Sew Josa

Working on Another McCalls 5927 Dress

2012-01-23T22:17:00.003+11:00

I'm working on another McCalls 5927 dress, even though I have long overdue repair work -- hemming DH's pants and resewing lost buttons on my store-bought leather jacket.

McCalls 5927 View B Dress in Pink Quilting Cotton

2012-01-16T07:00:00.001+11:00

Pattern: McCalls 5927 View B Dress

Fabric: A slightly stiff quilting fabric from Lincraft

Date made: 2-12 January 2012

Hours spent: 10 hours (yes, I'm incredibly slow.)

Date first worn: Planning to wear it on Monday, 16 January 2012

Sew again? Definitely. This was only a practice run.

Recommended? Yes, it's a classic simple dress that's easy to sew. Love the pockets!

Sizing and alterations: Size 8 top, 10 bottom plus a narrow back adjustment took about 2 inches off. I didn't bother rechecking my size, and the bodice ended up being too small in the waist so I removed the back darts and that worked fine.

Instructions: Very easy to follow.

Preparation: Machine washed. I still worry it will shrink.

Construction: Laziness called for a centre zip, and bias bound neck and armholes (no lining). All edges were finished with an overlocker.

Conclusion: It looks fine, though the drape could be better. I must find the courage to cut into my nice fabric stash before they get moth holes (must remember to stick camphor in my fabric stash storage.)

Vogue 8511 Dress in Black Polka Dot-ish Print

2012-01-12T23:23:00.001+11:00

I wrote this way back in April 2011, but never got around to taking photos until today. Another side effect of making my own wedding dress.

Pattern: Vogue 8511 View A

Fabric: Cotton fabric from Spotlight

Date made: 2 April 2011

Date first worn: 4 April 2011

Sew again? Probably in a nicer fabric.

Recommended? Yes, it’s a nice, comfy dress.

Sizing and alterations: I cut the smallest size, chopped 4 inches of the hem and raised the pockets. Should have made a narrow back adjustment. Oh well.

Instructions: It was quite easy to follow.

Preparation: I can’t remember if I pre-washed the fabric, so I didn’t try to make it too fitted in case it shrank. I like my clothes a bit loose anyway as that makes them more comfortable for a job that involves sitting down the whole day – I need room for my non-pregnant tummy to relax in J

Construction: Not as difficult as I imagined. I may even be getting the hang of these princess seams. But I seemed to have forgotten how to sew invisible zippers and I was too lazy to look it up. So I did a regular centre zipper.

Conclusion: It doesn’t have the best looking zip, but I’m not too fussed by it. I like wearing it. But the cotton has a quilting weight feel to it (even though I bought it from the garment section), which makes it drape oddly and the centre front pleats make it look like I’m wearing shorts.

And here's a couple of not-headless photos. Gotta start feeling comfortable about showing my face now that I'm breaking into the beauty blogging world. :)

A New Year, A New Blog, But No More Resolutions

2012-01-05T13:40:00.004+11:00

I discovered a latent interest in makeup during the wedding preparations, but I did not want it to take over this sewing blog, so I started a new blog called My Fair Josa.

I am definitely still sewing as a hobby, and will continue to post my sewing projects on this blog. I just started a very simple McCalls 5927 dress to ease me back into sewing -- I've already forgotten how to thread my machine!

Heres's a quick recap of my failed 2011 resoutions, and you can see why I am giving up on resolutions this year.

Sew better. - I will just have to admit that I will never be a meticulous couture seamstress. I spent months preppring/fantasizing about making my wedding dress using couture techniques, only to give up and wing it in the end. Everyone loved the dress anyway, despite the too small buttons that kept coming off, mismatched white cotton underneath the ivory lace and silk. I'm just relieved it held up despite the lack of waist stay.

Sleep, exercise and eat healthier. - An even bigger fail because of wedding dress stress (real or imagined).

Read more and blog more. - Failed. I managed to read 3 books from the Songs of Fire & Ice series.

Have a sane wedding. - A moderate success under the circumstances.

I do have things to look forward to this year:

Sewing clothes I love and wear all the time. That means lots of sleeveless dresses - simple, versatile, makes me look like I make an effort even though I hardly do.

Makeup school in February

Visit to the Philippines

First wedding anniversary

Happy new year!

Finally, The Wedding Dress Saga Ends.

