Cross Body Bag Pattern - So Sew Easy

Twelve months ago I applied for the final three weeks to the school year as Long Service Leave (LSL).  I felt I needed a longer break (usually 5 weeks), plus I wanted to visit a friend in Singapore.

I wanted to carry with me a handbag that was light, but that would carry everything I needed everyday, including some water bottles.

I came across the Cross Body Bag Pattern from So Sew Easy   There are a few things that attracted me to this pattern:

• my experience with patterns from the So Sew Easy site always lived up to expectations of being easy to sew and construct
• were asthetically pleasing
• had lots of pockets, some very secure (useful for travelling)
• I could fit important documents/passports and water bottles into the bag

So many pockets:

Since the pattern appeared to tick all of these criteria, I went ahead and made the bag.  Besides the written instructions, the designers of this bag also have a link to a youTube clip that can help you through the process.

I took this bag with me to Singapore and it was the right bag to carry around.  It met all my criteria.

As promised, the bag is easy to make.  I would like to try and make this bag again in a cork.  Watch this space, that version could be coming in the future.

On a side note, Singapore is quite a Sewing Mecca.  I did not realise until I got there how many fabric/haberdashery shops there were.  Good quality fabric at extremely reasonable prices.  Arab Street, Little India, Chinatown.  WOW.  Here's some bark cloth I purchased for $6 a yard:

And there was more fabric, more fabric than I could have imagined .....

Happy sewing everyone, and happy new year.

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; #CSCMakes; #Melbournesews,  #handmadewardrobe, #memade, #memadeeveryday, #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew, #handmadeclothing, #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes

Sinclair Patterns - S1050 Bianca Knit Bolero

I have two more posts to write before we ring in the new year.  So I will write these today.  

The first one is Sinclair Patterns - S1050 Bianca Knit Bolero.

I was fortunate again to be chosen to be a pattern tester for this top.  My not bloggin about this top, I think, had more to do about me being so busy at work.  It was a crazy time, I was applying for a job closer to home and was involved in VCAA exam marking, and preparing to go on LSL to Singapore for a week.  Just like me to do too much at once.  All of this distracts for my post here.

Pattern sizing

Pattern sizing for Sinclair patterns start at Petite Size US0 to Tall US22.  I made this pattern in a size Regular US22.


Did it look like the photo on the pattern envelop once you were done sewing with it?

I think the dress did look like the photo and the drawing in the magazine once finished.


Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions for the dress were very easy to follow, I think that's the beauty of the design of Sinclair Patterns.  Very few seams and great tips have been included in the instructions


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I have sewn a few Sinclair Patterns now and what I like is the designs are simple, yet stylish.  This bolero is versatile and is quick and easy to put together.


Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?

It was my intention to make another before posting a blog on this bolero, so, yes I have every intention of making it again.  I would probably suggest that you place some light interfacing in the collar part of the bolero.

This is a great, light weight bolero.  I took it with me when I visited Singapore (not that I needed it in Singapore), but it was certainly useful in Melbourne, before I boarded the flight.  I can see it being made in a stretch after five fabric for use in evening wear.  Certainly a must have addition to you wardrobe.

Happy sewing everyone and Happy New Year

Sandra

PS Follow this link, CSC scroll down, and there you will see my Bella skirt and Bianca top featured there.

#handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; #CSCMakes; #Melbournesews, #handmadewardrobe, #memade, #memadeeveryday, #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew, #handmadeclothing, #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, @sinclairpatterns #sinclarpatterns.

18. Ladder Stripes. Ottobre Design Autumn/Winter 5/2017

I guess I can't help myself, it's Summer over here and I have wanted to make this pattern for a while.  Finally the urge became so strong that I just had to make it.

I've never hidden the fact of how much I love Ottobre Design Patterns.  Their patterns are available via subscription, or, you can choose to purchase individual issues.  It actually works out cheaper to purchase them via subscription and do come in English.

