Sew Darn Tired

                       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...

Merry Christmas all! Hope you all had a great festive season and are enjoying holidays still. I'm back at work tomorrow for a bit but we also have some holidays coming up soon too. I'm going to run through the last few things I've made. Some for gifts and some for me. Some were made a couple of months ago and some just yesterday, but in the interests of documenting what I've made and getting it done, this is a bit of a dump. I know there is one dress I haven't finished yet and also a skirt I don't think I have a photo of. The skirt is just a purple ponte knit skirt in an a line shape. Quite useful and when I do get photos I'll show how I've put the waistband on. Better way than the stitch and flip on the grey skirt below. I finished up the last two purse from the lambskin leather I bought last year. I do have a clutch purse I've prepped and couldn't find, but my treat to myself was to tidy (and find the floor) of my super small sewing ro...

This is my beautiful friend who lives in the States and is right in the thick of the storms at the moment, but a two weeks ago she was here and for a big birthday (hers) we went to see Kinky Boots. It is a terrific show... plus shoes!! This was outside in the walkway from the Lyric Theatre. Maree's favourite colour (well one of them) is orange.  She got her great boots at a sale in the States .. fantastic leather suede over knee boots... so envious!! And very fitting. More orange. This is my new rashie outfit for aqua aerobic. Even though I hate the bands that come from wearing a rashie, I'd hate skin cancer just so much more, so rashie it is. Just for some perspective, this winter the average daily temperature was 26 degrees, with no rain and the clearest, most beautiful blue skies ever. Perfect for cultivating opportunity for skin trouble. Back to the suit. It's made up from scraps left over from other togs I made  about 18 months ago. I would have liked to...

Well this boy above will model it and the other boy will wear it. How fantastic that I don't have to beg  ask for Alex to put it on and let me take a photo. I got out my "Singer Sewing with an Overlocker" book that I got with my 4 thread Singer overlocker about 25 years ago (I also got a great travel carry bag for it too but I couldn't afford the differential feed which was a brand new feature then). (I also note that the book is "Sewing with an Overlocker"  and not serger). I was going to scan the book about how to flat lock but basically you start with a three thread (one needle and the two loopers) overlock stitch that is balanced. Then you loosen needle thread tension 'generously' (mine was under 1 - the lowest or most loose setting), then tighten generously the lower looper thread and loosen the upper looper thread slightly. Then overlock with the knife and when you are done, just pull at the seams just sewn. I have used the 'inside...