The MUST HAVE coat !

Hi there,

I made this coat pattern Marcy Tilton V9070MT Coat1 at the start of winter. In this black nylon with these buttons.MT Coat2

MT Coa4t

These are the basic details .But I really have to tell you this is a wonderful coat. It is my go to rain coat stylish and folds up to nothing a great throw in the bag coat or outer layer to insulate. It is an excellent travel coat.
I have lived in this coat from the moment it was finished I adore it.

MT Coat

coat

 

Coat 2

If you have not tried this pattern, do yourself a favour.

It is detailed, but that’s fine, you do have to be a little careful ,but it is not hard to make.

I intend to make it again but for evening, I think it would be a great evening coat. It has lots of pockets and a great shape. I wear it all the time. It is really my go to coat. I wore it all through winter and I will use it year round.  It is light but this coat provides a barrier from the elements, making it just perfect for me. I love casual but interesting shapes. I find that Marcy Tilton patterns usually tick the boxes for me .The shapes and design lines I love and I found this one yet again hits the mark.

Don’t you just love it when you hit gold with a make. What is the pattern that has worked perfectly for you? Or fabric that is exactly right?

There is nothing nicer when the planets align and what you make you wear constantly.

I hope you have had some creative satisfaction with your sewing.

I have had to put my overlocker in for a service , isn’t it strange that I feel a little lost without it . The steps that I need to take to complete my sewing are suspended for a little bit .

How do you plan your sewing? Do you start with the fabric or the pattern ?                 I usually start with the fabric I fall in love with a print, weave , look or touch  and go from there.

This time however I took my lead from Marcy Tilton herself I can’t find a link but she made this pattern in the black nylon for a travel coat and I thought that was exactly what I was missing in my wardrobe. It is a wonderfully practical but so comfortable addition.

Happy Sewing,

Sue  🙂

 

 

 

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For the love of Grey

Hi there,

I am going to share with you today 2 makes or rather one make and one refashion both of which happen to be grey. Actually they are grey because I absolutely love this colour. It works as a great neutral with so many colours and I find myself drawn constantly to fabrics with grey tones.

First the make is a BurdaStyle pattern;

Faux Fur Coat 01/2016 #122

The fabrics I used are;

A lovely long grey faux fur from Lincraft and this lovely polyester satin as the lining. This time I was extra careful with cutting the fur.

NOTE: Make sure when cutting the fur fabric you only cut the backing fabric NOT the fur this will ensure a good finish.

This is a lovely jacket to wear it was a really quick sew. The pattern is simple to make ,the only thing to remember is to  vacuum often the fur gets everywhere !!!

fur

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next grey interlude is a refashion well actually two but they started out the same. It started with the purchase of 2 grey artificial suede jackets. One a size medium and one a size large. They were at a factory outlet .

suede jkts.edjpgAs you can see if you look closely the jackets have a collar and lapel made from the reverse of the suede. I didn’t like this feature so unpicked them both and decided to remove the collar and keep the lapel once it was reversed on the medium jacket. Both jackets had a band at the back as a design feature I removed it from the medium jacket as I was keeping it as a jacket and I wasn’t a fan of the look.

With the large jacket I removed the collar and lapel and joined the jacket with a centre front seam. I altered the back band to have more shaping, and removed the sleeves so it became a sleeveless dress.

 

suede jkt4editsuedeedit jkt5ssuede jkt5edssuedeed jktssuedebacksuede jkt4ed

 

suede jktsedit2My positioning of the camera caused this artistic shot. What do you think?

Hope you are enjoying whatever you are doing, and getting lots done.

Happy sewing,

Sue 🙂

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A Little Bit of BurdaStyle

 

I LOVE BurdaStyle Magazines. I have been buying them ever since High School.That said I only buy them when the patterns in the issue really appeal.

This issue 2/2016 has some great patterns. I particularly like The Sheath Dress with notches pattern 129. I have made two versions of this pattern .

These are the fabrics I used;

A beautiful blue and white Jacquard, and a distressed looking pvc backed with black jersey.

The Jacquard is really fresh and light very transeasonal. I had to add cotton tape to the shoulders to ensure it didn’t stretch out of shape .jacquardinside

This pattern made up quite quickly it is not difficult ,but there are a lot of pieces, so pay attention to the instructions.Enjoy!

I love this version of this dress not only does it have pockets MY FAVOURITE addition but it is easy wearing doesn’t crush and just a bit of fun.

 

The other fabric I had thought would be more winter and it is but the style is so roomy that you need layers to make it warm though it does block the wind.

Jacdresscrop

JacdressJacdressbk
The sun was shining when I took these photos. Today is winter, grey cold and wet.

I hope you are doing lots of inspiring creating, it really does feed the soul.

