tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78463474732820251482024-03-13T11:54:12.606+11:00Made by MelanieMelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.comBlogger220125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-33815479405427506982020-12-31T16:52:00.003+11:002021-01-01T11:29:30.448+11:00Make Nine 2021 (+ 3 more)<p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">I have a lot of sewing ideas floating around in my head so thought I'd do a Make Nine for 2021. </span></p><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">I have the majority of these patterns but have never sewn them so my Make Nine will focus on new to me patterns (although I also have a bunch on TNTs on my mind also that I want to sew). In 2021 I will endeavour to reach for fabric in my stash before buying new fabrics 😂 and (so far) need fabric for just one of them.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9vfkcSB61k/X-1klOjBUnI/AAAAAAAAxiI/V4R8b7cwpVkFbkUVIC85WYvI6wYFKLsOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/134135568_1359975577678396_91635702771538077_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9vfkcSB61k/X-1klOjBUnI/AAAAAAAAxiI/V4R8b7cwpVkFbkUVIC85WYvI6wYFKLsOQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/134135568_1359975577678396_91635702771538077_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Pona Jacket - Helen's Closet</span><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- I have a nice black linen cotton from Spotlight earmarked for this.</span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Glebe Pants - Muna & Broad</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">- these are already cut out in a linen/poly blend from MyHung. Just starting to overlock all of the edges.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Sea Change Top* - Lily Sage</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">- not sure which fabric for this; but I have a lot in the stash to choose from.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Lodo Dress - True Bias</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">- I have a blue ponti in the stash; and some scraps of woven "stuff" laying around that can be used for the facings.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Amara Vest - Tessuti</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">- will use a boiled wool remnant bought from Tessuti.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Nullarbor Cami * - Muna & Broad</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">- I have something in the stash to test this with AND if it works I have a big Gorman sarong given to me as a gift that I'd like to sew up into this cami.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Kelio Wrap Dress - Named Patterns</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">- there's got to be something in the stash to toile this.</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Bardon Dress° - Peppermint Magazine & Elbe Textiles</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">- this will be a shopping trip...oh well, it has to be done!</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Ida Clutch - Kylie and the Machine</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">- I have some leather; and also some denim to first toile this in. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626;">* will need to buy the pattern</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626;" /><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626;">° will need to buy some fabric (oh what a shame)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #262626;" /></span><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">Ofcourse, the day after coming up with my Make Nine I thought of three more "new things" to tackle in 2021...</span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vn_x8TYs2s/X-5rDWzRG7I/AAAAAAAAxig/xw6WH15fEfcH-GRbnE0IJTHIE3qHSLCiQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/134664934_842219803015613_2657650638973714459_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6vn_x8TYs2s/X-5rDWzRG7I/AAAAAAAAxig/xw6WH15fEfcH-GRbnE0IJTHIE3qHSLCiQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/134664934_842219803015613_2657650638973714459_n%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Esme Maxi Cardian - Named Patterns </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- I have a fluffy grey knit bought from Nomura Tailor in Kyoto that's been put aside for years for this pattern!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>Ninni Cullotes - Named Patterns <br />- I have a Plissé fabric from Spotlight to try this in...</div><div><br />Unides* </div><div>- these are by Muna & Broad; but I've not yet settled on a pattern, although I have a few knit scraps set aside to try out. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: inherit;">I already know that I want end up sewing all of these - it's easy to get distracted by other projects; or tojust decide you cannot be bothered to proceed with something chosen earlier in the year. Watch this space though!</span></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-29080344286762348962020-12-11T11:45:00.001+11:002020-12-11T11:45:29.808+11:00Wiksten Haori Jacket #2<p>I had always intended to make a shorter Wiksten Haori Jacket and had cut one out a while ago in this lovely slub-denim from Spotlight. And then it sat on my "to be sewn" shelf. I had been given some cute lining from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sewingthe60s/" target="_blank">Catherine</a> and then spent a lot of time thinking about how I wanted the sleeves to look rolled up; as well as how I wanted the pockets to look.</p><p>Last week I went out for a work dinner - it was hot, but also a bit cool (ugh, Sydney weather) and I realised I didn't have a light jacket....which is how I came to make this unlined Wiksten Haori Jacket. </p><p>I have made the size L (a size smaller than my first Haori) and changed the pocket style - they are unlined (but the top is reinforced with some iron-on-webbing-stuff from Spotlight). I like the way that sewing the sides of the pocket into the jacket results in a nicer looking finish than I can get with a patch pocket.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Poh9cpQEwfM/X9KxCb-gJQI/AAAAAAAAxfk/ByXOVxlj8qkWxOmX4FLUmYHeNOHda8E6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/131118757_202690514785162_7964039281894082240_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="2048" height="494" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Poh9cpQEwfM/X9KxCb-gJQI/AAAAAAAAxfk/ByXOVxlj8qkWxOmX4FLUmYHeNOHda8E6gCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h494/131118757_202690514785162_7964039281894082240_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As I was sewing this and trying on mid-make I wasn't so sure about it. I was feeling certain it wasn't going to fit but once the neck-band is on (that I halved in width) it's a good fit. I did sew the side seams a little wider in order to fit all the bulk of the pockets etc...but it fits and the more I try it on the more I like it. Like last time I halved the collar width but I decided not to interface it as I didn't want it to be stiffer than the rest of the jacket.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isGZD2rXb7s/X9KxWFObCrI/AAAAAAAAxfw/w-TfWTRDI-c0u-3ehVqOPD9bmaC-9wHKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/131020248_793141937937435_8556551516344916687_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-isGZD2rXb7s/X9KxWFObCrI/AAAAAAAAxfw/w-TfWTRDI-c0u-3ehVqOPD9bmaC-9wHKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/131020248_793141937937435_8556551516344916687_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>------</b></p><p><b>Pattern</b>: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">Haori Jacket</a> by Wiksten<br /><b>Size</b>: L, short-length<br /><b>Modifications</b>: halved the collar width, changed the pocket style, shortened sleeves 3cm, unlined<br /><b>Fabric</b>: <a href="https://www.spotlightstores.com/sewing-fabrics/dress-apparel-fabrics/plain-slub-denim-fabric/80449165?gclsrc=aw.ds&gclsrc=aw.ds&gclid=CjwKCAiAq8f-BRBtEiwAGr3DgVp8_oSA1ikcB3jTrGAbBElqCu7tPZTVND35sFGckJts4Hzz2JeLvxoCqToQAvD_BwE" target="_blank">Slub Denim</a> from Spotlight <br /><b>Changes for next time</b>: ?</p>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-17218083984742243652020-12-11T10:02:00.004+11:002020-12-11T10:12:03.047+11:00Peppermint Wrap Skirt becomes a Sew DIY Lela SkirtMore rummaging in the stash cupboard unearthed this lightweight denim/chambray fabric. Not sure why I bought it, or when, but I think it's from Spotlight?<br /><br />I decided to try the free <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/peppermintwrapskirt/">#peppermintWrapSkirt</a> from Peppermint Magazine designed by In the Folds. I sewed the size "I" which I think is a size or two too big at the hips so it was a bit puffy there. It seemed like too much effort to adjust this (undoing French seams and waistband removal) so I decided to reuse the fabric for another new-to-me skirt pattern. The wrap skirt was VERY long so I had enough fabric (with some tetris) to make into something new. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2mb63G0ojM/X8Wz--lX9YI/AAAAAAAAxc0/ipboekI7xhwAyStMPhroBGJaBMMmpQriQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/128578731_2788854371442041_9213262211547564834_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2mb63G0ojM/X8Wz--lX9YI/AAAAAAAAxc0/ipboekI7xhwAyStMPhroBGJaBMMmpQriQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/128578731_2788854371442041_9213262211547564834_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p>I was happy though to be able to practise my button holes with the wrap skirt. It had been so long since I did a buttonhole (and I do them so rarely) that I forgot exactly what to do so got Dave to read the machine instructions as my brain was malfunctioning. We got there in the end!<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxJdLdgdzOo/X8Wz-44cgtI/AAAAAAAAxc4/8Z9pvyArck46wjSI47j4OkO42ymy7gUwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/128679161_421963702271813_2244754385491497831_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PxJdLdgdzOo/X8Wz-44cgtI/AAAAAAAAxc4/8Z9pvyArck46wjSI47j4OkO42ymy7gUwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/128679161_421963702271813_2244754385491497831_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">So my wrap skirt got chopped it up to make a toile of the </span><a class="notranslate" href="https://www.instagram.com/sewdiypatterns/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="0">@sewdiypatterns</a><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;"> </span><a class="xil3i" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/lelaskirt/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; vertical-align: baseline;" tabindex="0">#lelaskirt</a><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">. I found the curved hem tricky so it's just turned up once, not twice. The front & back aren't cut on the fold as I didn't have enough fabric and for the same reason the waistband is cut against the grain. I top stitched all the seams so it's easier to iron. I probably should've made a smaller size as I think it's a bit poofy at the front...but my measurements said 22. </span></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLIU8WR_yiY/X8W4MJ2ifBI/AAAAAAAAxdI/EqALUwYP0C0VsckYB4pNoJF2JkmUAGXoACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/128641369_224836725724878_5411239598598351120_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pLIU8WR_yiY/X8W4MJ2ifBI/AAAAAAAAxdI/EqALUwYP0C0VsckYB4pNoJF2JkmUAGXoACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/128641369_224836725724878_5411239598598351120_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><span style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-size: 14px;">I think this will be a good beach/pool skirt but I think it's going to go into the charity bag as I don't love it. </span><br /><p>-----</p></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-4103967345075235742020-12-03T10:41:00.000+11:002020-12-03T10:41:11.556+11:00 Colette Patterns Myrtle Dress<p>Back in 2014 I <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/search/label/Myrtle" target="_blank">made a slew</a> of Colette Patterns Myrtle Dresses trying to get the fit right on me with the main issue being armholes that were too high and too small; and the back neckline would stretch out. I finally got a <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-final-myrtlewith-added-kittens.html" target="_blank">wearable dress</a> in the end but shipped it off to a charity donation for some inexplicable reason as I really liked it?