tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31329103744876543082024-03-27T23:53:26.044+00:00Queen of DartsA UK sewing and dressmaking blog! Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.comBlogger223125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-14812732493649636042022-11-07T00:10:00.002+00:002022-11-07T00:46:01.562+00:00FREE Pattern - pole shorts (finally!)<span style="font-family: helvetica;">3 years after my initial draft, I am ready to share my tried and tested, then improved, pole shorts pattern with the world! These have seen me through 2 photoshoots, a performance, and countless classes. These are what I keep coming to time and time again, because, well, they are literally custom made for me in every way and my absolute favourite. </span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PLt9BfhzMliyzlrMVIukBxTfmeJqFWVt/view?usp=sharing">Download your copy here</a> for FREE. <br /></span><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">Style lines</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I would describe these as low cut, slightly cheeky with a scrunch bum. The crotch coverage is pretty wide and it's never let me down :) The legs and waist are both finished by fabric bands with no elastic added. The shorts are not compressive (but also not lose), but don't dig into your skin. Here are a few photos (please note that these beautiful beach pics by Artistry Photography are unedited): </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA1qpj-1DDY-suvgcCqfzO7LMqGfVS_ajKtFOouuj1t36ohL2PvqckR2_0lSd7hS9wabMiBgkn3JMv-Z8miC6X0faSdh2f9_dhG-8tDD0nJxmdCVAvY-O-iTWHmgyGWDKSbXMvgK0WoNe1ORwNZFMOsOxy_igVKk6Xqj_l5tfVFZrDSHaNyo2lCUAKA/s1933/0B9A6965-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="pole dance shorts DIY free pattern photoshoot beach" border="0" data-original-height="1288" data-original-width="1933" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVA1qpj-1DDY-suvgcCqfzO7LMqGfVS_ajKtFOouuj1t36ohL2PvqckR2_0lSd7hS9wabMiBgkn3JMv-Z8miC6X0faSdh2f9_dhG-8tDD0nJxmdCVAvY-O-iTWHmgyGWDKSbXMvgK0WoNe1ORwNZFMOsOxy_igVKk6Xqj_l5tfVFZrDSHaNyo2lCUAKA/w640-h426/0B9A6965-1.jpg" title="pole dance shorts free pattern photoshoot beach" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk4eLvbO7ep1roJ1hQaO_9kzgGRVx-nZsN8jCrkNYEaE9YZ3cejhBvjjgZ5gGjULY0mSYdYftoi1sllk3E2np14vV1EJrgympjpDpTw6EtMz8n4dNGNvxBtDzPRCMu45aIgEkxwUpFUuAQIST-vRVrxIUwQ2zYuTRgG-8LV0EHb93Iuqbngv5q-AA8Q/s2400/0B9A7019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="pole dance shorts free pattern photoshoot beach" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBk4eLvbO7ep1roJ1hQaO_9kzgGRVx-nZsN8jCrkNYEaE9YZ3cejhBvjjgZ5gGjULY0mSYdYftoi1sllk3E2np14vV1EJrgympjpDpTw6EtMz8n4dNGNvxBtDzPRCMu45aIgEkxwUpFUuAQIST-vRVrxIUwQ2zYuTRgG-8LV0EHb93Iuqbngv5q-AA8Q/w640-h426/0B9A7019.jpg" title="pole dance shorts free pattern photoshoot beach" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As swim bottoms (see below) and also my <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2022/06/greetings-from-sunshine-state.html">separate post</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPDdKurGnrZeXD8COGEAEtLh7w1lw9Jxepy0IShQUbix5bR82e1rKWgOf9zDvw5Q-qmjLqjnMSBbdL-tGA6XYfogQFH_9aTUXh0yXNL3yDQ0KK3b6qWlu8k16BnFJKK-tAshhSj77QhnTCTB17n5tmjPonB6akzUPSLp1CLqZCadUfO7ZK6SUXu9TRw/s3000/even%20strappier%20power%20sports%20bra%20bikini%20swim%20set%20back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="pole dance shorts free pattern DIY bikini bottoms" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOPDdKurGnrZeXD8COGEAEtLh7w1lw9Jxepy0IShQUbix5bR82e1rKWgOf9zDvw5Q-qmjLqjnMSBbdL-tGA6XYfogQFH_9aTUXh0yXNL3yDQ0KK3b6qWlu8k16BnFJKK-tAshhSj77QhnTCTB17n5tmjPonB6akzUPSLp1CLqZCadUfO7ZK6SUXu9TRw/w426-h640/even%20strappier%20power%20sports%20bra%20bikini%20swim%20set%20back.jpg" title="pole dance shorts free pattern bikini bottoms" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Flat lay of latest pair front and back view, teamed with a hacked Power Sports Bra</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycNtQsWTROOBt-cgdLUTKOf7kwYNNJ-mWpdva5G_xxLa4UY5mc5a1qiu5LPHvqF87W5HTr-8kdD5lHLFGHgOPyel-GKgeMfhJmHLA3PJD8hzh1wWQck64FwwgqM00qVXTreoNAEhqXSEqwbQWut6MLfs_tO_I5275XEXqBTh6DHv7TPxzwXuIdimCSg/s4032/Celestial%20pole%20set%20front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="celestial pole set handmade free pattern shorts power sports bra hack" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycNtQsWTROOBt-cgdLUTKOf7kwYNNJ-mWpdva5G_xxLa4UY5mc5a1qiu5LPHvqF87W5HTr-8kdD5lHLFGHgOPyel-GKgeMfhJmHLA3PJD8hzh1wWQck64FwwgqM00qVXTreoNAEhqXSEqwbQWut6MLfs_tO_I5275XEXqBTh6DHv7TPxzwXuIdimCSg/w300-h400/Celestial%20pole%20set%20front.jpg" title="celestial pole set handmade free pattern shorts power sports bra hack FRONT" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxDQolgPN_4d33Odlh3bUSPweIWzLRanUrlaowUDjqqFtf6V3dKABO-FAGZRUHkpbDe9CREBaQKRgCU2ANGEk4Ra-ypPa38FjLiJrJujIWODSQwt0bheuy4ji9qyD66ZlQIdbABElg4A3oaxAwzPfblpXAAtEpd4JjV47wQr92cXYPT9qg9mHa_0-Zg/s4032/celestial%20pole%20set%20back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="celestial pole set handmade free pattern shorts power sports bra hack" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxDQolgPN_4d33Odlh3bUSPweIWzLRanUrlaowUDjqqFtf6V3dKABO-FAGZRUHkpbDe9CREBaQKRgCU2ANGEk4Ra-ypPa38FjLiJrJujIWODSQwt0bheuy4ji9qyD66ZlQIdbABElg4A3oaxAwzPfblpXAAtEpd4JjV47wQr92cXYPT9qg9mHa_0-Zg/w300-h400/celestial%20pole%20set%20back.jpg" title="celestial pole set handmade free pattern shorts power sports bra hack BACK" width="300" /></a></div></div><br /><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div>This one below is actually my OG pair, which I still proudly wear (photo below was from August this year). The pattern that I am sharing has a slightly higher back (so that it's more balanced compared to the front) and slightly cheekier coverage. </div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMzwjH8-Jrc2-8WbviNa6JwJBNVQvnEvEGVkZjE_RVuFXuQII9BLxdpdBqfzb0lgYLzV21YzbkAvJcdpBaGEaDrKLcB6307Cm_C5ZE26RO2gAfuJe1dIhClBDnVyD0brJsz2595irknrutLtQ4VRmNJrDcg7HJKVG3Sw3MvV6XfPHQVpx_TkGgID9uw/s2058/06201350_NVP0071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="pole dance shorts free pattern performance" border="0" data-original-height="1372" data-original-width="2058" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwMzwjH8-Jrc2-8WbviNa6JwJBNVQvnEvEGVkZjE_RVuFXuQII9BLxdpdBqfzb0lgYLzV21YzbkAvJcdpBaGEaDrKLcB6307Cm_C5ZE26RO2gAfuJe1dIhClBDnVyD0brJsz2595irknrutLtQ4VRmNJrDcg7HJKVG3Sw3MvV6XfPHQVpx_TkGgID9uw/w640-h426/06201350_NVP0071.jpg" title="pole dance shorts free pattern performance" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">Sizing</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">These are just for my personal use, so unfortunately I'm only sharing it in my own size. For reference, I am almost always an XS, size (UK and Aus) 6. Typical measurements for my hip and waist tend to be around 34-34.5' and the 25-26' mark. Note that these shorts aren't high waisted, so the hip measurement is going to be more important. To an extent, you could adjust the sizing slightly by lengthening/shortening the fabric leg and waist bands but there will be a limit to it. </span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">Fabric requirements</span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have made these using quite a number of stretch lycra fabrics, from printed nylon lycra, activewear marl, stretch velvet to Tactel. I would suggest fabrics with at least 50% stretch both length and width wise. Depending on the fabric, I do sometimes make small adjustments to the length of the bands to ensure a snug and secure yet comfortable fit, so please use the measurements included as a guide only. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You will need some elastic for the scrunch bum. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;">Quick construction steps on a page</span></b></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sew elastic along the centre back from top to crotch seam on your sewing machine, using a stretch stitch - my favourite is a long straight triple stitch, stretching the elastic evenly as you sew. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sew back to front piece at the crotch seam, using a 6mm seam allowance (throughout). I do this on my overlocker. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sew up the side seams. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sew up the waist and leg bands into loops (i.e. closing the short ends with right sides together). Fold with wrong side together lengthwise. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Pin/clip the folded bands to the shorts at quarter points (and more as necessary, ensuring an even distribution), with right sides together. Overlock. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Optional topstitching (which I only like to do on plain pairs). </span></li></ol></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: helvetica;"><b>Other options</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I have often made these as bikini bottoms, by adding a swim lining to them and using swim elastic for the scrunch bum. I'd also recommend adding swim elastic into the waistband in that option, to ensure that when wet (and heavier), the shorts will swim with you (!)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you prefer hemmed leg openings, you can remove the bands and add the hem allowance (as well as account for the width of the sewn bands and seam allowance). I prefer the security the bands offer, however. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">There they are! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PLt9BfhzMliyzlrMVIukBxTfmeJqFWVt/view?usp=sharing">Download your copy here</a>. </span></div><div><br /></div></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-12571661650302497642022-06-05T12:15:00.003+01:002022-06-05T12:15:58.442+01:00Greetings from the Sunshine State!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2_skIPfcqQqslgQEB5tZeKe-idt80QV8-hFcHsocA_QZJmq5YIDltUUsBaE4yKPQL4G4YR6p7Tsf5evmOLSImjKDADGFxba5QDxk1gijnrWJQYdbq5KBfYHXNVaJEd-HEB785j6hgupJHKsbSIPOZlU95mOC1SqRtahb5kXG-qR0XxLI6Fe1tNTPtw/s2000/even%20strappier%20Power%20Sports%20Bra%20bikini%20swim%20set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="greenstyle power sports bra even strappier hack Little Lizard King Katy Dress" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd2_skIPfcqQqslgQEB5tZeKe-idt80QV8-hFcHsocA_QZJmq5YIDltUUsBaE4yKPQL4G4YR6p7Tsf5evmOLSImjKDADGFxba5QDxk1gijnrWJQYdbq5KBfYHXNVaJEd-HEB785j6hgupJHKsbSIPOZlU95mOC1SqRtahb5kXG-qR0XxLI6Fe1tNTPtw/w640-h426/even%20strappier%20Power%20Sports%20Bra%20bikini%20swim%20set.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hello my dear readers, it's been a long while! If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that sooo much has changed since my last blog post. We have moved from Surrey to Brisbane, Australia! Needless to say, relocating almost as far as humanly possible in the middle of a global pandemic was full of ups and downs, and I think we are only breathing a sigh of relief now that all our household belongs have finally arrived. On the one hand, we are so traumatised from the whole process that we can't imagine moving ever again; on the other, though, having worked as a team to pack up the house and rent it out, sell the car and getting on a plane (not being 100% sure that they'd let us on it!) with 2 weeks' notice, and then arriving in Sydney without knowing when we would actually be able to get to Queensland with a toddler in tow, living without our own stuff for about 5 months, and surviving it all has also made us feel quite empowered in other ways. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We moved to Brisbane with my work for an opportunity of a lifetime, but also for all the lifestyle that comes with living in the Sunshine state! We don't know what the future holds, but for now, are pinching ourselves that we live in such a great city with so much on our doorstep. We are now accustomed to our weekend getaways to really experience what is on offer in South East Queensland. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QqKVSnNBqgCXi_BT_WjXqlTMPkq0tDRqXMdW2gXPGS0-YxABrLn8AxRE61l11s3ESxEKNcJG5oHjPNlZYqLKBYlKsWWOcg3N5q_DZVPPNT7SMpoPk0aMNbms0sCj6gfKgBOX7nUrtVW7-veWWzJEXkFpxJykpi59xSCJ3BP8H8E4BHaSwdjnJpeLAQ/s3000/even%20strappier%20power%20sports%20bra%20bikini%20swim%20set%20back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="greenstyle psb power sports bra even strappier swim bikini hack" border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3QqKVSnNBqgCXi_BT_WjXqlTMPkq0tDRqXMdW2gXPGS0-YxABrLn8AxRE61l11s3ESxEKNcJG5oHjPNlZYqLKBYlKsWWOcg3N5q_DZVPPNT7SMpoPk0aMNbms0sCj6gfKgBOX7nUrtVW7-veWWzJEXkFpxJykpi59xSCJ3BP8H8E4BHaSwdjnJpeLAQ/w426-h640/even%20strappier%20power%20sports%20bra%20bikini%20swim%20set%20back.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Last weekend we drive about an hour north to Caloundra on the Sunshine coast, and had an absolute blast! There were so much for us all to enjoy, and the weather was absolutely perfect (considering it is now winter). </span></p><p><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">We went to Shelley Beach, which had amazing rockpools (with hundreds of hermit crabs in them!), and just awesome beach and scenery, quite frankly. Freya wore her new mummy-made <a href="https://littlelizardking.com/products/katy">Katy Dress</a> by Little Lizard King (pictured at the top; see details and cuteness overload on <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1137983">my post </a>on Minerva here), and I wore my new me-made bikini set! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I fell in love with this funky leopard and monstera (what a genius combination) swim fabric from <a href="https://www.poppybearfabrics.co.uk/">Poppy Bear fabrics</a> (all sold out but it was a great source of swim fabrics in the UK), and had to buy some as soon as it landed! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You probably all know by now that I am a big fan of the <a href="https://greenstyle.com/products/power-sports-bra-in-cup-size-a-h-and-bands-28-46?variant=15856152412250">Power Sports Bra by Greenstyle</a>. However, I'd only been making the strappy back version, even though I'd be drooling over all the hacks! Finally, I was ready to try one. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I went with the <a href="https://greenstyle.com/blogs/news/the-even-strappier-power-sports-bra-hack">Even Strappier hack</a>, leaving out the outside straps (mainly as I wanted the cleaner lines, and don't need that extra support). It worked an absolute dream! </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu0_CCGINY06VFSYN_vxVOVUMQe9vYN98-Myt1XNki-lhhGqgIkmRxISWEK_XEcGp9hnKZ04YWJdrt5_n5mqQGiTukheYmqj0zcGf0DButEGQER2W_QPP_ohsiE6QV2IvZbKhAXt9OkHKsj28OCJ9g-NbwdYwUDM9wuP8LqQ1WBJUel9C8kTF8WOWFA/s2000/even%20strappier%20power%20sports%20bra%20bikini%20swim%20side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="greenstyle power bra even strappier swim hack bikini bottoms" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyu0_CCGINY06VFSYN_vxVOVUMQe9vYN98-Myt1XNki-lhhGqgIkmRxISWEK_XEcGp9hnKZ04YWJdrt5_n5mqQGiTukheYmqj0zcGf0DButEGQER2W_QPP_ohsiE6QV2IvZbKhAXt9OkHKsj28OCJ9g-NbwdYwUDM9wuP8LqQ1WBJUel9C8kTF8WOWFA/w640-h426/even%20strappier%20power%20sports%20bra%20bikini%20swim%20side.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For the bottoms, I used my self-drafted pole shorts pattern, and made a couple of tweaks. The plan (which has already materialised) is that these would double up as both bikinis and pole set. I'll try and scan the pattern in and upload it when I get some time (busy lady here!), but I love how these turned out! The only change I'd make to my next pair is to either made the waistband shorter, or add swim elastic. It's totally fine for lounging or even pole dancing, but I had a bit of a panic in a waterpark when I thought that the bottoms may not stay put down the slides... they did, but I'd like to not have that worry with me-made swimwear! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Thank you so much for reading. Have a great week ahead! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtZOFv9hRQ3o74ElNw6vLqJ-J3dKOz8G_--Hex19PHu9O37JR-1Ec_xhpRrQW0XTeg1KFfzA4F8wIbwI1ZkRiUWvobbtIWqHaQwrLUbhsHsUudv_yakiwEgbUPrkqNO-tZVOj-4aflD7spPvqs_cjrd-0uSCy15EF-oA5-tg0uKE562zA9tncRmxL_w/s2000/even%20strappier%20power%20sports%20bra%20bikini%20swim%20set%20last.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="handmade bikini greenstyle even strappier psb hack pole shorts bottoms" border="0" data-original-height="1333" data-original-width="2000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZtZOFv9hRQ3o74ElNw6vLqJ-J3dKOz8G_--Hex19PHu9O37JR-1Ec_xhpRrQW0XTeg1KFfzA4F8wIbwI1ZkRiUWvobbtIWqHaQwrLUbhsHsUudv_yakiwEgbUPrkqNO-tZVOj-4aflD7spPvqs_cjrd-0uSCy15EF-oA5-tg0uKE562zA9tncRmxL_w/w640-h426/even%20strappier%20power%20sports%20bra%20bikini%20swim%20set%20last.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-175676756807695792021-08-26T21:29:00.004+01:002021-08-26T21:29:44.160+01:00Sun safe rash guard set <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Other people</b>:</span> hey, weather forecast looks great, so let's book a last minute trip to the beach this weekend!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Me</b>:</span> the above, plus, must sew a rash guard set for my daughter to wear in the next 24 hours! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTerlUVhqVwYMvYK6k6w-GI5rRnD7z2uD-ZoOl6zlqWYI_r-hJqF1LcG5e_iLAeegDo1FKj4_dH-2jTQ2n_uqfwQN0CPhT4WNIxX_yxZYSMeCvqcnxb6jdNBwWVQigRLQJm4-THO6I441/s1200/Freya+rashguard+set-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rashguard shorts sunsafe going home sweater lightning leggings" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkTerlUVhqVwYMvYK6k6w-GI5rRnD7z2uD-ZoOl6zlqWYI_r-hJqF1LcG5e_iLAeegDo1FKj4_dH-2jTQ2n_uqfwQN0CPhT4WNIxX_yxZYSMeCvqcnxb6jdNBwWVQigRLQJm4-THO6I441/w427-h640/Freya+rashguard+set-1.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">I'm not someone who usually enjoys speed sewing at all, but this time I relished the challenge.</span></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With no time to invest in new materials or patterns, I went to my remnant box and patterns box for inspirations. </span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWFdm2B9fnmNDIwUW5Q72BZZk9i0QWtIFzq8m3e_oq4Ts8JpDFLJEhTIM18t4BgGg2rrTMmBcCF4MpUBGHCowbs6oDVWN3Qt1Do-Gyu6loPnGdmZ4_bSMCJpII1vmraI8IlkzaTHpXW8l/s2048/Freya+rashguard+set-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXi-1cIRYvWH7KPir6TfEKiig6Wp3flTLhOH8IERVETbmitCfsDrbz0oV1OUN0Rm_6CNr1I_21ACcaxikO6HE_-00hzF2eYY7T0DGLbUF2j5Q3r7QkkP7qU1StkyE4jcaKxRpzMs1BzUA/s1200/Freya+rashguard+set-1-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rashguard shorts sunsafe going home sweater lightning leggings" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsXi-1cIRYvWH7KPir6TfEKiig6Wp3flTLhOH8IERVETbmitCfsDrbz0oV1OUN0Rm_6CNr1I_21ACcaxikO6HE_-00hzF2eYY7T0DGLbUF2j5Q3r7QkkP7qU1StkyE4jcaKxRpzMs1BzUA/w427-h640/Freya+rashguard+set-1-7.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I decided to use the leftover from my <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2021/02/fit-capsule-2021-part-1-power-bra-tempo.html">Fit Capsule set</a>, and the <a href="https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/kids-going-home-sweater-pattern">Ellie & Mac Going Home sweater</a> and the <a href="https://www.wavesandwild.com/shop/lightning-leggings/">Waves & Wild Lightning Leggings</a> to make Freya her new outfit. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For the raglan rash guard, I wanted it semi-fitted and with a "swim-style" neck band. So I cut the top pattern in 3T with 3/4 sleeves, and self-drafted the neck band in a similar way to the <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2021/07/more-activewear-greenstyle-cavallo.html">Elevate Crop Top </a>band (but without crossing over). I shortened the top by 1cm. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For the shorts, I cut the knee-length legs and the waistband in 4T.</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSt_SzX3_bcE4llKwR5FVWwRnRlNJ2MADY5XrtbQMey60Gz4-adZiefnMNtK0qBonIl6LMqGoqIkcJAHov-vierLG4qrhHBOr1jTeiv0uIvXhDGqvRZtWERfXdxC33q0ec7382mSV7Btl/s1200/Freya+rashguard+set-1-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rashguard shorts sunsafe going home sweater lightning leggings" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSt_SzX3_bcE4llKwR5FVWwRnRlNJ2MADY5XrtbQMey60Gz4-adZiefnMNtK0qBonIl6LMqGoqIkcJAHov-vierLG4qrhHBOr1jTeiv0uIvXhDGqvRZtWERfXdxC33q0ec7382mSV7Btl/w427-h640/Freya+rashguard+set-1-9.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I reverse coverstitched everything that could be topstitched, including the hems. I love the sporty effect it gives! It may not be the most obvious thing to be doing when you are trying to complete a new outfit in less than a day, but I have no regrets. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCcXQS_vQg5dvHQgbVuKYGf29kgx_Sjlc0Pq_n0N0UOqYhV9foX0B0nG1quJe7H4-HmDV0vlBuejtjqAJ5f2EbU8Zz387jDaNQOqKMTSJ3Fyhfzvl9CBmz46gWkFpPUNuNucO_vkOLKRX/s1200/Freya+rashguard+set-1-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="rashguard shorts sunsafe going home sweater lightning leggings" border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMCcXQS_vQg5dvHQgbVuKYGf29kgx_Sjlc0Pq_n0N0UOqYhV9foX0B0nG1quJe7H4-HmDV0vlBuejtjqAJ5f2EbU8Zz387jDaNQOqKMTSJ3Fyhfzvl9CBmz46gWkFpPUNuNucO_vkOLKRX/w427-h640/Freya+rashguard+set-1-8.jpg" width="427" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You know what? Speed sewing has never gone so well! I managed to knock this little outfit up in a matter of hours (which is good, as that was all I had) without any memorable unpicking, which has got to be a first. It also fitted Freya nicely, and got worn consecutively in 2 sunny weekends (also unheard of) shortly afterwards. </span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-48937629326916451932021-08-02T16:59:00.002+01:002021-08-04T14:39:49.025+01:00Sew your own period underwear - a comprehensive introduction<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is the first of a series of posts that I will be
