tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38728594643741713152024-03-14T12:55:05.867+11:00HongkongshopperMelbourne sewer on a mission to sew up the fabric stash.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-66880392988626196502015-01-02T08:56:00.000+11:002015-01-02T08:57:03.664+11:00Poppy Zip Front Top for Sofie's 21st.My baby turned 21 back in September and I din't make a dress for her. I would have truly but she decided she didn't need the stress and bought herself an outfit. Me, I needed the stress obviously as I tried my first Stylearc and planned to refashion a leather skirt to go with it. The top Poppy was a hit but the skirt is still in disgrace.<br />
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I bought the fabric in Shenzhen in China. A floral and a matching navy solid in silk. As it turned out it wasn't silk (am I surprised?) but pretty non the less. I used some of the baby soft leather from my disgraced skirt as accents. Luckily I had an old skirt in the wardrobe that matched the teal in the top pretty closely which saved me some late minute sewing for a bottom.<br />
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This was my first Stylearc pattern and I had a bit of trouble following the instructions. Very sparse and not clear at all with the pleats. In fact parts of the instructions were wrong and a non matching notch added to the confusion. Its a cute top though so perhaps I will forgive them. I purchased the top based on my bust measurement but ended up taking in the princess seams from bust point to the shoulder about 8cms. I did do a muslin first without any alterations and found that I didn't have to do my usual short waist adjustment nor the forward shoulder one. The neckline also is not quite so high or fitted as shown on the illustration.<br />
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Overall I am pretty happy with the top. It could have been sewed a bit better but as usual I was in a hurry! New Year resolution - don't wait till the last moment to actually get started!<br />
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The birthday girl with her non mother made outfit. And a selfie of the three of us -<br />
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<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-60611052554418049882014-12-28T17:38:00.000+11:002014-12-28T17:38:43.263+11:00Jumpsuit (of sorts)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made a new outfit for my work Christmas function and for family get together on Christmas day. I like the look of the jumpsuit but really wouldn't get a lot of wear out of one. So I made separates and just pretended. I tucked the front of the top in and left the back loose to defect the backside view :)<br />
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The pants are Stylearc's Lola's pants. Elastic waist and elastic at the back hem. I made them up based on my hip measurement without any alterations. I figured with lose fitting elastic waist pants, can't have too much go wrong? The fabric is a silk (crepe I think) I bought a few years back in China.</div>
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I didn't add the pockets - no time for that!<br />
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The top is another version of the free Marfy 1913. I constructed it the same as my last post except no hand sewing - I was on a mission.. No time for the elastic hem either! Luckily the outfit turned out well and I got a lot of compliments.<br />
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I've made a few things this year and the next post will be on another Stylearc I made for my daughter's 21st.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-12317827845279325242014-02-22T10:20:00.001+11:002014-02-22T10:21:55.357+11:00Marfy 1913I've joined Leisa from A Challenging Sew with the free <a href="http://achallengingsew.typepad.com/my-blog/marfy-free-patterns-sew-along.html" target="_blank">Marfy sew along</a>. The first make is the top 1913.<br />
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<li>I didn't do a muslin but did check the measurements to ensure I have enough room. It is a loose top and the smallest size offered (42) I have found to be a bit big on me in the past. I figured I could always take it in.</li>
<li>I used a 20 + year old poly I had in my stash. I know it is at least that old as I bought it from Lincraft at Eastland before the redevelopment back in 1993. Surprisingly it sewed up really easily, no puckers at all.</li>
<li>I added 1cm for seam allowances and sewed french seams. </li>
<li>I added 2cm for the hem and used <a href="http://achallengingsew.typepad.com/my-blog/2014/01/blouse-sew-along-pt-6-hems-elastic-bias-bindings-and-closures.html" target="_blank">Leisa's method of hemming</a>. I think I can omit this next time as a normal adjustment for me is to petite the bodice by 3cm, which I did not do with this. Not really necessary as there is no defined waist.</li>
<li>I used self made binding for the armholes and french binding for the neckline. I followed this <a href="http://www.craftsy.com/blog/2013/12/how-to-sew-bias-binding-on-a-neck-edge/" target="_blank">link</a> and added the cute bow at the back.</li>
<li>I cut the back and added a seam. This I did before I read all of Leisa's instructions - oops. I am happy how it turned out actually as it doesn't gape as much in the back as the slit versions of others seems to do. I will try the slit version next time and see how I like that.</li>
<li>I didn't use the collar for this version.</li>
<li>Just happened to have matching belt and shoes in the closet - sweet!</li>
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I would like to try the elastic hem and collar for the next version. And I have ideas also of making a lower neckline version with less cut away shoulders.<br />
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Details: Back closure with bow, shoulder seam with french seam and edge binding, hem treatment, neckline french binding.<br />
<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-33090634133120171632014-02-04T21:24:00.000+11:002014-02-04T21:41:18.184+11:00Vogue 8706<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Some more fabric out of the stash and another pattern used! Vogue 8706 is a nice knit dress and a relatively easy make. My fabric is a reasonably thick polyester lycra bought many years back from Frou Frou fabrics, which closed down a few years ago.</div>
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<span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7411/12284821593_535a01f5d0.jpg" height="185" width="320" /></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></span><span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">The pattern has a few interesting details - the armholes have piping, the shoulders are asymmetrical in addition to the gathering. The back is cut on the bias which I don't think is really necessary for a four way stretch fabric however I cut it that way as instructed.</span></div>
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While the pattern was out I also made a top from a fabric that is even older than the one above. Ah it is good to get it out of stash and into my wardrobe!</div>
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This version I didn't bother with piping (I just bound the armholes) and didn't cut the back on the bias (didn't notice any fit difference).</div>
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And while I was at it I used the remnants to whip up an elastic waist skirt. I had to join a piece into the back so make a feature of it. Some top stitching and split are nice I think.</div>
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And for some fun a la <a href="http://sewingfantaticdiary.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Carolyn</a>, some dance moves!</div>
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<br />Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-68805874069362143672014-01-10T10:34:00.000+11:002014-01-10T10:34:24.039+11:00Vogue 1250Another year! I have joined the RTW Fasters and have started off the year with putting Vogue 1250 to good use. This is a pattern that has been around for a few years. A very easy pattern that looks fabulous on everyone. I made three versions it is so good. Two dresses and a tunic length top:<br />
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For the tunic I shortened it and redrafted the bottom back section to have more flare. Time now to step aside from V1250 :)<br />
