(sew)everyday notions

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 ...

  I'm always impressed when I see someone's make with the word "self drafted" in the title. I'm good at following  pattern directions, but always get a bit sloppy when I have to pave the way myself. I've self drafted a few kids clothes, but never ladies so this was a little experiment with a happy ending. I do have the Sewaholic Saltspring pattern and originally thought about using it but I didn't think the gathers at the waist would work for this fabric.  For me, a maxi should be loose and flowing. I have a RTW maxi (Target, 2 yrs ago) that I liked the bodice of so I loosely copied it for this dress. I used a lovely ikat blue rayon from Spotlight. It has a lovely drape and is cool to wear. I used 2.5m and had to use a centre back seam to fit the pattern in. (So very little pattern matching too). A few more notes Front is self faced. I used some slight gathers in the top neckline to give some shape instead of darts. I cut the facing to fit ...

fabric - loose weave denim, spotlight pattern - maritime shorts, grainline studio I'm trying to take the time to sew the things I wear on a daily basis. And with a little boy to follow around all day, these Maritime Shorts from Grainline fit the bill easily. Like a few other sewers,  I had to adjust the centre back seam. After making a wearable muslin, I sewed a size 10 & changed the back pieces accordingly: took in approximately 2cm from the centre back seam added 2 darts, both in the centre of the two back pieces (approximately in the middle of where the top of the pockets sit). I made sure I didn't sew on the pockets until I could try the shorts on to fit. Both darts take in about a 1.5cm each. I then adjusted the length of the waistband to fit the changes made.  Because of the loose weave of this denim, I knew these shorts would stretch & loosen during wear. I usually wear a belt but I wanted to do something to keep the fit snug al...

two sleeveless archers. I love seeing all the appreciation for this great pattern. I wanted the challenge of making a button up, collared shirt & knew this pattern would be perfect to teach me some new techniques (inserting a yoke, collar, button band). I found the instructions so clear and simple. Here's my notes on both my makes. The first fabric: vintage thin cotton, ?double gauze? almost like a thin cheesecloth? From my stash (I think even stolen from my mums stash!). Buttons, thrifted. Pattern: Grainline Archer Cut: Size 10.   This is my first wearable Archer (first = quick muslin). It's a loose fit on me, but will be the perfect breezy top for our Australian summer. I followed Jen's instructions to shave a bit off the armholes to make a neater, sleeveless finish. I made view B, with the ruffles at the back. It really adds a lovely femininity to the top, and makes it that little bit longer so I can wear leggings with it. I added a sm...

tory birch laser cut leather clutch. This stunning emerald green leather is from The Fabric Store (Brisbane). Using their tutorial on their blog , with black leather strapping from Spotlight as "thread".  Such a quick & easy little project, looks fab, and would make a great gift. I might change up the clasp, but for now this button from my stash will do just fine (anchored into laser cuts with some hat elastic).