A (comfy) GLAMOUR Dress

Oh HAI!

Excuse me while I blow the cobwebs off 'ye olden blog'; it has been a while ...

... so let me quickly side track you with my latest creation. Look, it's a dress!

I also recently made an insanely loveable little (huge) baby boy. Scroll down to the bottom of this post if you want to make your ovaries ache.

Back in August Kat from All The Whimsical Things hosted another Frocktails in Melbourne, which gave me the motivation to get out the sewing machine and transform myself from milk machine (do you know how much a 9 pounder DRINKS??!!!!) to glamour puss. Goals.

Because having a toddler and a newborn gives me heaps of spare time *cough* I decided to draft my own dress and make it the day before the event. Why do people let me make decisions for myself? Don't they see that crazed sleep-deprived look in my eye?

Luckily, it worked out! It was a pretty simple dress after all, but it's always the simple ones that end up messing you up! AmIright?!!

DETAILS:

Fabric

I made this out of a cheap stretch that I bought from Spotlight. Ashley was less than 3 months old at the time and I was still in that crazy period where I couldn't bear to drive more than 5 minutes to get to a decent fabric store.

It's not perfect but it still worked, though next time I make this I'll use a fabric with a bit more stretch.

Pattern

Self drafted. I wanted a long skirt with a wide neck and I wanted it in a comfortable stretch. Plus stretch is so much faster to sew. No darts, lots of room for error and finishing seams is optional.

The skirt is split at the front with rushing near the waistline.

The pattern making took the bulk of the time, but once I had cut out the fabric it only took a few hours to put together. It felt so good to get behind the machine again!

Extra Bits

I completely faced the bodice in the same fabric to give extra support.

I also attached a strip of thin elastic along the entire width of the neck to stop it from gaping or moving. I made the length of the elastic shorter than the circumference of the neck so that it pulled in a little.

I can pretend that I dress fancy all the time, but a sports bra tan line doesn't lie ...

I had a lovely night chatting with like-minded seamstresses, some people I had met before and some for the first time. It was so nice to get dressed up and talk about sewing!

And now if you'll indulge me, here's my latest human creation:

Meet Ashley Michelangelo, my little angel baby born May 11.  Ashley is named after my father, Michelangelo.
This little beach ball of cuteness was born 13 days over due and within 30 minutes of me arriving at the hospital! All 9 lbs of him! It was an incredible, beautiful birth experience and I still get goose bumps thinking about it. My mum, who drove me to the hospital thinks she is suffering post traumatic stress at the thought that we almost had a 'side of the road' birth.

It's good to be back guys! I've got some great projects lined up and I can't wait to get stuck into them!

Also excuse me dear internet, BUT WHY IS THERE NO SEWING MACHINE EMOJI?!!! I cannot adequately convey my sewing emotions without a cute little picture of a sewing machine. Who do I need to contact to make this happen?

Hope you are all having a lovely fabric filled week :)

Pattern Parcel #6 - The Julia Cardigan ... and a bump!

Ladies and Gents it's pattern parcel #6 time! This is my first use of 'Perfect Pattern Parcel' and once I heard what it was all about I HAD to get involved!

If you are like I was and are unfamiliar with what it's about, here's a run down:

"Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel it is our mission is to offer high-quality pdf sewing patterns written by independent designers while supporting charity. We go about this in a unique way, by allowing the customers to choose  their own price in supporting the designers included in the Parcel. In addition to determining the total sales price, each customer purchasing the  Parcel is able to allocate how much of their price goes to the designers, the company, and to the charity, DonorsChoose.org. As a company we cover the costs of web hosting, design and payment processing fees from our allocated position, then we donate our remaining earnings to the charity as well. "

So not only does this support independent pattern designers, it also raises money for a charity called Donor's Choose which helps students in need. So far Pattern Parcel has raised over $13,000! Amen to that!

Patterns:

Syrah Skirt by Selvage Designs

Bronte Top by Jennifer Lauren

Julia Cardigan by Mouse House Creations

Hudson Pant by True Bias

Zsalya Top & Dress by Kate & Rose

Odette Dress by BlueGingerDoll BONUS PATTERN ONLY

There are five awesome PDF patterns in this parcel, and you get to choose how much you want to spend, including the portion that goes to the designers and the portion that goes to charity.

