tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45710860859143691632024-03-06T12:42:34.926+11:00Thirty Daily...Because I can get so much done in just thirty minutes a day...Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-71601855853702790682011-12-22T21:27:00.000+11:002011-12-22T21:27:03.124+11:00Beginnings and Endings...2011 in ReviewI can't believe the year is almost over...where did it go?
It's been a tumultuous year, in more ways than one. Beginnings and endings...and so of course, sewing had to take a backseat, not least because it has become associated with an ending.
I don't think I really did anything but try to remember to breathe, and to take each day as it came, sometimes each hour, each minute for much of the year, and to try and teach my children to do likewise.
It was a reminder to me, Dr Organised, who was frequently chosen to speak to new interns about organization and keeping accurate patient records, that just when you think it's all under control, you realize you never were in control. It's been an exercise in humility. And in patience.
So my year has been a blur, but finally, it's falling into some semblance of order again.
I'm on my own, with 4 children, aged 5 to 10 months; I've had to switch from O&G to General Practice part time, for the income, and the family friendly flexibility it's known for; it happened when i finally realised that all i really want is to be a full time mother and wife and to be looked after. Clarity comes at a price.
I've found a nanny to mind my children 2.5 days a weeks when I shall be working; I've found another lady to help with cleaning once a week; I've decided to homeschool my children for the time being, and have found a friend of 7 years who lives in the same suburb, to share the load with. I've purchased a digital slow cooker to enable me to continue to cook healthy nutritious meals even on days I work.I'm continuing to educate myself wrt religious studies and classical Arabic online, and am considering a Masters in Counselling if General Practice gels.
Looked at like that, I guess I've accomplished more than it feels like. As to the sewing...I miss it, but for months, I've stayed away from the sewing room, feeling nausea or panic at the thought of going in there again. To the extent that I wondered if I ought to find another hobby. Start over.
I miss it. My girls ask when I'm going to sew for them again, with them. I've still purchased some fabric and some patterns for them, but...
The children ask why it is summer (albeit a cool one), and they don't have nighties as they did last year. Why I never did get around to making their ball gowns for the princess ball.
This might be TMI, but mine is not a popular blog, nor is it for any reason other than, primarily to document my (sewing)life, for me. My sewing life had a huge spanner thrown in 2011.
With everything set to happen in 2012, and the ensuing busy-ness, I am determined to see if sewing is still what I want to do. I want to overcome my fear, my negative associations, my ennui. I'm toying with the idea of making myself do exactly what this blog was for- sewing 1/2 hour daily. Forget the fear of failure, or of turning out crap garments, or of wasting fabric; the fabric sitting in that room is wasted anyway, unless I do something with it. I'm inspired by Mena Trott's determination to sew a dress a week. Ambitious, but I am hoping to do a garment a week.
So. I'm hoping to start with basic clothing for my children, moving on to sewing for myself, since post baby #4 and the unexpected events, I lost over 10 kg in a month and since have regained it all and more the last few months...I now have a part of my abdomen that is no longer firm, but protrudes. I lost my milk supply completely and so, my bust is back to a non nursing size, but my waist is wider than it has ever been, even in late pregnancy as are my hips.
I'm shocked at my size ATM. It's demoralising. I used to be a RTW Australian size 10-12 post baby #3, and pre baby #4. I'm loathe to sew for myself right now. My mind refuses to accept this might be my new size, and I don't like the look of me in the mirror, now a RTW 14 (top)- 16(bottom), not least for health reasons, since I've always been a firm believer in primary prevention medicine.
So. 2012, hopefully, will be a year of figuring what I want, for myself and my children, in every area of our lives, and on more endings, if that is fitting.
Of course, with endings come new beginnings...Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-45436613414375533852011-11-23T17:26:00.001+11:002011-11-23T17:40:09.325+11:00Getting back on the horse...It has been a while. A lot has happened and my sewing mojo has been lost, definitely even though I have been dreaming of sewing for some months now. Not enough hours in the day I guess.<br />
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So forgive me if I post something relatively basic and banal today, it is a start.<br />
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Oscar the Owl. My eldest, Saajidah, 5 years old, and I made it together. She did most of it, and I helped her. It took about an hour, which is pretty good I think. Much of it was spent undoing her stitching when my back was turned with the other 3 kids hanging around, but still.<br />
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She now wants to do more, and I guess that is the main aim.<br />
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Saajidah has a Princess Ball coming up December 11th, and she is desperate for me to make her a "gown". ??? I am feeling excited, which is a good thing, right? Any suggestions on patterns? I have some Burda patterns, as well as a couple of patterns I bought for my girls to make for their Eid dresses, before things went pear shaped.<br />
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I have Burda 9550, and I like the View A. And a rating of 2 is not too bad right?<br />
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I also have Burda 9534, and I like View A again, though the rating of 3 is intimidating...<br />
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And from <a href="http://carinagardner.com/">Carina Gardner Patterns</a> I ordered, for Eid originally, these patterns for my girls:<br />
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So I do have a choice...any advice? I'd like them to be able to wear these again and again, so practical fabric choices would be the way to go, but would that take away from the "ball" element?<br />
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ImaanImaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-86934612067597688872011-05-03T06:59:00.002+10:002011-05-03T07:16:54.759+10:00Betz White Mini Izzy Tote BagI have been away longer than anticipated.<br />
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I don't know how other bloggers out there manage to continue to sew in huge numbers with young children, and even new babies (yes, <a href="http://www.katiekadiddlehopper.blogspot.com/">Katie</a> I am thinking of you).<br />
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I'm exhausted with 4 children full time, a husband who is hardly around yada yada yada.<br />
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Enough of that.<br />
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I finally managed to sew some in the last couple of days. Given the wadders, I wanted something easy and gratifying instead of more disappointment.<br />
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My eldest has begun religious classes and has books she needs to carry to and from her lessons. So I decided to make her a tote bag. Of course, her sister who isn't quite old enough to join her, wants one too. And of course then, eldest daughter's friend, whom she goes to classes with, wants one too.<br />
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So I began with this tote bag by <a href="http://www.betzwhite.com/Pattern_intro.html">Betz White's Make New or Make Do patterns</a>, the Isabella tote, only making its mini version, Izzy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJrw9o4gnZWGks1Lnv8sHkj_7AtAHdS2nT3Q6o-up1oJ5XnA3T2qS4QZXsNl1dVhhyphenhyphenfTvcq06lWVEfR70WcHvCZhvKMOd8It97Wq_Hwxc0ksF4aI-W78fhK_NFYKKWaULeOAvf7U7K21l/s1600/IMG_0909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJrw9o4gnZWGks1Lnv8sHkj_7AtAHdS2nT3Q6o-up1oJ5XnA3T2qS4QZXsNl1dVhhyphenhyphenfTvcq06lWVEfR70WcHvCZhvKMOd8It97Wq_Hwxc0ksF4aI-W78fhK_NFYKKWaULeOAvf7U7K21l/s320/IMG_0909.JPG" width="238" /></a></div>Please forgive the flourescent lighting effect, and the crookedness of the band. It is actually pretty even, I'm just holding it up by one finger to take the photo.<br />
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It was a nice straight forward pattern, lined; with tucks. Clear instructions.<br />
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The only thing I didn't like was, for that much money for a pattern, I'd expect a pattern template instead of having to draw it myself.<br />
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The finished size is 11 inches by 9 inches by 3, which is a perfect fit for daughter's books, if a big snug. If I wanted to add an inch all over, is it simple maths to do so, or do I need some more complicated method of calculation, especially since the pattern pieces consist of a lined bag piece, and a band that fits on the main piece, and tucks into the main bag piece?<br />
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The next size, Isabella, is a finished size of 14" by 11" by 5".<br />
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Anyway. Onto the second attempt tomorrow I hope, if the children behave.<br />
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It feels nice to finish something!Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-88198092093181395072011-03-16T16:36:00.000+11:002011-03-16T16:36:38.690+11:00Wadders R Us...I feel like I have completely regressed in any sort of sewing ability I have (laboriously) acquired over the last 2 years, as sporadic as it has been.<br />
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Our daughter is just over a month old, and is a joy, much like our other children. I'd keep going if I could:-) but that is another story:-)<br />
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I have been doing some sewing, unfortunately, none of it successful.<br />
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Just prior to giving birth, I sewed up a muslin of Kwik Sew 3513, which has been on my to-sew list for some time.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/kwiksew/3513/3513a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/kwiksew/3513/3513a.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>The test fabric I chose, is a similar coloured knit, an interlock I think, in a navy blue. I figured, if I needed to tweak the garment a bit, it would not be a loss, since blue is not really my colour palette.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AD2Rn6-qKxFGMfoUJ3sW4WPFBBht-xZ0bd2zCAJ6VGGhu_r0cgyqzx0p3OpX3gA9DOiym34SErar-7NJz4Umo6L3llEoDtDyRKbbiG69WveBVBYsAHNbmjIQ9GvZVkMoSIplecVbwzin/s1600/IMG_0462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AD2Rn6-qKxFGMfoUJ3sW4WPFBBht-xZ0bd2zCAJ6VGGhu_r0cgyqzx0p3OpX3gA9DOiym34SErar-7NJz4Umo6L3llEoDtDyRKbbiG69WveBVBYsAHNbmjIQ9GvZVkMoSIplecVbwzin/s320/IMG_0462.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Based on my normal measurements, and allowing for belly (being 37 weeks pregnant or so at the time), I chose to make it in a large. Big mistake. I was swimming in it, even at 37 weeks pregnant. It was falling onto my hips, off my belly. And to quote my husband, it was "frumpy" and unattractive.<br />
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Not that attractive took precedence over comfort. But still...I had lengthened the skirt to ankle length also, and that was a nice exercise in fiddling and tweaking patterns, but the end result, I am sorry to say, was very very disappointing.<br />
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I do want to try this again, and I'll stick to the long length, but probably go with a medium, or even a small. It is super easy to construct, consisting of literally 2 seams or something ridiculous like that. Shame about the size discrepancy and the frumpiness factor. Although <a href="http://mushywear.blogspot.com/">Shannon</a> managed to make 2 skirts from this pattern and looks pretty good in them:-) No frumpy there...<br />
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Then, more recently, I cut out McCalls' 5794 for my girls. Enough for 5 tunic tops to be exact :<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/M5794.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/M5794.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>I cut it out in a size 4, which was closest to their measurements. I used a poly/cotton small floral print that my girls chose for the first top. The neckline calls for bias tape, and I even made bias tape of my own, to complement the top<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqrL4rp9enLT6TU9_Djz4m7fs5XZxmIVNoHBqmWw9WOkfIl8lWigOtehAPeKX21OZzy4tvgYn0x5O6jrk0rwszNeOPQuphuLHyuBXmBmH1ZZqmcs1V1a0XImzOT2JFS43WuAr_PElP73C/s1600/IMG_0464.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCqrL4rp9enLT6TU9_Djz4m7fs5XZxmIVNoHBqmWw9WOkfIl8lWigOtehAPeKX21OZzy4tvgYn0x5O6jrk0rwszNeOPQuphuLHyuBXmBmH1ZZqmcs1V1a0XImzOT2JFS43WuAr_PElP73C/s320/IMG_0464.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>I was deliriously happy at this stage. The neckline looked lovely, I was/ am getting better at binding necklines (on wovens anyway), and even the cap sleeve with gathers went in rather nicely, I think.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2wDU-GvT8VQzLGJLI2AOUax6dapUB6UKJbQCYq9aT99p2KjX8mYAdlR8t29-jWoh0A61kXLfXv92s_whuFMWxQuRTawbKW_daMDA-VIKMSi15r6Zia-bicp4gun3l03RCsbJuPhnLFb1/s1600/IMG_0466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2wDU-GvT8VQzLGJLI2AOUax6dapUB6UKJbQCYq9aT99p2KjX8mYAdlR8t29-jWoh0A61kXLfXv92s_whuFMWxQuRTawbKW_daMDA-VIKMSi15r6Zia-bicp4gun3l03RCsbJuPhnLFb1/s320/IMG_0466.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
