Sew: Vogue 1247 skirt

 

I finally jumped on the Vogue 1247 bandwagon. I like to make sure that it is thoroughly tested before I decide to join in! I made the skirt without all the bells and whistles (no pockets or binding). I also graded out from the hips down by 1cm each side and added 6cm length for a decent hem.

The fabric is a printed denim I found on the Tessuti remnant table when I popped in for some samples. It's nice and study and I love the print. Can't have enough animal print!

There's not much else to say about this skirt. It will fit in perfectly with my wardrobe of black and grey!

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 1247, size 18
Fabric: Printed denim from Tessuti Fabrics Melbourne
Alterations: Added 6cm to length, used a 6cm hem, graded out 1cm from just above hip

Sew: Vogue 8921 (aka the Frocktails dress)

For a long time I wasn't sure what I was going to make for Frocktails. But thanks to the powers of Instagram I was obsessed with Vogue 8921 after I saw Kat's post. Kat was extremely kind to gift me her pattern as she'd bought a size too large. Thanks Kat! 

The fabric I chose was a glittery mesh fabric from Rathdowne Fabrics. I bought it with no plans. I just I thought it would be a fun stash fabric. It didn't even make it to the stash. Thankfully, as I don't have any room in the stash at the moment! 

The pattern is good and I would like to make it again in a slinkier knit. I'd also like to make it with the crossover front. It was fun to wear but it's not really my style. I don't usually wear long sleeves. Or glittery knits. 

The biggest issue I had was the shapelessness of the waist. I wasn't planning on wearing it with a belt but it didn't really look any good without some sort of waist definition. I tried sewing elastic in to the waist without success. A belt was the easiest solution. 

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8921, size 16
Fabric: Glitzy sparkle mesh from Rathdowne Fabrics
Alterations: 4cm sway back adjustment, fully lined with slinky black knit (also from Rathdowne), elastic waist
See Also: Erica Bunker | Kathy Sews | Sew Manju

All in all it was a fun project for an excellent night. Not sure it will be worn again as is. I might shorten it to just below the knee and possibly shorten the sleeves to 3/4.

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: Vogue 1027

There's not much to say about this dress except that I love it and I want to make it in a bazillion prints and colours!! I've made it at least five times before and will definitely make it up again. It is such a flattering style for me and ever so comfortable to wear.

The fabric was a gift from Anna's significant stash. Thank you! As soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew it had to be mine and exactly what I was going to do with it. The pattern to fabric match is a match made in heaven.

As usual, I simply turned over the armhole edges and twin stitched down. I used fusible stay tape on the neckline to avoid it stretching out. I also omitted the elastic in the waist because I simply forgot. However, I do think it is worth doing, especially with knits that are heavy. The weight of the skirt is significant in this fabric. It is also important to size down one or two sizes with this pattern.

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 1027, size 14
Fabric: Gift from Anna (bought at the Cloth Shop, also seen at Clegs)
Alterations: None
See also: Boo Dogg & Me | Sew Brunswick | All The Whimsical Things | Little Betty Sews

I've worn this dress a few times already and it is a definite winner. It works evenly well with boots and tights for casual wear as well as platinum pumps and a wool cardigan for work. If you haven't made this pattern up, what are you waiting for?!

L x

Sew: Vogue 8916 Pencil Skirt

My work wardrobe is seriously lacking of late. I made a lot of work clothes towards the end of 2012 and these beloved dresses are nearing the end of their life cycle. My favourite work dress has lining that is deteriorating rapidly. Every time I sit down at my desk, I hear a tiny rip. But I just can't bring myself to part with it yet... 

I do love a good work dress and sheath dresses are my favourite. The sheath dress is closely followed by a pencil skirt. I don't own many, a problem I'm hoping to rectify soon, but my favourite is the Autumn Pencil Skirt. I wear that skirt a lot. 

Sorry (not sorry!) for the dodgy early morning photos and "renovator's delight" backdrop. Sometimes I just need to snap a few photos when I first wear an item because if I don't, I know I won't ever take photos of it. Also, the basic items are the hardest to photograph. They're just a bit too boring.

The pattern is a relatively new Vogue Patterns Wardrobe pattern, Vogue 8916. There are very limited reviews of it on the web. It comes with a blouse, skirt, dress and jacket. I like the look of all items except the dress. It is a great basic work wardrobe pattern.

In terms of construction, it came together really quickly and easily. I made two slight changes to the pattern. Instead of putting darts in the lining pieces, I simply folded the fabric to create a pleat. This is my preferred way of doing linings. Also, the skirt pattern is missing a kick pleat. I added one in using another pattern. Who wears a pencil skirt without a kick pleat?! How can one walk?

The fabric is a lovely wool suiting from Tessuti that I grabbed from the remnant table. I'm not usually a remnant shopper but this was a wide piece and enough for a pencil skirt. The print is actually tiny white polka dots on a black background but looks like a charcoal grey from a distance. It has a lovely feel to it but does not keep a press. I swear I ironed this skirt excessively before taking these photos!