Happy Sewing,

Sue 🙂

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MMMAY Week 4 and beyond

Hi there,

These are the outfits for the last week of MMAY16 that I wore;

Starting from the top left to right;

Day 22, Burdastyle top Pattern 6998

Day 23, Style Arc Tammy pattern crop top

Day 24, Style Arc, Tammy dress and Elle pant

Day 25, Burda style magazine pattern 112 from 12/2014

Day 26, V1410 Lyn Mizono pattern

Day 27, Burda Style 10/2014 Vest, Sewbussted “Travel Dress”

Day 28,  Marcy Tilton Jacket

Day 29, Marcy Tilton Skirt V9060

Day 30, “Tessuti Patterns “Sydney” coat

Day 31, Burda Style pattern pants

  • Off the Shoulder Lovely pattern.

    I know I was supposed to make an indie pattern each week but I got the next cut out but life took hold and it is not finished.

  • As such I am sharing 2 garments made from the pattern Burda Style 6998 featured  both are  view A. I made them a while ago but hadn’t blogged about them.
  • First is a dress that I made from a gorgeous sheer patterned fabric that has colours cascading from light to dark in dots. I have no construction pics of this as it was such a quick sew I didn’t think to take pictures.
  • I self lined the body of the dress but not the sleeves it is lovely to wear soft and floaty.

  • Next:
  • I also made this top from the pattern. I changed the look of the sleeve so that I could have a little frill by putting elastic at the 3/4 mark on the sleeve.

This works really well. I also self lined the bodice of this for modesty. The last picture is teamed with the Tessuti “Sydney ” jacket an absolute favourite.

I must apologize for the lack of links in my list for some reason this time it won’t work. I will amend it as soon as possible.

More soon,

Happy Sewing,

Sue 🙂

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#MMMAY 16 Week 3

My Me Made May creations,

Top Row Left to right;

  1. Day 15 V8962 Top ,
  2. Day 16, Self drafted  pant
  3. Day 17,B6064 A Marcy Tilton top,
  4. Day 18, a self drafted vest,
  5. Day 19, V9070 Coat , Another wonderful Marcy Tilton pattern no blog post yet.
  6. Day 20, Style Arc “Penny” top,

7.Day 21, Self drafted top , no blog post.

My Indie pattern make for this week  : Style Arc “Tammy “dress

IMG_0791I made this dress out of scuba knit and left splits in the side so I can layer it as I have done here with my wonderful Style Arc “Elle” pants.

It is fun and comfortable and very easy to wear.A great versatile pattern, I really like the fit as well . This is a quick make I will definitely make more. My previous makes from this pattern are here

I really love this dress give it a try !

The Elle pant pattern if you like a slim fitted pant it is great as well.

Oh excuse the bandages in the pictures, I donate plasma regularly and it just happened to be on that day. Hope you are having fun with the seasonal sewing.

Happy Creating,

Sue 🙂

 

 

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Absolutely Inspiring 

I went to the MAAS Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (the Powerhouse Museum) on the weekend to see the new exhibit

Isabella Blow : A Fashionable Life


This exhibit is wonderful, the amazing designs of Alexander Macqueen and the Hats or headpieces of Phillip Tracey are incredible. If you are in Sydney or if this exhibition comes to your City go see it !

Happy Creating,

Sue 🙂

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MMMAY 16 Week 2

Left to right top row;

1. Day 8:  StyleArc “Elle” pant, Marcy Tilton V8430 Jacket.

2. Day9: Tessuti “Sydney” Jacket

3. Day 10: Burda Style 2/2015 Pattern 124 top, Shape shape 2 pant/skirt.

4. Day11: Studio Faro   Japan skirt pattern.

Next Row:

5. Day 12 : Marcy Tilton V9057 top, Burda Style 10/2014 pattern 112

6.Day 13 : StyleArc “Elle” Pant, self drafted wrap.

7. Day 14: day,  StyleArc “Elle” Pant , Burda Style tops 12/2014 , pattern 101, and 10/2014 pattern 118.

8. Day 14: Evening Marcy Tilton V8430 jacket , V1410 Dress

My  Indie Make this week is the “Sydney ” Jacket by Tessuti

P1030166This is a great pattern.

The instructions are really good the way it comes together is very clever and it makes up very quickly.

I used 100% wool that is felted. The color is charcoal and so lovely and warm.

I thoroughly recommend this pattern I purchased the PDF and it worked really well.

A great addition to my Autumn wardrobe.

Happy Sewing ,

Sue 🙂

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MMMAY16 Week 1

 

 

 

 

 

 

MMMAY16 week 1 complete.

Here are the details starting top row Day 1 to 4 left to right I have added the links to those I have blogged about;

  1. Top V8962, Wrap self drafted.
  2. Boho Banjo “Willara” top, Style Arc “Marie “Jacket
  3. Vest Burda Style 10/2014 pattern 112
  4. Dress Burdastyle 10/2014 pattern 129, then next row
  5. Top Burda Style 12/2014 pattern 112, pant Style Arc “Elle”
  6. Marcy Tilton Pattern V9081
  7. Self drafted Top and skirt.

It is quite a challenge to make a point of wearing at least 1 garment I have made each day. It shows me the gaps in my made by me wardrobe. I am sadly lacking in casual clothes for hangin at home ,I haven’t really made any so I will have to fix that.

