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.

No boring business

 

Heading into the city for winter meetings, I am struck by how much black and grey Sydney women wear.  Not just black and grey, but boring black and grey, basic jackets, trousers or skirts teemed with equally boring pinstriped or white blouses.  Young attractive women looking as inspiring as Mao Tse Tung's Red Brigade revolutionaries.  So I'm leading a revolution of my own - the No Boring Business Wear revolt.

This jacket in vintage green and white cotton knit is my first assault on top end of town conservatism.  The wool khaki trim from Tessuti reminds me of my militancy and the buttons, also from Tessuti show that there is no need to sacrifice elegance in pursuit of the cause.  I love the results, its a little bit Armani and a little bit Chanel, but not slavishly copying either.  It is also very comfortable to wear, thanks to my Sewing Guild buddy Sharon who suggested cutting the acetate sleeve lining on the bias so it moves in the same way as the knit.  This wasn't necessary for the body of the garment which I gave more body with fusible interfacing. 

Practiced my bound buttonholes and top stitch free pockets (used in my husband's jacket). I also developed a new method for sewing pocket flaps without bulk or top stitching.  Sew binding onto the top of the right side of the flap and handstitch all edges.  Turn over and press, the handstitch in place.  The result is very neat and provides a couture finish on the outside of the garment.  I ran out of binding to go around the sleeves - what do you think? To bind or not to bind?

 

Next up...I'm whispering now....boring grey flannel pants (Simplicity 2700).  But fear not, I plan to team it with a camel cashmere trench jacket (Burda 4/2008 107 - with long sleeves), gold silk blouse (Burda Style 4/2011 113) and my new Midas brogues that insisted on following me out of the store.

Now ladies, what are you stitching for the revolution?  Vive la revolution de la couleur!

Grey for a grey day

 

Mental note, smile in all future photos and never allow your daughter to take a photo with camera held at waist level. It makes you look twice your real size!  But guys it's cold, wet and misable here in Sydney.  Time to bring out my new skirt made with a remnant piece of grey and black leopard print ponte from my stash.  I made another skirt using this fabric that I have worn to death, blogged about here. I used Vogue 8603 again, this time including the gathers front and back.  It is lined with red synthetic lining however after a day in the city I've decided to remove it as is doesn't move with the garment.  The fabric is quite thick so doesn't really need a lining.  Think I'll take the opportunity to shorten it as well.  The coat is also self-made and well worn from last winter.  I blogged about it here.
I am making a very interesting jacket at the moment which I hope to finish on the weekend.

Nice outfit, bad photo

Husbie arrived just as I was about to leave so I asked for a photo.  Four shots later, this is the best of breed.  Next up another version of Vogue 8603 in grey and black leopard print ponte and a vintage style jacket in green and white crinoline.  No they are not a set! 

Simply stylish ...in my opinion

 

 In the absence of the household photographers I'm adding a quick shot of my lastest project Butterick 5472.  This a very easy pattern that hasn't received enough attention in blogland.  Firstly, it is great to have a cowl neck pull on dress that can be made in a woven fabric.  The front is cut on the bias.  I've used a satin faille from Tessuti.  The jacket is made from a beautiful soft jersey also from Tessuti.  My only suggestion is if you use a knit for the jacket, don't use woven lining (the back is lined with lining, the front pieces are self-lined making it a fabric hungry pattern). It hangs and moves differently.  My only other suggestion is that the pockets would benefit from interfacing - they droop a little too much in the knit fabric.

Wearing it with boots to the theatre tonight - Sydney Theatre Company's production de jour - The White Guard with Miranda Otto.  Also thoroughly recommend Terminus by Ireland's Abby Theatre Company to my fellow Sydney-siders.

More corporate wardrobe builders on the way.