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Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-90968255508953801592013-01-05T19:50:00.001+11:002013-01-05T19:50:16.976+11:00It has been a long time....I have been away from this blog for a long time. I haven't been sewing. I haven't been doing much except following along with everyone else. But over the last month or so I have felt ready to get back into it. In fact I have started a new blog called <a href="http://create2013.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">Create</a>. <br />
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I want to keep this a sewing blog yet I wanted to talk about my other creative outlets. I am not a sewing but nothing else kind of gal. I go through stages. I follow a lot of design blogs and motivational blogs. And lately Paleo blogs. I will cover all of this on Create. I would love you all to follow me on Create as well as here. I plan to keep sewing mainly to this blog. I think sewing blogs are a pretty special place and I didn't want to clutter this with other random stuff you may not be interested in.<br />
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Many thanks to all of you who have been sewing up a storm while I have been absent. I have loved following along. And a special thank you to Rhonda who has included me on her <a href="http://rhondabuss.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/the-wednesday-showcase-hall-of-fame.html" target="_blank">Wednesday Showcase Hall of Fame</a>! Woo hoo, I hardly deserve it but am very appreciative none the less. I also need to thank Rhonda for posting about The Artist's Way a few months back. I read her posts, then purchased the book, and spent 3 months working my way through the exercises. You just never know when you post something how it will effect a reader. This creative exercise started the ball rolling.<br />
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I was lucky to follow up the Artist's Way with a Women's retreat in Bali. This trip I shared with my sister and it was a spiritual and creative reflective time. Bali is beautiful and very spiritual. I had never been before. I created two dream boards - one with the Artist's Way and another during the retreat. A dream board is a collection of images that inspired your put together on a board as inspiration. In both cases I came up with home and garden pictures mainly. Beautiful images of serene places. My quest for 2013 is to create these beautiful images around me in my home and my garden. I hope to explore this on the new blog Create.<br />
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I also discovered that I am very much a DIY person. Always "I could do that". But as would be shown by my lack of posts here, I have lots of plans to DIY but little energy or motivation to follow through. So what is different now? Paleo. Yes, change of diet. I was looking for ideas to help me sleep and googling up I found details of the caveman diet. I have previously followed strict eating plans due to digestive issues but I have never cut out all grains. I found the <a href="http://whole9life.com/category/whole-30/" target="_blank">30 day challenge</a> and I thought why not give it a go. I am good at following through when I decide what I am going to do and completed the challenge on 22 December. And following this diet plan was easy to do. The results? I somehow lost my "can't be bothered" and have since been completing projects ever since. Not any garment sewing...yet. <br />
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My sleeping has improved but I still tend to wake up early. But rather than complain, I am OK with it and use the time to read blogs! And an unexpected bonus is I lost 4.6 kgs in weigh - without even trying! So I am looking forward to 2013 and hope my enthusiasm to get things done continues.<br />
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Anyone else follow a similar diet and noticed similar results?<br />
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Next up is some well overdue home sewing projects :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>Goddesses dancing in the retreat pavilion amongst the rice paddies. Beautiful way to start the day at out Bali Women's retreat.</i></span>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-91479499089358260302011-11-28T21:03:00.001+11:002011-11-29T07:50:03.412+11:00Sofie's Valedictory DressMy baby Sofie graduated from high school recently and I made her a new dress for her Valedictory dinner. I anticipated this event a while back and bought some silk chiffon from China on my last Hong Kong visit. The fabric is an ombra that is black on both selvages and grading to white/cream in the middle. Luckily she was happy with the fabric.<br />
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I used a mix of patterns - a bias cut night dress 12-2008-128B for the skirt and <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5029-products-3119.php?page_id=414" target="_blank">Butterick 5029</a> for the front bodice. I then cut long ties - very long rectangles and attached them just under the bust. To keep things simple I used elastic across the back to keep the dress close to the body as per the nightgown pattern - so no zip or other fastener needed! I later went back and added elastic under the bust too to keep that area also closer to the body<br />
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You can see the bodice here and the rectangles hanging down. I also stitched the beads to the shoulders to keep them in place as Sofie wore the dress. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The ties wrap up over the bust, tie up at the back and hang down the back. It was a bit of trial and error to see what looked good. We ended up twisting around the bodice neck and tucking in around the bodice.<br />
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Of course the occasion required fake tan, hairdo, heavy makeup and false eyelashes! The photos (except the dress form ones) were taken on a fancy smancy camera owned by Ellen's (dd1) boyfriend. More can be seen <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8860342@N07/sets/72157628187604679/" target="_blank">here</a>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-22568836020519655172011-09-10T10:34:00.000+10:002011-09-10T10:34:19.994+10:00Another dress for Sofie<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am a very lazy blogger. And a lazy sewer! But not to worry. I have recently made another formal dress for Sofie. We used the following dress from Net-A-Porter as inspiration:</div>
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<a href="http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/170829">Notte by Marchesa</a>. Looking closely at the dress on Net-A-Porter it appears the dress is a white strapless dress with a thick black ribbon tied around and joined to the dress in strategic places.</div>
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That is how we approached making the dress. We started with a muslin for a Burda mag sheath dress (can't recall what number and it doesn't really matter as we changed it) and shaped the top to be sleeveless. We shortened it too! </div>
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Muslin looked good so we proceeded. I used a silk remnant I purchased in Hong Kong on one of my early trips. The black duponi was from Spotlight. We also used up a black crystal zipper purchased way back in Hong Kong too. I am sure they did not cost more than $10 all up. The black silk cost as much! </div>
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We won't discuss here all the trouble I had with that zipper! we won't mention that I shortened it and more than once managed to get the tab off of it. I thought we were a goner! Sofie to the rescue with her young eyes. By the third time she wasn't so happy with me however....</div>
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As this dress would no doubt be like others and worn only once, I took some shortcuts. I didn't do any boning. We put on a strap and I hoped that would hold up the dress well enough. Sofie's breasts had other ideas. If she leaned forward all was showing and even standing up her left breast was escaping. What to do!? Here is our quick fix - see the black patch on her left side above the white? We found a scrap and just sewed it in! Works well to cover her up and tighten the dress a bit. Not so pretty from the inside.</div>
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The right side was just a matter of arranging the "ribbon" into a pleasing shape and hand stitching in place. This was harder than I thought it would be. The proportions were hard to get right as I had made the black "ribbon" smaller as Sofie is much smaller than the model but I didn't take into account that her bust however is much larger than the model.<br />