</p><p>When I was rummaging through my stash cupboard recently I rediscovered this light-weight <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #171717;">Polyester Elastane from Lincraft (bought back in the good-old-days when they had a bricks and mortar store in Parramatta). I think I purchased it for an Ebony Tee but as luck would have it I had enough to make a dress. I think this fabric is pretty ugly to be honest but it transformed itself into something not-too-bad once sewn into garment. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUUxsVsJg-o/X8WjafkytII/AAAAAAAAxcE/3iucGxD9LVEqKLODocLEC29WH6O2kPSvgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1604394901548.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dUUxsVsJg-o/X8WjafkytII/AAAAAAAAxcE/3iucGxD9LVEqKLODocLEC29WH6O2kPSvgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1604394901548.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I decided to make the bodice of dress, just to see if I was happy with my adjustments from 2014 and to see if it still fit me. I did have a slight mishap with the overlocker but recovered from that, took a deep breathe and moved on. I added 1"of length to bodice and mucked around with the armhole depth a bit more. This is the size XL with an inch added to the bodice. Fits. Happy. <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPY_nAmXMt8/X8Wjaqdq_RI/AAAAAAAAxcI/WiNQJCeu8Nc5CC9InndviSf9XIxVGIoowCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1604394930824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VPY_nAmXMt8/X8Wjaqdq_RI/AAAAAAAAxcI/WiNQJCeu8Nc5CC9InndviSf9XIxVGIoowCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1604394930824.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>After a bit of lunchtime and after-work sewing I had the full dress nearly complete - but it sat with the hem undone for quite a few weeks. I wanted to do a rolled hem on the overlocker but resisted as I didn't want to faff around changing my overlocker settings. I'm sure we all know that feeling.</p><p>Took a few goes with various elastics to get to where it's comfortable at the waist. I'm glad I added some length to the bodice as other versions have always felt a bit too short. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGK49bhfVGE/X8Wks4cDS6I/AAAAAAAAxcY/xbJI3GNOr0Ax14FNfP4PD3QjJ0RtaoyTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1604394591673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGK49bhfVGE/X8Wks4cDS6I/AAAAAAAAxcY/xbJI3GNOr0Ax14FNfP4PD3QjJ0RtaoyTQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1604394591673.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHkcSIpBG4g/X8WksvNGFwI/AAAAAAAAxcU/1phcnVgk2ZovGl1cj-W3BLiGe_jdB9KVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1604394619172.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHkcSIpBG4g/X8WksvNGFwI/AAAAAAAAxcU/1phcnVgk2ZovGl1cj-W3BLiGe_jdB9KVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1604394619172.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>After procrastinating for a few weeks I did finally hem this dress. I did do a "proper" hem to start but it was B.A.D (wonky and wobbly - which probably would've been OK if the dress was black as it would've hidden my mess). Fiddled around for ages to get the rolled hem on my overlocker looking good and then had to do it twice as I missed a bit a left a hole. But it's done and I like it...</div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWdLqrvqMbI/X8WmhBxUmkI/AAAAAAAAxco/uTRK1qNfJLUa8IfWIkFZPBz9M3vhlPYbACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/128607553_379172289825062_2217317961218071106_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWdLqrvqMbI/X8WmhBxUmkI/AAAAAAAAxco/uTRK1qNfJLUa8IfWIkFZPBz9M3vhlPYbACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/128607553_379172289825062_2217317961218071106_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I have this dress now nicely folded on a shelf in my wardrobe. I'm super worried about the back neckline stretching out like it has before so better to be safe than sorry as I really like this dress! <br /><p>----</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">Pattern</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">: </span><a href="https://www.colettepatterns.com/sewing/myrtle" style="background-color: white; color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Myrtle Dress </a><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">by Colette Patterns</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">Size</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">: XL</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">Modifications</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">: Armholes changed to Size L; and then lowered at the arm pit by 1cm.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">Fabric</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">: Polyester Elastaine from Lincraft (the same print I made my very first, too small, Myrtle out of).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">Changes for next time: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">None, though I'd like to try it in a "not" polyester elastaine.</span></span></p></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-48435811042097340782020-12-02T13:12:00.001+11:002020-12-02T13:12:13.599+11:00Seamwork Bobby Dress - Toile<p>I've become a bit more interested in trying some new-to-me patterns. I've not had much luck with <a href="https://www.seamwork.com/" target="_blank">Seamwork </a>patterns to date but thought I might give their <a href="https://www.seamwork.com/catalog/bobby" target="_blank">Bobby Dress</a> a whirl with an idea that perhaps it could be a Frocktails contender for whenever we can have a Frocktails again. </p><p>I found some fabric at my local MyHung - it didn't have much hanger appeal to me in the shop but sewn up I think it looks quite nice. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kK_36PBm3A/X8WTqj1VFXI/AAAAAAAAxbc/n770NSQ04X4vcBkjUYTPxzbwZaalWQ3UwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/128578722_416323169401145_3242496884231749106_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kK_36PBm3A/X8WTqj1VFXI/AAAAAAAAxbc/n770NSQ04X4vcBkjUYTPxzbwZaalWQ3UwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/128578722_416323169401145_3242496884231749106_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>To start with I made a toile of the lined bodice - a size 18 Curvy. It was quite low cut (too low cut for my preferences) and I think the bodice needs a bit more length on me. The pattern suggests you either reinforce the V-neck with interfacing or elastic. I used interfacing but the neckline stretched a bit. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s22W4jY3_OI/X8WTqke4rGI/AAAAAAAAxbg/TlSbOkf8j2IEhmyYAMlyb4HGu-Czz2pRACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/128640333_233698554757712_9108545258787640644_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s22W4jY3_OI/X8WTqke4rGI/AAAAAAAAxbg/TlSbOkf8j2IEhmyYAMlyb4HGu-Czz2pRACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/128640333_233698554757712_9108545258787640644_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I was lucky to nab some more of this fabric for a Take 2 of the bodice. I raised the v-neckline an inch and instead of stabilising with interfacing I used clear elastic. I used clear elastic on both the outer and lining pieces and it feels to bulky to me - so perhaps I'd used interfacing on the lining and clear elastic on the outer next time? I also think the armholes are a bit big/too low slung so need to think about that also. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVaO16he8Q8/X8WVANJvSXI/AAAAAAAAxbw/APklDORG1rMwUGXBnMV4G5L_FZY7FQ7twCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1604394725670.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVaO16he8Q8/X8WVANJvSXI/AAAAAAAAxbw/APklDORG1rMwUGXBnMV4G5L_FZY7FQ7twCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1604394725670.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #262626;"><span>Overall I'm fairly happy with this dress, but it's only a toile so I don't think I'll wear this version. I added some length to the bodice but think I might remove a bit of length (Goldilocks much?) Next time I will shorten the skirt a bit and I want the armholes at the back to come over a bit more. My elastic also needs to be a smidgen tighter. </span></span></span></div><div><span face="-apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Segoe UI, Roboto, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="color: #262626;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lBMomq9_xI8/X8WVAJKqLeI/AAAAAAAAxb0/-bkO_g_B-mYHnlYHVIQfeV5CO7j_yh9nwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1604394780835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lBMomq9_xI8/X8WVAJKqLeI/AAAAAAAAxb0/-bkO_g_B-mYHnlYHVIQfeV5CO7j_yh9nwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1604394780835.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I actually went back to My Hung and bought the last of this fabric that they had. I might use it for another go at this; but I'm not sure. I'm thinking of unpicking the skirt from the bodice so I can re-use it (albeit shorter) and salvaging the elastic also....but I might use a totally different bodice as this is not giving me life. </p>----</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Size</b>: 18 Curvy<br /><b>Modifications</b>: so many; see above</div><div><b>Fabric</b>: Polyester/Spandex from My Hung in Parramatta. <br /><b>Changes for next time</b>: again, so many; see above! </div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-24953745335580182612020-12-01T11:26:00.000+11:002020-12-01T11:26:40.724+11:00Simplicity 1366 x 2My SewJo has finally started to return...not sure what has bought about this comeback but perhaps it's due to hanging out with sewing friends; or just feeling like I have the mental & physical space at home to finally get a bit creative.<br /><br />I bought this fabric after seeing it on Maai Designs Instagram page (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/maaidesign/">@maaidesign</a>). I had no idea what viscose spandex crepe felt like but who cares - the print (a <a href="https://www.mcelroyfabrics.co.uk/" target="_blank">Lady McElroy</a> design) is fantastic and it had been so long since I felt quite excited about sewing so...Add. To. Cart! