tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15700634298711937492024-03-13T20:00:12.343-07:00J Wo sewsJ Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-2632885660372411592014-07-13T00:34:00.002-07:002014-07-13T00:34:43.002-07:00look at that doggie in the windowFor a long time I didn't like dogs. It probably had a lot to do with the big dogs that scared me when I was a kid. I still have vivid memories of running home with my sister as fast as our little four year-old legs could carry us when we were <strike>chased</strike> frightened by a neighbourhood dog. The dog probably didn't even step outside its owner's property but we didn't look back, ran really, really fast and pounded on the door when we were home in case the dog was hot on our trail.... Yep, fair to say that sort of experience left me scarred.<div>
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Then there was Snuffy, the pug dog that belonged to family friends. Snuffy was well-named - she dribbled and sniffed and snuffled about - and she was an ugly looking dog. Why would you want a dog, I thought?</div>
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Even now, I don't really understand dog owners. They always think <i>their</i> dog is clean (and cleaner than all the other dogs) and dog owners <i>never</i> wash their hands after patting their dogs.... even when they then handle food! Yuck! </div>
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I guess I'm a bit of a fur-phobic but sometimes, momentarily, I think I'd quite like a dog. Then I come to my senses and realise that I don't like dog hair (especially in my food), I don't like dog poop, and we are never home and we travel a lot so the poor little critter would always be in dog jail. </div>
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So, I did the next best thing... I made a dog! And look, no hair!! And it's a pug! Plus, it's useful too....</div>
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I used the <a href="http://oliverands.com/books/OLV-OS026LIT.html">Little Things to Sew</a> backpack pattern and modified it to make my doggie backpack. I wanted my pug to look like a pug so I searched the Internet for pictures. There were thousands of them including a site for <a href="http://www.vicjudges.com/pug/head.html">dog judges</a> that I used to get the right look...</div>
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First, I drew my design out onto the backpack pattern pieces using a picture as my guide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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and prepared my fabric by fusing Pellon to the back and sewing wrinkles in the forehead area</div>
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Then I made a front pocket that formed the dog's muzzle and nose area</div>
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I made a flap to cover the zipper to make it look like a wrinkle above the nose. Then I added store-bought nose and eyes. For the eyes, I sewed little black, puffy circles and hand-stitched them in place because the judges' guide states that the eyes of fawn dogs should be "surrounded by a dark mask" </div>
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I made little ears and placed them high up on the head </div>
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The only other modification I made was to make the back panel as one piece and attach the straps from the top of the back panel. I also added some topstitching to the back panel </div>
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The backpack was lined in some blue fabric I had in my stash. I considered using a dog-themed fabric but I didn't have anything suitable and it seemed a little ridiculous buying fabric when I already had plenty</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I almost wish I had made this pocket look like the inside of a mouth with tongue, uvula and teeth!<br /></td></tr>
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I'm not sure what I am going to do with this backpack.... I suspect it will be destined to keep me and the cow backpack company in the sewing room until I am willing to give up the pug to a good home that will look after it....</div>
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At least I won't have to feed either of them, worry about dog hair everywhere, and nor will I have to get out a pooper-scooper! Hmmm, right now this is definitely the best sort of dog!! </div>
J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-83815209205697128592014-04-14T04:52:00.000-07:002014-04-14T05:01:34.476-07:00KCW Part 2I didn't get as much sewn during KCW as <a href="http://www.bartacksandsingletrack.blogspot.com.au/">others</a> did but I managed to complete another two items by the end of the weekend. <br />
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I snapped up the new Oliver + S t-shirt patterns on Friday (there's something there for everyone!) and then whipped up a long-sleeve school bus t-shirt from some plush velour I had in the stash.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back hanging wonkily</td></tr>
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This was a simple sewing project although I fluffed around with the neck because the velour kept rolling up and moving when I was sewing it. I probably should have followed the suggestion on the pattern to baste the neck in place but I was a bit too eager to finish and then, of course, I ended up taking quite a bit longer than I had hoped. So, what should have taken an hour took considerably longer but I'm reasonably pleased with the finished product. And the less-than-perfect sewing will be hidden when it is being worn<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> I eventually achieved a neat neckline!</td></tr>
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Yesterday I made a <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS012JR.html">jump rope dress</a> (view B). The body of the dress is made from a spotted, soft corduroy - with a nice drape - that I bought at Spotlight and I used more mustard Kona cotton for the collar and placket. I knew that it would be impossible to get a really crisp finish on the placket if I used the corduroy so I decide to pick out one of the other fabric colours. I was a bit undecided about making the collar in the same fabric but I checked the Flickr group and saw that people had tried all sorts of colour combinations. So, off I went…<br />
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When I showed the finished dress to my husband, he said it looked like a spotty school dress. Hmmm, I'm not too sure what that means but <span style="text-align: center;">I imagine this dress is the sort of thing that a group of 'darls' from an Australian sports team would wear for "dressy casual"… i.e. (way too much of) that garish yellow and green combo. Luckily, the little girl's mum is an Aussie so she'll probably love it and hopefully she'll be reminded of the warm glow of those golden soils and boundless plains that are just across the sea….</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cute little buttons from NYC in just the right shade of yellow on a straight placket (really, it is!)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;">These headed home with dad today so it will be interesting to see if he is as good with a tape measure and squirming girl as he is with a big needle and a different sort of moving target….</span></div>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-67212197668560533002014-04-10T05:39:00.004-07:002014-04-10T05:39:57.710-07:00KCWI thought I would join in the fun of <a href="http://blog.kidsclothesweek.com/">Kids' Clothes Week </a>and try to sew little things for at least an hour a day this week. I managed to do that until today. However, I put in the hours earlier in the week - although I haven't been that productive - so I'm not feeling like I have struck out<br />
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I have only made three items this week and, perhaps predictably, all of them have been Oliver + S patterns. For two of those items I even used the same pattern: the raglan t-shirt. <br />
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The first top I made was a simple t-shirt with a print.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">size 4</td></tr>
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I found the crown print at <a href="http://thegraphicfairy.com/">thegraphicfairy.com</a> and used TAP paper to apply it. It was only after I sewed up the t-shirt that I discovered that stretching the fabric wasn't such a good idea because it stretched the print. Now, the red fabric of the crown looks old and wrinkled and some of the pearl prints have lifted off. My solution was to order some pearl hot-fix elements from the USA and I will apply them over the top of the pearl prints when they arrive. I'm hoping they will look like they were always meant to be part of the design<br />
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Next, another top using the raglan t-shirt pattern but this time I made a funnel-neck knit top. In February, the Oliver + S blog ran a series on customizing the raglan t-shirt pattern. One of the posts was on how to make a <a href="http://oliverands.com/blog/2014/02/customizing-the-raglan-funnel-neck-kangaroo-pocket-sweatshirt.html">funnel neck kangaroo pocket sweatshirt</a> and I used that little tutorial to make a top out of some Birch Organic Elk Grove knit fabric I picked up at <a href="http://www.gjsdiscountfabrics.com.au/">GJ's Discount Fabrics</a> in Melbourne. Lightning McStitch, aka the Enabler, introduced me to this great little shop last time I was in the city and I know that the next time I am there I will be taking the tram back to Lygon Street to see what goodies they have for me!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9X_E8I07HY/U0aAI9j8KHI/AAAAAAAABgU/9BRFWD_KtpQ/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q9X_E8I07HY/U0aAI9j8KHI/AAAAAAAABgU/9BRFWD_KtpQ/s1600/IMG_5771.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">size 5</td></tr>
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In the end I decided not to make the kangaroo pocket because I knew I was too lazy to try to match the print on the shirt. I wondered about sewing inseam pockets instead but I guess I was too lazy for that also. <br />
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I used the flatlock stitch on my new <a href="http://www.bernina.com/en-US/Products/BERNINA-products/Serger-Overlocker-5/BERNINA-1150MDA-us">overlocker</a> to sew in the sleeves and I cut out about 1cm from the front neck edge on the t-shirt to be sure that this top would fit over my little friend's head.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2MJA2YuyAs/U0aAgwb2DEI/AAAAAAAABgs/q7qATsGAAw4/s1600/IMG_5772.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2MJA2YuyAs/U0aAgwb2DEI/AAAAAAAABgs/q7qATsGAAw4/s1600/IMG_5772.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FozF2VQBMDk/U0aA1ztnF2I/AAAAAAAABhE/OckPyzoSJ_Y/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FozF2VQBMDk/U0aA1ztnF2I/AAAAAAAABhE/OckPyzoSJ_Y/s1600/IMG_5788.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">coverstitched hems and flatlock seams</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gH2DXtsSeK8/U0aAikrhKjI/AAAAAAAABg0/fbhJoGHwEvc/s1600/IMG_5783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gH2DXtsSeK8/U0aAikrhKjI/AAAAAAAABg0/fbhJoGHwEvc/s1600/IMG_5783.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">more photos of cute top</td></tr>
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I love this fabric and I really love this pattern modification. I'll definitely be making more of these and, knowing how easy this was, I may even try to use the basic pattern to make a little hoodie. And I might have to make one in my size!<br />
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My third completed item for this week is a <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-jackets/OLV-OS040FP.html">forest path cape</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXmGQHFc45U/U0aA9ov6LzI/AAAAAAAABhM/P9hUkBZKV4c/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zXmGQHFc45U/U0aA9ov6LzI/AAAAAAAABhM/P9hUkBZKV4c/s1600/IMG_5789.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">size 4</td></tr>
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I don't really know what the main fabric is. It certainly isn't a wool but it has a nice feel and drape and looks a little Chanel-like but was considerably cheaper! I bought this fabric, the lining and the buttons from <a href="http://www.yelp.co.nz/biz/clear-it-fitzroy">ClearIt </a>in Melbourne<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjet0Z-bCCE/U0aBV3vv63I/AAAAAAAABhU/eTbiuYpTFnM/s1600/IMG_5803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjet0Z-bCCE/U0aBV3vv63I/AAAAAAAABhU/eTbiuYpTFnM/s1600/IMG_5803.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alannah Hill lining fabric</td></tr>
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The fabric frayed the second I looked at it and next time I use it - because I have several more metros! - I will probably overlock the edges as soon as I cut anything out. <br />
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I spent quite a bit of time making sure that the plaid pattern was matched on the two front pieces<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pa9X3fcoOg/U0aBzIA4_OI/AAAAAAAABhk/ml47fyKLGYs/s1600/IMG_5799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8pa9X3fcoOg/U0aBzIA4_OI/AAAAAAAABhk/ml47fyKLGYs/s1600/IMG_5799.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pretty shell buttons with swirl pattern</td></tr>
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Overall, a good result although I will probably choose an easier fabric to work with when I make this again!<br />
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What else will I do this week? There is plenty to do: <br />
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I have some knitting that I started on the weekend for one little lad and, hopefully, another friend will send me her kids' measurements so I can get cracking on clothing for them…J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-58410754969716704412014-03-27T04:16:00.000-07:002014-03-27T04:16:02.055-07:00a lullaby collectionThe arrival of the new <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS046LL1-D.html">Oliver + S lullaby layette pattern</a> was very timely because I wanted to make some baby clothes for another workmate expecting her first child. My workmate convinced me to start this blog because she had one and it seemed to be very popular. She was also having a lot of fun writing about her sewing adventures. Although she decided about two years ago that it was no longer her 'thing' to write a blog, I still hold her responsible for getting me started and I feel we have a bit of a bond (A sort of bloggers' bond or a sewers' bond). So, of course, I had to sew her something for her baby!<br />
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I had already cut out another of <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/2342963">Spacefem's space captain bodysuits</a> and I quickly sewed it up<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtUFFHyskUk/UzPtBUR1bYI/AAAAAAAABcc/6bxBXYYw2tg/s1600/IMG_5683.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OtUFFHyskUk/UzPtBUR1bYI/AAAAAAAABcc/6bxBXYYw2tg/s1600/IMG_5683.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I heard recently that in the "Star Trek" shows it was only ever the cast members wearing red who were eliminated….</td></tr>
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But I also wanted to have a go at making the bodysuit included in the Oliver + S pattern. What I particularly like about this pattern is that it is intended for woven fabrics. I have lots of these as well as a number of non-stretch knit fabrics which would obviously work for this pattern, too. </div>
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I had another cotton quilting fabric from the Woodland series by Natalie Lymer for Cinderberry Stitches left over from the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24700366@N02/6860755665/">sparkle punch quilt</a> so I used that fabric to make a bodysuit to go with the jacket </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePfOt2gq9XQ/UzPwfhcSzlI/AAAAAAAABdw/vpnjF689SdE/s1600/IMG_5702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ePfOt2gq9XQ/UzPwfhcSzlI/AAAAAAAABdw/vpnjF689SdE/s1600/IMG_5702.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">size 12-18 months</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KddjMGcNl4U/UzPvSip0VBI/AAAAAAAABdg/Jgj_kUv4Qi0/s1600/IMG_5696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KddjMGcNl4U/UzPvSip0VBI/AAAAAAAABdg/Jgj_kUv4Qi0/s1600/IMG_5696.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">jacket and bodysuit ensemble</td></tr>
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When I picked the mustard-coloured bias binding for the <a href="http://jwo-sews.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/a-little-jacket-made-entirely-from-stash.html">jacket</a> I hadn't realized that the fabric I used for the bodysuit had yellow dots over it. So I was delighted when I realized how serendipitous this was… And then I discovered I even had yellow snaps!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyPVTac7Xsk/UzPwbaOLbpI/AAAAAAAABds/ckPqIfuITSU/s1600/IMG_5700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kyPVTac7Xsk/UzPwbaOLbpI/AAAAAAAABds/ckPqIfuITSU/s1600/IMG_5700.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front placket and neck bias binding</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sh-lDWmsaV4/UzPuGuYqOlI/AAAAAAAABdA/2S9viQyXerI/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sh-lDWmsaV4/UzPuGuYqOlI/AAAAAAAABdA/2S9viQyXerI/s1600/IMG_5688.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snap placket</td></tr>
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The only thing I did differently from the pattern instructions was to make a box pleat at the back rather than pressing the fold to one side. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2fPKD77yOA/UzP-EXfLokI/AAAAAAAABgA/f9LPZjnIKZI/s1600/IMG_5693.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R2fPKD77yOA/UzP-EXfLokI/AAAAAAAABgA/f9LPZjnIKZI/s1600/IMG_5693.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back with box pleat and lots of wrinkles!</td></tr>
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I'm pretty happy with this pattern and how this bodysuit turned out. Perhaps, even a little more than happy. However, I realized that the fairy fabric I used probably wouldn't be the first choice for the expectant mother because she is having a boy! So I made another one…</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xISmzedS_do/UzPytvupUSI/AAAAAAAABew/oUdnKH3rwo4/s1600/IMG_5719.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xISmzedS_do/UzPytvupUSI/AAAAAAAABew/oUdnKH3rwo4/s1600/IMG_5719.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">size 12-18 months</td></tr>
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This time I used a Robert Kaufman flannel, Daydream Girl,* for the bodysuit and a spotted creamy quilting cotton for the bias binding and front placket. I made the long-sleeve version, and sewed the box pleat in the back again<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxMuodPlqEw/UzP0TLByPvI/AAAAAAAABfk/H3IXcPbEDvI/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OxMuodPlqEw/UzP0TLByPvI/AAAAAAAABfk/H3IXcPbEDvI/s1600/IMG_5728.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And the snap stash had some ivory snaps to finish off the bodysuit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjcQt_mT-Fs/UzP0LHmV6II/AAAAAAAABfQ/vPErAKYi4f0/s1600/IMG_5726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RjcQt_mT-Fs/UzP0LHmV6II/AAAAAAAABfQ/vPErAKYi4f0/s1600/IMG_5726.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front placket</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UsnhxsvPx9Y/UzP1YCUcNLI/AAAAAAAABf0/9-8NASPvT-w/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UsnhxsvPx9Y/UzP1YCUcNLI/AAAAAAAABf0/9-8NASPvT-w/s1600/IMG_5732.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">snap placket</td></tr>
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I hope these will prove useful and get a bit of use. If so, I will probably make many more of these bodysuits because they are a bit different to what is on offer in the shops and the sewing patterns available. I have some Michael Miller Dino Dudes fabric stashed away for just the right pattern and I think this is it.<br />
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Finally, I also made up the trousers in the pattern set. I used a denim fabric and yellow topstitching thread. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0zjucFs4DQ/UzPycgCjiLI/AAAAAAAABes/mAJuGlTdUr4/s1600/IMG_5718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T0zjucFs4DQ/UzPycgCjiLI/AAAAAAAABes/mAJuGlTdUr4/s1600/IMG_5718.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">size 12-18 months</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E305G0ZWE-U/UzPx-8jLwwI/AAAAAAAABec/zcxxc2aE6-Y/s1600/IMG_5716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E305G0ZWE-U/UzPx-8jLwwI/AAAAAAAABec/zcxxc2aE6-Y/s1600/IMG_5716.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back view</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q22dX4y1yvA/UzPyARfxgGI/AAAAAAAABek/TPzxdDKHwyQ/s1600/IMG_5715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q22dX4y1yvA/UzPyARfxgGI/AAAAAAAABek/TPzxdDKHwyQ/s1600/IMG_5715.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back pockets<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;">I'm a little ho-hum about these but I think it is because of my fabric and thread choices. The pants on the pattern envelope look much better than these and I think they would look good in a (non-stretch) sweat-shirting fabric or even a ponte knit. I might even be able to find some in the stash….</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* not a very manly name but a fairly 'safe' fabric choice nevertheless</span></div>
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<br />J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-15595798935014709452014-03-19T03:12:00.000-07:002014-03-19T03:31:04.303-07:00a little jacket made entirely from the stashThere hasn't been much time for sewing lately because work commitments have kept me out of the sewing room. However, I managed to find a few hours on Sunday to sew up the reversible jacket from the new <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS046LL1-D.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S lullaby layette set pattern</a>.<br />
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Initially, I decided I would make the bodysuit as a baby present for woman at work about to go on maternity leave. The fabric I wanted to use needed to be pre-washed and, as the weather was miserable here, I knew it would take a few hours to get it washed and dried. A few hours I didn't really have. So I hunted through my stash for some fabric and found some left over from <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24700366@N02/6860755665/" target="_blank">this quilt</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">side 1</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reverse side</td></tr>
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The fabrics are both from the Woodland series by Natalie Lymer for Cinderberry Stitches. I used a mustard cotton (?Kona) for the bias trim. I like it - I think it makes the jacket pop. And it matches the fairies' wings.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBReT2_SQaM/Uylk03iNUUI/AAAAAAAABbY/u4eMDN-lmUg/s1600/IMG_5667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hBReT2_SQaM/Uylk03iNUUI/AAAAAAAABbY/u4eMDN-lmUg/s1600/IMG_5667.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side 1with bias binding. Notice how I matched the design at the front edge! A first time for everything</td></tr>
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I used a Clover bias binding gizmo to make the binding. My perfectionist tendencies were rewarded with even bias binding and stitching that looks good from both sides. It might also have something to do with the hour it took me pressing the bias into shape, sewing at turtle speed and unpicking stitching when it went wonky. Oh well, I think it was worth it!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpQRU2ellF8/Uylp-spu0gI/AAAAAAAABcM/hWsG_qB80sI/s1600/IMG_5672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NpQRU2ellF8/Uylp-spu0gI/AAAAAAAABcM/hWsG_qB80sI/s1600/IMG_5672.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">reversed side bias binding</td></tr>
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And have you noticed the snaps? A perfect match for this teal blue! These were also in my large collection of snaps from the <a href="http://www.snapsource.com/" target="_blank">Snap Source</a>. I love these snaps because there is so much choice in the sizes and the colours offered. I have used these on nearly everything I have put snaps on lately and they seem to have held up to constant snapping. I noticed today that Oliver + S are selling these snaps in their <a href="http://oliverands.com/supplies/OLV-LCS0002.html" target="_blank">website shop</a> in size 15 (I used the size 16 here).<br />
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I made the 12-18 month size of the jacket and think it will be great in these cotton fabrics to wrap around a baby during the warmer months. I think next time I will use some flannel or some wool as other have recently done. But this is definitely a pattern I will use again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skXsYdgCsGw/UylkPYQ8qEI/AAAAAAAABbQ/vYKMcJ_NjG8/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-skXsYdgCsGw/UylkPYQ8qEI/AAAAAAAABbQ/vYKMcJ_NjG8/s1600/IMG_5677.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back of reverse side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-re5I0RXppXg/Uyll43svuqI/AAAAAAAABb8/mXofkwypGpU/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-re5I0RXppXg/Uyll43svuqI/AAAAAAAABb8/mXofkwypGpU/s1600/IMG_5682.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back of side 1</td></tr>
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<br />J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-34563277208467361122014-03-13T05:02:00.001-07:002014-03-13T05:10:24.450-07:00Pretty in pink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Almost four years ago* I made another friend a lap quilt. I used mainly Kaffe Fassett fabrics in her favourite pink tones. I'm a big fan of bright colours and I was delighted with how this quilt turned out. So much so, that I have been meaning to make myself one ever since.… <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3nwuXY5Mq4/UyF2hVb70RI/AAAAAAAABYU/prnlx5H3Ij4/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--3nwuXY5Mq4/UyF2hVb70RI/AAAAAAAABYU/prnlx5H3Ij4/s1600/IMG_0914.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pineapple block quilt from <i>Paper Piecing with Alex Anderson</i></td></tr>
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My friend had a baby girl in September and, of course, I had to make the new addition to the family some goodies. I knew that it would be ok - or even expected - to make something pink so I pulled out my Oliver + S patterns and sewed another <a href="http://oliverands.com/product/OLV-OS010BPD.html" target="_blank">birthday party dress</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFykEPkcWmE/UyF7iC9_igI/AAAAAAAABZA/18btsJ_rZGs/s1600/IMG_5444.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qFykEPkcWmE/UyF7iC9_igI/AAAAAAAABZA/18btsJ_rZGs/s1600/IMG_5444.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">size 12-18 months </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NnD1KGHXpY/UyF8IDyvj9I/AAAAAAAABZU/wbLkF0nyg9k/s1600/IMG_5447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0NnD1KGHXpY/UyF8IDyvj9I/AAAAAAAABZU/wbLkF0nyg9k/s1600/IMG_5447.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back </td></tr>
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This is very much an international dress: the pattern is from the USA, I bought the lawn in London at <a href="http://www.liberty.co.uk/store_details/article/fcp-content" target="_blank">Liberty</a>, and the buttons came from <a href="http://www.buttonmania.com.au/about" target="_blank">Buttonmania</a> in Melbourne (during my trip around town with Lightning McStitch and her little assistant in February)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjnIm4Gs88k/UyF8K-hBjwI/AAAAAAAABZY/ibkVKd_0zuI/s1600/IMG_5448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DjnIm4Gs88k/UyF8K-hBjwI/AAAAAAAABZY/ibkVKd_0zuI/s1600/IMG_5448.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sweet little, colour-matched buttons</td></tr>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwvBxWB7F5A/UyF7hfcCcAI/AAAAAAAABY0/aNLmcudOxvs/s1600/IMG_5445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwvBxWB7F5A/UyF7hfcCcAI/AAAAAAAABY0/aNLmcudOxvs/s1600/IMG_5445.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">crisp pleats!</td></tr>
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I also knitted a little top for the new baby - during my Christmas holiday - but didn't get around to putting the three buttons on it until early this week!!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSORY8J0EME/UyGDDms3_DI/AAAAAAAABaM/dPr3wk9kxUg/s1600/IMG_5655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KSORY8J0EME/UyGDDms3_DI/AAAAAAAABaM/dPr3wk9kxUg/s1600/IMG_5655.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whereas the dress was an international effort, this is every bit a kiwi knit: the pattern, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hine" target="_blank">Hine</a>, is by Kelly Brooker of Pekapeka design studio and the yarn is a beautifully soft 100% alpaca called plush from Doe Arnot of <a href="http://oamaruweaving.co.nz/" target="_blank">Oamaru Weaving</a>. I bought this yarn after Taryn of f<a href="http://www.forkandneedle.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">orkandneedle</a> opened my eyes to <i>New Zealand Made </i>back in July 2013<i> </i>and I discovered Doe's yarn being sold online at <a href="http://felt.co.nz/" target="_blank">Felt</a>. Luckily, I have a few balls of this left over, and some other yarns I just had to have….<br />
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The top has a lace sleeve detail<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd0iFmbAEw4/UyGBkUPhRFI/AAAAAAAABZ0/FeCX47xi9ow/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qd0iFmbAEw4/UyGBkUPhRFI/AAAAAAAABZ0/FeCX47xi9ow/s1600/IMG_5654.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hK3A6cfsauE/UyGB1b7tamI/AAAAAAAABZ8/M2A3rFpQswU/s1600/IMG_5650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hK3A6cfsauE/UyGB1b7tamI/AAAAAAAABZ8/M2A3rFpQswU/s1600/IMG_5650.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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and it is mostly knitted in the round so I didn't have any seams to finish! It is knitted from the top down and once the sleeves are completed it is a very quick knit. Perfect for holidays or knitting on a plane.<br />
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I think this is such a sweet top and hopefully I will find a few more girls I can knit it for.<br />
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Finally, I finished up the other presents for my friend I made the <a href="http://jwo-sews.blogspot.co.nz/2014/03/knitting-bag.html" target="_blank">knitting bag</a> for. As I mentioned, this friend is very clever. So clever, in fact, that she is affectionately known as Nancy Fancy Pants. So, when I ordered the Spoonflower fabric for the children who received the pillowcases, I also asked Shelley Aakjaer of <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/spelunks?type=designers&view=designs&shop=designers&q=shelley+made&x=-577&y=-8" target="_blank">ShelleyMade</a> to design a fabric for Nancy Fancy Pants<br />
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This is what she came up with<br />
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<img alt="Personalised Name Fabric - Pink 16 Small" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0245/9061/rpurplepink16NancyFancyPants_shop_preview.png" /><br />
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So I ordered this design in cotton silk and silky faille and sewed Nancy some Fancy Pants<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy Fancy Pants's fancy pants</td></tr>
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I used the Tried and True everyday knickers pattern from <a href="http://themakersjournal.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">The Makers Journal</a>. The pattern is intended for light weight woven fabrics and is actually pretty easy to sew. I spent quite a bit of time looking at the stitching on some of my own knickers and I copied the triple zig-zag stitch used to topstitch the knicker elastic in place. I think these could just about pass for store bought but, at any rate, they are a zillion times better than the undies our mum made us when we were kids!! Who would have thought that I would sew homemade knickers after the trauma inflicted on us all those years ago (although, to be fair, I'm not having to wear these ones)? And, who knows if Nancy Fancy Pants will think these are fancy enough for her….<br />
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*<span style="font-size: x-small;"> I was in the process of sewing the blocks for this quilt when the September 2010 earthquakes struck Christchurch. There was quite a mess in my sewing room - and elsewhere - but the blocks remained on the table where I had left them!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really, this is a bigger mess than usual!!</td></tr>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-61289194753028011072014-03-02T00:58:00.000-08:002014-03-02T01:11:13.102-08:00Knitting bagOne of my friends is a very clever doctor who likes to knit in her spare time. I often get her knitting books, yarn or knitting notions for her birthday and Christmas presents. For her upcoming birthday in April I decided that I wanted to make her a knitting bag for travelling with. Something just big enough for a smallish project - like a sock - and the yarn and needles that she is currently working with. <br />
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When I was in New York in December, one of the knitting stores, <a href="http://www.knittycity.com/blog/home" target="_blank">Knitty City</a>, had several little knitting bags on display. I picked up one of the bags but I couldn't get out of my head the message on the other bag, which unfortunately was not for sale. The message seemed so appropriate - but absolutely politically incorrect - for my friend. So, this weekend I made part of her birthday present AND ticked off another <i>Little Things to Sew</i> project! </div>
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I used a knitting themed fabric and made the back of the bag as one piece </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-Bk_11DuxM/UxLWTrxb0hI/AAAAAAAABVk/f9Qg3IFNgno/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0-Bk_11DuxM/UxLWTrxb0hI/AAAAAAAABVk/f9Qg3IFNgno/s1600/IMG_5638.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front</td></tr>
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I printed the message onto TAP paper using a font I found at Fontspace.com called ransom note. The white fabric I used for the front panel had white swirls on it - perhaps a little like tangled wool…. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XM7d3fRUZn4/UxLWV5R6jTI/AAAAAAAABVs/KQznP8S0efg/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XM7d3fRUZn4/UxLWV5R6jTI/AAAAAAAABVs/KQznP8S0efg/s1600/IMG_5641.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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I used a white lining fabric for the inside of the bag and red twill ribbon in my stash for the ties. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZozUPxZyk34/UxLWgTdcncI/AAAAAAAABV0/24aJJVlNm0k/s1600/IMG_5636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZozUPxZyk34/UxLWgTdcncI/AAAAAAAABV0/24aJJVlNm0k/s1600/IMG_5636.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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This isn't the first Oliver + S project I have made for my friend. About two years ago I made her the Straight Stitch Society orange sewing kit which is also small enough to travel with</div>
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This sewing kit is much smaller than the doll sewing caddie I made her about seven years ago…</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">legs are pink cord for storing cotton reels; hands hold rings for storing rotary cutter and scissors; pins are tied to the front of the skirt; multiple pockets on the dress for sewing machine needles, hand needles and ruler</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkwnKqB_G9Q/UxLoE5oyfSI/AAAAAAAABXo/d42y5J45L7A/s1600/shirley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mkwnKqB_G9Q/UxLoE5oyfSI/AAAAAAAABXo/d42y5J45L7A/s1600/shirley.jpg" height="400" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">all of the fabrics in her dress have a sewing theme</td></tr>
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'Shirley', as she is known, was very loosely based on a commercial pattern for a doll-shaped sewing caddie I bought from one of the Big Four sewing companies but I thought I could improve on her. </div>
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I am not sure how useful Shirley is, but the knitting bag I made this weekend will hopefully be an improvement on the plastic bags my friend currently uses for her knitting. </div>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-50584964924761449222014-02-27T03:29:00.002-08:002014-02-27T03:29:53.889-08:00What's in a name?When I was a little girl, I had a lot of fun looking for items with my name on it. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to be given a fairly popular name for a girl born in the '70's. By my reckoning, my sister was not so lucky and we were never able to find stationery, books, clothing etc with her name on it however hard we looked. She did share the same initials as a regional airline but it didn't survive and all of its labelled goodies - like the toy handbag she was given - disappeared too.<br />
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I have friends who I suspect will also have a little trouble finding named items for their children. Maybe that isn't important to them but I can be pretty certain that at some point one of the kids will want their name on something. Anything. Big or Small. Just their own thing with their special name.<br />
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So, when I saw the wonderful personalised name fabric designed by Shelley Aakjaer of <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/spelunks?type=designers&view=designs&shop=designers&q=shelley+made&x=-577&y=-8" target="_blank">ShelleyMade</a> on Spoonflower I immediately thought of my friends' kids (and my unfortunate sister..…) <br />
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I ordered some for each small child and made them a pillowcase using the instructions for an envelope or "housewife pillowcase" that Shelley has on her <a href="http://www.shelleymade.com/2013/02/little-boy-bedroom-part-4-pillowcase.html" target="_blank">own blog</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtzU7S5uq7o/Uw8PNB9S5YI/AAAAAAAABSw/-dCzbM_tiUE/s1600/IMG_5611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BtzU7S5uq7o/Uw8PNB9S5YI/AAAAAAAABSw/-dCzbM_tiUE/s1600/IMG_5611.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fabric is Spoonflower Kona cotton</td></tr>
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Each pillowcase has a contrasting trim near the top. For the lilac pillowcase I used a white cotton, and for the blue pillowcase I used a blue dotted cotton fabric.</div>
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I particularly like the flaps on these pillowcases and they remind me of the sorts of pillowcases I would spend a small fortune on in a fancy boutique. But, these are definitely one of a kind and, hopefully, a special little something for these kids!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spot the fabric scraps and thread on the floor!</td></tr>
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I also bought a fat quarter of the blue name design in the <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/spoonflower_fabrics" target="_blank">Spoonflower organic cotton interlock knit fabric</a>. I used the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-singles/OLV-OS035FS.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S field trip t-shirt</a> pattern again and use the blue fabric for the front and back and a plain white knit fabric for the sleeves. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">front</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back</td></tr>
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I used the flatlock stitch on my overlocker to sew the sleeves and body pieces together for a 'sporty' look</div>
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and used a triple needle coverstitch for the hem and sleeves<br />
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Although the Spoonflower organic cotton interlock knit has about 25% stretch along the crosswise grain, I think I should have cut the neckband a little longer than the pattern piece. The stretch on the neckband has distorted the colour a little compared to the surrounding fabric and, unfortunately, I did not have enough remaining fabric to cut another neckband. There is also a bit of show-through of the base fabric near the stitching line. <br />
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Nevertheless, I am really happy with how this sporty tee turned out and hopefully it will fit the birthday boy for quite some time. I cut a size 2 because the t-shirts I made <a href="http://jwo-sews.blogspot.co.nz/2014/01/its-not-about-bike.html" target="_blank">about a month ago</a> will not last much longer for this growing lad!<br />
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A final little note about the personalized fabric. One yard of Kona cotton fabric was enough to make a pillowcase. I think the <a href="http://www.shelleymade.com/p/personalised-fabric-information.html" target="_blank">service and pricing that Shelley offers </a>is very reasonable: she charges $10 for each individual allover design in the colour, size and style of your choosing. I certainly cannot be bothered spending time designing something like this - and nor do I have the talent to do so! - and am very happy to pay someone else for such a great looking product. Plus, Shelley answered my emails the same day I sent them and within hours I was ordering fabric from Spoonflower! I was so impressed I bought other designs….J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-52512309398530322732014-02-23T03:12:00.001-08:002014-02-23T03:26:32.338-08:00Two out of three ain't badI have a lot of fabric scraps. I have been saving them for a rainy day… which coincidentally was <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/9755161/Storm-brings-hail-tornado-to-Canterbury" target="_blank">today</a> when we had rain, hail and even a tornado!<br />
