C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : March 2015 & July 2019

March 2015 Prima Pattern on the left has culottes and loose boxy top, in a long enough to almost hit the hips. The top has 3 option, including a lace trim. I have noted on the pattern I would lengthen this pattern, this in is relation to the culottes as I don't like most trousers hitting me mid leg. The length -with shop brought clothes- are often too long and hit the wrong part of my ankle/leg. I'd have this hit mid ankle or shorten to hit a little higher on me. This pattern will be comfy but likely need to be adjusted for most people. Shortening the top for a more purposeful boxy top or even a loose crop top. 

While on the right, I have July 2019 Prima Pattern with a loose top with a few options on length, hem shaped and front detail. A very comfy style again and loose fitting - the type you could wear all summer or as a cover up. With this style you could also length the sleeves by another 3/4cm and roll hem as decoration.

For me - I lean towards the March 2015 pattern - both for the top and culottes. I like a boxy top - but either men's or shorter - hitting the waist not the hips. The suggestion of the lace details are very appealing. As is playing with a fit of the culottes, extending the hem a little I can easier shorten them as needed.

I like a loose trouser with pleats in the waistband, giving plentily of space for hips and movement. I could see making a set with cotton/polyester culottes and a top of printed or textured viscose. Contrasting colours and print could be a lot of fun. 

The left pattern 5827 appears to be very simple with the option for contrasting fabrics and high keyhole opening.

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C . W : Patterns

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : Aug 2014 & May 2015

Both of these patterns were given to me - both are separates to a make a whole outfit. May 2015 Prima Pattern on the left, makes up a squared necked dress and fitted jacket. White Aug. 2014 Prima pattern makes up a top and skirt pairing. Both patterns allow for matching sets or mixing fabrics or patterns.

These two patterns are of two very different styles of necklines and though the dress and top have similar dart placements - they can be fitted to be more boxy/loose, as the dress is photographed or more fitted as the top. It would also be possible to swap the necklines between them - as long as any sewer is aware of the changes it it bring. For my style - last year I would have likely sewn the dress - I try to wear less trousers when I'm out of work and its even a little warm. Make it out of floral cotton or a glittered black fabric with a heavier cotton. Lowering the neckline a by 2-4 cm. 

However, I would lean towards the jacket from May 2015 Pattern and the skirt from the Aug. 2014 pattern. Making them in matching small print. OR a floral skirt and soft great jacket. I'd do this to have more jackets that would fit me well and I enjoy sewing skirts a lot after making many sun dresses at the beginning of lockdown. The skirt would pair well with a lot more tops I own.  

The jacket - if care is taken- could even be made it cotton with sheer panels or lacey effects. Making a very unique piece.

The top is could become boxy and short on my body - due to my bust. I can make several adjusts to help the fit - however if I made the top and it wasn't a perfect fit I wouldn't wear it even with a matching skirt. Or amazing fabric I loved.

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C . W : Patterns

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : Nov 2018 & Nov 2008

Left Nov.2018, Prima Blazer Pattern, Right Nov.2008, Prima Wrap/Loose Coat Pattern

Both of these patterns were given to me, passed on from a non-sewer, to add to my collection. Left is a blazer pattern from Nov.2018, with 3 options, 2 x for pockets, including a welt option and 1x without pockets. Though loose on the model, with the darts in the front this could be highly customisable for fabrics and fit. Also the options would allow for more advanced options e.g. welt pockets.

The pattern on the right is a loose coat with a tie, and simple, bagged pockets. Only a little longer in the body than the option pattern, and with looser fit, this could make a comfy wrap for going outside. This coat will allow for a quick project and 

Both of these patterns were brought while I was in Derby - but on separate visits to the market stall, about 2013-2015. This was one of my favourite stalls as they had a great collection of printed fabrics, patterns, and they often had swatches for pennies. Great for tests, mock up, illustrations, and research for sketchbooks. 

These two Butterwick patterns are of two very different styles of dresses in the construction and structure of them. 

