Finish-A-Long Q4 2016

I first came across the Finish-A-Long at the beginning of the year. I'd missed the deadline for the first quarter and intended to join in for the next. Then the whole university debacle happened and it got forgotten. Joining in with the #saturdaynightcraftalong, I saw a reminder on Archie the Wonder Dog's account, for the final round up of the year, and immediately wrote it on my to do list for today.

1. Maria Denmark Yasmin Yoke Skirt

First up, the dressmaking project that has been hanging around the longest. I started to pin it together and couldn't figure out why the pocket linings wouldn't fit. Eventually, after much head scratching, I realised that I hadn't added the seam allowance when I cut them. I've written myself a helpful note on the pattern piece and just need to find a scrap of cotton to cut another set from.

2. Two Zip Hipster bag

Here are the fabrics I shared on IG last night. I've pulled them from my stash to make a replacement for my much loved denim Fat Face bag, which is slowly falling apart. The gingham is a similar weight to the denim and together they will make the outside of the bag with the polka dots for the lining.

3. Colette Laurel dress

This project stalled when I decided I wanted to make it sleeveless and realised I would need bias binding. I wanted to make my own from the Tree of Life fabric, but I'm thinking I might just buy some hot pink binding to match the zip and be done with it.

4. Roberts Collection dungaree dress

This is the newest project on my list. I have a bit of a thing for denim dresses and this one looks perfect. I changed my mind on which fabric I'd use for the facings. Can't resist those polka dots.

5. Pyjama bottoms

Lastly, those PJ bottoms I mentioned last weekend. Along with Sandra and Jo, I've challenged myself to get a pair of these made by the end of October. Finally pre-washed my lovely elephant fabric this afternoon and also found this Butterick pattern in my collection. I figured it would save me tracing off the one in Love at First Stitch. That should speed things up. The end of the month will come around all too soon.

I have many other sewing projects whirling round in my head (as always!) but I think that's enough to be going on with.

Friday Finds ~ Seamwork

I’ve talked before about my love of Indie sewing patterns, with their clear diagrams and explicit instructions. Often there are online Sew-A-Longs just after the release of a new pattern and with older ones you can guarantee that there will be a wealth of examples and handy tips from sewing bloggers who’ve already made them.

Colette go the extra mile and the Laurel, with a 40 page (yes, really) instruction book, is more like a sewing lesson than a dressmaking pattern. Every single step is covered and it assumes no prior knowledge. When it says beginner, that’s exactly what it means. There is also an extra 60 page e-book available to download, with nine variations to the basic dress. The booklet includes a sleeveless version, which is what I am making. It has an invisible zip*, which might put some people off, but I have read lots of blogs where the maker was able to get away without putting one in due to the loose shift shape of the dress.The blouse version doesn’t need one.

Onto the Friday Find. Colette are launching an online magazine next month, which will be free for everyone to read. But, if you choose to subscribe you will also get patterns via digital download and other bonus content. The projects will all take less than 3 hours to make. Sounds good to me. You can add yourself to the list for receiving a sneak peek here. I am also subscribed to Snippets, which is a handy hint/sewing tip delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. I’ve learnt all sorts from those.

We have a Saturday free of university tours this week, so I might get some time to work on my Laurel. Here’s hoping. Have a lovely weekend.

*There’s a great tutorial, with a video, on how to install one here.

The Birds & the Bees….

….blowing in the breeze.

Tula Pink is popular in the quilting world and I loved this Tree of Life design from the Birds & the Bees range. When I found a couple of yards on ebay, at a very good price, I snapped it up. It seemed a shame to cut it up into small pieces for patchwork* so I decided to use it to make a dress and of course there would be scraps (quite sizeable ones as it turns out) left over.

Yellow is not a colour that features much in my wardrobe. Not because I don’t like it, it just doesn’t really suit me, but this mustard shade seems to work. I chose the Laurel shift dress from Colette. The front is one piece so other than the bust darts the large scale pattern won’t be broken up. I didn’t have quite enough yardage to match the rows of trees exactly, at the side seams, and I’m hoping that is not going to bug me once it’s sewn up.

There wasn’t any time for sewing over the Summer holidays and I’ve yet to finish my Lonsdale dress. I know, I know! Can’t believe I started it in April. I cut the Laurel out while waiting for my new zipper foot to arrive. I just couldn’t get on with the old one and I didn’t want to make a mess of the zip, when I’ve been so careful to get a good finish with everything else. Postie brought it this morning so I’m all set now and hope to have some finished garments to share with you very soon.

*Look what Florence has done with some of the Tree of Life fabric. Can you spot it in the purple cog? What an amazing job she’s done with the fussy cutting.