Saturday 21 December 2013

When Love and Hate Collide

Pattern: Lisette Attache dress
Size: 12
Fabric: Crepe de Chine from Clothspot




When I first laid eyes on this fabric I thought we were meant to be. Together forever. BFFs. I heart autumn, it obviously hearts autumn, too. It's crepe de chine, I love crepe de chine. See? On paper, we're a perfect match.


Saturday 14 December 2013

A Christmas Cambie

Pattern: Cambie from Sewaholic
Size: 10
Fabric: Satin and lace from Minerva Crafts



The work Christmas party comes but once a year, but every time requires a new dress! I don't go to many dress-up occasions, but as this one is always the same people, I can't recycle!

Saturday 23 November 2013

Good in Theory...

Pattern: Thread Theory Newcastle Cardigan
Size: M-L (I cut between two sizes)
Fabric: Black sweatshirting from Vend Fabrics




...and in practice!

Friday 8 November 2013

Belle of the ball

Pattern: Simplicity 2247
Size: 10
Fabric: Cotton and lace from Witney Sewing Centre



Some non-selfish sewing and a change from seeing my boring mug on here!

Saturday 26 October 2013

Old McDonald had a...dress?

Pattern: New Look 6176
Size: 14
Fabric: Brushed cotton from Birmingham meat market



This is the last of my stash from our trip to Birmingham earlier in the year. I debated for a moment before I bought it as to whether or not a lady of my advancing years could possibly wear something covered in small animals, but it was a short debate as I thought "sod it, of course I can" and grabbed me some.

Friday 18 October 2013

'Ey up Chuck!

Pattern: Chuck by Andi Satterlund
Yarn: Random lambswool from my stash
Size: 37" bust



Knitting was my first real crafting love. I shudder to think how many hours I must have spent clacking needles in front of a movie (unless it has subtitles which quickly puts paid to crafting). As a hobby it has, however, caused me as much heartache as pleasure, I reckon. The trouble with knitting is you often don't know until the very end if something is going to work or not, and more often than not I would find the garment didn't fit as I would like it to. So I have very few items to show for my years of knitting. In fact, I think there's one thing that I wear. But I love the act of knitting so figured I would give it another go.

Sunday 13 October 2013

Mission Possible

Pattern: Mission Maxi by Jamie Christina
Size: 12
Fabric: Viscose jersey from Minerva Fabrics



Today has been such a Sunday. Rain, hangover, movies and pizza. So it seems strange to be writing a blog post about a summer dress that we photographed in the heat of Barcelona. What a difference a few weeks and a few hundred miles make, huh?

Sunday 6 October 2013

A couple of Kimonos

Pattern: Easy Kimono Dress from Pattern Runway
Size: 12
Fabric: Version 1 - stretch cotton from Witney Sewing Centre; Version 2 - viscose from www.clothspot.co.uk


Warning: epic post (apologies).

This was actually the first Pattern Runway pattern I tried, despite having blogged about the Gathered Sundress a while ago. I made the first version for my work summer do but it ended up being quite far removed from the pattern so I wanted to wait until I'd made another, more faithful version, before displaying it to Blogland.

Thursday 26 September 2013

NL6000 - it's the future

Pattern: New Look 6000; View D
Size: 14
Fabric: Medium-weight jersey from Minerva Crafts



Goodness me, it's a long time since I did a blog post! That doesn't mean I haven't been busy, but I do seem to have got very bad at photographing my finished products. It's getting to that time of year again when weather and lack of daylight hours will mean you get to see the feature wall again. Loads.

Saturday 31 August 2013

Cambie for a ceilidh

Pattern: Cambie from Sewaholic
Size: 10
Fabric: Border print viscose from Minerva Crafts



I've had a bee in my bonnet about wanting to make something yellow, even though it doesn't really suit me, being so pale and all. When I saw this fabric there was no way I could resist so I just grabbed a couple of metres and figured I'd decide what to do with it later. It's a viscose with a double border of yellow appliqued flowers. Divine!! I lined it in a lightweight, white cotton.

Saturday 10 August 2013

Prima ballerina

Pattern: Dixie DIY ballet dress
Size: M
Fabric: Purple viscose jersey and stone stretch lace



I admit that I ignored this pattern at first, believing it to be boring and something one could easily buy in the shops. In another part of my brain, I've been wanting to sew something with lace for a long time but had been putting it off as I'd not found quite the right thing to make. And then it dawned on me that a really simple pattern and shape could be just the thing! And so, the ballet dress was born.

