Tuesday 15 January 2013

Tried and true - Simplicity 3686

Just before Christmas I decided that my wardrobe would benefit greatly from the addition of these Country Road shorts, especially with our casual work period.  I loved a couple of brightly coloured pairs (which they no longer have online) but couldn't get over the $70 price tag.  I figured it couldn't be too difficult to use Simplicity 3686 to make something similar. 


This pattern fits me pretty well so I knew I wouldn't need to make any fitting adjustments.  I used the narrow leg view (view E and F) but if I was going to make these shorter then I'd make the leg slightly wider, but not as full as the other views.  


I'm really happy with the look of the little details in these shorts, the silk lining for the pockets and the white waistband facing (copied from the inspiration pair) make me smile.  I was trying to only use stash fabric and notions so I had to use a white zip and pale pink thread for overlocking/serging.  Normally this would drive me crazy but I really like everything about these shorts.  The cotton sateen sewed like a dream and because I've made this pattern so many times everything went together really easily.


I've actually got another pair of shorts cut out and ready to go and a pair of slim fit navy pants just waiting for me to sew on the trouser slides.  I think Simplicity 3686 has earned the title of tried and true - these shorts bring my total up to 7 and that's excluding the two other pairs I mentioned above.  Right, time to go and sew a birthday present for one of our neighbours.

Wednesday 9 January 2013

The first steps - bra making sew along



I love beautiful lingerie, but it can be really expensive.  Last year I noticed that a lot of very talented ladies are making their own.  Every time I saw Carolyn, Katherine or Novita post another beautiful set I'd think about giving it a go, but always decided I just wasn't ready.  Then I saw Amy's sew along and decided it was now or never.

Yesterday was the first day of Cloth Habit's bra making sew along and it was all about measuring for fit.  I won't bore you with my measurements but I thought I'd show you the beautiful kits that I bought and the pattern I'm hoping to use.



The pattern is MIX 30 by Merckwaerdigh, which includes a bra, knickers and french knickers pattern.  I also bought both of my kits from her Etsy Shop.

Sewing pattern MIX30 with Bra Pantie & French knickers by Merckwaerdigh

I know it'll take a bit of trial and error to get the fit right and adjust to sewing lingerie but, nothing ventured nothing gained, right?

Sunday 6 January 2013

Mission Maxi Redux

My first finished item of 2013...is the same as it was in 2012!  This is view A of Jamie Christina's mission maxi.

It was over 40 degrees in Melbourne when I wore this to work on Friday so I've only got an inside photo and it was difficult to photograph this beautiful bamboo jersey.  It's a fabulous tangerine colour and it's so soft and slinky and smooth, but boy does it have some stretch.  For this pattern I usually add 5 inches at the hem to get the length right.  This time I cut off 2 inches because the weight of the fabric pulled it so far down.


There's really not much to say about this pattern.  It's a great pattern, it goes together quickly and I'd highly recommend it if you're thinking about sewing a maxi dress.  

I wouldn't normally wear something this casual to work (we don't even have casual Fridays), but the CEO relaxes the dress code between Christmas and the first executive meeting of the new year.  I've got some bright shorts on the go, can't wait to show them to you, they're coming along really well.

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Happy New Year and a quick look back

Happy New Year!  I hope you ended 2012 on a high, we relaxed and had a few drinks and nibbles with our neighbours, it was a great way to end the year.

Currently working on a quilt for my nephew

I've always been really impressed by the year end wrap ups that other bloggers do.  It's a great way to take stock of what you've sewn for the year and take a look at the wins and the fails.  I made 57 items in 2012 which breaks down like this:
31 items for me
2 items for Wade
19 items for the girls, and
5 'other' items (predominantly home sewing)

My favourite and most worn item this year would be my slim fit black pants, they're worn at least once a week and you'll be seeing another pair soon.


My biggest fail is the mission maxi with the godet.  I took it off after taking the photos and it never even made it into the wardrobe.  I thought it would be fabulous but I don't like the way it looks on me and the godet doesn't work with my lifestyle.



My biggest surprise for 2012 was this dress.  I started off feeling very 'meh' about it and yet throughout winter I reached for it regularly and felt good wearing it.


2013 will see me sewing from my stash.  I have a list of over 20 items that I'd like to make and I have the fabric for all of them (if I get organised I'll put them on a tab at the top).  I'm also going to participate in Cloth Habit's bra sew-along.  All the fabulous bras made by other bloggers has convinced me to give it a go (that and $80 price tag on my favourite bra!).

Thank you all for your kind words and support in 2012, wishing you all a happy and healthy 2013 with plenty of awesome sewing.