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And the troublesome zipper -<br />
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We stitched the zip exposed on the outside. The dress is also lined.<br />
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Overall it is not my best effort but I think she looked gorgeous and the dress lasted out the night. It is still at the drycleaners as she managed to get a drink splilled on it and plenty of body makeup too. And did you see those killer shoes I bought her?<br />
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Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-30710626817606556242011-01-09T21:29:00.006+11:002011-01-09T22:20:44.661+11:00Sofie's bed head<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmSP9FePzI/AAAAAAAABhE/GOp-a1KruLI/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560136017758797618" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmSP9FePzI/AAAAAAAABhE/GOp-a1KruLI/s320/IMG_1369.JPG" /></a> Quite awhile ago, Sofie and I bought some quilting cottons in green and pink to decorate her room. First project was to make an upholstered headboard. After much research (thank God for the Internet) we decided to have a go.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmSPlDiC1I/AAAAAAAABg8/5melGAUHMyY/s1600/IMG_1350.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560136011308206930" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmSPlDiC1I/AAAAAAAABg8/5melGAUHMyY/s320/IMG_1350.JPG" /></a><br />First, Sofie decided on a design. Then we traced a curve on some Burda tracing paper. From there we traced onto the board. We recycled an old desk we had in our previous house but have no use for in the new one.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRifnPXfI/AAAAAAAABg0/_i7HTz_C3ys/s1600/IMG_1353.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560135236753251826" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRifnPXfI/AAAAAAAABg0/_i7HTz_C3ys/s320/IMG_1353.JPG" /></a> Next job was to cut out the shape with the jigsaw.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRh0Tet2I/AAAAAAAABgs/djJgYDJWMGs/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560135225127647074" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRh0Tet2I/AAAAAAAABgs/djJgYDJWMGs/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRhnoEDQI/AAAAAAAABgk/63PAkkfnPwc/s1600/IMG_1356.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560135221724318978" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRhnoEDQI/AAAAAAAABgk/63PAkkfnPwc/s320/IMG_1356.JPG" /></a><br />We took the paper template to Clarke Rubber and have them cut out some low density foam (about 4cm thick) to fit the bed head. They also sold wadding which saved us a trip to the fabric store.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRhd-fWcI/AAAAAAAABgc/mZQBYIwJiz0/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560135219134028226" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRhd-fWcI/AAAAAAAABgc/mZQBYIwJiz0/s320/IMG_1357.JPG" /></a> The foam was glued to the board and the wadding wrapped around and stapled down. The fabric was then stapled being careful to make sure it was nice and lined up.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRhLBRVKI/AAAAAAAABgU/cdgbumzXJ00/s1600/IMG_1365.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560135214045418658" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmRhLBRVKI/AAAAAAAABgU/cdgbumzXJ00/s320/IMG_1365.JPG" /></a><br /><br />We used "hooks and eyes" to attached the head to the wall. More scary power tools! We put the eye pieces on the wall and put the hooks into the back of the head. Here you can see the back is not so pretty, but hopefully this side will never be seen.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP9JChWUI/AAAAAAAABgM/DPCj14TazDk/s1600/IMG_1366.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560133495526873410" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP9JChWUI/AAAAAAAABgM/DPCj14TazDk/s320/IMG_1366.JPG" /></a><br />Et voila!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP8_q5T0I/AAAAAAAABgE/QcKgz3gRv3A/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560133493011861314" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP8_q5T0I/AAAAAAAABgE/QcKgz3gRv3A/s320/IMG_1370.JPG" /></a>All styled up. Next project will be a duvet cover and some matching pillow slips I think. We also plan to recover a stool and make a runner for her chest of drawers.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP8oj-XHI/AAAAAAAABf8/_MShJmOguvI/s1600/IMG_1371.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560133486808816754" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP8oj-XHI/AAAAAAAABf8/_MShJmOguvI/s320/IMG_1371.JPG" /></a>Unfortunately the fabric was not wide enough and I had to seam pieces on the sides. This was the most time consuming part of the whole project. To make sure that the pattern matched up I used <a href="http://scpbanks.blogspot.com/">Summerset's</a> way of basting from the front before machine stitching from the back. Works like a charm - can't see the seam can you?<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP8aF4dGI/AAAAAAAABf0/7gDGmsR1qM0/s1600/IMG_1380.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560133482924504162" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP8aF4dGI/AAAAAAAABf0/7gDGmsR1qM0/s320/IMG_1380.JPG" /></a><br />From this angle you can see the width of the head board. Also you can see that the messy back can't be seen.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP8NzHTaI/AAAAAAAABfs/xdsldUkUebw/s1600/IMG_1377.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5560133479624560034" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TSmP8NzHTaI/AAAAAAAABfs/xdsldUkUebw/s320/IMG_1377.JPG" /></a> Not bad, if I do say so myself!<br /><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-80045338366002093222010-12-31T23:52:00.005+11:002011-01-01T00:27:11.943+11:00Sofie's VCE Studio Arts<div>2010 has been a quiet year for me sewing wise but it was a big year for Sofie. A <a href="http://hongkongshopper.blogspot.com/2010/05/q-and-sofies-project.html">few posts back</a> I talked about Sofie's year 12 VCE Studio Arts pieces. As part of her assessment she was required to produce two art pieces that were related. She also had to produce two folios discussing the preparation of samples and the actual completion of the art pieces. She chose to represent Odette and Odile of Swan Lake. She used similar materials and techniques - tulle, feathers, glitter, quilting, embroidery etc. </div><div></div><div>I was reluctant to post much about it as she was working on them as they were externally assessed and become part of her VCE score. I didn't want to do anything to effect that in any way.</div><br /><div></div><div>So now that results are out;</div><div>.She won first place with Odette at her schools Creative Arts Week.</div><div>.Won peoples choice at Creative Arts Week</div><div>.Won the school's VCE prize on the Night of Excellence for Studio Art</div><div>.And received a 43 study score on her external assessment. This is out of 50. Anything over 40 is considered very good.</div><br /><div></div><div>Needless to say we are all very proud of Sofie. I have uploaded quite a few photos on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8860342@N07/sets/72157625587669601/">Flickr</a>(please click over and have a look to see close up) and have a few here to show.</div><br /><div></div><div>Excuse me if my spelling or grammar is off - it has just turned midnight here - Happy New Year - and many champagnes have been had..hic!</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TR3ViwlIihI/AAAAAAAABfM/TDmLGwo_JSc/s1600/IMG_1147.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556832308377979410" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TR3ViwlIihI/AAAAAAAABfM/TDmLGwo_JSc/s320/IMG_1147.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TR3VjcKCW8I/AAAAAAAABfc/CQZOyKMPTkg/s1600/IMG_1066.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556832320075488194" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TR3VjcKCW8I/AAAAAAAABfc/CQZOyKMPTkg/s320/IMG_1066.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TR3VjH_49PI/AAAAAAAABfU/GDZMSbiDBMI/s1600/IMG_1150.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556832314664219890" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TR3VjH_49PI/AAAAAAAABfU/GDZMSbiDBMI/s320/IMG_1150.