If you spend over $32USD you also unlock the sixth PDF pattern the 'Odette Dress'  with your parcel.

If you're excited about this you can click on the button below to make your purchase:

You'll need to be quick as the parcel is only available until October 31st, 2014.

The Pattern

Out of the pattern parcel I chose to make the Julia Cardigan, because HOW COULD I NOT MAKE SOMETHING THAT SHARES MY NAME!?!!!

Breathe.

This is a pattern made for knit fabrics and it is versatile with three different sleeve lengths.

Fabric

I chose to make this cardigan with stretch sequins because: sparkly.

This pattern looks fabulous in a regular knit fabric. But if I'm going to make my name sake, I need to OVER INDULGE the HECK out of it!

And sequins make me happy.
Actually no, WEARING sequins makes me happy, sewing with them makes me HOMICIDAL.

Oh and did I mention it was my first time sewing with these carpet leeches? Tip; don't sew them over carpet. Or inside the house for that matter.

Luckily I had a STUH-nning sequinned fabric to work with from Tessuti Fabrics. This fabric actually made the sewing process a zillion times easier because I didn't unpick any sequins from the seam allowance (gasp!) and just went nuts. That is the difference between good quality and bad quality fabrics (and a reckless seamstress).

Ooo sparkly!

I made it in a small size, as I like my cardigans to fit closer to the body, seeing as there are no closures down the front.

It was a quick and easy pattern to make, even with the sequins and a very satisfying result. The instructions are fantastic and I love how my sparkly cardigan turned out! Yay for Pattern Parcels!

Speaking of parcels ...

I got my own little human parcel in the works. Yes that's right, I'm pregnant with baby bobbin number TWO! 

I'm currently 14 weeks pregnant with this cutesy pop and the time is already flying! My husband and I are super excited to be expanding our family. Our 21 month old doesn't quite know what's going on, but he thinks he has a baby in his belly too. I love that kid :)

Yay for babies, pattern parcels and sequins. Life is good :)

Which pattern do you want to make out of the parcel?

Nettie Bodysuit by Closet Case Patterns

I'm not going to lie, I almost called this post Nettie Spaghetti. This top has nothing to do with pasta but I'm partial to a rhyming post title.

Though one thing spaghetti and the Nettie both have in common is that they are both simple and delicious. How's that for a segue? You're welcome.

The Pattern

A zillion years ago the incredibly talented and total MINX Heather Lou from Closet Case Files emailed me to see if I would be interested in testing her new pattern the Nettie bodysuit.

Recently I had found myself wishing for the perfect bodysuit that didn't make me look like I was sporting four bum cheeks. I had literally purchased two bodysuits the day before her email where I was forced once again to cut ugly slits in the bottoms. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the new sewing pattern. Clearly Heather Lou is a wizard (and possibly a mind reader).

Fabric

The garment requires a four way stretch/knit fabric for movement and a nice close fit. I made my Nettie with Ponte which is only a two way stretch and quite thick. It's not the ideal fabric for this top and you don't get that really fitted second-skin look, but I still love how it turned out.

What I love
Firstly, there are two different neck versions depending on how much boobage you want to show. Then there are three different variations at the back from high to low. On top of that you also have the option to make this bad boy into a dress. So many possibilities. I made mine with the scoop neck and the medium scoop back.

The real genius of this design comes in the low cut bottom for extra comfort and the elimination of the dreaded pantyline. I can't tell you what a difference this makes! How has no one thought of this before?

The bodysuit also comes with a bust-shelf option for those wanting to go bra-less.

Oh and it takes only a few hours to put together! Emotional!

Styled with

Skirt and belt from Alannah Hill

Personalised necklace from Strangely Yours

Lipstick - NARS Matte Multiple in 'Siam'

Shoes 'Piccola Italy' from Joanne Mercer 

I am loving this fabulous pattern and the fact that it's quick and easy means I can boost my wardrobe with many and without too much effort. LOVE!