2011-12-28T23:11:00.000+11:00

Here are some photos of the wedding dress. However many flaws there were with the construction, I still loved how it turned out.

Pinpricks

2011-10-17T16:32:00.004+11:00

I wrote this quick post on Oct 17, but things got super-hectic that I didn't get to post it. Will do another update soon!

After multiple pinpricks and broken needles, my wedding dress is done. I'm not too happy with the construction, but it will do. All I'm hoping for is that it holds up on my wedding day.

Of course, I'll have to wait until after the wedding to post photos of the completed dress.

Lace Madness

2011-09-18T23:00:00.002+10:00

After much hemming and hawing (though no actual hemming was done), I have cut the lace.

I had to re-cut and resew the front bodice cos the appliqué seam over the bust was too pointy for my liking. Sadly, the second one wasn't any less pointy. I'm hoping the lace scallop on the neckline would cover that.

I'm currently hand-sewing the skirt pieces together. While I enjoyed the running/basting hand stitches on duchess satin, I am getting sick of the meandering zigzag needed for the appliqué seam. I have to think of how best to stitch each stitch.

This kind of hand-sewing drove me bonkers that I wasted my sewing weekend changing my blog template.

I only have 3 weeks left and I have yet to decide how to do the back closure. I have yet to buy pearl or silk-covered buttons. I have yet ti learn how to do a handpicked lap zip (can't even remember the proper term for it). I may end up with invisible zip. And I'm hoping that'll be good enough.

Progress Pics for Motivation

2011-08-23T20:20:00.002+10:00

Thanks to Laura UK! Your comment gave me the push that I needed!

I'll just let these unedited photos paint the thousand words I'm too exhausted to write.

The Final Muslin (back straps waiting to be redesigned)

The Corselet (ripped apart and currently being reworked)

The Bodice and the Skirt (they are still separate pieces) in peau de soie aka silk duchess satin underlined with silk organza.

The Lace

The Shoes (recently purchased to finalise dress length)

I enjoyed hand basting immensely. It was very relaxing and Scampi was very well-behaved that she only attempted to jump on the fabrics a few times. I was very sad when I had to unpick all the handsewing. I did as much handsewing as I could but procratinated for a couple of weeks when I finally had to sew by machine.

Of course, what's a sewing post without pic of Scampi.

Beauty Stuff: Another non-sewing obsession, er, interest

2011-07-19T23:20:00.002+10:00

Pre-Script: Lost sewing mojo, silk duchess satin basted, but afraid to machine-sew. Still hoping it will come together at some point. Might show wedding dress muslin #3 at some point.

I recently developed red, dry, flaky patches on my face and it fuelled my current skin care shopping craze. Avene products pretty much fixed most of that. But everyday I seem to find something new that needs to be fixed: dehydrated skin, wrinkles, sensitive cheeks, blackheads, a bit of flaking, sun-damage spots, pigmentation.

As FH would put it, another case of tunnel vision.

I try going back to products I used to use which were meant to address those things, but
I find they sting or they're just not hydrating enough for the relatively mild Sydney winter. T
ossing them all out seems wasteful, so I might try again when the weather gets better.

~~So I'm starting a new page to keep the beauty stuff in check as well as keep track of what works well for my skin.~~*

Finally, here's some of the youtube beauty gurus I like checking in on from time to time (read: obsessively watch over and over.)

Lisa Eldridge - lots of everyday looks and great skin care advice

MsSparkleArkle - skincare and makeup for busy women

Michelle Phan - I like the earlier videos - DIY and on the go reviews

Emily Noel - for favouring less expensive drugstore brands over high-end stuff

*I've removed the new page which had a few quick reviews:

Skin Care

Currently using:

Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser - Great product but very similar feel and scent to Cetaphil which is less expensive so I might try that when I use this up.
Avene Rich Skin Recovery Cream - Awesome product, cleared up the dry, red, flaky patches on my face, hydrating but not greasy. It's so soothing and calming that I'm even using it on my eye area.
Avene Soothing Moisture Mask - Maybe I'm not laying it on thick enough, but I find it less moisturising than the Avene Rich Skin Recovery Cream. I also would prefer a more luxurious feeling for a face mask, I probably wouldn't repurchase this.
Institut Esthederm Photo Reverse Hyper Pigmented Skin Anti-Brown Patches Fluid Ultra High Protection - Feels good, but cannot fully review until I use it on the beach in November.
Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 - Seems like a good product (except for the cheap, stiff brush), but cannot fully review until I use it in the summer.
Shu Uemura Cleansing Beauty Oil Premium A/O (sample size) - I've forgotten how great this product is. I used up a bottle in my 20s, but didn't repurchase as it seemed too expensive. Now I think it's really worth the price. I think I will repurchase after I go through the other samples - the original one and the blue one.
Skin Doctors Gamma Hydroxy - This really stings my face and neck except for my forehead. So that's where I've been using it for the past few days and it seems hydrating enough, and hopefully will smooth that out soon.

