Getting started on the summer wardrobe...

Actually, I'm finishing off last years summer wardrobe attempt first, then getting started. I'm on 2 weeks annual leave at the moment for the school holidays (in the middle right now). The first 3 days were slow as the Little Miss came down with a virus/bug of some sort, and spent 3 days on the couch. she's still not 100% but starting to get back into her activities she'd planned. You would think I got a lot done in those 3 days, but no. being nurse/Mummy came first, but the house is looking pretty tidy for a change!

I decided to be completely selfish and only sew things for me! I didn't even know about this when I decided! But I had a backlog of stuff I'd cut out and never gotten too, or started and not finished (known as UFO's or 'unfinished objects' in the sewing world). I'd also made a few things recently that needed adjusting, in particular waistbands (taking in, which is always nicer than letting out!). Boring jobs though.

This particular maxi dress was cut out and started last year- as in last summer. I've made it before, too. Don't know whats happened to that dress, possibly tossed during a non fitting stage. I think there was another dress out of it, but I don't have that one anymore either! Anyhow, it's now spring, nearly summer again. I cut it out as per measurements, a size 18 apparently, and it was mahoosive on me! I had to check and remake the bodice- I'd gotten the fabric quite cheap at Spotlight and bought more than I needed, luckily.

I took the chance on the sunny afternoon this afternoon for a dress up- not realising it was so windy! No, not pregnant, just look it!

Ooh, the moon glow! It was a long, dark winter hehe.

  I'm not 100% happy with how it fits around the boobies, but I think it will depend on the bra I'm wearing with it. Which on hot, at home days will probably be none anyway! I don't think it's too sheer for a voile, either, but if anyone comments when I'm wearing it I can whip up a lining.

 Oh, WORST PHOTO EVER alert. Can you tell Miss 9 was grumpy and tired and didn't want to take pics? She neglected to tell me I look like He-man from the back! Grrrr....

 And I am nearly all prepared for spring with a pedicure yesterday, and haircut today. It's getting shorter and shorter, I think...

  

So once I'd gotten that UFO out of the way, I started on a new purchase (once again ignoring the precut pile hehe). I wasn't 100% sold on this style on me from the original pics, but once I saw lots of different versions I thought I'd give it a try. I even had this op shopped rayon-ey stuff to try it on. Horrid but like able at the same time!

 It looks terrible on the hanger- but like all of Tasia's pattern, amazing when on!

Even a quick check late at night got me excited!

Yep, Murray agrees. Always in for a photo bomb, that dog!

 

It feels so good on! I didn't retie the straps, which is why the bra straps are showing I think, because the other try on times this didn't happen. I didn't put the zip in, as I read that many people didn't and it still went on easy, which is true. But then I didn't know how to finish the blousy bit at the back, I'll be hunting for a tutorial on that bit, or working on it a bit better next time.

It's going to be a 'wear with caution' on a windy day! Must remember clean knickers that day hehe. I had enough fabric to make the maxi length, but the fabric wasn't wide enough, so I have a little left over, maybe a tank top for summer or something.

And the cute shoes with this frock- my fave platforms I picked up years ago op shopping with Ms Curlypops! They're getting me excited about warmer weather- I just wish the warmer weather was excited enough to stick around longer than 3 days!

My totally Selfish Sewing was of course interrupted by Henry needing a new hat- a quick one was whipped up from Nikki's book, as his head is finally big enough! Some more of the unknown mystery fabric that just goes well as anything, with a cute Spotlight print. I'll be adding straps once I measure it on him to get the placement right. Totally cute!

A bit of sewing....

 As I mentioned, I have been up to a bit of sewing, and loving my new items.

I finally got around to the City Shopper, which is a bigger version of the Wristlet bag I made here. 

I don't know the name of the flap fabric, it was in the stash but bought from Amitie a while ago.  The hounds tooth was from an oppy and also in the stash....

actually, so was the lining! I think all was from the stash- the antique brass hardware was bought a while ago, and I'd run out of the silver I normally use...but I think this is better! I did the zip pocket and key fob too (I just have to remember to use it! Der!)

It's good and roomy, perfect for when you don't want to take much with you, but has space to fill it as well.

I added a magnetic clasp instead of the button, I knew I was too lazy to button and unbutton it haha

 

So the bag was a few weeks ago, it's been getting a workout, now for the blazer. I saw one over here and liked it, but I didn't think I had good enough skills to copy it off a pre made one. Plus, I want it lined as I can imagine the sleeves sticking etc. I had this pattern in the pattern stash, in the smaller sizes, I made one years ago, don't think it was very good as I can't find it! So I bought the bigger sizes, and cute it all out in anticipation....

I waited till I got to the Retreat (last post) as Abbe cleverly has the 2 sizes in the Singer dressmaker dummy- my small-medium is a tad small, I need the medium-large. I cut an 18, and took it in a little around the sides and perfect!

Don't forget to head over and check out her giveaway!!

Chambray was from Spotlight, and lining from the stash (a pick satin)

  I was so impressed by my 'first attempt' buttonhole;

 And it got worn! As soon as the button went on, actually. And I loved making it- the detail, the tailoring, I'm so bloody happy!

 It doubled up with my Renfrew Merino top I made, the 2nd of three tops I've done so far. (Another post on the Renfrew, it deserves it's own haha)

  Not the most glamorous shot, a butt one!

 I am so thinking of making more, check out this gorgeous floral one Kelli has spotted- they are really addictive, I agree!!

And one last thing- it's my 701st post! There'll be a giveaway at the end of the week!

My Creative Space

I haven't played along for a while, busy with work and usually just finishing 

something by Thursday!

This ones taking a bit longer.

We're heading down the coast this weekend, and I realised I had still hadn't made myself a toiletry bag in my friend Nikki's book!

I used some leftover  I&S fabric, my fave colour lining, and all ready to bind. I was planning to use the yellow dot, but a trip to Spotty meant I nabbed some turquoise (or "Peacock" homespun) and decided that would be used instead.

Off to finish it off!

My Creative Space

Well, I didn't mean to just....end Blogtoberfest, I didn't realised I'd missed the last day till now! Oh, well, I'm happy with my effort, had a great time, and have Tinniegirl to thank for it! Cheers, matey! I also won a little giveaway which was lovely.

This Creative Space has me opening the Nikki book, and cracking on with some hats....

see here for more spaces.

A while ago...

I got to pattern test for a friend. A school mum friend was going for a Fijian holiday for her 40th, and requested a bowling bag style bag- so she was gifted this! The Bus Stop Bag!

It says 'advanced" in the book- and I have to agree, HOWEVER- before you tune out thinking you won't be able to make it, I didn't have the Toiletry Bag pattern that you practice on first! Now that would have helped heehee.

Nikki's patterns are like a mini sewing lesson in a book. In fact, the classes she runs are even better as they have tea and snacks (and getting your book signed heehee)! So if you can't get down to her studio- do yourself a favour!