Catch Up

Hello hello, is there anyone there?

I have been sewing, just not blogging. 
Very remiss of me. I have a partially completed Satsuki tutorial and several items waiting to have modelled pictures taken.

'No, you may not wear that until I have taken a photo of it'

Any hoo, I give up on achieving perfection.

Here goes.

Zara chose the Satsuki tunic by Victory pattern for her comfy travel/evening outfit.
I used a very stretchy cotton/rayon knit which falls beautifully but was a pain to sew.
As mentioned above, I am working on a tute as it is a really nice pattern and I look forward to making it in a woven.
I was worried the look was a wee bit sophisticated so I made some leggings from a vintage Big4 pattern in a black/white stripy knit.
She was very very pleased.

I also made Jed a new tracksuit. (Again more for travel/evening then running)
I used a vintage Kwik Sew pattern, 1242, which is no longer available to buy new but does appear on eBay every so often.
The knit is a firmish mid weight fabric which sews up really well.
I went with a navy woven for the collar and tab and used rubber buttons.

The track pants are unremarkable except for the fact that they fit perfectly.
Jed has a long torso but short legs and lopping off the bottom just looks tragic.
So, I took the time to adjust the pattern at all the correct places and  Volia, pants that fit.
I used a thick unbrushed cotton knit.

I had some special little girls birthdays coming up and when I asked their mummies what they would like the over whelming request was 'Leggings like Tildy's'!
So I made a few pairs......
I used the best legging pattern in the world , the Sunki by Figgys.
They put a serious dent in my cotton/lycra stash but were very well received so it was worth it.

Whilst I had my overlocker set for knit and with dark thread I ran up a tee and a pair of leggings for me.

There is a long term saga of sewing tee's for me and my wardrobe has many prototypes for wearing 'on farm'.
I have a Kwik Sew ladies pattern which was almost there. Good sleeves,shoulders and back but too firm across my five child belly.
After wearing an old maternity top for work I noticed how flattering the fit was. With that in mind, I re-shaped the front piece to give me more ease.
Perfect.

The leggings are a McCalls pattern that finishes nice and high. I use extra wide elastic in the waist for a smooth comfortable finish.

Hugo is often called on as a waiter and his size 14 Sketchbook trousers where just not going to fit anymore.
Using the Vogue 1753 mens trousers pattern and some very nice black drill I made him a pair of dressy strides.
Its the same pattern I use for his school cords but this time, rather then a lazzy waist at the back, I made them properly fitting the centre back seam before finishing the waist band.

I used a Japanese lawn for the pocket lining and fly facing. To look nice and to make things a little more interesting for me to sew.
I can't wait to show you these modelled as Hugo recently purchased himself a very nice pair of Italian dress shoes from a vintage shop.
He looks very sharp!

Finally, my latest sewing adventure and one I am very proud of is Elsa's winter coat.
It is the lovely Pavot by Deer and Doe.
I used a wool flannel which is very warm but quite soft so it will roll up nicely in her school bag.
The pattern suggests top stitching and Elsa wanted white. I wasn't sure but it was her jacket.
Once the white river stone buttons were sewn on I had to admit she was right.

Elsa was also keen to have the jacket lined.
She chose a charcoal bemsilk and I added a back vent (basted together here).
I lined with my usual method of making two jackets, putting them wrong side together and then attaching the facings.
After that I hand sew the facings in place to the lining only.
Its a beautiful fit.

Well chaps, thats is for now.

Sorry for the over load.
xx N