tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80183762983474537962024-03-13T10:36:07.831-07:00Hellou's HandmadesA personal journey on learning to sew, from complete beginner to....... learner.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-21900042593895050412014-05-11T04:13:00.000-07:002014-05-11T04:13:31.863-07:00Fabric finding and another Vogue 8710<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Originally I had intended this post to be a quick 5 minute chat to myself about the Vogue 8710 top. I had made this before and had in mind to make another version, I never got around to it, mainly because I forgot due to not finding the lace type fabric I wanted to use. Then whilst shopping at the local market for something inexpensive to use for a muslin of another project muslin (Bluegingerdoll's Winifred) I found just what I had in mind. It was perfect, a two way stretch bonded lace, I was expecting it to be expensive but when the stall holder told me it was £4.50 per meter I nearly fell over.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlZ0nqHb8Nw/U28v_r0zE7I/AAAAAAAAAa4/GCx76NlNQJk/s1600/lace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlZ0nqHb8Nw/U28v_r0zE7I/AAAAAAAAAa4/GCx76NlNQJk/s1600/lace.jpg" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course as usual I came away with more fabric than I intended to buy but I was quite reserved this visit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I purchased,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">1m of bonded lace</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3m of black cotton/lycra jersey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">3m navy/white polycotton, all this only came to £18 ($30) I love this fabric stall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This made me realised that I have some amazing fabric finding places in and around my city and some even within walking distance of my home. I thought I might like to make everyone super jealous of the fantabulous fabric shops and stall I have at my disposal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is the local market stall where I made the purchases above, he has hundreds and hundreds of rolls of fabric, its all inexpensive and I never found anything more than £5($8.50) per meter.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GyLyHok2U0/U28xKB0A3GI/AAAAAAAAAbE/c72PEZ1Nbos/s1600/fabric+market.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GyLyHok2U0/U28xKB0A3GI/AAAAAAAAAbE/c72PEZ1Nbos/s1600/fabric+market.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Fabric stall (John Street Market)</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This photo was taken on a day where the stall owner had obviously tidied up because you really have to route through the stock to find what you are looking for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is a great place to buy cheap fabric but I guess you get what you pay for and it is certainly not my favourite place.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The place I buy fabric from most frequently is a place called Bombay Stores and apparently it is world famous. It is an Asian department store in Bradford (where I live) and I can literally walk there from home in around 10 minutes. You are not allowed to take photographs inside the store, mostly because they sell wedding dresses and jewellery with a value equal to a small pacific island, the wedding dresses are amazing, all hand beaded silks with drapery to die for, but the price tags are phenomenal.</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NbuvEgYERmk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbuvEgYERmk" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">I found this video on youtube</a><span style="font-size: large;">, </span><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">please don't watch all of it but fast forward to around the time of 5:14 watch until 7:40 minutes and I guarantee for 2 whole minutes you will drool and wish you could be let loose in the place with a gold card to hand, and yes they really do have that many rolls of fabric at £1.10 ($1.85) per meter or £1 ($1.68) per yard. I tried to count rolls of fabric in there one time but stopped once I attempted one section and lost count (mostly because I was distracted by some beautiful shot silk organza that changed colour from purple to pink in the light), but I estimate there are over 3000. As you can see they sell notions and decorative bits and pieces too </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">(11:53 - 12:34 minutes)</span><span style="font-size: large;">, more than you can ever imagine.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">There are few more places I purchase fabric too, I love The Shuttle in Shipley which is about 8 miles from my home, this place has been mentioned before in several blogs (<a href="http://treefalldesign.typepad.com/tree_fall/2009/06/i-get-a-lot-of-emails-asking-where-i-find-my-fabric-particularly-from-the-uk-readers-that-suffer-the-curse-of-lousy-uk-dist.html" target="_blank">Tree Fall</a>, and <a href="http://didyoumakethat.com/2011/05/09/yorkshire-fabric-shopping-hitting-keighley/" target="_blank">Did you make that?</a>) and for good reason. They stock some of the best dress making fabric around and are reasonably priced, they have great sales a couple of times a year too. The shop is fairly small and the first time I went there I thought to myself "is that it? "what's all the fuss about?" (I did come away with Liberty Lawn at £8pm) then I was shown into the back room..... OMG!!! it is stocked from floor to ceiling with fabric but you really do have to search, climb and route through it, it takes time but they have everything any dressmaker could need.</span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCki92T9TGU/U29OWlQ3j8I/AAAAAAAAAbU/_CD0C1s0gPg/s1600/shuttle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xCki92T9TGU/U29OWlQ3j8I/AAAAAAAAAbU/_CD0C1s0gPg/s1600/shuttle.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Shuttles, back room</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then we have the </span><i style="font-family: 'Linux Libertine', Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 1.8em; line-height: 1.3;">Pièce de résistance</i><span style="font-family: 'Linux Libertine', Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 1.8em; line-height: 1.3;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.3;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">seriously you would love this place, everyone I know that sews loves this place.</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Linux Libertine', Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 1.8em; line-height: 1.3;"> </span><span style="line-height: 1.3;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is called <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/BM-Fabrics/531893960263137" target="_blank">B&M fabrics</a> and is based in Leeds market. it maybe small but it really packs some punch, if they don't stock it you really don't need it and their prices are AMAZING! </span></span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVfvwaIQurQ/U29XlHkjxHI/AAAAAAAAAbk/DxJyh1fUPbE/s1600/1507798_532065296912670_1282256076_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iVfvwaIQurQ/U29XlHkjxHI/AAAAAAAAAbk/DxJyh1fUPbE/s1600/1507798_532065296912670_1282256076_n.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="line-height: 1.3;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.allstyleandallsubstance.com/2011/03/fabric-shopping-in-leeds.html" target="_blank">Adrienne from All style and No Substance did a brilliant blog post about this place a while ago</a> I do have to take a bus or train to get here but it only takes 30 minutes and it is well worth it.