C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns :  The Charlie Shirt Dress & Dec 2016

Threaders The Charlie Shirt Dress & Prima Dec 2016

Dresses, my largest section in my pattern collection. These two dresses are very different in styles and presentation but I'd happily wear either style for causal or a little dressy for an evening out. Threader's - The charlie shirt dress, on the left, has different lengths and sleeve options to change the look. A more casual style in general for a day /utility dress for function, but many shirt dresses have been worn and dressed up for an evening out. Even if the trend to do so can be a little dated, colour blocking, fine/patterned fabrics and accessories alongside comfort still keep them about.
On the right, the Prima's December 2016 dress has a simple silhouette and a more dressed up feel inherently - largely from the peak-a-boo shoulder with long sleeve. Maxi dresses might be worn more causally but there's a boho style to them. This shift style goes for more a simple chic look.

The fabrics suggested for these two dresses are very different. Threader's shirt dress suggests the cotton, linen,  poplin and medium weight woven fabrics, very common for this style of dress. Pattern will create most of the variety. Buttons could be contrasting to complimentary as well. If confident with collars and necklines, a sewer could experiment with different changes and styles.
Silk crepe de china, polyester crepe, fine wool crepe are so different but perfect for the silhouette of the DEC. 2016 pattern, it will give the dress the body and flow for the dress. As these fabrics will sit relaxed on the body, allowing for the shift style dress, rather than hugging the body. I think the longer length will allow any chosen fabrics to really shine and might lend itself to a more casual look for a summer maxi to dress up. A short dress with long sleeves may be very understated depending on the fabric, but more difficult to wear everyday.

My preference my both these patterns would be the longer version. The shirt dress I'd likely do the vest style or cap sleeve. I can see myself sewing both these in a block colour first and foremost, but I'd most likely want a pattern for the shirt dress and a lovely texture to Dec. 2016. As for which I'd pick up to sew first would be depending on plans in the future or how busy I've been.  I've sewn a few maxi dresses from scratch, so I don't need more casual dresses - but I also have no where to go. The summers best weather will be passed me  soon so Dec.2016 most likely won't be sewn this year, unless Christmas has any big parties for me.

I'll have to go with the shirt dress, utility and wear-ability will likely win out, alongside the need to practice buttons and button holes. I could also make false button stands if I have too much trouble or feel like the button stand needs any reinforcement.

                 ________________________________________________________

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

C . W : Patterns

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : April 2016 & 5848

These two patterns, I'm going to compare are both comfy clothes which can be plain or as bright and quirky as anyone would like. While , the first (left) pattern is Prima's April 2016 culottes and (right is) Butterwick 5848 is a jumper/over top in two lengths, it could even been worn as a dress - they can both be worn as casual or even statement pieces for an outfit. I like the variety that could be involved with either pattern. 

These two patterns can be created with linen, silk and lace, surprisingly these are the most common fabrics that are comparable for the two patterns - lace is the only suggestion I'd likely consider. However silk would be amazing, but expensive. The culottes include suggestions for poly crepe and light weight wool. Some wool trousers lined would be nice and smart.
While cotton, cotton mix and jersey are options and mostly likely the options I'd pick for the jumper. These fabrics have a lot more pattern/colour options, I'd be interested in buying. I might not find it suits me after but I am trying to wear more of my makes, as I enjoy the fabrics and patterns. Combinations might not always work but this is considered before cutting any fabric, and if I want to make another I'll usually have a better idea what to do next. The chosen fabric  will greatly change the look and structure of any garment - silk will drape and flow more with ease than jersey, that's more weighty and wool will have even more body and depending on whats brought can be stiff and look more boxy for the culottes.

I'd likely make the culottes first - mainly as I am looking at sewing more trousers for myself and having fun with lace and wool as later attempts. Getting more confident with pockets and cuffing trousers. The butterwick 5848 jumper is not something I'd wear to enjoy but I can see the longer dress style could be fun, but I might not be investing the materials and time I'd need to make something I want.

                 ________________________________________________________

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

C . W : Patterns

C . W : Outfit

Changing Wardrobes : Black midi and Cardigan

This dress is a warm thicker material than some of the others, but stretchy. Without too much give,  so good for staying at home and still needing to run out. It's a more suitable length, but i actually like bunching up maxi's when I sew.
I love the high neck with the keyhole, which for more could be bigger. No sleeves, so better for warmer weather, but not the stifling heat we get every 3 days for the past month. The mustard cardigan is a great pop of colour, and my favourite addition to any outfit at the moment. Especially any black outfit. I'd say wear nude tight s and kitten heels, but I've been wear no tights/socks with my cheap-ie runabout shoes - black with a white sole. I can feel made up and still just throw my hair back or up as needed.

I actually liked this dress so much, I originally brought it in two sizes, from primark, 3 years ago. The fit was relaxed in the size 14 and loved the hug for the size 12. The cardigan is also from primark just from 2019. I really like to wear in my cardigans and either buy 1 or buy 3/4 at a time.