sharing on sewing your own period underwear. It’s a bit of a whopper!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Warning:</i></b></span> <i>this post contains frank and personal discussions
about periods. Please feel free to scroll away if this you are not a fan of
TMI.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">TMI intro – what has led me to make my own period
underwear</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Periods and I have had a difficult relationship, even though
we’ve muddled through together for nearly <i>two decades</i>. I used to absolutely
dread it, because I would be curled up into a ball and drugged up for a day or
two each month due to deliberating cramps. It was always an embarrassing thing
to explain to my managers and colleagues as well. Now, after baby, my cramps
have eased (thanks Freya!) but I’ve swapped them for hormonal migraines. The
joy!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I could never get on with tampons at all, so have been a pad
user for the majority of the time. I started using a menstrual cup a few years
ago, and after a dodgy start (<i>think – late arrival at work due to lengthy
retrieval of cup</i>😅), I’ve grown really fond of it. It has transformed my sleep
(no more waking up at 5am fearing a leak), my exercise (it gave met the
confidence to show up at pole classes in my little pole shorts) and made me
feel a lot better about sending less disposable products to landfill. I also
enjoyed learning about my “flow” as well. However, on most days (when I'm out and about) and at night
time, I still used a pad as back-up for fear of leakage (even though this hardly
ever happens).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A few years ago, I became aware of Thinx, and as a result,
period underwear as a new concept. However, the price tag and the international
shipping from the US put me off. When ASOS UK started stocking them, I invested
in a pair but wasn’t happy with the fit. However, a seed was sewn in my head
from then that perhaps one day, I will make my own.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Fast forward a few years, I've gone all out and made 6 pairs in one go! This entire project
was finally prompted by potty training my toddler, which made me look into making
reusable training underwear for her, a project that would require similar
materials. By now, not one pair of toddler training underwear has been made,
but mummy has 6 pairs of period pants prototypes 😉 The truth is, once I got started, and my juices flowing (no pun intended), I couldn't stop (and could barely sleep). There were so many options and so many ideas! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOX9IPj9t946fnc9qHUSdGkXPVw8TbsA1AHqZyFYSbDoblSvVOU1fGkvy1Rx8LbMhxluasKWZ7BUMkqD4GwjzYQzYdCBPXzoFJQ12-s056nlaszeIbOOYk2i4Ah-67P-KlxxAK_7_6aXtr/s1536/period+underwear+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="sew your own period underwear pants panties thinx" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOX9IPj9t946fnc9qHUSdGkXPVw8TbsA1AHqZyFYSbDoblSvVOU1fGkvy1Rx8LbMhxluasKWZ7BUMkqD4GwjzYQzYdCBPXzoFJQ12-s056nlaszeIbOOYk2i4Ah-67P-KlxxAK_7_6aXtr/w426-h640/period+underwear+1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">My objectives</span></b></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
want to have reusable, more <i>sustainable</i> period underwear which are pretty,
well-fitted and comfortable. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
want to feel good during this challenging part of every month! <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
want them to be hygienic and leak-proof, without any weird tell-tale
rustling noises😄<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I’d
like to minimise bulk, and definitely want my own versions to be slimmer
than the disposable sanitary towels which I would otherwise use. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To create
these using only FREE underwear patterns (which are tried and tested for
my everyday use already), so that you can see how they can be easily
adapted. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I want to use up scraps that I already have for the “main
fabric” and wicking layers (I have Merino, Supplex, Tactel and Bamboo in
my stash).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
plan on wearing period underwear as cup back-up for certain days and
night-time, and on their own for the lighter days in the last couple of
days. I also want to use the light (!) flow ones for when I’m anticipating
it. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I
want to add my personal touch </span>(</i>as if making your own period underwear is
not personal enough!), which is expressed by those little labels at the
front. These are really easy to make (see <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2019/05/leggings-bummies-and-diy-size-label.html">my
tutorial here</a>), and I think the exclamation marks are pretty fitting
for period products. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p> </o:p><b>Some personal preferences</b></span></p>
<ul style="margin-top: 0cm;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Life
is too short for a drawer full of black underwear, am I right? We need colour and
prints!<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
<i>hate</i> elastic which digs into my bum cheeks, like, I absolutely cannot
stand it, for both comfort and aesthetic reasons. As a result, my cut elastic around the legs tend to be longer
than what most patterns call for. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
prefer lower rise underwear. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
prefer natural fabrics against my skin to synthetic. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
prefer black gusset linings so that I don’t see the stains. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 0cm; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I
don’t mind investing in specialist fabrics (like Zorb, and Stretch PUL
lycra) in half metres (though I did get samples first), because I know they will be enough for lots of
pairs (and to make training pants for Freya).</span></li></ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Points to note</span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The pants that I’m showing you today are my <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">prototypes</span></i>. To this end, I’ve tried to mix up materials and methods so that I could perfect it as we go. Whilst they have been carefully thought
through (it’s taken me a while!), they have not yet been “road-tested” so I’m not
in a position to share a proper tutorial yet. What I'm sharing in the table below are some notes (for you, and also for me!) that I've made from making these. So, if you are an experienced sewer and can't wait to make your own, this might help give you some ideas. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I plan on coming back once they’ve been
tested (possibly both by “cough medicine” and by actual use), and to provide
feedback and tutorials if they would be useful. In the meantime, if you have
questions or requests, let me know and I’ll try my best to help.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">If you are new to making underwear, I’d strongly recommend that you try out a “normal” pair first.</span></i> Any of the below patterns would be a great
starting point (including the Flo). I should warn you though: it's seriously satisfying, and you may end up swearing that
you will no longer buy ready-to-wear underwear!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I haven’t actually worn or road-tested shop-bought period underwear (the pair of Thinx that I did buy didn’t fit so was returned). I’m therefore basing my
“branded lookalike” judgement on the aesthetics and absorbency levels by
assessing the online info only; do take this with a pinch of salt, and feel free to suggest other ideas. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Finally, I bought my Zorb and Stretch PUL jersey from <a href="https://www.cuddleplushfabrics.co.uk/">Cuddle Plush</a> in the UK, who is
a local stockist for Wazoodle (Zorb manufacturer) based in the US. I don’t use
affiliate links, so where links are included, they are for your convenience
only.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">OK, so here’s the <b>big round-up (click on the table below to expand):</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxBEm1Hd_lSFq3BuT84ZU1wzefCQ9K7aGnWMCY9jptUGliHrDxMw-eXHKxryXt7dUCv-lnXjzVr0tYtrWHtYMVVNad0fEpsKO0foyuUv6bs7UFJ6_oy98Yq7KgV6NRJUtZuMel_lGfGqn/s1280/Period+underwear+Sewing+summary+Queen+of+Darts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="sew your own period underwear pants undies comparison table notes" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxBEm1Hd_lSFq3BuT84ZU1wzefCQ9K7aGnWMCY9jptUGliHrDxMw-eXHKxryXt7dUCv-lnXjzVr0tYtrWHtYMVVNad0fEpsKO0foyuUv6bs7UFJ6_oy98Yq7KgV6NRJUtZuMel_lGfGqn/w640-h360/Period+underwear+Sewing+summary+Queen+of+Darts.png" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Some additional notes and pics:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhym1R3kPPvjIu1l4lL0q_k1J6QX4xQuMSgSQ-RDud2G4y0kJdsAHKL2oH3lCN2WytxuEuchZuNh_fKxdfrzW8L-eoaMCIfZkGcyZnEKYDuTicC0UZo2cypylXwGv87k-atEz1uh7p410/s1024/period+underwear+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="sew period underwear panties thinx cheeky light flow Ohhh Lulu Celeste panties" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhym1R3kPPvjIu1l4lL0q_k1J6QX4xQuMSgSQ-RDud2G4y0kJdsAHKL2oH3lCN2WytxuEuchZuNh_fKxdfrzW8L-eoaMCIfZkGcyZnEKYDuTicC0UZo2cypylXwGv87k-atEz1uh7p410/w640-h426/period+underwear+2.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><i>Light flow (left: seagull, right: blue flowers)</i></span></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To me, these are still sexy (even you you may not be feeling it during that time of the month!), and the lace trims add another dimension. The concave bum curves make these nice and cheeky, without being eaten up by your bum! These are light flow (!) only, and the layers (both options, FT or 2x CL) are so thin, that you wouldn't notice the difference between these and your normal underwear. To me, these act like pants + a pantyliner (but wider). The pattern alternations here are actually quite simple (moving a couple of straight lines), making this a straightforward sew for someone who is comfortable with underwear making. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ75Zfhqjgoc4qFx_skElTBrgHotpVggzyMYfJ-C4mYM9oiT_TcdNIQ4UKKWYTfBDrZcZuXEX3xYDR5x06i08Z6vVgwRtJfSJjyq39QyEngi6DGCZpMsnE_h8otiHyDaR5bn0z8JoVNlR5/s1024/period+underwear+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="sew period underwear pants medium flow Zorb bamboo Indigorchid TSHIRT" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ75Zfhqjgoc4qFx_skElTBrgHotpVggzyMYfJ-C4mYM9oiT_TcdNIQ4UKKWYTfBDrZcZuXEX3xYDR5x06i08Z6vVgwRtJfSJjyq39QyEngi6DGCZpMsnE_h8otiHyDaR5bn0z8JoVNlR5/w640-h426/period+underwear+3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Medium flow (left: Wonderlust Boho, right: Garden dreams (official
names given by Art Gallery Fabrics))</span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The T-shirt underwear pattern is one of my favourite everyday underwear
patterns. In my opinion, the medium to full bum coverage (see the basically straight bum cut line) and wide crotch makes it
perfect to be hacked into period underwear. I’m trying out a couple of different
approaches with these (see table above), and will report back which works
better.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92KeT0UUtuLZymm9tLSYfoHMfz9PPf-BkJY4NeVuOnx_-OdXDUJ8lwNSre50BKJBLJihAJydUAg6dJt-yLVsducZHSaqT07kGnNQqU3NBYUak4kv8OA1U4JYCv2m3ez4YdH5UgR2v7xcA/s1024/period+underwear+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="sew period underwear pants Thinx Hiphugger Modibodi Hipster Megan Nielsen Acacia Seamwork Flo" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92KeT0UUtuLZymm9tLSYfoHMfz9PPf-BkJY4NeVuOnx_-OdXDUJ8lwNSre50BKJBLJihAJydUAg6dJt-yLVsducZHSaqT07kGnNQqU3NBYUak4kv8OA1U4JYCv2m3ez4YdH5UgR2v7xcA/w640-h426/period+underwear+4.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Heavy/night (left: Summer Shine (another AGF name),
right: marble swirl)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I’m quite excited about these two. The Acacia is such a
popular underwear pattern, and I loved how the hacked version came out, and am
excited to wear that to sleep with the big leakproof layer. The bum curve here is a convex one, providing full coverage. Part of me wanted
the label to say Zzz rather than !!! but for now, I stuck with the !!! for consistency. I like
the shaping of the angled panels (I played around with this a bit and this was my 3<sup>rd</sup>
iteration), and also want to make these with mesh side panels as well! The
pattern alterations here are the most involved, so I wouldn’t recommend this
for a beginner.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>But the Flo pattern appears to be the first FREE pattern out
there that is specifically designed for period underwear</i>.</span> This is a
great place to start! My FOE length point above is more to do with 1) my
personal preference against elastic digging into my bum, and 2) how ridiculously
strong the wide FOE is (I had bought it to be straps for sports bras, so it
needed to be supportive), than with the pattern itself. l also adore the
inclusive sizing of this pattern!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So, this is my "back to front", Ta-Dah type intro on sewing your own period underwear. Well done on reading this far! <b>I'd love to hear where you stand on period underwear, and in particular, whether you are thinking about making your own! </b>I know that blogs are perhaps not as "cool" these days as Vlogs or Instagram posts, but they sure are an excellent forum for including lots of details and over sharing 😁. <i><span style="color: #cc0000;">So, over share away, my friends, and I'd love to hear tips, requests, questions or any comments that you might have! </span></i></span></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-15435199956431424492021-07-04T16:35:00.000+01:002021-07-04T16:35:16.524+01:00More activewear - Greenstyle Cavallo & Elevate (including Fit Capsule Part 2)<div class="separator"></div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">2018 was when I started dabbling in sewing activewear, and 2021 is the year it finally took off! Considering that I'm quite a bit less active right now (thanks multiple lockdowns!), it's quite surprising that I find myself rather addicted to making sporty outfits! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVagxYMX88xIzQMe9HHX5797aNxFbGanRfjZY-8_joX8rIIvigsOH1JD0D2HwCQO3-JSL9bkDtOUkI64YiHJ-0nE9sGKth9x8LE5mMmWwv7imMSAC21LufzeHufp_UoEyFuJNLMAWXafCZ/s1536/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+overlay+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVagxYMX88xIzQMe9HHX5797aNxFbGanRfjZY-8_joX8rIIvigsOH1JD0D2HwCQO3-JSL9bkDtOUkI64YiHJ-0nE9sGKth9x8LE5mMmWwv7imMSAC21LufzeHufp_UoEyFuJNLMAWXafCZ/s1536/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+overlay+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGQAtcRaE7jWvVLoG6nJneRo5sqKq5vmq6TYo_ma-9thFTu8YIR-d20WBuDomBuewYXavTEByIoia_RvSLELDilOSgKUR4dvtvx71_WwZ5JO9lG6yzqT5mHApfOuWVqejlQ27k7e0MD0-/s1536/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="greenstyle elevate crop cavallo leggings activewear supplex tactel" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgGQAtcRaE7jWvVLoG6nJneRo5sqKq5vmq6TYo_ma-9thFTu8YIR-d20WBuDomBuewYXavTEByIoia_RvSLELDilOSgKUR4dvtvx71_WwZ5JO9lG6yzqT5mHApfOuWVqejlQ27k7e0MD0-/w426-h640/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+1.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But it's not all plain sailing. These<a href="https://greenstylecreations.com/products/cavallo-leggings-pdf-pattern-sizes-b-m"> Greenstyle Cavallo leggings</a> jammed my beloved coverstitch machine so much that I had to take it back to the dealer for repair/un-jamming. Worse still, I was mid reverse coverstitching inside the left trouser leg when the machine halted to a stop with a louse noise, and it was so jammed that I could not get the leg back out for the life of me! To my huge relief, both the machine and the fabric came back good as new. </span><a name='more'></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim40b-hiwfj_0aTzpMus90NdHYOngmu9UaoF0gCSkat6MkCHoqw4I1FC_SVjLvr1KNotbLRyqy_oBXBQYsY70FcCnIPddP-ks10W-dbtof0cvt6A-GmoBA94ZuZMmGLsRddO4bqziSqwrI/s1536/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="greenstyle elevate crop cavallo leggings activewear supplex tactel" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim40b-hiwfj_0aTzpMus90NdHYOngmu9UaoF0gCSkat6MkCHoqw4I1FC_SVjLvr1KNotbLRyqy_oBXBQYsY70FcCnIPddP-ks10W-dbtof0cvt6A-GmoBA94ZuZMmGLsRddO4bqziSqwrI/w426-h640/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+3.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That drama actually made me realise how fond I had grown to love my coverstitch machine, and how addicted I am now to sewing activewear. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I had heard so much about these Cavallo leggings, and how genius they are as they have no in-seam. I rarely ride horses (it tends to be an activity that we undertake on holiday- the pattern comes with optional knee patches) and since I already owned the <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2021/02/fit-capsule-2021-part-1-power-bra-tempo.html">Tempo</a> and <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2021/02/getting-active-super-g-jalie-3247.html">Super G</a>, I really wasn't sure if I needed another leggings pattern. But when I finally gave in, I am wondering where these leggings have been all my life! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The back curve is flattering (even though a pain to coverstitch!) and the no in-seam is so comfortable! You don't know how much discomfort the in-seam can cause until you've tried without! </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSRSOrDlQ4tWCgW-hgoN4HFGErZusw0oMt5faDR3v860KcIab_xl17mEJGsQNede43hQN4KfaG1HpHpzQ6W5zkyJvTD_aDnoZGou-HMR7uW1edTEA5-JHR9YsYBxhnpTuPBzUsUZqA8fY/s1536/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="greenstyle elevate crop cavallo leggings activewear supplex tactel" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsSRSOrDlQ4tWCgW-hgoN4HFGErZusw0oMt5faDR3v860KcIab_xl17mEJGsQNede43hQN4KfaG1HpHpzQ6W5zkyJvTD_aDnoZGou-HMR7uW1edTEA5-JHR9YsYBxhnpTuPBzUsUZqA8fY/w426-h640/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+2.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I find the Cavallo a little less compressive than the other two patterns, when made in the same sizes using the same fabric (albeit in different colours). These Cavallos are made in a <a href="https://www.tiaknightfabrics.co.uk/fabrics-c1/lycra-c15/supplex-lycra-c165/supplex-sports-4-way-stretch-lycra-q50-p7054">Charcoal Supplex</a>, size C (graded to D in calves). I chopped some lengths off at various points (above knees, below knees and at the hem) but could do with reducing a tiny bit more. I cut a high rise in the legs and high rise (rather than ultra high) in the waistband, and the wrinkling around the hips is telling me that a lower rise in the leg may have been better. A few things to tweak for the next pair, but this first pair is perfectly wearable. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I also knocked up a little Elevate crop top in an <a href="https://www.tiaknightfabrics.co.uk/fabrics-c1/lycra-c15/tactel-lycra-c170/tactel-4-way-stretch-mid-weight-jersey-lycra-fabric-aubergine-sq515-aub-p6972">Aubergine Tactel</a>, in size C with low front and binding, and can't believe how quickly this came together! The cross-over band is so cool and flattering! <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGrZYsmd5MFnpZAGSlvuXNTkQBSkoGjtxjUAVkFEJ5JATJCCcC2LeC8xs1vd2upU1RpgpxOZ7JbEH6tVyTQBYhSdReULIcR-q1cD-JNFpn8hCOEANMcos4szSJqvQv79FgZuS1ff-omUP/s1536/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+overlay+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="greenstyle elevate overlay cavallo leggings activewear supplex" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGrZYsmd5MFnpZAGSlvuXNTkQBSkoGjtxjUAVkFEJ5JATJCCcC2LeC8xs1vd2upU1RpgpxOZ7JbEH6tVyTQBYhSdReULIcR-q1cD-JNFpn8hCOEANMcos4szSJqvQv79FgZuS1ff-omUP/w426-h640/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+overlay+1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I also have a confession to make. I actually made an Elevate Overlay (which, by the way, comes in the same pattern as the crop top) as part of the Fit Capsule challenge in Feb 2021, and it's taken me 5 months to blog it! Since it goes so nicely with the leggings, I figured it was better late than never ;) <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17K6D26qhCagmviFcCTq1GqH72zvMax3dXMeUVH0VKFz6YN52ZXyQt6I-g24mBItbyZYTO4i2dqc5lP-4wPFLQNSgPkP84XL7swkB_jzjM2yoxX0d7NS_YzNwGGN9k8CB6479ZvOw9q_f/s1536/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+overlay+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="greenstyle elevate overlay" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj17K6D26qhCagmviFcCTq1GqH72zvMax3dXMeUVH0VKFz6YN52ZXyQt6I-g24mBItbyZYTO4i2dqc5lP-4wPFLQNSgPkP84XL7swkB_jzjM2yoxX0d7NS_YzNwGGN9k8CB6479ZvOw9q_f/w426-h640/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+overlay+2.