February catch up

I did sew last month, honest guv. Life got on top of me a little so I've been very behind with blogging which means, yet again, a big catch up post! Ready?

A shirt for Boy from Ottobre 02/2003. He's in the last size for this pattern and I wish I'd made it before now as it's a lovely fit on him. Not that you can tell from the pics, it looks all wonky and out of shape. I think it's been too long since he modelled, he has forgotten how to stand still *sigh*.

The front, I made no attempt to match the pattern along the centre or on the pocket as it always comes out looking off so I have officially given up. He is wearing it over a long sleeve Tshirt as it was a cold day.


The back. I love the fabric, it's a quilting cotton I bought ages ago and the print is just perfect for my nine year old.


The collar and shoulder. This is a raglan style and it has a small dart along the neckline seam on the arm to give it a little shape at the shoulder. Such a small detail makes such a big difference to the way the finished shirt looks.


Next is a rare thing though becoming more common these days, it is a skirt for myself. Red/pink cross weave linen which you may recognise from my previous post. The pattern is Ottobre Woman 02/2007 #13 which swooshes very nicely when walking.


I didn't line the skirt, I almost never line my own skirts unless the fabric is sheer. instead I cut a strip 2.5" wide to use as a facing and stitched petersham ribbon into the seam allowance to prevent the waistband from stretching out.


Some vaguely boring stuff but I have promised to blog everything this year so you have to look at the pics I'm afraid. In order we have a shower mat to prevent DH using towels all the time and leaving them in a crumpled heap on the floor, laundry bags which tie to the end of my bed and a heap of laundry/toy bags for my girls.



A pair of dungarees for Toddler which have turned out to be simply enormous on her. Ottobre 04/2003 #7 in a green cord from stash, I'll keep them for an upcoming swap.


There are patch pockets and some elastic on the back, the elastic helps with the fit a lot. There is supposed to be another small pocket but I mislaid the piece between cutting and sewing.


I added a tiny piece of ribbon in the side seam as a tag.


There were also four cot sheets which I forgot to photograph. They were a gift for my Nephew O and you've really missed out on seeing them, plain white flannel sheets are a rare treat indeed. Never mind. Next post, March!!

Two little tops

More sewing for myself, a comfy velour long sleeve T from the Ottobre CW303 pack and a rather funky black embroidered top from Ottobre woman 5/2007, pattern #12. The Vampiress is on the back and the bat is the front, both embroideries from Urban Threads.







I've enjoyed sewing for the January challenge, it's nice to make some things that I will actually like wearing. Amazing the difference a small alteration can make to the fit of a garment. I have to make a high round back adjustment to my tops, it only adds in 1/4" but what a huge difference it makes in the fit. The shoulder seams sit on my actual shoulders and I'm not constantly pulling my top forwards at the neck to make it more comfortable. I have to sew for myself more often, the results really are worth the time it takes.

Feeling the yoga love....

OK, not so much actual yoga, more those lovely lovely pieces of clothing known as yoga pants. Or trousers if you speak proper English ;P Enter my new favourite pattern for myself, Ottobre Woman 2/2008 #5. Very, very quick to sew up and incredibly comfortable to wear. Thanks to the ribbing waistband I did at first feel that I was wearing maternity trousers but I soon got over it! Ribbing and velour came from my stash and the embroidery designs are from Urban Threads and Emblibrary.



There is a third pair from burgundy velour but they have gone missing, I think they're hiding in the laundry basket. I really, really like the fit of these and will have to try out more of Ottobre's trouser patterns.

Busy, busy, busy!

No pics for you today, just checking in and letting you know what I'm up to :) Sewing Mamas is having a 2011 Monthly Challenge which I am participating in. January's challenge is

"January
monthly challenge:
holiday regroup - sew for yourself - clothes, a new purse or bag, a Nook cover, whatever, as long as it's for you"

So I have been busy working away on items for myself which has been long overdue, I know. Sewing for me has been on my ToDo list repeatedly since August but always got put aside in favour of something else and then pushed back for another month...and another month...and another month. Unfortunately I had only two pairs of trousers that fit me after the December excesses (eek!! Back to Slimming World I think!) and my wardrobe has had a dearth of long sleeve tops for months now. Fortunately the Challenge has come along and motivated me :)

I will post pics towards the end of the month when everything is done, right now I have to go find some decent cut away stabiliser for my Vampire top :D