Kicking some goals - finally!

After my decidedly whingey little post last week (thanks for the commiserative thoughts BTW) I've had a better week all round thanks to the speed and stretchiness of knits. My comforting stripey dolman tee is fab, and has been worn several times already - always a good sign! It's yet another incarnation of the Burda Dolman tee, tweaked in the length, sleeve length and neckline finish to suit me.

I've also recently made another version of Simplicity 2451. My first version hasn't fared well - the denim was too lightweight and, sadly, started to split at the seams, especially the back seam. This time I chose a much sturdier denim with a tiny amount of elastane, and I think that's really made the difference this time (I also interfaced the entire back seam rather than just the zip insertion section). I was in desperate need for a summer denim skirt, so made this one a little longer. I think I've already mentioned I made a terrible (unblogged and now at op-shop) version of a denim Kelly skirt and have come to the conclusion that this style of skirt just isn't for me - the pleats add way too much bulk over my hips (in fact I'm happy to give it away if anyone wants it - I was fortunate enough to win it in a giveway from Megan herself, so I should pass the love on). The other reason I love this skirt is that it can be completely clean finished inside when one is, sniff, sans overlocker. I cut the back seam on the selvidge, frenched the pockets and finished the side seams in bias, so whilst slightly crazy on the inside it is very neat which makes me happy. More winter versions will definitely be in my future, just versions with a little stretch in them. I really love the yoke on this skirt - it fits me perfectly and and the low pleats don't add ab bulk.

I had to make a similar adjustment where I needed a bit more room over my thighs, but otherwise the fit is splendid and I've worn it many times already (and can see it being worn throughout the cold months too). I can't remember where I read this tip a while ago (maybe on Lladybird's blog) but when adjusting side seams after a fitting, to make sure they are symmetrical it's useful to stitch the first seam, then pin the two together, with pins running along the new seam line, mark that line with a marker and use that to stitch the other side:

Pin the two sides on top of each other, with the pins on the new stitching line

Flip over to the second side, mark the pin line with chalk

Voila - matching seam lines!

The denim for my skirt was from Darn Cheap - I love that slightly cross hatch appearance to it, it's a bit different to standard denim. My super awesome wide stripe knit was from the Clear It store in Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, (often referred to as the Alannah Hill factory shop). It's a Gorman fabric - this store clears excess Dangerfield, Alannah Hill, Gorman and Princess Highway clothing, plus a few other brands. Upstairs they have a small but fabulous fabric selection manufactured for these clothing brands - lots of gorgeous frou-frou fabrics, linings, wool suitings, a few knits and other random fabrics all at very reasonable prices. This knit was $12/m, and is 1.8m wide! I only bought a metre (which was all used in this make due to the dolman sleeves), but I couldn't resist going back and getting more for another stripey project - one cannot afford to leave behind fab stripes like these.

My other finished project for the week is the Tessuti Mandy Boat tee, a free download found here. I really just made it up because I want to alter it to make a proper batwing top in the future, a bit like the Named Blair Batwing, but I actually really quite like it as is, surprisingly.

I say surprisingly, because I do tend to prefer more fitted tops. This pattern is one size fits all, and is very very roomy in most areas. I ended up folding out 1 inch of width for both the front and back pattern pieces (so 2 inches front and back total) about half way along the shoulder section. I kind of wish I'd done it on the neckline though as it is super wide - gorgeous but very wide. Next time. I also shortened the hem by 3 inches, not the 5/8 inch as suggested in the pattern - it would have been a mumu! The sleeves (and neckline) are my favourite parts of this top, but they are surprisingly snug - I wouldn't describe my upper arms as particularly beefy - so take care with this pattern if you do have generous upper arms! The pattern specifically states this is a top to be made on a serger/overlocker, but pfft! to that - it's fine on a regular machine.

I used some fabric I purchased at Mood last year - a lovely pale blue and grey spot crinkly cotton knit. I'd gone a bit cold on it actually, so I'm rather pleased that a pattern and a fabric I wasn't head over heels for have combined to be something rather lovely......

I've also been brave enough this week to start work on my dress for my dear friend's wedding, in just over 2 weeks. I've decided to use the emerald silk jersey I purchased last year in New York, and after a quick muslin on the weekend I summoned up the courage to chop into it. Thus far no weeping.  More on that project down the track.....


So that's about it for the moment - a couple more fun projects in the pipeworks, and rather excitingly am actually making head way into reducing my stash.....

Finally, the winner of my mens Alohawear shirt pattern is (from a dramatic pool of 3 entrants) Ono! You should go and check out her gorgeous Alabam Chanin headbands. Ono - I'll be in touch re your postal details.

And lovely ladies, don't forget let me know in the comments if you'd like the Kelly Skirt pattern - I'll decide on that one in a week or so too...