Sew: Vogue 1349 in Magenta Ponte

Another dress that I made a few months ago. And another round of photos taken by a 5 year old. He's getting better! Excuse the wrinkles, this was at the end of a rather long and busy day of kicking goals!!

This is Vogue 1349, a DKNY Vogue pattern. I'm not very good at matching different prints so I decided to keep it simple. I picked up this delightful magenta ponte knit at The Fabric Store at one of our sewing meet ups this year. It was in the special bin for $20 per metre. I really didn't need any fabric but I couldn't resist a ponte in this colour.

The dress design is very simple and has limited shaping. It is a glorified sack. I took it in at the bust side seams but couldn't take it in any further as it started to mess with the lines. There was also some drag lines starting to appear, so I let it be. I feel like it's a little big but it looks ok and I get compliments when I wear it. So it must be a winner!

I stuffed up the lining at the armholes and neckline. The lining didn't fit the width of the shoulder piece. I must have cut it off grain. So the lining is pulling the fabric and preventing it from sitting flat. It looks ok but bugs me greatly. I decided a massive necklace would help to hide it!

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 1349, size 16-18
Fabric: Magenta Ponte knit from The Fabric Store
Alterations: 4cm sway back adjustment, removed 3cm from back neckline
See Also: Little Betty | Sew Dixie Lou | Sew Little Time

The pattern is probably knot designed for a ponte knit but I tend to think most things can be made in a ponte. I would like to try it again in a printed cotton sateen or even a denim.

I have a little bit left of this ponte and am planning to make a simple knit pencil skirt. Maybe the Colette Mabel skirt??

Once again, I wore it to work with my Cordova jacket and black tights. Are you seeing a common theme around here??

L x

Sew: Style Arc Simone Cardi

Another successful Style Arc cardigan! I got this pattern, the Simone cardigan, free when I bought my beloved Harper jacket pattern. I wasn't that interested in it until I spotted this beautiful pink and black patterned merino knit at The Fabric Store. Something clicked in my sewing mind and I knew the fabric and pattern would be a perfect combination.

The Style Arc Simone Cardigan is described as "the clever cardigan pattern" that has been designed so the drape creates the pocket. It can be made with or without buttons. I made it without the buttons as I will never button it up.

Despite the fact that the pocket looks a bit tricky, it was exceptionally easy to put together. The instructions are limited but you don't really need them much. Just follow the notches and look at the pictures. I debated about whether to interface the neck band or not and ended up not as I thought it might be too thick. It is fine without but I would interface thinner or slinkier knits. This merino knit has a bit of body to it.

From the instructions it is not clear that you have to cut two neck band pieces. You do need two of them and there is a seam at the centre back. It is strikingly obvious that the neck band is too short to make it all the way around but I did still hesitate. Take it from me, you need two!

If I was to make this cardigan again I would size down one size, or sew it with larger seam allowances. I feel that it is a touch too large, especially across the shoulders. That could be the style but I'm not used to over-sized styles and I keep wanting to pull it up.

Besides that, it is a perfect cardigan to liven up a black tee and jeans. I wore it yesterday to the sewing meet up at Little Creatures. It was great to meet some new faces and catch up with friends.

Project Details
Pattern: Style Arc Simone Cardigan, size 16
Fabric: Printed merino knit from The Fabric Store
See Also: Thornberry | What Katie Sews

Mr Sew Brunswick photo bombed my photo shoot! Can you see him in the shed window? Our house and yard is an absolute mess while we prepare for a major house renovation. We ran out of "nice" space to take photos, so in front of the shed it was!

L x

Sew: Style Arc Harper Jacket

Some fabric purchases don't even make it to the stash. They go straight from the pre-wash to the cutting table. This beautiful mustard/gold merino knit from The Fabric Store was one of those purchases. I just love the colour, even though I wasn't certain it would suit my colouring. Nothing that a slick of red lipstick won't fix!