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyYgMEfjD68/X8WEXe5d3OI/AAAAAAAAxa0/c0bNFEEqNME4DlUsRNWeSrNaxD6rrtIgQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1604395710690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gyYgMEfjD68/X8WEXe5d3OI/AAAAAAAAxa0/c0bNFEEqNME4DlUsRNWeSrNaxD6rrtIgQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1604395710690.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I decided to sew Simplicity 1366 as it is a TNT so I knew it would be fit. This was a pretty stressful sew however. I was so worried about messing this up that I jinxed myself. It looks okay from the outside but it's a different story inside. The fabric is <b>so </b>light weight - like sewing with stocking material - I was expecting the fabric to be heavier and it has not turned out as nice as I had imagined. I've not worn this yet...and I'm not sure if I will.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPYzLM7WTyE/X8WE8RWfMdI/AAAAAAAAxa8/1El8vVGH22QGwDZD1KG7IDkJTkqS8shiACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1604395562071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wPYzLM7WTyE/X8WE8RWfMdI/AAAAAAAAxa8/1El8vVGH22QGwDZD1KG7IDkJTkqS8shiACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1604395562071.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A bit of lunchtime and after work sewing last week resulted in another a new Simplicity 1366. This is a more cropped length for wearing with wide-legged pants and more voluminous skirts. I do have this tee already in black (<a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/02/simplicity-1366-wearable-toile.html" target="_blank">my very first Simplicity 1366</a> but God knows where it is though). The fabric is a small cotton/elastane remnant bought from <a href="https://www.tessuti-shop.com/" target="_blank">Tessuti </a>quite awhile ago. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do you like this necklace? The pendant was made in about 5 seconds by Wendy <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sydneyjewelleryschool/">@sydneyjewelleryschool</a> in a recent wire-working class.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rv_pAeGtfJE/X8WHAV1MrMI/AAAAAAAAxbM/-hJhiXm5GxcW2UdCiqs4sBaz5HYqkLikgCLcBGAsYHQ/128779175_3784654584880639_8187070321150383755_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Rv_pAeGtfJE/X8WHAV1MrMI/AAAAAAAAxbM/-hJhiXm5GxcW2UdCiqs4sBaz5HYqkLikgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/128779175_3784654584880639_8187070321150383755_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>----</b></div><b>Size</b>: 18<br /><b>Modifications</b>: For the "faces tee" added 7.5cm to the length, added 1cm to both the side of the front and back neckline and dropped the front neckline a bit. Shortened the sleeves by 5cm. For the "black tee" - I think this is the original length, added 1cm to both the side of the front and back neckline and dropped the front neckline a bit. Shortened the sleeves by 10cm. <br /><b>Fabric</b>:"faces fabric" viscose spandex crepe from <a href="https://www.maaidesign.com.au/" target="_blank">Maai Designs</a>. Black fabric is a cotton/elastane remnant from <a href="https://www.tessuti-shop.com/" target="_blank">Tessuti</a>. <br /><b>Changes </b>for next time: none<br /><br /></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-52826679502219381802020-10-20T10:56:00.001+11:002020-10-20T10:57:13.526+11:00Mandy Boat Tee (x 2)<p>Here we have two Mandy Boat Tees - a free pattern from Tessuti that has recently been re-released as a multi-sized pattern over it's old "one size fits some" iteration. I've sewn quite a few of the old and new versions of this pattern - and in both versions I have modified the boat-neck finish to allow me to use a neckband to finish the neck. I find this a much neater way to finish the top and also feel it extends the longevity of the garment as the fold-over boatneck never keeps its shape on my tops. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This black and white fabric is a "sweater knit" donated to the recent fabric destash I attended - donated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lynnesews/">@LynneSews</a>. I don't think this fabric had great "hanger appeal" but sewn up I really like it, REALLY like it. The sleeves are a smidge too tight but I think that is a result of the fabric and its level of stretch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8yukSxgYEU/X4OV35GgnWI/AAAAAAAAxUU/cpZW_pYc45Q9L0C7nCbokOAWcNGYp7vwACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1602301756610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K8yukSxgYEU/X4OV35GgnWI/AAAAAAAAxUU/cpZW_pYc45Q9L0C7nCbokOAWcNGYp7vwACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1602301756610.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63_dvieuLSE/X44gUa2em2I/AAAAAAAAxVk/NcP06Z5iUqMxUCqDW-jieHTPmW82D8eygCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1602318398805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63_dvieuLSE/X44gUa2em2I/AAAAAAAAxVk/NcP06Z5iUqMxUCqDW-jieHTPmW82D8eygCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1602318398805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>The fabric for this second Mandy Boat Tee was another donated to the fabric destash, this time by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natasha_sews/" target="_blank">@NatashaSews</a>. It's an absolutely lovely viscose-type knit -- I'm not sure why it was donated as it's so pretty but I pounced on it as soon as I saw it. This top fits well and is very comfortable but annoyingly I sewed the neckband on backwards so the join is at the front 🙄🙄🙄 - but the fabric thankfully hides this quite well....</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uRU0Tq8WLQ/X4OV39hXUAI/AAAAAAAAxUQ/Q65IqW4-7MI1QIJFWF6WiiWBE60HkNMlwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1602319335736.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6uRU0Tq8WLQ/X4OV39hXUAI/AAAAAAAAxUQ/Q65IqW4-7MI1QIJFWF6WiiWBE60HkNMlwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1602319335736.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjMGXzERYT4/X4OWGOdRmeI/AAAAAAAAxUY/deTbdZ2QRmQRCWY2kFX2w9xMfSPvZuqCwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/PhotoGrid_1602318295931.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jjMGXzERYT4/X4OWGOdRmeI/AAAAAAAAxUY/deTbdZ2QRmQRCWY2kFX2w9xMfSPvZuqCwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1602318295931.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>---</p><p><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Pattern</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">: <a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/collections/digital-download-pattern-tops/products/mandy-boat-tee-print-at-home-or-copy-shop" style="color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Mandy Boat Tee</a> by Tessuti<br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Size</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">: Size 4<br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Modifications</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">: lengthened by 4cm. Also, added a neckband.<br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Fabric</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">: B&W s</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">weater knit donated to the fabric destash by </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/lynnesews/" style="color: #898989; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">@LynneSews</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px;"> (orignally from <a href="https://fabricdeluxe.com.au/" target="_blank">Fabric Deluxe</a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">)<br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Fabric</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">: Floral </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px;">knit donated to the fabric destash by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/natasha_sews/" target="_blank">@NatashaSews</a> (originally from <a href="https://www.pitttrading.com.au/" target="_blank">Pitt Trading</a>)<br /></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Changes for next time</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: "Courier New", Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">: none</span></p>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-24458036621987932562020-10-12T10:08:00.002+11:002021-06-28T10:40:37.649+10:00A picnic, a fabric swap + a LB Pullover<p>A few weeks ago a new (to me) social sewing group hosted an afternoon tea picnic and fabric swap in <a href="https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/parks/sydney-park" target="_blank">Sydney Park</a>. I had some fabric to donate and, like most people, was keen for some time spent in the great outdoors (whilst being Covid-19 safe of course)! It was lovely to meet new sewing friends and catch up people I already knew too.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1236" data-original-width="2543" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pAfzUx8A6aA/X4OLt1zABvI/AAAAAAAAxTU/xBIFwy5cL8wPtTbTu0JAUrC0aCD80tDywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h311/20200927_145421.jpg" width="640" /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I took home four pieces of fabric (after donating two, so the clearing out of my stash didn't really work). Two pieces were a sweater-type knit and the other two a viscose jersey.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KZmx9ewBa-U/X4ONA82I78I/AAAAAAAAxT0/ONy_KPvq1c8512iMgnDo4r6ec4HwrLLtQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/20200927_151102.jpg" width="640" /></div><div><br /></div>I decided to sew up the brown sweater fabric straight away. We were headed up to <a href="https://www.lilianfels.com.au/" target="_blank">Katoomba </a>for a few days and the weather was still sort-of coolish so I'd at least get a few wears out of this before packing it away until next year.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e-TFc3E_QUo/X4ONggzPSZI/AAAAAAAAxUA/yLI7YK0qEA8KP7IoG9S13snmeEcS5DlDQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1602318726811.jpg" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I chose to make the ever-popular <a href="https://papertheorypatterns.com/products/copy-of-lb-pullover-pdf-pattern" target="_blank">LB Pullover by Paper Theory</a>. I sized down quite a bit from my <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2020/05/lb-pullover-tunic.html" target="_blank">LB tunic</a> and end up sewing a size 16, which is still roomy but does not look sloppy. I was able to comfortably wear this over a t-shirt (I'm not one for wearing layers so this was a new experience for me 😊).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo2HnGF5ZFA/X4ONgpPaLmI/AAAAAAAAxT8/oB70gppPuKcSEWnPpRTCazD42jx_VcH3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/PhotoGrid_1601511002608.jpg" width="640" /></div><br /><b>--------------</b><br /><div><br /></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;"><strong>Pattern</strong>: <a href="https://papertheorypatterns.com/pages/lb-pullover" style="color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">LB Pullover by Paper Theory</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Size</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: size 16</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Modifications</b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit;">: </span><span style="color: #171717;">lengthened</span><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit;"> but cannot remember by how much?