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

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

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 – All For One and One For All

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

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 – 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 – 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

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

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

Cardi Time

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)

A Day With Boo

When Boo and I get together we put our girly on, dust off the good china and play dress ups with such fabulousness that we are the envy of those who observe us.

Morning Tea

A whirlwind visit this time. Much to be discussed, tea to be drunk, wonderful food to be eaten, fabric to ponder, gin to be sipped.

Boo and Boo

I swished in my two piece setacular. With black parasol and flouncing skirts we spent the day together.

Vintage Fabric Heaven

I was bequeathed vintage fabric. Liberty and corduroy. Silks and prints. Oh. My. Gods. I was a drowning girl waving.

The Look of Pure Joy

I have so many plans. Such gratefulness.

Two Piece Setacular

One day I shall visit my Boo in Berlin. The scenery may change but our extravagance and mischievousness never does.

Vintage Boo

Curtsey.

Pips xxx

PS. To my benefactor Ms J, the fabric is much loved and shall come full circle. I have plans. Promise.

I love the idea of packing a bag for a quick get away. Granted, all the necessary frocks and shoes needed wouldn’t likely fit into this neat little overnighter, but that’s where tote bags come in, don’t they?

So, if (or maybe, nay when…) I catch that international flight (first stop Berlin, then Paris, then Glascow) I will be flaunting this as my carry  on. Actually, I’d be happy to take it on a domestic flight. Tassie maybe? Or train. Train is good. Does anyone want to have a sleep over? I make a lovely house guest PLUS I make cake.

The Girl in a Teacup

I love screen printing and the idea of creating my own fabric however I don’t have nearly the time nor the talent to have it as much more than a hobby for the time being. With practice I’m getting better and I have endless images and sources of inspiration on Pinterest fighting to find proper form on paper and linen.

The Girl in a Teacup

This young lady has been bouncing in my mind for well over a year and only recently came out to participate in a photo exposure/screen printing course run by the gorgeous Nicola Cerini, of THE handbag fame.

Because we were photo exposing onto a screen instead of paper cut stencils I was able to create a finer image that once tweaked I was really happy with. I drew my girl a few weeks before the workshop so I was confident with the image (really not good at drawing on the day, so many ideas and such poor hand/eye coordination!) and it took several attempts plus the enlistment of my french curve to get her right. Exhibit A below shows you a little of how artistically challenged I can be at free hand. I work much better when I have an image to view directly and draw as opposed to an idea in my head that I can’t translate onto paper. Rulers and Pinterest are my friend!

Exhibit A: The Girl in a Teacup – The Creative Process

So much success with the screen printed girl on the day, plus my possible branding of The Girl in a Teacup created on the WordSwag app, and a floral print gleaned from some 1950’s vintage fabric. I was so happy with the way everything turned out. The floral print has been use on my two piece setacular (only a year late, but it looks amazing. Watch this space!)

The Girl in a Teacup

Nicola also generously offered to have our work made into one of her world renowned bags. I admit to having several in the past, and always wanted an overnight bag but never could commit to the purchase. The opportunity to have my own work made up in one of her designs however? That, dear friends, is why we have credit cards.

The Girl in a Teacup

Because she looked a little, well nude, I took her home and frocked her in some Liberty and created a little flower work at her feet to add a little more dimension.

The Ins and Outs and Straps

I also had a handbag made up for my Parjie, that is well loved and being used everyday. On reflection I should have ordered a handbag as well. I’m hopeful that maybe one day it might happen. In the meantime I’m going to work on printing her on a tote bag, and extend that out to Liberty pillow cases. I have a small idea for an Etsy shop and have enlisted the services of my dear manager to set me on the proper path to sewing, printing and making a little money from what I love to do.

Parjie Bag on Nicola Cereni Printed Fabric Covering My 1800s Winged Back Chair

I’d love to do another workshop for screen printing. I think this whole business of practice is something I need to start doing. One image a year could easily be doubled if I put in the effort, surely.

So here I am, embarking on a little adventure with my girl on my overnight bag. It’s quintessential, trying to be grown up, posh lady kind of style. Suits me perfectly.

Now. If only I had somewhere to go…

Curtsey

Pips

* Please note, not a sponsored post. I purchased and paid for the workshop and bags. I have always loved Nicola’s work, and it was such a wonderful day to do what I love with such wonderful people. If you get the chance and want to learn how to print, highly recommend!

2015. Greetings and salutations. How are you feeling? I’m ok, hanging in there. Thinking that this year should be better than 2014. Not my best year. Sad face. But there remains dresses to be made and printing to be done. Things are looking, if not completely up, about 20 degrees higher than sideways. Which means my head is off the pillow.