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I chose the V back, with a hem band, and made these in a Size C. I kind of wish I had sized down one, due to the loose knit fabric that I was using, which was beautiful, but didn't have great recovery. I had to remove quite a bit of length from the bottom, because, well, I only had 1m of this stripy fabric. Thankfully, I am a rather petite 5'3, so this worked well. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I love the shape of the overlay, and the little drop shoulder detail. I also love the idea of being able to wear the back as front, even though the only way I could get that to work without too much gaping was by hand tacking the cross-over together. I like the resulting V shape, and prefers this to adding the little tie across the top to help.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="greenstyle elevate crop overlay cavallo leggings" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVagxYMX88xIzQMe9HHX5797aNxFbGanRfjZY-8_joX8rIIvigsOH1JD0D2HwCQO3-JSL9bkDtOUkI64YiHJ-0nE9sGKth9x8LE5mMmWwv7imMSAC21LufzeHufp_UoEyFuJNLMAWXafCZ/w426-h640/greenstyle+cavallo+elevate+crop+overlay+6.jpg" width="426" /></span></p></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So there you have it, my new activewear outfit! I love how it all fits together, even though the leggings almost broke my coverstitch machine! I'm off to plan more makes! </span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-13484791781335036152021-04-25T16:47:00.001+01:002021-04-25T16:47:33.484+01:00Matching Camo Joggers<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Remember those <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2020/06/leopard-print-matching-joggers.html">leopard print matching joggers</a>? These have been such wardrobe staples for lockdown life! They have served us so well, and may just be the most worn items for the last year or so! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Although we still both fit into those pairs, I was itching to make some more in anticipation of any growth spurts (for Freya, I should add) :)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0LwdbQje9CHIkl1eYGX1vGTspLppw1nDUGnRf9FJrJukC0XOI2ehSN9LBbUjYXStkZ-eLh1FVsBhGCM-lwOBXh2RK8USFU4DlZaN7Mur_sVn1H_I1UFLTtYVACBwldDqMv9usnIeVjVq/s1536/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="matching camo ellie mac kids joggers greenstyle brassie" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_0LwdbQje9CHIkl1eYGX1vGTspLppw1nDUGnRf9FJrJukC0XOI2ehSN9LBbUjYXStkZ-eLh1FVsBhGCM-lwOBXh2RK8USFU4DlZaN7Mur_sVn1H_I1UFLTtYVACBwldDqMv9usnIeVjVq/w426-h640/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">What better fabric to use than this amazing camo print French Terry? It's perfect for hiding dirt and stains, and are (just about) trendy enough to wear outside the house as well. <span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveP5ExofyfeYO9FlxX7D0o2R0gaaiEjO0X_qL_HcA1JuAWneOtX3kQhcYqlcivVInbh7p6h2V4Z6LDyFg8271VlgxrwW5fcQcZ7MmbYtSFx3qsWEkrp706z06-FmEuW-8T8PVUYExPFR0/s1536/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="matching camo ellie mac kids joggers greenstyle brassie" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhveP5ExofyfeYO9FlxX7D0o2R0gaaiEjO0X_qL_HcA1JuAWneOtX3kQhcYqlcivVInbh7p6h2V4Z6LDyFg8271VlgxrwW5fcQcZ7MmbYtSFx3qsWEkrp706z06-FmEuW-8T8PVUYExPFR0/w426-h640/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+2.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">For Freya's pair, I decided to try a new-to-us pattern, the <a href="https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/unisex-kids-joggers-pattern">Kids Joggers </a>by Ellie and Mac. You might recall that I was pretty smitten by the <a href="https://brindilletwig.com/products/mini-modern-jogger-131">Mini Modern Joggers by Brindille & Twig</a>, but thanks to Wacky Wednesday, I couldn't resist the chance to pick up the<a href="https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/unisex-kids-joggers-pattern"> Kids Joggers pattern,</a> which includes 2 looks and some cool patch options, running from 12 months to 14 years old, for a grand total of $1. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwvj7-eQ-BOHwa-4iF_wJvizmkKszHEsXHvI1SRiLQ2rO5qnMsRPxXRt5B4B93TOjjOopCraFe6U0QifRpVF6jYus_uiDs9Yfqgnmuyrpis1EqlVB5rIQak3n9_T3NRgn84b0uapN5pdg/s1536/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="matching camo ellie mac kids joggers greenstyle brassie" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFwvj7-eQ-BOHwa-4iF_wJvizmkKszHEsXHvI1SRiLQ2rO5qnMsRPxXRt5B4B93TOjjOopCraFe6U0QifRpVF6jYus_uiDs9Yfqgnmuyrpis1EqlVB5rIQak3n9_T3NRgn84b0uapN5pdg/w427-h640/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+3.jpg" width="427" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I made these in a size 3 length and size 4 width, in relaxed fit with pockets (obviously), and they came together easily and nicely. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpADoH1ZhgXW8aLo6mcMarKrFF18x6yJ3Wwv98gDxLRHBMztse-cpPY1kykpHdK6H1x9Rr1jm2TE1C-7ajs5eFY4RqPFitfVXK4MB0fbIA71y0Ti985VsV7v6YQs7Y6enoCzd1nbEXmtO/s1536/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="matching camo ellie mac kids joggers greenstyle brassie" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpADoH1ZhgXW8aLo6mcMarKrFF18x6yJ3Wwv98gDxLRHBMztse-cpPY1kykpHdK6H1x9Rr1jm2TE1C-7ajs5eFY4RqPFitfVXK4MB0fbIA71y0Ti985VsV7v6YQs7Y6enoCzd1nbEXmtO/w426-h640/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+6.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The only issue we seem to have is that the pockets have a tendency to flip out. In comparison, I prefer the curved pockets on the Mini Modern, for their style and how well they stay put. Otherwise, these toddler joggers fit the bill nicely: they are relaxed and comfortable, and work well with quite a few tops. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAX4Vkzo-S1yCcDri1_sUM0MnYY4fx-xQTr5FVom8jfWe3NapShILuU9c0G3mU6Ivv1AClbqrbg6rY-tn5zRgBKLFa1gK2ik5IsV-4Ze8044HD7GpE5AHHNE8C7CwhoakAY-ElPyk8M1u/s1536/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="matching camo ellie mac kids joggers greenstyle brassie" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAX4Vkzo-S1yCcDri1_sUM0MnYY4fx-xQTr5FVom8jfWe3NapShILuU9c0G3mU6Ivv1AClbqrbg6rY-tn5zRgBKLFa1gK2ik5IsV-4Ze8044HD7GpE5AHHNE8C7CwhoakAY-ElPyk8M1u/w426-h640/matching+camo+Ellie+Mac+kids+joggers+greenstyle+brassie+7.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">For my pair, i went with Brassies again this time. I won't bore you with the details, as you can find my <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2021/01/new-workoutcasual-set-merino-low-back.html">last version here</a>. As the camo French Terry is less stretchy than the paint splash fabric, I considered sizing up, but decided against it and went with a slimmer fit in the end. I think this works well - my paint splashy 4-way stretch French Terry joggers are perfect for yoga, and these 2-way stretch camo ones are great for lounging, walking. They are also great for being out and about, having adventures in the fun wooded play area at Polesden Lacey, where these pictures were taken yesterday :)</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thanks for reading! Take care and we will be back soon ;)</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-83358865126683490862021-03-31T07:30:00.001+01:002021-03-31T07:30:06.074+01:00#Frugalfrocks2021 French Navy Orla Dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ta-dah! It is reveal time for #Frugalfrocks2021, where you sew something using fabric from your stash and a free sewing pattern. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since I'm a big fan of freebies, and, let's face it, there's not a lot else to do other than sewing during lockdown, I had to participate. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBvga3B-y794oUNeNLlLC1laLiuSlKoTqek0HpZKNG6haOsNZF07nwLUiMAoQwd73oC05g9n85xV4iHFfVP1HkubTEvFWcYusNNDRcSynaIL9w4Rg4Iywm3Ic908bKBpEyV9rOgllm1Q8/s1536/french+navy+orla+dress+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="French Navy Orla Dress Nautical Seersucker" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBvga3B-y794oUNeNLlLC1laLiuSlKoTqek0HpZKNG6haOsNZF07nwLUiMAoQwd73oC05g9n85xV4iHFfVP1HkubTEvFWcYusNNDRcSynaIL9w4Rg4Iywm3Ic908bKBpEyV9rOgllm1Q8/w426-h640/french+navy+orla+dress+1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The <a href="https://frenchnavy.co.za/patterns/2282-2/">French Navy Orla Dress</a> has been on my list to sew for ages, and the challenge was the perfect excuse for me to finally have a go at it. This pattern is totally free to download (no subscription or checkout required), and even comes in A0 for copyshop printing! </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Can you tell that I added pockets? I can't seem to get my hands out of them! Speaking of which, let me share my favourite <a href="https://blog.megannielsen.com/2016/09/tutorial-sew-inseam-pockets/">in-seam pocket tutorial</a> with you - I just love the clean finish this provides! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uIEckIjfgPzoK2J6bdZnVaCnvzbdWYHwdUxKSdukRuUXnUVkW-D66F6Nso88eyBq7dgvOuYBvSSl005AGAgl6b4fLw811LM7v-uUbK34mUc2f2l5x0XcE9eko3Wib6Jya1C0KJ9SkNUP/s1536/french+navy+orla+dress+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="French Navy Orla Dress Nautical Seersucker" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uIEckIjfgPzoK2J6bdZnVaCnvzbdWYHwdUxKSdukRuUXnUVkW-D66F6Nso88eyBq7dgvOuYBvSSl005AGAgl6b4fLw811LM7v-uUbK34mUc2f2l5x0XcE9eko3Wib6Jya1C0KJ9SkNUP/w426-h640/french+navy+orla+dress+2.jpg" title="French Navy Orla Dress Nautical Seersucker" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I had high hopes of this pattern, and it didn't disappoint. It's such a classic shape, and could look so different depending on the fabric you choose. I also liked the slightly high waistline, and the above-knee length. It's rare for me, but I decided not to make any adjustments to the pattern, and just cut a straight XS. Note though that I'm rather petite, so you might want to adjust accordingly if you are on the tall side. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other thing to mention is that the instructions are pretty basic - it contains narrative only, with no illustration or photos. I didn't actually use it, but I'm pretty familiar with sewing this type of dresses. For this reason, I probably wouldn't recommend this to a complete beginner, as tempting as a free dress pattern may be! </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0IjvJIIXvyNZKFLJaOm1F2ZyqLbjKgoTfZCvhBm_J9CxLuO8cGwFYNFw5RuQVR4HXXqGZpZpJPS3g_zvvIQLWf6GHxwlnXQW4ms0O_C3xB7V-KulqvBSQR2kgNjDO8VLfn2ECsZKrjDw/s1536/french+navy+orla+dress+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="French Navy Orla Dress Nautical Seersucker" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio0IjvJIIXvyNZKFLJaOm1F2ZyqLbjKgoTfZCvhBm_J9CxLuO8cGwFYNFw5RuQVR4HXXqGZpZpJPS3g_zvvIQLWf6GHxwlnXQW4ms0O_C3xB7V-KulqvBSQR2kgNjDO8VLfn2ECsZKrjDw/w426-h640/french+navy+orla+dress+3.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love how simple this dress is, and how it's turned out. The only slight issue that I have is that the neckline doesn't always lie flat. This was something that I was aware of, so I did pull out all the tricks during the construction process, but still didn't manage to get it to lie totally flat. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The fabric is a lovely nautical seersucker, which I picked up from C&H Guildford a few years ago. I knew that I had to have it, but for all this time, did not know exactly what to make with it. I had 1.5 metres of it (which has quite a narrow width), and I managed to squeeze out this dress without too much trouble. Neither did I end up with too much in the way of scrap, mind you! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUOkCkAMzaBYKu6UcsarW970Met5NofGZEWYvE8HfrewwFhhEuXAnYr5pDX6w9Z7XC1uuz38m2PjQpuMTh21m1TS4YwJdKof_aDCbjrFSG11xVBWkN3jUB7s4z8UPQfcurgB3pM-8LawO/s1536/french+navy+orla+dress+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="French Navy Orla Dress Nautical Seersucker" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdUOkCkAMzaBYKu6UcsarW970Met5NofGZEWYvE8HfrewwFhhEuXAnYr5pDX6w9Z7XC1uuz38m2PjQpuMTh21m1TS4YwJdKof_aDCbjrFSG11xVBWkN3jUB7s4z8UPQfcurgB3pM-8LawO/w426-h640/french+navy+orla+dress+4.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And there you have it, my little nautical summer dress, just in time for the beautiful weather! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now I'm off to see all the reveals today! </span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-55487340801621903482021-02-23T16:40:00.004+00:002021-02-23T16:46:56.842+00:00Fit capsule 2021 Part 1 - Power Bra + Tempo leggings<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Wow, I'm so pleased to be participating in the <a href="https://greenstylecreations.com/blogs/news/fit-capsule-challenge-2021">Greenstyle Fit Capsule challenge</a> this year! I've been trying to make more activewear for some time, and this challenge was just what I needed to kick my arse into gear, whilst thinking about building that capsule wardrobe. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcx_fDi36GDH-C3BnQdRDrYS0yMYpzk3BPNpMg6vyIBJ5ruHvbGpmOBBjf9Hm2-5Nd0QHscODxSG-xo8N0MrxpBR2t6b2z8bMAlCYoAMTEsFzHHHmL7o8lY_MCGZaGwFQY7SvIBIdFkZV/s1536/greenstyle+tempo+power+bra+elevate++1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="greenstyle power sports bra psb tempo tights leggings fit capsule" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcx_fDi36GDH-C3BnQdRDrYS0yMYpzk3BPNpMg6vyIBJ5ruHvbGpmOBBjf9Hm2-5Nd0QHscODxSG-xo8N0MrxpBR2t6b2z8bMAlCYoAMTEsFzHHHmL7o8lY_MCGZaGwFQY7SvIBIdFkZV/w426-h640/greenstyle+tempo+power+bra+elevate++1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Here is my first post on the Fit Capsule, showing off my new pair of <a href="https://greenstylecreations.com/products/tempo-athletic-tights-pdf-pattern-sizes-b-m?variant=31346096111706">Tempo tights</a>, with a matching <a href="https://greenstylecreations.com/products/power-sports-bra-in-cup-size-a-h-and-bands-28-46">Power Sports Bra</a>. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I had bought </span><a href="https://www.funkifabrics.com/funki-fabrics-nr-a108-non-regular-print-p2758" style="font-family: arial;">this floral jungle fabric </a><span style="font-family: arial;">from Funki Fabrics, and matched it with this navy technical legging fabric from </span><a href="https://frumble.co.uk/collections/swim-sports" style="font-family: arial;">Frumble</a><span style="font-family: arial;">. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I love the navy fabric, which is a nice weight at 240gsm, and I am happy to have discovered a new-to-me fabric shop in the process. Whilst I really like that print from Funki, <span style="color: #cc0000;">I did have a bit of trouble with the fabric and the customer service</span>. It looks like the fabric got a bit creased as it was printed, so there were a few printing faults on it. It wasn't the most noticeable, and as a result I didn't see it until about a month after receiving it. When I got in touch with the company politely, they referred me to their terms and conditions, which asks that you return any faulty product within <u>7 days</u>, and that because it was outside of that window, there was absolutely nothing that they could do. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Seriously? Funki Fabrics? Having been a loyal customer for some time, and a big fan of their great print options, this was disappointing. However, I tried not to let that put me off the project, and cut around the faults where I could. Shall we just call it character? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P4BcW2GCX5gY9Hd4gAiceFR2R-Rn7RsZh53IIbv6znOEd8l0CdbxvHSxkoWOIV9YVeViZjaroAzZSF2RmYNVe3t_TaTU6M9WLuyMmDRB1pU79PlqlveuIIr-avI3mgi_RGPZ5JN4m_Ve/s1536/greenstyle+tempo+power+bra+elevate++02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="greenstyle power sports bra psb tempo tights leggings fit capsule" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-P4BcW2GCX5gY9Hd4gAiceFR2R-Rn7RsZh53IIbv6znOEd8l0CdbxvHSxkoWOIV9YVeViZjaroAzZSF2RmYNVe3t_TaTU6M9WLuyMmDRB1pU79PlqlveuIIr-avI3mgi_RGPZ5JN4m_Ve/w426-h640/greenstyle+tempo+power+bra+elevate++02.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">With that out of the way,<span style="color: #cc0000;"> shall we talk about the Power Bra, otherwise affectionately nicknamed the PSB?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>I have had my eyes on the PSB for soooo long, and finally took the plunge. The best thing? It has all the options, plus lots of hacks on the Greenstyle blog and beyond. Could this be the <i>perfect </i>sports bra base, from which I could make all my future exercise bras/pole tops? </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I made the strappy cross-back and high coverage front version. I watched the amazingly helpful <a href="https://www.sewingwithsarah.com/sewalong/power-bra-sewalong-day-1/">sew-along</a> by Sewing with Sarah, who, basically, held my hand through this process. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Oh, by the way, this is a size 30C. If this is not a reason alone to make your own sports bra, I seriously don't know what is! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">For an extra little detail, I coverstitched the seams on the bra and the band. This helps the seams lie nicely, and also reduces the stress on the seams, so that the "construction thread" (left thread on your overlocker) is much more invisible. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Next up, the Tempo leggings. </span><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjHwLmRtlyVhzB4KaZ5lrdopImq9ZshnRoMPUwt1DmYRV2oQ6I1j5RB6Sk-0hWkABba9ITE6vrxGI6PDUJxUU_Bngf428XMtAohIo-ookI01ddSlkI6XflYkuHn3jyH9Jw1bf5g1OXr8Q/s1536/greenstyle+tempo+power+bra+elevate++3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="greenstyle power sports bra psb tempo tights leggings fit capsule" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjHwLmRtlyVhzB4KaZ5lrdopImq9ZshnRoMPUwt1DmYRV2oQ6I1j5RB6Sk-0hWkABba9ITE6vrxGI6PDUJxUU_Bngf428XMtAohIo-ookI01ddSlkI6XflYkuHn3jyH9Jw1bf5g1OXr8Q/w426-h640/greenstyle+tempo+power+bra+elevate++3.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The heart-shaped back isn't actually that obvious with my fabric and thread choices (the latter for the topstitching), but let me assure you that it is a lovely detail, even though not the easiest to sew neatly. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Guys, this pattern includes different height options in completely different files! Isn't that a genius idea? I would probably not have fancied shortening all the pieces on this pattern, and my needs were pre-empted and met. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I cut a size C in petite, graded to D at the waist and my calves. I also watched Sharon's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a8MZpgh7-8">sew-along</a>, which helped no end! She has such a warm tone, and knows exactly where I need that extra bit of detail which I couldn't find in the instructions. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have gone with the ultra-high rise waistband, for example. And yes, of course I need those pockets!! </span><span style="font-family: arial;">I scooped out the front crotch by 1/8, and included clear elastic in the waist seam. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQsXrEPUYIgrLlNDaC7KoJTOi7a2WB3JCu1-fObCH2SJMFNsqDkvLrID1ruXvRN7dUricbRAXX6Gvv9p8nKeLFFqJrguZGBwovC9eKyXxE9t6opwGuL80vrapXA8v3nZ7PNLoCwfiXNmG/s1536/greenstyle+tempo+power+bra+elevate++6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="greenstyle power sports bra psb tempo tights leggings fit capsule" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMQsXrEPUYIgrLlNDaC7KoJTOi7a2WB3JCu1-fObCH2SJMFNsqDkvLrID1ruXvRN7dUricbRAXX6Gvv9p8nKeLFFqJrguZGBwovC9eKyXxE9t6opwGuL80vrapXA8v3nZ7PNLoCwfiXNmG/w426-h640/greenstyle+tempo+power+bra+elevate++6.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I also </span>reverse coverstitched the Tempo seams. I opted out of reverse coverstitching the inseam, though, mainly because I didn't want to interrupt the pattern around the knees, but also because I didn't fancy all that shuffling... I would say that <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2021/02/getting-active-super-g-jalie-3247.html">compared to the Super Gs</a>, the top stitching on the Tempo was much, much easier to do. Choosing a matching thread certainly helps, too! </div></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Let me close by saying just how happy I am to have found workout patterns that fit me well. I am most excited about the opportunities the PSB brings. It is scrap busting, with a multitude of options, and I can see myself making a sports bra to matching every pair of leggings that I make! And did I tell you that I am now a C-cup? ;) </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I will have a couple more items for the Fit Capsule in the next couple of weeks. Stay tuned! </span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-31653727319988747622021-02-06T21:16:00.001+00:002021-02-06T21:17:27.472+00:00Getting active - Super G + Jalie 3247<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Do you know how long I've been planning on sewing a set like this? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Since June 2019, to be precise. Too long, in other words! I had sewn up the sports bra with some pole shorts then, and carefully put away the remnant of this amazing marl activewear fabric back in my stash, until the day I was ready to make matching leggings. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k2Uoxs95jbBjrsJAFM9vgYn96-ox5X6UE98UYPhNr0apS8WcIjgUtTLIVpZxSgwWXp1_WrgO40rKLhTZ14EPFWKqUme1vXiQgcVcWVVylS7PXgtIno7_wNz_1WhzEN6YOfsQX5O-YZnm/s2048/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-k2Uoxs95jbBjrsJAFM9vgYn96-ox5X6UE98UYPhNr0apS8WcIjgUtTLIVpZxSgwWXp1_WrgO40rKLhTZ14EPFWKqUme1vXiQgcVcWVVylS7PXgtIno7_wNz_1WhzEN6YOfsQX5O-YZnm/w426-h640/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+2.