Kittys Drawings

Hi Everyone!

It’s sewing post time

I’m a bit behind as usual!

A few weeks ago I finished Mccall 7221 which is a square necked dress pattern from the 40′s. I won this through a sewing blog I read but for the life of me I can’t remember which one! If it was you, let me know and I’ll link you in this post The competition was months ago and I didn’t have plans on making this pattern straight away – but then I found this fabric at Savers not long after and deemed it perfect for the pattern. Not sure what the content is exactly, it feels like a cotton mix. It’s really opaque but also super light-weight which will make it good for summer.

I love how it’s casual and it came together really easily.

Some notes:

• I made a proper placket closure. Instead of inserting a side-zip (which I hate as they never sit nice and are a pain to put in), I used snaps and hook & eye. This takes a little more time than a zipper but it’s SO much neater and more comfortable!
• I didn’t need to change the size of the pattern much at all. It gapes a little in the bust still….I’ll have to learn how to fix that properly soon but it still looks okay
• The sleeve/yoke/whatever-you-call-it was a bit of a pain but I got there in the end.
• I pieced the front section because I didn’t have heaps of fabric.
• Shortened it by a LOT as usual

Overall, I’m really pleased with this dress. The fabric hides any boo-boos but I didn’t actually make any so yay! However, the pattern is pretty full on and the scale of it might swamp me a bit don’t you think?

It’s my petticoat hem that’s wonky not my dress

I still hate taking photos as well. I get really bored of posing but I’m still stuffing around with getting the light right so its like – pose pose pose pose – take memory card out of camera – put card into computer – download files onto Adobe Bridge – check, crop and edit some photos – delete stupid poses/expressions – take card out of computer – put card back in camera – set timer……pose….repeat until satisfied…Then edit properly. *groan*

Oh and do you like my bag?? I got it off Etsy a little while ago – Deadstock 60′s! Still had the tag attached. It’s so BRIGHT. I had to buy a belt to match….haha. The colour is right but it’s more of a hip belt not one for your waist so it’s kinda big and chunky. Does anyone know where I can get a good, thin, patent yellow waist belt? Without too much cost expenditure?

Also – These are some recent fabric purchases. All of them are from Savers except for the green flocked one. Isn’t it awesome! I got it from Unique Fabrics on Sydney Rd for $5 a metre (I bought 3m)….I have plans to make another full skirted 50′s dress with it – maybe a circle skirt this time…and underline it with bright yellow cotton lawn. Do you think yellow would work? Or some other colour? I dismissed white as an option because I want the flocking to stand out.
And how do you clean flocked fabrics? Gentle hand wash?

There’s another floral sheet in there – Spring wardrobe planning haha (more circle skirts)….and a huge pile of pink seersucker which I think I will make a ROBE out of. Once I find some really soft flannel/sheeting to line it with. The other patterned stuff feels like cotton – good for a little blouse I think. I don’t have enough blouse patterns….It’s something I always hesitate to buy. Silly huh.

Oh and and!! I want to make a petticoat for myself….a fluffy one…but I hate those tiered ones. I was thinking I would get some soft cotton and a heap of the softest tulle I can find and construct it like I was making 3 circle skirts on top of each other. Then make a tube of fabric for the waistband and fasten it with a ribbon because I also hate elastic as it always stretches. Do you think this would work??

Anyways I better go. I’ve got some drawing planned – One started and another planned. And some dresses to show still. Till soon!!

Hi Everyone!

New sewing post comin’ right at ya! I recently finished this vintage mail order pattern from the 50′s (possible early 60′s?).

I’d originally made a black denim version of this but it doesn’t have any beading on it yet like I’d planned so I wont show it yet cos it’s not technically finished.
Straight after I put together the black one, I started this one in a grey wool blend from my original Savers stash. The fabric is a bit itchy so I lined it with some grey gauzy cotton.

The pattern is fantastic – very simple. Just two pieces with four darts for shaping on the back and front. It also has a kick pleat at the back and a centre-back zipper.

I made some changes to the pattern:

• Shortened it considerably!
• Made the bust much smaller
• Shaped it so it’s a more ‘wiggle’ fit – the skirt is normally very straight.
• Lined it – the patterns call for facings which I did on the black one and they’re annoying. Lining is so much neater!

This is the perfect work dress – and a very versatile pattern. I could easily make a scoop neck version in linen and embellish the neckline with fabric flowers. It would also work well with border prints or fabric that has a vertical or horizontal stripes. The possibilities are endless!
I really must trace this onto plastic (I’m very far behind in all that!!) so that’s more durable.
And it doesn’t even look too vintage – very timeless.

On another note – I found the navy belt at the Salvos recently. I’ve been looking for a good navy belt for ages and I’m so happy I found this one! I also picked up a cute pair of white cotton gloves from the same Salvos and a few metal zippers. For a measly total of $10.50!

Yay!

And I’m sorry for the supreme lack of drawing posts. It’s all in the works I swear. Its been mega busy here at home too. I may have a rather exciting announcement to make shortly – which is somehow related to this outfit…but until it’s all concrete, my lips are sealed.

Til soon!