Just like Burda or Patrones, you will need to trace off the pattern pieces from a master sheet.  The pattern pieces are easy to identify on the master sheet. Just add a 1 cm seam allowance.

I had already traced off the pattern and in my stash found a fabric that I could use for this dress.

Pattern Description

This is a figure hugging dress with a flared hemline made in a stretch fabric.


Pattern sizing

Pattern sizing for Ottobre patterns start at 34 Eu to 52 EU.  I made this pattern in a size 52 EU.


Did it look like the photo on the pattern envelop once you were done sewing with it?

I think the dress did look like the photo and the drawing in the magazine once finished.


Were the instructions easy to follow?

The instructions for the dress were very easy to follow and had soe nifty tips for sewing up the dress to reduce stretch around the neckline.


What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

What I particularly liked about the pattern is it's ease of construction and the fact that it is simple to complete within a few hours.


Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?

I would recommend this pattern to others to sew.  If I do sew it again I might try and make it in a heaviee weight fabric and I may even make it in a size smaller than the one I chose.


This is a quick and easy dress to make.  Give it a try.


Also check out  Fans de Ottobre Design


Happy sewing everyone and Merry Christmas.

Sandra

#handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; #CSCMakes; #Melbournesews, #handmadewardrobe, #memade, #memadeeveryday, #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew, #handmadeclothing, #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing,

Sinclair Patterns, S1012 Bella woven half circle skirt

A couple of weeks ago l tested the Sinclair Patterns, S1012 Bella - woven skirt.

The pattern itself comes in US sizes 0 - 22. I made the skirt  from a polyester/cotton mixed fabric that l had in my stash.

Besides the fit, l really like the way the waistband sits firm. I don't usually wear my tops out, bit with this waistband, the look is better with your top tucked in.

The skirt called for lining, but, since the weather has been warm, l skipped that bit.

I like the fit of the skirt and the pockets are nifty.

I think an easy to make skirt.  I just love it, try it, l hope you do to.  If you head over to Sinclair Patterns web site, at the moment they are having a sale.


I am currently holidaying in Singapore at the moment. I didn't quite realise how many fabric places there are to purchase fabric.  I've lost count, and the prices are more than reasonable.

Here's some photos of my fabric haul.

Can't wait to get home to start sewing.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

#handmade, #handmadewardrobe, #memade, #memadeeveryday, #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew, #handmadeclothing, #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes, #Melbournesews, #Australiasews, #Brunswicksews @sinclairpatterns

Stella S1020 - Sinclair Patterns

It may look like I've gone quiet online, but, I've actually been busy.  Between formally marking VCAA exams (Year 12 exams for Victorian Students), work, finding a new job to begin in 2018 and testing patterns; I've hardly had time to breath. I'm getting to the end of the marking, and then in a week I take some long service leave and fly out to Singapore.  I should be able to think about Christmas after then.

I was chosen to test the S1020 Stella pattern from Sinclair Patterns.

At first I didn't know whether it would be flattering on my frame.  My other concern was whether it would be long enough to hide my tummy.

I didn't make any changes to the pattern itself, except that I added 2.5 cm (1") in the bodice length to suit me.  This is a usual adjustment I make to all patterns for me as I am longer in the torso.

Sinclair Patterns are PDF and come together easily.

I decided that the choice of fabric was crucial.  Too stiff and and it would look like a tent.  In all honesty, I think I took more time choosing the fabric than I did sewing it.

In the end I found two colour ways (or as close to) that would compliment each other.  The fabric I choose was a polyester rayon.

I can't criticise the sizing on the pattern, I can only compliment the company on their sizing. I think the sizing reflects the 'real' sizing of a woman.

Sewing of this top was done within two hours, it is comfortable to wear and easy to sew.  It's just been released and on sale for $7.99 at the moment.  I would highly recommend the Stella S1020 Sinclair Pattern.

