Friday, May 9, 2008

Some sewing for a change...

Yes, I have been sewing! But not on any of my fit projects. My DH and I have decided to end our marriage and the process has left me drained. It is what I want, but of course it is a process that must be lived through, so bear with me over the next 6 months (or however long it takes).

So I needed to sew! Something quick and creative....

The inspiration:
I have these great shoes and some jeans that I can now fit into and I need some tops to match. The jeans were purchased really cheap in Hong Kong a few years ago and the shoes are from David Jones May 2008!

Having recently been inspired by some Geoff Bade knit jackets/cardigans that sell for $186 I gathered together bits and pieces from the stash. Geoff's designs are made from 4 or more different fabrics. I came across an outlet in Bridge Rd Richmond a couple of weeks ago. Bridge Rd has a lot of fashion outlet shops and is a great place to have a shop.

The ingredients:

I'm using - thin fake fur - vintage Lincraft, rayon lycra jersey - not so quite vintage Lincraft, open end zipper - Lincraft (not sure how old), stretch lace - recent Lincraft purchase and lace mesh from Ann's in Sydney Rd Brunswick, purchased on our first PR weekend.


The back is made up of 2 fabrics. The outside is the mesh. This mesh does not really have any stretch so I cut the seams 2 cm wider. I cut the mesh and then laid it on the rayon jersey to cut that out. I basted them together and worked them as one.
I used an Ottobre T from 2/2007 as the base pattern. I adjusted for a V neck. I also lengthened the sleeves to full length and also lengthened the body to fit the zip.
As my remnant of fake stretch fur was not long enough to do the front, I had to piece it together. I cut the stretch lace in half to use at centre front and the neckline. The full size lace is used at the hems

The end result:

(oops, please excuse my non glamorous shoes in the shots)


After that, I thought...mmm, a skirt would be nice to co-ordinate. Next post will show the skirt that I whipped up yesterday.

32 comments:

Sew-4-Fun said...

Vicki, I don't know what to say so I'll just send you a huge hug! {{{{{HUG}}}} I'm sure you can use all the hugs you can get.

I like the top and the eclectic mix of fabrics. I always have such a hard time bringing fabrics together like this, yet it is everywhere in the boutique at high prices and it looks so good. Great job!

Claire said...

Vicki, I too don't know what to say, but I'll send a hug also. Your top came out really cute and the fabrics work. I'm looking forward to seeing the skirt.

Christina said...

Oh Vicki, what a big change for you. I'm sending positive vibes your way. And new garments for this new time of life are a must, so keep sewing!

Birgitte said...

There was a moment of shock, my jaw dropped... don't know how you've been able to post and comment all this time... It sure puts perspective on things. Here I was complaining about having to wear glasses- found out yesterday and I'm already loosing them (on my head most of the time...)

This is my favorite quote: "Life is in you today and you make your own tomorrow." I consider you a friend and want what's best for you. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

The top is exactly what I love; eclectic, bohemian, one-of-a-kind. Which, I suspect, might describe you as well.
HTH,
Birgitte

Elaray said...

I'm sending hugs your way, too.

NancyDaQ said...

What a shocker! But you will come through it. Aren't you have an outlet like sewing to help you through. Chin up, girl. We support you.

a little sewing said...

{{{{HUG}}}}
You are strong and you must do what is best for you. Take care of our Vicki!! Sending you warmest support.

Lori said...

Vicki, I am also sending hugs. The top is gorgeous and fun.

LauraLo said...

Ohh Vicki so sorry for you! I understand that this is what you want, but getting out of a long relationship is always painful and draining out, even if it is what you want. All my good thoughts and my love are with you!
The top is lovely and I can understand why those are your favorite jeans!

Keely said...

{{{Hugs }}} from me too.
I like the top. It really goes well with the shoes.

BCN - UNIQUE designer patterns said...

Vicki .- beloved moments in the councils do not serve well, but I wish him all the happiness that you can get, you deserve it. Think that time is a good friend and I always say that the changes are for good at the end. The blouse beautiful, as always. A big hug for you. Best wishes. Paco

Shannon said...

I know you must have put a ton of thought and analyzing into your decision, so it must be the right one for you. Although this is a difficult time, I'm proud of you for knowing what is best and pursuing it, even if it's not easy. If you need anything, please let me know.