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TR3Vj2ewSVI/AAAAAAAABfk/0QgWIREqW60/s1600/IMG_1075.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556832327141706066" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TR3Vj2ewSVI/AAAAAAAABfk/0QgWIREqW60/s320/IMG_1075.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-34365815831162979792010-12-19T09:55:00.003+11:002010-12-19T10:17:25.847+11:00Vote for Ellen<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TQ1Az7ULwzI/AAAAAAAABeo/6OXBxp6HERk/s1600/Ellen.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 212px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552165176457544498" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TQ1Az7ULwzI/AAAAAAAABeo/6OXBxp6HERk/s320/Ellen.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Ellen, my eldest daughter, is a film student. She has just finished her second year at Swinburne Uni. Being a big David Lynch fan, when she found out he was running a competition for a music video, she jumped at the chance to make an entry. The highest voted videos become finalists. If you would like to sit back and relax with some very chilled out music (and video to match) hop over to <a href="http://textsubtext.wordpress.com/2010/12/18/the-actresss-big-break/">Ellen's blog</a> . Please vote so that she can become rich and famous and I can then stay at home and whip up some Oscar gowns :) </div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-68962762367278594372010-12-01T21:40:00.008+11:002010-12-01T22:45:52.026+11:00Sofie's formal dress<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYr4Psz5TI/AAAAAAAABeM/V8B4SGPRSbM/s1600/Front.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 250px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545668236440495410" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYr4Psz5TI/AAAAAAAABeM/V8B4SGPRSbM/s320/Front.jpg" /></a> Sofie asked me to make her year 11 school Formal dress. She wanted something unique and as she said something "made with love". How could I refuse?<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYr32RV9PI/AAAAAAAABeE/5MfamTpDtg8/s1600/000001476028.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 243px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545668229614400754" border="0" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYr32RV9PI/AAAAAAAABeE/5MfamTpDtg8/s320/000001476028.jpg" /></a> We chose Burda 12-2006-113. Fabrics were purchased from Cleggs in Lygon Street, Brunswick - a shop that specialises in evening fabrics. The lady who served us was so helpful. She helped us decide upon a sequin fabric for the bodice, poly satin for the trim and skirt and a soft pink silk Georgette for the over skirt.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrn5N4LaI/AAAAAAAABd8/n8ZEJrU1hPI/s1600/full%2Blength.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 195px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545667955527265698" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrn5N4LaI/AAAAAAAABd8/n8ZEJrU1hPI/s320/full%2Blength.jpg" /></a> After shopping for the fabric, Sof and I make a trip to Bridge Road to the perfect shoes - nude, shiny and very high!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrnu8rAJI/AAAAAAAABd0/gN6NrhZipWI/s1600/layout.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 219px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545667952770744466" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrnu8rAJI/AAAAAAAABd0/gN6NrhZipWI/s320/layout.jpg" /></a> Sofie trimmed an old bag of mine (from 1982) with a scrap of fabric and some trim<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrnoDVl5I/AAAAAAAABds/lRaPNNa3amg/s1600/IMG_1159.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545667950919653266" border="0" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrnoDVl5I/AAAAAAAABds/lRaPNNa3amg/s320/IMG_1159.JPG" /></a> The zip was handpicked. I wish I could say the dress was a dream to sew, but my recent lack of sewing made it quite an adventure. Burda has it as a 2 dot pattern, but with our choice of fabrics it made it more a 5 star. I started on the Sunday for a Thursday night deadline. By Tuesday I was tearing out my hair and wondering why on earth I was putting myself through the torture. In fact I was telling myself that I was never going to sew again! However, after a few fitting tweaks, some hand sewing and few more hours of work, we were ready to celebrate with Champagne! And it was finished a day early!<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrnBMeD2I/AAAAAAAABdk/KZM49_iheww/s1600/77936_10150131393732818_627342817_7745894_7274393_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 213px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545667940488974178" border="0" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrnBMeD2I/AAAAAAAABdk/KZM49_iheww/s320/77936_10150131393732818_627342817_7745894_7274393_o.jpg" /></a> And a couple of more photos to finish off. Sofie and her friend and a family shot.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrm6bCbbI/AAAAAAAABdc/r8oSwaoH278/s1600/52900_10150131373132818_627342817_7745400_3855471_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 213px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545667938671029682" border="0" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/TPYrm6bCbbI/AAAAAAAABdc/r8oSwaoH278/s320/52900_10150131373132818_627342817_7745400_3855471_o.jpg" /></a> </div></div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-27957878803259029582010-05-08T09:15:00.000+10:002010-05-08T09:17:45.349+10:00Q&A and Sofie's projectThanks everyone for all the nice comments and the compliments on the new hair “do”. My usual hairdresser wasn’t working on the night of my last appointment and I had someone new. I was a bit scared as his hands were shaking but I shut my eyes and hoped for the best. Luckily it turned out pretty good!<br /><br />From the last few posts there were a few questions to answer:<br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://bubblegum4breakfast.blogspot.com/">Birgitte</a> asked: Is Sofie sewing a triple layer in the last pix, and if so, would it be easier with a walking foot? It caught my attention cause I'm using mine right now.</span> Yes she is, and thanks for mentioning the walking foot – I hadn’t given it a thought. And obviously her teacher hadn’t either!<br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://kbenco.blogspot.com/">Karen (kbenco</a>) asked: Where did you get the print?</span> Mmm, not sure but I think it was good old Spotlight. It was a while ago.<br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://sewivebeenthinking.blogspot.com/">Carol</a> commented: This pattern is so versatile. Have you seen the Stitches magazine article that shows you how to draft a cowl collar and add a pleat front to this pattern? I use it all the time.</span> No, I haven’t seen it (or just don’t remember seeing it). Do you have the issue handy – so I can see if I have that copy?<br /><br /><span style="color:#336666;"><a href="http://kittycouture.blogspot.com/">Isabelle </a>suggested: It's probably time Sofie asked for a sewing machine of her own - as an early birthday present perhaps? :)</span> I don’t think that would work. I have an older machine but she wants the better one. Everything belongs to Sofie! Lucky I love her and she brings me coffee in bed in the morning.<br /><br />And a lot of you want to see more of what Sofie is sewing too. She will be making two dresses/tutus. One in white and one in black. These need to be artworks and not something you would wear. She must manipulate the fabric and incorporate different textures, embellishments etc. Before she starts on the art pieces she has to fill a portfolio on different techniques – including unsuccessful ones and annotate them.<br /><br />She has lots of ideas but no firm decisions have been made. There will be – feathers, tulle, satin, quilting, sparkles. Already the sewing area is covered with “stuff”. She seems to be enjoying the subject but it does also include studying other artists’ work – which involves articulating what you are actually seeing.<br /><br />This is a page from her portfolio showing the initial design thoughts.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S-SWxW8XNoI/AAAAAAAABaw/cqgXDV75Heo/s1600/IMG_0264.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468661622251140738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S-SWxW8XNoI/AAAAAAAABaw/cqgXDV75Heo/s320/IMG_0264.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p><p>This page shows some samples for the black dress.<br /></p><div align="left"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S-SX1H_08AI/AAAAAAAABa4/hG5DiUTGa6A/s1600/IMG_0267.