tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2956982995577548462024-03-14T07:11:06.931+00:00Stitch on the LineRosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-71609893351864387392018-02-10T15:15:00.001+00:002018-02-11T08:28:32.534+00:00Making a Draw String Gift Bag<div style="text-align: justify;">
At this time of year after I've put away the Christmas decorations I like to have a good tidy up and my husband feels the urge to decorate. I often find projects that I planned ages ago but haven't completed. This happened the other day when I came across a chess set that I had put away planning to make a bag to store it in. So I dug out some oddments of cotton from my bits bag and made this draw string bag.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEatw4hT1BQ/WneI3_40mxI/AAAAAAAAByk/DTpQTvG7IGAjA8yEVQBYSWu2kpWcA2knACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171105_142235363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DEatw4hT1BQ/WneI3_40mxI/AAAAAAAAByk/DTpQTvG7IGAjA8yEVQBYSWu2kpWcA2knACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171105_142235363.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The dimensions of my bag are 17cm x17cm. I cut 2 pieces from the lining which were 19cm square and set these aside. Then I cut 2 rectangles from the blue fabric 19cm x 32cm to allow for the gathers and the neck of the bag. I stitched each blue piece to one patterned piece, pressed the seams open and placed these right sides together.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XW8I_zUsnA/WneLxBrkbAI/AAAAAAAAByw/QWvcjkAYYSIzORgH9Xu-KrFDM9j6cIyNwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171105_125152725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8XW8I_zUsnA/WneLxBrkbAI/AAAAAAAAByw/QWvcjkAYYSIzORgH9Xu-KrFDM9j6cIyNwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171105_125152725.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I stitched around the edges taking a 1cm seam allowance, leaving a gap of about 4cm along the bottom of the lining to turn the bag out to the right side. Some of you might recognise the lining material from my <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/eureka-i-found-it-perfect-sleeveless.html">sleeveless shell top</a> that I wore on holiday in Paris.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-XjbRbc84A/WneMK48Ai-I/AAAAAAAABy8/wmGS2LLFR_kI0zT75DeyDyUzDXTnC917wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171105_130249748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B-XjbRbc84A/WneMK48Ai-I/AAAAAAAABy8/wmGS2LLFR_kI0zT75DeyDyUzDXTnC917wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171105_130249748.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Next, I trimmed the corners, pressed the seams open and turned the whole bag right sides out through the gap I had left in lower seam.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMphPa2c58o/WneM8RLF2AI/AAAAAAAABzM/XOU9ZiMrBwoVxHIMm3c03B8_S5CFHpQvQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171105_130719252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IMphPa2c58o/WneM8RLF2AI/AAAAAAAABzM/XOU9ZiMrBwoVxHIMm3c03B8_S5CFHpQvQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171105_130719252.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As you can just see in this picture, I closed up the hole in the lining with a short section of top stitching. I didn't re-thread my machine with white thread to close the hole because this stitching will be in the bottom of the bag and I reasoned that as it wouldn't be seen the blue cotton didn't matter and it wasn't worth the fiddle. </div>
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I pushed the lining down inside the bag taking care to push the corners into place securely. Then I pressed my bag again. As you can see I had a double layer of blue fabric at the top to form the neck of the bag. I used a white tacking stitch to mark the join between the blue fabric and the lining because I planned to stitch a double row of stitching around the bag to form a casing for the draw strings and needed to stitch this from the outside.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGVEX-ovdKk/WneOcq9ebrI/AAAAAAAABzc/jkfoUt6JRvEun_C7sjfj2zxc7A3poHYGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171105_131618397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FGVEX-ovdKk/WneOcq9ebrI/AAAAAAAABzc/jkfoUt6JRvEun_C7sjfj2zxc7A3poHYGgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171105_131618397.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I turned the bag right side out I could see the row of tacking stitches marking the line for my first row of machine stitching. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udVwsX0Fwjg/WneQoMMRRZI/AAAAAAAABzo/L4EVZm4e-XU3Pq18mAaLXHkz2jVfMMZ1wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171105_131642775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-udVwsX0Fwjg/WneQoMMRRZI/AAAAAAAABzo/L4EVZm4e-XU3Pq18mAaLXHkz2jVfMMZ1wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171105_131642775.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I have a sleeve arm on my sewing machine which is very useful for stitching around circular seams such as sleeves, cuffs and trouser hems and it was ideal for stitching the top of this bag. I ran two rows of straight stitches around the top of the bag just less than 1cm apart using the presser foot as my guide. Then I unpicked the side seam between these rows of stitches and threaded through two lengths of string, knotting these at each side of the bag. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpSHuyFaZQc/WneQytzP2fI/AAAAAAAABzs/jtg_ou7LVWIQj7GghwvCC3nOdz6UwKJmQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171105_142011891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mpSHuyFaZQc/WneQytzP2fI/AAAAAAAABzs/jtg_ou7LVWIQj7GghwvCC3nOdz6UwKJmQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171105_142011891.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last of all I threaded two wooden beads onto the draw strings. I have seen lots of draw string bags that only have one cord around the top but I think it is definitely worth while using two draw strings. The bag will close much more securely and doesn't slip open on its own if you used two strings. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZoGZmJEbig/Wn8MMcJXcUI/AAAAAAAAB1I/qM7lGtZ--qk1tTSdDK3MJC5jeFCfa0YsACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180210_151035199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZoGZmJEbig/Wn8MMcJXcUI/AAAAAAAAB1I/qM7lGtZ--qk1tTSdDK3MJC5jeFCfa0YsACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180210_151035199.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-58731761131306570502018-02-05T10:39:00.002+00:002018-02-05T10:39:25.864+00:00My Second Version of the Silk Woven Tee <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRyN-OLlwzs/WneHXWTzNII/AAAAAAAAByU/S98Zg879WBAWR6LTC4SwVRliY5WrO09lACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180128_145604061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VRyN-OLlwzs/WneHXWTzNII/AAAAAAAAByU/S98Zg879WBAWR6LTC4SwVRliY5WrO09lACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20180128_145604061.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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This top is my second version of the Silk Woven Tee from the Great British Swing Bee book, Fashion with Fabric. I bought this fabric thinking it was a woven lace but when I came to cut it out I realised that it was actually knitted and had a slight stretch. This was really good news because I knew from making it before <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/two-piece-dress-experiment-with-fabric.html">here</a> that if I made this top in a slightly stretchy fabric I wouldn't need to put in the side zip. </div>
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When I saw this fabric it was love at first sight... I knew as soon as I saw it that I wanted to make a simple, short-sleeved top.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auVBYUoVyO8/WngwzKPHNlI/AAAAAAAAB0A/xvpica-oEfITCxQJm6BilGWVxX9v2k0kwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180204_212939607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auVBYUoVyO8/WngwzKPHNlI/AAAAAAAAB0A/xvpica-oEfITCxQJm6BilGWVxX9v2k0kwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180204_212939607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The top layer of the fabric is cream, knitted lace with a design of flowers and dots. The wrong side is a knitted mesh. These two layers are loosely bound together and easily pulled apart during construction.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHLI-sRT6Kc/Wngw9ziVaDI/AAAAAAAAB0E/PEJFAR-uMFgIIiwpBp71Go5CsAqzgZxkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180204_213052924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHLI-sRT6Kc/Wngw9ziVaDI/AAAAAAAAB0E/PEJFAR-uMFgIIiwpBp71Go5CsAqzgZxkgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180204_213052924.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Cutting out was easy. There was no need to match this all over floral pattern and the fabric didn't fray too badly when it was cut. I stitched all of the seams with a small zigzag stitch to allow some stretch in the seams and to prevent them from popping later. I used the 0.5 width setting on my machine for this.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbHWmvLnCh8/WngxKhJGWNI/AAAAAAAAB0U/KXUPdSMpYiIaxasjvFUeIu6SbulXyRo3wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20180204_214157957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbHWmvLnCh8/WngxKhJGWNI/AAAAAAAAB0U/KXUPdSMpYiIaxasjvFUeIu6SbulXyRo3wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20180204_214157957.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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The pattern advised me to press the seams open and neaten the seam allowances separately. This didn't work at all well for my soft, slightly stretchy fabric. The seem allowances were too soft to lie flat. When I tried to neaten the edges they stretched and the layers of fabric came apart. Instead I put the seam allowances together and neatened them with my overlock stitch. Then I pressed the seam allowances towards the back of the garment throughout. The overlocked seams gave my T-shirt some much needed structure.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2Magan3rOA/Wngxxca3AqI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/UcU0yP7MsnoZhG8hyCK4KnhXHfGN9mZ0QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180204_214306167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b2Magan3rOA/Wngxxca3AqI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/UcU0yP7MsnoZhG8hyCK4KnhXHfGN9mZ0QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180204_214306167.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I used a light weight iron-on interfacing to give the neck facing more body, which I also neatened with the overlock stitch. I under-stitched the facing close to the seam to keep it in place. I think this has been especially necessary for this fabric which doesn't hold a press at all well. <br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5M9s2REH0Q/Wngxb4z-MVI/AAAAAAAAB0M/h5YruG0KpJcW91Gg70x0PKqCAkeI6UpTQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180205_101605002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I5M9s2REH0Q/Wngxb4z-MVI/AAAAAAAAB0M/h5YruG0KpJcW91Gg70x0PKqCAkeI6UpTQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180205_101605002.jpg" title="Machine stitched sleeve hem" width="300" /></a></div>
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Last of all I took up a 2cm hem on the sleeves and a 3cm hem around the bottom which I stitched by machine for quickness. It really was a lovely quick project.<br />
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I took these photos in a sunny spot at home and I have to say that I am very pleased with the way this top turned out, so I have included a review of the pattern below<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3-lhzrGqgA/WngyOL0kpbI/AAAAAAAAB0k/nZQAgACM8xIUOvaX4mdWCrzcNSyihE_TgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180205_101257218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T3-lhzrGqgA/WngyOL0kpbI/AAAAAAAAB0k/nZQAgACM8xIUOvaX4mdWCrzcNSyihE_TgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180205_101257218.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>Pattern Review:</b></div>
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<i>Pattern description</i></div>
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A simple T-Shirt with a classic set in sleeve and neckline finished with a facing.</div>
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<i>Pattern Sizing</i></div>
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Women's size 8 - 20. I made size 12.</div>
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<i>Did it look like the photograph in the book once I had made it?</i></div>
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Yes it did.</div>
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<i>Were the instructions easy to follow?</i></div>
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The Fashion to Fabric book has really good instructions for each pattern and also includes all the basic sewing techniques in the first half of the book. There are lots of diagrams and all of the sewing terms are explained. This would be a very good place for an absolute beginner to start.</div>
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<i>Fabric used</i></div>
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This pattern is especially designed for woven fabrics, but I have made it twice now in a stretch material. My first in scuba and this version in a double knitted lace. </div>
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<i>Any alterations I made to the pattern.</i></div>
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I omitted the zip from both versions of this T-shirt that I have made in stretch fabric. It pulls on over my head without any difficulty at all. </div>
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For this version I opted to neaten the seam allowances together with the overlock stitch from my sewing machine. I do not own an overlocker. The pattern advised you to press the seam open but instructions are included for zigzagging a closed seam on page 29 of the book in the instructions for neatening raw edges. </div>
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Would I make this again and recommend it?</div>
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Yes I would make it again. I have already made two. This is a quick, easy make. Any challenge to your sewing skills will come from your fabric choice and not from the pattern, which is very easy. Inserting a side zip is not easy so if I do make another T-shirt in a woven fabric it will take me longer and be a bit more of a challenge. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3F4QM9dVS9g/WneINWIC-XI/AAAAAAAAByY/GIjLkEH3StwL9NMywCl7ijsJDliy-JHQQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180128_145609896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3F4QM9dVS9g/WneINWIC-XI/AAAAAAAAByY/GIjLkEH3StwL9NMywCl7ijsJDliy-JHQQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180128_145609896.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>Conclusion</i></div>
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I think this is an ideal wardrobe basic and a good project for anyone who is just starting to sew their own clothes.</div>
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<br />Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-77810835542135084652018-01-31T22:35:00.001+00:002018-01-31T22:35:46.420+00:00A Simple Little Pencil Case<div style="text-align: justify;">
This Christmas I had a set of Sharpies as a gift. They didn't come in a case or a box like so many pens do so I ended up putting them in a freezer bag, but I needed a pencil case to keep them in.</div>
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I hate to spend time re-inventing the wheel if I don't need to and I had a pattern for a simple, lined pencil case in my <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cath-Kidston-Sewing-Book/dp/1849493820">Cath Kidston Sewing Boo</a>k. I used the pattern exactly as it is in the book without making any changes and I am very pleased with the result, but it would be very easy to change the dimensions if I wanted a larger or smaller pencil case.</div>
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This project used up small pieces from my stash, which was very satisfying. I originally made a bag from this sturdy fabric as a present for a friend <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/05/a-bevvy-of-bags-and-book-cover.html">here</a> and had a small amount left over. I am so glad that I saved it. You never know when some small pieces of fabric will come in useful.</div>
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For the pencil case I needed 2 rectangles from my medium weight blue fabric, two rectangles from the pink cotton lining fabric the same size and one 25 cm long zip. The first step was to turn under a seam allowance and top stitch the main pieces to the zip tape. I tacked these panels in place first to hold them level and to stop the fabric slipping as I stitched. I used a zip foot to make sure that the stitching was close to the edge.</div>
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The with the zip open I pinned the main fabric panels right sides together and stitched down one side, across the bottom and up the other side.<br />
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I trimmed the bottom corners. pressed the seams open and turned the pencil case right sides out.<br />
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Next I turned down 1 cm at the top of the lining pieces and stitched the two pieces together. Again I trimmed the bottom corners and pressed the seam allowances open.<br />
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With wrong sides together I slipped the lining inside the pencil case and carefully slip-stitched the top of the lining to the zip tape just above the line of machine stitching. I used thread that closely matched the zip tape and small stitches so that these stitches are invisible from the outside.</div>
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Here is my lovely pencil case, just the right size to hold all of my sharpies and so much nicer than the freezer bag I was using before!<br />
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For the finishing touch I tied a short piece of cord to the zip pull and threaded on some painted, wooden beads. This was a great addition, suggested by Cath Kidston, which makes it so much easier to open the zip.</div>
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<br />Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-33132342301135587612018-01-29T00:32:00.000+00:002018-01-29T00:32:52.717+00:00The first of my MAKENINE - The Drapey Knit Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWCSM_29zc8/Wm5TVF-FQII/AAAAAAAABug/xCAL0NDmmYwuhMbFygw2quGfCFLnJnK_wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180128_143743939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWCSM_29zc8/Wm5TVF-FQII/AAAAAAAABug/xCAL0NDmmYwuhMbFygw2quGfCFLnJnK_wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180128_143743939.jpg" title="Drapey Knit Dress in Blue Jersey" width="300" /></a></div>
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I know that I am not at the forefront of the sewing world and that this dress pattern came out in 2015, but I am pleased to say that I have completed my first MAKENINE project before the end of January. So here is my version of the Great British Sewing Bee Drapey Knit Dress, and I have to say that it has turned out better than I expected. I have worried about this make from the beginning but when I wore it to church today, it was comfortable and it made me feel good.</div>
