Unicorn Pj's aka Kwik Sew 3510

So in my last post, I said I was going to start regularly blogging and then I disappeared again! It wasn't my intention at all, but I get busy with life, and then BAM three months goes by. I have been sewing, in fits and starts really, but I do get stuff done.

My latest make, is an extremely cute unicorn pj's set, that I made for my beautiful niece CBB, who turned one in late March. As my twin sister has relocated to Auckland for the next few years, I really feel the need to have special reminders of our family, and this where my sewing skills comes in.

I used my tried and trusty kids pj pattern Kwik Sew 3510, which I am certain I could now sew in my sleep, with this being my 13th set!

I made size 1, and the only changes I made, were to lengthen the neckband, as I was using jersey with 5% spandex, not ribbing. I cut the size 1 neckband originally but I couldn't get it to fit, and I knew if I over worked the neck area of the pj's I would end with a distorted pj top, so I cut a new piece and added just over a cm. Next time I'll add another .5cm if I don't do binding.  I did purchase a complimentary colour binding but it didn't arrive in time.

The back, more unicorns.

This is a great basic pattern, that goes to size 4, I highly recommend it and most Kwik sew patterns.


Project details: Kwik Sew 3510 size 1.
Fabric: Both champagne dots and unicorns organic cotton jersey are from W Collection Fabric.
Modification: Added 1cm to the neckband.

Last remarks: Don't follow the instructions for the elastic in the pants, do a casing instead.

See you in 3 months!

A Piratey Art Museum Vest

The Baby turned 1 quite a while ago now!

To celebrate that we had kept him alive for so long, cause let's face it, you don't have a party to celebrate the baby, we gave him a pirate party as I can't throw a party without a theme it seems. 

I wanted to make something for his, I mean my special day but didn't want to go overboard! (Get it?) 

Details:

Pattern: Oliver and S 'art museum vest'

Size: 6-12m

Fabric: purchased from fabric.com

Alternations: used press studs instead of button holes, then sewed on 2 decorative  pirate ship buttons on top. 

Omitted the welt pockets, back band, and top stitched the vest around neckline and bottom section. 

Notes: he wore this to childcare a few times, however the button were quite popular and were damaged. The vest is away with his keepsake items. 

One of many...

One of many applies to a lot of things in my life right now.

One of many piles of mess.

One of many paint brushes.

One of many big sloppy kisses.

One of many scout woven tees...this is my fourth version of this lovely pattern.

I have made it up in a knit, two rayons and now a double gauze.

 

As this was my fourth version it came together in about 4 hours, no joke. I spent more time worrying about pattern placement as no one wants a spotty boob. I bought the Nani Iro fabric and matching bias binding from an Etsy seller on a whim a month or two back.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Details:

Pattern: Scout woven tee by Grainline Studios

Size: 6 grading out to a 12 at the hips

Fabric: 1.1metres of Nani Iro Japanese Gauze, plus matching bias binding

Alternations: Added 3.1cms to the length and 2-3cm sway back adjustment (it wasn't enough see pooling in last photo)

 

Comments:

I'm hoping the fabric softens up a fair bit as its quite stiff in a way, which affects the style of the tee, I'm not sure its the most flattering of tops, but it is good sun protection and it fills a gap in my mummy lifestyle. First worn on our weekend trip to Sydney, I managed to leave all my accessories at home except my sunglasses!

Kat x

Frocktails: The date is set!

Oh my, Frocktails Sydney is reaching epic proportions! How fantastic! 

So far we have 26 interested ladies who are very excited about the evening. 

Please book the 13th of September into your diaries, I'm sorry to anyone who can't attend that day, the majority has ruled. 

So obviously September is 5 months away so I hear you saying, what should I do now? 

Well besides plan your outfit, you need to email me your expression of interest ( if you haven't already) to allegravintage@gmail.com 

I'll try my best to find a restaurant that can fit everyone and I'll try my best not to turn anyone away but I need you to email me your interest. 

When the details are finalised I will need you to book your spot for the evening by prepaying which is non refundable unless I can get someone to fill your spot. 

If you have any questions, feel free to email or tweet me. 

