Stripy Swimsuit Sensation

The girls all have standard racer back swimmers for racing.
I purchased them here ,yes,they were that cheap and they are fine!

However,they were clearly not suitable for parties or beach wear!
Well,its obvious,isn't it?
 Elsa chose a pretty in pink ensemble 
Zara wanted something a bit more striking!

I have made rash vests and bike pants for my Tribe for years but swimmers? That require fitting? Scary bear stuff!

Actually,this pattern was a good introduction.
I made them completely with my standard machine using a big stitch and stretching slightly as I sewed.
The instructions were excellent,I couldn't fault them.

I drafted the size 8 in the top,10 for the waist and 12 through the hips.
I think I could have sized back as they seemed a bit wrinkly.

Zara,however,thinks they are fabulous!
Which is lovely.

I think she is rather fabulous and lovely!
xx N

Gidget Girl

Elsa and Zara have discovered vintage patterns.
And we are all very happy about it!

The Twins because they can have groovy clothes that none of their friends have.
Jed because even skimpy vintage patterns cover more then modern clothes.
And me because they are still happy for me to sew for them.

Another bonus is that their tiny but curvy figures are well suited to vintage sizing.

My most recent adventure? 
Bikini's,which a fair flickr friend christened Gidget!

 Elsa chose a ice pink stretch poplin for the swimsuit and an embroidered voile for the long sleeveless cover up.

As the swimmers are self lined hopefully we will not having any sheerness issues.

I am sure her siblings will happily test them for her with the garden hose.

I particularly like the way the hook is attached at the back fastening.
The elastic that allows movement forms part of the loop,very natty!

The cover up took a lot longer then I expected.
It may have been the pattern but to be fair,Matilda doesn't feed much anymore so my hormonal migraines are back with a vengeance.
I sewed this over 5 days,3 of those I was bedridden with bad heads.
It used quite a few facings,which in retrospect I could have omitted as I double layered the bodice.
I did like the hem facing which utilised a mitred corner.
Very neat!

It fits beautifully.
I think I may need something similar for this summer at Robe.

Just the job if Jack has a pool party again this year!

Our vintage love affair certainly continues.

x N

Finch with Extra's-A Pocket Tutorial

Goodness I have missed you chaps!
Really missed you-a lot.
A combination of lots of sewing,harvest starting and a maxed out internet connection has left little chance for showing and telling.

Forgive me?

A good month back I went on a school uniform sewing spree and made Hugo new polos and Tilly and the Twins navy bottoms.
The Finch shorts are a bit of a favourite in our home. I blogged the construction here and then went on to line them here.

Finch top&shorts

Finch top&shorts lined

My children are all prone to slight hay fever and tend to need a hanky year 'round so a pocket was needed if I was to sneak a pair of Finch shorts into their uniform wardrobe.
I also decided to stitch in the front pleat to save some time ironing.

It was very quick to do,I simply stitched down the pleat fold with a small stitch.

To add a pocket you will need a pattern piece from an existing pattern,I used mine from the oliver+s PlayDate dress.

Stitch the right side of one of the pocket bags to the right side of the shorts with a narrow seam.
Neaten this seam now.
Stitch the other pocket bag to the back making sure the sides are matching if you are only adding one pocket!
Check,then check again.
Yes,I stitched them on opposite sides......

I attached my pocket pretty well in the middle of the seam.
Low enough to be comfortable not too low as to poke out the bottom of the shorts.
Pin the front and back pieces together drawing in the stitching lines can be helpful.

Sew the seam.
Before neatening,clip into seam allowance where the pocket joins the shorts but not through it.
This will give ease and allow the seam to spread out during neatening.

By clipping before neatening it give the seam extra stability and can help prevent fraying.

Press the pocket bag towards the bag.

A neat tidy pocket and a sneaky splash of colour.

I forgot to allow for the tab so I had to shorten it-no biggie!

I decided to stitch the tab in place rather the just hold it with the button,just to save some ironing time.

Super snappy for school.
And if you need any further inspiration.....

Rainbow Finches.
Back soon!
xx N

For those less fortunate

My Twins love Op-Shops.

Whilst trawling through one recently the lovely lady behind the counter mentioned that they could never get enough sheets or blankets.
That sowed the seed.

Then Jed went to a household clearing sale and purchased me this treasure for a paltry $5.

At first I thought-FABRIC.
But I then wondered if this was the perfect time to downsize my over flowing linen press.
The result?

The linen I actually use!

The bundle I have sent off to St Vinnies.
What have you got in your cupboards that you really don't need?
Give it to someone that does.

                              Thank you