BRIXTON ELISALOTTE (with bonus jet lag)

I promise I will blog about my travels – however today I was a little excited to finish my ‘nearly’ Elisalex… she’s a fickle lass. She woke up on Saturday and announced that she was going to be Elisalotte – thank you every much.

The gorgeous girls (yes they seriously are gorgeous – I met them at the EPIC London meet-up – more on that soon) from By Hand London contacted me in January and offered to send me a copy of their Charlotte & Elisalex patterns. Remember my Charlotte skirt?

Charlotte The Second: By Hand London

I saw several gorgeous Elisalexs at the London meet-up including Dolly Clackett and Taracat. This made me more determined than ever that I WOULD make this dress! Then Oopbop posted a floral delight very soon after I hit Aussie soils. ARGH – time to start sewing!

I’m a little OCD about fabric and pattern matches and sent myself barmy looking since January for Elisalex.

Turns out I needed to head to downtown Brixton, London to find my match. For the non-UK residents, Brixton is located in south London, it has sizable African & Caribbean populations so it’s little wonder that I discovered African wax fabrics there!

And I found this…

African wax fabric from Brixton.

I had made a bodice muslin in January. I decided to re-purpose the muslin side panels into the new dress. I love the colour block effect. I think it just enhances the visual impact that the princess seams of this dress create.

I made up the Elisalex skirt in all its glory. It is a gorgeous tulip shape – however I just looked like a scrawny toothpick arising from a circus big top. I just don’t have the ‘oo la la’ to carry it off. So I became reacquainted with the seam ripper and scissors – and ‘lex’ became ‘lotte’.

I was happily amazed at how easily the Elisalex bodice and Charlotte skirt went together, I simply changed the skirt seam allowances to 10mm instead of 15mm. I was amazed at how beautifully the entire dress came together!

and well… this is how Elisalotte looks…

Elisalotte dress – bodice

Elisalotte dress – front view

Elisalotte dress – back view. I think what makes this dress gorgeous is the wide neckline and back. It creates shape, balances out hips and chisels the waist. Love it.

My pattern matching is slightly askew. I blame the jet lag – which has been rather hideous! I admit, I quite like this creation, it’s striking, ’tis all I have to say on the matter…

oh, and you really should give this pattern a whirl. It’s fun to make, easy and packs a punch. The bodice is well drafted. My back does gape just a little – I’m not sure of the pattern fitting fix for scrawny upper backs.

Note: the By Hand London girls have just put their rather fabulous Victoria blazer on sale… waiting, waiting, waiting for it to hit Aussie soils (and you can buy your Aussie ones from SewSquirrel!).

and one more just for fun (thanks ELH for the pictures xox)

Elisalotte dress – action shot

PS forgive me any spelling errors etc I blame ket lag (how long can I use that excuse?)

PPS just noticed I typed ket lag instead of jet lag. So hilarious I’m leaving it as is!

SewManCushions…

What the???

Has some random dude taken over the SewBusyLizzy blogging space??

Fear not! This is perhaps my most random and left-of-field project to date! Yes, weirder than my aprons (although no Harbour Bridge or Opera House). I’m OK with that (even if you are freaking out right now!). I swear there are pretty dresses just around the blogging corner, just bear with me.

Ages and ages ago I blogged that I had a huge pile of men’s shirts that were too good to throw out but I didn’t know what to do with them. Lots of people made great suggestions but I didn’t feel motivated. I just have plenty of gorgeous fabric in my stash!

I left the pile of shirts in the corner of the lounge room for… errrrr…. some time….
Then as I was cleaning up the loungeroom and moaning about the grotty cushion covers, I had the oddest idea.

No I didn’t think about WASHING the covers – that would have been boring and not involve sewing. Dur.

I looked at the shirts and I looked at the cushions. And THE MAN CUSHION was born.

MAN CUSHIONS!

It’s not a design masterpiece. It’s not even a sewing masterpiece. And I don’t care. Yes as outrageous as that is – I don’t. They are fun to make, cheap to make and hugely useful!

This is just DIY home decor for zilch expenditure.

As it turns out… they are rather cute set – in a checkered/manly kinda way and the kids love them. They have pockets which you can store all manner of things in. The remote control, your favourite toy, notes and more. I know, this is revolutionary! Home decor with pockets. I am a sewing rock star!! (Pause for the street parade, confetti, trumpets and presentation of the key to the city).

The best thing of all with this mindlessly simple project is the cushion cover has a built-in opening – you do not need to make a buttonhole, stitch on a button or insert a zip. Yes people, it’s already there! (More celebration and accolades). Are you sold yet?

