tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82525269929480470102024-03-14T19:50:18.288+10:00Sew&Craft-Raindrops & BellyflopsBernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.comBlogger234125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-89888964027803205142015-06-19T19:58:00.000+10:002015-06-19T19:59:00.805+10:00Mini Capsule Wardrobe 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those of you who missed it, <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2015/06/mini-capsule-wardrobe.html">in my previous post</a> I showed you my mini capsule wardrobe (which I did not sew-with-a-plan). Instead, I created six garments from three pieces of fabric,motivated by both a Harry Potter movie and the desire to use up all my scraps, rather than add to the already existing Mt. Everest of scraps.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week, I managed to photograph me actually wearing 4 out of the 6 garments. The photos are far from fabulous. Just quick shots, in front of the pantry, before I headed out the door to work.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SC89uL-Dg-o/VYKGCqajKMI/AAAAAAAACVs/-kG8RfjGijI/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SC89uL-Dg-o/VYKGCqajKMI/AAAAAAAACVs/-kG8RfjGijI/s400/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Woven Nani Iro Tee & Black linen wide-legged trousers</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">beads by Elk, shoes by EOS , ebony bangle a gift from Africa</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmlgZjElb_A/VYKGEEewT4I/AAAAAAAACV4/3W6kwvmYppo/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xmlgZjElb_A/VYKGEEewT4I/AAAAAAAACV4/3W6kwvmYppo/s400/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Denim tencel skirt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">top by Gorman, necklace by Holiday, sandals by Saltwater</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbhPbimp4fo/VYKGDcXTdpI/AAAAAAAACV0/aXF3CXaLtHY/s1600/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="385" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BbhPbimp4fo/VYKGDcXTdpI/AAAAAAAACV0/aXF3CXaLtHY/s400/PicMonkey%2BCollage%2B3.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Grainline Tank / BHL Polly Top</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">necklace by mb, sandals by Saltwater, leather cuff by Rooband</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hopefully, I'll manage to photograph the other two garments next week. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.</span></div>
Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-27867910124204660382015-06-14T19:44:00.001+10:002015-06-14T19:45:46.602+10:00Mini Capsule Wardrobe <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Hi there! It's been a long time hasn't it? Today I am sharing something I been working on over the past two and a bit weeks. It all started out with a basic plan. I wanted to sew a few new things to coincide with the slightly cooler weather. I was keen to make two pairs of long pants, in mid-weight fabric. Anything heavier is generally too warm by 10am when you live in the tropics. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here's what I had in mind:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Wide-legged pants in black linen with a bit of a 'Japanese' feel to them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Slim-legged pegged pants in tencel to wear as an alternative to jeans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- A new top. Just for fun. Just because. I wanted something simple yet a bit groovy, in that arty/gorman/autumny/Japanesey kinda way. I was thinking a woven-tee.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next, I sourced these three pieces of fabric:</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAi45aRjMoU/VXkTyiGQ4XI/AAAAAAAACS8/-DZ-qq6uIcE/s1600/Fabric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KAi45aRjMoU/VXkTyiGQ4XI/AAAAAAAACS8/-DZ-qq6uIcE/s400/Fabric.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A. 1.5m Nani Iro Double Gauze from Miss Matatabi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">B. 2.5m Black Linen from Tessuti</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">C. 2.5m Light denim tencel from Emma One Sock</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After cutting out and sewing up the black pants and the mustard top, I got seriously nerdy. Here's what happened....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a long weekend and it was raining, so I was watching Harry Potter with the kids, while cutting out the denim tencel pants. As most of you would probably know, it's a pretty long movie. Add a few pauses while kids get drinks, go off the toilet, grab a snack, etc, then it's an even longer movie. Anyhow, when I'd finished cutting out the pants, there was still plenty of fabric left (and movie) so I decided to use up the leftovers and cut out a skirt. Well, by the time I'd finished doing that, I decided I still had enough tencel, Nani Iro double-gauze and movie to piece together a woven tank top. By the time I'd done that, Harry had still not managed to get hold of the philospher's stone, so I emptied the bag of black linen scraps sitting beside me and pieced them together to make a simple sleeveless top. Done. Nothing but a pathetic pile of scraps left on the carpet. So, I have Voldemort and his evil master plan to thank for turning three garments, magically, into six and thus creating my mini Winter capsule wardrobe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've written a little about each garment below. Nothing much. Just a few dot points. One interesting thing to point out though, is I used the same yoke on both pairs of pants and the skirt. I have used this particular yoke pattern for heaps of garments. I think a well-fitted yoke just makes easy work of so many projects. It's definitely a must-have item. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I learned a few new pants-fitting techniques when I was making the toile for both pairs of pants. I actually made these up simultaneously. One leg was wide and the other slim. Easy-peezy and saved on calico. Anyway, I hope to share my fitting tips with you all one day. I think this post probably has enough going on already. Six garments in the one post is probably a bit ridiculous, but then again, who knows when I'll get around to blogging again. It's a long time between drinks these days!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>1. Black Linen Pants</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Base pattern: Vogue 1143 (what a great pattern!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Pants were toiled and alterations made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Used previously toiled flat, curved yoke instead of waistband and zipper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Elasticised at back. Double casing of elastic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Added belt loops.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Eyeballed pocket line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Added belt tie.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hou5L5c7Q5Y/VX1Jvf3ZcNI/AAAAAAAACT0/tEds4y8gxmM/s1600/IMG_4262.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hou5L5c7Q5Y/VX1Jvf3ZcNI/AAAAAAAACT0/tEds4y8gxmM/s640/IMG_4262.jpg" width="354" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>2. Denim Tencel Pants</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Base pattern: Vogue 1143 and Witchery RTW pants.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Pants were toiled and alterations made.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Used previously toiled flat, curved yoke instead of waistband and zipper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Elasticised at back. Double casing of elastic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Eyeballed pocket line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Yet to be hemmed....I plan on throwing them in the wash a few times first to allow for shrinkage through the length. I've already pre-washed and dried the fabric twice and thrown them in the wash once. My sister had a nightmare experience with shrinking tencel pants so I'm not taking any risks.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4q7ihBviMN0/VX1Jw_74dFI/AAAAAAAACT8/n36GzDuua_c/s1600/IMG_4265.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4q7ihBviMN0/VX1Jw_74dFI/AAAAAAAACT8/n36GzDuua_c/s640/IMG_4265.jpg" width="324" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>3. Denim Tencel Skirt</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Base pattern: JAG RTW skirt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Used previously toiled flat, curved yoke instead of waistband and zipper.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Curved hemline at sides.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Elasticised at back. Double casing of elastic.</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yenNFpgHJJ4/VX1JrZMatrI/AAAAAAAACTs/qRe5sJ53DAk/s1600/IMG_4260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yenNFpgHJJ4/VX1JrZMatrI/AAAAAAAACTs/qRe5sJ53DAk/s400/IMG_4260.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>4. Nani Iro Woven Tee</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Base pattern: Country Road RTW top, previously toiled/sewn <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/silk-woven-tee.html">(here)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Curved hemline at sides.