Thursday, September 27, 2012

LET'S GET SEWING



The hot hazy days of summer are fast approaching, and with it a wardrobe stocktake and assessment.  No more hiding under winter sweaters and jackets for me.
This week I made this plain shift dress, an exercise in fitting and some new techniques.  As a result of my surgery six months ago, my shape has changed a bit, and I needed to get back to basics with pattern fitting.



One of my all-time favourite bloggers is Carolyn of Diary of a Sewing Fanatic.  Carolyn sews all the time and her posts are full of useful information and sewing tips.  Inspired by Carolyn, I carefully made the necessary adjustments to this basic shift shape, including taking some fullness away from the front armhole, and re-aligning the bust darts. 



I tried one of her tips, ironing 1 inch strips of interfacing into the back seams to stabilise it before inserting the zip.  It works like a dream!  I'll certainly do this in future - just thinking of a lifetime of zips placed slightly askew makes me shudder now.  Instead of my usual habit of cutting facings for the armholes, I tried another tip and use bias binding instead.  Quick and Easy.


My next project, and one I have been looking forward to for ages, is to make Vogue V8805.
I have bought a pale pink linen for the top section, and am trying to match its weight in navy linen for the centre/main body of the dress.  What colour do you suggest for the skirt panel?
I have something in mind, but it will depend on what I can find.



Before we know it, it will be waaaaay too hot to wear jeans, coloured or not.
But in the meantime, I bought a yellow knit ....



and a minty green lace top, both from friendly Chain Shops at the mall.
Currently they work well with my bright pink jeans.
Maybe later on with cool white linen.



I think there are some important sporting events this weekend.
While Mr C and my brother-in-law are busy watching, possibly drinking beer and consuming - oh, maybe some gourmet pies, - my sister and I will be doing Important Womens Business.

Anything we can think of, really ...

Have a truly great weekend
xxx


 


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17 comments:

  1. valerietilsten59.blogspot.comSeptember 28, 2012 at 1:46 AM

    Hi Patricia,
    Gosh, how you take me back to my 20's.. when i would buy the sewing patterns of vogue and burda.. I made a lot of lovely things.. mainly a few simple dresses for myself and often made skirts and tops for my daughter.
    the design you have chosen looks great.
    I cannot believe that 6 months has already passed. I am so happy for you Patricia..
    happy sewing..

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    Replies
    1. PatriciaSeptember 28, 2012 at 2:40 AM

      And I was sewing right along with you here in Australia, Val. I made my own dresses from the age of 14, and bought very few until I was much older. My whole family were mad keen on sewing. We made lots of ball gowns, wedding dresses, anything at all. Lots of Vogue and Burda were involved. I have sewn much less in more recent times, but am keen to work at it again. My mother sewed right up until her final year, age 89. Yes, 6 months, and finally pain free in my arm - Yay!! Onwards and Upwards from now on. xxx

      Delete
  2. JudithSeptember 28, 2012 at 2:46 AM

    Important sporting events!!! Did someone mention a footy game??? Not my cup-of-tea thankfully, but it does fill in a few hours for the males in our lives. I think you are on the right track by following Carolyn, the variety of dresses she has created from one basic dress pattern is to be commended. Looking forward to seeing what the 3rd colour is that you choose for your dress...

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    Replies
    1. PatriciaSeptember 28, 2012 at 4:01 AM

      Hi Judith, Not my cuppa either, but it does keep the males happy and out of the way!
      Carolyn is definitely my Heroine!

      Delete
  3. Annie ~ Red Roses and CrystalSeptember 28, 2012 at 5:23 AM

    Anyone who can alter a pattern is pretty clever in my book Patricia! I'm glad to see you enjoying sewing once again.
    Is there football on this weekend? I wouldn't know to be honest, secret women's business sounds far more interesting I think.
    xx

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    Replies
    1. PatriciaSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:36 PM

      Well thank you Annie - my pattern altering is tentative at best, but seems to work for me.
      I do my best to avoid football; thank goodness the media room is downstairs away from my sight and hearing. I hate how the commentators shout! xx

      Delete
  4. sandaSeptember 28, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    Such lovely pictures, all. Love the poppy print of your shift. What color for the skirt panel in the other dress? That aqua blue on the pattern envelope looks nice; I think a variation of blue would look nice. My mother sewed all my clothes, and I learned to sew as well and made some things in the 1970s, but I lost interest in the 1980s and the only sewing I've done in the past 20 years is piecing quilts on the machine. Happy Sewing! I'm sure you are an expert seamstress.

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    Replies
    1. PatriciaSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:39 PM

      Thank you Sanda, interesting suggestion for a variation of blue. Aha, another quilter - but you live in the home of fabulous quilts! I have spent a lot of the past few years doing that too, but am over it now. Back to a bit of dressmaking, when I can find something appealing to make. Many modern fashions don't lend themselves to the home sewist.

      Delete
  5. BerylSeptember 28, 2012 at 2:14 PM

    Hi Patricia - I love red linen and think it would make a good skirt band for the light pink and navy, but a brighter pink might go better. That red flower print is so great and I'm glad you follow our Carolyn's sewing blog. (I love to read the Australian Carolyn's sewing blog.)
    I like your yellow knit top, and actually have a new top that is that color but lacy like your new mint green one. I wear it with a black and white print peasant skirt.
    Where do you get your Vogue patterns? Can you find them for $4 on sale like our local fabric store occasionally have them?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PatriciaSeptember 28, 2012 at 6:43 PM

      Ah, red is an interesting and daring idea!
      Patterns are very expensive in Australia, as well as at least six months behind the US in publication. Sometimes I buy online for this reason; with postage the price is about the same. Vogue patterns on sale at $4 is like an impossible dream!! I have been going back through my older patterns and considering what I can adapt, re-use, re-cycle etc. now the going rate for any pattern is about $30!

      Delete
    2. The Silver BunnySeptember 29, 2012 at 2:59 AM

      Hello, Patricia ! I have a top in the same flowery material as yours and I love it. Of course, I bought it ready-made because, as we say in French, I can't do anything with my ten fingers ! Enjoy yourself this week-end !x

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    3. PatriciaSeptember 29, 2012 at 2:42 PM

      Red flower material is celebrated around the globe! We both have excellent taste then, Silver Bunny :)) Cute French saying; I will have to employ that in my Australian-speak! Happy weekend in beautiful Paris ! xx

      Delete
  6. metteSeptember 30, 2012 at 9:11 AM

    What a beautiful dress! Just the right design, colors and pattern.
    Lucky you to know how to sew clothes. I´m in much envy, would not have the patience needed (;

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    Replies
    1. PatriciaOctober 1, 2012 at 1:36 AM

      Thanks, Mette :) I think sewing is one of those things that you either have a calling for, or you don't! My daughter has never taken it up, despite the family inclinations. Of course, I could never care for horses in your beautiful way. Your stables are super. xx

      Delete
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