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I decided to tackle another <i>Little Things to Sew</i> project and was inspired by these quilted balls by Goke Keiko<br />
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featured in this book<br />
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I hunted through the bucket of selvedges that sits underneath my sewing table<br />
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and my handy assistant (sister N) grouped them into assorted colourways for my use. I made two quilted balls - a red one and a blue one<br />
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I used the fancy stitches on my sewing machine and some variegated King Tut threads to make 6 little crazy patchwork wedges. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">freezer paper template ironed to back of crazy patchwork material</td></tr>
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I joined these together following the book instructions and then topstitched along the seam lines (again using fancy stitches on the sewing machine). Once the balls were completed and stuffed, I hand-stitched a row of embroidery stitches along the final seam line. Hand embroidery is not my forte but they are tidy enough. <br />
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I also attached two little circles of fabric over the junction where the wedges (supposedly) met. Mine looked a little bulky and didn't line up perfectly so I covered them up!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circle appliqué over the wedges' join - and hand stitched with variegated thread. The row of cross-stitching covers the seam joining the two hemispheres</td></tr>
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And after I made these two balls I was forced to stop because, without a thimble, my delicate little fingers were being torn to shreds. Anyway, I ask you, how many kids do you know who can juggle three balls? So, following Meat Loaf's advice, I figured that two out of three ain't bad<br />
<br />J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-70927879867758404782014-02-12T01:29:00.000-08:002014-02-12T01:36:36.146-08:00SixA quick sew using leftover polar fleece<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Things to Sew Mittens</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">transport themed polar fleece</td></tr>
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I finished the raw edge with a scallop blade on my rotary cutter, and used a decorative ribbon for the elastic casing<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Simple and fun to make. I can see more of these in my sewing crystal ball, and even some lined ones<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="background-color: white;">à la </span> <a href="http://frooandboo.wordpress.com/2013/12/22/mittens-mittens-mittens/" target="_blank">Froo & Boo</a></span></span>J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-18240125564275020522014-02-10T16:00:00.000-08:002014-02-10T16:25:43.116-08:00It's not a competition…But if it was, I wouldn't be winning!<br />
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I refer again to Lightning McStitch's Cover to Cover Challenge…<br />
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On Thursday I found myself in Melbourne and, realising that I was separated from my sewing machine and unable to sew for two whole days, I thought I would create a small diversion for Lightning so that she could not get any further ahead. We met for coffee and a little shopping and I quickly discovered that she was thinking of purchasing fabric for a bias-trimmed apron (item 14/20 for her!). As it happened, Lightning didn't know how much fabric was required so she left the shop-with-the-cute-fabric empty-handed.<br />
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When I arrived home I found my latest purchase(s) waiting for me: some laminated cotton from Fabric.com that I intended to use for my own version of the bias-trimmed apron. In typical fashion, I had bought far more fabric than I needed
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I had spied the <a href="https://www.fabric.com/buy/un-923/urban-zoologie-slicker-laminated-cotton-lady-bugs-ruby" target="_blank">ladybug fabric</a> in a department store in Munich but decided that 35Euros seemed just a bit steep and I thought I could buy it for less from Fabric.com. And it was cheaper but the postage nearly killed me! However, the good folk from Fabric.com had rolled the fabric onto those cardboard tubes to stop the fabric getting wrinkles - which is more than what I would've done if I had purchased it in Munich. <br />
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I made the medium size<br />
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After my recent <a href="http://jwo-sews.blogspot.co.nz/2014/02/3-down-17-to-go.html" target="_blank">difficulties</a> with ready-made poly-cotton bias binding, I made my own from a red and irregular black stripe<br />
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and I carefully used steam-a-seam to help stick the bias binding down before topstitching<br />
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Fortunately, I found some red snaps in the snap stash (although I need some remedial lessons in attaching snaps…)<br />
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And just to make sure I wasn't getting too far behind the leaders I decided to use another challenge pattern, the tutu<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">right side - 16" length </td></tr>
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I bought most of the 108" wide tulle from Fabric.com although I had the yellow at home. In fact, the yellow is part of a multicoloured tulle and the second layer starts as an apricot and blends to pink/mauve at the bottom edge. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yellow to pink/mauve multicolour, dusty pink, coral, light garnet, and wine tulle layers</td></tr>
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It was a bit awkward cutting out the various layers but I was thankful for my long, height-adjustable tables!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Phew, can't see <u>all</u> of the clutter in the sewing room….</td></tr>
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I already had the ribbon with pink and orange dots. I thought it would be perfect for this tutu but now I think it looks a bit miserly because there wasn't enough ribbon to make a big bow. Can I be bothered changing it? Probably not, but I have enough leftover tulle to make another tutu so will get enough grosgrain ribbon when I do so that there can be an enormous bow for that one! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No bow tutu. Note the even, cut edge on the bottom!</td></tr>
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Numbers 4 and 5 finished.<br />
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However, I'd like to suggest a no-children dispensation…. After all, what am I going to do with play town and a tea party doll dress???*<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* I think the tutu looked quite good on me (although perhaps a little short for a woman in her forties), and my husband has a 'thing' for ladybugs. I blame his mother: he confessed that his mother made him a much-loved dressing gown when he was about 6 which had ladybug buttons and, it seems, he is still emotionally attached to those buttons and ladybugs…) </span>J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-28612580188376577572014-02-01T03:11:00.000-08:002014-02-01T04:00:45.997-08:003 down, 17 to goI used another pattern from <a href="http://oliverands.com/books/OLV-OS026LIT.html" target="_blank">Little Things to Sew</a> to bump up my count in <a href="http://bartacksandsingletrack.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/little-things-to-sew-journey-so-far-and.html" target="_blank">Lightning McStitch's Cover to Cover challenge</a><br />
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<a href="http://bartacksandsingletrack.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/little-things-to-sew-journey-so-far-and.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Bartacks and Singletrack : want to go all the way with me?" src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/sette_budini/LTTSclear.png" height="160" width="160" /></a></div>
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These are the messy kid bibs<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two messy kids bibs but only one with messy binding</td></tr>
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I made the one with the giant pea on the front first. Having learnt a new skill last week - the highly technical process of printing an image onto transfer paper and then ironing that image onto fabric - I wanted to do it again (and again, again and again. Let's be honest, given half a chance I would probably put transfer paper images on everything I could find right now…. just like when we were kids, one of my brothers would write his full name anywhere he found a blank space. Never mind if he didn't actually own the things he wrote on).<br />
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I spent hours searching the Internet for a suitable vegetable image and eventually found the pea on <a href="http://etc.usf.edu/clipart/12100/12165/kenearlypeas_12165.htm" target="_blank">Clipart ETC</a>. I was also going to print out some lettering saying "eat your veges" but then realised there could be an awkward "You-say-tomato,-I-say-tomahto" moment i.e. veges or veggies? Anyway, my husband called the whole thing off and I was left with just the pea<br />
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I used purchased bias binding and almost tossed - or composted - the bib before I had finished because I didn't like how the binding was sitting. I persevered, figuring that someone might find the bib useful even it isn't perfect. <br />
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Of course, I had to have another go at this pattern and do a better job. Today I made the second bib using some J Wecker-Frisch Patches & Rhymes fabric I had left over from a quilt I made for my friends' first child. He is now eight!<br />
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This time, I didn't cut out the pocket and I made self-fabric binding. I applied the binding differently to the instructions: sewing it first to the front, folding it to the back and then stitching it down. I cheated a little by using fabric glue to stick the binding to the back. I felt like a naughty contestant on <a href="http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway" target="_blank">Project Runway</a> and kept hearing Michael Kors and Nina Garcia castigating me for using unconventional sewing techniques! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">back of bib glued down before stitching </td></tr>
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I stitched-in-the-ditch on the front catching the binding on the back. <br />
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This worked a treat and I will do my binding this way next time. It looks so neat and there are no wrinkles! <br />
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Despite the problems with the binding I really enjoyed making these bibs. Half the fun was in applying the iron-on vinyl. Who would have thought that something so simple could make me happy? That and transfer paper could keep me amused for hours. In fact, I almost started on the bento box carrier today because I had an idea for embellishing the lining that combined both of these… And then I thought I could make the most elaborate play town and puppet theatre…<br />
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So, I've ticked off my third pattern from the book. I made the first bucket hats in 2012, and the back pack last year which means that at the rate I am going I reckon I could get this challenge sorted in another 17 years. This turtle probably needs to go a bit faster if it wants to be in with half a chance. However, I could always <a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Do%20a%20Bradbury" target="_blank">do a Bradbury</a><br />
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<br />J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-4828372631713867722014-01-27T01:25:00.000-08:002014-01-27T01:25:23.982-08:00It's not about the bikeI don't own a bike. I don't really like bikes*. I can't remember the last time I rode a bike… Even when I visit San Francisco I take a car over the Golden Gate Bridge rather than ride a bike.<br />
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I used to ride a bike - more than 20 years ago when I was at university - and I have vivid memories of head winds, torrential rain, water from the back tyre saturating my undies and making my backside look like I needed to wipe, and crazy Christchurch drivers trying to collect their 100 points for collecting a cyclist. My purple-blue mountain bike (yes, even I have tried mountain biking!) sat in the garage collecting dust for about 10 years before I gave it to a friend for his teenage daughter. When it was cleaned, the bike looked like new. I'd rather be sewing or, let's be honest, have a root canal than ride a bike.<br />
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However, most of my workmates ride bikes. Some even do it for fun!?! <br />
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But just because I don't ride, doesn't mean that I don't enjoy watching a good bike race or reading about one. I followed Lance Armstrong's achievements and read his <strike>fairytales</strike> books, watched his battle with Alberto Contador, saw Cadel Evans, Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome all win the Tour de France, and squealed with delight when Sarah Ulmer won gold for NZ in the individual pursuit at the Athens Olympics. I snapped up a copy of The Flying Scotsman DVD and watched it while sewing. And then I became obsessed with reading everything David Walsh had written about Armstrong and the Tour de France; Tyler Hamilton's confessions about doping, and David Millar's fall….<br />
