Bye bye winter! The last of my winter sewing for the year.

As a last hurrah before things really heat up down under, I made a warm, winter outfit consisting of a jacket, jeans and long-sleeved top.

Oh, and meet Bubbles! He is a two year old toy poodle and we are looking after him for a month. This was my compromise to (temporarily) appease my nine year old, who wants a second dog. We don't even know the owners, they were strangers who advertised for a dog-sitter on the online classifieds. The things I agree to!

Anyway, back to the jacket. I found this remnant of fabric at Knitwit for $10 (usually $25.95/m). There was a metre, but it was unravelling a bit, hence the low price. It was described as 'an exclusive import from Italy...not a knit, not even a normal woven fabric but it has loads of Italian style; some would even say Missoni style.' I was sold. It is beautiful.

As recommended by Knitwit, I used dark interfacing to strengthen the delicate weave. This fabric is not machine washable, so we'll have to see how it goes. I have never been to a drycleaners, preferring to risk all in the washing machine!

I wanted a simple, boxy style to use up all the scrummy fabric and not have to worry about matching the pattern too much. I flicked through my Burdastyle magazines and chose jacket 122 from the February 2015 issue. 

Burdastyle 02/2015 #122

I had enough fabric for the back and fronts of the jacket, omitting the back vent and cutting the back on the fold. For the sleeves and collar I used some black wool remnants from Potters Textiles. The pattern is unlined, so I drafted a collar, front facing and lining to cover up that interfacing. The lining was silk dupion from the stash.

Pattern matching was impossible at the sides due to fabric restrictions, but I'm still very happy with this as a simple throw-on 'Missoni' jacket. 

I'm just trying to decide if it needs a front button closure.

The next part of the outfit is the jeans. No prizes for guessing that I made my favourite Jamie jeans by Named Clothing yet again!

This time I used a medium blue denim with minimal stretch from Spotlight. I topstitched with bronzey yellow topstitching thread.

There's not much more to say about these jeans as I've said it all before. I love them and have worn them lots already.

The last part of the outfit is this top. Another Presto! Popover Top by SavageCoco. I love this pattern. This one was made using another Knitwit remnant for the front and purple knit fabric from the stash for the back and sleeves.

The Knitwit remnant was a panel print and had two repeats. I placed the pattern in such a way that each front was cut from one panel repeat. The result was a replica of the whole panel right across the front with the centre front seamline being almost impossible to see. This is a bit difficult to describe, but if you've made this top you will get what I mean. Maybe!

I like the effect this gives with the print extending up the neckline. The other benefit was that the fabric was a bit sheer, so this pattern, with its double layer front, was perfect.

The clingy purple knit gives a great fit at the back.

So there we are, a top, jeans and a jacket. OK, bye winter!

Presto Popover top - Savage Coco Patterns

 

I was recently asked to try out the Presto Popover top pattern by the hilarious and glamourous Coco. This pattern couldn't have come along at a better time. The top is perfect for wearing pretty much anywhere as it's comfortable, stylish and warm.

My favourite feature of the pattern is the neckline, which is formed by folding two front pieces along a centre seam then twisting them around to form the back neckline. I had to read through the instructions a couple of times to get my head round that part, but once I tried it out it was easy. The rest of the top came together very quickly and easily.

The neckline can be worn folded down (above) or lifted so it falls softly and feels like a tiny scarf (below).

This Presto is made using acrylic knit fabric from Potter's Textiles. I am planning future versions in t-shirt fabric once the weather warms up. In this winter version I lengthened the sleeves from 3/4 to full length and added a cuff. I also lengthened the hemline by about 5cm, which I often do due to my height, and lowered the neckline by approximately 2cm.

I made a size M and the fit is great, body skimming, but not too tight.

This is such a cleverly worked out pattern. It makes a quick top that is definitely a notch above a plain t-shirt. The doubled front and single or double layer back make it a good option for sheer fabrics too.

