Monday, April 26, 2010

Tessuti's Fave Top

A little while ago I made the "Our Fave Top" by Tessuti's Fabrics. I used a most lovely knit purchased whilst doing a Palmer Pletsch Workshop at Martin and Savage Fabrics last November. The fabric is a Rayon / Polyester blend with great drape and texture. Up until today, we have been experiencing very warm weather so I haven't felt like putting anything on with a sleeve, so my photos are on this lovely lady ....

The pattern is very easy. I added about 9cm to the overall hem - and I added a little width to the sleeve - where it tapered to fit snugly to forearm.
I shamelessly did not bother match the pattern at the side seam. I was concerned that the boat neck edge might be too wide or too deep at the back - but it wasn't! It drapes beautifully from a nicely fitting neck area.
This is a great pattern for the right fabric - something soft and drapey ... a great mid season staple!

Sunday, April 11, 2010

The Perfect Canvas


Nicki describes this bag as "the perfect canvas for embellishment". And indeed it is.
Sometime ago I played with screen printing some foil adhesive and applying metallic foils. I printed some denim and put it away.
I cut out this bag, and put it away.
Finally, it has been made!
All pieces (except for the strap) were interfaced and pelloned.
Magnetic closure inserted.Template plastic used for a firm bottom.

I used decorative stitch #86 on my Bernina Activa - which has a double or triple hand stitch type of effect - one of my faves!

Plenty of further scope for play with this pattern - and highly suitable for males!

Friday, April 9, 2010

Ruffles and Tulips

I have revisited the Wikstenmade Tulip Skirt ..... this one using a cotton print from Spotlight ... with happy red buttons ....
This is an excellent little skirt pattern, highly suitable for those learning to sew. And here is one in a denim from Tessuti's. I lengthened the skirt about 9cm since I am no longer particularly youthful (according to my birth certificate) .... it's a lovely lovely fabric, and I like this skirt - but I don't love it - best for the young ones .....
The little black blouse is a FREE pattern - JJ Blouse from Burdastyle. This is a super cute little blouse - I enjoyed making this. Fabric from the now closed - Pooh's Place at Belmont NSW - but recently resurrected into BLOCK N ROLL - Yay! we again have a local fabric store!!!! The fabric is a lovely spotted voile - I have more of this stashed away in cream.
OK, now I need some help ... for the denim skirt,
I topstitched the hem and placket using Gutermann's topstitching thread - it is quite thick. I used a topstitching needle - size 90, and I loosened off the upper tension. My little sample piece was good, but the results on the skirt were not good. The stitches on the wrong side had bubbly bits of the top thread throughout ... I'm hoping someone can help me ... should I fiddle with bobbin tension? More decrease on upper tension? Anyone? Anyone?