In Storage: TBA

Ordered and waiting to arrive:

Bioderma Créaline H20
Dermalogica Skin Resurfacing Cleanser
Avene Hydrance Optimale SPF 25 Hydrating Cream
Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing System Garnet Red

Wish List:

Institut Esthederm Lift Smoothing Protective Day Cream
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant

Make Up

Currently using: very few, waiting for skin to get better

In Storage: tons

Ordered and waiting to arrive:

Clinique Airbrush Concealer No. 04 Neutral Fair
Stila Eye Shadow Duo Pan Tatiana (freebie)
Calvin Klein Fully Delicious Sheer Plumping Lip Gloss #213 Gossip (freebie)

Wish List: TBA

My First Quilt

2011-05-09T00:13:00.000+10:00

The first quilt didn’t work out as planned. I had pretty much sewed the whole thing together with wide horizontal and vertical stitches with my walking foot before I decided I was not happy with it. It just wasn’t smooth enough and it felt too heavy. I guess a patchwork top and a patchwork bottom with an old blanket as batting was too much for a newbie quilter.

I probably spent 3 hours unpicking all those seams. Good thing I had recorded episodes of The Good Wife to keep me company.

I scrapped the scrappy pink and green patchwork and just used the blue and pink patchwork with the old blanket as batting and quilt bottom. I wanted to throw out this very old blanket, but it held a sentimental value to FH as it was from his mum, so it became the foundation of my first quilt.

I love the binding.

FH loves it. Scampi loves it. I love it. It’s been keeping the three of us warm this autumn, when we spend lots of time on the couch watching TV.

The Wedding Dress

2011-05-08T18:53:00.003+10:00

While there has been zero blogging of late, there has been some sewing here and there. I made the long skirt muslin a couple of weeks ago.

It's almost two inches too big. Not that I slimmed down or anything, it's just that it's been months since I made muslin 1.0 and I've forgotten all the adjustments I need to make for version 2.0. I'd ran out of muslin so I used the gingham that was earmarked for a fitting shell that I never made. It's not the best fabric for a muslin as it has a bit of stretch. I'll have to use muslin fabric for version 3.0.

I need to start making a shopping list for the wedding dress, and Spanx is on top of that list.

I spent a lot of time thinking about the construction and decided I need an inner corselet to hold the dress up because I don't want to put undue strain on the lace shoulder straps.

I'm currently making a muslin for the inner corselet, but I only have rigilene and plastic boning on hand. ~~I'm thinking I'll try the rigilene for now, and order spiral steel boning later.~~ I tried both and the rigilene looks quite flat and was comfortable enough to wear. I am definitely not using the plastic boning as it's too thick and wasn't as smooth as rigelene.

Everyone's been raving about Kate Middleton's dress. But I'm not going to complicate my dress with sleeves. I'm not that skilled to sew sleeves, let alone lace sleeves. I repeat. I will not attach sleeves to my dress.

Happy Homemade Vol. 1 View J - A UFO Completed

2011-04-15T21:56:00.000+10:00

This was one of my 3 UFOs that I lost interest in soon after cutting out the fabric. But one Sunday night, all I wanted was to sew. I decided to pull out a UFO so I could skip pattern adjustments and cutting paper and fabric, and complete a garment before it was time for bed. It's really more a housecoat than anything else or yet another wearable muslin.

Pattern: Happy Homemade Vol. 1 View

Fabric: Cotton (blend?) fabric from Spotlight

Date made: March 2011

Date first worn: Not yet. I made it as a Me-Made-March lounge wear, but somehow didn't get to wear it.

Sew again? Probably not, cos it doesn't sit well on my shoulders.

Recommended? Only if you like this style, and make a muslin if you're making it out of nice fabric.