And then of course, the bane of my life, so far. The attachment of the bodice to the gathered skirt, with an elastic CASING no less. What??!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIrFv0pdds2Xw0MP1UigcK4xwg_C4jw0AuwrvxqOR3kdYFjfPtivcqmUsZN9Geyjk96aQOPGN2P44hQW_QoxX2RQp90U9RXyrwnmwIV6uhHvOEikMg3bU901QeUE7EItxgYGajhOjOeo5/s1600/IMG_0463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTIrFv0pdds2Xw0MP1UigcK4xwg_C4jw0AuwrvxqOR3kdYFjfPtivcqmUsZN9Geyjk96aQOPGN2P44hQW_QoxX2RQp90U9RXyrwnmwIV6uhHvOEikMg3bU901QeUE7EItxgYGajhOjOeo5/s320/IMG_0463.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>At this point I was ready to cry. The attachment put the bodice and V neck into all sorts of puckers where previously there was none. And the gathering was uneven, and ...yes, frumpy.<br />
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And to add insult to injury, I had purchased this fabric from The Fabric Cave, at approximately $3/metre. And I barely managed to get enough for one tunic from it. Or so I thought.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B_S3F1vJbek_Gzh4Ttx_S2OZ2g_W_zLacFE6HFl0GROMr5YM5Y4y11df5Ql5f1oqzlRMlNpUWyn0aY1u_QjCuNVsd9YCwUZoGNP8Y6o81jcvHnkC1DfwQHahjFyCnDu0XjpD-kbKR971/s1600/IMG_0465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8B_S3F1vJbek_Gzh4Ttx_S2OZ2g_W_zLacFE6HFl0GROMr5YM5Y4y11df5Ql5f1oqzlRMlNpUWyn0aY1u_QjCuNVsd9YCwUZoGNP8Y6o81jcvHnkC1DfwQHahjFyCnDu0XjpD-kbKR971/s320/IMG_0465.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Yes, it is upside down. But printed at the edge of the fabric, in very large letters that do not and will not wash out, is this. And by the time I noticed and tried to shorten the tunic, it was almost a crop top. So...I figured, live and learn. Lessons learnt for tunic tops number 2, 3, 4 and 5.<br />
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Finally, the last couple of days, I cut out (finally) the first of several pairs of pants I am hoping to make my eldest girl. She has just turned 5, and is tall and skinny. 107cm about a month ago, and still fits in a size 2. RTW pants just fall off her now. So using the pants pattern in McCalls' 5794 also, I got out some quilting cotton remnant I had left over from the <a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/03/waste-free-lunch-bag-attempt-2.html">Waste Free Lunch Bag</a> I made early last year.<br />
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I cut out a size 4 after checking the length against DD1, and fiddled a fair bit to fit the pieces on the remnant, including cutting out one piece at a time.<br />
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I did not have enough to make a regular length back piece, so I decided to add a design element, and add ruffles/ a seam to make up the length deficit. All seemed okay, and it was not until I was putting the pieces together that I noticed that in trying to use up all the fabric, I had actually cut out one of the pieces so that it has no complement.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoQDiCo5OjX8BeZTJbwUpNUV3j3cNTeiXgTyHW72llNmJP68rNgfYjF87Lkz2hZ_ZSDEp5yI7WII5h5SQS47olI3xulRq8LunyOYBM6SyGd8FlbcdNcDHUDRXNWsF8aziqN1MISoihDPl/s1600/IMG_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnoQDiCo5OjX8BeZTJbwUpNUV3j3cNTeiXgTyHW72llNmJP68rNgfYjF87Lkz2hZ_ZSDEp5yI7WII5h5SQS47olI3xulRq8LunyOYBM6SyGd8FlbcdNcDHUDRXNWsF8aziqN1MISoihDPl/s320/IMG_0461.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>SO then, I decided since I was actually sewing, instead of dreaming of sewing, that I would just continue, use this pair as a muslin, check length, fit etc, and then proceed to the next pair.<br />
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I had 4 kids underfoot while I was doing this, which might explain the next step.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IjeA8zgghyphenhyphenM_JP88px0MalmFRXYZWvIF61-yzD-JuF0Qlq82-HsK9l7jUe-vD30gEm5-4lrUpNuXbrhcjlB8P_ko5DRgK2nAKX36S3bhGgcgWqvWrAtrz5lHXub2KbBhubLxEm-PXdRn/s1600/IMG_0458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-IjeA8zgghyphenhyphenM_JP88px0MalmFRXYZWvIF61-yzD-JuF0Qlq82-HsK9l7jUe-vD30gEm5-4lrUpNuXbrhcjlB8P_ko5DRgK2nAKX36S3bhGgcgWqvWrAtrz5lHXub2KbBhubLxEm-PXdRn/s320/IMG_0458.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>At this point, with 3 kids hanging off me and waking their month old baby sister up repeatedly, I think I should stop.<br />
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I don't feel any more tired than usual, though clearly I must be, to have made so many mistakes, and silly ones at that.<br />
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Never mind. Tomorrow (or even tonight) is another day. Maybe I'll try again when the kids are in bed, and I am not quite as distracted/ tired/ whatever.<br />
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I'm sure practice makes perfect. Or something close to wearable?Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-47673700711014338872011-02-11T09:21:00.000+11:002011-02-11T09:21:54.754+11:00A New Addition to the Family...Not much sewing at all. The spirit has been willing, but the flesh weak...the heatwave, then trying to cook and clean and get ready for impending labour.<br />
<br />
We added a new member to our family yesterday, at 5.59 PM local time, a little girl, yet to be named, weighing exactly 3500g (7lbs7oz). Labour was hard and fast (less than 1/2 hour once I got going), and a friend kindly took our other kids so I had my husband around for support for the first time since we were having DD1, which was lovely.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxgpUn-jBBYW0aWHBzkaLbCWid54UqvW9Yb0VO-7lnOAzTfwI-L_9t2h6gbYaul2YIuZv2Gi3-d4W2Q6rQtO50ZUun-U9tlhyphenhyphenQrgt7PiPh-W0Wikr_ywac54VfxEQGlRTKakxfrf7aZj1/s1600/IMG_0137.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxgpUn-jBBYW0aWHBzkaLbCWid54UqvW9Yb0VO-7lnOAzTfwI-L_9t2h6gbYaul2YIuZv2Gi3-d4W2Q6rQtO50ZUun-U9tlhyphenhyphenQrgt7PiPh-W0Wikr_ywac54VfxEQGlRTKakxfrf7aZj1/s320/IMG_0137.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvuL-p7l-xR_YXHhybSJ-mn11J8w-Qleow0oVWFZw-Ld1LKO9a2AO0rjVSL8bak41VBZe_WPKxIAMcvqkshqcOFrUXWvabkgTFZwf2nt0273xzbxlJ01yr9Q_txnWa05ZImmTepUbuUJU/s1600/IMG_0141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvuL-p7l-xR_YXHhybSJ-mn11J8w-Qleow0oVWFZw-Ld1LKO9a2AO0rjVSL8bak41VBZe_WPKxIAMcvqkshqcOFrUXWvabkgTFZwf2nt0273xzbxlJ01yr9Q_txnWa05ZImmTepUbuUJU/s320/IMG_0141.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>Here she is with our eldest, who will be 5 in two weeks.<br />
<br />
The kids have all been expecting her, even our 20 month old son, who ran in and was all over her, calling her "Our bibi...". They have been trying to kill her with love, and the hardest part is keeping her safe from their love and exuberance. Still, far better that than jealousy/ envy/ dislike/ ambivalence :-)<br />
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We stayed in hospital for the requisite 4 hours post birth, and left after 22h00 to come home to our own beds, as I have done with all the children. DH is now recovering from his exhaustion by napping with our daughter:-)<br />
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I'm nowhere near as exhausted and worn out as I was with DS so hopefully I'll get back on track a lot faster this time around, and who knows, I may even get up to sewing sooner rather than later!Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-50718836064289024362011-01-28T09:32:00.001+11:002011-01-28T15:21:08.323+11:00Organising My Stash38 weeks pregnant, and summer has finally arrived in Sydney, it would seem. And here I thought we were going to escape the worst of it, due to the devastating floods in Queensland, and the subsequent rain and cooler weather.<br />
<br />
This week has seen temperatures far more normal for Sydney in summer, including a predicted (but not reached) 42 degrees Celsius for Australia Day, which was yesterday. We stayed indoors for the most part, with fans on, shutters down, amusing ourselves quietly. Even in the absence of airconditioning, and a pool, we stayed fairly comfortable in the 35 degrees C heat here.<br />
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I haven't been doing much sewing, much as I would like to. In this heat, standing for more than 15 minutes has me feeling faint, so tracing out patterns, or cutting them out is a task in and of itself, in order to get to the sitting and sewing stage.<br />
<br />
So I decided to do something sewing related while sitting; organising my pattern (and to come, fabric) stash on my Mac.<br />
<br />
Connie in Canada posted on <a href="http://patternreview.com/">PR</a> in response to a question on stash organising software <a href="http://couturesmith.com/2010/11/03/bento-how-do-i-love-thee-let-me-count-the-ways/">this post</a> in December last year, and it was the first I heard of <a href="http://filemaker.com/bento">Bento 3 for Mac</a> by Filemaker. Others on the PRDU regional thread raved about this software for organising their fabric and/ or pattern stash, and I was sold.<br />
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My copy arrived from Amazon.com about 3 weeks ago, but I have been busy finishing 3 online courses on <a href="http://sunnipath.com/">Sunnipath/Qibla</a> in their global intensive, and so Bento had to wait.<br />
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Now that I have been fiddling with it, I can't say it is the easiest software to work out, but maybe that is just me. I had tremendous difficulty with it initially, and kept giving up and coming back to it, but a couple of days ago, I stumbled across Filemaker's "solutions" page, where they also have a template exchange and came across several free sewing related template, thereby saving me the hassle of making one myself, like Connie did.<br />
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I have spent much of today transferring my patterns from iPhoto to the database in Bento, and while I have much work to do on it, I finally figured out how to modify the best of the templates, to suit my needs. It is not the most intuitive program, in my opinion, and I was almost set to throw it all in, when I finally figured it out, so I figured I may as well share, in case anyone is as ...computer challenged as I.<br />
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I have taken the pictures on my iPhone, so they could be better quality, sorry.<br />
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I tried initially to make one from a blank template, as Connie did, but found it too much of a struggle, because it does not come with a manual/ instructions. It was not until I came across <a href="http://solutions.filemaker.com/database-templates/">Bento Template Exchange</a> and found several free sewing pattern templates using Bento for download, that I began to have some idea of my options.<br />
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Of the five or so templates I downloaded, this was probably the best/ most comprehensive:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5394890096_0035889aa0_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5297/5394890096_0035889aa0_m.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This is how the form came originally, with 3 "pages", the first for the pattern itself, with options for entering Pattern Company, Pattern Number and an image of the Cover Photo/ Pattern as well as an image of the back/ technical drawing.<br />
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Page 2 allows you to enter fabric details, namely yardage and notions.<br />
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And Page 3, allows you to make notes on modifications and any points of note when the project is completed. The template maker also has sub-divided the patterns into collections/ categories, such as "Misses' Tops" "Children's Clothes" etc, which I initially found useful for classification purposes.<br />
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Like I said, most comprehensive of the templates I downloaded, and I began to fill the template with my Kwik Sew patterns and my Jalie patterns, with what I could. I could not for the life of me determine how to add to the original form however. Yesterday, though, I finally figured it out. You ADD to the fields not by adding to the column on the left bottom, and then once your field is created, you can draaaaaaagg the whole field onto the template itself, and arrange size, placement etc as you like.<br />
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So, with the initial (and probably final) changes I made, here is what I have ended up with, as an example:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5394890834_3641e3c334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5095/5394890834_3641e3c334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>I wanted to add a box for Pattern Title, for those titles that don't use numbers eg Oliver + S patterns. I also wanted to use a dropbox to categorise my patterns, in addition to the pattern companies, like so:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5394891432_aa9c0490fd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5394891432_aa9c0490fd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjKSI0gFI1aIJvR3NEqQxX1HdH0B2hNokoFH6VzX-drvsUjwKS7YajrXaAxH5Yi0abbpTQPl3k5RsiawrtkX2-7viuMdiUCkpQT21b5wBz2JkjLpx_tOuxVX6jdpJ7h-wgnXLkCiCSpzv/s1600/IMG_0043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbjKSI0gFI1aIJvR3NEqQxX1HdH0B2hNokoFH6VzX-drvsUjwKS7YajrXaAxH5Yi0abbpTQPl3k5RsiawrtkX2-7viuMdiUCkpQT21b5wBz2JkjLpx_tOuxVX6jdpJ7h-wgnXLkCiCSpzv/s320/IMG_0043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I think this is a more economical use of space on the same form/ page. I also added a sub-category in case a particular pattern has more than one garment type on it (eg Misses' top and dress, or in the case of Jalie patterns, where the sizes go all the way from children/ toddler to adult plus sizes).<br />
