Geometric Emery Dress

Hold the phone, stop the bus and start a newsflash! It's an Emery dress! I think I have seen more Emery dresses, or variations of, than any other pattern so this isn't really newsworthy stuff here. However I think I made the best one. At least its my personal favourite. Since this is one of the only two I can actually wear I think thats perfect. I am delighted with the finished item.

Things I love about this dress:
1. The fabric! When I saw this fabric at Guthrie&Ghani I couldn't leave it in the (online) shop. I think it is beautiful and the colours are basically my chosen colour palette all in one fabric. In real life the print is just as gorgeous and really suits my style.
2. The fit is almost perfect, I've made one other Emery dress and the fit seemed pretty good so I didn't make any changes. I was actually planning to make some this time having not really done any alterations before (and I wanted to try it out) but it turns out, at least for this pattern, I don't really need to.
3. The dress pattern is really lovely. I can see why this dress is one of the most popular patterns for the last few years on the blogosphere, its simple, elegant and flattering without being overly dressy.
4. It is very wearable and fills (or starts to fill) the 'I need a few more casual(ish) dresses' gap in my wardrobe. This was something I identified during Me-Made-May and I know some people wouldn't describe this as casual however I would definitely wear it on the school run (and have) so I give it the casual seal of approval.

Things I'd consider doing differently next time:
1. While I absolutely LOVE the design of the fabric, its a little bit itchy. This may be in part because I've worn it during the hottest week I can remember living through but even when its a little cooler its still just a teensy bit itchy. Nothing so bad that I won't wear it, and even if I had felt this fabric before buying I love the print so much that I would have bought it any way because, well - did I mention I love the print? But its not quite as soft as I expected.
2. The general fit is great but the armholes are quite low under my arms. I guess I didn't notice this on my first one because it has sleeves but I'll probably try and change this next time.
3. I'd use a longer zip. I really wanted to try and make a whole dress without looking at the instruction (and I did) so was pretty proud when it was finished, but after I had already inserted the zip I realised it was not the right length so I have to perform some pretty funky looking acrobatics to actually put it on. My daughter actually said to me when I first tried it - 'Mummy I think you have made it too small.' Well I proved her wrong - but it wasn't easy. Next time looking at the instructions just for this detail would totally be Ok with me.

Next on my sewing table is some workout gear so a BIG step away from this, but I kind of like the contrast. I'll show you it all in good time. Happy Summer! Zoe x

A Holly Non-Jumpsuit Dress

I love this fabric! I saw it on So-Zo-What-Do-You-Know blog on a holly playsuit way bag in September. Then in January I saw a bolt end at a slightly reduced price at Fabric Godmother and couldn't resist. Once it arrive I kept it in a drawer for a little while unsure what to make with it. But when I saw a holly dress on What Katie Sews I was pretty sure that work well for this fabric. And I think it rocks.

I only finished it after May started, but since my Me-Made-May pledge is to wear a different outfit each day I haven't had much opportunity to wear it. I am therefore having to be a little creative about new ways to make it work.

This dress, in my opinion, is casual enough for everyday. Sure I could dress it up or wear it out if I wanted to but I love a dress that I can wear every day and for me this one wins. If you fancy making one then you'll need a copy of the Holly Jumpsuit pattern from By Hand London and there is a tutorial on their blog here.

I am fairly confident I'll make another one of these soon but I often say that and then get distracted by something else so I won't make any promises this time. I'll give you a roundup of all my Me-Made-May outfits at the end of the month. See you soon. Zoe

Denim Skirts and Blogging Habits

Hey everyone. It's been a little while between posts recently around here and that has kind of taken me by surprise. Blogging used to be one of my favourite things about DIY projects, I couldn't wait to finish it so I could get it up on the blog. I am taking a more relaxed approach at the moment and I think it's likely I'll continue this way. I am enjoying posting just occasionally about what I make and I am definitely taking blogging a little less seriously, it'll be quite light hearted, infrequent and more 'look what I made' than 'here is how you can do this' for now. 

I have still been making things though and this skirt was promised a couple of weeks ago here. It's just a simple circle skirt made with some leftover fabric from my two-tone denim dress.

I think I was feeling particularly self-conscious about being photographed on this day though because I don't look at all relaxed in these photos. Well except the one at the top but you can't actually see most of my face in that one, I guess that's why I liked it. I have been getting much more comfortable about having my outfit photos taken but this was just one of those days.