Debbie Cook said...

I'm sorry to hear this Vicki. I hope all the bad parts are over without too much stress.

Lovely top, great mix of fabrics!

Linda said...

Having been through a divorce myself (over 20 years ago now), I can feel your pain. Even if it is what you want and you initiate it (like I did), it is still a painful experience. I wish you all the luck and will send positive vibes your way. I believe with all my heart that this experience makes someone stronger; and you come out the other side you are a wiser person. There is something good that comes out of this, I can promise you. You will not believe the person you will become. If you think you are a strong woman now, just wait 6 months. You won't believe the inner strength and beauty that will rise to the top.

Gwen said...

Oh, Vicki, I am so sorry... :(
You know that we all care deeply about you and are here for you any time you need someone to listen and understand. Take care of yourself - I'll be sending hugs and good thoughts your way...

Meg said...

Vicki, stay strong and remember that you have a network of friends around the world who are thinking about you and support you. If you need to post about tough times, go ahead and we'll keep sending our love. And by all means keep sewing to stay sane!

Summerset said...

Wow, um, I didn't expect that news. Hugs to you!

On the bright side - you've got some really fun pieces made and those shoes are super cute!

Rose said...

Vicki, my thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. I send to you wishes of strength, sense of humor, and the continued ability to transform yourself (I know you have the ability to transform, because I read about it everyday in your blog!). Hugs, Rose

Emily said...

Well, best of luck to you, Vicki, in the upcoming months. I hope everything goes as smoothly as one can hope. I'm glad it's what you want -- nonetheless, I'm sure there will be some difficult times ahead for you. On the bright side, your newest creation is adorable -- I really love how you mixed the fabrics together!

Kitty Couture said...

Big hugs to you, Vicki! I wish you all the best. Sending plenty of good vibes.

That's a fun top you've created! :)

Carol said...

Vicki, I'm another Australian (I live in Byron Bay) delurking to send you my best wishes. I, too, made the decision to end my marriage four years ago and even though I wanted it, it still took a long time to heal. Rest assured, you will be better for it and in the meantime you have your creative exploits to keep your mind busy and plenty of us out here who know what you're going through. Take care,
Carol

Ann Made Studio said...

Vicky very sorry to hear your news - take care of yourself. All I can do from here is to send you well wishes and support.
Your top is amazing!

Tany said...

Vicki, I'm so sorry to hear these sad news... I hope you are ok... Hang in there my friend.

Beautiful work and the fabric commbination turned out perfect! Well done!

Sigrid said...

That's not the news I thought I would read. How sad for all of you. Even if it is what you want, it must be hard to take such a decision. Wishing you strength for the coming months and sending you hugs and good feelings.
Sigrid

Anonymous said...

(((hugs))) always hard to make the tough decisions.
Love the top - I really wish I had your fabric "vision"
Take care
Skye

kasizzle said...

My thoughts go out to you and your kids. Best of luck.
Love the top! Love the shoes!

ACorgiHouse said...

Vicki, I am so sorry as well. Even if it is wanted, it is a major life change that is difficult to maneuver through. We're here. I have a quote on my blog: "If you do not change directions, you may end up where you are heading." True words, and I hope you are now heading for a happy place. Best wishes. K

kbenco said...

Vicki, I am sorry that you are going through uneasy times, this can't be easy. I also wish you strength.
Karen

Nancy Winningham said...

Vicki, I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through. Even though it may be the right thing, I know how difficult and exhausting going through a divorce/ separation can be. Just remember to take care of yourself and try to keep things in perspective. Sewing is great therapy!

Linda L said...

Vicki, sorry to read about your marriage ending. I am sure that is very difficult for you. Here is a hug from across the pond.

Sewing is such good therapy for a lot of aches and pains. Hang in there.

Anonymous said...

Vicki
I came by to see how your fitting is going - fantastic!
and found out about your changes...
good luck, chin up and all the best for the less-than-easy times that may come...
with best wishes, Gillian

MareeAlison said...

Vicki - I just read your sad news. Obviously a lot of people are thinking of you and that must be a good feeling amongst the sad ones. I too know what it's like but that doesn't help you right now. Hugs from Sydney.