Pink Panda Pyjama Party!

Hooray for brand new pyjamas! I had already been eyeing up this fantastic fabric from The Eternal Maker for some new PJs; it's called hidden panda!

Of course I used the new Sewaholic Tofino pattern. Toino is a great pattern this is; straight forward and pretty. My new jim-jams came together really quickly, despite my best efforts to screw them up. The phrase more haste less speed comes to mind.

I realised I would be away at the in-laws and a friend's wedding from 19-23 June. So I'd have to get ahead and have a blog post all sorted before we left. But it really is a good idea to buy the correct supplies. I couldn't find any piping cord in my local Hobby Craft so I left with some chunky braid thinking it would be fine.... guess what? not fine. My piping was a big fat mess, wonky and twisted. I only then realised it would probably be uncomfortable too. After a touch of internet shopping and a short wait I had some nice skinny piping cord and a brand new piping foot for my machine. Postage and unpicking time slowing me up a bit.

A piping foot has a two channels in the base to guide it over the piping cord, keeping your stitches even and close to the cord. In the end, I found my concealed zip foot worked even better as my piping was so skinny.

Based on my measurements, the finished garment measurements (so useful) and some existing pyjama pants, I cut a size 6. Existing pink panda print pyjamas no less! The only change I made to the pattern was to remove 4 inches of length from the legs, which at 5'1 is fairly standard for me. When I was finished I added contrast cuffs to the legs, just cutting a strip of fabric to to correct width. I really like how the cuff pulls it all together.

I'm very pleased with how they have worked out. I think I'll be needing another pair for the winter. Now, where can I get my hands on some panda print brushed cotton?!

Completed! Poppies Darling Ranges Dress

Excellent timing on this dress, I finished just as the brief spell of sunshine ended! Ah well, surely the sun will come back soon.... I've had my eye on the Darling Ranges Dress pattern for so long, I'm so glad that I finally went for it. I paired it with some beautiful Anna Maria Horner Field Study Poppies rayon from M is for Make.

First up, after seeing other bloggers' versions, I knew I should make a muslin of the bodice (FYI not something I normally do) I am SO glad I did! Based on my measurements I made up a medium and was fairly disappointed that it in no way fitted around the bust. So I hacked it up into a small, still awful. I then went back to a medium, did (my first ever!) small bust adjustment. Now I was finally getting somewhere! But the bust darts were still not really doing anything good in relation to my bust though so I pinned the muslin on me until it looked right. I think I ended up with narrower, longer darts. I also raised the neckline about 1 3/4 inches and cut about 1/4 inch off the length at the shoulders (does that even make sense?) 

When I put the bodice together the fit was pretty good but the side seams were different lengths. I extended the side seam on the back bodice. By then I just wanted it done already and I deemed it 'good enough'.

butchered bodice front

The construction was nice and straight forward after that although the bias and placket folding had me reading the instructions quite carefully. I should have stay-stiched the neckline, I think I stretched it out a touch before I got the bias on. I did under-stitch it though which has given me a crisp turn. I have a bag of left over quilting cotton bias, the blue was a good match. Being stiffer than the rayon has helped keep it smooth, I think.

I had cut out the ties for the back of the dress but as I can't see myself wearing it without a belt I turned them into cuffs for the sleeves. They were just the right length too! I added twill tape to the waist to give it a bit more support and put a belt loop at each side seam.

I went rogue with the button placement and skipped the waistline, sewing a snap on instead so not to be squashed into my by my belt. I couldn't find buttons I liked that were the right size and colour but I think these clear ones work well, the print is busy enough! Speaking of the print, I'd love to say I planned the placement but it was fluke. I was concentrating on having all the pieces the right way up!

I just wish it was warm enough to wear it! Maybe with tights, a slip, and a cardigan, boots....

(Please excuse my grumpy face, I haven't worked out the balance between manic smile and stroppy stare yet!)

1000 Cranes for Me-Made-May'13

What better way to start Me-Made-May than with a brand new skirt? One of my panic fabric purchases has already been transformed! 

I bought 1.5m of this beautiful cotton from Rashida Coleman-Hale's Tsuru collection for Could 9 from M is for Make. Just enough to whip up this skirt in time for May Day, thanks to very speedy delivery and a weekend of childcare.

I might need a tripod/box/photographer?

Boringly, it's the same Jenny Gordy tulip skirt pattern. Again with the added pockets but swapping the button placket for a side zip. I also added a purple lining.

I was so pleased with having resisted the cranes in my usual go-to colourway (navy), the cerulean is so pretty. Then with only hems and a bit of slip stitching left to do I took against it. Does that ever happen to you? Almost getting to the finish to suddenly fall out of love? I'm so glad I did finish it though, I have absolutely loved wearing it today. Bring on Me-Made-May!

Rash decisions and ambitious plans

Last night, I indulged in my frequent pastime of plotting. I like to 'research' future projects, which in reality means many hours lost to various blogs and websites, resulting in long lists of the garments I intend to produce. Sometimes an entirely new coordinated wardrobe full. And of course the inevitable fabric and pattern purchases.

Notice the word "intend"

I'm pretty bad at the follow through. Maybe planning four garments at a time is not the best idea?

So anyway, mid research/shopping, I realised that it's almost May. Almost Me-Made-May'13! I really love seeing all the outfit photos and want tone part of it, so despite having only a couple of skirts, one top and and unfinished (badly fitted) Cambie dress, I signed up straight away;

'I, Sarah of sarahbgood, sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '13. I endeavour to wear two handmade or refashioned garments a week for the duration of May 2013' 

Surely I can commit to that? But in case I get sick of wearing the same two skirts for the next few weeks, I do have a fair amount of fabric and pretty patterns to whip up a few more things.

yellow spot interlock; red/pink Liberty baby cord; blue Liberty Lawn; giraffe silk chiffon

Oh, and a new pattern. And one or two lengths of fabric. You know, just in case!