Here goes the most obvious sewing tutorial in the history of sewing blogs…

SewBusyLizzy gives you THE MAN CUSHION…

Step 1: The Man Shirt. Iron it first (yes, painful but it makes life easier)

Step 2: Layout options. This is my plan for Man Cushion No. 5. Yes radical button placement.

Step 2: Layout options. I’ve decided to make the buttons off-centre for this Man Cushion. This saves unpicking the pocket and re-sewing it. If you centre the buttons, you will find that the pocket ends up in the seamline of the cushion. You also need to be mindful of the armhole seams, buttons and collar/neck when deciding your placement.

Step 3: Cutting out the cover. Use your old cushion cover as a guide. Remembering to add 5/8 inch all around for your seams.

Step 4: Now place the two pieces, right sides together and pin around the edges. If you like the tags, unpick them and sandwich them between the pieces with the raw edges matching.

Step 5: sewing it together. Don’t forget to remove the pins as you go. There is no need to pivot at the corners, just sew from end to end – you can even run off the end if you are feeling crazy. I don’t worry about pins when I make these cushions covers but if you are not an experienced stitcher you might feel more confident if you pin all around the edges of the cushion first. You can double stitch the seams if you think they need reinforcing.

Step 6: Finished! Now just undo the buttons and slip in your cushion insert….
Note: I used contrasting thread so you could see the stitching. I also ran this through the overlocker for the sake of neatness this is not necessary.

Man Cushion Complete! Some of the ‘finer’ details…

The Man Cushion Family. We have a brown leather couch. It’s boring but a heaven-sent when you have small messy children!

I have visions of these in a Hawaiian shirt series, cowboy-style with press studs, a lumberjack-style flannelette set and more. How cool would these be in a holiday house, a man cave or for your camping/picnic set?It’s perfect use for those old business shirts with slightly stained collars and cuffs because you just chop them off, beloved shirts that are really past wearing in public but can’t bear to part with – give them a new useful life!

You could get fancy and sew trim into the seams, put the buttons at the back – either way I just prefer the kookiness of these as they are. It’s quite hilarious when people sit down, stuff a cushion behind their back, pull it back out and go ‘hey… is this… like a shirt or something??‘.

Miss 9 loves these so much, I got a large female shirt from the charity/op shop and some old fancy serviettes (it had no chest pocket – outrageous, wardrobe discrimination!). I’m working on a girly version for her bed. Watch this space….

And I WILL draw that McCalls jacket pattern giveaway this weekend. I will!!

TooBusyLizzy… where did she go?

Argh, life has been so busy lately! We have just finished school holidays (six weeks). We have celebrated Christmas, New Year, birthdays, visited Tasmania & Tamworth, covered excessive amounts of school books and witnessed our country being consumed by heatwaves, floods and bushfires (the Australian Mother Nature is a crazy vengeful woman).

I’ve just returned from Tamworth – where the town was goin’ crazy with country music. I’m not actually a country music fan but it’s such a fun event it’s almost converting me! Noooooo! The town is packed with crazies and there is something to see or do practically everywhere. Loads of free gigs, buskers, street performers, free concerts, fireworks and more.

Wayne Rogers – check out that outfit! I swear I did not plan that backdrop. Still I giggle…

Troy Cassar Daley’s truck – my girls are on it!! This truck had Troy Cassar-Daley performing, a clothes line, an operating BBQ, a shed and a brolly. It was one of EIGHTY floats in the parade.

The 8 Ball Aiken Girls. Yes, they really are dancing with toy horses with wigs

Australia Day everywhere!

Love camels – cranky, smelly but kinda gorgeous anyway

My brother lives there, so we enjoy the human excesses without excessive accommodation fees (and it has more quilts in it made by me than my house!). The kids love it so much they asked their aunty if they can go up earlier next year and see more! I get that some of you are groaning – and I used to think that about this event too – loosen up a bit and just have a laugh. Life’s too short to be judgemental. Life is much more fun when you just roll with the punches and enjoy the quirky things life throws at you.

I even found some crafty sewing things to snap…

Note to self for 2014: hot pants, wig, croc hat & glitter chaps

Whip Kits – a crafter’s delight!

Carved cattle skulls – just what every home needs

No worries about pattern placement here.

Spotty dress – this one’s for you Scruffy Badger!

