Ottobre 3/2007 Sleeveless Hooded Jacket

I don't sew much winter clothing as the weather here is rarely cold but we've had a cool year and Jess has grown out of any warm clothing that she did have. Rather than go all out and make her a jumper I thought that the Ottobre sleeveless jacket would get more use being a somewhat transitional piece. I cut out and made up the 170cm size ( the largest the pattern goes up to). I thought that the largest size would be fine but failed to take into account that Jess is now taller than me at 171cm. Therefore the jacket was actaully a tad too small and ended up being given to Sarah.

The main fabric is a Cotton lycra French Terry and the binding fabric a cotton lycra blend, both of which I purchased from Crafty Mamas. This was an easy and quick sew my only frustration being that I could not get the plastic snaps I bought for it to stay together. I've decided to leave it without any closures.

Happy New Year

and hopefully a better blogging year! Obviously I'm not the greatest blogger and over the last few moths have thought about why I have a blog. My main purpose was to keep a record of the things I've made this year but between work, family committments and the random accidents I seem to be a magnet for my blogging has fallen by the wayside.


Whilst I actually finished this Ottobre Women skirt a few weeks ago I'll post it now to start off a new year of blogging. I originally intended to make it for myself, but somewhere between measuring myself and reading the pattern sizing I cut out a skirt that just fits my reed thin twelve year old daughter - hmm ....not sure where I went wrong there (wishful thinking maybe?)

It's the denim skirt from Ottobre Woman issue 05-2008-2. Its made out of a cotton drill that I purchased from Crafty Mamas a while back and has been sitting in the stash. The directions were quite clear and easy to follow though I attached the waistband differently to how was described in the pattern instructions. Size -??probably the smallest, lol.

Oops - can still see the guide lines I drew on for the top stitching - I wanted to get a photo of this before the clouds and rain set in again. Looking at the skirt now I wish I had of gotten some buttons for the two front and back pockets - I think it would have given a better overall finish to the skirt.

I'm working on my first quilt at the moment so will hopefully have something to show before I head off to Tassie with the family in a weeks time - I'm looking forward to some nice cold weather - which may sound crazy to most but living here in the tropics where the tempreture sits around 38 degrees centigrade for 3/4 of the year, cold weather is what I'm dreaming of!

Farbenmix Olivia - color blocking experiment

It looks like I'm getting two posts in this month - amazing,lol.

Pattern: Farbenmix Olivia - underdress
Fabric: Stenzo(?)red & white dot knit, Busilis pink & red dot knit and Colorado red knit, all purchased from Crafty Mamas.

I saw a really cute knit dress that had been color blocked (?) with diagonal lines of pastel colored fabric. I thought that the Olivia would look cute like this so headed off to the fabric stash with the idea of trying color blocking out to see if I could get a similar effect. Unfortunetly there was not much in the way of pastel colored knits- everything either had a print or was bright.

I love red and had a few different types in the stash so this is what I ended up with.

I'm quite happy with how it turned out though I should have started the second panel slightly higher up. To make the different colored panels I just cut the dress front into thirds, added 1cm seam allowance to the bottom of the bodice, 1cm either side of the centre panel and 1 cm to the top of the bottom panel so that it would be the same length as the back. Unfortunetly I didn't have enough of the pink dot fabric to make the tail section so it's just a regular old hood,lol.

I'm not sure that I've sewn the knits together in the right manner. I just cut the panels on the grain line and then matched up the seams. Whilst sewing the panels together I wasn't quite sure that the grain lines were still straight - if that makes sense? I couldn't find much info on the web on how to color block knits (hopefully I'm using the right term for it??)

Anyhow, Bel loves it and that's all that matters.

Front

Back

Trying out the twirl factor

Favorite Things - Hip skirts

Wow, it's March already and I was hoping to get in more than one post a month - it's my goal this month to at least get in two,lol.

