(sew)everyday notions

If we're taking summer uniforms, here's mine: a breezy tank & a stretch mini. This here is my new striped swing tank, with my beloved denim Mabel (which is in extremely high rotation, along with my unblogged V.2). Add a floppy hat and I've got the Queensland summer days sorted. This tank is a rub-off of a RTW swing tank I've had a few years, with a few mods to fit better. Namely, extra room around the bust, although I think the back is still a touch tight. The original tank has the front hem longer than the back (a lo-hi??) to account for the bust maybe? That difference is quite exaggerated in this slightly heavier knit and I think I'll go back and even them out. For the neckline and arms, I followed Megan Nielsens tutorial: the easiest knit neckline around . For a casual tank, it gave a great finish. I used stay-tape and definitely think it's necessary to give a non-stretched finish. No faffing around with binding = win. Double needle to finis...

Next up is a Colette Patterns Mabel Skirt . This is my first Colette make! I picked up the pattern in their black-friday sale (along with the Moneta & Negroni - can't wait to give them a try!). I love that Colette patterns are drafted for a C-cup, so I'll be interested to see how the Moneta fits, but obviously with a skirt it's a non-issue.  This is a great pattern. Even though I have (successfully) self-drafted a knit skirt before I liked the variations of this pattern and the price was right! The pattern is really well thought-out. You get 7 pdf files! A different file for each version - so if you only want to make one you can save on pages. But there is also a "master file" which includes all versions tiled together. I thought that was pretty clever. The instructions are of course very thorough, and I do have the corresponding Sewing with Knits (ebook) that they released at about the same time (although I didn't need to refer to it while sewing...

My new motto in life is: "embrace the bump" . I've definitely hit that stage of my pregnancy where the bump is obvious & (in my opinion!) cute. I'd bought the Ruched Maternity Skirt pattern by the fabulous Megan Nielsen a few months ago & I'm so glad I did. It really makes getting dressed in the morning pretty easy, in a stage where finding things to fit is a bit hard! The beauty of this pattern is that this skirt covers the bump. Which means I can wear non-maternity tops (that wouldn't otherwise fit) very easily by tying a simple knot in them.  A few notes: I bought the PDF pattern and it goes together SO easily- only two pattern pieces (there's a third only if you add the optional frill) I cut a size medium, and with this fabric is a great fit. Like Megan mentions in the instructions, you need a pretty stretchy knit fabric for this make (minimum 40% stretch & she explains how to figure out what % your fabric is). If your kn...

There's a pretty steady stream of tshirts & shorts that get made for my little man (3 yrs). They don't take much fabric, often I recycle old tshirts from myself & the Mister, and they take pretty little time. I don't usually blog them because they're too busy being worn! But here's a few I've made recently... instead of continually self-drafting (can you call it that when you just copy a RTW garment??) I bought 2 of See Kate Sew 's boys patterns - the Recess Raglan Tee & the AZTEC hooded vest . I debated on spending the $$ for two simple patterns, but the styling and longevity of the patterns (both go to kids size 8) means I'll get lots of use from these two. And they sew up great!! Above: I've got the long-sleeve raglan in size 3T twice, with cuffs. Fully sewed on the serger except for the zigzag hem (seriously can't be bothered rethreading the double needle!). I scooped the hem on the blue/white one for a bit more style. ...

pattern: anima pants, papercut patterns fabric: stretch denim & black double ponte (cuffs, waistband & pocket) here's my entry into the (amazing) #animapantcomp run by Papercut Patterns and The Fabric Store . Seriously, there are some amazing prizes and this was just the incentive I needed to get these made up quick-smart. The fabric recommendations suggest any type of fabric with a bit of stretch & I was happy to use up the rest of this denim left from my named jamie jeans make. I liked the idea of the contrast black cuffs, waistband & pocket & the double ponte is super comfy in these places. I cut a size up that what i measured (large??) because the denim isn't super stretchy, but in the end I should have stayed as is because i took a bit in on the side seams. They're a quick make & what could possibly be better than track pant jeans?? A bit more stylish, its easy to get down to kid-level to play and super easy to dress up or down. ...

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 ...

a peachy tee pattern: grainline studio hemlock tee fabric: peachy merino knit, the fabric store (bris) my new fav tee. this really is a great little make, perfect & slouchy for our autumn days. Much has been said about the free, one-sized pattern (and it's pretty much all good!). The only changes I made were to slightly shorten the sleeves (10cm?) and I still roll them to elbow length. I also used more of a bias-binding sort of neck binding. I like the neater finish with this fabric. (i sort of followed this tutorial by Made By Rae ). the merino I think is an absolute match-made-in-sewing-heaven for this shirt. I'd made a muslin with a stretchier knit and it's just too big after awhile. this, though = perfection to sew & press, and gives a great drape. i kinda need one in every colour, yes?

pattern - wiksten tank dress fabric - off white, navy stripe merino knit, the fabric store (brisbane) This is my summer uniform. Hello stripes! I love the Wiksten tank dress &  because the pattern is so simple & has no dart I  knew a knit fabric would make it even more perfect. I just used a smaller size to account for the fabric stretch. Easy! I love the shape of the hem, and the slight difference in front & back lengths.  This fabric is so lovely. We have a hot summer here in Queensland & merino wool is renowned for its cool-in-summer & warm-in-winter properties. This fabric doesn't disappoint! I've worn this dress on some our hottest days so far & it's very comfortable, moreso than a woven because you don't need to worry about it crushing. I  have a bit left & can't wait to make a 3/4 autumn top out of it (a hemlock tee maybe?). A few constuction notes needles: ball point needles, and twin ballpoint needle to finis...