Two new garments

Theses trousers are made from the Vogue pattern 1035. I made them during a sewing course at the Modern Approach Sewing School with Janet Moville. I cannot recommend Janet highly enough. I went on a two day course where you could sew a garment of your choice. I learned so much from Janet, for example how to make welt pockets, sew a fly zip and the best way to hem a straight edge so that it does not show through. The absolute best thing though is the fit of these trousers. Janet fit my toile to me and then showed me how to alter the tissue pattern so I can make them again in the future.  It is hard to get wider leg trousers to look good when you are petite. You can see how good the fit is:

The second garment is a knit dress from Vogue 1027. 

I bought the fabric from Hot Patterns Ebay store. I made the dress size 8 at the top and 10 at the bottom but I should have made a size 6-8 as the pattern comes up very big. I followed Christina's tutorial about sewing the ties double so that you cannot see the wrong side of the fabric. You can see her guidance here. 

I am pleased with the dress, particularly the way I have used the stripes in different direction, and I like wearing it, but I have realised that I need to learn how to handle knit fabrics properly. I haven't got the grainlines lined up properly (as ou can see on the back view), the neck seam does gape a little ( I have had to put a stitch to hold it) and the hem is wavy. The fabric was generally very difficult to sew because it kept rolling up.

I have made a purchase, therefore!

I have seen a few good reviews of this book. Wendy, as in "Built by Wendy" explains how to sew with Knits. There are also three patens included. Whilst I was on Amazon, her other book using wovens just happened to fall into my shopping basket at the same time....now how did that happen?

I am also investigating overlockers which I have been dreaming of for a long time. This could get expensive!

Pattern Review Mini Wardrobe Competition

After failing to complete the full 11 garment SWAP Timmel Fabrics competition what with getting engaged and starting a new job etc, I have decided to have a go at this one. I was so impressed with all the Chanel Jackets that people have made that I really wanted to complete one and the fabric is a gorgeous tweed from Linton Tweeds in Carlisle which still supply Chanel and many others with fabric. I am currently trying to fit my muslin of Vogue 7975 because I want it to be quite fitted rather than boxy. To go with it, I am going to make some charcoal grey trousers (more about this pattern later!) and an LBD. I really love this Burda blouse as made by Christina and Laura. My only concern with the blouse is that it won't work under the jacket so this might get changed for another one.

Autumn 2008 Patterns: a few thoughts

I am disappointed in the collection from McCalls. Haven't we seen most of these things before? I for one am fed up with all the smock designs. Just move them all into the maternity section please and bring back clothes that enhance women's figures rather than shrouding them in tents. Just two patterns make the cut for me and to be honest even these aren't particularly original.

M5075 even though the dress on the model looks like Versace on acid, if you look at the sketches I think this is a cute dress. I still like bell sleeves and the fact that this design has a defined waist.  I envision one of these in a nice jewel coloured fine wool crepe / poly blend. Check out the fabric requirements though, it is too early in the morning to get my head around that lot!

M5711: I think this is a great jacket with just the right amount of swing! A very modern shape but not the sort of thing that is going to hang off you. Nice details in the pockets and the sleeve cuffs.

Let the holidays....and the sewing begin!

Well, after I tried to complete the SWAP contest, I ran out of time, I believe I have suitable excuses though. I applied for and got a new job, and I have got engaged. So all in all, very little sewing has been done.

I have abandoned the swap but I am currently in the process of completing a UFO  (V1027) that I was working on at the time of the interruptions.

I will post pictures when I have completed it. Just the hem and a few bits and bobs to finish now.

I will break up for the summer tomorrow and I have loads of sewing planned for my summer holidays. My goal is to take my time over each garment and really improve the quality of my sewing and the fit of my garments. To help I have ordered Vogue Sewing as a much needed reference book:

I am also trying to book myself on some courses, which I should know about soon.

Garments Three and Four Completed

First of all: the photo is not a good one (of me or the clothes). Note to self: I must work on my posing and pouting abilities.

Black Pencil Skirt (Simplicity 3631). The fabric is a black wool suiting with a touch of stretch in it. I made a size 10 and I didn't have to make any adjustments for fit. I did raise the waistband using the article in Sew Stylish which used this wardrobe pattern. I added 3 inches top skirt edge by flipping over the skirt pattern, this was fairly easy to do but I have to say making a facing was rather a hit and miss affair. I also aded some sew-in boning to the side seams of the facing to ensure the skirt dosen't wrinkle. I will make this skirt again but with the regular waist. If I want to make a high waisted skirt, I will get a specific pattern.

White embellished top (Simplicity 3835) This is the same pattern I used for my Christmas dress so I was sure of the fit. Again, I made a size 10 and didn't have to make any alterations. I lowerd the neckline a little and I added a placket which is about 3'' by 5''. I then decorated this with black velvet ric-rac and vintage buttons. The fabric is a fancy woven cotton mix. I can also wear this top as a tunic over trousers.

When I am not sewing, I walk, fell walking that is. Here are a couple of pics from last weekend's walk in the Peak District:

It looks fantastic weather in the photograph but there was a bitterly cold wind and it was VERY boogy. Ten miles later......

Second Garment complete: Denim Skirt

The skirt pattern is Vogue8426 view A. I made a size 10 and I am really pleased with the fit, especially as this was rather a pot luck affair because the waist/hip measurements were not given with the pattern (why oh why???). Fortunately it fits really well and I didn't have to make any adjustments. The pattern went together really well and the instructions were very easy to follow.


I am not sure that it is very clear from this photo but the seams are curved which give a great fitted shape. I used one pleat in the back because I thought the denim might be a bit thick for three but I definitely want to make another of these skirts with three pleats in a wool suiting fabric. You can see the back skirt construction more clearly here.

I would totally recommend this pattern. For a little more effort than a simple pencil skirt you get a very stylish, sexy and well-cut skirt. I love everything about this skirt. and to be honest, my photos don't do it justice.

First Garment of my SWAP completed

The jacket is Simplicity3631 and it is the first part of my Sewing With a Plan. I made it in a burnt red cord from Timmel Fabric. I really enjoyed sewing this pattern. I made a size 10 and the only alterations I made was to narrow the sleeves and lengthen the belt. I narrowed each front and back sleeve piece by 6 inches, that makes a whopping 12 inch off each sleeve. I am only 5"4 and I just felt that the extra-wide kimono sleeves would drown me. To do this I measured 6 inches in from the seam on the lower edge of the sleeve and then used the hip curve of the skirt pattern to draw the new cutting line. There are full instructions in the Sew Stylish magazine that featured this pattern. I also lengthened the belt by about 6 inches following the other reviews on Pattern Review.

I am really pleased with the fit of the jacket and the modern cut and styling. If I were to make the jacket again I would do so in a more drapy fabric, and possibly try some of the variations in Sew Stylish magazine.

As the jacket is not lined, and I do not have an overlocker, I bound the seam allowances with satin tape.

All in all, I am really pleased with my jacket and feel that I am off to a good start. It spurred me on to go shopping for the rest of my material for my plan. The mission was successful and I am going to work on my storyboard soon.