I admit I’ve got a soft spot for Tamworth, I spent two years there are boarding school and they really were some of the best years of my school life. I’ve lived all over the place. I was born in Sydney, we moved to Crescent Head (home to one of the best surfing breaks in Australia), then Tamworth, Wollongong, Sydney and finally Port Macquarie. Let me tell you country life is completely different to city life and also very very different to coastal life. I’m fortunate to have lived a little of them all. Tamworth is a pretty country town and I really enjoy my visits there. Country music or no … and I always swore I would never set foot in Tamworth during Country Music Festival – and now it’s an annual highlight in our family calendar.

Tamworth Streetscapes

Tamworth Streetscapes

Tamworth – the post office

Tamworth – the old bank

Tamworth pub

Tamworth pub

I’ve nearly finished knitting Langston for Miss 7′s 8th birthday in March. She’s quite besotted with it and wants to wear it asap – heavens knows why, our summer/autumn weather will mean it’s not required until at least April or May.

Langston from Ravelry

It’s a really delightful little pattern. I’m still having little struggles, more mistakes made from knitting when I am perhaps a little too tired. I’m a shocker at un-doing rows but getting better. Tonight I’m trying my first pick-up and knit for the button bands. I have a very clear idea on what to do (thanks YouTube) but sometimes reality is a little different.

My current WIP, I’m plodding along…

My little town was not consumed by floods, we had some very minor flooding (compared to other parts of the east coast of Australia) however our beaches have copped a pounding – courtesy of flood waters coming out of the river and also huge seas. What to do for blog pictures?? Check out the awesome images here…

The backyard is out for pictures – all the critters are coming out the play with the rain… I found this fellow at my front door on Friday….

Snake! Tree snake – not poisonous but scared me!!

I am so behind in my blog reading and blog posting… so many things to read, sew, write about and more… watch this space.

Not a Fashion Star… just me in a cute jacket… & McCalls 6611 giveaway

So begins The Year of the Jacket…

McCalls 6611 – Fashion Star

Nothing like starting 2013 with a little bit of reality TV – hello McCalls Fashion Star, 6611.

McCalls 6611 – side view

I’m still on holidays but I was missing the blog so decided to write up this post, while sitting in the holiday house in the central Tasmanian highlands (well when you live at the beach where do you go for holidays!?!).

This jacket started when Suzy Bee Sews blogged her version of this jacket. Her’s was not a happy story – so much so that she gave away the pattern. And I won it. After sewing so many indie patterns, it didn’t occur to me that the pattern would not be in my size. Doh! I must be really perverse, as despite Suzy’s tales of woe and not having the pattern in my size, I immediately became obsessed with making this jacket.

Next time a BMV sale came around I took the opportunity to get the pattern (and maybe a few more…) and when walking through Spotlight one day this gorgeous cotton sateen literally threw itself off the rack and into my arms, pleading to find its moment in the sun as McCalls 6611, who was I to say no?

McCalls 6611 – back view

So the outside of this jacket is a floral cotton sateen. I used a contrast cotton sateen for the drape lapels and peplum lining, the body is lined with cotton batiste and I used bemsilk for the upper sleeves (to make it easier to slip on) and the contrast sateen for the lower sleeve lining (more on that in a minute). Yes it’s a bit of a hodge-podge on the inside, partially to do with the fabric stash offerings and my alterations.

This is a simple jacket to construct. I only made a few changes to the pattern.

I cut the back as one piece. It’s supposed to have a seam down the centre of my back, however I didn’t want to cut up the pattern more than necessary.

6611 inside jacket back

I serged the front lining seams and then decided to top stitch these seams… just because I felt like it I also serged the jacket front shell seams as I didn’t want them shifting about. I simply neatened the back seams, clipped and ironed them open as directed by the pattern.

I cut the lining slightly wider around the armholes as I thought it would allow for more movement up and around the seamlines. A while ago I saw a blog tutorial on Sewaholic, A Fashionable Stitch or perhaps Grainline’s blog on how to alter pattern pieces for a jacket lining. I wasn’t quite so exacting, i just recalled the post as I was cutting and I just did it by eye! When I get home I’ll look up the tutorial and amend this post with a link.

I also set the sleeves in flat… this is the easiest (and happiest) way to put in sleeves. I learnt this from A Fashionable Stitch during the 1880 sewalong. Great technique – try it!!

McCalls 6611: inside jacket shell front

While this was an easy jacket to construct, I spent quite a bit of time pondering the sleeves. They felt overwhelming in the floral print. I almost chopped them off to 3/4 length. However I’m a girl who likes to keep her options open, so I decided to leave the length but use the contrast cotton sateen for the lower sleeve lining. This way when I roll the sleeves back, the sleeves match the lapels which I think looks nicer than seeing common-as-muck bemsilk. I think I’ll always wear this with the sleeves rolled back – I love the informal look – but the option is there for full length if I like or an evening turns chilly (I am now too old and sensible to shiver in the name of fashion).

