::Sewing::FO::Teal Peony for the Lady?

I wore this dress out for the first time over the weekend and someone asked if I made the dress and whether I had posted it on my blog. It wasn't until I got home that I realised that I haven't posted about this make here. Wha!?
So here she is on le blog.

I did make this dress over a month ago and posted about it on The Monthly Stitch.

 But, I've got a little secret. The dress wasn't completely finished when I posted it on TMS. I still had to hem the sleeves and skirt and hand stitch the bodice lining to the waist seam. Shhh!
I finished it not too long after posting it, so it's not that big a deal :P

My hair is at the at weird length where it looks like there is a koala attached to my head, but I can't really do much with it. So, I popped on a hat for these photos.
Note to self: Sort out the hair situation.

~Inspiration~
I've been wanting to make this dress for ages.
I've had the pattern printed, pasted and ready to go for awhile now, so when The Monthly Stitch announced that the first challenge for their Indie Pattern Month would be dresses I knew exactly what I was going to make. Thanks TMS for giving me the boot :)
There were quite a few adjustments made to this dress, but I'm pretty pleased with the way it turned out in the end.
I was sewing like women possessed trying to get this puppy sewn up before we headed off for a long-weekend vacation. I took the pictures just as the light was fading over the horizon.

~Pattern Adjustments~
Full Bust Adjustment  C cup to D cup (3/8" spread) - I can never remember whether Colette Patterns are drafted for a C cup or D cup, but I've come up with a way to remember C for Colette Patterns!
When I did the FBA the darts ended up a bit wonky
Moved waist bust dart point and reduced the dart intake by 1/2"
Big Butt Adjustment-cut & pivot at the waistline total of  2 inches spread over to vertical cuts
Lengthened skirt 1 inch all over and an extra 1 inch at the back to compensate for Big Butt Adjustment
Shortened sleeves by 6.5 inches

~Construction~
I  didn't follow the instructions on this one. I don't like facings so I lined the bodice with the main fabric.
So because I went  'off piste' here is a quick summary of my construction steps.
-Sewed darts, in the bodice and bodice lining and joined bodice and lining at the shoulders. Clipped, pressed and finished seams on the overlocker.
- Sewed the bodice and lining together at the neckline pressed clipped and turned
- Sewed the side seams of the bodice and lining - separately, pressed
- Basted the armholes of the bodice and lining together so they wouldn't shift when inserting the sleeve
- Sewed bias tape to the sleeve cap to ease it into the arm hole
- Sewed the sleeve seam
- Inserted the sleeve
- Finished the edges of the pocket pieces on the overlocker & attached them to the skirt pieces. Pressed. Finished the skirt side seams on the overlocker.
- Sewed the skirt pieces together at the side seams, sewing around the pockets
- Gathered sections on the front skirt
- Attached the skirt to the bodice
- Inserted the zipper
- Sewed the lining to the zipper and bodice-skirt seam
- Hemmed the sleeves and skirt.
Pheew!

I have come to the conclusion that I am not a big fan of setting in sleeves. This time I used the "bias tape" trick where instead of gathering the sleeve cap with basting stitches you sew a strip of bias tape to the sleeve cap while keeping it pulled taut. I think it worked pretty well here.

 ~Pattern~
Colette Patterns 1017 (Peony) Version 1 with shortened sleeves and no belt.

~Materials~
Teal poly cotton fabric I've had in my stash for ages.
22" invisible zipper

~Changes I made this time~
Heaps! See the pattern adjustments above!

~What I Like~
- I wasn't sure about the colour initially, but now I quite like it. - When I wore the dress out I got a few compliments on the colour. So that's a definite winner.
- I'm pretty pleased about the success of my Big Butt Adjustment
- I like that the waist seam matches at the zipper
- Pockets!

~What I Don't Like~
- The zipper puckering
- The invisible zipper peaking out
- The fabric - after making my Navy S2444 and this dress I've come to the conclusion that I need to move away from this poly cotton. Too bad I've still got some in my stash :(

~Changes for Next Time~
- Definitely different fabric.
- There are a heap more fitting adjustments I want to do on this dress. I think a big one is to raise the lower armscye on the bodice. I'm thinking that will help a bunch with arm movement. Or maybe I'll have to sew in a gusset. Hmmm.
- I also want to lower the centre and shorten the width of the neckline.
- I also want to re-adjust the waist bust dart on the bodice - change it so that the dart centre is vertical and not at an angle.