Sunday 4 August 2013

Flasher alert!

Pattern: McCall's 5525
Size: 14
Fabric: Stripe poly suiting from Birmingham meat market (no joke) 



Oh my. I hardly know where to begin! I feel like I've been working on this trench coat for years. However, as I only bought the fabric on our trip to Birmingham at the end of May, sense dictates it can only have been with me for two months. Still, that's a long time for a girl who usually likes to whip up a dress in not much more than a weekend. I confess I haven't been working on it constantly - there was a big gap in the middle where I realised it's a super-warm garment and therefore some summer dresses would be more useful in the recent heatwave.

Monday 22 July 2013

In the land of yoghurt and honey

Pattern: Miz Mozelle by Jamie Christina
Size: 12
Fabric: Cotton jersey from Birmingham rag market




Prize for the prettiest pattern booklet ever goes to...Jamie Christina for Miz Mozelle! What a treat to have a beautiful, shiny, full-colour booklet for instructions! It's fun seeing how the different designers choose their design and packaging. This one can't have been cheap, but did make me extremely happy the whole time I was using it.

Wednesday 17 July 2013

It's a hell of a day at sea, Sir!

Pattern: Gathered Sundress from Pattern Runway
Size: 12
Fabric: Polycotton from Minerva Crafts and Mason's


This is actually the second pattern I've made from Pattern Runway, but the first one won't be making an appearance quite yet. Pattern Runway have quickly become my favourite indie pattern producer for the simple reasons that the patterns are gorgeous and unusual, they fit really well, the instructions are fantastically clear and usable, and they come as PDFs. Yay!! The whole process was easy and enjoyable except for I seem to have lost the ability to insert a zip - this one went in and came out about 5 times for assorted stupid reasons (one time because I'd put it in back to front - idiot!) and it's still not very neat.

Friday 5 July 2013

A brace of beautiful blouses

Pattern: New Look 6808

Size: 12

Fabric: Version 1 - Fruit print from Minerva Crafts




Another pattern that has been hanging around for ages and I'm so glad I finally made one! I don't have a lot of luck with tops. You may not realise this, as I'm sneaky and don't blog my failures! I've tried a Banksia, a Mathilde, a Lydia and none of them have worked. The Banksia was sickeningly twee, Mathilde didn't suit my body shape, Lydia was just god awful (see below!). Whilst a good stack of jersey tees is always good, it's nice to have some more special tops too.

Monday 17 June 2013

Faux wrap for a faux lady

Pattern: Simplicity 1653

Size: 14, curvy

Fabric: Linen jersey from Mason's

 
 
You may know by now that I have quite the love affair going on with Amazing Fit patterns so this was an easy choice when I decided I could do with a simple, but nice-for-work, jersey dress. I bought the fabric first as I knew I had to have it - it feels wonderful and cool, drapey, but also quite structured (that's the linen, I guess), and the muted colours are so fun, yet elegant.

Sunday 2 June 2013

Flower power

Pattern: Sirdar 8890
Size: Bust 36/38
Yarn: King Cole Smooth DK; Aqua




I've definitely got the knitting bug again and I've remembered how great it is to have a more portable craft, and one that can be done whilst watching things! This top has accompanied all sorts of visual delights, including an entire new season of Arrested Development (in one sitting - madness).

Sunday 26 May 2013

Summer Lovin'

Pattern: Butterick 5895
Size: 14
Fabric: Gingham stripe from Ditto Fabrics



It's no secret I love 1950s style and this shirt, designed by Gertie just sums up the era so beautifully. I knew exactly what fabric I would use straight away and I think they're a match made in heaven.

Monday 20 May 2013

Mad men and crazy hounds

Pattern: New Look 6912
Size: 14
Fabric: Cottons from Mason's




I bought this pattern on a whim about a year ago because I thought the dress looked soooo pretty. I then looked at my body and promptly returned it. But every time I saw this pattern on my regular pattern perving sessions online, I pined for it. So I bought it again and just hoped that the gods of sewing would look kindly upon me and let it look ok.

Wednesday 15 May 2013

Stripe-igan Man

Pattern: Sirdar Click Chunky 9756

Size: 2 of 6 

Yarn: Click Chunky in 'Wild Cherry' and 'Loganberry'.



Ok, Stripe-igan Man probably isn't going to save the world any time soon. But doesn't he look dapper?
I started this cardigan a while ago and then it became summer and knitting seemed rather pointless. So, apologies as it may have been me that brought on the miserable weather again. I just wanted Big Minx to be able to wear his cardigan once, honest!