Sizing and alterations: I cut the smallest size, chopped 4 inches of the hem and raised the pockets. Should have made a narrow back adjustment. Oh well.

Instructions: I love simple Japanese patterns. The illustrations are so intuitive.

Preparation: I cut the fabric months ago (carefully aligning the plaids where I could), but I didn't get around to transferring any of the markings. I used my Hera marker to mark the pockets, and used the plaids to align the pocket placement.

Construction: It was really quick to sew. Just sew a seam, serge edges and press. The pockets and attaching the sleeves were the most difficult steps, but I still managed to finish it all in a couple of hours.

Conclusion: Not a very exciting project, but it was satisfying to sew something quick.

Me-Made-March '11 Week 4 & 5

2011-03-31T23:59:00.001+11:00

The last few days has been challenging in terms of finding appropriate stuff to wear that wasn't too repetitive.

March 22, Tuesday: Refashioned from short-sleeved top to a sleeveless top.

March 23, Wednesday: White Sleeveless Dress (Simplicity 2922)

March 24, Thursday: Coffee Date Dress (Selfish Seamstress Pattern)

March 25, Friday: Dress with Peter Pan Collar in Nani Iro Fabric (Burda 8123)

March 26, Saturday: Flannel pyjamas

March 27, Sunday: Store-bought lace dress shortened by four inches.

March 28, Monday: Burda 8123: The LBD

Yes, I cheated on Day 27 when I wore a dress that I didn't make and wasn't refashioned. My excuse was I did I alter the length. Also, I have not worn it since I bought it before Christmas and the weather was getting cooler and I was running out of time to wear it this season.

I realised that I have no trouble wearing my me-made garments over and over. Probably because they fit me better than store-bought stuff. It's actually the store bought items that were languishing unworn in my closet.

March 29, Tuesday: Gray/Red Plaid Dress (Burda 8123 Pattern)

March 30, Wednesday: Floral Print Blouse (Self-Drafted Pattern)

March 31, Thursday: Floral Print Dress (Selfish Seamstress LBD Pattern)

Not sure if I'll participate in Me-Made-May as posting about Me-Made-March ate into my sewing time. But it sure has been fun!

Me-Made-March '11 Week 3

2011-03-22T20:38:00.001+11:00

I seem to have lost my sewing mojo again. There's so much I want to make that I end up not making anything and spending way too much time reading sewing machine reviews when I haven't even fully explored the machines I own.

March 15, Tuesday: Simplicity 2599 View D Top

March 16, Wednesday: McCalls 5927 View B Dress

March 17, Thursday: Purple Skirt - Mock Marie Skirt

March 18, Friday: Minimalist Cowl (Retro Print)

March 19, Saturday: Simplicity 2599: Rainbow Brite Top

March 20, Sunday: Happy Homemade Vol. 1 View L Plaid Pants

March 21, Monday: Minimalist Cowl Version 2

McCalls 5927 View B Dress

2011-03-21T20:41:00.000+11:00

It's another one of those rushed, wearable muslins last year. I have yet to make the "nice" version of this. My reviews are getting repetitive. I'll try and change the format next time.

Pattern: McCalls 5927 View B Dress

Fabric: 1-meter remnant corduroy from Lincraft.

Date made: Mid-2010

Date first worn: Mid-2010

Wear again? Yes. But it always needs a press and a lint remover run through.

Sew again? Sure, but I need to have enough fabric for the pockets and facings.

Recommended? Yes, it's fairly easy to make.

Sizing and alterations: Probably a 6 with a narrow back adjustment. Removed pockets due to lack of fabric.

Fabric prep: I don't think I did.

Cutting: Eyeballed grain lines, used cheap fabric shears.

Marking: Blue water-soluble marker.

Instructions: Simple enough.

Sewing: I had to remove the pockets because I didn't have enough fabric. I can't remember now if the instructions called for bias-bound neckline and armholes or if they should be faced but again lack of fabric made me use purchased bias binding. I was totally lazy and pinked the seams, so now it is fraying a lot.

Conclusion: I was going to bin it, because of the fraying, the pressing, the lint it attracts. But I like the olive-ish tone of the fabric, so I'm keeping it for a while

Notes for future sewing:

Pinking as seam finish not good!

Simplicity 2599 View D Top

2011-03-20T23:15:00.001+11:00

I just posted a review of my second version of this pattern last week, but this first version is much nicer and truer to the pattern design.

