tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33010164082892866132024-03-13T22:35:47.542-04:00The Travelling Seamstresstravelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-66826586480724032212012-08-13T22:26:00.001-04:002012-08-13T22:26:55.369-04:00We're all going on a summer holiday...So I'm going on holiday/vacation in a couple of months to Thailand. I'm so excited and of course we all know what a fabulous holiday requires...a fabulous new holiday wardrobe!!<br /><br />Here are my ideas so far:<br /><br />Victory patterns <a target="_blank" href="http://www.victorypatterns.com/products/simone/">Simone</a> dress. I haven't sewn anything from this line before but as soon as I saw their new range of patterns on <a target="_blank" href="http://paunnet.blogspot.com/2012/08/something-new-and-something-to-look.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Paunnet+%28%3A%3A+paunnet+%3A%3A%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Paunnet's blog</a>, I knew I would have to make something from their range and this one called to me:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5776349542376459682'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-5sNf_wOT1gU/UCm3TevWzaI/AAAAAAAAAL4/TxFcFNTwukM/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6559-products-22750.php?page_id=108">McCall's 6559</a> - a basic, easy to wear maxi dress. I would probably make it a little shorter than normal to avoid it potentially dragging on the ground when I am out and about:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5776349554270601202'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aPDaZnNxq6s/UCm3ULDI__I/AAAAAAAAAMA/_eQZVn0br-8/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='266' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6074-products-10885.php?page_id=108">McCall's 6074</a> - this was one of the first dresses I ever made. It wasn't a great success (I chose too big a size, I had never sewn knits before and it had some techniques which I wouldn't use these days on lightweight knits now that I know better (narrow double folded hem?!)) but it's super comfortable and easy to wear. I'll make it in the shorter length:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5776349569079601794'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-PZ5Mbmdf2i8/UCm3VCN4aoI/AAAAAAAAAMI/iRl2KyxUGck/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='266' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://sewing.patternreview.com/Patterns/42491#.UCmww2t5mSM">Vogue 1209</a> - I would make it in a knit fabric I think so that I won't need to worry so much about it wrinkling. I think it looks kinda fun and a little different especially with the back peplum. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5776349602671111826'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VD_x0GNSk6A/UCm3W_WuLpI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/fp3jK9SG_Us/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='266' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://stitchywitch.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/vogue-8805-color-blocking-and-proportions/">Vogue 8805</a> - I'm totally inspired by Green Apples' version and I like the whole color blocking trend (even though I'm probably a bit late to the party now). <br /><br />I bought this lawn (I think??) fabric in Ikea a while back:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5776349647322573250'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rJh22dKZHoc/UCm3ZlsdacI/AAAAAAAAAMY/SbKK-NA1kOs/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='400' height='400' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />And I think I may make this summery dress with it from <a target="_blank" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96930834/pdf-sewing-pattern-kimono-sleeve-dress">Salme patterns</a>:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5776349671739829522'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Oaq2mNh_It0/UCm3bAp_LRI/AAAAAAAAAMg/NxgnTL8fV6g/s288/8.jpg' border='0' width='187' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.burdastyle.com/pattern_store/patterns/62010-long-dress-with-bat-sleeves">Burda bat sleeve dress</a> - I would make the shorter version like some of the other burda members already have. <br /><br />I also need some tops to wear with shorts and leggings and I need to get some trousers to wear for when we go hiking through the jungle (I'm thinking cargo pants or similar). <br /><br />Of course, I know that I don't really NEED all of this but that's part of the fun of holidays!! :)<br /><br />I also know that this plan is probably far too ambitious (especially since my sewing mojo has abandoned me recently and I'm still waiting for it to return fully) but we'll see how I get on. <br /><br />If anyone has any other suggestions (especially for tops) please let me know!<br />travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-30892910030625090882012-05-14T22:00:00.000-04:002012-05-14T22:00:01.067-04:00Jumping on a trend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I jumped on the maxi skirt trend (I jumped on the maxi dress trend some time ago but have only blogged one of them so far)!<br />
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I decided to jump completely wing it (which isn't my normal style) and just bought a length of fabric (rayon challis I think), cut it in half, sewed it together at the side seams (the selvage), gathered it, then attached it to a length of wide elastic which I had fitted to my waist and then did a wide, blind-stitched hem.<br />
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Very comfortable, very easy, very cool and airy and very twirly!!<br />
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<br /></div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-52468118995122666082012-05-13T21:25:00.001-04:002012-05-13T21:25:42.808-04:00Happy Mother's Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Happy mother's day to my mum!!<br />
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My parents have just left after visiting for just over three weeks. Much as I love my own space, I'm actually missing having them here and it's feeling a little quiet at the moment. Here's looking forward to seeing mum in a few months time (and my sister!).</div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-403786178532235432012-03-10T10:27:00.003-05:002012-03-10T10:29:00.891-05:00Kony 2012This is nothing to do with sewing but an important thing to share with everyone (thanks <a target="_blank" href="http://mabelshouse.blogspot.com/2012/03/so-very-important.html"> for sharing Liz</a>...)<br />
<br />
<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/37119711?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=d13030" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/37119711">KONY 2012</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/invisible">INVISIBLE CHILDREN</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-50643412172583087702012-01-15T18:26:00.002-05:002012-01-15T18:27:40.893-05:00Curiouser and curiouser - a Christmas dress from wonderlandAmongst all my other sewing that I decided to undertake for Christmas (I think I counted that I made 12 items in total in the month of December!!), I also decided that I fancied making us girls Christmas dresses each. <br />
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This is the first one of the three - the one I made for my sister. It was made using fabric from spoonflower using <a target="_blank" href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1161-products-10761.php?page_id=854">Vogue 1161</a>. <br />
