Summer Fling!

Did I mention I get really busy?
Opps!  There is really no excuse for the neglect I have bestoed upon my blog.
However although I have nelected to write here I have not completely neglected my fabric stash and passion for fashion.

This skirt is a recent addition to my developing wardrobe for the upcoming summer.  The fabric, bought *cough* last summer on my trip to Sydney sat patiently while I focused on my university studies, until about 3 months ago when I casually decided that this skirt was the skirt.  The skirt that I must wear for a date the coming Saturday.  Due date established I furiously set to work cutting, sewing, tacking, sewing, unpicking, and resewing until finally Friday night, wala!  Skirt finished, and in time fore the big night!  I have to admit I was sceptical about my ability to finish it in time.  I wanted it to be perfect so I could casually say oh yeah it was nothing (despite the hours of labour I had put into making it.)
I followed the pattern closely making slight alterations to make the waist smaller to fit my own.  The waist was cut at a size 8 tapering out to a size 10 for a fuller skirt effect. The main complication in the construction was in the waistband, the fabic has a beautiful indented square design, and in fusing the interface to the front of the waistband this design was flattened.  To fix this I changed the interfaced piece to the inside of the skirt having the "lining" on the outside so the indented fabric could shine in all its glory.

Outfit Details:
Skirt: Burda style 7370
Camosole:  Supré
Wrap Cardigan: Metalicus
Sandles: Dotti

Fabric Wars: A New Hope

The holidays are drawing to a finish. Time to give up holidays pass times such as obsessing over a better wardrobe and bedroom arrangements. Yes I’m back to the drawing board, quiet literally, as I start my 2^nd year in architecture course. Studding an arts degree requires a impossible cool and out-there wardrobe. This summer I have tried very hard to beak my common déjà-voo wear and dig out the hidden items. One of my most recent finds was this miniskirt I made around 2 yrs ago. Originally I bought and made a knee length pleated skirt from this material. We shall never mention this complete and utter disaster ever again. No Comment. Couple of months later I used the remnants and salvageable parts of the “skirt” to create Young Burda 8176 View B.

Modifications Made: Believe it or not but I kept relatively to the pattern. As you can see I used the length of skirt A. This was because I wasn’t left with much material to work with limiting the skirt length. However I still feel it work out very nicely.

What I’m proud of: The detail on the waist belt front. Creating the detail in the material before cutting from it I produced the detail by folding the fabric under 1 cm then using a zipper foot secured the fold at the top and bottom. There is a measured 0.5 cm gap between the bottom of the 1st fold and the start of the next. Also the finishing on this skirt was impressive to other sewing projects of this period. The side seams have been over locked and I bothered binding the bottom hem and hand stitching it up. This note to detail earned me one of my first genuine compliments on my sewing skills from my boyfriends ( a very proud day!)

What I would improve: At the back of the skirt the waist belt seam… doesn’t match up! Lesson learnt for next time. Always pin important seams and details together before sewing up the seam. Never match the bottom of the skirt, cutting out patterns is never really 100% accurate one side might be longer then the other. This results in un matching waist belt seams or what ever else depending on the garment, fabric and/or pattern.

SingleTop: wardrobe refashion (originally:SES)

Denim Jacket: Portmans

Beach: Whitfords Nodes Beach.

The New Pair

New Wardrobe- Shorts So I said I needed a new pair of shorts, and here they are! In these shorts I have done my part in the world by reducing remnants piles in WA, The main material is a forest green corduroy from the remnants table in fabulous fabrics. The pocket interior uses a contrasting material from my bf's mother's remnants pile.

The pattern is a modified (yes i know, Im addicted to modifications) Burda 8316. One of my favourite pant patterns.

Modifications made,

- The most obvious modification is the length of the pants. Like most people I usually leave the hem till last. Simply pinning the hem at the right length for shorts. Or using a current favourite as a guide (matching crotch seams rather that waist lines.)

- The pattern already has length in the top for a high waisted short however quiet a bit of length needs to be taken from the sides this is best done by pinning to the body.

- The last modification i made is adding a waist belt. I gained the pattern piece from another pattern, Burda 7863. Taking instructions for attactchments also from Burda 7863. Too accommodate the pattern I also moved up the pockets and the back belt loop.

What I'm proud of,

- The shorts are comfortable and easy to wear fitting a lot better then the original Grandpa Pants.