I doubt it would be right to call this a UFO as I actually did finish it but absolutely hated it and tossed it in a drawer where it remained for the last six months. Why? Being somewhat scatterbrained at the best of times I measured myself and then proceded to used my bust measurement as a guide to which size skirt to make. Being somewhat top heavy (my chest size is two sizes larger than my hip size) I ended up with a skirt that was way too large and at the time somewhat uninspiring. After a complete deconstruction which resulted in four centimeters being cut off the back skirt peice and 2 cm from the sides of both skirt front peices it now fits beautifully.

The other reason it got tossed aside was that it was just plain boring. The photo's don't do it justice (especially since I wore it to work today and its a little wrinkled- but if I did not post about it now who knows how long it would take to get back to it). I added some ribbon to the bottom of the skirt and some cute buttons which are hard to see in the photo and I'm now actually quite liking it

The pattern was really easy to follow and went together quite quickly (apart from the 6 month "rest" in the cupboard). I think the sizing is quite generous despite my blunder. The only thing I don't like about this skirt is the use of elastic in the waist band - it kind of gives it a bunched up look - next time I think I'll try and put a zip in the side and see how that turns out.

January challenge - better late than never?

Ok it done, two days late but for me that's almost on time. I think I was being too optomistic when I thought that I'd get it done in time, 2 weeks in Bali and a zip that did not turn up until the day we were heading out the door should have made me realise, but here it is anyhow.

Pattern: Amy Butler Sophia Carryall
Fabric: Jane Sassaman Prairie Gothic range.




I'm having a love/hate relationship with this bag. I really like the fabric but I'm not sure that I like it made up as this bag. I originally wanted the Teasel & Lace fabric in Midnight but it was all sold out so I went with this - I think I should have persevered in looking a bit longer for the other fabric.

The bag went together quite easily though it is the most structured bag that I have made and the base was somewhat of a challenge. I also made the lining slightly too large and had to adjust it to fit. The bag actually holds a fair amount and I think I might actually have a go at trying the Weekender bag next - but that can wait a little while...

Next up - February challenge - something in knit. I think I'll make something for me again!

Amy Butler Sophia Carryall

Part of the Twelve projects in twelve month challenge is to blog about the progress of what you are making. I was making great strides in getting this done but have hit a wall as I need a 22 inch bag zip to put in at this stage - the only problem being there is nowhere here in town to buy zips (or anything other than the basic sewing items that the local supermarket supplies.) So whilst I'm waiting for Spotlight to send a zipper out in the mail I'll work on the lining for the bag. I'm still hoping to finish in time if it gets here before the end of the week.




Whilst on the subject of WIP I was not entirely craft free while in Perth. I thought I'd take advantage of the fact that my mum was staying with me and got her to help me with my first full scale crochet project - an afgan made out of granny squares. I don't know why but for some reason I have never been able to work out how to crochet (and I have been trying for years...) when it just clicked. I bought a copy of the Happy Hooker, some thick yarn and a large crochet hook and finally got the idea of what I needed to do. The afgan is almost done as I only have the finally round of crocheting to go on a couple of squares and then I can put it all together. Then it can sit around and look pretty until it gets cold around here (which will probably be around June for a period of a week or so - at least it won't wear out from overuse lol.)

I've decided to join Carolyn's from My Favorite twelve projects in twelve months challenge. Apart from the motivation to sew it will also be great to make sure that I keep up with posts on my blog. I've been rather tardy of late with it as I had a six week uni placement in Perth where I was without a computer (or sewing machine for that matter) so there was little blogging happening. One of my resolutions for this year is to keep my blog more up to date.

The first challenge for this month is to make something "for me" - I'll be making an Amy Butler Sophia carryall which I hope to finish in the next ten days so I can use it when we head over to Bali for 14 days.