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With a shrug for the cold tyneside weather:<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5698004240217221986'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HgtpLf_6Ni4/TxNgqsrRK2I/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Kp7GTZGi9Wk/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='244' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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Without the shrug:<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5698004264278607330'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Hndxluk3eiM/TxNgsGT8xeI/AAAAAAAAAKA/cQnF2K6DM6w/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='241' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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From the back:<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5698004277931208466'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ghoaloYSAXE/TxNgs5K-7xI/AAAAAAAAAKI/C4EwAgOSAec/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='115' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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Showing the waistband and the seaming detail around the hips:<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5698004291116210418'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-XwoV8KnMkJI/TxNgtqSiGPI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/RWvVT-buZB4/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='240' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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My amazing (wink) pattern matching at the centre front seam (look how both sides of Alice's face match!!!):<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5698004305930383122'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-oyk3Kxn5zWs/TxNguhegbxI/AAAAAAAAAKY/pmuDCoN8_nE/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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<b>Things I did differently to the pattern:</b><br />
Lengthened it by about 3 inches. <br />
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<b>Things I would do differently if I were to do this again:</b><br />
- Not screw up the back!! I screwed up the shape of the back bottom piece when I lengthened the dress by 3 inches. The back isn't terrible now but it certainly could be a lot better but I didn't have any spare fabric - very annoying!<br />
- Slightly increase the size of the bottom half of the dress so that it is a little more comfortable. <br />
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<b>Things I like about this:</b><br />
- It's very flattering to her shape (IMHO). <br />
- I love the fabric - my sister likes things that are a little quirky but that still look good - I think this fits the bill. <br />
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I'll post about the other dresses in due course...travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-16602699164848701582011-12-31T11:15:00.003-05:002012-01-08T17:03:57.038-05:00Christmas Haul[Arghh, This is my third time writing this post after my 'BlogPress' app lost it twice already!!] <br />
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<b>Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays</b> <br />
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I have spent the holidays back with my family in the UK eating too much, being too lazy and generally having a very relaxing time! I also did very well with Christmas presents from everyone this year, in particular with sewing presents which I thought I would give a quick rundown of. <br />
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<b>Fabulous, Potential-Filled Fabric:</b> This is the obligatory shot of all my gifted fabric: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5692329848063199090'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-c56Qe83PQBs/Tv831mopB3I/AAAAAAAAAIQ/rK6LBln2G9A/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='213' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
Quite a haul hey! <br />
<br />
So, to run through each of them: <br />
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This selection was given to me by my parents: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5694136012851350546'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-snWfeod3yus/TwWiiOzDjBI/AAAAAAAAAIY/ZroGCZvwmWI/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='162' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
The first fabric here is a multi-colored jersey fabric (I think - I'm not exactly sure of the content of any of them) which I have already decided to use for <a target="_blank" href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1258-products-14705.php?page_id=1429">Vogue 1258:<br />
</a> <a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5694136022598661554'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-i8u9CpB4Y2s/TwWiizG_tbI/AAAAAAAAAIg/QSw2n6RE7fc/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='231' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
The second fabric is a velvet burn-out knit fabric - here are some close-up so that you can see more what I mean: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5694136040650714146'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Rdzy3GsEJ84/TwWij2W8LCI/AAAAAAAAAIo/cZvcn_BHO-4/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='226' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5694136060198048178'><img src='https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1ulKWT30gfU/TwWik_LY0bI/AAAAAAAAAIw/p2k1UNkZ96w/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
This may end up being a cardigan or something similar but I'm going to have to think about this one for a while. <br />
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The third fabric is a black and gold mesh like knit which flowers made up out of the fabric and sewn all over the surface (difficult to describe). This one will definitely require some thought so I'm not sure yet what that will end up being (I like a good challenge!). <br />
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This was from my grand parents - it is a tiger print velvet with a little bit of stretch: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5695383565158740546'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1PrV6MKlPBQ/TwoRLVTickI/AAAAAAAAAI4/8BYxQP6XTUY/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='249' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
I am still deciding on this one but I think I may make it into a coat that is a little like Kate Moss' <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fabsugar.co.uk/Photos-Kate-Moss-Out-Dinner-Jamie-Leopard-Print-Coat-Pointed-Heels-5192744">here:</a> <br />
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These four are from my brother and his wife: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5695383581345877858'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MgdnWNBFFW0/TwoRMRm2j2I/AAAAAAAAAJA/CFV_A1MUHno/s288/1.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='223' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
Two are some of tweedy and one of these has embroidery all over it: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5695383603111602754'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-hu4M17lQfZ8/TwoRNisNKkI/AAAAAAAAAJI/1nW8FCByffY/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
One is a blue/grey/black fabric: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5695383622387085970'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Dfjzkr9VU1E/TwoROqf1spI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/miPngvife2I/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
Which i will probably make up into <a target="_blank" href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8631-products-10773.php?page_id=174">Vogue 8631 </a> - the pictures don't look great on the vogue website but if you google the pattern, you'll see a number of good examples. <br />
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And then the fourth one is a pinky-red brocade: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5695383634680518306'><img src='https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ReERm9L1GII/TwoRPYS0lqI/AAAAAAAAAJY/cQwludouxPE/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
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Lastly, I heard about a mill called <a target="_blank" href="http://www.lintondirect.co.uk/">Linton Tweeds</a> relatively close to my parents' house which was the original supplier for the famous Chanel jackets and still supplies them as well as Jason Wu, Victoria Beckham and other big names and they sell to the public - I had to go! The shop wasnt quite what i expected -very small and not what you would expect decor wise for somewhere that sells fabric to famous design houses but the staff were great and the fabric was amazing! Everything is a one-off - ends of fabric bolts custom designed by various design houses. So of course, I then had to buy some fabric: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5695383652308012930'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7Wlamcl9wlA/TwoRQZ9iz4I/AAAAAAAAAJg/7NBGU8l72nM/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='178' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