Now someone please tell me what I should sew for this event! Or maybe better yet sew it for me. 

Frocktails, Sydney here we come!

Hello Frocktailers,

Who's excited for Frocktails in Sydney?

I have been making very loose plans at this stage, and we need to set a date so I can book in a venue. I'm thinking a private dining room might be the best way to go so numbers will probably be limited to 30 people. 

Please cast your vote, (on the blog, not via twitter) majority will rule, however I may pull rank if there is a tie. 

Current dates available are:

- August the 30th

- September the 6th

- September the 13th 

Also who from Melbourne or interstate is interested in coming?

Kat x

Making it work, an update on my life.

Hello! 

Long time no blogging eh? Well I may not have been blogging, but I've been having a good time with my baby and at times my sewing machine. 

I'm now 6 very short weeks away from returning to full time work (unfortunately), I requested part time, however it was rejected along with all my other suggestions. Honestly I'm not looking forward to full time work but I will turn my commute into my time, oppose to a waste of time. Which gives me a great opportunity to do hand sewing toys for the baby. 

I don't see how I'll be able to sew, work fulltime, commute an hour plus in each direction daily and spend with my family but like most mothers I'll try to make it work. 

Sewing is my mental health time, I don't watch a lot of tv, so hopefully I'll be able to get an hour plus in every second day. Here is hoping!

I do have sewing events to look forward to later in the year, Frocktails is going to Sydney, and I've organised Sewaway, which funnily enough is a weekend of sewing away. Plus I heard Sewcietea is happening again!

I've also sorted out a list of things I want to sew for this winter. I tend to struggle in winter as I love colour and am drawn to summer clothing, which doesn't help when you live in Melbourne in wintertime. 

My aim is to make a very simple winter coat hopefully in pink plaid, ponti tops and dresses and lots of leggings!

The baby starts 3 full day in childcare soon so I really hope to get a move on my list! 

Kat x

UPDATE: 

After serious thought I decided to take my case to Fairwork Australia. I'm very please to say that my work has agreed to let me work 30 hours over 4 days per week. It's amazing what can happen when you have the convictiction to speak up for yourself. 

A very big thank you to my lovely supporters who gave me encouragement & advice. It means a great deal to have friends like you. X

Christmas presents, past and present.

I am a lucky lady, especially when it comes to Christmas presents. My family knows of my love and accumulation habits of all things related to sewing. I usually get cash, vouchers and interesting little knick knacks for my hobby. 

For the past two years, I am now getting lovely handmade gifts. Christmas 2012 saw this big, thread board made by Ben, come into my life. It was and is love, Ben counted all my thread, and then added more spaces for future acquisitions. Isn't she lovely?

Ignore the test paint on the wall, still haven't decide on a colour for the room yet!

The board has room for 3 scissors stacked on one another, and a French curve. You can see that I add another ruler to the board when it's not in use. 

Christmas 2013, I recieved an overlocking thread board, again made by Ben. Room for 80 reels, which is slightly too many but hey, it's better than not enough, am I right? 

The board is currently sitting on my fabric cabinet, this houses all my patterns and majority of my stash. Again Ben made it. Sensing a theme here? The cabinet was for my birthday/ I need the space combination. The cabinet holds 9, 32-35 litre tubs, top three are sewing/toy/ craft patterns, the rest hold tubs of fabric. 

When I recently requested another 3 cubby holes be added to top for more cough fabric space cough, I was met with a resounding no! 

But I may have won him round as floor to ceiling cupboards are going to be installed later in the year. I'll then have even more space for fabric!

More photos of my sewing room to come soon. 

Frocktails; fabulous is not optional.

You are cordially invited to get your fabulous handmade frocks on, on the 7th of September for Frocktails.

Bloggers and non bloggers are welcome! As long as you love to talk about sewing whilst clutching a fancy drink in hand, we will have a fabulous time!