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This is a very unconventional pattern, which is what attracted me in the first place. It is based on Japanese cutting styles. I have always been fascinated by Japanese patterns but have never tried something like this before. I bought this piece of medium weight jersey intending to make this dress but the problem with pattern books is that they are so heavy that I didn't take the book with me when I was shopping and as usual I hadn't made any notes but was shopping from memory. The instructions say "stable double knit jersey". My knit fabric was quite stretchy... I think something like a scuba would have worked better and made a smarter dress. Having said this I really like my dress now that it is finished.</div>
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I made this dress using my conventional sewing machine, I haven't got an overlocker but my machine has an overcast stitch which I use all the time for sewing stretch fabrics. I began by following the instructions in the pattern and sewed 1.5 cm seams with a narrow zigzag. First I attached the pockets and I was fascinated to see how the two front pieces attached and folded into place to make the asymmetric pleat at the neck. But, it was at this point that my stretchy fabric began to cause problems. Everything seemed so stretchy and my dress front didn't have enough structure. I pressed the seams open but the fabric was too springy and it wouldn't hold the press. I was about the throw everything in the bin but at this point I had nothing to loose so ignoring the pattern I finished the seams the way I usually do with jersey. I neatened both seam allowances together with the overcasting stitch and suddenly my dress began to take shape. </div>
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I hope that you can see in this photograph that all of the seams have been stitched first with a narrow zig-zag and then neatened with the overlocking stitch. I am afraid that it isn't very clear because the cotton I used was a very good match and doesn't show up very well. These reinforced seams gave the dress the structure it needed and luckily I hadn't throw it all in the bin.</div>
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I like the neck detail very much. You need to read the instructions closely to make sure you cut out the left and right fronts the right way round. They are not the same. The fabric and pattern pieces both need to lie right sides up otherwise the pleat will fold over the other way. </div>
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The pattern calls for a knit or bias interfacing which is ironed on to the neck facing. Instead, I decided to use a light weight conventional interfacing. This has given the neck facing a bit more body and so the dress hangs better from the neck. I ironed on the interfacing and neatened it around the edge with the overlock stitch to avoid a bulky hem. I know from experience that if I wear this dress a lot the interfacing will eventually begin to tear, but by then the dress will be showing some wear and tear in lots of other ways too. </div>
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I graduated the seam allowance around the neck and used my pinking shears to clip the wider seam. The neck lies nice and flat despite the layers of bulky jersey in the folded sections. I was very careful to under-stitch the facings to the seam allowance just 3mm from the seam.</div>
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I don't usually make dresses with pockets. I know that some people wouldn't make anything without, but I don't like the lumps and bumps. This dress relies on the pockets to emphasise the line of the hips and I like this feature too. The pockets gape just enough to see that they are there.</div>
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The back of the dress is cut in one piece with kimono sleeves and here I think that my soft, draping fabric works well.<br />
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Last of all I finished the hems with a stretch twin needle. I really enjoyed wearing this dress today and the sun came out this morning so that we could take these photos outside before more black clouds came over.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">and here come those black clouds!!</td></tr>
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I am looking forward to wearing my new dress to work during the cold weather. I think I will probably make this pattern again in a double knit jersey of scuba and may try some more Japanese style patterns in future. Have you made any that you really liked? I would be very interested to hear your recommendations.Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-25528319715457411822018-01-21T17:32:00.004+00:002018-01-29T00:38:25.199+00:00#2018MAKENINE<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know this is an Instagram initiative and I wasn't planning on making any new year resolutions this year but I have been enjoying looking at everyone else's plans so much. While I was having a January turn out I went to my stash cupboard and I had so many beautiful fabrics (and some rather boring ones) which I had bought with projects in mind. I began to feel inspired and so I turned to my box of patterns and before I knew where I was I had started to make plans. So.... I thought I would jump on the bandwagon and write this post. It seemed a good idea to come up with a plan and even if I don't get everything done it will be good to have a sense of direction at the start of this year. Knowing me I will soon be going off at a tangent so don't say I didn't warn you!!</div>
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1. The Drapey Knit Dress, Great British Sewing Bee, Fashion with Fabric<br />
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I believe that this pattern is available as a free download <a href="https://www.lovesewingmag.co.uk/product/gbsb-drapey-dress-updated/">here</a> from Love Sewing Magazine, but I have the book "Fashion with Fabric", which I bought when it was on special offer at WH Smiths and I have always wanted to have a go at this project. I have read quite a few bloggers saying that this dress is just not their style, but I have to say that it is mine. Or at least it is a style that I aspire to. I love the pictures of this dress in the book. It is unusual and edgy and looks so comfortable. I don't really like the stripy version, although it does look good on other people, but I love the blue one and think it would be a useful addition to my wardrobe. I was convinced when I saw the version made by <a href="https://www.sewdifferent.co.uk/the-drapey-knit-dress-free-sewing-pattern-from-the-great-british-sewing-bee/"> Laura at Sew Different</a>. I bought some medium weight, blue jersey a while ago. It isn't my favourite fabric but I thought I could use it to have a go at this dress and I have to admit that I have already made a start. If I like the fit I may make another one in a nicer fabric, perhaps a scuba like the one Laura made.<br />
On the other hand I may make it and find that it looks terrible on me. I should know soon.</div>
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2. Silk Woven Tee, Great British Sewing Bee, Fashion with Fabric<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B10stGC1O_A/WmTEsYbyQ7I/AAAAAAAABs0/m7A3VbThmPcfFaK9cmXcoSJol-KV9CQDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_114115300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B10stGC1O_A/WmTEsYbyQ7I/AAAAAAAABs0/m7A3VbThmPcfFaK9cmXcoSJol-KV9CQDwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_114115300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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After my success making a Scuba Tee from the "Fashion with Fabric" book <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2018/01/two-piece-dress-experiment-with-fabric.html">here</a> I planned to try another one, this time with a woven fabric, so I may need to put the zip in the side seam. I bought this lovely lace brocade with the t-shirt in mind. I thought it was cream and black but on closer inspection the backing lace seems to be a very dark navy. Ever impatient; this one is already cut out and ready to sew.</div>
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3. Gold, Semi-Fitted Skirt, Butterick B466<br />
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I have seen several nice outfits in gold and navy recently and bought this lovely, textured fabric planing to make a simple skirt. I will make a matching lining because I think it may be a bit rough on the inside and might snag my tights and I really dislike separate slips, although I recognise how useful they can be. The fabric is a loose weave and frays very easily so I also plan to bind all the raw edges. I haven't used this pattern before but it is simple so I can put my efforts into achieving a really neat finish.</div>
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4. Navy Striped Sweatshirt<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ut9CNSdiCHY/WmTFhGiG7jI/AAAAAAAABtE/Ng2osA_sYBwAV55PIn1vqhoxzQZnXFtwQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_120543688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ut9CNSdiCHY/WmTFhGiG7jI/AAAAAAAABtE/Ng2osA_sYBwAV55PIn1vqhoxzQZnXFtwQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_120543688.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought this navy striped jersey planning to make a sweat shirt. This will be the first time I have made a sweat shirt so I don't have a tried and tested pattern. I wondered whether Simplicity pattern K8260 would be suitable. My alternative plan is to make the oversized T-Shirt from Maker's Atelier in the long sleeved version.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dl8e_WiL5ZU/WmTFrUtbhXI/AAAAAAAABtI/Qzhhg57WA3kPhRFq1I4slNDXRU_4L8jyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_120824613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dl8e_WiL5ZU/WmTFrUtbhXI/AAAAAAAABtI/Qzhhg57WA3kPhRFq1I4slNDXRU_4L8jyACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180121_120824613.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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5. A Coatigan, Butterick B6258</div>
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I first came across the term coatigan reading the blog <a href="http://groovybabyandmama.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/butterick-b6370-coatigan-and-sack.html">Groovybaby....and mama</a>. What a wonderful combination, a cross between a coat and a cardigan. I reasoned that if this was a practical garment for the Danish weather it would also be useful here in the UK. I have been planning to make one for some time, although I may need to buy some fabric for this project despite my extensive stash. This pattern came free with Dressmaker magazine Nov-Dec 2016. I have made the <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/flowery-pink-dress.html">dress</a> and <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/reindeer-top_15.html">top</a> and they are a good fit for me. There is a lovely version in mustard in the magazine. I really want to avoid making too much in black. I am finding that black isn't so flattering as you get older because it can drain all of the colour from your face.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xaMS0YRuR8/WmTGCqiQUzI/AAAAAAAABtU/sUbwF3vPWF0i-4IaZCMow6bH6mVeZGpdQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_132522189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3xaMS0YRuR8/WmTGCqiQUzI/AAAAAAAABtU/sUbwF3vPWF0i-4IaZCMow6bH6mVeZGpdQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180121_132522189.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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If this project is successful I would like to make a pattern hack with a waterfall front. </div>
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6. Cross Body Bag</div>
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I am desperately in need of a new bag. I made this one, use it every day and it is now wearing out and looking very scruffy.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKyWhFZJF8U/WmTNWzFmS8I/AAAAAAAABuI/UAAyAByT5hUp91MsCUWcvhXt4CDzask0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_172229475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sKyWhFZJF8U/WmTNWzFmS8I/AAAAAAAABuI/UAAyAByT5hUp91MsCUWcvhXt4CDzask0gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180121_172229475.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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There are lots of free patterns on the internet. This one came from Sewing World, June 2014. Susan Dunlop who designed the bag has a website, <a href="https://susieddesigns.wordpress.com/">SusieDDesign</a>s where there are lots of inspiring ideas. I just hope the old bag holds out until I get a new one finished.</div>
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6. Possible culottes, Butterick B4807<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6ShgUEV5Vc/WmTGnLOT-RI/AAAAAAAABtg/HDWrVeRMN9kkpryCn5l_PqaSzg4Ev5KwgCLcBGAs/s1600/culottes%2Bpattern.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="435" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i6ShgUEV5Vc/WmTGnLOT-RI/AAAAAAAABtg/HDWrVeRMN9kkpryCn5l_PqaSzg4Ev5KwgCLcBGAs/s320/culottes%2Bpattern.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
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This pattern was a charity shop find. It goes up to size 12 and I am usually a size 14. I don't think it will be too difficult to make the pattern slightly larger and I plan to add these culottes to my spring wardrobe. This pattern is described as <i>Fast and Easy</i>. An unfortunate use of words, which in the UK can mean a woman of dubious morals, but I know what they mean and won't let that put me off!! It needs a stretch jersey fabric and I am a bit concerned that there are no fastenings at the waist or elastic to hold the culottes up. It will be a bit of an experiment, I think, and I will let you know how I get on.</div>
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7. A shirt for my sister, New Look 6598<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13r3PjitlPc/WmTG5I6hrFI/AAAAAAAABtk/_IFweLFnkaIW5Rw91T60_yxVSZ9dgUQJACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_125356363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-13r3PjitlPc/WmTG5I6hrFI/AAAAAAAABtk/_IFweLFnkaIW5Rw91T60_yxVSZ9dgUQJACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_125356363.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I bought this fabric promising to make a shirt for my sister who lives in Alice Springs in Australia. It is a cotton fabric suitable for the hot weather in central Australia and will remind her of the English hedgerows because of the assorted Umbellifera or Cow Parsley in the design. I have had the fabric since the summer and haven't even cut it out yet. She has always said she isn't good at sewing but is now putting me to shame making all sorts of things including the lovely bag she sent me at Christmas, so I need to get on and make this. She chose this pattern herself when she last came to visit and has already made two so I know it fits and she likes it. Hopefully this project can be finished in time for her birthday in March.</div>
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8. Camisole Top Hack, Great British Sewing Bee, Fashion with Fabric again.</div>
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By the time I have made all of these things the weather might be getting warmer. I cut out a summer dress in this very fine, draping, viscose material last year and it wasn't at all suitable so I never finished it. Rather than waste this beautiful fabric I thought I would try a camisole top for the summer<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bC8vd5yruDs/WmTHKp1u1uI/AAAAAAAABto/FnskeqP411oKQIFart-2Vf6oATYMVVQDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_124149863.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bC8vd5yruDs/WmTHKp1u1uI/AAAAAAAABto/FnskeqP411oKQIFart-2Vf6oATYMVVQDwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_124149863.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. Summer Wrap Skirt, McCall's M5430<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt68_-ibtAg/WmTH3oqxMlI/AAAAAAAABt0/kOdOaPu5MfMfYgxG7EwlcI1TsjaVnCyagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180121_124637760.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dt68_-ibtAg/WmTH3oqxMlI/AAAAAAAABt0/kOdOaPu5MfMfYgxG7EwlcI1TsjaVnCyagCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180121_124637760.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Thinking about warmer weather again I have this beautiful embroidered sari. I would like to turn this into a wrap skirt to wear on holiday. The embroidery is backed by paper and it won't be washable so I thought a skirt would have a longer lifetime. There is so much fabric in a sari that I will have enough to make a self lining for my skirt, which would otherwise be sheer.</div>
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I hope that you enjoy browsing through my plans for 2018. It remains to be seen how far I get before my plans go astray, but I feel excited to be making a start and the discipline has made me realise how much fabric I have tucked away that I really should use. My first year of blogging has just passed and I am looking forward to the next 12 months hoping that I can continue to make contact with others who share my interests and keep learning new skills as I go along.<br />
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Thank you for visiting<br />
RosemaryRosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-61444336618695812952018-01-10T22:08:00.005+00:002018-01-29T11:01:20.229+00:00A New Outfit for my Friend, Mr Joseph.<div style="text-align: justify;">
Every year I like to give my children something hand made for Christmas. I have made lots of different things over the years and this year is seemed to me that Mr Joseph needed a new outfit. First of all let me introduce you to Mr Joseph.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3tCetfT0VE/WlaOGoTLraI/AAAAAAAABsM/YeQblcif34o_dVJbkgu6NSeMCgrpf6q4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180110_175942255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A3tCetfT0VE/WlaOGoTLraI/AAAAAAAABsM/YeQblcif34o_dVJbkgu6NSeMCgrpf6q4gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180110_175942255.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Mr Joseph is my son's teddy bear. He has been wearing an old pair of summer pyjamas for quite a while and they didn't fit him at all. I thought that it would be nice for him to have some new clothes for Christmas but I didn't have time to sew anything too complicated. I had had a turn out recently and sorted out a pile of outgrown, boys' clothes to take to the charity shop or to pass on to friends. Among these were several shirts age 7-8 and when I tried one of these on Mr Joseph I found that the neck was quite a good fit. This set me thinking and I wondered whether I could cut one of these shirts down to his size. This nice, red, check shirt had been a favourite so I chose this one as the base for Mr Joseph's new outfit. I was in a hurry to get this ready for Christmas and unfortunately I didn't take any photos as I went along but I have taken these comparison pictures so that you can see how the red shirt was altered compared to another one of the same size.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4mKVmDb5ks/WlU-kVgHqXI/AAAAAAAABqs/M19fpDr0yzkmb-can3PXmr7E31srW-1VQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180109_083021514.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P4mKVmDb5ks/WlU-kVgHqXI/AAAAAAAABqs/M19fpDr0yzkmb-can3PXmr7E31srW-1VQCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180109_083021514.jpg" title="The original shirt size 7-8 with the teddy version" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpmIax8bsW8/WlVBfVz2QSI/AAAAAAAABrI/MYFNu0-PuHQz8KxfyF9QsKbfoeWeDQMiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180109_221951576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpmIax8bsW8/WlVBfVz2QSI/AAAAAAAABrI/MYFNu0-PuHQz8KxfyF9QsKbfoeWeDQMiACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180109_221951576.jpg" title="Wrong side view - ready to attach sleeves" width="400" /></a></div>
