Jiffy Sewing Simplcity 9473

I knocked up a wearable muslin, which I am wearing quite a lot.

A vintage SuperJiffy Simplicity 9473 that I had picked up in an OpShop in Victoria.

I like Jiffy patterns, they are generally really cleverly cut as they use few pieces to make the garment.

The fabric was some seriously shifty, polyester, ribbed stuff from Eliza's Fabric $2 bin.
It was horrid to sew, bouncy and stretchy and I carefully cut it and pinned it, matching stripes but they refused to line up.

I bound the arm edges and neck, it seemed a bit bulky but wears okay.
I also made a waist tie but it looked rather like gift wrapping porridge (on me) so I gave it the flick.

It would be a cold day in Hell before I wore this out (way too clingy and I get serious static electricity zaps if I slide into a vehicle) BUT I worked out I need to lift the waist and definitely keep it this length (I did shorten it due to lack of fabric, by 30cm).

I will definitely source some nice black and white stripe and make a 'good' version with a few changes as mentioned above.

That said, I am wearing this most evenings, after a shower and have tossed it on after swimming too.

Thank you for reading xx N

Lekala #4562 Top

One of the patterns I keep in my cutting trolley is the Lekala #4562

I made two of these blouses, last year.

A denim version

And a rayon one

This version is made from some linen/cotton mix I picked up, on sale, at Horsham Spotlight $6/m.
I purchased 4 metres and cut a shirt for Hugo, some woven Hudson pants for me and this!
#ninjacutting.

To keep things simple, I omitted the cuffs and used some leftover rayon bias from Liddy's cold shoulder dress (to be blogged) to finish them.
The silky finish is very comfortable.

I scooped out the neck, by a few cms and used the same bias there

I didn't get a good photo of it but I omitted the side split too.
It made sewing the tiny double hem a bit fiddly but looks nice.

I am wearing it a lot!
It is like a t-shirt but dressier. It is very cool to wear as it falls away from my body and I am thrilled not to need a bust dart.

From the Witchery.com website

from the Witchery.com website

I rather like the look of the formal, silk satin t-shirt and I very tempted to try that look with this pattern.

Another nice, hard working piece for my capsule.
#sewingforme

Thanks for reading... xx N

Ogden Cami by True Bias

Me again, and, well, me again.

More sewing for me.

I used to use the hashtag #selfishsewing then a dear friend of mine, Rebecca, commented that that particular hash tag really annoyed her.
Why 'selfish' to sew for yourself? 
Seriously?
As parents and care givers (which a lot of us are) we are already pretty bloody unselfish and if we don't have dependants, why are we selfish to think of ourselves?

I used to use the term ironically but out of respect to my friend, no more. #sewingforme.

I needed a couple of Summer tops and I have long been admiring the Ogden cami.

I am very impressed with this pattern.
It has a longer facing, almost a half lining which stabilises the garment nicely.
All the top seams are under stitched which prevent rolling.
The shoe string straps are set in beautifully, under the facing.
It feels like a 'proper' sew not a quick whizz up sort of job and the result is very professional.

I sewed the size 10, as per my bust but I think I could have gone up a size. It feels a bit firm but not uncomfortably so... can you FBA a cami?
The Japanese lawn fabric was left over from my Boyfriend shirt. Two garments from 2.5m #ninjacutting.

My second version is white rayon left over from Liddy's Lekala dress (yet to be blogged).
This one is much drap-ier and a little more formal looking.

The low back is elegant but still covers my bra (normal bra not a feeding one)

I did question paying $13 for a camisole pattern but I am very, very happy with my purchase.
It is well cut, it is an enjoyable sew and a professional sew.
I think I will size up to the 12 and that will fix the bust pulling.

The girls like it too, Zara had request several, including grey velvet and copper coloured satin.
I think it is a pattern that will live in my cutting trolley as a #ninjapattern as it fits nicely on obscure remnants.

Thank you for reading
xx N

Vintage Simplicity 8576 for Beatrix

I have met some very, very special friends over the internet.
Some I have been thrilled to meet in person.

My girls have had some beautiful things made for them.
One is a gorgeous knitted vest.

So I wanted to sew Trixie another 'statement piece' to go with.

Originally I was planning a blouse but I had enough length of the linen remnant from Spotlight, to make a dress, so I did!

I left out the extra underlining in the puffed sleeve for a more relaxed look but I added a wee neck ruffle for something different.

Isn't it sweet?

Like last time, the attention to fitting with the tiny wee darts at the neck, waist and elbows blows my mind.

It is a pretty cute dress.

And looks gorgeous with Sarvi's vest.

It scrunches deliciously, as linen does.

Bacchus Marsh Macca's

Posh fabric, posh pattern but still totally appropriate for fun!

Thanks for reading!
xx N

Burda 6769 Skirt

I finally got around to sewing (and blogging) my Burda 6769 skirt 

after the successful wearable muslin.

A very cute, modern skirt which is easy to wear.

I used the last of my precious coated denim and top stitched it with black jeans thread.

A cherry red zipper is a touch of whimsy, I know its there and it makes me smile.

The original pattern didn't have back pockets so I used the Ginger jeans ones, lifting them to try a make my droopy backside look less so.

I really like the length and the pegged hem gives me some shape.
By tucking the front off my top in it creates am optical illusion and gives me more of a waist.

That is the joy of muslin fitting.
A slim fit but perfectly comfortable, plenty of tummy ease...

but no saggy excess fabric at the back.

~My Verdict~
Very happy with my skirt. I have a stretch blue denim version cut and then that will do.
The pattern does not have seam allowances so do remember that, especially if you buy the German PDF and don't speak German.

Another nifty piece that works well in my capsule.

Thanks for reading.

xx N

(Another) Style Arc Lauren Boyfriend Shirt

I made myself another shirt

Another Style Arc Lauren Boyfriend shirt.

This boyfriend style shirt is a wearable example of the new trend in shirts. Sleeve interest is such an important part of the current trends and this shirt has a longer than usual cuff with the buttoning at the front. Roll the sleeves up to give an easy, casual look, great over jeans or a pair of slouchy pants. The men's style shirt tails makes this a perfect over shirt.

I used some pretty Japanese lawn from Spotlight

And this time I added side vents.

I think the softer fabric works better in this pattern.

worn with Vado custom fit jeans

This shirt is deliciously cool to wear.

It fits very nicely into my capsule wardrobe.

~My Verdict~

Very pleased.

My bust measurement put me in the size 10 and I didn't worry about a FBA. I took the chance that would be enough ease and Elsa was happy to take it if it was too small.

I do like Style Arc, it is only my second Style Arc sew but I am a convert.

Not instruction heavy but that is okay with me. The paper pattern are only one size but if you purchase a PDF version it comes with three.

My only real grumble is the ink runs if you press the pattern. I am a pretty pedantic presser and this caused some issues.

I didn't set in my sleeves after sewing the side seams, no need, they go in nicely flat.

I did interface the cuff as I like to roll it and it stays nice and smooth with that added body.

I am now tossing up between a white or pale blue linen version...

Any thoughts?

Blue would get a second wear before laundering...

Thanks for reading.

xx N