Happy sewing everyone

Sandra

PS it does cover my tummy!

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; @sinclairpatterns, #CSCMakes

Butterick B6412 and meeting Gertie Hirsch

What better excuse to make a dress than when you've got tickets to meet Gertie Hirsch at a Garden Party on Melbourne Cup Day.  (My excuse, anyway).  Hosted by the Thread Den.

What to make?  I think I took a while to decide.  

I knew which fabric to use.  Let me start there.  A few years ago an infamous fabric store closed down, on the day that Jobs Warehouse closed down I acquired a roll of royal blue, silk dupion for $5 (yes, a whole 30 metres or so of this gorgeous fabric).  It's been sitting there ever since.  So, since it had bird poo on the selvage I cut off around 7 metres and sent it away to be dry cleaned (figured it would shrink in the process anyway, preferred that I do it now rather than after I'd made the dress).

As for the pattern, in the end, with too much choice on hand, I decided on Butterick B6412 a Gertie desinged pattern.  I decided that since it was an older pattern it was unlikely that two other people in the room would make this dress.  (I was right).

As for the design, I liked it. It was classic and probably the first time I'd decided to wear a circle skirt on a dress.

I made a toile:

I decided it was easier to redraft the circle skirt than grade this part of the pattern.

I liked it, so I decided to go with it.

Using Gertie's instructions from one of her books I attached horsehair braid to the lining to give it some flounce.  That worked well.  I decided not to attach it to the outer layer as I felt that I didn't want to hand sew the braid on by hand and may show through.  The silk dupion is one of my favourite fabrics to work with, so no issues in this regard.

How do I feel about the pattern?  (This is about the Butterick pattern and not the design).

Jury is out on this.  I am unsure whether it is my grading or the pattern itself.  On a Facebook site, someone mentioned that when they made this dress it gaped at the front.  I didn't think it would, but, it did to some extent.  If only had a red bra underneath, it would have gone with my accessories.

I need to have a bit of a whinge about sizing on commercial patterns, seriously they are out of line with the sizing used by indie designers.  When I look around a room of women, very few would really fit in with commercial pattern sizing without an issue. I know, I am plus size, but it doesn't mean that I want to wear frumpy clothes, and neither does that mean that I want to wear one colour.

I am going to go back and sew down the center front bodice.

And so onto my afternoon at The Garden Party with Gertie.  It was a delightful way to spend Melbourne Cup Day.  It is the one day of the year where I think you can get away with dressing up to the nine's and no one will flinch an eyelid.

It was a pleasure to meet this designer keeping vintage fashion alive.  Gertie was delightful to talk to.  What a wonderful feeling that she must have to be able to travel to Australia to promote her books and patterns.  I've often thought how one must feel when, someone becomes well known in the media, and they look back on what they've achieved, did they every think that this is where their path would have taken them?

Gertie is so photogenic (unlike me) and graceful.

It's great to have an event to sew for, and there were so many lovely garments sewn by others, particularly the one made from linen tea towels!

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

@gertie18 @threaden @cscsews #vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; #CSCMakes

Jennifer Lauren - Laneway Dress

I'm sure if you've been sewing as long as I have you would have to agree that the internet has been a wonderful thing for us.  Instead on relying on books and magazines as our only source of new ideas, and relying on the big pattern making companies, we can now search the internet for indie designers all over the world.

There are some talented people out there.

Although I can pattern draft, I work a full time job, so don't really have the time to draft and test my own patterns.  The process is long, but, worthwhile.  However, when a girl just wants to make a garment in a weekend, the girl wants what the girl wants and so, I use patterns from other designers.  I can use my skills to alter a pattern, when I need to (believe me, as I've got older, I need to alter more).

I purchased the the Jennifer Lauren Laneway Dress pattern after I got picked as one of her pattern testers for the Afternoon Shift Dress. I really liked the style of the pattern, and knew that the design would suit me.