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Additionally, I also added a box for Pattern Description, and one for a URL so that I can link my completed project to my blog, or my review on Pattern Review for easy reference.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8Cwi8CUAflU/TUHrqdzFFFI/AAAAAAAABIA/yZV2oxEKNmw/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_8Cwi8CUAflU/TUHrqdzFFFI/AAAAAAAABIA/yZV2oxEKNmw/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8Cwi8CUAflU/TUHrq9KldqI/AAAAAAAABIE/2GVfmYyQmdY/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_8Cwi8CUAflU/TUHrq9KldqI/AAAAAAAABIE/2GVfmYyQmdY/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>I finally added a box for keywords for ease of searching for patterns. Their search box is pretty nifty; i.e type in Jalie, for example, and all Jalie records will come up, and you can choose what you are looking for on the basis of your search terms, which I think is also more intuitive than using the original categories that the template maker used.<br />
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Finally, yet to be completed, on the second and third pages, I added some modifications as well, as yet WIPs. To the "Fabric" page, I added image boxes for the picture of actual fabric that I end up using, as well as a photo of the finished garment. And on the final page, for notes, I added boxes for dates of garment construction, for my own reference.<br />
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So this is what my final Sewing Patterns Template looks like on my Mac:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyFLV8e7hYEOFcXk0OQ2p3EtFphozl3FI5Otz0FYKvr2RelMyBEnkAOd2-rhvbCZwboCb_CRJXfNNGdwuYmujHX5_uVOe8XATQ0DTIvn0JKMPiOE2aRV2LxzJO6ewsqMHyoX3o9Ny_GwL/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJyFLV8e7hYEOFcXk0OQ2p3EtFphozl3FI5Otz0FYKvr2RelMyBEnkAOd2-rhvbCZwboCb_CRJXfNNGdwuYmujHX5_uVOe8XATQ0DTIvn0JKMPiOE2aRV2LxzJO6ewsqMHyoX3o9Ny_GwL/s320/IMG_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigo2fhqjk4i3sg7Qn0bNtac9-JIOjwxcBHnJbvdIB76mYSr2VTpddEuzRyoo-R0QFKV52fEyMEhxRvfu9i5NhU3yW_E1A_QtpVdU_cFF94w3zbstu2QMgX-xkFKt3PJx3A2-ZurlrextWi/s1600/IMG_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigo2fhqjk4i3sg7Qn0bNtac9-JIOjwxcBHnJbvdIB76mYSr2VTpddEuzRyoo-R0QFKV52fEyMEhxRvfu9i5NhU3yW_E1A_QtpVdU_cFF94w3zbstu2QMgX-xkFKt3PJx3A2-ZurlrextWi/s320/IMG_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> My Page 1, or Form, entitled "Cover", modified from the original above, to these two above, with the changes I mentioned.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFSYFGOrEpHoEHvcWFBlGaCp_Co_QScIZlJjqBiry_dGAcXf88WIGIDmexaVAp_LmGQ4uQwnFOj-ki88_SJjgSKJLZZimlavJm3dxi4AgOJkxtKF_3BPqm0E9CkcGFC1ZSqcJRMHlMXDl/s1600/IMG_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFSYFGOrEpHoEHvcWFBlGaCp_Co_QScIZlJjqBiry_dGAcXf88WIGIDmexaVAp_LmGQ4uQwnFOj-ki88_SJjgSKJLZZimlavJm3dxi4AgOJkxtKF_3BPqm0E9CkcGFC1ZSqcJRMHlMXDl/s320/IMG_0047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
My Page 2, or "Fabric" form, with yardage, notions, and image boxes for fabric used and photo of finished garment.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOScnznm9globAUCR63dpfJcvBES2drY6v6SRYg1t0S4xN8kS1N9W7CuIGfV4yh5sWkX5cbHUPIn07tLqdKvgUw-RJgcxSuC5s70vV5uJpUAprdDw8xLbFkKsZpaDQiv8a1C7TNU4E0Hx-/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOScnznm9globAUCR63dpfJcvBES2drY6v6SRYg1t0S4xN8kS1N9W7CuIGfV4yh5sWkX5cbHUPIn07tLqdKvgUw-RJgcxSuC5s70vV5uJpUAprdDw8xLbFkKsZpaDQiv8a1C7TNU4E0Hx-/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And finally, Page 3, "Notes" form, with final notes on construction, and any other relevant information.<br />
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I also purchased the iPhone Bento app (AUD 5.99), since my 2 year old HTC phone died and Bento was the main reason I decided to go with the iPhone. So now with the Bento app for iPhone, I can sync my database on Bento with my iPhone, and have begun to have access to a database on my mobile of my pattern stash, to avoid duplicates when out shopping. Once I get the yardage photos from the back of the pattern covers loaded onto the templates, it will also mean that it will be an easy reference to look up how much of a fabric I need to buy for a given pattern, if I come across something suitable.<br />
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Lastly, Bento is also great for many other applications, including organising family life, student life, tasks, calendar and more, so I think, now that I have finally managed to figure this out, I will get good mileage out of it, when time permits!!<br />
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And of course, once my pattern stash is organised, I can always plan to move on to the *ahem* fabric stash :-)Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-40308807028526073552011-01-03T10:33:00.025+11:002011-01-04T16:03:54.601+11:002010 in Review - Sewing WiseIt is only really in 2010, I think, that I really got any sewing done on a somewhat consistent basis. Not much, but looking back, more than I thought I had accomplished.<br />
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In total, between January 2010 and December 2010, I sewed 13 different outfits. Not much, for sure, especially compared to some like <a href="http://katiekadiddlehopper.blogspot.com/">Katie</a> who managed to make a whopping 162 outfits, which included some knitted items, for her family. Must be the Type A personality :-) but I admit freely to being envious of such productivity!<br />
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Having said that, 13 self taught and self sewn items is something of a miracle for me anyway, and I feel more confident and comfortable beginning a new pattern by myself than I did at the beginning of 2010.<br />
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Here is the tally:<br />
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<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/12/chesty-bonds-mens-singlet-knockoff-and.html">Self Drafted/ Knockoff Chesty Bonds Men's Singlet</a> - 12/10</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/12/simplicity-2815-again.html">Simplicity 2815 - Boys' and Girls' Top and Pants</a> - 12/10</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/12/kwik-sew-3105-summer-nighties.html">Kwik Sew 3105 - Girls' Woven Nighties</a> - 12/10</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/11/kwik-sew-2257-sleep-shorts-revisited.html">Kwik Sew 2257 - Men's Pajama Pants and Shorts</a><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=57345"> </a>- 06/10, and again, 11/10. </div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/09/butterick-4906.html">Butterick 4906 - Girls' Jumper </a>- 09/10</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/thirtydaily/4973305244/">Kwik Sew 2257 - Boxer Shorts </a>- 07/10</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/05/jalie-2567-toddler-bathrobe.html">Jalie 2567- Toddler Bathrobe</a>- 05/10</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/05/recycling-with-purpose-denim-bibs.html">Recycled Denim Bibs</a> - scraps of woven cotton and recycled denim- 05/2010.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/04/simplicity-2815.html">Simplicity 2815 (OOP)- Girls' and Boys' Pants and Tops </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">- 04/2010.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/03/waste-free-lunch-bag-attempt-2.html">Waste Free Lunch Bag</a> - 03/10</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/02/kwik-sew-3734-swaddler-attempt-1.html">Kwik Sew 3734 baby swaddler</a> -02/10</div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/02/some-sewing.html">Kwik Sew 3734- baby sling</a> - 02/10</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=46987">that *darn* kat undies </a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">- 01/10</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">And here, are the pictures of the finished items. I wanted to make a collage, but could not find a way to do it using my Mac. So a slideshow it is...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fimaanjoshi%2Falbumid%2F5558179755024614497%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" height="192" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="288"></embed></span><br />
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For 2011, my goals are simple, given that there will be a new baby, hopefully, throwing a spanner in the works in the next month to six weeks, probably for several months!<br />
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1. Keep sewing, a little at a time. Over on <a href="http://patternreview.com/">PR</a> , I hope to join in several sewalongs (1. Sewing for baby, toddler and child; 2. Thirty minutes a day sewalong; 3. One garment a month and 4. Stash sewalong), and at least one contest, the Fabric Stash Contest, which began on the 1st of January. Unlike wardrobe contests, which require co-ordination of fabric and patterns, which is a bit much for me at the moment, a contest like this maximises my ability to keep doing what I have been doing thus far; sewing whatever I please, in whatever quantity I choose, with the only criteria being the age of the fabric in my possession. Perfect.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>2. Keep on trying to work out knits. <a href="http://nosilasews.blogspot.com/">Alison</a> notes that rib knit is among the hardest/ trickiest knit to sew, and has suggested I might want to work with a more stable knit, like cotton-lycra, so I might try that next, for Kwik Sew 3513 and Kwik Sew 3703.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/images/3513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/images/3513.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kwik Sew 3513</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kwik Sew 3703</td></tr>
</tbody></table>The dress will be a welcome addition in this summer heat, for the last few weeks of the pregnancy, while the skirt, if it works out well, will go nicely with the Jalie tops I want to make, and convert to allow for nursing.<br />
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Apart from that, I have some kiddy sewing planned, and have traced out some Kwik Sew romper patterns, both for my son, now 18 months, and the baby.<br />
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Additionally, my eldest, who will be turning 5 just after the baby is born, in February, is tall and thin. She is 107cm tall, and still fits into a RTW size 2, so for proper lengths, I am going to have to bite the bullet, and begin sewing more for her. Size 5 RTW pants keep falling off her, as do size 4, even though they are the right length.<br />
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So I think, all things considered, I will have plenty of sewing with knits (and woven) experience under my belt if I get around to completing even half of these projects! Wish me luck!Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-68486373105740168722010-12-22T11:55:00.000+11:002010-12-22T11:55:26.205+11:00More Singlets!I have managed to use up all the rib knit I had on hand, to sew Husband a total of 4 singlets (5 if you include the utterly rubbish first attempt, which got chucked!).<br />
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For the final two, I also decided to get my Coverpro1000CP out. I had some difficulty using binders with it a few months ago, and since then, one of my kids got to it where it is stored in my Horn cabinet, and fiddled with the dials and tension knobs. As a result, when I tried to use it the other day, it screeched to a halt, and frightened, I put it away to use another day.<br />
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I took it out today, encouraged by a member on PRDU, and spent an hour rethreading the whole machine, and resetting all dials and tensions to original settings. And finished hemming the final two singlets. For the armholes and necklines this time, I still handbasted, but used the overlocker, instead of a narrow zigzag, with acceptable results. I am getting a bit bored of sewing singlets now!<br />
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Neckline and armholes<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39eBhVVrFEzzkVGGAAZH8vJgy8EKTp5QWKOo0bjCNecsltq6zSiVfRnF_VZMhW5C0ny-v-Na3_LXl_H8LANFL__zOLJmz0Q1_-DXZZa2vbM2PoiVFJSAfslkvIbJUFC4E1OwOY2-MP-HL/s1600/SUC59422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi39eBhVVrFEzzkVGGAAZH8vJgy8EKTp5QWKOo0bjCNecsltq6zSiVfRnF_VZMhW5C0ny-v-Na3_LXl_H8LANFL__zOLJmz0Q1_-DXZZa2vbM2PoiVFJSAfslkvIbJUFC4E1OwOY2-MP-HL/s320/SUC59422.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Coverstitched hems. I did them as triple stitch, because I was still trying to figure them out, and the undersides turned out pretty well for the most part too, which I am pretty pleased with!<br />
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Husband wants more singlets, (I think I have created a monster!!) but he'll be content with his current 4-5, and I'll move on to the next project, I think; a dress and skirt for me, and some bodysuits/ rompers for my 18 month old son, who is running out of clothes, and maybe the baby too.<br />
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I might even try and have a go at using the binder again, for the bodysuits! Wish me luck!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span id="goog_515545628"></span><span id="goog_515545629"></span>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-85010578365251716512010-12-18T18:19:00.001+11:002010-12-18T18:20:20.241+11:00Chesty Bonds Men's Singlet Knockoff and Finally - Success with a knit!I did not post about my lack of success to date sewing with knits in general.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://kwiksew.com/catalog/images/2334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://kwiksew.com/catalog/images/2334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>About 2 months ago, I tried sewing Kwik Sew 2334, men's tank top and underpants/ briefs. Husband was wearing out his Chesty Bonds singlets, an Aussie icon, and he really wanted me to sew him some more singlets, to his exact specifications.<br />
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I made KS 2334 in size M, using an expensive rib knit, and while I did not take photos, it was a disaster. The seams were puckered, the hems mismatched because the fabric was not feeding properly for some reason through my machine or overlocker...it went on and on, and I was so disheartened, I did not touch knits again until now.<br />