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- LOVE the silver dots and circles!</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwU22sFWnj4/VX1JmnjTQBI/AAAAAAAACTk/PzAh56r3Rw0/s1600/IMG_4259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uwU22sFWnj4/VX1JmnjTQBI/AAAAAAAACTk/PzAh56r3Rw0/s400/IMG_4259.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>5. Woven Tank</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Base Pattern: Grainline Tank, previously toiled/sewn <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/grainline-tank.html">(here)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Contrast inspired by LBH Polly Tank</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Curved hemline at sides.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tss_4UrvCrg/VX1Jd5qMvdI/AAAAAAAACTU/jTdLylfmrZI/s1600/IMG_4257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tss_4UrvCrg/VX1Jd5qMvdI/AAAAAAAACTU/jTdLylfmrZI/s400/IMG_4257.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>6. Black Woven Top</u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Base Pattern: Simplicity 2406, previously toiled/sewn <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/simplicity-2406.html">(here)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Curved hemline at sides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hopefully, I'll get some photos of me wearing them over the week. Given my blog-slackness of late, I felt it was best to just get photos up. The sun was going down and my photographer was under pressure to get the chicken-run finished before nightfall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For those interested, the total cost of these three garments, including postage came to just under $200. Not bad!</span></div>
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Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-86364236928745536572015-03-24T21:24:00.002+10:002015-03-24T21:24:46.113+10:00My 40th Birthday Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">(Yes, this little old blog continues to crawl along...just!) </span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;">My 40th Birthday Dress</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTWD37Jm7M4/VRE7ytGK5iI/AAAAAAAACSQ/aYyS2mnoSns/s1600/IMG_0081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tTWD37Jm7M4/VRE7ytGK5iI/AAAAAAAACSQ/aYyS2mnoSns/s1600/IMG_0081.jpg" height="640" width="332" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This dress has had two lovely outings since it's creation. It's maiden voyage was a fabulous banquet at Mr Wong's in Sydney with my parents, my husband, my three sisters and their wonderful husbands. My father turned 70 and same weekend I turned 40, so we all flew into Sydney for the weekend to celebrate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's second outing was last Sunday. My husband and two close friends, threw me a surprise birthday party - a wonderful birthday brunch with my Cairns friends at Nu Nu in Palm Cove. It was a perfect morning.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last month I wrote a post detailing all my inspiration for this dress - a mash-up of Vogue 8241, Vogue 1247 and a witchery RTW playsuit. So did it all go to plan? Well, to be honest, the toiling took a lot more work than I originally anticipated. Here is my story...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bodice Front</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking a pattern off a RTW garment that has asymmetrical draping and gathering proved to be a serious pain in the butt. I had to play around with this a lot and spent far more time on it than I would have liked too. I was still fiddling with this, post-toile, once sewn up in the fashion fabric. I'm still not sure I've got it quite right. I think it would have been far easier to start with a commercial pattern for this style. I would much preferred to have the expertise of a professional pattern maker and drafter to provide me with notches and to determine drape, gathering etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Bodice Back</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After toiling up the bodice back from Vogue 8241, I was disappointed that it did not have the 'cut-away' look as suggested on the pattern envelope. I had to cut quite a bit away and have still ended up with something that does not look 'cut-away'. I could achieved this easily enough, but the practical side of my personality voted for bra-friendly in the end. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlj40N4Hfpc/VRE7hVSHd6I/AAAAAAAACSA/HFpuo7Bcu7Q/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hlj40N4Hfpc/VRE7hVSHd6I/AAAAAAAACSA/HFpuo7Bcu7Q/s1600/IMG_0068.jpg" height="640" width="324" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the end, I ditched the skirt from Vogue 8241 and Vogue 1247 and went with the skirt from <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/vogue-1190-tracey-reese-party-dress.html">Vogue 1190</a>, a dress that I sewed up for my husband's 40th back in 2011. I removed the seams at the side front and cut the front as one piece so I did not have to chop any flowers or butterflies in half.The skirt hangs and moves beautifully.</span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ar_AxkWX9w/VRE7r8M5RzI/AAAAAAAACSI/pzU4N7pewX8/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ar_AxkWX9w/VRE7r8M5RzI/AAAAAAAACSI/pzU4N7pewX8/s1600/IMG_0079.jpg" height="640" width="306" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing I had to add was a waist stay...just above my hips. The skirt did not sit on my hips without falling. It needed a stay to keep it in place. Why a stay? I wanted to avoid placing the delicate fabric under stress at the side seams and so wanted to keep it semi-fitted. The stay is made using a wide piece of grosgrain ribbon that clips at the CB. I hand-stitched it at a few points along the bodice/skirt seam.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And just because these photos are sooooo dark, a little close up of the beautiful satin-backed CDC silk from Tessuti. My goodness, this stuff is gorgeous!</span><br />
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8d/fa/7b/8dfa7b39593b8832395773293add017e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8d/fa/7b/8dfa7b39593b8832395773293add017e.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Overall, the garment was a success, not perfect but wearable and comfortable. I'm still not 100% sure it is quite right and may still fiddle with it if I'm ever inclined. The drape of the top and where it meets the skirt throws me a bit. I'm not sure if this is because it is wrong or just because it is unfamiliar...time will tell.</span></div>
Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-80256718609251108902015-03-01T22:31:00.000+10:002015-03-01T22:31:11.889+10:00Stripey Summer Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pattern: G*rman Copy</div>
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Fabric: Silk twill from The Fabric Store</div>
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One of my younger sister's has quite an interesting wardrobe. She's always had a good eye for fashion and home decor and tends to keep her finger on the pulse regarding what's on-trend. I usually only get to visit her once a year, so when I do, I love looking through her wardrobe at the past year's purchases. We generally buy the same size in RTW so I get to try everything on. During my last visit, I whipped out the sad leftover rolls of Christmas paper and traced off a few things.</div>
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One of the dresses was a cute summery G*rman dress. The original dress looks a little funkier than mine - G*rman always has fabulous prints so it's hard to complete. It was also quite a bit shorter. I wanted my a little longer so it would be work appropriate but I wonder of I've gone a tad too long and entered into the world of frump. Hmmmmm. This could be a super quick alteration. Maybe it would help if I was actually wearing shoes. These photos was taken immediately after sewing the dress, as I wandered out to show off my new creation to my husband, which kind of explains the lack of shoes and sad looking hair. But hey, I did throw on a necklace, so it's not all bad.</div>
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I know that this is not a particularly flattering silhouette on me. The original wasn't super fabulous either. However, I was completely taken with the comfort factor. More and more, I'm reaching for really comfortable cuts - cuts that do not inhibit movement at all and are cool and floaty, particularly in summer. Summer in the tropics can be tough - the heat and humidity can become quite oppressive and debilitating. I want clothes that carry me though the day, rather than contributing to the discomfort. I'm quite confident that this dress and I will become good friends.</div>
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I found the construction of the pockets quite interesting. The contrasting black strip is actually part of the pocket facing. It folds back on itself. Quite nifty!</div>
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A few deets:</div>
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- The main fabric is a lightweight silk twill.</div>