~Numbers~

Pattern	Colette Patterns 1017 (Peony) view	$14.00
Fabric	Teal Poly cotton x 4m - had in stash can't remember cost	$-
Notions	-Thread - had in stash -Bias Tape (for sleeve easing) - had in stash -22" Invisible Zipper	$- $- $5.00
Time	2 hours pattern adjustments 11 hours sewing 13 hours (* $16-ish Australian minimum wage)	$208.00
Total		$227.00

This is the first time that I've used the Peony pattern so I've included it in the tally.
Also, because it is the first time I've used the pattern there was a lot of time spent making pattern adjustments.

A lot of the sewing time included the muslin making process, so lots of sewing, seam ripping, re-cutting fabric and sewing again.  I also experimented with techniques for setting in the sleeves so that took some time too.

In future I want to break down my sewing time a bit more. While I was making this project I was using a time tracker app on my phone. I think a project based time tracker would be a better option in future because the time tracker app only really broke time down by description and category - although thinking about that now. I guess I could make each project a category. Hmmm, something to ponder.

~Final Comment~
I'm fairly pleased with this make. I did rush it a bit because of the looming deadline and running out of time because we are going away, but I think this will be a good dress for 'everyday' wear. I have to go back and reinsert the zipper again I think….maybe  ;)
Spoiler: I didn't reinsert the zipper :P

You can pop over to the post I did on The Monthly Stitch to see some more (unfinished dress) pics :)

Question Time:
Do you follow instructions when you make something?
What are some the 'standard' things you change when you make something?
Do you ever go back and 'fix' things when you make something? I rarely do.
What are your tips for inserting sleeves?


Until next time,

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::Sewing::FO:: Two-Tone Colour Block Scout Woven Tee

~Inspiration~
During the Kollabora Scout Woven Tee sewalong I stumbled upon this fantastic tee. I'd been toying within this idea for awhile when the The Monthly Stitch Sew Double Challenge was announced. I wore my first Scout Tee at least once a week during the warmer  months and I wear my knit Scout Tee at home and to bed during the cooler months. I thought it would be a fitting  candidate for a sewing double challenge.

In the end I didn't get around to sewing it up in time to post to the monthly stitch. Although I did manage to slip in a sewing double post about my Hollyburn skirt. I actually made this before I made my Grey Skating Lady dress.

~Pattern Adjustments~
I traced off the pattern I had used in my previous scout tees (lengthened by 3 inches and size 16 on top and 18 on bottom) and modified the pattern buy cutting across the front and back pattern pieces about 1 inch below the armscye. I wanted to make this as simple as possible so I decided to avoid cutting through the armscye and sleeve so it was less work.

~Construction~
The top and bottom for the front and back were sewn together. Sleeves were sewn in flat after joining the shoulder seams. The sides and sleeves were sewn as one, trying to line up the seams crossing the body pieces. Neckline was finished with bias tape as facing and sleeves and waist were hemmed.

~Pattern~
Modified Grainline Studio Scout Woven Tee

~Materials~
Left over poly cotton poplin fabric from my first S2444 dress and the M5591 skirt I made mum (the grey fabric wasn't pre-washed so we'll see what happens after a few washes). I chose a lighter colour for the top in an attempt to balance out my pear shape. I think it worked, but I think having it so close to my face washed me out. You'll have to tell me what you think.

~Changes I made this time~
• Traced a graded version of the pattern I have used in the past
• Modified pattern for colour blocking

~What I Like~
• It's a loose airy fit and will be good to wear next summer or with a long sleeved knit
• I like where the line between fabrics falls

~What I Don't Like~
• The seams puckering
• I'm not sure about the colour choice

~Changes for Next Time~
• I think using a different fabric might help with the puckering problem - maybe a a smaller stitch length
• Perhaps use a patterned and solid fabric next time
• Perhaps try a back opening with buttons like the inspiration tee

~Numbers~

Pattern	Scout Woven Teed - Used before	$0.00
Fabric	In stash - left overs from previous makes	$0.00
Notions	Thread - in stash Bias Tape - in stash	$0.00 $0.00
Time	About 1 hour to trace and adjust pattern About 1 hour to press and cut fabric About 5 hours to sew 7 hours (* $16-ish Australian minimum wage)	$112.00
Total		$112.00

~Final Comment~
As soon as I finished this top I put it on. This was a great way to experiment with colour blocking and modifying a pattern. It will be interesting to see how the fabric changes with wear. This is going to be an 'everyday' wear top I think and I'm sure I'll get a heap of use out of it.

