Shift Dress

Pattern: Self-drafted

Using the reverse engineering method of lifting the pattern from an existing garment to flat pattern.  A method thought by Kenneth King.

Grainline - Archer (WIP)

Pattern: Grainline - Archer
Size: 12
Fabric: 2.2M 45" Cotton Lawn (Harisons)
Cost: RM15.00 / M

•  I was having a tough time placing all the pieces I needed on the amount of fabric I had, next time (yes, they'll be a next time) I'll get 2.5M instead.
• I don't follow the suggested cutting layout anymore, I just do my thing
• I've added my 'signature' saddle stitching on the collar, back yoke and pockets.  After I finish my cuffs I'll add some stitching on that too.
• I've changed the button placket to a hidden one, I've been meaning to try this design and it's quite simple after all
• For the first time I tried the continuous sleeve placket and it was easy to do and great for fabrics that does not have much body

Colette - Hawthorn (WIP)

Pattern: Colette
Size: 12
Version: 3
Fabric: Calico as toile
Details:

• Thread trace / stay stitched the necklines and armholes by 1/4", this will prevent any untoward stretching
• There will be a facing around the neckline and centre fronts
• Only the bodice is required for fit as the skirt is a semi-circle and the hip measurements are not important

Colette - Hawthorn (WIP)

Pattern: Colette
Size: 12
Fabric: Calico as toile
Details:

• Used 1.1M of calico for the bodice pieces
• Lengthened the bodice by 1"
• Raised the front dart apex by 1"

Hawthorn - WIP

Pattern: Colette - Hawthorn
Size: 12
Version: 1
Fabric: 1.6M 60" Cotton/Linen blend (Nagoya)
Cost: RM24.80/M with 20% discount
Details:

• Used store bought bias binding for the sleeves instead of making cuffs

 I auditioned a lace collar but thought otherwise.  Maybe on white fabric it would not look so contrasting.

 With interfacing I interfaced a rough shape of the fabric before I cut my pattern.  This way I need to only cut the pattern once and don't have to fiddle with the interfacing matching my cut fabric.

 Before sewing the collar on I added my 'signature' saddle stitch all around with Perle No 8.

 Bodice completed with some buttons to check on the effect.

 With the peplum skirt sewn.  What's left is to hem the sleeves, sew on the bias binding for the hem and stitch that and add the buttons. 

Inspiration & WIP

I went fabric shopping last week and bought (among others) a piece of border fabric.  I'm thinking about a simple top from Burda magazine.  I like the clean lines of this design.

I've been working on upgrading my everyday home wear wardrobe to more items that are sewn by me.  I do already have some but they weren't very coordinated or well planned.

Here are fabrics already cut for 3 pairs of shorts and a Colette's Sorbetto blouse.  The Sorbetto is essentially a sleeveless top so I've modified the sleeve pattern made by Claire.  Will see if the sleeves fit well.  But before I add on the sleeves I need to get some nice green bias binding tape.

Colette - Laurel (WIP)

I'm entering the Colette Laurel contest.  Interesting times ahead!  I intend to submit 4 garments and maybe another one if I can squeeze it.  Here's a peek on Version 4.

Alabama Chanin - T-Shirt (WIP)

I recently subscribed to Natalie Chanin's class Hand Embellishing Knit Fabric on Craftsy. I got inspired in stitching another Alabama Chanin T-Shirt but this time with applique.  The going will be slow with all the back stitching. I'm cutting up the knit fabrics from store bought T-Shirts. 

Instead of stenciling with fabric paint, I've outlined the stencil with an erasable marker.  The additional white jersey will be then be cut out, outside the stitched shapes.

It's a mess on the back side