I had purchased these vintage buttons ages ago and decided they would look great on the bodice fold on this dress:

Yes, yes, I could have relied on my stash, that I have sworn several times that I would not add to. I failed. On a fabric shop expedition, I came across a poppy fabric in the remnants bins at Rathdowne Fabrics 2.5 metres for $14.50, how could I resist?  It was red, and spoke to me, and it evoked memories of travelling in the UK and seeing poppies wild in the fields near Stonehenge.  (Trouble was, I had to go back the next day to buy another 20 cm to finish the sleeves).

It was worth breaking my deal with myself, I absolutely love the finished garment.  The pattern itself allows for different bust cup sizes, and I added length by adding a black boarder at the hem of the dress.

The PDF pattern is easy to put together.  I quite like the way this has been planned by Jennifer.  Instead of having 50 pages printed out and put together in one length, she has planned it into more manageable pieces.  (I don't then cut this, I use this as my master and trace off it).

I like the fit of this pattern (including any adjustments I made for my measurements).

I think that the fabric is absolutely fabulous for this pattern.  Having said that, I have just bought some wax print fabric, but first, I must tackle a Gertie Hirsch pattern.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

4 November 2017

I was nicely surprised to see that The Curvy Sewing Collective featured this dress on their blog.  I am flattered.

@rathdownefabrics, @jenniferlaurenhand, #handmadewardrobe, #memade, #memadeeveryday, #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew, #handmadeclothing, #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes 

Sinclair Patterns. The Alexis Relaxed Fit Hoodie

I was one of many who was chosen to test Sinclair Patterns, Alexis Hoodie. I thank them for giving me this opportunity.

I must admit, we are going into Summer over here, and l didn't really think l would get a chance to wear it before next year!

Melbourne hasn't let me down. In typical Melbourne fashion after finishing the dress, we had a week of 30 degrees, followed by a change in temperature to a more winter type day. This was finally my time to wear my new outfit!! Plus, it was Friday and a time for something more casual.

So, let me talk about the pattern.

I procrastinated initially about my fabric choice. In the end l settled on a ponte and for the sleeves a stretch knit from my stash.

It took me about 4 hours to put together. The pattern comes together easily. I like the fit of it (the pattern has now been altered to reflect suggestions from testers). The instructions are clear, and easy to follow.

This outfit works well with leggings or tights. Dress it up if you like with some high heels (preferably red, in my case),  and you have another look. Its soooo comfy, l feel like l've been in my pajamas all day, but, with a bit of style!

The compliments have been positive.

So, thank you Sinclair patterns for selecting me.  It was a challenge to get it made in a short time line, but l enjoyed the discussion amongst other testers. I do want to more pattern testing. So, if you are a pattern designer, you know where l am.

I have purchased another pattern off this company. You'll have to watch this space to see which one, that's after l finish an Ottobre dress, a Gertie dress .... And the list goes on.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra


4 November 2017

I was very flattered to find this morning that my instagram post on this hoodie was in the round up of instagram accounts on The Curvy Collective blog.  Thank you.

@sinclair patterns
#handmadewardrobe, #memade, #memadeeveryday, #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew, #handmadeclothing, #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes

Sandra Loves Sewing: 2. Art Student denim skirt. Ottobre Design Woman ...

Sandra Loves Sewing: 2. Art Student denim skirt. Ottobre Design Woman ...: I'd been eyeing off this pattern in Ottobre Design Woman Autumn/Winter 5/2017 for a few months now. The pattern calls for a stretch...

02. Art Student . Ottobre Design Woman - Autumn/Winter 5/2017

I'd been eyeing off this pattern in Ottobre Design Woman Autumn/Winter 5/2017 for a few months now.

The pattern calls for a stretch denim, and since denim in any other colour other than black, blue or white is hard to find, it was not going to be made out of denim.

Besides, I have fabric in my stash...and so I found this piece of red polyester suiting to make it from.  I really like the way it turned out.  