There is little more to say about this skirt so I think I'll just leave it there for now. I am still deciding what I am planning for me-made-may this year but I'll let you know when I do. Zoe x

Sewing Plans and Stash Busting

Over the last few weeks I've been having a sort through all my fabric. I rediscovered quite a few pieces that I bought over the last couple of years but never got round to using. I also found several pieces of half used fabric which I intended to use up but never got round to. I decided that I should take a month making things out of these 'forgotten' fabrics before buying a whole load more that would just sit in the cupboard.

What follows are some of the projects I've started, some I am planning and others that I need some help deciding what to do. Fancy helping me out? Then lets go!

First of all I am re-making my stripy plantain tee, this one that then shrunk in the wash and became this one. Sadly I didn't have enough fabric left for a long sleeve one but was pleased to be able to cut out a short sleeve version. That should be ready soon because it's such a quick pattern to whip up.

I've also been chopping up some old clothes to turn into new ones. The above used to be a black 'body- con' dress which I never ever wear so I have chopped off the top and I'm going to turn it into a simple black skirt. I think it'll look good if a little shorter than I would usually choose.

I've also started a circle skirt made with the lighter denim I used for the sleeves and pockets of this dress. I always intended to make a skirt too so bought enough fabric especially. I love to try and make more than one thing from the same fabric because it saves money in the long run.

Now for a few things I am planning to make but haven't started yet. I made a little dress for my niece out of the above fabric and I have lots left. I am pretty sure I am going to make myself a top (or two) out of it even though it probably isn't my usually style. What do you think? Should I go for something a little more adventurous? I would really like to buy the nettie bodysuit pattern but am reluctant because you can only get a pdf version at the moment (and these drive me mad). This fabric is really stretchy though so I think it would be a good pattern to use.

I also have some black and some white jersey. I think the black would be better as a simple tee or vest but the white is also stretchy enough to make a bodysuit from. I definitely need to make some more basics still so I should really bump these two up the queue. Its more fun to sew with patterned fabric though right? Which brings me to this fabric:

I bought this spotty fabric nearly 2 years ago and still haven't decided what to do with it. When I ordered it I didn't read the description properly and thought it wasn't so sheer and when it arrived I was scared to use it. I think I am probably up to the challenge now though given how much practise I have had in those 24 months but I can't decide what to do with it! Part of me would like to make a really simple vest or tee, maybe a laurel? The other part of me thinks it would make a gorgeous mimi blouse, maybe with a peter pan collar though, but I am not sure! What do you think?

And last to decide upon is this beauty. I bought it on a whim after seeing this playsuit. I love it, I just don't know what to do with it. My options are some narrow leg trousers, a laurel dress, a playsuit, an Anna dress, some kind of top or basically anything else you can think of! Since I love it I really want to make something that I will actually wear out of it but also I want to be able to make all of the above because I like the idea of lots of options. So what do you think about this one? I am open to other ideas here so let me know.

As you can see I have lots I can do without really spending any money so I will probably be busy at least until the end of April and if not through May as well. I am in the process of taking photos of each handmade item currently in my wardrobe so I can see what outfit options I have and make some sense of my growing capsule wardrobe. I'll show you when I am done. See you soon. Zoe x

Two-Tone Denim For A Lovely Laurel

Is it ok that my 18 month old niece was my style inspiration for this dress? Well, whatever, that's who it was ok? She has a super cute tunic, with the two tone denim and raglan sleeves. It's lovely. I figured I could pull off a grown-up version especially since denim is everywhere this season.

The pattern is Laural from Collette patterns. It is actually the third time I have used this pattern. Once with a fabric that it turns out I really don't like so you will probably never see that. The other is a simple white top which I am yet to photograph. I bought the pattern in order to make myself more basics to add to my capsule wardrobe and I'd say this one gets the seal of approval.

The finished dress is one of those items that makes me feel really proud that I can make my own clothes. It didn't require any complicated sewing techniques and the fabric is an easy one to sew with but it is something I know I will wear many times. Here's to having bare legs more and more in the next few months! Zoe x

Charlotte Skirt (and a Crop Top)

In case you didn't notice when I posted about my spring floral dress, I am already thinking ahead to spring and summer. Us sewing girls have to think ahead and make items well in advance of the season in which we plan to wear them if we want to finish them in time. So way back at the beginning of January I made myself a Pencil Skirt using the Charlotte Skirt pattern from By Hand London. I bought the printed pattern (I always prefer a pre-printed pattern) but you can now download a pdf version too if you'd rather.