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- The black contract is a silk habutai that has been interfaced with lightweight fusible interfacing.</div>
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- Armholes and neckline are finished with self-made bias binding.</div>
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- The hemband is cut on the fold.</div>
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-47393385004553322762015-02-15T21:05:00.000+10:002015-02-15T21:05:13.972+10:00Furoshiki Market Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-size: large;">Furoshiki Bag</span></div>
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pattern from </div>
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<a href="http://www.pm-betweenthelines.blogspot.fr/2013/02/triangular-bag-tutorial.html">Between the Line</a></div>
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After my outdoor area spruce-up (see previous post), I was left with a pile of good quality outdoor fabric scraps - too good to throw out, yet not something I would use for a garment or hand-bag. Rather than throw them all out, I was inspired by <a href="http://www.sewunravelled.com/2015/02/sewn-canvas-and-leather-for-my-secret.html">SewJillian's post</a>, to whip up a new set of market bags this afternoon.</div>
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Check them out....</div>
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I didn't line them, nor did I finished them particularly neatly on the inside as I would normally do. Given that they were only ever going to hold mangoes, passionfruit and other fruits, veges and salad items, I thought I could get away with a bit of slap-dash. Also, I didn't want to spend much time on them...I do have a birthday party dress that I should be focusing on!</div>
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-42574174557865534332015-02-15T19:42:00.000+10:002015-02-15T19:42:37.770+10:00TIme for a Spruce Up!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBHqWoPqx8I/VOBfdLi8yYI/AAAAAAAACOk/NvBmndSX_GI/s1600/IMG_4033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uBHqWoPqx8I/VOBfdLi8yYI/AAAAAAAACOk/NvBmndSX_GI/s1600/IMG_4033.JPG" height="247" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm not usually one for home decor or craft sewing for that matter - all those straight lines and numerous zippers drive me batty with tedium. Yet, a few weeks ago it was time to succumb to the straight lines and give my outdoor area a little spruce up. </div>
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The area you see in these photos used to be our laundry. Our house was built around 1960 and is typical of the style that followed <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kimotero299/queenslander-homes/">Queenslanders</a>. From the inside, it looks very similar to a Queenslander, with it's casement windows, tall ceilings and wooden floorboards, yet it has a brick veneer. Typical of this era, the laundry was placed outdoors. </div>
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Last year when we renovated, we moved the laundry to the far end of the patio and partially enclosed it. This opened up the space and gave us room for a small outdoor area out the back, just off the kitchen. Can you spot the white chalky stuff on the brick - I think that might be 55 years of soap scum & bleach. It is not keen on budging! (and I am not keen on scrubbing, so it will stay).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g55HyYFLse8/VOBfv0s9NMI/AAAAAAAACOs/6pRu81xrOok/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-g55HyYFLse8/VOBfv0s9NMI/AAAAAAAACOs/6pRu81xrOok/s1600/IMG_4036.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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We already owned all of the furniture shown in the photos. The dark wooden set has lived on our pool deck for years and the bamboo set was a freeby from a deceased estate. The white screen (which is yet to be hung on the wall it leans against) was originally in our house when we bought it and was used to separate the dining area from the lounge room. We removed this to open up the house a little more.</div>
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I recovered most of the cushions shown in the photos. I left the fading blue/grey covers shown on the dark wood furniture as the fabric was still in good-enough condition. All the orange/turquoise/checkerboard stuff is my work. I purchased all the fabric from <a href="http://faboutdoorfabrics.com.au/">Fab Outdoor Fabrics.</a> This stuff is super expensive, yet is made to last. I live in a pretty harsh climate - smack bang in the middle of the tropics. If you don't buy the good stuff, it will grow mouldy overnight, get covered with black dots and start to disintegrate. </div>
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A touch of fun - Over the summer break, my younger sister and I taught ourselves how to do a little macrame. I knotted three pot holders that are hanging in my spruced-up outdoor area. I can't see myself becoming a die-hard macrame-ist, but it was fun for a little while. Three pot holders is definitely enough.</div>
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The view above is part of what we see from my spruced-up outdoor area. It's the wet-season in the tropics at the moment and everything is GREEN and THRIVING...even the weeds. </div>
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-50332763944957949592015-02-08T10:42:00.001+10:002015-02-08T10:42:28.746+10:00My 40th Birthday Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Over the past few weeks I have been dreaming of my 40th birthday dress. I've had a whirlpool of ideas and designs swirling around and around in my mind. I've spent hours trawling the internet for inspiration, and patterns that vaguely resemble that inspiration. And finally, I think I've landed on 'the one'. </div>
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Below is a collection of my ideas, inspiration and patterns in my stash that I can modify. I love the Michelle Mason dress below. I'm still not 100% whether I'll make it as long as this dress or chop it off above the knees. This will came down to how much fabric I have, climate and wearability. </div>
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<img alt="Mason by Michelle Mason" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/33/b4/46/33b44636cde2ed5111718eef9cad7e43.jpg" width="425" /></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/503101/Mason_by_Michelle_Mason/washed-silk-georgette-gown">Mason by Michelle Mason in yellow</a> </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">The Fabric</span></b></div>
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<img alt="Butterflies On Teal - Sold Out - Tessuti Fabrics - Online Fabric Store - Cotton, Linen, Silk, Bridal & more" class="pinImage" height="640" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/8d/fa/7b/8dfa7b39593b8832395773293add017e.jpg" width="425" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/butterflies-on-teal"><span style="color: purple;">Butterflies on Teal</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(photo via Tessuti Fabrics)</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">The Patterns</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Bodice Front - W*tchery Chambray Playsuit</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(to be traced off)</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Bodice Back - Vogue 8241</span></div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c3/a7/40/c3a740e4320ab9ed8c0a06b1775f68e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Click to magnify/shrink" border="0" class="pinImage" height="293" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c3/a7/40/c3a740e4320ab9ed8c0a06b1775f68e5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Lower Skirt - Vogue 8241</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;"> (for length)</span></div>
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<a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c3/a7/40/c3a740e4320ab9ed8c0a06b1775f68e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Click to magnify/shrink" border="0" class="pinImage" height="294" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/c3/a7/40/c3a740e4320ab9ed8c0a06b1775f68e5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">Upper skirt - Vogue 1247</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple;">(for fit)</span></div>
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<img class="irc_mi" height="400" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/vogue/1247/1247.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="378" /></div>
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With only 4 1/2 weeks to the big event...I'd better get cracking! </div>
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Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-32893324375513061252015-02-01T22:07:00.000+10:002015-02-01T22:07:05.913+10:00Pyjama pants<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2014 sewing continued.....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HprvFECM2Bw/VLpBAAD4cvI/AAAAAAAACKM/YcsVi6BlVBw/s1600/IMG_3893.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HprvFECM2Bw/VLpBAAD4cvI/AAAAAAAACKM/YcsVi6BlVBw/s1600/IMG_3893.jpg" height="640" width="364" /></a></div>
