Prima dress and tunic

Since I've no photos of anything new made, I thought I'd show you a couple of things I made long before this blog existed. These have actually stood the test if time and are still regularly worn.

This pattern from the UK Prima magazine is for a dress or tunic.

The shape at the time was something I was looking for and found this lovely (as in the colour) bottle green polyester satin fabric. The fabric would have come from John Lewis where I used to buy a lot of my fabric in the UK. 

I remember any issues with the make or pattern. I'd made two or three Prima patterns by then and was happy with their fit. It's not a difficult pattern to put together. There were just eight pattern pieces, front and back bodice, front and back skirt the sleeves and facings for the neck. Neither version has any closures, it is a pull on top. 

I would imagine I swore a bit with this green fabric because it would have been slippery. Looking at my construction, I finished the seams using a zig-zag stitch. The fabric certainly hasn't frayed so my choice was justified.

 

I used to wear this green top a lot but for some reason it's gone slightly out of favour in the last year or so. Possibly because I'm aware the bust darts are not perfect and it's not the best fit. 

The dress is a different kettle of fish. When I bought the fabric for this (also from John Lewis), I had never made anything using a knit fabric before. I guessed the fit would be loser but the pattern didn't recommend a different size for using a knit, even though it states that any fabric can be used.

So I bought this cheap-ish grey jersey and proceeded to cut the dress pattern to the same size as the green top I'd made previously, although obviously I lengthened the skirt! I didn't use a narrow zig-zag stitch as I now do when sewing knit fabrics. I didn't know about these things in those days! It's stitched using standard straight stitch, it's got non-stretchy fusible interfacing on the neck facings and I didn't put elastic around the bottom of the bodice sections, probably because the pattern doesn't mention this. This is something I would do now, I have to add. Consequently when I first finished this, it looked decidedly like it was made for someone about 8/9 months pregnant! So I unpicked the side seams and added the ties which it still has as you can see.

The details - the tunic

Fabric:  A green polyester satin from John Lewis, Welwyn Garden City, UK

Notions:   Thread and interfacing for the facings.

Pattern:   Prima magazine blouse/dress pattern from November 2007
First worn:  I think I can even remember this, it would have been to a Promises Auction for my old choir in the UK in 2008 (I think it was!) Worn here with an old RTW long black pencil skirt (Dorothy Perkins, UK) and some black shoes from Overland here in NZ
Changes made:  None at all. I cut a size 16 and didn't make any changes at all.
Recommend?  If you can get hold of it, it's actually a really easy, quick pattern to make up. I also find the fit of these Prima patterns is great for me and no changes are needed.

The details - the dress

Fabric:  Grey jersey from John Lewis, Welwyn Garden City, UK

Notions:   Thread and interfacing for the facings.

Pattern:   Prima magazine blouse/dress pattern from November 2007
First worn:  I imagine probably for work in 2008. It's worn here with some purple boots I got from Mischief here in NZ. And funnily enough, I'm wearing this dress as I type!
Changes made:  I cut a size 16 and added the tie on the back to add some more shape.

Prima Patterns

I’ve intended to write a post about these patterns for some time and never got around to it. Finally with a bit of prompting from Claire from Sew incidentally.. here it is.

I seem to have amassed quite a few Prima patterns over the years. When I began to get these I didn’t subscribe and used to phone up for the patterns, in the end I decided it was easier (and cheaper) to subscribe. I can still buy the magazine here in New Zealand, but it tends to be a couple of months behind, by which time it’s too late to order the pattern.

[In the interests of those who want to know about the phone numbers and if they repeat, I can go on the numbers from about mid-2008, before this, they were completely different. From what I can see they use about three different phone numbers only, which started with 0906 757 6471 in May 2008. And so, each May, August, November and February the number to call is the above number ending in a 1, the months in between will end in a 2 and then a 3 (trying not to give too much away... :-) ) ]

I have generally found the patterns easy to make with clear instructions. Their sizing also suits my shape and I find I don’t have to make any changes. They also include seam allowances in their patterns... Sometimes they are printed double-sided, which can be frustrating, but I've actually found the paper they print them on quite nice for pattern pieces.

Here is my collection, including the descriptions which the magazine used, I’ve put photos of them all on my Pinterest site, instead of clogging up the whole blogasphere, and have posted only a few here (no preference to whether I still like them or not!) Apologies for the shiny bits, it’s that magazine glossy paper which is a pain to photograph and my scanner isn’t quite set up! Next in line will be posts about those patterns I’ve actually made up!

• January 2005: Party tops to make
• April 2005: Tiered skirts
• August: 2005: Perfect wrap dress
• September 2005: Flattering separates
• March 2006: For that special day
• May 2006: Quick and easy skirts
• August 2006: Sew a classic summer dress
• September 2006: Two easy pieces
• December 2006: Show off your curves
• March 2007: Glam party dresses to make
• May 2007: Dress to impress
• June 2007: Flirty skirts for summer
• October 2007: Quick-and-easy swing coats
• November 2007: Easy dress or tunic to make
• December 2007: Your little black dress
• March 2008: Occasion dresses you’ll love
• April 2008: Three easy tops
• July 2008: Simple summer dresses
• September 2008: 2 easy pieces
• March 2009: Beautiful bridalwear on a budget
• April 2009: Flattering wrap dress
• June 2009: Dress for the occasion
• September 2009: New-look skirts
• October 2009: 2 stunning looks
• March 2010: Dream dresses
• May 2010: New looks for spring
• June 2010: Simple summer tops
• July 2010: A classic summer dress
• October 2010: Autumn dress or tunic
• November 2010: Make one in an evening
• January 2011: Dress to impress
• January 2012: Cowl neck tops

 

January 2012

 November 2010 and October 2007

 March 2010

July 2008 and December 2007

October 2010 and May 2010

 January 2011 and September 2009

Belated Happy New Year!

Well, I had thought I'd be back before this, but life is so hectic and busy at the moment, that I've just no time for anything! [That's what it seems like anyway!]

Christmas at Mum's was great. We had a really good time and it was definitely a "merry" Christmas. :-) It was funny listening to my family all saying how difficult it was to buy small and portable presents for us!

I was so hoping to get some time to finish off a couple of UFOs which I deliberately left out of my belongings going on the container, but that didn't happen and so they are still UFOs and will remain so for a couple of months to come... :-( However, I have managed to make one thing... I joined the merry throng and have bought a couple of pairs of knitting needles and used the wool I bought on Goldhawk Road when I went back in November and have made the infamous snood as first mentioned on Did you make that's blog!

Now I think the last time I knitted something was about 25 years ago and trying to remember even how to cast on was interesting, but I'm pleased with my efforts. I'll get no prizes for tension or anything like that, but my snood is cosy and warm and brilliant when it's windy!

I've kept a few me made items back, but I'm decidedly lacking with warm me made clothes, so they will only come out for special occasions or warm days! So for one special occasion out came the following:

Each year we hold a Burn's Night Supper and it's normally the full affair with speeches, dressing up in black tie, etc. We held ours last Saturday the day after 12th night, so we relaxed the Burn's Night stuff (no speeches) and had 12th night presents instead! It was still a brilliant night. Even the wee timorous beastie (ie the haggis) was finished! Normally we have some left which I can turn into Balmoral Chicken or have with baked beans and mash, but not this year!

I wore a dress I made eighteen months ago. This is a pattern from Prima magazine. The original pattern I think was for a wedding dress, but I decided it would be fun to have a red dress. It's got a red cotton lining and a red sheer fabric on top. I went for a cotton lining because it's cooler in the summer than polyester. I can't show you the patten, since that's in the container, I'll endeavour to put up a photo once it arrives. In the meantime here are some photos! The tarten stole I made from some lovely tartan silk I found in John Lewis. I've used a brooch to pleat it in the middle to sit comfortably on my shoulder.

So... that's about the limit of my sewing so far. I'm really missing not having a sewing machine. It was my form of relaxation. But thinking about it, I've had so much other things to think about, sewing just wouldn't have got done!

So this will be my last post for a few weeks I think, plus I think very few comments will be made on other blogs, an enforced absence of a couple of weeks. 99% of our belongings have already gone sailing away. The remainder I need to pack into suitcases to take with us, some to go in cargo and the rest to stay behind. We finally leave the UK next Tuesday and after a few nights in the USA seeing friends and partying in Vegas we will arrive in our final destination on 31st January.

My next post will be written from our new home 12,000 miles away in Wellington, New Zealand. Am I scared? Yes, definitely apprehensive. Both of us are yet to find work, but at least I have an interview!

So here's to safe journeys and new beginnings!

SSS'11 Days 26 to 30

I can't believe it, I've got through a month wearing something which I've made every day! Phew! Good job I managed to make some during the month, else it would have been a bit boring with the same old things coming out day after day.