Wednesday 8 May 2013

That's a wrap!

Pattern: Simplicity 2549 (View A with C sleeves)

Size: 14

Fabric: Cotton from Freelance Fabrics



I love wrap dresses, they are classically feminine, but I think most girls will agree that they are problematic to wear; always trying to fall open at the front, and flash too much leg when you sit down, etc. So this Simplicity pattern is a saviour with its faux wrap front giving the pretty look with none of the bother!

Look, flowers in the garden!

Wednesday 24 April 2013

Simply Sureau

Pattern: Sureau from Deer&Doe

Size: 38 graded to 40

Fabric: Purple flower cotton from Freelance Fabrics


 
I've had this pattern for ages and it's part of a set that I've, for some strange reason, decided I'm scared of making. I really don't know why, as Belladone, my only other Deer&Doe experience was a dream to make and fitted really nicely. I think I just wanted to love Sureau so much I was afraid of it going wrong in any way. But I've decided to bite the bullet and make these things that have been scaring me.

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Minx to the rescue!

Pattern: There wasn't one!

Size: 12

Fabric: Denim and cotton


I think I'm getting OK at following a pattern now, but I am still terrified by the idea of freestyling. However, these jeans have been bothering me. Literally. Every time I open the wardrobe they ask if they can be worn today and so I put them on only to remember I just don't really like the style any more. I hate to say this, but I think they're too young for me now! However, I do love how they fit so decided I would upcycle them in to a skirt!

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Birthday bonanza

Pattern: Simplicity Amazing Fit 1717

Size: 14 curvy, View A

Fabric: Sparkle wool from Mason's




I asked for this pattern for Christmas as I thought it looked great for making a selection of simple skirts. And then I didn't get round to using it. I loved this fabric from afar for quite a while and then decided to just buy some and find something to make with it. I originally chose this pattern:



thinking it looked like a really cute, fitted shirt dress. It was terrible! Such bizarre fitting and doesn't resemble the photo on the envelope at all. I won't go in to full details, but it was so ridiculous I couldn't even be bothered to try to fix it, so went on a completely different tangent.

Sunday 14 April 2013

Dressing for the theatre, dahling

Pattern: Simplicity 2147

Size: 10

Fabric: Teal spot viscose



Usually I have a pattern in mind and then hunt down fabric to go with it. On this occasion, I found this fabric whilst looking for something else and just couldn't leave the shop without it. The colour and pattern are so me and it's so soft and drapey I knew I had to have it. So I also had to find a pattern to go with it! I fancied something comfy but elegant, with a theatre trip coming up and I thought Simplicity 2147 was just that, whilst also being quite versatile for future use.

Sunday 31 March 2013

We're young. Burda says so.

Pattern: Burda Young 8237

Size: 10

Fabric: Denim and tartan from Mason's




My best friend (let's call her Bezzie Minx) asked if I would make her a skirt for her birthday. I was, of course, very pleased that she thought I was capable of this, but also rather terrified!

Thursday 28 March 2013

Tip top tastic

Pattern: McCall's 6563

Size: S

Fabric: Cosy stretch knit from Mason's


 
 
 
I haven't made many tops yet and thought it was about time I branched out. I really liked the casual, yet pretty look of this pattern and it was a great excuse to buy some fabric I'd been lusting after for months in Mason's. It wasn't cheap so I could never quite justify buying a dress's worth, but I only needed 1m for this top so treated myself.

Sunday 17 March 2013

More cwoffee?

Pattern: Simplicity 1882 (Amazing Fit)

Size: 14, A cup, curvy

Fabric: Brushed cotton from Croft Mill


 
After the wonderful experience of my first Amazing Fit pattern, I have been keen to try more. Lots of them are lovely but this one particularly caught my eye after seeing this beautiful example. I fancied an autumn/winter version so sought out some brushed cotton and found the glorious colours of "crushed strawberries" and "crushed chestnuts". Yum.

Thursday 7 March 2013

Waltzing Mathilde

Pattern: Mathilde blouse from Tilly and the Buttons

Size: 3

Fabric: Cotton from Mason's


I don't know if it was just the contrast after the hair-raising process of trouser-making, but this project was a dream. All the sewing stars were in alignment from the start.

Wednesday 20 February 2013

One knitting minx

Pattern: Sirdar 2259

Size: 4-5 years

Yarn: Supersoft Aran in Kingfisher




 I haven't knitted in ages! I pretty much gave up after having too many instances of spending months working on a sweater / cardi only to find it didn't fit too well and feeling well and truly put out! It is great, however, knitting for little people because they don't have so many annoying curves to work around and also the process doesn't take half as long!