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sure, thought about those leggings in between other projects, but couldn't quite settle on the exact project. I really love the marl fabric, for its softness, sketchiness and recovery, but was worried that using only this fabric for an entire pair of leggings would be "too much". It's pretty jazzy in its own right, and make your eyes struggle to focus sometimes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2Chzd4rlNxskpfraM1SYoenpvYKGGS_xIvCkXU6yQj1x8FsrbcUHTs-c3A14iG_qkkk-2JVPsi7QMGQa1z-68jjzSycYnkc8tFD0EST0GC66kQHLK3996v6-ImxPmtprc7kmzxOwVn_U/s2048/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv2Chzd4rlNxskpfraM1SYoenpvYKGGS_xIvCkXU6yQj1x8FsrbcUHTs-c3A14iG_qkkk-2JVPsi7QMGQa1z-68jjzSycYnkc8tFD0EST0GC66kQHLK3996v6-ImxPmtprc7kmzxOwVn_U/w426-h640/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, last autumn, <a href="https://www.tiaknightfabrics.co.uk/fabrics-c1/lycra-c15/supplex-lycra-c165/supplex-sports-4-way-stretch-lycra-q50-p7054">Tia Knight</a> emailed about the new medium weight (280gsm) supplex that it started stocking (in addition to its lightweight supplex), and I jumped on the opportunity to buy some as soon as the newletter landed in my inbox. The navy and this marl worked beautifully together. </span></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9bwS9sGBJZJ6lXBElS5wGc9lZvM4JhSpInaUMJ0RtCLDUGaGAXjVweLt6yQ0G28nzRVhnnYAoj83wJFegWLJNp9gNzZp_xf0GxlasngQ10tzhLfn5U28c_GK0OswlXHBjHHb70obo1Vm/s2048/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG9bwS9sGBJZJ6lXBElS5wGc9lZvM4JhSpInaUMJ0RtCLDUGaGAXjVweLt6yQ0G28nzRVhnnYAoj83wJFegWLJNp9gNzZp_xf0GxlasngQ10tzhLfn5U28c_GK0OswlXHBjHHb70obo1Vm/w426-h640/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+3.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">After a lot of deliberation, I went with the <a href="https://greenstylecreations.com/products/super-g-tights-pdf-pattern">Super G tights </a>by Greenstyle Creations. As someone that enjoys yoga and aerial workouts (pole, sling etc), that huge "Lulu" gusset which allows for all sorts of ranges of motion sold the pattern to me. <span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Greenstyle Creations are known for its on-trend activewear collection. What's more, in my experience (I've tried 5 or 6 of their patterns so far), the patterns are meticulously drafted, and come with all sorts of options. Against my high expectations, the Super G did not disappoint. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PE8ev76RlO7mpJQA32c7WS20HE5_DVTUDOf3VDcjaCecE2suaVZLHsRdAQS-NCdi5yWgNoD7OJGfq4znNXfgfmfjYO-S4bHzDdpyryWlz3t8rd4SOOCjzpjKRAi8ylPbFE9IrvF2Sfji/s2048/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7PE8ev76RlO7mpJQA32c7WS20HE5_DVTUDOf3VDcjaCecE2suaVZLHsRdAQS-NCdi5yWgNoD7OJGfq4znNXfgfmfjYO-S4bHzDdpyryWlz3t8rd4SOOCjzpjKRAi8ylPbFE9IrvF2Sfji/w426-h640/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+4.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Wearing my <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2021/01/new-workoutcasual-set-merino-low-back.html">merino wool top</a> here.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>I cut a size C, graded to D for my calves and waist. I made the pocket version (on both sides), shorted the legs by an inch (and cut a 29' length), and included the optional clear elastic in the waistband. I did tweak the crotch slightly too, by scooping out the front crotch curve by 1/4, trimming the widest gusset piece by 1/4 and shortening the gusset piece between the dots (so that it is slightly more stretched when attaching to the legs). </span><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIlHCZJcMCOrsBI46XH5ywtCknQTy6BaczFYgUrhcXzK2YVtr9A-wh-pMpNETp23vVCcc1L8igeIyk4Twkjh44xP3L9_dENTbTLxHfMN9-fUYvzxnLMPyp8avg5Vjvt9q5NJt11Qvh4Gc/s2048/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIlHCZJcMCOrsBI46XH5ywtCknQTy6BaczFYgUrhcXzK2YVtr9A-wh-pMpNETp23vVCcc1L8igeIyk4Twkjh44xP3L9_dENTbTLxHfMN9-fUYvzxnLMPyp8avg5Vjvt9q5NJt11Qvh4Gc/w426-h640/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+5.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I also tried reverse coverstitching on all the seams, with a rainbow bulky thread no less. To make this slightly easier, instead of sewing up the gusset last, I left the back side seams (where the pocket pieces join the back pieces) open on each leg, and sewed these up as a final step. They were still tricky to reverse coverstitch (through the legs), but it was preferable to doing the long gusset seams through both legs, if you see what I mean. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2c6djphHN_givZTGHIUgcYVA-rFJRZyuRGg7mPZwYFMTtKlnJG9PFHIo0z8fVVZkVccCAouBy0j9W0V2MHGzMmXFenciDID-AaLzRc4Ielf4Ct3du9r0sN6kM0EuxG8NsmElhtfVrYnB/s2048/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL2c6djphHN_givZTGHIUgcYVA-rFJRZyuRGg7mPZwYFMTtKlnJG9PFHIo0z8fVVZkVccCAouBy0j9W0V2MHGzMmXFenciDID-AaLzRc4Ielf4Ct3du9r0sN6kM0EuxG8NsmElhtfVrYnB/w426-h640/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+7.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Let's not forget about the bra, too. By now of course, it has been worn countless times, and has been a firm favourite of mine. It fits well and is super comfy to wear. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The pattern is the <a href="https://jalie.com/products/cropped-tops-and-gym-shorts-sewing-pattern">3247 by Jalie</a>, another reputable name in the activewear pattern game. I really love their huge size range, all the way from kids sizes to adult. You feel like you are getting 2 patterns in one. I made a few changes including: </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Replacing the sewn and folded bottom elastic with a band (chopping 3.6cm from the bottom pattern piece, and adding a band measuring 56cm x 5.7cm for a 2cm wide elastic that's 57.2cm long);</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lowering the centre front by 2cm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Lowering the shoulders by 4cm to attach the straps differently (directly onto the back rather than folding over to hold the straps);</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Using shop bought lingerie straps here as a "cheat";</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Adding a lining with cut-outs for removable cups. </span></li></ul></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUisfqvbDuLlHP9uT7pq0TGbXzPI3UrZ3lssmsoA_tnKV1anROZ0qquNCp2TZswxgAIOSvttKWweAnJzkHDa0N-o5yygrXKzSYSiXeEihAsn5RL6KnZOdMOCMhXU2ucpM8bdxg1nctySv/s2048/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUisfqvbDuLlHP9uT7pq0TGbXzPI3UrZ3lssmsoA_tnKV1anROZ0qquNCp2TZswxgAIOSvttKWweAnJzkHDa0N-o5yygrXKzSYSiXeEihAsn5RL6KnZOdMOCMhXU2ucpM8bdxg1nctySv/w426-h640/greenstyle+super+g+leggings+6.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I love my "new" workout set! It's totally been worth the wait. I haven't included a picture of my pole shorts here (I'm saving that for another time), but I love having a matching pole set plus leggings for warm-up and cool-down. The leggings are great for yoga, too, which may just give me the motivation that I need to get myself a bit more active during this lockdown! </span></div><p></p></div></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-38057752781490327692021-01-11T11:47:00.003+00:002021-01-11T11:47:51.972+00:00Matching cross-back aprons<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Twinning with Freya is always awesome. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I've been needing a new apron for some time, and given Freya's recent addiction to "baking", I saw an opportunity to be matchy matchy on a regular basis. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgb3lrBZnghME6R3ufXTpVDn2ZGn6OmhnVuFVSFfh3JOrBVSufQs6RdXTWHvFfXwcp2YkXPdlLHL4xosimSNOuXOwUFh9IAHL65BV_pKYpsQANkmVy-n9GOp0W_745rka7Mna2oUw7yDy/s2000/matching+japanese+aprons+AGF+chambray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="hey june handmade allspice apron matching cross-back japanese" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1334" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgb3lrBZnghME6R3ufXTpVDn2ZGn6OmhnVuFVSFfh3JOrBVSufQs6RdXTWHvFfXwcp2YkXPdlLHL4xosimSNOuXOwUFh9IAHL65BV_pKYpsQANkmVy-n9GOp0W_745rka7Mna2oUw7yDy/w426-h640/matching+japanese+aprons+AGF+chambray.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was so happy to get my hands on this beautiful Art Gallery Fabrics chambray, which was just what I had in mind for this project! I used the brand spanking new FREE <a href="https://www.heyjunehandmade.com/product/allspice-apron">AllSpice apron pattern</a> by Hey June Handmade for my version, and you can read all about how I've crafted Freya's, and how I added those oh-so-important grow-with-me options, on the <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1060991">Minerva website here</a>!</span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-40293382683463806022021-01-07T20:47:00.003+00:002021-01-07T21:06:10.981+00:00New workout/casual set - merino low back top and Brassie joggers<span style="font-family: arial;">Do you do new year resolutions? Personally, I don't (mainly because I know I won't stick with it!), but I do believe in making new workout clothes for the new year. Anything for a bit of motivation, am I right? </span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I've been trying my hand at sewing activewear for some time. I may not have featured a lot on my blog yet, but you may have seen a few projects on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alice_x_wang/">my instagram grid</a>. So far, they've mainly been pole fitness-related, even including a couple of sets for a photoshoot, so it is definitely time to sew something sporty with more coverage! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Introducing my new set for yoga, pole fitness warm-up/cool down, stretching and just generally lounging about. At a push, I'd be pretty pleased to wear these as PJs, too, I'm sure. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSLQZM5XbdtIw6mL-Ozlk6jShsZCf0mg1RipnFtcB90CwDmgdLLzbcbU-u3XjbO4-x_iyoDIAfCLBl7GOv3Y-0WDfpONnHNyvrlBoChuDl-57tzK657iHwuXC0hkodifanmN2GC6mfS7b/s1536/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="low back merino p4p tulip tee greenstyle brassie joggers" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSLQZM5XbdtIw6mL-Ozlk6jShsZCf0mg1RipnFtcB90CwDmgdLLzbcbU-u3XjbO4-x_iyoDIAfCLBl7GOv3Y-0WDfpONnHNyvrlBoChuDl-57tzK657iHwuXC0hkodifanmN2GC6mfS7b/w426-h640/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">It comprises a super colourful pair of <a href="https://greenstylecreations.com/products/brassie-joggers-pdf-sewing-pattern">Brassie Joggers</a> by Greenstyle Creations (one of the best places to go for activewear patterns, in my humble opinion), teamed with a low back top that I eked out of a rather tiny remnant of merino jersey which I picked up from the Fabric Store in Melbourne a few years ago (cos, you know, what else would you buy from a trip to Oz?). <span><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Shall we talk joggers first? I'm a huge joggers fan, even though I don't jog (assuming running for the train does not count). The updated Brassies have been on my list for some time, and I jumped at the chance of getting this pattern during the last Black Friday sale. I like how slim fitting this pattern is, and appreciate all the options (for the rise, the pockets, the length). The shape looks exactly like a pair of long-serving ready-to-wear yoga bottoms in my wardrobe, and I couldn't wait to give these a go. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxbTLBxdzEGekFRsf046CvNRprDL6RL4mm-TCVNRwZFZkO_vgDmWUeX6UN7zX-puXxR3jPxu5FU6BMHCqPicXf5HAuZ4iScGnrPpZv-IsEXNK3EWiAOnobtmLVCluVeI9hMaGyTB6aQkr/s1536/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="low back merino p4p tulip tee greenstyle brassie joggers" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQxbTLBxdzEGekFRsf046CvNRprDL6RL4mm-TCVNRwZFZkO_vgDmWUeX6UN7zX-puXxR3jPxu5FU6BMHCqPicXf5HAuZ4iScGnrPpZv-IsEXNK3EWiAOnobtmLVCluVeI9hMaGyTB6aQkr/w426-h640/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+2.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">And they did not disappoint! I printed the mid-rise option, and cut a full-length version with ankle cuffs and curved pockets in size C (I was in between B and C but opted to size up here despite what the pattern said). The pocket construction is new to me: instead of 2 pocket bags on each side, these are what I would describe as pocket facings. I was keen to try this method, as I have seen the finish on a pair of hubby's ready-to-wear joggers, and I like how little bulk they added. Plus, I had been dying to try out reverse coverstitching! OK, I know that I have not yet blogged about my new coverstitch machine properly, but perhaps that's a post for another time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Obviously this splashed paint cotton French Terry from <a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/">Flamingo Fabrics</a> is not colourful enough, so I decided to use rainbow thread in the reverse coverstitching ;) The fabric has lovely 4-way stretch, and is super comfortable to wear. I think it would make a great base for yoga. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIIqkItAW8lx7G7fFHLbKAvQceCD-krAmKNSVbRtOT7KwK7Obd9-U5xV4YRS8pMRP1xd1tSfrabUYz1shKKYBScKXJ1qIVLMnhy5qQNvVzyMNPIasONjtCOdH-cY5ZqvIwPbhDWcZ_Mm8/s1024/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="low back merino p4p tulip tee greenstyle brassie joggers" border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFIIqkItAW8lx7G7fFHLbKAvQceCD-krAmKNSVbRtOT7KwK7Obd9-U5xV4YRS8pMRP1xd1tSfrabUYz1shKKYBScKXJ1qIVLMnhy5qQNvVzyMNPIasONjtCOdH-cY5ZqvIwPbhDWcZ_Mm8/w640-h426/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Not bad for a first attempt at reverse coverstitching, right?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">The only changes I made were 1) shortening the legs both above and below the knees, and 2) inserting 2' elastic instead of the drawstring. I'm a little surprised that the pattern didn't include the elastic as an option (I understand that the update removed it). I find that I tend not to bother tightening the drawstrings on joggers anyway, and don't particularly like the buttonhole look. My daughter also very much enjoys pulling them out, so I try to save myself from having to rethread them into the channels again and again if I can help it! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBLuWp1-D6nHkItgy7CU7AN8zvKj2-BJO4xqOAQ1Eq28hPtSAoaNzOKq4b3DpnrIVzZ1kwVORCOpCV4jAYmoWXIRAGmsFVR0aCt6Ly4f8wnsCjigjm5tb82wQ9c5EwumYgR9PFMky06ga/s1536/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="low back merino p4p tulip tee greenstyle brassie joggers" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBLuWp1-D6nHkItgy7CU7AN8zvKj2-BJO4xqOAQ1Eq28hPtSAoaNzOKq4b3DpnrIVzZ1kwVORCOpCV4jAYmoWXIRAGmsFVR0aCt6Ly4f8wnsCjigjm5tb82wQ9c5EwumYgR9PFMky06ga/w426-h640/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+4.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The top required more brain work and careful planning. I had a certain picture in mind (based on an old Victoria Sports top that I really like), which involves a loose (but flattering) fit, a wide neckline and a low back. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-ZGxoxqogCA2fZbV2lNpF5vQVYJV7YVk0HfEH4SFVT4uhyrd3S4k4RPEAyW0piuNivJ8ALieCOG97iQHGwzfW0-c6VyJWNkj7h_tyNf4eGECoYBsajTWnOH4X7LsJmyMmJLBGL3h0IY3/s1536/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="low back merino p4p tulip tee greenstyle brassie joggers" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-ZGxoxqogCA2fZbV2lNpF5vQVYJV7YVk0HfEH4SFVT4uhyrd3S4k4RPEAyW0piuNivJ8ALieCOG97iQHGwzfW0-c6VyJWNkj7h_tyNf4eGECoYBsajTWnOH4X7LsJmyMmJLBGL3h0IY3/w426-h640/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+5.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">As mentioned above, I had only bought a remnant piece of this amazing merino wool jersey from my trip Down Under, and I had already used a piece to make <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2018/12/baby-leggings.html">winter leggings for Freya </a>as a baby. <b>Does it make me a bad mother when I wish I hadn't used such precious fabric for my daughter, who grew out of those clothes in a matter of months? <br /></b></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrjzyZU1Lg2O41Tzfu98wwNUaMXg-zsJBJI4QPDX3gqdyc6yNQc5-JoCsPozqCooWTbebkIVLg0YgM2RVw_7RUDSoVO_eA2WYy3AztYrUM8r_Gkn9kEqoZOMWgPWSMx4zy1CX_5HNpWyc/s1536/greenstyle+brassie+joggersp4p+tulip+merino+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="low back merino p4p tulip tee greenstyle brassie joggers" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIrjzyZU1Lg2O41Tzfu98wwNUaMXg-zsJBJI4QPDX3gqdyc6yNQc5-JoCsPozqCooWTbebkIVLg0YgM2RVw_7RUDSoVO_eA2WYy3AztYrUM8r_Gkn9kEqoZOMWgPWSMx4zy1CX_5HNpWyc/w426-h640/greenstyle+brassie+joggersp4p+tulip+merino+6.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm also showing off the straps of my first version of Jalie 3247 sports bra here, though that's still on my to-blog list too (I am starting to see a theme here)!<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">What it did mean was that I had a very limited piece (around 80cm, not full width) of merino wool left, and I wanted to get something fabulous and long-lasting out of it. Thank goodness I'm rather short! After having this piece laid out on my living room floor for quite some time, trying out different patterns on it, I decided to go with the <a href="https://www.patternsforpirates.com/product/tulip-tee/">FREE Tulip Tee </a>from Patterns for Pirates as a base pattern, as the dolman style was relatively efficient on fabric use. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I made a few design changes to the plain front and back version of the short sleeve tulip tee in size XXS to realise my "vision":</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;">I raised the centre front on the neckline by 6cm, and widened the neckline by 9cm (4.5cm on each side);</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">I lowered a whopping 25cm of the centre back, drawing a gentle curve using my French Curve;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">In terms of length, I only had enough fabric to cut the band line at the bottom, even though I was hemming it;</span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">I added sleeve bands to the sleeves, using 85% of the sleeve opening plus seam allowances; </span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;">Finally, for the neck, I decided to bind it using my Coverstitch (did I mention that I have a coverstitch machine now?). More detail below on my first ever binding experience! </span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bmJ-LvrqL8DcdQ_RpbFj5kStP1CIsS90uq9QaUx7GOu_8Fs7FtWAuq0jfWGgmPk3807dACIVD18WUOGfAKXyIoMqgQSBO_rv20XMAQmgubDjuoyb1mbgGmbCALpKRrD6rF5WMGXr6qYa/s1885/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="low back merino p4p tulip tee megan nielsen binding coverstitch" border="0" data-original-height="1060" data-original-width="1885" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7bmJ-LvrqL8DcdQ_RpbFj5kStP1CIsS90uq9QaUx7GOu_8Fs7FtWAuq0jfWGgmPk3807dACIVD18WUOGfAKXyIoMqgQSBO_rv20XMAQmgubDjuoyb1mbgGmbCALpKRrD6rF5WMGXr6qYa/w640-h360/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I was quite scared to mess up this precious project by doing the binding badly, but I really didn't think a band was going to cut it. It's a huge neck opening (around 1 metre long!), and frankly, I only had enough fabric to try binding once, even if by some miracle I do manage to unpick any bad attempt successfully without stretching out the neckline. The pressure was well and truly on! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">I went into a serious research mode. After looking around, I decided to try the <a href="https://blog.megannielsen.com/2016/01/knit-binding-megan-nielsen-method/">Megan Nielsen method</a>. I love how neat the finish is on both sides, and how it appears to work on different types of fabric. I cut the binding piece at 88% of the neck opening, at 7.5cm wide. I then followed the method as described very carefully. And what do you know? It was absolutely perfect! Here's a picture from the back:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-1fIABPjvPVlYo0D1kXsO7Uw_VFoMpCmm17ILCuTt5SnKM0FUkX2sXeF2oP8wXQ-wc_otXIVVDKdPwn0VkDB1uOytX6oZ-2iHIDSinlqHWGg1QiYNZvbBEv_HE8dxxmshgkZBrdTVfy0/s1496/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img alt="low back merino p4p tulip tee megan nielsen binding coverstitch" border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1496" height="572" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-1fIABPjvPVlYo0D1kXsO7Uw_VFoMpCmm17ILCuTt5SnKM0FUkX2sXeF2oP8wXQ-wc_otXIVVDKdPwn0VkDB1uOytX6oZ-2iHIDSinlqHWGg1QiYNZvbBEv_HE8dxxmshgkZBrdTVfy0/w640-h572/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+8.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">If I may say so myself, this little set is perfect, and just what I needed to help get my arse in gear. I was a little worried after cutting out the back piece for the top, mainly by how low it was, but I was relieved that it actually ended up being just the right "depth" for me and the shoulders stay on a treat (something that I struggled a bit with my favourite Victoria Sports top). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVtzSal-__a9r5iLG0j-g5rSPifAia0RzgITmtLIt4fG1aPy9bKDUu8gLnRKUp5fdHUvohOnM4aN-AsrefTfzrMoqsaqlbBpsCP1lpYMLU2m7_O8WIrnefk6beY96nf1KXpNu6vHNYmCz/s1536/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVtzSal-__a9r5iLG0j-g5rSPifAia0RzgITmtLIt4fG1aPy9bKDUu8gLnRKUp5fdHUvohOnM4aN-AsrefTfzrMoqsaqlbBpsCP1lpYMLU2m7_O8WIrnefk6beY96nf1KXpNu6vHNYmCz/w426-h640/greenstyle+brassie+joggers+p4p+tulip+merino+9.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, I'm off to do some exercise! See you soon! </span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-15195894338936357522021-01-06T15:49:00.001+00:002021-01-06T19:00:42.278+00:00The Present Dress<span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><span>"Why has Mummy turned into a present?"</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arimo, Arial; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Exclaimed my 2 year-old daughter as I emerged with my newly sewn Ruska Knot Dress.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplEq6ujMS3HcGuR5SKgEfB68CUwI8zRSElNFUlzqoJZ0VtU8T4x2oyPZdOE2jZja4swgn5ENQLNwxGsob16kuWYY_NyUm-4MfLea5nQEetelCoeMUOcDUuQV1DwNMIGvG64qPj9arVbAg/s1536/named+ruska+knot+dress+200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="named clothing ruska knot dress" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplEq6ujMS3HcGuR5SKgEfB68CUwI8zRSElNFUlzqoJZ0VtU8T4x2oyPZdOE2jZja4swgn5ENQLNwxGsob16kuWYY_NyUm-4MfLea5nQEetelCoeMUOcDUuQV1DwNMIGvG64qPj9arVbAg/w426-h640/named+ruska+knot+dress+200.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arimo, Arial; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I'm not sure which way to take this really. Perhaps I should be pleased that the knot, which is the great design feature of this dress, was exactly that, a great feature, and one that's instantly noticeable. Or could this be that Freya had too many presents to open at Christmas, so much so that everything looks like a present now?</span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arimo, Arial; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arimo, Arial; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">Anyway, Happy New Year, my dear readers. I do hope that 2021 turns out to be a better year for everyone! </span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arimo, Arial; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.2px;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arimo, Arial; font-size: 14px; letter-spacing: 0.2px;">I'm starting 2021 with my very own Ruska Knot dress, from the Breaking Pattern book by Named Clothing. Read how I downloaded the pattern for free (hint, check out Love Sewing Magazine website), and how I altered and constructed it without instructions on <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1060956">Minerva </a>:)</span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-13667255363015134542020-12-27T09:50:00.001+00:002020-12-27T09:50:28.327+00:00Manly joggers - True Bias Hudson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