Here are the last few days...

Day 26

 My favourite dress again. Down in the basement in one of our libraries, checking through a bound newspaper.

Dress:  Made about eight years ago.

Cardigan:  RTW, bought this year, but with replaced buttons (blogged about here on day 18)

Day 27

Recently finished in time for SSS'11!

Skirt:  self-stitiched, finished on day 23, first worn on day 25!
T-shirt and shurg:  RTW from M&S

Day 28

 

Holding a little librarian toy going "Shhhh"!

Dress:  Made last year, worn on day 3.
Cardigan:  RTW from Monsoon. It was hot outside, but I was in an air-conditioned library and needed the extra layer!

Day 29

Oh, it's exactly the same outfit as day 2!!

RTW blouse from Monsoon
Skirt:  self-stitched about four years ago from a Prima pattern.

Day 30

The girls thought it would be funny if I posed with some of the slightly different stock we have in the library...

Here's another photo taken at home later...

Blouse:  self-stitched in June from Simplicity dress pattern 2360
Skirt:  RTW from Next

Phew! That's it! I've made it! Well it's 1st October and I'm actually wearing everything RTW today. It's lazy, but I'm feeling decidedly full of cold and horrible stuff, so just couldn't think much this morning. I have got some RTW clothes which I've missed wearing, so they will now have an airing. However, there are quite a lot of RTW things in the wardrobe which I really haven't missed and I think they will now either go to the charity shop or be sold at a boot sale. We need to have a clear out anyway, so it comes at an opportune time.

I've really enjoyed the month, so thanks So, Zo for organising. Here's to the next one in May?, only I'd best get sewing, or it'll all be the same clothes as you've just seen for this month! :-)

SSS'11 Days 19 to 25

I can't believe it's day 25 already! This month has gone so fast!

Day 19

My new sparkly sorbetto. I finished this last weekend, so I decided to give it an outing straight away!

Top:  Sparkly Sorbetto
Skirt:  from La Redoute
Belt:  M&S

The top has worked really well, I'm pleased with how the sleeves went in, even if they weren't made for this pattern!

Day 20

This makes me look important (I wish!) One of my favourite skirts.

Cardigan:  Monsoon
Skirt:  My bright pink flowery skirt made in June

Day 21

It felt cold this morning, so out came the thick tights and a warmer dress.

Dress:  Made about four years ago from a Prima magazine pattern, a longer version of the green blouse worn on Day 8. It's the one and only item I've made from jersey. Although I made a couple of modifications from the pattern, it's actually had lots of wear and is really warm and comfortable and a staple for my winter wardrobe.
Cardigan:  Macy's (yep, the NYC department store!)

Day 22

My geometric sorbetto. Another chilly day, it must have been, I had trousers on and I never wear trousers!

Cardigan:  La Redoute (a nicer orange than it looks)
Top:  Sorbetto, made at the beginning of the month!
Trousers:  M&S

Day 23

Day off work to spend quality time with my sewing machine! This was taken in the evening after a busy day of sewing, going out to lunch with Mr N, etc. Determined to be comfy I wore...

Skirt:  Pink flowery skirt, worn day 20 (above)
Cardigan:  Wallis

Day 24

This has become a favourite. I had to wear this again with the nice weather back again. I even got a comment at work with a colleague saying I always wear lovely dresses!

Dress:  Simplicity 2588, made August

Day 25

We went for walk today round a local park. There's a nice house too, but Mr N decided my photo needed to be taken in front of a golf green! Typical!

Cardigan:  Monsoon
T-shirt:  Wallis
Skirt:  Self-stitched made Friday (on my day off!)

I'm really enjoying this month. Only five days left, I can't believe it!!

SSS'11 Days 12 to 18

Another week bites the dust!! I've done very little sewing and so have ended up repeating clothes now.

Day 12

My own version of Simplicity 2360, blogged here in June, worn with a skirt from La Redoute. I love this top. It's so comfy and it makes me feel good wearing it. I'm pleased how it turned out. As you can see like most of my photos it was taken at work. I'd been sorting out the maps in the map cabinet and my colleagues decided I needed to be photographed beside it!

Day 13

Simplicity 2588, worn on day 1. The first repeat! I couldn't wait for some nice weather to wear this dress again. I love it, the fit is brilliant and I love the colours. A bit of a frantic day, organising events at work, planning a training session for the next day, busy, busy, wondering if the world was going to stop spinning so I could get off!

