Basics - we all need them!

Do you ever stop to consider what garments your wardrobe consists of?  Lately I've been thinking about the things I have in my wardrobe.  What works and what doesn't.  Why did I buy it.  Thinking about this I've come to the conclusion that I have not thought things through before purchasing.  (sewing clothes has not been a part of my life over the last several years)   In the past I have been buying things on a whim because I liked them, not because I actually needed them.  Or on sale, there's nothing like a sale to get you in, after all it is half price.

For many years I have lived in jeans when I'm not at work or trousers when I am.  I didn't own any (no, not a single one) skirts or dresses.  If it didn't have legs I didn't own it.  The majority of my tops consist of things that are more oriented towards work or going out.  Also, most of my wardrobe is in black, white or some other neutral except for cardigans.  I'm the queen of cardigans, I have them in many colours and styles. 

I have an abundance of clothing but most of these items are all what I would call the frosting.  Fancy things, you know the ones, the one off items that only work with one other item or sometimes not with anything else at all.  These are the ones that end up in the back of the closet and never get worn.  I have a lot of these!  Don't You?  Now this is not conducive to a functional wardrobe.  It's also very costly.

Having thought about this for a while  it has become quite clear to me that my wardrobe is sadly lacking in the necessary basics to make it really functional.  I need basics!!!  Yes, that's it, plain t-shirts, simple skirts,  etc. The ones that are boring but we all need to make our wardrobes work. 

After trawling through my patterns I found a simple t-shirt pattern I had never made. fabric from my stash and I started to sew.   The result  a teal t-shirt.  The pattern Kwik Sew 3338.  The fabric is an unknown shiny knit.  (It's been in my stash for a few years)  Not as stretchy as I would like but it is comfortable to wear.
A much needed basic to fill a very obvious gap.  

Have you got basics in your wardrobe?  Are you like me with too many clothes that have limited potential?  Why do we gravitate towards these things?  Is it because we have a need for them or is it just because we think they're pretty.  For me, I like pretty.  I might be drawn to a certain colour or a style that appeals to me never stopping to think if it will be an asset to my wardrobe.  Is this how you fill your closet?  I'd like to think that I'm not the only one...

Help! My first muslin!

Blogoshpere,  I'm calling for your advice and guidance.  As you know I am making the Rooibos dress.  So I have measured and made my pattern ready.  The next step in the sewalong is to make a muslin.  At this point I thought I would only sew up the bodice because the pattern looked quite short in the armscye and I didn't want to waste time and fabric if I was to need a larger size.  Now I don't know anyone who sews that can help me with the fitting of the muslin.   I can't do it alone, so after much coaxing by myself I managed to get David to help.  Finally...I'm pinned in!  (He made it seem like  such a mammoth task - I had no idea!)  

Front view

Back view

What's with the boobs on my back?

Obviously I need to adjust the back darts as they are way to sharp creating a back bustline.  After more pinning (and loss of blood, not mine - David's hehe!) the darts are much better but I continue to have wrinkling across my back.  What is the causes this?

This is my first attempt at a muslin and I have not done any fitting before other than minor shortening etc.   I'm at a loss as to what to do hence my seeking your advice.  My dilemma is this.  To remove the wrinkles from the back should I a) lift it out at the shoulder (note- I'm short and always make shortening adjustments at waist level but I probably really need to take it from between the shoulder and bust if that makes sense) or b) do I need to make a full bust adjustment.  But then maybe I need to make a size larger as it is very firm.  I do like things to be well fitted but also with room to move.

The pattern also has a fitting problem at the shoulder, it's to wide for me.  I don't know how I should correct this either.   In the past I have just redrawn the seam line.  Is this the right way to do an adjustment here or do I make pleats/tucks in the pattern?  I have no idea!

So what do you think?  Is there some secret to knowing where or what adjustments I should make?   Or is my short curvy figure just not suited to this pattern?  Maybe my fitting assistant is not cut out for the job although I'm very proud of his efforts.  Even though he claims he needs a blood transfusion.  Hehehe!  Both the back darts are pinned to the same length and that in itself is a great achievement.  I'm going to put this project aside for a few days so I can return with, hopefully some guidance from you, my internet friends...

A quick project

I have to say,  I was not feeling very inspired to sew after that epic effort to complete my shirt.  I needed a nice quick project to recover.  In an earlier post I told you about my list of things to sew for August.

