Liberty T-Shirt

Hi! Just a really quick post today, I’m super busy again with too much to cram in to not enough time!

This is another version of the New Look K6217 t-shirt (like my Feathers top for a few weeks ago) – nice and quick but a couple of alterations.

The fabric was a fab find in the Liberty sale a few weeks ago – gotta love a remnants table! Half price too so that always helps. I love the bold print that’s like mandalas, though I think it’s from the Alice in Wonderland collection they did this season so it’s probably supposed to look like the playing card designs – it’s called Lord Paisley.

With the experience of the first one under my belt, this time I lengthened the pattern by 3 inches to give me a bit more stomach coverage, and because I only had a one metre remnant I squeezed the back piece onto the fold instead of cutting two pieces. However, I’ve since realised that I made a bit of a rookie mistake here – I forgot that the back piece has a seam allowance included at the centre back, so my piece cut on the fold is two seam allowances-worth too big! D’oh!

It’s not too much of a disaster though and I think if I sew a pleat into the back of the neckline to take a bit of the extra fullness out it’ll be fine – I don’t mind it being looser through the body, the fine cotton voile drapes beautifully anyway. I left slits in the side seams too so that it's not too tight over my hips with the extra length.

I’m pleased with the symmetry of the print on the front and back, I made sure to iron the centre folds really well to line everything up! I used cream bias binding for the neckline which stays invisible on the inside.

Happy with this one, lovely and cool to wear and I love the colours.

I’m hoping to fit in another couple of quick sewing projects before I go on holiday, and I’m making good progress with my knitted cardi – but the free weekends are fast running out!

La Paloma Shift Dress

Still enjoying lots of lovely sunny weather here – how is it where you are?

Today I’ve got my main holiday week project to show you – this took the best part of two days, but some of that time was because I had to figure out linings and I wanted to make sure everything was sewed neatly.

The pattern for this dress is New Look K6145 which I got free with Sew magazine a few months ago.

The fabric is Alexander Henry ‘La Paloma’ which I bought at the Knitting & Stitching Show in the spring after scouring all the websites where it was sold out. And the reason it was sold out everywhere is because Deborah made a dress with it on week one of the Sewing Bee this year and it looked AMAZING! Its mid-weight cotton and I just love the bold colours and print with the birds and flowers. Anyway, I was thrilled to find some and quickly snapped up two metres. It’s not a very wide fabric and I’m now wishing I’d bought more to have some spare for future makes, but never mind. The two metres was just right for this shift dress and meant I didn’t have to do any drastic pattern matching across waist seams.

I chose to make version E of the dress – sleeveless, but I left off the collar. I picked and cut out size 14 based on the finished measurements, and lengthened the skirt by 3 inches to take it to knee length on me.

I gave myself an extra challenge this time by deciding to line the dress rather than just using the facings and potentially needing to wear a slip underneath. I got some basic poly-cotton lining that will be cool to wear and not cling. As the pattern instructions don’t include a lining I had to figure this bit out myself, but followed the principles of the all-in-one facing from the Shell Top I made a few weeks ago.

So after I’d made up the two layers as far as sewing in all the darts and joining the shoulders, I attached the lining to the main fabric around the neckline and understitched to keep it sitting flat once turned through, and then joined them at the armholes too. This meant I could then turn the whole thing the right way out by bringing the lining through the shoulder straps and giving everything a really good press. It looks a really neat finish and meant I didn’t need to worry about using bias binding to finish the neck or arms.

Inserting the invisible zip into the centre back seam took a bit of figuring out to get the layers in the right order and I managed to sew main fabric, zip and lining in one go so that the lining is anchored neatly, and meant I didn’t need to do any hand sewing! The back is finished with a skirt vent which I’ve never done before but was pretty simple and give a little more freedom of movement – I mirrored this in the lining too.

This just left the side seams to sew up, and allowed me to shape the dress a little to bring the waist in to fit me a little more closely – I find straight up and down shapes don’t suit me terribly well so just nipping in the waist seams by an extra inch means it has a better silhouette for me. A quick double hem and I was all done!

I’m really delighted with this make – I think the simple shape shows the fabric off beautifully, it’s a comfortable dress to wear and will be great for work over the summer. Plus there’re so many colours in the print I can change up my outfit with a different cardi and shows every time I wear it – I went with orange when I wore it the first time!

The fit still isn’t absolutely perfect, I think I need to take a bit of length out of the upper torso as this is where I’m obviously short compared with the standard measurements – the armholes and bust darts are a little low. I also might lower the neckline into more of a scoop next time, again as a personal preference for what suits me.