</span></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Fabric</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: Sweater knit donated to the fabric destash by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lynnesews/" target="_blank">@LynneSews</a> (orignally from <a href="https://knitwit.com.au/" target="_blank">KnitWit</a>)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Changes for next time</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: none</span><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"></span> though perhaps a bit more length</span></div></div>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-70794679042290918102020-09-07T15:46:00.001+10:002020-09-07T15:46:18.744+10:00Wiksten Haori JacketIf you click on the Instagram hashtag <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/wikstenhaori/" target="_blank">#wikstenHaori</a> you'll see nearly 7000 posts! I liked this jacket and wanted to make one. But, it wasn't until I got to try on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/sewingthe60s/" target="_blank">Catherine's </a>that I decided to make my own (doing this basically confirms it will fit me; Catherine made a middle of the size range so I knew there was room on the pattern size chart for me). I also got to try on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/daisysewcrazy/" target="_blank">Dayle's </a>a few weeks after I'd started mine and it also fitted - a size smaller than mine so perhaps I can size down next time...though that feels scary and feelings of "<i>what if I do all the work and it doesn't actually fit me</i>" are bubbling to the surface.<br />
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The <a href="https://shopwiksten.com/products/womens-haori-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Wiksten Haori</a> is a Japanese-inspired jacket that has large pockets, a fold-over collar and is fully lined. The fit is oversized (more or less oversized depending on how big your frame is). It comes in short, mid and long lengths (I have made the mid-length jacket and am about 5ft 7" tall). My denim is from Spotlight (it has a tiny amount of stretch to it but it feels very un-stretchy to me!) and the lining was bought in Phnom Penh when I was in Cambodia in 2018 (IG post on it <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BhO4pGegfA1/" target="_blank">here</a>; fabric from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1029806673/watthan-artisans-cambodia/">Watthan Artisans Cambodia</a>). I "think" the lining might be rayon and I was worried about working with it as I've found it tricky (and slippery) in the past. Happy to report it was (mostly) incident free!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbA-sdCchfk/X1WEM0bqbZI/AAAAAAAAxPY/p8VA3xgf1zkJ53HmYVb4-iqiP4Ypt9O9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h500/118885398_871805226685436_6487166926045372665_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I took my time with the lined pockets (which is the first part of the make) BUT I realised AFTER I had made them that they were very narrow compared to what I was seeing IG. Turns out I'd made some sort of error in cutting out the PDF...so that was fixed and the proper, BIG, pockets were done. For me the big pockets are one of the great features of this jacket so it was worth the effort.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jxx3YiLLuiw/X1WEOEwGZBI/AAAAAAAAxPg/fnMDw8nf3D0bgXiLblpd6Pzp9roXnMs5wCLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h500/118998524_595805301092816_1137296308721525628_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look how smug I am with my big big pockets!</td></tr>
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The lining method was very simple (no bagging out) but after I wore this jacket yesterday I noticed that the lining near the pockets was hanging below the main fabric (you can see that there's no turned up hem)...which I don't like. I think I will do some Macgyver-ing and run a line of stitching along the bottom near the hem to try and stop that fabric from dropping. The lining was also "somehow" slightly longer than the main fabric so there is a bit of dodgy sewing with a few tucks here and there to make it fit with the main fabric - lucky the lining is so busy so you don't notice.<br />
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I also decided that I didn't want the fold-over collar. I have made two Seamwork Oslo Cardigans (<a href="https://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2015/08/seamworks-oslo-cardigan.html" target="_blank">here </a>and <a href="https://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2016/08/oslo-cardigan-2.html" target="_blank">here</a>) with that collar style and it drives me NUTS the way it always flaps about and becomes unfolded. I don't know what went wrong here but the collar turned out to be longer than the jacket -- by about 15cms -- so some chopping went on during assembly. I don't have a walking foot either so there are a few tiny tucks in the collar where it didn't quite fit (despite surgery) and I couldn't ease it in fully. Blah, whatever! I also have only interfaced one size of the collar as I didn't want it to be too stiff, but I think I could've done both sides and been fine.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxbCPWz7H_o/X1WEM60k7BI/AAAAAAAAxPU/qeSyaXKFKRYuGnTakNQ4jLWok73BQDFcACLcBGAsYHQ/w500-h500/118953411_350881292753649_5602698870892553478_n.jpg" style="text-align: center;" width="640" /><br />
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I don't always want to wear this with the sleeves rolled up. At their current length they feel just a bit too long. The oversized style of the jacket PLUS the very long sleeves make me feel a bit sloppy and smothered in fabric. It would be easy to shorten the sleeves so I'm pondering that. What do you think - lose a couple of inches?<br />
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Overall I really like this jacket. I wouldn't mind one in the shorter length and perhaps the next size down to wear with wide-legged pants as the weather heats up. It would probably be in denim (again) as you cannot go wrong with denim!<br />
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<b>Pattern</b>: <a href="https://shopwiksten.com/products/womens-haori-sewing-pattern" target="_blank">Haori Jacket</a> by Wiksten<br /><b>Size</b>: XL, mid-length<br /><b>Modifications</b>: halved the collar width<div>
<b>Fabric</b>: Denim from Spotlight & lining is (possibly a Rayon) from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1029806673/watthan-artisans-cambodia/">Watthan Artisans Cambodia</a>.<br /><b>Changes for next time</b>: would like to try the shorter length; and perhaps size down and shorten the sleeves.</div>
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-44743311133897258012020-07-29T16:51:00.003+10:002020-07-29T16:51:37.928+10:00Cropped Kyoto VestI made my <a href="https://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/06/kyoto-vest-by-tessuti-and-me.html" target="_blank">first Kyoto Vest</a> back in June 2017 and it has been a wardrobe workhorse since then (though not this year as I've not actually left the house to go to work during winter at all). I remember back in 2017 thinking a short, black Kyoto Vest would be great for wearing over dresses.<br />
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I was sure I had bought the boiled wool and wool binding for this short version but could not find it anywhere so embarked a new project with some boiled wool from a fabric swap (didn't have enough fabric so had to piece it together) and some poly-binding kindly donated by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/makingmarilynemulatingelle/" target="_blank">Amy</a> (thank you for being so generous Amy). The binding was a bit too stiff so I ended up putting the project aside.<br />
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About 4 weeks later I was rearranging my sewing storage and found the wool and binding I had been storing since 2017 and now we have a black, short Kyoto Vest. The <span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">wool binding is from </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/485483369/12-wool-ribbon-126-yard-knitted-ribbon?ref=shop_home_active_5&crt=1" target="_blank">Ribbon Kids on ETSY</a> - I 100% recommend them as they are very reasonably priced when compared to what is available in-store here.<br />
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I do like this but, for me, it's not as comfortable as the longer version for some reason. I made the armholes bigger than the pattern provides - but I think they could've been a bit bigger still. The armholes on the unaltered pattern feel very high and small. Don't tell anyone but I have kind of stretched the armholes a bit just by pulling on them (shhh, don't tell).<br />
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It seems like such an effort to get properly dressed with hair and makeup done just for a few blog photos so here I am in a tunic I would wear to work; worn over tracksuit pants with three day old hair and no make-up anywhere near this face. Living that Covid-19 life.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5R_Fi88Hmjg/XyEWRFFjbTI/AAAAAAAAxLQ/mcLZpFOynFAnfZJzqVr7_ZX4PFRMt4MwACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/115897525_286620982413971_9084024792657727382_n.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong>Pattern</strong>: <a href="https://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/kyoto-vest-pattern">Kyoto Vest</a> by Tessuti</span></span><br />
<b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit;">Size</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;">: XL, shorter version</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><b>Modifications</b>: made the arm holes bigger (but not big enough)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><b>Fabric</b>: boiled wool from <a href="https://tessuti.com.au/" target="_blank">Tessuti </a>(I think) & wool binding form <a href="https://www.etsy.com/au/listing/485483369/12-wool-ribbon-126-yard-knitted-ribbon?ref=shop_home_active_5&crt=1" target="_blank">Ribbon Kids on ETSY</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><b>Changes for next time</b>: none...except for the armhole modification</span></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-42241169473637161382020-05-21T15:49:00.001+10:002020-05-25T11:52:13.431+10:00LB Pullover - tunicLike many people in Australia (and worldwide) I've been working from home for quite a few weeks now. Or is it months? Who knows - time seems to have stopped making much sense lately.<br />
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During that time the weather has gone from warm to coolish as we head towards winter. I've been wearing the same leggings and tops during almost that whole time and am really lacking some comfortable, but not too pyjama-like clothes for "work". <br />
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I've not really felt much like sewing as my "office" now takes up the whole space where I usually sew. I hardly sewed at all last year as we lost the space due to our flat flooding so this work from home thing is really cramping my creative outlets. BUT I looked through my fabric stash the other day and saw this knit fabric bought on our last trip to Tokyo and I thought it would make a nice top or tunic (IG poll said Tunic was the way to go).<br />