The pencil skirt is a favourite shape of mine, in fact I think it flatters just about any woman on the planet. Since it isn't always the most practical of shapes when you have pre-school kids I made it in a slightly stretchy fabric to give me that little extra freedom of movement. I have actually worn it a few times already although usually more like this:

So I don't catch frostbite. I am already finding it a super versatile item so I can definitely give it the 'capsule wardrobe' seal of approval.

The crop top was sort of an accidental make. Do you remember this stripy tee? Well I obviously didn't pre-wash the fabric enough because it shrunk in the wash. Bummer.

Now clearly it didn't go straight from a long sleeve, regular length top straight to a short sleeve crop-top just in the washing machine, I did have to put some effort in. I took the hem up to about 2 inches above my belly button and cut the 'not quite full length sleeves' to short sleeves. I also took the top in at the side seems so that you couldn't see straight up it. Not exactly sure how some one would end up in a position where they could do that but it made me feel more comfortable nonetheless. The skirt has had a few outings but the top is yet to be seen in public. I don't quite feel comfortable enough for that yet! Hopefully when it gets hotter (when not if) then I'll be desperate to wear it more. Only then will it too be granted the capsule wardrobe status.

At the moment I am having a bit of a denim day so hopefully I can show you the fruits of my labour soon. Zoe x

An Emery Dress For Spring

 

It feels a bit like I've been hibernating over the past few weeks, I haven't done a lot of sewing and absolutely no blogging at all. What better way to come out of my winter sleep than by sharing a spring dress? This is my first Emery dress and I am pretty pleased with it. When I first made it though it was a  better fit but now has a bit of room both in the tummy and the back so I'll adjust for this next time.

 

My fabric was bought when I was supposed to be sale shopping in January but this was too lovely to leave behind. The colours look much brighter in real life. It isn't exactly following the plan of making a 'capsule wardrobe' either but it does fit my colour palette and flatters my shape so I am sure I will wear it lots.

Now I just need it to warm up even more out there and I'll be able to start wearing it for real. I have also made a couple of items which fit more into my capsule wardrobe so I'll be sharing those soon. Well happy (almost) spring every one. Zoe xx

A Flannel Caroline Shirt (from a FREE pattern)

Have you seen this FREE pattern yet? The ladies over at Spit Up and Stilettos decided to make all their ladies patterns free for download and now sell children patterns. This pattern for the caroline shirt is one such item.

I have never made a proper shirt before so I am dead chuffed with this one. I found the instructions pretty easy to follow and there were lots of pictures to guide me through.

Before I tell you my mistakes I wanted to say this, Lauren from Spit up and Stilettos was SO helpful. When I was constructing the sleeves I couldn't find the cuff opening marked on the pattern so I cut it where the pleat was marked, this was the wrong place clearly so my cuffs open the wrong way around. I e-mailed Lauren to let her know it wasn't marked and she updated the pdf document straight away and apologised for the error. I was very impressed. I'll be shopping from them for some kids patterns at some point soon.

The only change I made to the pattern was to not sew all the way down the back pleat, I preferred it to be extra baggy to be extra comfy and casual. I think this shirt would be great in chambray too, you know I love me a chambray shirt!

This shirt definitely ticks the 'casual tops' box that I'm trying to fill. It is probably one of the last few Autumn/Winter makes I'll be making for this season though. Possibly one more dress to come. I know it is still cold outside but I want to get started with some spring sewing so I have some clothes ready in time!

I'll be chatting about spring sewing plans soon. See you then. Zoe x

Ooo-la-la Its Another Plantain Tee

If you've been following along with my capsule wardrobe series you'll know what I am in need of a few more basic tops. I have already got a stripy plantain tee and a stripy plantain dress (made from the same fabric) but I just couldn't help but make another. Firstly I had some fabric left over so it was basically free. Secondly I love the simplicity of this pattern. Thirdly the pattern is free too so its a totally free top. Winner.

I also fancied looking a little stereotypically french. Well actually that is just a by-product of wearing stripes and red lipstick with my new haircut. I only had it chopped 6 days ago and it already looks like it has grown an inch, my crazy hair.

So any way, there you have it, one more stripy plantain tee. See you next time, Zoe x

Christmas Dresses Made For Two

Happy Christmas!

Too early? Well I have no problem with preparing for Christmas in November. In fact I originally planned to make this dress in October but then my fabric took a little while to arrive and then I had tonsillitis. I missed the deadline for the By Hand London's Hackathon but decided to hack-along any way.