Check out Fadanista's lovely version with a matching cardi.

Making my second Elegant Escape

When I saw that Pattern Review were having a contest called 'Inspired by the Movies', I immediately thought of this dress pattern. The pattern is the sheath dress worn by Romy Scneider in the movie 'La Piscine'. It is called the 'Elegant Escape' dress and is available to download in size M from Savage Coco Patterns for only 99c. What are you waiting for?!

Here is my inspiration picture:

Source

I have made this dress once before and I always get compliments when I wear it. This time I wanted a different look so I made a few small changes.

I accentuated the lovely topstitching detail by doing it all by hand in thick thread. This took a while and I did redo several areas to get it as straight as possible. I actually like the slightly imperfect hand-sewn look. I also made the front pockets into proper welt pockets instead of faux pockets and I added two long darts to the back of the dress, either side of the centre back seam.

The fabric is a fairly lightweight stretch woven in navy from Textile Traders. I chose it so it would look classic but also be practical for my lifestyle with two energetic boys!

The dress is not difficult to make and I enjoyed taking the time with the topstitching.

It was very difficult to emulate Romy Schneider's pose for the photo, but I did my best!

I'm outta here - elegantly of course!

When the world seems to shine, like you've had too much wine...

...that's Amore Amare!

From a Tuscan sun to an Aussie one. The Amare dress pattern by Savage Coco is based on a dress worn by Diane Lane in 'Under a Tuscan Sun'. I feel effortlessly glam in this breezy dress. It is perfect for a soiree by the beach with plenty of cold white wine to keep cool on a warm evening!

There is a full tutorial on Coco's website for making this dress with lots of clear pictures and tips. I always learn something when I make one of her patterns and I love how the details in the tutorials make the dresses come together with a lovely finish inside and out. This dress is probably suitable for an intermediate sewer. It is currently available in size medium, which gave me a perfect fit (I am approximately AU/UK size 10-12, Burdastyle size 38), as a downloadable PDF for US$4.99.

I chose a buttery yellow linen for the dress, which I had bought in Bali some time ago. The quality of the fabric is really lovely and perfect for this dress, although a drapier fabric is actually recommended. The front cross-over panels were cut on the bias and folded double which, along with some other clever construction, gave a beautifully neat finish to the inside of the dress. This double layer at the bust also helps if the fabric is a bit see-through, as mine was. I made a slip to wear under the skirt, but the top was fine as it was with a single button to keep things modest! The bodice has back darts, which give a lovely, blousy shape and the skirt flares out perfectly without adding bulk to the hips. The sleeves are incorporated into the side pieces and are very flattering and summery.

I removed quite a bit from the length of the skirt (approximately 20cm) and a little bit from the cross-over pieces to open up the neckline a fraction. Otherwise I followed the pattern exactly and the fit is spot on. This is an enjoyable dress to sew. I found that the PDF print-out went together easily and the pattern pieces are drafted to fit together perfectly. I couldn't be happier with how this dress turned out. Now I just need some more invitations for glamorous summer events!

I have entered this dress into the 'Cocktail Dress Competition' on Pattern Review. Voting begins on 2nd Jan so hop over and have fun choosing your favourite creation.

Two hour tunic

Never one to pass up a free pattern or a quick and fun project, I seized the opportunity to try the latest offering from Savage Coco, the two-hour tunic. This can be seen here and obtained free via email. It is not available (at the time of writing) on Coco's blog, although it is worth checking the blog for other patterns, which are based on movie star dresses and only cost 99c. I've made several of them and can't get enough! The two-hour tunic is is a simple pattern for knit fabrics that looks great in a cool print like Coco's own fab version. I tried hard to find a similar print, but choices are limited in Perth, so I went with this swirly mesh from Textile Traders. I bought a metre for $4, so a bargain for this top even if it is a bit see-through!