Tangled threads

As my overlocker does not have a cover, every time the ceiling fans are turned on the threads get blown around and become tangled together - this usually means that I have to re-thread the entire machine, which drives me a little insane. So, this weekend I thought I'd make it it's very own cover from a lot left over scraps from making the girls things - hence the abundance of pink. I saw a similar cover someone had made, but for the life of me I cannont remember whose blog it was. The cover is made up of 2inch squares and then finished with a border and backing fabric, with ribbon ties to hold it on. Not perfect but I'm happy enough with the result. I don't know how anyone can manage to line small squares up perfectly but it obviously can be done. Please excuse the grimy table - it used to be our camping table but I "borrowed" it and it is now mine. Its actually clean but I just cannot get the marks out of it.

As well as sewing I have been wanting to try out this recipe that Gilly posted on the Craftymamas forum. It is for milo scones and they were delicious - its hard to stop at just one. If you want the recipe head over to Gilly's blog.

And finally, just because they look so pretty, some photos's of the flowers I picked from our garden this morning. I must be getting old as I can't remember the name of these either.

Make it Perfect - Versatile Wrap

I've been really bad and neglecting my blog whilst having to complete a full time work placement for uni - now it's finished I've actually got some time to sew again.

I've made something for myself that fits great, I love the look of and I actually wore out in public! It's the Make it Perfect the Versatile Wrap. Whilst on holidays in Queensland I bought this gorgeous cotten sateen with this skirt in mind - the contrast trim in a cotten poplin. It was really easy to make (even drafting up the pattern) and took me one afternoon from drawing up the pattern to finishing it off. I have plans to make a heap more of these.

I wore the skirt out to morning tea with a few friends and they asked where I had got my gorgeous skirt from - I nearly fell over with shock but was quite chuffed that they thought it was that good. In the picture dd is modelling it for me as it is somewhat difficult to take photos's of myself (lacking a full length mirror and dh off at work) Please excuse the wrinkles too - I didn't get time to iron it as the sun was soon setting and I wanted to get the photos done.

Antonia #2

As I am getting more comfortable with sewing knits I'm moving out of my comfort zone and trying new things - reverse applique this time. As the Antonia is fairly plain I thought adding a star to the front would make it more interesting. This is my first go at reverse applique and I'm pretty happy with how it turned out (apart from the fact the stitching around the outside is a little messy due to the tension on my sewing machine being out of whack - sadly it is in need of a service).

This is my favorite t-shirt pattern as it is so versatile. Now, I even might try to make myself one - I just need to get the grown up version of the pattern first!

Farbenmix Antonia

Whilst having sewn with woven fabrics for years I have only just recently started sewing with knits, thinking that they were difficult to sew - I can't believe I waited this long as they are fast becoming my favorite. The knits for this Antonia are a mix all purchased from the Crafty Mamas shop - the quality and vibrant color and designs of these knits are amazing and make them such a pleasure to sew with.

I made a short sleeved version of the Antonia as we do not get much cold weather up this way. It is the largest size which is a 158/164 and fits Jess who is 10, but is very tall. At first I thought the shirt looked too wide for her but when finished is the perfect length and width. I think I will be making a lot more of these in future as it was very simple and went together very quickly.

Pink patchwork pillow

I really need to think of a way to come up with more interesting titles. Seeing that I have been neglecting my blog for the past few weeks due to technical difficulties with my computer I thought that I should get my act in gear and post some photos of what I have been doing with my time since exiled from the net,lol.

I got the idea for this pillowcase from a cushion that Clo from Sew2bHappy made. As my dd's have been complaining that their bedrooms are "boring" I thought I'd try and give them somewhat of a make over - starting with their beds I have started on the pillowcases - don't ask how long it will take for a matching quilt, I'm pretty slow at getting things finished and with 5 children it could take me a few years (I kid you not!)

The design was basically made up as I went along - starting off with just the name and then adding some embroidery and then thought I'd use up what scraps I had laying around to do the patchwork sections. The only part I had to purchase was the fabric around the outside borders and for the back of the pillow case as my stash is lacking in plain fabrics.

Now I only have 4 to go.......