1. Fit - I enjoy the fit of Ottobre patterns.  Although I did have to adjust the pattern to allow for my waistline.
2. Construction - this is an easy to construct pattern.  I could not find a metal zip in red and so decided to settle on the white zip (which possibly could be too heavy for the fabric I used).  Lots of topstitching.  I didn't think at first that the pattern would look good on me, however, it looks good on.
3. Instructions - are easy to follow.
4. Pattern - pattern needs to be traced off the master sheet, but the magazine's printing makes it very easy to identify each of the pattern pieces.
5. I deliberately did not topstitch the waistband, I want to loose some weight, so did not want to have to unpick this later down the track.

Do try Ottobre patterns.  If you subscribe online it works out cheaper than purchasing individual copies.

Check out Fans de Ottobre for wonderful creations from fellow sewers of Ottobre garments!

Jennifer Lauren Laneway dress is next on my sewing table.

What have you under your sewing machine needle?

Happy sewing

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @anakiequilter, #OttobreDesign, 

Jennifer Lauren Handmade. The afternoon shift dress and blouse.

I was so excited to be selected as one of the people to pattern test this dress and blouse.  Yes, I decided I wanted to make both.

When you look at this pattern online, it is as simple to make as it looks.  Since a friend and I are travelling to Singapore this December, where it would be hot, hot, hot, I felt I needed to complete a dress that was uncomplicated on those hot and humid days.

It was always my intention to make the dress and the blouse. In the end I made two dresses and the blouse.  (You may tell from the look on my face that I hate having my photo taken).

Made from a voile - William Morris print

Cotton fabric

Polyester fabric

A bit of background story is needed to the fabric used in the blouse.  This fabric is about 15 years old.  My brother brought it back with him from a trip to Malta (with another piece of fabric).  It is only now that I have used this one.  Because I haven't used the fabric until now, my brother said he wouldn't buy me any more fabric on his trips overseas.  So, now I'm wondering, have I half redeemed myself and go back into the category of brother looking for fabric for me overseas?

Thanks to my brother Mark Avellino, from http://www.markavellinoweddings.com.au/ for the photos.

So, here is what I think about the pattern (although you may have gathered that I did enjoy making it from the two dresses and one blouse!

1. Fit- I found the fit to be great.  It is a comfortable fit.  I didn't make any changes to the pattern.  It turned out as I expected it to.
2. Construction- This pattern came together as planned.  I had no problems (didn't mean I didn't make mistakes).  As named 'afternoon shift dress', well I made a dress and the blouse in one afternoon (helps if you are using the same colour thread on your machine)!
3. Instructions- The instructions are easy to follow and clearly explain anything that may at first appear complex.  I actually followed the instructions this time around (I have a habit of not necessarily following pattern instructions; however, as I was reviewing this pattern I thought that I better).  I would recommend this to a beginner sewer.
4. Pattern Printing- I used the print-at-home version, and everything came together well.  This pattern is clever in the manner it is printed. When you print it you print off according the pieces your require.  I had no problems figuring out my size.  The instructions are very clear and would suit a beginner sewer.
5. I was going to add a mini piping onto the neckline of the red and white top, however didn't.  My decision not to had nothing to do with the pattern itself, but rather the fabric.  Oddly enough this polyester fabric kept slipping and felt that the mini piping would add an unnecessary weight to the neckline and warp it.  Having said this, I would like to make this blouse/dress again in more of a mid weight fabric that could take the added weight in the neckline, I think this would add a different effect to the neckline and in effect give it another look.  Also, next time I might increase the length of the dress so that  it is a tad longer.  However, this is a personal preference rather than a criticism of the pattern.

Do try this pattern if you are looking for an easy to sew dress.

On my sewing table at the moment, is an Ottobre Skirt to go with the blouse and the Jennifer Lauren Laneway dress.

What have you been sewing?