Have you been inspired to make something recently? Where do you get you're inspiration for your projects?
Leave a comment below, I'm interested to hear where others get inspiration.

Until next time,

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::Sewing::FO::Grey Skating Lady

~Inspiration~
I've wanted to make a knit dress for ages. I'm really drawn to knits as the weather turns cooler here in sunny Queensland. Most of my winter wardrobe is long sleeve knit tops. I was spurred on to make this dress by The Monthly Stitch Sew Stretchy challenge  for May (here are my posts over there...there's not many...yet).

 I've been eyeing off The Lady Skater dress for a long-time, especially after it exploded all over the sewing blogasphere when it was released. I eventually bit the bullet and bought it in the first Perfect Pattern Parcel.

~Pattern Adjustments~
I looked at the sizing on the pattern and it said I should cut a 7 in the upper bodice and grade to an 8 in the waist. Of course, me being me, I just cut a straight size 8. In future I will grade from a size 7 to an 8.
(Note to self: stop being silly and just go with what the pattern says)

~Construction~
I changed up the construction a little. I'm not a fan of sewing on shoulder seam, attached the neckband and then sewing the other shoulder seam. I attached the clear elastic as it says in the instructions; then sewed both shoulder seams. I sewed the neckband into a loop by sewing the short ends together right sides together; then folded and basted it along the long edge wrong sides together. Then attached the neckband to the neckline in the round.

Sewing this dress was a bit back and forth. As I wasn't sure about the dress I used mostly my sewing machine. I sewed up the bodice and sleeves and tried it on before unpicking the side seams. Then I overlocked the sleeves to the bodice, attached the skirt and overlocked up the side seams.

I tried the dress on and was a bit disappointed by the neck band flipping out. So I trimmed a couple of the seams in the neckline and left one to get sewed down later.

If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen that I borrowed a coverstitch machine from my sister . I was going to use it to hem the sleeves and skirt but it was being a complete PITA so I just decided to use my twin needle.

The seams were misbehaving as I was trying to fold and press them for hemming, so I trimmed some fusible web and used it to fix the seams down in sections to stop it from flipping. It was much easier to use the twin needle to finish the hems because they weren't sliding all over the place and there wasn't any need for pins. Suweet!

After practicing with the twin needles on the sleeve hems I stitched down the neckline seam allowance I had left . Before I sewed, I pressed the neckline with heaps of steam. I didn't bother with fusible web this time because it was topstitch. When sewing, I tried to align one needle in the seam and the other over where the seam was. The neckline lies nice and flat now so top stitching with the twin needle was a winner.

I like the length of the skirt so I decided not to hem it (that and I just really wanted to wear it) I just popped some Fray Stoppa on the skirt side seams.

~Pattern~
Kitschy Coo The Lady Skater - 3/4 sleeve

~Materials~
 I've had this fabric in my stash for nearly a year. I had intended on using it to make a stretch pencil skirt but I haven't gotten around to it . The fabric was lovely to handle and I would recommend it to anyone starting out in knits as it's a stable knit.
 I ran out of clear elastic while I was making this dress. I was going to resort to regular elastic, but I didn't think I be happy with that so I did end up ducking out and buying more.

~Changes I made this time~
• Attached the neckband in a different way.
• I twin needled the neckband down.
• I omitted the sleeve bands.

~What I Like~
• The shape of the dress is fantastic.
• The neckline doesn't gape!
• I think I'm in love with Ponte. I want to buy all of the Ponte. All of it!
• Twin needles are fantastic!