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I wanted to try out the fabric transfer paper I have had sitting in my sewing room for a few years (Lesley Riley's Transfer Artist Paper). I didn't know what to do with it until I saw the <a href="http://bartacksandsingletrack.blogspot.co.nz/2013/12/me-google-images-field-trip-pattern.html" target="_blank">funky t-shirts Lightning McStitch</a> made for Christmas. I searched the internet for an appropriate picture for one of my mad biker/biking friends and found a <a href="http://thegraphicsfairy.com/wp-content/uploads/blogger/_CarNcodpCMA/S7-HeXmKJpI/AAAAAAAAG2U/lsboma7mpTI/s1600/1bike2.jpg" target="_blank">vintage bike graphic</a> at thegraphicsfairy.com. <br />
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And then I made a t-shirt for one of his kids<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">size 6-12 months</span> </div>
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Obviously I added the caption. It is the title of Lance Armstrong's first book. Ironic really given the circumstances of the last year….Yep, Lance, it wasn't (about) the bike after all….</div>
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The pattern is the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pants/OLV-OS035FCD.h" target="_blank">Oliver + S field trip raglan t-shirt</a> (again). The fabric is an organic cotton remnant I found at <a href="http://www.tessuti.com.au/locations/melbourne" target="_blank">Tessuti fabrics</a> in Melbourne. It is horribly off grain and a nightmare to work with. No wonder it was on sale! I added ribbing to the neckline because the self-fabric binding I made looked amateurish in this fabric. The ribbing is from the Ottobre etsy store.</div>
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The transfer looks great and there is no shiny film left on the fabric. I'll be interested to see how it washes up. I think the t-shirt looks quite professional, even if it is a little conceited to say so. I'm afraid that I might become a transfer junkie….</div>
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However, I managed to suppress my preoccupation with fabric transfers for a short period and whipped up a couple more field trip t-shirts over the weekend for another little boy:</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmH0klVcyqk/UuYgwa8kr0I/AAAAAAAABHM/Za29zZ0JWZY/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmH0klVcyqk/UuYgwa8kr0I/AAAAAAAABHM/Za29zZ0JWZY/s1600/IMG_5387.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">size 18-24 months</span> </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEp9ILag_OQ/UuYgLirJhtI/AAAAAAAABGw/69TszzQS1yU/s1600/IMG_5378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEp9ILag_OQ/UuYgLirJhtI/AAAAAAAABGw/69TszzQS1yU/s1600/IMG_5378.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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And a hopscotch t-shirt for his older sister</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6siVr6mleW8/UuYhGdZKVOI/AAAAAAAABHQ/1PoUyUdTk1o/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6siVr6mleW8/UuYhGdZKVOI/AAAAAAAABHQ/1PoUyUdTk1o/s1600/IMG_5388.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">size 4 years</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*I suspect a couple of my blog readers will considerate this a blasphemous statement</span></div>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-37651983917504055822014-01-26T20:39:00.001-08:002014-01-26T20:42:47.348-08:00a bit late…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, so everyone posted their recap of 2013 at the beginning of the month and, no doubt, are now into the thick of sewing and crafting for 2014. But not me. I have been on holiday. I sought out fabric and craft stores in New York, California, Munich and Barcelona and packed my suitcases with goodies to use at some stage…. although it appears that I am afflicted with SABLE (Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy) so perhaps these overseas purchases won't get used by me after all.<br />
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At any rate, I tried to make a teeny, tiny dent into my various stashes in 2013. I used a lot of Oliver + S patterns - including a number I hadn't sewn before:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qIUJHfu7tk/UuXNvZSdTeI/AAAAAAAABEQ/cVSPKoNLCFk/s1600/O&S+collage+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7qIUJHfu7tk/UuXNvZSdTeI/AAAAAAAABEQ/cVSPKoNLCFk/s1600/O&S+collage+2013.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family reunion dress; hopscotch top; hopscotch dress; badminton skort x2; puppet show tunic; field trip raglan t-shirt; school photo dress; music box jumper</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pOE_eJXUBs/UuXNhcaM0YI/AAAAAAAABEE/cilFD7jgssE/s1600/O&S+2013+4+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6pOE_eJXUBs/UuXNhcaM0YI/AAAAAAAABEE/cilFD7jgssE/s1600/O&S+2013+4+.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">book report dress; roller skate tunic; hopscotch top; ice-cream dress; Sunday brunch a-line skirt; class picnic shorts; playdate dress; seashore sundress; <i>Little Things to Sew </i>backpack </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">tea party sundress; croquet dress; music box jumper; art museum trousers; after school pants; music box jumper; birthday party dress; library dress; secret agent trench coat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kENDIhZD3Vo/UuXNgvRuRwI/AAAAAAAABEA/lpzL9xQmO1k/s1600/O&S+collage+2013+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kENDIhZD3Vo/UuXNgvRuRwI/AAAAAAAABEA/lpzL9xQmO1k/s1600/O&S+collage+2013+2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">field trip raglan t-shirt; 2+2 blouse; hopscotch skirt; field trip raglan t-shirt; sailboat top x2; family reunion tunic; firefly jacket; sailboat top<br />
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And, although there may have been a bit of Oliver & S favouritism going on, I sewed patterns from other companies too:
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb6joAA8w3k/UuXN8BSxvvI/AAAAAAAABEs/x6xnECPc7eg/s1600/sewing+2013+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cb6joAA8w3k/UuXN8BSxvvI/AAAAAAAABEs/x6xnECPc7eg/s1600/sewing+2013+.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ottobre creative workshop 301 Best T-shirts x 5; Pink t-shirt has sleeves from No 21 4/ 2006; Heidi & Finn ruffle bolero; Ottobre pants No 22 4/2006; Ottobre pants No 3 1/2010; Ottobre leggings No 23 4/2009</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAYvxCLPqJ0/UuXNwHSTSLI/AAAAAAAABEc/2AK_d8MpfNA/s1600/not+O%2526S+2013+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gAYvxCLPqJ0/UuXNwHSTSLI/AAAAAAAABEc/2AK_d8MpfNA/s1600/not+O%2526S+2013+2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swing coat from Japanese pattern book; Ottobre hoodie 16 4/2007; Ottobre Paris jacket No 30 6/2007; Ottobre No 19 3/2011; Jalie 3133; Ottobre No 6 3/2011; Spacefem Onsies from Spoonflower x 3; bastardised No 29 3/2009<br />
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I did a little quilting:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UpCx5GWvh0/UuXN-Jw45PI/AAAAAAAABE0/G_NCYqyDSbo/s1600/quilting+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8UpCx5GWvh0/UuXN-Jw45PI/AAAAAAAABE0/G_NCYqyDSbo/s1600/quilting+2013.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas stocking Vogue 7375;Stargazey Slender Starz quilt; unfinished flower quilt (my design)</td></tr>
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And some knitting:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VW7G6qz8tNI/UuXdbYojvJI/AAAAAAAABFQ/b984_VU4c5E/s1600/knitting+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VW7G6qz8tNI/UuXdbYojvJI/AAAAAAAABFQ/b984_VU4c5E/s1600/knitting+2013.jpg" height="128" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">big sweater little pockets; Tama x 2; explorer vest; autumn leaves</td></tr>
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I knitted another owl jersey in July while I was at a conference but I haven't managed to sew on the last 8 buttons. Must do that.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4G88npRGjEE/UuXgfNmpduI/AAAAAAAABFc/2fccd0zySig/s1600/IMG_5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4G88npRGjEE/UuXgfNmpduI/AAAAAAAABFc/2fccd0zySig/s1600/IMG_5405.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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So a relatively productive year for me despite work commitments, conferences and holidays away from the craft barn. No favourite but I'm nearly always pleased with the item I just finished… until I start something else. Hopefully the majority of these items have been used - or even loved (is that too much to ask?!?) - by the people they have gone to.<br />
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And now, on with the 2014 show!<br />
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<br />J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-85125451064057148102013-12-03T02:45:00.001-08:002013-12-03T02:45:31.441-08:00My Spoonflower obsession continuesI bought some Spoonflower fat quarters to make a few t-shirts for Rosa. What I didn't count on was that Rosa has grown since I first started sewing for her and a fat quarter is barely enough to make anything that will fit her now. But I managed to get two t-shirts sewn.<br />
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The first one is her Little Red Riding Hood t-shirt and apparently it is a hit at home. The pattern is from Ottobre 3/2011 (number 19)<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lklrgwUsn20/Up2vpmsRl8I/AAAAAAAABDc/aSwHJ6OeaU8/s1600/IMG_0635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lklrgwUsn20/Up2vpmsRl8I/AAAAAAAABDc/aSwHJ6OeaU8/s640/IMG_0635.jpg" width="614" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RLuUeDYsA0/UnNxNXHsQWI/AAAAAAAAA3k/2pv1WxXoTL4/s1600/IMG_0642.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RLuUeDYsA0/UnNxNXHsQWI/AAAAAAAAA3k/2pv1WxXoTL4/s640/IMG_0642.JPG" width="486" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">those hundred & thousand covered sweets look yummy!</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/759507" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Little red riding hood in autumn forest by bora on Spoonflower - custom fabric"><img alt="Little red riding hood in autumn forest" height="170" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0075/9507/rrrrautum1_shop_preview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/759518" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" title="Little red fox by bora on Spoonflower - custom fabric"><img alt="Little red fox" height="170" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0075/9518/rrrrrrfox_shop_preview.png" width="200" /></a>The fabrics are both by bora and are the <i><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/759507" target="_blank">little red riding hood in autumn forest</a></i> print - used for the front and back - and <a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/759518" target="_blank"><i>little red fox</i> </a>for the sleeves and neck binding.<br />
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The fox material is, well, foxy and I may have to order some more especially as fox prints are 'in' this year.<br />
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Unfortunately the photos of the t-shirt don't really show the colours very well.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z4l51tICYY/Up2wR8UD9PI/AAAAAAAABDk/LSdYjkPb1xQ/s1600/IMG_4939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_Z4l51tICYY/Up2wR8UD9PI/AAAAAAAABDk/LSdYjkPb1xQ/s640/IMG_4939.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">neck binding attached with coverstitch binder</span></div>
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This t-shirt was clearly a winner but I struggled with what to do with the other fabric because I didn't have quite enough fabric to make even a t-shirt. </div>
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1136460" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="ice, ice baby by bubbledog on Spoonflower - custom fabric"><img alt="ice, ice baby" height="171" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0113/6460/rrrrspoonflower_water_and_ink_adjusted_large_shop_preview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1136460" target="_blank">ice, ice baby by bubble dog</a></span></div>
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So I took a look in my wardrobe and discovered that a number of my own t-shirts had woven fabric elements (e.g. neck binding, sleeves etc). So I borrowed that idea and this is what I came up with</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrgrfDdX4UA/Uon63N8fNNI/AAAAAAAAA94/NcuT4sMMTRc/s1600/IMG_4929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MrgrfDdX4UA/Uon63N8fNNI/AAAAAAAAA94/NcuT4sMMTRc/s640/IMG_4929.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I found a georgette scrap in a box in the garage. I think I made a top for my sister from this fabric about 1996 and obviously kept the remnant for an occasion such as this. Luckily, there was just enough for what I wanted and it was the perfect colour. I used the georgette to make the sleeves and made a rolled hem and stitched shirring elastic about 1cm above the hem </div>
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I also used a raw-edge strip of georgette for the neck edge. What you can't see very clearly is that I made a little facing and sandwiched the georgette strip between it and the front fabric (probably seen best above although it is a bit rough)</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51uHMVM2c7U/Uon6rV1M3FI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2QbRtkD0mO8/s1600/IMG_4931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-51uHMVM2c7U/Uon6rV1M3FI/AAAAAAAAA9o/2QbRtkD0mO8/s640/IMG_4931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This raw-edge neck binding is more obvious below<br />
