(sew)everyday notions

Two new makes in this post - the Emerson Shorts by True Bias & a Grainline Archer (fairly modified). I started the shirt about this time last year, trying to make it before an overseas trip. I got up to sewing on the sleeves (no plackets or collar) before I had to let it sit unfinished (I didn't want to rush this make! The fabric was too lush). Once we got home from our holiday it was summer so I left it until it cooled down again. I guess you could say it is definitely "slow fashion" and worth the wait! The shorts are the new Emerson Shorts pattern by True Bias , which just about jumped into my cart the second they were released, and made up pretty soon after that. So I guess these are more a "fast fashion" make! They are exactly what I wanted in a summer short- pockets and an elastic waist, but not too frumpy! I am envisioning many more in my future! Those True Bias patterns are totally my jam, I love the fit and the modern designing too (...

Indie patterns are my jam, as a mum of small kids it's just so much easier buying a digital pattern & being able to print it without having to leave the house! BUT there are so many great patterns out there that I think sometimes they get a bit lost in the interwebs, and it's easy just to ride along on the wave of new pattern releases (yes, I did just sign up to the Sophie Swimsuit workshop in the middle of our winter!!).  All this to say, I have loved this Blouse Marthe pattern since its release in 2014, so why did I wait so long to make it? I love it! (I joked on Instagram about my hashtag #justbloodymakeit , which was inspired by the vintage wearing pledge #justbloodywearit . Sometimes I need to just make it, instead of thinking about it and thinking about it some more...) Perhaps I was waiting for the right fabric to come along, and this is a perfect fabric-pattern match. I picked up the lovely navy silky silk at a recent Brisbane Spoolettes High Tea...

Hemlock, Mandy, Sorbetto, Plantain, Polly. There are some fab free sewing patterns available from some amazing indie pattern designers, aren't there? This is another one, the Tate Top by Workroom Social . I put this little beauty together pretty quickly for a recent wedding where I wanted something cute (check), nursing friendly (check) and dressy/casual enough for a country farm wedding (I wore it with black skinny jeans- so check check!!). Thanks Jennifer for a great pattern!  Some notes... The download is only for the pattern (no instructions) but the construction is pretty easy to figure out. I made a size 14, after checking the finished measurements and allowing for the ease I wanted.  I made the back of the top less "racer back" by eyeballing the armholes when cutting, to allow me to wear a nursing tank underneath without the straps peaking out. Fabric is a neon printed poly from Spotlight.  This is my first time using self bias! (True story!!) Not a...

Here is the first of two easy makes to have come out of my dining table  sewing room lately! I'd love to give you modelled pics, but... I don't actually fit into either of these makes! My full-term pregnant belly is a bit in the way, but I know both of these will get a work out after bebe arrives. The first is a Grainline Studio Tiny Pocket Tank . I made a muslin of this about a year ago and it desperately needed an FBA which I have only just got around to doing. I cut the size 10 and added a decent 8cms (3in) to the chest (4cm either side). I also added an exposed zipper to the front, because I love the look, and it will make nursing a bit easier. I just drafted an easy zipper placket thingy. There's a few tutorials around the web for exposed zips and I used a mish-mash of them all really. The fabric is a printed viscose hacked out of a dress I picked up free at a swap meet. I love the fluidity of the fabric, and the zip breaks up the crazy print a bit. I used bo...

pattern: combination of rub-off of my favourite RTW Country Road blouse & Grainline Archer fabric: cotton navy/white gingham, spotlight this is the make that i bought the Grainline Archer pattern for many months ago (? I think i picked it up in last years thanksgiving sale!). I think it also started #thegreatsewingbinge - it was the creative challenge that really got me & my sewing machine reacquainted in a big way. And I've finally made it! My favourite RTW shirt is a few seasons old from Country Road (Australian). It's the perfect length for leggings or jeans, with rolled up sleeves & a small stand-up collar. I knew the Archer pattern would get me half-way there. There were just a few mods to make. the original  my version Here are some notes I used the pins/paper/cardboard rub-off method that seems to be a popular technique.  The modifications basically involve - a yoke which continues to the front of the shirt, using both collar pieces ...

I'll be the first to admit, I almost swooned when I saw Cirque du Bebe's Vogue 1247 top . The pattern, the fabric, the make. Perfect, no? I had to try it. I bought the pattern online via Vogue US ($6!, but then I had to pay shipping) because in the middle of the night there is nothing more satisfying than buying patterns while sitting in your pyjamas (perhaps why I love the indie patterns so much?). I read a lot of reviews & decided to jump straight in to make up a wearable muslin. The fabric is 100% printed polyester (OH THE SHAME). I didn't want to use a silk (things need to go in the washing machine in my house) and I wanted something drapier than linen. This fabric is very fluid and I do love the pattern, even if it is a Bit Crazy. As for the polyester, if I don't wear it on a blistering hot day then it's not too bad :) Some notes Pattern: Vogue 1247 top, Fabric: 1.8m printed polyester. 112cm wide. ($12.58) As per other reviews, I made a size ...