What I could have improved.

- Ummm The colour isn't the best but still goes quiet nicely with my wardrobe.

Just Jeans- tee shirt

Dotti- Sandals

Shorts- Fabulous Fabrics

Grandpa Pants

Wardrobe Refashion- Shorts

I'm not 100% sure of the origins of this name. Well thats not strictly true. I bought theses shorts from Good Sammies. An Extra Large pair of pale linen shorts who were most likely owned by an elderly gentleman before me. It is quiet possible I invented the name myself and forgot. Another likely suspect is my boyfriend who has ben a strong anti supporter of the grandpa pants for quiet some time. Oh well the name has stuck.

Modifications made.

1. Darts. I had to, of cause, add in darts to the back of the pants to force them 'flatter' the female figure. In the vaguest sense of the word. A plus in adding in the darts was that I didn't have to alter any of the existing seams, still not sure if that was a good thing or not.

2. Waistband. To sew in the darts I unpicked a section off the back connecting the belt to the pants. The new design meant of cause the waistband was too big, so to re-attach the belt I had to take the extra length from the centre back overlapping and turning the ends in for a nice finish. To re-sew the back together I used embroidery thread (for the thickness) and hand sewed the pieces back. I also resewed the motives and tags back in place. Just for fun.

What I'm proud of. They shorts are defiantly a favourite in my wardrobe (as much to my boyfriends disgust!) They are comfortable, loose and the fabric is worn and breathable and huge plus in summer (very important!) Also it is easy to hide bulking t-shirts and dress converged shirts under.

What I would change. This pair I re fashioned quiet a while ago. Looking back at them I could have done better. I reckon now it could have looking better if I had altered the back seam a bit making the darts smaller. Also it bugs me that I didn't go to a greater effort to line up the back seam on the belt to the shorts.

Was it worth it. These shorts have served me well in a number of occasions, so it would almost be criminal to say no. Yes it was worth it.

Maybe soon my boyfriend will get his wish and I will drop this pair in favour of a new pair. But not quiet yet.

Chic a booti- Boob tube Dress

Good Sammies- Shorts

Photographer- Carolyn Smith

Top 2 -Wardrobe refashion

All women love gold. Me? well I'm no exception. So when i woke up one morning craving a gold garment in my wardrobe i vowed that i would go to any and all lengths to fulfil this craving. However i would starting to loose hope after trudging through every young adult clothing shop in perth, in a vain attempt the make my day better i waddled tail been legs into Good Sammies and found this top!

Modifications made.

1. Side seams, to get the size rights i used a comfortable t-shirt form my wardrobe as a guild to cut around. make sure when your cutting around a top you already own you either turn the shirt inside out and cut outside the seam allowance or add a seam allowance around the top as you cut. This insures that the top isn't to small after completion. To finish off the new seams i used an overlocked and straight stitch edge i normally use this because i reckon i looks neater and stops the fabric unraveling.

2. Sleeves. The original top had quiet a nice finish already on the sleeves, neckline and hem so i tried to re-use these as much as possible. I really wanted the shorter sleeves so when re-fashioning them i used the bottom half and re used the sleeve hem.

3. I could no however i re-use the hem at the bottom of the top as it would have been to long. To finish this edge off i overlocked folded up the hem and hand stitched around the bottom.

What i would do differently.

Not much really its good top, comfortable casual and goes well with with-in my wardrobe. Although i wish there was a way to stop the hem flicking up to reveal the overlocked seam.

Was it worth it.

Yes it was i got exactly what i want for a 10th of what i would have to pay if i had managed to find the top in the city! i'm very pleased!

Good Sammies- Top

Burda?- grey skirt no doubt you will hear more about this on a latter date!

Photographer- Carolyn Smith

Top 1 -Wardrobe refashion

This is one of my

typical night out dresses. I have worn it a number of times to parties and outings. I didn't have an original photo of the dress I refashioned this jacket from but I have photoshopped an image together to give you an idea (please excuse the quality of the image, I'm still in training)

Modifications made.

I'm pretty sure I used pattern Simplicity 3538 B and didn't altered the pattern greatly in this jacket. Of cause there is is some minor adjustments that I just could help but use.

1. The sleeves have been lengthened, this was mainly for looks I wanted the jacket to be elegent than the design and longer sleeves always seem to help in making a garment look more like evening wear.