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First I cut off both sleeves and put these aside. Then I put the shirt on Mr Joseph, buttoned it up and pinned the position of the armholes and side seams cutting off the excess fabric while making sure that the shirt would still be symmetrical. The original shirt had a patch pocket on the front but it was much too large so I just unpicked and discarded it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnwXjRDzarI/WlU_I2LiVwI/AAAAAAAABq0/2NUco9qSbMUVevY8Nijx-CsiL5m1O3XDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180109_083052404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QnwXjRDzarI/WlU_I2LiVwI/AAAAAAAABq0/2NUco9qSbMUVevY8Nijx-CsiL5m1O3XDwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180109_083052404.jpg" title="sleeves were shortened keeping the cuffs intact" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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The sleeves were too long for a teddy but the cuffs were a good size so I decided to use the lower portion of the original sleeves keeping the cuffs intact. I measured the length of Mr Joseph's arms and cut off the extra length straight across the top.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrHWQ482eVY/WlVBG6q1bVI/AAAAAAAABrE/nUEG1jSo7rEUSHcBJrGujEPOHFdbm8Y6QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180109_222047587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrHWQ482eVY/WlVBG6q1bVI/AAAAAAAABrE/nUEG1jSo7rEUSHcBJrGujEPOHFdbm8Y6QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180109_222047587.jpg" title="The armhole seam" width="300" /></a></div>
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Then I measured the circumference of top of the sleeve and stitched new side seams leaving an opening just big enough to fit the top of the sleeve. I sewed the sleeve in and neatened all of the seam allowances with a zigzag stitch</div>
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Mr Joseph is short and round. I cut his shirt shorter at the front and dipped the hem at the back so that it would come down over his rather large bottom. I was able to keep the first three buttons and buttonholes from the original shirt.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mW6LtJq6GPI/WlVB539A0CI/AAAAAAAABrQ/CnZC6s-owkM9DNTNtBrhxzNqSe1L315sgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180109_083212791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mW6LtJq6GPI/WlVB539A0CI/AAAAAAAABrQ/CnZC6s-owkM9DNTNtBrhxzNqSe1L315sgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180109_083212791.jpg" title="Teddy shirt - front view" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am so pleased that I have been able to use the original collar, cuffs and button holes. This saved me so much work and my teddy bear shirt has a really professional finish.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWanTRcwJH0/WlVCQtJt8OI/AAAAAAAABrU/E-EhhsC1q-QnmwrTOxBu6wAjlIZKMB24gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180109_083248065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWanTRcwJH0/WlVCQtJt8OI/AAAAAAAABrU/E-EhhsC1q-QnmwrTOxBu6wAjlIZKMB24gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180109_083248065.jpg" title="Teddy shirt - back view with shoulder yoke" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had lots of ideas for making trousers that would accommodate Mr Joseph's shapely behind, but in the end the simplest solution was the best. I had a new pair of navy blue, jersey leggings that were too tight. I shortened the body, turning over a casing at the top for elastic, and trimmed the legs off to the right length finishing the hems top and bottom with a twin needle - just right for a soft, comfy pair of teddy trousers.<br />
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Then I threaded elastic through the casing at the waist and ankles and I made a pair of teddy tracksuit bottoms.<br />
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Underneath Mr Joseph is wearing a pair of minion underpants that my son grew out of some time ago but were not very worn. I took a bit of fabric out of the gusset to improve the fit but otherwise these were just the right size. Obviously they have been through the wash!!<br />
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My son was so surprised to find a present for Mr Joseph under our Christmas tree on Christmas morning and was very pleased to dress his favourite teddy in these smart clothes.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Joseph wearing his new outfit</td></tr>
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This has been a really good way to use a much loved shirt that will have happy memories attached to it in the future. I think this might be a nice thing to do with an old school uniform or special sports clothing to make a souvenir of a special event. Let me know if you have had any good ideas for up-cycling things to preserve happy memories. I have been wondering about making a patchwork quilt from striped shirts like one I saw on a craft stall recently</div>
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Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-58125745655779559882018-01-05T22:44:00.002+00:002018-01-05T22:44:13.289+00:00Two piece dress - an experiment with fabric<div style="text-align: justify;">
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I have to confess, that I have a terrible weakness for buying remnants of material on impulse if they catch my eye. That is exactly what happened towards the end of 2017 when I spotted some beautiful fabric on my favourite stall in Leicester Market. The fabric is a medium weight, floral print scuba which started me off on a journey to create something that would really take advantage of this beautiful print. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXppCsrzvx4/Wk7WX8jQArI/AAAAAAAABpM/B3vn1A3fsMUsrPM7rLCjyNCZsnBFIcEgwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180105_003204342.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aXppCsrzvx4/Wk7WX8jQArI/AAAAAAAABpM/B3vn1A3fsMUsrPM7rLCjyNCZsnBFIcEgwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180105_003204342.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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There were large areas of navy blue around each floral motif so I knew that I would need to place the floral design very carefully on whatever I decided to make. I was inspired by Ted Baker's online shop where there are lots of beautiful floral dresses that are way beyond my price range. This dress especially caught my eye because of the asymmetrical placement of the flowers. I wanted to make something similar using my lovely fabric.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08pOLlfn8Hg/Wk7JJhNC9UI/AAAAAAAABo0/FLegwl1eeGsmXKfCqUj21vo7Mih4mtJcACLcBGAs/s1600/uk%25252FWomens%25252FClothing%25252FDresses%25252FBISSLEE-Chatsworth-bodycon-dress-Grey%25252FWH8W_BISSLEE_GREY_4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="764" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-08pOLlfn8Hg/Wk7JJhNC9UI/AAAAAAAABo0/FLegwl1eeGsmXKfCqUj21vo7Mih4mtJcACLcBGAs/s400/uk%25252FWomens%25252FClothing%25252FDresses%25252FBISSLEE-Chatsworth-bodycon-dress-Grey%25252FWH8W_BISSLEE_GREY_4.jpg.jpg" title="Chatsworth bodycon dress - Ted Baker, London" width="320" /></a></div>
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Obviously this model is a lot taller and slimmer than me so I carried on searching for a style that I thought would suit me. I found a 1960s Butterick pattern on Etsy for a 2 piece evening dress that I liked.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two-Piece Evening Dress</td></tr>
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I was sure that I could create the look I was searching for using patterns that I already owned. I began by making a pencil skirt with my tried and tested pattern from The Maker's Atelier. It is the third time I have made a skirt with this pattern since I received the book as a present in the summer and each one I have made seems better than the last. I cut out the pattern pieces individually so that the floral motif would fall in the same place on the back and the front of the skirt. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three little pencil skirt all in a row!</td></tr>
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Next I looked for a simple t-shirt pattern with short sleeves for the top portion of my dress. I decided to try the pattern for the Silk Woven Tee in the Great British Sewing Bee book, Fashion with Fabric. I hadn't made this pattern before and I was sewing with scuba not with a woven fabric but this t-shirt had the boxy style I was looking for and seemed straightforward to make. The pattern calls for a side zip but since I was making my t-shirt from fabric with a slight stretch I omitted the zip and I am pleased to say that it pulls on easily over my head.</div>
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Yet again I was very careful with the positioning of the floral design and I cut the fabric out as a single layer so that I could see where the pattern would fall on the finished garment. I am very pleased with the placing of the flowers on the t-shirt. I love the way that the flowers tumble over my right shoulder and continue down the right sleeve whereas the left sleeve is quite plain.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-goQlOyAjyMs/Wk7S5cMmPPI/AAAAAAAABo8/IR3BH-D2fCkd8xDzXYWme7IVMdLdvuVJQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171106_112941396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-goQlOyAjyMs/Wk7S5cMmPPI/AAAAAAAABo8/IR3BH-D2fCkd8xDzXYWme7IVMdLdvuVJQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171106_112941396.jpg" title="GBSB Silk Woven Tee" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1-U_E-ijxg/Wk7TBv-mRxI/AAAAAAAABpA/suSW0oiI64E87u_nUaGsGupKq8mx9F90ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171106_113015161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L1-U_E-ijxg/Wk7TBv-mRxI/AAAAAAAABpA/suSW0oiI64E87u_nUaGsGupKq8mx9F90ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171106_113015161.jpg" title="Scuba t-shirt, back view" width="360" /></a></div>
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On the back I wrapped the floral design across the shoulders and I think it looks very effective. </div>
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With hind sight I wish that I had made the top first and then made the skirt to match. I think I would have arranged the flowers higher up on the skirt, similar to the Ted Baker dress where they tumble down from the waistband. But, I made the skirt first because it was the easier pattern and I haven't got enough fabric left to make another one. I am still really pleased with the overall effect. </div>
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I have worn the skirt and top together as a two piece dress and it is smart and comfortable. As an added bonus I have also worn the skirt paired with a jumper on a cold day and the top looks great with jeans and boots. Three outfits from one project can't be bad.<br />
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Happy New Year and Happy sewing!<br />
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<br />Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-45342758070732692262017-12-30T22:00:00.003+00:002017-12-30T22:00:57.979+00:00How to Make Christmas Bunting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSMo3Mf3N0o/WkgLNxvn3PI/AAAAAAAABnw/0wxNyzExGLUrrkTrfV56Cn2IwrNj4GuoACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171230_215000895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSMo3Mf3N0o/WkgLNxvn3PI/AAAAAAAABnw/0wxNyzExGLUrrkTrfV56Cn2IwrNj4GuoACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171230_215000895.jpg" title="Christmas bunting" width="400" /></a></div>
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I always like to have some handmade decorations at Christmas and this year is no exception. I had bought a selection of Christmas craft fabric so I decided to make some bunting. I used four different fabics all with a red, white and green colour scheme, but quite varied. </div>
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I cut my triangles 7 inches wide at the top and 7 inches long. These dimensions allowed me to cut a 7 inch wide strip of fabric and then to cut alternate triangles so that nothing was wasted. </div>
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I stitched two triangles right sides together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. I have noticed that a lot of commercially produced bunting is only a single thickness or has the raw edges showing but I like to have a neat finish. I trimmed the seam allowance at the point to allow the triangles to turn out neatly and then pressed them before attaching then to the binding.</div>
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For this bunting I purchased a packet of red bias binding. Christmas is always a busy time so I decided not to spend time making my own bias tape. The length of the binding dictated the length of my bunting. My binding is 98 inches long which allowed room for 13 flags to be attached. </div>
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Once all of the flags were sewn, turned out and pressed I pinned them inside the folded bias tape at regular intervals. When the flags were pinned onto the tape I top-stitched with matching thread along the open edge of the bias binding removing the pins as I stitched. As you can see the stitching is almost invisible.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top-stitching along the binding</td></tr>
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For me, the most important thing was to balance the colours and since two of my fabrics were red I made 4 green and gold flags (A); 4 white, robin flags (B); 3 red, reindeer flags(C) and only two red, Christmas tree flags(D). I placed the flags in the following order - C,ABD,ABC,ABD,ABC</div>
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My cutting out technique worked really well for the random designs of the robins and the golden holly, when it didn't matter which way up the triangles were. However, The red, reindeer design and the Christmas trees were directional patterns. I hate to waste fabric but I cut the red triangles the right way up until I came to the last 2 reindeer flags. Then I found that I would need to cut a second 7 inch strip and I couldn't bring myself to do this, so I used two upside-down triangles for the backs of the flags at each end of my bunting. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The front and back of two reindeer flags. </td></tr>
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As a result I have to be careful which way round I hang it but I always intended to hang this strip of bunting against the wall where you can't see the wrong side. </div>
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I am really pleased with this string of Christmas bunting. I love the colour combination, which is very festive. I am sure that I will keep the bunting and get it out year after year when we decorate the house for Christmas. My decorations stay up until 12th night and then this bunting will be stored away in a box in the loft until next year. It won't take up much room and if it gets a bit creased in storage a quick iron should make it as good as new. What more could you ask of your Christmas decorations?</div>
Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-62363889806251267832017-12-29T00:52:00.004+00:002017-12-30T22:17:41.219+00:00Best Laid Schemes of Mice and Men<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have been away from sewing and from my blog for a few weeks now due to some health issues and work and family commitments. I can't believe that it has been 2 months since I last wrote a post and in that time I have done very little sewing in comparison to what I had planned. I was reminded of the quote from Robert Burns' poem that I have used for the title of this post. </div>
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<span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">"But, Mousie, thou art no thy-lane,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">In proving foresight may be vain;</span></div>
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The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men</div>
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Gang aft agley,</div>
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An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,</div>
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For promis'd joy!"</div>
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Robert Burns wrote these famous lines in his poem after he allegedly turned up a mouse's nest while ploughing a field. My plans have not ended quite so badly as the mouse in the poem but things certainly haven't gone smoothly.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy airport on a cloudy morning</td></tr>
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As I wrote in my last blog October was a very busy month. November began with a work trip to Aberdeen, which I was dreading because I don't like being away from my family overnight, but in the end I really enjoyed it. I flew from Birmingham to Aberdeen airport on a rainy, grey day, which was an experience for me. Flying high above the clouds, in the sunshine, was amazing. Because I was travelling on my own I met some fascinating people along the way. People talk to you when you are on your own in a way that they don't when you are travelling with your family. All the people I met were kind and helpful and shared their stories with me.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gateway to Dyce Airport, Aberdeen</td></tr>
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After the flight above the clouds, one of the highlights of my trip was to cross the station bridge at Montrose railway station and to suddenly see this amazing sunset over the lagoon.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset over the lagoon at Montrose </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">I had a good time on my trip despite my reservations but I was glad to be back home again.</span></div>
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Just one week after I came back from Scotland I started to have problems with my right eye. I was experiencing bleeds from my retina that looked just like skeins of black embroidery silk, which formed and dispersed within about 10 minutes. After a visit to eye casualty at the local hospital I learned that I was experiencing a "Posterior Vitreous Detachment". This happens when the jelly inside the eye becomes more liquid with age and looses its structure falling forward away from the retina. It seems this is a common occurrence as you get older affecting many people by the age of 75, but I had never heard of it happening to anyone, and I am nowhere near my 75th birthday! I had expected certain things to change as I got older, my hair has changed colour, my waist is not so thin but I never expected my eyes to start falling apart!! It was very scary to think that I might risk loosing my sight if my retina became damaged but it was also upsetting to be confronted with the fact that I must be getting old. Until this happened I had been dying my hair, rushing about and probably deluding myself that I was still young.</div>
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The doctor I saw at A&E told me not to do any bending or lifting for 2 weeks and as a result I put my sewing plans on hold. I often cut out on the floor and I bend forward when I am sewing by hand. I was frightened that this might bring back the symptoms I had experienced. In addition to this he advised me to sleep sitting up to encourage the floaters in my vision to settle and I found it very difficult to sleep like this. My eyes were just too tired to sew. </div>
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Just as my eye seemed to settle I caught a virus that was going round at work. I have had a terrible cough for weeks which I am just beginning to get over.</div>
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All this co-incided with Christmas, one of the busiest times in my year...</div>