To my eye the cropped jacket length is better balanced with cropped or slightly shorter sleeves, particularly in this busy print. I considered cuffing the ends but I love jackets with the sleeves shoved or rolled up the forearms. It appeals to my casual sense of style (…that’s if I have something you can call style).

While this pattern does not call for lining fabric, it appears you use sateen or something similar throughout, I think it would be very stiff hence the use of bemsilk and cotton batiste instead (which came from the stash).

I love the peplum as it gives me some shape. I do think the jacket would be great with a button closure, maybe a button and loop, as the lapels don’t really ‘drape’ and I like the look of it closed with the contrast lapels, they don’t look so great flopping around as they are rather pointy than soft and floppy.

Do I feel like a Fashion Star. Nah, not so much – I’m only 5 foot 4!

It will pain you to know that we took these pictures in my lunch break. This location is our Town Green (riverside) and is all of 90 seconds walk from my desk.

…and one bad hair day shot for laughs… I’m waiting for that sponsorship call from a shampoo company…

McCalls 6611 – back hair day

OK finally what you have been waiting for sooooo patiently, reading my rambling and skimming over my pictures….

Want to be a Fashion Star too? As you know the start of my journey to make this jacket began with the wrong size. I’ve been emailing Suzy and she is cool bananas with the giveaway (thanks Suzy!). So if you would like to join the McCalls 6611 congo line please let me know in the comments below. The giveaway is for size range 14-22

Suzy also sent me a sensational little package of vintage patterns – I’ll blog them when I’m home again – thank you Suzy I love them!! I’ll be home again soon enough.

Give the girl some Pendrellicin – she’s a Sewaholic (the Pendrell)

Note: I’m on holidays and typing this on an IPad and using the WordPress app (which is good but not perfect) so excuse any weird formatting ‘stuff’ – I blame the app – not Happy Hour.

Jungle January here I come!

Sewaholic Pendrell -when two wrongs make a right

OK. To be honest here is another Sewaholic pattern that I didn’t think was quite me. Too frilly, too… I don’t know, too something! Frills kinda scare me. Then I saw Trisha’s version in her Top 5 of 2012 and I decided to give it a try after all. Trisha’s didn’t look too frilly or fussy so I decided to give it a whirl.

And then for some reason I decided despite the fact I’m not into animal print at all either, that I would make it for Pretty Grievances, Jungle January.

Yeah Lizzy that makes sense, put to things together you are not horribly keen on and see if that works…

Sewaholic Pendrell front view

Ah yeah, in this case that old saying two wrongs don’t might a right? Grandma was wrong, wrong, wrong.

I think that situation was somewhat helped along by this nice rayon fabric that I dug up in Lincraft. It’s lightweight, lots of drape and not at all shiny. I fear shiny things.

What to say about Pendrell? That hasn’t been said already? It’s a lovely pattern - hello? it’s Sewaholic what did you expect Lizzy? As reported on the blogs here and there, it’s quite long – however given I had no intention of wearing this little number untucked that wasn’t a drama.

The construction wasn’t quite what I expected. It’s princess seamed. You sew back and front middle pieces together at the shoulders, then you attach the first set of frills – which are 100% cool as I was freakin’ out about hemming those little puppies. You fold the frills in half and then attach the frills to the central pieces raw edges together. Then you kinda sew the side pieces and attach the second set of frills, sew the side to the middles in what felt like the LONGEST seam in history… ARGH I’m on holidays… get the pattern, make the top and read the instructions people! Tasia needs to eat.

In essence the raw edges and whatnot are sandwiched between seams and binding making it quite a tidy little make. It’s like frills for cheaters! Or cheetahs in this case (pun intended… sorry).

I do admit I was kinda hating this during the making and thinking “argh this is sooooo NotBusyLizzy whatcha thinkin’ girl??”‘. I was exceptionally tired and headache-y and it was a battle of me and my prejudices. Then I popped it on and I was SoSurprisedBusyLizzy – it’s not too shabby at all. What the???? Could I have been wrong?? (don’t tell ELH… Argh! he’s a blog follower, my cover is blown!)

My neck bias binding looks like a drunk monkey stitched it on (or one with a seriously nasty headache and attitude). Unfortunately I cannot share this joyous sewing triumph with you as I forgot to document my shoddy work in all its glory – I’m in Tasmania and my top is in New South Wales (I uploaded these images before I left – hence no back view pictures either). Sorry darlings, you will just have to trust me on this one – sometimes my sewing does suck. The good news is it looks quite snappy on the outside and since I stopped wearing clothes inside out when I was about 3 years old I’m not too upset.

