Sunday Sewing

Yesterday I thought I would have a go at making a 60s (?) style garden apron pattern that I bought.

Here it is. I will not be showing a close up as they would not pass inspection as I still have a long way to go on the learning to sew path. However I'm reasonably pleased that it turned out OK for round the house, and I learned a few things along the way. It was quite a good project for an afternoon - took me 4-5 hours all up but if you were a good sewer it would be a lot faster. The thing I really like about this pattern is that the apron sits on the shoulders rather than hanging off the neck. Much more comfortable.

New year, new skill

Well, I exaggerate, but I've made a start.  Today I made a simple sundress to wear around the house... if you could see the uneven hemming and the dodgy bias work around the armholes you'd know why it's not a party dress! However, at least this won't scare the meter lady as much as me in my dressing gown :).

This year I'd like to get a little more proficient at sewing. I have no illusions about being a master seamstress - I just don't enjoy sewing that much - but I would like to be able to make simple items, and maybe learn to hem straight!

Here is today's dress - took about 4 hours. L: front, and R: back. For those who are interested it's a New Look pattern 6700, and it's the version the model is wearing. I used a 100% cotton fabric I bought from Spotlight, and a corded ribbon for the tie. All up this cost about $35. It's certainly not going to win any awards, but it's certainly wearable for around the house, and will be very cool on hot summer days. I also really like the colours in the material.

And finally - Happy New Year everyone- I hope it brings you everything you wish for!

A-line skirt heaven

I have a confession to make.

I'm a Trinny and Susannah disciple - '"the rules" changed the way I shop for clothes (well, most of the time) and almost make clothes shopping fun.

Almost.

However, I have an almost constant dilemma. T&S say A-line skirts are my friends - and I also like wearing them in winter and feel good in them. I bought one in the UK about 7 years ago from Fat Face, but it's just about to give up after years of faithful and almost constant service. So I need a new skirt (or two).

But alas they are almost never in fashion, and therefore never available anywhere within cooee. And the older and grumpier I get the less inclined I am to pay out lots of $ on something that doesn't fit quite right and doesn't really suit me. Plus I have loads of "grown up" city clothes that just sit in my cupboard as I never need to get that dressed up anymore. But I don't want to live in jeans (I'm not a big fan of trousers).

The solution - learn to sew, and make my own skirts.

The problem - I hate sewing.

The even better solution - get my mum to make them for me!

GENIUS!

My mum used to make all my clothes (waaaaaaaaaay back) and her own too, and in spite of increasing hand problems she still sews like a champion. A trip to Spotlight and about $100 later I have 3 new skirts just the way I like them, and a pinafore style dress.

Good on ya mum........