Hi All

I finally have pics to show you of one of the two dresses I completed recently. This is Mccall’s 4322 from the 40′s.

I used a navy polka-dot crepe of some description. I think it’s crepe??? I don’t know! Pretty sure its poly but it feels nice, drapes well and feels cool to the touch. It’s got a slight lustre where it folds and it was an absolute slippery b**** to sew! Gee! I started it ages ago but it sat near my sewing machine for about a month with the buttons left to attach and the hem to finish. It was the victim of my fear of finishing things. So I’m glad it’s complete. And I’m not 100% sure I like it. There’s a lot I could have done better (as usual). I think this was only my 3rd dress that I started?

The bad:

• There’s a lot of top-stitching in this – and I really should have basted things more before using the machine. Like the pockets and the gathered sections around the bust, because the fabric is so slippery.
• The hem is not very nice at all! I couldn’t be bothered so I just folded it over.
• The seams aren’t nicely finished either. I hated sewing with this fabric even though it feels so nice.
• I still hate side zippers but with this style it’s unavoidable and it doesn’t look so bad.
• The sleeves are the same length really! I only just noticed, one must have folded up when taking the pics. Derp!
• What kind of buttons should I have used? Nothing I had really goes with the style. You can’t even see them.
• Yes the whole button-front section is dodgy.

(look at Puss all jealous cos Boofy is getting pats).

The good:

• This collar wasn’t too bad to make actually. I’m happy with it.
• Its very comfortable
• I love the length – I didn’t have to shorten this very much at all. Must be that 40′s rationing.
• I traced the pattern onto plastic so it’s nice and durable for next time (gee that took ages!)
• These types of 4-gore skirts are so flattering.
• It has pockets. Yay!
• I want to make this again now that my skills are a bit better. Consider it a wearable muslin.
• I finally have a dress that matches those shoes!

I think something that has an equal amount of drape would be good for this dress. But not a print next time round, a solid instead. Wouldn’t a really lovely lightweight wool in a jewel colour be amazing? Where the HECK would I find that here in Australia?? Argh! I’m sure I could pay $80 a metre at Clegs if I wanted hahaa. Nowai. Let’s hope my thrifting luck holds up!

Anyways – It’s time to harass The Boyfriend into helping me fit the black sheath dress.

Get your entries into my COMP by tonight peeps! Drawing the winners tomorrow

Til then, seeyas!

Hi All!
As promised – here are some pics of the navy dress I did a while ago. This is the pattern I used – CLICKY

I’m moderately okay with it – the fabric is stunning. Some kind of linen blend…Just feels really nice on. But I did struggle a bit with the fitting – on account of me rushing when I really have no reason to rush. Let us count the mistakes:

1. I followed the sizing to fit my measurements. Yes this was a mistake because it ended up HUGE. Mostly in the bust. Boo. But the hips are surprisingly too big too. Dammit.
2. I didn’t try the bodice on before attaching the lining – thus I didn’t notice how much too big it was until it was too late to make a tidy change.
3. It has a side zipper….if it didn’t I would have been able to just take in the sides to make it fit better.
4. It has a side zipper – they always sit funny. I don’t have enough confidence to hack into the single back piece to put the zipper there.
5. It’s crooked – because my hack job to make it fit was to take the side seam in on one side only.
6. I rushed. Patience Esz, PATIENCE.

However, there are positives, solutions and things I have learnt for next time (which I am putting into practice right now.

Here are my solutions and things I’ve learnt:

1. I will try on bodices before sewing final seams like sides and shoulders (I’m still sticking to my no-muslin rule)
2. Observations from the fit of this dress reveal that I need to move darts. Almost an inch in closer towards the centre. I think this would help stop the baggy bits around my hips and bust.
3. The next dress I am making suggests both snap fasteners AND a zip for the side seam. I will try using snap fasteners only. These should sit nicer under the arms and I intend to use quite a few of them so there is no gaping.
4. Attaching a lining was nice and easy. I used this method here: Lining a Sleeveless Dress. Which made no sense to me until I actually had the work ready to go and just started doing it.
5. Take my TIME. Go slooooowwwwww(er).

Okay so now for some pics.

A bit closer up. I pull dumb faces sorry!

I’ve got a drawing on the go at the moment so hopefully I should finish that soon.
Until then – seeyas!

Hi!

Today I decided I wanted some fabric. I thought I would head out to Brunswick and hit up those fantastic little shops that sell great fabric for $3 a metre. I had plans to buy a couple of different sorts for some upcoming projects. Since Savers is on the way there it crossed my mind to pop in and check what they have first before I go elsewhere.

Well.
Let me tell you, it was a good think I went there first.

Look at ALL THIS! I scored at least 20m of fabric for the measly sum of $63.84!!! I bought 16 different kinds all ranging from $2 – $5. The only thing missing is some GREEN but that doesn’t matter – I’ve got plenty to keep me going for a while.

The light grey one is really nice and drapey and would make a fabulous dress or skirt. It’s a bit stretchy though so I might save it for when I have more experience.

