Thursday 27 March 2014

Mustard knit dress

Mustard knit dress
pattern: playdate dress by Oliver + S


I really wanted to try sewing this dress in a knit fabric. 
Before I began I did my best to research any dresses that had previously be made with knit, 
asking on online forums and google searches, but I was unable to find any. 
I was unsure if it would work out ok but I am actually happy with the result.

 

Isn't this fabric gorgeous.
It was a gift from my lovely sister in law. 
It is a Japanese double gauze called 'my little spring' for Kokka.



I used calico for the lining of the yoke because the double gauze was so lightweight. 


I was worried this dress looks more like a nightgown than a dress.
I think that when the dress is being worn it is more dress-like though.
What do you think?


The pockets were also make from calico.


One thing I was surprised with was the attaching of the yoke to the dress. I thought Oliver + S patterns were top class patterns but this pattern left the inside neck line raw and unfinished. It doesn't affect the dress but I was surprised by this.



If you have tried this pattern before, I would love your opinions about it.
Also any tips for getting a more even edge around the yoke would be appreciated :)




Sunday 23 March 2014

Mini Carry Bag

Mini Carry Bag



I absolutely love these little bags.
They are so fun to make and so very useful.
This special one was made for my sister-in-law for her birthday.


Isn't this fabric cute. 
It is Belle & Boo Woodland Walk from Spotlight.




I have made these bags as Teachers Gifts and as lunch bags for my kids.
Really they can be used for whatever you like.


If you would like to make one for yourself, you must check out the tutorial I used from Pink Penguin.
You are sure to get hooked like me and start making one for everyone you know :)


Monday 17 March 2014

I was featured!

I was featured!

I forgot to mention that my Sandy Tunic 


was featured over at

Thanks Pam for the Feature :)

Why don't you go and check out some of the other awesome items showcased there.
And why not add some of your own creations to her 365 day linky parties.

First piece done from Perfect Pattern Parcel #1

First piece done from Perfect Pattern Parcel #1
Pattern: The Lady Skater Dress by Kitschy Coo




I really like the skater style dress. 
I find it is very flattering on my body shape (great for hiding my hips)
It was a very simple dress to make.

The fabric I used for this dress I found at the op shop. 
It was a double sided knit, one being the green print and the other being the black and white stripe.
I though it would be nice to add a contrasting band on the neck and sleeve cuff.

I did make one error making this dress, but it was actually a deliberate mistake.
I made it with the stretch of the fabric going up and down rather than across. The reason for this was because I preferred the pattern of the fabric running horizontally instead of vertically.
Luckily there was Just.Enough.Stretch. going across the dress so I am still able to get in on.

Next time I will do it properly and I think it will be much more comfy :)

***

For those of you who haven't heard there is a great new initiative 
called Perfect Pattern Parcel.

What this gives you is your chance to buy the collection of 5 digital sewing patterns, each designed by a different independent designer, at the price you think it is worth.

Each pattern Parcel last only 2 weeks, so you had better be quick.
The first one only has 3 days left!!

Follow the link here to find out more :)



Saturday 15 March 2014

Layered Style Dress for Big Sister

Layered Style Dress for Big Sister 




I had enough fabric left over from the little Aboriginal Print Top
that I was able to make this sweet little dress to match.

I picked up this soft stretchy denim looking fabric from the op shop the same day I found the Aboriginal print material so I was able to make 2 outfits for the grand total of $5.75.




I don't sew with knit fabric very often but kids love wearing it because it is so comfy.
I must use it more.


Up, up, up they go.


Made it.



I cut some length off the skirt and used this to make the hair tie.






Good old Australian Bush.
We are so lucky to be surrounded by it.



 I love co-ordinating outfits without them being identical.
I think these turned out lovely and I'm sure
they will get heaps of wear as the weather cools down.




Friday 7 March 2014

Aboriginal Print Top

Aboriginal Print Top



This is the second time I have used this pattern 
and I was able to sew it up in record time.
You can see the first one here.
I love the simple style and the comfort of this top.


I scored this awesome fabric from the op shop for only $1.75 
It is an authentic aboriginal print which started life as a tablecloth.



I used an old button that my Oma gave me.
And check out the hand painted rock my Opa made.


You may see a few more of these tops coming up on the blog, 
unless I find a new favourite pattern.

Let me know a pattern you can't live without. I would love to check it out.

You can now see this little top in action over at this post!

Wildling in an Eden Dress

Wildling in an Eden Dress
Pattern: Eden Dress by Petite Kids Boutique


I recently had the opportunity to review this gorgeous dress by Petite Kids Boutique
and I have to say that I am impressed.




I had a remnant left over from a previous project 
which was just enough for the bodice of this dress,



and this amazing piece of lace was give to me by a Mum at school.




I shortened the dress by 2 inches because I felt the length was 
slightly overwhelming for such a young child.









This is the first knot dress I have made because usually I don't like them.
I had considered shortening the straps and adding a button 
but I am glad I stuck with the pattern. 
It really works with this style of dress.




I made a size 3 for my 3 year old and the fit is perfect. 


Ordinarily I would complete an item in 1 or 2 sewing sessions but
this one took me a little longer. I think it was worth the effort.

If you are looking for a dress pattern for a special occasion,
this should be one to consider. This is such a lovely dress.