Nightdress Progress

Hi Everyone 

My second nightdress is almost there ! However, I’ve slightly changed the design, from the plan I talked about earlier this week (read about it here). The nightdress is a very simple construction so the basic garment comes together very quickly. I use the same Butterick B5792 pattern for my nightdresses  and have completed all the French Seams as well as the hem. I like to slightly change each version. I did consider adding two ruffle frills to the bottom of the nightdress but have changed my mind and added just one. I decided, I like the length (just below the knee).  I’d also planned on a plain neckline and arm finish. I’m now thinking about a frill around the neck (with plain arms).

 I’d like a different style of frill for the neckline.Perhaps, slightly wider which lies on top of the neckline rather than standing up - as per my previous nightdress makes. Check out this neckline feature here.

                   

I’d also found some embroidered flower embellishments which I thought I may add to the neckline area ? I’m not sure about that idea, now ? Perhaps, the larger ruffle will be enough ? I’ll go ahead with the ruffle and see how it looks.

It has to be said, I particularly like this version of the nightdress and am also quite keen on the fabric. I’m thinking, I’d like a blouse from the same fabric. This fabric is also particularly good value, always an advantage. I need to go and check if it’s still available. 

Hopefully, I can finish my nightdress later today. I’ll share the results here, when it happens.

Thanks for calling in today.

Needles Case Continued

Hi Everyone 

I’ve firmed up plans for my circular needle case. Check out the initial post on this project here. I have a paper mock up of the case. I’m reasonably happy with the initial size and construction and have found some interesting oil cloth fabric for the cover. 

              

My next search is for the fabric I need for the inside of the case. I do have lots of fabric in my stash but need to narrow down the colours which will compliment my cover choice. I’ll make that decision this morning and cut out all the necessary pieces. At the moment, I think ‘reds and cream’ colours will work. My mock up has four needle pockets (just to test out the idea) but I’m thinking about a minimum of twelve. I will probably need several cases to accommodate all my circular needles.

I’ve tried to keep the case simple, so I’m hoping the project will go smoothly. However, you never know ! I’ll share my progress here on the blog.

Thanks for calling in today.

Nightwear Sewing

Hi Everyone 

I introduced my latest sewing idea last week, another nightdress plan. I had fabric for two versions of the Butterick B 5792 pattern. I’ve adapted the pattern, slightly, to make a couple of different versions and I’ve finished one.

                

I started with the yellow version. I gave it frilly arm trims and a short frill around the hem. The nightdress is a mid calf length and fits great. Love it.

My next job is to make the pink/red version. Look back here to check out the fabric design. I’ve chosen to go with the plain front again (vaguely E in my photo story). I’ll make a very plain main section and add a couple of deeper frills around the bottom. I’m thinking just below the knee for my final length. I may also think about a embellishment on the neckline ? I’ll wait and see how it looks.

Thanks for calling in today.

Circular Needle Case

Hi Everyone 

This project has been sitting, waiting for construction for quite some time. I’ve half prepared the pieces and am eventually ready to complete ! The project is a circular needle case. Organising and storing my circular knitting needles is quite a challenge. I’ve had lots of bags and ideas for storing in the past. I don’t know if this new case idea will completely solve the problem, but I’m keen to give it a go.

I’ve taken inspiration from a really good tutorial from appledumplinggear (read about it here). I’ve adapted the sizes slightly and will play around with the number of pockets (which will hold an individual circular needle). I’m not certain how the final case will turn out but I’m keeping it simple. My only question is to decide how I will label each pocket. I feel the labelling is key to the case being truly useful. Most of my frustrations with storing and retrieving circular needles is to do with finding the size I need. 

                   

I have lots of fabric in my stash which will be great for my new case. In particular, I have some beautiful oilcloth which I’m looking forward to using. I think I will go for several cases rather than a huge individual case to house all my needles. I’m not entirely sure how many I have, but I’ve got quite a few - more than I’d like to have in one case. My plan is to divide sizes of needles into small, medium and large and change the size of case to accommodate each batch of needles.

I’m going to make a small size version first. I tend to use 2mm - 4mm needles most of all. I’m wondering about adding a layer of interfacing for each pocket and perhaps a padding layer for the outer case cover. I’ll just go with what feels right. When I have something to show, I’ll share here in the blog.

Thanks for calling in today. Have a great weekend. I’ll be back on Monday with more stories about Making.

Sports Bra Project

Hi Everyone 

I have a new project plan for today. I’m making a sports bra. This is a bit of an experiment for me. I do a regular bit of running and am always looking for sports bras which are comfortable and do a good job. They need to be quite a snug fit, so there will be a bit of a challenge when it comes to making this garment. 

I have identified a pattern, the Mighty Sports Bra from Evie de la Luve. Check out her shop  here. I have some of her other lingerie patterns and they are great so I’m quite confident the sports bra will be good too. However, I have to admit, I’m slightly intimidated by getting the right fit for the sports bra.

         

I have some great fabric, it’s a very strong and quite heavy Lycra. The colour is more of a Teal colour (apologies about the photo - a very different shade !) I need to find the right elastic and the appropriate notions but am keen to start. I’m treating the first version as an experiment, so will make a single colour bra. When I get to grips with the sizing, I’ll find additional colours to make more interesting versions of the bra.

I’m not sure which version of the pattern I’ll start with ? - probably the basic racer back version (top two drawings in the photo story). This is going to be  an interesting project and I’m quite excited to start.

I’ll report on progress as I make my sports bra. The first job today, is to get all the bits and pieces I need.

Thanks for calling in today.