Sew: Tessuti Laura Pant in Denim

I sewed something!! These were meant to be made out of cobalt blue linen but I accidentally bought the wrong amount. I was determined to sew something so I dug through my stash and found this length of denim left over from my crazy kid shorts and pants sewing days. I love this denim.

I've mentioned before that the basic items of our wardrobes are the hardest to photograph and blog. These were no exception. Rachel tried to take photos today at the park but it was super sunny. These are the best we could do.

There's nothing much to report about this make. They came together beautifully and quickly. I will increase the back rise by 1.5cm next time and possibly lengthen them by 7.5cm. I noticed in the pattern photos that they're designed to hit the ankle and mine clearly don't. However, I don't mind them this length.

They are a much needed pair of basic pants! I did go back and buy more cobalt blue linen. So watch out for another pair of Laura pants soon!

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Laura Pant, size XL
Fabric: Texan Light Weight Denim from Kelani Fabrics
Alterations: None

PS. I noticed that this Country Road top is very much like the new Tessuti Alice top pattern. I'm stoked that I can now replicate my fave summer top! I plan to dive in to my stash again this weekend...

Sew: Denim Simplicity 2451

This is Mr N's first blog photo. I think he did very well! He even captured some new Liberty hanging on the line. And a rubber ducky...

I made this skirt way back in early June but it was too tight for Melbourne layering. So it's been sitting patiently waiting for the weather to warm up enough so I can wear it without leggings and an under singlet.

Project Details
Pattern: Simplicity 2451 View D
Fabric: Indy Dark Denim 6GSM Light Weight Denim from Kelani Fabrics

I have made this skirt previously but have since cut it up for my Freddie Vest as it wasn't a good fabric to pattern match. It's a great pattern but doesn't make an exceptionally versatile denim skirt as you have to tuck a shirt in to it. Next time I'm going to do a straight denim pencil skirt or even the new Grainline Moss miniskirt for a basic summer skirt.

All in all I'm pretty happy with my skirt. And my photographer!

L x

Sew: Denim Simplicity 2250 Jacket

 

After the success of my first Simplicity 2250 Jacket, I was keen to make another fast! I decided on a denim version to be worn casually with my many floral dresses and skirts. I pilfered some denim from the boys' stash and was on my merry way.

Project Details
Pattern: Simplicity 2250
Fabric: Indy Dark Denim 6GSM Light Weight Denim from Kelani Fabrics
Alterations: Size 18, removed 2.5cm from centreback seam at neckline grading down to nothing at the middle back, bound seams with purple floral bias binding, inserted shoulder pads and sleeve heads

The last version is a little big all over but particularly across the top back, so I removed 2.5cm from the centre back. I also made a smaller size this time but didn't alter the seams for a more fitted shape. I wanted to keep this jacket casual and loose. I did try my hand at sleeve heads and am very pleased with the final result.

A great casual but classic style jacket for summer.

L x

Sew: Colette Patterns Iris Shorts

 

 

Due to the fact that I am a farmer's daughter, let's talk about the weather!! On Thursday, Melbourne didn't reach 12 degrees. Yesterday and today were sunny and well over 20 degrees. Tropical!! Time to pull out the shorts.

 



These shorts have been hanging on my sewing room door for well over a week waiting for some warm weather and sunshine. True to their word, these shorts were quick and simple to sew up, taking only a few enjoyable hours. I made a straight size 16 with no fit alterations. I extended the length by 10cm as I wasn't sure about wearing shorts, let alone short shorts. I think they turned out nicely.

I did make the pockets according to the instructions but once finished they drove me nuts. I do not need any more bulk in my lower tummy region (thank you Mr N & Mr H!) and I was always fiddling with the pockets to make them sit flat. I ended up simply overlocking the pockets off but leaving the opening to create a faux pocket detail.

Project Details
Pattern: Colette Patterns Iris Shorts
Fabric: Echino Polka Dot Fuschia Pink 85% cotton & 15% linen from Kelani Fabrics
Alterations: lengthened shorts by 10cm and used a 5cm hem, no fit adjustments

These shorts will be perfect for outings with my boys on warm summer days. I am planning two more pairs in a dark denim and a natural linen.

Perfect with my new Saltwater Sandals! 