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So now you know why I have been away from my computer and my sewing machine for so long, but I am now feeling much better. Christmas has been a great time with my family. Our tree is up...</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gC5mYK5id9Q/WkWPJsUmYVI/AAAAAAAABmY/5efkwIHAxXMLVNT7KAYXmotyZXF4YAkfwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171219_102642877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gC5mYK5id9Q/WkWPJsUmYVI/AAAAAAAABmY/5efkwIHAxXMLVNT7KAYXmotyZXF4YAkfwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171219_102642877.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The turkey has almost been eaten. (I am making soup with the bones as I write this post)</div>
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Everyone had lots of presents and we are looking forward to the New Year.</div>
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It even snowed in December, which is really unusual in the UK.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our garden in the snow</td></tr>
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So Happy New Year to you all and I look forward to sharing some more sewing adventures with you in 2018.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxpV6lDyy90/WkgQdWMkAPI/AAAAAAAABoY/vwDk-EnOsw8Z7H8aKtBR3ZnGbjMKJhGXACLcBGAs/s1600/Mouse-eating-cheese-clipart-clipartfox.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XxpV6lDyy90/WkgQdWMkAPI/AAAAAAAABoY/vwDk-EnOsw8Z7H8aKtBR3ZnGbjMKJhGXACLcBGAs/s320/Mouse-eating-cheese-clipart-clipartfox.jpeg" width="261" /></a></div>
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Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-46722468876582874332017-10-29T15:43:00.002+00:002017-10-29T15:43:42.205+00:00Pencil Skirt Pattern Hack - The Maker's Atelier <div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tK1rYtoCG3Q/WfXspXWPIiI/AAAAAAAABkI/_fGwI_ea7XQcYU5ui-9XS9LvsPccogpmwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171029_133157002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tK1rYtoCG3Q/WfXspXWPIiI/AAAAAAAABkI/_fGwI_ea7XQcYU5ui-9XS9LvsPccogpmwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171029_133157002.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I have now made three pencil skirts using Frances Tovin's pattern in the Maker's Atelier book. I have written about my first pink floral version <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/stretch-pencil-skirt-makers-atelier.html">here</a>, you can see the black sparkly version <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/the-drape-front-top-makers-atelier.html">here</a> and the blue one is yet to be blogged.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZKCzwTplNI/WfXq1POT16I/AAAAAAAABj8/19tfG-K2bPMEfFU5EgRAjvxJyucU-RtxwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171029_144413547_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DZKCzwTplNI/WfXq1POT16I/AAAAAAAABj8/19tfG-K2bPMEfFU5EgRAjvxJyucU-RtxwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171029_144413547_HDR.jpg" title="Three jersey pencil skirts" width="360" /></a></div>
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This is proving to be such an easy, versatile jersey skirt pattern that I can see I will be making more. It is a great stash buster but also provides a good pattern to make a quick shirt to compliment the other things in my wardrobe.</div>
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I needed a new black pencil skirt for work. I have been wearing the same RTW skirt for years. I shortened it some time ago to keep up with modern fashions and it is now a bit tight and getting rather worn. I had already bought a length of black suiting and some lining to make a replacement but I decided instead to try the pencil skirt pattern hack. This line drawing shows exactly how the skirt is put together.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqaQr77v_HQ/WfXtdOsdDSI/AAAAAAAABkU/ie5nzN2Y67sez15gPvxJImncLlbDy3RDwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171024_234534737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IqaQr77v_HQ/WfXtdOsdDSI/AAAAAAAABkU/ie5nzN2Y67sez15gPvxJImncLlbDy3RDwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171024_234534737.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I bought a length of textured, black jersey in a medium weight. I was drawn to this fabric by its interesting textured surface. This has been difficult to photograph on such a dark fabric but hopefully the picture below gives you some idea of the texture.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NW-I2yuFJ0Q/WfXuiEbJOqI/AAAAAAAABkk/EEzk9Y8b0uwF8-NLYoHqtGc1k0x12UxawCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171029_145410178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NW-I2yuFJ0Q/WfXuiEbJOqI/AAAAAAAABkk/EEzk9Y8b0uwF8-NLYoHqtGc1k0x12UxawCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171029_145410178.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The instructions for the pencil skirt hack were simple and easy to follow. Using the original pencil skirt pattern, Francis tells you to trim a 9cm strip off the side seam. I made another pattern in newspaper, moved the pattern over by 9cm all the way along and cut along the curved edge.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhHp8dqbCR0/WfXvL8OTfaI/AAAAAAAABkw/TJ50f1uNjoQCr_aE6PiGEKnfy1ZDm887QCLcBGAs/s1600/20170904_090707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EhHp8dqbCR0/WfXvL8OTfaI/AAAAAAAABkw/TJ50f1uNjoQCr_aE6PiGEKnfy1ZDm887QCLcBGAs/s400/20170904_090707.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The side panels are each made from a rectangle 20 x 75cm.<br />
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I cut out the pattern pieces quickly and in no time at all I had made up my new skirt. Yippee!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMkFxdV-13s/WfXwnrvg3TI/AAAAAAAABlA/n3T_-7z4UnUdW5GgXLIdJBR7HXlvqc4mwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171028_115709883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HMkFxdV-13s/WfXwnrvg3TI/AAAAAAAABlA/n3T_-7z4UnUdW5GgXLIdJBR7HXlvqc4mwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171028_115709883.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I like the added interest of the princess seams on this plain fabric and I am glad that I tried this variation rather than just making another plain pencil skirt. The elasticated waist band is very comfortable to wear. I have generally found that a zigzag stitch is the best stitch to finish the elastic casing around the waist and a twin needle is better for the hem. I tested out each stitch on a fabric scrap before stitching the finished garment. The stretch fabric makes this narrow skirt easy to walk in, but it still has a flattering silhouette. </div>
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This skirt is a very useful addition to my wardrobe. It goes with lots of tops that I have already made so here are two more that I have tried.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOOezJr_sVs/WfXxb2cFIZI/AAAAAAAABlI/lIEWqP73QVM5r4jECYZ2eMa5Xq8UyxBhwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171029_132657843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XOOezJr_sVs/WfXxb2cFIZI/AAAAAAAABlI/lIEWqP73QVM5r4jECYZ2eMa5Xq8UyxBhwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171029_132657843.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worn with my <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/flutter-sleeve-blouse-from-vintage.html">flutter sleeve blouse</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The back view paired with my <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/striped-t-shirt-another-butterick-6258.html">long sleeved striped T-shirt</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking very pleased with myself wearing yesterday's T-shirt with today's quick skirt</td></tr>
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This pattern is so easy. It hasn't challenged me to learn new skills and it can't really be described as an interesting make. The secret of its success for me is that I can run up a skirt so quickly to suit any occasion. This black skirt is an understated, wardrobe basic but if I choose a beautiful fabric I can also make something more dramatic for a special occasion.<br />
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Do you have a pattern that you love and have made over and over again. Please leave a comment below and share your recommendations.</div>
Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-70370780685935282112017-10-28T21:21:00.002+01:002017-10-28T21:21:46.002+01:00Striped T-shirt - Another Butterick 6258<div style="text-align: justify;">
October has been a very busy month for me, which has had an impact on my sewing and my blog, but after a break of several weeks here I am again, and its good to be back. At the beginning of the month both of my older sons went back to university for the new academic year. They are both studying on the same city and after a family day out involving two car loads of belongings, they are both settled in well. The house seems very quiet without them around and I have gone back to using my smaller pans to cook. There is also significantly less washing to do but this doesn't seem to have freed up much more sewing time. </div>
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On 12th October my parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with a small tea party for friends and family. They received a card from the queen to congratulate them for reaching this amazing milestone. </div>
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Almost immediately after the anniversary party it was half term here so we went away for a short break in Somerset with our youngest son. We stayed in a lovely cottage on a farm near to the small village of Bicknoller. The UK caught the tail end of storm Ophelia while we were away. We travelled down to Somerset with an eerie orange light in the sky and initially had very mild weather followed by some rain but despite the uncertain weather we have a really good break.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uldeQJAoeU/WfTjjQd5leI/AAAAAAAABjs/QGyE8jZJtCcprSwvp1-HKe6WJSANv1FfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171028_124920470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9uldeQJAoeU/WfTjjQd5leI/AAAAAAAABjs/QGyE8jZJtCcprSwvp1-HKe6WJSANv1FfQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171028_124920470.jpg" title="Striped, long sleeve T-Shirt" width="360" /></a></div>
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Now that things are back to normal I have resumed sewing and have lots of projects panned as usual. While I was out doing a pre-university shop I was tempted by some interesting striped fabric that I thought would make a nice long sleeved T-shirt. I liked the burgundy stripe and I didn't notice at the time that this was a border print. The coloured stripe is green on one side of the fabric graduating to burgundy. I had just enough of this fabric to use the green stripes around the bottom of the T-shirt front and back, but not enough to include green stripes on the sleeves.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OArA4vNtIKk/We-tn-nBbNI/AAAAAAAABhw/LXRwLLN8zEMPTVMN2-kYRhOlB8VspdoZACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171024_221038148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OArA4vNtIKk/We-tn-nBbNI/AAAAAAAABhw/LXRwLLN8zEMPTVMN2-kYRhOlB8VspdoZACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171024_221038148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I used Butterick 6528, which I have used twice before to make long sleeved T-shirts, <a href="http://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/reindeer-top_15.html">here</a> and <a href="http://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/aqua-long-sleeved-t-shirt.html">here</a>. It is a simple and reliable pattern which sews up quickly. The Reindeer T-Shirt hasn't been worn so much over the summer months but my Aqua T-Shirt is a good friend that I wear all the time.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--684Zj2jgLY/We-vB7Tv0fI/AAAAAAAABiE/NFoAQ02VOEQpz0I2OYbBDgICuTHpMskzgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171022_214926422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--684Zj2jgLY/We-vB7Tv0fI/AAAAAAAABiE/NFoAQ02VOEQpz0I2OYbBDgICuTHpMskzgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171022_214926422.jpg" title="Seam pinned to match the stripes" width="360" /></a></div>
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I used lots of pins to make sure that I matched the stripes when I was cutting out the front and back pieces on the fold and I cut the two sleeves separately to make sure that the stripes matched. I pinned through each of the narrowest white stripes to ensure a good match at the seams before stitching them and this worked well. I am especially pleased with the way the stripes match on the sleeve heads. This will never be exact because the top of the sleeve is larger than the armscye, but this is good enough for me. There is a very good tutorial on sewing with stripes on the Tilly and the Buttons website, <a href="http://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2014/04/cutting-and-sewing-with-stripes.html">here</a>, which I would highly recommend if you haven't tried this before.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZwoQIQYEDk/WfTgwGitLEI/AAAAAAAABjQ/ViUedectoCcN2U4EVMLuec7fy7volS9fACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171028_114607565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JZwoQIQYEDk/WfTgwGitLEI/AAAAAAAABjQ/ViUedectoCcN2U4EVMLuec7fy7volS9fACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171028_114607565.jpg" title="Stripe matching" width="400" /></a></div>
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All of the internal seams are stitched with the overlock stitch on my sewing machine. I used white cotton inside the shirt for a neat finish.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JiZyyVQQSug/We-w7DGF_FI/AAAAAAAABiQ/PNFErwIptkcs07G_Lx4rYBdzypv48-jKgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171024_222528471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JiZyyVQQSug/We-w7DGF_FI/AAAAAAAABiQ/PNFErwIptkcs07G_Lx4rYBdzypv48-jKgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171024_222528471.jpg" title="Overlock stitch" width="400" /></a></div>
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The shoulder seams have been stabilised with another piece of the seam tape that my grandmother gave me many years ago. She was a very talented seamstress and I always remember her when I incorporate something of hers into a garment.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIpTbAHDsMA/We-xOXnSQ8I/AAAAAAAABiU/nnxVnV6WrwoQTFNTyP3kCS5CXVZzt2LSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171024_222613512_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lIpTbAHDsMA/We-xOXnSQ8I/AAAAAAAABiU/nnxVnV6WrwoQTFNTyP3kCS5CXVZzt2LSwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171024_222613512_HDR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I top stitched all of the hems on this T-shirt with a twin needle. I used black cotton for the top stitch details. This is only really visible around the neck where the stitching crosses the stripes. The rest of the top stitching is hidden against black stripes around the sleeves and the shirt hem.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpqYPMTdG9Q/WfThSWGcs0I/AAAAAAAABjY/mu6Xgohzi_g-N-1UlSi3Rfj-bbdCfeDHgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171024_223549352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BpqYPMTdG9Q/WfThSWGcs0I/AAAAAAAABjY/mu6Xgohzi_g-N-1UlSi3Rfj-bbdCfeDHgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171024_223549352.jpg" title="Twin-needle top stitching" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am very pleased with this top and am sure that I will get lots of wear out of it. These photos unfortunately don't show the colour of the contrasting stripes very well.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWijhvOTPsI/WfTi19dB5pI/AAAAAAAABjk/560m_ezNZvgUQg0PR2gOgavOm_q50NzpwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171028_124904042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qWijhvOTPsI/WfTi19dB5pI/AAAAAAAABjk/560m_ezNZvgUQg0PR2gOgavOm_q50NzpwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171028_124904042.jpg" title="Long sleeved T-Shirt, Butterick 6258" width="360" /></a></div>
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The sleeves on this shirt have been shortened to a 3/4 length. This is my favourite length. I am always pushing me sleeves up in the kitchen and at work, so a slightly shorter sleeve suits me better.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yk3GU3dpyk/WfTgHe9HcpI/AAAAAAAABjM/6FerCio3Cxs-9bNNJoZYbnzuBo_LbfXuACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20171028_125045556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8yk3GU3dpyk/WfTgHe9HcpI/AAAAAAAABjM/6FerCio3Cxs-9bNNJoZYbnzuBo_LbfXuACEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_20171028_125045556.jpg" title="Relaxing in my new T-shirt" width="360" /></a></div>
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Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-64508712019813111822017-10-07T15:08:00.000+01:002017-10-07T15:08:00.215+01:00Hula Hooping for a trim waist<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCPeRnJek_U/WdjbZhh5m5I/AAAAAAAABg8/BUMAu2DKm_4xUjTo-ofLak-eRpS1zXDAgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171007_142818858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jCPeRnJek_U/WdjbZhh5m5I/AAAAAAAABg8/BUMAu2DKm_4xUjTo-ofLak-eRpS1zXDAgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171007_142818858.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I have mentioned before that as I am getting older I seem to be loosing my waist and becoming more rectangular in shape. I always need to adjust patterns now by adding extra to the waist before I cut them out and I suppose that I had resigned myself to this thinking it was inevitable that our bodies will change over time. I have read posts from other bloggers about taking up running or going to the gym but this wasn't for me. But, I have worried about the amount of time I spend at work all day sitting completely still in front of my computer. I try to go for a brisk walk at lunch time but I was looking for an exercise regime that I could do at home and wouldn't take up too much time. </div>
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Exercise came up in conversation with my friend Sharon. She told me that she had begun exercising in the lead up to her daughter's wedding so that she would look her best in her Mother-of-the-Bride dress and she recommended exercising with a weighted hula hoop. This seemed like a great idea. I had never been able to hula hoop at school but I reasoned that if Sharon could master the skill, with practice, so could I. </div>
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The very next Saturday I purchased my hoop. It is adult sized and weighted. When everyone was out of the house at school and work on Monday I put it together and had a go. I found lots of videos on You Tube to give me advice about my technique and by the time my family came home I was able to keep my hoop spinning round my waist, at least for a while.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx_f22FtdWY/Wdjb0aFCXrI/AAAAAAAABhA/gEilYXrJOIMq3FxUTpkRKgqqPpaGhmLXACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171007_142849563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx_f22FtdWY/Wdjb0aFCXrI/AAAAAAAABhA/gEilYXrJOIMq3FxUTpkRKgqqPpaGhmLXACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171007_142849563.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I set myself a realistic target of 5 minutes practice every morning and evening.</div>
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After the first day I had a large, painful bruise on one hip but I was enthusiastic to carry on and since that first day I haven't had any more bruises. I quickly started to feel my muscles beginning to respond to the regular exercise and I began to feel better, but I wasn't expecting instant results. I had read lots of claims on the internet about the benefits of hula hooping but I work on the premise that if something sounds too good to be true it probably is and these claims seemed to fall into that category. </div>
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Now, I am a home dressmaker and I measure myself fairly regularly. I know what my measurements are and they don't really change much. My measurements are 97-87-97. </div>