A quick look at my photos shows that I haven’t been stagnant for the whole year, even if it felt a little like that. Looking back, these are some of my favourite makes of the year.

One of my major achievements was finishing the family rules. I swear on a 1922 Sears catalogue that I started out with excellent intentions of it being a quick short term project, yet I managed to stretch it out for a year and a half until the final rule was painstakingly cut out and craft glued onto the canvas one week ago. They were up on the wall though during the creative process, and I was often helpfully reminded by the family that they were not yet complete. Cutting out each individual letter with a craft knife was more time consuming than I anticipated and possibly easily avoidable. Next time I will work out how to print the words onto pretty paper and then mount onto the canvas. Saves bruises, blood and the odd swear word when I sliced through paper and flesh or it is pointed out that I have misspelled a word.

Family Rules

The rules originally came about from grateful time. I tried to introduce grace to the dinner table and it was quickly pointed out that as a non religious person it wasn’t really appropriate and we needed to find our own ritual to give thanks for the many things that we have. Thus, grateful time was born. It quickly had to be limited to three pieces of gratefulness per child after B1 and B2 spent half an hour listing all the things they were grateful for and dinner became cold. We still on occasion have one of them be grateful for the pocket knife that Bruce was given a year ago that he uses at work. Usually scrapping the bottom of the barrel, but it makes us laugh.

Family Rules

The longest rule, “if you feel sad or frustrated take a deep breath and go back down to happy” is the least useful one in practice, even I can’t incorporate it when I feel that way, but it sets a good example of how breathing can calm us down and refocus. Well, that’s what I say when I’m trying to make the boys take their deep breathes. “But (sob) I (sob) can’t (sob)” is the usual response, which I have to say I understand.

So, no big resolutions for me. I will continue to do the best that I can, and make the most of what I have (that includes my fabric stash which is quietly whittling away and the patterns that I’ve yet to trace off. Yay!).

Here’s hoping that many of the next 365 days for you are filled with threads, liberty and happy kitties.

Curtsey.

Pips

PS B1 and B2 were not overly impressed with the “less TV” rule, but will often break out in dance for no particular reason to meet the “dance like no one is watching” rule, often during dinner, after grateful time. How I love them.

Hello my dears!

It’s been a wee while. I’ve been a wee bit tired (ok, extreme exhaustion with the addition of insomnia, how thoughtful is my body to couple these two at the same time), and it was time to take a break from everything. Lesson mostly learnt, must slow down to an even slower pace than slow pace previously established. And posh hotel room service is much more delectable than hospital food. So next time I’m booking into the Windsor. Thank you to all the lovely people who sent universal energy and happy thoughts my way. I got warm fuzzies.

Now, back to the real purpose of todays post. My blogging is very much in it’s infancy (8 months going strong “cartwheels in skirt”), although I feel as though I’ve been writing it from “within” for the past few years. I only discovered the online sewing community after having an iPad mini pressed upon me as a present (I was very much anti tablet tech prior to purchase, very much pro tablet tech post) and have been an avid pursuer of the Internets on location (usually the couch) ever since.

As part of finding my footsies/niche/voice I quickly discovered a myriad of sewing and creative blogs. So. Many. I thought if I added my own blog/voice it would be overlooked on the webs what with my loosely based writing structure of waxing lyrical on old times, inspiration for new garment and then the photo shoot with some hilarious outtakes. I have however found some readers which again gives me the warm fuzzies. Curtsies and waves to all my bloggy reader friends. But I digress.

The Sandpoint Top

The discovery of independent pattern companies and PDF pattern availability  shifted me quickly away from the Big 4 (not that there is anything wrong with them, there is just so much EASE!) and into the realm of indie patterns that were more my style. A little cute, a whole lot of quirky and some that are specifically drafted for bodies of the pear shaped variety, please and thank you Tasia from Sewaholic.

One of the interesting aspects of these indie companies and patterns is that prior to release they are tested by volunteers in the sewing community. There was a significant amount of discussion and contention some months ago about the ins and outs of pattern testing. I never had an issue with it, however like many was most interested in testing a pattern myself.

I think the desire to pattern test has something to do with sitting down with a number of pages, a project and a red pen. Possibly I was a teacher in a past life…

So how did I get chosen to pattern test the Sandpoint Top? I’m a long time lurker on the Monthly Stitch. When Helena from Gray Day Patterns put out the call for pattern testers I politely and quietly put my hand up via survey detailing my sewing experience and enthusiasm and was then contacted by Helena asking if I would like to participate. YES!

So. Onto the details and review.

