Kittys Drawings

Hi All!

I sure am behind on my sewing posts aren’t I?! The weekends have been too blah to take any photos, though I have been sewing. I cut out three garments like a madwoman on Saturday. And made an apron. And did a tiny bit on my coat.

But – to drawing. This week it was Fur & Shine. Fur is tricky as hell to draw! All those soft edges you can’t actually draw because then it won’t look like fur.  Shine was a bit easier – reflective surfaces usually have harder edges.

Not sure I like this one too much. Didn’t think it through hard enough before starting to paint. Should have done a very light wash for the skin tone before doing the fur. Need to experiment with creating soft tones and variations for skin using watercolour.

Anyways, promise to have sewing stuff on the weekend.

Ciao!

Hi All

Fly by post today. Cleaning the house duties mean I have no time to write much.

So – this week’s topic was watercolours, patterns and lace.

But first, some ‘extra curricular’ activity. Sketch done in low light so I couldn’t see my colours properly. Inspiration take from Julia Trotti’s amazing photography (new discovery – um, WOW!). Yes, I did some drawing without playing tricks on my brain to start it.

Anyways – class work. The original photo that we used as ref had a big green skirt but we had to make it leopard print instead. Watercolours are so versatile – and fun! I want to try more techniques with them! For these effects I wet the paper first and then washed over the paint. Then using a watercolour pencil I drew in the spots. The wet paper blurred the pencil and gave it that fuzzy, velvety effect.

The lace was done in a similar manner but with the pencil super sharp.

There’s still lots to learn, and the random and unpredictable nature of watercolour means you’re never quite 100% sure of what you’re going to get….Something I think you have to take advantage of instead of fight

Well – til soon! Next post should be sewing!

Hi Everyone!

My readers who sew have probably seen a lot of Sewaholic Cambie dresses about on the internetz lately. I too, was one of the fortunate ones to be picked by Tasia to test her latest pattern.
And I’m so glad I got the opportunity because I’m now a complete convert and want to buy some of her other patterns too!

I chose the A-Line version of the skirt to make up since we’re heading into winter here and I wanted something I could wear to work that was warm and also office appropriate. I had the perfect fabric in my stash too – Pretty sure this is a wool blend of some sort – with not too much wool – just enough to make pressing easy. It’s got a very fine houndstooth pattern which is a b**** to photograph, and I used a black satin (probably poly) for the straps. The lining is that grey cotton voile stuff I’ve had forever which is perfect for linings but is now sadly all gone.

There are so many awesome things about this pattern! It’s a super flattering style which really is very versatile as Tasia mentions. I will definitely be making the full skirt version after seeing so many pretty floral ones made up by others (links below).

It has POCKETS. I cut mine on the opposite angle compared to the rest of the dress and while the effect is very subtle, I think it’s pretty neat.

It was SO easy to make – seriously. It took me a single day to knock this out – including the lining and finishing. The zipper is half done by hand half not….I sewed it in according to Tasia’s instructions at first, but because I didn’t use an invisible zip, it still needed a fold to cover the teeth. So I did the rest like a hand picked zipper. The instructions are really clever too and I learnt quite a few tips and tricks while making it.

The sizing is perfect for me. I made a size 2 which didn’t need a single alteration – not even in the length. Awesome huh!

I wear this to work a lot now – It’s so comfortable and fits really well.

Now I’m going to see if I can round up some links of the other Cambie dresses – they’re also on Tasia’s site but I’ll put them here too.

Tasia’s bright floral linen
Scruffy Badger Time made 2!!
Knitter’s Delight used a retro looking print
Molly made a beautiful full skirted floral one
Doortje’s stunning eyelet cotton  (wow – new blog to read too!)
Amy in a delicate floral voile (thank you Google for another blog)

Okay – that’s as many as I could find on Google – If there are any others out there, let me know – I love seeing how each person has made theirs.