The only thing that held the project up was trying to find a matching overlocker thread. I had no success at Clegs and was too lazy to shop around so I decided to French seam ALL the seams. It took a bit of extra time but was so worth it. I also played around with the finish of the external edges. I turned them over twice and then top stitched with a long and narrow zig-zag. The bottom hem is turned to the inside but the neckline edge is turned to the outside. Once the drape is hanging it flips out and the inside becomes the outside. The instructions have you leave the edge raw or simply overlock the edges. This fabric is quite fine so I decided to enclose the edges. Also, leaving the edges raw messes with me too much!

Project Details
Pattern: Style Arc Harper Jacket, size 16
Fabric: Mustard merino wool knit from The Fabric Store
Alterations: Omitted hook & eye
Also wearing: Tessuti Anita Ponti Pants | Country Road Tee | Elk necklace | Ecco flats
See also: Clothing Engineer 

The only change I would make in future would be to possibly lengthen it by 2.5cm or so. Otherwise, a great simple pattern that I really like. I see a few variations in my future!

L x

Sew: Tessuti Alexa T-Top

Another knit project?! I know, I know, but they're just so quick and easy and who doesn't love a good t-shirt?? I'm going to start throwing out my unworn, stained and stretched RTW tees. I don't wear them out because they're all looking a bit sad but I don't throw them out and they're taking up precious wardrobe space. In with the new, out with the old!!

I love this pattern. It just seems to fit me perfectly. And I put it together in less than an hour! I lowered the neckline this time as I do like a scooped neck. I simply used one of my fave RTW tops as a guide. I also extended the length as the last two versions are just a tad too short for me. This length is much better and I didn't spend all day pulling it down.

I didn't measure the neckline binding, instead opting to sew only one shoulder seam before doing the neck binding. I then sewed the other should seam once the neck binding was done. This allowed me to sew the neck binding freely using my hands to guide the tension. I slightly stretched the binding, not the neckline, while stitching. It turned out perfectly. This is a good way to go with scoop necks as different knits have different amounts of stretch. I've sewn enough t-shirts to have a good feel for the amount of tension to pull while stitching.

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Alexa T-Top, size XL
Fabric: Printed knit from The Fabric Store
Alterations: Lowered front neckline by 7.5cm, extended length by 7cm.

You can probably tell that I'm a bit excited by this pattern. I just wish it wasn't so hard to find good knit fabrics. I did buy a few new pieces from Tessuti, mainly stripes, and I have some black bamboo knit from Clegs lined up for Alexa t-tops.

Look what arrived today!! I have plans people and I'm excited to have my sewjo back again!!

I will share some plans soon. Happy sewing!!

L x

Sew: Tessuti Alexa T-Top in Marc Jacobs

I made another Alexa T-Top this week. Such a great basic t-shirt pattern. I might try a more scooped neckline next time. More like the Renfrew top. It's a close call but I think I like this pattern more than the Renfrew!

The fabric is a tomato red Marc Jacobs double knit from The Fabric Store. It is beautiful, soft and cuddly. It also has a barely noticeable print. A little warm for today's unseasonable warmth. I love the rich red colour.

The neckline of this pattern is finished really well. Nice and professional looking.

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti Alexa T-Top
Fabric: Marc Jacobs double knit from The Fabric Store

L x

Sew: Silk Geometric Laurel Dress

Meet my new Laurel dress. We're not exactly best friends but we'll get along just fine. But we'll never be besties.

 

 

This fabric was originally purchased for a Sencha blouse but I kept thinking about a dress. When the Laurel pattern was released I thought it would be a perfect match. Busy print with a simple style. As soon as I started sewing, I knew it wasn't going to be perfect. The fabric is too fluid for this style. It's not that bad and I still like the dress as a whole. I chose to line the dress rather than underline. 