So what did I learn?

Yes, yes, I’m a confessed Sewaholic – that’s not news to anyone!

When I first started sewing Sewaholic was fairly new as a pattern company, I didn’t think any of them were very ‘me’. Ummmm yes, might have been wrong there….

The thing we all need to learn is… look past the line drawings, look past the company styling. You might think a pattern is not ‘you’ – but perhaps it is.

You need to find ways to make things/patterns ‘your style’, put your stamp on them. You don’t need to be Tasia to wear Colette, or Sarai to wear Colette – just be you.

Pick your fabric, choose your accessories and make it yours.

Haven’t you noticed that the most interesting person in the room is always the person who is completely themself, comfortable in their own skin and not quite like anyone else?

You can be that person.

Sew something outside your comfort zone.

Surprise yourself.

Life is short (and our pattern stashes large).

Sewaholic Pendrell – better leave this posing stuff to Bimble & Pimble

And have I worn the Two Wrongs Make a Right Jungle January? Yes ma’am! I wore it to work as photographed, pencil skirt and heels. And this photo shoot was totally Jungle – I was munched by v.hungry mosquitoes with every snap of the camera. Ouch!

Thanks Anne for dragging out my inner cheetah. xox.

Top 5 Goals 2013

#SewingDares complete

So things gotta little outta hand on Twitter the other day and the sewing Tweet Peeps started to throw #sewingdares around the globe – nothing scary – just little challenges to shake up our sewing worlds. So what dares are floating about out there? And who is to blame for such craziness? Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow of course – she who threw us into the Top 5 of 2012 frenzy! Read more about #SewingDares here… perhaps you want one?

What was my #SewingDare?

Hack a favourite pattern into something new. And Ooah suggested I hack Maria Denmark Day/Night Cowl top into a dress.

So I did.

Some suggested I just lengthen the top and turn it into a dress… however I had just cut out the Dress of Legend – Vogue 1250. It occurred to me that the way this dress is constructed is the secret to it popularity and flattering shape. I decided I could use that as inspiration to hack my beloved cowl neck pattern into a dress which had similar properties to The Dress of Legend.

If you haven’t made Vogue 1250 – The Dress of Legend (I think I was the last blogger ever to make this) – it had just three pieces… a front piece, and upper back piece and a back neck facing piece. “but what covers the junk trunk SewBusyLizzy??” I hear you cry. The front piece wraps around from the waist down to cover the junk trunk (consider them junk trunk flaps). There is a centre back seam over the junk trunk and your back is covered by just one pattern piece.

My rough muslin make up of Vogue 1250 looks like this…

The famous Vogue 1250 – sorry a very tired SewBusyLizzy picture after work and drinks.

I lengthened the Maria Denmark Day-to-Night top in a similar manner – adding junk trunk flaps. I shortened the back piece and scooped it.

The hacked Maria Denmark Day to Night dress – forgive the messy side, I haven’t trimmed the side of the pattern piece which sits on the fold. Messy Girl!

As my pattern pieces require no back neck facing as I simply finished the back neck and armholes with invisible elastic – so there are just two pattern pieces. Vogue 1250 has three.

I got some super cheap fabric to experiment with. The front piece is not quite perfect, I need to fiddle a little with the angles of the side cut-out area. From pattern re-draft to cutting out to sewing to wear – about one hour (loving that overlocker/serger). Yes really. This is what I ended up with…

The ‘hacked’ Maria Denmark Day to Night dress

Maria Denmark Day to Night dress- back

How do the two dresses compare? Well I like the blue fabric of the Vogue better - however I prefer the construction of the Day to Night dress, the overall shape, the cowl is much easier to construct and it’s also got more fabric in the cowl and the inside edges of the cowl don’t peek out the way they do in the Vogue. Plus this is a better size for me. The smallest size of the Vogue just feels too roomy across my shoulders and I feel a little swamped.

I think I might re-make my pattern hack again. In the blue fabric, fiddle with the side pattern pieces, shorten the back piece a little. This is more my kinda dress than the Vogue dress. It feels younger, funkier and less fiddly than the Vogue. The fit is much better.

And is it a Day to Night Dress? Yes. I wore it to work the day after I made it and to drinks that night with colleagues. Oh and I got lots of compliments… and lots of oogling looks…

#SewingDare WIN.

I’ve told you before – you NEED this pattern.

Quikc post tonight – not sure if I’ve left out any vital info, just ask questions if any of the above is not clear

SEWAHOLIC LONSDALE – a case of Lonsdalitis confirmed

Hello Lonsdale.