I will use the purpley-pink one for a jacket (I was told that this one was commissioned by a large and well-known fashion house!!), the pink wool crepe for a dress to go with the jacket and the grey and multicolored one for a skirt. <br />
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On top of all of this fabric, I got these patterns: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5695383667986589474'><img src='https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-95KVyL9YAf0/TwoRRUXm5yI/AAAAAAAAAJo/DhipFWEUuqw/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='255' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
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And these great sewing books: <br />
<a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5695383688386358162'><img src='https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pHI1ktkx730/TwoRSgXSq5I/AAAAAAAAAJw/0ClNZKNlbfk/s288/7.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='159' style='margin:5px'></a> <br />
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I'm a happy girl!travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-33249158020567004862011-11-27T10:46:00.001-05:002011-11-27T10:46:54.879-05:00Fame at last!I am famous! Suzanne from Beau Baby has given me a <a target="_blank" href="http://mybeaubaby.blogspot.com/2011/11/perfect-mens-hoodie-pattern.html">shout-out</a> on her blog -my first one (as far as I am aware)!<br /><br />It all started when Suzanne accurately pointed out the <a target="_blank" href="http://mybeaubaby.blogspot.com/2011/11/scrubs-and-monk-robes-is-this-really-it.html"> dearth of good sewing patterns for men </a>and then went on to describe the hoodie she really wanted to make for her husband. Luckily with a little searching, I found something that seemed to match what she was describing so I sent her the link and now she's going to make that up!<br /><br />Good luck Suzanne and I can't wait to see the final result!!<br /><br />travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-8588003975609696642011-10-30T22:45:00.002-04:002011-10-31T07:59:36.614-04:00A final goodbye to the warm weather...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well happy weekend to everyone! For the first time in about six months I felt a little cold this weekend - I almost didn't know how to handle it! <br />
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It seemed fitting then that I gave one of my summery dresses another wearing on thursday which turned out to be the last warm day probably of this year before breaking out my autumn/winter clothes. This was a dress I made just before I flew home to the UK earlier in the summer (in fact I finished it the night before I flew). I had decided that I wanted another maxi dress (I made three over the summer - two of which I haven't shown you yet but which I wore lots!!) and that I wanted to use a border print on it. This caused some problems as the border was on the selvedge and the fabric had a fair amount of stretch in the cross grain and so had a tendency to "grow" in length during the day. I used <a href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1886-misses-special-occasion-dresses.aspx" target="_blank">Simplicity 3503</a> but then fiddled around with it quite a bit so that the top half looks a little different (I also chose to leave out the pockets). <br />
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This dress can be dressed up (I wore it all glammed up on a night out in the UK) or dressed down which is how I wore it on Thursday (ignore the crazy expressions - I took these photos after getting in late from the theatre).<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5669481989593644370"><img border="0" height="281px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--4Dbdvq14hY/Tq4L1NI0PVI/AAAAAAAAAHY/VfpeGU2e05g/s288/0.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210px" /></a></center><br />
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Sans belt:<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5669481995360082402"><img border="0" height="281px" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h19M3tLgt0U/Tq4L1inpGeI/AAAAAAAAAHg/ZQRs53F6J2s/s288/2.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="210px" /></a></center><br />
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I wore it to go and see <a href="http://www.nctheatre.com/shows/evita" target="_blank">Evita</a> at the North Carolina Theatre after I was kindly invited by my good friends Steve, Jill and Jessie. NB even though the reviews are mixed about Evita in general I loved it and would definitely recommend it. I will definitely be going to the theatre sometime soon!<br />
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Lastly I shall leave you with two pictures: <br />
1. A shot from my next project which is now nearly finished - what do you think it will end up being??<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5669482001771612946"><img border="0" height="210px" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-2AaaawjbcTM/Tq4L16gRSxI/AAAAAAAAAHo/P_1rjE2XoVg/s288/3.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281px" /></a></center><br />
2. I'm too soft - my cats love my newly dried laundry and if I turn my back for a second they're there and I then can't face moving them.<br />
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<center><a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5669482005873476130"><img border="0" height="210px" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yzRKMenKHsQ/Tq4L2JyOwiI/AAAAAAAAAHw/cF7ts1NFtHA/s288/4.jpg" style="margin: 5px;" width="281px" /></a></center><br />
(BTW I discovered tonight that they love ryvita and cant get enough of it which is pretty weird for cats!)</div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-53579607527180238532011-10-25T18:47:00.002-04:002011-10-25T23:39:09.979-04:00An autumn colored dress (made in the summer!)Here was today's outfit and another new dress I hadn't revealed before now. Again I made this in the summer in a rayon challis which was lovely to work with. <br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5667565140964836002'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4WxQVnspXtI/Tqc8d7iYgqI/AAAAAAAAAGs/r1YdVWCqDYc/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5667565147098200018'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-5RrKEPMd4Rc/Tqc8eSYsN9I/AAAAAAAAAG0/63BV4ma8xs4/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
This is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-1546-misses-dresses.aspx">Simplicity 2588</a> which is one of their project runway designs. <br />
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I do love this dress and I always get compliments on it. In particular I like that it fits well across the bust so it must mean that I'm fairly close in size/shape to simplicity's block and I like that it has pockets. <br />
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There are a few things which could be improved on this for next time (one day I might get around to muslin-ing things) - these are:<br />
1. The bodice really should be longer<br />
2. The upper back gapes slightly<br />
<br />
The other mistake was just pure stupidity - although you can't tell I managed to sew three of the tab pieces together for one of the tabs instead of the usual two (front and back) without realizing. I didn't want to unpick it afterwards so it just stayed as it was and I had to cut out another piece for the other tab (part of the reason I never throw away any halfway decent fabric scraps until the garment is done). <br />
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Overall though I think there is a definite chance I might make this or another of the views again!<br />
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A few detail shots:<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5667565151363422258'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0vjxfMtTO38/Tqc8eiRmWDI/AAAAAAAAAG8/kdmTSEh90p0/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5667565162669359810'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2D038hZjQR0/Tqc8fMZJQsI/AAAAAAAAAHE/7p7RuURslFs/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />
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Gratuitous cat picture of the day:<br />
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<center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5667565169361666802'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KZLsa_qS28U/Tqc8flUtwvI/AAAAAAAAAHM/xdzWz6zNp3Q/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-75015432693704448182011-10-23T15:00:00.001-04:002011-10-23T15:00:38.069-04:00My first jacket and my first time using corduroy!I'm back! I've still been sewing but now that I've got myself a decent camera with a self-timer, a tripod and worked out how to get those pictures from my camera to my iPad now that I no longer have a personal use laptop (working this out was not easy!) I can get back to blogging about my creations!<br /><br />So first up is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.simplicity.com/p-4462-misses-dresses-cynthia-rowley-collection.aspx">Simplicity 2443</a>. I made the jacket up when I was last in the UK visiting my family and it was a great distraction to a lot of stuff going on then. <br /><br />I made the jacket up in a light beige (ecru?) colored corduroy - i had been nervous about sewing with corduroy for a long time but when i went fabric shopping for this jacket, it jumped out of me and i figured now was the time to try it. This was a small vale corduroy and was a joy to sew with - obviously pressing is a little more tricky than your average woven fabric but still not too bad. I will definitely be trying to use it again!<br /><br />As you may notice I made some changes to the pattern. I wanted this to be an easy-to-wear, casual spring/autumn jacket which I could just throw on and so this is what I changed: removed the tabs and ties (I figured that they would just get in the way and I wasn't sure if I liked the look of them), changed the shape of the sleeves to less "mutton leg" (is that the right description??) to wide and straight with a cuff and left off the flap on the top of the breast pockets (I thought that might just make the whole thing look a little too busy). <br /><br />Pictures of the jacket in action with my <a target="_blank" href="http://thetravellingseamstress.blogspot.com/2011/05/pleats-pleats-and-more-pleats-in-action.html">Pleats, pleats, pleats dress</a> (this is me trying to work out 1. how to pose and 2. how to do my hair/make-up in a way that looks good in said posing and 3. (probably most importantly) try to learn how to be less critical of me in pictures! (I am also wearing my new boots in this picture for the first time which I love!). <br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5666764519910564002'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-72LtneVgyhQ/TqRkTpsOYKI/AAAAAAAAAF8/b374zCuc8s0/s288/6.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5666764527217541250'><img src='http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gQ9hEJBhmuw/TqRkUE6WAII/AAAAAAAAAGE/TibJ4_sbKr0/s288/0.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br />IMO it also looks great with jeans and a t-shirt so it's nice and flexible. <br /><br />A few more detail pics:<br /><br />The inside-I did bound seams as I didn't have my serger with my and wanted the inside to be pretty and to last (and this fabric frayed like crazy!). N.B. Ignore the little hole on the shoulder - I managed to catch that so it now needs repairing. <br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5666764532536611842'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-FTWebVF8X7k/TqRkUYuglAI/AAAAAAAAAGM/1qjxPyD4r5E/s288/2.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br />Close up of the pockets:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5666764537403727634'><img src='http://lh5.ggpht.com/-G4YoOxB5Dec/TqRkUq263xI/AAAAAAAAAGU/LPOzs0QK1Vk/s288/3.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />And my favorite touch - the wooden leaf buttons of the cuffs!<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5666764543554326018'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-EQ5W9RpMJ20/TqRkVBxVjgI/AAAAAAAAAGc/59McOmmHGbU/s288/4.jpg' border='0' width='210' height='281' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /><br />I've worn this a few times already and I love it so I'm definitely glad I made it. <br /><br />Non-sewing picture for the day:<br /><br />I just went to Busch Gardens for the first time with a group of friends and whilst I was there I went to my first haunted house (such fun especially whilst clinging onto some good girlfriends) and had my face painted for the (I think) first time:<br /><br /><center><a href='https://picasaweb.google.com/108378048326528744659/TheTravellingSeamstress?authkey=Gv1sRgCPiJ3eLIlMnOfg#5666764549895225762'><img src='http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hv6jYGCye5k/TqRkVZZIAaI/AAAAAAAAAGk/vPxw8hqxIwQ/s288/5.jpg' border='0' width='281' height='210' style='margin:5px'></a></center><br /> <br /><br />travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-42100931640504232292011-06-12T13:12:00.001-04:002011-10-23T15:08:33.483-04:00Dress Sizes DemystifiedExplains a lot!!<br />
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<a href="http://flowingdata.com/2011/04/28/womens-dress-sizes-demystified/"></a>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-31487222559591223572011-06-09T21:32:00.000-04:002011-06-09T21:32:40.836-04:00A vote!Okay I have decided to let you lot choose what "new" thing (i.e. not a UFO) that I sew next. The options are: <br />
1. Vogue 1152: http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1152-products-10752.php?page_id=854 <br />
2. Simplicity 2588: http://www.simplicity.com/p-1546-misses-dresses.aspx<br />
3. A jumpsuit (I have yet to decide on which one but it wil be something floaty - almost like 19040's beach pyjamas)<br />
4. Shorts (again, I have yet to decide on the details but I'm considering a paper bag style top and a scalloped hem)<br />
5. Vogue 8425: http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8425-products-7999.php?page_id=263 in my red/pink stretch denim<br />
6. Colette's Macaron dress: http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/macaron<br />
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Votes from as many people as possible appreciated!!<br />
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In other news, I have been working on my plans and in the last week I finished the "original dress", made myself a maxi dress and am making good progress on DS's butterfly dress!!travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-26095147525316099402011-06-06T22:02:00.001-04:002011-06-07T12:15:37.214-04:00Plans...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">My worst trait by far is that I am a procrastinator and so one of my new year's resolutions was to continually try and work on it and try and challenge myself to overcome my procrastination. With that in mind, here is my plan for the next few months sewing wise which I am going to try to work towards:<br />
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UFOs (UnFinished Objects):<br />
There were two common themes that I read in blogs when I started sewing that I swore that I would never do. The first was accumulating a stash of UFOs. Unfortunately I have started to go down that road which has to stop!! So I have decided that before I can make a new garment I must finish a UFO until I have got through my list. When I made this decision(a week ago)this was what was on the list:<br />
- the original dress - this was the first thing I sewed once I started sewing a year ago but a few things went wrong and I lost momentum - now all that's left is to hem it and so it is ridiculous that this isn't yet finished. <br />
- DS's summer dress - another one where I had some difficulties which meant that I wasn't able to finish it before she went back to the UK and so after that I ran out of steam. I must get this finished before I go back to the UK!!<br />
- DSIL's skirt. I promised to make her a skirt as part of a Facebook pact. I had a few difficulties with the waistband and hem - nothing too terrible but again I started to run out of steam. However, her part of the deal has now been fulfilled so I need to hold up my end of the deal!!<br />
- Boho butterfly chiffon top - I started this before I got my walking foot and the chiffon was just too hard but I'm sure that I should be able to manage it now. <br />
- iPad cover (only just started it but it does still need to be finished)<br />