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 1.3;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So thats about it.........</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 1.3;">Oh yeah I was meant to be showing you my Vogue 8710 but I got </span><span style="line-height: 31.200000762939453px;">distracted, here it is on a hanger (sorry for the photo quality it was a last minute phone job) because I just haven't got around to wearing it yet.</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-83285823374773331662014-04-23T05:36:00.000-07:002014-04-23T05:36:13.668-07:00Liberty Washi Tunic<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw-OQr5bWIg/U1exFj3MhFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/S5Pamy9_Z5M/s1600/shirring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dw-OQr5bWIg/U1exFj3MhFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/S5Pamy9_Z5M/s1600/shirring.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">shirring at the back</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I finished my Washi tunic, I like it, just like... I wish I had done a bust alteration as it pulls and feels a little tight. I cut it out on the pattern guide but I wish I had made it a little longer, never mind, there is always next time and this will get worn. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBJLIe-aBZE/U1exz1OvOwI/AAAAAAAAAaI/fyYEMn5Wy0c/s1600/DSCF0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fBJLIe-aBZE/U1exz1OvOwI/AAAAAAAAAaI/fyYEMn5Wy0c/s1600/DSCF0713.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful French seams</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lining machine stitched to upper bodice</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The inside of the tunic is almost as pretty as the outside, after finally conquering shirring I had a go at French seams and machine stitching the lining in place (rather than doing it by hand).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I even managed to sew a beautiful evenly spaced double row stitiched hem.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hem</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-71021550557431819122014-04-22T14:20:00.000-07:002014-04-22T15:09:32.159-07:00I blooming well did it!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PYno0tBOxM/U1boiwbQZ7I/AAAAAAAAAZw/8j5VPxiPU98/s1600/shirring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PYno0tBOxM/U1boiwbQZ7I/AAAAAAAAAZw/8j5VPxiPU98/s1600/shirring.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well I have been sewing for just over a year now and I have learned a lot, I guess I would say I am an advanced beginner. I can do straight stitching, have almost mastered bindings and interfacing but could I get shirring? NO NO NO... I tried and I tried and I tried but I just couldn't do it.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Washi Tunic (front view only because the back is ugly)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My first attempt was when I was sewing my first Washi tunic/top but I gave up and did a random sewing in of 1.5inch wide elastic, it is wearable but not the prettiest sewing ever. That front looks beautiful but the back???? Well it has the 'I guess I will keep my cardigan on' look.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPIdUFfC0ak/U1bbX2PLcjI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Ml532rasJS8/s1600/shirring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kPIdUFfC0ak/U1bbX2PLcjI/AAAAAAAAAZc/Ml532rasJS8/s1600/shirring.jpg" height="298" title="" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shirring (not amazingly straight but pretty damn good)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well today I started to work on another Washi, made from beautiful Liberty lawn fabric. I was going to sew a casing but I thought I would give shirring one more try and guess what??? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It worked, I did it. I will hopefully show you the finished Washi in the next day or so but for now you can look at my beautifully shirred back and tell me what good job I did. hehehehehehehheh!!!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-5320371560277842602014-04-21T07:34:00.002-07:002014-04-21T07:34:55.090-07:00Buttons Buttons Everywhere!<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This weekend I managed to finish (well almost finish) a couple of garments I have had in my unfinished items pile for a while. The first one was my favourite and most sewn pattern (Butterick 4443) to date in a quirky button print cotton lawn fabric which I purchased in the sale at £4 per meter ($6.72) it is black with brightly coloured buttons printed all over it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYHlJWYHjvA/U1Uq6spl6AI/AAAAAAAAAYg/pWpnHj4UReg/s1600/DSCF0700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RYHlJWYHjvA/U1Uq6spl6AI/AAAAAAAAAYg/pWpnHj4UReg/s1600/DSCF0700.JPG" height="320" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a>I had sewn the dress up a while ago but got disheartened when the lining became twisted and pulled the bodice out of shape. Well I decided to try and sort it out. It worked out wearable although the shoulders are a little on the large side and gape a little. I made a simple belt to go around the waist and decorated it with a random buttons from my stash, I loved sewing them on with contrasting thread, they look so cute.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFSh_OHM8jw/U1Urky71dkI/AAAAAAAAAYo/UsGEgbmg4MA/s1600/DSCF0696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cFSh_OHM8jw/U1Urky71dkI/AAAAAAAAAYo/UsGEgbmg4MA/s1600/DSCF0696.JPG" height="400" width="206" /></a>The dress in now finished and although it not the best fitting I ever made it is wearable. Please excuse the photographs today it was the best I could capture whist balancing my camera on top of my sewing machine, an without spending hours washing, drying and styling my hair.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-59806911532357109812014-04-13T11:02:00.000-07:002014-04-13T12:40:43.171-07:00Gertie for Butterick 6031 - Sew, sew then sew some more...<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I just love time off from work to do what I want. I am very blessed to work term time only (I wasn't calling it blessed last week when I worked approximately 60 hours) so for the next two weeks I have time off from the day job to sew, sew and sew some more. I mentioned a few post back that I intended to sew along with Gertie during the next few weeks to create a full slip for wearing as an under garment. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric and Notions</td></tr>