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I used another Ottobre pattern for this t-shirt (number 29 in 3/2009).</div>
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I don't know whether this t-shirt is a flop or not but it has taught me several useful lessons:</div>
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<li>a fat quarter is rarely enough fabric to complete an item of clothing except for babies</li>
<li>if I buy more fabric than I think I need, the remnant may come in handy even years later!</li>
<li>sometimes (surprisingly) inspiration can be found in my own wardrobe </li>
<li>my hoarding is not so bad and should even be encouraged….. </li>
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Of course I did manage to sneak a few more yards of fabric in with the parcel that these pieces arrived in but I haven't decided what to make with them yet. Nevertheless, I believe that a girl (i.e. me) can never have too much Spoonflower fabric or diamonds</div>
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/280716" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Gemstones by hannafate on Spoonflower - custom fabric"><img alt="Gemstones" height="171" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0028/0716/rgemfab_shop_preview.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/280716" target="_blank">gemstones by hannafate</a></span></div>
J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-32519319020931029272013-12-02T02:52:00.000-08:002013-12-02T02:53:00.434-08:00Mooove over penguin backpackI have owned <a href="http://oliverands.com/books/OLV-OS026LIT.html" target="_blank">Little Things to Sew</a> by Liesl Gibson for at least a year but the only pattern I had used until the weekend was the bucket hat pattern.<br />
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This was the first hat<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjrDiZTcAhA/UpxFKm4juxI/AAAAAAAABAc/fLx21xrSpz4/s1600/IMG_4157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjrDiZTcAhA/UpxFKm4juxI/AAAAAAAABAc/fLx21xrSpz4/s320/IMG_4157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made two more<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">boy's hat</span></div>
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And then I got distracted by other things to sew….<br />
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When Lightning McStitch threw out the <a href="http://bartacksandsingletrack.blogspot.co.nz/2013/10/little-things-to-sew-cover-to-cover.html" target="_blank">challenge to sew all of the patterns in the book</a> I decided it was something I should join in on<br />
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<a href="http://bartacksandsingletrack.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/little-things-to-sew-cover-to-cover.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Bartacks and Singletrack : want to go all the way with me?" height="200" src="http://i93.photobucket.com/albums/l58/sette_budini/LTTSclear.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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The penguin backpack was a pattern I definitely wanted to tackle early on in the challenge. I wasn't sure about making a penguin and I noticed that <a href="http://oliverands.com/blog/2013/10/customizing-with-oliver-s-giraffe-backpack.html" target="_blank">many people had used the basic pattern and modified it</a>. I was undecided about what to do - although I knew I wanted to make something other than just a simple backpack - and then on Friday at Spotlight I found some brown and white drill fabric. There, in the shop, I had a eureka moment: I would make a cow backpack!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The grass was the perfect setting for a cow backpack</span></div>
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I search google for some cow images, found <a href="http://carihumphry.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/etsy-elise.jpg" target="_blank">this fantastic painting</a> and used it to guide my pattern drafting. I wanted the nose to be a separate pocket and sewed that first.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8A7Tzh0xY0/UpxTceL89zI/AAAAAAAABA0/915jQkIYYh4/s1600/IMG_5162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b8A7Tzh0xY0/UpxTceL89zI/AAAAAAAABA0/915jQkIYYh4/s320/IMG_5162.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQM9uuQOshQ/UpxUGGI_yCI/AAAAAAAABBE/YGMJ-8qLYU4/s1600/IMG_5165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vQM9uuQOshQ/UpxUGGI_yCI/AAAAAAAABBE/YGMJ-8qLYU4/s320/IMG_5165.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I used a soft fusible vilene to add some body to both the pocket and the main part of the backpack<br />
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and<span style="text-align: center;"> I lined the pocket with a New Zealand-themed fabric</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I added some 30mm craft eyes to the bag,</span><br />
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made some shorter, padded and interfaced straps, and used purchased strap fasteners and 32mm polyester strapping as finishing touches. I looked at some of the backpacks I had at home to figure out how to attach the strapping to the backpack</div>
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I lined the body of the bag in the same New Zealand material and made a single, larger pocket that was the same width as the back panel and used fold-over elastic along its top edge</div>
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I used some Steam-A-Seam2 to stick the zipper panels on (although I also hand-stitched the lining in place just to be sure). I was thankful for my collection of sewing gadgets because my mini iron was the perfect size for ironing the Steam-A-Seam in place without melting the zipper!<br />
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This is a great pattern and the possibilities are endless. I enjoyed the challenge of making something different and translating my vision into this finished item. I'm not ashamed to say that I love my cow backpack but I have no idea what to do with it now that it is finished…. but I guess it won't be mooving on just yet….</div>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-32170358584620533282013-11-18T02:49:00.000-08:002013-11-18T03:04:31.907-08:00summer sewingAbout 6 or 7 years ago I bought some lilac broderie anglaise fabric to make a dress for a good friend's daughter. Shortly after, I realised that the girl wouldn't wear it: the colour might have been right but there wouldn't be a designer label attached to the dress. So I didn't make the dress and the fabric went into the stash.<br />
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Today seemed a good day to dig into my stash. After all, I recently promised my husband that I would <i>try</i> to use more of my fabric stash rather than buy more fabric. He thinks that a reasonable guide is that I use 1m of fabric for every 1.5m I buy. I think he is being completely unrealistic and unreasonable. But maybe there is a decimal point in the wrong place - a 1:15 ratio seems better suited to me?!<br />
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Anyway, I found the lilac broderie anglaise fabric and a pattern I hadn't sewed before, the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS024SE.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S seashore sundress</a>, and put the two together. This is what I came up with<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sjwu0cVqkM/Uonejck1MoI/AAAAAAAAA7A/BQ0m80exgyM/s1600/IMG_5135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sjwu0cVqkM/Uonejck1MoI/AAAAAAAAA7A/BQ0m80exgyM/s640/IMG_5135.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">size 4</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYfALAnblAI/UonfC1ei40I/AAAAAAAAA7U/FxBrr95QhiY/s1600/IMG_5145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GYfALAnblAI/UonfC1ei40I/AAAAAAAAA7U/FxBrr95QhiY/s640/IMG_5145.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I tried to match the border at the seams and I'm pleased with the results</div>
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In my large button tin I found some matching buttons for the shoulder straps</div>
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And I sewed around a freezer paper template to ensure that the shoulder straps are identical. </div>
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Unfortunately I still have a quantity of this material left over so I will have to find someone else to sew a little skirt or top from the remainder. </div>
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I also made some <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-pants/OLV-OS025CP.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S class picnic shorts</a> from a remnant of pink stretch denim I might have picked up last week. </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOT3_3bfAm4/UonjlYiN_SI/AAAAAAAAA8E/D39gEj5l9Ss/s1600/IMG_5127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOT3_3bfAm4/UonjlYiN_SI/AAAAAAAAA8E/D39gEj5l9Ss/s640/IMG_5127.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The tag stated that the fabric was "faded" and it wasn't until I unfolded the fabric that I discovered how uneven the fading was! Grrr. So I ended up cutting the pattern around the fading and I will have to try dyeing the fabric if I want to use the leftovers.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">note the difference in colour between the two sides</span> </div>
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I made my own piping from a pink and green-spotted fabric in the stash</div>
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This is such a cool pattern and it reminds me of the shorts we wore as kids in the 70's. (Am I showing my age? Does anyone say things are cool any more? Presumably, it is OK to use "cool" and "70's" in the same sentence…). My sister suggested that I make these shorts out of a velour - just like the 70's - but the only velour I have is red and I wouldn't want Rosa to look like one of those girls who helps Santa out at the photo stand at Christmas time. And, it would be uncool to buy <i>more</i> fabric just for the sake of reliving our childhood (or inflicting it on Rosa).</div>
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I made a class picnic top for Rosa last year but it was too big then, so it may work out to be a good match for these shorts</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xebmd-GwZew/UonpKQHj8RI/AAAAAAAAA9E/3iJG7KEkM9A/s1600/IMG_4234.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xebmd-GwZew/UonpKQHj8RI/AAAAAAAAA9E/3iJG7KEkM9A/s640/IMG_4234.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The skirt is pattern b from Japanese pattern book "Girls going out clothes" by Yuki Araki</span></div>
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So another couple of Oliver + S patterns completed AND some fabric removed from the stash to make way for some more...</div>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-193482342443935262013-11-16T12:27:00.000-08:002013-11-17T00:33:30.872-08:00Flower powerI bought the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-jackets/OLV-OS032STD.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S trench coat</a> pattern last year. I waited for just the 'right' fabric and recently found it - a lightweight coated cotton - at <a href="http://dotsnstripes.co.uk/view_product.cfm?id=2723" target="_blank">Dots N Stripes</a>. But with summer fast approaching it didn't really seem like such a good idea to make a trench coat…. so that is exactly what I did! <br />
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I made view A and the only change I made was to add a belt buckle that I found in a fabulous little button shop in Tokyo</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5LlLjXIXkI/UofKqm4X2oI/AAAAAAAAA5k/PxGnl7v0fsk/s1600/IMG_5117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N5LlLjXIXkI/UofKqm4X2oI/AAAAAAAAA5k/PxGnl7v0fsk/s640/IMG_5117.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Isn't this just the perfect buckle for this material?</span></div>
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My first attempt at the pockets was not good enough - I wanted them to be perfectly shaped - so I recut the fabric and used freezer paper templates to make a second set. These turned out more to my liking but, of course, it is hard to see them in this busy print.</div>
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I also used covered buttons because I didn't want them to clash or detract from the buckle<br />
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I didn't try to fussy cut the pattern pieces because the material is so busy but I wish I had staggered the front pieces a little so that the large yellow and blue flowers are not so close together. Never mind, perhaps the next time I make something out of this fabric I will be a little more careful.</div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24700366@N02/10891735024/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Oliver S secret agent trench coat by J.Wo-sews, on Flickr"><img alt="Oliver S secret agent trench coat" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5532/10891735024_8fa9b59cc7_b.jpg" width="548" /></a></div>
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In keeping with the bright floral theme, I also sewed an <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS016IC.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S ice cream dress</a> from a groovy Michael Miller print called Peace Flowers.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrjRTF0Y7Pc/UofTC4avS5I/AAAAAAAAA6o/eO57i_Iqj2Y/s1600/IMG_5122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OrjRTF0Y7Pc/UofTC4avS5I/AAAAAAAAA6o/eO57i_Iqj2Y/s640/IMG_5122.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">size 4</span> </div>
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This was quick to sew particularly as I didn't add the pockets (just too lazy) and I combined the top and bottom panels of the dress when I was cutting out. I bought this fabric to make this dress but now I am not so sure I like it. Perhaps, I will use a neutral linen next time I sew this pattern.<br />