Sandra

@jenniferlaurenhandmade; #jenniferlaurenhandmade; #vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; @anakiequilter, @markavellinoweddings

Hexagon madness

What starts off as a quick idea, eventually is not. Especially when you don't have enough fabric. All good, sorted.

I love hexagons, however, I'm hardly going to do them by hand.  Unfortunately, there aren't enough hours in a day for this.

More pregnant women discovered at work, so, it just had to be hexagons .... large hexagons, very large hexagons, machine sewn.

Place your pins in at the ends at the angle shown here:

The key to sewing hexagons by machine is to stop short on each of the edges by 1/4". Place your line in at the angle shown here.  Make sure you lock your stitches at the beginning and end of this line, as this will ensure that your sewing won't unravel.

Continue with this method until you finish the entire quilt.

Trust me, it works.

I like the finished quilt top, it beats sewing squares together and is quite effective.

What have you been up to?  I hope your day involved sewing.  I'm excited about what I'm working on next...you'll have to wait until next week!

Sandra

Did you say "Chanel"?

There's nothing better than receiving a gift that you didn't expect to receive. Even better when it's sewing related.

At first my reaction was, "no, not another book".  The book is called "Famous Frocks.  The Little Black Dress" by Dolin Bliss O'Shea.  On further inspection it was a book with patterns included, and to boot there is an interpretation of a dress by Coco Chanel. Now you've got me interested. Having said that, I don't think I'II ever purchase a Chanel outfit, one, because of price and two, because of my size (I doubt that I am their target market).

However, I do appreciate the design style.

The book looks like the instructions are very clear and easy to follow, my criticism is that the sizing could have been extended up another two dress sizes.

The author interprets designs worn by Ava Gardner and Audrey Hepburn.  However, I look forward to making the interpretation of a dress by Coco Chanel!

Watch here to see my interpretation!

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Decades of Style 1940s Claremont Coat (Part 2)

Sewing is the one constant in my life, I've been sewing for longer than I can remember.  Sometimes the simplest of things can give us the most difficulties.

This blog post continues on from my previous post https://sandralovessewing.blogspot.com.au/

This pattern is a beautiful coat to sew.  The pattern is not hard, until you decide to stray from the instructions.  I knew that I wasn't going to hand sew the lining in (as per the instructions), so, one of my challenges was to bag the lining.  However, unlike my previous attempt at this technique, I wanted it to be perfect.  Herein lies the problem, when you strive for some sort of perfection, this in itself can be a blocker.  I never used to be like this, yes, I always have strived for my sewing items to be top quality finish, I think I think about things too much these days.

I overcame my block with bagging the lining, and am happy with the finish.  Then another blocker was thrown in my path.  The buttonholes!  Of course I couldn't finish the buttonholes, the fabric was too thick for the automatic buttonhole to work efficiently.

Then it was suggested to me that I could make a bound buttonhole.  So, I thought about it for a while, did a bit of research, and decided that it would have been better to have planned to do this from the beginning.

Back to the drawing board.  I could:

1. get a business that specialises in button holes to do the button holes for me.
2. hand sew the button holes
3. investigate whether there was an attachment for my machine that would deal with bulky fabric

The third option began to grow legs after investigation on good old Google.

Phone call to my sewing machine centre, and low and behold, I have finally finished my @decades_of_style coat.  Set with vintage buttons:

So, lesson learnt:

1. Plan all aspects of your sewing from the beginning
2. Make sure you've got all the right equipment to do the job

I will make this coat again, it feels very nice on.

Happy sewing everyone, glad I got this one done before the end of winter!

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; 

1940s Claremont Coat - Decades of Style

July in Melbourne, Australia can get quite chilly.  I'm sure, that by comparison to other parts of the world it's relatively mild. June was quite warm by comparison.

I really like this weather, but, it's only good if you are suitably rugged up.  So herein lies the problem. You throw your favourite coat out because it started looking tatty last season with every good intention of making another coat before the next season.  As I said good intentions.