1 skirt - for weekend wear
2 or 3 long sleeve t-shirt tops
1 dress - I'm joining the Rooibos Sewalong but I'm planning that one for Spring/Summer wearing so maybe another dress as well

Having made this public I thought perhaps I should get started on it.   I decided to make the skirt first as I already had some cream coloured corduroy fabric in my stash.   I wanted something that would be comfortable to wear.  I've seen quite a few people have made the Beignet skirt from Colette Patterns and I really like it so I ordered the pattern, but that will have to wait for another time as I want to get started now!


I chose New Look 6843 - a simple A-line skirt.  I thought a couple of seams and a zip that won't take long.  The pattern suggests 1 hour but I like to hand stitch the waistband and hem.   It was very easy and took me about 2 hours to complete.

I finished it last week and this is the first time I have worn it.  The skirt rests just below my waistline resulting in a length a little longer than I would like.  I'm not sure if it should sit below the waist as there is no description on the pattern.  Possible reasons for this could be that the fabric stretched before I attached the waistband which is the most likely cause as the waistband was a bit short when I went to attach it and I had to use smaller end seams to make it fit or I have lost weight since cutting it out (not likely - but possible).  Nonetheless I still like it and it's comfortable to wear.  So unless I loose more weight hehehe rendering it too large I'm sure it will be worn a lot.

(Note to self -  replace very old and worn garments in my closet e.g. top and cardigan I'm wearing in this photo.)

That's one thing ticked off my list of August sewing.  I've started the muslin for the  Rooibos dress but I better get cracking if I'm going to make those t-shirts before the end of August.  What are your sewing plans for August?  Are you making any progress?

Fabric chosen

I have been following along on many blogs for several months now and it has opened my eyes to the fact that there are so many more pattern choices out there other than the major ones we see supplied in the shops.  I had no idea, although it had crossed my mind that there should be, I had never looked. 

One company in particular that I have discovered is Colette Patterns.  So many of you have made at least one of the designs from Sarai which I have liked since seeing the first one, that I thought I would take a look at them.  She has such lovely designs I found it difficult to choose which one I should make first.  I took the plunge and ordered the Macaron dress, then the very next day Sarai announced the Rooibos Sewalong.

I was quite excited about this and signed up as soon as I saw the announcement.   Is anyone else sewing along?  I've never participated in a sewalong before and thought it would be a fun way to make this dress.  I ordered the pattern and waited for it to arrive, all the while thinking about what fabric I would use.  Should I make it in a Summer fabric or perhaps a heavier one more suited to Spring and Autumn?

Rooibos pattern & fabric

Eventually I decided I would use this beautiful rich wine coloured bengaline and a floral rayon sateen for the trim.  I think this will work for all three seasons.  I can add layers or a cardigan when the weather is a bit cooler.  With fabric chosen and pattern in hand I hope to start this weekend.  I'm looking forward to this and perhaps learning some new techniques along the way.

Have you participated in a sewalong, if so, how did you find it?

Finished at last!!!

Yaaay!!!  I finally finished the shirt I cut out very early in June.  Yes friends, it took 2 months to complete! It took me so long it almost became a UFO.  I was sooo.... over it!!  Happily perseverance paid off  and it is now finished.  Yaaay!!!

Why did it take you so long, I hear you say! 

Well, I'm not really sure aside from life getting in the way.  But then......

First I didn't have enough interfacing.  I don't use it much but I thought the fabric was a bit flimsy and would hold its shape better if I used it.  So a trip to Spotlight was in order but it was several days before I had a chance to go.  Then I ran out of thread!  I mean really, who runs out of 'white' thread?  Mmmm...... that'd be me!

I decided to attach a trim in the seams.  Great idea, or so I thought, till I went to insert it in the sleeve/cuff.  I spent a lot of time thinking and fiddling around but couldn't figure that one out or how to get around the point of the collar so they remain bare.  Besides I didn't want to waste any more time on it, it was already taking too long.

Then there was the attachment of the cuff  to the sleeve.  I had never done the technique described before and it was quite unfamiliar to me.  You know how, with something you've not tried before, you just can't seem to get your head around what the instructions are saying.  Well this is what happened even though it wasn't really that hard, just different.  Normally I wouldn't even read the instructions but when I looked at the sleeve I'm like 'what the...'  So out came the instructions and it took me a while to figure it out.  And that's not to mention the collar.  Odd way to do it I think but anyway...