It's pretty <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2018/12/reversible-baby-dungarees-poppy-jazz.html?showComment=1574755531281" target="_blank">well documented</a> that I very rarely sew for anyone other than myself. I mean, as a full-time working mum with a toddler, I struggle to find the time to sew as it is. My rationale for being so "selfish" (in quotation marks, because I don't think it really is selfish) is that sewing is there to help me unwind from my busy job, rather than adding to my list of tasks as some kind of chore. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But the lockdown and the pandemic is doing crazy things to the brain, in mysterious ways! I voluntarily decided to make a pair of joggers for my husband, and for no special occasion! I was feeling a bit sorry for his lack of lounge wear for his new work from home routine, plus (the real reason) I already had grey threads in my overlocker 😅 <font color="#b51200"><b>Anyone else relate to this? </b></font></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSWJvkEWX0LYU-eYWcTYwZWcfv6spMadWa2hNj-BGDlRfmrPRtbPGpA5MMrXeYqgB7ITZaNuODDdLRZWeSCBwalS5ivQqPmHmBPRaQRZ2hy09AMtT-3fKtpMeNDJWg6rrG7nZZ7TDjS_r/s1600/true-bias-hudson-men-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="true bias men's hudson pant" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1026" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYSWJvkEWX0LYU-eYWcTYwZWcfv6spMadWa2hNj-BGDlRfmrPRtbPGpA5MMrXeYqgB7ITZaNuODDdLRZWeSCBwalS5ivQqPmHmBPRaQRZ2hy09AMtT-3fKtpMeNDJWg6rrG7nZZ7TDjS_r/w410-h640/true-bias-hudson-men-1.jpg" width="410" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-align: left;">These are the popular </span><a href="https://shop.truebias.com/product/men-s-hudson-pant" style="text-align: left;">Hudson Pant (men's version) by True Bias</a><span style="text-align: left;">, and all the hype was well deserved. I came pretty close to buying the ladies version for me, but decided upon the </span><a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/search/label/Papercut%20Anima" style="text-align: left;">Papercut Anima</a><span style="text-align: left;"> in the end, and have been very happy with that. It's nice, however, to have the opportunity to try out a different pattern, and learn different construction techniques. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">OK, I did ask him to pull up the joggers a bit, but looking at the photo below, I regret making that request. I can confirm that in real like, the joggers don't fit quite this tightly! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSAWtFpyMoGptmPBowHETAFKr8PDo4_0EcFEjS9idxJHobm2lJ4McicE3eJbhA0KHoIHQe8Rjkx7aPgm5ps3-MqZA_VGh_GgW_S-f0hYb6ycDiRrD5KHEwbVSgbxdvzH3tuKgyi8cKMAR/s1600/true-bias-hudson-men-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="true bias men's hudson pants" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbSAWtFpyMoGptmPBowHETAFKr8PDo4_0EcFEjS9idxJHobm2lJ4McicE3eJbhA0KHoIHQe8Rjkx7aPgm5ps3-MqZA_VGh_GgW_S-f0hYb6ycDiRrD5KHEwbVSgbxdvzH3tuKgyi8cKMAR/w426-h640/true-bias-hudson-men-2.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
I glanced over the instructions, but mainly followed the <a href="https://www.truebias.com/sewalongs/hudson-pant-sewalong">sew-along</a>. I say "follow", what I really mean is that I managed to get as far as "Day 1" before making a deviation with my fabric choice! I chose a very loopy backed marl French Terry from my stash, which had nowhere near the recommended 40% minimum stretch. But I liked the colour, the weight, and how soft it is, and I had basically exactly the right amount (1m, with a generous width of 1.7m) to make these joggers. Who could resist a scrap-free project? If I'm being totally honest with myself... this may be another reason why I decided to make these joggers for him!</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I'm pleased to report that it worked fine. It's not perfect, though. There were two things that I wish I had done slightly differently. Firstly, whilst the slim-fit looks just fine and gives these a nice, modern look, I wish I had sized up one (cutting a 32 rather than 30) to compensate for the limited stretch. Secondly, I definitely should've used some ribbing or jersey which had more stretch for the ankle cuffs. Apparently these cuffs add 10 mins to hubby's morning routine 😆<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKeII57GvIra4UHxoV-8hkbAZHojxVrc6XTVDyK0aSjnAaK8PR0TNTYq4pve8DI4sQjOLiLrIToyqHBB4MkMFXCYBRwYULWzW_RCe0EwNVOBupFnCIeHpef20sBVn-QpygI1zllaFqilo/s1600/true-bias-hudson-men-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="true bias men's hudson pants joggers" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1047" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirKeII57GvIra4UHxoV-8hkbAZHojxVrc6XTVDyK0aSjnAaK8PR0TNTYq4pve8DI4sQjOLiLrIToyqHBB4MkMFXCYBRwYULWzW_RCe0EwNVOBupFnCIeHpef20sBVn-QpygI1zllaFqilo/w418-h640/true-bias-hudson-men-3.jpg" width="418" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
I shortened 1 inch from the legs, and am happy with the finished length. To be honest, judging by the size of the remaining fabric, I'm not sure I would've had enough fabric if I didn't shorten, or cut a bigger size! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">One of the exciting details that I haven't come across before is the pocket detail strip. I love this design element, even though it took me a few goes to get this even on my overlocker.</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95tndSuYZNfsuDBFI3B1b6C4stXgRpqfBBbn2uXg2_Vj1L4BgR123nCPQ8H0bfaV-7ezdHSduN9EWQ3afDi8a8hYquh4Zdey0KfbN4DPWHzhJ96CYnJPsVsTfZaor5PG5wKfeD6yJ_pWm/s1600/true-bias-hudson-men-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="true bias men's hudson pants pocket detail strip" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95tndSuYZNfsuDBFI3B1b6C4stXgRpqfBBbn2uXg2_Vj1L4BgR123nCPQ8H0bfaV-7ezdHSduN9EWQ3afDi8a8hYquh4Zdey0KfbN4DPWHzhJ96CYnJPsVsTfZaor5PG5wKfeD6yJ_pWm/w426-h640/true-bias-hudson-men-4.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The other construction technique that's different from those for the Anima is the waistband attachment. The Anima has you sewing the elastic into a loop, then serging the bottom end of that in the round to the joggers. This has</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2019/01/papercut-anima-joggers.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">worked well for me before</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">, though</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> </span><a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2020/06/leopard-print-matching-joggers.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">on my last pair</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> I was troubled with some excess fabric at the top of the waistband, which then ruffled after the topstiching. Truth be told, I ended up ripping it all out and redoing it all over again. </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Hudson, instead, asks you to serge the waistband to the joggers, leaving a gap to feed the elastic through. In the end, what I did on this pair was a bit of both - I sewed the elastic into a loop, sandwiched that inside the waistband, and serged the latter to the joggers whilst keeping the elastic free. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It was a bit tricky ensuring that the elastic doesn't get caught by the overlocker, but the end result is the best I've had so far. It's smooth, even, and the topstitching looked good! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxDJKqMBo7HYqrpP-MO1uYeg9bdi4T-tG47Xcu9EWu6I3woSkrnJQ6SMLvy8-8oarqw40Ae2XeiOmvwAc5KGFK0vmERWBojSa_edKVGOLuts9p5QogGK0Ioeb-u05FY45PD5foFHy_NZc/s1600/true-bias-hudson-men-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="true bias men's hudson pant waistband buttonhole cord shoelace" border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqxDJKqMBo7HYqrpP-MO1uYeg9bdi4T-tG47Xcu9EWu6I3woSkrnJQ6SMLvy8-8oarqw40Ae2XeiOmvwAc5KGFK0vmERWBojSa_edKVGOLuts9p5QogGK0Ioeb-u05FY45PD5foFHy_NZc/w640-h426/true-bias-hudson-men-5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I used a burgundy shoestring to finish off the look. Actually, this is "the other lace" from what I used in </span><a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2020/06/leopard-print-matching-joggers.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">my leopard pair</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">. My husband's joggers may not match my and Freya's exactly, but at least we share the same drawstring 😉</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I did have a minor gripe with this pattern, however -- it doesn't tell you how long your waistband elastic should be. I get that it is best to fit it to your model, but a rough indication/check would have been helpful. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It is a pretty minor complaint, though, in the grand scheme of things, and I have to say, </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">this was a satisfying project. It was a pretty quick sew, and it's nice to finally hop onto the Hudson Pant bandwagon. The modern , slim tapered fit of these joggers is lovely, and my hubby confirms that despite the overly tight ankle cuffs, the rest of the joggers are extremely comfortable. He has already got lots of wear out of them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I guess what I'm trying to say is that it has actually been pretty enjoyable to have sewn for him, but I'm ready to getting back to sewing for just me and my offspring for now!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What about you? Has the pandemic changed your sewing habit? </span></b></span></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-73785359684062538632020-11-10T07:30:00.006+00:002020-11-10T20:36:37.808+00:00Sleep hair don't care<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKdIGzYIwwjYR3rkmWWgGOHr9lSgWr298cnp8qguGBG1HsJrRQsPnTtskPL9LKAmA0GPhxCRq7InIoI2nmgmPmMV2jNJUcismxiddvJ5IgzfV02fKdjHaUqf7IXGewIl7BESduccng6uu/s1536/Toddler+PJ+Elm+and+Lightning+combo+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poppy Jazz Elm Tshirt MBJM Lightning Leggings PJ Set Racoon" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGKdIGzYIwwjYR3rkmWWgGOHr9lSgWr298cnp8qguGBG1HsJrRQsPnTtskPL9LKAmA0GPhxCRq7InIoI2nmgmPmMV2jNJUcismxiddvJ5IgzfV02fKdjHaUqf7IXGewIl7BESduccng6uu/w426-h640/Toddler+PJ+Elm+and+Lightning+combo+01.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">New PJs you say, mummy? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMKyjHAZYa5B7IA_WdBrhh_0SzeXuWiQRbJbbKtfHM7lpLhLef7IvIPcX1qpKo23u4YjmPJWXtpyv1c2hCrhqqfAhgq0IVVBr39hX2EUjpeiTnoOvQrR1N0Vs4Z7Mpk5rfEWgRBUeEO2z/s1536/Toddler+PJ+Elm+and+Lightning+combo+02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Poppy Jazz Elm Tshirt MBJM Lightning Leggings PJ Set Racoon" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMKyjHAZYa5B7IA_WdBrhh_0SzeXuWiQRbJbbKtfHM7lpLhLef7IvIPcX1qpKo23u4YjmPJWXtpyv1c2hCrhqqfAhgq0IVVBr39hX2EUjpeiTnoOvQrR1N0Vs4Z7Mpk5rfEWgRBUeEO2z/w426-h640/Toddler+PJ+Elm+and+Lightning+combo+02.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With a face like this, who wouldn't want to sew more for little Freya? </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1049383">Minerva Maker project </a>has come just in time for a growth spurt, and I'm so grateful for the super funky fabric! The pattern combo is the <a href="https://sewoverit.co.uk/product/elm-tshirt-sewing-pattern/">Elm T-shirt </a>by Poppy & Jazz, and the (FREE) <a href="https://madebyjacksmum.com/shop/lightninglegging/">Lightning Leggings</a> by Made by Jack's Mum. Find out more on the <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1049383">Minerva blog!</a> </span></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-53232594104458890812020-11-08T08:30:00.013+00:002020-11-08T13:21:27.971+00:00Time for another Grand'ourse<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Hello, my name is Alice, and I'm addicted to sewing the <a href="https://ikatee.com/products/grandourse-cardigan-6-months-to-4-years-baby-pdf-sewing-pattern">Grand'ourse jacket by Ikatee</a>. Even though Freya is only 2 years and 2 months old, this is the 5th time I've made this pattern. How is this even possible?! I promise that I don't have too much time on my hands. Previous blogged versions are <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2019/06/baby-jacket-with-bunny-ears.html">here</a>, <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2020/02/mermaid-toddler-raincoat.html">here</a> and <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1008331">here</a>, and I also made a cosy version for one of Freya's friends. </span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The problem is, when I get my hands on a lovely fabric, this amazing pattern pops straight to mind. I guess that's what an addiction feels like! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And this is exactly what happened when I managed to grab this cute Native Arrows brushed back sweatshirt fabric from a recent sale from </span><a href="https://guthrie-ghani.co.uk/" style="font-family: helvetica;">Guthrie and Ghani</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBO_9TFR_C-8YR53sZPYSgSN35VLWFnVtIOqpXVrXthveDR2C5Rleum9Hhx0sPR51GI28soO9-zXiVPDKKbio1a7IFnHpQaEpG8nMnkVyUvgKTcTZNBn5eg9mgGGdDYXvhIHvLznrd0pb/s2048/Ikatee-grandourse-nativearrows-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ikatee grand'ourse bunny ears native arrows jacket" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZBO_9TFR_C-8YR53sZPYSgSN35VLWFnVtIOqpXVrXthveDR2C5Rleum9Hhx0sPR51GI28soO9-zXiVPDKKbio1a7IFnHpQaEpG8nMnkVyUvgKTcTZNBn5eg9mgGGdDYXvhIHvLznrd0pb/w426-h640/Ikatee-grandourse-nativearrows-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I told myself, Freya is just about growing out of her other Grand'ourse jackets. Could I really cope with her not having one of those?</span></div><div><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Also, what sort of mother would I be, having made herself </span><a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2020/07/colour-blocked-sapporo.html" style="font-family: helvetica;">a new jacket</a><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> for autumn, but not for her daughter? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9ikyKEAypDPfyw60FPFjtQHeHP3_NzPQm84QTSALcc0t_YGYnZW-TX3LYS8sxvEMiiOhR2l49HX-Tghs8-6Y42aJ3_Vp5C-THuxXuZvjE2NaPu9YFWAWFFRZAbbzcPIBkiOngy9fMgNv/s2000/Ikatee-grandourse-nativearrows-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ikatee grand'ourse bunny ears native arrows jacket" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL9ikyKEAypDPfyw60FPFjtQHeHP3_NzPQm84QTSALcc0t_YGYnZW-TX3LYS8sxvEMiiOhR2l49HX-Tghs8-6Y42aJ3_Vp5C-THuxXuZvjE2NaPu9YFWAWFFRZAbbzcPIBkiOngy9fMgNv/w640-h640/Ikatee-grandourse-nativearrows-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Oh, those ears 😍</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For the lining, I used the combed cotton jersey (read, the softest cotton jersey ever), and like how the triangles complement the arrows in the sweatshirt fabric. If it looks familiar, it's because I've used it before for some <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2019/05/leggings-bummies-and-diy-size-label.html">wardrobe staples </a>for Freya. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A62yAEqxqSuueB_12KfVQ944TXDj5v1H2FGMdnJtq0EYZlJK3wzIV5cQ5FcLrAZLhH4jDgzM2yh6GNfr0sJBBhOKK8sQkZmpbwG7cUDnvy9c8llUqulzJmJzH63LF0wgBZx8LTE0gxa-/s2048/Ikatee-grandourse-nativearrows-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ikatee grand'ourse bunny ears native arrows jacket" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6A62yAEqxqSuueB_12KfVQ944TXDj5v1H2FGMdnJtq0EYZlJK3wzIV5cQ5FcLrAZLhH4jDgzM2yh6GNfr0sJBBhOKK8sQkZmpbwG7cUDnvy9c8llUqulzJmJzH63LF0wgBZx8LTE0gxa-/w426-h640/Ikatee-grandourse-nativearrows-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Once again, I opted for some wooden buttons. I think they help finish off the "be wild" vibe. <br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC_u_z_8lb6UD837mYamabnZaqHA7a4N6jdeXzmF-gAMkUpx-Rs48lKCQPOj0cKejEDS2-s31eo_yBL78hYBxZvNWbXqbewf_70jfnry6-_Y5WUtcvereoIrHh9Tgznu9iRogFY6IGS6V/s2000/Ikatee-grandourse-nativearrows-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ikatee grand'ourse bunny ears native arrows jacket" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyC_u_z_8lb6UD837mYamabnZaqHA7a4N6jdeXzmF-gAMkUpx-Rs48lKCQPOj0cKejEDS2-s31eo_yBL78hYBxZvNWbXqbewf_70jfnry6-_Y5WUtcvereoIrHh9Tgznu9iRogFY6IGS6V/w640-h640/Ikatee-grandourse-nativearrows-4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As a tried and tested pattern, I don't have much more to add, except that when I first bought this pattern, I questioned whether I'd get any use or value out of this, as the sizing of this version only runs to 4 years (fear not, there is a bigger size version taking you to 12 years). I needn't have worried! This may actually turn out to be the cheapest per use pattern in this household! </span></div></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-42253430194173166042020-10-30T14:30:00.009+00:002020-10-30T15:10:11.264+00:00Colour blocked Sapporo, and has the update addressed all the issues? <div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">You'll have to take my words for it when I say that I finished this project in July, ahead of the crazy heat wave we had in August, and certainly ahead of Autumn, the season for which this is intended. My dad's reaction said it all: "Why have you sewn a jacket? It's too hot to wear it right now!" </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The thing is, I hardly ever sew ahead of the season, especially for Autumn. Sewing summer clothes has just been more tempting. Oh wait - I've even confessed this 5 years ago <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2015/02/do-you-sew-seasonally.html">here</a>!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Unfortunately, the heat wave, and the <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2020/10/a-little-update-and-tutorial-easy-hacks.html">swollen eyes and other allergic reactions</a> that have been bothering me since then have made photographing this quite challenging. So you can probably imagine my joy when my eyes improved somewhat (as mysteriously as they deteriorate) this week, which gave me a short window to snap a few pics. I know that my eyes still look tired, and probably add a few decades to my face, but I just couldn't wait any longer!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Ta Dah!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENnso1z2_a4cQAAy0xefTyZxfDKy0C0ucfZ3WBdG7MJcgjT6IYDb004hpcP0uIahfKYEDwNB_EgA-Veq4Ul7AWPnfBInRbIDQX2Baa8CX9s1oCmdxX45DQn7jDf9Aw4QgfO5WqaUru7g4/s2048/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Papercut Sapporo jacket coat colourblock 2.0 update review" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgENnso1z2_a4cQAAy0xefTyZxfDKy0C0ucfZ3WBdG7MJcgjT6IYDb004hpcP0uIahfKYEDwNB_EgA-Veq4Ul7AWPnfBInRbIDQX2Baa8CX9s1oCmdxX45DQn7jDf9Aw4QgfO5WqaUru7g4/w426-h640/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I've always liked the design of the <a href="https://papercutpatterns.com/products/sapporo-coat">Sapporo</a>. It's no surprise - I've enjoyed using <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/search?q=papercut">a couple of Papercut patterns before</a>, and like their modern style. I won't lie - their beautiful packaging may have something to do with my affection, too. <span><a name='more'></a></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Sapporo is also one of the most coveted indie patterns out there since its original launch. Initially, though, the pattern only came in 3 sizes, and I resisted because I didn't fancy grading so many pattern pieces. </span></div><div><div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Then the amazingly talented and brave Mie from <a href="https://www.sewinglikemad.com/">Sewing Like Mad </a>came along, and wrote this <a href="https://www.sewinglikemad.com/2019/11/the-sapporo-coat-by-papercut-patterns.html">fantastically detailed post</a>, identifying quite a number of errors in the drafting of the original pattern and instructions. I cannot thank her enough! Papercut promptly pulled the pattern, and relaunched the Sapporo 2.0 with more sizes and options. Lucky for me, this is the version I bought.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">As someone who has always enjoyed the technical aspects of sewing, I found <a href="https://www.sewinglikemad.com/2019/11/the-sapporo-coat-by-papercut-patterns.html">Mie's post</a> extremely insightful. Understandably, after spending hours and hours checking and explaining the issues on the her blog (and then probably more hours rewriting before hitting the publish button, as goodness knows how hard it is to criticise an indie pattern), she did not wish to do the same again for the updated version, as she no longer had the desire to make the coat herself.<br />
