Sewing Pyjamas

Hi Everyone 

Way back in August 2017, I started thinking (seriously) about making a handmade wardrobe and declared I would be starting with a pyjama set. You can read about it here.

It’s only taken me 18 months or so to practically get around to making the pyjamas ! I have made lots of other things but the pyjamas have not materialised until now.

                                   

Last night, I prepared the pattern and cut out the pyjamas, top A and trousers F. What a great feeling ! Somehow, this project has been sitting in the back of my mind and bothering me ! I’m underway and should have some time to start sewing up the pyjamas today.

The fabric is lovely and I’m quite excited about wearing my new pyjamas. If I like the results, I’ll make a few more pieces from the pattern. I especially like the short nightie in the centre (c). I’ll share the project as it develops.

Thanks for calling in today

Lingerie Developments

Hi Everyone 

Exciting developments on the lingerie front. Last week, I mentioned starting my second handmade bra. Sadly, I’ve not had much time to work on the project. However, last night I managed to reboot and I’m back on track. I’ve added a pair of knickers to the project forming a little lingerie set. I’m planning to make both the bra and knickers at the same time. If you follow me regularly, you will know I received the lingerie kit as a Christmas gift. I have lots of fabric in the kit but needed extra notions (elastic etc). I’ve ordered the extra notions and I’m ready to go. I also need a particular type of stretchy lace to complete my knickers. I’ve ordered the lace, it should arrive in a few days.

                    

I’ve chosen a very simple version of the knickers to start, style 1 in the pattern (see top left image in my photo). All the designs are similar, so having made one design the others will follow (I hope ? ). The only difference in the styles is the addition of various lace elements. I’m using the same scuba fabric as I’ve used with the bra making, so I’ll end up with a beautiful lingerie set.

Hopefully, I can give this project some time today. I’ve realised how enjoyable I find these little projects. I feel such a sense of achievement when I can wear the items.

Thanks for calling in today.

The 5-in-1 Skirt

Hi Everyone 

Following on from yesterday’s chat, Ive spent a little time,  reworking my cord skirt. Read back yesterday for more details. I didn’t have time to complete the whole skirt but it’s almost there ! I need to add a hook and eye to the top of zip. I also need to hand stitch the waist facing around the zip, and the hem, of course.

                     

Generally, I’m very pleased with my remake. The skirt fits well and is positioned as a low slung waist - not sure if that’s a thing ? However, it’s good for me. I’ve changed the 5-in-1 skirt pattern in lots of ways. All of the pattern pieces have been resized but I’ve kept the general shape of each piece. The original pattern used darts on the front piece and I’ve changed this to form a couple of stitched down pleats. I’ve also added two back pockets (jeans style) and all of the seams have been top stitched with a twin needle.The back of the skirt has 4 panels which help give a contoured shape, it’s a very clever way of fitting the garment; giving the skirt has a degree of ease, which I like.

I’m hoping to find a little more time, today, to complete the extra hand stitching on the waist and finish the hem. Changing the skirt design was the right decision, hopefully my skirt will be ready to wear in a few days.

Thanks for calling in today.

Start Again !

Hi Everyone 

I’m sharing a bit of a disappointment today. I had completed a cord skirt last week (read the details of the first attempt here) and having spent so much time pondering the button holes (several days thinking), I was slightly upset about having to undo the whole thing. I spent another few days wondering what I could do with the skirt ? The main issue was the waistline. I have quite a short body and all skirts with a high waist position tend not to work for me. The skirt (dimensions) fitted me perfectly but I didn’t like the look or feel of the fit. I knew, I wouldn’t wear the skirt, so there was no option other than to rework it.

                      

I searched through my pattern collection for something suitable and eventually came across a pattern called the 5-in-1- skirt. This pattern was a free pattern which came with my latest Love Sewing Magazine. Unfortunately, the pattern is sized 16-24 which is too bit for me. However, I managed to redraft version E and have a reasonable fit. I was restricted by the amount of fabric in the first skirt and didn’t have (and couldn’t get) any more. I liked all the design versions in the pattern but I didn’t have enough fabric for any version other than E. I’ve cut out all the pieces and sewn the body of the skirt (5 pieces) together. There’s a zip in the back and a waistband to attach. In addition, I’ve created a couple of pockets to work on the back, a little like a jeans style pocket. I also want to add some top stitching to each of the back seams.

There has been lots of size fitting issues, I wanted to skirt to lie low, just above my hip line and the skirt is designed with a high waist. The back of the skirt has 4 panels which give the skirt a pencil skirt appearance. I didn’t want a tight fit, so have quite a bit of ease in the fitting. I also needed to considerably change the length of two darts on the front panel to give me a suitable fit.  Generally, I love the new shape - much better for me. I can see myself wearing this version and am enjoying the remake. Hopefully, I can make a little time later to move on my project, later today.  I’ll share any progress tomorrow.

Thanks for calling in today.

Knitting Re Think

Hi Everyone 

After a couple of months of trying to make a knitting project work, I’ve finally decided to re think my plan. The original idea was to adapt and knit a cropped cardigan. You can see the cardigan plan in question here. I messed around for ages with several attempts to make the project work. I was using different yarn (from the pattern) and as a result there were lots of numbers which were very different. I managed the numbers well and completely re wrote the pattern. Having completed the back of the cardigan, I eventually decided, I didn’t care for the fabric. So, I needed a Plan B.

I’ve decided to rip out the knit and start again. This time Ive gone for a Kate Davies pattern, the Carbeth Cardigan. I’ve swatched and started knitting.

                        

I know I’ve made the right decision. I love the fabric already. The cardigan is a bottom up construction and is knitting up quite quickly. I’m using West Yorkshire Spinners RE : TREAT yarn in a lovely grey colour. 

I’m confident about this pattern and I’ve never been disappointed with a Kate Davies knit. So all is well. I’ll share my progress over the next few weeks.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday.