Kittys Drawings

Hiiii!

As long ago promised, here is the dress I made for my friend’s Margaret River wedding. Excuse how crumpled it looks now – I took the pics in a hurry this morning before heading out.

I used Vogue 4977 which is from the 60′s by the looks of it. Well – I only used some of it. The pattern was missing all the skirt pieces. A bit annoying but I just subbed in the bottom of another dress pattern. Easy

This is also the very first time I’ve made a muslin of sorts. I first cut it out on a ‘test’ fabric at the original size and basted it all together to try it on. Unfortunately I didn’t really have time to continue along that path because my decision to make a dress for the wedding came a little too late! Being a vintage size 14 it was quite a bit too big (I’m usually a 10 or 12 in vintage sizes) so I chose to re-draw the pattern making some alterations.

What I did:

• Took a horizontal V out of the back, with the point of that V at the side seam. This eliminated quite a bit of the gaping that was happening.
• Also took a vertical V radiating from the waist upwards to account for narrower shoulders and smaller bust.
• Took a little out of the side seams.
• Enlarged the armholes since taking in the side seam makes them smaller.

As you can see – I could have fitted it a lot better. What I did helped, but not enough. And I didn’t really have a lot of time! This was also my first time working with “expensive” fabric. I couldn’t get my hands on real silk taffeta so poly had to do I lined the skirt with silk though, and the bodice is lined with very thin cotton cos I didn’t buy enough silk. Derp. It was all a bit finicky cos the silk was very slippy…the taffeta not so much but it shows up every little nick and crease – especially in photos! Plus it’s a bitch to iron.

At least the sash was easy to make! Hehe. That was fun. I love polka dots! I could have reinforced it or added snaps to the dress to place it better – but – NO TIME. Waaa. Oh well. It was still great for the wedding even though I don’t really plan on wearing it again – or making the pattern again.

That said – These last few projects have given me an idea for a ‘new years resolution’….I’m not usually into resolutions and stuff but I’ve been thinking about this one a bit. It’s been a year since I started sewing now, and I’ve made quite a few things I really like and wear a lot, but also quite a few things that are so meh they’re definitely not going to appear on this blog. A lot of the meh projects have been a result of not putting enough thought into them. Usually it is to do with fitting or finishing. So this year I plan to be more careful with things, and take my time. I’ve already almost completed something with these thoughts in mind and I’m quite pleased with it so far. All that needs doing is a tiny bit of hand-sewing and it will be ready for the blog next week.

On other things….
Thanks to all my new followers – I have definitely reached my 100 mark where I should be hosting a giveaway. I’m still very much undecided about what to actually give away. Buuuut – I should get my butt into gear and sort it out. Stay tuned for the giveaway either next week or the week after.

Also – hello to everyone from We Sew Retro! I got quite a big response (comparatively!) to my last post that went up there and it’s really cool to get so many people over here reading my little blog. I’ve found lots of awesome blogs through the site and it’s great to be a part of that community.

Well I best be off now….finish that hand-sewing. Seeyas all later!

Hi All,

I asked permission from my client to post the portrait I did for her. The drawing is to become a gift for her and her partner for their anniversary – How sweet!! I had fun drawing this – slightly different method from my usual style as I it was essential that I do justice to my subjects! So I spent a lot more time on it and made all efforts not to hate my “skillz” in the process.

I’m actually rather pleased with it!

(detail)

WIPs

What do you think?

If anyone else would love a portrait drawn then feel free to email me (address is in the About section). My rates are very reasonable – just send me a line and we can chat!
I know I don’t advertise this as heavily as I should, but if I could make a living off drawing I would be one happy girl. Imagine that – spending all day drawing (and sewing) and not having to slave away those 8+ hours in the office. My job isn’t dreadful, but if I could choose drawing over it then I would. It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about lately – Coming home, making dinner and then spending a few hours on my hobbies – those few hours aren’t enough. I have such a big list of the things I want to make and draw right now, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. And that doesn’t include my personal obligations like maintaining my relationship and friendships – neither of which can be neglected either.
This sorting of priorities is one of those “I’m an adult now” realisations….and yes, I still get those at 27…If only I didn’t have to rely on money so much! Ha – that goes for everyone doesn’t it!?

So – musings aside, I think that’s all I have for you today. There is currently a new drawing in the works (non-paid) and about 6 sewing projects I need to update you on! Sheesh! We’ve got the BF’s fancy camera back now so the quality of my photos should get a bit better – no more horrible graininess. Yay!

Seeyas!

Hiiii!
So this is the outfit that I envisioned to go with my Miss L Fire shoes….and luck was on my side when I found the exact top I wanted in Savers some time ago. All I had to do then was make a black skirt.

I scored some heavy black cotton from one of those little fabric stores on Sydney Rd and set to work. These kinds of skirts don’t really need a pattern – just cut a rectangle and gather it into a waistband. I got a bit overzealous with the size of my rectangle and ended up with way too much fabric in there. It turned out rather puffy and I had to pleat it to fit it all in. Now it’s an absolute nightmare to iron and I also made the mistake of sitting on the couch to do my hand-sewing so it got covered in cat fur. Oh Boofy! It doesn’t wash out that well either – maybe a few more rounds in the machine and some vigorous application of the sticky paper fur remover thingy and it should be right. Haha.

Well the outfit turned out rather – crazy – don’t you think? Not sure if I’m quite game enough to wear the stripy top out and the skirt makes me feel all frivolous and cutesy.