Other news: Right now I’m finishing of a dress – still petrified of my coat….and….Going to do lots of fabric cutting soon. This weekend we’ve been rearranging the house in prep for our dining table, so my desk has shifted a bit. Also, I tidied my sewing area a little and my patterns are more easily accessible.

Til soon!

Hi All

So finally I have a creation for you. This is Suzy Pattern’s Antoinette Dress I tested a few weeks back. Took some proper photos today at last.

I probably shouldn’t have left it so long to post about this..cos I’ve forgotten some things about making it!

I did make a muslin of the bodice for this and it was good that I did because I needed to add room in the waist. And looking back on it now, there’s still quite a few tweaks I could make to the fitting. The shoulders could widen a skosh even though I didn’t think they need to at the time. And the skirt could be longer because I like a bit more length there. Plus the ‘backside’ area isn’t perfect.

Yet despite these small things, I do like the dress. It all somehow works and I like the lace pieces. And the vintage 30′s glass buttons at the neck.

Sooooo I don’t really have much else to say. It’s Easter and time for lazy-supreme. I spent Friday making a corset (will show you that soon!) and yesterday finishing it…and faffing. Now I’m gonna faff some more. Cos it’s holidays. And tomorrow I might start sewing the dress I cut out the other day.

Oh hey, I also bought some coloured mechanical pencils….I might even do some sketching soon. I’m super rusty though so nothing I’ve been doing lately is worth showing.

More comprehensive posts when my brain is working properly!

Anyways!

Ciao!

Hi Everyone

Short posting today! Today Suzy revealed her first pattern – one which I was testing…Click HERE to see the real deal…and meanwhile, here is my little preview. I’m not wearing it yet as I don’t have the good camera back to take pics…and let me tell you, a happy-snapper doesn’t compare to the Canon 1Ds Mark II in the slightest….It’s so hard to get a non-blurry photo on the Panasonic. Anyways….a pic:

I’ll post more notes on the construction when I have more photos. The buttons are vintage glass from Etsy. I think they’re from the 30′s.

And look – it’s a dress-form! A RED one – Lady Valet too. Yay! I brought her home on Friday. It definitely makes it easier to display dresses. I haven’t sewn anything yet that needs her but I will very very soon. I can list a whole bunch of stuff on eBay now too. That ought to get me a bit of much needed dosh. I’ll have to find where I put it all first. I think a wardrobe cull is in order.

My new project is the Ooh-La-La Pinup Sew-Along, Corset Garter. I made the muslin last night and it will fit without any alterations…apart from grading it down, which was super easy thanks to THIS post. I’m making it with hook & eyes at the back as that will sit flatter than an eyelet fastening. The fabrics I’m using will be some white and purple irregular polka-dot (yep, more dots!) and pistachio green satin for the trims. I’ll be attaching 6 garter clips instead of 4, when they arrive – and I bought some pre-cut spiral steel boning to make it nice and sturdy. That said, I’m still not sure if I should try and track down some featherbone as I’d be able to wash that at least. The Rigiline plastic boning I bought from Spotlight looks flimsy and crap and I don’t think I want to use that at all.

Welllll, till next time folks!

Hi Everyone!
Another dress is complete – another one I am super happy about. LOVE this dress!

It’s Mccall’s 4864 from 1942 I think. I bought it from Patterns From The Past. How quirky is it!? I just love Mccall’s patterns from this era – they have heaps of nifty little details and this dress in particular has more than most. Here are some of those features:

• 4 darts on the sleeves to give them a square shape. This would be more highlighted if I’d put in shoulder pads.
• Low V-neck with contrast bands (also at sleeves)
• BUTTONS on the neckline! I omitted this because it would just be a bit too much with this print
• External darts!
• Top-stitched pleats at the skirt
• Tucks on the back to give a blouse effect.
• Shoulder/neck darts for subtle shaping
• Gored skirt – totally swing style!

