Tuesday 28 May 2013

Missed one!

Goodness me! I can't believe that I forgot THE bombshell dress. I started this a while ago and I've not given up. To do this dress justice though, I need to spend more time and headspace on it than I currently have. Three earlier posts herehere and here.

What's in my list of things to do

Do you ever take stock of what's on your list of up-and-coming or started-but-not-finished-but-still-want-to projects? I almost never do. Something to do with scaring myself silly or providing myself with another reason to stay away from fabric shops. But at the moment I am beginning to feel like I'll never get anything finished. This is my attempt to break things down so I mean see what's ahead and hopefully be challenged to get something finished.

I've been dying to try a Collette pattern and keep seeing finished versions of the Sorbetto. I am officially inspired. I have also been thinking about trying out sewing in georgette.  So why not do both! I found some dusty pink double georgette. I'm thinking of edging in black satin bias and perhaps some cute black buttons at the top.


Lisette passport dress two colours. The patterned fabric is Lisette's own. This will be the skirt. The plain is the top - I think that it will show off the lovely pleats nicely. I bought extra plain in case I need to line the skirt too.


Butterick pattern B5557, retro suit in olive poly shantung.


Craftsy pants fitting class by Sandra Betzina Vogue 2948


The cutest Burda dress pattern 7494 with princess seams and a contrasting peter pan collar. I found this fabulous polka dot fabric - purplish-blue with watermelon dots. I immediately thought of a white collar - this is lightly embroidered. I tried matching with a watermelon lining but it was a bit too much so a complementary dusky blue instead.


I have fabric for two more sassy librarian blouses. How cute is this flower fabric. More watermelon fabric for contrast binding. I also have some olive-on-olive patterned fabric which hasn't made it in front of the camera yet.


Also this  lace blouse

And a great reversible jumper in 10ply wool. I've called it the plum cobbler

So now comes the BIG question? Which one next? I must admit the Craftsy class to fit pants is beckoning loudly, very loudly. I have difficulty in getting a good fit in pants - me made or otherwise. But in the meantime I think I have to put a halt to increasing stash activity. Let's see how long I can last!

Saturday 4 May 2013

Goodness! Another UFO!

I can't quite believe it! I've managed to finish something else! I have been working on a knitted cardigan for over two years. I had worked all the pieces and knitted on the collar and then I just stopped. I picked it up again last week when I was at my crafty SIL's place. I started to piece it together and finished off the double crochet and crab stitch edging this week. I'm not sure why it had such a long hiatus. But the recent cooler weather here in Adelaide certainly prompted me to get it finished.

I have made this pattern before. An unfortunate experience with it being accidentally machine washed meant that it went from a generous size 10 to a generous size 6. I handed it on to my incredibly tiny other-crafty-SIL who accepted it happily. Having the opportunity to redo this pattern did have its advantages. I concentrated on the sleeve increases and decreases and the edge finish. Very very happy. I also took more time with the collar which I think looks much better. I also hand finished the button hole to strengthen it. The button is a spare one from a set made from coconut. I don't think it would have been my first choice but I'm pleased with the way it complements the wool.

Details on ravelry here.



It's been a while...

Wow! I can't believe it was been more than a month since I last posted. I have been sewing and knitting but haven't had blog time. Work has been ridiculously busy - good fun but long days. The children have had school holidays as well so broken routines have meant less "me time".

I also want to acknowledge the passing of my grandfather Maurie. He was one of my all-time favourite people. A real inspiration. Love you Grandpa. Miss you heaps.