The pattern is downloadable and easy to piece together with not too many sheets of paper. The instructions are included in the PDF file. The instructions are clear and the top is a breeze to put together. The only problems I had were skipped stitches where I was trying to finish the edges with my twin needle. That mesh fabric was a pest to sew. I wasn't able to use 'Washable Wonder Tape' as suggested because it showed through the fabric. Bummer. Instead I placed scraps of tissue paper under the fabric as I sewed then ripped it off afterwards. It worked, but I hate that method, all those bits of paper that stick in the seam and have to be picked out. Ugh. My advice - use thicker fabric and get yourself some Wonder Tape.

I did cut the tunic longer so I could experiment with the length, but in the end I cut it to the suggested length. I haven't got any tops this length, so it's nice for a change. The pattern comes in one size and was a perfect fit for me. It would fit an Aus/UK size 10-12, but would be easy to draft up or down.

I like this. It is fun to choose a bold print and whiz up this top in, let's see, about two hours! It would also be good to try making it at different lengths and maybe with a tighter-fitting hemline so it sits on the hips.

Beyond belief

Well, amazingly in the last few days, the universe with all its stars and moons must have somehow aligned and pointed in my direction. A truly amazing thing has happened...I have won two sewing competitions!

I won the 'Accessory Competition' on Sewing Pattern Review with my Divine Dinner Dress by Savage Coco Patterns.

There is a lovely write up about the contest here, which also shows the beautiful creations by the second and third prize winners. I can't wait to receive and try out my prize of a very special, fitted ironing board cover with felt pad and pressing cloth. My ironing board is in dire need of a makeover and this will be most appreciated. Even better is that these covers are made to the highest standard by disabled workers in Australia. Thank you to Pattern Review for the competition, Interface Australia for the lovely prize and to the fab Coco for the pattern. 

I also won the 'Copycat Challenge' on Erin's blog 'I heart fabric'. Erin writes a lovely blog about her sewing adventures and was recently featured on the Burdastyle website. I don't know how she manages to make so many amazing creations. She has a good eye for fabrics and variations on a pattern and is able to produce many beautiful and unique dresses from one pattern. Her challenge involved copying a ready to wear (RTW) item as closely as possible, which is always good fun.

I made this copy of a Roksanda Ilincic dress. I used the pattern for the 'Elegant Escape Dress' by Savage Coco, which I painstakingly cut up into the shapes required to make this dress. You may have noticed that both wins involved Savage Coco dresses. I can't rate these highly enough for style and general fabulousness. It just shows that if you want to win a competition, you can't go wrong with Coco!

The entries in this competition were just fantastic. I particularly liked the Gwen Stefani pants by That's Sew Amy and Erin's beautiful Royal Lace Dress. The prize of 'The Burdastyle Handbook' and a voucher for Megan Nielsen Patterns is beyond awesome and I can't wait to receive them. Thank you Erin for this super-fun challenge.

And if that wasn't enough, I received two nominations for the Leibster Award from Maud Made and That's Sew Amy. Unbelievable! Thank you both for liking my blog and choosing me for the award. I'm just ecstatic that a few people are reading what I put out there!

This award aims to find out more about the blogger by asking questions of her (or him as the case may be). These are the questions posed by Lucy of Maud Made (I will keep my answers brief as this is already a long post):

1. What got you to start sewing your clothes?
My mum sewed and I just naturally began sewing from a very young age. I remember sewing clothes for my doll that no amount of pulling could get over her arms and head...until Mum taught me the important lesson of seam allowances!

2. What do you most want to make in the next 6 months?
I have had fabric for ages to make a copycat pair of Sass and Bide jeans with white panel detailing. I want these!

3. Fabric or pattern first?
Nine times out of ten it's fabric first. I can't resist buying something when I go to the fabric shop and, even better, are the unique (and cheap) finds at the op shop. Then I peruse my favourite pattern books (like Drape Drape 1, 2 and 3) for inspiration.