I've included these in the UFO category but these are more refashions/tweaks that partly made garments:<br />
- hem gypsy skirt - I have a gypsy skirt that is very old now which is too long and has a wonky hem (I now know this was caused by hemming the garment before it was left to hang as it was cut on the bias)<br />
- shorten denim jacket - I have a denim jacket which looks a little frumpy but after seeing the snug bug's refashion of her denim jacket where she shortened her jacket and took it in at the sides, I want to do the same thing. <br />
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New makes:<br />
The other common theme in blogs was the size of people's fabric stashes. Again I always thought that I would never fall into the trap of accumulating mountains of fabric with no great plan. I haven't really fallen into that trap but I am getting close to the edge of the precipice and so I need to rein it in before it gets any worse! So these are the things where I already have the fabric and I need to just make the garment:<br />
- Vogue 8425 pencil skirt to be made with red/pink stretch denim<br />
- vogue 1152 summer dress to be made with blue floral fabric<br />
- trousers in a variety of fabrics<br />
And then these are on the wish list to possibly make:<br />
- shorts<br />
- jumpsuit<br />
- another maxi dress<br />
- Black dress to wear to business meetings with my tweed jacket<br />
- jacket of some description<br />
- vogue 1239<br />
- button up blouse<br />
- Colette macaron dress<br />
- waistcoat<br />
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My plan is that I can get through all of this by the end of the year if not before then...do you think I'll be able to do it??<br />
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So after a fairly dry post, I'll end on a slightly lighter note with another picture of one of my crazy cats taken this evening.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y59jkdMJ5CY/Te5M160wsII/AAAAAAAAAFU/DEGnw57bjVQ/s1600/006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y59jkdMJ5CY/Te5M160wsII/AAAAAAAAAFU/DEGnw57bjVQ/s320/006.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
</div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-73324037938563041372011-05-31T22:46:00.000-04:002011-05-31T22:46:00.161-04:00Quick, easy and bright...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Whilst my parents were over visting me in September, I decided that I wanted to knock something up that was easy and was also bright and cheery. This meant that against general advice, I ended up using a quilting cotton as they seem to generally have the most fun prints - this is what I chose (it's called Everglades):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cf2.polyvoreimg.com/thing.18479841.l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://cf2.polyvoreimg.com/thing.18479841.l.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I then chose to use <a href="http://compare.ebay.com/like/260783639886?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar&_lwgsi=y">Burda 7679</a> and did view B.<br />
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Here is the finished result:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ooou-32M20M/Tdh6XzNtrMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/GQQf8w5nJTM/s1600/Raleigh-20110407-00027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ooou-32M20M/Tdh6XzNtrMI/AAAAAAAAAFI/GQQf8w5nJTM/s320/Raleigh-20110407-00027.jpg" width="138" /></a></div><b>Things I did differently to the pattern:</b><br />
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Lengthened it slightly</li>
<li>All seams were "french seamed"</li>
</ul><div><b>Things I would do differently if I were to do this again:</b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Bring the pockets inward a little more</li>
<li>Finish all the raw edges (honestly, I know better now and it's also super easy now that I have my serger)</li>
</ul><div><b>Things I like about this:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It's easy to wear</li>
<li>I love the print!</li>
<li>It was nice and simple</li>
</ul><div>Till next time...</div></div></div></div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-39284175491035924672011-05-29T22:28:00.001-04:002011-05-29T22:28:00.675-04:00The first thing I made for somebody else...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Back in August last year, I decided to make a sister (DS) a dress. Together we decided on <a href="http://butterick.mccall.com/b5206-products-7474.php?page_id=155">Butterick 5206</a>, some red knit fabric and a brown "ethnic" type print knit fabric for the contrast and here is the finished result:<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnMIWCY-bXc/Tdh1pBiGmUI/AAAAAAAAAFE/HlgU14dfMO4/s1600/Kathleen%2527s+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnMIWCY-bXc/Tdh1pBiGmUI/AAAAAAAAAFE/HlgU14dfMO4/s320/Kathleen%2527s+Dress.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div><b>Things I did differently to the pattern:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I chose not to add the contrast to the hem</li>
</ul><div><b>Things I would do differently if I were to do this again:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Use a walking foot (I bought my walking foot right towards the end and that last 1/2yard of binding was a brreze to attach compared to everything else!)</li>
<li>Use something that does crease for the binding (it was impossible to press fold lines which made attaching it pretty difficult)</li>
<li>Maybe go down a size for DS</li>
</ul><div><b>Things I like about this:</b><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>She suits red IMHO</li>
<li>She says it's comfortable and it's unique compared to her colleagues when she wears it to work</li>
</ul><div>I'm currently working on a second dress for using <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6350-products-14405.php?page_id=108">McCalls 6350</a> which is definitely proving challenging!! I should hopefully have a post on that soon...</div></div></div></div></div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-71279353693952381862011-05-27T22:02:00.000-04:002011-05-27T22:02:00.242-04:00Holidays 2010 Gifts - Natty Waistcoat for DB<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Continuing the series, here is another Holidays present that I made and gave.<br />
<br />
My brother (DB) is a stylish chap who isn't afraid to dress a little nattily (is that even a word??) so I decided to make him a waistcoat using the Burda 7799 pattern. I made it using a grey suiting poly blend fabric (means that it shouldn't wrinkle too badly) and lined and backed with a forest green satin.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/burda/7799/7799line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.patternreview.com/sewing/patterns/burda/7799/7799line.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJWmoQF8VDY/TdhvElTyv8I/AAAAAAAAAFA/lPjqxhoT0As/s1600/Tim%2527s+waistcoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJWmoQF8VDY/TdhvElTyv8I/AAAAAAAAAFA/lPjqxhoT0As/s1600/Tim%2527s+waistcoat.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<b>Things that I did differently to the pattern:</b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Used less buttons (it seemed like the pattern called for a lot!)</li>
<li>Reduced the length of the strap at the back of the waistcoat - it was far too long!</li>
</ul><div><b>Things that I would do differently next time:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Try welt pockets again (I tired and failed but I think it's time to attempt them again)</li>
</ul><div><b>Things I liked about this:</b></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I think DB looks good!</li>
<li>Smart, relatively fail-safe pattern</li>
<li>This was the first time that I have used fabric covered buttons and I love them - they're so simple and give a really smart look to the finished garment</li>