Frocktails Information

When? 
7th of September.
Where? 
Starting at Longrain Melbourne for Cocktails, Dinner and Dessert.
What time?
6.00pm till late.
How much?
As much as you would like to spend. Please check out Longrains menu for a rough idea, on average, dinner and dessert will set you back about $65 per head.
What do I wear? 
That's up to you! It could be great if we could all wear a dressy self-stitched frock, but that may not suitable for your lifestyle etc, as long as its made by you, you'll fit right in!
RSVP? 
Either leave a comment with your email address here, or email me at allegravintage at gmail dot com and I'll send a group email out with more details!

I can't wait to see you in your beautiful creations! There may even be a best dressed award on the night!

A big thank you to Molly, who suggested the name Frocktails!

A few ideas.

I had the pleasure to meet some wonderful ladies that sew via Rachel's Melbourne meet up and the other Rachel Social Sewing days. While I was at the last Social Sewing day, the matter of floral frocks and high tea event came up. I believe this was Melanie of Poppykettle's idea that she had been thinking of for sometime. I'm very keen to do these sorts of activities with like minded people, as I'm sure you are too.

I was hoping to see if there would be any interest in an event cross between Julia Bobbin's Mad Men Challenge and Oona's Promaballoona that would involve a night of fancy frocks, fun, cocktails and maybe a meal? I'm happy to organise this for next year as the silly season is almost upon us, if there is any interest of course. Please let me know if your interested, and any interstate-rs we could always arrange dates around you!

Also I'd like to organise a fabric shopping trip day. My sewing teacher has organised a few and I've been to two so far, they are very interesting days, but exhausting. Again, let me know who's interested, and will schedule it for 2013.

(Hearts on fire) Ava top

This little pretty is my new Ava top.

This time around I decided to make the top version with the cute little cap sleeves.

I made a few minor changes, I increased the FBA, and use bias binding for hem to give it a bit of a flounce, the biggest change I made to this version was to put a zip in the center back above the peplum, and for the upper back section I folded each side over twice and stitched the sides down (I forget the technical term for it), I made a little loop and added a button to the other side for easy access to get my head through.

It came together quite quickly, although again I had trouble with the sweetheart V, it took a few tries to get it right. In this photo, the sweethearts neckline it looks like it has folds, and looks rumply which isn't the case IRL.

Train sewing, a great way to pass the time.

The cap sleeves are super cute and as you can see from the photos, the upper bust section is dotted Swiss as well as the cap sleeves,I bought it from the Clegs remnant sale, one metre for $4, which is a bargain. The on the edge of the sleeves the dotted balls hang down slightly which makes for an interesting feature. The main fabric is satin back crepe I believe, purchased from Alannah Hill outlet.


I love this top and the style, but I have really struggled to find the appropriate bottom to go with the top, which my hold me back from wearing this more often, and from making about 10 more. If you have any suggestions, I greatly welcome them.

I'll post more photos when I get the chance as the last two was taken in my work's bathroom. I washed my hands, promise. Ewww. :)

I have plans to make the short dress version with liberty lawn and ecru lace but still trying to find the lace......then I think I'm done with this pattern, maybe I'll try one the new Victory patterns.

Where will you be this Saturday?

Christmas cross stitch.

I know where I'll be.........at Rachel's Melbourne Sewist meet up!

Just in case you didn't know about the meet up already, the lovely Rachel from Boo Dog and Me blog is organising a sewist meet up for all those people who love to sew and craft in the Melbourne Area.

We'll be meeting at Tessuti's at 1.30pm this Saturday the 18th and then going for coffees and cake at Time Out Cafe at 3pm. (Click on the Tessuti's link for the store address if you need it.)

I have plans to go to the Nicholas building before the meet up to see what new stock l'uccello and Button Mania have available, then walk my way up Little Collins to Tessuti's, I hoping to get there around noon, so if your early, come for a wander.

Just in case you don't know what I look like, I'll be the girl in the bright yellow dress!

Hope to see you there!!!

Thanks for reading,

Kat

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

Missing in action

It seems ages since I last posted with something interesting. My parents have arrived back from Uganda, so I haven't been able to use the Internet, or get into my sewing room. I can see my machine, surrounded by all the boxes of stuff that have been in our storage room. Sewing has been thin on the ground, but I have managed to whip up a dress, from the fabric that I am getting for Christmas. I will post photos once i finish the hem.