Sewaholic Lonsdale – front view

Yes, once again I have been afflicted with another Sewaholic condition. This one I’ve nicknamed Lonsdalitis. (Sorry feeling tired and my imagination is poor today – if you come up with a better medical term for this condition please let me know and I amend).

This is the Sewaholic Lonsdale dress – purchased from Sew Squirrel (where I get my Sewaholic & Colette Pattern – she also stocks Megan Nielsen, Jalie, By Hand London, Made by Rae and now some haberdashery I noticed! I’m trying hard not to purchase any sewing patterns for a few month as I’m saving for the April/May London trip – woo hoo!

To be honest it took me awhile to succumb to this pattern. I just didn’t think it would suit me. Clearly I’m stoopid and required a bossy personal stylist (or perhaps learn to turn a deaf ear to that nasty little lady that lives inside my head – you know the one – I think she haunts us all), as I think it does quite suit me after all.

When I saw this sweet navy/red/white voile in Spotlight it was destined to be a Lonsdale – the size of the print and the whimsical style just seemed perfect for this graceful sundress.

I did make a mistake when I purchased this… I didn’t think it was directional. I just thought it was random daisies. When I laid it out to cut it – I discovered the vast majority of the daisy stems pointed in one direction. Ooooops.

Sewaholic Lonsdale – pushing up daisies in the right direction

What to do? I certainly didn’t want my Lonsdale to be ‘pushing up daisies’ in the wrong direction! Well one of the blessings of being a not-so-well-endowed vertically-challenged individual means that I cut a Sewaholic size 0 so I can often fit more across the width of the fabric than the pattern layout indicates. So with a bit of wiggling and jiggling I almost squeezed it out. Almost. The straps of the bodice are enormous – very very very long, nearly a metre! I could not get four complete front bodices out of the fabric – so I simply pieced the straps and used these bodice pieces as the lining. And due to the print being ‘so busy’ its hard to find the seam. Woo hoo for Lizzy!

Lonsdale strap join

While I cut this dress out as size 0 I cut the skirt at a size 16 length. For me, I like the flared skirts to be longer, I think it creates a nicer silohette on my frame. I think it balances the flare of the skirt and the bare shoulders, it makes it more graceful than cute. I’m not much chop in the cute department (not that I’m at all gracious either – but its more fun to pretend to be gracious than cute). Then again I could just be a ‘grandma’ about these things. Some people have commented that I look very 70s… I’m hoping they mean era and not age. I think it would make a rather fabulous maxi in the right fabric.

Sewaholic Lonsdale – the front view

I also attached some simple cotton trim to the hem…

Sewaholic Lonsdale, the hem – with a little bit of trim…

I made no muslin (naughty Lizzy *giggle*) I figured my Cambie are a nice snug fit so this would be so too. NOT TRUE. It was a little too loose in the back and given the nature of this bodice I decided it had to be fixed. I did consider pulling it all apart – instead I cheated *giggle*. I ran two darts in the back near the strap loops, tapering down to nothing above the waistband. Worked a treat and as this is such a busy print and it has the back bow, it’s not noticeable. Plus I wanted to wear it to a Christmas party the next day.

Sewaholic Lonsdale – the back view

This is a seriously easy dress to make, yes even though it is lined and has a zipper.

I put in a standard dress zipper as that’s what the pattern calls for. Next time I’m going invisible (no not like the Emperor’s New Clothes! I’m talking about the zipper!) especially if I’m using a fabric like voile or lawn (which is my favorite poison in the fabric department).

I would also cut the straps slightly longer next time, rather like Boo Dogg & Me did recently.

Speaking about zippers – my Coats & Clark pack arrived which I won on Pattern Review for this dress. I was expecting a few zippers. There is a ton! They also sent me a cute as a button thread package – AND a gorgeous tin. Awwww ain’t it cute!!! Polka dots, camo, silver, gold – it’s amazing!

Pattern Review have released their 2013 competitions – I think I might try to enter some this year – for no other reason than it provides a goal – I’m a goal orientated person!

Coats & Clark Zippers

Plus I forgot to mention that I also made an apron for my MIL for Christmas. It’s SQUEE cute. She loved it (I’m pretty sure she did anyway. She phoned up ELH to tell him she did which is a good sign, don’t you think?).

Sorry not my best photos – the sun glare was awful and I had to stand in the shade so I didn’t squint like I was 70!