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I sought advice about sewing with knits on <a href="http://patternreview.com/">Pattern Review</a>, and was given much useful advice, but it has taken this long to get back on the horse. Husband's singlets are all worn, and in order to "nudge" me to sew him more, he REFUSED to buy more singlets! They got to the point that they were threadbare, and tattered, and then in the last week or two, he stopped wearing them altogether, because you could see the worn singlets through his work shirts, so I finally decided to try again.<br />
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I traced out his existing Bonds singlet, sans tatters, using sew-in interfacing, which is my pattern tracing material, and made a muslin out of a light grey interlock yesterday; it was a bit too tight, and more importantly, the neck and armholes were still puckered, though much better than the first try.<br />
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I pin fitted the interfacing on him, and made the modifications he wanted - dropped the neckline at the front by 2.5cm (1 inch), so that it would not show when his work shirt was unbuttoned. I also dropped the armholes by 2.5cm, for comfort, and added 5 cm (2 inches) to the hem so that he can tuck the singlet into his pants and not have it ride up when he bends over etc.<br />
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It was my first time modifying patterns, and not as hard as I thought it would be.<br />
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This morning, I cut out the modified pattern on cotton rib knit again, and handbasted the neckline and armholes, before sewing on the SM with a narrow zigzag. Much less puckering, and seam mismatch. Pretty good actually, if I do say so myself.<br />
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The seams are also a lot more neat, though still far from perfect.<br />
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Ditto the armholes.<br />
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Overall though, I am pretty pleased, and mostly relieved that I CAN sew with knits, with some practice, and patience, since I intend on sewing some knit bodysuits/ onesies for my son as well as the baby if I can, more singlets for Husband, as well as the maternity skirt and dress I referred to a couple of posts ago.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYqNAJtpqQGW6q7YVaWP7WcggdN6Eo7AvKd4QvouIEe3cdvdRgFBL-bcEwZbu24lR3VWjaPovR-SLkcL6aIPhAVt2RmsiWehFXoE5OKD1KuSVbQ-9BhXb9yzhVNxLJAC_DZS-AkiKDAlb/s1600/SUC59403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYqNAJtpqQGW6q7YVaWP7WcggdN6Eo7AvKd4QvouIEe3cdvdRgFBL-bcEwZbu24lR3VWjaPovR-SLkcL6aIPhAVt2RmsiWehFXoE5OKD1KuSVbQ-9BhXb9yzhVNxLJAC_DZS-AkiKDAlb/s320/SUC59403.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-67593376708633807102010-12-16T20:50:00.000+11:002010-12-16T20:50:13.534+11:00Simplicity 2815 againDoing a bit of sewing at night after the kids are in bed seems to be working again. I am no less tired, but strangely, I find I often feel refreshed, for the most part, if I make myself sit and sew, after the first 20 minutes or so of ennui/ lethargy.<br />
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We are well and truly into summer here in Australia, and the days are frequently hot (though also unusually wet the last week), and the summers still warm, requiring little to no cover at night.<br />
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I made my girls the KS 3105 nighties, which they love, but being young, and being used to wearing pants most of the time with tees, they have not yet learnt to sit ...in a dignified way. As a result, they have been asking me to sew them some pants/ shorts to wear under their nighties. So I got out Simplicity 2815 again, which I last made last winter, for my husband's son. It is an OOP pattern, but has recently been reprinted under a new number, S2326.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplicity.com/images/PRODUCT/icon/2326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.simplicity.com/images/PRODUCT/icon/2326.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">I made a pair of summer PJ pants in size S, bottle green gingham cotton fabric for my husband's son. He is due to visit this weekend, so I'll test the fit on him then, but the size S was a bit baggy on him last winter, and looks like it is a good fit now, so fingers crossed the pants will be fine, worn with a singlet or a tee. I did not really have any 8 year old boy fabric on hand, and don't really want to buy licensed fabric, so I went with a dependable, "boy" friendly fabric instead. If nothing else, it was good practice in trying (not so successfully) match the checks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooLrqNtH3ng4K0RCIrXNYRsPfrsAMPXHnlboxyBpCUfEqK-WFZtB0A2rqI0lyToet8buL2aVnQ0jNNoUC8fcz1NiWQU_BRtiauGeLL0yPFw1AFNoZBCDyMWu8jd_hSmJNbaNiR8R3C5ls/s1600/SUC59400.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiooLrqNtH3ng4K0RCIrXNYRsPfrsAMPXHnlboxyBpCUfEqK-WFZtB0A2rqI0lyToet8buL2aVnQ0jNNoUC8fcz1NiWQU_BRtiauGeLL0yPFw1AFNoZBCDyMWu8jd_hSmJNbaNiR8R3C5ls/s320/SUC59400.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">For my girls, I chose the smallest size they have, XS, which is apparently for 4-5 year olds, and ought to have fit perfectly. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyADI5-KMjwuV9YYM7ZeaSvOvu4GQbg36kPhDMqyOAlryIx59DYKMMpwRJPWUcfGVwG5o6aR0MIzZVVqcvKXSdbOQ9qDe6wiV9S0DDTwwCF1kDQCih792L7_xrLgbk_YnZewpQ_Sh-D2B/s1600/SUC59390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmyADI5-KMjwuV9YYM7ZeaSvOvu4GQbg36kPhDMqyOAlryIx59DYKMMpwRJPWUcfGVwG5o6aR0MIzZVVqcvKXSdbOQ9qDe6wiV9S0DDTwwCF1kDQCih792L7_xrLgbk_YnZewpQ_Sh-D2B/s320/SUC59390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">I have only made the pants thus far, and will need to shorten these even further than the 8cm I lopped off, to make them capri length, or a bit shorter for shorts length, but the sizing runs HUGE on my girls. I'm not surprised, as I have heard this complaint about the Big4 patterns for kids. Still, they were so excited, they wanted to go to bed in them tonight, and I had to convince them to leave them for me to alter. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO61sw9oYSp9JAgApdGgvkPJuil0zsj4W3E32C-t2UcD1H8KCGxJgt0L2WOfJkzv0-hLMcBzr87ZK-xX1iNR76GxP3tW4gwEZ4I7CY7fJAdshnl60toBHa86S_sk4ycQbzIptbpRQ9cdE/s1600/SUC59396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXO61sw9oYSp9JAgApdGgvkPJuil0zsj4W3E32C-t2UcD1H8KCGxJgt0L2WOfJkzv0-hLMcBzr87ZK-xX1iNR76GxP3tW4gwEZ4I7CY7fJAdshnl60toBHa86S_sk4ycQbzIptbpRQ9cdE/s320/SUC59396.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">I've cut out a total of 5 pairs for the girls, tops and bottoms, so I'll shorten these 2 pairs to capri length, and cut the remaining two pairs of pants to shorts length, or just at the knees, perhaps, to wear under their nighties. The capri length pants they can wear with the tops, as summer PJs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">After that, I really want to tackle a knit again, and I might try this Kwik Sew 3513 next: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/kwiksew/3513/3513a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/kwiksew/3513/3513a.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">It is meant to be good for maternity, and will go nicely with the Jalie tops, if and when I get around to making them (as you noted, Sue, I can only do so much, with the unpredictability of young children!). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;">Still, it feels great to be sewing on a regular basis, and I am enjoying it quite a bit, and making a dent in my stash! All good things to be achieving, surely! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-67505785778766643092010-12-10T15:24:00.000+11:002010-12-10T15:24:10.047+11:00Sewing Project Wishlist...Into 31 weeks of my pregnancy, and it is so much harder this time around than I can ever recall! The warm weather does not help either, nor does having 3 young kids underfoot to cart around to extracurricular activities almost daily.<br />
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Still, having made time for some sewing the last few days has meant that after the kids are in bed, I have actually had some fun, and had something to show for it the next morning, when the girls woke up.<br />
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I am hoping to try to do this on a semi-regular basis until the baby is due in February, because schedules will be interrupted again, and I won't get much done for a long time...<br />
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So here is my wishlist of traced/ cut/ planned projects. Let's see how much/ little I get done by February:<br />
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1.<a href="http://simplicity.com/Search.aspx?Searchterm=2815"> Simplicity 2815 (OOP)</a> again, for woven PJs for the girls, and a pair of PJ pants for my husband's son.<br />
2. <a href="http://kwiksew.com/Catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3730&Cat=Children&Level=Babies&QL=Babies">Kwik Sew 3730</a> , overalls and shirt for my son, who is 18 months old and fast running out of clothes to wear. A romper or two will be good for him to wear most places, as will a shirt or two, in summer weight fabric. And it will be good practice for me to learn collars etc.<br />
3. <a href="http://kwiksew.com/Catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3703&Cat=Misses&Level=Dresses&QL=MissDress">Kwik Sew 3703</a>, and A line knit dress with a racerback for myself, if I get around to it. I need something cool to wear these last few weeks, and afterwards, and this looks like it would be perfect.<br />
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There are also a couple of Jalie tops I have traced out in my size, <a href="http://jalie.com/Criss-cross-nursing-top.html">Jalie 2787- Criss Cross Nursing Top</a> as well as <a href="http://jalie.com/twist-top.html">Jalie 2788</a> and if possible, <a href="http://jalie.com/jalie2804-Empire-crossover-top-sewing-pattern.html">Jalie 2804</a>, which <a href="http://morzel.blogspot.com/2009/07/while-waiting.html">Morzel</a> successfully converted into a nursing top also.<br />
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But as with all best laid plans, it remains to be seen how busy/ tired/ overwhelmed I become, especially since I am still working night shifts on a weekly basis until January 8th, and it takes its toll.<br />
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</div>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-36453069113296012072010-12-09T09:49:00.002+11:002010-12-10T15:27:54.123+11:00Kwik Sew 3105 - Summer Nighties<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/images/3105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/images/3105.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I cut this pattern out a couple of weeks ago, around the same time I made the boxers for husband. <a href="http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/cat_detail.cfm?pid=3105">Kwik Sew 3105</a> , girls' woven nightgowns, size XS (4-5 years) to XL (12-14). I made the XS for my girls, who are now, almost 5 years and 3.5 years, and measure 106cm and 94cm respectively.<br />
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The weather is really warming up here, and I wanted cool nighties for them to wear in bed, since they both still insist on covering themselves up with the coverlets at night, with the fan on full blast!<br />
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Like most KS patterns, it is well drafted, and well written, with instructions that are easy to follow. I chose this pattern, with the gathered front and back yokes, and (optional) ruffle at the hem after the last disaster with the Butterick 'eid dress, which my daughter still loves ("it's my FAVOURITE dress Mum!"). I wanted to practice gathering the yokes and ruffle again, and to improve my skill in this area, figuring that wonky gathering would not be the end of the world in nightwear.<br />
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I was also in the process of tidying up the spare room that doubles as guest room and sewing room, and so my overlocker was unavailable, so that I ended up sewing these entirely on the sewing machine, at the dining table. End result, the insides are not as neat as I normally like, but still functional.<br />
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What I learnt:<br />
1. Gathering - front and back yokes, x 2. Ruffle x 1, since the nightie was long enough without the ruffle on the 3.5 year old. The almost 5 year old insisted on a ruffle because she wanted a long nightie. I loosened the tension on the bobbin thread this time, and made the stitches as long as I could, and kept the basting/ gathering stitches within the seam allowances, with much better results.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> I still need more experience with gathering at the hem for the ruffle, presumably because it is a much longer stretch of material, with the end result that I am not as happy with the gathering for the ruffle, but my daughter could not be happier, and loves it, so I guess it is still a win.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8YJ2UwK5nnIujEpwF6O28oa0CE2SOrDSSd_zJenTLT4W_xx9_SsXx7upeV2VpaEnJHSG9lTYTiOJR-O47HQUE5TEDHzoyQH-F1DZMVmGXdmLbB19D07GucTDtjG_4zNUtEqRZCVXWb1O/s1600/SUC59362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8YJ2UwK5nnIujEpwF6O28oa0CE2SOrDSSd_zJenTLT4W_xx9_SsXx7upeV2VpaEnJHSG9lTYTiOJR-O47HQUE5TEDHzoyQH-F1DZMVmGXdmLbB19D07GucTDtjG_4zNUtEqRZCVXWb1O/s320/SUC59362.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Overall, I think the construction is improving, though nowhere near as much as I wish/ would like, but I guess Rome was not built in a day, and I need to be patient. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBIVjtgJvIwGUXL8cVr-RQVDLI_GXwTbe77ED0kT9OcMJfy5JE89htX6hzo0ad582XYt54yQfd4-ZC-SB9slKORoyCZAzEd-2x_H9gG1WaK5Ckf6vghRy_yoR2ku2fhF7apvHzgFe9g-I/s1600/SUC59339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqBIVjtgJvIwGUXL8cVr-RQVDLI_GXwTbe77ED0kT9OcMJfy5JE89htX6hzo0ad582XYt54yQfd4-ZC-SB9slKORoyCZAzEd-2x_H9gG1WaK5Ckf6vghRy_yoR2ku2fhF7apvHzgFe9g-I/s320/SUC59339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
