FINISHED! An Oxford Blouse

When the Spring Summer 2015 Pictures and Conversations Liberty fabric collection was released I was immediately drawn to the garish colours of Oxford A.  I then proceeded to go on holidays and delay any Liberty fabric buying until I returned. Several months passed and I still hadn't caught up with the latest Liberty release. The shame! But I was quickly kicked into action when I saw Tilly's pussy bow blouse (in colourway B) and Anna's top. Both reminded me how much I liked this print.   

Here is the print story from Liberty:

'What is the use of a design collection', thought Alice, 'without pictures or conversations'. And in another moment she was considering how in the world to create one.'

'Pictures and Conversations' celebrates the 150th anniversary of the first publication of Lewis Carroll's 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland'. Both design and colour were inspired by pictures and conversations within 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' and 'Through the Looking Glass' and experiences related to them.

Oxford Liberty fabric is inspired by a trip to Oxford and is created from Liberty scarves from the late 1960s. These have been blended with personal experiences obtained when the in-house design studio were fortunate enough to have a private guided ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ tour around Christ Church water meadows and the streets of Oxford, lead by expert and author Mark Davies.

'Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do.' – Lewis Carroll

The print is not for the faint hearted, so it wasn't immediately obvious to me what I would make up. My love affair for the Clean and Natural peplum hasn't cooled and I have been thinking for a long time of making the Gathered Blouse from She has a Mannish Style (aka She Wears the Pants) so my mind started playing with the two patterns. I didn't want anything too complicated with this fabric, but I was yearning for a little bit of interest.

Alove child blouse between the two patterns was born. I used the bodice and sleeves from Clean and Natural with the hem line and sleeve cuffs from the Gathered Blouse. I did just a simple pleat on the sleeve. 

The back closes with a self covered button. I think I probably could have provided a little more length, but this seems to be an achilles heel as I'm constantly saying that about the length of my tops. As a result it has a teeny tiny hem.

I really like this and wore it with skinnier pants for work on Wednesday, where I think it was a winner.  A bit short yes maybe, but a winner nonetheless. I just can't get enough of the dropped sleeves and high neckline of this pattern.  But for now I'll have to park this pattern as I have a CBR frocktails dress to dream up.

GIVEAWAY! She wears the pants!

I have a real treat for you today. Tuttle publishing contacted me recently to see if I'd like to review the recently published in English, 'She wears the Pants'. Now this is a no brainer. I have had, for a few years now, the Japanese language version, 'She has a mannish style'. This book remains my number one favourite of all my Japanese pattern books.

I have made the Velour Blouse, the Square Top, the Draped Cardigan and the Draped Mini dress (twice) from this book. Clearly, this is the most patterns used from any of my Japanese Pattern books.

  

In my opinion what sets this book apart from the others, is the edgier styling and the move away from the cute and whimsical feel usually seen in Japanese books. It's a little bit rock, a little bit moodier. The quote from the front contents page says it all:

“Sometimes you want to dress cool and boyish, in special, unique pieces that are only for you…”

I think there is something in here for everyone. There are some complicated pieces, such as jackets and pants, but also some very straightforward pieces (particularly the drape dress that can be made in a matter of hours).  The book comes with full size nested pattern pieces which slip nicely into an envelope at the back of the book.

Gathered Blouse is likely to be my next make from this book given my latest obsession with the dropped sleeve!

I haven't made anything yet using the English instructions, so I can't vouch for how accurate / easy they are to follow, but given they are in English, I know this will take the guess work out of most of the construction for those who usually guess at how to make garments from the Japanese.

Japanese Sewing Books has also written a comprehensive review of this book, which I highly recommend.

Now, the best part, I have two books to give away. To anywhere in the world!  All you need to do is leave a comment and I'll draw two random winners on Monday 30 March 2015!

FINISHED! Boardwalk Jersey: Square, cut and sewn

I wasn't going to let a little fall onto my back stop me for too long before I got some in situ shots of my new top.  I went to work today, but got home with just a teensy bit of sun - just enoughfor a few photos.

I know you are sick of me talking about this top, but it is number 6/11 Square, Cut and Sewn from She has a Mannish Style. One of my favourite Japanese pattern books and certainly the one with the best name!

I used the fabric Boardwalk Jersey that I purchased on my recent trip to Tessuti.  I only bought around a metre (or maybe 1.20) for this top, so as mentioned before, I couldn't do a repeat with the pattern which is around 90cm, so improvised.  The back doesn't at all match the front, although I tried where possible to match some lines. I think it works better like this. It adds so much more interest to the pattern than what I think would have been there with just a two stripe match.



Sadly I didn't have enough to do the binding piece on the bottom, which (as it is interfaced like the collar) would have added a bit more weight to the bottom.

I don't think it is a big problem, but it would certainly have been neater than my twin needle seam.