Winter Street Dress

When the days get shorter and the mornings get colder you know that moody little winter is about to come and rain on your parade. (get it?!) What better way to pull yourself out of winter depression than to make yourself a nice dress. Take that winter!

Introducing the Winter Street Dress by Deepika, the seamstress behind PatternReview.com.

When Deepika asked if I'd like to be a pattern tester for this new bad boy I was both thrilled and a little scared. I'd had such success with my recent first ever knit project where I made two awesome tops. But how would I go making a whole dress in stretch?

I need not have worried because this pattern was easy, fast and looks good too. Hooray!

Pattern Details

It's the Winter Street Dress Pattern.

I cut bodice in a size 6, the waist a size 4 and the skirt a size 8.

The dress is sewn with knit/stretch fabrics, unlined and notion free (celebrate!!) The bodice is made for a C cup.

I used a heavy weight ponte knit in a perfect navy blue.

Changes

I cut the sleeves at the required length for the frill variation but just didn't add the frill. I really like the sleeves this length.

I accidentally attached the neck binding as a facing rather than  a border along the neck, but it still looks good and I might even prefer it this way!

If I make this again I will lengthen the bodice as it sits above my natural waist. I'm pretty short in the torso too, so if you have a long bodice definitely add length.

My mistake
Have you spotted it yet? I accidentally sewed the hem on the freaking outside.  I would have made a few sailors blush by my outbursts when I realised my mistake. This has since been fixed, but not in time for the photos. Lesson: Drink more coffee.

Love

I am so loving this breezy world of stretch sewing!
I love how there is no gather at the sleeve heads, and I love the simple but flattering shape of this dress. It is such a comfortable dress to throw on and would be perfect for work or on the weekend. Thanks Deepika for a fabulous pattern!

Pattern Anthology - Just Add Jeans

... Or a black pencil skirt. Huzzah!

When Andrea from Pattern Anthology emailed me to ask if I would like to play with their brand new fourth pattern collection, I fist pumped the air ... and then replied yes - because emails can't see fist pumps ...

The collection is made up of four stretch patterns for us la-la-ladies and are made for the lass who wants to be both stylish AND comfortable. Yes ladies, a garment can be both. What WHAT? 

You-learn-something-every-day.
The reason I didn't know this, is because ... I'VE NEVER SEWN WITH STRETCH BEFORE!!!

Woh, sorry(not sorry) about the shouting there, but these patterns weren't just a revelation for me, they were a game changer! You mean I don't have to stay standing upright in my tight dress all day because I've eaten too much and bending will make me vomit out of my eyes? I can wear clothes that will stretch with me?

EMOTIONAL!

I made up two versions of the Parisian and I freaking LOVE this pattern. Not only is the pattern super comfortable but it's so fast to make up!!! I mean you don't have to line stretch. You don't even have to ... now this is a big one ... finish the edges! GASP! I spent a good two minutes head butting the wall mindlessly as punishment for not having tried stretch sooner (bad dobby!)

The instructions are wonderful and put me the beginner stretch-seamstress right at ease with heaps of helpful tips for sewing with stretch fabric.

The pattern features a peter-pan collar and gorgeous puff sleeves that are the perfect amount of puff.

Fabric
The lovely people at Girl Charlee fabrics supplied some fabric for this project, and people I went a little overboard. Given I'm partial to fabric stashing, and the fact that I did not yet have a stretch stash, I may or may not have bought over seven different types of fabric. I mean the selection was cray-cray!

I mean would you look at this fabric??!!! It has skulls and freaking roses! I mean seriously! I dare you NOT to buy this fabric. It's a cotton spandex knit fabric and it feels like you're wearing butter and gives you that wonderful feeling that only good quality fabric can give you.

The second top is also from Girl Charlee fabrics and is made of a lucious navy blue solid ponte de roma and it could be one of the most comfortable fabrics I've ever worn. 

I contrasted it with a floral knit that I also got from Girl Charlee and I love the sweet touch it gives the top.

Styling
So the general theme of these tops is that they can easily be thrown on with a pair of jeans. Except I'm more of a pencil skirt sort of gal. Here I am wearing it with a skirt I made a million years ago (it wasn't as tight then!) The good news is that these tops go perfectly with a fancy skirt both tucked in or out!