                 ________________________________________________________

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

C . W : Outfit

G . O : Project

Getting On :

Project : Box Recycling

I have had an idea to do hampers for people before the lock down, and recycling some boxes I have for a nice presentation. Since lock down - I want and would need to be able to send them through the post. So I figured decorate some boxes - using up my old paints to make some more space, and treat a few more people to something nice. I've actually moved on from my first two boxes, started making some gifts for people and came back to do another one in a completely different style. I won't say who they are for, or what inspired me in case any friends follow any links to this blog. No matter how unlikely.

I went for having fun and using mostly what paints I have mixed up and in my collection (I haven't topped up my paints in a long time). I used acrylic paints and posca pens. I will also add these took several coats of white and are semi delicate - they will peel if I'm not careful. Also to post these to my recipients I will also wrap these, making them a very colourful surprise. Each box was made with a person in mind, so I hope it'll be a good surprise.

I was a lot more playful with the first two, and left them a little messy on purpose. The second box I have photographed half finished as the next details will reveal who its for. I could have left the box as it was - I was happy with how it came out, even with the antlers looking a little chunky in places.

I had a lot of fun recycling these boxes and filling my time, the idea of someone receiving the box is a lot of fun as well. While it took a good part of 3 days work, I will state I do not expect anyone to keep these boxes. Acrylic paint can peel and stick to other items, especially when not sealed.

                 ________________________________________________________

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

G . O : Project

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : 8127 Versus 5751

I have a desire or need to collect patterns for dresses above all other types of clothing. Dresses are my favourite to buy, to look through and what I also tend to sew. Both of these patterns have similar silhouettes, but achieved differently. Namely the number of panels and the pleating of Butterwick's 5751 pattern on the right. Which I think is my favourite of these two. I can see some great options for colour blocking and pairing fabrics. Then I see more adaptability in this pattern, as well -  increasing the bottom width of panels for volume, pleating them to hid more colour, piecing fabric together for the pleats and draping more (though for the volume, an underskirt would be needed). I love the rounded neckline and straps/cap sleeve. I feel these would be more flattering my figure. I also feel I can control the fit more over my waist and stomach - opening the pleats/panels  where it feels best for me. Rather than having  a fuller skirt down from the waist.


While Simplicity's 8127 is posed as a costume pattern for Lolita and Rockabilly. The designs pictured are very eye catching and what drew me to purchase this pattern in the first place. I love Lolita and the shape of these dresses. Though I do not own any Lolita dresses and outfits, nor have I had the chance to sew them just yet. I know the silhouette is flattering but I am picky about patterns for such dresses. Patterns lend themselves so much to the character of such dresses and I would want to be happy with the result, though this idea might be led by the cover image. So time will tell if I ever find a good fabric for my first try. Partially I think the pattern's cover stops me from being creative with the dress I want to make, putting it behind 5751. Imagination is a lot when it comes to being inspired and interesting in sewing a project for me. I do feel like the shape overall would be flattering, but for best results, an underskirt and some adaptions.

In the end, I'm happy to own both patterns, I even feel I could swap some features between the two once I'm better acquainted with the patterns. I just feel 8127 is more of a costume, while I can picture 5751 as a day dress or dressed up or a fun combination of coloured fabrics. Speaking of which I'd probably buy cotton, gingham, broadcloth or linen - so if I found a stunning patterned fabric I'd probably match it to the style I think would suit it best.

                 ________________________________________________________

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

C . W : Patterns

C . W : Outfit

Changing Wardrobes : 

Outfits : Dark Blue Maxi

Charity shop fabric from a week before the lock-down - got turned into a dress within 1 week of the lock-down. Not a bad choice of fabric - I don't tend to sew this blouse-y chiffon material, but I do love my floral shirts. Especially with a darker base colour. So this one while maybe not something I'd typically buy, was defiantly my first choice from the charity shop. i love the larger print and the autumn colours, perfect for me in March - when I had sewn this - and the follow me through summer. Even at home, its good for relaxing and I really enjoy sewing and driving in such loose dresses.

Spaghetti straps and bias tape took a bit of practice but I'm really happy with this look. Its my first try at making a maxi dress for myself. This colour might not be the most flattering, however I often prefer darker colours. I think adding bold block colours to wear with this dress would be perfect.
A mustard cardigan to brighten it up, a tan lather jacket to let the dress stand out or wear my pale blue scarf are all good options for cooler days.. For shoes - this dress is a little long so chunky shoes or wedges are good to wear. I have three pairs in white, all are good options. While bright they will add a nice pop, without drowning in colour or patterns. I have a sweet gold chained purse in white - that is a favourite for me every summer after my friends wedding - she encouraged all bridesmaids to have a white purse for necessities.


I still feel like I could have gone bigger on the frills but I was trying to manage my limited fabric. I had very little waste.


I should also note this maxi and the pale blue maxi were inspired by WithWendy- a sewing and diy youtuber. While my fit and look are very different she was a good inspiration and I could see her working this fabric/similar fabric. Seeing the fabric being handled was great, as I've always been warily of using chiffon and over handling raw edges.


I'd defiantly want to sew something similar again, but I first plan to wear this and the other maxi in a bit. 

                 ________________________________________________________

Share:facebook - twitter - pinterest

C . W : Outfit