I’ve had loads of compliments wearing it though which is lovely to enjoy the “Thank you, I made it myself!” moment. I’m really pleased with how the lining turned out too and will definitely use this method again. I’ll have to look out for more of the fabric too as it’s just fantastic and I’d love to try some other garments with it.

I’ve got one more recent sewing project to show you another day, and I’m currently knitting another cardigan which I’m hoping to get finished before I go away on holiday in mid-August, so I’ll probably be concentrating on that instead of starting any other new projects for the next few weeks. I also need to figure out what projects to take away with me – knitting, crochet, patchwork – what would you suggest?

Feathers T-Shirt

Hi! I'm on holiday from work this week so have been making the most of lots of time at the sewing machine. I'll probably post a few things up separately - mainly so I don't lose track myself!

For today though, this nice quick t-shirt. The pattern is New Look K6217 which is an outfit pack (I got it free with Sew magazine), but I've just stuck with the t-shirt for now (I might have a go at the trousers and skirt at some point). 

I cut my size straight out of the pattern paper going for the size 14 based on the finished garment measurements - there seems to be a lot of ease in this and I didn't want to be too swamped in fabric.

This is a medium weight cotton that I bought at the Knitting & Stitching Show (yes, still working through the stash...) and I loved the colour and print - peacock feather designs always look gorgeous I think.

Two pattern pieces and some bias binding for the neck and bobs your uncle. The keyhole detail at the back neck is a nice feature, though with the amount of ease in the pattern it's not strictly necessary from a functional point of view - I can get the top on quite easily without undoing the button.

Very happy with this, and easy to whip up in an afternoon. This is definitely going to be a staple pattern, in fact I've already made another one, and will be great for making easy and comfortable tops for the summer that I can wear for work or casual.

It's been glorious weather this week, although rather too hot and humid on Wednesday, so I'm hoping it lasts through July so I can wear lots of my new me-made cotton clothes!

Leonora Jumper in Blue

Hi! Another busy couple of weeks have kept me from updating, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been getting on with some sewing and knitting! I’ve got a couple of new sewn garments to show you in another post, but today is about knitting.

I finished my second Leonora jumper last week and I’m really happy with it. I love this pattern by Sarah Hatton, and the Rowan Revive yarn is wonderful to work this (I may have mentioned this before...).

I picked up a pack of the yarn in this beautiful blue blended colourway (the name Grit really doesn’t do it justice) at the Knitting & Stitching Show - and a pack of orange-y Silt which is next on my list to knit up.

The pattern is one I’ve knitted before, I blogged about my first version of this jumper last year, and I don’t mind using it again because it’s a shape and style that works for me. I love the little lace panel detail at the front and back necklines and cuffs, as well as the slightly more unusual (in knitting patterns anyway) square neckline.

This time around I made a couple of alterations: I knitted a size smaller than before which helped narrow the body and shoulders a little, I also knitted the body longer and the armhole-to-shoulder section is shorter. This was because in my first version the neckline ended up being a bit low for comfort (and decency) so I have to wear a vest top underneath. The new version now sits higher so I can get away with wearing it on its own. The longer body will also help here by not revealing any midriff if I’m stretching or reaching up for any reason!

Not much else to say on this one really – straightforward knit, fits really well, washes beautifully, gorgeous colour and with the cotton/silk blend I’ll be able to wear it through the summer without overheating (assuming we get much warm weather that is...).

I’m on holiday from work next week with a few days to chill out at home so I’m intending to get stuck into a few projects – hopefully a couple of quick and easy summer tops, maybe a dress or two, and start knitting another cardigan. I’ve also been catching up on a few of the free craft kits that come with Mollie Makes magazine, and stash-busting some yarn I won’t use for anything else with a bit of giant granny square crochet.

How’s your summer of crafting going so far? I’d love to see what you’ve been making, drop me a line with where to find you! 

Liberty Print Shell Top

Hi everyone! How are you all? I didn’t get a chance to post last week as I had a manic week at work and then a packed weekend with a big choir concert in Birmingham – which was absolutely brilliant!

Back to the crafting though, and this week I’ve got a Sleeveless Shell Top from the Great British Sewing Bee Fashion With Fabric book. This was actually one of the projects from the previous series of the Sewing Bee but the pattern was so popular they’ve included in the new book. It’s a fairly basic top with wide straps, scoop neck, longer back hem and a button loop fastening at the back neck.

I’ve made it in this pretty Liberty Tana Lawn in ‘Capel’ print that I got earlier in the year. I love the colour and print anyway, but the name is particularly special as it’s the parish where my Nan used to live. I traced the pattern from the sheets that came with the book – based on the finished garment measurements given I went for a size 14 to fit my bust.

