Palette Challenge Finished Project - Simplicity 3688

After sorting through everything for this challenge, it really spurred me on to get something started. I thought i'd start with a simple blouse, and instead of making a shirt I opted for this instead.

Simple, versatile and quick to sew. I decided to use the orange and blue squared polyester I had, which was originally intended for a dress. I soon realised however, that I don't wear a lot of white or cream and I knew it would be such a waste of fabric to make a whole dress that I probably wouldn't wear that often.

You'll have to excuse my face in some of the snaps, I look a little washed out/tired!

I also once again, had a little visit from Milo who was totally engrossed in sniffing that particular part of the lawn. We get a few cats hopping through our garden time to time so I'm guessing someone enfringed on his 'territory'!



The top itself is super easy to put together, and has a button closure at the back. You might be able to see that the front of the blouse features 4 small pleats, and there's the obligatory yoke and gathering of the bodice that's so popular in 1940's clothing.

To give myself a more 'authentic' look I tried out this tutorial on how to create a faux bang, which is surprisingly easy, even with a side fringe!

I also had a bit of time to make the same blouse in the last of my polka dot fabric which was spare from this dress.

I had to leave it sleeveless however as there wasn't enough fabric, but it's still perfect as a work blouse and it fits in with my colour palette!

Finished Project: Simplicity 4484

I'm a little bit in love with this nightdress! This was super quick to sew together and looks so adorable on, but I'm sparing you from seeing me wearing next to nothing, so Peg is modelling this week.

I do have a confession however, the straps are not meant to sewn the way I have done them. I got a little careless when trimming part of the seam allowance on one of the yokes and took a chuck of fabric with it.

After lots of swearing and foot stomping I figured the only way I could salvage it was by adding the straps to the outside instead of being sewn into the yoke.

But that aside, I'm happy with how this turned out. I was a little concerned with how short it may end up being, so I did add a bit of length on to the straps to make sure all modesty got covered.

As you can tell, I also decided to omit the lace. I am going to use it for this pattern, but just not for this version.



In other exciting sewing news I know for a fact a lot of you have taken a peek at the new patterns over at Colette! My favourite are the Iris shorts, I've been after a decent looking shorts pattern for a while so I think I may just have to treat myself! I'm also taking part in the Spring/Summer Palette Challenge which I'm excited about, and will be busy making my moodboard this weekend.

Are you taking part?

Finished Project: Style 4151

A little later than promised but here is my finished dress!

I wore it out for the first time today for work and I love it! I love the wooden buttons! It's definitely one of those dresses that you could just twirl around in with a big grin on your face! (I know I'm not alone!)

I can see this being a regular summer dress pattern for a few years to come, maybe next in a floral print? Or some white eyelet cotton?

I was trying to be as serious as possible in these photos but Milo had other ideas by wanting to give me some high 5's

Hope your Easter was as enjoyable as mine!

Oooh and one last thing, I've been given another blog award by the cleverly creative Anni who blogs at Needles and Roses.

I am going to break the rules slightly on this one and instead of listing 5 blogs I love, I would love you to take a look at my blog roll on the side bar which features some great blogs about vintage fashion, sewing, inspirational photos & general craft!

So once again a big thanks for passing this along :)

Finished Project: Butterick 612

What d'ya think?

All in all, considering I went straight for it and didn't do a muslin, I don't think the fit is too bad.

I think next time I'll make the bust darts a little longer as I feel there is a bit of excess fabric around my chest. I'm also quite surprised at how many buttons it absorbed! Count them, there's 9!

Originally there was just 5, but I had some gaping issues.

The fit around the hips however, is perfect for me. Not too tight, but not too baggy and the cut gives a flattering 'hourglass' shape.

I think the next time I use this pattern I'll probably use something slightly thicker, or maybe just go to the extra effort of lining it if the fabric is a little see through like the gingham.

So for this weeks theme of 'Red' over at Sew Weekly, and in honour of Valentines Day, I paired the top with a red bangle from my collection, red lips & a red paisley bandana (which my husband loves to see me wear!). As my fabric was gingham and for some reason I can only associate this fabric with hot weather, I teamed it with some denim capris and tennis shoes.

I can definitely see this top getting a bit of wear in the warmer months, and I'm glad I finally used it for something!







Finished Project: Simplicity 5645

It's finished!

Don't you love that feeling of satisfaction when you've made a garment that you're completely happy with?!

This was so quick to put together and only took me this long to finish because work/house chores got in the way. Stupid chores.

The main bulk of this was done on Monday and once I decided enough was enough, I only had to hand stitch the facings, and make the buttonholes.

Here it is

Just as a reminder, here's the pattern

This seriously fits like a dream, probably because it's not meant to be too fitted.

I really like the length of this too, it sits quite nicely in line with my hip bones, meaning I can wear it casually with a pair of jeans, or I can wear it tucked into a skirt for work.

I know i'm going to get a lot of wear out of this, and I will definitely be making this again. I'm really eager to use the collar instead of the tie, and of course the sailor blouse (which is the reason I bought the pattern in the first place!).

I didn't really come across any problems with this pattern either. The directions & illustrations were simple to follow, all in all a thoroughly recommended pattern!

In addition to this, I thought I'd also share with you some recent purchases.

First up patterns...

I've finally bought my first mens pattern, at the request of the husband. I think he's getting jealous at all the new clothes I'm making for myself and has now decided he wants in too!

I bought a couple more blouse patterns as i'm wanting a few new things for work.

The top 3 actually came as a set from Ebay, so the Butterick dress was a bonus!

I then opted for the more contemporary Butterick pattern as it reminded me a lot of Gerties Bombshell Dress. I've seen quite a few floating around, and thought this would be a great way of making a similar one myself. I especially like the option of having a contrasting band wrapped around the bodice, and it has pockets.

Next is fabric..

Due to my recent splurge on patterns, I restrained myself and only bought this, again on Ebay. It's about 2 3/4 metres of vintage rayon in a cute plaid design. I'm quite tempted to use this for the Butterick 9973 shown above if there's enough of it?

Happy sewing!

Finished Project: My Red Hot 'Chilly' Dress

After what feels like a lifetime, I've finally finished this project! 

What was meant to be an altered version of a 1987 pattern, it's now morphed into a 1947 dress!

It's such a dream to wear, and I love the snug fit around the waist.

I've already worn this once to work this week, and I know I'm going to get loads of wear out of it.

If your wondering about the title, it's because I've recently joined the Sew Weekly and decided to submit this dress for this weeks 'Down Under' theme!