Alterations
Um ... zip, zilch, nada! Praise the Lord!
I made the top in a small size as I likes my stuff nice and fitted. The good thing about stretch is it's very forgiving on sizing. I probably could have done an FBA, but I think it still looks good. P.s. the instructions come with FBA instructions so you don't have to try and work it out yourself. Winning.

Conclusion

Fast and easy to make, these tops are effortless, gorgeous and comfortable; a definite keeper. And it has smoothly introduced me to the world of knit fabrics, a world I used to run screaming away from. Consider me converted.

These patterns will be touring the blogs over March, so check out these other fabulous bloggers to see their awesome versions!

March 11th: Stef - the Girl Inspired

March 12th: Delia - Delia Creates

March 13th: Merrick - Merrick's Art

March 14th: Julia - Julia Bobbin

March 17th: Liz - Cotton and Curls

March 18th: Katy - No Big Dill

March 19th: Caroline - Sew Caroline

March 20th: Suzannah - Adventures in Dressmaking

March 21st: Jessica - Craftiness is Not Optional

March 22nd: Dixie -  DixieDIY

Mad Men Challenge
How's everyone coming along with their Mad Men outfits? Only a few weeks left!  I'm loving seeing the pics coming into my inbox. For more details on the sew-a-long click here!

So who else in a knit-fabric convert? Let's be friends!

Tube skirt, a bump and a group challenge coming soon

Hello 2013 you sexy thing you!

Here's me at 38 weeks and 4 days pregnant (but who's counting) and looking it.

Recent Project

 

I'm wearing a tube skirt I knocked together with a stretch knit from Tessuti fabrics that I bought a long while back. Aren't I a good girl using fabric in my stash instead of buying more?!! I'm so good at sticking to New Years resolutions ... in the first week of January ... whatever.

This skirt took about ten glorious minutes. I measured the widest part of my lower body (good Lord the circumference of my bottom is what? WHAT?!!!) and then cut out the fabric in one big square, doubling the width. I then stitched the one seam line down with the overlocker, and hey-presto I have a new skirt to cover my my cankles. Though they are so swollen at the moment they look more like two necks. But hey, it's all worth it :)

Group challenges on the horizon

Start thinking gorgeous Mad Men dresses, as there is a Mad Men Group Challenge 2 coming soon!

Last years Mad Men challenge introduced us to some amazing vintage dresses with clothes inspired by some of our favourite small screen sirens such as Joan, Betty and Peggy.

I am so excited to see what we come up with this year!

Click here to see all the amazing contributions from last years challenge.

Julia Bobbin in Germany
(well ... sort of ...)

Wait a second, who's that cheeky young seamstress lurking in the corner of the magazine there...

Oh Hay! It's just me, hanging out in the German BurdaStyle magazine issue 1/2013. No big deal...

Ever seen a 38 week pregnant woman trying to do cartwheels? It aint pretty (our lounge room will never be the same).
In this little snippet I'm wearing Burda pattern #7494 and you can see the blog post about the dress here.

Good way to start the year don't you think!?!

A special thank you to Esther and Inges who spotted me in the BurdaStyle magazine and sent me pictures!  My poor husband, I am going to be impossible to live with now :)

Baby Watching

Seeing as I'm only a week and a bit off my due date, baby could come any day now. Or baby might set up camp and not come for another four weeks! Cheeky little thing.

If I am suddenly MIA in the blogging world you'll know that I have met my little bundle of joy and am thoroughly distracted by cuteness. Once things settle down I'll be back in action.

Here's a few sneaky little shots of some baby clothes that I have made.

 

simplicity 2264 - silk dupion and organza, zipper closure

 

kwik sew 3946 - cotton, button closure

We don't know if it's going to be a boy or a girl so I've made both types of clothes. Clearly I've gone a little crazy with girl clothes, but they're just so pretty! The embroidered H is the first initial of our family surname.  I like my baby clothes extra cheesy :)

kwik sew 3901  - cotton, button closer

simplicity 2264 - cotton, zipper closure

Thank you to everyone for your kind words and well wishes. I'm so excited it's ridiculous!