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468662786470244354" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S-SX1H_08AI/AAAAAAAABa4/hG5DiUTGa6A/s320/IMG_0267.jpg" border="0" /></a> <span style="font-size:78%;">Sorry about the photo being sideways - Uploaded 3 times (even as a small image) but blogger insists it be sideways!<br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Here is a close up view of one of her samples. She has screen printed onto silk, quilted and stitched around the design. Excuse me if I don't get the terms correct.. </div></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><p></span></p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S-SWwYD-r4I/AAAAAAAABag/iYsaglPbTpc/s1600/IMG_0265.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468661605371654018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S-SWwYD-r4I/AAAAAAAABag/iYsaglPbTpc/s320/IMG_0265.jpg" border="0" /></a> <p></p><div align="left"></div><div align="left">She has to continue to try new techniques until her book is full of samples.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">In the future, I am not sure how much I will be able to show of her work as she is being examined on it. I will check with her teacher in case there are any "rules" about what I can show.</div><div align="left"></div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-76815293275841535492010-05-02T17:25:00.005+10:002010-05-02T17:49:16.692+10:00SMOT no 3I managed to get one more top in for the challenge. Cut out in April but sewn up in May - that counts doesn't it?<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S90qBFcownI/AAAAAAAABaA/YpKK7aY3u4I/s1600/IMG_0237.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466571720828174962" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 152px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S90qBFcownI/AAAAAAAABaA/YpKK7aY3u4I/s320/IMG_0237.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I used good old Kwik Sew 3338 - basic T top. I made some changes to look like that very popular Jalie tie neck top.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S90qBqxWPKI/AAAAAAAABaI/IYX9jNhiAQ8/s1600/IMG_0240.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466571730847153314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S90qBqxWPKI/AAAAAAAABaI/IYX9jNhiAQ8/s320/IMG_0240.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I lowered the front neckline slightly and added a length of brown mesh to the neckline. I also added the mesh to the sleeves to balance the look. The body of the top is a very soft viscose lycra. It was almost entirely made on the overlocker....and here is why...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S90qCEvGD8I/AAAAAAAABaQ/WO-fld-Y3OY/s1600/IMG_0234.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466571737817026498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S90qCEvGD8I/AAAAAAAABaQ/WO-fld-Y3OY/s320/IMG_0234.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><br /><div>Sofie has taken over the sewing area and MY machine. She is studying studio arts - textiles (VCE). At the moment she is filling a portfolio of samples. She needs to make two major works and she has decided on Odette and Odile of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swan_Lake">Swan Lake</a>. She is up to her neck in feathers, glitter, satin and tulle.</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S90sbEvObMI/AAAAAAAABaY/vj9svsSFJMs/s1600/IMG_0235.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466574366337559746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S90sbEvObMI/AAAAAAAABaY/vj9svsSFJMs/s320/IMG_0235.jpg" border="0" /></a>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-49724629146364912842010-04-30T22:35:00.004+10:002010-04-30T23:02:43.092+10:00SMOT no 2Thanks everyone for the welcome back! As you know I have been here but just watching from the sidelines. Thanks for all your posts over the past year - I have enjoyed them all and learnt a lot. And have got a lot of inspiration too!<br /><br />For my second top I used Vogue 7799. I have made up view A previously but this time decided to make view B. It went together very easily. This time I did not stabilise anything., and it stretches to fit beautifully. I would normally stabilise the shoulder seams but these were so narrow I didn't think they would stretch much if at all.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9rS2v_ZaPI/AAAAAAAABZQ/nTUUuuFDcyg/s1600/V7799.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465912935804659954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 303px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9rS2v_ZaPI/AAAAAAAABZQ/nTUUuuFDcyg/s320/V7799.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br />This top has a front seam that really doesn't need to be there. Your could cut it on the fold. I went for the seam and am glad I did. I think it adds to the design - makes it a bit more interesting.<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9rS2QfNyhI/AAAAAAAABZI/xVRXVkoueh0/s1600/Picture+031c.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465912927348181522" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 245px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9rS2QfNyhI/AAAAAAAABZI/xVRXVkoueh0/s320/Picture+031c.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />My fabric is a very soft viscose lycra and feels so soft. Which is nice, but doesn't give me the best look with low rise jeans. Shows bumps that I didn't know I had...hmmm. Perfect for work skirts however.<br /><br />I can't remember where I bought the fabric but I noticed when cutting out that it was faded on one side. To make the pattern fit, I needed to put a seam in the sleeves. I think they look pretty good - matches the seam down the middle. And the best thing of all is that the colour matches perfectly withmy new teal shoes (flats and heels) and teal belt. Perfect.<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9rS19hGZFI/AAAAAAAABZA/BFTFJkDZEc4/s1600/Picture+032.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465912922255811666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9rS19hGZFI/AAAAAAAABZA/BFTFJkDZEc4/s320/Picture+032.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9rS1IkWAcI/AAAAAAAABY4/Q8qHgVAsKtA/s1600/Picture+040.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465912908042338754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9rS1IkWAcI/AAAAAAAABY4/Q8qHgVAsKtA/s320/Picture+040.jpg" border="0" /></a> The suit is RTW.<br /><br />Sorry the photos aren't great. Our old camera went to Europe with Ellen and never came back the same. These photos were taken with the new camera but I think we need more practice. Also my duct tape dress form went to heaven and I am hoping I can get a real one on sale for mothers day.<br /><br />I am hoping to finish top no 3 tomorrow.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-88398793504919641642010-04-29T22:28:00.003+10:002010-04-29T22:47:17.271+10:00SMOTIt has been a long time between drinks! But hopefully I am back into the sewing mode now.<br /><br />I signed up for Faye's Spring Month of Tops - which is a bit silly as it is Autumn here. But I have managed to make two tops so far and have another one cut out. All knits, so nothing of great excitement...but I am sewing :))<br /><br />As the sew-a-long is for the month of April, and I did not start until last week, I decided to try and make a dent in my knit stash. And being short of time I thought I would make up some big 4 patterns. The first is an almost vintage McCall's 2418 (from 1999 I think).<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9l-Fz66zJI/AAAAAAAABYQ/imYKZ0Oyg9I/s1600/McCall_2418_patt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 173px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9l-Fz66zJI/AAAAAAAABYQ/imYKZ0Oyg9I/s320/McCall_2418_patt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465538261092584594" /></a><br />A nice easy 1 hour top..Ha! It took me a lot longer. The pattern has a turnover for the neck facing. This doesn't work - it pulls and puckers. So I just stitched it down about 1 cm from the edge and trimmed it close to the stitching. I also used Burda's method of stabilising the armhole edges with tape. Which was not such a good idea - the armholes are a bit tight and of course now have no stretch. So, in the end it is OK, but I won't be making it again.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9l-GXgAqqI/AAAAAAAABYY/iezSLy_KbOc/s1600/Picture+015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9l-GXgAqqI/AAAAAAAABYY/iezSLy_KbOc/s320/Picture+015.