Time for another Grand'ourse

Hello, my name is Alice, and I'm addicted to sewing the Grand'ourse jacket by Ikatee. 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 here, here and here, and I also made a cosy version for one of Freya's friends. 

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! 

And this is exactly what happened when I managed to grab this cute Native Arrows brushed back sweatshirt fabric from a recent sale from Guthrie and Ghani.

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?

Colour blocked Sapporo, and has the update addressed all the issues?

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!" 

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 here!

Unfortunately, the heat wave, and the swollen eyes and other allergic reactions 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!

Ta Dah!

I've always liked the design of the Sapporo. It's no surprise - I've enjoyed using a couple of Papercut patterns before, and like their modern style. I won't lie - their beautiful packaging may have something to do with my affection, too. 

Sewaholic Robson Trench

My husband: Do you think you could turn my new suit trousers up? 

Me: I don't think I'm skilled enough to do that I'm afraid. 

Also me: Hey, look at my latest make... 

Entering - my new Robson Trench! 

And check out the details:  

This is my first make as a proud Minerva Maker. Read all about the making of the trench on Minerva here. 

And yes, as a loving wife and mother of his child, of course I did turn up the suit trousers. Two pairs! 

Ready for spring jacket

Hello all! Hope you are having a nice weekend. 

I've finally completed my first jacket! I was initially going to make this ready for autumn, but then autumn came and went, so now it's ready in time for spring! 

I used the New Look 6035 pattern, view A. You might remember Lauren's version last year from the Sewing Bee! I used this pattern as the jacket is unlined -- I thought I'd ease my way into the wonderful world of jackets! 

I'm happy to report back that it wasn't that hard to make! I don't know what I was expecting, but as it turned out, the construction of this jacket wasn't all that different from a princess lined top. The lapel was a bit of a challenge, but nothing out of the ordinary. If I were to make this pattern again, though, I would look to make the lapel a bit more narrow, but it doesn't bother me too much the way it is. 

I don't actually know what the fabric is...I want to say it's somewhere between a twill, viscose and a poly blend. It has a very soft hand, and is comfortable to wear. I really liked the dark red/wine colour and how soft it is, so had to have it!  

Very weirdly, the only alteration that I had to make was to let the bottom half of the sleeves out a bit. Now I had no idea that I had disproportionately massive forearms, but New Look has shown me just how blissfully unaware I was... The rest of the jacket fitted fine, if not a little on the loose side for my liking (you might have noticed that the button is a little off centre to pull the jacket in), but I ended up letting out each sleeve by just under 2cm in the forearm area!! Without the alteration I could just about get my (massive) forearms through the sleeves, but bending my elbow was a chore. I certainly wouldn't be doing what the lady is doing on the envelope! After the alterations I could just about roll up the sleeves. 

Overall, though, I was pretty pleased with how it's turned out. It's certainly wearable, and I have not been put off making more jackets in the future. Now we just need spring to arrive, as I'm ready for it! 

How about you? Are you ready for spring yet? 

My sewing blackboard and vintage sewing pattern pledge

Hello! Anybody out there?! Yes, it's been a while since my last (non-sewing related) post, but what better way to come back to the blog than with a pledge? Marie at A Stitching Odyssey has initiated the vintage sewing pattern pledge, so I'm in: 

"In 2014, I, Alice Wang, will sew up at least three of my vintage sewing patterns". 

That's all well and good, but where on earth have you been? I hear you ask. Well, I'm pleased to say that a lot are changing in my life, for the better, of course. For starters, I'm starting a new job, and we are moving house for it! Selling up and trying to tie up loose ends have been stressful, and that's why I've taken a bit of a break from sewing and blogging, but I'm sure it will all be worth it in the end. 

Anyway, back to sewing. Here's what's on my sewing blackboard, and the 3 vintage patterns that I'm planning on sewing this year (but if you've read the T&Cs you will see that I reserve my rights to change which patterns that I will use):

Compared to the last time I shared the blackboard with you, there were only 3 projects that I haven't yet finished. Not bad going, right?

I'm excited! I just LOVE vintage patterns. Yes, they are harder to fit, but they feel so special to work with. I can't wait to start. And to ease myself in, I'm pleased to say that I've already made myself a simple unlined jacket to introduce myself to the world of handmade jackets ("tailoring" to others). Once it's pressed and photographed, I will be sure to be back to share it with you. Until then, hope you are staying safe whatever the weather is where you are.