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On the Friday after I started to practice with my hoop I was sewing the Thai wrap trousers. I cut the waist to my usual measurements and attached the waist ties and then I tried them on. The trousers were rather loose at the waist and slipped down to rest on my hips. I thought I must have stretched the seam out as I was sewing so I took the trousers off and measured them, but they measured 87 cm. I tried them on again and tied them up as tight as they would go... They were still a bit loose... so I measured myself to check... 84 cm round my waist!!</div>
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My waist measurement had come down by 3 cm in 5 days!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y77qXU3HB2U/WdjcSqFcXqI/AAAAAAAABhE/ds_D1veQLbEIt55zDAnIO5pbx2cNQCrXwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171007_142857148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y77qXU3HB2U/WdjcSqFcXqI/AAAAAAAABhE/ds_D1veQLbEIt55zDAnIO5pbx2cNQCrXwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171007_142857148.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I kept on practising, 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes in the evening, and after 10 days my waist measured 81 cm - 6 cm thinner than I was before I started hula hooping. I can feel and see the difference. I haven't lost any weight, just begun to change shape, but then I am not on a diet. I have to admit that I am genuinely amazed and really pleased. I wore a dress the other day that has always been a bit tight around the waist and it fits better than it ever did before. I plan to carry on hula hooping. It takes me about 5 minutes to do 250 turns in both directions and sometimes the hoop drops several times but the more I practice the better I will get.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z4e5DpE-JVw/WdjfHJBIzwI/AAAAAAAABhY/4byyCNqx1ScO4dEBpzkcEXoXEQCluIaqwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171007_142856146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z4e5DpE-JVw/WdjfHJBIzwI/AAAAAAAABhY/4byyCNqx1ScO4dEBpzkcEXoXEQCluIaqwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171007_142856146.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Does anyone else have a favourite type of exercise that they would recommend for keeping fit and staying slim. Please let me know.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WCPxHTVQ24/WdjeM50dKdI/AAAAAAAABhU/Xg4z1M8dCr0UDh8a_jizz6XRQMKaPhInACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20171007_142904085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5WCPxHTVQ24/WdjeM50dKdI/AAAAAAAABhU/Xg4z1M8dCr0UDh8a_jizz6XRQMKaPhInACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20171007_142904085.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-69071535859171637732017-10-02T23:26:00.000+01:002017-10-02T23:26:10.798+01:00Thai Wrap trousers - A Pyjama Pattern Hack<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VBdU9z9aVI/WdK5cQDj9tI/AAAAAAAABgc/t0u8ws8psDUBIh1nJiRBru_dDcolffpMwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171002_230805462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2VBdU9z9aVI/WdK5cQDj9tI/AAAAAAAABgc/t0u8ws8psDUBIh1nJiRBru_dDcolffpMwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171002_230805462.jpg" title="Thai Wrap Trousers" width="360" /></a></div>
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A couple of weeks ago my friend Netta wore a beautiful long wrap skirt/trousers to church. We all admired her new outfit, which had been a present from her son, who had just come back from a holiday in Thailand. I had never seen wrap-around trousers like hers before and I was fascinated. Netta kindly let me have a look at the fabric and the construction so that I could try to make a pair for myself.</div>
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Once I got home a quick search on google for wrap trouser patterns showed me that what Netta's son had given her were Thai Wrap Pants, Sarong Pants or fisherman's trousers and there were lots of posts, blogs and vlogs showing you how to draft a pattern and make your own. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAae02wOHqY/WdKqEDK-SpI/AAAAAAAABfU/Jj5EaIM5cLsD28bQ0K2NG-boe4lb5hcwACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170923_104246082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BAae02wOHqY/WdKqEDK-SpI/AAAAAAAABfU/Jj5EaIM5cLsD28bQ0K2NG-boe4lb5hcwACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170923_104246082.jpg" title="Black Viscose with Roses" width="400" /></a></div>
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I bought 2 metres of this lovely, drapey, viscose fabric from Leicester market for just £1.50 a metre to experiment with. I had a vision of a pair of loose fitting wrap trousers which might not be suitable for the colder weather that is on the way but would be ideal for the Christmas party season and would come out again next summer.</div>
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All of the patterns and instructions I saw on line were drafted free-hand but I decided to base my design on my pyjama trouser pattern. The fabric wasn't expensive but I didn't want to make a mistake and have ill-fitting trousers. I wanted mine to look good enough to wear out in the evening, not just for the beach. So, now I confess that, when I made the pyjama trousers in my last post <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/09/my-cupboard-of-dreams-and-some-new.html">here</a> I was already planning ahead and testing a pattern ready to make this new project. My first pair of pyjama trousers, made from the lilac cotton, came up a bit too big and certainly too loose for evening trousers. I was much happier with the second pair so I based my wrap trousers on the smaller pyjama trousers.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuQfepdJegM/WdKq78UhtmI/AAAAAAAABfc/VDRuSYAuF8sd-n8t--5TGMXT9rr4nCk2QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_223057567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xuQfepdJegM/WdKq78UhtmI/AAAAAAAABfc/VDRuSYAuF8sd-n8t--5TGMXT9rr4nCk2QCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170920_223057567.jpg" title="Pyjama Trousers, Simplicity 2481" width="225" /></a></div>
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Following the instructions I had read on line, I cut the 2 metres of viscose into 2 pieces each measuring a metre long. First I trimmed a 5cm strip from the selvage edges of each piece giving me 4 x metre-long strips to use for the waist ties. I folded each large piece in half length-ways and laid one piece of the pyjama trouser pattern on each.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EitvJOszzbg/WdKrWnumD5I/AAAAAAAABfk/b4yUOmidlJIZQJVVVCsAXoUSlcIs1fepACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170923_104843809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EitvJOszzbg/WdKrWnumD5I/AAAAAAAABfk/b4yUOmidlJIZQJVVVCsAXoUSlcIs1fepACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170923_104843809.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trouser pattern pinned to the fabric near to the folded edge</td></tr>
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Then I only cut along the inside leg and centre front seams of the trousers keeping the excess fabric on the outside leg seam to make the wrap-over.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQd5_6y03OE/WdKrjm3QgII/AAAAAAAABfo/_siULpS_k7kER2dFwMSVtJ656nRV58-4wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170923_110305784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yQd5_6y03OE/WdKrjm3QgII/AAAAAAAABfo/_siULpS_k7kER2dFwMSVtJ656nRV58-4wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170923_110305784.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double layer of fabric cut along the inside leg and centre front only</td></tr>
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I sewed French seams on the inside leg seams just as I had when I made the pyjama trousers and neatened the crotch seam with the overlocking stitch from my sewing machine. This fabric frayed really badly so it was very important to neaten all of the seams.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBuyTZ4hzeo/WdKrNIVQRJI/AAAAAAAABfg/52zO_9c9qBwGcVK8CjCrCHLaPBE9C4JCQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170923_133519248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MBuyTZ4hzeo/WdKrNIVQRJI/AAAAAAAABfg/52zO_9c9qBwGcVK8CjCrCHLaPBE9C4JCQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20170923_133519248.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French seam and overlocked crotch seam. </td></tr>
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Then I measured the waist at the back and front of my trousers and cut these so that they were each long enough to go all the way around my waist with a 5cm allowance at each end for a nice wide side seam. I pressed the side hems and stitched them with a straight machine stitch. These wide hems lie flat and didn't stretch out at all when I stitched them. They give the wrap-over sections a firm edge that hangs down neatly when the trousers are worn. I think that a narrow hem could have been rather wavy.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgKSvBLBx5M/WdKwRcO0w7I/AAAAAAAABf0/kzMEOf2ZXTE9MfqXqoBbxVdd4zmZhdqvACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171002_222006942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hgKSvBLBx5M/WdKwRcO0w7I/AAAAAAAABf0/kzMEOf2ZXTE9MfqXqoBbxVdd4zmZhdqvACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20171002_222006942.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2cm wide side hems. </td></tr>
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I joined two of the narrow strips together to make each waist tie (If I make wrap trousers again I will cut the ties before I cut my fabric in half to avoid having to join them together again, but I didn't plan that far ahead this time). My fabric was very soft so I interfaced the central waistband section with a strip of medium weight. iron on interfacing half as wide as the band. I attached the waistbands right sides together to the top of the front and then the back of the trousers taking a 3cm seam allowance. Once the waist band section was attached I folded the ties in half length-ways, right sides together and stitched all the way to the ends to form two ties on each side of my trousers. Then I clipped the corners and turned the ties right sides out.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5tm8Ntl_pE/WdKwlGv1wEI/AAAAAAAABf4/KL8ETe9sxzU3gsxDFHddvpT5z62ZjZiyACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171002_222138259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5tm8Ntl_pE/WdKwlGv1wEI/AAAAAAAABf4/KL8ETe9sxzU3gsxDFHddvpT5z62ZjZiyACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171002_222138259.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside waist-band and ties</td></tr>
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I decided to hand stitch the inside edge of the waist band in place to make sure it looked neat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_uDq0sHP4s/WdKwzjyn44I/AAAAAAAABf8/GunjCROl2ygG8G91VmnPuu5dQsxxsCNWgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171002_222038274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R_uDq0sHP4s/WdKwzjyn44I/AAAAAAAABf8/GunjCROl2ygG8G91VmnPuu5dQsxxsCNWgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20171002_222038274.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Detail of the machine-stitched hem</td></tr>
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Then I tried on my trousers and took up the hem at the bottom to the right length.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmcqjQbN-lQ/WdK3n8wOigI/AAAAAAAABgM/TmoriQ3AepcUVVMvuWTgb2tLpTujC2CSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171002_225256675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FmcqjQbN-lQ/WdK3n8wOigI/AAAAAAAABgM/TmoriQ3AepcUVVMvuWTgb2tLpTujC2CSwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171002_225256675.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A before and after the diet photo!!</td></tr>
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I am so pleased with these wrap trousers. They are very similar in style to the pair that I admired and set out to copy. I have tried tying them with a front and rear overlap and I think that I prefer the overlap at the back giving a smooth, neat front panel, what do you think?<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_lmte8dPTs/WdK4AYcHw2I/AAAAAAAABgQ/qJ9-IhLpuTctRvhCTM7J4ACIvIMzkOqXwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171002_225614617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o_lmte8dPTs/WdK4AYcHw2I/AAAAAAAABgQ/qJ9-IhLpuTctRvhCTM7J4ACIvIMzkOqXwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171002_225614617.jpg" title="Thai wrap pants, open at the front" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQb608dpuE/WdK6d_IX-kI/AAAAAAAABgk/omuk5vNr2TQfI0EICEOuhRhOz6wwTMxuQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20171002_225744619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aGQb608dpuE/WdK6d_IX-kI/AAAAAAAABgk/omuk5vNr2TQfI0EICEOuhRhOz6wwTMxuQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20171002_225744619.jpg" title="Thai wrap pants, open at the back" width="360" /></a></div>
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I only had one problem during the construction, which really wasn't a sewing problem at all, and I will tell you about that in my next post...</div>
Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-16770213233067136062017-09-20T23:23:00.001+01:002017-09-20T23:53:00.896+01:00My Cupboard of Dreams and Some New Pyjama Trousers<div style="text-align: justify;">
Earlier this month I signed up for <a href="https://stuffjohasmade.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/sew-my-stash-september-whos-with-me/">Sew My Stash</a> with Jo from Stuff Jo Has Made. I think I have quite a sizeable stash compared to Jo... I am very easily tempted by a nice piece of fabric but I always have an idea about what I will make when I buy something. Here are just a few of the fabrics that I have in my stash.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efSVVC_8LVo/WcLjyP44BrI/AAAAAAAABeg/YpAVpwrpnNcYBlxX_oTKxR6ik6jYyPLvgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_225336453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-efSVVC_8LVo/WcLjyP44BrI/AAAAAAAABeg/YpAVpwrpnNcYBlxX_oTKxR6ik6jYyPLvgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170920_225336453.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I feel very lucky that my husband, Mr Stitch on the Line, has picked up some useful DIY skills over the years and has recently retired. Lots of jobs that needed doing in our house are being done and one of these jobs was putting up some shelves in the spare wardrobe to accommodate my fabric collection and the camping equipment.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHE6KvM0kbA/WcLRjfLej-I/AAAAAAAABdk/EBckpa8EmiAzl7NPxld5EnOXxsvYhl8-QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170917_173114600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pHE6KvM0kbA/WcLRjfLej-I/AAAAAAAABdk/EBckpa8EmiAzl7NPxld5EnOXxsvYhl8-QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170917_173114600.jpg" title="My fabric stash" width="360" /></a></div>
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In this cupboard I sort my fabric pieces into three categories. All of the fabric on the top shelf is woven, the fabric on the lower shelf is knitted. By folding and stacking the pieces I can easily see what I have so that I don't loose track of what I have bought. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDEpdJPJANM/WcLRy50FxyI/AAAAAAAABdo/gRjq7lKPlicYFgh0m9X3stRAUMP2_vpsQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170917_173126052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDEpdJPJANM/WcLRy50FxyI/AAAAAAAABdo/gRjq7lKPlicYFgh0m9X3stRAUMP2_vpsQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170917_173126052.jpg" title="Fabric stash surrounded by camping equipment" width="360" /></a></div>
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The third shelf contains the remnants of things I have made previously rolled into neat bundles, a box of knitting wool and a box of sheer fabrics that won't sit in a pile, but keep rolling off the shelf if I shack them.</div>
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I think of this cupboard as my "Cupboard of Dreams". Each piece of fabric has potential. Some are practical and some are just beautiful. Some are warm for winter and some are cool for summer. I have plans for everything but these plans are fluid and that is where the dreams come in. Dressmaking is a hobby that I do for pleasure so it needs to be fun - and it is.</div>
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Having shown you my stash I felt inspired to find some nice fabric to make new pyjama trousers. The old RTW pyjamas that I had last autumn were so well worn that they were ready to fall into shreds in the bed if I wore them again so I had a rummage through the woven section of my stash to find two vintage sheets that I bought a while ago with a view to making new pyjamas. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-voAkkHMBw/WcLWBxVVwKI/AAAAAAAABd0/Xgl77QvTHJg_z0ORZszIjaGPqGDH33NmwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_215513807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-voAkkHMBw/WcLWBxVVwKI/AAAAAAAABd0/Xgl77QvTHJg_z0ORZszIjaGPqGDH33NmwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170920_215513807.jpg" title="Vintage cotton sheeting" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also have a pattern for pyjamas in my collection so I didn't need to buy anything to complete this project. The pattern I chose was Simplicity 2481. The recommended fabrics include Gingham, laundered cotton and Chambray which seemed close enough to my soft sheeting.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbYCoBhaaaI/WcLW_PJ0eMI/AAAAAAAABd8/U_tMyRPJuCY8z3zT3Fsdo2VDTDeOmyrrACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170918_135845882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbYCoBhaaaI/WcLW_PJ0eMI/AAAAAAAABd8/U_tMyRPJuCY8z3zT3Fsdo2VDTDeOmyrrACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170918_135845882.jpg" title="Simplicity 2481, multi-size pyjamas" width="225" /></a></div>
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I was only looking for a pattern for the trousers to begin with. I like to wear a jersey pyjama top and already have some T-shirts that will fit the bill. Making 2 pairs of pyjama trousers for the autumn was a nice quick project. </div>
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I made the first pair using the lilac fabric and chose a medium size which seemed closest to my measurements. I stitched the inside and outside leg seams with french seams and overlocked the crotch seam to give a neat finish inside. I chose not to add the patch pocket to the trouser leg. I never understand the point of having a pocket in your pyjamas, especially when it is halfway down your leg where you can't reach it!</div>
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I sewed these trousers together quickly and now that they are finished I do think they are a bit big. I thought about making some adjustments but I had sewn French seams and couldn't face unpicking them. These are only pyjama trousers after all. I had to cut quite a lot off the top and bottom of the trousers, which I put down to me begin only 5ft 4 inches tall. This is a unisex pattern which you could be using to make trousers for someone much taller than me.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu9AfxqpzB4/WcLfAEkwDHI/AAAAAAAABeM/3pN2djcWNcsEzF7Qkb668o6CGreF3tBpACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_222936353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Yu9AfxqpzB4/WcLfAEkwDHI/AAAAAAAABeM/3pN2djcWNcsEzF7Qkb668o6CGreF3tBpACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170920_222936353.jpg" title="Pyjama Trousers, Simplicity 2481" width="225" /></a></div>
