Sew: Denim Grainline Moss Mini

A while ago, I identified that my wardrobe was seriously lacking in basics. Especially, solid colours and separates. I have a lot of printed dresses!

On my list of things to buy or make to resolve this issue were a denim skirt, denim pants, linen pants and a few solid tops. My linen Renfrew tank was first off the machines. I even went to Country Road one Saturday and tried really, really hard to buy some casual pants and linen trousers. No such luck. I did buy the top I'm wearing in the photo above. Mr N said it looked nice and I had to agree with him!

As the clothes shops weren't helping me, I hot footed it to Clegs around the corner and bought two pieces of linen. I then went home and bought a few Tessuti patterns. I then went through my stash and found this denim and my trusty Moss Mini pattern. I'm well on my way to fixing my wardrobe!

I bought this denim in Sydney for a pair of Juniper pants. I've made the Juniper pants (photos coming soon) and managed to get the Moss Mini out of the fabric as well. As the front and back have a seam down the middle, it is easy to make the pattern out of the bits left over.

The Liberty print is a scrap my mum gave me. Or I may have taken it...

Such a good and basic pattern. I did a sway back adjustment on this version which stops the back bunching up. The length is as per the pattern which is a touch short for me but I'm learning to show off my legs more. 

I did manage to buy some new black flats. Hooray for Ecco shoes! I have huge feet which makes shoe shopping extremely difficult. I discovered Ecco shoes have a decent size range and are well suited to my need for underfoot support (hello stress fracture). I just wish clothes shopping was less painful. It is so depressing trying to find clothes to fit. I think fabric shopping is so much better!

Project Details
Pattern: Grainline Studio Moss Mini Skirt, size 14-16
Fabric: Denim with 3% stretch from The Remnant Warehouse
Alterations: Sway back adjustment, graded down a size between hips and waist

My photography assistant was taking a rest.

The black linen trousers are almost finished. I have a white cotton lace Kimono Tee waiting to be cut out and a pair of royal blue linen Tessuti Laura pants on the table. That should get me out of trouble!

L x

Sew: Colette Patterns Anise Jacket

It. Is. DONE!!

My beautiful fuchsia Anise jacket. I really enjoyed making this jacket. Nothing in this jacket is particularly difficult, it simply takes a long time. I broke it up in to manageable tasks and put it aside when I was lacking the mental strength. I didn't want to stuff it up by sewing when extremely tired or distracted so I made a few simple projects throughout the duration of this jacket construction.

I started with a calico. I know!! How unlike me to actually test a garment. I did cheat and simply used the underlining calico for the jacket body. I automatically did a sway back adjustment, removing 3cm total from the centre back neckline. This proved to be perfect, so I went ahead and made the jacket.

This jacket included many firsts for me. Bound buttonholes, welt pockets, collar plus under collar and underlining. These were all remarkably easy compared to what I thought. I'd psyched myself up and was pleasantly surprised how simple they were. I do like a bit of measuring and ruling. It's the nerd in me.

I lengthened the jacket by 5cm so my shirt wouldn't show as much. I did try 10cm at first but that was too much. The front of the jacket is slightly shorter than back. I didn't notice this until it was too late. If there is a next time, I'll fix that.

I've mentioned before that I bought the lining before the main fabric. I loved the print and knew I wanted a pink Anise jacket. It turned out to be the perfect match. I love the contrast. Unfortunately the lining silk liked to snag despite many new needles.

Project Details
Pattern: Anise Jacket by Colette Patterns, size 14
Fabric: Fuchsia wool blend boucle from Rathdowne Fabrics
Lining: Silk print from The Remnant Warehouse
Alterations: Lengthened by 5cm, sway back adjustment following instructions in the Anise Companion, used one shoulder pad only
Notions: Plastic silver floral print 2.5cm buttons from Rathdowne Fabrics

I didn't use all of the main fabric that the pattern suggested. I have almost a metre left, so if you're going to make this jacket, keep that in mind.

 

I quite like the look of the jacket open. I'm yet to wear it out in public so we'll see how I end up wearing it.

 

A few close ups for your inspection...

I'm ridiculously pleased with myself for making this jacket. I really enjoyed the challenge and taking my time. I should try slowing down more often!!

So, what do you think of my fuchsia jacket??

L x

Sew: Vogue 1314

I made another version of Vogue 1314 on the weekend. It was cut out on Sunday afternoon and sewn together by 9pm that night. In between all the normal duties of raising a family. Washing, cleaning, cooking, mediating, etc...

I bought this fabric in Sydney at the Remnant Warehouse. I'm not sure what happened but I bought a ridiculously small amount of fabric. I bought it with the intention of making a midi dress with bias cut side panels. I was probably talking too much and not paying any attention. I had just over a metre so I removed an inch from the waist and 4 inches from length. It finishes right on the top of my knee which is perfect. Not sure why I talk in imperial measurements when sewing but metric in all other aspects of my life!!

Obviously, I omitted the sleeves, simply finishing them using the neck band piece cut to 85% of the armhole measurement. I chose not to topstitch the ruching and secured the gathering with bias binding. Must get some seam binding! I also didn't line this version so I could wear it in summer. I really don't think it needs lining.

Vogue 1314

 

 

The fabric is really nice and soft. I think it is perfect with my new Cordova and black tights for work but will also work really well with a pair of black sandals for summer casual.

 

Project Details

Pattern: Vogue 1314, size 16

Fabric: Animal type print jersey from Remnant Warehouse

Alterations: Sway back adjustment, removed 3cm from back neckline, shortened waist by 2.5cm and length by 10cm, 2cm hem, omitted lining

 

I have a charcoal merino knit version on the machine at the moment.

 

L x

 



Sew: Simplicity 2444

 

Another kid's birthday party, another dress! I have summer babies and hence most of their friends are also summer babies. So from November to March we have birthday party after birthday party. We actually have two this weekend. So I whipped up a new dress!! Not that I don't have enough dresses in my wardrobe...

 

I do love a good summer dress. This is a great basic pattern with a few modifications I've learnt along the way. I folded out the excess in the front and back neckline. A total of four inches!! I simply slashed the darts to allow the excess to be folded out. Simple.

 I also used bias binding for the neckline (and armholes) instead of the recommended facing. Easy as.

This is one of the printed cottons I picked up in Sydney last weekend. It is beautiful and soft but probably a little too lightweight for this pattern. It doesn't hold up well to those front angle darts. We'll see how it goes.

Project Details
Pattern: Simplicity 2444
Fabric: Printed cotton from The Remnant Warehouse
Alterations: Removed 2.5cm from front and back pattern piece using slash & spread method, lengthened by 2.5cm and substituted bias binding for neck facing.

I am contemplating making another of these dresses for work, in the black and white fabric I got last weekend. Or I might use Simplicity 1873, a Cynthia Rowley pattern instead...

L x