Tangerine dreams

 Colour blocking is everywhere this season and I love it.  Perhaps I'm taking the idea too far with my double helping of burnt orange?  For the skirt I've used Simplicity 2475, a favourite pattern of mine.  The detail isn't evident in the photo, but my version has false pocket flaps with buttons to match the cardigan and belt carriers. The fabric is Italian ponte bought at Tessutis a while back, not quite as bright as it appears in photo.   Unfortunately it is no longer in stock or I'd be back for more to make a suit jacket.  I've had to satisfy myself with a soft knit in burnt orange merino wool knit.  This garment actually started out as my self drafted basic tshirt. Sadly, the merino is very fine and rather clingy.  So I bought another metre, drew a line up the middle and added the button panels. It was a happy mistake I think.  Eventually I'll make up a cowl neck singlet with the remaining fabric to brighten up some of my blacks and greys.

I was planning to show you my grey trousers (Simplicity 2700), but I have to tell these pants are a victim of my own stupidity!  They were always a test garment made from $2 a metre fabric but I have rendered them an unwearable muslin by the trimming the zip with the excess fabric around the fly. A definite no no as the zip has frayed into obvilion. The zip is sorry saga beginning with pattern notions calling for an 18cm zip (7 inch) when a 7 cm zip is required.  Having discovered this after shop hours, I grabbed a recycled zip in the wrong colour.  Another big mistake as a highly contrasting zip will show even under a fly front!!  Oh well, at least I have worked through the fitting issues.

Not sure what to sew next.  I have two more winter garments cut but now the weather is warming up, I'm in the mood for dresses.

Little red dress success

Ok, this was an act of major motherly love, but I'm more than happy with the results.  We used Burda 03/11 108 with the sleeves from 107.  Both these patterns were part of a bridal theme.  As you can see they lend themselves nicely to a party dress.  I cut the smallest size, made up the front and back of dress then awaited the arrival of my dd from Melbourne to fit the side seams.  I had to take it in about 7 cms on each side at the waist to make it fit properly. Surprisingly though the dart placement was exactly right!  I also took multiple centimetres from the sleeves and hemline. My dd is a thumbalina!

The bodice is lined with red poly lining. It is machine sewn around the neckline and through the centre back. I handstitched the lining in at the side seams and around the sleeves. The hems on the sleeves and at hemline are finished with cotton bias binding.  All very neat, but no photos as DD was rushing off for a 'pre' before the party.  Let's hope the 'apres' is not too devastating!  PS she is not wearing this peep-show bra. PPS she loves me, she really really love me...and the dress of course.

In the meanwhile, I've started a new job in the city, have cut five new pieces for me and completed the boring grey pants except for two button holes.  They fit well but the fabric is cheap and they are no more than a wearable proto-type.  More photos to come.

Daughter loving

Email from my daughter - 960 kilometres away

"could you make this for me for next saturday night in a bright red fabric, perhaps jersey?


i saw it in zara and when i went back it was gone...

it had three quarter length sleeves in the shop, this was the closest thing i could find to it.

if you cant thats ok, i know your starting your job next week."

Now I just happen to have a piece of fire engine red synthetic in my stash that I was wondering what on earth I'd do with it and why I had it.

I also found just the pattern in my Burda mags. Snip, snip ...watch this space.