 

Project Details
Pattern: Colette Patterns Laurel Dress, size 14
Fabric: Silk Geometric Print from The Fabric Store, red goldliner lining from Clegs
Alterations: 4cm sway back adjustment, removed 3cm total from back neckline, 5cm hem

 

 

 

Perfect for a few Sunday afternoon drinks with a lovely lady!

L x

Meet: Sydney Sewing Social

Rachel (aka Boo Dogg) & I had a fabulous weekend in Sydney!! Of course we went to the Sydney Sewing Social but we also did some shopping and sightseeing. It was fantastic to spend a weekend away in good company and without the boys. Plus there was lots of Prosecco!

On Saturday morning, we had breakfast with the trendies (and my good friend Kate) in Surry Hills at Four Ate Five before taking Kate on her first ever fabric shopping mission at The Remnant Warehouse. For a beginner she had an exceptional eye for good fabric. I bought a few pieces on her advice and I am so happy with them.

On her way back in to the city, Kate dropped us off at the Dinosaur Designs Extinct Shop. This is the outlet shop for Dinosaur Designs and has lots of discontinued and excess stock items. You should all know by now I LOVE Dinosaur Designs. I have a large collection of necklaces, bangles and earrings. On entering the shop my heart was bounding and I was beyond excited. I ended up with a few pairs of earrings and some salad servers. Perfect!

 

From there it was on to The Fabric Store for a quick scope of the 50% off Sale before meeting everyone at Tessuti. I am so glad we did this as I found the most divine Lisa Ho red wool coating for my upcoming Lady Grey coat. It wasn't on special but it was beyond perfect so I decided to buy it then and there. Thank goodness, as it was all sold out by the time we returned a few hours later with the Sewing Social ladies.



We had a fabulous time with the Social Sewing ladies. We met in Tessuti before heading to The Fabric Store. Most people left us in The Fabric Store but the stayers all headed to The Clock Hotel for a well earned cold beverage and a good chat.

At the end of the afternoon there was Rachel of The Two Windmills, Christy of Little Betty Sews, Rachel of Boo Dogg & Me plus myself. We headed to Bills for dinner and some more Prosecco! There was great debate over which dessert was best. I think the lemon curd & raspberry trifle won. Overall it was a fabulous day!!

Sunday saw us at Adriano Zumbo cafe bright and early for pastries and coffee. With our 12 pack of macarons in tow, we headed to Circular Quay and the CBD for a wander.

We stayed at The Sebel in Surry Hills which was great. It was between The Fabric Store and Tessuti. What more could we ask for?!

I suppose you are all wondering what I bought on this epic trip to Sydney... I had a well defined list and bought all but one thing on the list. I also picked up two extra pieces which were too good to leave.

This is the beyond beautiful Lisa Ho red wool coating from The Fabric Store that will become a Lady Grey coat.

The denim is a lovely soft denim with a bit of stretch from The Remnant Warehouse for a pair of Juniper pants. The stripe will be a shorter McCalls 6559 with or without sleeves and the black/dark aubergine is for another Vogue 1250.

These lovelies are from Tessuti. I got a brilliant red lycra for a vintage inspired swimsuit and the She Read Red jersey for a draped Vogue 1159. 

These beauties will all become dresses. A few Simplicity 2444's (the black/white cotton from Tessuti and the purple/green from The Remnant Warehouse) and a few undecided patterns. I bought extra of a floral silk to line a future Anise Jacket.

So overall a beyond fabulous weekend which may have to become an annual event.

L x

Sew: Orange Colette Clovers

 

 

The second item that I sewed before we left on holidays were a pair of bright orange Clovers. I really like the style and comfort of these slim fit pants. I've used this pattern a few times before and feel that I'm making good progress with the fit. I am determined to perfect it. I've even signed up for a pants fitting course through Tessuti. There will definitely be more Clovers in the future!