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I've used the <a href="https://papertheorypatterns.com/pages/lb-pullover" target="_blank">LB Pullover by Paper Theory</a> (again) and added some length to it. Intially I added 15.5" (39cm) to the pattern but I think that was a bit too long so chopped off an inch and sewed a 2.5" hem.<br />
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Intially I sewed up the size 20 but it was HUGE (previous vest version was meant to wear over tops so the size 20 was good) so I took it in quite a bit and perhaps it's now a size 16 - 18?<br />
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This dress feels comfortable to wear though the fabric is a little itchy. Looking at the photos it still looks a little big but it's for "working from home" so will be fine for that purpose. It's currently in the washing machine (I wash everything after I've made it and before wearing it for the first time) - I might chuck it into the dryer and see what happens to it size-wise. <br />
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My overlocker is currently set up behind my work computer on the tiny part of the dining table that is free. I've set up my sewing machine on a litte foldout table I bought when this all started as I wanted a space to write or colour or whatever. Cutting out fabric now happens on the kitchen floor - the only room with currently enough floor space to lay out big lenghts of fabric. This is the new sewing "normal" for now. <br />
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<span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;"><strong>Pattern</strong>: <a href="https://papertheorypatterns.com/pages/lb-pullover" target="_blank"><span style="color: #898989;">LB Pullover by Paper Theory</span></a></span><br />
<b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Size</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: size 16 - 18 (not quite sure)</span><br />
<b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Modifications</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: lengthend by 14.5" </span><br />
<b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Fabric</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: Knit of some sort from Tomato in Tokyo</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Changes for next time</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: cut a smaller size (18) and reduce the lenght by another inch.</span></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-50539038167533930312020-05-21T09:24:00.002+10:002020-05-21T09:26:29.846+10:00LB Pullover - vestThis is a project from the middle of last year - a vest using the popular <a href="https://papertheorypatterns.com/pages/lb-pullover" target="_blank">LB Pullover by Paper Theory</a>. The idea was stolen directly from my friend Dayle who wore her LB vest to brunch with me - I'm really wanting to recreate her version (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CAMIbdGAMAB/" target="_blank">here</a>); but perhaps she will gift her vest to me if I hint at it often enough 😊😊😊.<br />
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I sewed this up at a sewing afternoon with my sister-in-law, Lynne, who also sewed the same project. Lynne made hers in a non-stretch and my fabric has a little bit of stretch to it (but not much). Both of us were very happy with the results of the sewing afternoon. I added a few inches of length to mine and sewed it in a size 20 to wear comfortably over other tops.<br />
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I like this top but I've not actually worn it yet. I thought I might take it to London/Paris with us over X-mas and New Year but I just don't think I have the right tops to go under it so it stayed at home. <br />
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The fabric is a <span style="color: #171717;">Wool/Nylon/Viscose from The Fabic Store. I really love the cool cut-outs and it feels a bit like felt - very warm. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;"><strong>Pattern</strong>: <a href="https://papertheorypatterns.com/pages/lb-pullover" target="_blank">LB Pullover by Paper Theory</a></span><br />
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<b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Modifications</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: lengthend but cannot remember by how much? </span><br />
<b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Fabric</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: Wool/Nylon/Viscose from The Fabic Store</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Changes for next time</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: none</span><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"></span> </span></div>
Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-87112411197224426172019-11-03T17:12:00.001+11:002019-11-03T17:12:19.485+11:00Helen's Closet - Blackwood CardiganI've not done a lot of sewing this year...for a few reasons.<br />
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Firstly, I just don't <i>feel </i>like it. I have enough clothes so making things seems pointless. And then I've lost a bit of weight and in just wanting stuff that fits "right now" I've been shopping for any new things I need (or want) like pants (which I don't tend to sew anyway). For me shopping is still the quickest and easiest way to fill wardrobe gaps. And, perhaps the biggest reason is that back in February our unit was flooded during a great big storm in Sydney. Whilst my sewing area was OK we had to move everything out of the flooded rooms and into the dining room so we could repair the flood damaged rooms...and the dining room is where I sew. We're on the last leg of fixing up the flat with just the study repairs to go...so in 2020 perhaps I'll have sewing space again.<br />
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All of that aside I have sewn two versions of the Helen's Closet Blackwood Cardigan. I've sewn the XXL in the original release (Helen has now also re-released the pattern with a plus-sized option). This first version is made in a stretchy, textured cotton knit from My Hung Fabrics. It was actually a bit big in the sleeves when I finished it so I washed it in hot water and put it the dryer...perfect fit now. <br />
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My second version was sewn up at a Spoolettes sewing day where the chosen pattern for the day was the Blackwood Cardigan. I have had this fabric (from Cabramatta) in my stash for AGES...desperate to make something with it, but what? I've sewn the XXL again and I knew the sleeves would be OK as this fabric has less stretch than the black fabric from my first Blackwood.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Pattern</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: </span><a href="https://helensclosetpatterns.com/product/blackwood-cardigan-pdf-pattern/">Helen's Closet - Blackwood Cardigan</a><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Size</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: size XXL</span><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Modifications</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: none</span><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">Fabric</b><span style="color: #171717; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18.48px;">: Various from My Hung and from Cabrmatta</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;"><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Changes for next time</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: none</span><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"></span> </span><br />
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-11155917226707201712019-03-04T13:50:00.003+11:002019-03-04T13:50:54.833+11:00Another Megan Neilsen #VeronikaSkirtI <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/09/megan-nielsens-veronika-skirt.html">first made</a> this pattern (<span style="background-color: white; border-image: none; border: 0px currentColor; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://megannielsen.com/"><span style="color: #898989;">Megan Nielsen's</span></a> <a href="https://megannielsen.com/collections/bottoms/products/veronika-skirt-sewing-pattern"><span style="color: #898989;">Veronika Skirt</span></a>) back in September 2017. Not sure why I waited so long to make another as it's a simple make, it fits and is a useful piece to have in the wardrobe??</span><br />
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You may recongise this fabric - I made a <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/08/put-bird-on-it-simplicity-1336.html">Simplicy 1366 dress-hack</a> out of it back in August 2017. I LOVED the fabric so much but actually never ever wore the dress as it just felt...off to me. I think it was the fabric - it works well as a skirt, but a 95% polyester dress #abortmission! I had also made that dress a fraction too long and just could not be bothered to rehem it. <br />
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Anyhoo - I wore this to work the day after I made it. I LOVED it and felt really great in it but a few colleagues didn't think so highly of it...so now I'm doubting it; and feel a bit too self-conscious about it to wear it to work again. I don't understand the problem as the fabric is so cool; and the shape is great. Does it look overly home-eccy because I didn't hem it? I guess that's a lesson that if you don't want to know the answer (do you like my skirt?) don't ask the question. </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Pattern</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: </span></span><a href="https://megannielsen.com/"><span style="color: #898989;">Megan Nielsen's</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="https://megannielsen.com/collections/bottoms/products/veronika-skirt-sewing-pattern"><span style="color: #898989;">Veronika Skirt</span></a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Size</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: size XL</span><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Modifications</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: added 1" to the length</span><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Fabric</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: Printed Mercury Jersey Fabric from Lincraft (95% Polyester, 5% Spandex)</span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><br style="line-height: 18.48px;" /><b style="line-height: 18.48px;">Changes for next time</b><span style="line-height: 18.48px;">: none</span><span style="line-height: 18.48px;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"> </span></span> Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-3953798298995577652019-02-25T09:49:00.003+11:002019-02-25T09:49:26.604+11:00Clutch Class at Sew Make CreateNot much (or any) sewing has taken place this year, but I did attend a Clutch Class at Sew Make Create towards the end of 2018. In the class we made two clutches and it was a good chance to use some small pieces of fabric that had been languishing in the stash for a little too long.<br />