The left pattern 5827 appears to be very simple with the option for contrasting fabrics and high keyhole opening.

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C . W : Patterns

G . O : Patterns

  

Getting On :

Patterns : Feb 2015 & Sept 2015

Both of these patterns were gifts, passed to me from readers of Prima, I have the coat pattern from February 2015 & the dress pattern from September 2015. I like Prima patterns for their size range - and I usually collect patterns like this, as while I can grade sizes for a decent part. I like to trace a size I need and keep these paper, with any adjustments I make. While, there is no direct comparison here, I still plan to layout which I'm more likely to sew. I paired these two for comfortable autumn/winter wear, with the length options to make things more comfortable for different weathers and temperatures.

Prima Feb. 2015, on the left, is a trench coat style, with a wide collar and tie with a structure to the fit of the coat. It's suggested to sew in wool or wool mix. If you wanted I imagine a cotton mix treated for weather and water proofing would also be a great mix. This would likely need a more fitted look, facings and linings. Coats are something I need to try and practice more - I've sewn with wool and mostly enjoyed it. Just had to remember to keep up with hovering the space. I don't currently have a coat fitted like this - but I have some in a hoodie style, one for dresses and others are loose/not so fitted. I tend to not favour a large collar. This can be trimmed back with wool once made or use snap backs/buttons or stitches to pin them out the way. Or if more preferable close, closer to the neck. Wool and wool mixes comes in a lot more patterns and textures than ever. Examples could be a basic and classic beige camel, tartan, and block colours or tones. More modern twists mean a coat could be made with an Ombre fabric with metallic or dyed half/edge. The result could result in a classic and well used/fitted wardrobe addition or a striking unique piece for an event or specific outfit. I'd love a bright red, but as I have such a coat - I'd likely go for camel or a red tartan.

Prima Sept. 2015, on the right, is a loose draped dress with a pair of darts in the back. A gathered front around the neckline. There are two lengths of dress and sleeves. There are two As you can imagine, looking at a a pattern like this - it requires fabric that drapes well, with options in jersey, polyester, silk, and viscose. Some mixes would do well, if they don't have a body that makes the fabric too stiff. A dress in this style or similar can usually be brought or made in jersey, throughout the year. This pattern would be great for trying different fabrics - to learn how to treat them and the differences it makes in the end result. With such a staple dress you can't go too wrong with print, colour or fabrics. For myself I'd love to see an emerald green silk or jersey. I don't have enough dresses in either fabric, and while I love green I don't find the shades I like. Paired with the coat in camel I'd be warm enough with either result. 

In the end, both patterns are great and as I started out - I think these make a great pairing and would love to see these both made. Both patterns can make a potential staple for a wardrobe, but for myself I'd start with the coat. I don't buy many and wool is still an investment to me when I sew. I'd buy a coating fabric I'm in love with and work hard at this. Whether I go for something unique with colours, materials or thread choice, or a staple designed to fit me perfectly I've been waiting for. I also know I'll learn a lot more about a different style and construction by sewing this. I don't often have side panels and always want to practice sleeves, even if I don't add a lining to them (would help with a longer life and itching for sensitive skin). I still want to see the result of an Ombre fabric, as much I don't see myself wearing it. 

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G . O : Patterns

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : M6465 & 6868

I brought two patterns a while back, both suitable for every day wear and some work occasions. I brought these two together. I think the smarter design from New Look - probably, my favourite from the two. I like the smarter look and style of it. But like everyone I love to be comfortable

Also, I know this style will suit me more than the McCall's pattern, which would be more comfortable in general which a more relaxed style.

The McCall's pattern could give me more options to play with when picking out fabrics and designs.

I will have to explore my stash and see what I have in there! I'm really excited to try half sleeves that just cover the shoulder. This would give my arms more room for movement. I love the idea of the pleated  neckline for A, and pockets on the dress! However I have a skater dress with princess seams, that I have to finish themselves.

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C . W : Patterns

Welcome Back!