 

 

 

 

Project Details
Pattern: Colette Clover Pants
Fabric: Bright orange stretch cotton drill from The Fabric Store
Alterations: Size 14!!, straightened the hip curve, raised back rise by 1cm, inserted tear-away Vilene to waistband

Unfortunately, the fabric does bag out a bit with wear and I plan to unpick the zip and take the side seams in another 1.5cm and possibly also take the inseam in another 0.5cm, particularly through the hip area in an attempt to eliminate some of that crutch bagginess.

 



I used some left over Liberty Wiltshire for the waistband facing and inserted tear-away Vilene to stabilise the waist. This worked a charm.

Happy Sewing!

L x

Meet: Melbourne Sewists

What better way to spend your Saturday afternoon than with a few friends fabric shopping, talking all things sewing, drinking beer and eating pizza?! Seriously I was in heaven. We met at The Fabric Store on Brunswick Street, Fitzroy and then proceeded on down the street to the Alannah Hill & Gorman fabric outlet, before grabbing a table at Little Creatures Beer Hall. A lovely afternoon with lovely people.

I had sneakily been to The Fabric Store on Thursday as my mother-in-law is in town from Toowoomba and asked if we could go to a decent fabric shop. I'd grabbed two gorgeous pieces on Thursday but had my eye on the Marc Jacobs leaf print. So that was the first thing I grabbed when I went back on Saturday to meet my fellow Melbourne sewists. I then mentioned to the lady that I was after a bright coloured stretch cotton to make another pair of Clovers. She reappeared about 10 minutes later with a fabulous bright orange stretch cotton drill. Perfect!

I'd never been to the Alannah Hill fabric outlet as it involves stairs and I usually have the boys and a pram with me. So I was keen to check it out. You have to be prepared to put some work in to finding the good stuff but I did spot a Liberty jersey and an amazing red wool crepe from Alannah Hill.

In the photo we have my recent fabric purchases. On the top we have a printed cotton sateen from Spotlight (my local is closing down so I had to buy something!), I'm going to make Vogue 8667. Then we have the orange stretch drill for a pair of clovers and the Marc Jacobs leaf print cotton/silk for a Grainline Scout Tee. The red wool crepe is for Vogue 8787 with the cowl neckline. On the bottom is a silk print for a Colette Sencha, a Marc Jacobs cotton sateen for another New Look 6000 and the Liberty Jersey for a few pairs of undies.

So much for my "No more fabric!" pledge... Time to fire up the machines and get sewing!!

Thanks ladies for a fabulous Saturday. Lets do it again soon.

L x

Sew: New York Cape

 Meet my New York Cape! Isn't she beautiful? My lovely parents gave me the pattern as a Christmas present and I had been keeping my eye out for the perfect check wool coating. Finally I found the perfect fabric, a Marc Jacobs wool coating from the The Fabric Store, and I was on my merry way.

Cutting the fabric out took some time and mental strength, not to mention a stiff drink! It took me hours to get my head around matching the checks both vertically and horizontally. It's not perfect but I am very pleased with it. I used some handy tips from Pattern Scissors Cloth for working with checks and plaids.

All up, this project was a really enjoyable sew. I really like the finish that the binding gives and I love my new cape. Perfect for a girls night out at The Brunswick Green with my mothers group friends. 

Project Details
Pattern: Tessuti New York Cape
Fabric: Marc Jacobs Wool Coating from The Fabric Store
Notions: 8 x 23mm buttons from Rathdowne Fabrics, 5.1m navy Mokuba wool binding from Tessuti, 6m navy poly-cotton 12mm bias binding, thread & interfacing

L x

Win: Pattern Pyramid

I won the Pattern Pyramid over at Did You Make That? !!! I don't think I've ever won anything except a tray of marshmallow bunnies at the Easter raffle in grade 3 at primary school... Thank you Karen, I look forward to receiving my bundle of goodies and selecting a pattern. So, watch out for my first ever giveaway in the next few weeks to pass on the other 5 or so patterns and spread the love!!

On my sewing table this weekend is the Tessuti New York Cape. Isn't it looking beautiful?!

Happy Sunday sewing!

L x