2. Making my own bias binding, and making do without an overlocker/ serger. The pattern calls for lace at the necklines and armholes, and since I didn't have any on hand, and didn't want to waste time dragging 3 kids to the store when I could be sewing, I improvised. I used spare fabric, made bias binding, and used that at the necklines. At the armholes, because I did not have enough spare fabric to make binding, I overcasted the edges with a zigzag stitch, and then turned and stitched, still with the zigzag stitch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZpY7ARZkSGyfIA2BYfFrAEsom5RKw9SIoGFcYyfR1K6ZF6Ahu1pSw2cmFafG8f9jQZJelS1fETh1hUP9k3MJywnzk-d0xC2_tdobAzhM_fgGBeQr_GpzqIvjGlEFJEEK7jXRc-4kL6lI/s1600/SUC59371.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZpY7ARZkSGyfIA2BYfFrAEsom5RKw9SIoGFcYyfR1K6ZF6Ahu1pSw2cmFafG8f9jQZJelS1fETh1hUP9k3MJywnzk-d0xC2_tdobAzhM_fgGBeQr_GpzqIvjGlEFJEEK7jXRc-4kL6lI/s320/SUC59371.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
3. Modifying, albeit on a very small scale! The main problem I ran into, with this pattern, was the neck opening. I traced and cut out the size XS, which is for a 4-5 year old (107cm tall), but found, on constructing the bodice for the 3.5 year old, that it would not fit the almost 5 year old. Not having the skills to add extra fabric/ put in zips etc without changing the original draft, I decided to leave one of the shoulder seams open, and to add snaps to this shoulder instead for the older girl. It was all fine in theory, and I even managed to get the first snap on without issue, but then proceeded to waste another 5 snaps trying to get the next one on, with no luck. Husband had a go too, to no avail. In the end, we dragged out the KAM snap press he bought me when I was planning to make cloth nappies for DS, but it didn't really work.<br />
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So...she's ended up with a functional but not-so-pretty snap closure/ opening.<br />
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Overall, however, they LOVE their new nighties, and have been posing in them, bed hair and all. And as the 3.5 year old noted, since they have been used to PJs to date, she loves her nightie even though "it was crawling up my bottom". :-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8YJ2UwK5nnIujEpwF6O28oa0CE2SOrDSSd_zJenTLT4W_xx9_SsXx7upeV2VpaEnJHSG9lTYTiOJR-O47HQUE5TEDHzoyQH-F1DZMVmGXdmLbB19D07GucTDtjG_4zNUtEqRZCVXWb1O/s1600/SUC59362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8YJ2UwK5nnIujEpwF6O28oa0CE2SOrDSSd_zJenTLT4W_xx9_SsXx7upeV2VpaEnJHSG9lTYTiOJR-O47HQUE5TEDHzoyQH-F1DZMVmGXdmLbB19D07GucTDtjG_4zNUtEqRZCVXWb1O/s320/SUC59362.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-20361889391930755972010-11-21T16:13:00.000+11:002010-11-21T16:13:05.279+11:00Kwik Sew 2257 - Sleep shorts revisited.I didn't mean to be away so long! I guess I have fallen off the sewing wagon with everything else that has been going on in my life - kids, (return to) work, negotiating contracts, and of course, a pregnancy that has me more tired than any of the others, even when I was working 60-70 hours/ week, with oncall, 24 hour shifts or night shifts.<br />
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I guess I am not 25 anymore :-)<br />
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I have been sewing, albeit sporadically, and have not had much success, certainly nothing I have felt like posting pictures of, except perhaps to remind myself (?one day) of how rubbish I am at the moment at this craft.<br />
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I made a pair of boxer shorts for husband back in June, and they did not go very well.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6ABJUJJNpqxPlLyTQd9ARzPPQv9rZ81bJg9703JBVecsXznI0R53s0ALmzaZ1JA-tVo0iEDjj6E3csTkeBhl8UVNUZaTC-P4II48XUrIBcRKC2fIjdGo7sr3ov539xTABU-fY_NkOtRj/s1600/SUC58787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6ABJUJJNpqxPlLyTQd9ARzPPQv9rZ81bJg9703JBVecsXznI0R53s0ALmzaZ1JA-tVo0iEDjj6E3csTkeBhl8UVNUZaTC-P4II48XUrIBcRKC2fIjdGo7sr3ov539xTABU-fY_NkOtRj/s320/SUC58787.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The fly, for one thing, is on the outside instead of the inside, and it is messy, and not terribly comfortable looking.<br />
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Nonetheless, husband was *thrilled*, (I know, weird huh???), that I had made him a pair, and requested more, also citing reasons that by making him more, I would get to iron out the wrinkles (pun unintended).<br />
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As you can see, I put off this request for some months, and finally got around to it today. 3 more pairs to be exact.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HCaoOFcQKCceUNwP1EEBykysgMfcqLWW_i8mXbe986LrNYGeAMicNibzvhH1xBGV1tJf_29DM1xfxlE3Sw0OxerriMelIAJvT5i0A3a4Zo1AjdnNous1F7zmTi6TU0FJJ0G-q6hxtjmC/s1600/SUC59277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HCaoOFcQKCceUNwP1EEBykysgMfcqLWW_i8mXbe986LrNYGeAMicNibzvhH1xBGV1tJf_29DM1xfxlE3Sw0OxerriMelIAJvT5i0A3a4Zo1AjdnNous1F7zmTi6TU0FJJ0G-q6hxtjmC/s320/SUC59277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>And while they still need tweaking, they are much much better, if I do say so myself, than the original pair. I have snuck them into his drawer while he has taken the kids out for the day, to give me a break, and I hope he likes them!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIWYld56jHBQKlWgqY3vim7vIwKqQcjXJBXLq3g0R7Dq9vLUFDZYNLjxWdD1aG6ftgoAjP5nFUUjdnFwh3-T5dgVHG6iHf5yubbATk4ubmOE5axqAG_GJeFuChu0B6yQyabwHjRVQt23I/s1600/SUC59276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIWYld56jHBQKlWgqY3vim7vIwKqQcjXJBXLq3g0R7Dq9vLUFDZYNLjxWdD1aG6ftgoAjP5nFUUjdnFwh3-T5dgVHG6iHf5yubbATk4ubmOE5axqAG_GJeFuChu0B6yQyabwHjRVQt23I/s320/SUC59276.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Much neater waistbands, using the original method KS mentions (I had to think about this before doing it this time, and also referred to my Singer Sewing Library "Sewing with Knits" book beforehand - love that book! ), with much better results.<br />
<br />
The fly, as you can see is also much neater, and not on the wrong side!!! I also overlocked all raw edges before I put seams together, to avoid ragged edges.<br />
<br />
The hems could have been neater and more even, but that is another project for another day I suppose...for now I am pleased.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUv-tORVTOXWLV0dHx4yVz4fujlUZmof3cxgYGnXG7WUF74lkGjWwxzmjvTeA7B0j_dud2rlF0sA7abeoPhmDrfnodmSTo009CHiHjM-nBYnJYKJuUmkmiQYxwAVqH6fDYPnBlq1uOzI_/s1600/SUC59275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQUv-tORVTOXWLV0dHx4yVz4fujlUZmof3cxgYGnXG7WUF74lkGjWwxzmjvTeA7B0j_dud2rlF0sA7abeoPhmDrfnodmSTo009CHiHjM-nBYnJYKJuUmkmiQYxwAVqH6fDYPnBlq1uOzI_/s320/SUC59275.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>Next up, husband also wants me to make him more summer singlets and my first attempt was a disaster that had to be binned. The second was marginally better (he is still wearing it), but not by much, and I have again referred to the Sewing with Knits book for a better idea of how to do it, so here's hoping I'll do a better job second time around!<br />
<br />
I must say production line sewing isn't much fun, but it IS rewarding to end up with clothes that are actually wearable, as opposed to clothes that end up in the bin. And this way, I get to practice sewing clothes that do get worn, but not scrutinised, while I improve my skillset.<br />
<br />
Next up, these singlets, and some summer nighties/ PJs for the kids. Hopefully I won't be away as long this time!Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-64877716375486418392010-09-09T13:37:00.001+10:002011-01-03T11:23:17.033+11:00Butterick 4906It has been a long while between posts, and I guess, even longer between any sewing activity.<br />
<br />
I made a pair of boxers for my husband last month, one of 5 pairs, in seersucker, but that is not really anything to write home about.<br />
<br />
I've found it hard to get motivated lately. Husband has been away a fair bit, and I have been home alone with the kids, add to that being tired all the time, and wanting to crash as soon as the kids are in bed at night, and curious kids getting up to no good in the sewing space if I try and sew while they are awake...so all told, it has meant no sewing.<br />
<br />
It has been the month of Ramadan for us, beginning August 12th. So while it has meant far less cooking, it has also meant other things to do that have kept me from sewing as I would have liked. Having kids now who are old enough to appreciate this aspect of our faith has also meant that my husband and I, both converts to the Islamic faith, are finally beginning to feel like we are starting a family tradition of our own.<br />
<br />
Anyway, sewing-wise, it is one of the special things for celebrating that one wears new clothes to the 'eid prayer, and since I am not currently working, and husband is studying and working, it has meant budgetary constraints. So I decided yesterday to sew my eldest daughter, 4 and 1/2 years old, a dress for 'eid. A bit last minute, I know, but it was the motivation I needed to actually push past the tiredness to just do it!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/B4906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://butterick.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/B4906.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>I had had Butterick 4906 in my stash for quite a while, and meant to use it for the dress in the Wardrobe Contest a few months ago that never even began.<br />
<br />
So I figured, what better time than to start now? I had already traced the pattern, in size 4 (104cm), and DD picked the cotton for the bodice, and the lightweight orange stretch denim for the skirt, and so it all began.<br />
<br />
It is rated "very easy", which I do not agree with entirely for the following reasons:<br />
1. The bodice is lined. I ended up self lining it, and got very nice results for the bodice itself, until the zipper.<br />
2. They have you insert a zipper into a lined bodice. I have never done this before, the instructions did not make sense, and I fumbled my way through it, ending up with this<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4972390473_f9a7e4c87b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4972390473_f9a7e4c87b_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4973002702_3fce0a831c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4973002702_3fce0a831c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4973023068_32f7484cf9_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4973023068_32f7484cf9_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So, not happy with these at all. On the plus side, she'll be wearing a scarf to the prayers etc, so the messy bits will all be hidden, and even if she wasn't, her hair would be covering the worst of the mess. But still...I feel bad that this is what I am going to put her in.<br />
<br />
On a positive note, what I did like about what I did (all self taught/ self figured out)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4973024418_fe119e6099_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/4973024418_fe119e6099_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4972409977_4d288ba1a1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/4972409977_4d288ba1a1_b.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4973022392_69cb59ef4b_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/4973022392_69cb59ef4b_b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Final view of finished product, warts and all (and without matching skivvy underneath)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4972433059_4216123ac0_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4972433059_4216123ac0_b.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><br />
She'll have some room for growth in it, since she is average height, and very slim (T2). She is really happy with it and can't wait to wear it.<br />
<br />
So I guess, next time around, I'll have a bit more of a think about the order of construction, instead of just following Butterick and then finding myself in a soup.<br />
<br />
I am glad I am sewing though. And while I would not have called this project "very easy", it is not difficult. I have not done zips in a looooong time, so it was a bit of a thinking process. Having never done a zip in a lined anything, I still don't know what I did wrong. And the gathering of the skirt, using gathering stitches, just did not work with denim, so I ended up using elastin, and still having to do it twice to achieve some uniformity of the gathers so that it all kind of lined up.<br />
<br />
Still, live and learn I guess!<br />
<br />
All told, it took me about 4 hours to cut, and sew from start to finish, not including tracing time. Not bad I guess. And when I did get started I began to enjoy the process again, especially the lined bodice, with the nice flat underlining, and no puckers etc. Very happy about that!<br />
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Eid mubarak, may your fasts be accepted, and ours for those who observed Ramadan.Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-91761605737456733532010-07-29T16:00:00.000+10:002010-07-29T16:00:13.411+10:00Long Absence And Some NewsI've been away much longer than anticipated. Much has been happening in my life and my world.<br />
<br />
In effect this has meant that my best laid plans wrt the wardrobe contest, never got any further than the storyboard. And winters in Sydney being what they are, mild for the most part, winter is almost over (or so it seems), and she won't be needing a jacket for much longer, I am guessing.<br />
<br />