Pattern: Simplicity 2599 View D Top

Fabric: Soft, drapey cotton blend from Tessuti remnant table.

Date made: mid-2010

Date first worn: mid-2010

Wear again? Yes, but it always needs a press before wearing so I don't wear it much.

Sew again? Yes, but probably a different view.

Recommended? Yes, check the dart location and see if you'd prefer a fitter fit.

Sizing and alterations: Probably a 6 with a narrow back adjustment.

Fabric prep: I don't think I did.

Cutting: Eyeballed grain lines, used cheap fabric shears which are better for me than heavy metal shears.

Marking: Used white tracing paper.

Instructions: Easy to follow.

Sewing: I used french seams for the side and centre back seams and self bias binding for the armholes. The hem edge was finished with a zigzag, then turned and blind-hemmed by hand.

Conclusion: It's not as fitted as the pattern picture but it works well tucked in a skirt for work days and untucked with jeans or shorts for weekends.

Notes for future sewing:

Again, check the bust dart location!
Maybe make a fitter version next time

W Dress Muslin #2: The Making

2011-03-16T14:18:00.000+11:00

Warning: long wordy post.

I felt that my first wedding dress muslin was such a success that I took a month-long break from the wedding dress project. Last Saturday, I started working on Wedding Dress Muslin #2.

Last week, I saw a nice silk cotton sateen in Tessuti. It looked and behaved like 100% silk satin but only cost a third of 100% silk. I wanted to work on my dress last weekend to figure out how much fabric I needed (plus extra if I make mistakes) so I could buy the sateen before it ran out.

I've run out of muslin fabric, so I decided to use the gingham I bought for making a basic fitting shell (I never got past the pattern fitting stage). Instead of ripping apart muslin #2 and using the muslin pieces as pattern to cut muslin #2, I used my paper pattern pieces with 5/8 inch seam allowance. I lost my front strap piece so I had to re-draft it. Then, after cutting all the pieces including the full skirt version, I realised I have to redraft both front and back straps as I wanted them wider at the shoulders.

I made a few other pattern adjustments before cutting the gingham:
- moved the shoulder seam forward by half an inch
- raised the waistline by a quarter of an inch (hopefully to fix the horizontal wrinkles)
- moved the back straps a bit closer to the centre to cover the bra straps I plan to wear
- taking 3 inches off from the hem

But I took a lot of shortcuts:
- not using muslin fabric (gingham seems to have some stretch)
- using paper pattern, instead of muslin #1 as pattern
- using 5/8 inch seam allowance instead of couture 1.5 inch seam allowance
- traced the seam lines, but did not stitch-mark them

When I finally sat down to sew, I had to redo the princess seams on the bodice twice, as it was hard to align the traced seam lines and bust seemed a little to point for me. I didn’t know if I just needed to press it or it was my fabric choice, because I managed to make muslin #1 less pointy.

Then, I got bogged down with questions (from myself) about how I would construct the actual dress, when I would need to apply the lace, how do I keep the organza from fraying under the lace, etc. The gingham also felt quite flimsy and I didn’t think it would work as fitting tool unless I underline it. Then I had to ask myself how I would attach the lining.

I got so worked up with these questions that I only managed to sew the front of the bodice, before I lost my momentum and stuffed them all the wedding stuff in a drawer.

I spent most of Sunday wasting my time checking out sewing stuff online. But I did email EM Greenfield fabrics for a quote on their duchess silk satin, silk organza and silk habutae. I also added fuchsia silk jersey and purple silk cotton. (It's ridiculous but I still imagine sewing dresses for my bridesmaids and flower girl.)

I got the quote yesterday and it's much cheaper than retail. I would like to see and feel the fabrics in person so I only need to find the time to visit their shop which is only open on weekday business hours.

Today at lunch time, we visited a bridal fabric shop in the CBD which is owned by FH's boxercise buddy's sister. I loved the lace that she showed me. But even discounted it was very pricey (pricier than a Brother NV900 sewing/embroidery machine.)

I visited patternreview's sewing forum on Bridal/Formal Wear, and I freaked out. What if I had to cut a new piece of the expensive lace? Do I need a foundation? What is a foundation? Is a corset a foundation? Should I be making a corset first, even though my pattern doesn't demand it? I'd really rather not wear a corset. Or maybe I could just wear that waist corset thingie.