Sandpoint Top, version A

The Sandpoint Top is described as being “a loose fitting t-shirt with a dramatic cowl back feature. There is a shoulder band behind the neck to secure it. In a fluid, stretchy knit it skims the body and drapes beautifully down the back. It can be made up in a comfortable cotton/rayon knit or made dressier in a slinky jersey. You can make the shoulder strap in a contrast colour to highlight that fun feature too!”

Now, I’m not a big knits kinds of girl, my only recent foray into stretch was with the Coco from Tilly and the Buttons which has encouraged me to try more sewing with this fabric. I do also like to step out of my comfort zone (wovens, I shall never leave you…), and am also a devotee of the cowl neck. I’m just yet to make a pattern that includes one. Until now. There shall be more. I promise.

Backwards style with bonus funny face

The PDF was a breeze to put together. A nice touch was that the separate front and back pieces could be taped separately without having to join due to overlap of the pattern lines (look at the pick, I think it makes more sense than my words. Less taping is my friend).

I made view A with the V neck in a size M. View B is more of a slight scoop neck line.

There were no issues with cutting out the pattern pieces and pattern matching my stripes was a breeze. Helena has included some notches on the side just to ensure you match up your knit fabric distribution evenly.

Pattern Matching Win!

Even though this is a reasonably simple make, I acquired some new skills along the way which resulted in some immense satisfaction. So proud of that V neck band. It would have been nice to know how to do this 15 odd years ago, but live and learn. It gives the top a very professional finish.

The band that goes across the back I accidentally attached to the inside shoulder seam, but it was designed to go on the outside seam line. I believe the instructions have been amended to clarify that this does go on the outside, however it still works the other way around. It is also possible to reverse the top and have the cowl at the front and keep the band at the back. I found that with the test pattern that didn’t quite work for me, the cowl kept inching upwards, but this may have been amended in the final pattern. I like the idea of the cowl at the front.

Neatly Finished Armholes

The arm bands were a neat technique that finished of the arm holes nicely. I was concerned a smidge about my cowl flicking out at the back so I put a couple of tacking stitches just to hold it in place. I also completed most of the stitching on my overlocker (serger) which made it a very quick make.

I’m really happy with the finish and look of the Sandpoint Top and it is definitely a wearable muslin. I wore it to work with a long black skirt and had many lovely complements, including from those who noted that I had side stepped my normal style of floral dress and cardi for a moment. I’m planning a black slinky jersey and my Mama has already put in a request for a stripy version for herself.

Congratulations to Helena for a really good, well drafted t-shirt that has some thoughtful details that separate it from the myriad of patterns out there!  I look forward to seeing more patterns  from Gray Day Patterns in the future.

The Sandpoint Top pattern is available for PDF download here for the very reasonable price of $8.95.

And you can see me on the Helena’s website here! Look at all those gorgeous women!

To see more versions and reviews, check out some of these links below:

zibergirl.com mysewingsuite.blogspot.com.au sewanneuk.blogspot.com.au

Curtsey for now.

Pips xxx

Disclosure: I received the original copy of the pattern for testing free of charge as it’s kind of necessary in order to test it. Once the pattern had been refined and released, Helena sent me a copy of the finalised PDF pattern.  I purchased my own fabric from Joys Warehouse. All opinions expressed are my own.

I have recently been reflecting on my sewing journey, and how since Me Made May I’ve found myself wearing more of my own hand made garments, and pondering on what I sew and why. I have sewn so many different pieces over the years including dresses (11 Anna’s at last count…) self drafted skirts, uniforms for a “classy” gentleman’s club (an experience I will never forget, oh my goodness those bewbs!), 50 hot pink rock’n’roll skirts in a poly that melted under my iron and the odd pair of pj’s for B1 and B2.

Liberty on Top and Bottom

One thing I have never attempted is the intimates side of garment making. When I think about why, what jumps out is the fear of the unknown (I know, how scary are knickers!) and reluctance to pour energy into something that was potentially going to disappear into dark recesses of time/space with no chance of return.  On a side note I choose to wear knickers, undies, or if I’m feeling particularly masculine, jockies. I cringe when I hear the “P” word and given that I can’t handle Nick Cave singing about getting fresh around a pair, I will never be a convert.

Knickers have always been one of those items that I’ve had difficulty fitting, having the bigger bottom and the smaller waist. For the last 7 years I’ve been a Bonds hipster girl, size 12. I’ve tried several fancier pants and even splashed out on a $50 pair in the hope that since they were stupendously expensive the leg elastic would stay on the right side of the cheek. Alas this was not the case, and they were so uncomfortable they ended up in land fill. I also tried the whale tailer once (also known by some of my friends as a G Banger. Really?!) and lasted half an hour before deciding that commando was a better option for me that night.

