Spasmodic Sewing, Continual Procrastination !

 There has been a bit of sewing, but not much. I'm going to blame the weather. Here in Sydney the weather has been amazing, more like the end of summer rather than the beginning of winter. Warm days without a cloud in the sky, in fact record breaking weather for May. I'm not complaining it is absolutely divine, still going to the beach and swimming is amazing, however winter sewing does lose its enthusiasm.

Its very hard to think of jackets and even long sleeved tops. Of course this is why I never sew many of my winter clothes because by the time I finish the weather has warmed up again. I know I'm going to jinx this weather now talking about it and then I wish I had sewn more. Oh well, hence the title continual procrastination.

I have been loving looking at all the items people have made in Me Made May, love following these, they are very inspiring. I didn't do this because I thought I wouldn't have enough clothes, I didn't realise you could vary your pledges, maybe next May.

I thought I would show a top I made last year from an OPP Vogue pattern 8514. The pattern is for stretch fabric but it is so loose I'm sure you could use a woven fabric. The self timer on my camera is not working anymore hence the photos on the hanger and model. What I love about this pattern is the back.

The fabric is a jersey from Spotlight that is very pretty but doesn't feel nice it has a strange texture. It also gets quite hot to wear but it drapes well and suits the pattern. My favourite design feature is the back.

I love tops that are not tight at the back so they don't get caught up. Also I'm not continually tugging my top down, not a good look.

 Hopefully sewing this week and finishing some garments for cooler  weather.

Happy Sewing!

Quick and Easy

 Well the weather is finally cooling down in this part of the world and I have found that my wardrobe is lacking, so I plan to make some quick and easy sews. I just need some comfortable pull on pants, so Style Arc Elle pants, in a ponte are a great option. I have made this pattern 3 times already so I know it works well. The fabric I bought last year from a US site. I can't remember which one.

To go with this I want to make a black swing top. I'm going to try Vogue 8952. This looks like the right shape for tight pants , so I think it will work. If it does work I will be making quite a few of these tops.

I'd also like to make a few straight skirts in knits. They are easy to wear and easy to layer. So that's the plan.
I must say this blog is helping to keep me honest by helping me plan and helping me finish garments. I would be 3/4 of the way through a garment and then not hem it, or leave buttons off, or something equally ridiculous. So this blog is helping to discipline me to finish garments and that is giving me a great deal of satisfaction.
                                                                  Happy Sewing!

My first Lady Skater

I finished my first Lady Skater dress yesterday and wore it to work today. Such a comfortable dress and still looks pretty good at the end of the day.

The fit is pretty good, although a bit loose around the place I think my waist used to be, but it doesn't really worry me. I shortened the bodice by 1 1/2 inches but next time I think I will make that 2 inches.  I also took out about an inch in the back so that the hem was even, a sway back adjustment, I think. I lengthened the skirt by 4 inches, just because I prefer a longer length, although next time I think I will make that 3 inches. When I look at the photos I think I may need to narrow the shoulders as well.

 

The fabric is a lovely jersey bought from Tessuti's some time ago  but it is so soft to wear and drapes beautifully. This was so easy to sew, most was done on my overlocker. I am pleased with this pattern and will make it again. In fact I have a lovely dark blue and black fabric to use. Its so good to have almost instant gratification. Also great to use up some fabric from my stash.

Happy Sewing!