In other news, I have trained DS, now 13 months old, to sleep at nights without feeding all night as he was doing every hour from 6pm until he woke at 6am. It took the best part of 2 months, and nearly drove me insane, but we are finally there. He still sleeps in my bed from about 11pm, but at least he sleeps, and allows me to sleep!<br />
<br />
I am also pregnant. Not planned, we had hoped #3 was our last baby, and even gave away all our baby gear, and then this happened. I can't say I am disappointed by this surprise, as I had thought, if not for my speciality work, I would have had another baby or two, so this ...is good. Best laid plans, and all that.<br />
<br />
I am due in February, and have not really told anyone. I tend to be fairly private like that, and since my mum and MIL were both horrified/ disappointed/ disapproving each time I was pregnant (for various reasons - different religions, cited lack of money, loss of (my) career, age etc), this time around, I have decided, I am just not going to say anything until I have no choice. So many minefields.<br />
<br />
What this does mean, is that once this 2 week migraine has lifted, and I am no longer throwing up/ feeling stressed with 3 kids underfoot etc, I need to come up with a plan that incorporates a couple of maternity tops, which I always wanted to sew for a pregnancy, as well as some baby clothes, especially now that we are living off one income!Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-57232515618206674782010-05-25T20:24:00.000+10:002010-05-25T20:24:49.572+10:00Storyboard for Wardrobe Contest Winter 2010It has taken me 45 minutes to do this this time around.<br />
<br />
I referred to <a href="http://www.jemimabean.blogspot.com/2009/08/mac-storyboard-tute.html">Angie's Mac Storyboard Tutorial</a> again, and it went really fast.<br />
<br />
That is the good news.<br />
<br />
The bad news, seeing it all on screen, as opposed to in my head, I am not so sure. The problem with the storyboard method IMO, is that they don't allow you to downsize the print of your fabric to correspond with the size of your line drawing. So the odd proportions give a very disjointed viewing.<br />
<br />
Having said that, I am sure I will fiddle with the final choices anyway. Being what it is, I am still happy to forge ahead for the mmt, and see what happens. If all else fails, and it is a disaster, hopefully I shall still have some wearable garments for my daughter, and will always have RTW to match the garments with.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvEWlv2Llbb7GPE9wBW6jHvqdS8iOr91Z1D3VjWdzjxwMD99MxSJKMLFVbag4SngCJkd495CYo-eySXx2-N-OsNS-wQ5hSCIZqoCaJAToEg4gfkxcAatQHrSLxoNrNPVpnD2U6fr2cgUi/s1600/Wardrobe2010PR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIvEWlv2Llbb7GPE9wBW6jHvqdS8iOr91Z1D3VjWdzjxwMD99MxSJKMLFVbag4SngCJkd495CYo-eySXx2-N-OsNS-wQ5hSCIZqoCaJAToEg4gfkxcAatQHrSLxoNrNPVpnD2U6fr2cgUi/s400/Wardrobe2010PR.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Let's see what happens!Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-85967706683213421072010-05-24T19:46:00.000+10:002010-05-24T19:46:13.781+10:00Wardrobe Contest Winter 2010I am hoping to join the Pattern Review Wardrobe Contest that will be on from June 1st until August 31st. Hope being the operative word.<br />
<br />
DD2 needs a new wardrobe. She always takes her sisters hand-me-downs cheerfully and hardly ever gets new clothes. Even the stuff I sew, I usually make for DD1 first, and sometimes only her.<br />
<br />
So this time, I figured, she was due some pampering. And, because of the big difference in body habitus, and the sixteen month age difference, they are almost in the same size RTW clothes.<br />
<br />
So I mustered up the nerve to think about the wardrobe contest. 10 items in 14 weeks; sounds eminently doable, doesn't it? If you dont' factor in sleepless nights, parenting, and childminding as well as working.<br />
<br />
Still, I want to have a go.<br />
<br />
The rules are:<br />
4 tops<br />
4 bottoms<br />
1 topper (cardi, shrug, jacket etc)<br />
1 free choice/ RTW item<br />
<br />
All tops must go with all bottoms. The topper must go with all 9 items, unless the free choice item is another topper.<br />
<br />
I thought initially of going with 4 plain bottoms and 4 printed tops. But then I got to thinking, children's clothes are often so colourful, and there is a riotous display of prints, colours and even textures. It is the one time in life they don't have to worry about looking conservative/ appropriate.<br />
<br />
And then I began doing a search on mixing prints, and what do you know, that is apparently in season NOW. So I have some tutorials, and I got some fabrics together, but I don't know...what do you think, if you are reading this?<br />
<br />
I bumped into a design student, and asked her, and she was of the opinion that I should go for it, and liked my choices, but then I am not 20...<br />
<br />
So what do I do?<br />
<br />
These are my choices: I have uploaded the combinations on my <a href="http://flickr.com/photos/thirtydaily/sets/72157624000384309/">flickr account</a><br />
<br />
And here are some examples:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/4634893166_7c67062bd6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/4634893166_7c67062bd6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the collection of fabric I want to use to make the tops, including the topper, which is the deep purple at the top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4634985232_ebb021a032.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4634985232_ebb021a032.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
The fabrics for the bottoms - 2 florals for the skirts, and 2 denims for the pants.<br />
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Put together : opinions? Good, bad, crazy good, crazy bad? Insane?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4635060166_11ed1bd9ed_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4635060166_11ed1bd9ed_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #1</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4635060586_272bc96ea1_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4635060586_272bc96ea1_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #2</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4635061076_606987ab11_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4635061076_606987ab11_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #3</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/4635061492_48b27cb514_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/4635061492_48b27cb514_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #4</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4635061900_1f65e89f21_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4635061900_1f65e89f21_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #5</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4635062386_a21b22a8f4_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4635062386_a21b22a8f4_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #6</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4635062864_b2c227e363_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4635062864_b2c227e363_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #7</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4635063334_3105714bc0_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4635063334_3105714bc0_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #8</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4634463345_2355736506_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4634463345_2355736506_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #9</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4635064194_ec43238f7b_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4635064194_ec43238f7b_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #10</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/4634464327_6c6e8f2930_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/4634464327_6c6e8f2930_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #11</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/4635065160_b2c2043cfe_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3387/4635065160_b2c2043cfe_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #12</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4635065550_da58519d5c_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4635065550_da58519d5c_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #13</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4635066460_96868da14c_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4635066460_96868da14c_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #14</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4634466463_40710ed3be_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4634466463_40710ed3be_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #15</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/4635067718_bae91fb77c_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/4635067718_bae91fb77c_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternate Combination </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4635067300_254bd5ef8f_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4635067300_254bd5ef8f_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alternate combination using gingham</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4634465547_5647869bb5_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4634465547_5647869bb5_m.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Combination #16</td></tr>
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</div>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-76240557874824314412010-05-09T20:25:00.000+10:002010-05-09T20:25:20.063+10:00Jalie 2567 - Toddler BathrobeMy second child, and second daughter, almost 3 years old, was in need of a warm bathrobe for the coming winter.<br />
<br />
Sydney, being what it is, has relatively mild winters compared to our Northern neighbours, with lovely warm days (average 17-18 degrees Celsius/ 65 degrees Farenheit), but out in the west especially, the nights and mornings can be pretty cold, often down to -1 degrees Celsius or lower, with frost.<br />
<br />
Not having central heating, nights and mornings can be hard, especially on kids. So warm nightgear is essential.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jalie.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/2/5/2567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.jalie.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/2/5/2567.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>I decided to get Jalie 2567 out of stash and to sew it up for my little girl. She will be 3 in July, but was big from birth (4.1kg), and continues to be stocky, so even though her height is 92cm, I made the 98cm, to allow for room to grow.<br />
<br />
It was my first time sewing with fleece entirely, and it was a bit fiddly. It was also my first Jalie pattern, and while I have heard great things about this company, and mostly agree, they are not <a href="http://kwiksew.com/">Kwik Sew</a>. I struggled with the instructions for sewing on the facings, but in the end, got there without any unpicking. My sewing skills must be improving, in spite of me!<br />
<br />
I traced, cut out, and sewed up this pattern in about 3 hours. My husband was good enough to babysit, so that once I had the house chores done, and lunch made by 9am, I sewed. I must admit though, it was a bit like learning to do Caesarean Sections when I was first a trainee in 2004. After a while, the excitement wore off, and I just felt tired and just wanted to get it over and done with. Probably because it all still took mental effort, and was not ...on automatic.<br />
<br />
Still, here is the finished product.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4591592096_9b77b609b5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4591592096_9b77b609b5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>She was playing outside with her siblings, as the day was close to an end.<br />
<br />
The fabric isn't the nicest, print or otherwise. Clearance fleece from Spotlight about 2 years ago, brown, with cats on it. Still, it is functional enough and she loves it, so much so that she has gone to bed with it on tonight.<br />
<br />
It is large on her, I made a sizeG, which is for 98cm, for her 92cm frame, but I figured, it'd be great if it lasts her 2 years! (I love Jalie for this BTW. Now I have a robe pattern for the kids that I can use and use and use...27 sizes!!!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4590978301_883eae6cee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4590978301_883eae6cee.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>The sleeves are waaaaay too big, but I don't really think it matters, it's not like she will be eating in this. Mainly for use after baths, before/at bed, and in the mornings, so...she'll deal with it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4590988007_d44a8caec5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4590988007_d44a8caec5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
From the back...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4590988807_48be7f5286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4590988807_48be7f5286.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I like the way the facings turned out. I left one patch pocket, and left out the other, for fear of them not matching up...<br />
<br />
All up, I think it was a good learning lesson, and another fear conquered,<br />
1. sewing fleece<br />
2. sewing a bathrobe, facings, patch pockets and all<br />
3. sewing belt loops, my first<br />
4. sewing a belt! Also a first.<br />
<br />
Great pattern, and completely worth the money, for the years and years and years of use that I will get out of this!Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-15256182439423903702010-05-07T16:49:00.002+10:002010-05-07T22:02:38.988+10:00Recycling with a purpose - Denim bibsI have been away longer than I had intended.<br />
<br />
Many more patterns traced, and ready to cut, but not much sewing happening. We have all been sick. My 10 month old FINALLY has a tooth, but is still really clingy and needy at night...and the sleep deprivation is driving me batty.<br />