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8916, view D, size 18
Fabric: 100% wool suiting remnant from Tessuti Melbourne
Lining: Black goldliner lining from Clegs Brunswick
Alterations: Added a kick pleat

Overall, I'm really pleased with the basic addition to my work wardrobe. I will most definitely use this pattern again in the future but my next pencil skirt will be using Simplicity 2343 again. Probably in a thick black cotton with a waffle print.

Watch this space!

L x

Sew: Vogue 8810 in crinkle linen

I finally finished this dress! I can't believe I actually finished it. The sizing is all over the place on this pattern and due to this the dress sat half finished for a few months. I took it along to Sewjourn in December and made myself sit down and finish the darn thing. I have real trouble finishing an item if things get a bit tricky, preferring to move on to new projects instead of fixing the current project.

I'm not enthralled with this dress but it's ok and I will actually wear it. I wore it to the park on a very hot and windy day and it was perfect. No full skirt to fly up, no heavy knits. Just a lovely cool linen.

I made a navy cotton/silk slip to wear underneath it but I stuffed it up. I don't think it's too sheer to be indecent so I'm going to wear it without a slip.

I originally made this dress according to my measurements (a size 22!) and erred on the side of caution as the reviews say it can be tight. It was swimming on me! After unpicking the waist, I took 5cm off each side seam which brought it back to my usual Vogue size 18. I could possibly go down another size, but I didn't want the button gaping when I sat down. The waist tie draws it in nicely. Once it was all finished the armholes were sticking out and were way too low. They looked comical and a bit indecent as my bra band was showing. After umming and ahhing about what to do, I sewed the side seam in an extra 5cm at the armhole tapering to nothing before the waist. I then simply tacked the excess seam back. It seemed to work perfectly.

Not such a good photo of me (I kept talking) but it shows the now ok armhole.


Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8810, size 18
Fabric: Santorini look linen from Tessuti
Alterations: 4cm sway back adjustment, took in armhole an extra 4cm (!!), removed 5cm width from each shoulder seam
Notions: Buttons from Buttonmania

I was planning on using this pattern for my Britex floral rayon but will now use Simplicity 1880. I'm seriously thinking of throwing this pattern in the bin. It will probably sit there for a few years before I do.

What's next on the sewing table?? I have no idea. I have no motivation to sew whatsoever. I think I might make the boys some summer pjs. Mr N surprised me this morning by asking for a Liberty shirt "just like daddy's". How can I say no?! So that might be on the cards soon too.

What's on your table? Come on, inspire me!!

L x

Sew: Vogue 1027 for L

A good friend of mine, let's call her L, turned 40 last month. She's a very good friend who has put up with me at the park every Friday morning for the last 5 years. I really wanted to get her something special for her birthday. Being such a big birthday and also because she's simply lovely. But what to get her?? A handmade dress of course!

Now, I don't sew for others very much at all. I knew L would really appreciate the thought, and my time and effort, so I selected a beautiful piece of jersey from my stash and set to work. A few hours later I had a present!

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 1027, size 14
Fabric: An amazing piece of jersey from Anna

It looks smashing on her. And she absolutely loves it!

L x

Sew: Vogue 8495 in Liberty Wiltshire

I think Wiltshire would have to be my favourite Liberty print. And this is by far my favourite colourway. This is my third make in this print. Like Kristie, I've been hoarding this fabric for a special project. Never mind the fact that I can always buy more of it.  

The original plan was to make a smock style top and combine a beautiful white cotton lace remnant with the Liberty Wiltshire. But I could never get the combo of the lace and Liberty perfect, or find the perfect pattern. I also just wanted a loose blouse that I could wear all the time in hot weather. So I gave up on matching the lace and Liberty and went with the simple plan.

The pattern is an old Vogue pattern that I bought when I first starting sewing my clothes. I made it in a silk cotton print that was beautiful to wear. The only reason I got rid of it was that my sewing wasn't very good back then and it fell apart. I was going through my patterns recently when i spotted it and thought it would go well with the Wiltshire print. A match made in heaven!

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8495, size 16
Fabric: Liberty Wiltshire in Red from Shaukat
Alterations: Removed yoke facing and finished neck and armholes with self fabric bias binding.

I wore it today around the house and to swimming lessons with my denim Moss Mini and a pair of polka dot Tom's shoes. I paired it with a red cardi this morning which really changed the look of the print.

Love it. Now Melbourne, bring on Summer!!

L x

Sew: Vogue 1250 in Mood Jersey

I'm a bit of a pattern repeat offender lately. First with the McCalls 6559 and now with the Vogue 1250. Seriously, if it works why go against it?! 

Now this would be my sixth version of Vogue 1250. You can see my previous versions here, here, here, here and here. What can I say? I love Vogue 1250. 

I made my standard adjustments. A 4cm sway back adjustment, a double cowl and an extra 5cm length. This fabric isn't as drapey as my previous versions so the dress has a slightly firmer fit.

This is my beloved animal print jersey from my adventures at Mood Fabrics LA. I have about 1.5m left which I'm going to make a shortened Mission Maxi dress with.

There is not much else to say about this dress. I love it, it's super comfortable and that's all there is to it.  