<br />So, having checked through all the points she identified, and then made the coat step by step myself, I thought I would try and offer some commentary at the end of this post to discuss whether Sapporo 2.0 has address all the errors. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">
<br />
But before then, can we spend a bit of time swooning over my new jacket? </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGzJ0QYvY-rfZACQObeDTqWUSZhLSDRArU3Qj1t2iOZSp5d5NvdP13gE5HsZxJBcEjmmdQNJgph5tJcDys29ggcdHzPjz6IxgRXNtR65U3PABfOL8F7D9a5DBfi4b_SBj8nOkKnX_3dxb/s2048/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Papercut Sapporo jacket coat colourblock 2.0 update review" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1366" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIGzJ0QYvY-rfZACQObeDTqWUSZhLSDRArU3Qj1t2iOZSp5d5NvdP13gE5HsZxJBcEjmmdQNJgph5tJcDys29ggcdHzPjz6IxgRXNtR65U3PABfOL8F7D9a5DBfi4b_SBj8nOkKnX_3dxb/w426-h640/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+2.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The back</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjH8DdJrKvnuv-yGHZiIOHG6Ble1YEP7WEbZzEQ-8ALW56C5IuzeCCd-5ZKiqnTx-Em1KgqDizLW1sDI61SA7kBNaSLt1pwzZwDboQIWeqqi97zFyPBDbnJmkdSninQmHtioKwsFJZsQg/s2048/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Papercut Sapporo jacket coat colourblock 2.0 update review" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjH8DdJrKvnuv-yGHZiIOHG6Ble1YEP7WEbZzEQ-8ALW56C5IuzeCCd-5ZKiqnTx-Em1KgqDizLW1sDI61SA7kBNaSLt1pwzZwDboQIWeqqi97zFyPBDbnJmkdSninQmHtioKwsFJZsQg/w426-h640/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+3.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I had a remnant of this camel cotton twill from my <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2019/07/sewaholic-robson-trench.html">Robson trench</a>, and also 2 metres of a cool, steel coloured twill from my stash. Is it bad that I can't even remember where I got it from? Anyhow, I was pretty excited when I cooked up this little stash-busting combo. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The lining was picked up during my travels (remember exotic holidays and international travel?), from Bangkok, I think. I don't know what the composition is, but it is soft, drapey, crease-resistant, and frays like crazy. I love its colourway and how it complements the outer fabrics. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ9-m7lCkj-EfoZCjhyphenhyphent-MnzD6tv36Tq731oU7bOKt3C3GFnIEFT9T4IDT83VPLfYcktq_WDajVE4Tk7ulphztfwOC4k4JFE_8cqtm-7z19NtYM3VxgSh5Fo3w_RF9BFZH6ueLHyS5S_m/s2048/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Papercut Sapporo jacket coat colourblock 2.0 update review" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAZ9-m7lCkj-EfoZCjhyphenhyphent-MnzD6tv36Tq731oU7bOKt3C3GFnIEFT9T4IDT83VPLfYcktq_WDajVE4Tk7ulphztfwOC4k4JFE_8cqtm-7z19NtYM3VxgSh5Fo3w_RF9BFZH6ueLHyS5S_m/w426-h640/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+6.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I've spent a bit of time (ok, hours) studying other versions online (which is when I came across Mie's review), and decided to cut a size 1, and made the following changes:</span></div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I took 5cm off the length, spread over 2 places. I chopped 2.5cm from the top, which meant that I had to reduce the fullness of the sleeve (I then spread this over 3 places at the top of the sleeve, tapering down to nothing at the wrist end), and also 2.5cm from the bottom around the short fusing line. This did mean that almost all the pattern pieces needed adjusting, but I wanted to distribute my shortness evenly. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I shortened the sleeves by 4cm, from the middle of the sleeve. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I added 2.5cm to the depth of the pockets, on both of the front pieces. I can report that the finished pockets were the perfect size. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I added a few pieces of interfacing, including the front lapels, and both sides (top and bottom) of the angled front seams. Warning - this pattern really is a big fabric and interfacing eater! </span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I included slack to the lining, by adding 2.5cm to the centre back of the lining piece, and sewed pleats at the centre top and bottom. </span></li></ol></div><div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The (hidden) pockets and the angled seams are definitely thankful for the extra interfacing</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmAWAhvmQUsbya2ABY_wvz19idteFzSRX73o3_lWgNRTqK4CRVAJkEHlSzOECaFXIA0glo444qTvPnqOcNyeKkOm6niRnxzIvNa4x-X8A4O_PO7ZKM2zClE3qbuhpncgXNFZ4XgLRcYJ4/s2048/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Papercut Sapporo jacket coat colourblock 2.0 update review" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmAWAhvmQUsbya2ABY_wvz19idteFzSRX73o3_lWgNRTqK4CRVAJkEHlSzOECaFXIA0glo444qTvPnqOcNyeKkOm6niRnxzIvNa4x-X8A4O_PO7ZKM2zClE3qbuhpncgXNFZ4XgLRcYJ4/w640-h426/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+5.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For a jacket, especially given how many pattern pieces there were, this was a pretty easy sew. There's no buttons or buttonholes to make, for starters! You also don't have to worry about fitting too much - it's designed to be oversized. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />And I have to say, even though I had some worries about being drowned by an oversized coat, I absolutely love how it's turned out. Stepping out of my comfort zone has paid off. I feel super chic in this, and it's perfectly practical. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Now, let me honour my earlier promise to you, and finish where Mie left off. I've copied and pasted the key issues that she pointed out (in bold), and added my comments on whether each of these has been addressed (in red). Note that of course I can only speak to size 1, but I would hope that after a revision, all issues would've been triple checked. Here goes:</span></div><div><b><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b>a) Front bodice top and bottom seam not matching up</b> - <span style="color: #cc0000;">These pattern pieces matched up perfectly in the revised pattern for me. No longer an issue. </span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxdLT-1EpT5ZDqokH6BJYNdyyu9C5Bj1C2hCWcYU02Co0hDlXGW_5tFnLdtf93wt_m6yMsdtoz8N1QFDBeWKIJRGGxGnSomhK6A33KKe_ewQtF-fsn3-wL7G0QlobrQH87h27tVdveJlh/s2048/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Papercut Sapporo jacket coat colourblock 2.0 update review" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxdLT-1EpT5ZDqokH6BJYNdyyu9C5Bj1C2hCWcYU02Co0hDlXGW_5tFnLdtf93wt_m6yMsdtoz8N1QFDBeWKIJRGGxGnSomhK6A33KKe_ewQtF-fsn3-wL7G0QlobrQH87h27tVdveJlh/w426-h640/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+4.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div></blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #505083;">b) Lining too short in two ways - </b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">this has been addressed by the revision. B</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">oth the missing seam allowance and an intentional overspill have been added.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #505083;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;">However, No pleat has been added to the centre back in the pattern - it may not be needed, but I added a 2.5cm one to my version out of habit (see some resources </span><a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2014/12/navy-wool-coat.html" style="background-color: white;">discussed here</a><span style="background-color: white;">). </span></span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505083;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #505083;">c) Instructions to wait to press bottom hem after lining has been sewn shut</b><span style="background-color: white;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;">- now updated. You now iron the hem like a normal person 😁</span></span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505083;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b style="color: #505083;">d) Front lining not wide enough either and impossible to actually check length because of front bodice top and bottom seam not matching up</b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> - No longer an issue as per the above.</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I particularly liked the added pleats at the bottom of the front lining, and think it is a neat way to address the length differential caused by the mitred corners and the overspill. Nice touch!</span></span></span><div><span style="background-color: white; color: #505083; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #505083;">Can you see the little pleat at the mitred corner? </span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505083; font-size: 13.2px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwup_KlELF82Rjovt349K7gxsYogoWZm7a3atqdWO6lx5pPpDmRIIoEUkmmQIk0TqMwUmz6nl8kn_jBTN1thMmXKP_aD970VCVVQ7sm7-T2mzxmJRYe_3Nsye7pmFS_VYs-XLbVq7ZQzC/s2048/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+7.jpg" style="font-size: 13.2px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Papercut Sapporo jacket coat colourblock 2.0 update review mitred corner" border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwup_KlELF82Rjovt349K7gxsYogoWZm7a3atqdWO6lx5pPpDmRIIoEUkmmQIk0TqMwUmz6nl8kn_jBTN1thMmXKP_aD970VCVVQ7sm7-T2mzxmJRYe_3Nsye7pmFS_VYs-XLbVq7ZQzC/w640-h426/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+7.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><span face=""helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div></div></div></div></blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #505083;">e) Sleeve cuff double layered with outer/main fabric and both layers sewn to armscyee creating bulky seams </b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="background-color: white;">--</b><span style="background-color: white;">This has been updated, with sleeve facings and lining pieces provided. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">There's even a "thread chain/lining ribbon detail" to keep the sleeve lining from twisting. Note that this cannot prevent you from twisting the arms during the construction process... don't ask me how I know!</span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505083;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #505083;">f) Unnecessary hand sewing of lining to both armscyes. The whole lining sewing process shows a lack of understanding how to sew a lining in a coat </b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="background-color: white;">--</b><span style="background-color: white;"> With the changes above, the instructions now have you bagging out the lining, with a gap in the lining side seam.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"> This is in line with how I have bagged out coats/jackets in the past, and worked fine for me. </span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505083;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #505083;">g) Missing seam allowance on mitered corner -</b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b style="background-color: white;">-</b><span style="background-color: white;">Now included</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">. See picture above</span><br /></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="background-color: white; color: #505083;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div></div></div></blockquote><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #505083;">h) Strange sleeve cap/cuff shape</b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"> - doesn't look to have been changed.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"> The shape still looks a bit pointy to me, but I don't have the old version to compare it with. I didn't smooth it out on purpose, and have not noticed any major issue with the sleeve. I'm treating this as a design element. </span><br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />The bottom line is, had I not known about the older version, I would've said that this is a brilliant pattern that came together nicely. The hidden pockets, mitred corners, the little front lining pleats and the underarm thread chain all impressed the inner sewing geek in me. Kudos to Mie for flagging the issues in such a constructive way, and kudos to Papercut for taking the points on the chin, dealing with them, and also taking the opportunity to expand the views and sizes. I liked the step by step guide with photos <a href="https://www.papercutjournal.com/tutorials/the-sapporo-coat">here</a>, which supplement the instructions nicely. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wMmgv8S8hx31QzdcXOVwNGCHu4KT9GlYBVngnUy4AgvFH_6I8OkYdMwK11ruOzYKOudLdBhgCp0WjtKZ3UQiK0BLYjuw8v6Me5-_lRftx1DwWW12xGbXZDzPbTgbqiFKhS3GtfGQ4c5w/s2048/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Papercut Sapporo jacket coat colourblock 2.0 update review" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9wMmgv8S8hx31QzdcXOVwNGCHu4KT9GlYBVngnUy4AgvFH_6I8OkYdMwK11ruOzYKOudLdBhgCp0WjtKZ3UQiK0BLYjuw8v6Me5-_lRftx1DwWW12xGbXZDzPbTgbqiFKhS3GtfGQ4c5w/w426-h640/Papercut-sapporo-coat-jacket-colourblock+8.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">All in all, I found this to be a very enjoyable project. I'm proud to have stepped out of my comfort zone, and trying a totally different and rather bold silhouette. The hype about the design of this indie pattern is well deserved, despite the "blip" about the initial errors. What we've ended up with, named Sapporo 2.0, is a well designed pattern with more sizes and options than before, which should now come together nicely. I would, now, wholeheartedly recommend this pattern to you all. No, I'm not on commission (I don't even do affiliated links), and more than happy to answer any questions, however geeky 😉</span></div></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-27132242578234597932020-10-29T15:47:00.000+00:002020-10-29T15:47:09.090+00:00Leopard print matching joggers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTBTZiyZUbFVkZFHnE-ax2uaQPA4qJOP-o6DuOTcJgncLgp6hzVQj7ihipyLwL5JLm_GgNaWhwOUsreXOnj2Rbgo4-GY1T_xm8jUEAia2Ykle4AfhmLgunPLsapTYP3hjV_91jFuFRrFk/s1600/Matching-leopard-print-joggers+8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKTBTZiyZUbFVkZFHnE-ax2uaQPA4qJOP-o6DuOTcJgncLgp6hzVQj7ihipyLwL5JLm_GgNaWhwOUsreXOnj2Rbgo4-GY1T_xm8jUEAia2Ykle4AfhmLgunPLsapTYP3hjV_91jFuFRrFk/s640/Matching-leopard-print-joggers+8.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: helvetica;">There are few things in life that make me happier than twinning with Freya with me-made outfits. Naturally, lockdown called for more lounge wear, so a few pairs of leopard print joggers are in order. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5kXm9gTxm2qWPa3l8JZq7oJqHZhBdOUcDh1xTr2EtkO8bXYeZ77Su3wQbmFainNj-OQql-Zo8ylx5lTg52JZIBUuv447knRprqFQ653YMEuHFpvLIznNN7rFvs5VbS2Y-nPnbpPPiHzp/s1600/Matching-leopard-print-joggers+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5kXm9gTxm2qWPa3l8JZq7oJqHZhBdOUcDh1xTr2EtkO8bXYeZ77Su3wQbmFainNj-OQql-Zo8ylx5lTg52JZIBUuv447knRprqFQ653YMEuHFpvLIznNN7rFvs5VbS2Y-nPnbpPPiHzp/s640/Matching-leopard-print-joggers+1.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">Guys, these are some of my favourite makes to date. The only thing that I kind of regret is not adding knee patches to my pair, because they are so adorable! </span><br />
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif">I used the <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2019/01/papercut-anima-joggers.html" target="_blank">tried and tested</a> <a href="https://papercutpatterns.com/products/anima-pant-pdf" target="_blank">Papercut Anima</a> (tweaking for a couple of things) for my pair, and the amazing <a href="https://brindilletwig.com/products/mini-modern-jogger-131" target="_blank">Mini Modern Joggers </a>by Brindille & Twig for Freya. In fact, I enjoyed making Freya's pair so much so that I made another contrast pair from the remnant! 3 pairs of joggers in 1 metre each of the plain maroon and leopard <a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/collections/french-terry">French Terry</a>, plus 0.5m of matching ribbing. Can you get more efficient than that! <b>Warning </b>- DO not try this at home, at least without lots of time spent planning first! In all honestly, I ended up with absolutely zero remnant of the French Terry, and just a bit of the ribbing. So much to love about this project! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ISEzl0Udl8P8CIPV8mvVqIR-7D3-nnw2JEc6wtt27iXhVMz_kteH-IUO5TiwzQc2deom-M5qoSKgcMDco4AF1ho5bAVH-4NT-bYHTZRb0G5kcV_r15Ijb_vUhFkU3DiwHJsDImlfnkdS/s1600/Matching-leopard-print-joggers+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1315" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ISEzl0Udl8P8CIPV8mvVqIR-7D3-nnw2JEc6wtt27iXhVMz_kteH-IUO5TiwzQc2deom-M5qoSKgcMDco4AF1ho5bAVH-4NT-bYHTZRb0G5kcV_r15Ijb_vUhFkU3DiwHJsDImlfnkdS/s320/Matching-leopard-print-joggers+2.jpg" width="263" /></span></a></div>
<span face="Trebuchet MS, sans-serif" style="font-family: helvetica;">There are lots more details over on the <a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/blogs/news/matching-joggers">Flamingo Fabrics blog</a> - pop over to find out my review of the Mini Modern Joggers pattern, the changes I made to my second pair of Anima, and alternative patterns to consider. Enjoy! </span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-84468199971633004252020-10-22T10:00:00.005+01:002020-10-22T10:00:52.924+01:00A little update and a tutorial (easy hacks for a FREE T-shirt pattern)<p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It’s been a while, my dear readers. I’ve been sewing (colour-blocked
Sapporo jacket anyone?), but not quite blogging about them just yet. Truth be
told, I’ve been struggling health wise since Aug, where my eyes are swollen and
red all day long due to a suspected allergy to an unknown allergen. Sigh. It’s
uncomfortable to say the least, and not very photogenic at all! Initially I
thought that it would pass within a few days, then a couple of weeks, and now
over 2 months have passed… you know how it is! On the plus side, I am seeing
specialists and trying all sorts of things to put this frustrating chapter
behind me.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That’s enough doom and gloom for now! We are all otherwise
doing fine during these crazy times, and consider ourselves very lucky to be
staying safe, and enjoying quality family time together.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This brings me to my next point – I have <a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/blogs/news/easy-hacks-for-the-free-kids-t-shirt-pattern">a little tutorial</a>
to share with you today, which features cute photos of Freya. She is over on
the<a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/blogs/news/easy-hacks-for-the-free-kids-t-shirt-pattern"> Flamingo Fabrics blog</a> today, modelling some easy hacks that you can make to
their <a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/collections/digital-patterns-pdf/products/basic-t-shirt-sewing-pattern-kids-2yrs-12yrs-pdf-digital-pattern">FREE kids T-shirt pattern</a>. Yep, you read that right – there is a FREE (via
newsletter sign-up) T-shirt pattern in town! It’s lovely (though to be fair, any T-shirt pattern
with a seam cover detail gets my vote), and I’ve shared a few ways and
