&isProduct=true&fromCategoryPage=true&isSubcategory=true&currentCategory=HOME-KIDS" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">anthropologie.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div><br />
There's even a matching grown up apron! <div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/242279654923290992/' target='_blank'><img src='http://media-cdn.pinterest.com/upload/242279654923290992_u94Sfv8p_c.jpg' border='0' width='200' height ='300'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=983503&parentid=BAYNOTE'>anthropologie.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/janeelise/' target='_blank'>Jane</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div><br />
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Actually, the more I study it, the more I think it is wasted as an apron and would make a super cute dress.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-42641843534364978882011-11-09T18:51:00.000-08:002011-11-09T18:51:22.222-08:00To sew or buy?I very rarely buy clothes - usually only t-shirts and jeans. I always think that I should make it. Exceptions are when the fabric is what makes it - ie. a border print or placement print that is unique - or something that is so dirt cheap I couldn't make it for the price. <br />
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Now this dress has tempted me to buy it.<br />
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<div style="line-height: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/481117430/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/242279654923280860_H4xEjuMG_c.jpg" width="450" /></a></div><div style="float: left; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px;">Source: <a href="http://shopruche.com/summer-picnic-floral-dress-in-red-p-8150.html#NP=1ad9218db77936b3492b7528d0a3b78d" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;">shopruche.com</a> via <a href="http://pinterest.com/janeelise/" style="color: #76838b; font-size: 10px; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Jane</a> on <a href="http://pinterest.com/" style="color: #76838b; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div></div>It's pretty much perfect. I love the fabric and everything about the style. It is $US32.99 and although I could make it cheaper I probably wouldn't. My measurements for bust, waist and hips sit perfectly on the Medium size. But hold on, what's this? 34" in length from shoulders? I'm 163cm tall which is not really tall - about 5'3" - and this dress would still be about 7 or 8 inches above my knee! Where are we wearing skirts these days? I bend over a million times a day and often have both hands occupied with my butt facing the public while I strap kids into the car. This would have to be a tunic over leggings for me. Not a bad idea. But what do tall people do?Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-90253506028016978912011-11-09T18:31:00.000-08:002011-11-09T18:31:03.683-08:00What I like vs what I wearIn my mind I spend my days tripping through fields of flowers wearing a floaty, romantic dress. I tend to be drawn to beautiful floral fabrics that will make a lovely 1950s style dress or patterns with ruffles and skirts.<br />
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In reality, I spend most of my life doing school drop off and pick up and playing on the floor with a baby. I need to focus on sewing clothes I can be comfortable in but also feel good in when I am running around the place to the shops, piano lessons or school assemblies.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-53642870643884697672011-11-07T15:20:00.000-08:002011-11-07T15:20:15.697-08:00Sewing challengeI've been set a little challenge to replicate a baby's bonnet/hat from a photo taken thirty-some years ago. Sewing dainty things is tricky! I think I have the prototype down and now to source the right fabric and lace. It needs to be just right for a sweet little girl.Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-19237106682591546102011-11-03T18:38:00.000-07:002011-11-03T18:38:39.880-07:00WIP: Bargain Burdastyle Knee Length A-line Skirt 10/2011Ok, this is why I am not a very productive sewer. I went to Spotlight this morning which is about a 40 minute endeavour, and I wanted lining for a skirt I'm making. The problem is, the fabric for the skirt cost $6 from the sale table and I couldn't bring myself to pay more for the lining than the skirt! So I walked out empty-handed. I have some purple lining in my stash that I bought as a remnant for $2 but the skirt is orange and I wanted white lining. But now I'm thinking...purple and orange? Why not?<br><br>This is the skirt I'm making. Pattern from Burdastyle (10/2011 Natté Knee Length A-Line Skirt)<br />