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465538270643399330" /></a><br />It goes well with my suit I bought in Hong Kong and also with another skirt I have cut out but yet to make up.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9l-GsmK_VI/AAAAAAAABYg/bNOh21f4oMQ/s1600/Picture+043.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 198px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/S9l-GsmK_VI/AAAAAAAABYg/bNOh21f4oMQ/s320/Picture+043.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465538276306386258" /></a>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-35782785232786644152009-04-03T21:38:00.006+11:002009-04-03T22:32:26.485+11:00Burda 02-2008-117 and other ramblings.<div>Thankyou ladies for all your suggestions. You had some great ideas. I love Belinda's suggestion to add a band and topstitch that. And I hear you when you say that the topstitching will be lost in the check. I was thinking I needed the topstitching to give the same silhouette and body to the style. Perhaps I may not need that either as my fabric does have a fair amount of body and may stick out on its own accord.</div><br /><div></div><div>Tonight I have been tracing out the pattern but have run out of tracing paper! So when I get some more tomorrow, I will see if I can straighten the hem to line up with the checks and then ponder from there. Hopefully I can get as far as cutting out tomorrow. I am sure it will take my most of the day to work out what I am doing and to place and cut carefully - lots of matching to do. Then I may even thread trace. No plans for a muslin at this stage. I will compare the shoulders and lengths with my sloper. The width I think will be forgiving.</div><br /><div></div><div>This is my first sewing project for the year. I have not been sewing. We put our house on the market and after much cleaning and preparation it was sold the third week on the market. The girls and I have also bought a new townhouse that is just 2 klms down the road. We move in early July. Unfortunately the new home does not have a spare room for me to use for sewing but there is a small sitting area at the top of the stairs that I have called mine!</div><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdXuWn3cvNI/AAAAAAAABXA/rhK7rS93wt8/s1600-h/bp.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320420607234194642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdXuWn3cvNI/AAAAAAAABXA/rhK7rS93wt8/s320/bp.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>Other news is that Ellen has started a Bachelor of Film and Television at Swinburne University. Miss smarty pants won a scholarship and will have all her tuition paid!!</div><br /><div></div><div>Sofie is in year 10 at school and is studying (amongst other subjects) VCE Studio Arts/Textiles. So far she has done felting, screen printing, silk dying, transfer printing, solvent transfers, shibori, tie dye, lino printing and mono printing! She is really enjoying it. She also has made a couple of bags for friends for birthday presents.</div><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdXyXo9l5kI/AAAAAAAABXQ/3EJ02oqPzLY/s1600-h/DSCN1288.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320425022754776642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdXyXo9l5kI/AAAAAAAABXQ/3EJ02oqPzLY/s320/DSCN1288.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here they are sitting in front of their gift bags. She used fabric remnants.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdXyXqH_IpI/AAAAAAAABXY/ojSKgripoiE/s1600-h/DSCN1289.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320425023066808978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdXyXqH_IpI/AAAAAAAABXY/ojSKgripoiE/s320/DSCN1289.JPG" border="0" /></a> Inside view. She made the label from fabric and embroidered on the words. She did have sewing help from me but the choice of fabrics and trims and the design of the bag were all hers. (I had better keep an eye on my stash..lol)<br /><div></div><br /><div>Finally I want to thank <a href="http://pacoperaltarovira.blogspot.com/">Paco </a>and <a href="http://www.lindsaytsews.com/">LindsayT</a> for nominating me for for the sisterhood award. It is greatly appreciated and made me feel special when I have been so stressed and completely unable to sew or be motivated in general..sigh.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdXwzNTayjI/AAAAAAAABXI/_tydgsqitEk/s1600-h/sisterhoodaward.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320423297343212082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdXwzNTayjI/AAAAAAAABXI/_tydgsqitEk/s320/sisterhoodaward.jpg" border="0" /></a>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-38667144777762059242009-04-01T10:32:00.004+11:002009-04-01T10:39:27.250+11:00Advice needed...pleaseI was planning to make this coat:<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdKpFyLL9XI/AAAAAAAABW4/NC4LohpoAWU/s1600-h/000001637091.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319500026711111026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdKpFyLL9XI/AAAAAAAABW4/NC4LohpoAWU/s320/000001637091.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />with this fabric:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdKooV93EYI/AAAAAAAABWw/nXdqSD5qcdA/s1600-h/DSCN0917.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5319499520922816898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SdKooV93EYI/AAAAAAAABWw/nXdqSD5qcdA/s320/DSCN0917.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />But the bottom of the coat is curved and the fabric has checks (obvious straight lines). I was thinking the topstitching would be easy along the lines but alas it would be curved. How would this look? Wrong? What if I cut it on the bias? Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-82710638864589768272009-02-11T22:17:00.002+11:002009-02-11T22:46:50.958+11:00Fire updateJust dropping t0 let you know we are all fine! Well, as best you can be under the circumstances. I think all of Melbourne is in a state of shock and disbelief. We have had bushfires before but nothing of this magnitude or ferocity.<br /><br />On Saturday it was so hot. It reached 46c - our highest ever recorded temperature. A scorching hot northerly gusterly was blowing. Perfect conditions for a bushfire. By lunch time the girls and I went off to Doncaster Shopping Town - an airconditioned shopping centre - to escape the heat.<br /><br />When the shops closed at 5.30 we went outside to see if the predicted cool change had come yet. No. It was so hot we just about passed out just stepping outside. There was no way we were going anywhere! So back in we went and had some dinner and saw a movie. Normally from the food court you can see the city of Melbourne but on Saturday all sight was lost to dust and I presume smoke. We went home at 9.30 but still were not aware of what was going on so close to home. It wasn't until Sunday did we realise the devastation that took place. Many of the fires were at the fringe of Melbourne's suburbs - probably only 30kms "as the crow flies" from our place. Thank God the change came and the wind turned from being hot and northerly to cooler and southerly. We live on a bush block and are aware of the dangers that can present when the weather is hot and windy. <br /><br /> Many of the fires are still burning and at the moment do not pose a high threat. But lets pray that the weather stays cool so that they do not flare up again.<br /><br />You can read more about the bushfires on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2009_Victorian_bushfires">Wikipedia.</a> Or on many other sites if you google Victorian Bushfires.<br /><br />If you want to help, you can make a donation to the <a href="http://www.redcross.org.au/vic/services_emergencyservices_victorian-bushfires-appeal-2009.htm">Australian Red Cross</a>.Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-34229526439443531342009-02-07T22:41:00.002+11:002009-02-07T22:59:28.707+11:00Astratex sale<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SY10EEfVb6I/AAAAAAAABWo/E3T9CwN5404/s1600-h/DSCN0916.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300019949758410658" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SY10EEfVb6I/AAAAAAAABWo/E3T9CwN5404/s320/DSCN0916.JPG" border="0" /></a> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Astatex</span> is having its half price sale from today to 15<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> February. Lots of European fabrics half the usual price. Well I did my bit to spend Ruddy's bonuses with the following:<br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SY10EKiBeCI/AAAAAAAABWg/V6iLp66cIZc/s1600-h/DSCN0915.