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Well I sourced by materials and pattern and have been waiting for what seems like ever..... I am very inpatient when it comes to waiting and very excited when it comes to sewing so I just couldn't wait any longer so decided to go it alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I got out of bed this morning and decided that today was the day so after a cup of tea and a couple of slices of toast I set to work. The pattern was simple enough only 4 pieces in total, I cut out the pieces grading out where needed (around by huge bottom) which was easy and quick to complete. </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I chose to use a micro stretch jersey which has a beautiful drape and brushed surface, this was suggested by Gertie herself and I managed to source some at a really good price in the UK at an online shop called <a href="http://www.tiaknightfabrics.co.uk/fabrics-c1/navy-blue-4-way-stretch-soft-touch-lycra-jersey-p1394" target="_blank">Tia Knight Fabrics</a> finding the right width and colour stretch lace was a little more of a challenge but thank to ebay I managed to find a 5m length at a good price. I cut out the fabric which is done on the cross grain, this was the trickiest part of the whole process.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzLU09x_MnA/U0rNjKH-AoI/AAAAAAAAAWc/h17WFx0fGSo/s1600/DSCF0673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzLU09x_MnA/U0rNjKH-AoI/AAAAAAAAAWc/h17WFx0fGSo/s1600/DSCF0673.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">zig zag overstitched narrow seam - this is the bust dart seam</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now it was machine time, with a ball point needle inserted and coordinating thread in place I started to follow the instructions to sew. I am not yet the owner of a serger/overlocker (I am waiting for my birthday which is in November so I have to wait a while yet) so all the sewing was completed on my trusty brother sewing machine. I trimmed the seams in the bra sections and zig zagged along the edge to stop rolling or fraying of the fabric (it is a knit fabric so I guess that should be to stop the unknitting of the fabric). It worked out fine and should stand up to quite a bit of wear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I completed the slip within a few hours and it really is pretty, comfortable and functional, the only issue i had is that in haste to get it complete I cut the v shaped split at the bottom the wrong side, it doesn't effect the wear-ability but it does feel a little akward. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--o_8mEvyeDk/U0rN8MQiELI/AAAAAAAAAWw/C6RVTOP-2Ho/s1600/DSCF0677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--o_8mEvyeDk/U0rN8MQiELI/AAAAAAAAAWw/C6RVTOP-2Ho/s1600/DSCF0677.JPG" height="177" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fabric cut away under lace</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are a couple more photos of the beautiful lace and the cut away sections (trimmed to make flesh visible) </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTS4rZVe7Ag/U0rN_cMPSkI/AAAAAAAAAW4/V-iXlQloz1s/s1600/DSCF0693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lTS4rZVe7Ag/U0rN_cMPSkI/AAAAAAAAAW4/V-iXlQloz1s/s1600/DSCF0693.JPG" height="468" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful lace - this is the hemline of the slip</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: center;">I used Madge (my dress form) today to model my garment because well..... I am just to prudish to be seen in my underwear on the internet, although it looks better on me than it does on her, ( you will have to take my word for it but I think her red cover is not such a good look for modelling underwear).</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-21218502916327268732014-04-12T08:54:00.001-07:002014-04-12T08:54:49.060-07:00Another Butterick 4443<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">After seeing and admiring <a href="http://chainstitcher.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/pattern-testing-flora-dress-from-by.html" target="_blank">Fiona's from Diary of a Chainstitcher's beautiful version</a> of By Hand London's, Flora dress I fell in love with the John Kaldor viscose fabric, this is very unusual because I am not really into floral prints but for some reason I just needed a dress made in this fabric. After I sourced the fabric I decided to make a Butterick 4443</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-bnHE4I4Po/U0lfonX9EFI/AAAAAAAAAVk/6qS47yMYu3E/s1600/B4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-bnHE4I4Po/U0lfonX9EFI/AAAAAAAAAVk/6qS47yMYu3E/s1600/B4443.jpg" height="400" width="293" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I really like the shape of this dress on me and have almost got the fit perfect (I have sewn 4 of these dresses now). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The fabric has a beautiful soft drape and is super comfortable against the skin, however it frays real bad and stretches out of shape if over handled.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxzOzbKA7gs/U0lgMEGwjKI/AAAAAAAAAVs/0QsCGFOciG4/s1600/john+kaldor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BxzOzbKA7gs/U0lgMEGwjKI/AAAAAAAAAVs/0QsCGFOciG4/s1600/john+kaldor.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I finished the dress today and it fits well but needs to be laundered before I know whether or not it will be wearable because the fabric is a little stretched over the bodice and has some baggy bits, I think they will wash back into shape (hopefully). I only managed to et a quick shot with my phone camera but here she is, not quite as beautiful as Fiona's Flora but I still love it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-60701262366889082562014-04-10T23:24:00.000-07:002014-04-10T23:24:05.183-07:00Pattern Testing the Winter Street Dress<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I was very excited to be contacted by Deepika Prakash from <a href="http://patternreview.com/">patternreview.com</a> to test drive their new 'Winter Street Dress'. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp6DY21zbUU/U0WdAGvSedI/AAAAAAAAAVU/spngVwPb3U0/s1600/line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wp6DY21zbUU/U0WdAGvSedI/AAAAAAAAAVU/spngVwPb3U0/s1600/line.jpg" height="320" width="195" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It was described as an easy to sew knit dress with a waist seam and a narrow pleated skirt. I was up for the knit fabric and the waist seam part but as a plus sized lady I usually avoid pleats like the plague. However once I had seen the pattern and Deepika's version I realised that the pleated skirt is nothing like I initially imagined.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Once I had downloaded the pattern <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/65379" target="_blank">(you can get it here)</a> I thought carefully about how and when I was likely to wear it and what fabric to use, I decided on a black ponte roma with animal print, I haven't sewn with ponte before so I hope to learn something new along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here is my review of the pattern, and my version of the dress, I have used prompts from Deepika to outline what you may need to know, if I don't have it covered please feel free to ask any questions.</span><br />
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<pre class="western"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1. Was it easy to assemble?</span></b></pre>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MWrCx_OtAE/UzcBXsOXfII/AAAAAAAAASY/fnmwxdxl8Fc/s1600/DSCF0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9MWrCx_OtAE/UzcBXsOXfII/AAAAAAAAASY/fnmwxdxl8Fc/s1600/DSCF0563.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<pre class="western"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47xjNnyVwtQ/UzcBYMAFMYI/AAAAAAAAASk/9ofZ2RadnGI/s1600/DSCF0568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-47xjNnyVwtQ/UzcBYMAFMYI/AAAAAAAAASk/9ofZ2RadnGI/s1600/DSCF0568.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, it took a while to print and piece everything together but it was super easy to get it</span></pre>
<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the right order due to the alphanumeric pages and colour coded sizing on the pattern pieces.</span></pre>
<pre class="western"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">2. Did the pattern pieces match </span></b></pre>
<pre class="western"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">up?</span> </b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Yes (see above)</span></pre>
<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span></pre>
<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">Any drafting errors?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span>Not that I see, however if you are in the UK you need to adjust the printer settings to 8.5"x11", the pattern then prints perfectly on A4 paper.</span></pre>
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</span><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">3. Which size did you use? </span></b></span></pre>
<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right well here goes.... You see I don't have one of those bodies that like to adhere to one size. I can thank my </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">paternal grandmother for blessing me with a </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ridiculously over sized rear and hips. I usually have to make some serious grading alterations when sewing </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">one piece outfits like dresses. For this project I cut an XL in the bodice and graded out from the waist seam to a 2XL.</span></pre>
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<pre class="western"><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">What is your full bust size?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My full bust measures 43.5", </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">whilst I am sharing my body measurements and shape I might as well tell you everything you never know </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">there might be someone else out there that is the same shape as me. High bust 41" and under bust 39"</span></pre>
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<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">4. Which fabric did you use?</span></b></span></pre>
<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used a Ponte Roma knit fabric with one sided border print, the main fabric is black with a lilac and cream animal print border. I have never sewn with Ponte before but I certainly will be again and very soon, its a dream fabric, is has stretch, doesn't fray or roll and wears well. It took a little bit of creativity in the cutting out of the pattern because where I wanted the print to be once the dress was finished.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I used a ball point 80 needle and my usual Gutterman sew all polyester thread.<b style="font-size: x-large;">
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">5. Did you need to do any pattern alterations for fit?</span></b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I graded out from and XL to a 2XL from the waist seam because of my huge bottom and hips, I also shortened the skirt and sleeve length to my preferred length.</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">
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<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">6. Did the waist seam hit you at your natural waist? How tall are you?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am 5ft 4inch but I have a very high waist, I usually shorten a bodice but for the purpose of testing this pattern for Deepika I kept to the pattern, it falls just about right on me.</span></pre>
<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: x-large;">7. Did the garment have the right amount of ease?</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ust about right. I think it would benefit from some vertical darts in the bodice to give a better shape under the bust.</span></pre>
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<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The dress is super easy to sew and only took about 3 hours to complete from print to finish, it is also very comfortable to wear but I feel a little self conscious in it (see the behind photo). Please excuse the state of my hair today it is very windy and cold here in Yorkshire UK.</span></pre>
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<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I am number 10 on the blog tour, but there are still a few stops to go. If you missed the rest of the blog tour, or want to hop on board for the final few days here are the dates and links so you can see lots of other versions of this super simple sew.</b></span></pre>
<pre class="western"><pre class="western"><span style="font-size: large;">http://www.sewcraftychemist.blogspot.com/ 4/2/2014
http://www.detectivehoundstooth.com/ 4/3/2014
http://www.cleverthinking99.com/ 4/4/2014
http://trumbelinasews.blogspot.ca/ 4/5/2014
http://danikate-designs.blogspot.com/ 4/6/2014
http://sewingsaga.blogspot.com/ 4/7/2014
http://sharonsews.blogspot.com/ 4/8/2014
http://stitchininmykitchen.blogspot.com/ 4/9/2014
http://sewingforward.com/ 4/10/2014
http://helloushandmades.blogspot.co.uk/ 4/11/2014
http://www.craftedbycarrie.com/ 4/12/2014
http://curveddarts.blogspot.com/ 4/13/2014
http://www.janmade.blogspot.com/ 4/14/2014
http://www.juliabobbin.com 4/15/2014</span></pre>
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<pre class="western"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></pre>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vRSF-yZyd0/U0LpirttdRI/AAAAAAAAAUc/NMhwfFRSXto/s1600/john+kaldor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vRSF-yZyd0/U0LpirttdRI/AAAAAAAAAUc/NMhwfFRSXto/s1600/john+kaldor.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">My plan includes completing another Butterick 4443 in a beautiful John Kaldor viscose fabric which I first saw in <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?post=2453752973&group=0&frame_type=b&blog=3390592&link=aHR0cDovL2NoYWluc3RpdGNoZXIuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tLzIwMTQvMDMvcGF0dGVybi10ZXN0aW5nLWZsb3JhLWRyZXNzLWZyb20tYnkuaHRtbA&frame=1&click=0&user=0" target="_blank">Fiona's blog</a> when testing out the new <a href="http://byhandlondon.com/products/flora-dress" target="_blank">By Hand London's Flora Dress.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am more than half way through completing this and it is looking great.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLZTtzLwcYk/U0LqVUjVolI/AAAAAAAAAUk/W9rFy-1ZyN0/s1600/B6031_full_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aLZTtzLwcYk/U0LqVUjVolI/AAAAAAAAAUk/W9rFy-1ZyN0/s1600/B6031_full_1.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am taking part in <a href="http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/" target="_blank">Gertie's slip sew along</a> too (Butterick 6031) and a ready to get going with fabric purchased and pretreated. I am going for an all over navy blue slip with navy stretch lace and straps. I have a lot of blue dresses and think this will get a lot of wear.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Still more plans...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">At least one maxi dress for the summer, you know for those two days of sunshine we get here in Yorkshire (UK). I have had the pattern and fabric for a while but have been waiting for the weather to change from constant rain and wind to almost like spring before I start it. </span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac9Jkayh1XY/U0Lr02Pk6wI/AAAAAAAAAUw/KtNbGhhioJQ/s1600/M6073s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac9Jkayh1XY/U0Lr02Pk6wI/AAAAAAAAAUw/KtNbGhhioJQ/s1600/M6073s.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_T6fI2dLWY/U0rnd0TvzAI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/0WzUxbF2AVY/s1600/$_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_T6fI2dLWY/U0rnd0TvzAI/AAAAAAAAAXQ/0WzUxbF2AVY/s1600/$_12.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Colour Jersey</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It is McCalls 6073 although I am seriously going to have to shorten it. I have some beautiful light to medium weight jersey which is called 'watercolour', it should be perfect for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am just realising the amount of projects I have planned with at least three more to tell you about. WHOOPS! seriously addicted.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEOy6ytCxvw/U0LtfiC2xUI/AAAAAAAAAU8/eRmWx5ROtM0/s1600/V1160s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEOy6ytCxvw/U0LtfiC2xUI/AAAAAAAAAU8/eRmWx5ROtM0/s1600/V1160s.jpg" height="200" width="189" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSJgYxKPhQk/U0LthUUb-XI/AAAAAAAAAVE/QwrLyQ4Noxo/s1600/skulls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nSJgYxKPhQk/U0LthUUb-XI/AAAAAAAAAVE/QwrLyQ4Noxo/s1600/skulls.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
I am planning the Vogue DKNY 1160 in black chiffon fabric that is highly patterned with skulls, I have not really worked with chiffon before and I know this is going to be a real challenge so I plan to leave this project for a while so I can give it the full attention it deserves. I would love it finished before Halloween though.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I still have plans to sew a couple more <a href="http://www.made-by-rae.com/washi/" target="_blank">Washi tunic tops</a> and have some beautiful Liberty Tana Lawn pieces in my stash ready and waiting to be stitched up into pretty garments for the spring/summer wardrobe.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Finally (for now) I plan of buying the Colette Crepe dress pattern. I just love it but it seems to take a lot of fabric, that will need to wait until next payday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-29545359986528272082014-04-01T11:53:00.000-07:002014-04-01T11:53:48.643-07:00Stressing about Patterns<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the past year since starting my sewing quest, I have acquired quite a few patterns, mostly paper patterns with a few PDF downloads from indie pattern makers. It was getting to a point where I really didn't know what I have. TIME FOR A SORT OUT!</span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Over the weekend I decided to get my act together and sort them out.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Armed with several large letter envelopes, transparent folders, sticky tape and scissors I set out on a mission to organise my stash.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The first thing I did was sort through them and organise them by type, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Dresses</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Tops</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Outfits</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Skirts and Trousers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Underwear and Sleepwear</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">For each pattern, I then placed the paper pattern pieces into an envelope, cut the original pattern envelope open and taped it inside a clear folder to the front of the envelope. I decided to do it this way as it is just easier to put the paper pieces into a large envelope rather than a small one, the idea came from <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWhGpLjTTn4" target="_blank">PBunnieP on Youtube</a> and I just thought this idea would work well for me. At the moment I am storing them in magazine racks on the bookcases used in my sewing space.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So that was my patterns organised, but I still struggle to remember what I have, this was when I decided to make up my very own pattern catalogue.</span></div>
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This was very inexpensive and although it took a little time to complete now, adding to it will only take a few minutes each time I purchase a new pattern. The pages are numbered with a hand written itinerary at the front, these means I can quickly find the pattern on my shelf because I have stored them in numerical order. I chose to have my pattern list hand written so I didn't need to print a new version each time I add a pattern to my collection, I can just add to what I already have. I listed them with Pattern Number, Type, Descripton, Fabric Type.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I have a new pattern to add right now actually, it the new pattern from Deepika Prakash at patternreview.com It is the <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/65379" target="_blank">Winter Street Dress</a> which I have been testing out for her. It is available now. I will be posting a full blog review on the 11th April when the blog tour heads my way but one thing I will say right now is that it is one of the easiest sews I have ever completed.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-24595140892033828952014-03-09T09:01:00.001-07:002014-04-07T10:35:25.336-07:00My first Washi Dress<span style="font-size: large;">Yes Yes I know the Washi dress/tunic pattern by Made-by-Rae is old news in the indie pattern circles but it is new to me. I spent ages looking at other peoples versions and how it fit differently shaped women before I decided I really wanted it. I took the plunge and downloaded it. I was worried that by the time I had printed it out and fixed it together I would have lost my motivation and given up, however it wasn't that bad and I had a fully functioning cut out pattern in just under 30 minutes.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOqOROgqqNQ/UxyInJ9IqfI/AAAAAAAAAQg/XJPEDPgkgfE/s1600/DSCF0556.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOqOROgqqNQ/UxyInJ9IqfI/AAAAAAAAAQg/XJPEDPgkgfE/s1600/DSCF0556.JPG" height="240" title="Buttercup Fabric" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">At first I decided I wanted to make the dress version with short sleeves and had some pretty cotton fabric in my stash that would be perfect, it is a quilting cotton but it is very very soft and drapes well, not like some of the crunchy cottons I have had in the past, unfortunately it still creases real easy. It is a soft lilac with almost white flowers and leaves, I believe it is called buttercup designed by Kitty Yoshida for Bernatex fabric</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I cut out my fabric and started to sew, the instructions were easy to follow but then I got to the shirring part for the back of the dress, OMG!!! what was I doing wrong, I tried and tried and tried, watched some youtube tutorials, searched the web, tried some more, tried again..... ARGH!!! I gave up, that is one technique I really need to work on. Eventually I decided to sew a band on 2inch stretched elastic across the back where the shirring should have gone, and actually it worked out fine, next time I will sew a casing which Rae has a tutorial for on the Washi web pages. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJCvHh4AIyg/UxyLGgzV1aI/AAAAAAAAAQs/6TDrfsl0-A4/s1600/DSCF0548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sJCvHh4AIyg/UxyLGgzV1aI/AAAAAAAAAQs/6TDrfsl0-A4/s1600/DSCF0548.JPG" height="240" title="Pleats" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">This was also my first attempt at pleating and I think you will agree I smashed it, my pleats are perfectly balanced and look professional. Apart from not matching up the pattern of course but hey, you can forgive me that right?</span><span style="font-size: large;">I carried on following the instructions until I needed to sew the bodice lining to the bodice enclosing the sleeve. All I can say it WOW!!!! Rae's video and seemingly magic trick to sew the lining in was amazing, I completed this after watching her video tutorial a few times and am super impressed, I am going to try it on another one of my favourite dress patterns too it saves a hell of a lot of hand sewing and gives a tidy enclosed sleeve. Once all steps except hemming were complete I tried it on, I love how the bodice fits but the dress length is not for me. I have a huge derrière (backside) and the dress just looked sack like, there is no way I would ever wear it in public, it just didn't hang well, I decided to cut it down to tunic length and now I love it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> I have plans for at least two more Washi tunics, I really want to make one for work with 'The Hungry Caterpillar' fabric and one with my mannequin fabric (I already purchased this)</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-47858031282069782822014-02-16T05:02:00.001-08:002014-04-07T10:36:52.230-07:00Vogue 8710 by Katherine Tilton<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0QhGJDnQtE/UwCx2DbQJOI/AAAAAAAAAQA/UizKl9PgqCk/s1600/V8710s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v0QhGJDnQtE/UwCx2DbQJOI/AAAAAAAAAQA/UizKl9PgqCk/s1600/V8710s.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I have been looking at this pattern for a while,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I really like it but was a bit nervous of stripes, they can be a complete disaster on a plus size figure (my opinion only) and the neckline is quite high for me but when 'Sew Today' club had a crazy sale I purchased the pattern and thought I would give it go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I purchased some cotton jersey online but when it arrived it was very lightweight and I was a little worried that it wouldn't be heavy enough. I went ahead anyway because although I like to complete wearable garments the whole adjusting, cutting and sewing process is fun for me and I learn something every time I make a fashion flop. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I made a sway back alteration and just cut straight into the fabric, no muslin, no practice, I just went for it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I followed the instructions more than I usually do with commercial patterns and I am glad I did because the way the sleeves are put in are like nothing I had done before. The side panels are sewn in first, they you have to reinforce the front shoulders with fusible interfacing before sewing only one shoulder seam, the neckline is bound with a self cut strip (this didn't work out for me next time I will use bias tape) before the second shoulder seam is stitched (are you still with me here???) I was very grateful for the illustrations. Then the sleeve caps are sewn to the bodice (on the flat) before the bodice side seams and sleeve lengths are sewn in one continuous seam. I had never inserted sleeves like this and I have never ever seen it done even though I have watched my mum sew for over 30 years (closer to 40 years but I don't like to think about that too much). It was super easy and the sleeves went in like a dream. I only managed to get a 'selfie' of the finished garment so the perspective is not great but you can get the general idea of what it looks like. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My husbands opinion "Yeah it's nice, you look like an NFL referee you should sew some numbers on it" I guess that's another wardrobe filler then. It might make it into the work wardrobe if it is lucky.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will sew this top again but next time I will probably use a plain knit and have patterned inserts, I was thinking I might make a black version with lace print side panels, next time I will change the shape of the neckline too and use bias binding in place f the self cut strip of fabric.</span></div>
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I had seen and tried on a dress in the high street that I really liked but there were several fitting issues and an even bigger price tag issue. I loved the shape or the dress and I wanted to make a dress of a similar style.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeiR5t8dkDQ/UwCp0LuzzWI/AAAAAAAAAPk/fpmPyhh-wLg/s1600/f02mj212500shuge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BeiR5t8dkDQ/UwCp0LuzzWI/AAAAAAAAAPk/fpmPyhh-wLg/s1600/f02mj212500shuge.jpg" height="320" width="254" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here is the dress I tried on.... </span><span style="font-size: large;">It has princess and waist seams, capped sleeves. It was fully lined with a small amount of net tulle around the bottom of the lining which was unattached from the main skirt.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">When I arrived home I had an email from my </span><a href="http://www.sewdirect.com/acatalog/Membership.html" style="font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">'Sew Today</a><span style="font-size: large;">' club saying they had a super sale and all patterns (Vogue, Butterick, McCalls and Kwik Sew) were on buy one get two free, what better time to stock up and stash? </span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhhtqDe2VQo/UwCnvC24jmI/AAAAAAAAAPM/pldYlQdWYeg/s1600/B4443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhhtqDe2VQo/UwCnvC24jmI/AAAAAAAAAPM/pldYlQdWYeg/s1600/B4443.jpg" height="320" width="303" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I found this, Buttrick 4443 which appeared to be a similar style and shape to the dress I had just tried on, I placed an order for six new patterns that day and the total came to less than £20 (WOOHOO!!!!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I decide to buy some inexpensive fabric for my first dress and went to ebay to find what I was looking for... I wanted something in navy blue so I could wear the finished garment with my beautiful suede peep toe wedges.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I purchased brushed <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221350468754?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649" target="_blank">cotton sateen with a slight stretch</a> and only £3.99pm ($6.70usd) and got to work the following weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I spent some time adjusting the pattern (shortened bodice and sway back) and decided that I wanted to move the zip, I really struggle with back zips and prefer side zip closures so I just moved it and it worked out fine. I lied the bodice as instructed but not the skirt and although I cant add that cute tulle like the original dress I tried on its fine and I love it. I was determined to make the inside as neat as possible and have for the first time in my sewing journey achieved something I feel proud of. Here is the finished dress modelled by Madge (my mannequin) with a self made tie belt, double stitched hem with self made bias tape (thanks to my wonderful bias tape machine). What do you think??? I plan to wear it when the weather eventually changed to something more spring like with my navy peep toe wedge shoes and cropped denim jacket.</span><br />