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Some time last year I decided to pull out my bag of liberty scraps and sew up a few decent pairs of PJ pants. Included in the bag was the piece I used to make these. It wasn't actually a scrap but an internet purchase that 'wasn't really me'. I'm not one for small florally prints really. I also haven't been able to step into the world of collared button-ups, even though they look fabulous on everyone else.</div>
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I traced these pants off an extremely old pair of elasticised-waisted linen pants from Country Road. I drafted the pockets myself. I bound the pockets in black satin silk. I also threaded a black satin ribbon through the waistband.</div>
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I've been super happy with this make. They're the sort of thing you could get caught wearing at 2pm by a surprise visitor and not feel embarrassed. I've worn them heaps already.</div>
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I also made two additional PJs in shorts-length, actually from the scraps as planned. I'm yet to photograph these as they're always on rotation in the wash or under my pillow. One day!</div>
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Sweet dreams. ZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzz</div>
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-2289052044807306592015-01-31T06:28:00.001+10:002015-01-31T06:28:44.204+10:00Tessuti Pia #3 in Khaki<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Tessuti Pia in Khaki</b></span></div>
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2014 sewing continued....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpvksRycyfg/VLpB1xL1uvI/AAAAAAAACKw/rjvyuXkfshQ/s1600/IMG_3936.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xpvksRycyfg/VLpB1xL1uvI/AAAAAAAACKw/rjvyuXkfshQ/s1600/IMG_3936.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
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Last year some time I made up another version of the Tessuti Pia dress. I used the toile from my first version so you can read about the alterations <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/tessuti-pia-dress.html">here</a>. This version is made using a silk/linen blend from Rathdowne Fabrics in Melbourne. The fabric is lovely and I wish I'd bought it in more colourways.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEOWiBIUlgw/VLpBzkzGLvI/AAAAAAAACKo/mfOjsgrnI0s/s1600/IMG_3931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEOWiBIUlgw/VLpBzkzGLvI/AAAAAAAACKo/mfOjsgrnI0s/s1600/IMG_3931.jpg" height="640" width="376" /></a></div>
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It was a squeeze to get this dress out of the amount of fabric I bought which was originally intended for a skirt. Given this, I had to add a seam down the CF of the skirt.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_OfZizZX60/VLpB2iDJcLI/AAAAAAAACK0/WxLDDjxT9bg/s1600/IMG_3934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g_OfZizZX60/VLpB2iDJcLI/AAAAAAAACK0/WxLDDjxT9bg/s1600/IMG_3934.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
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Something went a little wrong with the neckline at the CB. It feels a little firm at the neckline then pools just below it. I think it was a cutting error...maybe things weren't quite on-grain. I enjoy wearing this dress to work, however, it cuts in a little under the arms. I have every intention of grading them back again and redoing the binding. I've had every intention of doing this now for months and months!</div>
<span id="goog_761659217"></span><span id="goog_761659218"></span><br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-14216694174955915492015-01-29T21:04:00.000+10:002015-01-29T21:04:35.498+10:00Tessuti Pia in Hemp Knit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">Tessuti Pia</span></b></div>
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2014 sewing continued....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGMAZ3_6WcY/VLpBW1YVvVI/AAAAAAAACKU/CRCMOW4hxy8/s1600/IMG_3887.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cGMAZ3_6WcY/VLpBW1YVvVI/AAAAAAAACKU/CRCMOW4hxy8/s1600/IMG_3887.jpg" height="640" width="386" /></a></div>
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I like the idea of easy-wear knit dresses, however, they are not something I find easy to wear. I have a small bust yet wide hips, so things that fit up top, cling to the bumps down below. I decided to have a go at using Tessuti's Pia pattern in a knit fabric. I thought this would be better suited to my shape given the fullness of the skirt.<br />
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I made it up using a hemp/cotton blend from Emma One Sock. I sewed it both on my sewing machine and overlocker. I finished the neckline and armholes by turning the fabric under and sewing a small zigzag.<br />
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I have been wearing this all Summer. I think it has got quite a bit shorter during that time. The verdict - it's a super comfy and an easy go-to super casual dress.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nHltiB8-_F0/VLpBYFmRgWI/AAAAAAAACKY/U9hWoZtuH_4/s1600/IMG_3889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nHltiB8-_F0/VLpBYFmRgWI/AAAAAAAACKY/U9hWoZtuH_4/s1600/IMG_3889.jpg" height="640" width="402" /></a></div>
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-25611054844915276052015-01-28T17:24:00.003+10:002015-01-28T17:24:28.113+10:00#4 Woven Tee Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Woven Tee Dress # 4</span></div>
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2014 sewing continued.....</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mZkuDdx71E/VLpCdT4Z6iI/AAAAAAAACLQ/5Z5MOjEr72U/s1600/IMG_3914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8mZkuDdx71E/VLpCdT4Z6iI/AAAAAAAACLQ/5Z5MOjEr72U/s1600/IMG_3914.jpg" height="640" width="302" /></a></div>
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Ok, this is the last one! My forth and final version of this pattern. See the three previous posts for all previous versions.</div>
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This one is sewn using a polished cotton by Milly from Emma One Sock. I think the CB seam created quite an interesting effect. This one differs from the others slightly because I added a hemband. I used part of the selvedge for the contrasting white stripe. </div>
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The fabric is probably a little too heavy for this dress, so it doesn't drape as nicely. I was aware of this heading in but I kinda thought I'd forge ahead anyway. The verdict? Another slightly boxy but easy-to-wear, comfy dress for work.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6hnR336tvY/VLpCfkK4xmI/AAAAAAAACLY/2RrkRcVW1gY/s1600/IMG_3912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f6hnR336tvY/VLpCfkK4xmI/AAAAAAAACLY/2RrkRcVW1gY/s1600/IMG_3912.jpg" height="640" width="368" /></a></div>
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Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-27659671118053980572015-01-27T19:10:00.001+10:002015-01-27T19:15:26.260+10:00Black Woven Tee Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Woven tee lengthened</span></div>
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(<a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/silk-woven-tee.html">Version 1</a>, <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/woven-tee-and-vogue-skirt.html">Version 2</a>)</div>
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2014 sewing continued....</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig07_h5_6sQ/VLpCNwZY0aI/AAAAAAAACLE/XNadiMeHhmc/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ig07_h5_6sQ/VLpCNwZY0aI/AAAAAAAACLE/XNadiMeHhmc/s1600/IMG_3926.jpg" height="640" width="392" /></a></div>
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This is my third version of my woven tee (Country Road RTW). For this version, I simply lengthened the top creating an a-line shape. I also added a CB seam so I could shape the back a little. Prior to this, it was too full and boxy.<br />
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This version is made using a silk/linen blend from The Fabric Store. (I showed you the skirt I made from the scraps yesterday).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hUnqtgIDT0/VLpCNUI7MGI/AAAAAAAACLA/rswYtwPGyT0/s1600/IMG_3928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hUnqtgIDT0/VLpCNUI7MGI/AAAAAAAACLA/rswYtwPGyT0/s1600/IMG_3928.jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
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This dress is a bit of a blank canvas for me as it lends itself to such a variety of accessories. And you know how much I looooooove colourful accessories. </div>
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I have wore this dress heaps. It is so easy to wear so I reach for it often. One more version to go!</div>
Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-82422545327851948962015-01-26T14:55:00.003+10:002015-01-26T14:56:54.539+10:00Woven tee and Vogue Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-size: large;"><b>Silk Woven tee<a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/silk-woven-tee.html"> (here)</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Skirt - Vogue 1247</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">2014 sewing continued....</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwtR97yaLJQ/VLpC2yboJyI/AAAAAAAACLo/r8Zfah9tpEw/s1600/IMG_3918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jwtR97yaLJQ/VLpC2yboJyI/AAAAAAAACLo/r8Zfah9tpEw/s1600/IMG_3918.jpg" height="640" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the next version of my woven tee (<a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/silk-woven-tee.html">first shown here</a>). It is made up in a lovely silk crepe de chine purchased from Tessuti. Sadly, the colours have faded considerably. I still love it though.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfQZy0PrCVg/VLpC1vZEeyI/AAAAAAAACLg/oelaTLcSH7M/s1600/IMG_3921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfQZy0PrCVg/VLpC1vZEeyI/AAAAAAAACLg/oelaTLcSH7M/s1600/IMG_3921.jpg" height="640" width="352" /></a></div>
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The skirt is made using a black silk linen blend from The Fabric Store. It's not as black as it appears here and is ever so slightly textured. This is my second version of this skirt. The first can be seen <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2011/07/skirt-vogue-1247-in-denim.html">here</a>. This skirt was made from the leftovers of a dress I am yet to show you, so it is a bit of a bonus. I went through a stage last year of trying to use up all my large fabric scraps rather than buy more fabric...you should see my Grainline tank collection!<br />
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Nothing much else to say really. An easy-to-wear outfit!Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-34915378158464018192015-01-25T12:25:00.000+10:002015-01-25T12:35:46.073+10:00Silk Woven Tee<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: large;">Woven tee</span></div>
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My 2014 makes continued....</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MigGI7YoU4U/VLpDNChv4nI/AAAAAAAACL4/68pNAEiVhRI/s1600/IMG_3946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MigGI7YoU4U/VLpDNChv4nI/AAAAAAAACL4/68pNAEiVhRI/s1600/IMG_3946.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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<i>Worn with white linen thurlow shorts.</i></div>
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Towards the end of 2013, I jumped on a plane from Cairns to Brisbane to spend the day shopping with my sister. Our primary focus was to find fabric for <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2014/02/bare-bones-blogging-scirocco-dress-by.html">flowergirl dresses</a> (we had <b>a lot</b> of secondary focuses). Anyway, while I was there we ducked into DFO. I bought two woven tees from Country Road - one in black, the other in white. Both became on high rotation, as they were perfect for work. I decided to trace off a pattern, as one does, when one can.</div>
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Below is one of the tops I made in 2014 from this pattern. It has a back yoke and kimono-style sleeves. It is a breeze to make. Apart of course, from sewing bias binding around the neckline, which I still tend to loathe doing.</div>
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This top is a silk (charmeuse I think???) purchased from The Fabric Store many years ago. This fabric in fact, was my first happening upon real silk fabric. It was back in the days when I had yet to discover Emma One Sock and the joys of internet shopping. Living in a regional area, I was limited exclusively to Spotlight, which up until recent years, did not stock silk....perhaps with the exception of silk dupion at times.<br />
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Despite my excited silk discovery, this fabric sat in my stash for years. It was all a bit shiny and reminded me of the races...not sure why. Last year I had a light bulb moment and decided to sew it up with the matt side facing outwards. The colours in the matt side were far prettier and less gaudy then the shiny side. I did, however, use the shiny side for the back yoke.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxTnEIZ52tM/VLpDHU0E8GI/AAAAAAAACLw/rj7Q-zs9Dgg/s1600/IMG_3949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxTnEIZ52tM/VLpDHU0E8GI/AAAAAAAACLw/rj7Q-zs9Dgg/s1600/IMG_3949.jpg" height="400" width="346" /></a></div>
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This top is super comfy, easy to sew and easy to wear. Tomorrow I will show you version 2...and then perhaps #3 & #4. </div>
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-28321097098137052842015-01-23T17:46:00.001+10:002015-01-23T17:46:30.300+10:00Thurlow shorts in denim linen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #073763; font-size: large;">Thurlow Trousers (Shorts)</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_HTSgH4xTM/VLpD5y83VAI/AAAAAAAACMY/-dtayp1qfU0/s1600/IMG_3938.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U_HTSgH4xTM/VLpD5y83VAI/AAAAAAAACMY/-dtayp1qfU0/s1600/IMG_3938.jpg" height="640" width="368" /></a></div>
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These shorts nearly didn't make it to blogland, or even my wardrobe for that matter. I actually cut these out in February last year when I cut out <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/linen-thurlows.html">these trousers</a>. As I mentioned in that post, I discovered I could get both a pair or trousers and shorts, when I buy double my length, if I cut them out simultaneously. So I cut these out (for a rainy day) and then put them aside. Months and months later, I decided to sew them up. They went missing. Yup, with only the hems to sew and the slides and hooks to add, they vanished from sight. I searched and searched but could not find them anywhere. I cleaned out my sewing room, sorted my fabric tubs, waded through my scraps...gone! Searched again and again. Still gone! I gave up.<br />
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While away on a girl's weekend in November, this dilemma came up in conversation. My friend Amy (<a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/a-fancy-schmancy-dress-for-friend.html">whom I sewed the fancy-schmancy dress for</a>), revealed they were at her house. She found them kicking around, sometime around her sister's wedding, when she was inundated with relatives and assumed they must have belonged to one of them. Mystery solved! (If by chance you're wondering why they were kicking around at Amy's house instead of in my sewing room, well, I stayed with her for a few days during household renovations).<br />
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So, I finally got to finish them. I am yet to actually wear them as I only finished them a few days before we headed off for our Summer vacation and we have only recently returned. Despite this, I think they will be quite a wardrobe staple.<br />
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Worn with <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/search?q=missoni">this top</a>.</div>
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<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-27365832293584977692015-01-22T05:21:00.003+10:002015-01-22T05:21:27.786+10:00Black Knit Singlet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Jalie 3245</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Racerback Tank </b></span></div>
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I realised on my last post that I forgot to mention the top I was wearing. This was also I holiday make. I made it using a Jalie Racerback Tank pattern that I borrowed from my sister Katherine. It's made using a 100% cotton knit from The Fabric Store. From memory, it was a Donna Karen fabric, yet it is pretty flimsy. Katherine kindly finished off the neckline and sleeves for me using the binder on her coverstitch machine, so it looks very RTW. After watching her sew on the binding, I'm more tempted then ever to invest in a coverstitch myself. </div>
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Details about skirt <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2015/01/geometric-raffia-skirt.html">here</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMbLtA712vg/VLpAnJaaXRI/AAAAAAAACKA/iNs4nue_q8M/s1600/IMG_3905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xMbLtA712vg/VLpAnJaaXRI/AAAAAAAACKA/iNs4nue_q8M/s1600/IMG_3905.jpg" height="400" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-68078434524812592502015-01-19T19:13:00.000+10:002015-01-19T19:13:58.500+10:00Geometric Raffia Skirt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Pattern Mash-up</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Burda Panel Skirt 2006/Style #112</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">Vogue 1247</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #45818e;">and more....</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tV1We1XYwJU/VLpAghLFVGI/AAAAAAAACJ0/CxsxT0rWWdo/s1600/IMG_3898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tV1We1XYwJU/VLpAghLFVGI/AAAAAAAACJ0/CxsxT0rWWdo/s1600/IMG_3898.jpg" height="640" width="392" /></a></div>