</ul></div></div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-17962731417552631702011-05-25T21:43:00.002-04:002011-05-25T21:43:00.585-04:00Holidays 2010 Gifts - Autumnal Lady Grey<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">For my first Christmas since taking up sewing, I decided to set myself the goal of sewing as many of the gifts that I was giving as possible. With this in mind, I quickly settled on what to make my sister-in-law (SIL) - I found an amazing waterproof taffeta printed with an autumnal leaves pattern and thought it would work with Colette's <a href="http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop/lady-grey">Lady Grey</a> coat pattern.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, I hadn't quite realised how much of a challenge this would be (especially as I couldn't do any fittings of the garment whilst I was making it) but I eventually managed it and here is the finished result on the recipient:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_aPoQGadac/Tdhr2owpr0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/8dRXk1XY1Gc/s1600/Debbie%2527s+Lady+Grey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3_aPoQGadac/Tdhr2owpr0I/AAAAAAAAAE4/8dRXk1XY1Gc/s320/Debbie%2527s+Lady+Grey.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><b>Things I did differently to what the pattern said:</b><br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Added a large snap closure at the waist</li>
<li>Interlined everything to make a little warmer</li>
</ul><div><b>Things I would do differently if I were to do this again:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Add sleeve heads now that I know about such things</li>
<li>Use a sewing needle appropriate for taffeta </li>
<li>Instead of using traditional interfacing, I would interface the belt with fleece of similar so that it stayed knotted easier and did not crease so easily (I did this recently on another belt and it worked great)</li>
<li>Bag the lining (it would look much neater than have the two separate as the shell has a very definite wrong side)</li>
<li>Try pad stitching the collar</li>
</ul><div><b>Things I like about this:</b></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Like everyone else, I LOVE the instructions for the Colette patterns - both the clarity of the instructions and pictures but also the gorgeous booklet which they come in and the bright white pattern paper.</li>
<li>I love the fabric</li>
<li>I think SIL looks fantastic in it!</li>
</ul><div>And yes, I would consider making it again and try and incorporate all that I've now learnt since.</div></div></div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-57166638106925034272011-05-21T21:32:00.000-04:002011-05-21T21:32:06.306-04:00Pleats, pleats and more pleats in action...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I finished the pleats, pleats, pleats dress (otherwise known as <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1223-products-13641.php?page_id=854">Vogue 1223</a>) just in time for easter and here are some pictures of it in action (I have also worn it with a slim red patent belt with matching shoes):<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yL15bHAxwFE/TdhkzuU-m2I/AAAAAAAAADU/iWyXhjY9N9A/s1600/Leesville-20110509-00056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yL15bHAxwFE/TdhkzuU-m2I/AAAAAAAAADU/iWyXhjY9N9A/s320/Leesville-20110509-00056.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtT_eQOqhps/Tdhk0wQEkpI/AAAAAAAAADY/s0co7f2BD54/s1600/Leesville-20110509-00057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtT_eQOqhps/Tdhk0wQEkpI/AAAAAAAAADY/s0co7f2BD54/s320/Leesville-20110509-00057.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcu0QkckqkY/Tdhk1zDHvJI/AAAAAAAAADc/j2Pzmfj7-e8/s1600/Leesville-20110509-00058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcu0QkckqkY/Tdhk1zDHvJI/AAAAAAAAADc/j2Pzmfj7-e8/s320/Leesville-20110509-00058.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eXJP64OOWw/Tdhk2oH58mI/AAAAAAAAADg/fDRumhl5tPQ/s1600/Leesville-20110509-00059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6eXJP64OOWw/Tdhk2oH58mI/AAAAAAAAADg/fDRumhl5tPQ/s320/Leesville-20110509-00059.jpg" width="170" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KHBKEpuc3c/Tdhk3gVk2WI/AAAAAAAAADk/7mM2sB77A9g/s1600/Leesville-20110509-00060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6KHBKEpuc3c/Tdhk3gVk2WI/AAAAAAAAADk/7mM2sB77A9g/s320/Leesville-20110509-00060.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>(BTW - the first two have been auto-corrected which is why they are a little lighter)<br />
<br />
Do you like my natty trilby? It's my sister's who was staying with me at the time and although this one is a little small, I'm considering getting one for myself - what do you think?<br />
<br />
Overall review of this dress:<br />
Love it (although that is probably largely because I love the fabric)! The shoulders are a little loose and the lining waist is a little tighter than the shell waist. And to those 19 pleats (!) - they're a great detail but one of them doesn't lie quite right on my left hip so I would bring that in a little if I was to make it next time. I would definitely recommend it for someone feeling up to the challenge!<br />
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<i>Gratuitous cat pictures of the day:</i><br />
<i>This is me sewing and Tabitha trying to stop me so that I can give her all of my attention...</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blfdIphko2k/TdhmzF2rTeI/AAAAAAAAADo/h9ksFG_qXgU/s1600/Leesville-20110511-00061.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-blfdIphko2k/TdhmzF2rTeI/AAAAAAAAADo/h9ksFG_qXgU/s320/Leesville-20110511-00061.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGVBROrs9PM/Tdhm1PQYBaI/AAAAAAAAADs/Sc912PLxKhs/s1600/Leesville-20110511-00062.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fGVBROrs9PM/Tdhm1PQYBaI/AAAAAAAAADs/Sc912PLxKhs/s320/Leesville-20110511-00062.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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</div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-81300237030507987352011-05-04T21:11:00.001-04:002011-05-04T21:13:05.585-04:00A burst of sunshine<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Sorry for the delay in posting things but I had to try and work out a way to take halfway decent photos without going to the expense of buying a camera. At last a brainwave! I can use my webcam and just set it to 'burst' so that I get a series of photos (and hopefully there's a couple of usable ones in there!!).<br />
<br />
Anyway, here's the latest outfit that I whipped up (all done in less than a week!!). I bought the fabric in LA when I briefly popped into Mood whilst in CA on a business trip. I have to say that it was overwhelming in a good way - my first proper fabric shop ever and it was huge and completely filled (floor to ceiling) with fabric!! I hadn't gone with anything really in mind which made it all the harder to navigate through everything but in the end, I settled on a bright yellow linen fabric to make a circle skirt with, aheavy graphic print fabric to make a plain top to go with the yellow skirt and a reddy/pinky stretch denim to make a pencil skirt with.<br />
<br />
After deciding to make the circle skirt, I then decided that I wanted it high waisted so I ended up doing a bit of a frankenpattern between <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v8425-products-7999.php?page_id=263">Vogue 8425</a> (see below - I used the middle waist and then added boning) and <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5811-products-9404.php?page_id=113">McCalls 5811</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V8425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V8425.jpg" width="303" /></a><a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/M5811.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/M5811.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
The top was made using <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5977-products-10564.php?page_id=483">McCalls 5977</a> but I left off all the details and left it plain. This was super easy to make but it turns out that it's a little shapeless so I took in the sides quite a bit (especially as my fabric is a little stretchy).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/M5977.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/M5977.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So without further ado <drumroll> here we go (excuse the wrinkles - I hate that on blog pictures but I only worked out the pictures at the end of a day of wearing this ensemble):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwCmjzccreA/TcH2_GIs8bI/AAAAAAAAAC4/x7prKMkTi4A/s1600/Yellow+skirt+outfit+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwCmjzccreA/TcH2_GIs8bI/AAAAAAAAAC4/x7prKMkTi4A/s320/Yellow+skirt+outfit+%25281%2529.jpg" width="216" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgfxNrXP8cM/TcH3sl6fLFI/AAAAAAAAAC8/36crTrF2spU/s1600/Yellow+skirt+outfit+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JgfxNrXP8cM/TcH3sl6fLFI/AAAAAAAAAC8/36crTrF2spU/s320/Yellow+skirt+outfit+%25282%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This was worn on a grey and dull day but I decided to bring the sunshine with me to work today (hence my blog title) !<br />