~What I Don't Like~
• The top of the sleeves don't fit so well
• There's a bit of excess fabric in the lower back. I'm thinking I need to do the old Full Butt Adjustment because the hem is a bit higher at the back - a usual.
• The waist seam is a bit weird

~Changes for Next Time~
• Grade from a 7 to an 8 in the bodice and sleeves
• Maybe do a swayback adjustment
• Use the overlocker to sew all seam, which might fix the weird waist seam

~Numbers~

Pattern	Kitschy Coo - The Lady Skater - 3/4 sleeve	$5.00
Fabric	Deluxe Ponte Double Knit  (Spotlight) $9.99/m * 2.5m	~$25.00
Notions	Thread - in stash Clear Elastic Fusible web - in stash	$0.00 ~$3.00 $0.00
Time	8 hours (* $16-ish Australian minimum wage)	$128.00
Total		~$161.00

Even though it took me a while to make this dress it was worth it just for the lessons I learnt while making it.

~Final Comment~
I'm loving the Ponte fabric in this shape of dress. It will be great to wear in the cooler months with tights/stockings, a scarf and belt.  There are a few tweaks that I'll have to make when I make another. I may even tweak the sleeve heads on this dress...maybe. But, overall I'm really digging this dress. It get's two thumbs up from me.

Do you wear a lot of knits? Have you sewn with knits before? 
Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you :)

Until next time,


P.s. I've read a couple of posts about taking photos for sewing blogs namely this one and this one, so I'm going to try improving pictures for this blog. Holla if you have any suggestions.

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::Sewing::FO:: Spot the S2444 Dress

Hey there!

I attended a wedding mid April (What do you mean it's mid May!) and I made a dress, as I mentioned in my ambitions post. In true procrastinator style I didn't start making this dress until a couple of weeks before the wedding.

Of course on the day I forgot to take blog pictures of me in the dress but totally forgot so had to duck out into the garden the next day for a few quick pics.

This is another S2444, but instead of pleating the skirt (I just could not be bothered mucking around with it aaand I didn't have enough fabric anyway) I added a gathered skirt instead.

I've been wanting to make a dress with spots on a black background for some time. I don't know where the idea came from, maybe it's all the spotty goodness that happens on the sewing blogasphere.

The fabric is pretty great, it has a nice hand and I think the spots are a great way to break up the black. I think I could wear this dress to an event schmancy event. It's from the spots and stripes range from Spotlight. The lining fabric I used is some pure black cotton lawn also from spotlight. I bought 5 metres at $4.99 per metre but got a 20% discount by using a voucher (that they were handing out at the door :-O. So essentially I got a metre free. Woop woop!

After having made this dress before I made the bodice up just as I did before, lining and all. I was going to add sleeves, but I haven't fitted that pattern piece yet. I cut the sleeves out anyway in hope that they would fit (I totes knew they wouldn't, but I thought I'd try my luck). I cut them so they  ended at the shorten/lengthen line instead of at the 3/4 quarter line. I eased in one sleeve and basted up the bodice side and sleeve, but the sleeves where just slim for my biceps :( , but I liked the length :)  So that was a no go on the sleeves… this time.

Luckily though I was able to salvage the fabric but cutting out a pair of pocket pieces from the fabric. I was going to make the pocket linings out of the lining fabric, but when I went to sew them together I realised that the lining fabric would be too flimsy for pockets.

Putting the pockets in with a gathered skirt posed a challenge and I had to have a bit of a think before I did it. The skirt was made up of 3 skirt panels, 1 front and 2 back to allow for a centre zip. I sewed the pockets to the skirt side seams, leaving a 1 inch gap at the top. Then I sewed the skirt side seams and pocket together. Sewing the top 1 inch of the skirt side seams together meant that I could sew the 3 lines of gathering stitches along the top of all 3 skirt panels. Gathering the skirt was a pain in the arse and my gathers weren't perfect, but I just had to sigh and say "progress, not perfection" and keep going.

To finish off it was a matter of attaching the skirt to the bodice, inserting the zipper; hand stitching the bodice lining to the zipper and waist seam allowance; and hemming. The zipper puckered a bit, which probably could have been avoided if I had used some stabiliser. I would like to find some fusible web for puckering zips.

Once I finished my dress I wasn't sure about how I was going to accessorise. I was totally going to default to my usual black, but then I thought red might be a nice change. So, the day before I went out and bought red shoes, belt and bag.
I'm so glad that I went with red, they really pop against the black.

The front neckline on this dress gapes, I'm able to pinch about 2 inches out of the front neckline; but the back seems fine. The bodice lining makes it a bit of bitch to iron. I probably didn't need to line the bodice on this dress because it is a cotton and breathes ok. So next time I'll have to think about fibre content of the fashion fabric before I add a lining. The pockets being attached at the waistline make it hard to iron the skirt properly at the side seams, but I can live with that.