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This was another of my Christmas holiday makes. I'll start by talking about the fabric, as it is extremely unusual and like nothing I've even seen before. It is an Italian fabric that is 65% viscose, 25% cotton and 10% raffia. It is thickish, yet extremely soft. It frays like nobody's business. I bought it last November from Tessuti in Melbourne. I was a little unsure on how stable it would be when worn, so I interfaced the whole lot with good quality interfacing. </div>
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<a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0017/0222/products/MG_4674_large.JPG?v=1413876539" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0017/0222/products/MG_4674_large.JPG?v=1413876539" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.tessuti-shop.com/products/carrot-raffia"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo: via Tessuti. Carrot raffia</span></a></div>
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I knew the moment I saw it, that I wanted to make a short funky skirt. This style skirt - with a wide yoke, pleats and pockets, has been circling my mind for years. At some stage, I toiled up Simplicity 2451, but it looked awful and I gave up on the idea, thinking maybe this style was not for me. Yet, it kept circling. I decided to give it another go and create my own pattern.<br />
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I started by merging two skirt patterns toiles I already had - my Burda panel skirt and Vogue 1247. I used the yoke from the Burda skirt and the skirt of Vogue 1247. I also added some width to the front to allow for the pleats. I reshaped the pockets so they had two straight edges and changed their position slightly. I love how this all turned out.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHQLv5ehu7M/VLpAd_9MPMI/AAAAAAAACJs/MB_K-pCrA8U/s1600/IMG_3902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BHQLv5ehu7M/VLpAd_9MPMI/AAAAAAAACJs/MB_K-pCrA8U/s1600/IMG_3902.jpg" height="640" width="434" /></a></div>
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I also shaped the hemline at the side seams. You can just see the curves below. This meant I had to hem the skirt using a hemband. I used black rayon lining from Emma One Sock for the hemband. I also lined the skirt in rayon.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idMaShZN4-g/VLpAoLyLKwI/AAAAAAAACKE/pgIWpmhjAzQ/s1600/IMG_3906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idMaShZN4-g/VLpAoLyLKwI/AAAAAAAACKE/pgIWpmhjAzQ/s1600/IMG_3906.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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Another alteration I made was to add 12cm of width across the back yoke and upper skirt back to allow for an elasticised back. I wanted something super comfy and that I could just pull on. I couldn't buy any wide elastic where I was over the holidays, so I used two rows of thinner elastic and sewed a casing into the back yoke. You can just see the casing seam below running through the centre of the yoke.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0MCznNi4T8/VLpAcTquLvI/AAAAAAAACJk/8GN7BV1F-Q8/s1600/IMG_3904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v0MCznNi4T8/VLpAcTquLvI/AAAAAAAACJk/8GN7BV1F-Q8/s1600/IMG_3904.jpg" height="396" width="400" /></a></div>
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I am completely and utterly stoked with how this skirt turned out. It is comfortable, looks good and the fabric is just soooooooo groovy.<br />
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Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-16608003003262851962015-01-18T06:25:00.000+10:002015-01-18T06:25:37.870+10:00The 2014 Party Dress that almost didn't happen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqX5s8LL0DQ/VLn9pBkP9eI/AAAAAAAACIc/lwux5ZnI51w/s1600/IMG_3959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqX5s8LL0DQ/VLn9pBkP9eI/AAAAAAAACIc/lwux5ZnI51w/s1600/IMG_3959.jpg" height="640" width="372" /></a></div>
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As I mentioned in my previous post, I chose to make a beach kaftan rather than a 2014 party dress. Well that was all very well and good, until it wasn't. I kinda had 'end-of-the-year-party-dress' withdrawals. So I made one anyway...better late than never.<br />
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I actually traced off a favourite G*rman dress. I then merged this, with my dress block, to get the right fit. I actually made this dress a bit roomier than my original RTW dress as I wanted it to be more work friendly. It's crazy how many times you find yourself sitting on the ground during the day, when you're a Year 1 teacher.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-miVG3mD1wdg/VLn9pFGSI5I/AAAAAAAACIU/poyy8tbW6q4/s1600/IMG_3963.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-miVG3mD1wdg/VLn9pFGSI5I/AAAAAAAACIU/poyy8tbW6q4/s1600/IMG_3963.jpg" height="400" width="232" /></a> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wl8TNjMqMPs/VLn9oUOgoGI/AAAAAAAACIQ/83cXoqzpBBY/s1600/IMG_3964.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wl8TNjMqMPs/VLn9oUOgoGI/AAAAAAAACIQ/83cXoqzpBBY/s1600/IMG_3964.jpg" height="400" width="252" /></a></div>
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I love how this dress has pleats that come up to the pockets. I also love that the belt sits higher rather than lower. I'm one of those people who can't buy dresses with elasticised waists as the elastic never sits in a flattering spot on my pear-shaped body.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HGRuwiHPf4/VLn9tq7ZNeI/AAAAAAAACIo/NuQZByebORg/s1600/IMG_3967.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2HGRuwiHPf4/VLn9tq7ZNeI/AAAAAAAACIo/NuQZByebORg/s1600/IMG_3967.jpg" height="266" width="320" /></a></div>
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The dress is made using a silk crepe de chine purchased from The Fabric Store in November. I originally bought this fabric with the intention of making a top, so had to cut carefully to get all the pattern pieces to fit. I didn't have enough fabric left for the belt. Fortunately, this dilemma coincided with a trip to visit my sister, Katherine and her drawer full of silk scraps. I was quite concerned that she would not have a fabric that would match. Strangely (or not), she had a perfect colour match for nearly every colour that features on this dress. The benefits of having a sister that sews far more than I do.<br />
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I fully lined the dress in silk lining purchased from Emma One Sock. There is an invisible zip at the CB.<br />
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Despite not actually having this dress for any end-of-year parties, it did have a fabulous first outing - a drive to Brisbane, followed by watching The Lion King musical, followed by the best dumplings in the Fortitude Valley, followed by a T20 (20/20 cricket) at The Gabba....it doesn't get much better than that!<br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Brisbane</span></div>
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It's second outing was almost as good - a degustation lunch at Tamarind Restaurant at Maleny....bliss!</div>
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<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-17620194716869382062015-01-17T15:29:00.001+10:002015-01-17T15:29:59.334+10:00A Festive Beach Kaftan<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Vogue 8595 (sort of)</span><br />
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Each year, heading into the festive season, I make myself a party dress. One new dress that I can wear to all the Christmas parties, break-up parties and wear on Christmas day itself. This year, most of these events were by a pool, at the beach or by a river. So instead of a fancy party dress, I sewed up a beach kaftan.<br />
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I used Vogue 8595, which I already owned as my starting point. I redrafted both the neckline and hemline so it was more kaftan-like. I also added tabs to hold the rolled-up sleeves in place. I wanted the kaftan to be very flowy and cool so I cut out a much larger size - probably too large really.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC4aAf1sqb8/VLnw_Ahbk3I/AAAAAAAACH4/76s3Sd5h2pQ/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FC4aAf1sqb8/VLnw_Ahbk3I/AAAAAAAACH4/76s3Sd5h2pQ/s1600/IMG_3886.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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The fabric was a cotton/silk voile from Emma One Sock. I didn't buy quite enough (forgot to allow for the sleeves) so it was an absolute bugger to match the stripes. I did manage in the end, but there is the odd join here and there on the sleeves, hemline and hem facing.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbLhRFvZGPY/VLnw2UQdGOI/AAAAAAAACHw/1_8sBuO-xF8/s1600/IMG_3882.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dbLhRFvZGPY/VLnw2UQdGOI/AAAAAAAACHw/1_8sBuO-xF8/s1600/IMG_3882.jpg" height="320" width="188" /></a></div>
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I wore this kaftan a heap over the summer school holidays. As planned, I even wore it on Christmas day. The day started out with a swim at Noosa Beach and continued on with cocktails by my sister's pool. No daggy towel wrapped around the waist for me!<br />