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The first clutch was a simple little lined purse. There was an option to add in box corners to make it more of a make-up bag, but I wanted to use my for work. I added in a fabric loop, d-ring, and strap to make it functional for running around at work when I need to have my hands free. I've used it quite a lot at work and it's really useful. It's starting to wear now so I might make another one day as I have quiet a bit of the outer fabric left (if I remember how to do the dreaded zipper - honestly, I've done SO many classes with zippers and still can manage it well on my {especially when there's lining to test my spatial abilities too}).<br />
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The outer fabric is from Spotlight, and the lining is the chambray that I bought from The Fabric Store to toile my Dress #1 (I hated it so chopped it up to use for other things). Pretty sure the zippers came from Lincraft?<br />
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The second clutch is a little fold-over number. I wanted the option to use it as a clutch, or a bag, so I added two fabric tabs and d-rings and bought a cooper handbag chain from <a href="http://voodoorabbit.com.au/">Voodoo Rabbit</a>. I also couldn't resist buying the twee little handmade tab so that everyone knows that yes, I made this myself (and NO I won't make one for you)!<br />
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The outer fabric is a remnant that I bought from Marimekko about 18 months ago. Their fabric is SO expensive that even this tiny sliver of fabric cost about $20! The lining fabric was bought from Tomato in Tokyo back when I thought I'd be sewing lots of tops and dresses out of woven fabric - ah, how clueless I was back then. I have quiet a bit of both fabrics left over so can repeat this purse at any time. The leather is a nice suede bought from The Fabric Store which is where I also bought the zipper from.<br />
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I'm not 100% happy with this bag as one of the fabric tabs is longer than the other and it kills my brain to look at it. I've also not yet used the bag as I'm not sure the depth of it is very practical. BUT I do have it hanging on a hook on the wall at the end of my bed so I can look at it constantly.<br />
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I really enjoyed this two day workshop and I especially loved walking away at the end of each class with a finished clutch...very satisfying!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-30259343713150081582018-11-15T14:32:00.002+11:002018-11-15T14:32:33.801+11:00Dress No. 1 from 100 Acts of Sewing Here's something you probalby weren't expecting from me! A WOVEN dress! And, I had to trace the pattern! I don't even know who I am anymore.<br />
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I got it into my head that I wanted to make the <a href="https://shop.100actsofsewing.com/collections/frontpage/products/100-acts-of-sewing-dress-no-1-sewing-pattern">Dress No. 1 from 100 Acts of Sewing</a> but I kept putting it off as the pattern was only availble as a paper copy that I had to order from the USA. Eventually I caved and forked out A LOT of money to have it shipped here. And then I had to trace it TWICE as my muslin was too small across the bust. <br />
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For the price I paid I have to say I was expecting...more. The pattern is just a single sheet with the same piece for the front and back (good if you have no boobs, or boobs on your back to even things up). In order to lower the neckline the instructions have you cut into the front of your dress to get your desired neck depth. Hmm....I'd rather do this via the pattern than cutting into the actual, partially-made, dress.<br />
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The second muslin turned out OK...but I hate the fabric (it's stiff and crunchy and feels yuck) and the addtion of the fox patch is so twee that it feels like I made a dress for a very large two year old (ie me). The Liberty bias binding is pretty, but the extra folds it has made it hard to handle. And...after I attached the binding under the arms I decided the underarms were too gaping so some surgery happened. I'm going to cut this up to use for bag lining so all is not lost.</div>
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Third times the charm as they say. Well, sort of. </div>
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This dress looks pretty (made in fabric from Tomato in Japan) but I didn't find it very comfortable wearing. I'm used to s-t-r-e-t-c-h in my clothes and wearing this dress made me feel like I was in a straight jacket even though it's basically a roomy sack. I think some of the issues may be attributed to the fact that the fabric is very stiff...it would probably be nicer to wear in a soft fabric with lots of drape.</div>
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After sewing the chambray version I decided that I really dislike patch pockets. I feel like there's no way for me to attach them without them looking like a craft project. I added pockets into the side seam and I really like them. I stitched the down to the front of the dress to stop them flapping about and getting bunched up.</div>
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I wore this dress out last Sunday to the Sydney Spoolettes inagrual Croqs and Frocks event. I won my first game so thought that was a good time to retire from my Croquete career and sit in the club house keeping cool and eating snacks. </div>
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<br />Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-20240598453809970572018-11-02T09:25:00.002+11:002018-11-02T09:25:49.355+11:00The new old Mandy Boat TeeI've been sewing Tessuti's Mandy Boat Tee for over four years (and 20kgs ago). I made my <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2014/04/mandy-boat-tee-tessuti-class.html">first one</a> in a class at Tessuti and the pattern was WAY too small for me then - one size does not fit all! Back then the teacher modified the pattern to fit me by making the sleeves and arm holes bigger. It was my go-to top pattern for years but recently, with the...ah...fullness of my biceps getting..fuller...it just didn't really fit anymore *sad face*.<br />
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Just recently Tessuti re-released the pattern and it now includes four sizes. I decided to give the size 4 a go. I wasn't feeling optimistic as the new sleeve pattern was the same size as the modified one I had from my class <i>all </i>those years ago. HOWEVER....I'm very please to say that the new pattern fits me very well! Whilst the sleeve pieces are the same size as my old pattern the shoulders on the size 4 are dropped more so the sleeve/armhole join no longer hit me at the fullest part of my arm.<br />
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I've worn this top a few times since finishing it a few weeks ago and I really like it. The length is as drafted and it works well with my current wide-legged pants obsession.</div>
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The fabric* (some sort of viscose knit) was a nightmare to work with but the print is great. I bought the fabric on a Spoolettes shopping trip to Cabramatta a few weeks ago - $7/meter. It was cut badly and was off grain but I like the end result so the pain of sewing it is a distant memory.</div>
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Of course when you make something you like you back it up straight away by sewing a second one! I added an inch to the length of this one but sewed a 2" hem (I didn't like the mean little hem on my first make). Despite my sad face in these photos I LOVE THIS TOP. The fabric* (some sort of viscose knit) was bought from the markets in Hanoi so has good memories attached to it. It's been in my stash for 18 months and I'm glad to finally have it made into something I like.<br />
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Here's a close up of the fabric - cute, right? And it looks extra cute with the twee little birdie necklace.<br />
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Of course two of these tops is just not enough so I'm in the process of sewing up a black one. It,s going to be too hot soon to wear them but I'm hoping they'll work from my trip to Taipei at NYE.<br />
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* both of these fabrics are very light, drapey and quite stretchy. If I was to make this pattern in something with less stretch I'd probably not be quite so happy.<br />
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------Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-83887968566023221252018-08-27T15:34:00.002+10:002018-08-27T20:54:40.077+10:00A crazy-difficult-to-sew Ebony DressIf anyone has ever skied moguls you'll know what I mean when I say that this fabric is the sewing equivalent of that! I've sewn with "textured" fabric before but this was <i>something else</i>. My overlocker <b>did not</b> like it at all and bumped its way over the speed-bump-like fabric...and the sewing machine I had borrowed from my sister-in-law whilst mine was being serviced didn't like it much either. Looking at the fabric in My Hung I had no idea how...difficult it would be, but I didn't give up and now I have a new, rather badly sewn dress! I guess you call that a win? <br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would you look at that wonky zigzagging! Oh boy!</td></tr>
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Yes, this is another <a href="https://closetcasepatterns.com/">Closet Case Patterns</a>"<a href="https://store.closetcasefiles.com/products/ebony-t-shirt-knit-dress-pattern">Ebony Tee</a>". I'm still in serious need of winter clothing (we're having a cold snap to see in the end of winter) and this dress is comfortable and cozy. I've made two other dresses from this pattern recently (not blogged) that have been fails as the fabric hasn't had enough stretch so they've not fitted but this one is a winner. I'm ignoring the wonky zigzagging on the hem/sleeves as the fabric does a good job of hiding it...and unless you look really closely you can't tell things when a bit crazy with my sewing.<br>
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I wore this dress out on Saturday night for dinner with the Sydney Spoolettes and I felt great in it (though I did spill caramel sauce all over it but thankfully it's washed right out)!</div>
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-------<br><br>Pattern: Closet Case Files "<a href="https://store.closetcasefiles.com/products/ebony-t-shirt-knit-dress-pattern">Ebony Tee</a>"<br>Size: 16<br>Modifications: 1" full bicep adjustment<br>Fabric: My Hung Fabrics in Parramatta - 27% Polyester / 68% Viscose Rayon / 5% Spandex<br>Changes for next time: none <br>
<br>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-29913357051315509292018-08-24T20:38:00.001+10:002018-08-24T20:38:46.136+10:00Leather BagInstagram tells me I bought this leather hide from an outing to <a href="https://www.birdsall-leather.com.au/">Birdsall Leather</a> back in May 2016. I had plans to make a tote from it but wasn't feeling brave enough to tackle it back then so it's been rolled up and hidden under my fabric cupboard ever since. That said I did use a very tiny piece of it to make a <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/02/more-leather-and-another-essential.html">clutch </a>about a year ago.<br />
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Over the last few months the <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/01/genoa-tote-its-love.html">Genoa Tote</a> I made back in January 2017, and used daily, was starting to look a little worse for wear. It kinda also started to smell so I put it through the washing machine -- leather handles and all ! I NEEDED a new bag, and I needed it NOW!<br />