~Pattern~
Simplicity 2444 - Bodice
Self drafted (kinda) gathered skirt

~Changes I made this time~

• Lined bodice - like last dress
• Pockets extended to waist seam - like last dress
• Gathered skirt instead of pleated skirt

~What I Like~

• Fabric
• Gathered skirt
• Pockets!!!

~What I Don't Like~

• Neckline gapes a bit
• Zipper wrinkled when it went in

~Changes for Next Time~

• Pinch out about 2 inches from the neckline (1 inch on the pattern neckline and rotate it out to one of the bust darts) 
• Try fitting the sleeves on this dress

STATS

Pattern	Simplicity 2444 - I've used it before - Free	$0.00
Fabric	Spotlight Spots and Stripes100% cotton 2.5 m @ 9.99/m Black lawn 100% cotton 1.5 m @ about $4/m	~$25.00 ~$6.00
Notions	Thread had it on hand - Free	$0.00
Time	8 hours (* $16-ish Australian minimum wage)	$128.00
Total		~$159.00

~Final Comment~
I'm really happy with this dress. Even though gathering was a pain I really like the gathered skirt. I like how the red accessories I wore with this dress popped. This is a great dress that I can wear to any occasion. I've already worn it to a few other social gatherings and I'm really happy with it and want to make more. With a few tweaks this bodice would devinately be a great TNT (tried and true) pattern.

Do you  make things based on ideas you have first or do you make something based on the materials you have?
I'd really like to hear from you, leave a comment below :)

Until next time,

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::Sewing::FO:: That 70's Hollyburn

Ever since I made my first Hollyburn skirt I've been meaning to make another.

I couldn't for the life of me find the pattern pieces I'd traced and adjusted from last time. I can't remember which view I cut out last time (I checked the post and I didn't mention it. Gah!)
I traced view B pattern and then put it aside as I made this dress. I finally cut out the fabric for this skirt the other day when I was cutting my rayon kimo-no top.

I found that in the last skirt the pockets where a tad bulky so I thought I'd try to make the lining out of some quilting cotton I had in my stash. I drew a 5/8 inch seam allowance either side of the fold line. I folded the pattern at the appropriate SA line and cut out the pocket lining from the quilting cotton and the pocket from the main fabric. I could have done a pocket facing (when the pocket bag is made of a lining fabric, but the bit showing is a small section of fashion fabric), but I'm not that big a fan of them. Mine usually slip out so you can see the pocket facing edge from the outside.

I folded the pattern at the appropriate SA line and cut out the pocket lining from the quilting cotton and the pocket from the main fabric. While I was faffing about with the pockets I got rid of the point in the bottom of the pocket bag by tracing around a container lid and snipping it off.

This is my trying to show you the green pocket facing.

I took my time with this make and added some details to mix it up. I top stitched around the pockets edges. I sewed, overlocked (serged) and top stitched the front and side seams. To top stitch the seams I used my stitch in the ditch foot and moved the needle to the side.

As an experiment I used heavyweight interfacing on half the waistband. I finished the waistband by stitching in the ditch between the waistband and skirt.

I sewed in snap tab at the top of the zipper to hold the skirt up as I zip up. I came across this idea in the Pants Construction Techniques Craftsy class with Sandra Betzina.

Inspired by this post I trimmed and finished the invisible zipper by sewing pouch the width of the zipper, folding all the raw edges to the inside, slipping the trimmed zipper in the pouch and sewing across the top.

To hem I sewed a line of basting at 1 inch. I then pressed the hem up at this line. To finish I turned raw edges into the crease of the fold.

I'm happy with the fit of this skirt. It is very different to the fit of the first Hollyburn I made. The waistband is snugger than I'm used to and sits at my waist, but that was what I was going for. The skirt fabric bunches and pulls a tad above my bum, which means I either need to do a sway back or a full butt adjustment - I'm leaning towards a full butt adjustment.

~Pattern~
Sewaholic Hollyburn-View B

~Changes I made this time~

• Changed the pockets - made it a 2 piece pocket and rounded the pointed bottom
• Snap tab at top of zipper
• Invisible zipper

~What I Like~

• The snap tab is fantastic! Makes zipping up a breeze!
• The colour is a great basic without being black.

