Notions Of Fabric

Last weekend, one of my cousins had a baby! It's very exciting news for the family, as that part of it hadn't had a baby girl in generations. As soon as I heard the news, I decided that I should put my sewing skills to good use! I thought patterns would be hard as she was only a little baby, and I live in a different state to them. So I tried to find a free pattern which could work and be flexible. Being a lover of the circle skirt myself, what better than to make some for my new baby cousin! I found a useful pattern piece and tutorial here . The first I made using remnants from the dress for me I'm currently finishing off. I decided to use bias binding on the bottom (and although it was supposed to be a circle skirt in one piece, I had to cut 4 sections - and used my first French seams), and I think it makes a cute touch. Now, we can match! Then, after seeing how little fabric you need (you can fit one onto a fat quarter!), I pulled a fat quarter I hadn't us...

Hey guys! So I had some posts queued up, but I was hoping that maybe someone out in the wilds of the internet would be able to help me with a few things. So I've been having a few issues with fit, on the back specifically. I think I must have a small back or something, because I find that necklines are too wide, and they gape (at the front and back, but more at the back). I've tried taking it down a size just around the neckline and grading back to the regular size at the bust, but this doesn't seem to work. Would it be better to just take a slice out of the back, or a wedge shaped section? Or (and I just thought of this so maybe it's totally crazy) could I go down a size, then do a FBA for my larger chest area? I don't have any fitting books or resources at the moment, so I was hoping someone might see this and be able to help... Please?

Another backlog post. Hi there everyone! Hope you are all having wonderful days/evenings. This dress, I was dying to make. I bought the fabric in Melbourne when I was there back in April. I was shamelessly inspired into buying the fabric having seen it on Roisin  and it getting stuck in my head. Actually, the pattern was also bought after having seen it on Roisin as well as many other bloggers. The fabric, as you can see is Acacia by Tula Pink; Raccoon in Blueberry. The pattern, Simplicity 2444. I waited until this pattern went on sale, but I'm so so glad I did. I have so many plans with this pattern. I love the V-shaped darts so much. The skirt is just a gathered rectangle (well, 3) - I ran out of fabric for the skirt (I got the end of the roll). The pattern features pockets, but is unlined, just faced. I think I will try and draft a lining for this as the facing doesn't want to behave half the time. I cut a 16, but ended up taking a 1.5 inch wedge out of the c...

And finally, I'm back! Hi there. Now, I know it's been ages - but I have excuses. They're even good ones. We moved house, I had to find a new job, and when I finally had some things ready to photograph, the boyfriend lost his camera (he's my photographer) and he had to buy a new one. So yeah, there's that. And now, we're all settled in the new apartment. We've moved from Canberra to Sydney (3 hrs by car), so it's kind of an upgrade. And now I have work too, and the boyfriend has a new camera... So we're all ready to go! I have 4 FO's to show you, but they'll be spread out, I won't post them all at once. This first dress was actually the last thing I finished before we moved. I saw the fabric in my (old) local Lincraft during the half price sale back in June (so, ages ago). I actually didn't buy it when I saw it originally, I walked away, thinking that it wouldn't work properly. But the more I thought about it, the more ...

Don't get me wrong - I adore sewing. I love when people notice my handmade clothes, and even just wearing them knowing I have that set of skills. I've really enjoyed creating things for my family and friends (glasses cases... maybe I should blog those? Comment if you'd like to see some!) and being able to give a unique gift. Maybe my favourite part is that my dragging my BFF shopping for fabric on my trip to Melbournelate last year, I not only persuaded her to get out her sewing machine (for the first time!) but to make a pair of lunch bags for herself and her hubby! But it's not my job. I have a job (I'm a teacher), which keeps me nice and busy. And busy is great. But when I get home after chasing small children around all day, I'm tired. Some days I'm buggered. And that's when sewing gets hard. I don't want it to feel like a chore. I don't want to force myself to do it, because I've done that with things before and that's when I aband...

While I'm still in the process of moving, I still want to blog! I just don't have any way to take pictures of my newest creation (although I am wearing it today), and can't do any sewing because it's all in boxes. So, in lieu of that, I've been browsing online more than usual... So this kind of post is a new thing I might do sometimes, just tracking things I like and would be able to love to make (or buy if I'm allowed!)! Today, from Modcloth, one of my favourite sites for browsing  gorgeous items! This one is beautiful. I went to a wedding last year, and wished I had a dress like this to wear. I had my heart set on navy lace, but for some reason couldn't find one when I needed it. But this is basically what I wanted (does it have pockets? if so, then it's perfect!). I particularly like the self-fabric belt and adorable little cap sleeves.                                       ...

Hi there! I'd love to be coming to you with a new post, but instead I have news... I'm moving! My new house is about 3 hours by car away, and we're moving all our stuff this coming weekend. So, while I do have a new dress (complete with sleeves!) to show you, it'll have to wait becasue life got super crazy! Stick with me and I'll be back in a few weeks - watch this space! (And while I'm here, a big thank you to those who have visited and read the blog so far - I really appreciate it. You guys are awesome!)