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I modeled this bag loosely on my Genoa Tote by including a key clip, internal (though zipperless) internal pocket and I also used a set of handles I'd bought for a Genoa Tote plus I added in a handy front pocket. The bag itself is just two A3 size pieces of leather sewn together with the seams on the outside. I've this type of seam treatment around and quite liked it. It took about 90 minutes from beginning to end - including cutting out the leather.<br />
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My machine handled the leather...sort of OK, but it wasn't all smooth sailing as the foot didn't really move along the leather very well so there are so very small stitches with the sewing stalled a bit. It was also really really hard to sew a straight line so things are a bit skewiff but I don't think it's very noticeable.<br />
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When I first used the bag I found that it was too deep and not wide enough - it was annoying to try and find things in it so I ended up buying myself a work bag that has worked much better. This week I've been on annual leave between jobs and have started using the bag again and without all the cr@p I lug to the office it's proving to be nicer to use. I've even received a few unsolicited comments on it which is always the ultimate when your wearing your handmade stuff!<br />
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Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-52846691251522764732018-08-15T17:34:00.002+10:002018-08-15T17:34:37.402+10:00Peppermint Magazine Pleated Summer Dress + a class<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of a sudden I'm interested in sewing woven dresses (who am I?) After the success of my <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2018/03/papercut-patterns-sway-dress.html">Papercut Sway Dress</a> I decided it was time to upskill a little so I enrolled in the Intermediate Dress Class at my beloved <a href="http://www.sewmakecreate.com.au/">Sew Make Create</a>. The class takes place over three full Saturdays and in the end you end up with a dress...all overseen by the lovely Pepper pooch.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Real talk. I ended up with a dress that's too big for me BUT I learned a tonne of stuff so I'm pretty happy. The pattern does have a lot of ease but I was nervous about it not fitting so couldn't be talked down from the size I chose. It was a f<a href="http://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/pleated-summer-dress/">ree pattern</a> and the fabric was only $15 (in total) from Cambodia so nothing lost really. Plus Dave funded part of the class as a birthday gift so...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I chose this dress as it had quite a few "new to me things". A hidden button placket, buttonholes (I have even bought myself a buttonhole foot since the class), pleats plus we undertook a Full Bust Adjustment which involved a lot of maths but I could probably do it again on my own. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm proud that I finished the dress and learned a lot in the process. That said, I'm considering now unpicking the skirt from the bodice and adding in an elastic waistband and still wearing the skirt. I'll see how I feel about actually doing that when the time comes though.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LX9iYdd-GSI/W3IU7HUUdpI/AAAAAAAAuuQ/pH8XgWSgnRcF6fT1Lf8saTVHGCv6A4UpwCLcBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1534114270046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LX9iYdd-GSI/W3IU7HUUdpI/AAAAAAAAuuQ/pH8XgWSgnRcF6fT1Lf8saTVHGCv6A4UpwCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1534114270046.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;">Pattern: </span><span style="color: #898989;"><a href="http://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/pleated-summer-dress/">Peppermint Magazine Pleated Summer Dress</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;">Size: H</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;">Modifications: 1" FBA plus some changes on the fly to get the skirt & bodice to fit together</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;">Fabric: cotton chambray bought from the Russian Markets in Phnom Penh, Cambodia</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717; font-family: inherit;">Changes for next time: none - this dress is WAY to involved for me to have a second go around. </span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-13049735320670516172018-08-09T14:43:00.000+10:002018-08-09T14:43:06.504+10:00(another) Ebony Tee<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now that I've mastered the Full Bicep Adjustment for this pattern I was REALLY keen to remake my </span><a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/07/ebonytee-just-two-more-for-now.html">favourite</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/07/ebonytee-just-two-more-for-now.html"> #ebonyTee</a> with a roomier sleeve and perhaps a bit more length so I could wear it with skinny pants and feel super comfortable. A quick dash to my local fabric store confirmed what I already knew deep in my heart...the fabric had long ago sold out *sad face*. So I left with this instead. Same same...but different. </span><br />
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I sewed this up over the course of a few hours whilst I was home sick last week. It really took all day as I would do one step and then take a break on the couch to watch another episode of The Good Wife (a show which I'm thoroughly enjoying). </div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I added an extra inch to the length of the top and think I have good coverage now for skinny pant wearing. The hem is finished with the rolled hem on my overlocker. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><strong>Pattern</strong>: Closet Case Files "<a href="https://store.closetcasefiles.com/products/ebony-t-shirt-knit-dress-pattern" style="color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Ebony Tee</a>"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><b>Size</b>: 16, wristlet sleeves, jewel neckline</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><b>Modifications</b>: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">1" full bicep adjustment, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">added 8.5" to the length. Rolled hem.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Fabric</b>: </span></span></span>polyester elastaine from <a href="http://myhungfabrics.com.au/contact/">My Hung in Parramatta</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><b>Changes for next time</b>: none for View B</span></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-18696218358885405282018-07-29T18:18:00.004+10:002018-07-29T18:18:44.881+10:00Casual #EbonyTee DressAfter a successful Full Bicep Adjustment on my <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2018/07/big-guns-need-full-bicep-adjustments.html">last #ebonyTee dress</a> I hopped online and ordered some <a href="https://www.blogger.com/-------%20%20Pattern:%20Closet%20Case%20Files%20%22Ebony%20Tee%22%20Size:%2016%20Modifications:%20%201%22%20full%20bicep%20adjustment%20Fabric:%20Fabric%20Store%20-%20viscose%207.7.&%20/lycra%206%%20/polyester%2017%%20Changes%20for%20next%20time:%20none">long-coveted ribbed knit fabric</a> from Darn Cheap Fabrics. The fabric arrived within a few days and whilst it was a bit more lightweight than I was expecting it was still pretty perfect for the Ebony, so here we are. I've really been struggling to find dresses/tunics for casual (yet somewhat put-together) wear and this fits the bill perfectly. I wore it out to a picnic today and it was perfect (despite the strong winds blowing my dress up and showing my underthings to everyone)!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ml8RpW5_8_Y/W11yXPquR1I/AAAAAAAAurg/0rQ4RCuDjeQ3rSiB-HE4nY-HINCzvaZ_QCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1532833223545.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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Pretty pleased with my stripe matching on the sides. It's NOT quite perfect as my cutting was a bit off so there was some stretching to get it to sit this well. Near enough is good enough I think!<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MY69oSImqAA/W11yb-jYW8I/AAAAAAAAurk/9oV3KnoOK9cnTevR0X5eMXzRWr36qHo9wCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1532833194764.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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I decided to cut the neckband on the bias as I wanted all the colours of the fabric to be seen - I love the way it looks though do wish I'd cut a slightly wider neckband as I think they look nicer.</div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-muxHKwt42fw/W11ydgJg6ZI/AAAAAAAAuro/_6SGEtjas_Mk088UXPAS-zFew9PEfALQgCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1532833247411.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">I REALLY like this dress but it was only until I sewed the hem that I decided that I liked it. As the fabric is so light it felt VERY long and frumpy (almost like it was getting longer as I sewed it) and I wasn't feeling motivated to finish at all but I forced myself to finish it off last night. I decided on a 2" hem so it sits above my knees at the front and I think this really helps in making it not look like I'm being swallowed in fabric.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #171717;"><span style="background-color: white;">I bought the same fabric in a <a href="https://darncheapfabrics.com.au/product/rib-print/">different colour way</a> - I wasn't sure what I was going to make with it, but not it's definitely becoming another #EbonyTee dress.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">-------</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><strong>Pattern</strong>: Closet Case Files "<a href="https://store.closetcasefiles.com/products/ebony-t-shirt-knit-dress-pattern" style="color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Ebony Tee</a>"<br /><b>Size</b>: 16<br /><b>Modifications</b>: 1" full bicep adjustment<br /><b>Fabric</b>: <a href="https://darncheapfabrics.com.au/">Darn Cheap Fabrics</a> - </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #494949;">85% Polyester / 10% Viscose / 5% Elastane</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><br /><b>Changes for next time</b>: none </span></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-52309589608647459822018-07-11T15:54:00.000+10:002018-07-11T15:54:35.865+10:00Big guns need Full Bicep Adjustments! I have quite literally made an exact replica of the Ebony Tee dress I <a href="https://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/05/ebony-tee-dress.html">made last May </a>however this version has nice, comfortable sleeves. I <i>loved </i>that dress - the fabric was LOVELY, and I really loved the shaped too however the sleeves were just too tight so I never, ever wore it. I'd put it on to wear to work and then immediately take it off. Nope.<br />