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Until next time...</div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-40806333687729933672011-04-10T11:04:00.000-04:002011-04-10T11:04:50.126-04:00Amazing...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="http://www.ericabunker.com/2011/04/perfect-shoe.html">http://www.ericabunker.com/2011/04/perfect-shoe.html</a></div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-31343087190869931252011-04-07T20:56:00.003-04:002011-05-10T21:28:55.716-04:00'Tis a Thing of Wonder...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Ah, 'tis a thing of wonder!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/media/products/Presser%20Feet/Presser_Feet/ESG-IZF-med.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/media/products/Presser%20Feet/Presser_Feet/ESG-IZF-med.jpg" /></a></div>I finally ponied up some cash and bought this baby and all I can say is wow!! [Don't worry, I don't expect anyone else to share my excitement!]<br />
<br />
This has suddenly made invisible zips a breeze - I don't know how I managed to go so long without it!!<br />
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The 'pleats, pleats, pleats' dress is now nearly done - I just need to finish the lining and then hem the thing - it should be done by the end of the week.<br />
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P.S. The red chair is ordered and on it's way!</div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-55827504263559807892011-04-04T23:03:00.002-04:002011-04-06T10:53:00.763-04:00McCall's 5974 - first posted finished garment!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Finally!! Here is the first finished garment posted on my blog (and yes, I know this took a long time).<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This is <a href="http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m5974-products-10561.php?page_id=108">McCalls's 5974</a> made in a Free Spirit Germania knit fabric (excuse the bad picture but the only full length mirror I have access to at the moment is in the restrooms at work and I had to use my phone's camera):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SeMnjzq9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51SeMnjzq9L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" style="cursor: move;" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXHgqrXLQk8/TZqBc-es9aI/AAAAAAAAAC0/XmAJdJ8zytc/s1600/Raleigh-20110404-00023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXHgqrXLQk8/TZqBc-es9aI/AAAAAAAAAC0/XmAJdJ8zytc/s320/Raleigh-20110404-00023.jpg" width="139" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Everyone had been saying very positive things about this pattern and it looked like an easy dress to wear so I decided to give it a go.<br />
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I made this about 2-3 weeks ago over the course of about a week (just a few hrs here and there as normal). I've worn it a couple of times now and is great as a "throw on" dress when I can't be bothered to think too much in the morning and it goes with a few of my pairs of my shoes which gives me a little variety. Each time I've worn it, I have also had a few compliments which has got to be a good thing!!<br />
<br />
So here is my review of it:<br />
<br />
<b>Was it easy to sew?</b><br />
Yes, although I always find pleats in knit fabrics slightly challenging and this has a few.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b>What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">I like that the wrap style means that it will be able to adjust with any of my size fluctuations. The fabric is amazingly soft and comfortable. I like the bright colour.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b>Pattern alterations or any design changes you made?</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">As always, I was lazy and did not make a muslin and I really should have done! I found that the pattern ran large and this coupled with the fact that I am losing some weight meant that this is looser than I would like it to be. I made a 14 (I usually make a 16) and then had to take in the waist by another 2-3 inches (and really I could have taken everything else in a little as well). I made the dress shorter than recommended (and I am still undecided as to whether that was a good thing or not!). The ties seemed shorter on me than other people for some reason so I'm sure if I managed to make a mistake there somehow?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b>Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?</b> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">Yes, I would sew it again, if only to get the fitting right this time and I think it would work in various colours and patterns - I think I fancy doing in a plain orange or bottle green knit next time maybe?? I think I would recommend it to others.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<i>Lastly, gratuitous cat picture for the day (for those meeting these two for the first time, this is Lawrence (in the black and white) and Tabitha - brother and sister and my transatlantic travelling pussycats who I adore!):</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySc0LAQE2L8/TZqAByEX5UI/AAAAAAAAACk/UAL4FrLu8VU/s1600/Leesville-20110327-00021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ySc0LAQE2L8/TZqAByEX5UI/AAAAAAAAACk/UAL4FrLu8VU/s320/Leesville-20110327-00021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-19325604418153862202011-04-03T22:24:00.001-04:002011-04-03T22:25:14.718-04:00Pleats, pleats and more pleats<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Wow! I think I have chosen the dress with the most pleats in the world to make this weekend gone! Well, that may be a bit of an exaggeration but only a little - I have been working on <a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/v1223-products-13641.php?page_id=854">Vogue 1223</a> and there are 19 (yes 19!) pleats that I have sewn on this baby!! Hopefully all this hard work will be worth it though as so far it's looking pretty good and the fabric I chose for it seems to be the perfect choice:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Agsy8-oU3BI/TZklMS6NvKI/AAAAAAAAACc/e4gSbKHM6oA/s1600/IMG00023-20110226-1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Agsy8-oU3BI/TZklMS6NvKI/AAAAAAAAACc/e4gSbKHM6oA/s320/IMG00023-20110226-1048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This fabric is a little challenging as it moves all over the place so I have to put several thousand pins in for every line of stitches and it also really doesn't like steam which is very unusual (the steam seems to make it stretch and wrinkle).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So at the beginning of the week, I cut everything out and serged all the edges (this is the first time I have done this for all the edges ahead of time). Then this weekend, I sewed all the pleats and attached all the bodice pieces to all their associated bottom pieces. I then attempted to sew in the invisible zip (not matter how long I live in the states, there will always be some words which just don't feel right to say and zipper is one of them).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have never had good results when trying to put in invisible zips and so I decided that I just had to bite the bullet and buy a special sewing machine foot and so I had bought a coats and clarks invisible zip foot, however, to my dismay, it turned out to be just 1mm too big and so the needle could not go down fully. I tried my normal zip foot but still got my usual bad results so I am going to have to buy a 'brother' invisible zip foot and then I can finish off the rest of the dress.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a non-sewing note, I recently got rid of my living room rental furniture and replaced it with a 'L' shaped <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00183537">Ektorp sofa in beige</a>, a black-brown tv stand, black-brown side tables and various lamps. I decided not to get the matching armchair though as I like the eclectic look (think 'Frasier' but with a much smaller budget). Well, tonight, I think I may have decided on which armchair I want to get and it's from my most favourite store for pretty much everything ('Target'):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61twuCx0G4L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61twuCx0G4L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What do you think?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div></div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-37135839779910091672011-03-22T19:53:00.002-04:002011-05-21T22:58:17.473-04:00Boston<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Sunday 13th March I headed off to Boston - I was there for business but as I had to travel there on Sunday as it was, I decided to arrive there early enough so that I could catch some sightseeing.<br />