~What I Don't Like~

• The fabric is a bit rough. But I'll see how it goes after a few cycles through the wash.
• The zipper gets a bit stuck at the waistband. I think it's a  combination of a bulky waistband and slightly over exuberant stitching at the zipper while finishing the waistband  are the culprits.
• There is a bit of pulling in the back of the skirt when I put my hands in my pockets

~Changes for Next Time~

• I might try a full butt adjustment to resolve some of the bunching at the back of the skirt.
• I have sewn the Hollyburn a couple of times in fairly heavy fabric. I'll have to try it in a lighter fabric.

STATS

Pattern	Sewaholic Hollyburn (view b) - used before - FREE	$0.00
Fabric	3.0 m brown cotton canvas (can't remember how much it cost, it's pre-blog)	$15.00 ish
Notions	Thread Snap Interfacing	$3.50 $0.50 $0.50
Time	8 hours (* $16-ish Australian minimum wage)	$128.00
Total		$147.50

~Final Comment~
I think that the skirt has a very 70's vibe. I think it's a combination of the shape, length and colour. Overall a pretty good make. It will make a great addition to my wardrobe rotation.

So tell me, have you been meaning to make another of something you've made before? If so, what is it? Leave a comment below :)

Until next time,

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::Sewing::FO:: Kimo-No Sorbetto Cobalt Rayon Top

I don't know what is happening with my face here.
Please excuse the 'bitchy face'

This blue rayon has been calling to me since I bought in September last year. I've been a little afraid to play with it because it felt slippery and slinky and I thought I would be a bugger to sew.
Last week I was playing with my fabric (please tell me I'm not the only one who takes fabric out of my stash; pets it; admires it and folds it all back into the stash) and inspiration struck. I think this fabric would work fabulously in a kimono tee. I looked to Miss P's amazing pashmina refashions for inspiration.

Took out my Colette Sorbetto pattern and traced out the size 18, added 2 inches in length, raised the back neckline by 2 inches and drafted on some kimono sleeves. I took photos of my process because I was going to share how I added my kimono sleeves with you, but I won't because I stuffed that up a bit.

A little trick I thought up as I was added length was to trace the pattern, mark the added length at the bottom then slide the pattern down to the marking and trace the new hem. This trip probably wouldn't work in all cases (like adding length to a circle skirt) but it worked fine here.

I cut out the fabric using a rotary cutter and cutting mat which I thought would be safer than scissors with this slinky slippery fabric. A few hours later I had a 'ding' moment and thought I may have drafted kimono too narrow. My suspicions were confirmed when I basted the top together. The sleeves where far too snug and distorted the neckline.

I unpicked the side seams. I resigned to the fact that this wasn't going to be a kimono tee and made it a cap sleeve top by cutting from the outer edge of the shoulder seam to the underarm (just above the bust dart on the front) removing the lower portion of the sleeve. Thinking about it now I should have cut the sleeves with a curve so the cap sleeve was less pointy at the shoulder seam.

Construction wise this top had a bit of back and forth about it.
The first bit of sewing I did was to stay stich the neckline.
I sewed the bust darts and then sewed and overlocked (serged) the shoulder seams.
After baste fitting the side seams; ripping them out and removing the lower portion of the kimono sleeves I overlocked  all along the side and sleeve edges.
The side seams where then sewn.
I did a double turn hem for the sleeves.
I overlocked the hem, then unpicked it because I didn't want bulk in the hem.
The neckline and hem where faced with bias tape.

I've avoided rayon because it's a bit slippery and I thought it was synthetic. But as it turns out it’s a natural fibre that has very intense processing (which I learnt from Steph C). In the end it wasn't that hard to tame the rayon.

I'm surprised with how much I like the sleeves on this top. It's a happy accident. I like the fit although I could probably be a bit snugger. The neckline is wider than what I'm used to and find myself fussing with it to make sure I keep my modesty and my bra straps covered. Thinking about it now, maybe bra strap carriers are the answer.