As you well know, I've reached a sewing block in my head, usually I'm enthusiastic.  I can not give you any good excuse as to why I haven't been sewing, I just haven't.

I purchased the pattern to the 1940s Claremont Coat  from Decades of Style a while ago. A beautiful, stylish coat.

It came in PDF format, and so had to get it professionally printed, I ummed about the cost of printing (around $35) - because the width didn't meet the standard size of their printing machines (I'd already spent around $25 for the PDF pattern), and then decided that I'd come this far and spent the money on printing (that was our Summer 2016/2017).

I wanted a coat that would make a statement, something I couldn't find in a shop.

Five weeks ago, I decided to cut the pattern. The coat of course had to be a red wool I had. I needed that half a metre extra for the sleeves, frustrated I continued and had to cut them on the fold.  Adjusted for my measurements as the pattern only came to a size 46, cut the fabric and lining.  There it sat for another three weeks.

It's Friday July 21 and a week ago I finished the shell and lining.  It is coming along quite well, after a few hitches.  This is not a difficult pattern.  However, I think I am going off road with the instructions for attaching the shell to the lining as there is too much hand sewing in the instructions.  At this rate, I'II be 100 before this coat is done.

I don't know what my mental block to sewing has been about.

It's getting real cold in Melbourne at this stage, 1 (one) degree celsius over night. Icy over the day (when there's no sunshine); yard duty as a teacher is not much fun.  This needs to be my motivation to finish this coat this weekend.

The story will continue with the big reveal.....

Happy sewing everyone

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; 

What to make with vintage fabric?

The items I've made were inspired by a vintage fabric that was my mother in laws. I was feeling a bit blue and the bright fabric cheered me up (my back has been giving me trouble for sometime now and my pain tolerance was down).

How could I use this fabric for practical purposes?

My thoughts started in the bathroom.  We always have toilet rolls sitting on the side of bath.  Why not have something cheery for them to sit in:

There are many tutorials on line for making these fabric baskets, it's hardly rocket science.

I've been toying with the idea of a patchwork/quilted bath mat.  So why not one to match?

Here it is (finally - it's been on my mind for over a year):

I'm happy with the outcome.  Husband questioned how Victorian it is (our house is of the Victorian Era), but, I can justify that the extension (where the bathroom is) is not original to the house and hardly Victorian!

Anyhow, I'm happy with the outcome (the very colourful fabric is the vintage fabric).

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

Baby Burp Cloth

Almost half way through the year and I've only managed to create eleven posts.  Dismal, really.

I had made some baby burp cloths for a colleague who recently had a baby, well 18 of them, I thought I took photos, but didn't.

People keep telling me that I should make more of them, so I made a few, we'll see who is interested.  I will be making more in other fabrics.

These fabrics must be about 20 years old, in another life a friend and I did craft markets, this fabric is left over from then.  I've always liked these fabrics, they are bright and cheerful.

I used the pattern from So Sew Easy, this site lives up to it's name.

These are quick to complete, which is good when you are trying to get your sewjo back.


Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

4. Monday Basic Raglan T-shirt and Friday Evening Dress. Ottobre

Amazing how a new piece of equipment can change the way and what you sew.

So, it's time that I revisited some Ottobre patterns that I've either used before or have avoided because I hated using a regular sewing machine on stretch fabric.

I revisted Ottobre Autumn/Winter 5/2013 - 4. Monday Basic Raglan T-shirt and Friday Evening Dress. Check out Fans de Ottobre Design blog.

I purchased this geometric fabric and had enough to do the dress and the T-shirt (had to use another fabric for the sleeves in the T-shirt).

I am so much happier with the finish of my stretch garments with my Janome CoverPro, I'm certainly a lot happier sewing stretch fabric.

Happy sewing everyone, I'm tackling a complex coat pattern this weekend.

Sandra