Then, when I went to stitch the hem I found that I there are slit openings in the side seam which I somehow missed marking during the cutting out.  By this time I'm like, Nup, not on mine!  I'm not unpicking the seam and overlocking.  Nup, ain't gunna happen!

Now, what 'buttons' should I use?  White?  Blue?  Which colour blue?  I had no idea it was so hard to find suitable buttons.  I searched everywhere and finally settled on some blue ones.  Then... can you believe it?  It's been so long since I sewed a buttonhole I couldn't remember how to set up the machine, so out came the sewing machine instruction booklet and 'voila' I have buttonholes and they are all the same size.  (Wow, computerized machines are fantastic even if they are nearly 20 years old, aren't they!)  Have I got thread to sew the buttons on?  I can't use white thread on blue buttons, just doesn't look right to me.  Phew! I've got thread.

TaDa!!!  My shirt.

 Dolly did the modelling today.

I let Dolly be my model for this one or you might never see it 'cos if you can't tell yet, I am really over it!

Close up of detail

Pattern:  Simplicity 2447, View A

Pattern Description:
Shirt in two lengths with front, collar and sleeve variations

Pattern Sizing:
16-24, I cut the 16

Did is look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it does

Were the instructions easy to follow?
Yes, more or less.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?
I made View A but changed the bias pattern piece for the full length piece of View D.  I didn't like the application method of the sleeve cuff nor the way in which the collar was attach.  It just seemed a strange way to do it.

Fabric Used:
100% Cotton

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:
I made the usual shortening alterations at the waist and sleeve.  I also added a selvage edge trim in the seams on the front, back yoke and front band.  As I altered the pattern length I missed marking a notch therefore when I sewed the side seams I omitted the slit openings accidentally.  If I were to make this again I would add these are they look nicer and would allow more ease.

Would you sew it again?  Would you recommend it to others?
Probably not, it's not a style I would generally wear.  Yes, I would recommend it .

Conclusion:
A great pattern with many options to vary the style.  It went together easily and fits well.  I would recommend it for beginners or someone wanting an easy project.


So, yes friends, I have finally finished this shirt.  You may never see me wear it but it is finished!!  Oh, yes that's right Self-Stitched-Sept '11 is right around the corner so you probably will.

Stay creative

Hooray! The Postie Came

Look what was in my mailbox today!

When I first saw A Stitch In Time: Vintage Knitting and Crochet Patterns 1920-1949  I knew I just had to have it.  I have a real weakness for vintage designs.  They really inspire me.

It's a re-publication of the 1972 classic "A Stitch In Time" by Jane Waller, a collection of original knitting and crochet patterns from the 1920s through the 1940s.  Sixty of the original patterns and illustrations (sorry, I didn't take photo's of the original patterns) are included in the book along with stunning colour photo's of each design and new adaptations using contemporary yarns.

 

I waited with anticipation for this to arrive and I certainly wasn't disappointed.   Aren't these knitting designs gorgeous!   There are so many beautiful things to make I don't know where to start.  Possibly the pale green frilly jumper, but then again......

The book includes the usual information at the start like tension, crochet terminology etc.  but there are a few techniques I don't know how to do so will have to research them first.  They are explained but I don't understand.  Call me dumb... but I think I need pictures or to be shown how.

It's a great book saving the practical pattern instructions for posterity while providing a social history as seen through the magazines and leaflets of the times.

Do you knit?  What are you knitting?

PS  Sorry about the light glare in the photo's.  I got a new SLR camera a few days, still learning how to use it.

I think I'm going crazy...

Well, I've done it again.  You'd think I'd learn wouldn't you.   Zoe is hosting another challenge and I have taken the pledge.



I, Shelly of Shelly's D.I.Y. Style! , sign up as a participant of Self-Stitched-Sept '11. I endeavour to wear at least one self made item each day for the duration of September 2011.

Now, I know that during June's me-made challenge I really struggled to wear one hand made item each day and was glad when it was over but I have to say the experience was one I benefited from immensely.  I learned about my sewing habits, what things I make, where the gaps in my wardrobe were and how I dress.  I also learned that it's not an easy thing to document, what with taking photo's every day and then posting them for everyone to see.  It becomes quite a chore!  However, I feel the knowledge gained about myself and my wardrobe is worth it especially the feeling of pride and satisfaction when I receive compliments about my self made clothes.  Sooo.... needless to say, I'm a sucker for punishment!  I've signed up again and look forward to this new challenge. 

What about you?  Are you up for the Challenge?