The other thing, is that in hindsight, I could have moved the buttons just a fraction of an inch to either side to prevent the back rising up and making me look like a hunchback... although that probably has something to do with the fact that I am standing like a hunchback :(

The 'sleeves' are quite loose but again that is the style in the pattern photo. Maybe these could be tightened up a little for next time, but really, these are minor things. The top is lovely and 'swingy' to wear and the buttons across the shoulder add the cutest detail, that, unless you swing around, sit nice and flat.  This top will be perfect for the warm weather (in about 3 months time :))

   

Boardwalk Jersey, a sneak peek

On Tuesday morning, I put the kettle on for a cup of tea, looked out to the yard and thought "I'll just go out and pick up some of the toys on the lawn while I'm waiting".  I walked out in my ugg boots stepped down the back deck steps (there are only 2 thank goodness) and slipped on the ice and landed on the corner of the step, on my arse.  No hands. Lucky probably, because the last time I used my hand to save my arse I broke my wrist.  Mmm. So now, cultivating a pretty good bruise and very very sore, I've taken it easy for a couple of days at home.  I have been doing a tiny bit of sewing, with difficulty and not very much of it, but I managed to finish the Square, Cut and Sewn top from 'She as Mannish Style" I started on Monday night.

I'll do some better 'in situ' shots when I can, because this top deserves it.  It is one great top!!  Just wait til you see it on.

Boardwalk Jersey, a plan

Yesterday I had a moment of clarity for my Boardwalk jersey: this top from 'She has a mannish style'.  Sometimes I forget that I have a shelf full of Japanese pattern books but I remembered. I do love this book, and I have made so many things from it.

Yes! So I think this tee is a winner - in the photo at least.  It is a good shape, interesting with all those buttons and a fun pattern to cut out.

I'm going to be a little bit unfaithful to my other project and do a bit of pattern tracing tonight.

The only problem is that, due to the long fabric repeat (about 90cms I think) I won't be able to perfectly match up the sides as I didn't buy enough ... this will call for a bit of creative placement of stripes.  A design feature!

Top 5 favourite (clothing) makes of 2012

Many of you already know that Gillian from Crafting a Rainbow is organsing a great end of year sewing reflection..I've joined up as I thought it would be interrsting to reflect on my sewing.I was going to wait until after Christmas to start on these posts, but like Gillian, have started a bit earlier so I can fit them in amongst all the other Christmas things going on.  First category is my Top 5 favourite makes of 2012.  I'm limiting this to my clothing makes as I might want to bring out a best of the rest later on.. !?

Number 5:  

Salme pussy bow dress

This dress is worn to work just about every week.  I love it because it's Liberty of London print, it's my first lined dress and it has a pussy bow.  Say no more.  Yes, yes, the fit isn't exactly right ... the waist could be shorter but at the end of the day, this is a winner.  The pattern is by Salme patterns which unlike some of the other independent pattern makers haven't quite got their style thing going on yet, but have some really fun things amongst their range including the playsuit, which I know I'm going to get a lot of wear out of in the Summer months. The playsuit I made is down in my honourable mentions.

Number 4:

The Brocade Skirt

I made this skirt back in July.  I blogged about here.  This is the first, would you believe, pattern I ever made from one of the big companies.  It is McCalls 5591 and I do plan to make many more if I could just stop finding other patterns I want to make.  I love wearing this skirst with the stripey top as in the picture, but also love wearing it with my ornithology top.  Again, this is on high rotation for work and with different shoes can transform itself into an edgy skirt for going out in.

Number 3

Drape Drape Cardigan

Against all the odds, this is one of my favourites from 2012.  I made it in August when I was trying to focus on making clothes with buttons.  And there are many buttons! It is from the very cool Japanese pattern book "She has a Mannish Style" and I must say that it was one of the 'funnest' things I've made.  I just love those patterns that are the strangest shapes that seem to com together.  I had a lot of 'comments' about the fabric I used for this cardi - none of them good.. but I like the end result, have had lots of positive comments about it and found it a great Winter piece. 

Number 2

Paper Cut Patterns Pleated Pants

I made these pants way too big, took them in and although they are still a bit big I LOVE THEM.  I'm so proud of them as they have a zipper and are also far more complicated than anything I had done previously.  The pattern is great, the material is great. I wear them at least once a week - they go with heaps of tops.  Winner!  I will definitely make another pair - a size smaller (unless I over indulge at Christmas).

Number 1

Deer and Doe, 

la Veste Pavot in Pink Linen

Best make of the year, worst hair in a photo!

Great pattern, fabulous colour, buttons and an uncharacteristic slow and steady sewing pace, all go to make this coat my favourite make of 2012.  I am usually such a speedy and impatient sewer, but I really took my time with this coat. I wear it quite alot and every time it makes me feel great.  Unfortunately I haven't found loads of different ways to wear it yet, but I probably haven't put my mind to it enough.  Also, I wish now that I had known about bound button holes before I made it, as I think the button holes is the only thing that is letting the coat down. Having said that, overall, I'm extremely proud of this one!  Whenever my mum sees me in this coat she always says "You've come ahead in leaps and bounds"!