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Thurlows

Pattern: Thurlow trousers from Sewaholic

Size: 10

Fabric: Donated black twill



I've loved these trousers from afar for a long time but thought they would be far too complex for me plus there's the probably more important concern that I just look awful in trousers. Friends and loved ones tell me I don't but trust me, I really do. This is my last attempt at finding a trouser that fits and flatters me. If they don't, then I hereby give up on trouser-wearing (other than slouchies).
The success of Minoru gave me the boost I needed to try the pattern.

Saturday 9 February 2013

Minoru magic

Pattern: Minoru jacket from Sewaholic

 Size: 8

Fabric: 'Merlot' baby gabardine from Mason's




Tasia of Sewaholic must be a sorceress. That is the only conclusion I can make. As you may know, I've not had great success with jackets in the past, so was scared to try another one, particularly something as sophisticated as Minoru. But I became obsessed with reading about other people's versions and it seemed everyone was united in their love of how easy the pattern was and how satisfying the results are.

Monday 4 February 2013

Happy Hollyburn

 

Pattern: Hollyburn from Sewaholic

Size: 10

Fabric: Mid-blue baby cord from Truro Fabrics.



When I first saw this pattern I admit I was underwhelmed. Nice for beginners, but a bit...boring? Then I started seeing versions pop up on the crafternet and realised how wrong I had been! This skirt is beautiful, and part of that beauty lies in its simplicity. I have been wearing my Crescent skirts to death and whilst I fancy making one for each day of the week, variety is the spice of life so a Hollyburn or two will be very welcome additions.

Thursday 24 January 2013

The pattern that never stops giving

Pattern: Renfrew from Sewaholic

Size: 8 shoulders, grading to 6 waist

Fabric: Dusky pink lace knit from Ditto Fabrics


Some fabrics are so rare that I pretty much have a 'must buy' policy. A lace knit is one of those - I think I've only seen it once before, in fact. So, when I noticed this glorious dusky pink one on the Ditto Fabrics website, I snaffled me some pronto. I then realised, to my delight, how nice it would look with a shirt I had bought recently that didn't actually go with anything.

Wednesday 16 January 2013

Not called 'Amazing Fit' for nothing

Pattern: Simplicity 1715

Size: 12, curvy, B-cup

Fabric: Cashmere blend from Walthamstow market


As soon as Simplicity released this pattern I knew I had to make it. I've read that other people think it's frumpy but I found that astonishing as I think it's a beautiful shape and sooooo flippin' cute! My mummy bought me the pattern for Christmas and I had already decided I was going to use some of my Walthamstow haul - a beautiful pale grey cashmere blend which is like stroking a baby bunny it's so soft.

Sunday 13 January 2013

Who says hearts have to be upright?


Pattern: Butterick 5794

Size: 14

Fabric: Scandinavian heart print knit from John Lewis


I have decided there can't ever be too many knit items in my wardrobe and this fabric was far too divine to pass up (especially as it was in the sale).

Friday 11 January 2013

But it all was bull%@&*

 

Pattern: Sewaholic Kelly skirt

Size: Large

Fabric: Teal corduroy from Fabricland


Apologies for the cursing, but this project is my homage to Robbie Hart's "I wrote half of it when I was with Linda, and I wrote the other half after we broke up, so it's a little uneven, you know?"

I started writing this blog post halfway through the Kelly skirt. It started so heavenly - wonderful, speedy, and then went so very wrong. I really hope our relationship has a happier ending that Robbie and Linda's and that Van Halen don't break up in the process. Oh, hang on...

Tuesday 1 January 2013

Triple whammy!

Pattern: Sewaholic Crescent skirt

Size: 10

Fabric: Denim cotton from Cupcake Cottons; black flower suiting from Saeed's, Walthamstow.


Happy new year everybody! As predicted, the 12 days off work have flown by but I am pleased that I managed to get some sewing in between eating and drinking too much, watching a ton of films, traipsing around the muddy countryside, and completing a jigsaw of the London skyline.


I have been wanting to work on my weekend wardrobe a bit as I tend to make nice work dresses and not a lot for more casual wear. So I decided to make a denim version of the Sewaholic Crescent skirt. As it's so gathered I was worried that denim might be a bit thick so opted for a denim-y cotton instead. I love this fabric with its cute little flower pattern and it's just what I was looking for.
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