ideas of jazzing it up. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQm1eB216GtS_Y7plJz4AZgfcQueuLjlo22TR2_AXvgimMZKEZar34JWysPcAgKvrTwfl6pBlkQVHeXwOz00UoRZtaW5wx9ZyWnYKg0DdT-2Dj_YiEMaYiVQZod_i2ID360I8IsfWIMM-/s2048/flamingo-fabrics-free-tshirt-hack-freya-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSQm1eB216GtS_Y7plJz4AZgfcQueuLjlo22TR2_AXvgimMZKEZar34JWysPcAgKvrTwfl6pBlkQVHeXwOz00UoRZtaW5wx9ZyWnYKg0DdT-2Dj_YiEMaYiVQZod_i2ID360I8IsfWIMM-/w387-h640/flamingo-fabrics-free-tshirt-hack-freya-1.jpg" width="387" /></span></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Enjoy and stay well!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-11526950550103940602020-07-10T22:01:00.000+01:002020-07-11T20:32:44.757+01:00What a Pocket dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The sew-jo is still in full swing, and I've got another project to share with you. Would you look at the size of that pocket?!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDtAs9wIQJ6MgZ8KSVpw7VxUkc5Ao3ykneVJwCeRebvZ1auDYCsaO3NBfd1WytylTgEjiw0OilbYxQCzOpy_ygCbjgXxrnyuLB7SO-Zkn4kmSv3O0IYqCPGMCmFMExnouXpjelCTGmt6D/s1600/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Ellie and Mac Be Independent Dress Leopard" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiDtAs9wIQJ6MgZ8KSVpw7VxUkc5Ao3ykneVJwCeRebvZ1auDYCsaO3NBfd1WytylTgEjiw0OilbYxQCzOpy_ygCbjgXxrnyuLB7SO-Zkn4kmSv3O0IYqCPGMCmFMExnouXpjelCTGmt6D/s640/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-1.jpg" title="" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Just posing to show off my pocket...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HiTEZ_FFNtCMbRNQyByph96nOanvYdFfz6Y9sTSw3uwwxGqZp82SXOOD9XwgoTiLwogso-sLUQuqKtvYhjYZmBVLoW6fJ0zHhY5U7fDCIe0vnAqpO1jcIjl_MqwghhOf0pOM2ZFJgxE_/s1600/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Ellie and Mac Be Independent Dress Leopard" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2HiTEZ_FFNtCMbRNQyByph96nOanvYdFfz6Y9sTSw3uwwxGqZp82SXOOD9XwgoTiLwogso-sLUQuqKtvYhjYZmBVLoW6fJ0zHhY5U7fDCIe0vnAqpO1jcIjl_MqwghhOf0pOM2ZFJgxE_/s640/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-2.jpg" title="" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is another Ellie & Mac pattern, the<a href="https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/girls-be-independent-dress-skirt-shorties-pattern?_pos=1&_sid=21bc9307f&_ss=r"> Be Independent dress</a>. You'd be forgiven to think that I had become some kind of brand ambassador for Ellie & Mac. It seems to be all I sew at the moment! The truth it, I'm hooked with their Wacky week promotion (a silver lining of the current situation), and the opportunity to pick up fantastic patterns for $1 is just too hard to resist. But no, I'm not affiliated, and actually don't do any affiliate links (at the moment anyway - perhaps one day I will give it more thought). </span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DYh4oXok5ATtl7Zr7EUvlftJFL8zgXSE1IV6B-oyfCPg9xexEWJLwgd1dZMYwQNLlF2bhgteb88v8H2xMFnZsqh-speQ_xiYgAJGrlelMPpvKunMbcGms5LPC8EU-_oKxuK0uUoYE36u/s1600/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Ellie and Mac Be Independent Dress Leopard" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2DYh4oXok5ATtl7Zr7EUvlftJFL8zgXSE1IV6B-oyfCPg9xexEWJLwgd1dZMYwQNLlF2bhgteb88v8H2xMFnZsqh-speQ_xiYgAJGrlelMPpvKunMbcGms5LPC8EU-_oKxuK0uUoYE36u/s640/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-3.jpg" title="" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And it took me seconds from seeing this pattern on sale for $1 to snapping it up. That pocket must be every toddler's dream! Imagine all the goodies that you fit in there! Hey, where's the pull along dog gone, Freya? ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have to say, although I had my reservations with using this amazing leopard print and plain French Terry combo (both from <a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/">Flamingo Fabrics</a>) on Freya, she is really rocking the look! The teal/turquoise colour really suits her, and I love the contrast pocket and sleeves, as well as the black top stitching. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">She is really channeling her inner fashion model today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYESQ1vxif09Cj7Jvwa28VggLhOqgrwVKavNi3sRMkgtir7VYE_0PZSeiDB0BC6fKJ_RibggwkXZotiNFkrxtOwKpbWLHqeuPZXNjnc72uPhzZzg8bHg8kRv7_IHDw26lg7ScEIkInkYk/s1600/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ellie and Mac Be Independent Dress Leopard" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYESQ1vxif09Cj7Jvwa28VggLhOqgrwVKavNi3sRMkgtir7VYE_0PZSeiDB0BC6fKJ_RibggwkXZotiNFkrxtOwKpbWLHqeuPZXNjnc72uPhzZzg8bHg8kRv7_IHDw26lg7ScEIkInkYk/s640/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-4.jpg" title="" width="426" /></a>. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As you can see, I've made the version with the pocket (obviously), and with long sleeves. I graded the pattern using 3T width, and half-way between 24m and 2T for length based on her measurements. It's perfect for my 22-month old, with room to grow (are you tired of me saying that now for every outfit? I should probably add a banner on my blog: Queen of Darts - making toddler clothes with room to grow). Since it's made in a super comfy medium weight French Terry, I think it will last her nicely into the autumn months. That pocket is gonna keep her hands warm!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It came together so quickly. From tracing the pattern (oh yea, I'm definitely making it again!) to putting it over Freya's head, it was a short couple of hours. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjN5heNGOgrYw-gE7Udr5ejtb0pUSgWldxYCZOA0FXVPnY5cuQCMd5igHOHQ4pMtGKQGHE7vlUX1qpLIirn4m-SPtMFIl5gMRNChtPhtkYilYo2mwyts3byMRLH0mT8yLKj9_ErVBD2hk/s1600/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Ellie and Mac Be Independent Dress Leopard" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjN5heNGOgrYw-gE7Udr5ejtb0pUSgWldxYCZOA0FXVPnY5cuQCMd5igHOHQ4pMtGKQGHE7vlUX1qpLIirn4m-SPtMFIl5gMRNChtPhtkYilYo2mwyts3byMRLH0mT8yLKj9_ErVBD2hk/s640/ellie-mac-independent-dress-pocket-5.jpg" title="" width="426" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There's not much more to say, as it was really such a quick and simple project from start to finish. Have a great weekend, all! </span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-22774817380829713832020-06-07T21:54:00.002+01:002020-06-07T21:54:53.686+01:00Toddler harems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">Harems are a must for babies and toddlers. They are comfy, easy to slip on and off, and have the added benefit of being the easiest sewing project ever! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">I am by no means a fast sewer (in fact, the thought of speed sewing makes me break out in cold sweats), but I can knock these out in less than a hour. Side seams, cuffs, and waistband, and you are done! </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><font face="helvetica" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="ellie and mac snowflakes jumper harem" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh955_xCbwuEkXEv365qOhcKvMmdwO3efTdc8Lk16ymMx2A-ckhEWV6-LsX8diC-rTxKtJhj0YCu58_E5ONunsd5WF47oVogHS1rjTMCXMj07ZadC5qV62tStnB5LcGIpZlGP4Mbycc-iba/w426-h640/Ellie-Mac-Snowflakes-harems-1.jpg" width="426" /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">So when Freya had her little growth spurt recently, naturally I decided to have a go at making some harems. Actually, I was really surprised by the realisation that I hadn't already made these for her! Having bought the <a href="https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/kids-snowflake-jumper-pattern">Snowflake Jumper</a> from Ellie and Mac for the grand total of $1 on their <a href="https://www.ellieandmac.com/collections/wacky-free-patterns">Wacky Wednesday</a> offer a few weeks ago (see my discovery and love for WW <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2020/04/the-everywhere-dress-ellie-and-mac.html">here</a>), I knew I had the perfect base. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">I made 2 pairs making slightly different modifications, and actually love how they both turned out! <span><a name='more'></a></span></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><font face="helvetica"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7BlqcraC82myxU2RF6Wu4EoVJr0rN__NJJt_y0QmKW719LLgVE8E6QbqEGuzUPOU7oDRLwWqnpsyaWuFX2iU-tPDq5K-0FqqyotlVRPTPvnQByMEjh7SFgApTHLqWGjGcddIxVYKgV4Yj/w426-h640/Ellie-Mac-Snowflakes-harems-2.jpg" width="426" /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">The original pattern is quite loose fitting, with a high waist and dropped crotch. It also comes with straps and optional flutters. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">On this first pair, using a super cute boho bunny French Terry, I wanted it to be roomy, with space to grow. I cut a size 2T in width (Freya was 20 months in these photos - I'm a bit slow in blogging this one. What can I say? I can sew these much faster than I can blog!), and made the following modifications:</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><font face="helvetica">Omitting the strap and flutters</font></li><li><font face="helvetica">For length, I actually cut the lower hem line rather than the cutting line for using cuffs, although I did use cuffs. </font></li><li><font face="helvetica">Lowering the waistline by 10.5cm at the centre front, blending to 10cm at the side seams and also 10cm at the centre back. Steps 2 and 3 together meant that the finished harems had a slightly lower waist but higher crotch than the pattern originally intended. </font></li><li><font face="helvetica">I made the waistband a little deeper, adding 1.5cm to the height of the pattern piece (i.e. 0.75cm to the finished waistband). </font></li></ol></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">With my new-found momentum from completing a project from start to finish in about an hour, I decided to make another pair! I had some amazing floral hacci sweater knit left in my stash, which was perfect for a more slim fitting pair with a slightly lower rise. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3j7UYm4JsVL5Nf26ERxU1f57tR3kW2cqJr3MVK_YvaRUQCKMLebYg1I2Fi0zkOXJSS1ld_T44d-aPf94PriirsskVfK5RGuu9APo2Cbx0hAv21f-xAxMvttTF2nMvJ4eiIaqzKkwe-HF/s1600/Ellie-Mac-Snowflakes-harems-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="ellie mac snowflake jumper harem pants" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU3j7UYm4JsVL5Nf26ERxU1f57tR3kW2cqJr3MVK_YvaRUQCKMLebYg1I2Fi0zkOXJSS1ld_T44d-aPf94PriirsskVfK5RGuu9APo2Cbx0hAv21f-xAxMvttTF2nMvJ4eiIaqzKkwe-HF/w426-h640/Ellie-Mac-Snowflakes-harems-3.jpg" width="426" /></a></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica"> These are made by making the following tweaks to the original pattern:</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><font face="helvetica">Omitting the straps and flutters</font></li><li><font face="helvetica">Following the width of the 24m (one size smaller than 2T, which was followed for the blue pair) </font></li><li><font face="helvetica">I cut the lower hem 2T line again (exactly the same as the other pair), </font></li><li><font face="helvetica">I lowered the waistline slightly more by chopping 11.5cm all around at the top. </font></li><li><font face="helvetica">I also added 1.5cm to the depth of the waistband pattern piece. </font></li></ol></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><font face="helvetica">OK I'll admit, the above may well be a little overly detailed and geeky. But I make no apology - I know that my future self will be thanking me when another growth spurt comes and I'm reaching for the same pattern again. And you never know, perhaps you've stumbled upon this page because you were thinking about a similar project, and this could provide a little help. </font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXslxAXvlyES-YFxZbSVU02tgYgnubrvbdzIIRmumpFZauQbO04Ut55NPXpy79MWivrEfGTPBlkBp3j0u_KbAc4ceAFgxdp_STPi_bxP2ozXqoh8vjaDtR4rVjp9kE5AiAPJbKXl11wbm/s1600/Ellie-Mac-Snowflakes-harems-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><font face="helvetica"><img alt="ellie mac snowflake jumper harem pants" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1225" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXslxAXvlyES-YFxZbSVU02tgYgnubrvbdzIIRmumpFZauQbO04Ut55NPXpy79MWivrEfGTPBlkBp3j0u_KbAc4ceAFgxdp_STPi_bxP2ozXqoh8vjaDtR4rVjp9kE5AiAPJbKXl11wbm/w490-h640/Ellie-Mac-Snowflakes-harems-4.jpg" width="490" /></font></a></div>
<div><font face="helvetica">There she is, testing her new slim fit harems with some assisted tree climbing! She confirms that they are as comfortable as they look :) </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">Both pairs have become wardrobe staples for Freya over the last month or so, and were regularly featured on Me-Made-May 2020. They have both turned out exactly how I hoped, but at the same time surprisingly different from one another. </font></div><div><font face="helvetica"><br /></font></div><div><font face="helvetica">What a satisfying project! <font color="#b51200"><b>How about you? What's your idea of a satisfying sew? </b></font></font></div>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-38301240698717622732020-05-28T14:25:00.001+01:002020-05-28T14:27:21.711+01:00Misusu Rowan Tee (a free pattern)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Who doesn't love a free pattern? I first discovered <a href="https://www.misusu.co/">Misusu</a> through <a href="http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/2019/02/free-pattern-friday-kids-rowan-tee.html" target="_blank">Zoe's Free Pattern Friday feature</a>, and the <a href="https://www.misusu.co/products/rowan-tee-pdf-sewing-pattern">Rowan tee</a> has been on my list for a while!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;">A slightly oversized boxy tee with short dolman sleeves, you say? Count me in! Given that we often find ready-to-wear clothes a little on the tight side, an oversized look was a welcome change. Something that doesn't cling to the body is also perfect for the little heat wave that we are having here in the UK. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgf2r6DQc-k88JX5yQ73vhxSjdN3vILVBCErqNkBMYb7WOlYosWb5Hy0JipJghjz_3Zb10LZVy0a4hcRnJDUo-EsV61Ms46Tg5kgmUGtZbmiQrKAExQyw8qTRFunb6OoDeGlYqsAGtJqH/s1600/Misusu-Rowan-tee-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="misusu rowan tee free" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="993" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgf2r6DQc-k88JX5yQ73vhxSjdN3vILVBCErqNkBMYb7WOlYosWb5Hy0JipJghjz_3Zb10LZVy0a4hcRnJDUo-EsV61Ms46Tg5kgmUGtZbmiQrKAExQyw8qTRFunb6OoDeGlYqsAGtJqH/s640/Misusu-Rowan-tee-3.jpg" title="" width="396" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With very few pattern pieces (front, back, neckband, optional pocket and optional long sleeves), this is certainly a pattern to show off cute prints. And just how cute is this pineapple cotton jersey? The colours just scream summer, and has that effect of instantly putting a smile on my face. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="misusu rowan tee free" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHOVvoQW8v7BdOEFvj1YijxTtkxDbjqDXUGHvYGKfBiQXzABC_XRUXWVzZKlqYuZV6GRYGuAH-nIoa4KMvYrPOFuFGI3_b6T2NNfljpKUq30OTx-McDS6yuagChtxeSQC5peWPspwG4xyh/w426-h640/Misusu-Rowan-tee-1.jpg" title="" width="426" /></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I decided to omit the pocket, due to sheer laziness (I wanted this to be a satisfying quick sew). I also opted for the self-fabric neck band rather than a plain ribbing. </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">On that though, I love that this pattern has separate banding pieces depending on if you use jersey or ribbing. I am a big fan of little helpful touches like that. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSnJVRGkXuHB8is6yDOg-Ut5Y_Z3nXg1P3i6b39MJ-dX25Td3cZGErJT8iikCNigYZKb6XpI79lUIiqk_lXTf5V_a56jpdaQXv_ubmNHt4kedMPX7LZxAQkSoz-bmh2qgH63qq4FbliwO/s1600/Misusu-Rowan-tee-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="misusu rowan tee free" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1070" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVSnJVRGkXuHB8is6yDOg-Ut5Y_Z3nXg1P3i6b39MJ-dX25Td3cZGErJT8iikCNigYZKb6XpI79lUIiqk_lXTf5V_a56jpdaQXv_ubmNHt4kedMPX7LZxAQkSoz-bmh2qgH63qq4FbliwO/s640/Misusu-Rowan-tee-4.jpg" title="" width="428" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Referring to the finished garment size chart, I decided to cut a size 24m. Speaking of which, why don't all patterns include this? I find them so helpful in understanding the amount of ease included, and the likely fit. The size chart is one thing, and </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;">For reference, Freya is almost 21 months, but depending on pattern company/designer, I've generally been cutting a size 3T (and often grading to a 4T width) based on her measurements (read, adorable toddler pot belly) for most patterns over the last couple of months. So it is so refreshing to 1) cut a size that sounds about right for her actual age and 2) for it to still provide some room for growth! Bravo, Misusu! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tKQwwLmO-0_U-spCQOI0YKJs8AxxtxDTWVO87SCcbu83yYCfaOONabjkfYC1e1btB3z_PptH7Sg6lyGoeFqj8SmewCvl0tpAxwjilMOxww4YL2aVGPatGz-ra0l6VfUA6ftWAkJJ_vQx/s1600/Misusu-Rowan-tee-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="misusu rowan tee free" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8tKQwwLmO-0_U-spCQOI0YKJs8AxxtxDTWVO87SCcbu83yYCfaOONabjkfYC1e1btB3z_PptH7Sg6lyGoeFqj8SmewCvl0tpAxwjilMOxww4YL2aVGPatGz-ra0l6VfUA6ftWAkJJ_vQx/w426-h640/Misusu-Rowan-tee-2.jpg" title="" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;">Seriously, I have nothing but praise for this pattern. It is well drafted, stylish, and this simple version (short sleeves without pocket) could be sewn together in less time than drinking your cup of tea (if you are a slow drinker like me, that is). There will no doubt be more of this in the coming years! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you like this Rowan Tee, make sure you check out the <a href="https://www.misusu.co/products/max-tee-pdf-sewing-pattern">Max Tee</a> (also free if you join the Facebook group) as well -- I've see so many amazing versions out there! </span></div>
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Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-51206689979406170032020-04-28T10:49:00.006+01:002020-05-12T17:52:49.237+01:00The Everywhere Dress (Ellie and Mac)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm not kidding <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2020/04/peter-rabbit-dress.html" target="_blank">when I told you that my sew-jo is back</a>. I am on a roll! Freya was in need of more all-weather dresses, and I even tried out a new pattern designer this time. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This is the <a href="https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/everywhere-dress-pattern" target="_blank">Everywhere Dress by Ellie and Mac</a>, and it is so so adorable! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwpy3m651W8Wz6b8Eb-grr4prxk6VXVqSeikhxR6NoW3toXV6_OtVVI1QNymg0eQLBLgsTz7XS_RKerf44jtUcZY5sPx9_GXy9TPlJSDBlO_sKS8iE9-f7xgt5DpP1aGiDRv3srwovTQq/s1600/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ellie Mac Everywhere Dress" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrwpy3m651W8Wz6b8Eb-grr4prxk6VXVqSeikhxR6NoW3toXV6_OtVVI1QNymg0eQLBLgsTz7XS_RKerf44jtUcZY5sPx9_GXy9TPlJSDBlO_sKS8iE9-f7xgt5DpP1aGiDRv3srwovTQq/s640/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-1.jpg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I only discovered Ellie and Mac (EAM) recently, and they are a PDF only designer. I must admit that I was first drawn in by their Wacky Wednesday offer, where selected patterns go on sale for the grand total of $1 every Wednesday! Yep, you read that right! They are practically free!! I took a gamble, and am so pleased that I did. The rest, as they say, is history. Nowadays, waiting for Wacky Wednesday has become a bit of a ritual, and I'm a proud owner of a few EAM patterns now! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">During the "lockdown" period, EAM is running Wacky Wednesday all week long! Check out the <a href="https://www.ellieandmac.com/collections/wacky-free-patterns" target="_blank">$1 patterns </a>that are currently on, and the selection changes each Monday. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmPlDzuvW7fUSgm14ccvgJ26fWL7Sqc-PR_rfIjCr_QsDv7UPc7dVNPxWpsfj0_8PZitU9VMM-CaglaToCHmdne34v-N0IJiKcnwPeKlzRQFrlS-H0Dmulc7dWNXDdocjESviiFEDJ19D/s1600/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ellie Mac Everywhere Dress" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1431" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtmPlDzuvW7fUSgm14ccvgJ26fWL7Sqc-PR_rfIjCr_QsDv7UPc7dVNPxWpsfj0_8PZitU9VMM-CaglaToCHmdne34v-N0IJiKcnwPeKlzRQFrlS-H0Dmulc7dWNXDdocjESviiFEDJ19D/s640/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-2.jpg" title="" width="572" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The Everywhere Dress was a no-brainer when it came on sale one Wednesday. I loved everything about it: the colour blocking, the pockets, and even different sleeve length. The sizing also covers a whopping 12 months to 14 years (which will actually be too big for me, though there is a matching adult version available in any case). I see opportunities for more twinning :D</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaX18lfE8s82JvXA80THCYHdP9LYhhwa46wmiFuFDp6CCyp0ux5dOMY0baYrRjcZRelfuAnl0Vr6FLdYITOxrvHkY97Z0YnRqeq5rFdRzEvLL-h8E8_DBOQ_RDgPL2l8Hh7l-YPMqhxwe/s1600/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ellie Mac Everywhere Dress" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMaX18lfE8s82JvXA80THCYHdP9LYhhwa46wmiFuFDp6CCyp0ux5dOMY0baYrRjcZRelfuAnl0Vr6FLdYITOxrvHkY97Z0YnRqeq5rFdRzEvLL-h8E8_DBOQ_RDgPL2l8Hh7l-YPMqhxwe/s640/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-03.jpg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I chose the curved bodice, 3/4 sleeves (any opportunity to show off the rolls), and heart-shaped pockets. Since Freya is almost 20 months (and heading well and truly towards the Terrible Two), I made a size 2T.