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300019951380297762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SY10EKiBeCI/AAAAAAAABWg/V6iLp66cIZc/s320/DSCN0915.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cottons for $10 a metre - were originally $32 per metre. I so need some summer clothes to beat this heat. But unfortunately it is too hot to sew!!<br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SY10DhQHDZI/AAAAAAAABWY/QWjwnO2l2Es/s1600-h/DSCN0917.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300019940299312530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SY10DhQHDZI/AAAAAAAABWY/QWjwnO2l2Es/s320/DSCN0917.JPG" border="0" /></a> And I bought this (supposedly) silk fabric. Black and white checks with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Burgundy</span>/wine flowers. It is a taffeta with a bit of sheen - perfect for that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Burda</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">WOF</span> trench. Sorry no numbers for now and anyway it won't be started for a while. I am thinking a perfect garment for my birthday in April. Here is a close up of the flowers:<br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SY10Dbeg8AI/AAAAAAAABWQ/hMDVOtLb3ys/s1600-h/DSCN0918.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300019938749116418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SY10Dbeg8AI/AAAAAAAABWQ/hMDVOtLb3ys/s320/DSCN0918.JPG" border="0" /></a> Now, I am not convinced it is a silk as the burn test tells me it has a bit (or a lot) of plastic in it. There was no label on the bolt so I asked the sales assistant who assured me it was silk. It certainly was a silk price. So what to do? Complain as I was misled and ask for my money back or keep it anyway because it is gorgeous? I will see how I feel once I cool down (literally).</div><div> </div><div>Today was the highest Melbourne temperature on record - 46.4C. And there are <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">bushfires</span> burning over a lot of the state - most very close to Melbourne. The weather has changed, and the temp has dropped to 26, but it is still windy. Keep us in your prayers.<br /><div></div></div></div></div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-65539993780911821632009-02-04T22:13:00.004+11:002009-02-04T22:35:13.244+11:00Award part 2 and Burda 05-2008-104<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SYl6WAqgNGI/AAAAAAAABWI/F9m_GRjXxgM/s1600-h/DSCN0640.JPG"></a><br /><div>I have spent two lunch times checking to see if everyone has received a nomination for the Kreative blog award and pretty much come to the conclusion that we all have. But I didn't check everyone's blog so if I missed you, you just may be on my Google Reader subscription list. I have updated this and now have all 136 blogs on my sidebar - phew (and no wonder not much sewing gets done around here!).</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Late last year I made <a href="http://www.burdafashion.com/en/Magazines/Archives/104_Dress_technical_drawing/1270777-1463237-1616731-1616738-1616935-1616937.html">Burda 5-2008-104</a> from a remnant poly lycra jersey I purchased from the Cleggs sale last year. This dress had just about been made by everyone, so I won't mention too much about the construction. </div><div align="center"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SYl6WAqgNGI/AAAAAAAABWI/F9m_GRjXxgM/s1600-h/DSCN0640.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298900955132081250" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SYl6WAqgNGI/AAAAAAAABWI/F9m_GRjXxgM/s400/DSCN0640.JPG" border="0" /></a> <em><span style="font-size:78%;">particularly sexy pose......</span></em><br /></div><div>As I was working with a remnant, I needed to do the facings with a plain stretch fabric and the cross over had to be pieced in the middle. It has been my go to dress for the summer as it skims nicely over the extra padding that has somehow appeared over the last 6 months! Sigh, I seriously need to make some clothes that fit me or get back into exercise.</div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-50727915111116763542009-02-02T22:05:00.004+11:002009-02-02T22:34:10.779+11:00Award and is it February already?Hi everyone - where did January go? Well I can tell you it wasn't sitting in my sewing room, that is for sure. I did however clean it very nicely and it is there all ready for me to go. I also traced out a jacket pattern but I think I need to get back into it on a simpler style so will put this one aside for a while.<br /><br /><br />January is holiday month in Australia, but now Sofie is back at school and we have to get back into gear. Ellen will start at uni next month on a Bachelor of Film and Television degree at Swinburne. She did VERY well in her final year at school and won herself a scholarship that will cover her fees.<br /><br /><br />We are spending a lot of time cleaning up the house as we need to sell so I can settle with the X. And that is taking up most of my energy. That and the heat. Last week we had an all time record of 3 consecutive days over 43c - with Friday being 45!! (113F). And this is what happens to your garden when it sits in an oven for three days....<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SYbXRm9E_uI/AAAAAAAABV4/iHPvL5xyNik/s1600-h/DSCN0911.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298158709162442466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SYbXRm9E_uI/AAAAAAAABV4/iHPvL5xyNik/s400/DSCN0911.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Our airconditioning at work failed on Thursday afternoon and we had to close down the file server. Only this morning did we have access to our computers again. Even at home it was too hot to turn on my computer (no aircon at all at home). We spent a lot of time at Doncaster Shoppingtown! lol<br /><br /><br />Now to some fun stuff. <a href="http://sewingforsanity.blogspot.com/2009/01/kreativ-blogger.html">KatyS</a>, <a href="http://storyofecouture.blogspot.com/2009/01/i-spy.html">E </a>and <a href="http://afterthedress.blogspot.com/2009/01/awards-and-apology.html">Gwen</a> all nominated me for the Kreativ Blogger award. Thank you so much ladies! I had been watching the award going around and felt a bit left out. But you all came to my rescue. Now I need to see who has not been given the award so we can all feel special.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wh2rBxz1jWk/SX9VRUBrthI/AAAAAAAABpM/mfr0UdJkyZk/s320/kreativblogger"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Wh2rBxz1jWk/SX9VRUBrthI/AAAAAAAABpM/mfr0UdJkyZk/s320/kreativblogger" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div><div>The rules for this award are:<br />1. Copy the award to your site.<br />2. Link to the person from whom you received the award.<br />3. Nominate 7 other bloggers.<br />4. Link to those on your blog.<br />5. Leave a message on the blogs you nominated.</div><br /><div></div><div>I will need some more time to see who I will nominate. I think all of those great blogs have been nominated, and we know about them anyway. It is the other little gems out there that we have not come across that are great finds when these awards go around. So, if anyone knows of someone they feel should be nominated that hasn't yet been (including yourself) you can email me.</div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-47025220865219756692008-12-22T23:04:00.003+11:002008-12-22T23:20:45.376+11:00Merry ChristmasI have finished the <a href="http://hongkongshopper.blogspot.com/2008/12/oven-mitts-tutorial.html">oven mitts</a> - Hooray!! And just in time. It is 11.00 pm here and I need them for work tomorrow.<br /><br /><br />It promises to be nice and warm here in Melbourne for Christmas. We are going to my brother's place where the kids can swim and the adults can find a shady place to have a drink (or two...).<br /><br /><br />We had our first Christmas gathering up in Shepparton on the weekend where we all got to have lunch in the backyard. Some chickens and salads from the chook shop with <a href="http://www.arnotts.com.au/recipes/ChocRippleCake.aspx">chocolate ripple cake</a> made by Sofie for desert. Perfect, except for all the mossie bites I have!<br /><br /><br />Here is a typical Aussie backyard lunch photo - even with the Hills hoist in the background..lol<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SU-Eszsy64I/AAAAAAAABVE/s2URLnwLsyY/s1600-h/DSCN0511.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282586793256086402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SU-Eszsy64I/AAAAAAAABVE/s2URLnwLsyY/s320/DSCN0511.