<br />
Anyways, 3 of the 6 friends who were pregnant back in January have now had babies. The idea for a sling and swaddler for each of their babies went pear shaped after, seeing one set for the first of them that I made, they began criticising the fabric pattern and began making <span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: line-through;">demands </span>requests for specific patterns/ fabrics after I had already bought the fabric.<br />
<br />
I completely lost the sewing mojo, since I guess to me, gifts are about choosing what you think is worth wearing, so much more if you are MAKING said gift(s), not just buying them. So...<br />
<br />
I have been somewhat lax about gifts for these women. I have even bought the requisite clothes for these babies, but I still would like to make something they are not likely to object to.<br />
<br />
Enter <a href="http://www.thimblythings.com/2009/06/01/in-praise-of-denim-bibs">recycling denim to make bibs</a> at this site.<br />
<br />
What's not to love? Recycling, babies, making on one's own, AND not labour intensive, so that if recipients do not like them, not too much time and effort wasted.<br />
<br />
I tried to make one last night, purely for stress relief<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYd7bbpFjwZCPjYKYGOdJeMieKu9DK-iAIAQbyJQlaoWkFNQe3OQBQykxVhXR9qwGNYRbpZr9ilQy0H79MI0IfMGzXOSl7hc7yUV7kkq53187gJ55xCP6VGxrxQWIoB4kGOiEZS22cEjD/s1600/SUC58496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAYd7bbpFjwZCPjYKYGOdJeMieKu9DK-iAIAQbyJQlaoWkFNQe3OQBQykxVhXR9qwGNYRbpZr9ilQy0H79MI0IfMGzXOSl7hc7yUV7kkq53187gJ55xCP6VGxrxQWIoB4kGOiEZS22cEjD/s320/SUC58496.JPG" /></a></div><br />
It's not great, and it looks uneven above, but is not actually; and I need to fiddle with the bottom a bit to get it to look right, but it's not bad for a first attempt. At my level of sewing (non existent/ beginner), I find that the first attempt at just about anything is pretty awful...and then take #2 is generally much better.<br />
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I made a strip of embellishment on the front that I matched at the back, as lining.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrSHk8B-gpA8cFLxKTRnU8MdBS1RtgYm2JGm8ukj2NC0POWo6VEQbvzUlf23v68uv6N5MfgSyNoeMJewNMlXDZhrblyKUgBFAiZiIrnXcaHYq3AJ1Ghm_13MtK3hHW52TVzSXe6zhBN-V/s1600/SUC58498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjrSHk8B-gpA8cFLxKTRnU8MdBS1RtgYm2JGm8ukj2NC0POWo6VEQbvzUlf23v68uv6N5MfgSyNoeMJewNMlXDZhrblyKUgBFAiZiIrnXcaHYq3AJ1Ghm_13MtK3hHW52TVzSXe6zhBN-V/s320/SUC58498.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH9bDk5Y1GQRlevzROnIHO1dDtvj_bUpOw9loIuwe7TVSe5K7kdXm_-yj5xvDQDifeF_KrP4PJlw3SCikp98I7HeH8r-x9EtSfeo53QPAISr-T8aoVRsagc-TEM34pmDzUJQ8nvxuMeUY/s1600/SUC58497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZH9bDk5Y1GQRlevzROnIHO1dDtvj_bUpOw9loIuwe7TVSe5K7kdXm_-yj5xvDQDifeF_KrP4PJlw3SCikp98I7HeH8r-x9EtSfeo53QPAISr-T8aoVRsagc-TEM34pmDzUJQ8nvxuMeUY/s320/SUC58497.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This cotton I used is probably too lightweight, so I'll probably try this again with some quilting cotton as backing and embellishment. I figure I'll use darker prints for the boys, and floral/ pinks for the girls from this quilting fabric I bought <a href="http://thirtydaily.blogspot.com/2010/02/fabric-bingebuying-with-purposekind-of.html">here when I was still planning to sew the swaddlers and slings</a> . Even if they </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">don't like them, I hope they'll use them anyway! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>My husband's suggestion was to make a few in one hit, and then give them (3 each or so) to them, all at once, so they can't make further requests for specific patterns/ fabric etc. :-)<br />
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I'll be putting snaps on to tie the bibs on with my snap setter that I got from <a href="http://snapsource.com/">here.</a><br />
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Maybe I am just struggling with all of this because sewing is a bit like putting your heart on your sleeve. It is personal, it says, for me at least, "I thought of you, and what you might like, and what would look nice on (your baby). " and so when it is met with criticism, it stings.<br />
<br />
Or maybe I just need to cut these women some slack because none of them sews, and so they can't possibly understand that it takes effort and time. As one of them joked when I said I had made my daughter some underpants, "I'll buy you some, they are a dollar each!"<br />
<br />
Clearly, that is not the point.<br />
<br />
Ah well, actions can only be judged by their intention, and mine is to make something personal, that I hope will be personal, ethical, and involve a bit more effort than just going to a store and putting down some money to buy something on sale.Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-54612041202986054722010-04-24T20:22:00.001+10:002010-05-07T16:22:28.736+10:00Simplicity 2815- in actionHe is over this weekend, and here they are on him.<br />
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NOONE has EVER made him anything before, EVER. Not even his own mother. He thanked me without prompting, and seems pretty happy with them. I am pleased...:-)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuk-WVs4VIxD_Myz8BBMK5D_0yYp4rueu35ZrEqBkzJsx_8qr-g1Fn-6mJhLtT6bE4acaLW-XlxCmj5JPYz9c1CotBEK3bA-xy77CxSm1fmdUUoDGDdJ5qYdtI8ABCYqnWyoBnSK6goKq/s1600/SUC58470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuk-WVs4VIxD_Myz8BBMK5D_0yYp4rueu35ZrEqBkzJsx_8qr-g1Fn-6mJhLtT6bE4acaLW-XlxCmj5JPYz9c1CotBEK3bA-xy77CxSm1fmdUUoDGDdJ5qYdtI8ABCYqnWyoBnSK6goKq/s320/SUC58470.JPG" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xRPmUvzjCqZGPFJ5KTmd1BhzwmaOso74YgkuKufbhV73FR9Cl6CbtVywhCgWoLKp4-V4uSrhtirY7AmDP4jNowMgAELe9Yz_e42UEgflj2uP3O8lI_CZv66jjIcE6ndxK3cfgKJEm1ZQ/s1600/SUC58472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2xRPmUvzjCqZGPFJ5KTmd1BhzwmaOso74YgkuKufbhV73FR9Cl6CbtVywhCgWoLKp4-V4uSrhtirY7AmDP4jNowMgAELe9Yz_e42UEgflj2uP3O8lI_CZv66jjIcE6ndxK3cfgKJEm1ZQ/s320/SUC58472.JPG" /></a></div>I feel like a winner!<br />
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They are a bit big, but he can grow into them. Better too big than too small!Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-4900840967658573792010-04-17T21:01:00.000+10:002010-04-17T21:01:39.306+10:00Simplicity 2815It has been hard to find the thirty minutes daily of late, for many reasons:<br />
1. a nine month old who MUST be teething, because he keeps me up many many evenings and nights, and has done now for the better part of 2 months on and off. Not a tooth in sight however.<br />
2. I have just finished managing the Mini Wardrobe Contest on PatternReview.com. It was purely voluntary, and hard work. It was my second contest, but far more intense than the first one I managed (One Fabric: Wool in late 2009). I enjoyed it for the most part, even though I am glad it is over and I have my days somewhat back to myself.<br />
3. I don't know where my time and my life goes, between 3 children full time (none in daycare/ with extended family), 1 part-time, a husband who is studying and working, and me, also working and being a full time mum. We are among the busiest people I know. Sigh.<br />
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<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/medium/2815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a><br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, yesterday, with the contest drawing to a close, was the first day I found the time and energy to </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div> trace, cut out and begin to sew Simplicity 2815, which is an OOP pattern for kids' PJs.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/medium/2815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/medium/2815.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="222" /></a><br />
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I made a size S, intended for a 7 year old boy, my husband's son. I used material entirely from stash (new determination to use up stash before I buy ANY MORE fabric), so ended up running out of the 2m of fabric that I had, given to me by a friend, and making up the balance in a navy flannelette.<br />
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All up, it took me 5 hours to make these, from tracing through to sewing. A bit slow perhaps, but welcome stress relief! I hope he likes them.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4525130887_6431509387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4525130887_6431509387.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is the top, long sleeved, in Size S, with colour blocking. I used material entirely out of stash, and ran out of the animal print flannel, and used flannel in navy to make up the rest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4525774212_dd64a312c6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4525774212_dd64a312c6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This was my first top using a yoke, and making a V nect, and I am pretty pleased with the result. I had tried to use this pattern to make my eldest daughter (4 years old) summer PJs in january, but it was left to the side because the smallest size, XS, was too large on her, and the instructions threw me, so that the bias binding on the back neck was a mess. This time around, I disregarded Simplicity's instructions and bound the neck edge BEFORE the shoulder seams, which worked much better, as you can see above.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4526958602_db0fe00e8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4526958602_db0fe00e8b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Sleeve set in in the flat, another first for me. Rather nice, if you disregard the annoying overlocking showing to the side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4526964764_66e0f94c29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4526964764_66e0f94c29.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>Back view of top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4526967396_132886563c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4526967396_132886563c.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>I did not have thread in a matching colour, so I used contrasting thread in cream to do all my construction. Elastic pants, another first for me, and neat, even hems, ditto.<br />
<br />
So, what I learnt from making these:<br />
1. Sewing V necks and yokes<br />
2. Inserting bias binding to neck backs neatly, by disregarding Simplicity's instructions!<br />
3. setting in sleeve in the flat.<br />
4. Elastic waist.<br />
5. Even hems.<br />
<br />
All up, I am pretty pleased, and I hope he likes them. My husband thinks he will.<br />
<br />
I am on a bit of a sewing roll at the moment, having already commenced on this after tracing, cutting out a beginning on this:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/images/3126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://www.kwiksew.com/catalog/images/3126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Kwik Sew 3126- Toddler's PJs, T1-T4. I am making the T4 for my eldest. Struggling so far, with the collar and the instructions.<br />
<br />
This is what I have so far, with material again from stash, and more colour blocking:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4527895410_b959dbb96d_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4527895410_b959dbb96d_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It is a good fit on her, and she really likes the unusual colour blocking. I'm not happy about the collar at all, and other bits, but more on that when it is all done.<br />
I am working all day tomorrow, 12 hour shift, and so will be gone some 14 hours, so no sewing till monday, insha'Allah.<br />
<br />
It feels so good to be sewing again, and even better to have learnt some new techniques.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-67197599409625338452010-04-01T20:06:00.000+11:002010-04-01T20:06:46.223+11:00Non sewing stuff...I had a meeting with my boss today.<br />
<br />
I have 2010 off for the most part, for many reasons; my third child, feeling burnt out working 60-70 hours with young children, and not spending enough time at home with my family. Wanting to just throw it all in, and needing to re-evaluate.<br />
<br />
9 months into this leave, I find myself enjoying the one (12 hour shift) I do each fortnight, and wondering if there is a way to finish the remaining 2 years of my OBGYN (O&G) training, so I can qualify as a fellow, a consultant.<br />
<br />
The price, working fulltime, was too high to pay, yet each time I am at work, I find myself feeling the pressure, from myself, to just get back into it, to go full time again, "because it is just 2 years", to "get it over and done with".<br />
<br />
I met my boss today, to discuss options.<br />
<br />
It was not terribly productive. The gist of it being, staying on at my current workplace, would probably be a waste of my time; I am better to go elsewhere for a year, part time if I can find it, and to use the time to complete my membership examinations, and then aim to commence subspeciality training for the remaining 2 years. Working 40 hours a week is not a favoured option; 60-70/week is normal.<br />
<br />
As I drove home, in peak hour traffic, with my 3 children, aged 4, almost 3 and 9 months in the back, I found myself thinking, "Is this what I really want?"<br />
<br />
I feel torn. Unsure.<br />
<br />
On the one hand, to just "get it over and done with". And that feeling of panic, of being left behind. Of being proven to be "not good enough". Not to mention, letting down all those women, especially Muslim women, who have been waiting for me to qualify, who have been seeking out my services since I commenced this training 5 years ago...it is a communal obligation, true. But, looking after my children, is my first obligation, my fard 'ayn.<br />
<br />