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Because these were rather loose fitting I made my second pair in the smaller size and I am much happier with the fit, but both pairs are comfortable and will get lots of wear. I love the vintage floral fabric, especially the aqua and green colour. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6ct_APJrhY/WcLgBg68AOI/AAAAAAAABeU/kchOWJhS2LQ93eBvYT5c6GrfbQcw949lACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_223151627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6ct_APJrhY/WcLgBg68AOI/AAAAAAAABeU/kchOWJhS2LQ93eBvYT5c6GrfbQcw949lACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170920_223151627.jpg" title="Pyjamas from vintage fabric" width="225" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lu51JSi-jAI/WcLlpxGp3LI/AAAAAAAABes/i_fybM5jmZMNRhZV9Ey-y_yKiz8pgAb9gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_223113060_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lu51JSi-jAI/WcLlpxGp3LI/AAAAAAAABes/i_fybM5jmZMNRhZV9Ey-y_yKiz8pgAb9gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170920_223113060_BURST000_COVER_TOP.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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I have added a little innovation of my own. I always find it difficult to tell which way round to wear home made pyjama trousers. They don't have a label in the back to help you like shop bought clothes. I have sewn a loop of ribbon into the back of my waistband which will serve two purposes. Firstly, it makes it very easy for me to find the back and secondly it will be also useful on holiday. I can hang my pyjama trousers up by this loop in the camp site showers and there will be no danger of them falling off the hook onto the wet floor.</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hOU7ELB-jU/WcLn_w7-G_I/AAAAAAAABe4/pIHko3yz16kufOJPzF_JcUpcDVWN71lgwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170920_231137148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5hOU7ELB-jU/WcLn_w7-G_I/AAAAAAAABe4/pIHko3yz16kufOJPzF_JcUpcDVWN71lgwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170920_231137148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Do you make any additions to the things that you make that you can share? I am learning so much since I started to read sewing blogs and it is great to be able to share in this way. </div>
Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-3168431914457795992017-09-16T17:58:00.002+01:002017-10-03T00:04:51.012+01:00The Book Bag - The Maker's Atelier<div style="text-align: justify;">
Autumn seems to have arrived here and I have had a great time wearing my new skirts and top to work this week. To complete my outfit I decided to try making the large Book Bag from <a href="https://themakersatelier.com/book/book">The Maker's Atelier book</a>. I had some leather-look jersey that I originally bought thinking I might make a skirt, but I also thought this might make a nice bag. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VRpIKfVXfU/Wb1MIlwC7PI/AAAAAAAABcU/22Zv4PkMVMcIqrTsaFvOHv78y6Z7SLD4gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_165716718_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1VRpIKfVXfU/Wb1MIlwC7PI/AAAAAAAABcU/22Zv4PkMVMcIqrTsaFvOHv78y6Z7SLD4gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_165716718_HDR.jpg" title="Maker's Atelier Book Bag" width="225" /></a></div>
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I chose the biggest size of bag because I often need to carry files as well as my umbrella, diary, pencil case and something for lunch. My jersey fabric was light and a bit stretchy so I decided to line my bag to prevent it from stretching when it was loaded with things. I used a piece of striped cotton to make the lining. I have signed up to <a href="https://stuffjohasmade.wordpress.com/2017/08/29/sew-my-stash-september-whos-with-me/#comments">Sew My Stash September </a>with Jo from <i>Stuff Jo has Made </i>so this fits in with the challenge to use the fabric I have in my stash.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7caeKEPkXj4/Wb1XfOZSLRI/AAAAAAAABdE/IL9F1OpWtBkNUMHmqTEXZXm2coR8vuA0wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_165746578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7caeKEPkXj4/Wb1XfOZSLRI/AAAAAAAABdE/IL9F1OpWtBkNUMHmqTEXZXm2coR8vuA0wCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_165746578.jpg" title="Faux leather bag with striped lining" width="225" /></a></div>
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The instructions for the bag were nice and detailed with plenty of diagrams. There were no pattern pieces but all of the measurements were there for two sizes of bag, both lined and unlined. I measured all of the pieces and cut them out before I began to sew. I did get a bit confused when it came to lining the bag because the instructions for the lining refer to the smaller bag and I was making the large one, but with a bit of common sense I sorted it out and I think the bag turned out well. My large Book Bag is a bit of an amalgamation of the large and small bags described in the book. I think this is probably in the spirit of the whole book. These are basic patterns which are intended as a starting point to design your own projects once you are familiar with them. </div>
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So. The dimensions of my book bag are 56 x 48cm. The handles are 54cm long. This is long enough for me to carry the bag on my shoulder, which I like to do.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--g3YpWH-c88/Wb1XmfkfhNI/AAAAAAAABdI/wtZNOTNOjn44HfYrSMUFh7aJt8iR1ZYCACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_165923959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--g3YpWH-c88/Wb1XmfkfhNI/AAAAAAAABdI/wtZNOTNOjn44HfYrSMUFh7aJt8iR1ZYCACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_165923959.jpg" title="Bag with box corners" width="225" /></a></div>
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The bottom corners of the bag are squared off as you can see in the photo above. I didn't trim off the corners but folded them under the base and stitched in the ditch to give the base of the bag extra body and strength. I think this has worked well since my fabric is quite soft. If I had used firmer fabric I would probably have trimmed the corners to reduce bulk. </div>
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After I attached the lining to the main bag I reinforced the top of the bad with grossgrain ribbon.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cXY9OMpiIMw/Wb1NUJXzMCI/AAAAAAAABcg/hwuWmsETNIUUnBN9pAS1Deu7KLkhyqHbgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_165812293.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cXY9OMpiIMw/Wb1NUJXzMCI/AAAAAAAABcg/hwuWmsETNIUUnBN9pAS1Deu7KLkhyqHbgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_165812293.jpg" title="Grossgrain ribbon reinforcement" width="400" /></a></div>
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The top of my bag is now nice and strong. The handles are securely attached and I have two rows of top stitching running around the top on the outside.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6r2kqRfbug/Wb1NxxKRfHI/AAAAAAAABck/K4yfZtswJ5EBYpMXqSBfLx33TVCwDobSACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_165732715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C6r2kqRfbug/Wb1NxxKRfHI/AAAAAAAABck/K4yfZtswJ5EBYpMXqSBfLx33TVCwDobSACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_165732715.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I had plenty of the striped lining fabric left when my bag was finished so I used this to make a smaller, unlined version of my Book Bag. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdhbF9IUUIg/Wb1ORMMawkI/AAAAAAAABcs/rz3FX7KtRoM8VK2Lofyr3QiS7Cbuf3DPACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_170017667.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdhbF9IUUIg/Wb1ORMMawkI/AAAAAAAABcs/rz3FX7KtRoM8VK2Lofyr3QiS7Cbuf3DPACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_170017667.jpg" title="Book bag with matching roll up shopping bag" width="225" /></a></div>
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This small bag rolls up and fastens with a strap so that I can carry it inside the larger bag. I will always have a bag with me now if I need to buy something and I like the fact that my bags match. I feel quite stylish and coordinated!</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3P3RfpV7b_g/Wb1Os-pLWkI/AAAAAAAABcw/Fascph-4QbwN1fRzdz0X_zrXlySWC1ExwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_20170909_170037384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3P3RfpV7b_g/Wb1Os-pLWkI/AAAAAAAABcw/Fascph-4QbwN1fRzdz0X_zrXlySWC1ExwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_20170909_170037384.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
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Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-20728453645266122232017-09-10T00:03:00.002+01:002017-09-21T00:09:55.227+01:00The Drape Front Top - The Maker's Atelier<div style="text-align: justify;">
After my success with the pencil skirt I was really keen to try the Drape Front Top. This is another simple pattern with 2 pieces. I had a beautiful piece of bronze coloured jersey with a lovely drape which I had had for some time with a view to making a short sleeved top and it seemed ideal for this project. This top went together quickly and easily and begin a very loose fit there were no fitting issues to consider. I made the size 3/4.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geKsQ6FWylY/WbP1DUK0tqI/AAAAAAAABZ4/8G2F12WR2PMRIP93w9XR7KP5j8ypy55DACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_104724385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-geKsQ6FWylY/WbP1DUK0tqI/AAAAAAAABZ4/8G2F12WR2PMRIP93w9XR7KP5j8ypy55DACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_104724385.jpg" title="Drape Front Top - Maker's Atelier" width="225" /></a></div>
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I tried the top on Flossie, my dress form, and I was pleased with the drape which showed off the shine on the fabric very nicely. I was also pleased with the back view which hung in vertical lines.</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G8U0wCgPUc8/WbP2XItof8I/AAAAAAAABaE/EfucbCjyZuIuXFapwlW8M23Ft_nbG9H2gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_104757010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G8U0wCgPUc8/WbP2XItof8I/AAAAAAAABaE/EfucbCjyZuIuXFapwlW8M23Ft_nbG9H2gCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_104757010.jpg" title="Drape Front Top - rear view" width="225" /></a></div>
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When I tried the top on and looked in the mirror I have to say that this is probably the most unflattering top that I have ever made. I was so disappointed. I put the top back on Flossie and it looked good on her. I hung it on a hanger and it looked even better. </div>
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So I put the top on and experimented with the drape neck to try to make it look nice, but without success. I put this top on so many times and I have done so much posing in front off the mirror but have had to admit defeat. It just looks awful. </div>
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I hate to be defeated... </div>
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I went back to the pattern photos and the instructions. Looking closely at the models in the Maker's Atelier book, their tops have more of a scooped neckline whereas mine is round and quite close around my neck where I think it emphasises my wrinkles. </div>
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The neck on my top is very narrow across the back. The pattern instructions say that you need 12 inches of bias binding. My finished neck is just 6 inches wide so I wondered whether I had pulled in the bias binding when I was stitching. I had taken great care not to stretch the neck out as the instructions advised, so I took the binding off and tried my top on again but the neck still seemed too narrow. I pulled on it but despite it being a stretch fabric I could only stretch it out by about another inch or so and this didn't make it look any better. </div>
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The other thing I didn't like was the way the drapes on the blouse hung either side of my bust in a very unflattering way. None of the examples in the book look like this. </div>
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On the other hand I love the fabric so I gave up the idea of a drape fronted top for the moment and went back to a tried and tested top that I have made in February <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/02/new-look-6217-top-with-short-kimono.html">here</a>. This is New Look 6217. </div>
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I kept some features from the drape front top that I really liked. I cut some more bias binding from a printed cotton that I have in my stash and used it to neaten the neck edge. This is hidden when I am wearing my top but I like having nice finishing touches on the inside. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLKldGFm6b8/WbRtNDu5pDI/AAAAAAAABaw/k7E1u5APjKcIopWP_kJa83SW00fxCbeagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_165044310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zLKldGFm6b8/WbRtNDu5pDI/AAAAAAAABaw/k7E1u5APjKcIopWP_kJa83SW00fxCbeagCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_165044310.jpg" title="handmade bias binding facing" width="400" /></a></div>
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The drape neck top was hemmed with a narrow zigzag which gave it a simple, decorative finish that I really liked. I hemmed the second top with the same narrow zigzag. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_ad9Rpa2dI/WbRtdTsE0tI/AAAAAAAABa0/x1Kli2vCkOsMVGPtazbB3FSM3qDnxBO4ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_165130678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_ad9Rpa2dI/WbRtdTsE0tI/AAAAAAAABa0/x1Kli2vCkOsMVGPtazbB3FSM3qDnxBO4ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_165130678.jpg" title="Decorative zigzag edging stitch" width="400" /></a></div>
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Like my first version of this blouse it pulls over my head without needing a fastening at the neck and the centre back seam isn't really needed, but I think these details add a bit of interest so I kept the button and loop fastening. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUBw32oSoc/WbRvqO5XgZI/AAAAAAAABbE/SHYoI9b85rAun30hcuZ0oLHaQDrHX7ySgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_165430448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AgUBw32oSoc/WbRvqO5XgZI/AAAAAAAABbE/SHYoI9b85rAun30hcuZ0oLHaQDrHX7ySgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20170909_165430448.jpg" title="Button and Loop fastening" width="400" /></a></div>
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I feel much more comfortable in my second version of the bronze top. It is figure skimming and much more flattering. </div>
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Once I had resolved the issues with the bronze top I was on a roll, so I made another stretch pencil skirt in a black jersey with gold flecks, which I think also goes well with my new top. I can see this skirt pattern being a real stash buster.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvZQ8JDeZl0/WbRxbuBssBI/AAAAAAAABbQ/q83stGAfmuAkOaIeI5Y5aXk4JF92zWWiACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_171629589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hvZQ8JDeZl0/WbRxbuBssBI/AAAAAAAABbQ/q83stGAfmuAkOaIeI5Y5aXk4JF92zWWiACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170909_171629589.jpg" title="New look 6217" width="360" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laj9t3UiwYU/WbRyL1T_-OI/AAAAAAAABbY/PivgWWNPp7wEhkh17BdGXAM1yPPqUI6MACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20170909_171409116_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-laj9t3UiwYU/WbRyL1T_-OI/AAAAAAAABbY/PivgWWNPp7wEhkh17BdGXAM1yPPqUI6MACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20170909_171409116_HDR.jpg" title="Stretch pencil skirt, Maker's Atelier" width="360" /></a></div>
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But... As I said above, I hate to be defeated by a pattern. I am very tempted to have another go at making a drape fronted top and this time cutting a wider neck. </div>
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<br />Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-18634942220094561932017-09-06T23:13:00.000+01:002017-09-06T23:13:55.098+01:00Stretch Pencil Skirt - The Maker's Atelier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_rR-Ae-B_4/Wa1OZlITRWI/AAAAAAAABZM/544o5Q8XXfAQOEwWPIAR-L_LuZUWHyZBQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170904_120701.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k_rR-Ae-B_4/Wa1OZlITRWI/AAAAAAAABZM/544o5Q8XXfAQOEwWPIAR-L_LuZUWHyZBQCLcBGAs/s400/20170904_120701.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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As soon as I got home from holiday I couldn't wait to get started and make something from my new book, The Maker's Atelier by Frances Tobin. I started at the beginning with the Stretch Pencil Skirt. I have to admit that I was a bit sceptical. This is a basic tube-skirt with 2 identical pieces, no darts and it has elastic at the waist. I have tried skirt patterns like this before and always ended up throwing them away. They have been bunchy round the waist and they looked rather like a sack! I was in for a very nice surprise!!!<br />
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I cut my new skirt out of 1 metre of scuba from my stash and started to sew. This skirt is nicely shaped over the hips and narrows towards the hem. Two side seams later and it began to take shape. I turned over the top with a zig zag stitch and used a twin needle to finish the hem, then I threaded some wide elastic around the top and I was finished. I have a lovely new skirt for work that is very comfortable to wear. The stretch in the fabric is just enough for me to walk easily. It is longer than my old pencil skirts and it makes me feel feminine and shapely.<br />
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Frances Tobin says that she has 25 versions of this skirt in her wardrobe and I can quite believe it. I have already started to plan others from my stash in a range of colours and patterns, but before I make another skirt I am going to try the Drape Front Top in a bronze coloured soft jersey. My aim is to work my way through the patterns in the book to try them and see if they will inject the sense of style I am looking for into my wardrobe. Of course I will be tempted to make other things along the way and I will mix and match with old favourites but I feel quite excited as I start this new project.<br />
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Here are some more photos of my skirt. No head I am afraid, its a bad hair day!!<br />
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I would really appreciate your feedback because in a household full of men it is difficult to get an objective opinion about anything that I make or wear. Some female contributions would be gratefully received.Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-55758885999988164852017-09-04T13:52:00.004+01:002017-09-06T18:05:45.552+01:00The Search for the Holy Grail or Sewing with Style - The Maker's Atelier<div style="text-align: justify;">
In mythology the Holy Grail is the cup used by Jesus at the last supper and there are lots of legends about knights in medieval times looking for this treasure, the latest being the film <i>Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade</i>. On Wikipedia the Holy Grail is also described as "a thing which is eagerly pursued or sought after". I am about to start on a search for my personal holy grail and it is something that has always seemed to allude me.</div>
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As Autumn approaches and the new school term begins I have been looking at my winter wardrobe and I want to make some changes. Since I started my blog in January I have sewn more regularly and I know my sewing technique has improved with practice. I have also made a lot more things from jersey fabric and learnt some new skills. But, when I look at my wardrobe and at my blog photos I feel as though something is missing and that thing is "Style". I have made some nice things which I am proud of and wear a lot, but I have a wardrobe full of individual items that don't really go together. My sewing has lacked direction. I have been tempted by the next lovely piece of fabric or interesting pattern without having a master plan.</div>