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<div style='padding-bottom: 2px; line-height: 0px'><a href='http://pinterest.com/pin/420650903/' target='_blank'><img src='http://d30opm7hsgivgh.cloudfront.net/upload/242279654923267283_mR0lk7HF_c.jpg' border='0' width='475' height ='633'/></a></div><div style='float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;'><p style='font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;'>Source: <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://www.burdastyle.com/projects/102011-natt%C3%A9-knee-length-a-line-skirt?image=233814'>burdastyle.com</a> via <a style='text-decoration: underline; font-size: 10px; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com/janeelise/' target='_blank'>Jane</a> on <a style='text-decoration: underline; color: #76838b;' href='http://pinterest.com' target='_blank'>Pinterest</a></p></div>Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-64030780713214911852011-10-15T22:48:00.000-07:002011-10-15T22:48:21.158-07:00Finished Project: The Emergency 'Interview Blouse'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvWX8cRygrs/Tppt8hTHRHI/AAAAAAAAAe8/1dkaI1zNBSQ/s1600/pendrell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nvWX8cRygrs/Tppt8hTHRHI/AAAAAAAAAe8/1dkaI1zNBSQ/s400/pendrell.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pattern: Sewaholic Pendrell Blouse (yes, my last 3 projects have been Sewaholic patterns)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fabric: Lightweight Cotton Sateen (Spotlight)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I had an interview this week and I decided I had NOTHING TO WEAR!! I suggested to my husband, the night before the interview, that I would sew something and he refrained from laughing but it was obvious he thought I was either joking or had completely lost it. But I did it. I figured this took me 3 hours sewing time. I had already sewed two muslins the weekend before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first muslin I made was the size 12 and it was enormous!! My bust and waist measurements were slightly bigger than the 10 but smaller than the 12 so I cut the 12. I went back and cut the 10 tapering down to an 8 over the hips and it was a pretty good fit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used french seams throughout -- the fabric was light enough. It was a bit bulky on the seam that includes the sleeve cap but as it didn't need to lay flat it was ok. It sits nicely out although I would wear a belt I think. I should have done a sway back adjustment but didn't have time. Tucked in or using a belt, this shouldn't matter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The pleated sleeves were very easy to sew -- I looked up the sewalong to see how Tasia did them. My big mistake on this pattern was that I didn't cut the size 10 for the sleeves, I just cut the biggest size!! So this is a size 10 blouse with size 16 sleeves. Oops!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This top was so comfortable to wear and I felt really confident. It is unlined and will be lovely in the hot weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Excuse the creased state of my skirt. This was after the interview and after doing the school run. Miss Six snapped a quick picture with my iphone. </div>Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4187237936094023259.post-79507363976003174692011-10-15T22:33:00.000-07:002011-10-15T22:35:19.259-07:00Finished Project: Crescent Skirt Mark 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJGpbhf4YHI/TpppvB19fVI/AAAAAAAAAe0/5HqF73N9CjQ/s1600/crescent2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DJGpbhf4YHI/TpppvB19fVI/AAAAAAAAAe0/5HqF73N9CjQ/s400/crescent2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Pattern: <a href="http://sewaholic.net/sewing-pattern-store/1101-crescent-skirt/">Sewaholic Crescent Skirt</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fabric: Skirt - Light Cotton Sateen; Lining - black cotton batiste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The sateen is very soft and drapey. I used batiste for the lining so the skirt would still be light and cool for summer...but not see-through in the sun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is my second Crescent Skirt. The first was way too big around the waist and although I took it in it still is too big and the zipper comes down (what's with that??). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made this two sizes smaller and held up the waistband and the side seams were spot-on. I decided to baste in the zipper to see how it fit for sure and it was too big. I couldn't figure this out until it finally occurred to me that my back is one, maybe two sizes smaller than my front. I have a sway back and a ahem protruding bottom. I do have mild scoliosis. My back actually is very concave. So I just tweaked the back waistband pieces and got a pretty good fit. To fit my sway back I usually take a horizontal tuck out of the back -- it didn't occur to me I needed to take out width. Yes, I know you all could see that coming but it took me a while to figure it all out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I finished the centre back seam with bias binding and I think I finally got it! This is the third garment I have bound the seam for and the other twice was less than satisfactory. This time I lined up the binding opened out with the seam edge and sewed on the fold. I then trimmed the binding and seam by half and folded the binding over. Then I stitched on the other side. I didn't have to worry about whether I caught in both sides. I love this seam finishing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For the lining I just folded the seam allowance over and stitched it down. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think next time I sew a skirt I am going to try a <a href="http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Sewing/Howtos/Quick+Lapped+Zipper.htm">lapped zipper</a>. I'm not 100% happy with how my zippers are looking. But I am happy with this skirt. In Autumn I'll wear it with tights and a cardigan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Jane Elisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426106915403668153noreply@blogger.com0