Honorable Mentions:

• The Liberty Salme PlaySuit - I am praying for a hot summer so that this gets a lot of wears.
• Megan Nielson Banksia Top 
• All my Liberty of London blouses, but especially this one.  It was the first time I had put a collar on this shirt and I think it turned out so great.

Next up - top 5 SEWING FAILS of 2012!

Off to a party in the mini drape tree dress

.. and here is the dress in situ, on a way to a party, just where it should be (on the way to a party that is!)

FINISHED! Drape Tree Mini Dress

I didn't go to work today as I have an ear infection which has rendered me painfully hollow, well actually like a big blocked echoey tunnel.. in one ear (so happy I had that sinus operation which I thought was going to stop this constant ailment??@!), so I pottered around the house, checked in on work now and then, watched the US Election coverage and did a bit of sewing.  It was pouring with rain here so it was kind of nice to be indoors.

As foreshadowed, November is all about me and today I sewed up Mini Drape Dress No 12 from 'She has a Mannish Style'.  The material is a jersey silk and the plan is that I will wear this to a party later in November. In-situ photos will come later.

I've sewn this pattern up before and did think about making this one longer but thought the colour at the top of the material would wash me out, so wanted to start where there was a bit of colour and honestly, I'm short and I like a mini dress!  I added pockets into this dress, which might have been a mistake but I think with a few well placed stitched the pockets will sit better.

Drape Cardigan no. 15 again!

Much to the annoyance of Ben I made him take this photo of me.  We are off to the snow today (skiiing tomorrow not today) so this is my 'travel outfit'.  Liking this cardi - especially with the shorts. Last photo of the cardi, I promise.

Finished! Drape Cardigan no. 15

My mum thinks this fabric looks like a mangey dog and Oliver thinks it looks like snake (which I think is cool for him because he is so into Ninjago rise of the snakes).  Ben was also pretty dismissive of it, but you know what.  I think I like this cardigan.  Especially from the front.

This cardigan has been really fun to put together.  I mean it. The pattern is great and I love how the pattern has built in pockets.  It was also a great one to do in bits. Thursday night:  trace pattern. Friday night: cut fabric and sew seams together.  Saturday morning add trim and Saturday afternoon: buttons and button holes (all 7!!!).  Yep, here is a picture of some of my buttons.  Very proud.

I really like the pattern from the front, but there is a lot of bulk at the back which I'm not sure suits me 100%.  If I made it again, I might try to shorten it a bit at the back.

My bottom definitely looks big in it....but it is an interesting cardi and one that I think I will wear.

Drape Cardigan no 15 - the obsession begins

I was originally going to start my month of buttons aka "August is Buttons" with the Banksia top - I have the fabric, pattern and buttons... but on closer inspection of Drape Cardigan no 15 from She has a Mannish Style, it was impossible to go past this pattern.  I have become obsessed.  Just look at those shaped pattern pieces!

Last night I pulled out the tracing paper and got to work.  Yeeeesh.  I've traced a lot of patterns before but I had forgotten about this book - rivalled only be the Drape Drape series I think.  I'm all for saving a tree but would it really hurt to put in just one more page so the patterns aren't so hidden!!
I really must also invest in a Seam Allowance Guide!
I'd run out of wool for my dodgy lo-fi blanket, so luckily I was in the mood for some tracing in front of the tv while I watched the Olympics and the last two episodes of Mildred Pierce.  Has anyone seen this by the way and if so what did you think?
The other part of my obsession with this pattern is that I saw this jersey (very soft and very thin - not sure what type it is) at A2F a couple of weeks ago and then got it into my head that this would be the perfect material for this cardigan.  I raced in on the way to the swimming pool (basically leaving the car running with the boys in it) this afternoon and grabbed some.  It is now in the wash and while I'm not as obsessive about it now as I was this morning, I still think it is going to be a winner.  It is a bizarre cross between animal print (can you see that?) and preppy!

Drape mini dress

Today I thought I'd also blog about a couple of dresses that I didn't get a chance to wear in MeMadeMay12. The first one, Mini Drape Dress No. 12 from 'She has a Mannish Style'  While it doesn't look very mini on the mannequin, I can tell you that it is (although probably not quite so much as in the book).  Great dress, super easy and looks fab on.  I rarely get a chance to wear it though and have only worn it once to my friend's 40th.  The material is some slinky stretchy poly type number.  I still have heaps of it left over and dream of one day making a swimsuit out of it!

12 May 2012 - at the soccer field

Saturday morning - so down at the soccer field.  I'm wearing top 5 from the Japanese pattern book:  "She has a mannish Style"... have you ever heard of a funnier title for a pattern book?  Again, this is a top that doesn't get much of a run as it is a bit big across the shoulders for me.  It is made with some light chambray and the collar is made from a daisy Liberty of London Kingly cord (bought from Calico and Ivy).