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Over the summer I decided to try to find a style that I could develop and make my own. I knew that I would need a lot of help since I have never been all that stylish. I always seem to have been too busy and other things got in the way. I had another birthday in July so I decided to put this to good use and asked for a copy of the new book, <i>The Maker's Atelier: The Essential Collection, Sewing with Style</i> by Frances Tobin, which was published in February. </div>
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The clue was in the title "Sewing with Style"and Amazon had this to say,</div>
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"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">A career in fashion, a love of fabrics, a lifetime making clothes, a keen sense of styles that work for women of all ages and shapes: this is the perfect cocktail of skills and passion that make Frances Tobin's patterns for The Maker's Atelier so successful."</span></div>
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I fall into the category - women of all ages and shapes, so I took the book on holiday and I have read it from cover to cover. It is a really good read. Frances explains how she developed each pattern and talks about her lifetime of sewing and designing. The book tells an interesting story as well as being full of sewing instructions and advice on fabric choices. </div>
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This is also a really beautiful book. It has a single colour pallet all the way through and the photographs are beautiful. The pale colours enable you to see the construction of the garments which are all accompanied with photographs suggesting how you can put the items together to make up your wardrobe.</div>
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Frances seems to have thought of everything. This book has a soft cover which closes with a magnetic strip on the back that holds everything together. The book folds out and the pages lie flat so that you can easily refer to the instructions as you work. </div>
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All of the patterns are printed on sturdy paper and are folded into the wallet on the right hand side. The patterns are printed double sided and you do have to trace them off but they don't overlap so this is not a difficult task. </div>
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The style is pared back and simple. I think this style looks achievable for me and will fit into my busy lifestyle. Frances Tobin developed these patterns for herself and there she is in her book looking very stylish. </div>
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I have found some reviews of the book including a video on the Fold Line, which have all been very positive, but I haven't been able to find many examples of bloggers making the patterns, perhaps because the book is still quite new. So I am about to start out on a new sewing adventure. I have already begun with a stretch pencil skirt, all good so far, and will post this as soon as I have the photos. My plan is to work my way through the patterns adding ideas of my own as I go along to create a wardrobe for work that will inject a bit more style into my life. I hope that along the way I might find my Holy Grail. I would welcome ideas and suggestions as I go along, so please feel free to leave any comments to help me on my way.</div>
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<br />Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-76787781943185755582017-08-28T10:59:00.001+01:002017-09-04T14:17:11.722+01:00Making a Roll-up Picnic Blanket from an old Quilt Cover<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you look back through my blog I am sure that you would soon realise that I like to reuse and recycle and never like to waste fabric. This holiday picnic rug was made from a child's single quilt cover with some extra fabric from my stash for the patchwork.</div>
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I was given a 101 Dalmatians quilt set. It didn't co-ordinate with my son's bedroom but it was so nice that I wanted to find a use for it. The top of the quilt cover had a large picture of the Disney Dalmatian characters while the underside was white and covered with puppy motifs.</div>
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To make my picnic blanket I kept the large design in-tact to use it for the back of the quilt. Then I cut out 15 large squares from three contrasting cotton fabrics. This quilt is not my own design. It was designed by Vick Guthrie and I found the pattern in Sewing World, June 2014. I am so glad that I keep these old magazines. I have searched on line to see if I can find the instructions but I think 2014 may just be too long ago. Please leave a comment for me if you can find them.</div>
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The pillowcase had a picture of two sleeping puppies which was so cute. I cut one square from the pillowcase to use in the bottom corner of the patchwork and I do like this feature.</div>
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Once the patchwork squares were joined I edged them with strips of dark blue fabric and then puppy fabric until the patchwork side was roughly the same size as the single quilt.</div>
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With right sides together, I joined the back and front of my quilt, clipped the corners and turned it right sides out. I came across a bit of a problem here because I had been tearing my cotton fabric along the straight grain rather than using scissors. The quilt cover hadn't been made on the straight grain originally and I didn't anticipate this. After bit of remedial work I did manage to salvage a big enough piece to back the whole quilt but it is a little bit twisted in places.</div>
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This would have been the time to add wadding to make the quilt thicker and softer and perhaps to have made a bed quilt but I wanted a beach mat so I did not add any wadding between the cotton layers. As a result it very easy to dry the picnic rug if it gets damp.</div>
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At the open end of the quilt I added a flap with ribbon ties and a handle so that the rug can be rolled up and carried easily. Then I closed up the seam with a single row of top stitching. Again I used the instructions from the pattern by Vick Guthrie.</div>
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I have quilted the two layers together in a square pattern which holds everything in place nicely. The whole quilt folds into 4 and rolls up neatly for carrying.</div>
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I was very pleased with this redesign of an unused quilt cover. It keeps the sand off of children's hands during picnics on the beach. If we need to sit on damp grass we put a tarpaulin down underneath. However, you can trust your family to bring you back down to earth and stop you from getting too big headed can't you? My sons refer to this picnic rug as "The Dog Blanket". It doesn't sound very attractive does it?</div>
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<br />Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-90078619327959845492017-08-26T08:56:00.002+01:002017-08-26T14:33:25.363+01:00Eureka, I found it - The Perfect Sleeveless Shell Top!<div style="text-align: justify;">
Well, I have been away from writing posts for a while on holiday but now the holidays are over and I have a quite a collection of things that I would like to put on my blog.</div>
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I made a sleeveless top in July and wanted to make two more to take away on holiday, so I was looking for the perfect pattern. The one I made <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/kwik-sew-6391-again-summer-top.html">here</a> was nice but I was annoyed every time I wore it by the neck and the armhole facings. I caught them down at the seams but they still kept poking out and gave the top an untidy feel. While I was searching though my pattern collection and reading other people's blogs I came across a post on Handmade Jane <a href="http://www.handmadejane.co.uk/2017/07/more-sleeveless-shell-tops.html">here</a>. She had also been looking for the perfect summer top and was recommending the Sleeveless Shell Top in GBSB book, Fashion with Fabric and.... I have this book!!</div>
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Jane's version covered with red roses was beautiful, inspiring, and what was more, she posted it on my birthday! It was obviously meant for me.</div>
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I decided to start with a wearable toile because my holiday was coming up and time was short as always. I had a small remnant of pink floral cotton in my stash with a flaw in the printing. I traced the pattern and after a bit of careful manoeuvring I managed to fit all of the pattern pieces on to the fabric. The facing had to be cut from the piece with the flaw in it but since it would be inside the blouse no-one will know unless they read this blog.</div>
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I made the blouse in a straight size 12 which is my usual RTW size. Like all GBSB patterns the instructions are very good with clear pictures and written instructions. Lots of basic sewing skills are included in the first part of the book in cased you have never sewed before or need a reminder. The pattern is rated beginner plus. All of the pieces came together easily and I would describe it as a really satisfying pattern to make. The way that the facing is sewn in is very clever. Leaving the centre back seam open, both sides turn out through the shoulders. There are no fiddly bits that need hand sewing and the finish around the neck and armholes is so neat. I chose a fine, iron on interfacing which added just a bit of body and I am very pleased with the all in one facing. It is exactly what I was looking for. I hope these pictures will show just how well the blouse is designed and how nicely all of the pieces fitted together.</div>
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Another feature of this blouse that I really like is the shaped centre back seam that adds a bit of extra shape at the waist. The top pulls on easily over my head without needing to undo the button but I like the button and loop detail so have decided to keep this in my second version.<br />
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I also really like the up/down hemline. Most of my short summer tops ride up in wrinkles at the front and soon look as though they need an iron. The raised front on this top comes up high enough that it does not wrinkle when I sit down. I wore my blouses for whole days of sight seeing in Paris and they were still fresh looking when I struggled, weary but happy, back to the camp site in the evening.</div>
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The pink flowered cotton was a small, bargain remnant that I didn't really like all that much when I bought it. It just seemed too good a bargain to leave behind. I am very pleased to say that now I have made this top I love the fabric. It has turned out so much better than I expected.</div>
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This blouse made its debut on a visit to Eurodisney on the first day of our holiday.</div>
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After making a successful toile that I will wear again and again I was ready to use the fabric I bought especially to make a new summer top. The moped design seemed very suitable for a holiday in France. The second shell top has turned out as well as the first and has had just as much wear while I have been away. I had 1.5 metres of this fabric so cutting out was easy this time. The fit seemed good without any alterations so I made the size 12 again.</div>
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I like the way that the mopeds line up across the blouse and then run in diagonal lines from corner to corner. It feels really summery. I was pleased to have matched up the lines across the back but with a curved seam it wasn't possible to match up the mopeds exactly and in the end I didn't have quite enough fabric to attempt this.</div>
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This top climbed the Eiffel tower the long way, up the stairs! The photo was taken on the way down when I wasn't so out of breath.</div>
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I would highly recommend this pattern and will definitely make more of these simple tops. I am tempted to try the pattern hack with buttons all the way down the back and have a piece of broidery englaise waiting but there are several other projects in the queue before I start that.</div>
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We had a really amazing holiday and now that I am home I am bursting with ideas for new projects. That is always the danger when I have some time away from home to relax! Does anyone else find that?</div>
Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-43712394294507434392017-08-16T20:42:00.002+01:002017-08-16T20:42:15.588+01:00Seaside Roller Blind and Philip the SeagullNow that the weather is warmer and the schools have broken up for the summer we are using our new caravan to get away. The new caravan is great but lacks the personal touch that the old one had after many years of family holidays. This presents the perfect opportunity, however, for me to sew something.<br />
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I have already made a small pair of curtains to cover a cupboard opening <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/04/tiny-cupboard-curtains-for-my-caravan.html">here</a>. My next project has been a blind to brighten up the shower room. The original blind was made from a grey, satin fabric which, although it was functional, wasn't very attractive to look at. I save most of my sewing magazines and found instructions for a roll-up blind in the October 2015 issue of Sew, Style & Home.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy4FgKpD3fo/WYCNovsUNaI/AAAAAAAABUU/mpKsw88iri4RBDG2ghg_1BP0M7WPcZ3wgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170731_113736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uy4FgKpD3fo/WYCNovsUNaI/AAAAAAAABUU/mpKsw88iri4RBDG2ghg_1BP0M7WPcZ3wgCLcBGAs/s400/20170731_113736.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is a very simple pattern which rolls up and is held in place with two ribbons. I wanted a seaside theme for the shower room and had two pieces of contrasting fabric left over from previous projects. I measured the window and cut a rectangle from each of the contrasting fabrics adding 1.5cm seam allowance on each side and 6.5 cm to the drop. Then I stitched the rectangles right sides together along the sides and bottom edge, trimmed the corners and turned the blind right sides out. My striped fabric is quite firm so I didn't need any interfacing to stiffen my blind but I would have added this layer if I had used two soft cotton fabrics. </div>
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The original blind was held in place above the window with Velcro. I saved this before I threw the old blind away. I folded over a 5cm hem at the top edge, positioned long grossgrain ribbons to hang down the same length at the front and back and then sewed the Velcro strip to the top of the blind sewing over the top of the ribbons to hold them in place. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOZ1plSBTNo/WYCQ7neDQDI/AAAAAAAABUg/VQ1M6E0nS6MHcjAChYgHnIu5bIuUeLtrgCLcBGAs/s1600/20170731_114028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOZ1plSBTNo/WYCQ7neDQDI/AAAAAAAABUg/VQ1M6E0nS6MHcjAChYgHnIu5bIuUeLtrgCLcBGAs/s400/20170731_114028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The blind drops down when you untie the ribbons.</div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNdRFCK2m_c/WYCRU83r5EI/AAAAAAAABUk/FI9ll4JTH00bK6tS5G7Vr5t00DRnP7mVQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170731_113821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RNdRFCK2m_c/WYCRU83r5EI/AAAAAAAABUk/FI9ll4JTH00bK6tS5G7Vr5t00DRnP7mVQCLcBGAs/s640/20170731_113821.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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Being a small blind it is easy to roll up again. It gives the shower room a real holiday feel. </div>
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Just for a bit of fun I knitted a woolly seagull. On holiday in St Davids one year my middle son, who was about 7 at the time, was mesmerised watching the seagulls wheeling overhead. This started a fascination with sea birds for him. He picked out a favourite on that day and named him "Philip". At each summer holiday he would look out for "Philip" and this remarkable bird followed us around the coast, always turning up at the beach we were visiting. Sometimes Philip was a Herring Gull, on other occasions he was a Kittiwake or a Black-Backed Gull, but he was always there for us. When my son was 11 he had to imagine he was an animal for an English essay and he was Philip the Albatross circling the globe, riding the thermals. Now I have my own little "Philip the Seagull" to bring back these happy memories.<br />
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I doubt that we will ever use the shower in the caravan for its intended purpose, but it is a very useful storage space and somewhere to get dressed in comfort. I like a site with a purpose-built toilet and shower block, with central heating if possible! The effort of carrying all of the water for a shower to the caravan and taking all of the waste water away afterwards removes the pleasure from a long, hot shower. But the shower room is now much brighter, more cheerful and a very useful space. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXTlV0Ob-14/WYCUndTh8RI/AAAAAAAABUs/_eGFZgrU_AE13dWJQwktJ53QKy418GKrwCLcBGAs/s1600/20170731_114252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXTlV0Ob-14/WYCUndTh8RI/AAAAAAAABUs/_eGFZgrU_AE13dWJQwktJ53QKy418GKrwCLcBGAs/s640/20170731_114252.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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Happy holidays....</div>
Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-88201402700553962832017-07-31T17:38:00.002+01:002017-08-16T20:53:19.206+01:00Kwik sew 6391 again, a summer top<div style="text-align: justify;">
With all the hot weather we have been having, in between the rain showers, I have noticed the lack of summer tops in my wardrobe and thought I should do something to rectify this. I had just one metre of this beautiful floaty fabric. It was the end of the roll and only the first metre of the fabric was printed the rest was plain. I couldn't resist buying it and hoping that it would be enough to make something nice</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRb7C_gEnV4/WX9Q7NvmLbI/AAAAAAAABTc/qTFIK8C5iNclw8j_Oo4NxWwnUh0RcVuawCLcBGAs/s1600/20170731_164002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lRb7C_gEnV4/WX9Q7NvmLbI/AAAAAAAABTc/qTFIK8C5iNclw8j_Oo4NxWwnUh0RcVuawCLcBGAs/s400/20170731_164002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This design is so interesting. It was a pleasure to sew because I kept seeing new things in the pattern. At first I was drawn to the button boots and roses but as I looked more closely I saw jewellery, lace, butterflies, a fan and so much more.</div>
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I needed a pattern for a sleeveless top which would not take too much fabric and I chose Kwik Sew 6391. I had used this pattern before to make a <a href="http://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/sleeveless-tunic-dress-kwik-sew-3691.html">winter tunic dress</a> in a much thicker knit fabric but the pattern is designed for light weight woven fabrics like this one. View B can be made from just one metre of fabric and I had just enough.</div>