[taking a break from my panic attack]

Ok, freak out over, back to excitement.

I have a new action plan. Instead of sewing a whole new muslin #2, I will:
- re-read Bridal Couture book
- remove the straps and the skirt from muslin #1
- sew re-drafted straps into muslin #1
- sew longer skirt into muslin #1
- sew in a zipper
- add some boning
- press every step of the way
- press dress into submission

The goal of muslin #2 is to finalise the straps and the skirt design.

Note to self: Shop for foundation garment and wear it during fittings.

Me-Made-March '11 Week 2

2011-03-15T23:48:00.000+11:00

I managed to get FH to take some of the pics this week with his SLR so they look a lot better than my usual iPhone shots.

March 8, Tuesday: Burda 8123 LBD

March 9, Wednesday: McCalls 5845 Dress

March 10, Thursday: Happy Homemade Vol. 1 Pattern E Top

March 11, Friday: Simplicity 2599: Rainbow Brite Top

March 12, Saturday: Stylish Dress Book 1 Pattern N Dress

March 13, Sunday: FH-Made Shirt with Refashioned Black & White Skirt

March 14, Monday: Simplicity 2550 Dress

Simplicity 2550 Dress

2011-03-15T21:52:00.000+11:00

Just found out I haven't blogged about this dress, and I wore it yesterday for Me-Made March week 2. So I'm just doing a super quick one before I do a quick Me-Made March post.

Pattern: Simplicity 2550 Dress

Fabric: Cotton/synthetic blend suiting fabric from Spotlight.

Date made: May 2010

Date first worn: May 2010

Wear again? Yes, but it wrinkles a lot around the waist especially from sitting the whole day at work.

Sew again? Yes, but I'd like to try the cowl neck view.

Recommended? Yes, it's a bit more advanced, but a good step up from beginner patterns.

Sizing and alterations: Probably a 4 for the shoulders and sleeves then grading up to a 6 at the bust and an 8 from waist to hem. Possibly altered for narrow back by taking in the center back seams.

Fabric prep: Not likely.

Cutting: Eyeballed grain lines, used cheap fabric shears which are better for me than heavy metal shears.

Marking: Used white tracing paper.

Instructions: The pleating part was all new to me so that was a bit hard to follow for someone like me who doesn't know left from right.

Sewing: This must have taken a long time to sew with the pleats, princess seams, set-in sleeves. I love the invisible zipper though. The closest colour I had in my stash was light blue and I managed to sew a very invisible zipper that the colour didn't matter so much.

Oh and I just remembered one of the shortcuts I took before when sewing a dress with a waist seam. Instead of finishing the bodice and skirts separately, I would leave the side seams of both pieces unsewn and then sew the front bodice to front skirt, back bodice to back skirt, and then sew the back to front at the seams.

Conclusion: I don't know why, but these photos seem to highlight the worst bits of the dress. The sleeve and princess seams aren't smoothest, but I think it's fine. My biggest concern with this dress I'm starting to feel dowdy in it (I used to like it.)

Notes for future sewing:

If it's not smooth, unpick and re-sew!
Finish bodice and skirt separately, then sew together at waist seam.

The FH-Made Shirt

2011-03-14T21:31:00.003+11:00

FH designed and hand painted the print on this awesome white tee. The design is based on a candid photo that he took of me. I used to detest photos of me in a frown. But he made me realise how cool this photo is. And now he's made it into a shirt.

Last Sunday, we went to our neighbouring suburb for the annual Bairro Português: Petersham Food and Wine Fair 2011. In the photo, we were on our way home and I had a (plastic) glass of sangria in one hand and bread and skewered beef in the other.

FH: What have you done to deserves such a special shirt?
Me: Nothing. I deserve it just by being me.
FH: The person who made that shirt must love you a lot.
Me: He sure does.

Uu, my DFH!

Simplicity 2599: Rainbow Brite Top

2011-03-11T23:37:00.003+11:00

Do you remember Rainbow Brite? I was struggling for a name for this top, then I remembered this franchise which I don't recall ever watching. I only know I had a Rainbow Brite diary where I would write only the nice things that happened during the day. I was afraid of writing bad things down oin case someone would read it. Now here I am writing to an unknown audience which may or may not exist. It's like wanting to say something, but not wanting to be heard. Ok, too much weirdness. Let's get on with the top that I almost called "The Fat Top", though it's not bad as it looks.