Day 14

My turn to deliver the training with a colleague. Comfortable clothes needed and layers too, since the training room can get hot and cold, depending on how well the air-con is working! I also wore this on day 2. I decided to wear this today with a chocolate coloured t-shirt.

Day 15

I had loads of lovely comments on Flickr about this dress when I wore it on day 10, I was quite chuffed. It's an age old dress, but it's not lost it's colour and more importantly, it still fits me! It was a bit chilly at work, so I wore this with a burgundy fluffy cardigan from Next.

Day 16

We thought you might like the spiral staircase in this library. It goes up to the attic (stack) and also down to the crypt (basement local studies store). Since I'd spent loads of time downstairs today, they decided I needed to have the photo by the stairs. I'm wearing my pink top from day 11 and a navy blue skirt from Next, not to mention the white cardigan which has also had new buttons sewn on it.

Day 17

I was at a loss with what to wear today. In the end I grabbed my sorbetto and went for it. I've spent the day doing housework and finally getting down to some sewing this afternoon. I had got a bit chilly by the time I had this taken, so hence the cardigan from Macy's. What was I sewing - well that will have to wait...

Day 18

Not sure what's happened with this. It's overexposed and I can't get rid of the red-eye! I've cheated today and possibly failed the task... All I've worn today is a cardigan I replaced the buttons on. Sourcing the buttons for this was a labour of love, since they are very small buttonholes (about 1/4 inch). They came from As Cute as a Button in the US, blogged about here.

For those who are interested, here are before and after photos of the buttons.

 Not so nice shell buttons

Nice new sparkly buttons

SSS'11 Days 5 to 11

Well I'm still managing to wear something different each day. Don't think it'll last much longer, I'm running out of outfits!

Day 5

My self-drafted skirt, blogged about here. I love this skirt and wear it a lot. It's warm and it's so cheerful that I think it'll be going into the autumn to keep me happy when the grotty weather comes. Oh and this is why we don't have date-stamps at work - we have these self-issue units which the public use to issue their books and DVDs, etc out.

Day 6

 

It started getting chilly this week and I ended up digging out cardigans and tights! Tights in September, generally unheard of in my book. I made this wrap dress about four/five years ago using a lovely silk fabric. The fabric wasn't cheap, but I loved it so much, I had to have it. Unfortunately I've put a bit on since I bought it and had to put a vest top underneath (it was cold too!) The pattern is another Prima pattern. The pumps I bought in Edinburgh. They're fab, they came in so many different colours, but decided to go with a sensible shade when I could only afford one pair!

Day 7

Oh I had a bad day today. I was full of cold and felt awful. I'm surprised I managed to smile for this. I'm wearing my new Sorbetto, I'm quite chuffed with the comments I've had. It's a real 80's pattern, but it's so cheerful and colourful that loads said how nice it looked. Perhaps it might stay in the wardrobe yet!!

Day 8

OK, so it had got cold, so out come the warmer clothes. This green top (yes it is green) was also made about four years ago from another Prima pattern. It's a lovely bottle green satin. It actually has 3/4 sleeves, but the air-con made the library freezing and so the cardigan stayed on all day! For those interested, the bottom half was a pair of black trousers.

Day 9

 

Who says libraries are glamorous? This is the workroom in one of our libraries. Not that pretty really and cold too! This blouse was made in May 2011, before my blog started. It's Burda Style pattern 7831, not that you can see it very well. It's made in a sort of cheesecloth type fabric with a fine stripe. However, because it was cold, I ended up with the navy skirt and cardigan, both RTW.

Day 10

I planned ages ago to go up to London today. So this was my shopping outfit! I went off to Goldhawk Road and bought loads (some described yesterday). This dress is years old. I made it about eleven years ago (yes 11!) for a friends' wedding. The colour has hardly faded and it's so comfy. It was hidden away for years as I lived with someone who hated it, but I never had the heart to throw it out. I'm so glad I didn't. It's getting a new lease of life and adding a belt to it really works. I still have the pattern upstairs, so I'll write a post about it one day (with one of the original photos!!)

Day 11

Phew! The end of another week. This is the top I blogged about here. We had family round today for Sunday lunch and I'm full with roast beef and trimmings, followed by blackberry and apple crumble with custard - yummy! It's also possibly why I look quite fat!! :-) Fortunately the weather has got a bit warmer and again I can wear some summery clothes!

Here's to the next week, we'll soon be over half way through! It's gone so fast and it's really lovely seeing others creations.