Monthly Archives: February 2015

Two Piece Set-acular

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The original concept of Sophie who blogs here, the two piece set-acular was devised as a challenge back in July 2014.

Happy Pips

Happy Pips

The philosophy was print on print, matchy matchy, two piece coordinated outfit. I’m all about twin sets and complete pattern submersion, but for some reason this didn’t tickle my fancy at the time.

Screen Printed Linen

Screen Printed Linen by Pips

Things change. I became a little obsessed with the idea recently and found myself with an idea for creating a screen printed fabric from what was on hand in my stash.

This is how it evolved…

  • Original purchase of burgundy linen from The Drapery in Adelaide.
  • A pin from two years ago that has been playing over in my mind (but took me two days to find on my board!).
  • The screen printing stencil taken drawn from a 1950’s floral print (created here).
  • An idea for an operatic combination to wear to this exhibition.
  • The Gabriola skirt from Sewaholic and the Elisalex bodice with circle skirt peplum from By Hand London.
  • Luncheon with one of my dearest friends, Boo.
Zipping Like a Boss

Zipping Like a Boss

Some of my favourite #twopiecesetacular ‘s can be found here (my favourite by Jen, props for the props!), here, here and here, with a round up by Sohpie here.

Instagram Sneak Peaks

Instagram Sneak Peaks: Liberty of London Facing

At the Exhibition

At the Exhibition: Hot and Double Hot

I love this outfit so much. The colour way is fabulous. The fit is spot on. And the skirt has such wonderful swish.

Tea and Cake with Boo

Tea and Cake with Boo

Thank you Sophie for daring to take us back to the 90’s. I love my two piece.

Two Piece Setacular

Two Piece Setacular

Curtsey.

Pips xxx

Liberty Granville

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Hello, and curtsey to you all.

I’m a little on the excited side today. In fact, positively beside myself, to the left. I think the word I’m after is proud. After feeling as though I had peaked much to early this year (the first week of January to be exact) with this outfit, I’m pleased to say that I have achieved my most technical sewing feat to date. I am, I’m sure in Jane Austin’s mind, accomplished.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Some said it was brave, although personally I thought it a little reckless using Liberty for a new shirt pattern given it is the third shirt I’ve ever stitched together. But I’m remaining true to my promise to Bruce and the Fabric Gods: I shall not purchase any fabric unless absolutely necessary. Given this was the only piece of fabric that had the right yardage and wasn’t irreplaceable vintage, it seemed like the perfect choice. The stash does not lie.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

I’ve previously made up the Meissa blouse from Paper Cut patterns but the shape just wasn’t me. (Note that I made this one up in Liberty as well, but have since pulled it apart to be repurposed for quilts and other projects). Then Tasia from Sewaholic published the Grainville shirt which is fitted to provide definition and designed for the pear shape. My stay on purchasing patterns was promptly set aside for a full 2.5 minutes to allow for a swift purchase from Sew Squirrel.

Grainville Shirt in Progress

Grainville Shirt in Progress

I made my usual pattern adjustment of adding 2.5cm to the bodice length, and even though there were whispers that the sleeves were quite long, I added 2.5cm to the sleeve as well. I’m glad that I did. I’ve never had a shirt with sleeves so long in my life.  They feel, what’s the word I’m looking for… Almost normal. Such a peculiar feeling. I do have exceptionally long arms. No, really. They are that long. It’s the reason I feel so connected to the orangutang. We share that in common. Plus we both are blessed with goofy faces.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Construction was seriously straight forward. I followed the pattern instructions and used this tutorial from Sewaholic on attaching the collar and stand. Such a wonderful, immaculate finish. Can’t speak highly enough of it. I skipped top stitching on the princess seams at the back and on the yoke. My fabric was too pretty and too busy to worry about that. I also used french seams throughout, except for setting in the sleeves.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty, The Sleeves

Grainville Shirt, Liberty, The Sleeves

I adore this shirt. And I can wear it tucked in, something I haven’t been able to do since 1994.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Next on the list is a short sleeve version in a vintage Liberty. Cutting into that one may cause some nerves. But I must hold strong.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

I’ve also got the Oakridge shirt and the Archer shirt to try. My old style of shirt, knitted vest, skirt and tights may be making a return for Winter 2015.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Grainville Shirt, Liberty (Stitching Looks Less Wonky in Real Life)

Do you have a favourite shirt pattern?

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Grainville Shirt, Liberty

Curtsey and happy sewing to you all.

Grainville Shirt, Liberty, Country with a little Western

Grainville Shirt, Liberty, Country with a little Western

Pips xxx

Photos: by Tash and Bruce

Destined for Something

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We all have the project that begins with an idea, a pintrest board with 228 pins and the expectation that it may develop into something with a nod to Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.

So Close and So Far Away

So Close and So Far Away

Hunting down the bits and pieces needed can often prove to be a challenge but after a year of searching I thought I had found the answer.

Working It

Working It

I found this fabric at Spoonflower and thought finally I had come across a tartan (although digitally printed and not woven) that would meet my needs. I choose the cotton sateen for reasons I can no longer recall.

Giving Life to Fabric

Giving Life to Fabric – All For One and One For All

It was not to be. All that excitement and anticipation was dashed on delivery.

tartan4

It is indeed a sad day when fabric is delivered, opened, and then popped back into the box to languish unloved for several months. I thought it would be brighter, richer. But instead it looked washed out and I rejected it in favour of starting another project. One of the risks we take when purchasing online.

The View from Behind

The View from Behind – Pattern Matching!

After completing my two piece setacular and seeing the dramatic results of contrast screen printing, I thought I could bring a little life back into the fabric by applying the same stencil. It worked, with the black ink lifting some of the ‘meh’ factor out of it. But when paired with the black bodice (working with less than 1.5 meter of tartan with some serious borders on all sides not printed) I again returned to meh.

My Favourite Corner

My Favourite Corner – Felt Wreath by Radish and Ruth

I used the Elisalex bodice and sleeves from By Hand London, and drafted a quarter circle skirt which I just managed to scrape out of the yardage.

I Take My Modelling Seriously

I Take My Modelling Seriously

The addition of a matching scarf, (Bridgette from Tilly and the Buttons) whilst a little twee, reduces the washed out effect. And when paired with a black cardi and tights the whole outfit seems to come together. For a project that I lacked all enthusiasm for based solely on the fabric, I’m ok with the way it turned out.

Time for Tea

Time for Tea

So whilst I don’t think this shall fall into high rotation, I won’t relegate it to gardening or painting clothing just yet. But when I do, I think I’ll look a little fabulous frocked up with my wellingtons on, tights optional.

Quirking Around

Quirking Around

Cardi Time

Cardi Time

tartan

I have since worn this to work and must admit to indulging in a little highland fling when one person was watching. I’ve now grown very fond of it, and it will be a winter staple. The cardigan makes all the difference.

Curtsey.

Pips. xxx

PS For all your felty goodness, check out Radish and Ruth’s Etsy store. She handmade my little toadstool wreath on the wall. I love it. (not sponsored, just loved)