Getting started on the summer wardrobe...

Actually, I'm finishing off last years summer wardrobe attempt first, then getting started. I'm on 2 weeks annual leave at the moment for the school holidays (in the middle right now). The first 3 days were slow as the Little Miss came down with a virus/bug of some sort, and spent 3 days on the couch. she's still not 100% but starting to get back into her activities she'd planned. You would think I got a lot done in those 3 days, but no. being nurse/Mummy came first, but the house is looking pretty tidy for a change!

I decided to be completely selfish and only sew things for me! I didn't even know about this when I decided! But I had a backlog of stuff I'd cut out and never gotten too, or started and not finished (known as UFO's or 'unfinished objects' in the sewing world). I'd also made a few things recently that needed adjusting, in particular waistbands (taking in, which is always nicer than letting out!). Boring jobs though.

This particular maxi dress was cut out and started last year- as in last summer. I've made it before, too. Don't know whats happened to that dress, possibly tossed during a non fitting stage. I think there was another dress out of it, but I don't have that one anymore either! Anyhow, it's now spring, nearly summer again. I cut it out as per measurements, a size 18 apparently, and it was mahoosive on me! I had to check and remake the bodice- I'd gotten the fabric quite cheap at Spotlight and bought more than I needed, luckily.

I took the chance on the sunny afternoon this afternoon for a dress up- not realising it was so windy! No, not pregnant, just look it!

Ooh, the moon glow! It was a long, dark winter hehe.

  I'm not 100% happy with how it fits around the boobies, but I think it will depend on the bra I'm wearing with it. Which on hot, at home days will probably be none anyway! I don't think it's too sheer for a voile, either, but if anyone comments when I'm wearing it I can whip up a lining.

 Oh, WORST PHOTO EVER alert. Can you tell Miss 9 was grumpy and tired and didn't want to take pics? She neglected to tell me I look like He-man from the back! Grrrr....

 And I am nearly all prepared for spring with a pedicure yesterday, and haircut today. It's getting shorter and shorter, I think...

  

So once I'd gotten that UFO out of the way, I started on a new purchase (once again ignoring the precut pile hehe). I wasn't 100% sold on this style on me from the original pics, but once I saw lots of different versions I thought I'd give it a try. I even had this op shopped rayon-ey stuff to try it on. Horrid but like able at the same time!

 It looks terrible on the hanger- but like all of Tasia's pattern, amazing when on!

Even a quick check late at night got me excited!

Yep, Murray agrees. Always in for a photo bomb, that dog!

 

It feels so good on! I didn't retie the straps, which is why the bra straps are showing I think, because the other try on times this didn't happen. I didn't put the zip in, as I read that many people didn't and it still went on easy, which is true. But then I didn't know how to finish the blousy bit at the back, I'll be hunting for a tutorial on that bit, or working on it a bit better next time.

It's going to be a 'wear with caution' on a windy day! Must remember clean knickers that day hehe. I had enough fabric to make the maxi length, but the fabric wasn't wide enough, so I have a little left over, maybe a tank top for summer or something.

And the cute shoes with this frock- my fave platforms I picked up years ago op shopping with Ms Curlypops! They're getting me excited about warmer weather- I just wish the warmer weather was excited enough to stick around longer than 3 days!

My totally Selfish Sewing was of course interrupted by Henry needing a new hat- a quick one was whipped up from Nikki's book, as his head is finally big enough! Some more of the unknown mystery fabric that just goes well as anything, with a cute Spotlight print. I'll be adding straps once I measure it on him to get the placement right. Totally cute!

Keeping Out Of Trouble Part 1

Spring is in the air! I was a bit tired of the old winter wardrobe, and the beautiful week of spring weather recently spurred me to update the wardrobe a bit. I dove into the stash and found some nice medium weight denim, and 2 hours later....

a skirt! Pattern by this chickie, and you can buy it from here. I'm lucky (or unlucky, depends how you look at it!) to be the same size as I was the last time I made it, so I had the pattern all ready, and have made a few now so  it was a great quick make.

The top is another Alma blouse, the seersucker gingham *sigh* was bought specially for it- a few weeks prior! I love this fabric....I cheated this time and didn't put a zip in, as it fits easily over my head, and I could have taken a bit in the shoulders so the tight cardi doesn't sit a bit funny- but I'm hoping for less need for the cardi in a few weeks!

The warmer weather has (temporarily) altered the need for the knitted cowls; I threw together a quick 'infinity' style scarf, a long tube twisted and stitched together. I used some lawn from Spotlight as a practice, trying to get the guts to cut up some Liberty lawn!

Remember the Triple Zip swap I mentioned a few posts ago? Mine was very well received, with a wonderful blog post about it over here. I also received a gorgeous pouch, from manybooks4u (on flickr).

It was full of yummy goodies, I've never seen coloured magnetic snaps, and have fallen in love Glamping now I have a mini charm pack!

 And last update- the scrappy zig zag is pieced and ready to go....when I get to the Spotlight sale and pick up some batting!

This one's a keeper, that's for sure!

             Stayed tuned for part 2 where I reveal a special little job I was asked to do....

The Hottie Project

I read about this project a short while ago, and thought that while I was onto one Hottie Challenge, I might as well add another! They are pretty fun to make (and nothing to do with men, and I think some friends believe!)

It's amazing to me that something so simple to make will mean so much to a child. I ended up making 2- I found the hexies in the stash pre-sewn by me, and waiting for the right project. 'Twas meant to be!

 These ones will be posted with a water bottle inside; then it can be filled and used straight away! Despite warm PJ's, blankets and heating, my girl loves cuddling one of these, and she highly praised my efforts, so hopefully they'll be OK. I used recycled wool blankets too, they are so cozy and snuggly.

there's heaps of other ways to help though, and all the info is here. I'm really happy I could do a little something to help, and remind me what a lucky little crafting community I am in.

