Wednesday, July 25, 2012

WIP

Simplicity 2444
Simplicity 2444 is more than half way done, need some front skirt alterations.

I had Monday off due to an unfortunate car incident, luckily we've been really quiet at work, so it didn't cause any problems.



I cut out New Look 6130, the colour is a blend of teal and mint green fabric is from Darn Cheap in Heidelberg when we had our sewing class shopping day. I have enough left over to squeeze a Sorbetto top without the fold, it will be the original length which for me is to short, but it will be a good top to wear with skirts. The fabric has a cute woven Circe pattern running through it.

No photos to show but I'm so close to finishing my knit dress made of Ponte from the Clegs remnant sale, I'm calling it my $12 dress. I'll get some photos tonight.

What are you working on?




Friday, June 29, 2012

The long Awaited Ava dress (Victory Patterns) Photos and a Review.

Pattern Description: The garment features a fitted bodice with a side seam zipper that sits just above the natural waist. Hem options allow you to choose between a peplum blouse, a short dress, and a tea length dress. The sweetheart neckline also includes optional pleat detailing along the front and back bodice and a pleated sleeve cap. Choose a sleeveless option, or a pleated or a mini cap sleeve.

I chose the tea length dress without the sleeves and pleat detailing.

Pattern Sizing: 6 (I think.)

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?
Yes it did!

Were the instructions easy to follow? Yes, they were straight forward and accurate. I liked the picture detailing.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? This is very similar to Colette Pattern's Macaroon which just doesn't do it for me style wise, I really like the swing style in the skirt and the multiple options on the bodice, and of course the neckline is super cute.
What I disliked was doing on the pattern was a FBA, I understand that not every sewer is well endowed but the big 4 pattern companies make a B cup and I think in this day and age it's slightly unrealistic to make the bust for B cup, but I just hate having to do it every time I want to make something.


Fabric Used: Navy Silk Dupion from the Silk Trader, and black lace remanent from Darn Cheap. Vintage bias binding from a friend.

Fabric Cost: Roughly $50 for the silk and $7 for the lace. Bias binding, interfacing and thread from stash/ friend so all were free.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made: I had to make a FBA and a sway back adjustment. I cut the lower back pattern pieces seperatly.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? Actually I already have, I've made a top, from a very loud print that was destind to be PJ bottoms, so I'm not sure I'll ever wear it but I do have plans to make the short dress and another top for work, I'm just wanting to find some suitable lace for the top section. I would recommend it to everyone, as it could be as simple and classic or dressy and detailed.

Conclusion: I love this pattern I think it was well worth the time taping the pattern together. It was quite any easy project, although I had doubts about my skills with the bias binding, until I worked out how easy it is! Bias binding forever!

I taped, traced and cut over 2 and a half days. I started sewing I got half way and left it for two weeks then banged it out in over 3 evenings and a morning. I was fiddling with the neckline the morning of the wedding. If you're a fast sewer you could make this in a day or two.

I love this dress, it's flattering with or without a petticoat, it something I know I'll wear again to other parties and weddings coming up.

This is a good classic pattern, that's a bit of fun and quite easy to sew.
I say go on and buy it. :)

I loved my hair that day, although my fringe needed a cut.


Thanks for reading!

Kat

Friday, June 22, 2012

Crushing on Marc Jacobs and shipping costs.


from Mood fabrics.

I found some beautiful eyelet- its all the rage in the US and the warmer climates at the moment,  I was thinking of making a sweet but work approiate dress out of this eyelet. I asked Mood Fabrics via their website for a shipping quote on this Marc Jacobs eyelet and almost fell off my chair when I got the email back.

It was $220-$240 USD! Now admittedly I also put in 3 yards of dotted swiss/cotton and 3 ponte which I put in for the sake of it but geeze golly whiz batman for 9 yards, thats ridiculous!

I asked what was the cheapest option and Christina told me that was it! Meg then contacted me saying once they get there new website up and running the cost may be lower. While I'm looking forward to the new site its at least 6 months away, and pretty fabric doesn't stick around that long.

I shop online regulary and have never come across such a high price. I worked out that if I saved $2001.22 I could just fly over there and pick it up. Come to think of it, that might not be a bad idea....

What would the highest you would ever pay for shipping?