Project Details

Pattern: Vogue 1250, size 18

Fabric: Animal print jersey from Mood Fabrics

Alterations: 4cm sway back adjustment, lengthened 5cm and doubled the cowl. 

I'm yet to make this in a solid colour. A black one would be a versatile addition to my wardrobe. At the moment, I think it is time to step away from the Vogue 1250!

In other news, I recently went a little crazy with my blog template and did a big spring clean. The template is the Lady Luck Blogger template by Blog Boat on Etsy. It was a little tricky to install but once I got the hang of it, it was quite fun. I do love a bit of a challenge. 

I've gone all social and started Sew Brunswick Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest accounts. If you want to follow along, just click on the buttons on the sidebar. More importantly, if you have a blog Instagram account, let me know and I'll start stalking you! 

I've also been cutting out and sewing up a storm lately but am seriously lacking the blogging energy. I just don't feel like blogging my makes at the moment. Anyone else ever feel like that? 

And last but not least, I am making a little black jacket using Vogue 7975. I actually started it before all this talk about French jackets that has been taking the online sewing community by storm. I'm just very slow. Have you seen Melanie's amazing jacket?! Mine is ridiculously boring in comparison but will be extremely handy and versatile for work. I am up to hand stitching the lining hems but am torn about the shoulders. I feel they might be a little wide but it would be very difficult to unpick the sleeves without ruining the fabric and I don't want to over fit it. My Cordova jacket is a little too tight across the shoulders for comfort. I still wear it and love it though. 

I've included a picture (a very bad picture from late on a Saturday night - don't we all sew on a Saturday night in our pyjamas??) so you can weigh in on the debate. The shoulders in the picture look perfect to me. They just feel a tad wide. I'm going to put an extra layer of fabric in my right shoulder (non-phone shoulder) as it is always slightly lower. What do you think? Do they look too wide? Am I being too picky? Probably. The more I sew, the pickier I get. No wonder I can't buy clothes anymore... 

Thanks in advance for all your words of wisdom! 

L x

Sew: Vogue 8871

  

 

As I can't physically fit all my holiday fabric in to my fabric cupboard, I decided I'd better start sewing with it straight away. Avoid the cupboard all together! In my cutting out binge last weekend, I cut out this and the animal print vogue 1250 as well as my calico for my Little Black Jacket plus a few other items. I am all set for a few weeks of projects. This fabric was pain to cut out as the chevron would not line up and lay flat at the same time. It took two episodes of Breaking Bad to get it to sit flat and enable me to pin the pattern to the fabric. Once cut out though it was a dream to sew. Very easy and quick.

I followed the instructions to a tee. I did cut out bands to bind the neck and armholes but decided to just turn over and top stitch as per the directions. This fabric was quite pliable so that option was quite easy but anything more substantial and I would use bands.

These are not my usual go to colours but I'm happy with the final product and will certainly wear it a lot. I'm pushing my comfort barriers!

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 8871, size 16-18
Fabric: Jersey from Mood Fabrics LA
Alterations: 2cm sway back adjustment, graded from a size 16 in bust and waist to a size 18 hips.

Next time, I will raise the arm hole a bit as you can see my slip. I want to make it again in a plain black. I think it will look great with some colourful beads.

 

Although I won't normally wear this dress to work, I did this week for a bit of a change. It worked really well with a black cardi and black patent wedges. I really like the uneven swishy hem and side panels of this dress. They make for a fun and flattering dress.

 

L x

Sew: Tropical Vogue 1250

I walked in to Mood Fabrics in LA on a mission! My top priority was a tropical print jersey to make Vogue 1250 for a conference dinner in Cairns the following weekend. Of course, Mood did not disappoint! How could they disappoint with a warehouse sized fabric store?? Once I'd secured the tropical print jersey, me and my helper Mr N went nuts. It was a fabric lovers dream come true! I bought some truly lovely pieces and would have got more if it was not for Mr Sew Brunswick appearing and saying "Enough". Point taken. I did have to get this fabric home. But it was heaven! And so much cheaper than fabric in Australia. I particularly loved their knit fabric and cotton print range.

 

Back to Vogue 1250 for the moment. We got home Saturday morning, the fabric went in the wash on Sunday and I hemmed the dress on Tuesday after work. Such a quick and simple make. I took 3 versions of Vogue 1250 to Cairns with me. They are the perfect travel dress. This version has my standard sway back adjustment and that's it. I didn't lengthen this version as it was for a tropical themed party in Cairns. Beach chic was necessary!

The fabric is a very light cotton jersey so it doesn't drape and cling quite like the other versions. Perfect for hot weather but not quite as flattering. I really like this dress in a viscose blend knit. Lucky I picked some up in Mood!

Project Details
Pattern: Vogue 1250, size 16
Fabric: Tropical print cotton jersey from Mood Fabrics LA

I wore my tropical dress with a floral leis and a pair of flat black sandals. I was considering a pair of Havaianas but thought that might be pushing my casual limits! I even wore it the next day to lounge around the pool. How's that for a versatile dress?!

I'll be back soon to show you my holiday fabric shopping haul. I've almost finished washing it all.

L x