Pattern: Simplicity 2599 Top

Fabric: Striped cotton from Spotlight. The stripes are weaved in instead of printed on. This is left over fabric from the McCall's 5845 dress.

Date made: 6 March 2011

Date first worn: 10 March 2011

Wear again? Yes, it's very comfy.

Sew again? Yes, but I must remember to adjust the bust darts.

Recommended? Yes, check the dart location and see if you'd prefer a fitter fit.

Sizing and alterations: Probably a 6 with a narrow back adjustment.

Fabric prep: I don't think I did.

Cutting: Eyeballed grain lines, used cheap fabric shears.

Marking: Used Hera marker which can sometimes be hard to see.

Instructions: I didn't check the instructions as I made a much simpler version of the top.

Sewing: I wanted a much simpler version so I didn't attach any ruffles. I also omitted the facings, the center back seam and button closure, which left me with enough fabric for maybe another tank top. I used pre-packaged bias binding for the neck and the armholes. It still took me sometime to finish this simple top. I wanted to do the best that I can, even if it meant using my seam ripper. Also, the sides are french-seamed, which makes it more comfortable to wear than overlocked seams which I sometimes find itchy.

Conclusion: It's not the best. It looks too voluminous, but I think it would be great paired with shorts.

Notes for future sewing:

Again, check the bust dart location!
Maybe make a fitter version next time
Add notes to the pattern itself.

Burda 8123: The LBD

2011-03-11T08:25:00.001+11:00

I am quite behind on blog posts as I finished a couple of new things last week. But like I mentioned before I am also trying to blog about stuff I completed last year but have yet to post. I wrote a quick post about this dress ages ago but never got around to taking a photo of it.

Pattern: Burda 8123 Dress View A

Fabric: Lovely 1-meter fabric from the Tessuti remnant table. This was the first Tessuti fabric I bought back in 2008 at their now closed shop behind QVB. Not sure what the make of this fabric is, probably a mix of natural and synthetic fibers. But it sure feels luxe, so soft and comfortable.

Date made: mid-2010

Date first worn: mid-2010

Wear again? Yes, it doesn't need a press so it's good for when I'm rushing to work.

Sew again? It's a TnT (Tried and Tested). This is the third time I've used this pattern and I'm sure there will be a fourth one down the track.

Recommended? Yes, it's a great pattern for beginners.

Sizing and alterations: Probably a 6 with a narrow back adjustment.

Fabric prep: Yes. I love the fabric, and wanted to make sure I'd be able to wear what I make from it.

Cutting: My old way of eyeballing grain lines.

Marking: Probably with white tracing paper.

Instructions: Can't remember if instructions were good, but this is super easy to make.

Sewing: Since this is my third version of Burda 8123, I'm sure it went pretty well. I'm glad I used a TNT. If I'd used a new pattern, I might have botched this gorgeous fabric. I didn't line the dress, but I did face the neck and armscye with cotton voile. I had a fear that a synthetic lining would make it unwearable in the summer. Lining with cotton voile would've made stockings/tights cling. And I too cheap to splurge on silk linings. Yes, I was lazy, too.

I am embarrassed to admit that I didn't interface the linings and now they peek out from time to time. Need to do catchstitch again.

Conclusion: There's not much to say about this dress except how much I adore it! The length maybe a tad conservative, but I like that too.

Notes for future sewing:

Use the right interfacing type and weight.

Me-Made-March '11 Week 1

2011-03-08T17:15:00.001+11:00

I've been having to update previous posts due to typos like stating "not eyeballing" when I wanted to say was I eyeballed something, or when I title a post "Blank and White" instead of "Black and White". I need some sleep. Lately, we've staying up til after 1am and it's taking its toll on us.

March 1, Tuesday: Pendrell Blouse in Black Printed Silk

March 2, Wednesday: Burda 8123 Grey Plaid Dress

March 3, Thursday: Refashioned Black & White Skirt

March 4, Friday: McCalls 5661 Top in Striped Fabric

March 5, Saturday: Sew Everything Workshop Flouncy Tank Top

March 6, Sunday:Happy Homemade Vol. 1 Sleeveless Top

March 7, Monday: New Look 6968 Pwede Na Yan (That's Good Enough) Dress

I am one week into Me-Made-March and the challenge is really with the documentation, not the actual wearing of handmade items. I'm looking at the handmade section of my wardrobe, and it looks like I have enough for March, so that's fun. I'll just have to muster the energy to press wrinkled items. I had to iron that loungewear brown top I wore on Sunday to make it photo-worthy.