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<br />J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-61687025258391615232013-11-06T03:24:00.001-08:002013-11-06T03:24:39.490-08:00Floral print for the art museum trousersI'm feeling pretty pleased with myself: another Oliver + S pattern ticked off my to-do list AND with fancy welt pockets too!<br />
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My inspiration were these trousers <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SOAxea8tCiU/Unoii27u0bI/AAAAAAAAA44/i8qgPKIKgg8/s1600/IMG_0278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SOAxea8tCiU/Unoii27u0bI/AAAAAAAAA44/i8qgPKIKgg8/s400/IMG_0278.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I thought that the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS041AMD.html" target="_blank">Art Museum Trousers</a> had many of the features seen on these designer trousers and, after seeing <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19337958@N02/9721350631/" target="_blank">these pants</a> on Flickr, I knew this pattern was good for a girly version. I used a floral cotton sateen fabric I picked up recently on a trip to Tokyo<br />
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These pants were fun to make and I was impressed with how easily they came together.<br />
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The instructions for the welt pockets were thorough and the welts were straightforward to insert. I made sure that all of the stitching lines were copied onto the fabric accurately and I ended up with even pockets. But you would never know that looking at these pictures with everything distorted by the elastic in the back!<br />
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Of course, using really busy fabric like this hides any little imperfections.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLyKZQlKmgc/Unoc3wJtbJI/AAAAAAAAA4c/WKsWyQh-2xY/s1600/IMG_5098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dLyKZQlKmgc/Unoc3wJtbJI/AAAAAAAAA4c/WKsWyQh-2xY/s640/IMG_5098.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I used Liesl's instructions for the zipper fly front. It looks tidy but next time I won't sew quite so close to the zipper teeth on the (wearer's) left side because the zipper pull pokes out just a little at the top. On my RTW trousers the front panel is stitched about halfway between the zipper teeth and the far edge and the zipper pull is well hidden.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And it even looks like I matched the flowers over the fly!</span></div>
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Now, I've just got to decide what to do with the all the other fabrics I bought in Tokyo....</div>
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<br />J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-3178285081385494852013-11-01T01:54:00.002-07:002013-11-01T01:54:20.466-07:00Beam me up, Scotty!I finished these onesies a few weeks ago<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDhNbkJ8n-c/UnNrQ1xj_BI/AAAAAAAAA3M/MfZSkguOKwQ/s1600/IMG_5045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XDhNbkJ8n-c/UnNrQ1xj_BI/AAAAAAAAA3M/MfZSkguOKwQ/s640/IMG_5045.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/2340287" target="_blank">Spacefem captain baby bodysuit from Spoonflower</a></span></div>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-76288303847271352212013-10-11T04:22:00.002-07:002013-10-11T04:22:44.153-07:00another baby's giftsAnd still they keep coming... babies, that is! <br />
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Another friend recently gave birth to her first child and, of course, I had to sew for her and her new son. I thought this friend would appreciate something a little different/quirky so I went online to my Special Place (a.k.a Spoonflower.com) and did a little shopping....<br />
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And this is what I made<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQee-8h_S6k/UlfG42NzWUI/AAAAAAAAA0w/17vuNWhBh9E/s1600/IMG_4926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mQee-8h_S6k/UlfG42NzWUI/AAAAAAAAA0w/17vuNWhBh9E/s640/IMG_4926.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">How are you meant to style a onesie and make it look good?!?</span></div>
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A Dr Who onesie! This is the style of outfit worn by the 11th Dr Who and comes as a cut-and-sew pattern by Spacefem on Spoonflower.<br />
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1680261" title="11th Doctor Baby Onesie by spacefem on Spoonflower - custom fabric"><img alt="11th Doctor Baby Onesie" height="411" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0168/0261/rrrdoctor_shop_preview.png" width="640" /></a>
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This sewed up quickly and it was straightforward working out the order of the sewing. Spacefem has downloadable instructions - referenced on the fabric! - if anyone needs them. I used my coverstitch machine to sew the bands and hems.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">and used some matching snaps </span></div>
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I liked the way this looked so I bought more of Spacefem's fabric</div>
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1733813" title="Tiny captain baby onesie by spacefem on Spoonflower - custom fabric"><img alt="Tiny captain baby onesie" height="411" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0173/3813/1733813_rr1733813_rtrek_shop_preview.png" width="640" /></a>
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Star Trek onesies</div>
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I am in the process of making these up for twin boys. The blue one is nearly finished (just needs some snaps and the sleeves hemmed)<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Um7BeUWcpA/UlfQUI5DaOI/AAAAAAAAA1U/3rQ8mz9Dozc/s1600/IMG_5039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Um7BeUWcpA/UlfQUI5DaOI/AAAAAAAAA1U/3rQ8mz9Dozc/s640/IMG_5039.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being a twin myself, I really <strike>can't stand</strike> don't like twins being dressed the same so I feel a little torn about giving the parents two of the same item (but they are different colours!). However, this <u>is</u> Star Trek so hopefully I will be forgiven.<br />
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But back to the sewing for the first baby.<br />
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I made a second onesie but this time I used the <a href="http://www.jalie.com/jalie3133-onesie-sewingpattern.html" target="_blank">Jalie baby bodysuit pattern</a> and some <a href="http://www.etsy.com/nz/listing/116693801/vikings-organic-cotton-elastane-single?ref=shop_home_active" target="_blank">Vikings cotton-elastane fabric from Ottobre</a><br />
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This pattern is describes as having a boatneck and there is very little difference between the back and front. In fact, I unpicked all of the stitching because the pieces just didn't seem to be sitting correctly. After I had rechecked all of the markings I re-sewed the onesie. I'm still not convinced that I like the neckline. Fortunately the snaps at the crotch make it obvious which way this goes. <br />
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I think the fabric and the orange ribbing are a great combination. And who wouldn't love these ginger Vikings? Luckily I had matching snaps to complete the garment!<br />
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I placed both of the onesies into a Christmas stocking that I also made for the new baby</div>
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The body of the stockings were made from crazy patchwork panels that I made using the many Christmas fabrics I have stashed. Then I topstitched the pieces in gold metallic thread using the decorative stitches on my sewing machine</div>
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I fused each of the completed panels to some pellon and cut out the stocking pieces and stitched them together. Finally, I embroidered the baby's name onto the stocking cuff and sewed a bell onto the end of the stocking.</div>
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I realise that it isn't Christmas, but I thought this might be a gift that a child would keep for a long time and not grow out of or discard after a short period of time. My husband has a small collection of Christmas decorations that were given to his mother shortly after he was born and they get trotted out every year. And another friend has a Christmas stocking that was given to him as a youngster and he still hangs it every Christmas by the chimney in the hope that it will be full of goodies on Christmas morning. </div>
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So, I hope that the goodies I placed in the stocking are useful in the short-term but that the stocking is something the child grows up with.</div>
J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-87016346099921144972013-10-08T01:49:00.002-07:002013-10-08T01:49:38.506-07:00Dresses for new babies and little girlsSeptember and October are busy months for new babies. As such, there are always things to sew at this time of the year.<br />
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My husband asked if I could sew something for one of his colleagues. In fact, he asked if I could sew two somethings: one with a traditional/classic fabric and the other a little more modern. I decided to use a couple of Oliver + S patterns (now there's a surprise?!)<br />
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For the first dress I used an "oldie-but-a-goody" - <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS021MB.html" target="_blank">the music box jumper pattern</a> - and used a fabric that is also an "oldie" i.e. an unnamed Japanese lawn that has been in my stash for about 10 years. I made the 6-12 month size.<br />
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I found some perfectly-matched pink mother of Pearl buttons in my button box.<br />
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back view</div>
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For the second dress I used the Oliver + S <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS030CD.html" target="_blank">croquet dress pattern</a>. I have always been a little ho-hum about this pattern because it seemed more suited to "Downton Abbey" than 2013. But I have never used this pattern before and it was sitting in my filing cabinet waiting to be put together....<br />
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I used a red floral Riley Blake fabric called sweetcakes. <br />
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Size 6-12 months</div>
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I was really pleased with how this turned out. So, with this little success under my belt, I decided to tackle another pattern that I have owned for some time but was also indifferent about... the <a href="http://oliverands.com/product/OLV-OS001TP.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S tea party sundress</a></div>
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This time, I made a size 3, lengthened to size 4, for another friend's very tall 2+ year old. The fabric is a quilting cotton named Razzmatazz, and for some reason I had 3 yards of it... I had to fussy cut the bodice and panels although it became very obvious that with such a busy print I couldn't be too fussy!</div>
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I used a mustard coloured fabric for the flat binding and cut the binding to 1 1/4 inches, making it a little thinner than suggested.</div>
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Close up of bodice. I like the effect of the fabric around the neckline!</div>
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Of the three dresses, I think this is my favourite and I particularly like the colours (Yes, MORE purple!!). Initially, I wasn't really sure about the flared skirt but now I like the way the skirt falls and I'm sure it will have a bit of the twirl factor that seems to be so popular/necessary in little girl's clothes. </div>
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I also recently sewed up the new <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS043LD.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S library dress</a> for Rosa. My sister said it looked like a school uniform so I added a Clarice Bean badge to the lapel. After all, a great literary work seemed entirely appropriate for a library dress</div>
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I cut the front band and the cuffs on the bias</div>
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So, another Oliver + S pattern crossed off my list of things to sew.</div>
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That is enough for one post but there is still more sewing for babies to show!</div>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-32074370994647450732013-09-30T02:30:00.002-07:002013-09-30T02:30:51.268-07:00Monet and Munch for the gifted childIt seems to me, that many parents today want to raise gifted children. There are a zillion different books, DVD's and websites on the subject. Apparently, exposing children to fine arts at a young age helps to develop the right-sided brain abilities like creative problem-solving, enhanced photographic memory, visual and spatial thinking, musical talent etc etc etc.<br />
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So, I thought I'd help out some of my friends who recently celebrated the birth of their daughter by getting her started on the journey to unlocking the right side of her brain....<br />