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This fabric has a lovely drape but does not stretch at all. It was easy to sew because it didn't slide or slip. I am pleased with the finished top which is very cool to wear. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQRG0SE9JDY/WX9VcSS68UI/AAAAAAAABTo/epgfeKg0zjcreC7k3OF8HqyiPGc74YxjQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170716_164821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQRG0SE9JDY/WX9VcSS68UI/AAAAAAAABTo/epgfeKg0zjcreC7k3OF8HqyiPGc74YxjQCLcBGAs/s640/20170716_164821.jpg" width="384" /></a></div>
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The pleats sit nicely at the neck and it doesn't gape at the back.</div>
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I chose the medium size again. This blouse is quite roomy but because the fabric is so soft and drapes well this isn't a problem (I had to take the tunic in quite a lot because it was too big).</div>
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Although I am very pleased with both of the garments I made using this pattern there is one thing I don't like about it. The neck and armholes are finished with separate facings, which have a real tendency to poke out. I much prefer an all in one facing or bias binding and I will alter the pattern if I use it again. Here you can see the inside. I top-stitched all of the facings but they just don't want to lie flat. I have also neatened all of the raw edges with a narrow zig-zag to stop them fraying. </div>
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All in all this is a nice blouse which is going to get plenty of wear if the weather stays nice.</div>
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For my next project I am looking for a sleeveless blouse to make in a cotton fabric with an all-in-one facing. Watch this space...<br />
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Bye for now, Rosemary.Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-9891274298922379572017-07-16T16:28:00.001+01:002017-07-16T16:28:19.803+01:00Flutter Sleeve Blouse from a Vintage Pattern<div style="text-align: justify;">
At the end of May I cut out three new projects ready to sew, which is unusual for me because I normally limit myself to one thing at a time. I completed the first one <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/a-real-dress-at-last-simplicity-1873.html">here</a> but life gets busy. OFSTED turned up at work, and some of you will have an understanding of what this means for any free time that you might have planned. </div>
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Anyway, I have been looking at blouses with gathered cuffs for some time and wanted to make one for myself. I had a vintage pattern with just the sleeve I was looking for and the fabric to make it in my stash. I just needed to bring them both together. I loved this fabric as soon as I saw it. It is covered in passion flowers and lilies. I bought 2 one-yard pieces from the remnant stall on Leicester market.</div>
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I haven't been disappointed. The blouse is so pretty and makes me feel very feminine. The sleeves are comfortable to wear. They are short enough for the ruffles not to get in the way when you have a busy lifestyle.</div>
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I used a vintage pattern that I have made before <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/birds-on-wire-georgette-blouse.html">here</a> and this time I chose view D.</div>
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I didn't have enough fabric for the ruffles round the neck and down the front but I also thought these would be impractical for everyday. </div>
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The fabric was very challenging. It is slippery, springy and frays like mad. I sewed everything together as far as making the ruffles quite quickly. I used french seams throughout which has made the inside very neat and dealt with the fraying issues. I found that everything needed to be tacked first. Pins just didn't keep the layers together in the right place. </div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A french seam and the last few tacking stitches still in place</td></tr>
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The sleeve ruffles are circular and lined. I took a long time over these because I needed to stop and think at every stage. All of the seams wanted to spring flat and didn't hold a crease well.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Edge stitching around the ruffle edge</td></tr>
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<br />After sewing the top layer to the lining I added an extra row of stitching near to the edge to keep the facing in place just like I had around the neck, and this really helped. I then pinned and tacked the two layers together about half way up and close to the sleeve seam before slashing the seam allowance and stitching the facing in place by hand. All this extra care has paid off because the ruffles do hang really nicely.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The underside of the ruffle showing facing</td></tr>
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I have made this pattern before so I didn't think I needed a toille. I was wrong. If you look closely at the photos you will see that the bust darts are about 2 inches too high. I don't remember altering the darts on the blouse last time and they are a much better fit. I'm not sure that I can do anything about this now, but because I put so much work into the ruffles and I like the fabric so much that I am going to wear my blouse. My none sewing friends don't seem to notice. </div>
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You can see how the blouse pulls across the front on this photo. </div>
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Most of the time it looks fine...</div>
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The back fastening lies flat when I put my arm back down again.</div>
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We have passion flowers growing just outside our bedroom window at the moment spilling over the fence from next door. They really are amazing<br />
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<br />Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-52212982809193792142017-07-05T20:08:00.000+01:002017-07-05T20:08:51.990+01:00Another Milestone, Another Giveaway<br />
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I have now been writing my blog since January and I am still going. I know that lots of you have been blogging for years but I really wasn't sure that I could keep it up. My life as a working Mum gets very busy and I had two worries. The first was that I was taking on a challenge that would take up too much time to be practical and the second was my lack of confidence. I worried that no-one would look at what I was writing and the whole point was to try to make contact with other people like me who love to sew.</div>
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This week I am very surprised to say that I have topped 3,000 hits! So a really big thank you to everyone who has had a look at this blog and reassured me that other people are as interested in reading about sewing as I am.</div>
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To celebrate this milestone I have two patterns to give away. They are both brand new and haven't been cut.</div>
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First is a copy of the Cynthia Rowley pattern that I have used to make my latest dress, Simplicity 1873.</div>
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Don't be put off by the pattern photograph like I was initially. This is a good standard dress pattern that I think is very versatile. There are loads of versions of this dress on other blogs and you can see mine <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/2017/07/a-real-dress-at-last-simplicity-1873.html">here</a>. The pattern is in sizes 6-14. It is designed for woven fabrics but I adapted mine for a fine jersey with 4 way stretch and it worked out well.</div>
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Second I have a spare copy of Butterick B5785, size 8-16</div>
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I haven't made this yet. It doesn't seem so popular with other bloggers but I do like the simple elegant lines and I will definitely try it at some point. The collar is really interesting. I imagine it made up in a linen fabric or something else quite crisp. If you are the successful winner perhaps you will make your version before I do and could pass on some advice or handy tips.</div>
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If you would like to be in with a chance to win these patterns just leave a comment at the bottom letting me know which of my posts is your favourite one so far. You can see a round up of all of the outfits I have made <a href="https://stitchontheline.blogspot.co.uk/p/my-gallery.html">here</a>.</div>
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I will be drawing the winner at midnight on Friday 14th July. I am happy to post worldwide to the lucky winner.</div>
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<br />Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-295698299557754846.post-45808634633798652962017-07-03T10:13:00.001+01:002017-07-03T12:41:19.651+01:00A Real Dress at last! Simplicity 1873 When I took part in Me Made May a month or so ago it gave me the opportunity to review my wardrobe and also to look at what other people were making. One thing I realised was that I had a nice collection of dresses but nothing with a waist and a full skirt. One reason for this, I think, is that I often make my clothes from remnants, so I can't always choose how much fabric I buy. I find myself drawn in by a nice pattern not worrying about how much there is to work with. I have become an expert at squeezing a dress out of not-quite-enough material. I vowed this time to make myself a "proper dress" and looked out for a larger piece of fabric and the right pattern. I made a list of my requirements<br />
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1. I wanted a full skirt, perhaps even pleats</div>
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2. I planned to make the dress out of jersey so that it had a bit of stretch and would be nice and comfortable to wear.</div>
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3. I did not want any pleats or gathers around the neck. </div>
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I was very tempted by the Moneta Dress in all of its versions made for the recent Moneta party. I even went to my local dressmaking shop to treat myself, but they had sold out!</div>
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I had this pattern in my stash already, but I had never liked it. I was affected by the photograph on the pattern envelope of a young girl in an ill-fitting party dress which was much too short for me.<br />
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But I was looking for a dress pattern so I had a second look and, learning from my experience with the wiggle skirt, I also searched the blogosphere to see whether any one else had made this dress before. </div>
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Although the pattern photograph was discouraging the line drawings seemed to be just want I was looking for. </div>
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A quick search of other people's blogs brought up more versions than any other pattern I have made before, which was very encouraging because there were lots of lovely dresses out there and several people used this pattern more than once, which is always a good recommendation. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QcaVQTC903s/WVoArNwyJuI/AAAAAAAABPc/KxunH-49bSQ0NOfDP10v-wl1mPcE1_gIQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170703_085200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="192" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QcaVQTC903s/WVoArNwyJuI/AAAAAAAABPc/KxunH-49bSQ0NOfDP10v-wl1mPcE1_gIQCLcBGAs/s320/20170703_085200.jpg" title="Daisy print jersey " width="320" /></a></div>
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I found a 4 metre length of daisy print jersey with 4 way stretch that I liked. As usual it cost me £1 a metre. It is so soft on the inside and so summery with a really good drape. I also bought a small piece of navy blue jersey lining. This pattern isn't designed for a jersey fabric but I like to experiment and I thought that this fabric would look and feel great made up into a dress. I decided to make view C but with the longer skirt length. </div>
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Since the pattern wasn't designed for jersey I had to use my initiative and techniques that I had learnt for other jersey projects. I used stay tape to stabilise the armholes and neck to prevent them from stretching out and this seemed to work well. I decided against overlocked the bodice seams because it is quite closely fitted so flat seams pressed open and were less bulky. I sewed the bodice pieces together with a narrow zigzag stitch then used an over-lock stitch for the skirt seams. The fabric doesn't fray so I didn't need to neaten the seams. </div>
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The lining was stitched to the bodice around the neck and armholes and then pulled right side out through the shoulder seams. This is my preferred was of attaching lining because it gives such a neat finish and avoids fiddly bits of hand sewing. Jersey is always more bulky and doesn't press so sharply. With my choice of fabric I ended up with bulky seams that I trimmed with my pinking shears. I had never tried this before and found that it was a very good technique for trimming and snipping curved seams. What I also discovered was that my family had used my pinking shears for craft work and they were completely blunt. I will need to get a new pair!</div>
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In order to get a good finish around the neck and armholes I top-stitched near to the edge. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkimAp0A-Lc/WVn6Yz_QwfI/AAAAAAAABO8/HQfBUSP4v9MsYo6OsaCqIBheb3OzF7eFACLcBGAs/s1600/20170617_080132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gkimAp0A-Lc/WVn6Yz_QwfI/AAAAAAAABO8/HQfBUSP4v9MsYo6OsaCqIBheb3OzF7eFACLcBGAs/s400/20170617_080132.jpg" title="top stitching" width="400" /></a></div>
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The feature of this pattern that I really like is the pleated full skirt. By using pleats instead of gathers the fullness of the skirt lies nice and smooth around the waist. I didn't have any trouble lining up the pleats using the markings and instructions on the tissue paper pattern. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6f1usvq0Ggc/WVn7MU7wCnI/AAAAAAAABPA/Z0uS4KMHnm0XuqXhwM8RZ_jV7NpKmuB2gCLcBGAs/s1600/20170617_080203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6f1usvq0Ggc/WVn7MU7wCnI/AAAAAAAABPA/Z0uS4KMHnm0XuqXhwM8RZ_jV7NpKmuB2gCLcBGAs/s640/20170617_080203.jpg" title="Pleated skirt, Simplicity 1873" width="384" /></a></div>
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I inserted an invisible zip down the centre back seam. The instructions tell you to trim the zipper tape level with the neck seam. I am a bit worried about this. I would usually fold the excess zipper tape in to the seam but in this dress there isn't room and it wouldn't lie flat, so I took deep breath and cut it off. I will have to see whether the zip lasts or whether it unravels, it looks OK so far. I like the way that the lining is machine stitched right sides together down the centre back along the zip stitching and then turned out. It gives such a neat finish. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MteMxs91X5c/WVn--WhtgVI/AAAAAAAABPI/TLL63JEuci0naR3elbVUKXNB6EF9YX_9wCLcBGAs/s1600/20170617_104314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MteMxs91X5c/WVn--WhtgVI/AAAAAAAABPI/TLL63JEuci0naR3elbVUKXNB6EF9YX_9wCLcBGAs/s640/20170617_104314.jpg" title="Invisible zip, centre back seam" width="384" /></a></div>
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The inside of this dress looks as neat as the right side. The really soft jersey feels lovely against your skin and this dress is very comfortable because of the stretch. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4IoBRQYaj8/WVoAAVjYhxI/AAAAAAAABPM/A1mnoTi_T5A9i1AltkIkIztISLFyxHNzQCLcBGAs/s1600/20170703_091837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U4IoBRQYaj8/WVoAAVjYhxI/AAAAAAAABPM/A1mnoTi_T5A9i1AltkIkIztISLFyxHNzQCLcBGAs/s640/20170703_091837.jpg" title="Lined bodice, back view with inserted zip" width="384" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9eJ1hHGry8/WVoABms1b9I/AAAAAAAABPQ/a58zziJAn-cXabg1nqDrFw86KupFrUVeACLcBGAs/s1600/20170703_091909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="961" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e9eJ1hHGry8/WVoABms1b9I/AAAAAAAABPQ/a58zziJAn-cXabg1nqDrFw86KupFrUVeACLcBGAs/s640/20170703_091909.jpg" title="Lined bodice, Simplicity 1873" width="384" /></a></div>
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If I was asked to review this pattern I would say:</div>
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<b>Pattern Description</b></div>
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Summer dress in two lengths with or without sleeves. I made view C in the longer length.</div>
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<b>Pattern sizing</b></div>
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6-14</div>
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I made size 14</div>
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<b>Does it look like the photographs on the pattern envelope?</b></div>
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No. Absolutely not, but that is a good thing as far as I am concerned. </div>
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<b>Were the instructions easy to follow?</b></div>
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Yes. And there were some really good techniques to learn.</div>
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- the pleated skirt</div>
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- a lined bodice with invisible zip</div>
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<b>Did you like or dislike this pattern</b></div>
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I like this pattern in the view that I made. I am not sure whether I would make View A with the higher neckline.</div>
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I love the smooth lines of the pleated skirt. </div>
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I like the high waist but have read other reviewers who say they lengthened the bodice. I think it feels very comfortable and gives more swing to the skirt, but it is down to personal preference. </div>
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I don't like the instruction to cut off the top of the zipper tape and will think about how to fit the zip differently if I make this again.</div>
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<b>Pattern alterations</b></div>
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I made my dress in a jersey fabric which is not one of the recommended fabrics. I needed experience using jersey to adapt some of the instructions but I figured that this pattern was not so different from lots of patterns made for stretch fabrics and it I should be OK. I was prepared to put in a waist stay but in the end I don't seem to need it. </div>
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So now for a photograph of me posing in my new dress. </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTK7ITT2JZw/WVos2V4-RkI/AAAAAAAABQE/E2csvrMW8wEAcjEOxy7RyY1x993fwFzFwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HTK7ITT2JZw/WVos2V4-RkI/AAAAAAAABQE/E2csvrMW8wEAcjEOxy7RyY1x993fwFzFwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_3434.JPG" title="Cynthia Rowley design, Simplicity 1873" width="480" /></a></div>
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If you have made this pattern let me know how you found it and if you have any tips to share. </div>
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Happy sewing...</div>
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Rosemaryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10183024549270951128noreply@blogger.com4