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Christmas Day 2014</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYDK_5Vvce0/VLV6fNQfjiI/AAAAAAAACHQ/mtwQsEaqU9g/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MYDK_5Vvce0/VLV6fNQfjiI/AAAAAAAACHQ/mtwQsEaqU9g/s1600/IMG_3724.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i> Noosa Beach with my sister Emily</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBvr7EcgHK4/VLnxQGzmWSI/AAAAAAAACIA/ryz6YunnglY/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XBvr7EcgHK4/VLnxQGzmWSI/AAAAAAAACIA/ryz6YunnglY/s1600/IMG_3765.JPG" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
<i> Munching on chocolate-covered goji berries from my husband</i><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MQ-dZnG_J4/VLV6YK7BrPI/AAAAAAAACHE/U3Anr4YaDcQ/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5MQ-dZnG_J4/VLV6YK7BrPI/AAAAAAAACHE/U3Anr4YaDcQ/s1600/IMG_3766.JPG" height="400" width="211" /></a></div>
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<i>Is that my new Cuisinart Blending system in the big box? Yes indeedy!</i></div>
Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-57624652836098552472015-01-13T21:17:00.000+10:002015-01-13T21:23:55.147+10:00A Fancy-Schmancy Dress for a friend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>Skirt - Vogue 1174</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;"><b>Bodice - Vogue 8494</b></span></div>
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Dated: July 2014</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gkBQcK6Bzg/VLT0VVQCPeI/AAAAAAAACGI/inmvKuYUylU/s1600/IMG_3206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7gkBQcK6Bzg/VLT0VVQCPeI/AAAAAAAACGI/inmvKuYUylU/s1600/IMG_3206.jpg" height="640" width="370" /></a></div>
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Hey there long lost friends - I'm back from the dead! Yes, it is coming up to a year since I've blogged so I thought I'd better have another crack at this whole blogging shebang before the final nail is hammered into my blogging coffin.</div>
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Life has been a smidge busy - returning to full time work, being a mother, undergoing renovations and just trying to live a semi-balanced life. I have continued to sew and have certainly kept up my blog-reading, however, I've missed posting all my creations and interacting with other sewists. It's time, methinks. </div>
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This is a fancy-schmancy dress I made for my friend Amy in July to wear to her sister's wedding. She asked for something bright and tropical. When I spotted this 'just listed' sensational Oscar de la Renta silk taffeta on EmmaOneSock I decided it was absolutely the one - awesome colour, sensational fabric and fan palms-ish. Tropical, yet luxurious. From memory I texted her at about 6am and suggested she buy it immediately. A few hours later, I checked the site and it was SOLD OUT....fortunately she had snapped it up. Double yay! She gets a gorgeous dress and I get to sew with luxury fabric.</div>
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The dress was created by merging two patterns. The bodice of V8494 and the skirt fromV1174. During my renovations, I stayed with Amy for 3 days. This gave me the opportunity to work on the toile. It was fun to have the opportunity to apply some of my fitting knowledge on a garment for someone else. I must say, it's far easier to fit a friend, then oneself - no crazy yoga positions required when pinning.</div>
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The dress has an invisible zipper up the CB. I also lined the entire dress in black silk lining. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixTraZdzZxw/VLT0a_n5RVI/AAAAAAAACGU/47kSh1sO8jI/s1600/IMG_3208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixTraZdzZxw/VLT0a_n5RVI/AAAAAAAACGU/47kSh1sO8jI/s1600/IMG_3208.jpg" height="400" width="352" /></a></div>
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Sadly, I don't actually have a good photo of Amy wearing the dress. This is just a dodgy one taken on my mobile phone when I collected her kids from the reception for a sleepover. What I can say though, is that the moment I laid eyes on it I thought '<i>that looks like a really high-end dress - stunning!</i>' - the fabric is extraordinary!</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6T3AkpMCN88/VLT0Ui_NtgI/AAAAAAAACF8/6DwpdH2Gea8/s1600/20140726_184548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6T3AkpMCN88/VLT0Ui_NtgI/AAAAAAAACF8/6DwpdH2Gea8/s1600/20140726_184548.jpg" height="640" width="330" /></a></div>
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During my weekend stay at Amy's house, her husband wanted in on the custom-made sewing action and requested a bow tie made from the same fabric. <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/264418/bow-ties">I got the pattern from the Martha Stewart site</a>. This tie is knotted in the traditional way. I did, however, make the length adjustable by adding a slide to the neck strap. Therefore, if the wearer would like to remove it, but is too drunk to remember how to retie it, then he has another option. Everyone needs a backup plan, now and again.</div>
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I had a fabulous time watching the this '<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD9SWgodiek">The Art Of Manliness</a>' clip on how to tie a bowtie. I think I watched it over 20 times while trying to conquer tying the tie.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ2z7vjc09Q/VLT0Uo_fIlI/AAAAAAAACGA/aRe2MRUrY08/s1600/20140726_184715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ2z7vjc09Q/VLT0Uo_fIlI/AAAAAAAACGA/aRe2MRUrY08/s1600/20140726_184715.jpg" height="400" width="302" /></a></div>
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Another dodgy phone photo.</div>
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And lastly, because I was house-sitting someone else's house over the holidays, while my house was being renovated and had very little to do, I sewed up a matching clutch for Amy by joining strips of the selvedge together. The selvedge was a beautiful sage colour, as shown in the leaves on the dress. It also had a stitched paisley print in shiny black silk thread all over it. I nailed the dress and the tie...the clutch did look a smidge homemade though.</div>
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And that's all for now. A fun project from mid-2014. I'll try my best to keep this little blog chuffing through 2015.<br />
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So long!Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-54086420982633104762014-03-04T19:04:00.001+10:002014-03-04T19:24:19.005+10:00Raglan Sleeve top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Raglan Shift Dress as a top</span></u></b></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPn496Bc5Hg/UxWURmT5IbI/AAAAAAAACDk/o--bjq1V3jk/s1600/IMG_1233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KPn496Bc5Hg/UxWURmT5IbI/AAAAAAAACDk/o--bjq1V3jk/s1600/IMG_1233.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Pattern: Raglan shift dress (self-drafted)</div>
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Fabric: Cotton/silk by Anna & Boy - The Fabric Store</div>
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Worn with: Thurlow Trousers in white linen <a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/a-diary-6-months-of-sewing.html">(here)</a></div>
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I realised this morning while ironing my clothes for work, that I never got around to blogging this top. Here I am wearing sunglasses to hide my early morning face and throwing back a quick coffee before I walk out the door. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_sUKXsONhE/UxWUWJQ55EI/AAAAAAAACDs/NSrqJ3r11do/s1600/IMG_1234.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t_sUKXsONhE/UxWUWJQ55EI/AAAAAAAACDs/NSrqJ3r11do/s1600/IMG_1234.jpg" height="640" width="362" /></a></div>
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This top is a shortened version of the three raglan shifts I made late last year. I love the colours and it goes perfectly with the bangle I'm wearing. Not that you can tell. You'll just have to take my word for it.</div>
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Enjoy the rest of your week.</div>
Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-87320782057100949692014-03-02T07:54:00.000+10:002014-03-02T07:54:54.120+10:00Linen Thurlows<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thurlow Trousers</span></b></div>
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<b>Sewaholic Patterns</b></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHDs0KEN1ec/UxJRCb7QroI/AAAAAAAACDE/MAXfI6ypHtA/s1600/IMG_1221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fHDs0KEN1ec/UxJRCb7QroI/AAAAAAAACDE/MAXfI6ypHtA/s1600/IMG_1221.jpg" height="640" width="324" /></a></div>
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Pattern: Thurlow Trousers by Sewaholic Patterns</div>
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Fabric: Linen - Iggy Denim from Tessuti</div>
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Worn with: Grainline tank<a href="http://raindropsandbellyflops.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/grainline-tank.html"> (here)</a></div>
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Styled with: Country Road necklace</div>