Ha! And I chose to make this in busy polka-dot. Typical ;-P I think it’s some kind of rayon-y thing again. That said, I seriously doubt my fabric identifying skills. It drapes nice and was an appropriate choice for this style. Its really really comfortable and will be good for winter and summer.

I hemmed it with some red stretch lace hem tape which I had in my stash.

The edges are trimmed in red cotton voile I bought from Lincraft. I wasn’t going to add it originally but it really makes the dress a bit more special having it there. The red stitched trim is from some rayon thread I found at half price at Clegs. It took me ages to do and it’s a *little* wonky – don’t look too closely (haha!) Yes, I did that by hand.

I made no serious alterations to the pattern at all – Just took about 2 inches out of the length of the skirt.
The side opening closes with a hook & eye and some snaps. Still my favourite method for dresses you can only get into this way
The inside is just as neat as the outside and I’m glad I took my time with this one. My new year’s resolution is kicking along nicely. I’ve been proud of everything I’ve made this year so far.

A couple of silly photos in this shoot ;-P The kitties were hanging around and being adorable.

(In the photo of me below I was squee-ing over how Boofy was so intent on turning himself inside out with sheer adoration, that he nearly fell off the couch!)

Other news – It’s raining outside! Autumn is finally on it’s way. Yay! I much prefer the cooler weather. I’ve already started making plans for winter. Bought a small new supply of vintage seamed stockings. Have grand plans for a fit’n'flare princess coat. It’s going to be a huge project and I should really start it very soon. Ideally I want it made of hunter green silk faille but I’d need over 5 yards, at $65USD a yard, that’s a serious investment – so it will stay in pipe-dream territory for a while yet. Definitely have to think of something more accessible and easier to sew. See if I can find some nice wool without breaking the bank.

I’m also waiting on payday so I can finally pick up the Lady Valet dress-form I put on layby. It’s crazy that I’ve gone so long without one. And I could have gone for a cheaper option but I wanted something that would last the distance. Besides, its RED. And comes with a hem marker…..Handy.

My current project is testing out Suzy’s new pattern. I bought some brilliantly coloured chartreuse linen for the main parts of the dress – and the sleeves and neckline will be out of black lace.

If you’re wondering what’s happened to all the drawing…I’ve had some serious urges to get into it lately. All the best intentions huh! But when it comes down to it, I’m really pressed for time these days and sewing wins out. I’ve got my sketch pad beside my desk which is frequently getting scribbled in – and a couple of projects on the go…but I’d need a ‘holiday’ at home to get into it all. And maybe turn off the internet while I’m at it. Kinda hard to avoid the temptation when I’m on the computer already!  Sometimes I wish I could just shut myself off from EVERYTHING to allow all the ideas I know are lurking in my subconscious to float to the surface…somewhere that’s not in the city! So many temptations here and distractions. We can all dream can’t we. *le sigh*!
And yet on the other hand, I love the city – THIS city. Especially with winter coming up. Melbourne is so much nicer when it’s cold and wet outside. I’m sure a lot of people disagree with me there!

Hmm
Dilemmas!

Anyways!
Better stop dilly-dallying and get to my work ‘Til next time peeps!!

Hi All!
Gosh, it sure has been quiet around here! So sorry about that. To prevent THAT from happening again, I’ve done a whole bunch of photos this weekend for ‘backup’ material should I ever not have time on weekends.

Last weeks (or the week before! Sheesh) preview won’t be what you’re looking at today. Nope. That’s almost done. Just about.

Nope, today you will see the dress I made before that. The reason it took so long to post about? All the mucking around I had to do just to get it wearable! Because it’s WHITE…and I’m silly for making a dress in white – but it’s so great. If you follow my Facebook you’d know some of the drama that went into making this. It deserves being called The Debacle Dress or something similar. First let me tell you a bit about construction etc:

• I altered the bust to make it a bit smaller by taking a V out vertically from the centre (which I’m doing for a lot of patterns now).
• I did the same for the skirt to make the shape more ‘wiggle’ instead of straight.
• The zipper is lapped – using Gertie’s tutorial on Craftsy (from the Bombshell Dress course). I botched it though – not enough seam allowance. Don’t look too closely!