Some books that I am reading, Wife dressing by Anne Fogarty and Colour me beautiful. I was going to buy CMB from the book depository but thankfully my mum fished out a copy from their vast book collection. You can't beat something that's free, can you. Both books are very interesting read although with Wife Dressing I have rolled my eyes a bit.

I have been experimenting lately, I feel like a change in my life in certain areas, mainly hair and beauty. In my quest for red/interesting/different colour lipsticks, I have come to realise red lipstick colour doesn't suit me in yellow base red, which seems to be very popular and readily available. I have bought about 5 different shades of different brands before I cottoned on to needing a blue based tone. Does any one have suggestions where to find a blue based lipstick or should I just give up? I have discovered fuchsia which is so pretty although I tone it down a lot. I also bought a matching nail polish to the fuchsia lipstick.

Thanks for reading my ramblings.

Merry Christmas.

Kat

Photos of a floral dress

Here are some photos of me in my butterick 5486 dress! Today I had to go out and I wanted to wear a dress and be comfortable. I saw this in my vast wardrobe and threw it on. It was perfected weather for it. I think the bodice part may have stretched a little.



A very full skirt





Me and Caramel.



The back.

The dress doesn't look good when I'm slouching but sits quite nicely normally. I really love this dress, when I make it again I think I'll shorten the bodice. Other than that I have no complaints.

Here is a photo of 2 things I'm remixing. Can you guess what colours they originally were?

I'll post, post drying photos next time.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Kat

The Grand Master Plan

As you know I've set myself a goal to not buy anymore patterns for a while, I plan to stick to that and try to start sewing some of the material I already have, to help reduce my stash. So I've decided to have a master/grand plan.

On Friday night, I went through all my fabric and  patterns and matched them up as best I could. Here is what I plan to do hopefully before the end of the year, I have 11 weeks.

1. Blue and White Polka dots with Vogue 6478 (Vintage)

two darts, the zipper and the hem to go
2. Cornflower Blue Cotton Sateen with McCall's 4870 view b (Vintage)

3.  Black, Pink and Cream silk ( from Tessuti's ) with Vogue 8556

4. Butterick 9265 in Michael Miller's "Midnight Mumms" or Cotton Sateen.
What do you think??

or

5. Vogue 8631 The "Betty dress"

I'm not sure about the fabric, I was going to use it to make an outfit for my niece, but I don't have enough for both.

6. Vogue 2958 (draft of dress only out of calico)

7. Soft Blue Linen with Chantilly

8. New Look 6904 maybe with the fabric from #5.

9. Dark Blue fabric with Vogue 1043. (I'm cheating on this one as I've started and almost finished this, but I'd rather have something ticked off my list sooner rather than later. )

Completed.I also have some fabric that I would love to use but I'm at a loss as with what to do with it, due to the little amount of the fabrics, mostly 2 metres or under.

Cotton Jacquard I bought from Singapore 2mts.





There is more I could show you but I'll keep you in suspense for know. I
 will post more later.



Meanwhile last week I bit the bullet and finally bought a cutting mat and rotary blade I can't being to tell you how wonderful they are! Defiantly a good investment. I don't know why I waited so long.

Do you think I've bitten off more that I can chew?

I'm excited to have such a plan but i don't want to "rush" my sewing experience. I know I'll start off on one of the vintage patterns, then move on to something a little easier. I like to have two projects on the go, to make life a little  more interesting. :p





My next project... Vogue 8472

So I still haven't finished sewing the simplicity pattern yet. Which is terrible as it may never get done now! I can procrastinate like nobodies business. I've already cut everything out, its already to go, I always start the skirt first as I find this the easiest part. My fabric is a cotton sateen, i think it was called Monet Blue, but don't quote me & a cream/ nude lining.

In other news, next week I start another sewing class on saturdays at another sewing centre, this one is a little far, its in Werribee where I bought my machine from. My husband loves I have a hobby, but I'm so glad that i take care of our $$$ as sewing is rather an expensive hobby, but well worth I think. Anyhoo soon enough I may have two dresses done!