So let me start with my dress:

The bodice is the holly jumpsuit bodice pattern. I loved the fit of this pattern on my tartan playsuit, flattering but not too tight and thought it would be perfect with a skirt for Christmas. I lost a little weight when I was ill so it's actually a little looser than I thought but it's pretty good. I probably need the extra space for Christmas Turkey any way.

I have fully lined the bodice, partly because the sequin fabric was quite itchy but also because it was a little see-through. I basically used this method for constructing the dress with the full lining. I lined with the viscose-rayon that I have made the skirt from. I loved working with this fabric, it has a lovely drapey and soft feel and it was pretty easy to work with. I wouldn't recommend it for a total beginner but if you are looking for something to sew with after a bit of practice with cotton it would be a good way to go.

The skirt is a full circle skirt so, of course, it is perfect for spinning:

And my daughter loved the spinning part too. So that brings me to her dress. I only bought 1m of the sequin fabric but it was more than enough to make the bodice and sleeves for mine and a mini bodice for a 3 year old. She has been so excited about this dress and I let her help me cut out the pattern pieces and do some of the sewing. Well I let her press down on the peddle while I guided the fabric through the machine but she thought she had made it all. Every one was happy.

Her dress bodice is from a book on making children's clothes that I've had for ages but not used much. The skirt is a half circle skirt, still good for spinning even if not quite as good as a full circle.

I also added a little flower to the waistband of her dress and hers doesn't have sleeves. I wanted it to be similar but not exactly the same. Now I just need to get her some sparkly shoes to wear with it.

 

So that is two dresses made ready to wear at Christmas. It was also a goal of mine to make something sparkly after Me-Made-May so I can tick another thing of that list too. 

I have a very small amount of the sequin fabric left and my sons want me to make them sparkly bow ties, what do you think - will it be too much? Well obviously I'll show you if I do. Happy Christmas! Hehe. Zoe x

Tartan Circle Mini Skirt

I have a secret to tell you. I have a huge girl crush on Jenna-Lousie Coleman aka Clara Oswald the Doctors companion. When I saw her wearing a red tartan skirt a while back I knew that I was going to have to make one for myself. So I did. I had enough fabric left over from my tartan playsuit that I could make myself a circle skirt.

I bought a little extra fabric on purpose in case I ended up having to recut some of the pattern pieces if I totally got the sizing wrong. Luckily I did not and had enough for a full circle skirt. These are my favourite because they are extra swooshy (see awkward photo above- it is very difficult to get a photo of the skirt mid swoosh). I am more into a midi skirt to be honest but I thought the tartan would look a bit frumpy if it was too long so mini works out perfectly for this fabric.

Once again I used the By Hand London circle skirt app (the BHL ladies are my other girl crush). I will make many more of these super flattering, lovely swooshy and amazingly quick to sew up skirts. If you have never made one I don't know what you are waiting for. I even hand stitched the hem on this one (this part wasn't quick) but the project still only took one evening. I love tartan, I love circle skirts and I love Jenna- Louise Coleman. It's been good to get that off my chest. Whew. Zoe x

High Waisted Skinny Jeans

I actually made myself some jeans! Woop. As I have mention before this has been a goal of mine for some time and I finally finished it. I started looking for some high waisted skinny jeans about 6 months ago. Where ever I looked I could only find some that had a zip fly (I personally like button flies on high waisted trousers) or they cost an arm and a leg and were way out of my budget. I slowly came to the realisation that if I wanted some I was going to have to make them myself.

The trouble was I couldn't find a pattern for high waisted skinny jeans any where. So instead I went on the hunt for a pattern that had a high waist that I could 'skinify' once I have made them. I used the Burdastyle 'Bella' pattern 6011 which I really liked the waist of. I then followed the instructions carefully and just made the legs skinny instead of wide.

The big drawback to this was the pockets. The pockets in the original pattern are pleated to make space for hips and with the loose leg trousers they work perfectly. However on my skinny version they are very gapey and make my hips look huge.

Apart from the pockets I am pleased with how they turned out, they are a good fit around my bottom and down my legs. The denim is 5% lycra but if I were to make some again I probably would up the lycra a little as these are quite restrictive and tricky to get on. They're definitely wearable though (although not in this weather, I was sweating like mad when taking these photos).

When the Autumn/Winter kicks in for real I will be wearing them lots. Admittedly I will probably wear my top untucked to cover the hips up most of the time, so maybe next time I should just stick to normal skinny jeans instead of the high waisted variety!

I have been crazy busy these last few weeks so I'll be posting a little less often over the next couple of months so I can catch up again. You can expect to hear from me 1-2 times a week still though so I won't be too far away. Zoe x