Summer Holidays

McCalls 5671
Perfect Knit Wardrobe
Fabric - I think a rayon / lycra blend from Sckafs, Indooroopilly.

Just returned from a lovely Summer Holiday  - even though most of Queensland is currently experiencing devastating floods - the coastal surfing town of Coolangatta was warm and sunny for 3 days, then overcast for the rest of the week - still - a great getaway - the waves were amazing - not that I surf, but the "sets" at Rainbow Bay were just awesome to watch.

The above dress is lovely to wear - the fabric is divine. I cut a 14 at the hips at 12 for the bodice - I had to lower the shoulder seam by about 2 inches - may have been too much - but a good summer dress in the end.

 These little fellas were everywhere .....

And here is New Look 6870 - I've made this before - it is actually a top pattern - but I wanted an easy lightweight cool dress for the holiday, so I just lengthened this pattern - it's nothing particularly fabulous, but good for strolling around the coastline. Fabric from stash - lightweight cotton.

 New Look 6870 was given  a real work out with a couple of little dresses for my 13 year old. She declined to model for me, so here they are on the "lovely lady" .... recognise this fabric? - ummm - just hate to have too much leftover fabric ....

 Great pattern - quick and easy - and versatile!

Holiday mode is wonderful - though currently experiencing the need to catch up all the nitty gritty housework I tend to avoid when my mind set is in sewing overdrive - so the sewing pace may be a little slower while I clear out the conscience!

Bordered Boho

Here is the 3/4 elasticised sleeve version of the Boho style top from my previous post.
Fabric from Spotlight - total cost about $15. Pattern is New Look 6730. I cut a size 14.
This style isn't particularly flattering to me - but it's cool and easy.
I'm teaching some Learn to Sew Classes for children in the next holidays. This little top is one of the classes I am offering. Click here for more info.

February Roundup

In the spirit of my consistent inconsistencies with blogging .... here is an update of stuff going on round here ......

Firstly we have a rather lovely stylish bag made by Nicole - one of my students ....
I have taught her quite well = she has an excellent stash of great fabrics ...... here she has used a Pippijoe print with some lovely grey linen ....
Pattern - Nicole M's SQUARED FLAT BAG - well done to BOTH Nics!
Next up, we have the traditional birthday present (at the present time at least), this one is a cushion for a special young man who is rather keen on one particular NSW rugby league team ...
Images were printed directly onto Prepared Fabric Sheets on my inkjet printer.
I used bleached denim on the back - and I put in an invisible zipper along one of the sides. I use great big cushion inserts from Goldies.
Happy 13th Birthday Corey!
Now, here is a Mod Bag in production ... when sewing multiple lines I like to use this little gadget. You can set the distance of the little ruler, and away you go - it's called a Seam Guide with Ruler - very useful for beginner sewists to gain confidence or for when you know you can't really trust your eyesight accuracy ....


For sewing edges, I like to use #10 Edge Stitch foot for Bernina machines - the little metal plate glides along the fabric edge and you can adjust your needle position to get spot on topstitching.

And here is groovy little Mod - this is a great bag - nice and roomy - great proportions - and lots of design variations available. Fabric from The Fabric Shop in Surry Hills (Sydney).
Inside a did a compartment pocket and a zippered pocket - I also tried adding Pellon to the LINING - it did provide some added structure.
Now, for me. Today I made this New Look pattern.
View B, fabric fromSpotlight - a Summer Voile.

Really easy, I cut a 14. I am going to teach this little Boho top as a Learn to Sew workshop for the next School holidays. I have View A cut out in a border print - so hopefully I'll get that done ready to show you before March!