I've been quiet for a long time - I've explained and checked back often though. Work and sewing has kept me busy, but with everything going on I have wanted to come back and keep this blog up. I really enjoy blogging and how it motivates me. I'm looking at video design, I get to design, organise and work on projects to sew and research. I get to help share some information and ideas.

So, I want to say welcome back everyone, my schedules changed a bit 4/5 blogs a week is too much at the moment still.

Also, hello to new readers too. 

I'm happy to say I have made some big plans and some smaller ones too, I've also completed a few projects, while I've been gone. - Which I'll share the details later, but there's not a later I haven't mentioned before so there won't be many surprises. Other than bits I've brought  - yep! New Equipment! New Fabric! New Sewing Machine! 

I usually buy fabric but with new projects I needed to use the right tools to complete the finishes I wanted so research led to buying some things you guys might want to see. And I love buying new tools to try them out, as much as researching new techniques for me to try.

Getting things new or second hand is always good. And oddly exciting - but different to buying more fabrics. This also means I just have some pieces to just try out  & practice with. Doing all I can while I have a pay check coming in. This means a lot of traveling for me every week., but it's worth it. I get to sew in my own space, work and be home. I've also had the chance to got to markets and shops in my work area- and there's a lot more than in my local area. 

There's a plenty of fabrics unless I am after something specific but that's usual for most people. And I like to be picky if I have something in mind. The stalls are great for fabrics, and odd pieces, and there's two shops with equipment. - Though there's only one for sewing machine feet, a little sewing machine shop & repair. I'm afraid one of these days I'll leave with an over-locker or more sewing machines. I do want one!

Anyway - back to posts - I'll be doing a few polls if anyone's interested in changing things here. Thy'll be among my blog posts as I get back into a rhythm. My first few post will focus on a lot the new equipment I have, my trip to Bowes museum & an alteration pieces & new patterns!

Thanks for reading - I hope you all enjoy the things to come.

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Welcome Back!

Pattern

Another Simplicity pattern

A simple dress with some variations, with a short bodice of an A-line dress and a long skirt. With variations on neckline, collar and sleeves. It's 6-16 so I've got so much room to play with the design, if I want to stray from the elegant dress.

Though a high a-line/empire line is not always the most flattering on me, a simple dress like this is a basic and having a long dress in my collection would be helpful, especially in this skirt shape. A V-neck often does flatter me, however, and having the sensible options for a collar and/or sleeves is nice to have.


I'm interested in what fabrics I'll use for a dress like this. Though I don't see myself using a patterned fabric - like a mad floral or anything too abstract or mad with colours. I might surprise myself though.

I think I'll use a bound edge like the one below A (option D), without sleeves. Though I might try to add a slit, after my first attempt. I'll definitely have some fun with this dress pattern.

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Pattern

Pattern

A Simplicity Pattern 

A basic pattern of a vest top, and jacket with some variations.

This pattern from simplicity is not very exciting, but honestly its a basic piece to add to my collection.I can work with clothing pieces and make my own patterns from some basic pieces, but having something to show me the basic techniques and form help me from making some mistakes or bad choices.

When I brought this pattern I had to think hard if I even wanted it, but I didn't need a another basic dress or anything else that was similar to what I already had.This pattern has made me think of what patterns and fabrics I could use to make anything I make that little bit more special, and a step up from the basic piece it could be.

When I have a fabric in mind - I'll remember to share it, I hope you'll give me some feedback. Tell me if I'm going a little to mad with patterns or lace.

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Pattern

Warp done

Took longer that it should have - which is only my own fault. But it is now done, and ready to weave.

Now to get busy and just do that.

I have plenty of patterns ready and I really want to use that PVC for my first 

sample. I am thinking of creating 1 m long samples, which I am hoping will 

look great. First though I need to test some of these patterns I have drawn. 

I won;t be spending to long doing this but it's worth while to get  myself 

prepared and work out any mistakes and issues to sort in these patterns 

before I try weaving any samples.

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2 WEEKS

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Warp done