27 June 2009

sewing up a storm

I found some brown check flannel at Spotlight which took my fancy, and was the only one of its group that didn't look bogan. I wanted an overshirt/dress with the all necessary buttons down the front. I'd had the pattern for years but had never made it, and I liked the way it has the long pleats down the front (can't be seen too easily in the photo sorry).
The tie at the back helps to give it shape as well.

So here's the coat I made last year from Waverly blanket ends. It's fully lined with brown bemsilk as well. It was my first attempt with a Burda pattern. They're a bit different but I didn't have a problem, not like I do with Vogue...
It's wonderfully light and cosy. You know those times when it's nice to be wrapped up warm and cosy in a blanket? This coat can do that too.

In the last few days I made a couple of skirts. I bought the Anna Maria Horner book Seams to Me and it's lovely. One of the projects is an A-line skirt and shows you how to draft the pattern yourself, something I've always wanted to do but thought it was too hard. Silly me.

So the skirt above was my trial run, to make sure I had my measurements right and it looked okay. I used some more of my Swaffer samples and it'll make a great summer skirt, just have to wait 6 more months then.
Here's the winter skirt, made with fabric I've had for years and years. I originally wanted to make a full length A-line skirt but this one being just below the knees will be more practical. The black is a fairly heavy cotton that's been brushed on one side and the lining is a patchwork weight cotton which looks rather Japanese-y. I'm wearing it now and is very comfy. Yay!

I had to share this. It's how I manage to keep up with blogging/Facebook/Flickr etc... I prop a cushion between me and the desk, feed Tamsyn with one hand and use the other for clicking and one handed typing (frustrating for a touch-typist!). She's about to slip off the cushion but didn't. It was also a good opportunity to show off another cardigan I knitted before she was born (another Ravelry pattern). It's a cross-over cardi with little i-cord ties in some cotton bamboo blend and looks just gorgeous on her.


7 comments:

  1. Wow! the bliss of family life - continue to enjoy.

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  2. Love the black skirt with the lining and your coat :) Tamsyn gorgeous as usual. Although you won't be able to have her on your lap in a few months time, your typing would be interrupted with 'n3su7g usgeu';-sgufb' or something similar ....lol I really must learn how to knit.
    Karen xxxx

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  3. I never get tired of seeing your little one. What a cutie!!!
    Love all the wonderful sewing. Plaid too. Wow. And the beautiful little sweater. You are definately a multi-talent Jen. Wish I had your talent.
    Debra

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  4. Wow...you do great stuff Jen!!! Wondering how on earth you find the time...keep it up. Always good to come over and see what you have done!!!

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  5. I love your sewing projects - especially your coat. I admire you greatly as I long ago lost the will to match checks. Great pattern for your dress and amazing that you found such nice fabric at spotlight (it's not been one of there good years). Fab material for the skirts too.

    Since you are making such terrific progress I might send you my fabric and patterns.

    Sigh, I haven't done any dressmaking since the overlocker went on the fritz. Needs a service.

    That's a sweet little cardigan on Tamsyn. She looks blissful lying there.

    Ann :)

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  6. That picture of Tamsyn is cute as can be! As for the cloths you have sewn... I am in awe, especially that beautiful coat! My mother use to sew many of our cloths, coats included, however the talent has eluded me... I am a mess with patterns and find sewing clothing rather difficult. Great job!

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  7. I love the dress- brown is definitely one of my favourite winter colours. It'd look really great with a nice belt.

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