• Shortened the skirt of course.
• Used vintage buttons, the same as from my Dorothy outfit (more on these later!)
• Added rayon seam binding to stabilise the waist and also for the hems.
• The seams are zig-zagged to prevent fraying. I like this method as it’s relatively quick and effective for bulkier fabrics.
• There are three bound buttonholes which I did quite neatly so I’m proud of them. I made them the same as instructed in the pattern.
• The fabric is a white cotton drill picked up from Savers a long time ago.

Now why is it called The Debacle Dress? Okay here goes…..First, the texta (designed for fabric) I used to trace my pattern markings STAINED!! Really quite stubbornly too! I’ve never struggled with such stains either….They took numerous soaks and washes and finally (mostly) came out using a product I found at Coles. I think I did accidentally set the marks by ironing over them BUT, consider this…The pen is designed for marking on fabric….it should be washable and come out easily, and should you make a mistake like ironing your fabric, which happens quite a lot when you are sewing, it shouldn’t be so hard to remove. It’s easier to remove oil and other nasty things that can get in fabric. Seriously.
Lesson 1: Don’t use so called “washable fabric marking pens” to make a white dress.
After all this I finally got the dress wearable and showed it off one Friday at work. Workmates all loved it (yay!) and was feeling quite pleased with myself. That night we went out to St Kilda for dinner and drinks because a colleague was leaving. I told the boyfriend I’d be home by midnight – since it was fairly late notice for me and I didn’t have much cash. But of course, this is my workmates we are talking about – known to party hard at the drop of a hat. I didn’t get home til 3:30am!! It wasn’t until the last hour or so that through a series of clumsy flailings (not my flailings for once!), I ended up with my friend’s red wine ALL OVER MY DRESS. Ha! I wasn’t even phased (having recently becoming quite accustomed to being covered in alcohol – don’t ask!)….I trekked it home in the cab looking quite the idiot I’m sure.

Lesson 2: Don’t go out consuming large volumes of alcohol while wearing a white dress.
Next morning – Not to worry I thought, I’d just nuke the dress in Napisan spray and wash it. The wine will come out no problem!
Ha!!
The wine came out alright. Quite nicely actually. But those lovely red vintage buttons??? Not exactly washable are they. Left lovely pink stains in all sorts of places wherever the fabric was folded over them in the washing machine. *sigh* This time I soaked them in the laundry sink, making sure to carefully keep the buttons OUT of the water. I didn’t want to take them off and put them back on again (lazy)….At least the pink came out really easily.

Lesson 3: Don’t assume vintage buttons are colourfast. Check before attaching them to a white dress.

Do you think maybe I should dye this???
ANYWAY – In summary, I really love this pattern – it fits SO well, especially considering I only made adjustments on the tissue-paper. The variations on it are mega cute and I want to use the transfer for the next one and omit the buttons at the shoulders.

Also – do you like my shoes? Scored these and another pair the same but in bright orange for a measly $28 – thanks to a Myer gift voucher I had. Real suede again too. Yay!

Other news: Nothing particularly exciting…Just the usual. I’m using my scooter to get to work most days now! I like riding, even though it means I’ve had to rearrange some wardrobe matters. It’s good in that I take a change of clothes to work so I can wear shoes I never used to wear as much, because they weren’t comfortable enough for long stretches of walking. Also, Melbourne’s streets aren’t really good on heels and they wear down so quickly. I like the freedom of the scooter – I don’t have to wait for trains anymore.  I do really want to get rid of the big, shiny L plate on the back of my Vespa ASAP though – It really doesn’t aid my credibility on the road. P’s wont be much better I guess but it should be a slight improvement. I can take my P’s test at the end of March and I plan to do it very soon after that.

That’s about all for now. Next week I can show you the polka-dot dress. Another thing I’m super pleased with!

Til then….

Ciao!