Welcome to my world!

Well here I am! This is my first post ever and up until about 6 weeks ago I had never even looked at a blog let alone known about sewing blogs! Since then I have done nearly no sewing but have looked at an awful lot! I am inspired by the amazing work people, not only put into their sewing but also into their blogs ... the hints, the help, the giveaways (I've even won one! from Kusine.com recently) and the laughs have been amazing. What a wonderful world. I am going to try to start a little sewing group in our area after seeing a beautiful, tall Kiwi woman (that's a New Zealander for those not in the southern hemisphere) picking up a Burda magazine in the library. On deeper discussions she was not the one marking the pages so there are at least three of us using them. (Then I discover her son and my son are at the same tae kwon do school so we see each other and talk sewing and kids at least twice a week.) My friend also sews (her blog is Worn Out) and hopefully she will join us...

Some reflections on sewing for me ... I used to think I was pretty good, but now that I have looked at so much lately I realise I am very average. I nearly never make linings (of course it is too hot here for sweaty linings most of the time anyway) and don't ever make a muslin (and that's why nearly everything I make I give away as it doesn't fit) or I make those non fitted swing type stuff. Many years ago I started the fashion design course that was then known as Certificate in Apparel production ... I loved the pattern making and did very well but it was for personal use .. I don't want to be a designer or work in fashion; I just like to sew. Once you know how to sew you really don't want to buy anything because "huh, I could make that better for a lot less" hence I never buy anything and then because I haven't time to sew everything..I have nothing! Having said that I have recently made an ironing board cover, a printer cover, an apron for my mum and a grocery shopping bag for her, a set of napkins for the Mother's day stall at school, a shirt for my son that he doesn't wear and just finishing a lab coat as a gift for a 6 year old's birthday this Saturday. Of course the Burda top I started about 2 months ago gets kicked around the sewing room.

Now to the reason I started this blog ... I have some patterns I bought at the Op shop ... a designer Vogue Couturier Design .. what s steal .25cents! I looked up at some random site for a sale price ....US$45 wow!!! and one that is a Facile Pattern that is listed on the pattern as coming from Clayfield, a suburb in my city of Brisbane. I have never heard of them and wonder if anyone has? I would love to hear anything about them.

How cute is that hat!!! It's a pretty simple pattern but has a nice little cuff on the sleeve; like a half peter pan collar. This is the first vintage pattern I have seen so I was surprised that it is cut out (is this just a Designer advantage?) and wrapped in tissue paper and then put into the envelope. I would have made this but as it isn't cut out I think I will leave it as is. What do you think?

So now it is way past my bedtime .... Have a good weekend and thanks for looking!

Sofie

Trying a vintage togs pattern.

Hello, it's been a while again. Not as long as some bloggers who have recently returned to blogging...up to 7 years, but I'm glad people are coming back. I never joined Instagram as I'm not that fussed on 'social media' and more with people who write about their sewing. So back to sewing. I picked up this vintage McCalls togs pattern. It's quite a good value pattern as there are three very different and interesting swimsuits included. That's pretty rare. It's a size 16. I decided to make view B. All of the patterns have pieces for the bra cups too which is really great. Photographed with it is a Burda beach wrap. I can't find the magazine number right now, but it's at least 10 years old. Basically it's a large square of fabric with arm holes cut out. The fabric is genuine 70s towelling. I know because Mum bought it to cover our 'fantastic plastic' vinyl couch. Vinyl was preferred back then...

Kwik Sew

So recently Spotlight had Kwik Sew patterns - 3 for the price of 1. I don't really need any patterns as I have plenty but some took my fancy and I'm keen to sew some up. I have been really liking the waterfall jackets... I have a Butterick pattern (not mentioned yet but brought over from the US with a friend... that's another post though), a New Look cut out and I liked the length of this Kwik Sew one too. I was seduced by Kristy's beautiful version of the jacket on the right. Don't expect to see it fitting me so perfectly but it looks nice and easy and it's a bit different and a bit timeless too. I was thinking of sailor type pants but when I saw this shorts pattern, I thought I could make them up and see if they suit and I may be able to lengthen the legs and not have to trace out a Burda one. Not sure how KS patterns fit me as I've only made a dress a while ago now. I have these cut out from a leftover piece that was not enough for anyth...

Island night... PNG cruise

Well hello again. I've just come back from a cruise to Papua New Guinea and I made a dress for Island night. Island night or any theme night is just a suggestion... there is no organised event, meals, activities; just a dress code suggestion. As soon as I read that, I searched for this vintage surfie fabric I bought years ago at an op shop. I was thrilled to use it. I needed an easy pattern that I could make 2 days before the cruise departure and one that I would wear again. I used this Style 2911 pattern that I only bought online a few months ago. Style are my favourite patterns. I cut out a size 16 but had to reduce it to the 12. It's a great simple but elegant pattern and it went together perfectly. My machines liked it too... they cooperate when they like what I'm making and it was a breeze. I cannot believe that we didn't get one photo of it on. I was thrilled with it and even tho there is some ink staining you can't really see it as it's so busy. I had ...

Sew Darn Tired

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