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>And here is mum, me, Cheryl, Tess (my niece) and Sofie. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SU-EtOsvgaI/AAAAAAAABVM/neWPVhkNdDw/s1600-h/DSCN0509.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5282586800503620002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SU-EtOsvgaI/AAAAAAAABVM/neWPVhkNdDw/s320/DSCN0509.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div>Have a very merry Christmas everyone! </div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-31409557889618068262008-12-18T22:27:00.003+11:002008-12-18T22:37:53.712+11:00Cupcake apronsI am still in Christmas gift making mode and have made 2 aprons for my nieces Laura and Tess. Sofie helped me tonight with the sewing and pressing and Ellen did a little pose with Eames to show the end result. We used two pink and two green co ordinating cupcake cotton fabrics from Spotlight. No pattern was used. We made it up as we went. We made the ties long enough to come around to the front to tie. Some rick rack or trim would have been nice but none could be found!<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUo0Un-TWEI/AAAAAAAABU8/-bgdFHXEL2s/s1600-h/DSCN0463.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281091041977653314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUo0Un-TWEI/AAAAAAAABU8/-bgdFHXEL2s/s320/DSCN0463.JPG" border="0" /></a> Here is a closer view of the pink one:<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUo0UJMHjXI/AAAAAAAABU0/Ii6Qrn_G7SQ/s1600-h/DSCN0467.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281091033714101618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUo0UJMHjXI/AAAAAAAABU0/Ii6Qrn_G7SQ/s320/DSCN0467.JPG" border="0" /></a> And an even closer view to show the fabric properly. There is silver sparkles on the fabric too.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUo0T97cITI/AAAAAAAABUs/rjcTV4QijGU/s1600-h/DSCN0466.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5281091030691356978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUo0T97cITI/AAAAAAAABUs/rjcTV4QijGU/s320/DSCN0466.JPG" border="0" /></a> Since my last post I have made two more little boy sets and am half way through my mitt making. <em>Note to self....do NOT leave it until the week before Christmas to start making gifts......</em><br /><br /><br /></div></div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3872859464374171315.post-84304871673410543512008-12-14T12:12:00.005+11:002008-12-14T12:48:39.588+11:00Oven Mitts tutorialEvery year I make something Christmassie for my co workers. We are only a small firm of accountants and this year we are all female except for the boss! Last year I made <a href="http://hongkongshopper.blogspot.com/2007/12/christmas-sewing.html">aprons </a> (<a href="http://hongkongshopper.blogspot.com/2007/12/male-apron.html">here too</a>) and the year before <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/8860342@N07/898916219/in/set-72157601007501490/">table runners</a>. This year it is oven mitts. I couldn't find a tutorial for exactly what I wanted so I just had a go and came up with this:<br /><br />First, trace around your hand or trace a mitt you already have:<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURf3HbSjTI/AAAAAAAABUg/w_mhwAkHrWo/s1600-h/DSCN0439.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279450063676017970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURf3HbSjTI/AAAAAAAABUg/w_mhwAkHrWo/s320/DSCN0439.JPG" border="0" /></a> Next combine the outside fabric, batting and lining. I couldn't get any insulated batting so I just used poly. It is a bit thick but it should do the job. I could hold my hand against the iron for a few seconds before it got too hot, so I figure these will work for getting dishes out of the oven onto the bench top. I cut the 3 fabrics just long enough to fit one mitt length. I used the full width of the fabric. Easier to quilt that way.<br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfi3oa0OI/AAAAAAAABUY/0UszGBhMfHQ/s1600-h/DSCN0440.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279449715838734562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfi3oa0OI/AAAAAAAABUY/0UszGBhMfHQ/s320/DSCN0440.JPG" border="0" /></a> Quilt using the walking foot. I just did straight lines every 5 white lines of the gingham. Fancy quilting would be nice, but I am a novice in this area and this was all I can do! Roll up the fabric as you go to make it easier to fit with your machine.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfiq5P7AI/AAAAAAAABUQ/D64-m_p6A-k/s1600-h/DSCN0442.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279449712419662850" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfiq5P7AI/AAAAAAAABUQ/D64-m_p6A-k/s320/DSCN0442.JPG" border="0" /></a> Cut two pieces from the pattern out of the new quilted "fabric". Cut one and then turn the pattern over to cut the other.</div><div><br />Make some binding. I used a co ordinating Christmas fabric with the 2.5cm wide binder. I cut the fabric on the straight grain to save fabric. It should be ok as I am not trying to go around curves.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfiKXUCEI/AAAAAAAABUI/_dBDla2j7Ks/s1600-h/DSCN0443.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279449703687391298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfiKXUCEI/AAAAAAAABUI/_dBDla2j7Ks/s320/DSCN0443.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Fold the binding in half making sure one side is slightly longer than the other.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfhoTbQCI/AAAAAAAABUA/qyjC-AssqD0/s1600-h/DSCN0445.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279449694544281634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfhoTbQCI/AAAAAAAABUA/qyjC-AssqD0/s320/DSCN0445.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Sew up the thumb side at least a few inches before attaching the binding.<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfhe_DqRI/AAAAAAAABT4/IiGQsnsp2Gk/s1600-h/DSCN0446.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279449692042930450" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURfhe_DqRI/AAAAAAAABT4/IiGQsnsp2Gk/s320/DSCN0446.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Attach the binding with the longer side underneath. This will ensure you will catch it in your stitches.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURePN9nfmI/AAAAAAAABTw/W27WMIL0RaI/s1600-h/DSCN0447.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279448278724214370" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SURePN9nfmI/AAAAAAAABTw/W27WMIL0RaI/s320/DSCN0447.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Sew a couple of extra inches of the binding to make a hanging loop.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUReOyagy9I/AAAAAAAABTo/bsDYj-CxHfg/s1600-h/DSCN0448.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279448271329217490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUReOyagy9I/AAAAAAAABTo/bsDYj-CxHfg/s320/DSCN0448.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Fold the loop bit inside of the mitt before stitching the rest of the mitt together.<br /><div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUReOhiRt9I/AAAAAAAABTg/hzmv-GAiiww/s1600-h/DSCN0449.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279448266798381010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUReOhiRt9I/AAAAAAAABTg/hzmv-GAiiww/s320/DSCN0449.JPG" border="0" /></a><br />Here is the inside after I have finished. I didn't bother finishing off the inside. You could bind, zig zag or serge. I would have bound it I was making these for you ;)). But hey, I have 20 to make and my co workers will not care or even notice. Don't forge to clip to the stitching in the thumb curve to help it sit better when you turn it out.<br /><div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUReOQ4YI6I/AAAAAAAABTY/80NWPDFvwmw/s1600-h/DSCN0450.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279448262327673762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUReOQ4YI6I/AAAAAAAABTY/80NWPDFvwmw/s320/DSCN0450.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And the outside:<br /><div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUReOGdgMiI/AAAAAAAABTQ/epNahXTy3q0/s1600-h/DSCN0451.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5279448259530600994" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_le5sQ0uKfOQ/SUReOGdgMiI/AAAAAAAABTQ/epNahXTy3q0/s320/DSCN0451.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Now back to the machine....I have another 19 to make :) </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Vickihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01529416439720810403noreply@blogger.com11