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At my favourite on-line fabric store, Spoonflower.com, I discovered <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href='http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/893144'%20title%20=%20'Munch%20-%20The%20Scream%20(1893)%20by%20studiofibonacci%20on%20Spoonflower%20-%20custom%20fabric'%3E%3Cimg%20src='http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0089/3144/rMunch_-_The_Scream-18in_v2_shop_preview.png'%20%20alt='Munch%20-%20The%20Scream%20(1893)'/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Edvard Munch's </a><i><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href='http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/893144'%20title%20=%20'Munch%20-%20The%20Scream%20(1893)%20by%20studiofibonacci%20on%20Spoonflower%20-%20custom%20fabric'%3E%3Cimg%20src='http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0089/3144/rMunch_-_The_Scream-18in_v2_shop_preview.png'%20%20alt='Munch%20-%20The%20Scream%20(1893)'/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">the scream</a> </i>and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href='http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1275094'%20title%20=%20'Claude%20Monet%20~Water%20Lilies%20~1916%20by%20peacoquettedesigns%20on%20Spoonflower%20-%20custom%20fabric'%3E%3Cimg%20src='http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0127/5094/Claude_Monet_--_Waterlilies__19162-00123_shop_preview.png'%20%20alt='Claude%20Monet%20~Water%20Lilies%20~1916'/%3E%3C/a%3E" target="_blank">Claude Monet's <i>water </i><span style="color: #0000ee;"><i><u>lilies</u></i></span></a><br />
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Foolishly, I only purchased a fat quarter of each fabric in the organic knit. Thus, I was only able to create a sleeveless top in the work by Munch<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Front - </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">the neckline </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">doesn't look even but it is just the way the top is placed on the hanger</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">size 74cm</span></div>
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The pattern is "Diamond Deer sleeveless jersey top" from Ottobre 3/2011.</div>
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Of course, the observant will note that I overlapped the front and back pieces incorrectly. I blame my sister: I was trying to multi-task, chatting to her on the phone and sewing at the same time... However, I obviously need to pay more attention when it comes to overlapping shoulder seams because this is a common problem for me!</div>
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For the water lilies, I used the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS020HSD.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S hopscotch top pattern</a>. I knew that I wasn't going to make any amateurish mistakes with this pattern.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Couy13zR49g/Ukk_BI9dTZI/AAAAAAAAAwo/FRxfeG-fKjY/s1600/IMG_4969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Couy13zR49g/Ukk_BI9dTZI/AAAAAAAAAwo/FRxfeG-fKjY/s640/IMG_4969.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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size 6-12 months</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtY7vrO6dW0/Ukk_A7M7biI/AAAAAAAAAws/jlqQZ0bcE7M/s1600/IMG_4968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jtY7vrO6dW0/Ukk_A7M7biI/AAAAAAAAAws/jlqQZ0bcE7M/s640/IMG_4968.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Dad told me they really liked BRIGHT fabric so I also made a little dress for the new baby (just in case Munch was too much for these new parents...). I used another favourite <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS021MBD.html" target="_blank">Oliver + S pattern: the music box jumper</a> (view B).</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3CKyL48uro/UklA9yQ2nzI/AAAAAAAAAw8/DAwPvVA0UIk/s1600/IMG_4970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j3CKyL48uro/UklA9yQ2nzI/AAAAAAAAAw8/DAwPvVA0UIk/s640/IMG_4970.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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size 6 - 12 months</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LGF5ORW1bw/UklBDYgxdZI/AAAAAAAAAxE/zJv7OwAJPjA/s1600/IMG_4972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9LGF5ORW1bw/UklBDYgxdZI/AAAAAAAAAxE/zJv7OwAJPjA/s640/IMG_4972.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I lined the bodice with a dotted off-white quilting cotton, and used some decorative mother of pearl buttons.<br />
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So here's hoping that these are a hit (or should that be a scream?) with Mum and Dad.</div>
J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-82929255596320278952013-09-03T05:49:00.000-07:002013-09-03T05:49:19.523-07:00An Oliver + S weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I expected all of last weekend to be taken up with a work activity. It didn't eventuate, so I spent the weekend in my sewing room with my Oliver + S patterns instead.<br />
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The first item I made was the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS037BR.html" target="_blank">book report dress</a>. I wanted to make it all in one colour and I made a few little alterations to the pattern based on this t-shirt from Daks that I bought at Christmas time<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PgC_2VgVqY/UiXMeQMXEYI/AAAAAAAAAtY/w20DiM6vd2U/s1600/IMG_4871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6PgC_2VgVqY/UiXMeQMXEYI/AAAAAAAAAtY/w20DiM6vd2U/s400/IMG_4871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Note the zipper and the quilted shoulders and sleeves</div>
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So I borrowed those ideas and incorporated them into my dress:</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xemRCbLYfDg/UiXLUN3AiiI/AAAAAAAAAtI/6o6W6qiFZ38/s1600/IMG_4878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xemRCbLYfDg/UiXLUN3AiiI/AAAAAAAAAtI/6o6W6qiFZ38/s640/IMG_4878.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Size 4</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbYBu_d9SGI/UiXMhgAp4FI/AAAAAAAAAtc/nAiJrgMVlmg/s1600/IMG_4875.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hbYBu_d9SGI/UiXMhgAp4FI/AAAAAAAAAtc/nAiJrgMVlmg/s640/IMG_4875.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I quilted the fabric onto a fusible batting first before cutting out the back yoke. It was surprisingly quick to do and produced the result I was after.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">It really isn't that wrinkled in real life!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMs7ojg5MUU/UiXNIb9cWcI/AAAAAAAAAts/RRgIE_M1GLo/s1600/IMG_4880.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mMs7ojg5MUU/UiXNIb9cWcI/AAAAAAAAAts/RRgIE_M1GLo/s640/IMG_4880.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I inserted invisible zippers at the front and back yoke shoulder seam. They are not perfect but I think they will look OK once the dress is on. Perhaps next time I will make the zipper more of a feature like the Daks's t-shirt<br />
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The only other modification I made was to use the "burrito method" to enclose the stitching for the back yoke and its facing just like on a man's business shirt. The batting added quite a bit of bulk which made this a little bit more of a fiddle than it might have been but it turned out looking very tidy on the inside.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YquMXMsZ9aQ/UiXNNHG7qAI/AAAAAAAAAt8/iEmXm3w5u94/s1600/IMG_4869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YquMXMsZ9aQ/UiXNNHG7qAI/AAAAAAAAAt8/iEmXm3w5u94/s320/IMG_4869.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And to finish off, I found a little sparkly button in my button box that matched the dress colour perfectly.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rFEUPLdf74/UiXNeG1qvsI/AAAAAAAAAuE/npWrZnsx5Fk/s1600/IMG_4881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5rFEUPLdf74/UiXNeG1qvsI/AAAAAAAAAuE/npWrZnsx5Fk/s400/IMG_4881.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Although the photo is out of focus</span></div>
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On Sunday, I made a skirt using the rather appropriately named <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS009SB.html" target="_blank">Sunday brunch a-line skirt pattern</a> - although it would have been a very late meal if it had been needed at the time suggested by the pattern! <br />
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I cut up an old Anna S dress that I bought for about $5 at a school fair several years ago and tried to recreate something a little like this skirt that I snapped in Tokyo last year.... while trying to not look like I was stalking the child<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ok, so this looks nothing like the little girl's skirt but you gotta work with what you've got!</span></div>
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And then in the second half of the day I whipped up a <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-dresses/OLV-OS038RS.html" target="_blank">roller skate tunic</a> from a Nano Iro print, and some Japanese lawn from Spotlight</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEU8rrtzuPE/UiXYNv2GDgI/AAAAAAAAAwA/gmXFYPdMZOs/s1600/IMG_4899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AEU8rrtzuPE/UiXYNv2GDgI/AAAAAAAAAwA/gmXFYPdMZOs/s640/IMG_4899.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I bundled these up to send to Rosa with yet another <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns-skirts/OLV-OS011SA.html" target="_blank">Sailboat top</a> I recently completed. I think I have probably had the knit fabric for at least ten years! So, another successful stash bust here and therefore time to buy more fabric....</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-1VxKqwhdI/UiXYNFEJToI/AAAAAAAAAv4/GK1j0hwxvdw/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1-1VxKqwhdI/UiXYNFEJToI/AAAAAAAAAv4/GK1j0hwxvdw/s640/IMG_4855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">And look! I managed to get the shoulder pieces overlapped the correct way again</span></div>
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Now, that was a much better way to spend a weekend than doing paper work....</div>
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J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1570063429871193749.post-66555566158783271512013-08-28T05:40:00.002-07:002013-08-28T05:53:39.142-07:00Family reunion with AliceRecently, while looking through the Spoonflower Flickr group I spied a beautiful dress made up in this fabric <br />
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<a href="http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/173994" title="AliceToile-white background by avelis on Spoonflower - custom fabric"><img alt="AliceToile-white background" src="http://s3.amazonaws.com/spoonflower/public/design_thumbnails/0017/3994/AliceToile_shop_preview.png" /></a> </div>
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I had to have some! But for some reason I only ordered one yard. Was I mad?!? At first, I wasn't sure how I could make the most of such a teeny, tiny piece of fabric but in the end I decided I would use the <a href="http://oliverands.com/oliver-and-s-patterns/OLV-OS023FR.html">Oliver + S family reunion dress pattern</a> to make a little top</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PIJi9avdEJc/Uh3yGzArFOI/AAAAAAAAAsk/gKKbgdoUeUc/s1600/IMG_4861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PIJi9avdEJc/Uh3yGzArFOI/AAAAAAAAAsk/gKKbgdoUeUc/s640/IMG_4861.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">size 4</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eezawhKcvNQ/Uh3yld5d02I/AAAAAAAAAss/wPX_9r5S25U/s1600/IMG_4867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eezawhKcvNQ/Uh3yld5d02I/AAAAAAAAAss/wPX_9r5S25U/s640/IMG_4867.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It took quite a while to cut out the fabric and even then I goofed the back pieces. I should have cut the fabric so that the pattern at the centre back overlapped but I didn't think of it until I had finishing cutting out. Then there really wasn't enough fabric to cut out another back piece.... Oh well...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTQxsX_NXew/Uh3oJ1a19II/AAAAAAAAArg/c4IoyKTrmLQ/s1600/IMG_4864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yTQxsX_NXew/Uh3oJ1a19II/AAAAAAAAArg/c4IoyKTrmLQ/s640/IMG_4864.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I made my own covered buttons (11mm) and added a thin blue piping around the neckline. I fussy cut the neck piece so that there were no "off with their heads" moments<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sM4KOnvth-w/Uh3o0uICvPI/AAAAAAAAAro/a2cFdLE-XQQ/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sM4KOnvth-w/Uh3o0uICvPI/AAAAAAAAAro/a2cFdLE-XQQ/s640/IMG_4862.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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And I basted the pintucks and then removed the basting thread once the neckline was sewn to leave little pleats. I like the way these turned out and may do it again the next time I use this pattern. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0CH7R0F6is/Uh3vSbddD7I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/sHu_Mhl7t-M/s1600/IMG_4858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P0CH7R0F6is/Uh3vSbddD7I/AAAAAAAAAsQ/sHu_Mhl7t-M/s320/IMG_4858.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Overall, I am pleased with this little top and it is close to what I imagined when I saw the fabric....just gotta get that back pattern matching sorted!!<br />
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I have used this pattern before: <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl6xpYpPhX4/Uh3qw02Tj3I/AAAAAAAAAr0/ZJVpzYmB6cY/s1600/IMG_4406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bl6xpYpPhX4/Uh3qw02Tj3I/AAAAAAAAAr0/ZJVpzYmB6cY/s640/IMG_4406.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">a liberty print in size 12-18 months</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5sa_i3fCW0/Uh3rbl-_cOI/AAAAAAAAAr8/1Y-_Rx8Tsio/s1600/IMG_4144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5sa_i3fCW0/Uh3rbl-_cOI/AAAAAAAAAr8/1Y-_Rx8Tsio/s640/IMG_4144.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A Michael Miller print, Children at play, in size 4</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X13PKx4fGLo/Uh3rswPeXDI/AAAAAAAAAsE/bmbfnoyEOMs/s1600/IMG_4145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X13PKx4fGLo/Uh3rswPeXDI/AAAAAAAAAsE/bmbfnoyEOMs/s640/IMG_4145.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...and I wasn't clever enough to match the pattern at the back on this one either....<br />
<br />J Wohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14431443344285004568noreply@blogger.com2