Purchases from the road trip and projects in progress.

Actually, these fabrics above are from The Fabric Store a couple of days ago. The coloured on is a lovely lightweight silk that will make a perfect summer top ($18 1.6m remnant), and the other is the merino backed (the lighter colour that is terry like texture) and nylon stretch stuff that was $8 per metre and what I made the warm tights out of, so as there was more there I bought some more. It's very useful, easy care, great colour and won't go to waste.

This lovely turquoise and dark gold embroidered border eyelet I got at Metro Textiles (or fabrics or something) in Sydney. I dragged my son there for a morning (under promise he would get some swapping cards he is currently interested in), with high hopes of getting some bra making notions and lots of fabric (that I don't need). This is a polyester that feels very silk like, is lightweight and really gorgeous. I got 2 metres @ $8 per metre.

My experience here was less that enjoyable. The man 'serving' wasn't anywhere to be seen for a good 10 minutes, he was completely disinterested and less than helpful. If I asked a question he did answer but with the most perfunctory manner. I bought this fabric, some underwear elastic, some offcuts of power net to practice with and a really bad taste in my mouth. Add to this, when I got home and went to wash my fabric, it was cut on quite a severe angle with me loosing a good 30 cm on the border edge. It's not a big deal, and can happen but you are more likely to be forgiving when you have interacted well with the seller. I'm afraid I would not go back. There was a lot of fabric there - at times overwhelming and the prices were pretty good. Seeing as I had to go from the city and it was 35 minutes by bus each way, a lot of time was invested for a not unpleasant, but definitely unsatisfactory engagement. If you need fabric and are in the area, by all means go, but don't expect happy service. I hope I was there on an off day.

So travelling through country towns presented the opportunity to shop in the op shops. I got a great number of patterns and some books. I guess all up the above cost me $15 at the most. Most of the patterns were .20cents, the books were $2 ea and the Enid Gilchrist book (very poor condition) was only $1.50. The Knit Wit books I have, so I will sell these but hard to resist at only $2 and they are still sought after.

These are my Simplicity 1918 Amazing Fit pants. They look green here but they are a deep aqua and white tiny houndstooth pattern. I'm a bit perplexed about these. I have the trial pair I made a while ago. They fit really well in a straight 14 (maybe a touch big). They did have a bit of stretch and this fabric does not but they are not even close to fitting and yet if I put them against each other they are pretty close to the same. I did cut the lower leg narrower by putting the Vogue jeans leg pattern on and cutting that shape. I like this narrower leg better than the original which I found a bit wide.

I'm really disappointed as I was planning an outfit that was inspired by a Burda magazine image of a bias A-line skirt in the same aqua houndstooth looking fabric (this one is from an op shop and is old, old, old) and a lime green top. I have some yellow/lime green cotton lace that I want to make a top for this outfit but I'm a bit deflated by the pants not fitting.

Close up of the houndstooth and fly zip.

These are the swimming togs I'm making for Alex. The white strip is a ~~mistake~~ design feature. It is only on one side because I cut the one piece of one side short - how, I don't know, but just put a strip of white there and the white waistband. The fabric in the corner is what I am making the Burda dress out of. I had a photo but can't find it now.

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 ...

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