4. Which part of sewing your own clothes do you like best?
I love to get started on the actual sewing and see an item come together. I always try it on at every possible stage and sometimes sit sewing in my underwear ready to try it on yet again!

5. Which part do you like least?
Cutting out.

6. Your favourite sewing blogger?
It is very hard to choose, but probably Carolyn of 'Handmade by Carolyn'. She actually lives down the road from me and sometimes I spy her looking fabulous and walking with her gorgeous dog. It's like spotting a celebrity (we've never properly met)! I also have to mention Daniel of 'Manhattan Nest' for a great read every single time. He can make a new light fitting hugely entertaining.

7. What other big obsessions have you had in your life? (real life love affairs not included).
Apart from family, that would be my first car, a classic Holden Torana, my windsurfer and hip hop dancing.

8. What's your day job?
I'm a research scientist who stays at home and makes custom cushion covers for money!

9. What's the most daring thing you have ever done?
I moved to Montreal, Canada from Australia when I was 27 for my first proper job, a postdoctoral research position studying the inner workings of parasites. I knew no one in the entire of North America. It was lonely at first but ended up being completely awesome.

10. What are your secrets for a happy life?
Keep things simple. Time is far more important than money so work less. Stay positive. Laugh with people you love. Create.

Thank you to the effortlessly cool Amy and the warm, funny and stylish Lucy for this award. I am touched.

I'll leave you with a picture of me (middle), my sister and my cousin on Southwold Beach, UK a very, very long time ago.

Anyone for dinner?

In a bit of a departure from the muted colours I've been choosing of late, I decided to boldly go bold with pattern and colour and see what happened. This is medium-weight chiffon-type fabric from Textile Traders.

I think I like it.

Actually, I love it!

The pattern is the 'Divine Dinner Dress' by Savage Coco Patterns. Designed as a maxi dress, this pattern was inspired by a gorgeous dress worn by Romy Schneider in the movie 'La Piscine'. It has been drafted and made available to us lucky home sewists by the fabulous Coco. You can download it here for only 99c if you agree to write a review of the pattern. It is currently available in a size M for a 36" bust. 

My favourite feature of this pattern is the neckline, which is constructed as one piece with the armhole edgings. I also love the opening in the back. The original pattern has the option of extending this to the lower back, which is heart-stoppingly glamorous, but I decided to make mine in the shorter length in the interests of modesty.

The construction of the neckline piece is a triumph. The instructions have you sewing the inner neckline, then rolling one armhole inside the opposite shoulder to complete each armhole edge. I read this over and over trying to get my head around it. In the end I just did it and, like magic, the piece unrolls to reveal beautifully finished seams. I used a black stretch woven fabric for the neckline.

 The neckline is the most difficult part of this dress, but is really not difficult if you follow Coco's tutorial. I used 'Washable Wonder Tape' to finish the inside edge of the neckline, which really helped keep everything in place. Then I hand stitched the inside in place.

The rest of the dress went together very quickly. I made this dress knee-length, rather than a full-length maxi and I took in the side seams quite a bit for a closer fit. At the last minute, I decided to add a sheer, black band to the hem to balance the black of the neckline.

Here it is with a belt.

 I made a muslin of this dress with lovely blue knit fabric. Here I am wafting about the house in it. This dress works well in knit and woven fabric. It is also lovely as a maxi or knee length dress or even as a top.

 The red, printed version was inspired by the 'Accessories Competition' on Sewing Pattern Review. The challenge was to make something to wear with these shoes:

I thought this dress would be perfect and I chose some of my own red shoes to give an idea of how it would look. Voting in this competition runs from the 18th to the 25th of May, 2013.

This is the fourth dress I have made with Savage Coco patterns and I love them all. There's nothing like wearing a glamorous movie star dress to make one feel rather fabulous! Thank you to Coco for the opportunity to test this pattern.

My other Savage Coco creations are here: