A new year...

As I sit here on this cool, (18C) rainy, new years day (it's supposed to be Summer here) pondering the last couple of years and asking myself why I haven't been indulging in any creative activities I've come to the conclusion that I just haven't had the time.  Well, I've decided that 2017 is going to be different.  I've decided, that this year I'm going to revive by little blog here, I'm going to 'make' time for sewing and I can't wait to get started! In fact I have already started and you can get a sneak peek on my instagram.

Now... I don't make new year resolutions because lets be honest, who keeps them after the first couple of weeks anyway. I know I don't. That's why I don't make them!  So putting all that aside I will tell you that I do have a plan, and that is to 'SEW'!! I'm not going to make plans like, for example that I will make 3 tops, 2 dresses etc. using specific patterns. I'm just going to go with the flow and see where my journey takes me and I hope you'll come along for the ride.

And to finish off, I just want to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and creative 2017!

Spring/Summer 2015 sewing plans

It's been quite cold here this winter and I'm looking forward to warmer days, so now with the weather slowly starting to improve I've been thinking about my Spring/Summer sewing plans.  I can't honestly say that I  "need" any new clothes as I have so many but at this point in time most of them are RTW and I really want to inject some me made items into the mix and retire some of the things that are looking tired.  I often have very good intentions when making my seasonal sewing plans but then I get distracted by the new and exciting things I see on all the wonderful and inspiring blogs out there and my well made plans go out the window.  Well not this time!  I fully intend to stick to my plans. There, now I've said it, so I guess I'll have to try extra hard to sew the things I've planned on making.

So, what are my plans you ask. 

Closet Case Files Carolyn Pajamas

Well, the first thing that made my list is pajamas.  I bought the pattern for the Carolyn Pajamas when it was first released but have not made them as yet and I'm actually pretty desperate for new summer pj's so there may be a couple of these. I might also bring the Tofino pants into the mix as well.  I've made them before and love them.

Named Clothing Geneva Raglan Tee

I need t-shirts for the transition and I'm really liking the versions of the Geneva Raglan Tee I've seen so this one is on my list.  I don't usually like a raglan but this is different from what you would typically see.  And as always there will be more Renfrews.  Another pattern I've had for some time but not made is the Plantain t-shirt which I want to try as well.

 
Sewaholic Granville Shirt

Everyone should own at least one button down shirt IMO and the Granville looks like the perfect one for me.  Designed for the pear shaped body it should sit well and I love the shaping in the back.  In the past I have been very wary of button downs as they can be a bit stiff depending on fabric choice and I think if I get the fabric right I will love this one.

The SBCC Cabernet Cardigan

Another pattern I've seen which looks good is the Skinny Bitch Curvy Chick Cabernet Cardigan.  It's kinda like a windcheater but more classy.  Something easy to wear that can be thrown in the washing machine.  That's definitely one for me.

Colette Patterns Hawthorn dress

Right now I'm really loving all the shirt dresses that are showing up in the shops and also in the sewing world.  I know the Hawthorn dress has been around for while and I think its a very cute little dress that will make a great basic for my lifestyle.

Deer and Doe Fumeterre skirt

Now, who doesn't need a maxi skirt in their wardrobe?  I know I do, and from the ones I've seen around the blogosphere Deer and Doe absolutely nailed it with this one.  I can't wait to make it.

One more item on my list is Vogue V2902 a dress I started very late last Summer (actually it was Autumn) and the weather turned cold very quickly so it got put aside to wait for warmer days.

Phew! That list just kept growing and that's not everything I'd like to make but lets try to keep it realistic here.  Am I up to the challenge?  Can I stick to the plan?  I hope so and I'm gonna give it a damn good try. 

What are your plans for the coming season?  Do you deviate from your plans or can you manage to complete them?

Ocean Wave Renfrew

Wow, the first day of September and I made a new top!  Things have been pretty quiet here on the sewing front this year.  With one thing and another life just got in the way (as it so often does) and I haven't made anything since the coat I made in May and haven't blogged about as yet.  I'm really supposed to be stitching my major piece of embroidery for the Intermediate Surface Stitchery course I'm doing and I'm so over it, but we wont go there.)  Anyways I just needed to do something else.  I wanted something quick so I pulled out my faithful Renfrew pattern.  I chose a knit fabric from my ever growing stash 'coz, like, I don't need to buy any more fabric.  (Sorry about the squinty photos, it was early and very sunny but the only chance I had to get pics.)

Enjoying the sun for a moment

I can't tell you how great this pattern is.  I've made it many times before and it works every time, however fabric choice can make a huge difference.  It's not that I don't like the fabric I chose nor the design on it but how often do you get a fabric that is not printed on grain.  That was the case with this one.  I tried to match the pattern but it was near impossible.

I got one side to match pretty well.  The sleeves, well, I don't think I could get the match (at the sleeve seams not the bands) any better with this design.  The stripes appear to be running straight across my body but oi, what about the other side. It was way out.

I don't usually take photos of the back of my garments.  Clearly I should, as I can see that I should have made a sway back adjustment that I've never noticed before.  I'm not sure if it's because the fabric is very thin and drapey or not but the fit is not as good as in my previous makes.  Also the shoulder seams want to slide off my shoulders even though I stabilised them with firm elastic.
 

With this fabric I thought it would look better if I didn't use the bands on the sleeves and at the bottom but in my haste and the frustration of trying to match the pattern I forgot to lengthen the body to allow for it and then it was too short. Grrr!!  So now I had no choice but to put the band on it which also meant the sleeves were going to need them as well. For balance, you know how it is. 

I cut the bands from what I had left knowing that the stripes wouldn't be straight but what I didn't think about was lining up the rise and fall of the zigzag and I got it totally wrong!  Completely opposite! Grrr again! 

In the end I'm not completely happy with this make so was it worth the effort?  Should I cut the bands off and try to get it right or just live with it the way it is?  What do you think?

Remembering...