Half the year has gone and winter has finally arrived. There is a thin green tinge of new grass which really lifts the spirits and we’ve had our first ski of the season. Yay!!! But also begs the question, what did I achieve in Autumn? Continue reading “Sewing in 2018: 2nd Qtr wrap up”
One of the best things about sewing is being able to knock-off designer brands. Not only to you get a custom fit garment at a fraction of the price, you also have control over the colours and fabrics. This Lekala pattern (4708) looks to be based roughly on The North Face’s Arcata hoodie.
For version two of this sweatshirt, I’ve gone down three sizes from what was recommended in the size chart and added a little extra width at the hip. The fit is much better, especially through the shoulders. No way near as baggy as yesterday’s version. With the narrower shoulders, the sleeve came out to be the right length. I’ve still tapered the sleeve a little and reduced the cuff with. Continue reading “Ottobre Sweatshirt V2”
I would have thought that somewhere in my pattern stash, I had a pattern for a crew neck sweatshirt with set in sleeves. Most of the patterns that I have either were raglan sleeved or were hoodies. A quick look at the Big 4 patterns didn’t come up with any, even Kwik Sew. I did find a couple of indi patterns that fitted the bill, but expensive for what they were.
At this point, I did seriously consider just buying a couple of sweatshirts. I could get two for the price of the indi pattern and I didn’t have the hassle of finding matching ribbing. The next time I was in town, I dropped into one of the chain stores to have a look. I’d just be using them around the house and for working in the garden so the low quality was OK for what I was doing. They’d last a couple of years, by which time they would be permanently stained and likely to have a few holes from being snagged on branches. I’d might scrape 30 wears out of them, but not 30 washes. The thing that stopped me was they were made in Bangladesh. If I bought them, am I just reinforcing bad working conditions for the people who made them? Is this something you consider when buying RTW? Continue reading “Ottobre Sweatshirt v1”
First up, thanks to those who voted on which fabric to use for the cycling kit. The filigree design won narrowly over the Mayan-style print. I’ve kind of worked out how I’ll use the print but I’ve had to put the project on hold for a little while. I manage to pop my ankle out again and it will take a couple of months before I can try cycling again. It’s so frustrating!!
Help! I need to make a new kit for cycling ie cycling shorts and a jersey. When (if?) the weather finally turns cold and it rains, I want to add thermal leggings and most likely a light waterproof shell. I can’t settle on which print to use. Here are my choices, which one would you pick for me? Continue reading “Help Needed: choosing fabric for next project”
Most years I participate in a some form of wardrobe sew-along. Initially it was PR contests but more recently SWAP (sewing with a plan) on Artisans’ Square. Here is this year’s new wardrobe.
A white graphic T and black shorts are the last two items for SWAP 2018. Continue reading “Graphic T and black shorts”
Hurray!!! My handwoven top is finished! I think I have a few more grey hairs but I’m relieved to say that my weaving is off the loom, cut and sewn!
Continue reading “My Handwoven Top …. done!”
A while ago, I made a knock-off of The North Face Raven shorts. The colour has faded but they are still in high rotation in my summer wardrobe. When I made them, I had plans of making a second version and adjusting the gusset design a little. That was back in 2012. It’s now 2018 and I’m finally getting around to that project. Continue reading “Self-drafted Convertible Hiking Pants”
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