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<u><br /></u>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-68927791757878460682014-01-24T13:51:00.000-08:002014-04-07T10:41:41.577-07:00Dress is finished, ish................<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">At last I have finished my dress, there have been a few issues to deal with but its almost at a wearable stage. The neck was ridiculously wide and ended up looking like an off the shoulder style dress, I added a self made halter strap which I think you will agree looks like part of the design. I still need to hem the sleeves but if I am honest I probably will not wear it anyway. Its just not my style, I feel awkward in it. I also sewed in some little puckers (you can see them on the left) which cannot be removed (I am very annoyed with my self for this). The photo is not great quality because I only have my phone available (my camera battery needs charging)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am being positive about the whole process I may not ever wear the dress, and I might have made a few mistakes along the way but I learned from them and I enjoyed the process (mostly), I am moving on for now and ready to start a new project. Hopefully the next one will be one I can and will wear.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">How many items did you sew before you actually got to wear something?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-78390401583843268332014-01-12T09:42:00.000-08:002014-04-07T10:46:10.407-07:00It's coming along slowly...<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJNyQ_uUIS4/UtLOLl5RetI/AAAAAAAAANU/O4M3SkZEGRo/s1600/DSCF0497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NJNyQ_uUIS4/UtLOLl5RetI/AAAAAAAAANU/O4M3SkZEGRo/s1600/DSCF0497.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I have been working on the butterick 5988 for a little while now, I spent a long time adjusting the pattern which resulted in me cutting and sticking more than I should have, you see what I have been experimenting with below, too much tape and tissue...</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xvdnJ0WvLg/UtLQhsmSYOI/AAAAAAAAANo/SDExDwJ0olY/s1600/DSCF0504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8xvdnJ0WvLg/UtLQhsmSYOI/AAAAAAAAANo/SDExDwJ0olY/s1600/DSCF0504.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I eventually got around to cutting some fabric but after the strange twisting, not matching up muslin I decided to cut and sew the lining first, the lining fabric was inexpensive so I wasn't too fussed if it went wrong. I spent the whole of Saturday afternoon putting it together and it worked out fine, fits well, although it does feel a little loose around the shoulders, but I figure t will get almost and inch smaller once the lining is stitched to the outer garment so for now I am going with it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today I had time...... I love Sundays I just wish they weren't so close to Mondays. I laid out my beautiful satin backed crepe and cut out the final pattern pieces............ Scary cutting expensive fabric.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also had time to start sewing and I leared some new things about sewing today.... well actually it was about pinning, </span></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYobsTEFAmI/UtLRM68GFyI/AAAAAAAAANw/V1NB-a5YfpU/s1600/DSCF0506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYobsTEFAmI/UtLRM68GFyI/AAAAAAAAANw/V1NB-a5YfpU/s1600/DSCF0506.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">I learned that it is not easy to pin a curved seam on a flat surface, so don't even try, I learned a pinch the fabric together technique which seemed to work out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I also learned that using a hand needle and thread is much easier when basting in a zipper.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxTKjQe4-QQ/UtLRT2gmfuI/AAAAAAAAAN8/XUVv5Hmlr0o/s1600/DSCF0511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SxTKjQe4-QQ/UtLRT2gmfuI/AAAAAAAAAN8/XUVv5Hmlr0o/s1600/DSCF0511.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So far I have sewn the front of the dress and started the back, iserted the zipper and made the lining. It is shaping up nicely, what do you think???</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGlBZLci9sQ/UtLS8pJsPEI/AAAAAAAAAOE/jXqAMYtbLzk/s1600/DSCF0508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VGlBZLci9sQ/UtLS8pJsPEI/AAAAAAAAAOE/jXqAMYtbLzk/s1600/DSCF0508.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Front Panel, looking good on a flat surface.</span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUZ5GEuy5ys/UtLTVW4yjaI/AAAAAAAAAOM/XhzVfQdSo-M/s1600/DSCF0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUZ5GEuy5ys/UtLTVW4yjaI/AAAAAAAAAOM/XhzVfQdSo-M/s1600/DSCF0516.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hUZ5GEuy5ys/UtLTVW4yjaI/AAAAAAAAAOM/XhzVfQdSo-M/s1600/DSCF0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Pinned to my dress form, I have wrinkles!!!! hopefully they will iron out, I still have to finish the back, sew it together, attach the lining and sleeves, and hem it. That will be next weekends jobs.</span></span></a><br />
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Day 2: Cut out muslin for test run.<br />
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Day 3: Stitched front panels, unpicked front panels... restitched front panels, huffed and puffed a lot, almost gave up, cooked dinner and had a break... You can see why I struggles with the curvey panels from the pattern image.<br />
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Sewed back of dress muslin and attached to front, I left the back open were the zip would go and used hook and loop to gauge how it will fit with a real zipper inserted. After trying the dress on, it was a struggle to get it over my hips and there is no way I could sit down in it I realised that the pattern adjustments I originally made just didn't work, I had these two little flappy bits at the side where I added width, obviously not where I should have. I added width at the sides and I need it at the back, I don't know what to do now???????<br />
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After reassessing I have decided to take out the back of the dress and start it over adjusting at the back princess seams, I am not sure if this will work but I have muslin to try and I suppose I will learn something, it will work and I will jump for joy or it will not work and will cry and start over (or give up). One thing is for sure I will not cut into my Prada fabric until I get it right.<br />
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Today I made further adjustment to the pattern, I added width at the back seams where indicated below (at the red arrows) and I made a sway back (fat bum) alteration where the blue shading is. I recut muslins for the back and stitched it all together.<br />