I may have just enough fabric left to make a pencil skirt, albeit a shorter one than usual.

Now I really must get back to drawing – The portrait I’m doing needs to be finished TODAY. So glad it’s a long weekend so I have the time to finish it. Even though it means chaining myself to the computer. Saturday though was spent shopping for the required things for Fiji. The BF was surprised that I actually invested in practical shoes…..I can be practical when I need to be ;-P I just don’t want to look fugly at the same time. Is that too much to ask? ;-P

Must run then!

Hi Everyone!
I’m a bit late on updating this little here blog. Not to say I’ve been procrastinating either – there’s always lots happening at Chez Kitty!

This is the first drawing I’ve finished in a while. I’d left it too long again and couldn’t be bothered tidying it up. When I opened it today to see what needed fixing, it didn’t look like there was that much to do. So it’s not so bad…I guess. I hope I’ve done the subject justice. Probably not. Errrm. Sorry! It’s kinda crap actually. Waaaa! *sob*
NEED TO DRAW MORE.

It’s this uber-cute lass here – Elinkan – I love her photos and her style – as well as how often she changes her hair colour! Way cool

(detail)

(WIPs)

Other news: We’re gearing up for Fiji. I’ve done all the sewing I need to do but if I’ve got some time next week I might be able to make a top or two to go with my Tara Starlet sailor shorts. Hopefully I’ll be able to get a sewing post up on the weekend. I’m really far behind and this lack of light is really frustrating! The only thing I don’t like about winter (Yes, I love the cold so shoot me). The emerald green wool crepe 40′s dress (phew!) is finished. It was very time consuming but I’ve very happy with the result. I’ll blabber more about that when I post about it.

There’s also a completed 70′s dress which came together surprisingly fast. And I have a whole jumble of things I want to make next – including, but not limited to, a slinky, draped 40′s dress, a ROBE (that word needs caps haha), an apron, and a sheath dress for work.

More stuff, I’ve been baking like a madwoman. Why? Cos I can. I love making cakes. They’re usually not very elaborate but sure taste good (if I do say so myself).

My Vivienne Westwood for Melissa mary-janes finally packed it in, so there was much hunting for a new pair of black shoes. Buying shoes here in Australia was not much of an option – I don’t seem to fit any of the ‘normal’ brands like Tony Bianco and Wittner very well, even though I have narrow feet. They’re so BORING as well. Hideously hideously boring. So online I went and have purchased my third pair of Irregular Choice shoes. I will show you the beauties when they arrive. Fingers are crossed they are as comfy as they look. They meet my stringent criteria: thick heel with slight taper (not too boxy or too narrow),  almond/round toes, between 4cm and 7cm high and most importantly -  quirky.
So I’m fussy about shoes…shuddup!

I should stop yabbering on…Time to get back to my commission. Making significant progress on that! If my client lets me I will post that next week too as it will be finished this weekend.

Till soon,

Hi All,

The last life drawing class for quite some time – busy in the coming weeks and who knows when I’ll get to go next. We were learning about light this time so some of these were drawn in the dark!

This weekend was spent cleaning in preparation for my parents coming to visit soon. I scored some free tickets to the Taste of Melbourne and we’re going to go see the European Masters exhibtion at the NGV – It’s going to be a big weekend! In the meantime, the cleanup meant we rearranged our office area. Its always good when my desk gets a tidy as I feel that much more motivated to draw stuff  We put up some art we’ve had for a while but never displayed and my bf is in the process of getting some frames for a couple of his photo prints. I think I’ll print up some of my own drawings and get those framed too – believe it or not, I only have one of my paintings on display in our home!

And now that life drawing is finished for the time being, I’ve been pushing myself to get started on the digital again. I do have something in the works which is just a practice but I’m liking it. No previews until it’s finished as I have a terrible habit of never finishing those drawings that I show previews of.

Other exciting news -  I shall be taking part in a Melbourne Spring Fashion Week event as an assistant to a well known blogger. I won’t spill the secret just yet as I haven’t even had a fitting yet (!!) so I don’t want to babble too much. All I’ll say now is that it ties in very nicely to my insatiable obsession with vintage threads….

So in the next few weeks you’ll probably get some different posts that aren’t ALL about drawing. Til then, seeya!

Hello

Down to the second last life drawing class (I think). Drapery was the subject this time and how we see the figure differently with clothes on. Drawing clothing can disguise the true form and it can be more difficult to draw ‘across the body’ like you would with a nude. Instead, you can fall into the trap of only drawing the outline which leaves things looking flat.

Warm ups….I think all the ones I scanned are about 30 seconds. Funnily enough, it feels better to use 30 seconds instead of 1 minute per pose for the warm up – gets you loosened up quicker. Our teacher likens these to stretching before going for a jog

The contour and the tone drawing. I did a blind contour this time – not looking at the page while you draw and not lifting your charcoal.

I did two drawings again for the final 20/20mins. The first one without any drapery and the second one with. Kinda stuffed up the arm on the first one….

So after tomorrow I think I have no more classes. I’ll need to get back into the self-direction. Get back into this digital stuff. I have a whole bunch of inspiration pics – and lots of ideas ready to go. Need to get off my ass and DO IT.

Bya!

Yay!
Just in time too. I hope it is what was expected I’m quite happy with it too. Could have polished it a bit more but just didn’t have time.

No time to chat today! Gotta work on that harem girl.

Have a good weekend!