Slippery as an Eel

So far all my makes have been in fairly stable woven or knit fabrics.  I fancied something a bit floatier so thought I would have a go at a new pattern from Sew Over It – the Kimono Jacket.

I used a lovely fabric which is Japanese (according to the gold lettering at the selvage edge) and was a lucky bargain buy from our local charity shop.

Pattern Testing – The Julia Top

I was so excited and more than a tad nervous when I volunteered and was accepted to test a  new sewing pattern, the Julia Pocket Top, for the Sew Me Something Emporium.

Based in Stratford upon Avon, a few miles from my childhood home, but rather more importantly the home of Shakespeare, Sew Me Something names each of their patterns after one of Shakespeare’s heroines, Julia being from The Two Gentlemen of Verona. 

A nod to op art?

I think my latest make has a definite 60’s vibe.  The swirly monochrome print reminds me of the abundance of Op Art inspired clothing around in the middle of that decade.

Op Art or Optical Art, pioneered by artists in the 1960’s, created the optical illusion of movement through the use of pattern and line, often in high contrast black and white.  Aiming to achieve a disorientating effect on the eye, Op Art featured in the work of major fashion designers of that period. Popularity spread to the high street with the result that for a short time every article of clothing in black  and white was likely to be given the Op Art label!

Anyway back to my make …

Sew my Style – January

The Sew my Style project is the brainchild of Alex Bartholomew over at  Bluebird Fabrics. Those of us who signed up get to tackle a specific pattern and make a set garment each month during 2017.

 

January’s make was the Toaster Sweater #2, a Sew House Seven pattern.  I was quite excited at the prospect of making this as it is very much my kind of top!

I opted for a boiled wool jersey from Fabworks Online. The fabric has a cosy feel to it and has quite a bit of body, a definite plus in guarding against a sagging neckline!  Most importantly it has enough stretch, is incredibly easy to sew with and therefore a good fabric choice for the pattern.

Brrrrr

Warning – this is my first ever post so I hope I don’t mess up.  Well here goes ….

After an unseasonably mild couple of weeks here in the Highlands, temperatures have plummeted.  These chilly conditions informed my latest make – cosy pyjamas using the tried and tested Ultimate Pyjamas pattern from Sew Over It London.

I opted for a very bright (too bright?) red brushed cotton, picked up a few months ago during a fabric shopping spree in Glasgow.  I used my overlocker (which I still find a bit scary) to neaten the raw edges and was quite pleased with the result although as you can see I need a bit more practice on the curved edges!

This is the fifth time I’ve used this pattern to make pyjamas, all previous ones were Christmas gifts but these are for me!  An exceptionally quick and easy make with clear pattern instructions.  Most importantly, the fit is excellent and the pyjamas are blissfully comfortable to wear.

I especially like the elasticated waistband with the addition of a ribbon tie.  This offered an opportunity to brush up my buttonhole skills.  I found just enough black and white ribbon in my bits and bobs basket.