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& Elk Orange Snakeskin Sandals</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZuesjJ10L0/UxJREkFKs7I/AAAAAAAACDQ/24-tCkxGNHM/s1600/IMG_1216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZuesjJ10L0/UxJREkFKs7I/AAAAAAAACDQ/24-tCkxGNHM/s1600/IMG_1216.jpg" height="640" width="332" /></a></div>
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This linen was one of the pieces of fabric I picked up in Melbourne over the Christmas holidays. I was immediately drawn to it because of the dark denim-like colour. I'm a bit of a fan of denim, as I find that it goes with everything. The 'easy' factor makes it so appealing to me.<br />
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I've been wearing these trousers to work quite a bit over the last few weeks. They tick so many boxes - they're cool, comfortable, go with heaps, and hide dirty marks quite nicely. I can sit on the carpet, run about the oval, demonstrate yoga poses, rip out art gear....hhmmmmm, the life of a Year 1 teacher. In summary, they're not restrictive!<br />
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One of the cool things I'd discovered previously, is if I cut my facings and pockets from my Liberty scraps, I can get a pair of Thurlow trousers and a pair of Thurlow shorts out of Tessuti's linen (135cm) when I buy double my trouser length. So, I also have a pair of shorts cut out and ready to go. I'm not really sure when these will get sewn together. Best not hold your breath!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAbnrHlGous/UxJREEAJ1OI/AAAAAAAACDM/O5LwM4lVZr4/s1600/IMG_1217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dAbnrHlGous/UxJREEAJ1OI/AAAAAAAACDM/O5LwM4lVZr4/s1600/IMG_1217.jpg" height="400" width="238" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">This week I'm aiming to master sewing silk bias binding onto silk tops. I'm talking the thin, slippery, nightmare-to-manage type of silk. This is something I've always struggled to do well. I've struggled to get a neckline and armholes that sit flat and to keep the binding at a consistent width. So, in an attempt to overcome this hurdle, I've cut out three grainline tanks and matching binding, out of my leftover silk scraps. I'm going to be all grown-up and sensible and do some sample pieces first and then take it slow and steady. Fingers crossed!</span></div>
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Happy sewing everyone!</div>
Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-64657187401055233852014-02-23T19:16:00.000+10:002014-02-23T21:02:45.601+10:00Tessuti Pia Dress<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Tessuti Pia Dress</span></b></u></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-J48Fwq344/Uwm5Mguv-mI/AAAAAAAACCY/WS8zzA0jYMk/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G-J48Fwq344/Uwm5Mguv-mI/AAAAAAAACCY/WS8zzA0jYMk/s1600/IMG_1195.jpg" height="640" width="366" /></a></div>
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Pattern: Tessuti Pia Dress</div>
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Fabric: 100% silk by Karen Walker</div>
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from The Fabric Store (many many moons ago!)</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx79n-d4jAY/Uwm6wYh0KTI/AAAAAAAACCs/VxqzWsuYB8I/s1600/IMG_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Dx79n-d4jAY/Uwm6wYh0KTI/AAAAAAAACCs/VxqzWsuYB8I/s1600/IMG_1209.jpg" height="640" width="266" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKjMaBkOgDs/Uwm5ObAyWbI/AAAAAAAACCg/CTdBqW3gwQk/s1600/IMG_1196.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XKjMaBkOgDs/Uwm5ObAyWbI/AAAAAAAACCg/CTdBqW3gwQk/s1600/IMG_1196.jpg" height="640" width="334" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEBeyvovCFA/Uwm61R5Z0tI/AAAAAAAACC0/2m2wNn-FQvc/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CEBeyvovCFA/Uwm61R5Z0tI/AAAAAAAACC0/2m2wNn-FQvc/s1600/IMG_1201.JPG" height="315" width="400" /></a></div>
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close-up of fabric</div>
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Alterations:<br />
- Fully lined in bemberg rayon rather than binding neckline/armholes with bias binding. The outer fabric is a tad sheer against the light and a tad scratchy.<br />
- Added bust darts to create more shape.<br />
- Re-drafted armholes and neckline. The original design did nothing for my broad shoulders.<br />
- Slightly shaped at waist.<br />
- Centre-back at neckline pinched in to accommodate square shoulders.<br />
- Shortened by heaps and heaps!<br />
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I love it because:<br />
- it has awesome floppy pockets.<br />
- it's a fancy sack making it soooooooo comfy.<br />
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-88665915571446200242014-02-01T22:36:00.001+10:002014-02-01T22:36:18.135+10:00Katherine's Shirt Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Did you see the gorgeous Liberty shirt dress Katherine posted about today? I just found a lovely photo of her wearing it while I've been sifting through my holiday snaps. </div>
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<a href="http://sewblooms.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/shirt-dress.html">Check it out</a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkmR-RGa2rA/UuzphpWzNuI/AAAAAAAACCA/dY1PQTfAmW4/s1600/IMG_0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MkmR-RGa2rA/UuzphpWzNuI/AAAAAAAACCA/dY1PQTfAmW4/s1600/IMG_0454.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8252526992948047010.post-76480130644615510882014-02-01T22:25:00.000+10:002014-02-01T22:25:19.042+10:00Bare-bones Blogging: Belladone Dress <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Belladone Dress by Deer and Doe</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(more wedding photos)</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jeg4fYmIkoE/UuznYqTjJFI/AAAAAAAACB0/w7QoNZ0b8XI/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jeg4fYmIkoE/UuznYqTjJFI/AAAAAAAACB0/w7QoNZ0b8XI/s1600/IMG_1008.JPG" height="640" width="306" /></a></div>
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Pattern: <a href="http://boutique.deer-and-doe.fr/2-dresses-belladone-dress.html">Belladone Dress by Deer and Doe</a></div>
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Fabric: silk twill from The Fabric Store</div>
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Alterations: The original pattern has an upper and lower bodice back piece. I merged the two pieces. </div>
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Fully lined in lemon silk/cotton.</div>
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My sister Emily asked me to help her sew a dress for my youngest sister's wedding. To date, I'd have to say this dress is my proudest sewing achievement. I am fortunate enough to have a sewing teacher help me fit a toile on most of the garments I make for myself. I get to stand there, in front of a mirror, dressed in all my calico glory, while she tweaks away getting the perfect fit. She talks me through the process and I watch on. When it came to fitting this toile on my sister, my sewing teacher was 3000km away. It was all up to me. To my surprise and delight, I was able to draw on the skills I learned from all those years of watching and listening. Believe me, we had to make a lot of significant alterations. (There's some strange things going on with that pattern) I reckon I nailed it!</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBmhVuaIKKQ/UuzfIj3t8UI/AAAAAAAACBU/MOwhhaQ9UxE/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBmhVuaIKKQ/UuzfIj3t8UI/AAAAAAAACBU/MOwhhaQ9UxE/s1600/IMG_1299.JPG" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
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The best close-up I have of the bodice. </div>
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My sister and my Mum - don't they look beautiful!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DmCrEbvTo8/Uuzf4YFSkTI/AAAAAAAACBk/DtjsY7rGRiI/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DmCrEbvTo8/Uuzf4YFSkTI/AAAAAAAACBk/DtjsY7rGRiI/s1600/IMG_1302.JPG" height="640" width="448" /></a></div>
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Bodice back - Cut out diamond</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s94w7EaDLjo/UuzeWxVv5_I/AAAAAAAACBM/Qxn5qTwgyqM/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s94w7EaDLjo/UuzeWxVv5_I/AAAAAAAACBM/Qxn5qTwgyqM/s1600/IMG_1286.JPG" height="281" width="400" /></a></div>
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Katherine, Mum, Me and Emily </div>
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(all in handmade garments)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8NiYKtlvig/UuzeL-rXe3I/AAAAAAAACBI/s9w7-lsa7iw/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z8NiYKtlvig/UuzeL-rXe3I/AAAAAAAACBI/s9w7-lsa7iw/s1600/IMG_1193.JPG" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
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Sarah, the beautiful bride.</div>
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I think she likes the dress (or maybe it's the champagne)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7HnHVuVizU/UuzfqfbdJSI/AAAAAAAACBc/rCOGss_TngA/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n7HnHVuVizU/UuzfqfbdJSI/AAAAAAAACBc/rCOGss_TngA/s1600/IMG_1494.JPG" height="640" width="390" /></a></div>
<br />Bernicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14594285545901719716noreply@blogger.com5