<br />
I had been to Boston a couple of times before (again on business) but had not had the time for sightseeing and as I had heard lots of good things about the place, I decided that now was the time!<br />
<br />
After arriving at the hotel, I soon headed out to Boston and headed by subway to the public gardens and also stopped at a very cool cafe along the way.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Some views from my cafe:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cydpxzd_Ubg/TYk0DpwfUcI/AAAAAAAAABw/QLlP1qrU460/s1600/Boston-20110313-00001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cydpxzd_Ubg/TYk0DpwfUcI/AAAAAAAAABw/QLlP1qrU460/s320/Boston-20110313-00001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZnncYKoY_Ok/TYk0EI2iHCI/AAAAAAAAAB0/dKshT25yJ34/s1600/Boston-20110313-00002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZnncYKoY_Ok/TYk0EI2iHCI/AAAAAAAAAB0/dKshT25yJ34/s320/Boston-20110313-00002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I then headed back to where I started from as this happened to be opposite the church of christian science with its huge and impressive "cathedral" (which has one of the world's biggest pipe organs (over 13,000 pipes) and seats over 3,000 people!), sunday school, library and reflecting pool.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yststk8iDEE/TYk05k2MuMI/AAAAAAAAAB4/MYH_nTSEn0A/s1600/Boston-20110313-00003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Yststk8iDEE/TYk05k2MuMI/AAAAAAAAAB4/MYH_nTSEn0A/s320/Boston-20110313-00003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qBDAB4m2JL4/TYk06bY76fI/AAAAAAAAAB8/2ZLpxJRGE7k/s1600/Boston-20110313-00005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-qBDAB4m2JL4/TYk06bY76fI/AAAAAAAAAB8/2ZLpxJRGE7k/s320/Boston-20110313-00005.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dmKr7QpmPWU/TYk06jGJbtI/AAAAAAAAACA/9xP_KBLVVWY/s1600/Boston-20110313-00006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dmKr7QpmPWU/TYk06jGJbtI/AAAAAAAAACA/9xP_KBLVVWY/s320/Boston-20110313-00006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7IM_BQtWfuY/TYk07UoK7BI/AAAAAAAAACE/VHnTZaWleIw/s1600/Boston-20110313-00007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7IM_BQtWfuY/TYk07UoK7BI/AAAAAAAAACE/VHnTZaWleIw/s320/Boston-20110313-00007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then I went onto the prudential tower close by. This has 52 floors and on the 50th floor, there is the skywalk which gives amazing views of all of Boston:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3DdsthNZxjk/TYk1MTsaVpI/AAAAAAAAACI/0KpTA6d-_1E/s1600/Boston-20110313-00008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-3DdsthNZxjk/TYk1MTsaVpI/AAAAAAAAACI/0KpTA6d-_1E/s320/Boston-20110313-00008.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--aW1TdR1e1o/TYk1MozbfuI/AAAAAAAAACM/FONzNgIwQUM/s1600/Boston-20110313-00009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--aW1TdR1e1o/TYk1MozbfuI/AAAAAAAAACM/FONzNgIwQUM/s320/Boston-20110313-00009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rMk9-3VmudM/TYk1OUoO-gI/AAAAAAAAACY/OLriYF1_9v4/s1600/Boston-20110313-00012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rMk9-3VmudM/TYk1OUoO-gI/AAAAAAAAACY/OLriYF1_9v4/s320/Boston-20110313-00012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Then last but not least, I went across to Trinity Church which has amazing architecture but I also took part in their evening service. It wasn't the usual sort of service I would go to (very high church) but was certainly appreciated on this occasion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.planetware.com/i/photo/trinity-church-boston-ma398.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.planetware.com/i/photo/trinity-church-boston-ma398.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I saw a few other areas over the next few days as well but these were the highlights!</div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3301016408289286613.post-21410608820733918162011-03-06T13:43:00.002-05:002011-03-22T17:38:51.301-04:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Well here's what's on my list for the coming weeks/months:<br />
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All the fabric is a rayon that has a lovely drape apart from fabric five which is a lovely voile.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Fabric one:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gxfa5vP639Y/TXPSFqz48VI/AAAAAAAAABc/DwuMBYW8J8E/s1600/IMG00022-20110226-1047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gxfa5vP639Y/TXPSFqz48VI/AAAAAAAAABc/DwuMBYW8J8E/s320/IMG00022-20110226-1047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> to go with:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V1086.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V1086.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Fabric two:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1nk41JLh0ik/TXPSIU_6b9I/AAAAAAAAABg/KI-8M3o0SdQ/s1600/IMG00023-20110226-1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1nk41JLh0ik/TXPSIU_6b9I/AAAAAAAAABg/KI-8M3o0SdQ/s320/IMG00023-20110226-1048.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> to go with:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V1223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V1223.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Fabric three - it's two sided (I'm not quite sure yet what I'm going to make with this):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FGj34P3AVSo/TXPSKkj0mUI/AAAAAAAAABk/4a7pNHQqPhk/s1600/IMG00024-20110226-1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FGj34P3AVSo/TXPSKkj0mUI/AAAAAAAAABk/4a7pNHQqPhk/s320/IMG00024-20110226-1050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iwwT0eTZ05o/TXPSMiA4_BI/AAAAAAAAABo/PhLSM6scteU/s1600/IMG00025-20110226-1050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iwwT0eTZ05o/TXPSMiA4_BI/AAAAAAAAABo/PhLSM6scteU/s320/IMG00025-20110226-1050.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Fabric four:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZMFHBvHoRQk/TXPSPslP7hI/AAAAAAAAABs/Xq5Hfb4UBls/s1600/IMG00026-20110226-1051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZMFHBvHoRQk/TXPSPslP7hI/AAAAAAAAABs/Xq5Hfb4UBls/s320/IMG00026-20110226-1051.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">to go with (bottom middle view - the one with the spots):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/large/2588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.simplicity.com/images/product/large/2588.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fabric five:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-10775676472182_2151_37494487" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-10775676472182_2151_37494487" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-10775676472182_2145_6635650" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/yhst-10775676472182_2145_6635650" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">to go with:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V1152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://voguepatterns.mccall.com/filebin/images/product_images/Full/V1152.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Over the coming months, I'll gradually post what I've already made since I took up sewing in May last year so that I can have a record of what I've done...</div></div>travelling_soohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06725138406580010661noreply@blogger.com0