Swimwear - not so scary

These are not for me - though it would be nice to fit into them . My oldest dd asked me to make her a pair of swimmers and as I have not made anything for her yet I thought I had better give it a go though the thought of sewing lycra had me worried. Anyhow, seems my fears were unfounded as these swimmers came together quite easily - most of the sewing was done on the overlocker and finished off on the sewing machine (which was somewhat painful as my machine appears to have an aversion for knit fabric and elastic - the bobbin thread was knotting with the top thread and pulling through the front of the fabric if I sewed any faster than at crawl speed)

The pattern is McCalls 8813 - I would use it again as there are three different style tops and 2 different style pants. This is a size 10, though I'm not sure what the entire size range is.

No modelling shot of this one - dd refused (which is fair enough - she usually wears her swimmers under a tank top and board shorts) though dd 9 did offer to,lol.

Ballerina pillow

Cross stitch was one of my first sewing loves - I've been doing them for years but do not have many to show as it takes me an incredibly long time to actually finish anything. Once I actually have it finished I then can't decide what to actually do with it.

It took me around a year to finish this - the first 80% taking around a month and it was then put aside and done in dribs and drabs until I finally finished it last week. I orginally intended to frame it and put it up in the younger girls room but Bel asked if I could make it into a pillow for her and so this is the finished result - not too bad if I say so myself.

Farbenmix Feliz

I love how this dress has turned out - it's a great pattern, fairly straight forward (well, with the online instructions anyhow - the photo tutorial was a godsend as I doubt it would have been quite as easy or turned out quite as well.)

The dress is made up out of cotton poplin(?) from Spotlight as I didn't want to cut into any "good" fabric until I knew how it would turn out (aka: botched job)

This would have to be the longest it has taken me to put a dress together - I blame it on all those ruffles at the back as I did not have a ruffling foot and did them by hand. They really were not that hard to do but it was not my favorite part. As there were no instructions for the ruffles included with the pattern I think I may have positioned them incorrectly (they are different from in the photo tute) but I still love how it looks anyhow.

As I'm new to blogging I still have yet to work out how to put my photos and text in the order that I want them.

Sewing Machine Meme

What better way to start off a blog about sewing than with this meme from Sew Mama Sew.

What brand and model do you have?
I have a very basic Brother Star 110
How long have you had it?
I think that it is about six years since I bought this machine new.
How much does that machine cost (approximately)?
It was $499 Australian
What types of things do you sew (i.e. quilting, clothing, handbags, home dec projects, etc.)?
I'll try to sew anything that takes my interest. Right now that includes clothes for my children, bags, cushions, rugs and I have bought a walking foot for it so that I can try quilting.
How much do you sew? How much wear and tear does the machine get?
I'm sewing heaps more now than I used to so the machine is getting a lot more wear and tear than in the first few years that I owned it. It could probably use a good service at the moment as it has been a few years since the last one - if only there was someone close by to do the job!
Do you like/love/hate your machine? Are you ambivalent? Passionate? Does she have a name?
I have a love/hate relationship with my machine. When it works well I love it and when it dosen't I am not very happy with it. I'm not sure if this is due to the fact that the machine is quite basic and only has 21 stitches and hates shirring - or if the problems are due to user error.
What features does your machine have that work well for you?
Hmmm.....well, while I would love it to have a lot more different stitch options it does the job I need it to do, it is very straight forward to use and has a drop in bobbin and needle threader which is brilliant.
Is there anything that drives you nuts about your machine?
Shirring - I have yet to find out a way to get it to work.
Do you have a great story to share about your machine (i.e., Found it under the Christmas tree? Dropped it on the kitchen floor? Sewed your fingernail to your zipper?, Got it from your Great Grandma?, etc.!)? We want to hear it!
Nothing that would make it interesting.
Would you recommend the machine to others? Why?
It is a good basic machine for beginners but anyone wanting to do more advanced sewing should look for a different model
What factors do you think are important to consider when looking for a new machine?
Having a machine that has functions related to the majority of what you sew. Good price and reliability of after sales service.
Do you have a dream machine?
At the moment it would be a Bernina with the option of an embroidery module.