Sewing the top together was all pretty straightforward – sew the bust darts, join the shoulder seams, interface and sew the shoulders of the facing, then attach the facing round the neckline and armholes. This is actually quite a neat trick – because the back is in two pieces it means you can attach the facing all in one go and then pull the back pieces through the shoulders to turn everything the right way out. This cotton presses beautifully so I’ve got lovely neat seams and everything sits where it’s supposed to.

Joining the side seams next, then the back, leaving a section at the top open for a button and loop fastening. I’ve done my usual ‘belt and braces’ by zig-zagging and pinking all the exposed seams.

I found a little piece of silver ribbon and a purple button just the right colour in my stash to finish off, and did a narrow-ish double folded hem which worked out OK with a little bit of easing in because of the curved shape.

I’m happy with how this one turned out; the neckline is much more modest than the Silk Cami I made before so didn’t need adjusting, and it’ll be lovely and cool to wear in the summer. Only a couple of little niggles – the front hem is perhaps a little shorter than I would have liked but not disastrously so, and the armholes gape a little – I probably need to learn how to do a full bust adjustment!

Definitely a useful pattern to have in the arsenal, and a quick easy one that doesn’t use huge amounts of fabric. I’ve got a couple of other similar patterns so I might try those and see how they compare for fit.

In other news, I’ve finally finished knitting my second Leonora jumper and am in the process of sewing it up so should have that to show you next week. What are you all working on at the moment? I’d love to see!

The End of Me Made May

It’s the end of May already! That means it’s time for a round up of how my Me Made May challenge has gone.

At the beginning of the month I remember thinking ‘OK, well I’ll give it a go but won’t worry too much if I miss a day or two, because I probably haven’t got enough things to wear anyway’. Now, looking back at all the photos I’ve posted on Instagram, I really only missed a couple of days not actually wearing something me-made, but I was working on making something new on those days, and as making more was part of my pledge I’m happy to include these.

Here’s a few thoughts about my month:

• I’ve got more me-made garments than I realised, especially knitted jumpers and cardis.

• The sewn me-mades are things that I really like wearing so it’s OK that I’ve repeated them a couple of times each – my Portia trousers, Mimi blouse and Delphine skirt.

• The only major thing I haven’t worn this month is my first floral Delphine skirt – firstly because the weather has only intermittently been nice enough for summery clothes, and secondly because I need to alter the waist again so it’s not 100% comfortable to wear at the moment. Once this is fixed it’ll definitely be back in regular rotation as I have a good selection of colourful tops and shoes to wear with it.

• I’m getting quicker at making new things. I sewed two new garments this month – my Silk Cami and Walkaway Dress, and have made a start on another cotton shell top. I’ve also made good progress knitting another jumper which should be done in the next week or so.

•  I love my Walkaway dress and am looking forward to wearing it lots this summer. I’m so pleased with the fit and love the fabric, and I’m really chuffed with how good the lace ribbon binding worked out.

• I need to make some more basic tops to wear with plain trousers for work – I’ve got plenty of fabric lined up ready to go and a couple of patterns in mind.

•  I need some more co-ordinating tops to wear with my Portia trousers. These are a slightly awkward colour – the fabric was an impulse buy from the remnants table at my local haberdashery – and I’ve had to repeat outfits.

•  I’d like to make some more Portia trousers in plain colours. Now that I’ve got the fit right, they’re really comfy and I like the style so another couple of pairs in everyday basic colours and fabrics would be a useful wardrobe addition.

•  I have way more clothes than I realised, and tend to repeat my favourite things leaving others sitting there unworn for months at a time. I think it’s time for another clear out in my wardrobe being really ruthless about what I keep. I’m more comfortable with my personal style now and what I’m comfortable in, especially at work, so if I’m not going to wear things they’d be better off out of the way.

• I’ve loved seeing everyone else’s outfits on Instagram, Twitter and blogs. There are some amazing sewers out there, some gorgeous fabrics, and beautiful patterns. One that I’m keen to get hold of and try is the Colette Hawthorn Dress. I love the shape and the little collar, and having seen lots of different versions in different fabrics, with sleeves and without, I think it’s one that would suit me and I’d be comfortable wearing.

•  I’ve had some lovely compliments about my outfits and the things I’ve made; I suppose it shows that a bit of individuality is eye-catching.

I’ve put a few photos of the outfits I’ve worn this month at the bottom of the post but you can see my whole month on my Instagram feed. Me Made May is definitely something I’ll join in with again in future – hopefully with a more expanded me-made wardrobe to avoid so many repeats! But actually, I know that I already wear most of the things I make quite frequently anyway, so I’m sure this will carry on as a normal part of my wardrobe, especially once I crack on with making some more things to wear!