2. The button has been moved. preference I guess, I've never been a tight to the neck lover.

What I'm proud of.

I was sceptical wether or not i would be able to get all the pieces out of the dress. Even if it was a plus size there are many areas of the garment which are simply lost and completely unusable to the re fashioner. there for it was quiet rewarding to have a full kit of parts to complete the jacket.

What i would do differently.

I would line the jacket, at the moment the seam connecting the collar to body is on the out side of the jacket. Covered as it is by the collar itself i wish i had put the seam on the inside covering it with a contrasting lining material.

Was it worth it.

Yes, this was very much a 'because i can' garment . managing to get a jacket out of a dress very much filled my inner sewer with confidence and pride.

Dotti- floral dress with layered skirt.

SHOOBiZ- high heel sandals

Photographer- Carolyn Smith

A blue ball and polka dots

Skirt 2.

I made this quiet a while ago a crossbreed between two patterns Burda Young Fashion 8118 and Butterrick 5488

-Modifications made

Well its a cross breed, the front comes from the Butterick design C and the back from BYF design B (modified from hipster to waist)

- What I'm proud of

1. I like the polka dot fabric I reckon it looks innocent and kind of preschool suitable.

2. The combination is flattering allowing

unaltered walking ability as well as hiding my ever problematic... bum. However it also gives a flattering flat front.

-What i would do differently

1. I dont think i will ever use silky material as a facing material ever again. What. A. Night-Mere.

2. I think i would interface the pleats. Because i have opted for the lightweight patchwork material the lack of rigid-ability means the pleats struggle to stay straight through ordinary activities such as trying to get comfortable on the sofa and well not to be too confronting but using the toilet were the bunching and pulling of the skirt doesn't do it any favours.

Oh well all part of the learning process i see.

Good Sammies- black lacy slinky

Fabulous Fabrics- tan and white polka dot skirt

Photographer- Carolyn Smith

G-Good Morning Misses Burda

Im not much of a 'once a day' type of girl, especially it seems when it comes to blogging. No not with mymemory or patience. So today, considering I'm already here, I have quiet a collection.Most of my new wardrobe follow the general trend antique. Faded patchwork fabrics matched with pattens designed to be 'cute' rather

than 'hot'

Skirt 1,

I think is skirt is my most recent accomplishment. It doesn't follow a pattern as such but it is derived from Burda Young Fashion 8176 B.

- Modifications made,( the reason i was never good fashion an

d textiles student at schoo

l, i can never follow a pattern.)

1. hipster to waist skirt, i just prefer them thats all.

2. added pleats. No addition added to pattern, mod 1 offered addition fabric to play with. the pleat i have used i invented for my architectural folio this semester. All i have done is folded and

zigzagged at 1 cm.

3. zip. I have transferred the zip to the back lowing it below the waistband. Using the extra fabric in the waistband (from mod 1) to cross over and button close the waist for a clo

ser fit.

-What I'm proud of

1. I have hand sewn all the seams and the hem for a crisper finish that looks in my opinion more professional and

tidy.

2. Mod 3 creates an appealing asymmetrical back.

-What i would do differently

1. preshrink fabric, I will never forge this hugely important step again. no serious damage just a tad too short fortunately ironing at a hot setting helps stretch the skirt out again.

2. add interfacing to waist band. Just to keep it flat and in place even after along long days work.

I never want to be thrusted into adulthood with all its burdens and i feel when wearing this skirt that I'm still a kid. It can be a pleasant comfort.

Country Road- Cream 3.4 sleeve top

Fabulous Fabrics -silver beige floral skirt.

photographer- Carolyn Smith

How to stand out!!!

So for my 18th Birthday I wanted to wear something that would make me stand out a mile. It had to be flashy but smart as i wanted to wear it into the casino. In the end i envisioned this purple sequin dress that was mid-thigh, A line with thick straps. I wanted the fabric to be the attention grabber which is why i opted for this simple design.

When i was buying the fabric I was scared as to how it was going to sew. But to be honest it was very easy! Even though the fabric was only really a mesh the sequins are what give the fabric the stiffness to allow machine stitching.

Problem i faced while making the dress, the length. The weight of the fabric led to the "knee length" pattern touching my toes!! However when i took some off the fabric bounced back up making the dress too short! In the end i added a large edge that helped neaten the edge as well was weight the dress back down.

