Tuesday 24 January 2017

Trial run - Jalie 2564

Why is it that everything feels like it wears out at exactly the same time?  My sleepwear of choice is a singlet top/camisole with built in shelf bra and a pair of boyleg shorts.  When I went to replace my well worn PJs I discovered that a single tank top was over $30 which felt like a ridiculous amount for what it is.  You know the feeling - you know you could make it for less than it costs and choose whatever colours/patterns you like (irrespective of whether you actually have the time or energy to do it).


Being the great procrastinator that I am I put off doing anything for another 12 months and my pjs were disgusting - the elastic had completely gone, they were all stretched out of shape and you could see through the fabric.  So. Bad.


Enter Jalie 2564 (I couldn't find it listed on Jalie's website) which I bought years ago in anticipation of making my own singlet tops.  For my trial run I used a foil print stretch cotton from Spotlight and fold over elastic from Etsy.  I was tossing up what colour elastic to use but in the end I figured anything Mickey Mouse needed a touch of red.

I wasn't happy with my initial application of the fold over elastic - it made the neckline look really baggy so I ripped it out and followed this tutorial from Emerald Erin and it worked a charm.


To finish the set I sewed up a pair of the Cloth Habit Rosy Ladyshorts.  Couldn't be happier with them and I'm so glad that I fussy cut Mickey.  One of my girls even asked for a pair so I must have done something right!


After sleep testing these my only adjustment would be to add about another inch in length to the singlet top/camisole.  I bought some beautiful cotton/elastin Art Gallery Fabrics  for the real deal, hopefully I get a chance to post about them later this week.

Monday 16 January 2017

Trying the trend - Style Arc Adeline dress

Despite it's popularity I'd stayed away from the Style Arc Adeline dress fearing that the cocoon shape wouldn't be very flattering on me.



While I'm not convinced this is my best look I do really like this dress.  So many of the versions I have seen have been made from a beautiful linen and I chose to make this from a lovely rayon crepe that I bought online from The Fabric Store.  It was so nice to work with and is a dream to wear, especially on really hot days.  It gives the dress a lot of movement and it kind of feels like it's just floating around me.


I made a straight size 14 and I'm pretty happy with the way it fits.  I'm 6 foot tall (183cm) so keep that in mind when considering the length on you.  I forgot to remove the centre back seam but it's really not necessary.


I really like the V neck - it's not too low and the facing finishes it beautifully.  I also really like the slightly shaped high/low hem, which was something that I was unsure about when I was cutting it out.  I'm glad I left it as is.


The only complaint I have with this dress is that, on me, it tends to slip backwards on my shoulders so the front rides up and the neck sits too high.

I haven't heard anyone else have the same problem so it might be the fabric I've used or maybe it's just the shape of my shoulders!  Either way it's not a deal breaker and I'm sure that this dress will get plenty of wear.  This is a great dress that comes together really quickly and I have to say that I really like the construction methods that Style Arc use.


Thursday 5 January 2017

#2017makenine

I'm not on Instagram but love the idea of nominating nine items that you want to make in 2017 so I'm playing along here.

All photos used in the collage above are via the individual pattern companies.
I've loved the Sophie Swimsuit pattern since it was released and wanted to have a pair made up for our recent trip to Byron Bay - I ran out of time but hope to get these made up soon.

I don't know if flares will be popular again this winter but I still love them and plan to make the Birkin Flares from Baste and Gather.  In winter I live in denim so being able to play with a different silhouette will be great.

The Cascade Duffle Coat has been on my to sew list since it was released.  I have all my supplies but I bought the PDF pattern and I just can't bring myself to stick that many pages together!  I've just bought the paper pattern so hopefully this gets made before winter rolls around again.

The Ruby top/dress is another pattern that has been on my radar for ages.  I really want to make both the top and dress variations - I think they'll be really versatile additions to my wardrobe.

The Blaire shirt from Style Arc is a departure from I normally wear but it has been calling my name since it was released.  I'm going to make this in white linen but I love the version my sister just made in a gorgeous rayon.

Number 6 isn't a pattern, it's a gorgeous pieces of fabric.  I couldn't resist the beautiful city lights silk crepe de chine from Tessuti Fabrics but I've been too scared to cut into it in case I stuff it up.  Time to get over it - there's always more beautiful fabric!

Everybody wants beautiful undies and I want to add the Montgomery briefs from Orange Lingerie and the Bella and Esme undies from Evie la Luve to my collection.

I feel like this is a really achievable selection.  There's a nice mix of quick makes and more detailed projects and I know I'll feel pretty awesome if I manage to get all these made up.

So do you Instagram?  I'm tempted to sign up but all the comments about the new algorithms have made me wary.  Are you on Instagram and do you like it?

Sunday 1 January 2017

Style Arc duo - Charlie and Ginger

Happy New Year!  I'm looking forward to doing more of what I love in 2017 and hopefully getting back to this space a little more often.  So many of the clothes I made in 2016 didn't made it to the blog but I really wanted to post this duo because I like them so much.


This is the Style Arc Charlie skirt in a stretch denim and the Style Arc Ginger top in a bamboo knit.

The skirt is straight size 14 and sews up pretty easily.  Style Arc are known for their sparse instructions (the great drafting makes up for it) but the instructions for completing the waistband on this skirt will make you scratch your head.


I chose to do my own thing and left out the elastic.  I sewed the front skirt as instructed and then folded down the back casing and top stitched before sewing the side seams.  It produced a nice neat finish and there is no danger of this skirt falling down.  In fact I have to pull this over my head as the denim doesn't have enough stretch to pull this up over my hips!  I've put a picture below, hopefully you can see how I've completed the waistband.


I really like this skirt and can see it getting lots of wear.  If I was sewing this again I'd probably sew the front split down another inch.  It just feels a little bit too high, especially when I sit down.


I am absolutely in love with this top.  The construction is really simple, but clever.  It's comfortable, the bamboo feels amazing and I think it's quite an elegant top.  Again no alterations needed, this is a straight size 12.

I'm on a bit of a Style Arc bender at the moment with several items half finished.  I seem to have acquired sewing ADD and keep starting the next project before I finish the last one. There are just so many things that I want to make!

Thank you to everyone who visited and left comments this year.  Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2017, may you create many happy memories throughout the year.