Vol 17 No 7 and  Vol 19 No 10 (current issue)

I bought the Stitches magazine yesterday.  Why is it when you purchase from the newsagent it comes packaged along with two previous issues?  I find this very annoying especially when the previous issues are quite recent.  If I'm buying the magazine surely I already have these issues 'Why would I want them again?'  Sorry, just a pet peeve of mine!  But in all reality why would I want them; wouldn't it make more sense to give away the older issues.  Anyway, getting back to things,  I'm hoping to find some inspiration for my Spring/Summer sewing.

Have a good weekend.

Forward Planning

Over the last few days my thoughts have been largely directed towards my need to increase  productivity.  Many things have been getting in the way of my sewing lately leaving me less productive.  Not happy about that at all!  There are so many lovely patterns out there.  The more blogs I read the more patterns I find that I want to make.  My wishlist has become so large I don't think there's enough time left to make everything. 

Sooooo......I decided to make a list of things I want to sew.  (yes, I'm a list maker.  It would be even better if I was a list finisher! hehehe)  But then that started getting waaay too big!  Mmmm thinking.........I'm never going to have the time to make all the things on my whishlist.  Where to start?  I should be writing lists of what I want to make now!  For the current season!  For my wardrobe needs! 

The solution it seems is to make smaller more manageable lists.   After me-made June it became apparent where the gaps in my wardrobe were.  So keeping this in mind here is my list for the month of August.

Some possible pattern choices

1 skirt - for weekend wear

2 or 3 long sleeve t-shirt tops

1 dress - I'm joining the Rooibos sewalong but I'm planning that one for Spring wearing so maybe another dress as well


I may add to this list depending on what time allows and how much I can achieve.

I know this list is short but we are already into August.  I have not sorted out any particular patterns or fabrics to use leaving me less time to source patterns and prepare them.  I also need to choose fabrics once I have selected the patterns. 

I will have to start preparing a list for the Spring/Summer.  Ohhhh....There is so much I want to make how do I choose what I want on my list and what do I make first?  After all there are only so many things a girl can wear.

Do you make lists?  If so, how do you choose what should be on it?

weekend happenings...

Over the weekend I visited the Craft and Quilt Fair in Melbourne.  The last time I visited the fair was about four years ago when I was heavily involved within the quilting comminity.  My Guild was responsible for the quilt exhibition on show at the fair and being on the committee I was required to attend.  There are  many reasons  I hadn't been for such a long time, mostly due to my waning interest in quilting, a lack of time, and the fact I thought these shows were becoming more and more orientated towards quilting rather than crafting in general, which I thought was the whole idea.  (I have now moved on from quilting) Word on the grapevine said that people were not happy because of the lack of craft other than quilting. (Phew, so it wasn't just me!)

With my renewed interest in fashion sewing and having more time on my hands I felt that I should perhaps go along and investigate whether things had changed to include more crafts again.  I must say I was pleasantly surprised.  Although there were a lot of quilting stalls there was a definite improvement to include other crafts.  Still not much in the way of dressmaking though.  sniff.   It seems, whomever organizes these events think there are no sewists out there.  Boy, are they wrong!  I could hardly get to the sewing books, the other craft books were easy to see but the sewing books; quite difficult.

With my only interest in finding fashion sewing related things; below is what I came home with.

Laces

Neckline motif

Flower trims

Beads for a necklace

I'm not sure what I will use these trims on but I do have a couple of ideas although that could change at any time.  I went alone as I don't know anyone else interested in sewing clothing and didn't want to spend time checking out stuff I wasn't interested in.  I had an enjoyable day spending about four hours there.

As I really don't go into Melbourne very often I thought a visit to the fabric shop was in order while there.  I must say I was disappointed as the fabrics they had were very expensive and I can't justify spending that amount of money on my clothes.  Having said that I didn't come away empty handed.

I found a digital print cotton which I'll use for a summer top.

And a knitting pattern which I think is fabulous.    I'm very attracted to this colour pink but I may use a blue/turquiose instead.  I think this will be my next knitting project as I desperately need jumpers for the winter days.

I had occassion to return to Melbourne a second day with David.  I'll leave you with a few snaps I took while there.

Docklands Precinct

 If you look hard enough you will see there is a double rainbow.

Docklands Precinct

These are of the gas fire display on Southbank outside the Casino which happens on the hour in the evenings.  They throw out a lot of heat which I could feel from the bridge where I took the first two shots.

One gas tower going full

Three at once

Under the gas display

What did you do on the weekend?