Im very happy with the result and hope that i get back up the courage to wear it out again!

Boots: Brown Suede NOVO

So I'm starting to find a little more time in my days!

Yes I'm managing to find more time not only to post but also to sew. It's all about taking advantage of the 20 minutes here and there. Yesterday I had 1/2 hour to spare before my bf came over normally I would mill around feeling bored but this time I productively cut out the pieces for my next project! Yes I'm very proud of myself. Today I'm finding time after work to post about a cardigan I made at the start of this year. It was a bit of a banter as I don't normally like this style but I stuck to it and now I just love the result.

The material I used was a really beautiful white metalicus type fabric which I then dyed after completing. Also the lace

around the neck is salvaged from another garment I found in the op-shop.

Although it appears simple this cardigan took forever! most of the seams had to be hand sew to enhance the quality of the finished product. Marvel at its beauty or at least pretend to for me!

Cheerio

Jeans and Belt from Just jeans

Camisole from Dotti

Trash Couture

One of my favourite styles of dress is the

torn chiffon dress.

Last year I whipped a dress up in 2 hours to wear to a party that evening. I mixed 2 patterns and made up some bits as I went along. The result, a dress that my friends all commented many times over. Later on ie, last week I though about doing the same thing but with a python print fabric instead. I was inspired by trash couture a site introduced to me by my mother last year (no doubt a subconscious influence in my first dress.)

I ended up using a pattern i vowed i would never use again simply due to its amazing complexity. For my Yr 11 Dance i made a gold chiffon dress with lining using this pattern. There were many tears and tantrums and then the vow. But this time went much smoother. I only cut out 1 of each skirt piece and waist band pieces, even skipping one skirt piece then fashioned the top part by pinning and basting randomly till i was happy. No tears no dramas.

Originally i left edges raw but i went back and hemmed all edges that looked scrappy. Hopefully I will get a lot of wear out of this dress I'm very pleased with the result and feel that it fits nicely in my wardrobe.

Cheerio.

boots: Betts Black Knee-high

First proper post

University is over for the semester. Folio has beenhanded in. And now my architectural future is in the hands of the markers. I hope I have done well. I hope I impress them. But I'm honestly scared, but as is every other uni student I suppose. Anyway back on track, my first post. I was wondering for a while what I should write my first post on, the conclusion is that I should write it on my most prized garment. My 2010 ball dress, my first ball dress and of current my favourite dress in my wardrobe.With the idea firm in mind long before the release of the ball date I dragged my mum to the shops to find the right fabric to fit my vision. I'll let slip a secret, it didn't work first time around. The chiffon material didn't give the elegant shape I hoped for plus the seams were a little obvious. Second try I went for a thick champagne silk that, thank goodness, worked. Off memory I think I used about 1 and 1/2 m. I always find it difficult to judge how much fabric to buy, most of the time the pattern

asks for way too much, plus I wanted to buy for the skirt and top separately. I was lucky cause the amount I got was perfect with the

pattern just fitting on snuggly. I remember feeling so satisfied to get every piece pinned on, I wish i'd taken a picture but alas I didn't =(. The top was a different story almost completely altered from the original pattern it fitted perfectly to my bust. It was quite a good exercise to let me trust my instincts a little.

Most of the finishing stitches are hand sewed ie the hem the lining to the top lace and the top to the skirt seam. Unfortunately hand sewing an important seam like the top to skirt wasn't such a hot shot idea as on the night it fell off some what( thank heavens fixable with a safety pin). You have now been warned, always carry a safety pin on you!!!! Any way I hope

you like the finished product as much as I do =)

cheerio

Details

Dress: NewLook pattern 6401

Shoes: Hobbs, black suede heels

Bag: olgaberg, black satin

Posting Posting

I've never been good with words so in general my posts will be short promoting emphasis on the items/garments I'm posting on. After a busy day is fitting for a title to this blog simply cause I'm constantly working either for uni or for money and hardly ever get an afternoon free to solely sew. However i do enjoy sewing I've always found it... Relaxing *reflects a moment on many occasions the sew machine has brought on an onslaught of swear words and hissy fits*. Nah, but sewing is almost a family tradition with my grandmother and mother both loving to sew the hobby has been past down onto myself. Anyway talking about constantly working i must now chuff of to work and hope the break between this and my first sewing post isn't too long.

Cherio.