Stitched-up Christmas

Ok so it’s already 4th January and I still haven’t blogged my 2013 plans – or even my Christmas presents – or my Lonsdale - or my just-finished MacCalls 6611 jacket – or the cardigan I finished knitting – or the lounge cushions I made… if you follow me on Twitter (I’m SewBusyLizzy – yes go figure) you might have seen some of my excessive creative output in the last month. Yes I’ve been SewBusy – although it didn’t feel that way!! Weird.

Good things come to those who wait! Blog posts to come on all of the above.

Today it shall just be my considerable Christmas pile.

First up – the most exciting box under the tree! All the way from New York and from GingerMakes herself!

From Ginger Makes

Yes I had to lie down and fan myself… and get up and stroke the fabric again. Awwww this is going to make such a pretty girly dress!! It’s a deep navy background and a cotton sateen – a fabric I just adore – it’s so agreeable and friendly. I think in fabric store beauty contests it wins Miss Congeniality every time. Some grosgrain ribbon (this stuff feels beautiful – it must be the real stuff), thread, zippers (invisible and ‘normal’ – talk about thoughtful!) AND a vintage pattern. And if you want to see what I sent Ginger Makes – check it out here (don’t get too jealous about the rayon – it was Christmas)… I’m actually seriously tempted to go back and get some of that graphic print sateen for myself… but would that be blog-stalky weird??

A huge round of applause to the beautiful Vicki Kate behind the Very Merry Christmas Swap idea.

Then from the beloved ELH himself….

from ELH

Yes, yes, we all love ELH don’t we? That’s the Couture Sewing handbook and the Papercut Watson Jacket pattern (which says an expert level of sewing competence is required. eeek). Once I figure out a way to clone ELH, I’m setting up an Etsy shop and I’ll post a link here ASAP, I promise.

And then from my parents-in-law…

Fabrics from The Fabric Store, Sydney. Double-faced knit and wool!

Black/purple weave wool for a Basic Design Vogue jacket (I’ve got some deep purple lining for this jacket waiting) I like this jacket, it’s simple & classic. Plus more of double faced Marc Jacobs knit – this time in pink/fawn. Not sure if it will be another hoodie… perhaps a waterfall casual cardie instead… I’ll wait til the fabric lets me know its thoughts. These fabrics are from The Fabric Store in Sydney… oh how I love that shop, such a lovely space – even ELH was impressed.

Then I got a $30 Spotlight voucher. I’m trying to decide to get some sateen for a work dress or some fabric for my Watson jacket (hopefully a wearable muslin). Such momentous decisions!

Then the week before Christmas the delightful Anne of Pretty Grievances sent me a surprise pack with not one but two patterns in it. I knew one was coming but she popped this one in…

from my personal stylist

I’m not sure how she knew I strike those poses at work regularly – but there you go! I have fabric already to go. I just love it when someone suggests something for me to try – sewing isn’t just about sewing things I know I like but trying things I think I might like – or I’ve never tried. It’s a journey. Thank you Anne! (pssst I’m going to take part in Jungle January – another new thing for me – animal print!!)

Then on Christmas Eve – I know it’s been as season of decadence (I’m not a big festive eater so I have to bulge in other areas) – there was a package from the gorgeous Gillian of Crafting a Rainbow waiting for me at the post office! A bag and cutest wreath you have ever seen (made by Gillian herself – she is so clever!) AND a needle case. And the bag is in that groovy washi fabric! AND that’s some silk organza as well – the fabric of legend that I cannot buy in my town! Thank you xox.

from Gorgeous Gillian

I have packages for both these ladies but need some time to get to the post office. I had to send Scruffy Badger’s Pattern Pyramid package off this week and OMG how expensive is postage to the UK?? It’s not expensive – it’s obscene!! Does the Queen herself deliver the UK mail? That would take a long time as her car is veeeerrrry slow and then there is all that genteel waving to do – but perhaps Prince Phillip could chip in and toss the parcels out of the window as they go? So I’ll save my pennies for my next overseas post soon, I promise!

Thank you to everyone for your kind comments and wishes over the last few weeks – I luff you all

Stacks of things to blog over the next couple of weeks – watch this space.

xxx

Top 5 2012: Reflections

So here are some of the thoughts that have been buzzing around my head about as I reflect on 2012, the year I returned to sewing…

Sewing makes me happy
Yes, this might seem logical – why do it otherwise? However I like to keep this front of mind. I sew because I really think it’s good for my soul. In 2012 I found much personal satisfaction and happiness in rediscovering my creative side – both sewing and blogging/writing.