When I found Susan from Measure Twice Cut Once on Instagram with her sewalong #everyonedeservesprettyknickers, I thought that it might be an opportune time to add smalls to my collection of sewing accomplishments. I chose to make the Charlotte knickers which are a woven cut on the bias with elastic on the waist and leg openings. Using my favourite Liberty fabrics I was able squeeze two pairs out of half a meter. That works out to be around $10 a pair, with scraps left over for my Liberty hexagon quilt which at this point of time is said still scraps. Out of curiosity I did a little lurking on the Liberty website, and discovered they sell similar for around $46 Aus. So I consider that I’m actually making money by saving so much. This is one of the reasons my maths teacher loved me so much at high school.

When cut out and flat they look like lovely large pretty nana knickers and once the elastic is attached, they look slightly less large. This is of course is due to the fabric being a woven and not a stretchy, so for comparison this is my current Bonds v’s Charlotte.

I’m always skeptical about new knickers and their intentions when worn so for my first outing I used my traditional knickers (Charlotte)/tights (Wolford)/knickers (Bonds) combination and was frolicking around home with no issues. I then moved onto the more risky combo of just skirt and knickers (and top coverage of course!) where again everything stayed where it was supposed to. The ultimate test was wearing them under jeans which can lead to all sorts of complications and some seriously creative moves to delodge any wandering fabric. These knickers are so good that I actually forgot I was wearing me made knickers, queue Ned Flanders: “It’s like I’m wearing nothing it all…. nothing at all…. nothing at all”.

So they have passed all my rigorous tests and I am now endeavouring to replace all my Bonds with Charlottes. They did take a little getting used to as the fabric doesn’t cling to the skin as traditional lady knickers do, and initially I did feel as though there were two rotti’s in a sack riding in then back*. I imagine it may also be a little like a gentleman transitioning from briefs to boxers but the effect happening with the junk in the trunk not the tackle at the front**.

Next on my list of pretty things to make is the bra. I’ve been following Maddie’s foray into sewing intimates and will most likely begin with this pattern from Oh Lulu. I just received this bra (with matching knickers, for a treat. I dream of having matching underwear…) so I can study the construction (read: so I could have a pretty hand made bra to motivate me to make my own).

Oh Lulu Set

So here’s to pretty knickers for all! Visit Susan’s web page here for the Charlotte and other styles. You can also find a free pattern here which she generously made available when recently  featured in Peppermint magazine.

Curtsey.

Pips xxx

* Imagine if you will two very over exuberant  Rottweiler puppies in a sack (not coming to any harm of course, they are just hanging out with ample oxygen), which is also reflective of what it usually looks like when people wear leggings as pants which is unconstitutional.

** I think I would have made an excellent English/Health teacher given my love of non standard descriptors for everyday bits and bobs. Ok. Vagaina’s and Penis’s and Buttocks. See, I’m not afraid!

PS. This is not a sponsored post. I purchased my own pattern/fabric/underwear myself because I do believe that everyone deserves pretty knickers and am eternally grateful to Susan for drafting such a wonderful pattern! My over exuberance is all my own.

Pipsie Day at the Vineyard. A New Tradition. Saturday.

What a wonderful week!

The Anna Dress Day 2 with Bonus Kermit Legs. Sunday.

This year I participated in One Week One Pattern (#OWOP2014) which was facilitated by the lovely Jane from Handmade Jane. If you go to the comments on this page you can see what some of the other sewcialists on the inter webs were up to this week.

Liberty on a Coffee Break. Monday.

I will keep it short and sweet. Here are the pictures from Day 1 – Day 7. A special thank you to all my photographers who may have thought I was a little loopy, but assisted me in my quest to document my dress for the week. (I got some very funny looks from colleagues with the photo’s taken in front of the lifts… Really they should have known it was just me being me!).

My Favourite. The Vintage Anna. Tuesday.

This is of course, none other than the Anna dress, pattern from By Hand London. Fabric is a mixture of Liberty, Vintage from A Piece of Cloth, and designer ends from Tessuti.

French Lace? Yes Please! Wednesday.

A big thank you to everyone who also followed my antics on Instagram. It was really lovely to see everyone else’s projects through the lens of the camera/iPhone.

Liberty, oh Liberty! The Original Anna. Thursday.

I think I could have gone further, and kept it going for another couple of days, but I got stuck into making knickers and forgot about everything else.

Keeping it Casual and Comfortable. Friday.

Curtsey

Pips xxx