‘Start with a skein’ SWAP: Pack 2

The next part of the new wardrobe is the blue pack – tencel denim shirt, linen jeans and cotton shorts.  The details and photos are below.  But first, a quick update on the progress of the scarf.  I’ve wound the yarn onto the warping board.  It was quite a slow process trying to keep the colours stacked as they were in the skein for 140 threads.  There is a lot more light blue than I thought, but I can use those areas for the loom waste.  Here is a picture, love the colours!!!! Continue reading “‘Start with a skein’ SWAP: Pack 2” →

‘Start with a skein’ SWAP: Pack 1

I’ve been enjoying working on my hiking wardrobe as part of the Artisan’s Square SWAP (and I’ve been slack about posting updates as I need to take some photos).  Progress has been a little low, mainly because most of the designs are RTW knock-offs that need a fair bit of drafting.  Then there are the 2 convertible pants which both have 7-8 zippers each: 1 fly, 2 welt, 2 separating, 2 invisible and extra pocket zipper. Continue reading “‘Start with a skein’ SWAP: Pack 1” →

Lekala 4162: Linen Blazer

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Linen Jacket

A couple of months back, I found some gorgeous natural linen fabric from my local indie fabric shop.  I bought enough for a pair of pants and shorts.  After making the pants, I decided to make a matching jacket instead of the shorts.   I chose the Lekala 4162 pattern as I’ve had good fitting results with their patterns and liked the style of the jacket. Continue reading “Lekala 4162: Linen Blazer” →

Lekala 4305 (Jacket With Stand Collar) in Denim

Detail view
Detail view

Last year I made the pattern last year “as-is” in leather and have worn it a lot. I have used the pattern as a base to knock-off of the Kuhl Burr jacket. This post covers the design changes that I made. Please see the original post for more detail on the original pattern / instructions etc. Continue reading “Lekala 4305 (Jacket With Stand Collar) in Denim” →

Pattern Review :Lekala 4177 ( Peplum blouse) in black silk

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This pattern is a 1 yard wonder!  The peplum takes up most of the fabric, but it is possible to lay the bodice and sleeve pieces around it.

With a number of peplum patterns coming out lately, I decided to give this a go.   I love the way the peplum sits.  It doesn’t have as much fullness as the BMV patterns I’ve looked at and this suits me much better – skims rather than flounces. I wasn’t sure how the hi-lo hem would go as side-on they can just look ill-fitting ( like the hem is being raised because you need an FBA) but it doesn’t look too bad. The length on the front and back is very flattering.  I also like the custom fit on this pattern, as I normally have to make a lot of adjustments for being short with narrow shoulders. It is so nice just to trace out the pattern and sew.

I may sew this again with a variation in the collar or sleeves. Continue reading “Pattern Review :Lekala 4177 ( Peplum blouse) in black silk” →

Lekala 4167 (Jacket in Military Style) in Textured Wool

2015_02_c.jpg I love it! It feels so nice to put it on and I know I’m going to wear it a lot!To my amazement, there are no wrinkles, the sleeve hangs perfectly, and doesn’t bind when I lift my arm up. I’ve also really surprised myself with the construction. 12 months ago, I could only dream of sewing a jacket as well as this.

This jacket is a combination of Lekala 4167 (main silhouette) and Lekala 5548 (dart configuration and sleeve fit). Continue reading “Lekala 4167 (Jacket in Military Style) in Textured Wool” →

Lekala 4425 (Blouse with ruche) in raw silk

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I found a photo of this top somewhere on Polyvore last year. It can’t remember the designer, but I loved the top. I was going to try drafting it, but on a whim I submitted the photo into Lekala’s “Suggest new style”. It got the most number of votes that week and a couple of weeks later, the pattern was it up on their web site- made to your measurements – and only for a couple of dollars . The kind of thing you only dream about. Thanks Lekala!!! Continue reading “Lekala 4425 (Blouse with ruche) in raw silk” →