I’m loving the white linen (furthest on the left)..it’s really heavy and very bright white. Could either dye it or leave as is. The other two light ones would make fantastic blouses. I have some itty bitty olive green glass buttons that would make great accents on a cream 40′s blouse.

That navy polka dot is mega cute. Would have to become a full skirt 50′s dress with a big petticoat underneath. Also that pink and blue stripe will get the same treatment.

Check out that printed cotton on the bottom of this pile! It’s rather stiff and there’s a lot of it. Would make a great Alfred Shaheen style halter wrap dress.

*squee*!!
Yes I’ve been posting heaps lately. I don’t know if this frequency will continue. I considered scheduling my posts to spread them out a bit but meh, I’ve got that much on the go at the mo, you can all just get it at is arrives

I started a new drawing last night too. Planning it to be slightly more detailed than my last few but we’ll see how that goes huh – Inevitably I will get sick of it and do a rush job at the end. Maybe….just maybe…I could try starting something new when I get sick of one. And then see if I feel like going back to the other one later. Here’s hoping that doesn’t leave me with two unfinished projects instead of one rushed, finished one. Which is worse??

Anywaysss…..

Seeyas!

Hi!
As promised, here is my skirt.

The pattern is Simplicity 3461:

How cute is it! I scored it for about $6 off Etsy. It was pretty much uncut but it’s so old that it was falling apart at some of the folds. Not to worry! This is what I’ve been doing to preserve my patterns:
(excuse the blurry pic)

If you look carefully you can see I’ve laid over some clear plastic to trace them all. These photos were taken when I was using leftover plastic that comes off our digital plates at work. It has the consistency of stiff negative film (which is exactly what it is I think). This was awesome for tracing but I found that when I wanted to transfer the new pattern to fabric, it was just too stiff to pin properly. So I looked for an alternative. Silly me – why did I even bother looking to buy something more flexible? I work for a company that MAKES flexible plastic. DERP – why the heck do I need to pay for it when work throws out thousands of metres of scrap all the time!? So I asked around and sure enough, I got a heap of it for my next attempt at tracing. It’s the same stuff that you find in the dairy aisle, protecting your Tasty cheese Without the cheese ha! It may be a little stretchy in one direction but its a lot thinner and I can always retrace if the pattern get too warped.

So – Onto the skirt. I had reservations about the pattern being a little small – but it fits really good! I’m not sure if it’s the fabric I found which has a slight stretch to it or I really am that little? I tell you what, taking pot-shots with found fabric from charity stores can be a bit of a gamble. This stuff was slippery as all buggery for a novice like myself.
I wrangled it into shape in the end so I’m pleased.
However – the waistband of the skirt is a bit iffy. It’s not as tight as it should be. That’s either the give in the fabric again or just the pattern design.

Piccies:

I decided I’d use a contrast fabric (another op shop find) for the pocket and pleats. It really works well don’t you think! It’s kind of nautical 40′s kinda thing. LOVE the kick pleats – so awesome!

The navy linen is nice and flippy and drapey. Feels great! I reckon this would work nicely in a heavier wool or something for winter. I hope the next time I make it I can be more precise with cutting out the pattern and I’ll have to do something about that waistband. I could make it smaller so it sits higher and extend the hips a bit so it doesn’t bunch over my bum.
I also found some kind of white georgette to make the blouse out of. But that is INSANELY slippery and I’m kinda scared to make it yet.
The jacket for the pattern I’m not so sure about – its a bit boxy and probably won’t look that flash on me.

Ooookay! Next project…finish the button-front dress that is being made of the red cotton. Yay!
And I’m going to start a new drawing.
Oh I have some other design work to show you soon too.
Busy busy beeeeee

Ciao!

Sorry for the lack of arty posting lately. Been feeling in a bit of a slump. Still sketching daily but kinda not feelin it. However, I’ve got two client projects on the go which aren’t problematic at all which is excellent.
I think I have worked myself into a “MUST BUY NEW COMPUTER” mode and so trying to do anything on my clunky old laptop is getting me frustrated. I am entirely sure it’s just an excuse as I am known to do that. What for I know, it’s not like it’s benefiting me in any way to be always making excuses! TERRIBLE. But identifying the problem is only halfway (only a quarter even) there.
Soooo, even just writing this out is motivating me to get off my butt and back into it. Browsing the talent on ConceptArt always helps too.

But since I have nothing worth scanning at the moment, I shall show you some purchases instead. It was payday not long ago and of course I have a massive list of favourites on Etsy which I’m always itching to lay my hands on.
These are the items winging their way over to me from the US.

A stunning 50′s/60′s wool suit. Cos I don’t have a suit yet and this is so pretty and looks like a fabulous cut.

A navy vintage hat. I don’t wear hats generally and this is a good price and versatile colour so that I don’t feel too bad if it doesn’t look good on me. There are SO many beautiful hats on Etsy!

And finally, another dress….cos a girl can never have enough dresses. The colours are cute and summery and looks flattering. Thankfully I’ve gotten quite good at being able to judge what will fit me well without needing to try something on. There hasn’t been one online purchase I’ve made that doesn’t fit me.

I can’t wait til they all arrive! Cue postie stalking….NOW!

Ciao!