L x

Conclude: KCWC Spring 2012

 

After 7 days of sewing for my boys, I am exhausted, totally over threading elastic and my hands are stained blue from excessive amounts of dark denim.

Here's a tally of my KCWC efforts:

Mr N

• 1 x denim Burda 9793 shorts
• 3 x mixed Kwik Sew 3149 shorts
• 2 x denim Burda 9793 pants (need elastic)

Mr H

• 2 x denim Big Butt Baby pants
• 2 x denim Kwik Sew 3149 pants
• 3 x mixed Kwik Sew 3149 shorts

Cut out & ready for different thread in machine

• 1 x grey hoodie with navy trim
• 4 x printed Kwik Sew 3149 boxer shorts
• 1 x Kwik Sew 3149 t-shirt
• 2 x grey drill Burda 9793 shorts

All the denim was from my favourite denim supplier, Kelani Fabrics. I love the denim they have available and I even use it for myself and for homewares. The cotton prints are from good old Spotlight & Lincraft. The boys chose them!

I still have 4 metres of denim to cut out for Mr N's pants. He loves denim pants that are soft and worn. He refuses to wear any other pants, including 4 pairs of perfectly fine navy cord pants. His current set are getting too short. I have discovered the trick of including a 10cm hem which I roll up twice in 5cm sections and hem with a basting stitch. When his socks start showing, I let them down one 5cm section. When his socks show again I let them down 4cm and leave a 1cm hem. This gives me time to make a new set...

Mr H did really well in this KCWC. As he is the second child he hasn't needed many clothes until now. The hand-me-downs are very worn or I altered them (pants into shorts) for Mr N at the time. So it was time for Mr H to get some new stuff and stop looking like a hand-me-down kid.

I also cut out another Vogue 1250, Simplicity 2250 jacket and the Colette Hazel dress in a border print. Bring on some selfish sewing!!

How did everyone else go with KCWC? I thought it was great motivation to sew for the boys and get them ready for Spring & Summer. I probably just need 2 weeks...

L x

Update: KCWC Progress

5 days in to the Kids Clothes Week Challenge I have completed 8 pairs of pants & shorts. Phew! Plus I have another 8 pairs cut out and ready to be sewn up. It is very cold here in Melbourne so the shorts will not be worn any time soon.

Mr H was very happy with his new pants. Mr N is waiting patiently for his.

I also popped in to Lincraft yesterday and picked up a few metres of fleece to make Mr H some lightweight jumpers. He is a bit of an undresser so needs a few jumpers with no zips. Anyone got any plain hoodie pattern suggestions? I couldn't find a simple pattern. Everything is a bit too fancy. I was going to wing it from a tshirt pattern and a few RTW hoodies.

Project Details
Pattern: Kwik Sew 3149
Fabric: Lightweight denim from Kelani Fabrics (love this denim!)

This Kwik Sew pattern is an absolute winner. I've used it extensively throughout the last 4 years for both boys. It includes pants, shorts and a t-shirt pattern. Very handy.

In other news, since it is kid week, Mr N is going in next Tuesday for a service. Tonsils, adenoids and excessive ear wax is being removed. Wish me him luck! And poor Mr H has just been diagnosed with severe long sightedness and subsequent squint, so we've spent the day going from the ophthalmologist to the optometrist. Any suggestions on how to get a not-quite two year old to wear glasses?! Help!

What a week?! Now where are the bubbles?! The drink type, not the bath type...

L x

Simplicity 2591

I just finished sewing this lovely dress yesterday but am yet to wear it. Now this pattern has been fraught with bad reviews all over blogland, but I found it a dream to sew. I did make a few minor alterations for my shape (listed below). I just love how the side panels are cut on the bias, adding shape and character. Next up, a dramatic navy & white stripe version!

Side panel view

Sorry for the lack of wearing photos. No outings in this lovely dress yet.

Project Details:
Fabric - found in my somewhat significant stash (Alexander Henry from Kelani Fabrics)
Pattern - Simplicity 2591 (OOP - purchased from simplicity.com)
Notions - invisible zip, bias binding
Modifications - lowered bust dart by 2.5cm, removed 2cm from upper princess seam (from bust to armhole), graded in sideseams by 1.5cm.

L x