~Pattern~
Colette Patterns Sorbetto - Hacked

~Changes I made this time~

• Back neckline raised
• Added length
• Added kimono sleeves, which I then had to adjust into a cap sleeve

~What I Like~

• The fabric colour and drape
• I like the length
• The cap sleeves turned out better than I thought they would

~What I Don't Like~

• The neckline is a bit wide and the front neckline sometimes droops a little too low for comfort
• The sleeve hems are a bit bulky and alter the drape
• The top has a lot of ease

~Changes for Next Time~

• Try tracing a size 14 next time and from under the grading out to a size 18 from the waist to hip
• Make the neckline narrower (although if I trace a size 14 at the top it might not need it)
• Finish all openings with bias tape as facing
• If I'm going to have another go at making a kimono top I must remember to shift the lower part of the sleeve down a 2 inches and rotate the bust dart into a French dart so it doesn't get messed up in the kimono sleeve.

STATS

Pattern	Colette Patterns - Sorbetto (FREE)	$0.00
Fabric	1.5m cobalt blue rayon (spotlight) $6.29/m	$9.45
Notions	Thread Bias Tape	$2.00 $1.50
Time	6 hours (* $16-ish Australian minimum wage)	$96.00
Total		$108.95

Kind of expensive for a basic top, however, the materials were cheap, considering the lessons I learnt and the fact there was a lot of unpicking I'm totally cool with that.

~Final Comment~
I really like this top and I can see myself wearing it a lot. Like, A LOT.

Have you been able to 'save' a project that was going a bit wrong? What was it?
I'd live to hear about it, leave me a comment. :)

Until next time,

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::Sewing:: Refashioned Beach Dress

What happens when you take 2 large stripy knit tops, some elastic and a sewing machine.
A beach dress of course!

I was wondering around my local Big W awhile ago and I came across a sale rack. They were selling Plus size knit tops for $4. I wasn't too taken with what was there, but I saw some shirts that were too large for me, but I did like the fabric. Some ideas started brewing, so I decided I'd give it a go and bought a 22 and a 24. For the bodice I put on the 22 and marked about where I wanted the skirt to be then cut the bottom off.

I put on the 22 again and marked where I was going to reduce the waist line. Mucking around with the armholes was going to be too much of a hassle so I just left them well alone. I basted the side bodice seams on my sewing machine and after trying it on I just ran it under the overlocker (serger)

For the skirt I cut some elastic that was a little bit more than the circumference of the bottom of the bodice.

I wanted to maximise the amount of fabric I could use of the skirt so I cut the 24 just under the sleeves.

I joined the ends of the elastic and marked the quarters.
Note to self: make sure the elastic is not twisted before joining

I marked the quarters for the skirt with pins (centre front, centre back and 2 sides) and matched them to the marks on the elastic.

Using the tricot stitch on my sewing machine, while attaching the elastic I stretched the elastic slightly to match the circumference of the skirt fabric.

I marked the quarters on the bodice like I did with the skirt. With the skirt turned WSO I popped the bodice into the skirt so they were RST and matching the quarter marks. Using tricot stitch I attached the skirt to the bodice.

All done.

It reminds me of the swimming clothes people used to wear to the beach in ye olde times (that's a time period right?). Hence the name.

~What I Like~
• It was such a great simple project.
• I really liked the stripy fabric of the shirts
• I'm glad I able to avoid of mess of white stripes where the bodice and the skirt meet.

~What I Don't Like~
• It's a bit too short for comfort.

• The skirt part clings a bit and rides. (Most noticeable from the back)

• The armholes are a bit restrictive, but I expected that.

Don't ask my why my eyes are closed. :S

~Changes for Next Time~
• I'll have to give more thought to finished length next time. If I had cut the bodice at my natural waist I think I would have been happier with the final length.
• I'd like to tray playing around with the sleeves. Maybe a sleeveless dress next time.

STATS

Fabric	2 shirts	$8.00
Notions	Elastic Thread	$1.00 ish
Time	3/4 hours (* $16-ish Australian minimum wage)	$12.00
Total		$23.00

~Final Comment~
I would rate this as a success. I'm pleased with how it came together, even if I'm not 100% happy with the end result.
I'm not likely to wear this out in public anytime soon, although maybe it could work with tights. Red tights :).
I rarely go to the beach, but if I did this would make a nice little cover up while mucking around.

I made a refashioned dress!

Do you refashion clothes? What was the last thing refashioned or wanted to refashion?
Leave a comment below, I'd love to hear from you :)

Until next time,

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