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When I was at the Fabric Store last week I spotted more of this fabric and thought I'd buy 1m and take the sleeves off the old dress and replace them with new, bigger sleeves. Somehow I ended up with 2.5m "just in case" which is lucky as between the overlocking and problematic fabric I could not detach the sleeves.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MRF4u7yiGZs/W0LzlUG5BWI/AAAAAAAAups/ZCdo5_Se4IgFiwZLQWeE-8BVZ0kzLLswQCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1531050172794%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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The only change to this dress was to do a full bicep adjustment. I often find the sleeves on my clothes too tight so I was figuring I should bite the bullet and learn how to do one and I'm so pleased this experiment was successful. I read quite a few different posts/webpages about this adjustment and in the end settled on <a href="http://curvysewingcollective.com/making-your-sleeves-fit/">this one</a> from the Curvy Sewing Collective. After measuring my bicep and the sleeve piece I needed around an extra 1" so this was the perfect method....<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I1UmMgeQwbQ/W0LzO1bEswI/AAAAAAAAupg/fNNNgQZDyKwkDDAnmHx7JYdq1vefuN0YwCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1531050055027%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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And ta-da! Comfortable sleeves. The adjustment has given me an extra inch at the upper arm which tapers to virtually nothing at the wrist. The original sleeve is too tight all over so I'm glad to have more room throughout.</div>
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I'm SO HAPPY with this new dress, so happy in fact that I wore it TWO days in a ROW #hearteyes! </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GZZ1ubioShQ/W0LzdtVwOLI/AAAAAAAAupk/m7lXAOruxtcddjIExd2VzcIFi8a0QJ0ewCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1531050133605%255B1%255D.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><strong>Pattern</strong>: Closet Case Files "<a href="https://store.closetcasefiles.com/products/ebony-t-shirt-knit-dress-pattern" style="color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Ebony Tee</a>"<br /><b>Size</b>: 16<br /><b>Modifications</b>: 1" full bicep adjustment<br /><b>Fabric</b>: </span><a href="http://www.thefabricstore.com.au/" style="background-color: white; color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Fabric Store</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"> - viscose 7.7.& /lycra 6% /polyester 17%</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><br /><b>Changes for next time</b>: none </span></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-85519478209945469102018-06-20T17:15:00.000+10:002018-06-20T17:15:13.294+10:00A (new) York Pinafore<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wow, it's been a <i>REALLY long</i> time between sewing project and blog posts. I have just NOT been feeling the sewing love recently and despite that I did sew two Mandy Boat Tees that had failed in a spectacular way (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BibZ3O0BXYg/?taken-by=whatpiggydoes">here </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BjUgxHUBNsR/?taken-by=whatpiggydoes">her<span id="goog_653555495"></span><span id="goog_653555496"></span>e</a>) so that put me off sewing even more. One problem is that over the summer my arms seem to have expanded (probably due to overeating and not the humidity) so the sleeves on the Mandy Boat are too tight unless I use some crazy, super stretchy fabric. Hmmm....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However...I had kind of been feeling like perhaps I <i>should </i>be sewing something rather than spending all my free time binge watching Outlander and Scandal but couldn't think of what. I had seen the release of the <a href="https://helenscloset.ca/product/york-pinafore-pdf-pattern/">York Pinafore</a> pattern by <a href="https://helenscloset.ca/">Helen's Closet</a> but dismissed as "not for me, not my style" until I heard her talking about it on her <a href="http://lovetosewpodcast.com/">podcast</a>...it seemed like a simple sew, in my size range and I had some fabric in the stash that would be perfect for it (a long sold out </span><a href="https://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/kool-kat-spot-1" style="background-color: white; color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Cotton/Elastane Stretch Woven Velveteen from Tessuti</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"> that I had leftover of from <a href="https://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com/2017/07/more-mabel-skirts.html">another project</a>)</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">. Thus...here we are!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pFqN-76vd5c/Wyn1kifZoqI/AAAAAAAAunY/CQtjMIyimSMIFcSf69rT1wI8E44fRli2QCEwYBhgL/s640/PhotoGrid_1529211572687.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The pattern comes with two options for different types of "patch pockets" but I decided to go sans pockets as I felt it would make the pattern more "streamlined" and also because my sewing is not that neat or straight and dodgy pockets will make the pinafore look homemade in the worst kind of way. I was also jumping right in with my "good fabric" and fitting pockets into a side seam was more than I could bear as it meant basting...ugh ugh. Turns out that was a good decision as I ended up taking in the side seams but 0.75cm each as the cocoon shape was just too much fabric at my hips. I have been thinking about going back and perhaps adding in the kangaroo pocket so watch this space.</span><br />
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Overall this project was a quick and satisfying sew, made even more so by leaving off the pockets. Using bias binding is always super fiddly and <i>slow </i>but it does give a pleasingly neat result that makes me smile smugly whenever I look at it.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLknIS-C4jc/Wyn3u0PzJPI/AAAAAAAAung/We005APSmxo0u3nbWh4BlKBWI5YjOWI4wCLcBGAs/s1600/PhotoGrid_1529211636311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WLknIS-C4jc/Wyn3u0PzJPI/AAAAAAAAung/We005APSmxo0u3nbWh4BlKBWI5YjOWI4wCLcBGAs/s640/PhotoGrid_1529211636311.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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I sewed the largest size there was (XXL), and also added an inch to the upper bodice straps to account for a bust size that is bigger than the pattern is drafted for. There are two neckline options and I sewed the more scooped neck version. I ended up taking in the side seams about 0.75cm as it was just too big and I would like to straighten up the seam around the hip area as there's just too much fabric there making me feel bigger than I am. I sewed the longest length available but am going to unpick the hem and take things up about an inch or so.<br />
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The VERDICT: Whilst I like the concept of this pinafore what I really hate WITH A PASSION is layering . I hate wearing multiple layers with things riding up and down and me constantly adjusting my clothes. I wore this out to a family do on the weekend and I felt so fat and frumpy. I'm willing to give this another try though once it's shorter and slimmer at the sides; and I'm even thinking of making one in denim that I think would be better to wear in warmer weather - no tights = less layering!<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pattern</b>: </span><a href="https://helenscloset.ca/product/york-pinafore-pdf-pattern/" style="background-color: transparent;">York Pinafore</a><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">by</span><span style="background-color: transparent;"> </span><a href="https://helenscloset.ca/" style="background-color: transparent;">Helen's Closet</a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Size</b>: XXL<br /><b>Modifications</b>: a</span></span>dded 1" to the upper bodice straps for a large bust. Took in side seams about 0.75cm.<span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Fabric</b>: </span></span><a href="https://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/kool-kat-spot-1" style="background-color: white; color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Cotton/Elastane Stretch Woven Velveteen from Tessuti</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><b>Changes for next time</b>: sew a smaller size/straighten up the hip; reduce the length. </span></span><br />
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Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7846347473282025148.post-4027096488571349892018-03-11T09:29:00.002+11:002018-03-11T09:29:33.032+11:00Another Sewaholic Rae SkirtAfter experimenting with a few elastics waisted skirts (<a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com.au/2018/02/kunzea-skirt-by-sew-knit-love.html">here </a>and <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com.au/2018/03/made-by-rae-cleo-skirt.html">here</a>) I've returned to my OG pattern - the <a href="https://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/rae-skirt/">Sewaholic Rae Skirt</a> (my original version is <a href="http://made-by-melanie.blogspot.com.au/2017/11/sewaholics-rae-skirt.html">here</a>).<br />
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I like this pattern as it's made up via a number of panels that taper towards the waist so it's less bulky than the more simple method of sewing two big rectangles of fabric together. That said I didn't get the elastic length quite right, and it turns out this non-roll elastic has a lot of roll. I've really stitched the elastic in so it would be A LOT of effort and unpicking to remove it and replace it. I might replace it but I'm worried the fabric might not cope too well with that.<br />
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I have no idea why, but this version of the Rae Skirt is quite a bit longer than my first one. Why would that be - everything is exactly the same as last time?<br />
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The fabric is an <a href="http://atelierbrunette.com/en/">Atelier Brunette</a> rayon/viscose that I swapped some of my fabric for - one of the Sydney Spoolettes is now the owner of some Nani Iro jersey I was never going to use. I love this fabric - it feels so light and floaty to wear and was so easy to sew with. I looked at getting some more in a <a href="http://atelierbrunette.com/en/e-shop/39-fabric-halo-brown.html">different colourway</a> but with currency conversions and shipping it was a firm NO from the bank account.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #171717; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong>Pattern</strong>: <a href="http://sewaholicpatterns.com/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Sewaholic </a><a href="http://www.sewaholicpatterns.com/rae-skirt/" style="color: #898989; text-decoration-line: none;">Rae Skirt</a><br /><b>Size</b>: 16<br /><b>Modifications</b>: none.<br /><b>Fabric</b>: </span><span style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #171717; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Atelier Brunette viscose rayon swapped with Tanya (thanks Tanya!)</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #171717;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">Changes for next time</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #171717;">: none - though use some better elastic!</span></span>Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11907743046211723083noreply@blogger.com0