If I work 60-70 hours a week, when will I see my kids? 2 years of their lives, is a big chunk of their lives. When will I see my husband, who will probably put his own ambitions for a PhD aside, to again allow me this, but at what cost?<br />
<br />
I have been praying on this for over a year now, and it is still murky.<br />
<br />
I just don't know. I keep waiting for some sign. What to do?<br />
<br />
And I feel the panic to ditch the sewing, and start planning to study for the examinations, maybe before I return to work next year. It is all a bit ...silly really. Maktub, as the arabs say. It has all been written. And if I am praying on it daily, and making efforts to work out options, whatever happens, there is khayr, good in it.<br />
<br />
No point stressing about it.<br />
<br />
Khayr insha'Allah. A friend of mine, also a doctor, has lent me Dale Carnegie's "How to stop worrying and start living". It seems like it might be helpful. We'll see...Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-17913182937837467172010-03-25T10:28:00.000+11:002010-03-25T10:28:18.220+11:00Advice for new sew-ersFrom contributing editor of one of my favourite sewing magazine, <a href="http://threadsmagazine.com/">Threads magazine</a>: (emphasis mine in bold)<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #636363; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"></span><br />
<em><strong>Threads:</strong></em> Do you have any advice for people just starting to explore sewing and/or design?<br />
<strong>Kenneth:</strong> With my teaching and writing, I’ve been fortunate to meet a lot of nice people. I’m often asked for advice for people who are just embarking on the journey called exploring sewing and design. If I were to say one thing and only one thing, it’s this: <strong>perfectionism is a disease, and a form of fear!</strong><br />
When learning the craft of sewing (which I believe is absolutely necessary in order to know what’s possible when designing), you should <b>expect to destroy several acres of fabric before you get good</b>. This is <b>an acquired skill which can only be perfected by means of repetition—practicing over and over, learning from mistakes, learning when you can save something, and when you need to cut your losses and start over.</b><br />
<b>If you are afraid to make a mistake, afraid to ruin some fabric, or afraid to waste some time, you won’t ever get really good at this craft</b>. It’s the dues you pay for becoming proficient.<br />
However, if you are willing to charge forward, cut into that fabric, try something different, and risk making a mistake, there will come one day when you realize that you’re sewing without that knot of worry in the pit of your stomach, and the process effortlessly glides along.<br />
<br />
And that, in a nutshell, sums up my fears of "charging forward" to date. I am afraid; to ruin fabric, to waste fabric ( that I have already paid for, and so in reality, it is already "wasted" unless I DO SOMETHING WITH IT.<br />
<br />
So there you go..."acres of fabric" here I come ...<br />
<br />
In other news, Threads has also recently begun a video series, for new sew-ers, free, called <a href="http://threadsmagazine.com/teach-yourself-to-sew">Teach yourself to sew</a> that is worth a look at for those who are really new, and not so new.<br />
<br />
We have all been sick with the flu the last week and one half, and I am trying to organise my sewing room, so not much sewing as such. Soon, insha'Allah.Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-89732497978626145082010-03-17T00:44:00.000+11:002010-03-17T00:44:30.962+11:00Mini Wardrobe Contest March 2010I am the contest manager for one of the march contests on <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/">Pattern Review</a>, the mini wardrobe contest. <div><br />
</div><div>The rules are simple. 4 garments, to form at least 4 distinct outfits in a month. It can be for anyone, not just the self. And there are one or two women intending to sew more than one wardrobe (one for self, and one for another). </div><div><br />
</div><div>The boards have been buzzing with excitement and plans of the intended participants, along with confusion over some issues, including, most notably, a storyboard. </div><div><br />
</div><div>What is a storyboard? A visual of the participant's intended choice of patterns and fabrics to make the composite wardrobe. That way, everyone knows what is being talked about. </div><div><br />
</div><div>I am new to sewing and even newer to storyboards, and after a while, my response of "I am not sure, I have never done this before..." began to annoy even me. What kind of contest manager would not know the basics of what they were "managing", and if that involves storyboards, should I not know at least the basics about it? </div><div><br />
</div><div>So I began looking. PR has some helpful tutorials and information about storyboards, but the best place, by far, is <a href="http://jemimabean.blogspot.com/">Angie's Quality Time blog</a>. Not only does she cover making a storyboard using <a href="http://getpaint.net/">Paint.net</a> for PCs, but she also added a later tute for Mac users like me, using Preview. </div><div><br />
</div><div>As a contest manager, I cannot actually participate in the contest, obviously, but some have been known to sew along, and while I do not think my speed is anywhere near that stage as yet I had a little bit of fun (and frustration) putting together a rough composite of a mini wardrobe I would make my 4 year old daughter, had I the time and ability. The materials and patterns are a bit haphazard, and I do not necessarily own them, having taken many of the patterns and prints off online shops, but, after a little help from my husband, this is what I ended up with: </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4KP6ORQ6XWpl0S_1kjwuC1rDf-tYRnFlHHVcQXqRHs24xS5YipVeMXmtG1LfRr-pnIU1ci7PHBLkOe9rHGtwMOlHgPSJS3IAbOAHoiKuYk3Nfq3eeB0weL6dFAfe-hS8eshFFMCIoUTw/s1600-h/storyboardminiwardrobetest03:2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4KP6ORQ6XWpl0S_1kjwuC1rDf-tYRnFlHHVcQXqRHs24xS5YipVeMXmtG1LfRr-pnIU1ci7PHBLkOe9rHGtwMOlHgPSJS3IAbOAHoiKuYk3Nfq3eeB0weL6dFAfe-hS8eshFFMCIoUTw/s400/storyboardminiwardrobetest03:2010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div>It is late here, after midnight, and so I am calling it quits here. </div><div><br />
</div><div>What I tend to see a lot of, on storyboards, is layering of fabric, patterns, line illustrations, which is ok, nothing wrong with that. For me, personally, I like seeing the fabric of choice filling the line illustration, to be able to better visualise if it will work. So, while I would have liked to have played a bit more with the layering effect, I am fairly happy with this for now. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Phew. Now, if people don't quite know what to do, or how to do it as far as this stuff goes, I can feel a bit more confident about pointing them in the right direction! </div><div><br />
</div><div>In other news, my son has been keeping me up late, and so I have been grumpy and generally TIRED. And that does not motivate me to sew. Or cut. Or trace. So my pile of stuff to sew is sitting, waiting patiently. </div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokoCcQcIsWusVXb-7t_AU_JRNX1qXsDiVmZdwXx0AydTMCo0IjokWMjRf-dKhkoZ3Tbrt7BW2dOG3YkKLNDEuyptq710K6nLH28P9jD_hPL1bFZa7mfrCMH9makW-OH8aXa-maGzuwGLt/s1600-h/cs-500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhokoCcQcIsWusVXb-7t_AU_JRNX1qXsDiVmZdwXx0AydTMCo0IjokWMjRf-dKhkoZ3Tbrt7BW2dOG3YkKLNDEuyptq710K6nLH28P9jD_hPL1bFZa7mfrCMH9makW-OH8aXa-maGzuwGLt/s320/cs-500.jpg" /></a></div><div>And in yet other news, this is the latest addition to my sewing adventures. A semi industrial blind hemmer. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Kobe. Made in Japan. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Did I need it? Probably not. Did I want it? Yes. </div><div>I have been dallying over it for about six months now, and hedging. In Australia, they retail for just over $1000. Way too much for me. </div><div>But, being short (5'3), I am forver altering pants and dresses when I buy them. And when my husband dresses in his religious garb, which is most of the time, he needs the length/ hems taken up to just above his ankle. Alteration costs money that adds up after a while, but more importantly, they never seem to do a good enough job. </div><div>So, I talked to my husband, and he says what he always says, subHanallah. "Get it if you think you will use it." </div><div>I would not have, except I got an exceptional deal on it, even with the cost of shipping. And so I bit the bullet. </div><div><br />
</div><div>Now to figure out how to work it so I can hem some clothes....</div>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4571086085914369163.post-87807144177201675572010-03-12T16:02:00.000+11:002010-03-12T16:02:26.640+11:00Waste Free Lunch Bag - PR Handbag Contest march 2010<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
My kids totally love their little bags. I don't know how much "lunch" use they will get out of them. They seem to be using them primarily as handbags while playing house and whatever else little girls get up to.<br />
<br />
It is a nice size for adults too, if you can edit the pockets and contents somewhat.<br />
<br />
Here is the layout, of the lining, on cotton batting:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltrhaHSS6_pJ5XfQU3i1198qpBT3P6F0CKZEo8qIrBZYCvzGMJbigviYNcFqwMrFvwqmO0vZm71-h557XjbioYVByzf_-t8ykwCDecR_oln0A7QEJRCAiXTDd-xo3O9HUO56TX1p-zM0g/s1600-h/SUC57910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltrhaHSS6_pJ5XfQU3i1198qpBT3P6F0CKZEo8qIrBZYCvzGMJbigviYNcFqwMrFvwqmO0vZm71-h557XjbioYVByzf_-t8ykwCDecR_oln0A7QEJRCAiXTDd-xo3O9HUO56TX1p-zM0g/s320/SUC57910.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The divider is the large fabric piece on the left, which becomes incorporated into the final side seams. The fabric to the right, is the pocket.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4DhdAvlT1n2oX7xZ5lJ-_5jz8CLxkyDgj1d6DVXjF4FrdfNWz1hYtsdcAjam4V5qrCzzwF5r2PqDYs9THGaJIG5QmaPfmk9ow1QLbaq2J8REnkLI5J6ZBu9K7EpETpCV6JHP_alW7dso/s1600-h/SUC57918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4DhdAvlT1n2oX7xZ5lJ-_5jz8CLxkyDgj1d6DVXjF4FrdfNWz1hYtsdcAjam4V5qrCzzwF5r2PqDYs9THGaJIG5QmaPfmk9ow1QLbaq2J8REnkLI5J6ZBu9K7EpETpCV6JHP_alW7dso/s320/SUC57918.JPG" /></a></div>Here is the lining, turned out, with the bottle holder facing the photo, just before I inserted this into the fabric/ outer layer.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9iLcr8ZuQnjAmJVB8GxPwTGebPuxWZu5ssgevH86Sb9giJ86YrptENWyOn7QG5EHZmqZSinzfmmXN75BbMfLQSybRjT6z3xPpVHotY58mr9oWbT5o7OJVUDw3zy1gk3IfuRX2ZRTksmr/s1600-h/SUC57920.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9iLcr8ZuQnjAmJVB8GxPwTGebPuxWZu5ssgevH86Sb9giJ86YrptENWyOn7QG5EHZmqZSinzfmmXN75BbMfLQSybRjT6z3xPpVHotY58mr9oWbT5o7OJVUDw3zy1gk3IfuRX2ZRTksmr/s320/SUC57920.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This is the other side of the lining layer, with the pocket folded into the divider, which is what you can see here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4H1X34FZ1_Gwk_nUX6Fkzf_qsclw7dZwtMpplCHpP5MWgYsEQL8Ud9Qk3HzrtdRquP90AXt3tRiVnXYKAVxQnMIiQ1Z3MyWHbwzpL-EzATbsjSNZZq-_rmD05qEe1AXgMtQzEOuCXRu7/s1600-h/SUC57922.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC4H1X34FZ1_Gwk_nUX6Fkzf_qsclw7dZwtMpplCHpP5MWgYsEQL8Ud9Qk3HzrtdRquP90AXt3tRiVnXYKAVxQnMIiQ1Z3MyWHbwzpL-EzATbsjSNZZq-_rmD05qEe1AXgMtQzEOuCXRu7/s320/SUC57922.JPG" /></a></div><br />
Fully lined on the inside. Velcro for closures. Next time, I might consider using a waterproof lining, such as PUL, especially if it is intended for kids, to make it "mess proof"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT3hwgQLBc-0Xu2U0uWHMPP7BrEJopUFPKxQvmgfXJn3MkxR0yZK-uxhwkDUMPnTa0Gq5coSB8eZElGJ2lDoxRk1JU4niQScipjazy8_7Hm4cesYB_jsmBjTKISh1hyphenhyphenyO7c7fp266dFwz/s1600-h/SUC57928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOT3hwgQLBc-0Xu2U0uWHMPP7BrEJopUFPKxQvmgfXJn3MkxR0yZK-uxhwkDUMPnTa0Gq5coSB8eZElGJ2lDoxRk1JU4niQScipjazy8_7Hm4cesYB_jsmBjTKISh1hyphenhyphenyO7c7fp266dFwz/s320/SUC57928.JPG" /></a></div>Finished product, 9.5 inches by 9 inches when full.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYzYUttIQd91DdSZO7Yci5Ci8Lh4_Je35F-SfWP4-Nw_Z3chcnJSRLHie_Sye4mRkEaZ-3B2Kak1HaSFOpdyhWR3x4UKlx5t3sbFfbiLg6eyNvSK2B0rsWGiclAQgBRxcUR0rQJFlaW_6/s1600-h/SUC57926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxYzYUttIQd91DdSZO7Yci5Ci8Lh4_Je35F-SfWP4-Nw_Z3chcnJSRLHie_Sye4mRkEaZ-3B2Kak1HaSFOpdyhWR3x4UKlx5t3sbFfbiLg6eyNvSK2B0rsWGiclAQgBRxcUR0rQJFlaW_6/s320/SUC57926.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHP0hHRa_guvsxld55irzRNONwNByQ-VbpNTzpA32aVDHgMoZYYdS5tF5Ri1LjDTt2wn6fLXfHJw6HpIHvK-nwxwYgoJE3JlOuBIBXdf4yCaPr_YtFzL-mIsT0mvz_XA_bn4vevQWwVgwr/s1600-h/SUC57937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHP0hHRa_guvsxld55irzRNONwNByQ-VbpNTzpA32aVDHgMoZYYdS5tF5Ri1LjDTt2wn6fLXfHJw6HpIHvK-nwxwYgoJE3JlOuBIBXdf4yCaPr_YtFzL-mIsT0mvz_XA_bn4vevQWwVgwr/s320/SUC57937.JPG" /></a></div>I can see I will be making more of these in the near future!!! What little girl does not like bags, especially bags made especially for her? The one on the left is my first (wonky) attempt. The second attempt went together seamlessly, with no unpicking or anything. Muslins may well be a good idea!<br />
<br />
All up, from cutting to construction, it took me about 2 hours to put this together. It is a nice pattern, I am sure it could be self drafted by someone more experienced, but that would not be me:-)<br />
<br />
The only initial pain was making the templates, since the instructions have you cut them out on the fabric and interfacing. Being the pedant that I am, I decided to make my own templates for repeated use using my sew-in interfacing, so I have standard sized templates to make more of these with.<br />
<br />
My first PR contest entered. alHamdulillah. So pleased. Not even hoping to win by a long shot (unless it is the random draw winner), but so happy to have just done this!<br />
<br />
Full review at <a href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?readreview=1&reviewnum=49107">pattern review</a>Imaanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09883756965959949849noreply@blogger.com0