Since mornings are always a rush, most of the photos are taken after work, when the light is bad,my clothes are wrinkled and I'm bleary from staring at a PC the whole day. I was also gym-sweaty on Tuesday. But I am too shy to take photos of myself at the park during my lunch break.

I also didn't bother with the shoes as we don't wear outdoor shoes inside the house. I have a new pair of shoes that I haven't worn outdoors that I use for the photos.

Oh well, this kind of lazy photography will have to do.

New Look 6968: The Pwede Na Yan (That's Good Enough) Dress

2011-03-08T00:18:00.001+11:00

I was just at The Sew Weekly and I so wish I was more creative with naming my me-made stuff! So here's my first stab at naming clothes.

Pattern: New Look 6968 Dress View D

Fabric: Synthetic and cotton blend from Tessuti remnant pile. I check out their remnant from time to time. (I'm still kicking myself for not buying a 1.5m Liberty of London remannt.)

Date first worn: mid-2010

Wear again? Yes, it doesn't need a press so it's good for when I'm rushing to work.

Sew again? Yes. There are a few issues, but it fits well enough.

Recommended? Yes, but the collar/tie thing is not beginner-friendly.

Sizing and alterations: Can't rememebr, but probably a 6 for the shoulder/neck bits, an 8 for the bust and a 10 for the waist and hips. Also, I shortened the bodice and the hem.

Fabric prep: Again, I cannot remember if I prewashed it.

Cutting: My old way of eyeballing grain lines.

Marking: Probably with tracing paper.

Instructions: I remember I had a horrible time with the collar/tie thing when I made it. I also have a horrible time doing it up when I wear it.

Sewing: The collar/tie is off and uneven. I burnt the left fake pocket. The sleeve seams are puckered. The bust darts are too low.

Conclusion: With all those mistakes, I still wear the dress, cos people don't seem to care or notice. They think it's fab and are amazed that I made it myself. Hence, it's the "Good Enough Dress". But then most of my me-made stuff are of the good enough variety.

Notes for future sewing:

The seam ripper is my friend. Repeat. The seam ripper is my friend.
Check iron temperature. Test a piece if unsure of fabric content.
Check bust dart location.

McCalls 5661 Top View D in Striped Fabric

2011-03-07T19:51:00.002+11:00

I made this top a while back, so I'm a little fuzzy with the details. But there is a major booboo that I only discovered last week.

Pattern: McCalls 5561 Top View D

Fabric: Cotton from Tessuti remnant pile.

Date first worn: mid-2010

Wear again? Yes, I like wearing it. It just doesn't get worn that often because it needs a press cos it gets quite wrinkled in the wash.

Sew again? Yes, and do it better next time.

Recommended? Yes, but since I made it a simple pullover sleeveless top, I'm not sure how difficult it is to construct the sleeves and back button areas.

Sizing and alterations: Probably the smallest size with the back made even smaller and the hem shortened.

Fabric prep: I cannot remember if I prewashed it!

Cutting: My old way of eyeballing grain lines. Also, I did not have much fabric, so I omitted the centre back buttons by cutting the back on the fold with seam allowance removed.

Marking: Red tracing paper that hasn't washed off completely!

Instructions: I've been wearing this top for a few months before I realised (as I was making the Pendrell) that was sewn incorrectly! I sewed the pleats along the pleat lines! Now, I don't think it's the pattern's fault. I'm quite daft at pattern reading. I read something over and over and I still can't even get around the concept of left, right, etc. I much prefer illustrated steps, but the usual pattern illustrations also leave a lot to be desired. That's it! patterns should come with a video for beginners.

Sewing: The pleats probably took me ages to do, and last week I had unpicked the pleat stitches. Now it looks a bit more like the pattern photo. I also had to catchstitch parts of the facing because it was showing at the armholes. I had very little fabric to work with so I cut a much smaller facing than the pattern intended. It is also a bit tight at the armholes.

Conclusion: Now that I've reviewed this piece, I think I'm ready to make a no-shortcut fitted version.

Notes for future sewing:

Study the pattern photos, instructions more carefully.
Check the fit (especially the armhole.)