Oh, and sneak peak at my fishy Tofino pants. I'll get some pics on the weekend to join the pajama party!

Oh, and Murray wanted to drop in a say hi- mid haircut- as it's been a while!

Stop the Press!

I haven't felt the need to urgently blog for a while, but I want to share this pattern with everyone! It arrived nice and quickly on Monday after I bought it from here; and that wasn't very long after it was released by Tasia.

I have been DYING for a good PJ pants pattern forever, the commercial patterns I have I think are aimed at people with nappies- saggy bums! and low crotches. Anyone else noticed this? So to say I had high hopes is an understatement!

The first pair was a muslin- and I hoped wearable. I used some vintage flannel from the stash. I cut a straight size 10 (I went with the hip measurement, not the bust or waist) and did recommended seam allowances etc. I left the piping off the trial pair. And I LOVE THEM!

 

 

 Sorry about the bad iPhone pics- I was so excited when I got home I got the mini photographer to snap some pics! The thick flannel was going to annoy me around the waist I thought (nothing like feeling slim in your bedroom/ lounge attire!) I used some ribbon from the stash.

They sit on the hip more than the waist, and have a normal sized crotch and butt! Yippee!

  I have the next ones cut out- and these will include the piping, my first time making and using it!. I'll be in time for the pajama party!

 I think I'll be making a lot of these- summer, winter, shorts, and as tracksuit pants too. I wonder if I can match my Renfrew count? Six new ones last weekend, which I think takes my count to 12? These were all made with leftover fabrics too from other garments (expect the bottom left striped merino, it was just taken in a lot, but I count it as a new one!)

Something for me!

In between the kiddy stuff, I've been (slowly) making the Alma blouse. It was a bit spooky, as I was watching American Horror Story Season 2 whilst I made it, and there was a character named Alma....so I wont forget that show very quickly!

These pics are after 2 days of wearing...it's THAT good!

 

It has a side invisible zip, and I took in the side seams and made the darts a bit bigger, I cut a 14 out. It actually goes over my head without the need for the zip, so as good as that was to put in- I'm not doing it next time!

It's great for casual, but I can't wait to dress it up a bit. But the cuuuute collar is my fave, I think a Peter Pan collar dresses everything up! I have a few fabrics in the stash earmarked for more...

The only things I didn't like were my own fault- I didn't have enough fabric to make the facings match- I went with white, which I can see and it bugs me. Should've gone with navy! (it looks black and white, but it's a navy and cream voile from Spotlight). The other thing is a flaw in the fabric, down the back shoulder is a line where there is no blue dye- but Cam suggested a fabric marker, if I was really worried about it! I'm not, just annoying!

Hmm, the kid is getting a bit better at photos!

Xmas sewing

So it wasn't a big frenzy of sewing this year, I had a few little things to make, and could easily do them over the Xmas break. The things for me, of course, have all had to wait though :(

I had a Kris Kringle (or Secret Santa) gift to make for my work Xmas party- which I left at home on the night, so my boss ended up getting it, she being the one who handed them all out and got the last one! I based it on this tutorial- really fun and a great scrap buster! Suffice to say my boss was pretty happy with it! (phew!)

 I wanted to make my sister something, and ended up making 2 of them so she could pick the fabric she wanted! I bought this pattern when they had a sale recently, a pdf download, and used my new fave spray glue with it (told you I was obsessed!) The yellow leather wasn't the best choice, a bit too stiff, but the soft blue one was lovely.

 I'll try and get a pic of the back one that she chose next time I see her!

Oh, Henry got some Christmas pants to wear on Christmas Day- they are a 0-3mth size and fit him perfectly in the leg at 2weeks of age! Uh-oh....

This was what "Santa" brought me for Xmas...

Now to stop making things for everyone else and spend some time on me...maybe.

Oh, a sneak peek at Henry's mobile I put together on Boxing Day! I think there will be much better pics when it's up and against the white wall (nudge nudge to the B.I.L to hang it!)

I'll do a 'proper' post then (I've been 'Gramming it a bit, I'm 'becsibbi' over there if you want to find me).

Warning- probably a few too many pics of me!

So yes, this post has a few pics of me- modelling my latest clothes making! From the last few weeks when I was sorting out the computer issues, hence why they are all in the same post!

I found some nice black stretchy stuff in my stash- it's quite thin, and really comfy. I made my first short-sleeve-v-neck Renfrew top.

I asked the Little Miss to take the pics- I obviously got her on a quirky day! And she then refused to take any more! Hard to get good help these days....

I also used a remnant of cotton lycra from Rathdowne Fabrics, it has a little sparkle in it. Comfy as well!

Remember this blazer? I really wanted another one, but was time poor :( Then I came across this at The Salvos store for $8! So didn't need to make one, phew!

 

Worn here with another Grainline tee

I needed a few tops for summer, and have used this pattern before too. I did have a lot of this fabric, it made a dress for the girl (cant find the pic) and a pair of pants, now a tank for me!

Now exactly the same size in the tighter weave meants it was a *bit toight*

As long as I didn't try to move I was fine! Thankfully Cam is the same size, but different body shape to me, and it fit her. Her colours as well! I like it my fails turn into happy gifts!

 There was much discussion at this time between Ms Pops and myself about the difference between the Grainline tank and the Wiksten tank.

The difference seems to be the darts in the Grainline; and the Wiksten seems a bit longer. So I bought the Wiksten as well, after my love affair with the Tova I knew I wouldn't regret it. That will get sewn up on my CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS! Yay!

Oh, check out Cam's great tank here! And in a happy coincidence, and without each other knowing, we have blogged about the top on the same day! Funny!