What was I thinking.....

So I enthusiastically bought the Japanese "Stylish Dress Book" - so many lovely, comfy, summery clothes.

Then decided I would make this pattern - pretty, relaxed, quick to make perhaps - first mistake.

Next I selected a poly fabric that I bought cheaply to test the pattern. The fabric was my second mistake.

satin binding as self binding to hard to handle

After working with help from Gay to decipher the Japanese pattern, I found the fabric challenging to handle and the construction not as straight forward as hoped. Then, I finished it! Not good!

bat wing sleeves - never a good look on me - why don't I learn!!!

Nope - not pregnant

back and front are the same

Ok, what did I learn?
1. Choose a soft cotton like a voile. The poly did not drape as I expected despite being slippery to handle giving the final maternity top effect. I think the fabric choice would make most of the difference to the finished garment.
2. Don't add any seam allowance. I did and it's not needed.
3. If you're full busted, this pattern may not be for you (or me for that matter).

This will now be quietly filed in the "live and learn" category. Now time for a cuppa and a rethink....

Drape Drape 2 No. 4 top Version 2

It's not often I make a pattern multiple times but this Japanese pattern has been one. It's so simple to make, it's also easy and flattering to wear.

This time I made it out of a pink and white stripe with a slight seersucker effect it in one of the stripes from my favourite fabric store. It was a 2 way stretch but a heavier weight than I previously has used and this did alter the final effect (notably the softness of the drapes).

This top also gave me the opportunity of trying to improve my technique using self bias. I also used this handy gadget to help make the self bias. This was a 12mm size but there are others. Simply cut the bias to size (across the fabric grain), push the fabric through the device (having a point of the fabric and a pair of tweezers to pull through the first part of the fabric helped me) and then  iron into bias binding.

As this fabric was not so soft a stretch as the previous version,  I eased out the side seam and made sure the bottom hem was well stretched while sewing.

Front view (in soft focus:) )

back view

The stripe may or may not have worked but I'm still happy to wear the final result.

Drape Drape 2 No. 4 top

My weekend project - the No.4 pattern from the Japanese pattern book Drape Drape 2. I made it from a poly/elastine remnant from Tessuti. The construction was very straight forward. The only problem I had was handling the fabric and the self-binding is something I need to improve on.

I love the asymmetry of this - it makes it a really interesting and flattering top. I'll definitely be making it again.

Front view

Back view

Jacci Jaye's Corset Pattern – Sewing Projects | BurdaStyle.com

Jacci Jaye's Corset Pattern – Sewing Projects | BurdaStyle.com

I saw this today on Burdastyle and loved it. Very rock and roll!  If you follow the link, there's instructions on how to make it. I seems the fabric may be Alexander Henry, which is a fun new find for me. What do you think?

Vintage Vogue pattern V2903 finished dress

This Vintage vogue pattern is an "Orginal 1957 design" reissued pattern - here's the final result made up in the Japanese cotton (pending some hand finishing and hemming). Not too hard, just a little patience required a round the pleating, yoke and sleeves. 

A few notes on the pattern:-
- the sleeves are well fitted, so if you have fuller arms, check the sizing before cutting
- the dress is very long. I shortened it by 5cm and am still debating the length of the hem - right now it's cocktail length
- pay attention to yoke, facing and sleeves as the final effect is only obvious during the last few steps of assembly

The dress is reasonably fitted dress, not obvious on the dress form as it's not adjusted to size in this photo. Also the neckline sits slightly wider on the shoulders that it appears on the dress form.

Front

Front - close up

Not quite as glamourous as the pattern pic but a great dress none the less. I love the fabric and really enjoyed sewing it it. Overall, I'm happy with the result. Let me know your thoughts on what length you think it should be?

Wedding dress reworked

In 2009 I had a wonderful wedding in Bali. I wore a great ivory silk gown from Karen Willis Holmes in Sydney. The shoulder was georgette and the flowers were all silk. Even in the heat, this was a fabulously comfortable dress to wear. It was Karen's "Rebecca" model with some customisation for me.

Ultimately I had planned to have it modified after the wedding to wear again (as you do!). Well, I did it! Karen's lovely team helped me modify this to a gorgeous wearable cocktail dress.

• The length was shortened to a cocktail length and still accommodated the fullness that was part of the train.
• Black velvet ribbon was added to the folds of the bodice and onto the "belt"
• The shoulder and flowers were removed and thin shoulder straps with bows were added
• The ivory corset satin ribbon was replaced with black satin ribbon
• A black silk flower was then added to the dropped waist band.

I haven't worn it yet but I'm pleased I did it. I'm sure the right event will be just around the corner and I'll have exactly the right dress to wear!

Drape Drape 2 dress - Missoni fabric update

You may remember my earlier post on the Drape Drape 2 dress....well here's the final result of the dress on my sister. I think it looks fantastic and she's happy with it too.

First Japanese pattern effort

When I became interested in the Japanese pattern books, my first attempt was to make a "simple" top from the book Drape Drape. I chose a relative inexpensive knit in plain black to keep cost down and hide any potential mistakes. Once I got my head around not having a pattern with every step explained to me in English and having to trace a pattern, I finished the top with one minor mistake. This size was a Large from the pattern and it is very loose fitting, easily fitting a Aus size 14-16.

Things I've learned from this and my Missoni dress of Japanese pattern book patterns:-
1. Always check the sizing against you're own measurements. A "L" does not necessarily correspond to AUS size 14.
2. If you're able make a quick version in a cheap stretch fabric, it will help with the final outcome.
3. Don't be afraid to adjust some aspects of the pattern to suit you better.
4. The patterns are very pictorial and have are pretty logical, so don't be afraid to try.
5. The dresses are fantastic and can be sewn in an afternoon. The longest part of the process is tracing the pattern. This does require patience.
So have a go!

Missoni offcuts

Feeling very pleased with myself...after finishing the Missoni striped dress (see previous blog), I had a few small remnants left over. As the fabric is too pretty to waste, I made a buff/headband and a summer scarf. well done me!

First major project

Never one to start simple....I'd fallen in love with a stretch sequinned fabric from Tessuti's which has sequins with 2 way colour (black on one side and cream of the other) given the fabric a unique and fun look. I was determined to make a jacket i could wear with jeans and finally I'd settled on Butterick B5498 with version with the longer sleeves.

I spent ages picking sequins off to ensure I had flat easy to sew seams. The pattern itself was very straight forward and I'm happy with the final result. Yet to wear it though.....