A striped linen shirt

I’ve had this project on my wishlist for a while now.  You may have noticed a drawing on this shirt in my “Now Sewing” section of the side bar for some time (since December at least).  Sometimes you can’t rush a project, but with the cooler weather approaching, I finally got around to making it. Continue reading “A striped linen shirt”

SWAP 2019 finished

My SWAP (sewing with a plan) is complete.   This year’s rules required us to choose a colour scheme from an inspiration photo; two neutrals with 2-5 accents and/or prints.  Each item needed to make at least 2 outfits.  While I didn’t need a fully cohesive capsule wardrobe, I did want to plug a few gaps in what I already have, and to add much more colour.  My colour scheme is based on a butterfly print fabric that I had.  Lots of colours to choose from. Continue reading “SWAP 2019 finished”

‘Project C’ – Pleated olive and black bra set

Whooo-hoooo! I finally got this project done and dusted. Back in December, I made plans for some lingerie sewing. “Project C” was the one I really, really, REALLY wanted to work out well. So naturally, I procrastinated on starting it :-). Continue reading “‘Project C’ – Pleated olive and black bra set”

How many ways can you draft a sleeve?

How many ways can can you a sleeve?  Over the last month, I’ve been diving into different drafting methods and was surprised at how many different ways it can be done.

I wanted to make a close-fitting denim shirt, like in the tech drawing above.  Shoulder yoke, front princess seams, shirt-tail hem, and long sleeves with placket and cuffs.  The fabric is a lovely tencel chambray with printed dots.  Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve done some more fitting with the armscye of my fitted blouse block that I used for the yellow shirt.  I’ve used that block to draft this pattern. Continue reading “How many ways can you draft a sleeve?”

Yellow Shirt – Drafted from scratch

A short sleeved fitted shirt with collar and stand.  Not overly remarkable in itself, but did I mention that I hand-drafted it, from my measurements?

Yay, I finally got the bodice block drafted and fitted. Like the pants block, this one also turned out to be a bit of an epic. Continue reading “Yellow Shirt – Drafted from scratch”

Forty something…

The heat wave continues, although I don’t think you can really call it a wave. It’s just continually HOT. And I think this heat will be around for most of February as well. At times like this I wish we had air-conditioning. Good weather to stay inside and sew Continue reading “Forty something…”

Last post of 2018

Despite the heat, the last couple of days has been quite productive with two bra/pantie sets and a strapless bra.  My favourite would have to be the set made from a knit top that I rarely wear.  It’s remake is quite stunning.

side view

Continue reading “Last post of 2018”

Simple sewing : Two knit Tees

Time for some easy sewing projects. This time it is two t-shirts. The first is from my self-drafted relaxed fit t-shirt pattern. The second is a variation on a boat-neck t-shirt from Knipmode.

Before I go any further, I’d like to say a big thank-you to those of you who voted or commented on the design for my knitting project.  The result was overwhelmingly for the V-neck with a short length.  I’ve started the armhole shaping on the back.  With a bit of luck I’ll have a finished jumper to show in the autumn. (I’m a very slow knitter). Continue reading “Simple sewing : Two knit Tees”

Sew the look : Lekala 4420 Blouse

Remember those rust pants from a previous post that I was trying to find tops for?  Well here is the second instalment : a casual summer blouse using Lekala 4420 Continue reading “Sew the look : Lekala 4420 Blouse”