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0rO0Mjihd6ZSLSSh2JF1eTYWFeVBlGA2omFZh0nVDyaQzSkOgMuXmJNTaLzCEuW3_HDDAz0Ho3sQYwzsGpF7Hp7yUXoP0k-VX4aeokFbK6AQJyAX9eAy4H1VXAgWrnmhzQCr0uqJuSYm/s1600/lightening-bolt-understitching-ellie-mac-everywhere-dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ellie Mac Everywhere Dress Seams Neckline" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0rO0Mjihd6ZSLSSh2JF1eTYWFeVBlGA2omFZh0nVDyaQzSkOgMuXmJNTaLzCEuW3_HDDAz0Ho3sQYwzsGpF7Hp7yUXoP0k-VX4aeokFbK6AQJyAX9eAy4H1VXAgWrnmhzQCr0uqJuSYm/s640/lightening-bolt-understitching-ellie-mac-everywhere-dress.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Feel free to swoon over the seaming here ;) I was pretty pleased with myself! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I went for muted tones here. I used the beautiful Nordic Forest jersey from my stash (from <a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/" target="_blank">Flamingo Fabrics</a>, sold out online) and contrasted it with some dusty mauve jersey that I bought especially for this purpose. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREYtuw5TxA2_4jlYFJzESbNJx-jj47kwqPMn5TKR5klDLjz0SiVojwCUnQ6fNXoJPWD51hJWpterbDevUMI__UFohP-W2D7TxzHzRHnG8JtHEUXj6gB7xeU1teC9QRHCSlaRteY_et7jW/s1600/superstretch-stitch-ellie-mac-everywehre-dress.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ellie Mac Everywhere Dress Pockets" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhREYtuw5TxA2_4jlYFJzESbNJx-jj47kwqPMn5TKR5klDLjz0SiVojwCUnQ6fNXoJPWD51hJWpterbDevUMI__UFohP-W2D7TxzHzRHnG8JtHEUXj6gB7xeU1teC9QRHCSlaRteY_et7jW/s640/superstretch-stitch-ellie-mac-everywehre-dress.jpg" title="" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I made 3 small changes to the pattern. First, I fully lined the bodice instead of making a facing, because I prefer the neater finish, and the incremental fabric usage was not huge. Facing or lining, I love the neat neckline. Whilst I don't mind the band that most often features knit patterns, this alternative woven-like finish does look less casual. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Secondly, I widened the neck opening slightly by simply trimming off a slightly wider seam allowance on the overlocker after stay stitching with the sewing machine first. This is based on some of the reviews that I read, and to avoid stretching the neckline out of shape during dressing and undressing. It worked a treat, though I think you would also be ok to sew the pattern up as it is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Thirdly, I skipped the interfacing for the pockets. I didn't have any knit interfacing to hand, so didn't bother! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC2Sexgt2jECr1eRqDq2iYwSBt5fn86Eh0MmhnOoVoLh34fxu2EUBtOoajPI03P6zfm0qhA6QtWQl0W0S7tMX0BM_9KW2_yFxCNn3xkuGI4BJTSZg2OR1eCNqjlRLkGpJiVMVUWQlLYwu/s1600/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ellie Mac Everywhere Dress" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNC2Sexgt2jECr1eRqDq2iYwSBt5fn86Eh0MmhnOoVoLh34fxu2EUBtOoajPI03P6zfm0qhA6QtWQl0W0S7tMX0BM_9KW2_yFxCNn3xkuGI4BJTSZg2OR1eCNqjlRLkGpJiVMVUWQlLYwu/s640/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-4.jpg" title="" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Despite all the details, this dress was surprisingly quick to make. The instructions were great, and there is even a video on Youtube walking you through all the steps if you are a virtual learner. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EvNfNjaixrrCphsGbezZ4Bg2uZoKltalxe4nvxmHcKmCAbQunGzmPYPdvbYyAdUlS_XnZbMsaXSvPRQA0tJGlrUaeyrn4gdZyFmt0LLSg98HsbeoqpMuTYYbYr-TLqHjjGW9Ivbx6ri-/s1600/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ellie Mac Everywhere Dress" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1100" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EvNfNjaixrrCphsGbezZ4Bg2uZoKltalxe4nvxmHcKmCAbQunGzmPYPdvbYyAdUlS_XnZbMsaXSvPRQA0tJGlrUaeyrn4gdZyFmt0LLSg98HsbeoqpMuTYYbYr-TLqHjjGW9Ivbx6ri-/s640/Ellie-and-mac-everywhere-dress-5.jpg" title="" width="440" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As a final remark, the Everyday Dress really does live up to its name -- a comfortable and chic dress that can literally be worn everywhere. I see many more of these dresses for Freya in the future!</span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-38808052822987374402020-04-24T22:26:00.000+01:002020-04-24T22:26:18.900+01:00Peter Rabbit dress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hey guys, I hope you and your loved ones are all keeping well during these turbulent times! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The current situation is not great by any means, but one silver lining is that it's helped me get my sew-jo back! I hadn't sewed since Christmas, and making this dress really reminded me how much joy I get out of making outfits for Freya. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">She got distracted during her daily walk... </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBLkqc6AYBrIUJa9RKRX_6OsMC5cp4CAXsF9B1DoXWhv67u7buwzzRI2S1_WbydscjQiYsCGdovVp8FYatO4nxm7cjri6iruUR0GNIH74YXRTxTQ2voVnJNJL1zf1WUkM3xqKIeSzzjgL/s1600/Poppy-jazz-pansy-dress-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="poppy and jazz pansy dress peter rabbit" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1386" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCBLkqc6AYBrIUJa9RKRX_6OsMC5cp4CAXsF9B1DoXWhv67u7buwzzRI2S1_WbydscjQiYsCGdovVp8FYatO4nxm7cjri6iruUR0GNIH74YXRTxTQ2voVnJNJL1zf1WUkM3xqKIeSzzjgL/s640/Poppy-jazz-pansy-dress-2.jpg" title="" width="554" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's the <a href="https://sewoverit.co.uk/product/pansy-dress/" target="_blank">Pansy Dress by Poppy and Jazz</a>, and another project for Flamingo Fabrics, where this amazing <a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/products/peter-rabbit-meadow-single-jersey-sold-by-half-metre-13-10?_pos=4&_sid=e4c8313d4&_ss=r" target="_blank">Peter Rabbit fabric</a> is from (it always sells out so quickly). You can read all about the ups and downs of this project<a href="https://flamingofabrics.co.uk/blogs/news/who-doesnt-like-peter-rabbit" target="_blank"> here</a>. Spoiler alert - it was not all plane sailing! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9m56gjNllBWECwbvA4KyGSvBCemVduyZYfZ09Gm0K8Q-ED3ESULPuyO1094FFaiqaN4El2GEQ335v9TGoqOOFNYk0y5FE6iCUtVGkpedgOcoLPcimSeW-1cP2jodC8xYkJrL7GXq2Bxp/s1600/Poppy-jazz-pansy-dress-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img alt="poppy and jazz pansy dress peter rabbit" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9m56gjNllBWECwbvA4KyGSvBCemVduyZYfZ09Gm0K8Q-ED3ESULPuyO1094FFaiqaN4El2GEQ335v9TGoqOOFNYk0y5FE6iCUtVGkpedgOcoLPcimSeW-1cP2jodC8xYkJrL7GXq2Bxp/s640/Poppy-jazz-pansy-dress-5.jpg" title="" width="426" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Look at her little face! It fills my heart with so much joy seeing her in a (slightly too big) mummy made outfit. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that my sew-jo is back, be warned! I-sew-lation here I come! </span></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-75475894747077496612020-04-19T14:55:00.001+01:002020-05-12T17:53:23.516+01:00Sewing with knits – what I wish I knew 5 years ago<br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Guys, it’s been more than 5 years since <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2015/01/first-encounter-with-knits-my-very-own.html" target="_blank">I started sewing with knits</a>! Can you believe that? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5 years in, a lot has changed. For starters, I had an
amazing little girl Freya, who truly brightens up every single day of my life.
If I thought that I felt smug with my ability to sew with knit fabrics when I
was pregnant (ever expanding tummy = appreciative of the quality of stretchy
fabrics), I was overcome with smugness when I had a fast-growing baby and now
toddler on my hands! Almost Freya’s entire wardrobe (home-made and shop bought)
was made of cotton jersey/French Terry, and for good reason: there is nothing
more comfortable for a growing and active child to wear! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzcER4YeZHVl1YG_uaVH0YMyvn_fyrcSrKPeRZdBGHYP5zg1y26ks4pxc8KI_uxsJU4YmlA9Aw0UQtoc9BpCHBgA9fyqwx8GA9VA7RL1TREpXUzNJ_snM_rD2d63UxBtJCRi3Y8alnWBO/s1600/poppy+jazz+dandelion+dungarees+whimsical+woodland+autumnal-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="dandelion-dungarees-whimsical-woodland" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1202" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWzcER4YeZHVl1YG_uaVH0YMyvn_fyrcSrKPeRZdBGHYP5zg1y26ks4pxc8KI_uxsJU4YmlA9Aw0UQtoc9BpCHBgA9fyqwx8GA9VA7RL1TREpXUzNJ_snM_rD2d63UxBtJCRi3Y8alnWBO/s400/poppy+jazz+dandelion+dungarees+whimsical+woodland+autumnal-6.jpg" title="" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I’ve learned lots about sewing with knits, though I would in
no way suggest that I know everything about it. In addition to the <a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2015/01/first-encounter-with-knits-my-very-own.html" target="_blank">lightbulbmoments</a> that I shared with you when I first started, I wanted to share with you
a few more things that I’ve learned. Sharing is caring, after all.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You can change the knives on the overlocker/serger<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcJ8Dc8b34tYSrV4iidNDLD3q2OmCTFA8r6hMpI23wLXVX0xF0JZTv_JcjdX1DvjYVN9EE710JaF_uoD19C-Ry7xQU6EtQsBW4Q09OilsQkzWzCcZ2eoAohi_9Vl-49eE_bdc-YEf4nDU/s1600/overlocker-serger-lower-blade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="top tips for sewing with knits overlocker serger blade" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgcJ8Dc8b34tYSrV4iidNDLD3q2OmCTFA8r6hMpI23wLXVX0xF0JZTv_JcjdX1DvjYVN9EE710JaF_uoD19C-Ry7xQU6EtQsBW4Q09OilsQkzWzCcZ2eoAohi_9Vl-49eE_bdc-YEf4nDU/s400/overlocker-serger-lower-blade.jpg" title="" width="225" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The upper and lower blades got dull on my overlocker
recently, and the cutting started to look messy, especially over bulky seams.
If this happens to you, make sure you pat yourself on the back – you are making
the most of your machine! Replacing them on most overlockers is pretty easy and
straightforward, I’m lead to believe. With the help of Youtube videos and some
screwdrivers, you’re all set! Just go slowly and carefully, with the machine
unplugged, please!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is more to life than twin needles<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9svWMFLblQu6kG5sBzm_zA0fffHIlMDjFc4QGVqQ0uB4rvPoH3Tza8CGZe1h4CkH7HtiqBHh2uHQxLka6rYJxFrZHe1gr7-glDeLQdzMGYfKPZtoF8R1l54n_aJimomdQeZ6UmWMtwy3/s1600/movie+night+pyjamas+mint+elephant-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="twin needling hem troubleshooting movie night PJs" border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1600" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9svWMFLblQu6kG5sBzm_zA0fffHIlMDjFc4QGVqQ0uB4rvPoH3Tza8CGZe1h4CkH7HtiqBHh2uHQxLka6rYJxFrZHe1gr7-glDeLQdzMGYfKPZtoF8R1l54n_aJimomdQeZ6UmWMtwy3/s640/movie+night+pyjamas+mint+elephant-5.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Oh man, twin needles have been my nemesis for soooo long. Goodness
knows how much I’ve struggled with it, mainly in terms of skipped stitches in
the right needle. I’ve threaded and rethreaded the machines (changing the
direction, inside/outside tension disc, inside/outside needle holder, etc, plus
all the combinations thereof); I’ve tried many needles, in terms of weight and
gap distance; I’ve tried with and without wondertape, and stitching at
different parts of the hem; I’ve messed about with tensions and tried wooly
nylon in the bobbin; heck, I’ve had the machine services, and even tried
different machines. When it comes to troubleshooting, you name it, I’ve tried
it – I can say that because I have tried <i>everything</i>, so that I could get
the beautiful, professional looking twin needle hem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SvHC4Wu-vinrJsY-cVl7WNkpKsvdFHGg92rZCVEvEsYstJ-5wXl0k6d8KDWb7-7YymKkqxNPCNxREk5L_s9f-vmAAWqohEfX95DjJq7WJQpOTaEVpNoJn7Elw6_FTZALOgtmDNndwhA1/s1600/Poppy-jazz-pansy-dress-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Peter rabbit Poppy Jazz Pansy dress twin needle hem" border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SvHC4Wu-vinrJsY-cVl7WNkpKsvdFHGg92rZCVEvEsYstJ-5wXl0k6d8KDWb7-7YymKkqxNPCNxREk5L_s9f-vmAAWqohEfX95DjJq7WJQpOTaEVpNoJn7Elw6_FTZALOgtmDNndwhA1/s640/Poppy-jazz-pansy-dress-4.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Where I’ve got to is what I’d like to call a partial
solution. I can generally get the twin stitching to work fairly reliably using white
cotton threads for the top spools, with twin stretch (not ball point) needles,
at a long ish stitch length. I am happy with that. When I do need to do hemming
on other colours, I often turn to other stretch stitches. I’ve learned to
embrace the decorative nature of some of these, as well as the stretchiness of
others. Here are a few examples:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Baseball stitch - for hemming and topstitching<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BSCfnA__And9qWGg7nY_uRACBDx6yShEacdCtV4EpKrwiE88v0jsAz5bKsKFq8YvXhuiEHtZl5C3hC8JlHTRuK64AfwIiaHXfZBwWKy8kgYFr4U8rOfkVov0QpsJ7Tx5bOtYsl_3ZACP/s1600/Mother-grimm-locksley-leggings-cheetah-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="mother grimm lockley leggings decorative stitches" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="759" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1BSCfnA__And9qWGg7nY_uRACBDx6yShEacdCtV4EpKrwiE88v0jsAz5bKsKFq8YvXhuiEHtZl5C3hC8JlHTRuK64AfwIiaHXfZBwWKy8kgYFr4U8rOfkVov0QpsJ7Tx5bOtYsl_3ZACP/s400/Mother-grimm-locksley-leggings-cheetah-4.jpg" title="" width="188" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWsr1AUOLO6e7SrMSs9ufCV0XeieajeP9b11ZMFfsQRcyRJw7j7zTLv51sJ91LUjLm_YVnIp_OMM7Yer6Oi5ooKmkArT5DBcDs2SCb6kuhA8xkW-q-NNKocwjseZWDUGuMNfy0jTMGqaA/s1600/Mother-grimm-locksley-leggings-cheetah-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="baseball stretch stitch hem mother grimm lockley" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1150" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAWsr1AUOLO6e7SrMSs9ufCV0XeieajeP9b11ZMFfsQRcyRJw7j7zTLv51sJ91LUjLm_YVnIp_OMM7Yer6Oi5ooKmkArT5DBcDs2SCb6kuhA8xkW-q-NNKocwjseZWDUGuMNfy0jTMGqaA/s400/Mother-grimm-locksley-leggings-cheetah-5.jpg" title="" width="286" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lightening bolt stitch - functional, and good for understitching<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgpBUbWU5XS8LsHGG71vkxk2YbPtJBde_yoR2S_0NrqGQl6J9IS33FXr2kb0D_WefgbxsfPPcvNmcAUzf-0JYt8MCPf4eyLLQbqD0Vfn9FcdX2lGEjzc6paRq09ckR0exypxZq0Gu38SP/s1600/lightening-bolt-understitching-ellie-mac-everywhere-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="ellie mac everywhere dress lined bodice understitching" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgpBUbWU5XS8LsHGG71vkxk2YbPtJBde_yoR2S_0NrqGQl6J9IS33FXr2kb0D_WefgbxsfPPcvNmcAUzf-0JYt8MCPf4eyLLQbqD0Vfn9FcdX2lGEjzc6paRq09ckR0exypxZq0Gu38SP/s640/lightening-bolt-understitching-ellie-mac-everywhere-dress.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Super Stretch stitch - great for hemming</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxP_qerP5bYH8EEbsyzlAzDlcH20_jYBuHu1_DtFVBUzFpUQCZqN8PjTa1EQ3Ay5Yp6KwL1e_nYWv6mwvtgahKMOaa51J5BblHnzQ5iIEq1QXTgs_qLHER64CdZQ_Mox_KPILSB1tQDMgp/s1600/superstretch-stitch-ellie-mac-everywehre-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="Ellie mac everywhere dress heart pockets superstitch hem" border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxP_qerP5bYH8EEbsyzlAzDlcH20_jYBuHu1_DtFVBUzFpUQCZqN8PjTa1EQ3Ay5Yp6KwL1e_nYWv6mwvtgahKMOaa51J5BblHnzQ5iIEq1QXTgs_qLHER64CdZQ_Mox_KPILSB1tQDMgp/s640/superstretch-stitch-ellie-mac-everywehre-dress.jpg" title="" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I wish I had discovered these sooner, and spent more time sewing, and less time worrying about skipped twin needle stitching. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Useful tools that I didn't know existed <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.queenofdarts.com/2015/01/first-encounter-with-knits-my-very-own.html" target="_blank">You might recall </a>that I struggled with the idea of
eyeballing the seam allowance and how much to cut off. A little nifty seam
guide can help you with that! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Another tool that I have become very fond of is a little box
of clips. Clipping the seams doesn’t snag the knit fabric like pins would, and
you also have a much smaller chance of injuring yourself. Bonus! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92DV8IYTyt65JN4N2Ffr_TBttCvpfIv09NY1_qY368NBlUwyKI4PC4W06oASOvj1sLIc8Jup2ZLkJwUteEbonXidGqXWsvnFy0VOWp2z8XaQT4QAMFTdxEbKjmEl0IS1O7Nwa_j3UAjWw/s1600/sewing-gaude-seam-allowance-clips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img alt="top tips sewing with knit fabrics jersey" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92DV8IYTyt65JN4N2Ffr_TBttCvpfIv09NY1_qY368NBlUwyKI4PC4W06oASOvj1sLIc8Jup2ZLkJwUteEbonXidGqXWsvnFy0VOWp2z8XaQT4QAMFTdxEbKjmEl0IS1O7Nwa_j3UAjWw/s320/sewing-gaude-seam-allowance-clips.jpg" title="" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These are useful for sewing with woven, too! </span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Overlocker vs sewing machine</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was a bit confused when I started, as to whether my
overlocker would replace my sewing machine when it comes to sewing with jersey.
The answer is: they do completely different things, and for most projects, they
work in a complementary way. There are some projects where every step can be
completed on the overlocker (and these are projects that I love!), but most of
the time, you are going to need both. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Snap fasteners/poppers<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">First realisation, with the benefit of hindsight, babies
(parents really!) only really benefit from poppers for a relatively short
period. Once the baby can wriggle and roll about, you are properly better off
not bothering! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Second realisation -- for those early months where your baby is wonderfully peaceful
and stationary, poppers are still great, and I wish I had gone for the Prym love ones
from the moment I started sewing for baby, rather than those cheap ones from
ebay/amazon. No, this isn’t a sponsored post by any means, just my experience. The
hassle of poppers coming loose, and the consequent worry of more coming off and
the potential damage it could do to the baby, is just not worth it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FbhpKgu8qP-AN18J2tp8CBcdgN_mDxNc8RbyLR5fRVfAveadPk_umrGCVtDhyphenhypheniTAC1ItXqqyG3ZR7eM299Yc_Z3z9ey3j2FlCy38Wm3XOXkpOyB_KfWiCFxmXHWuMdLkdlQ-te7d6uye/s1600/dandelion-dungarees-matching-poppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="dandelion-dungarees-matching-poppers" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1283" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FbhpKgu8qP-AN18J2tp8CBcdgN_mDxNc8RbyLR5fRVfAveadPk_umrGCVtDhyphenhypheniTAC1ItXqqyG3ZR7eM299Yc_Z3z9ey3j2FlCy38Wm3XOXkpOyB_KfWiCFxmXHWuMdLkdlQ-te7d6uye/s640/dandelion-dungarees-matching-poppers.jpg" title="" width="512" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I also liked using <a href="https://www.littletshaberdashery.com/product/wonder-dots-20mm/" target="_blank">Wonder Dots</a> (again, not on commission) to stablise jersey before applying the poppers, although I do sometimes find them moving about once they've been sandwiched in between your outer fabric and lining. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The above, my reader friends, are things that I've picked up over the years when it comes to sewing with knits. <span style="color: #cc0000;">Share your own top tips in the comments! </span>Don't be shy! </span></div>
Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3132910374487654308.post-48998700878654280592020-04-12T10:30:00.001+01:002023-05-12T00:27:31.893+01:00Double gauze cropped top<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">I'm back guest blogging for <a href="https://www.minerva.com/people/1000155" target="_blank">Minerva</a> with this simple cropped top. I absolutely love the double gauze by Rico Designs, and enjoyed sewing up the Butterick 6182 by Lisette again (last version not blogged). Here's a little preview:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjO2RXLo5W2seKUkMX81m1h6vYed8mqrDTIKxrTa-r8HLzuE4KvvtdDgnYwwRA7xYaznvH8LmhH5GPKSWBXfOs2IfbRd0Vaom8PnD-xAc9BN5T2ALcKLHP_h8duXUnD0a8mTGdtBWe3MR/s1600/Lisette-butterick-6182-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif"></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjO2RXLo5W2seKUkMX81m1h6vYed8mqrDTIKxrTa-r8HLzuE4KvvtdDgnYwwRA7xYaznvH8LmhH5GPKSWBXfOs2IfbRd0Vaom8PnD-xAc9BN5T2ALcKLHP_h8duXUnD0a8mTGdtBWe3MR/s1600/Lisette-butterick-6182-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lisette BUtterick 6182 Cropped Top" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvjO2RXLo5W2seKUkMX81m1h6vYed8mqrDTIKxrTa-r8HLzuE4KvvtdDgnYwwRA7xYaznvH8LmhH5GPKSWBXfOs2IfbRd0Vaom8PnD-xAc9BN5T2ALcKLHP_h8duXUnD0a8mTGdtBWe3MR/s640/Lisette-butterick-6182-2.jpg" title="" width="360" /></a></div>
<span face=""trebuchet ms" , sans-serif">Check out all the ins and outs of this project <a href="https://www.minerva.com/posts/1008337" target="_blank">here</a>! </span>Alicehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07644415042425814372noreply@blogger.com0