Fabulous Finds

In Melbourne, Australia us teachers work a four term year, so every 10-11 weeks we get a two week term break; then, at the end of the school year in December we have a five week break.

A pleasant ritual begun many years ago with my friend Jo.  At least once during a term break we will head to Mornington and scour second hand stores.  I look mainly for sewing related paraphernalia and Wedgwood and Jo Jo for art deco bags and collectable plates (this is only a short description of what we look for).

I quickly learnt through Jo, many a moon ago, that what families disregarded as useless (usually anything sewing related) ended up in second hand stores.  Over the years I have found good pieces of fabric never used; unfinished quilts; much haberdashery; vintage patterns and sewing books.  Somehow, some of this comes my way as I feel sorry that this stuff has ended up in a second hand store, I feel it is my duty to ensure it finds a good home where someone will appreciate it.  Here is a photo:

The background fabric is now in the process of 'becoming' something.

It gets me thinking, what do I want to happen to my sewing collection?

I don’t want it to end up in a second hand store.

I do want it to go to someone, or some organisation that would appreciate it.

I’ve decided.  It should go to the National Trust of Australia.  Once a year they have a sale of donated clothing, jewellery, hats, linen and sewing parphinalia.  The money from these sales goes towards the repair of costumes in their collection.  I would feel happy with this.

Have a good week, I'm back at work tomorrow.

Sandra

Ottobre Saffron Coat

Hi everyone

I finally finished the Ottobre Saffron Coat, Autumn/Winter 5/2013.  My coat is not Saffron in colour, nor did I make it from a wool fabric.

I decided at the time, when it came to cutting fabric, that as I was uncertain whether the coat would suit me, that I would cut the coat out of pin wale cord.  In hindsight, I should have cut it out of a wool fabric as it would be be a better weight of fabric more suitable for a coat.

Above is how it looked before I added the lining.

I really do think that a wool fabric would have sat better.  Now the decision, do I now make it up in the fabric intended or do I move onto another design?

Below is the lining to the jacket.  I often like a contrasting lining, it adds a surprise.  Why shouldn't the inside of a coat or jacket add a pop of colour?

Currently working on a skirt and a top, again out of Ottobre magazine.  I am so impressed with the fit of the patterns from this magazine.  If you haven't given them a try, please do. I'd be interested in what you think of the patterns.  I do like the sizing and fit of the patterns.

Have a great week everyone.

Sandra


#sewing   #dressmaking     #ottobre