Vogue 7881

Hi

This second picture is how I will wear the trousers.  The top is from the Japanese book drape drape. The dogs are Andrew and Monty (red jacket).  Every time I have photos taken they are keen to be included this time I thought why not.

These trousers are a land mark moment for my sewing. I have never been satisfied with any trousers I have made before these. Most of my difficulties were either the crutch was too low or odd looking with folds in the wrong place, or the waist and fly area was too big or tight and distorted. I still wore these inadequate trousers because most of the time I wear my tops out, but it is great to have the option of showing the waist. I brought this pattern when I started sewing seven and a half years ago and made the non couture trouser. It was too long in the front from crutch to waist. So I moved on to other patterns. I now have tried at least 8 different trouser patterns. I was reading the Sewing Lawyers blog recently which discussed how fantastic the couture version of the trousers were and how they always suit her. There is alot of detail in this post so check it out.  http://kaythesewinglawyer.blogspot.com/2011/05/unseasonal.html

I thought I may as well try again.  This time I cut a size twelve in Marc Jacob’s wool and Lycra. I did not have time for a Muslin.  As Perth has been very warm for Autum with temperatures of over 30 degrees and I had not taken out my winter clothes. I was packing for the trip away and fortunately tried on my wool black trousers only to find they had shrunk. With one week to go I needed to take the risk and cut the fabric.

As per instructions I steam shrunk the front and back areas that would normally have pleats, this is great because it reduces bulk over my stomach. I followed all couture instructions including hand picking the zip. I found the zip surprisingly easy and very accurate. I would consider doing this more often because you don’t have the problem of the zip moving with the zipper foot. The only thing I would change next time is the waist band lining. I would seam it at the top with the front band, prior to the top stitching and then leave it open for the topstitching. Thus I could trim the seam allowances prior to turning the lining down and hand stitching the bottom section in place. When I try this I will re post.


Cheers


Lara

Tunic Vogue 8668

Hi

This tunic is for casual wear with jeans or black pants. Pattern Description is misses top and tunic : Semi-fitted, have fount gathers and back darts and concealed elastic casing. I originally brought another fabric (the Silk Jersey recommend by the pattern) however it was not wide enough for the Kimono sleaves. This fabric I used is a light wool knit that has a close ribbing. I omitted the loops and buttons because I did not think the fabric had sufficient body to cope with the weight. Also I wanted a more minimal look to go with the monotone colour.

I changed the front construction further by omitting the bias tape for the neck line. Instead I seamed the front together then based the seam allowance down. I turned the neck edge under about ½ inch and based it in place. Starting at the bottom of the front upper section I cover stitched up the front seam on one side, went up the v neck and around the back, then down the v neck and on the opposite side of the seam. Thus when I had finished the front seam has six lines of stitching, with three on each side of the seam. Thus all seam allowances are finished(photos will be added soon). 

This tunic is view B (middle tunic) with the medium length skirt. I am only 5 foot 4 or 164cm and I think the long tunic would not have worked for me. I have a deep hem on the sleave which I like, this was not intentional and may be a place to save fabric in future if required. It was a reasonably quick project taking around two hours.  Yes I do like bows.

Cheers

Lara

Tunic - Vogue 8596

Hi

I have made this pattern several times now, as it is always so nice to sew and wear (it is out of print). I vary the neck line with each new version to keep it interesting. This is version c with the three quarter length sleeves and contrasting bow. I made this for winter evenings to wear with pants. I have been able to wear it to a number of outings manly dinner with friends. I have made it in silk and I have used a small gathered black frill to define the sleave frill and tie in with the bow. The pattern bow is in the centre. To mix things up I moved it to the side. The pattern is very easy and quick to sew. The gathered neck line is great because it allows for each person to wear it wide or close depending on their preference. I need to add some width to the sleaves as it can be tight with French seams.


Sorry about the creases this is after four hours on a plane; it was my last clean shirt. As my DH was home I took the opportunity to get a deceit photo. We have been away for work and I have been sewing like mad to finish some new things so I will have lots of photos coming soon. The black trousers are new and will post them next.


Perhaps at some stage I will show my summer version of the top in cotton voil it is away at present. My first version with cotton was as shown on the pattern with a centre bow. It was a great top but sadly the fabric only lasted one season. I will repeat this top soon but because it was such a striking top I thought I would have two years off before repeating it.


Cheers

Lara

Knit top - Burda 7444

Hi

In February I made the Burda top after seeing Sharon’s post. It gives all the details you need to make the pattern.

http://sharonsews.blogspot.com/2011/01/cowl-neck-turtleneck-drama-burda-7444.html

I was totally taken with this unique top. I loved the draping and the high neck. The fabric is dove grey bamboo knit from http://www.fabricmartfabrics.com/xcart/home.php.

 I experimented with gathering using the clear elastic to see if it was possible to save time. It was not as effective as the recommended gathering with a long stitch and then applying the elastic. The top requires a moderate amount of time to make because of the gathering, it also requires a significant amount of fabric. The fit of the top is good it is longer than most knit tops and looks great with a long cardigan.

Cheers Lara

Vogue 1199 - Rebecca Taylor

Hi


I don’t think in the entire time I have been sewing for myself I have ever not finished a garment I have started. (It is a self imposed rule to avoid wasting money and time). Occasionally I am so disappointed in the garment that I only wear it around the house for a few years.  I always finish it. That is until now. Two weeks ago I spent an afternoon sewing and the following photo is the result. Yes it has taken me this long to get over the frustration. Luckily I only cut the front and I hope I have enough fabric to try another pattern.

I brought the pattern to try out my pin tucking foot. Pin tucking has been a sewing ambition for a long time alas it is still only a dream. With the blouse, I measured and traced lines to ensure the pin tucks were equal length. I started the pin tucks on each side so they would meet in the middle. When I got close to the middle I realised that there was an inch difference in length. I tried to fix this with obviously poor results. I don’t think the silk chiffon (not recommended by the pattern) suited the pattern and I hope that is the fabric that caused the distortion. Before wasting more time and fabric I think I had best check the Vogue Pattern on Pattern review.

Cheers Lara

Details of Simplicity 2339

Hi

As promised the photos of the details of my new shirt

1/ Front inside

2/ Back yoke

3/ Back turned hem

4/ Front of shirt and sleave

Shirt - Simplicity 2339

Hi

I waited three weeks for this pattern to arrive at Spotlight. I am so glad I persisted because it is the best shirt pattern I have found. I am excited because it will be great for work shirts. The pattern is a petite shirt with individual pieces for each bust size. The shirt has a front side and waist dart and a back waist dart. The fabric is silk charmeuse.


The pattern is straight forward, I especially like the back yoke this is the first time I have made a shirt with one. The way that it is in closed gives a beautiful finish to the inside. I choose a B cup front and graded from a ten to twelve top to bottom. The sleave insertion was a dream. I omitted the collar and replaced it with the tie from a Vogue pattern. I really wanted a bow or tie in the silk. Because of the tie I closed the shirt with small press studs. I have finished French seams and double folded hem.

It has taken me one week to make this mainly because of the hand sewing at the cuff, front bands and the tie areas. I expect in the future it will quicker with cottons and using the overlocker. I will post more photos tomorrow of the inside


Cheers Lara.