‘Me’ time is important time
I’m in a phase of my life where I have many not-negotiable commitments in my life. I have two children, a husband a full-time job and more. It’s physically draining and time-consuming. It’s easy to let these things completely rule your life. This year I’ve learnt to celebrate the fact that despite all of this, these demands do not define me. That sounds simple but when you have so many people depending on you and needing you, it can be difficult to remember just who ‘you’ really are, to take time out and relax. Sewing is my yoga, my mediation, where I find my sense of peace.

I’ve ‘met’ some of the best people I have never met
I’m sure we are all surprised at how many lovely people we all now ‘know’ through blogging, tweeting etc. I certainly never expected this as an outcome of blogging. I marvel at how connected the sewing blogging community is. This is one of the most amazing niches in my life, the friendliness, support and kindness that is part everyday blogging and tweeting life is amazing. We all should be proud to be part of this. You guys are amazing, the smiles, giggles and colour that you bring to my life is to be treasured.

My style is evolving
Now I’m not sure I’ve got ‘style’ but my personal approach to my wardrobe is evolving. I’ve become much more critical of buying new clothes (in fact there has been very little of that in 2012!) and how RTW is constructed. In 2012 I’ve become more aware of exactly how clothes look on me and what suits me ­– and what I prefer. The whole blogging process is enormously helpful in this area – the pattern & fabric selection, the construction, the photography, the written review –the process of building a wardrobe becomes much more thoughtful and rewarding. It’s not just about instant gratification at the cash register – which seems even more hollow than ever before.

ELH
I married to a kind, generous, thoughtful man who supports and encourages me. I’ve nicknamed him ELH (Ever Lovin’ Husband) on the blog and it’s true. This year he’s cheerfully endured my mad pattern and fabric purchasing, got a new camera so my blog pictures are better, driven me to fabric stores, read my blog (and others so he knows that I’m prattling on about) and taken endless photos of me. He’s a gem.
I often joke that we have been married for so long because I’m nearly 14 inches shorter and he just can’t hear me ranting and raving. Now I am also buried under a pile of fabric – but I suspect he could just be my soul mate

Maria Denmark – Day to Night Top. This pattern is SOLID GOLD. Easy and looks fabulous.

Simplicity Jiffy 4977

Vogue hoodie – neck open

Sewaholic Alma – not squee or twee

MariaDenmark Winnie Trousers: muslin back

Happy Birthday Vintage Dress – old gal

Vogue 1224 – not feeling the love

Butterick B5474, view E: Strawberry Fields Forever. Oh and that? In the background? That’s coathanger – also known as Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Butterick B5474, view C: The Ruffle Kerfuffle. Oh yeah, and that’s the Sydney Opera House in the background… concentrate on the apron people!

Colette Peony, a piped wiastband

Butterick 5814 – my little wiggle (and a tad smug)

Burda Fishing Vest for Miss 7

Vogue 1247 – on the beach

Vogue 1151 – front view

Colette Macaron

Megan Nielsen’s Kelly Skirt in camo – sweetened up with a bow and some lace sleeves

MariaDenmark Birgitte Basic T-shirt – short sleeved t-shirt

Sewaholic Alma – view A

Soft & Fuzzy Lizzie – my Barbara Cartland shot

Megan Neilson’s Kelly Skirt in navy fine corduroy

Owl Skirt in action!

Sewaholic Thurlows – full view. Sorry black is very hard to photograph at night!

Giselle’s confirmation – she is doing well not to shiver. It was freezing and they made us wait outside in a cold wind for 20 minutes! Lovely!

Sewaholic Cambie No. 3 – Don Giovanni inspired!

Sewaholic Renfrew – View B

Sewaholic Renfrew View C with Vogue 1247 Skirt

Simplicity 1880 shirt dress – windswept and finished! Material: printed linen from Lincraft.

Sewaholic Cambie, View B. The perfect sundress, pretty, ladylike but not ‘old & fussy’.

Sewaholic Cambie – View A. This is a quick photo outside the front door after we returned from the beach.

Purple Haze’l – pleased with myself – Colette Hazel pattern with a bas cut skirt

The finished Tea Party Skirt – pockets! And my Limouge tea cup…

PORT PARIS DRESS – from one postcode to another…

Cheap & Cheerful Skirt, Simplicity 2451

LIsette Itinerary Dress, Simplicity 2060

Miss 7 road testing the Happy Twirly Whirly Skirt

Simplicity 2209 – Lisette Passport Dress

Vogue 1236 – Definitely not a Sack of Potatoes

Singing in the Rain…

This Top 5 series has been inspired by Gillian at Crafting a Rainbow…

PS – I haven’t forgotten about the Pattern Pyramid or the awards I have recently received. Christmas has just got in the way – I think it will be a Boxing Day announcement! Hang on people!!