I also needed to blog about an indie pattern I had made this week so the winner is;

 

I have had this pattern for a little while it was a free download when I got it.            If you like it this is the website .

The fabric I chose is this grey reptile print sheer stretch. When cutting this fabric I realised that I would need to make a double layer front a back to get the effect and also for it to not be completely see-through. It was challenging to sew, sheer stretch moves a lot !!! I did lay tissue paper under it as I sewed as it stuck to the feed dogs a lot. I was in a bit of a hurry on this one so I don’t have construction pics. I will say though I really like this pattern and will make it again if my fabric hadn’t been so sheer I could have added pockets and I cut them out but realised pretty quickly that would be a bust.  Damn I love pockets in my clothes, Oh well can’t win them all.

I have worn this top heaps and  it features in the gallery above, I wore it on day 2 under a jacket I have yet to blog about . I will give the details soon but I am making a few so I want to do them all at once.

This is a really great pattern, it fits well I do like a nice wide neckline and I am particularly partial to 3/4 sleeves so for me it is ideal. It flows really well and there are lots of variations within the pattern so something for everyone.

Hope if you try it you like it as well.

Happy Sewing ,

Sue 🙂

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April return to the Past

I love the chance to try something new or think a little outside the usual scope of my comfort zone.

The challenge for April in the” Make a Garment a Month” Facebook group to which I am a member , was to make something from fabric or a pattern that had been in your collection for a while . This is not difficult for me as I hoard my fabric, I love the different types in my collection and have had some of them longer than I have had my husband .They are all waiting for me to find the perfect way to bring them to life. They are akin to my book collection ,favourites that I revisit again and again. The difference being once I commit to sewing my fabric then it is forever changed into a specific vision and although it can be changed possibly later on it is never again able to be quite as versatile as it is before I cut it.

My fabric choice was something that I had purchased about 10 years ago to make an outfit for my daughter when she was in primary school (she is now at University) so I have had it a while.

This fabric is a knit that possibly due to its age does not have much stretch,although I suspect it was always so ,and the pattern I made V8962 .               I like both of the versions for the top .

As is my habit I changed it up I made the A version of the top ,with the collar from B separate so I can wear it if I want but not all the time. This is an easy make, sews up really well the only change I would make next time is to reduce the length in the body .

I am not the tallest person (ha,ha) and always need to reduce the length of commercial patterns, that being the case I thought this time with this pattern, I might like it a little longer. I didn’t ! I ended up taking it off the hem , that made for a slightly less angled look which I think is not quite as interesting.

That being said I will wear this a lot I think as the weather cools it is really a comfortable top.

I mixed up the back and front of the fabric for interest I think it works well.

april make crop 2

front 

April make

April make no collar

Back view no collar

This is a really good pattern ,I will be making the skirt out of it as well so I will put it up on the blog when it is done.

april make crop

Front view with collar

Happy Sewing,

Sue 🙂

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Leaping into”Me Made May”

So Zoe, put up the challenge and I have accepted I will wear for the month of May one garment each day that I have made. I will blog about it as I go so hopefully I can manage it. Part of the challenge will be to also make one garment from an indie pattern company each week as well, so keep your fingers crossed.

I have recently made a top and camisole that I love , I was looking through my BurdaStyle Magazines on the left is 12/2014 and on the right 10/2014 and thought I would make use of the gorgeous silk chiffon I got in Bali a couple of years ago as well as this double georgette fabric I bought as a lining.

The two images above are the silk chiffon in a batik pattern and the lining as well as the two garment images that inspired this make. I loved the sheer lace top and the multi layered dress so I thought I would combine them sought of.

I made the top  seen here it is Bs top pica boxy style with slim sleeves.

I had to be a little creative with the construction as I had not quite enough fabric (as is often the case when I buy without knowing what it will be). It is all constructed with french seams as both of these fabrics frayed like crazy. I even used cotton gloves       ( essential for fine fabrics)when working with them as my hands kept catching on the fabric ( not enough hand cream ,Oh well .)

Here is the undertop/ Cami details I made it longer than the top but shorter than the dress.

 

 

I have worn this combination a lot .The weather at the moment here is thinking about Autumn but keeps jumping back to summer so layers are the way to go.BStop pic 3.JPG

 

This is the view from my balcony gorgeous isn’t it!

P1030041

BS top pic4

Back View

Bs top pic 1 This is such a fun and comfortable outfit to wear and as it cools down I can add a warm coat and boots and keep on wearing it a definite win in my books! I am always after versatility in my makes if possible I like to play with my clothes mix them up when I can.

How about you?

I have just cut out these two fabrics in this pattern (the top not the cami, neither is sheer),one is a gorgeous satin and the other an artificial  suede. Can’t wait to start they are in the queue and it’s a long one but I am going to jump them up as I want them now.

I hope you are enjoying your sewing, what are your go to patterns for your coming season?

Happy Sewing ,

Sue 🙂

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