The Walkaway Dress

Make number two for Me Made May is one I’m really really pleased with and proud of. Ladies and gents, may I present my Walkaway Dress.

I loved the idea of this dress when they made it on this year’s Great British Sewing Bee, and was delighted that the pattern was included in the new book this year (Fashion with Fabric). I got the book when it first came out, read through from cover to cover and picked out a few things I’d like to make, but then got distracted with other projects.

Anyway, we’ve been having a clear out at my Nan’s house and I came across these beautiful curtains. Mum said she can’t remember where in the house they used to hang, but they’d obviously been altered at some point because there were two main curtain panels and then four extra pieces sitting spare in a bag. They even had a label in them from St Michael! Vintage M&S, how lovely! Anyway, I gave them a wash and cut the curtain tapes off before I could figure out if I’d actually got enough for the pattern.

Fashion with Fabric comes with all the patterns printed on big sheets in the back of the book for you to trace off, but you can also download them from Quadrille Craft’s (the book publisher) website which is what I did this time. The download for the Walkaway dress is 50 pages so I spent a great couple of hours crawling around on the living room floor sticking all the bits together.

Going by the finished measurements given in the book, I chose the size 12 and cut the pattern pieces straight out from the printout. Personally I like having the pattern on sturdier paper that I’ll be able to use more than once. Laying the fabric and the pattern out was a bit of a nerve-wracking moment – would the curtain panels be big enough to fit the circle skirt pieces?!

Yes, of course, with plenty to spare. The dress front and back bodice pieces came out of one of the extra pieces of material. The skirt pattern piece has two length lines marked on it, the longer one being recommended for a different dress in the book that uses the same skirt. However, with the photos in the book as a guide and knowing my own preference for below the knee skirts, I cut out to this longer length. In the end it turned out to be far too long for the style of dress and the weight of the material so I had to cut some off again, but I’d rather that than have had it too short in the first place and not be able to do anything about it.

I had to make a trip to my local Hobbycraft to get some bias binding to do all the edging, but sadly they were quite lacking in the selection of colours and widths. I had to think a bit outside the box, but was inspired by the gorgeous selection of ribbons, and found this beautiful crochet lace style ribbon which was wide enough to be folded in half and cover the edges of the fabric. I’m really pleased with how it looks against the floral fabric, much better than any of the bias bindings would have been!

Actually constructing the dress was nice and straightforward. I pinned all the darts to check the fit and had to let a little bit out through the waist. The pattern is based on a 1950s dress, and although it has been updated for a more contemporary figure, it’s still a little slim on the waist, and I’m not quite there yet! Darts sewn in, the two skirt pieces attached at the centre back seam, the next stage was to attach the skirt to the back bodice. This needed a lot of pins to make sure the seams were eased in and matched up, and then manoeuvring it through the sewing machine was a bit interesting, I’m sure I ended up wrapped completely in fabric at one point!

Then it was joining one shoulder, binding the neckline and then the second shoulder seam. I’m really pleased with how the lace edging looks – I attached it with two lines of stitching for extra security and to hopefully avoid any fraying from the raw fabric edges, but the thread just vanished into the crochet lace so it doesn’t notice at all.

At this point I was able to try the dress on for fit and shortened the front and back skirts to just below my knees. Then it was on with a ribbon binding marathon. The hems are the only edges not bound with bias/ribbon, so the pattern recommends you start with the straight edges down the sides of the front and back skirts, and then the curved sides and armholes. I decided to do a rolled hem in the end, to try out the new foot with my sewing machine, and I'm pleased I did, it was so much easier to do all in one go than it would have been trying to do a double folded hem!

A rummage through the button box at home yielded a single plain button for the back, and these three for the front. A quick hand stitch and all done!

I’m so so happy with this dress, the shaping of the darts suits my body well, and the fabric is really pretty and summery. I know it’s a complete cliché but I did have a bit of a Sound of Music moment in my big swishy skirt made out of curtain fabric! Just need to remember to wear a slip underneath in case of any gusts of wind catching the skirt when I wear it, although the skirt has quite a lot of weight to it so fingers crossed I should be OK.

Has anyone else made the Walkaway dress yet? I’d love to see; I’ve read a few other blogs and seen pictures of people making it in a huge variety of fabrics which give it a completely different look. It’s definitely one I’d like to make again, but I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for bargain fabrics bearing in mind how much you need.

Me Made May in general is still going well, three weeks in and I’ve only missed a couple of days wearing something me-made, but I’ve probably been working on a knitting or sewing project those days so I think that counts towards my pledge. Now I just need some good weather and a suitable occasion to wear my new dress – but I might just wear it on a normal work day anyway to show it off!