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Now I don't know what happened but one side of the dress fits like a dream and one side just does not match up at all. The shoulder seam is too wide, the back side panel is too long and the middle back is too short. Then I realised I took out almost two inches from the length due to the swayback alteration but i didn't add it back on to the length at the hem. I have no idea what happened at the shoulder though maybe I just cut it with a fold in the fabric or something I was rushing. But then when wearing the musiln for a few moments I realise that the whole dress is twisting towards the badly fitting side. ???????????????? I am puzzled, maybe I just have the most weirdly out of proprtion body, (I already knew that though).</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-7028344743195289702014-01-02T14:03:00.002-08:002014-04-07T10:52:26.459-07:00Going from dipping my toe in, to jumping in the deep end...<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khoh_ufjKWs/UsXab2lEZqI/AAAAAAAAALk/VfEJQXXw7VQ/s1600/snowman+tunic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-khoh_ufjKWs/UsXab2lEZqI/AAAAAAAAALk/VfEJQXXw7VQ/s320/snowman+tunic.jpg" height="320" width="205" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Since the new obsession took hold.... (there I admitted it, I AM OBSESSED) I have purchased a few patterns and made a couple of wearable garments, nothing fancy just simple summer dresses and tunics, like this one I made for Christmas week for work ( I work with preschool children, hence the fun factor).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The fabrics I have used so far have generally been cotton and fairly inexpensive, no more that £6 per m. I am becoming more confident and really wanted to challenge myself to create something with a little more style and finesse.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNNt0DsTsN8/UsXamubFvbI/AAAAAAAAALs/0rvEzC_C4OQ/s1600/B5998+%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNNt0DsTsN8/UsXamubFvbI/AAAAAAAAALs/0rvEzC_C4OQ/s320/B5998+%25281%2529.gif" height="320" width="313" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">I checked out the new spring patterns and found one I liked the look of and I am hoping that it will look good once finished on my very curvy (more super voluptuous really) body. Here is the technical drawing, it is Butterick 5998 and is described as a fitted lined dress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It has sleeves, another bonus for me...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Another new thing for me was ordering fabric on line, I was very worried about this since I was buying fabric I couldn't feel and I like to do that (we all do right?) and the fact that I was going to be spending double the money I am used to on fabric, I felt a little apprehensive. Once my fabric (satin backed crepe) arrived I headed to my local fabric store, I will tell you more about this place another time but it really is impressive and has a huge amount of stock, they specialise in bridal fabrics but have a great range of everything else you might need. I collected lining, thread, zip etc and I also decided to buy some suitable fabric to make a muslin. Now I didn't buy actual muslin, I got a lightweight cotton but it will do the job and at only £1.10 per meter I am not going to argue. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGTyJXkakPM/UsXetzBq0AI/AAAAAAAAAL0/m5qhAEmxAMA/s1600/DSCF0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGTyJXkakPM/UsXetzBq0AI/AAAAAAAAAL0/m5qhAEmxAMA/s320/DSCF0494.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">So this is the plan (feel free to chip in if you can give me some advice).... I plan to make the actual dress with the dull crepe facing out and the satin on the inside, I will reverse the two pattern pieces (wavy bits) on the front for a bit more definition to the seam detail. Here's the fabric and notion.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I have everything I need and I am ready to get going...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am determined to TAKE MY TIME and NOT RUSH like I usually do, I really want a wearable dress from this project and it has become quite costly so far.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Os7pVaDZbyQ/UsXhl4GjBOI/AAAAAAAAAMA/hFC2xYJ7RPA/s1600/DSCF0485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Os7pVaDZbyQ/UsXhl4GjBOI/AAAAAAAAAMA/hFC2xYJ7RPA/s320/DSCF0485.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Tonight I have cut out my pattern pieces adjusting/grading up as I go where I think I need the extra room (to cover my out of proportion hips and butt) and roughly pinned the paper pattern together on my dress form to check it kind of all works, so far so good, there doesn't seem to be much ease but it is a fitted dress.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrw_Ndd4rhM/UsXhrwhcVgI/AAAAAAAAAMI/3WbgW2UBnAc/s1600/DSCF0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wrw_Ndd4rhM/UsXhrwhcVgI/AAAAAAAAAMI/3WbgW2UBnAc/s320/DSCF0488.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">Next step it to try it out on my muslin... watch this space.... and don't forget to leave any comments and advice - please remember to be kind though.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17538700509461899262noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8018376298347453796.post-25938881321742784052014-01-01T08:23:00.000-08:002014-04-07T10:48:46.743-07:00My story of sewing from the beginning...<span style="font-size: large;">My story begins with my grandmother who was a seamstress by trade, she made some interesting quilted home decorations in bright orange nylon with hideous cheap lace edging. My mum tells me stories about her coming home from work, making dinner then stitching up a dress to wear to go out in the same evening. I never got to see her garment sewing skills but I know she was very skilled. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My mum always had a sewing machine in the house and used it intermittently to sew clothes for herself, me and my sisters, (my brother never had home sewn clothing, but he did have some 'special' knitted jumpers). </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the first home sewn garments I remember is picture below, this is me in back in 1978 aged 2 years wearing a white nylon dress with navy roses which my mum made, the best part was she had a matching dress too (how very modern).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Until recently I had never sewn but did watch my mum sewing a lot when growing up and especially when she made my flower girl dresses for my wedding. I learnt quite a lot from assisting her with the dresses especially 'avoid chiffon' for a long time and I embellished and hemmed the dresses my self (by hand). My three small nieces did look beautiful in the dresses at our wedding.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mum hasn't sewn any wearable garments since this my wedding which is almost six years ago now (she made some quilts). Which is were my personal sewing journey begins.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After finishing studying for my degree and graduating I found myself with 'spare time' which I decided to fill my making a dress for summer last year. I asked mum if I could borrow here sewing machine,which resulted in scissors too, I purchased a pattern and fabric and set to work. I can't show you the results of my first attempts at sewing but needless to say they were unwearable, I enjoyed the process though and learned from each mistake. From early May 2013 to now I have attempted few projects and have a couple of wearable items. I have been truly bitten by the sewing bug and yes you guessed it, my mum never got her sewing machine or scissors back (she has purchased a new ones now so I get to keep them). My kit has grown through gifts from my mum and husband with the addition of a dress form, pinking shears, presser feet, a collection of patterns, rulers and general kit, and for christmas a bias binder machine and rotary cutter (I love the rotary cutter A LOT!). Until the start of this week I have been working at the dinner table but my husband promised me that if we can sort out the home gym I can use the spare room as a sewing space. I never cleaned up and out so fast and headed to ikea with money gifted to us by my father in law to purchase simple but functional furniture. Now I (we, my husband, mum and I) have invested so much time and money in my new found passtime I can't give up and I have to keep sewing, learning and creating. </span></div>
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